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@the-darling-diamond
“Hiii! I’m Ria; I’m part of mom’s court! I’ll usually sign off with 💎🌹, instead of my name. It’s nice to meet you!” ^•w•^
“I’m still not fully sure what’s going on all the time, but that’s okay. Sometimes I get tossed into other worlds, but I always find my way back to mom’s Carcosa, so it’s okay!”
*There’s someone here… Ria? It looks confused; it doesn’t know where it is. It took a nap, and now it’s… here.*
*Ria’s looking around, a little confused and a little sleepy.*
^-v-^?
—💎🌹
'A child? Here?'
(it crouches where it stands. Waving at her with a patient calm smile. She's in what at first appears to be a garden, though it's a lot more wild than the courts she's used to. No neatly lined garden boxes and preened trees. There's wild flowers and vines and evergreens. It's almost like she's out in the wild, but the golden cathedral that looks above the tree line suggests other wise.)
Hello, dear. Where did you come from? (It keeps its voice light and friendly.) Where are your parents?
*Ria blinks a few times, still waking up.*
“…pretty place…”
“I’m from…” *Ria hesitates. Arcadia? Carcosa? Which one is true? The latter now, right? She even has her own room…* “I’m from Carcosa. Mom’s there. So is Derek. I… think they’re both considered my parents?”
'huh.. alright, then.'
Come here, my dear. (It pats its leg) Do you know how to get home? You're quite a ways away.
(it smiles at her. A.. tail? Sways idely behind Him.)
*Ria slowly gets up, hopping over to the Caretaker. The last of the sleep has left its eyes, instead focusing on looking around.*
*It shakes its head.* “Uh-uh. Although this has happened before. I usually get sent back home after a little bit, so it’s okay!”
“Who’re you? I’m Ria!”
(Its warm here. Everything seems bathed in a gold glow. It feels almost nostalgic)
You do? Well alright then.
..you may call me Akestor, young one.
*Ria slow blinks. It isn’t sure if it should be tense from the feeling, or absolutely melt at it. Considering it’s quietly purring, though, it seems to be leaning towards the latter.*
“Ake-Akestor…?” *Ria tests the name, glancing at it to make sure it has the right pronunciation.*
A, kes, tor.
(He smiles, amused at her testing of the name. Its happy she likes it here. Something tells it she’s had a hard time this week..)
*It nods, trying again.* “A-kes-tor. Akestor!” *It watches his reaction, just to make sure.*
*Luckily, it doesn’t look like Ria’s letting said week get to it. It doesn’t even seem to realize that it’s been a rough week for it, honestly.*
There you go, my dear, very good. You’re a very smart girl.
*Ria tilts its head. It grins, though, all four fangs on display. Even the chipped one!*
“Yay! I try. Most people don’t think I’m super smart, though.”
Well those people are wrong, then. (It smiles. He laughs warmly.) I can tell just by looking at you that you’re a very clever girl.
“It’s okay! I don’t mind it very much. It’s a good thing, in a way. It makes me less scary. I don’t like being very scary.”
I think it would be very hard to find you frightening, Ria. You’re too cute for that, I fear.
“…Humans find me scary, usually. Carcosa’s the first place people don’t find me scary! And Avery, cuz he doesn’t really live there. It’s part of the reason I like being there so much.”
I doubt humans are afraid of you because you’re scary, dear. Humans have a tendency to fear things they don’t understand. Whether that is something of a different species or their own.
“…But I look like them. I look like I’m one of them…”
“Why did they hurt me, then? If they didn’t think I was scary, or that I’d hurt them?”
*Why did her mother muzzle her, if she wasn’t scary?*
“…I look like I could be one of them. I used to be one of them. Why wouldn’t they understand? Why would they be scared?”
*She can’t understand why people would hurt her — it has to be because she’s scary, right? It has to be her fault.*
*Right?*
Oh, my dear, that is no fault of your own. Humans can be such cruel creatures. But I can promise that that will never happen to you here.
(He smiles at her, but internally he is.. enraged. She’s only a child, a young girl. It knows humans are cruel at times, but they did not think they would go so far as to harm a child.)
They are scared because they do not understand you. It is not because of you, or how you appear. They do the same to their own people, for things as small as names and genders, it is nothing you could control.
“…They’re not cruel, though. Maybe some of them are. But most of them aren’t. Humans are nice and kind and caring and-and I’ve seen it! I’ve seen them be all of that!”
“Just… not usually to me…”
*Ria hugs itself.*
“But why can’t they understand? Is it just because of what I am?”
*It looks up at Akestor, eyes big and watery.* “Am I not enough for them? Am I not human enough?”
*It’s a monster. It was always a monster. People hurt it because it wasn’t human — because it wasn’t a person. Yes. Yes, it must be Its Fault.*
“…will I ever be enough of a person, Akestor? So they aren’t afraid?”
(..he pulls her into a hug. It’s not constricting, but he’s definitely not happy. It’s light. It doesn’t want her to be frightened.)
Oh you sweet baby. I’m so sorry you were born into such a world. You are right, that humans are not all cruel. But the cruel ones are always the loudest of the bunch.
You do not owe them to be what they want. And I promise you, you are always enough.
(…he’s warm. Warmer than the air, at least. He’s upset. He doesn’t show it.)
*Ria doesn’t fight the hug, melting into it. It’s freezing. Although… its skin starts to warm, quickly matching Akestor’s temperature.*
*It misses when it was allowed to be warm.*
“…They’re not cruel to each other. I watched them.” *Because maybe that time, it will be different. It never was.* “Yes. They were very loud. They had things that went ‘bang!’ and then usually it hurt.”
“But if I’m what they want, then they’ll like me more! And I don’t mind, as long as they like me.”
*It owed Her. It was supposed to be what She wanted. It wasn’t enough then, either.*
(…caretaker breaths in. For a very, very long time. Push back rage. Push back anger. Do not frighten her.)
My dear. If you must change yourself for people to like you, then those people do not deserve you. If they hurt you, then they especially do not.
(It holds her. It does not move.)
*Ria simply listens. Its temperature has mostly matched Akestor’s, now.*
“…But I have to change for anyone to like me.”
“It’s okay! Really, it is. I’m okay with it. I don’t deserve anyone, either.” ^•w•^
No. No, dear. Love, sweetheart.
That’s not quite right. You deserve so much more, my love. I can show you what you deserve, how about that? The town would love you.
(..he stands, holding her carefully.)
^•w•>?
“But I… already know what I deserve? And I’m super happy with mom, too! He gives me lots more than I deserve, and loves me lots…”
“…Okay. We can go around town, if you want, Akestor…”
You deserve freedom, my love, and to be around people who love you for who you are- not for what you should be.
(…he walks out the forest, closer to a town square. There’s market stalls and food carts and small businesses all dotted around a large fountain. There’s are kids playing in the fountain, and others running around the square.)
(There’s dozens of different types of people. Slimes, hybrids, witches, some that even look more like royalty- albeit more casual. They all intermingle. Some kids look over and wave, and the older kids and adults don’t even seem to pay any mind to The Caretaker’s presence.)
“I’m okay with the safety. It’s… better than the freedom, I think.” *Freedom just got it hurt and made sure it was hungry — it’s safe with Hastur. Happy, too.* “And it’s okay! I’ve made sure they’re the same, so it doesn’t matter lots.”
*As they get closer to the town, Ria holds out its hand for Hand Holding Time. Its eyes dart around, and it presses into Akestor. This is not a child that was well socialized with groups or busy areas, it seems.*
*Ria’s eyes continue to scan each person. Watching and studying and making sure none of them are Moving Weird or going to attack or-*
*…It’s pretty clear that Ria’s a little nervous, at least. It looks like it’s ready to run at one wrong movement.*
(..Akestor holds her hand gently.)
(A few kids notice her and wave. Some louder groups look over at her and seem to instinctively quiet. It seems like everyone used to new people being flighty or on edge.. some older ones even nudge younger kids who look over and wave.)
(Some kids even seem to be other vampires, who seem to look over with both surprise and excitement.)
No one will hurt you here, my dear.
*Ria is… hesitant to wave back. It glances at Akestor, trying to figure out if it should or not. If it’s even allowed to.*
*It’s supposed to, right? To smile and wave and pretend nothing’s wrong? That’s what Mama said she was supposed to do. Greet people nicely. Be nice. Nice and kind and kind and nice and never react wrong ever.*
*It seems unsure of the other vampires — it hasn’t met any others, before. Ria’s wings shift uncomfortably. How is it supposed to react, to others like it?*
*It ends up pressing even further into Akestor. It’s the closest to safety, right now.*
*There’s so many of them. More than it’s used to. More friendly-seeming, too.*
“…Okay. Are you sure, Akestor?”
I am very sure, dear.
(He leds her to a quiet dark spot near the square. It’s not very crowded, mostly inhabited by birds)
You don’t have to jump into it, but the people here would love to meet you. I promise it. You’re allowed to choose when you’re comfortable, my dear.
(Some groups have started gathering flowers. A few are talking excitedly in hushed tones. Occasionally, some look over to her with wide smiles- who are then pulled back down)
You don’t have to meet people if you don’t want to. There’s no pressure to do it now.
(Though he can tell the others are bursting at the seems to say hi.)
*Ria’s pupils go smaller, adjusting to the light. It stares at the birds for a While, not… fully there.*
*The birds make it sad. Why do the birds make it sad?*
*It trills (the noise oddly birdlike) at some of the birds. A familiar trill, one it learned from… from… a pause. Moea! It learned it from Momea. It misses her. Where did she go? Ria looks a little lost. The almost mournful trilling continues.*
*It doesn’t know why it’s so sad.*
*It snaps out of it when Akestor talks again.*
“…okay. There’s a lot of them. Lots and lots of people… why do they want to meet me, Akestor?”
*Ria glances at the others. Flowers? Why are they gathering flowers? And why do they keep smiling like that at it? It blocks itself from view with a wing adorned with thin white lines. Scarring, it seems.*
*It’s still listening in; keeping track of footsteps. Listening to where each heartbeat is, too.*
*It nods. Up to it… it shakes its head. It’s supposed to do something, isn’t it? It’s supposed to get over itself. Say hi. Introduce.*
*It’s not like it’s a person, anyways. What does it have to fear? People will be nice, or it will deserve it. Right?*
(It hums at her trills. Where did she learn that? ..she seems to miss someone.)
There’s no time limit dear. If you don’t want to, you do not have to. They want to meet you because they want to know you.
(He smiles warmly at her. It doesn’t want her to feel pressured into making a decision.)
*The trilling certainly isn’t a natural noise for Ria to make. It’s definitely something learned — although it shouldn’t be able to make that noise at all, probably.*
*Ria hesitates. It reads the smile wrong; the words wrong. It smiles back, looking as natural as it can. Okay. Okay, it can do this.*
“…Okay. Will you stay, when I meet them?”
I will be right here, I will not leave you my dear.
(He hums, wondering from what life this child has come from to lead to such behaviour. It’s aware of bits of information- the child… poor choice of parental figure- but even that should not lead such.. strong formation of habits.)
(The kids, ranging from 16 to 20, are collectively trying to make a little collection of wild flowers and a flower crown out of red poppies.)
*Ria nods. It keeps close to Akestor, glancing at her repeatedly. It’s… not entirely sure how to approach, actually.*
*So, for now, it just watches the group. The poppies are pretty.*
*It starts to hum to itself. A lullaby, from the sounds of it.*
No rush, hunny.
(The kids have managed to successfully create a poppy crown. One is trying to weave blue hydrangeas into it…. To.. mild success.)
Looks like they have something for you, though.
*It takes a few hesitant steps forward, before skittering back over to Akestor. It peers out at the group from behind gold.*
*…It’s watching them weave the flowers into the crown. Once again, it starts to approach. It grabs Akestor’s hand as it moves, bringing them along as best it can. Moving towards the ones weaving the flowers.*
“Can I try…? I know how to make flower crowns…”
*It doesn’t like all the eyes on it.*
*It shakes its head; the flower crown can’t be for it. It’s not the right size for around its neck, or to wrap around its arm or something. And it… wouldn’t be able to keep it on its head for very long. Ria shoots Akestor a worried look. But it’s okay. It will figure… something out.*
(He follows along happily. As long as she’s comfortable)
(One girl gasps, another next to her nudges her in the side. The one trying to weave the flowers in looks up in mildly contained surprise)
“Oh! Uh! Well it was supposed to be for you… but, but if you want to, sure! I.. think I’m doing it wrong..” (He laughs somewhat awkwardly, rubbing the back of their neck.)
(The Caretaker smiles at her encouragingly.)
*Ria flinches back at the gasping and nudging and attention, pressing itself into Akestor.*
*Did it get smaller, or is it just holding itself weird?*
“…It’s okay. I don’t like things on my hair all that much. It feels funny…” *Ria shakes its head, stepping forward again. It sits next to the one weaving, a little tense. It’s still ready to run.*
“Can I… have the flowers? And the crown?”
(The kid nudges the girl again, a “see you made her scared!” Being whispered between the two. The girl pokes her fingers together in a sheepish manner- though the berating seems to be in good fun.)
“Sure!” (He hands her the crown with a smile.)
(A small conversation is spurred between another kid and the girl. They seem to keep their voices low- or at least lower, trying to not overwhelm her.) “Oh dang it.. well there goes that idea..” “oh oh, we could make a bigger one? Like a necklace instead! Right?” “Do we have enough flowers? I liked the poppies because they matched her hair..”
*Ria pretends not to see; pretends not to hear. That’s easier. It’s always been so much easier.*
*Just don’t listen to the whispers. You’ll be fine.*
*Ria smiles back. It’s… bright. A large smile, for sure. It looks easy — natural, even. Carefully, it takes the crown, then the flowers.*
*Its hands move quickly. A few flowers taken out here and there, the whole crown adjusted. A few flowers are added, too. It’s eyed, rather than counted — some flowers are bigger than others. They need more space. Some are better when placed closer to others. Sometimes, the space is too one-note, and it needs something else. Other times, it’s fine.*
*The flower crown is adjusted a few times, until Ria decides it’s good enough. It hands it back, glancing at Akestor.*
*Its ears twitch. Don’t listen to what they’re saying. It’s better if you don’t. Safer. Easier.*
“Woah… how’d you do that so quickly!” (Other kids also pause to go “ooooo” at Ria talent.)
