Still Pride Month

Too old for tumblr.

[theoldwisewhimsy]

It wasn't meant to be-

BUT HERE I AM :D

This is a semi-rp blog for Beldaruit. I think you know how to see your way around. The usual about being polite and whimsy and respectful!

No nsfw please

Otherwise the asks are open for anything. If you wish to tell your sorrows to the old wise witch, don't let anything stop you!

Ask tag: bel da ask

Art tag: bel da art

[theoldwisewhimsy]

I’m working on an inktober prompt list for WHA :D

[tired-reader-writer]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Foxes, Pillars, and Sea-salt Rust

Chapters: 1/?

Rating:

Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warnings:

Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Fandom:

Naruto (Anime & Manga)

Relationships:

Uzumaki Kushina & Original Character(s), Hatake Sakumo/Original Character(s), Hyuuga Hizashi & Uzumaki Kushina, Hyuuga Hizashi & Original Character(s), Tsunade & Original Character(s), Orochimaru & Original Character(s), Other Relationship Tags to Be Added

Characters:

Original Uzumaki Character(s) (Naruto), Original Uchiha Character(s) (Naruto), Senju Tobirama, Tsunade (Naruto), Orochimaru (Naruto), Hatake Sakumo

Additional tags:

Konoha Is A War Machine, Shinobi Politics (Naruto), Civilian Politics, Politics, geopolitics, ARE YOU READY FOR SO MUCH POLITICS BABY, Worldbuilding, matriarchal Uzumaki clan, Uzumaki Clan Lore (Naruto), Uzushiogakure | Hidden Eddy Village, all Hidden Villages are war machines honestly, Everyone Needs A Hug, the Senju and the Uzumaki are dark-skinned because I Say So™, Albino Senju Tobirama, he only appears for the first chapter anyways but I wanted to cover my bases, We Put Canon Out Back And Put It Out Of Our Misery, Hey Kishimoto I'm In Your Walls, If Kishimoto Can Retcon His Own Canon I Am Free To Do What I Want™, No Fucks And No Respect Given We Implode Like Uzushio's Internal Politics, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Trauma, Grief/Mourning, Child Soldiers, Naruto Worldbuilding, Other Additional Tags to Be Added

Summary:

“They are not happy about this island, the freedom you represent. This will appease them for the time being, smooth over any tension that may arise,” Tobirama says. “And besides which, we do not intend to let things stagnate, and you know that. This will make future negotiations easier.” “For your dream of peace, right?” “Our dream of peace,” Mito interjects. “You fought alongside us, as did I, haha-ue.” “This is but the first step of a newborn, Kiho-sama. More will come. Good tidings. It is what we fight for.” “Like the waters that retreat before they come again, stronger and taller than ever before,” says Mito. — “From a history unbound from its future days To the sound of my voice, like an anchor in the sea Sinking deeper in a past that's bound to repeat I surrender myself to this fate” — Uzumaki Hoshiori, the younger of Hashirama's granddaughters, volunteers to take Kushina's place as a sacrifice. The choice sends ripples through the world, turns into waves, into tsunamis, until all in the world is swallowed by the sea.

The first chapter is up. The process of uploading made me cry.

Here is the full author's note that AO3 prevented me from including.

[norvyarts]

playing snowball fight against Riche means you gotta pray for your life

[ask-luluci]

Dear girl, are the Knight Moralis treating you well? Is Vinanna making sure you eat enough and take breaks? I welcome you to come and join me at all times, for a calming tea perhaps.

Lord Beldaruit!

[She quickly kneels before him]

Yes they are. Captain Vinanna keeps all the knights in check and that we are caring for ourselves. [She's choosing to forgo the information about how overworked Vianna has also been making her.]

I would be honored to join you for tea some day, if my scheduled allows for it.

[theoldwisewhimsy]

Oh please, you mustn’t kneel. You’re practically a grand-niece of mine. I shall talk to Vinannna so we can make space for a nice tea. You Knights are prone to overworking, after all. Especially that leader of yours.