(He takes it, tentatively, holding it up to look at it)
“It’s so perfect!” “It’s way prettier than what I make..” “could you teach us? Pretty please!”
(Akestor is smiling. It’s so, so happy the kids love her so much. The kids have very quickly quieted down, all looking at her handy work with amazement.)
*Ria tilts its head. It thought it was going kind of slow…* “…Practice, I guess. I didn’t have lots else to do…” *It shrinks back a bit at all the attention, unsure of how to take it. This is an… odd situation to it. Such amounts of attention are supposed to only happen if Ria’s being showed off, or if something big or important happens…*
*It perks up upon hearing the word ‘perfect’. Guilt fills it immediately after. They think that is perfect?*
*It nods.* “Uhm… yeah, okay. You’re gonna want flowers with longer stems, but not thinner stems. It’ll be easier with only one type of flower, too. So there’s only one stem, and you don’t gotta worry about them all matching…”
*Ria nudges the kid, carefully.* “Maybe you could give it to Akestor? They might want it, if none of you do….”
(The boy perks, hopping up and towards Akestor.)
(..one girl nudges the other, who sighs and very gently tugs on ria’s sleeve. She’s a black haired girl, with pale skin and red eyes. She’s another vampire, by the looks of it.)
“Uhm.. you’re.. a vampire, right?”
(She’s very quiet- seems almost afraid to speak loudly. Her friend next to her- a slimehybrid with bright orange eyes- is silent cheering her on.)
*Ria tenses up. Its wings press in at the question, pupils going small. It makes them look more slitted, rather than the rounded look its pupils normally take on.*
“I-“
*It looks between the two of them. The slime doesn’t comfort it much; it’s Avery is a human, and it hasn’t met any slimes before.*
“I…” *It nods.* “I am, yeah… why?” ^•n•>?
*It… takes a few moments for it to click for Ria. It hasn’t spent any time around other vampires, and it hasn’t focused much on its… changes after being turned. Once it does realize, though…*
“…Are you…?”
(She smiles- it matches her timid voice, like it’s afraid to be visible.)
“So am I!”
(Her friend pats her shoulder with a “see, I told you it wouldn’t hurt to ask.”)
(Akestor watches with a smile, now also with a flower crown on its head. The boy- an avian hybrid with light green feathers and green eyes smiles as well)
*It nods, carefully. Ria doesn’t seem to know how to react; it looks confused. It snaps back to a smile, though.*
“That’s super cool! I haven’t met any other vampires before. Are there lots of other vampires around? Or is it just us?”
*Ria’s pupils have gone back to being rounder. More human-looking. Its wings relax, although they’re kept… somewhat tight, still.*
*It glances over at Akestor; good, it liked the crown. That’s good. It won’t take the credit for the crown, either way.*
(She perks up.)
“Oh, no there’s a lot of us! I bet Mrs. Julie would love you.. there’s not a lot of winged vampires around..”
(The girl next her stands up, helping the other next to her as well)
“Char, we haven’t even properly introduced ourselves, we can’t just grab her and run.”
(She smile, waving) “I’m Nori, And the vampire is Charlie! What’s your name?”
(Nori’s a bit shorter, around 5’2, despite being around 20. Charlie stands up as well. Charlie’s around 16, at 5’7)
“There are? Huh…” *It blinks, confused once more.* “Are we… not supposed to have wings, then?
*Ria hops up on its own. It’s a fluid movement.*
“…Please don’t grab me…” ^•n•^”
*It pauses, staring at Nori. Big Stare.* “I know someone who goes by Nori. They’re a nice bunny. They like lettuce.” *It has decided that this Nori is not, in fact, a bunny. This makes it sad. It likes bunnies.* “I’m Ria.”
*That means Ria is about in the middle of their heights, at 5’5. It’s in the middle age-wise, too, probably.*
“Oh- no, no, not that! There’s a bunch of different types of vampires.. no one’s quite the same, uhm, some have wings some don’t, some don’t like the sun, others aren’t bothered-”
“THERES A BUNNY ME?” (Charlie flinches backwards and Nori coughs and quiets down) “uh sorry- I looovee bunnies..”
“The sun usually hurts me. It doesn’t in Carcosa, though, for some reason.” *Ria’s gotten plenty of burns from the space between leaves, when it thought it was safe…* “Do vampires without wings usually make the sun less angry?”
*Ria squeaks, ears twitching. Its wings twitch as well, but they remain mostly folded. They got a bit unfolded in the movement.*
“Uh-huh! Well… I don’t think you and my Nori are the same. I had to help them with her name…” *It nods.* “Bunnies are the best! Like Sable! It’s super sweet!”
“You have bunnniess?? Omg.. can I see them? Pretty please? Pretty pretty please??” (Nori is looking at her with the Widest Puppy Dog eyes she can manage.)
“Oh.. if you get burned you could borrow my sunscreen.. or- or not, maybe that’s weird..? Uhm.. never mind.” (Charlie quiets down, apparently deciding she’s said too much. Nori nudges her)
“Heyyyy, didn’t we think it’d be cool to show her the café?”
“Oh! Oh, right, uhm.. there’s a cool little vampire café aunt Julie made.. if- if it’s okay- I wanna show you it”
*Ria pauses, glancing at Sable on its shoulder. It shifts its hair to better show the bungon.* “This is Sable! The bunny-Nori isn’t with me. I don’t think either of them are ‘mine’, though. They’re just my friends!”
*It tilts its head. Isn’t sunscreen supposed to be used before burning?* “It’s okay! I’m super good at staying in the shade! And… I think I would’ve burned by now, if I was gonna…”
*Another pause. Ria looks over to Akestor, as though making sure it’s okay to go.* “What’s a vampire café?”
(Akestor smiles at her encouragingly. Nori coos at Sable.)
“Oh, well it’s like.. it’s like a normal cafe, but it’s catered towards vampires! They have blood there, and foods made specifically for vampires, so like.. it has blood In it..”
“…Okay.” *If Akestor thinks it’s okay, then it should go, right? That’s how that’s supposed to work…*
“Yeah! Sable’s super cute, right?“
*Ria tilts its head.* “Vampires can have food if there’s blood in it? How does that work?”
*…*
*Should it ask what a cafe is? It sounds familiar, but Ria can’t put a location to it…*
*Ria’s been dropped into Kaiwan’s Carcosa! Its clothes have been swapped out for a golden dress, and boots. It’s wearing that odd necklace, too, although that’s being kept under its clothing — only the thin silver chain is visible.*
*Ria has decided not to freak out, and is instead looking around. It’s rather calm.*
—💎🌹
His form manifests behind it, growing and towering. His head tilts to the side. "A child? One not here of my own invitation? How interesting. How curious." One large spindly hand reaches out to scoop it up.
*Ria squeaks at the suddenness of Kaiwan’s appearance, but… hm. It tilts its head. This is a version of mom! That’s okay, then.*
“Hiii! I’m Ria!”
*It waves, making no move to not be picked up.*
He scoops it up, holding the child close to his face. His current form is dulled down for mortal eyes, safe to gaze upon. He peers at it, inspecting it. He can feel the claim of his alternate, the oddly defensive one, upon its soul. He should return it, but he is curious. "Greetings, Ria. What brings you to mine realm, so far from your own?"
*Ria is… well, it’s Ria. It doesn’t seem to be all that offput by the studying, nor does it seem overly protective. It seems… rather relaxed, actually. Ria keeps glancing around, between Kaiwan and the surrounding area.*
*His words only affirm what Ria’s figured out — this place is a Carcosa, then. Probably.*
“I don’t really know. Sometimes, I appear in other worlds, for some reason. But I’m always brought back, so I think it’s okay!”
“You’re a different version of mom, right? You feel kinda similar to everything else here.”
"Fascinating. I assume that my assistance shall not be needed in returning you to your own world?" Good, more time to sate his curiosity. Maybe even hand it over to his dearest Avery to babysit before it leaves, he's sure his slime would enjoy that. "That variant of mine allows you to call him mother? Interesting, how did that come to be? You must be very special to accomplish such, little one, as he's a rather difficult alternate with odd priorities."
*Ria shakes its head.* “I don’t really remember leaving the worlds I’ve been sent to, minus one, but I know it Happens because I’m back home after! So I don’t think anyone has to do anything?”
“Uh-huh! I slipped up once and called him mom on accident, and then I was told that the term would be dad, and-“ *A pause. Train derailed.* “Did you know that a male parent is called dad, not mom? I didn’t” *Another pause. It seems so proud of knowing this, now. Like when a young child tells an adult something that they Probably Already Know. Train back on rails!* “-And so then I asked him, and he said I should call him dad or mom! And that’s the whole story!”
“I’m not very special, though, I don’t think. It just kinda happened. And dad’s super nice! Why do you think he’s difficult?” ^•w•>? *’Odd properties’ is, apparently, not a good enough explanation.*
"Very interesting." Pat pat to its head with a claw. "It is a matter of preference. While most default to father for males and mother for females, the title used is a matter of preference, like any gendered terminology. He and I are above mortal concepts of gender, so it makes sense that he would not mind either term. I congratulate you on your success in gaining one such as he as a parental figure."
"We spoke, once. We are variants of the same being, but his mind is baffling, claiming to prioritize goals that require mortal cooperation, but then being offended by my choice to indulge the mortals in harmless little whims. He finds my adoration for mine vessels repulsive, yet places claim on a child to nurture and care for. And whomever else you find yourself bound too, as I can sense a third soul intertwined between yours and his." It is getting booped on the snoot now. "You are a very special child, to have earned such adoration from he."
*Ria ducks away from the touch, shifting so he pats its shoulder instead.* “…I don’t… like most people touching my hair lots. I’m sorry.”
“Thank you!!” *It grins, fangs peaking out.* “I love mom. And I like dad lots, even outside of the love. Is gender supposed to be an important thing, mister?” *It… doesn’t know Kaiwan’s name, quite yet.*
“I… think I can get it. Sort of. Mom wants people to listen to it, but not have to listen to other people, I think. Cuz it’s above all of that.” *It tilts its head, thinking.* “He likes being in control, I think. But he also doesn’t like showing how he really feels, even to itself.” *…Huh. Ria shrugs.*
“Vessels? Isn’t Avery the only one that was supposed to be a vessel? That’s what I’ve managed to figure out, at least…” *It trails off. Was it missing a piece?*
“And yeah!!! Papa’s a dragon-y version of someone named Derek, and he’s suuuper nice! I love him lots, too. I think dad does, too.” *It doesn’t really keep any secrets, does it?* “Apparently dragons have a bond thingy, so he and mom have a partner one, and I have one that says I’m his kid!”
"That is fine, child. I shall refrain from touching your hair." He hums. "Gender is a social construct that only matters as much as one deems it to be worth value. So, to some, yes gender is very important. To others, it is means little. But it is only courteous to refer to others as they prefer."
"Ah, your mother and I likely share many a title, but I hold a particular fondness for the name Kaiwan, so you might refer to me by that if you wish." Squishing its cheeks now. "I have noticed that he is oddly insecure, for such a powerful being as us. It is interesting."
"The destined vessels may vary between realities, but for this world, Avery and Derek were both always meant to be mine. I had brief need of their bodies to return myself to mine full glory, but then I could return their bodies to them, improved to their tastes."
He tilts his head so far it's almost upside-down. "Fascinating, I would hope to encounter this draconic Derek someday. Mine beloved vessels and I share a soul-deep bond as well, though the nature differs from your familial one, and they are yet to be comfortable with it. But I assure you, I doubt someone like your father would allow such intimate bonds with someone he did not adore. That being said, I am curious about those other two bonds over your soul, as well? One of them feels like another alternate of mine."
*Ria nods.* “Thank you.”
*It hums, staring at its hands. Is gender important, to it? It’s quiet, thinking.* “…I don’t think too much about gender. I guess it’s not super important to me, then? But that makes sense. Being nice is good.”
“Okay!! Kaiwan is a nice name.” *Ria slow blinks. It doesn’t seem to mind all the poking and squishing.* “I don’t think it’s insecurity. I think he doesn’t know or want to feel what he does. But that’s okay!”
“What’s your fully glory, then? Is it like what mom looks like? Where everything is kinda blurry? But things get less blurry, when you move super fast?” *…Huh. A block, it seems — it’s impossible for Ria to fully comprehend the King, and so she simply… doesn’t. Although it’s unperfected, from the sounds of it.* “I think it was just supposed to be Avery, where I’m from. I know he has a Derek, but we haven’t met. I’ve met lots of other-you’s, though! I think. Most of them didn’t introduce themself like you or mom, but I can still tell.”
*Ria tries to follow the movement. It, understandably, cannot move its neck so far. Not right now, at least.* “What type of bond is it, then? And why don’t they like it?” ^•w•>?
*It pauses.* “…Huh. So I was right! I have part of one of the versions souls, I think. It’s in my necklace. It hasn’t done anything, though. Oh! Minus the one time, where it called me ‘mouse’. That’s what the other-you, Fallen, called me when I went to its Carcosa to try and get papa’s soul from it so he could come to mom’s Carcosa!” *…And survived such an encounter.* “It was kinda scary. And the other soul is… Mi, I think? I don’t really know what they are. They don’t answer questions super well. But they’re in my body and head, and I think they’ve been there for a super long time. Apparently they can veil themselves and parts of me, though, so that’s super cool! I dunno why they’d have a different soul, though.”
Tap to the forehead, trying to headpat without touching hair. "Morality is relative, small one. Being nice doesn't reflect one's true nature. Courtesy is merely a requirement to being accepted in society. Those who appear nice may hide cruelty in their actions, or they may truly be kind. Observe carefully before deciding one is 'good' or 'bad' in accordance with your own morals."
"...Interesting. But mine true form, in this context, is not my full glory. My full glory is having access to the mortal realm and beyond. What many of mine alternates and I have in common is ourselves, and Carcosa, being sealed away for a time, with need of vessels to be freed." Head twists further until it circles around to looking like a normal tilt again. "Odd, perhaps my alternates merely expected you to know once you saw, as most mortal minds do know our names after witnessing our true faces. Something is protecting you from viewing Us."
A little, echoing, layered chuckle, as he uses a claw to tilt its head back upright. "It is similar to your bond, but different, as our souls were bound by two simultaneous vessel binding rituals, rather than the familial designation inherent to your own. They are not too fond of it yet, as, regrettably, I had to deceive them into performing the necessary spells, and they are still adjusting to being mine vessels. One day, they will be ready to accept me, I Know it."
Kaiwan's form ripples, tail giving a single lash and smashing a crack in the ground. "You... took this Derek's soul from them and gave it to your mother? That is..." His form ripples a bit more, before slowly smoothing out. The floor melts into itself, slowly erasing the crack. Moving away from that scary topic. "This Mi sounds rather interesting. Unfortunately, neither of you are of mine world, so Knowledge on why your souls are like that is beyond me."
*Ria reaches out, grabbing the finger that tapped her forehead. It has, apparently, decided that all of the squishing and poking and patting means that it’s now Hand Holding Time. It tilts its head.* “But… why would someone want to be mean? Or- cruel? Why can’t they be nice and good? That sounds lots easier. It would be nice, I think. If everyone was nicer to each other.”
*It thinks for a few moments.* “Is that why dad doesn’t leave Carcosa? Because Avery was a ‘failed’ Vessel?” *It, once again, tries to copy the movement. It ends up falling over, squeaking at the landing. Ria hops back up quickly enough.* “They do? And Nuh-uh. I mean… they didn’t introduce themself in the same way. They said their names, but they were more human-sized? I dunno how to explain it very well…” ^•n•^
“What do you mean by something’s protecting me? You and mom aren’t all that scary, so I don’t think I need protecting from you…?”
“Oh! I think I know that one!! Someone gave me a book with some weird writing and said it would ‘be good leverage’. So I memorized what it said! I didn’t use it, though. Are they upset that you tricked them, then? I don’t think I’d like it lots if I got tricked into doing something that attached me to someone else…”
*Ria tilts its head, watching the crack heal itself. It nods at the question, not entirely sure why Kaiwan seems… upset? by that information.*
“Yeah! I don’t think mom knows lots about Mi, either. He can hide itself pretty well. And sometimes, he can hide parts of my thoughts, too!” *Looks like the answer to ‘how Ria is protected’ has been answered, then. To a degree.* “And it’s okay. I’m sure Mi will tell me, eventually.”
Another ripple across his form, this time from touch-starvation. It is rare that beings willingly touch him, he is normally the one doing the touching. The child is dangerous, yet sweet and innocent. He can almost understand why his counterpart adopted it. "Mortals are complex, and become more complex as they mature. Some gain pleasure from causing suffering, some think they do not deserve to be viewed in a positive manner, some are merely ignorant, and many have convinced themselves that cruelty is kind or merciful."
"Likely, yes. If he has not succeeded in claiming a proper vessel, he likely is still imprisoned, bound to his realm with no escape." He has many hands to poke the child with. While one hand has it sitting on his palm, and another has a claw being held, a third hand slips out from his cloak to boop the snoot again. "I cannot speak for the reasonings of others of mine titles, but I am a vast entity, and more massive forms come naturally to mineself. But our true vastness is incomprehensible to mortal minds, to view our true faces is to view Knowledge itself, and that often breaks the limited, fragile minds of mortals."
Wings and tendrils droop down. "It was an unfortunate necessity. I have always Known that it would turn out this way, since before their souls were even forged. They will forgive me, eventually, I Know it. For now I, merely shower them with everything they desire, as both confession and apology."
"Ah, your Mi is a devoted protector, shielding your mind from harm. I congratulate you on such a valued bond." Another tap to the forehead.
*Ria tilts its head at the rippling.* “Kaiwan? Are you okay? Did me grabbing your hand hurt…?” *It looks… concerned. Because, obviously, it holding the hand of an eldritch deity at the height of its power and hurting them is something Ria can do.*
“But… why? Why would they think that?” *The closest it’s gotten to enjoying someone else’s pain is the blood it gets from it. The deaths always make it so sad… its wings lower, slightly.* “Hurting others doesn’t help them… it’s not very kind, either. It just… hurts.” *Its injuries ache. Each old scar, the wound still yet to be fully fixed, hurts. The bullets hurt. Ria looks like it might cry at the thought.*
“But… he does have vessels. I think Momea was turned into one. I think she said the stuff that was in that weird book. It made her head hurt. And Elliot is supposed to be a Vessel, too, I think! Although she only shows up when mama disappears.” *Ria squeaks in surprise, blinking a few times. It no longer looks like it’ll cry. It is, however, eyeing the New Hand. It glances at its own hands, then at the one it’s holding, then at the new one. One of the hands moves towards the new one. Ria has two hands for a reason!!! Surely, Kaiwan doesn’t have more than three hands. It thinks for a few more moments on what’s said.* “…Is that why you’re all super smart? And why you can make people’s heads hurt? Because you’re Knowledge?”
*Ria squeezes the hand(s) it’s holding, trying to comfort Kaiwan. It feels… oddly warm, considering Ria can’t produce heat on its own.* “That’s nice of you!” *It’s assuming he’s already apologized with words; that they Know The Gifts are an Apology. It’s pretty clear to it, at least — even without words, that’s how gifts Work.* “I hope they do. You seem super nice, and you obviously care about them lots.”
“Huh? He is? What makes you say that?” *Ria slow blinks. It didn’t realize Mi was doing anything, minus the time with Fallen.*
Kaiwan laughs, beyond a mere chuckle. The walls vibrate as he does, odd, but not unpleasantly. Not that Ria can feel that from its place upon his palm. "I am fine, child. Mere sensation is not enough to harm me."
"Morality is relative, as I stated. Sentient beings cannot truly agree on a collective definition of 'right' and 'wrong'. Many believe violence or other forms of harm to be appropriate punishments for even small or imagined slights. Many equate the ability to cause damage with their sense of power or control. Many have minds tuned to derive joy from pain, and find the two concepts intertwined. Mortal minds are very complex and change."
"Hmmm... They are likely not the proper vessels, then. Especially if one is still receiving headaches after the ritual has been completed. There are requirements one must meet before becoming a vessel, in order to serve the function of properly tying us to the mortal plane. Requirements I suspect vary between realms. An unqualified vessel will make the situation worse for him, rather than improve upon it." Another, smaller shudder, as she takes another claw. Then it's time to pull out three more arms, one for each cheek and one to boop the snoot. "Yes, that is correct, little one. We are the embodiments of all the Knowledge in our realities, and to view the face of Knowledge is to take it into yourself, a burden mortal brains simply cannot handle. This is what your Mi appears to have been protecting you from, else you likely would be in debilitating pain from viewing your mother's true face."
"I thank thee for your support in mine endeavors, little one." Light purr, only for half a second, as the hands its holding delicately grasp back with his claws. "Such a delightful and innocent child you are. Had he not already claimed you as his own child, I would be tempted to keep you for mineself."
“But then why do you keep…” *Ria hesitates. The word, the word…* “shaking? No… uhm… your whole body goes like jelly when you jiggle it! Why?”
*It goes quiet for a moment, at the mention of pain being a punishment. Small slight or not…* “…I don’t like that. I don’t like seeing people hurt. It makes my chest feel funny.” *It looks (and sounds)… small. It doesn’t want to think about it.*
*The memories make it feel small.*
“I don’t think mama wanted Momea as a vessel. She got put in a bird cage afterwards, and I don’t think they were very happy with each other during it. I dunno about Elliot, though. She doesn’t show up lots. She’s nice, though! I like her.” *A pause. Ria tilts its head.* “What sort of requirements are normal, then? Or what sort of requirements do you have, if you dunno? Will mama be okay, even if the vessels are wrong?” *Ria looks… worried by this. What if something happens to him? It doesn’t know what it’d do…*
*It hesitates when the hands reach out. It looks… sad?* “Kaiwan… I don’t have enough hands to hold all of yours. What do I do?” *This is, currently, Ria’s biggest problem, as well as its biggest worry. It ends up pressing its face into the hands and tendril, closing its eyes and purring at Kaiwan.*
*It doesn’t respond for a while. It’s not entirely clear if Ria is conscious, actually. Eventually, though, it does speak — it’s awake!* “Mama hides his face for normal people, I think. So he doesn’t hurt his Court. I’ve been told that I’m part of it, too. He said I was the cutest!” *There’s a small amount of pride at that. Even though it’s such a small compliment. It feels guilt stir in its chest after. It’s not supposed to brag.* “Why does just seeing your face make people know everything? That feels like a weird way for knowledge to transfer. You usually have to listen or read for that, right? Does that mean your face is like a big book?”
“Thank you, Kaiwan!” *Ria grins. But then, it hesitates.* “He’s… claimed me as his kid? I know we have the bond, because of papa, but…” *Ria shifts a bit. It’s careful to not pull away.* “It’s mostly the rest of the court that calls me his kid. He wants me to call him mom or dad or mama, but he doesn’t like calling me his kid. And that’s okay! I’m okay not being his kid. He’s just being nice to me. That’s all I care about, as long as it makes him happy.”
"...I am merely unused to others initiating physical contact. It is an... odd sensation." He's usually the one poking at people, they don't usually poke back.
"It is rather common for mortals to feel unpleasant when witnessing pain." He taps its chest, right over the heart. "Mortal values are odd and fickle, and difficult to comprehend at times, but generally feeling so negatively about suffering is considered a trait of a 'good person' according to them. As I said, morality is relative, but you at least meet a common definition of 'good'."
"If he is fine now, he shall probably remain fine. However, my world has its own rules, so I cannot say for certain how his works." Kaiwan taps his chin a few times, contemplatively. "Again, I am unsure of the requirements for his vessels, but for mine, one clear of mind and loyal to a fault, and one of a strong mind so clever it taints pride. Such lovely, perfect vessels I have." He sighs such a sappy lovelorn sigh thinking of them.
More laughter, hiding the shudder of touch-starvation this time, as his limbs begin to pet the Ria. "Oh how adorable. Do not worry, dear child, I do not expect you to hold all of mine limbs. I am certain your mother is correct in that you are the cutest little princess of his court."
"He and I are Knowledge, child. To gaze upon our true faces is equivalent to reading every book ever written simultaneously." He tilts his head again. "Your mother is difficult to comprehend, but I am confident that if he did not want you as his child, he would have broken such a bond already. He is prideful and contradictory, but it is because of how prideful he is that I know he would not stand for being bound to a being he does not wish to be bound to."
“Oh. I’m sorry. Does it turn you to jelly because it makes you feel funny? Or… is it a good odd, or a bad odd?” *A pause, before a nod. It doesn’t wait for him to answer.* “I sometimes get wiggly when I’m happy, too. Although usually my wings just go flapflapflap, all on their own!”
*It looks… sad, for a moment. It’s not a mortal. It hasn’t been a mortal for a while now. Ria shakes its head.* “…’m not a very good person. Not as good as people think I am, at least. I’ve done bad things before. I made lots of people go to sleep, I think. They didn’t wake up after, and they were cold like I am…” *The guilt is suffocating.* “…I hurt them, didn’t I? Good people don’t do that…” *Never mind that it was from hunger; never mind that Ria doesn’t remember doing most of it.* “I don’t like thinking about it lots. It makes my head and chest feel all funny, when I try.”
“Okay. That’s good. I want him to stay okay. I don’t want mama to hurt… I don’t want him to have to go away for a long time again, either.” *By ‘a long time’, it means about a day. Maybe more.*
“Kaiwan? What does that… mean? What’s a clear mind, and how can pride be ‘tainted’ by cleverness?”
*Ria giggles, leaning into all the petting. Its wings flap. Seems like it’s also touch-starved, to at least some degree. Although maybe it’s just a big fan of physical affection. Who’s to say, really?* “Really? You think so?” *It blinks, thinking. It seems to come to a realization.* “That feels like cheating, though! If I am a princess, then I’d be the only one with the title in the court! So obviously I’d be the cutest princess, cuz I’d be the only princess!” *It doesn’t seem all that offended by this, just… lively?*
“Woah… no wonder it makes people’s head hurt. That’s a lotta reading.”
*Ria hums.* “If you say so… but the bond’s super new, and it’s from papa. What if mama’s just letting it stay because it doesn’t do anything bad, and so it’s not worth trying to break? Or, since it’s from a different world, he doesn’t know how to break it yet? You don’t know stuff from my world, so it’s probably the same for him, right?” ^•m•>?
*Ria knocks on the door to its tower room, slowly peaking its head out. It looks… a little tired. It hasn’t been able to sleep all that well, in its new room…*
“Mom…?”
—💎🌹
[the same form of the king from before, the… nice one, as many would wall it, appears in front of her, sweeping her back into the room and picking her up. he sits on her bed, still holding her.]
“Yeah, hi, Ri. How are you?”
*Ria perks up, giggling when it’s picked up. It nuzzles into him.*
“Mo- Mama! I’m a little lonely, but it’s okay!” *It’s used to it.*
*It hates it.*
“I missed you…”
“I missed you too, girl.”
[he smiles, pressing his nose against her hair and squeezing her tightly.]
“…I can’t let you out of here or go see anyone else at the moment, unfortunately.”
[he looks tired.]
“But- but how are your worms? Your pets?”
*Ria purrs, closing its eyes and leaning into him. It likes the affection.*
“…I know. It’s nice that you showed up at all. Mister Crow said I wasn’t in trouble, but it feels like I am…” *This is a much nicer punishment, though. At least he isn’t ignoring it. At least people can come and visit. At least it has food, and it doesn’t have anything to study. It does make it harder to know when it’ll be over, though.*
*It nods, motioning at the windowsill. The worm enclosure is still there. A few worms can be seen moving inside, but most are hiding within the dirt. A strawberry lays on top, mushy and a little fuzzy. There’s also some wilted lettuce and dandelions.* “They’re okay!! Sable’s okay, too. I still haven’t seen them eat, though…”
“That’s good that your worms are okay.”
[his hand rubs her shoulder continuously.]
“Don’t worry about Sable. Sable will be fine.”
[he takes a deep breath, glancing away before smiling down at her again.]
“You’re really not in trouble Ri. This isn’t a punishment. This is just… this is gonna be your room for a while until you get all better.”
“Uh-huh! And I have… I have plenty of fruit and stuff. Cuz I tried to get some for Nori to snack on, before I went to papa’s world and everything happened. I didn’t wanna have no snacks for them… especially cuz all my dandelions were wilting… but that means the worms have food, even though I can’t get them any!”
*Ria practically melts into the touch. Into him. It very much appreciates physical affection, it seems.*
“Yeah… I think it might be like the horns. Or the being-in-my-shadow stuff. Animals from Carcosa aren’t the same…” *Ria… still doesn’t know of Sable’s nature, it seems.*
*It pauses, looking down.* “…Mama used to lock me in my room. When I wasn’t Good Enough.” *Ria’s voice is quiet. It’s staring at its hands, almost… blankly. It glances back up at him, starting to smile. The grin barely reaches its eyes. And yet, somehow, it doesn’t look forced. Ria’s good at that. Its voice bounces back.* “And that’s when I learned that it didn’t matter how much I cried!”
*It tilts its head, pausing for a moment.* “But… I’m already healed? I heal super fast, once I get blood! Look! My wings aren’t broken anymore!!” *It flares out its wings. There’s thin pale scars left over, but they look okay beyond that. The wings are quickly tucked back in. It’s better that way.* “What does all better mean, then, mama?”
“Well, let me tell you right now, you are plenty good enough. You are amazing and perfect, okay?”
[he winces. he holds her tighter.]
“There… there are a couple things I… that I want to do first.”
“It’ll be okay.”
*Ria looks… confused. What did it do, to be good enough? Much less to be amazing or perfect?*
*Oh. He must be being nice again — like he was when he said it could call him mom or dad, even if he’s not actually its parent. It giggles, butting its head into his, almost like how a cat would.* “It’s okay! I know I’m not close enough to perfect. Good enough, maybe. I try to be good enough, at least. I have to be.” *Bad things happen when it isn’t that, at a minimum.*
“Okay! I trust you. I know I’m safe here. I’m safe with you.” *The return of the phrase!* “What dyou want to do?”
[he presses a kiss to the top of her head.]
“You’re better than perfect. You are so much better than perfect.”
[he inhales and exhales and inhales and exhales and kisses their head again.]
“You’re my daughter.”
“I want… it… I…”
[he can’t answer.]
*Ria, once again, pushes its head into the affection.*
“Is that… possible, mama? I thought perfect was supposed to be the best! Better than the best, even!” *Kiona was the closest Ria’s ever gotten to ‘perfect’.* “How can you be lots better tha-“
*Oh.*
*Oh, he just called (her? No, Ria doesn’t deserve that yet. Ria’s no better than decor, right? Something to be owned and shown off. Not a person. Never a person.) it his daughter. His…*
*…It said he didn’t have to. That it was okay with not being his kid. And yet. And yet.*
*That word — daughter — makes its chest feel… lighter, almost. Happier. Like there was a knot in place of its heart, and it’s only now starting to loosen and allow its heart to (metaphorically) beat. It can’t help but smile, that big and bright smile of its.*
“It’s okay, mama. It’s okay.” *It feels the hesitation.* “You don’t have to tell me, if you don’t wanna. You know best.” *Ria trusts him completely. In all honesty, it would probably jump off a cliff if he told it to — trusting that it would catch it in the end.*
“I know, I know you do baby. But you’re so special to me, and you are better than perfect.”
“And you are my daughter, I meant that. Okay?”
“I’ll tell you… when we get there. Okay?”
*It nods. Quiet. Almost concerningly so. Its mind is racing; it’s hard to pick up on any thoughts in specific. Just feelings. Love and joy and light and happy and even more love, and all things adjacent. Eventually, it speaks.*
“…Being your daughter is better than perfect to me, too.”
“Okay. I love you lots, mama.”
*Another nod. It looks up at him, eyes big and… slightly watery. From Big emotions, not sad ones.* “I’ll follow you, then! Whenever you think it’s okay.”
[he hugs her with a big squeeze, gently rocking her back and forth.]
“You’re not decor. You’re nothing like decor. You’re Ria.”
[he mutters shakily against her hair.]
[his eyes are watering too.]
“It’s okay! I can be both.” *It grins at him. It isn’t second-guessing itself with this; it’s just how things Are, after all.* “I’ve… always been both. I like being decor better than being a monster. People are nicer, that way!” *They’re nicer when you can be used — when you aren’t a threat. When you’re cute and innocent and never-suspecting.*
“…Are you okay, mama?” *It curls into the hug, more than alright at being squeezed. The rocking is nice…*
[he exhales long and slow, and continues to rock her with all the care in the world.]
“You’re not both, no. You can only be one, okay? And you’re my Ria. Ri.”
“I’m perfect forever as long as I got you.”
*Ria starts to squeak at him, doing the equivalent of babbling. After a while, between the squeaking and rocking, it tires itself out. It starts to nibble at the offshoot’s clothes. The action… seems affectionate? Like how bats groom one another. Unfortunately, Ria is currently a human, so the action doesn’t work quite as well as it thinks it does.*
“Okay, mama… if you say so. Can I be your daughter forever and ever?”
*It- She tilts her head.* “I don’t wanna leave. But I don’t think you need me to be perfect, mama. You’re super nice, all on your own!”
“Forever and ever. Yeah. Of course you can.”
[he sighed, seeming relieved.]
“Thank you, baby. Thank you. That makes me feel… pretty good.”
[he pulls back, one knee bouncing gently so as not to jostle her too much.]
[he smiles. his teeth are sharp.]
*Ria Lights Up. Their wings flap. Once, twice, before settling. It’s more than happy to stay within the safety of Carcosa. It’s more than happy to stay with the King.*
“I’m glad. I want you to be happy, mama…”
*Ria squeaks, wings puffing out at the movement. It’s a surprised movement, rather than a threatened (or threatening) one.*
*They smile back, showing off their fangs in return. Both the smaller pair, and the too-big pair. The rest of their teeth are human-like.*
*Ria knocks on the door to its tower room, slowly peaking its head out. It looks… a little tired. It hasn’t been able to sleep all that well, in its new room…*
“Mom…?”
—💎🌹
[the same form of the king from before, the… nice one, as many would wall it, appears in front of her, sweeping her back into the room and picking her up. he sits on her bed, still holding her.]
“Yeah, hi, Ri. How are you?”
*Ria perks up, giggling when it’s picked up. It nuzzles into him.*
“Mo- Mama! I’m a little lonely, but it’s okay!” *It’s used to it.*
*It hates it.*
“I missed you…”
“I missed you too, girl.”
[he smiles, pressing his nose against her hair and squeezing her tightly.]
“…I can’t let you out of here or go see anyone else at the moment, unfortunately.”
[he looks tired.]
“But- but how are your worms? Your pets?”
*Ria purrs, closing its eyes and leaning into him. It likes the affection.*
“…I know. It’s nice that you showed up at all. Mister Crow said I wasn’t in trouble, but it feels like I am…” *This is a much nicer punishment, though. At least he isn’t ignoring it. At least people can come and visit. At least it has food, and it doesn’t have anything to study. It does make it harder to know when it’ll be over, though.*
*It nods, motioning at the windowsill. The worm enclosure is still there. A few worms can be seen moving inside, but most are hiding within the dirt. A strawberry lays on top, mushy and a little fuzzy. There’s also some wilted lettuce and dandelions.* “They’re okay!! Sable’s okay, too. I still haven’t seen them eat, though…”
“That’s good that your worms are okay.”
[his hand rubs her shoulder continuously.]
“Don’t worry about Sable. Sable will be fine.”
[he takes a deep breath, glancing away before smiling down at her again.]
“You’re really not in trouble Ri. This isn’t a punishment. This is just… this is gonna be your room for a while until you get all better.”
“Uh-huh! And I have… I have plenty of fruit and stuff. Cuz I tried to get some for Nori to snack on, before I went to papa’s world and everything happened. I didn’t wanna have no snacks for them… especially cuz all my dandelions were wilting… but that means the worms have food, even though I can’t get them any!”
*Ria practically melts into the touch. Into him. It very much appreciates physical affection, it seems.*
“Yeah… I think it might be like the horns. Or the being-in-my-shadow stuff. Animals from Carcosa aren’t the same…” *Ria… still doesn’t know of Sable’s nature, it seems.*
*It pauses, looking down.* “…Mama used to lock me in my room. When I wasn’t Good Enough.” *Ria’s voice is quiet. It’s staring at its hands, almost… blankly. It glances back up at him, starting to smile. The grin barely reaches its eyes. And yet, somehow, it doesn’t look forced. Ria’s good at that. Its voice bounces back.* “And that’s when I learned that it didn’t matter how much I cried!”
*It tilts its head, pausing for a moment.* “But… I’m already healed? I heal super fast, once I get blood! Look! My wings aren’t broken anymore!!” *It flares out its wings. There’s thin pale scars left over, but they look okay beyond that. The wings are quickly tucked back in. It’s better that way.* “What does all better mean, then, mama?”
“Well, let me tell you right now, you are plenty good enough. You are amazing and perfect, okay?”
[he winces. he holds her tighter.]
“There… there are a couple things I… that I want to do first.”
“It’ll be okay.”
*Ria looks… confused. What did it do, to be good enough? Much less to be amazing or perfect?*
*Oh. He must be being nice again — like he was when he said it could call him mom or dad, even if he’s not actually its parent. It giggles, butting its head into his, almost like how a cat would.* “It’s okay! I know I’m not close enough to perfect. Good enough, maybe. I try to be good enough, at least. I have to be.” *Bad things happen when it isn’t that, at a minimum.*
“Okay! I trust you. I know I’m safe here. I’m safe with you.” *The return of the phrase!* “What dyou want to do?”
[he presses a kiss to the top of her head.]
“You’re better than perfect. You are so much better than perfect.”
[he inhales and exhales and inhales and exhales and kisses their head again.]
“You’re my daughter.”
“I want… it… I…”
[he can’t answer.]
*Ria, once again, pushes its head into the affection.*
“Is that… possible, mama? I thought perfect was supposed to be the best! Better than the best, even!” *Kiona was the closest Ria’s ever gotten to ‘perfect’.* “How can you be lots better tha-“
*Oh.*
*Oh, he just called (her? No, Ria doesn’t deserve that yet. Ria’s no better than decor, right? Something to be owned and shown off. Not a person. Never a person.) it his daughter. His…*
*…It said he didn’t have to. That it was okay with not being his kid. And yet. And yet.*
*That word — daughter — makes its chest feel… lighter, almost. Happier. Like there was a knot in place of its heart, and it’s only now starting to loosen and allow its heart to (metaphorically) beat. It can’t help but smile, that big and bright smile of its.*
“It’s okay, mama. It’s okay.” *It feels the hesitation.* “You don’t have to tell me, if you don’t wanna. You know best.” *Ria trusts him completely. In all honesty, it would probably jump off a cliff if he told it to — trusting that it would catch it in the end.*
“I know, I know you do baby. But you’re so special to me, and you are better than perfect.”
“And you are my daughter, I meant that. Okay?”
“I’ll tell you… when we get there. Okay?”
*It nods. Quiet. Almost concerningly so. Its mind is racing; it’s hard to pick up on any thoughts in specific. Just feelings. Love and joy and light and happy and even more love, and all things adjacent. Eventually, it speaks.*
“…Being your daughter is better than perfect to me, too.”
“Okay. I love you lots, mama.”
*Another nod. It looks up at him, eyes big and… slightly watery. From Big emotions, not sad ones.* “I’ll follow you, then! Whenever you think it’s okay.”
[he hugs her with a big squeeze, gently rocking her back and forth.]
“You’re not decor. You’re nothing like decor. You’re Ria.”
[he mutters shakily against her hair.]
[his eyes are watering too.]
“It’s okay! I can be both.” *It grins at him. It isn’t second-guessing itself with this; it’s just how things Are, after all.* “I’ve… always been both. I like being decor better than being a monster. People are nicer, that way!” *They’re nicer when you can be used — when you aren’t a threat. When you’re cute and innocent and never-suspecting.*
“…Are you okay, mama?” *It curls into the hug, more than alright at being squeezed. The rocking is nice…*
[he exhales long and slow, and continues to rock her with all the care in the world.]
“You’re not both, no. You can only be one, okay? And you’re my Ria. Ri.”
“I’m perfect forever as long as I got you.”
*Ria starts to squeak at him, doing the equivalent of babbling. After a while, between the squeaking and rocking, it tires itself out. It starts to nibble at the offshoot’s clothes. The action… seems affectionate? Like how bats groom one another. Unfortunately, Ria is currently a human, so the action doesn’t work quite as well as it thinks it does.*
“Okay, mama… if you say so. Can I be your daughter forever and ever?”
*It- She tilts her head.* “I don’t wanna leave. But I don’t think you need me to be perfect, mama. You’re super nice, all on your own!”
*Ria knocks on the door to its tower room, slowly peaking its head out. It looks… a little tired. It hasn’t been able to sleep all that well, in its new room…*
“Mom…?”
—💎🌹
[the same form of the king from before, the… nice one, as many would wall it, appears in front of her, sweeping her back into the room and picking her up. he sits on her bed, still holding her.]
“Yeah, hi, Ri. How are you?”
*Ria perks up, giggling when it’s picked up. It nuzzles into him.*
“Mo- Mama! I’m a little lonely, but it’s okay!” *It’s used to it.*
*It hates it.*
“I missed you…”
“I missed you too, girl.”
[he smiles, pressing his nose against her hair and squeezing her tightly.]
“…I can’t let you out of here or go see anyone else at the moment, unfortunately.”
[he looks tired.]
“But- but how are your worms? Your pets?”
*Ria purrs, closing its eyes and leaning into him. It likes the affection.*
“…I know. It’s nice that you showed up at all. Mister Crow said I wasn’t in trouble, but it feels like I am…” *This is a much nicer punishment, though. At least he isn’t ignoring it. At least people can come and visit. At least it has food, and it doesn’t have anything to study. It does make it harder to know when it’ll be over, though.*
*It nods, motioning at the windowsill. The worm enclosure is still there. A few worms can be seen moving inside, but most are hiding within the dirt. A strawberry lays on top, mushy and a little fuzzy. There’s also some wilted lettuce and dandelions.* “They’re okay!! Sable’s okay, too. I still haven’t seen them eat, though…”
“That’s good that your worms are okay.”
[his hand rubs her shoulder continuously.]
“Don’t worry about Sable. Sable will be fine.”
[he takes a deep breath, glancing away before smiling down at her again.]
“You’re really not in trouble Ri. This isn’t a punishment. This is just… this is gonna be your room for a while until you get all better.”
“Uh-huh! And I have… I have plenty of fruit and stuff. Cuz I tried to get some for Nori to snack on, before I went to papa’s world and everything happened. I didn’t wanna have no snacks for them… especially cuz all my dandelions were wilting… but that means the worms have food, even though I can’t get them any!”
*Ria practically melts into the touch. Into him. It very much appreciates physical affection, it seems.*
“Yeah… I think it might be like the horns. Or the being-in-my-shadow stuff. Animals from Carcosa aren’t the same…” *Ria… still doesn’t know of Sable’s nature, it seems.*
*It pauses, looking down.* “…Mama used to lock me in my room. When I wasn’t Good Enough.” *Ria’s voice is quiet. It’s staring at its hands, almost… blankly. It glances back up at him, starting to smile. The grin barely reaches its eyes. And yet, somehow, it doesn’t look forced. Ria’s good at that. Its voice bounces back.* “And that’s when I learned that it didn’t matter how much I cried!”
*It tilts its head, pausing for a moment.* “But… I’m already healed? I heal super fast, once I get blood! Look! My wings aren’t broken anymore!!” *It flares out its wings. There’s thin pale scars left over, but they look okay beyond that. The wings are quickly tucked back in. It’s better that way.* “What does all better mean, then, mama?”
“Well, let me tell you right now, you are plenty good enough. You are amazing and perfect, okay?”
[he winces. he holds her tighter.]
“There… there are a couple things I… that I want to do first.”
“It’ll be okay.”
*Ria looks… confused. What did it do, to be good enough? Much less to be amazing or perfect?*
*Oh. He must be being nice again — like he was when he said it could call him mom or dad, even if he’s not actually its parent. It giggles, butting its head into his, almost like how a cat would.* “It’s okay! I know I’m not close enough to perfect. Good enough, maybe. I try to be good enough, at least. I have to be.” *Bad things happen when it isn’t that, at a minimum.*
“Okay! I trust you. I know I’m safe here. I’m safe with you.” *The return of the phrase!* “What dyou want to do?”
[he presses a kiss to the top of her head.]
“You’re better than perfect. You are so much better than perfect.”
[he inhales and exhales and inhales and exhales and kisses their head again.]
“You’re my daughter.”
“I want… it… I…”
[he can’t answer.]
*Ria, once again, pushes its head into the affection.*
“Is that… possible, mama? I thought perfect was supposed to be the best! Better than the best, even!” *Kiona was the closest Ria’s ever gotten to ‘perfect’.* “How can you be lots better tha-“
*Oh.*
*Oh, he just called (her? No, Ria doesn’t deserve that yet. Ria’s no better than decor, right? Something to be owned and shown off. Not a person. Never a person.) it his daughter. His…*
*…It said he didn’t have to. That it was okay with not being his kid. And yet. And yet.*
*That word — daughter — makes its chest feel… lighter, almost. Happier. Like there was a knot in place of its heart, and it’s only now starting to loosen and allow its heart to (metaphorically) beat. It can’t help but smile, that big and bright smile of its.*
“It’s okay, mama. It’s okay.” *It feels the hesitation.* “You don’t have to tell me, if you don’t wanna. You know best.” *Ria trusts him completely. In all honesty, it would probably jump off a cliff if he told it to — trusting that it would catch it in the end.*
“I know, I know you do baby. But you’re so special to me, and you are better than perfect.”
“And you are my daughter, I meant that. Okay?”
“I’ll tell you… when we get there. Okay?”
*It nods. Quiet. Almost concerningly so. Its mind is racing; it’s hard to pick up on any thoughts in specific. Just feelings. Love and joy and light and happy and even more love, and all things adjacent. Eventually, it speaks.*
“…Being your daughter is better than perfect to me, too.”
“Okay. I love you lots, mama.”
*Another nod. It looks up at him, eyes big and… slightly watery. From Big emotions, not sad ones.* “I’ll follow you, then! Whenever you think it’s okay.”
[he hugs her with a big squeeze, gently rocking her back and forth.]
“You’re not decor. You’re nothing like decor. You’re Ria.”
[he mutters shakily against her hair.]
[his eyes are watering too.]
“It’s okay! I can be both.” *It grins at him. It isn’t second-guessing itself with this; it’s just how things Are, after all.* “I’ve… always been both. I like being decor better than being a monster. People are nicer, that way!” *They’re nicer when you can be used — when you aren’t a threat. When you’re cute and innocent and never-suspecting.*
“…Are you okay, mama?” *It curls into the hug, more than alright at being squeezed. The rocking is nice…*
*Ria knocks on the door to its tower room, slowly peaking its head out. It looks… a little tired. It hasn’t been able to sleep all that well, in its new room…*
“Mom…?”
—💎🌹
[the same form of the king from before, the… nice one, as many would wall it, appears in front of her, sweeping her back into the room and picking her up. he sits on her bed, still holding her.]
“Yeah, hi, Ri. How are you?”
*Ria perks up, giggling when it’s picked up. It nuzzles into him.*
“Mo- Mama! I’m a little lonely, but it’s okay!” *It’s used to it.*
*It hates it.*
“I missed you…”
“I missed you too, girl.”
[he smiles, pressing his nose against her hair and squeezing her tightly.]
“…I can’t let you out of here or go see anyone else at the moment, unfortunately.”
[he looks tired.]
“But- but how are your worms? Your pets?”
*Ria purrs, closing its eyes and leaning into him. It likes the affection.*
“…I know. It’s nice that you showed up at all. Mister Crow said I wasn’t in trouble, but it feels like I am…” *This is a much nicer punishment, though. At least he isn’t ignoring it. At least people can come and visit. At least it has food, and it doesn’t have anything to study. It does make it harder to know when it’ll be over, though.*
*It nods, motioning at the windowsill. The worm enclosure is still there. A few worms can be seen moving inside, but most are hiding within the dirt. A strawberry lays on top, mushy and a little fuzzy. There’s also some wilted lettuce and dandelions.* “They’re okay!! Sable’s okay, too. I still haven’t seen them eat, though…”
“That’s good that your worms are okay.”
[his hand rubs her shoulder continuously.]
“Don’t worry about Sable. Sable will be fine.”
[he takes a deep breath, glancing away before smiling down at her again.]
“You’re really not in trouble Ri. This isn’t a punishment. This is just… this is gonna be your room for a while until you get all better.”
“Uh-huh! And I have… I have plenty of fruit and stuff. Cuz I tried to get some for Nori to snack on, before I went to papa’s world and everything happened. I didn’t wanna have no snacks for them… especially cuz all my dandelions were wilting… but that means the worms have food, even though I can’t get them any!”
*Ria practically melts into the touch. Into him. It very much appreciates physical affection, it seems.*
“Yeah… I think it might be like the horns. Or the being-in-my-shadow stuff. Animals from Carcosa aren’t the same…” *Ria… still doesn’t know of Sable’s nature, it seems.*
*It pauses, looking down.* “…Mama used to lock me in my room. When I wasn’t Good Enough.” *Ria’s voice is quiet. It’s staring at its hands, almost… blankly. It glances back up at him, starting to smile. The grin barely reaches its eyes. And yet, somehow, it doesn’t look forced. Ria’s good at that. Its voice bounces back.* “And that’s when I learned that it didn’t matter how much I cried!”
*It tilts its head, pausing for a moment.* “But… I’m already healed? I heal super fast, once I get blood! Look! My wings aren’t broken anymore!!” *It flares out its wings. There’s thin pale scars left over, but they look okay beyond that. The wings are quickly tucked back in. It’s better that way.* “What does all better mean, then, mama?”
“Well, let me tell you right now, you are plenty good enough. You are amazing and perfect, okay?”
[he winces. he holds her tighter.]
“There… there are a couple things I… that I want to do first.”
“It’ll be okay.”
*Ria looks… confused. What did it do, to be good enough? Much less to be amazing or perfect?*
*Oh. He must be being nice again — like he was when he said it could call him mom or dad, even if he’s not actually its parent. It giggles, butting its head into his, almost like how a cat would.* “It’s okay! I know I’m not close enough to perfect. Good enough, maybe. I try to be good enough, at least. I have to be.” *Bad things happen when it isn’t that, at a minimum.*
“Okay! I trust you. I know I’m safe here. I’m safe with you.” *The return of the phrase!* “What dyou want to do?”
[he presses a kiss to the top of her head.]
“You’re better than perfect. You are so much better than perfect.”
[he inhales and exhales and inhales and exhales and kisses their head again.]
“You’re my daughter.”
“I want… it… I…”
[he can’t answer.]
*Ria, once again, pushes its head into the affection.*
“Is that… possible, mama? I thought perfect was supposed to be the best! Better than the best, even!” *Kiona was the closest Ria’s ever gotten to ‘perfect’.* “How can you be lots better tha-“
*Oh.*
*Oh, he just called (her? No, Ria doesn’t deserve that yet. Ria’s no better than decor, right? Something to be owned and shown off. Not a person. Never a person.) it his daughter. His…*
*…It said he didn’t have to. That it was okay with not being his kid. And yet. And yet.*
*That word — daughter — makes its chest feel… lighter, almost. Happier. Like there was a knot in place of its heart, and it’s only now starting to loosen and allow its heart to (metaphorically) beat. It can’t help but smile, that big and bright smile of its.*
“It’s okay, mama. It’s okay.” *It feels the hesitation.* “You don’t have to tell me, if you don’t wanna. You know best.” *Ria trusts him completely. In all honesty, it would probably jump off a cliff if he told it to — trusting that it would catch it in the end.*
“I know, I know you do baby. But you’re so special to me, and you are better than perfect.”
“And you are my daughter, I meant that. Okay?”
“I’ll tell you… when we get there. Okay?”
*It nods. Quiet. Almost concerningly so. Its mind is racing; it’s hard to pick up on any thoughts in specific. Just feelings. Love and joy and light and happy and even more love, and all things adjacent. Eventually, it speaks.*
“…Being your daughter is better than perfect to me, too.”
“Okay. I love you lots, mama.”
*Another nod. It looks up at him, eyes big and… slightly watery. From Big emotions, not sad ones.* “I’ll follow you, then! Whenever you think it’s okay.”
*There’s someone here… Ria? It looks confused; it doesn’t know where it is. It took a nap, and now it’s… here.*
*Ria’s looking around, a little confused and a little sleepy.*
^-v-^?
—💎🌹
'A child? Here?'
(it crouches where it stands. Waving at her with a patient calm smile. She's in what at first appears to be a garden, though it's a lot more wild than the courts she's used to. No neatly lined garden boxes and preened trees. There's wild flowers and vines and evergreens. It's almost like she's out in the wild, but the golden cathedral that looks above the tree line suggests other wise.)
Hello, dear. Where did you come from? (It keeps its voice light and friendly.) Where are your parents?
*Ria blinks a few times, still waking up.*
“…pretty place…”
“I’m from…” *Ria hesitates. Arcadia? Carcosa? Which one is true? The latter now, right? She even has her own room…* “I’m from Carcosa. Mom’s there. So is Derek. I… think they’re both considered my parents?”
'huh.. alright, then.'
Come here, my dear. (It pats its leg) Do you know how to get home? You're quite a ways away.
(it smiles at her. A.. tail? Sways idely behind Him.)
*Ria slowly gets up, hopping over to the Caretaker. The last of the sleep has left its eyes, instead focusing on looking around.*
*It shakes its head.* “Uh-uh. Although this has happened before. I usually get sent back home after a little bit, so it’s okay!”
“Who’re you? I’m Ria!”
(Its warm here. Everything seems bathed in a gold glow. It feels almost nostalgic)
You do? Well alright then.
..you may call me Akestor, young one.
*Ria slow blinks. It isn’t sure if it should be tense from the feeling, or absolutely melt at it. Considering it’s quietly purring, though, it seems to be leaning towards the latter.*
“Ake-Akestor…?” *Ria tests the name, glancing at it to make sure it has the right pronunciation.*
A, kes, tor.
(He smiles, amused at her testing of the name. Its happy she likes it here. Something tells it she’s had a hard time this week..)
*It nods, trying again.* “A-kes-tor. Akestor!” *It watches his reaction, just to make sure.*
*Luckily, it doesn’t look like Ria’s letting said week get to it. It doesn’t even seem to realize that it’s been a rough week for it, honestly.*
There you go, my dear, very good. You’re a very smart girl.
*Ria tilts its head. It grins, though, all four fangs on display. Even the chipped one!*
“Yay! I try. Most people don’t think I’m super smart, though.”
Well those people are wrong, then. (It smiles. He laughs warmly.) I can tell just by looking at you that you’re a very clever girl.
“It’s okay! I don’t mind it very much. It’s a good thing, in a way. It makes me less scary. I don’t like being very scary.”
I think it would be very hard to find you frightening, Ria. You’re too cute for that, I fear.
“…Humans find me scary, usually. Carcosa’s the first place people don’t find me scary! And Avery, cuz he doesn’t really live there. It’s part of the reason I like being there so much.”
I doubt humans are afraid of you because you’re scary, dear. Humans have a tendency to fear things they don’t understand. Whether that is something of a different species or their own.
“…But I look like them. I look like I’m one of them…”
“Why did they hurt me, then? If they didn’t think I was scary, or that I’d hurt them?”
*Why did her mother muzzle her, if she wasn’t scary?*
“…I look like I could be one of them. I used to be one of them. Why wouldn’t they understand? Why would they be scared?”
*She can’t understand why people would hurt her — it has to be because she’s scary, right? It has to be her fault.*
*Right?*
Oh, my dear, that is no fault of your own. Humans can be such cruel creatures. But I can promise that that will never happen to you here.
(He smiles at her, but internally he is.. enraged. She’s only a child, a young girl. It knows humans are cruel at times, but they did not think they would go so far as to harm a child.)
They are scared because they do not understand you. It is not because of you, or how you appear. They do the same to their own people, for things as small as names and genders, it is nothing you could control.
“…They’re not cruel, though. Maybe some of them are. But most of them aren’t. Humans are nice and kind and caring and-and I’ve seen it! I’ve seen them be all of that!”
“Just… not usually to me…”
*Ria hugs itself.*
“But why can’t they understand? Is it just because of what I am?”
*It looks up at Akestor, eyes big and watery.* “Am I not enough for them? Am I not human enough?”
*It’s a monster. It was always a monster. People hurt it because it wasn’t human — because it wasn’t a person. Yes. Yes, it must be Its Fault.*
“…will I ever be enough of a person, Akestor? So they aren’t afraid?”
(..he pulls her into a hug. It’s not constricting, but he’s definitely not happy. It’s light. It doesn’t want her to be frightened.)
Oh you sweet baby. I’m so sorry you were born into such a world. You are right, that humans are not all cruel. But the cruel ones are always the loudest of the bunch.
You do not owe them to be what they want. And I promise you, you are always enough.
(…he’s warm. Warmer than the air, at least. He’s upset. He doesn’t show it.)
*Ria doesn’t fight the hug, melting into it. It’s freezing. Although… its skin starts to warm, quickly matching Akestor’s temperature.*
*It misses when it was allowed to be warm.*
“…They’re not cruel to each other. I watched them.” *Because maybe that time, it will be different. It never was.* “Yes. They were very loud. They had things that went ‘bang!’ and then usually it hurt.”
“But if I’m what they want, then they’ll like me more! And I don’t mind, as long as they like me.”
*It owed Her. It was supposed to be what She wanted. It wasn’t enough then, either.*
(…caretaker breaths in. For a very, very long time. Push back rage. Push back anger. Do not frighten her.)
My dear. If you must change yourself for people to like you, then those people do not deserve you. If they hurt you, then they especially do not.
(It holds her. It does not move.)
*Ria simply listens. Its temperature has mostly matched Akestor’s, now.*
“…But I have to change for anyone to like me.”
“It’s okay! Really, it is. I’m okay with it. I don’t deserve anyone, either.” ^•w•^
No. No, dear. Love, sweetheart.
That’s not quite right. You deserve so much more, my love. I can show you what you deserve, how about that? The town would love you.
(..he stands, holding her carefully.)
^•w•>?
“But I… already know what I deserve? And I’m super happy with mom, too! He gives me lots more than I deserve, and loves me lots…”
“…Okay. We can go around town, if you want, Akestor…”
You deserve freedom, my love, and to be around people who love you for who you are- not for what you should be.
(…he walks out the forest, closer to a town square. There’s market stalls and food carts and small businesses all dotted around a large fountain. There’s are kids playing in the fountain, and others running around the square.)
(There’s dozens of different types of people. Slimes, hybrids, witches, some that even look more like royalty- albeit more casual. They all intermingle. Some kids look over and wave, and the older kids and adults don’t even seem to pay any mind to The Caretaker’s presence.)
“I’m okay with the safety. It’s… better than the freedom, I think.” *Freedom just got it hurt and made sure it was hungry — it’s safe with Hastur. Happy, too.* “And it’s okay! I’ve made sure they’re the same, so it doesn’t matter lots.”
*As they get closer to the town, Ria holds out its hand for Hand Holding Time. Its eyes dart around, and it presses into Akestor. This is not a child that was well socialized with groups or busy areas, it seems.*
*Ria’s eyes continue to scan each person. Watching and studying and making sure none of them are Moving Weird or going to attack or-*
*…It’s pretty clear that Ria’s a little nervous, at least. It looks like it’s ready to run at one wrong movement.*
(..Akestor holds her hand gently.)
(A few kids notice her and wave. Some louder groups look over at her and seem to instinctively quiet. It seems like everyone used to new people being flighty or on edge.. some older ones even nudge younger kids who look over and wave.)
(Some kids even seem to be other vampires, who seem to look over with both surprise and excitement.)
No one will hurt you here, my dear.
*Ria is… hesitant to wave back. It glances at Akestor, trying to figure out if it should or not. If it’s even allowed to.*
*It’s supposed to, right? To smile and wave and pretend nothing’s wrong? That’s what Mama said she was supposed to do. Greet people nicely. Be nice. Nice and kind and kind and nice and never react wrong ever.*
*It seems unsure of the other vampires — it hasn’t met any others, before. Ria’s wings shift uncomfortably. How is it supposed to react, to others like it?*
*It ends up pressing even further into Akestor. It’s the closest to safety, right now.*
*There’s so many of them. More than it’s used to. More friendly-seeming, too.*
“…Okay. Are you sure, Akestor?”
I am very sure, dear.
(He leds her to a quiet dark spot near the square. It’s not very crowded, mostly inhabited by birds)
You don’t have to jump into it, but the people here would love to meet you. I promise it. You’re allowed to choose when you’re comfortable, my dear.
(Some groups have started gathering flowers. A few are talking excitedly in hushed tones. Occasionally, some look over to her with wide smiles- who are then pulled back down)
You don’t have to meet people if you don’t want to. There’s no pressure to do it now.
(Though he can tell the others are bursting at the seems to say hi.)
*Ria’s pupils go smaller, adjusting to the light. It stares at the birds for a While, not… fully there.*
*The birds make it sad. Why do the birds make it sad?*
*It trills (the noise oddly birdlike) at some of the birds. A familiar trill, one it learned from… from… a pause. Moea! It learned it from Momea. It misses her. Where did she go? Ria looks a little lost. The almost mournful trilling continues.*
*It doesn’t know why it’s so sad.*
*It snaps out of it when Akestor talks again.*
“…okay. There’s a lot of them. Lots and lots of people… why do they want to meet me, Akestor?”
*Ria glances at the others. Flowers? Why are they gathering flowers? And why do they keep smiling like that at it? It blocks itself from view with a wing adorned with thin white lines. Scarring, it seems.*
*It’s still listening in; keeping track of footsteps. Listening to where each heartbeat is, too.*
*It nods. Up to it… it shakes its head. It’s supposed to do something, isn’t it? It’s supposed to get over itself. Say hi. Introduce.*
*It’s not like it’s a person, anyways. What does it have to fear? People will be nice, or it will deserve it. Right?*
(It hums at her trills. Where did she learn that? ..she seems to miss someone.)
There’s no time limit dear. If you don’t want to, you do not have to. They want to meet you because they want to know you.
(He smiles warmly at her. It doesn’t want her to feel pressured into making a decision.)
*The trilling certainly isn’t a natural noise for Ria to make. It’s definitely something learned — although it shouldn’t be able to make that noise at all, probably.*
*Ria hesitates. It reads the smile wrong; the words wrong. It smiles back, looking as natural as it can. Okay. Okay, it can do this.*
“…Okay. Will you stay, when I meet them?”
I will be right here, I will not leave you my dear.
(He hums, wondering from what life this child has come from to lead to such behaviour. It’s aware of bits of information- the child… poor choice of parental figure- but even that should not lead such.. strong formation of habits.)
(The kids, ranging from 16 to 20, are collectively trying to make a little collection of wild flowers and a flower crown out of red poppies.)
*Ria nods. It keeps close to Akestor, glancing at her repeatedly. It’s… not entirely sure how to approach, actually.*
*So, for now, it just watches the group. The poppies are pretty.*
*It starts to hum to itself. A lullaby, from the sounds of it.*
No rush, hunny.
(The kids have managed to successfully create a poppy crown. One is trying to weave blue hydrangeas into it…. To.. mild success.)
Looks like they have something for you, though.
*It takes a few hesitant steps forward, before skittering back over to Akestor. It peers out at the group from behind gold.*
*…It’s watching them weave the flowers into the crown. Once again, it starts to approach. It grabs Akestor’s hand as it moves, bringing them along as best it can. Moving towards the ones weaving the flowers.*
“Can I try…? I know how to make flower crowns…”
*It doesn’t like all the eyes on it.*
*It shakes its head; the flower crown can’t be for it. It’s not the right size for around its neck, or to wrap around its arm or something. And it… wouldn’t be able to keep it on its head for very long. Ria shoots Akestor a worried look. But it’s okay. It will figure… something out.*
(He follows along happily. As long as she’s comfortable)
(One girl gasps, another next to her nudges her in the side. The one trying to weave the flowers in looks up in mildly contained surprise)
“Oh! Uh! Well it was supposed to be for you… but, but if you want to, sure! I.. think I’m doing it wrong..” (He laughs somewhat awkwardly, rubbing the back of their neck.)
(The Caretaker smiles at her encouragingly.)
*Ria flinches back at the gasping and nudging and attention, pressing itself into Akestor.*
*Did it get smaller, or is it just holding itself weird?*
“…It’s okay. I don’t like things on my hair all that much. It feels funny…” *Ria shakes its head, stepping forward again. It sits next to the one weaving, a little tense. It’s still ready to run.*
“Can I… have the flowers? And the crown?”
(The kid nudges the girl again, a “see you made her scared!” Being whispered between the two. The girl pokes her fingers together in a sheepish manner- though the berating seems to be in good fun.)
“Sure!” (He hands her the crown with a smile.)
(A small conversation is spurred between another kid and the girl. They seem to keep their voices low- or at least lower, trying to not overwhelm her.) “Oh dang it.. well there goes that idea..” “oh oh, we could make a bigger one? Like a necklace instead! Right?” “Do we have enough flowers? I liked the poppies because they matched her hair..”
*Ria pretends not to see; pretends not to hear. That’s easier. It’s always been so much easier.*
*Just don’t listen to the whispers. You’ll be fine.*
*Ria smiles back. It’s… bright. A large smile, for sure. It looks easy — natural, even. Carefully, it takes the crown, then the flowers.*
*Its hands move quickly. A few flowers taken out here and there, the whole crown adjusted. A few flowers are added, too. It’s eyed, rather than counted — some flowers are bigger than others. They need more space. Some are better when placed closer to others. Sometimes, the space is too one-note, and it needs something else. Other times, it’s fine.*
*The flower crown is adjusted a few times, until Ria decides it’s good enough. It hands it back, glancing at Akestor.*
*Its ears twitch. Don’t listen to what they’re saying. It’s better if you don’t. Safer. Easier.*
“Woah… how’d you do that so quickly!” (Other kids also pause to go “ooooo” at Ria talent.)
(He takes it, tentatively, holding it up to look at it)
“It’s so perfect!” “It’s way prettier than what I make..” “could you teach us? Pretty please!”
(Akestor is smiling. It’s so, so happy the kids love her so much. The kids have very quickly quieted down, all looking at her handy work with amazement.)
*Ria tilts its head. It thought it was going kind of slow…* “…Practice, I guess. I didn’t have lots else to do…” *It shrinks back a bit at all the attention, unsure of how to take it. This is an… odd situation to it. Such amounts of attention are supposed to only happen if Ria’s being showed off, or if something big or important happens…*
*It perks up upon hearing the word ‘perfect’. Guilt fills it immediately after. They think that is perfect?*
*It nods.* “Uhm… yeah, okay. You’re gonna want flowers with longer stems, but not thinner stems. It’ll be easier with only one type of flower, too. So there’s only one stem, and you don’t gotta worry about them all matching…”
*Ria nudges the kid, carefully.* “Maybe you could give it to Akestor? They might want it, if none of you do….”
(The boy perks, hopping up and towards Akestor.)
(..one girl nudges the other, who sighs and very gently tugs on ria’s sleeve. She’s a black haired girl, with pale skin and red eyes. She’s another vampire, by the looks of it.)
“Uhm.. you’re.. a vampire, right?”
(She’s very quiet- seems almost afraid to speak loudly. Her friend next to her- a slimehybrid with bright orange eyes- is silent cheering her on.)
*Ria tenses up. Its wings press in at the question, pupils going small. It makes them look more slitted, rather than the rounded look its pupils normally take on.*
“I-“
*It looks between the two of them. The slime doesn’t comfort it much; it’s Avery is a human, and it hasn’t met any slimes before.*
“I…” *It nods.* “I am, yeah… why?” ^•n•>?
*It… takes a few moments for it to click for Ria. It hasn’t spent any time around other vampires, and it hasn’t focused much on its… changes after being turned. Once it does realize, though…*
“…Are you…?”
(She smiles- it matches her timid voice, like it’s afraid to be visible.)
“So am I!”
(Her friend pats her shoulder with a “see, I told you it wouldn’t hurt to ask.”)
(Akestor watches with a smile, now also with a flower crown on its head. The boy- an avian hybrid with light green feathers and green eyes smiles as well)
*It nods, carefully. Ria doesn’t seem to know how to react; it looks confused. It snaps back to a smile, though.*
“That’s super cool! I haven’t met any other vampires before. Are there lots of other vampires around? Or is it just us?”
*Ria’s pupils have gone back to being rounder. More human-looking. Its wings relax, although they’re kept… somewhat tight, still.*
*It glances over at Akestor; good, it liked the crown. That’s good. It won’t take the credit for the crown, either way.*
(She perks up.)
“Oh, no there’s a lot of us! I bet Mrs. Julie would love you.. there’s not a lot of winged vampires around..”
(The girl next her stands up, helping the other next to her as well)
“Char, we haven’t even properly introduced ourselves, we can’t just grab her and run.”
(She smile, waving) “I’m Nori, And the vampire is Charlie! What’s your name?”
(Nori’s a bit shorter, around 5’2, despite being around 20. Charlie stands up as well. Charlie’s around 16, at 5’7)
“There are? Huh…” *It blinks, confused once more.* “Are we… not supposed to have wings, then?
*Ria hops up on its own. It’s a fluid movement.*
“…Please don’t grab me…” ^•n•^”
*It pauses, staring at Nori. Big Stare.* “I know someone who goes by Nori. They’re a nice bunny. They like lettuce.” *It has decided that this Nori is not, in fact, a bunny. This makes it sad. It likes bunnies.* “I’m Ria.”
*That means Ria is about in the middle of their heights, at 5’5. It’s in the middle age-wise, too, probably.*
“Oh- no, no, not that! There’s a bunch of different types of vampires.. no one’s quite the same, uhm, some have wings some don’t, some don’t like the sun, others aren’t bothered-”
“THERES A BUNNY ME?” (Charlie flinches backwards and Nori coughs and quiets down) “uh sorry- I looovee bunnies..”
“The sun usually hurts me. It doesn’t in Carcosa, though, for some reason.” *Ria’s gotten plenty of burns from the space between leaves, when it thought it was safe…* “Do vampires without wings usually make the sun less angry?”
*Ria squeaks, ears twitching. Its wings twitch as well, but they remain mostly folded. They got a bit unfolded in the movement.*
“Uh-huh! Well… I don’t think you and my Nori are the same. I had to help them with her name…” *It nods.* “Bunnies are the best! Like Sable! It’s super sweet!”
“You have bunnniess?? Omg.. can I see them? Pretty please? Pretty pretty please??” (Nori is looking at her with the Widest Puppy Dog eyes she can manage.)
“Oh.. if you get burned you could borrow my sunscreen.. or- or not, maybe that’s weird..? Uhm.. never mind.” (Charlie quiets down, apparently deciding she’s said too much. Nori nudges her)
“Heyyyy, didn’t we think it’d be cool to show her the café?”
“Oh! Oh, right, uhm.. there’s a cool little vampire café aunt Julie made.. if- if it’s okay- I wanna show you it”
*Ria pauses, glancing at Sable on its shoulder. It shifts its hair to better show the bungon.* “This is Sable! The bunny-Nori isn’t with me. I don’t think either of them are ‘mine’, though. They’re just my friends!”
*It tilts its head. Isn’t sunscreen supposed to be used before burning?* “It’s okay! I’m super good at staying in the shade! And… I think I would’ve burned by now, if I was gonna…”
*Another pause. Ria looks over to Akestor, as though making sure it’s okay to go.* “What’s a vampire café?”
perhaps. i do want to be loved. unfortunate.
12! how do you show affection?
“12…?”
“Uhm… physically, I think? I like being super close to people! Things like hand holding, and hugs!”
“Although I try to show affection in lots of ways, like saying it or thinking of them… I’m not always very good at it, though…”
ask game!
making an ask game purely out of boredom
if you had to dye your hair, what colour would you pick?
in an emergency, who would you call?
favourite scent and why?
who is a role model in your life, real or fictional?
three people you wish you could meet?
would you rather be permanently moving/on the road, or live in the same place for your whole life?
describe a dream you had recently
favourite accessory you own?
how would you survive an apocalypse or at least attempt to?
dream pet?
song you listened to in childhood?
how do you show affection (this can be platonic or romantic)?
favourite film?
piece of media that left a lasting impact on you?
any “paranormal” or unexplainable experiences?
favourite type of chocolate?
drink of choice?
a compliment you’ve received?
best gift you’ve gotten?
dream car?
describe a nightmare you’ve had?
favourite time of day/night?
a hobby you tried but didn’t stick with?
movie or tv show you want to watch?
dream room?
share one outlook you have on life?
a favourite lyric?
favourite way to spend time alone?
share an adventure you went on?
what are your opinions on the person asking?
Hiiiiii ria
How are you kiddo :3
Its me moea! Do not question how i am not dead
nor the eyes
its fineee
@the-golden-artist
*Ria is, at the moment, curled up under Moea’s Blanket. It squeaks at the sudden appearance, ducking under the blanket… and then it hears Moea’s voice.*
*It darts out from the blanket, shooting towards Moea. It wraps its arms around her and starts trilling happily. It’s the same bird-like trill that Moea taught it.*
*It seems like Ria… hasn’t registered any of the questions. Or any of the words at all, actually.*
Moea squawks slightly, her wings flaring before she gives a gentle trill, moving her arms to hug Ria.
"Hi ria..."
Her voice is slightly distorted, and a warm trill rumbles in her throat as the many—new—eyes close.
*It was so lonely… it hasn’t had many visitors. And they can’t usually stay that long, either…*
“Hi, Momea!! Where did you go? Are you okay?” *No comment on her looking different, apparently.*
“A mean voice came to talk to me, I think, but I don’t remember what it said. I think it was about you. And I…” *Ria hesitates. Thinking. It sounds… unsure, for a moment.* “I missed you, cuz you were gone so long…” *It shakes its head. Yes; that’s the truth. Of course it is.* “And I have one of your blankets, now! It smelled like you. It was nice.”
"...Yeah. I think. I think im okay."
Her voice shook slightly, the white crack down her body glowing faintly for a second, shooting pain through her body, but she just barely twitched her wings in reaction.
"Hah. Im sorry kiddo, i didnt mean to leave for so long."
*Ria nuzzles into her, purring.* “I missed you.”
“…You don’t sound very okay…”
“But… where were you? Oh! Oh! I went to a whole different world! A few! I even went to one and met the Derek that mama’s… something with. I think they like each other. Someone gave me a funny book, too. Can you look at it? I wanna know what you think on it.”
"I missed you too, Ria."
Moea said quietly,
"The... wha? Jeez what happened while i was gone..?"
Moea snorted, mildly amused, thought the sound was a little weaker than normal
“I tried to fight a different version of mama to get Derek — papa’s — soul back so he could come to Carcosa, too. I didn’t get to though because they found out and papa beat it up. But I did a little bit! Like actually finding and grabbing the soul! And, and, the other version of mama, we’re calling him Fallen, liked me lots I think. It tried to get me to stay in its Carcosa, and gave me papa’s broken horns to get me to agree. So I got those, too. Mama has the soul piece and the horns now.”
“…I’m not supposed to leave my room because of all that, though. And because my wings got broken. But I’m all better now.” ^•w•^
“Anyways! I think someone gave me the Vesseling spell thingy you said in a book. But they didn’t tell me what it did, they just said that it would be ‘good leverage’. I didn’t say it, though.” *Ria decides to leave out the part where it brought it up and Fallen laughed and basically called it worthless. It also decides to not mention that this is why it didn’t try saying the spell.*
Im sorry you what
moea looks slightly alarmed
Oh my god your wings were hurt? Is there anything i can do for you kiddo?
...
im glad you're alright... for the most part
*Ria tilts her head.* “I got papa’s soul back from a different version of mama. It was successful!”
“Yeah. But like I said, I’m all better now! I dunno if there’s anything you can do, unless you get mama to say me leaving my room is okay. But I don’t wanna bother him over that…”
*It hops over to a shelf, slipping an odd book out. It pushes it towards Moea.* “Read it, pretty please?”
Moea's silent for a moment, taking a small breath and picking up the book. She knew what it was already. Though she flipped it open and read through it silently for a few minutes.
I could try convincing Him to let you leave your room, might work.
She paused, her wings twitching.
Ria? Mind if i borrow this book for a bit?
She definitely wasnt returning this if she got it away from ria
*Ria stays still, studying as Moea read it. It knows. It knows Moea knows. Knows that she recognizes the words.*
*So it was right.*
“If you want to. Mama said that I had to be even more healthy before he says it’s okay, though. So maybe it’s a timed thing…”
“You can take it! I already know what it says. I’m super good at remembering!” *…great.*
...
Moea sighed quietly, looking at Ria, her hands still holding the book.
It... isnt a good idea to say it.
Moea's wings twitched.
It hurts. Alot. You saw what it did to me.
I wouldn't suggest reciting it. You don't deserve that kind of pain, Ria.
*Ria nods.* “I… know. I know it’s not a super good idea. I don’t think mama wants me to say it, either.”
“You didn’t deserve it, either…”
*Its arms go back around Moea.*
...Good.
Dont say it, it wouldnt do anyone any good.
Moea said quietly, letting her wings wrap around Ria as well.
“…I won’t. Don’t worry, Momea. I just… remember it. In case I need to.”
*It isn’t sure what it would need it for. To know if someone’s making it say it? It doesn’t know.*
*It leans into the touch, checking on Moea’s wings for her.*
Moea gives a gentle trill.
...Good.
Silence for a moment.
Just... promise me you wont? I dont want you to get hurt.
Not more than you already have.
*Ria tilts its head. It doesn’t intend on saying it, so what’s the harm in promising?*
“Okay! I promise, Momea. I won’t say it. Ever ever.”
*It plucks a loose feather out of her wings, carefully. It doesn’t want to hurt Moea, or accidentally poke an eye.*
Hiiiiii ria
How are you kiddo :3
Its me moea! Do not question how i am not dead
nor the eyes
its fineee
@the-golden-artist
*Ria is, at the moment, curled up under Moea’s Blanket. It squeaks at the sudden appearance, ducking under the blanket… and then it hears Moea’s voice.*
*It darts out from the blanket, shooting towards Moea. It wraps its arms around her and starts trilling happily. It’s the same bird-like trill that Moea taught it.*
*It seems like Ria… hasn’t registered any of the questions. Or any of the words at all, actually.*
Moea squawks slightly, her wings flaring before she gives a gentle trill, moving her arms to hug Ria.
"Hi ria..."
Her voice is slightly distorted, and a warm trill rumbles in her throat as the many—new—eyes close.
*It was so lonely… it hasn’t had many visitors. And they can’t usually stay that long, either…*
“Hi, Momea!! Where did you go? Are you okay?” *No comment on her looking different, apparently.*
“A mean voice came to talk to me, I think, but I don’t remember what it said. I think it was about you. And I…” *Ria hesitates. Thinking. It sounds… unsure, for a moment.* “I missed you, cuz you were gone so long…” *It shakes its head. Yes; that’s the truth. Of course it is.* “And I have one of your blankets, now! It smelled like you. It was nice.”
"...Yeah. I think. I think im okay."
Her voice shook slightly, the white crack down her body glowing faintly for a second, shooting pain through her body, but she just barely twitched her wings in reaction.
"Hah. Im sorry kiddo, i didnt mean to leave for so long."
*Ria nuzzles into her, purring.* “I missed you.”
“…You don’t sound very okay…”
“But… where were you? Oh! Oh! I went to a whole different world! A few! I even went to one and met the Derek that mama’s… something with. I think they like each other. Someone gave me a funny book, too. Can you look at it? I wanna know what you think on it.”
"I missed you too, Ria."
Moea said quietly,
"The... wha? Jeez what happened while i was gone..?"
Moea snorted, mildly amused, thought the sound was a little weaker than normal
“I tried to fight a different version of mama to get Derek — papa’s — soul back so he could come to Carcosa, too. I didn’t get to though because they found out and papa beat it up. But I did a little bit! Like actually finding and grabbing the soul! And, and, the other version of mama, we’re calling him Fallen, liked me lots I think. It tried to get me to stay in its Carcosa, and gave me papa’s broken horns to get me to agree. So I got those, too. Mama has the soul piece and the horns now.”
“…I’m not supposed to leave my room because of all that, though. And because my wings got broken. But I’m all better now.” ^•w•^
“Anyways! I think someone gave me the Vesseling spell thingy you said in a book. But they didn’t tell me what it did, they just said that it would be ‘good leverage’. I didn’t say it, though.” *Ria decides to leave out the part where it brought it up and Fallen laughed and basically called it worthless. It also decides to not mention that this is why it didn’t try saying the spell.*
Im sorry you what
moea looks slightly alarmed
Oh my god your wings were hurt? Is there anything i can do for you kiddo?
...
im glad you're alright... for the most part
*Ria tilts her head.* “I got papa’s soul back from a different version of mama. It was successful!”
“Yeah. But like I said, I’m all better now! I dunno if there’s anything you can do, unless you get mama to say me leaving my room is okay. But I don’t wanna bother him over that…”
*It hops over to a shelf, slipping an odd book out. It pushes it towards Moea.* “Read it, pretty please?”
Moea's silent for a moment, taking a small breath and picking up the book. She knew what it was already. Though she flipped it open and read through it silently for a few minutes.
I could try convincing Him to let you leave your room, might work.
She paused, her wings twitching.
Ria? Mind if i borrow this book for a bit?
She definitely wasnt returning this if she got it away from ria
*Ria stays still, studying as Moea read it. It knows. It knows Moea knows. Knows that she recognizes the words.*
*So it was right.*
“If you want to. Mama said that I had to be even more healthy before he says it’s okay, though. So maybe it’s a timed thing…”
“You can take it! I already know what it says. I’m super good at remembering!” *…great.*
...
Moea sighed quietly, looking at Ria, her hands still holding the book.
It... isnt a good idea to say it.
Moea's wings twitched.
It hurts. Alot. You saw what it did to me.
I wouldn't suggest reciting it. You don't deserve that kind of pain, Ria.
*Ria nods.* “I… know. I know it’s not a super good idea. I don’t think mama wants me to say it, either.”
“You didn’t deserve it, either…”
*Its arms go back around Moea.*
...Good.
Dont say it, it wouldnt do anyone any good.
Moea said quietly, letting her wings wrap around Ria as well.
“…I won’t. Don’t worry, Momea. I just… remember it. In case I need to.”
*It isn’t sure what it would need it for. To know if someone’s making it say it? It doesn’t know.*
*It leans into the touch, checking on Moea’s wings for her.*
Hiiiiii ria
How are you kiddo :3
Its me moea! Do not question how i am not dead
nor the eyes
its fineee
@the-golden-artist
*Ria is, at the moment, curled up under Moea’s Blanket. It squeaks at the sudden appearance, ducking under the blanket… and then it hears Moea’s voice.*
*It darts out from the blanket, shooting towards Moea. It wraps its arms around her and starts trilling happily. It’s the same bird-like trill that Moea taught it.*
*It seems like Ria… hasn’t registered any of the questions. Or any of the words at all, actually.*
Moea squawks slightly, her wings flaring before she gives a gentle trill, moving her arms to hug Ria.
"Hi ria..."
Her voice is slightly distorted, and a warm trill rumbles in her throat as the many—new—eyes close.
*It was so lonely… it hasn’t had many visitors. And they can’t usually stay that long, either…*
“Hi, Momea!! Where did you go? Are you okay?” *No comment on her looking different, apparently.*
“A mean voice came to talk to me, I think, but I don’t remember what it said. I think it was about you. And I…” *Ria hesitates. Thinking. It sounds… unsure, for a moment.* “I missed you, cuz you were gone so long…” *It shakes its head. Yes; that’s the truth. Of course it is.* “And I have one of your blankets, now! It smelled like you. It was nice.”
"...Yeah. I think. I think im okay."
Her voice shook slightly, the white crack down her body glowing faintly for a second, shooting pain through her body, but she just barely twitched her wings in reaction.
"Hah. Im sorry kiddo, i didnt mean to leave for so long."
*Ria nuzzles into her, purring.* “I missed you.”
“…You don’t sound very okay…”
“But… where were you? Oh! Oh! I went to a whole different world! A few! I even went to one and met the Derek that mama’s… something with. I think they like each other. Someone gave me a funny book, too. Can you look at it? I wanna know what you think on it.”
"I missed you too, Ria."
Moea said quietly,
"The... wha? Jeez what happened while i was gone..?"
Moea snorted, mildly amused, thought the sound was a little weaker than normal
“I tried to fight a different version of mama to get Derek — papa’s — soul back so he could come to Carcosa, too. I didn’t get to though because they found out and papa beat it up. But I did a little bit! Like actually finding and grabbing the soul! And, and, the other version of mama, we’re calling him Fallen, liked me lots I think. It tried to get me to stay in its Carcosa, and gave me papa’s broken horns to get me to agree. So I got those, too. Mama has the soul piece and the horns now.”
“…I’m not supposed to leave my room because of all that, though. And because my wings got broken. But I’m all better now.” ^•w•^
“Anyways! I think someone gave me the Vesseling spell thingy you said in a book. But they didn’t tell me what it did, they just said that it would be ‘good leverage’. I didn’t say it, though.” *Ria decides to leave out the part where it brought it up and Fallen laughed and basically called it worthless. It also decides to not mention that this is why it didn’t try saying the spell.*
Im sorry you what
moea looks slightly alarmed
Oh my god your wings were hurt? Is there anything i can do for you kiddo?
...
im glad you're alright... for the most part
*Ria tilts her head.* “I got papa’s soul back from a different version of mama. It was successful!”
“Yeah. But like I said, I’m all better now! I dunno if there’s anything you can do, unless you get mama to say me leaving my room is okay. But I don’t wanna bother him over that…”
*It hops over to a shelf, slipping an odd book out. It pushes it towards Moea.* “Read it, pretty please?”
Moea's silent for a moment, taking a small breath and picking up the book. She knew what it was already. Though she flipped it open and read through it silently for a few minutes.
I could try convincing Him to let you leave your room, might work.
She paused, her wings twitching.
Ria? Mind if i borrow this book for a bit?
She definitely wasnt returning this if she got it away from ria
*Ria stays still, studying as Moea read it. It knows. It knows Moea knows. Knows that she recognizes the words.*
*So it was right.*
“If you want to. Mama said that I had to be even more healthy before he says it’s okay, though. So maybe it’s a timed thing…”
“You can take it! I already know what it says. I’m super good at remembering!” *…great.*
...
Moea sighed quietly, looking at Ria, her hands still holding the book.
It... isnt a good idea to say it.
Moea's wings twitched.
It hurts. Alot. You saw what it did to me.
I wouldn't suggest reciting it. You don't deserve that kind of pain, Ria.
*Ria nods.* “I… know. I know it’s not a super good idea. I don’t think mama wants me to say it, either.”
“You didn’t deserve it, either…”
*Its arms go back around Moea.*
Hiiiiii ria
How are you kiddo :3
Its me moea! Do not question how i am not dead
nor the eyes
its fineee
@the-golden-artist
*Ria is, at the moment, curled up under Moea’s Blanket. It squeaks at the sudden appearance, ducking under the blanket… and then it hears Moea’s voice.*
*It darts out from the blanket, shooting towards Moea. It wraps its arms around her and starts trilling happily. It’s the same bird-like trill that Moea taught it.*
*It seems like Ria… hasn’t registered any of the questions. Or any of the words at all, actually.*
Moea squawks slightly, her wings flaring before she gives a gentle trill, moving her arms to hug Ria.
"Hi ria..."
Her voice is slightly distorted, and a warm trill rumbles in her throat as the many—new—eyes close.
*It was so lonely… it hasn’t had many visitors. And they can’t usually stay that long, either…*
“Hi, Momea!! Where did you go? Are you okay?” *No comment on her looking different, apparently.*
“A mean voice came to talk to me, I think, but I don’t remember what it said. I think it was about you. And I…” *Ria hesitates. Thinking. It sounds… unsure, for a moment.* “I missed you, cuz you were gone so long…” *It shakes its head. Yes; that’s the truth. Of course it is.* “And I have one of your blankets, now! It smelled like you. It was nice.”
"...Yeah. I think. I think im okay."
Her voice shook slightly, the white crack down her body glowing faintly for a second, shooting pain through her body, but she just barely twitched her wings in reaction.
"Hah. Im sorry kiddo, i didnt mean to leave for so long."
*Ria nuzzles into her, purring.* “I missed you.”
“…You don’t sound very okay…”
“But… where were you? Oh! Oh! I went to a whole different world! A few! I even went to one and met the Derek that mama’s… something with. I think they like each other. Someone gave me a funny book, too. Can you look at it? I wanna know what you think on it.”
"I missed you too, Ria."
Moea said quietly,
"The... wha? Jeez what happened while i was gone..?"
Moea snorted, mildly amused, thought the sound was a little weaker than normal
“I tried to fight a different version of mama to get Derek — papa’s — soul back so he could come to Carcosa, too. I didn’t get to though because they found out and papa beat it up. But I did a little bit! Like actually finding and grabbing the soul! And, and, the other version of mama, we’re calling him Fallen, liked me lots I think. It tried to get me to stay in its Carcosa, and gave me papa’s broken horns to get me to agree. So I got those, too. Mama has the soul piece and the horns now.”
“…I’m not supposed to leave my room because of all that, though. And because my wings got broken. But I’m all better now.” ^•w•^
“Anyways! I think someone gave me the Vesseling spell thingy you said in a book. But they didn’t tell me what it did, they just said that it would be ‘good leverage’. I didn’t say it, though.” *Ria decides to leave out the part where it brought it up and Fallen laughed and basically called it worthless. It also decides to not mention that this is why it didn’t try saying the spell.*
Im sorry you what
moea looks slightly alarmed
Oh my god your wings were hurt? Is there anything i can do for you kiddo?
...
im glad you're alright... for the most part
*Ria tilts her head.* “I got papa’s soul back from a different version of mama. It was successful!”
“Yeah. But like I said, I’m all better now! I dunno if there’s anything you can do, unless you get mama to say me leaving my room is okay. But I don’t wanna bother him over that…”
*It hops over to a shelf, slipping an odd book out. It pushes it towards Moea.* “Read it, pretty please?”
Moea's silent for a moment, taking a small breath and picking up the book. She knew what it was already. Though she flipped it open and read through it silently for a few minutes.
I could try convincing Him to let you leave your room, might work.
She paused, her wings twitching.
Ria? Mind if i borrow this book for a bit?
She definitely wasnt returning this if she got it away from ria
*Ria stays still, studying as Moea read it. It knows. It knows Moea knows. Knows that she recognizes the words.*
*So it was right.*
“If you want to. Mama said that I had to be even more healthy before he says it’s okay, though. So maybe it’s a timed thing…”
“You can take it! I already know what it says. I’m super good at remembering!” *…great.*
Hiiiiii ria
How are you kiddo :3
Its me moea! Do not question how i am not dead
nor the eyes
its fineee
@the-golden-artist
*Ria is, at the moment, curled up under Moea’s Blanket. It squeaks at the sudden appearance, ducking under the blanket… and then it hears Moea’s voice.*
*It darts out from the blanket, shooting towards Moea. It wraps its arms around her and starts trilling happily. It’s the same bird-like trill that Moea taught it.*
*It seems like Ria… hasn’t registered any of the questions. Or any of the words at all, actually.*
Moea squawks slightly, her wings flaring before she gives a gentle trill, moving her arms to hug Ria.
"Hi ria..."
Her voice is slightly distorted, and a warm trill rumbles in her throat as the many—new—eyes close.
*It was so lonely… it hasn’t had many visitors. And they can’t usually stay that long, either…*
“Hi, Momea!! Where did you go? Are you okay?” *No comment on her looking different, apparently.*
“A mean voice came to talk to me, I think, but I don’t remember what it said. I think it was about you. And I…” *Ria hesitates. Thinking. It sounds… unsure, for a moment.* “I missed you, cuz you were gone so long…” *It shakes its head. Yes; that’s the truth. Of course it is.* “And I have one of your blankets, now! It smelled like you. It was nice.”
"...Yeah. I think. I think im okay."
Her voice shook slightly, the white crack down her body glowing faintly for a second, shooting pain through her body, but she just barely twitched her wings in reaction.
"Hah. Im sorry kiddo, i didnt mean to leave for so long."
*Ria nuzzles into her, purring.* “I missed you.”
“…You don’t sound very okay…”
“But… where were you? Oh! Oh! I went to a whole different world! A few! I even went to one and met the Derek that mama’s… something with. I think they like each other. Someone gave me a funny book, too. Can you look at it? I wanna know what you think on it.”
"I missed you too, Ria."
Moea said quietly,
"The... wha? Jeez what happened while i was gone..?"
Moea snorted, mildly amused, thought the sound was a little weaker than normal
“I tried to fight a different version of mama to get Derek — papa’s — soul back so he could come to Carcosa, too. I didn’t get to though because they found out and papa beat it up. But I did a little bit! Like actually finding and grabbing the soul! And, and, the other version of mama, we’re calling him Fallen, liked me lots I think. It tried to get me to stay in its Carcosa, and gave me papa’s broken horns to get me to agree. So I got those, too. Mama has the soul piece and the horns now.”
“…I’m not supposed to leave my room because of all that, though. And because my wings got broken. But I’m all better now.” ^•w•^
“Anyways! I think someone gave me the Vesseling spell thingy you said in a book. But they didn’t tell me what it did, they just said that it would be ‘good leverage’. I didn’t say it, though.” *Ria decides to leave out the part where it brought it up and Fallen laughed and basically called it worthless. It also decides to not mention that this is why it didn’t try saying the spell.*
Im sorry you what
moea looks slightly alarmed
Oh my god your wings were hurt? Is there anything i can do for you kiddo?
...
im glad you're alright... for the most part
*Ria tilts her head.* “I got papa’s soul back from a different version of mama. It was successful!”
“Yeah. But like I said, I’m all better now! I dunno if there’s anything you can do, unless you get mama to say me leaving my room is okay. But I don’t wanna bother him over that…”
*It hops over to a shelf, slipping an odd book out. It pushes it towards Moea.* “Read it, pretty please?”
*Ria knocks on the door to its tower room, slowly peaking its head out. It looks… a little tired. It hasn’t been able to sleep all that well, in its new room…*
“Mom…?”
—💎🌹
[the same form of the king from before, the… nice one, as many would wall it, appears in front of her, sweeping her back into the room and picking her up. he sits on her bed, still holding her.]
“Yeah, hi, Ri. How are you?”
*Ria perks up, giggling when it’s picked up. It nuzzles into him.*
“Mo- Mama! I’m a little lonely, but it’s okay!” *It’s used to it.*
*It hates it.*
“I missed you…”
“I missed you too, girl.”
[he smiles, pressing his nose against her hair and squeezing her tightly.]
“…I can’t let you out of here or go see anyone else at the moment, unfortunately.”
[he looks tired.]
“But- but how are your worms? Your pets?”
*Ria purrs, closing its eyes and leaning into him. It likes the affection.*
“…I know. It’s nice that you showed up at all. Mister Crow said I wasn’t in trouble, but it feels like I am…” *This is a much nicer punishment, though. At least he isn’t ignoring it. At least people can come and visit. At least it has food, and it doesn’t have anything to study. It does make it harder to know when it’ll be over, though.*
*It nods, motioning at the windowsill. The worm enclosure is still there. A few worms can be seen moving inside, but most are hiding within the dirt. A strawberry lays on top, mushy and a little fuzzy. There’s also some wilted lettuce and dandelions.* “They’re okay!! Sable’s okay, too. I still haven’t seen them eat, though…”
“That’s good that your worms are okay.”
[his hand rubs her shoulder continuously.]
“Don’t worry about Sable. Sable will be fine.”
[he takes a deep breath, glancing away before smiling down at her again.]
“You’re really not in trouble Ri. This isn’t a punishment. This is just… this is gonna be your room for a while until you get all better.”
“Uh-huh! And I have… I have plenty of fruit and stuff. Cuz I tried to get some for Nori to snack on, before I went to papa’s world and everything happened. I didn’t wanna have no snacks for them… especially cuz all my dandelions were wilting… but that means the worms have food, even though I can’t get them any!”
*Ria practically melts into the touch. Into him. It very much appreciates physical affection, it seems.*
“Yeah… I think it might be like the horns. Or the being-in-my-shadow stuff. Animals from Carcosa aren’t the same…” *Ria… still doesn’t know of Sable’s nature, it seems.*
*It pauses, looking down.* “…Mama used to lock me in my room. When I wasn’t Good Enough.” *Ria’s voice is quiet. It’s staring at its hands, almost… blankly. It glances back up at him, starting to smile. The grin barely reaches its eyes. And yet, somehow, it doesn’t look forced. Ria’s good at that. Its voice bounces back.* “And that’s when I learned that it didn’t matter how much I cried!”
*It tilts its head, pausing for a moment.* “But… I’m already healed? I heal super fast, once I get blood! Look! My wings aren’t broken anymore!!” *It flares out its wings. There’s thin pale scars left over, but they look okay beyond that. The wings are quickly tucked back in. It’s better that way.* “What does all better mean, then, mama?”
“Well, let me tell you right now, you are plenty good enough. You are amazing and perfect, okay?”
[he winces. he holds her tighter.]
“There… there are a couple things I… that I want to do first.”
“It’ll be okay.”
*Ria looks… confused. What did it do, to be good enough? Much less to be amazing or perfect?*
*Oh. He must be being nice again — like he was when he said it could call him mom or dad, even if he’s not actually its parent. It giggles, butting its head into his, almost like how a cat would.* “It’s okay! I know I’m not close enough to perfect. Good enough, maybe. I try to be good enough, at least. I have to be.” *Bad things happen when it isn’t that, at a minimum.*
“Okay! I trust you. I know I’m safe here. I’m safe with you.” *The return of the phrase!* “What dyou want to do?”
[he presses a kiss to the top of her head.]
“You’re better than perfect. You are so much better than perfect.”
[he inhales and exhales and inhales and exhales and kisses their head again.]
“You’re my daughter.”
“I want… it… I…”
[he can’t answer.]
*Ria, once again, pushes its head into the affection.*
“Is that… possible, mama? I thought perfect was supposed to be the best! Better than the best, even!” *Kiona was the closest Ria’s ever gotten to ‘perfect’.* “How can you be lots better tha-“
*Oh.*
*Oh, he just called (her? No, Ria doesn’t deserve that yet. Ria’s no better than decor, right? Something to be owned and shown off. Not a person. Never a person.) it his daughter. His…*
*…It said he didn’t have to. That it was okay with not being his kid. And yet. And yet.*
*That word — daughter — makes its chest feel… lighter, almost. Happier. Like there was a knot in place of its heart, and it’s only now starting to loosen and allow its heart to (metaphorically) beat. It can’t help but smile, that big and bright smile of its.*
“It’s okay, mama. It’s okay.” *It feels the hesitation.* “You don’t have to tell me, if you don’t wanna. You know best.” *Ria trusts him completely. In all honesty, it would probably jump off a cliff if he told it to — trusting that it would catch it in the end.*