[theoldwisewhimsy]

Gives you a kitten

Ah? I am afraid I’m not fit to take care of a kitten myself. Perhaps I could ask my dear apprentice if he feels comfortable with one. Otherwise I… know a certain someone who is a huge friend of the feline…

[theoldwisewhimsy]

Hands over a very large basket full of baked goods such as fudge brownies, muffins, cookies, scones, eclairs, lemon bars, powdered donuts, beignets, and hand pies

I may have gotten overboard on what to bake for you, so I made everything I know how, so fill free to share with fellow Wises, or your granddaughters, if they choose to visit.🤭😅

That is indeed a bit too much for me alone! Why don’t you join us by having it with whoever we find to share it with? It certainly smells delicious!

[theoldwisewhimsy]

"Beldamoot !! Have you had all three meals today? I had to remind myself do so." They are eating a grilled cheese and sitting on the floor.

—˚.⋆✶ anon ✶⋆.˚

Why, of course! I’m mindful to have five smaller meals spread over the day. It’s not easy to keep track of it, I adopt but it’s import as much as sleep is. I’m very proud you were able to remind yourself 🩵✨

[lidless-eye]

*he's got into a downpour and can't see due to hair sticking to his face* Oh? You, there? Could you be a dear and bring me a brush and a set of paper to dry my hair with? It would be delightful! Thank you ✨

"But of course, Wise. Allow me."

Iguin drifts, sitting perfectly cross-legged in the air behind the man's sealchair. Humming a soft note of something akin to amusement, the witch deftly produces a long quill pen from the unknown folds of their billowing cloak. In the next motion, the pen is secured as a hair pin at the back of Beldaruit's head, separating sections of damp strands for them to begin combing through.

"I cannot but help my own curiosity. What brings one such as yourself traveling through such a deluge?"

They position themself just out of range of eyesight as they begin to tend to the Wise's hair, their hands gentle and unassuming to one who could not see the conjuring ink staining their pale skin.

[theoldwisewhimsy]

Beldaruit was so used to people helping, touching and even carrying him around that there was not one bit of suspicion towards the witch behind him. All that mattered was that he could hinder his hair from getting tangled and to get dry. "Ah, well, you must understand that I've decided to visit a market. Recently I felt rather prime. So I decided to use the favour of my body being kind." The older witch explained, head tilted lightly forward and eyes closed. "I do hope it's not too much of a bother, my dear child? I tend to assume that everyone is a friendly aid to me. I greatly appreciate your help regardless." The elder hummed with a smile.

[lidless-eye]

“A dreary day for an outing such as that, but I suppose it would be easier to haggle with fewer competitors making purchases with vendors.”

Iguin kept their tone conversational, their lilting voice making it difficult to discern the region of their origin.

“I am no child, Wise in Teachings, but I seek to lend aid where I am able.” they hummed softly, pausing in their motions to consider the sight of the other witch’s long hair over their ink-stained fingers.

There was a quiet consideration in that soft moment. An owl on the verge of sleep at dawn’s early rays finding an unexpected mouse scurrying directly over its talons. There was a moment where it would have been so trivial to take their quill back in hand and etch directly into the delicate skin at the back of Beldaruit’s neck…

But then the moment passed. Iguin’s hands continued their gentle passes through the strands, ensuring he was unburdened from snags.

“What is it that you seek, there?”

[theoldwisewhimsy]

"My apologies. Once you reach a certain age you can't help but see anyone younger as a child. My gratitude shall remain the same regardless." Entirely unaware of the danger he was in, the horrors that could unfold for him. "I do not seek anything. Well... that is not quite true entirely." Beldaruit taps the tips of his fingers together, almost in a sheepish manner. "I was feeling peckish for something sweet and at times they sell the fruit of the honey tree, if available. Often it gets sold out rather quickly but I was caught utterly defenceless by that downpour. Can you believe me? I didn't even have time to cast a spell to shield myself. By the time I managed I was already soaked." The older witch sighed dramatically and then sat up a little more straight, opening his eyes. "What was your name again, young friend? I believe I just roped you in without making sure that you might be needed elsewhere." He tilted his head lightly, trying to catch a glimpse.

[lidless-eye]

“Even the wisest among us cannot be expected to anticipate every wayward surprise along their path, can they? Such is the way of life…”

Iguin’s head was tilted in rapt fascination, inches away from Beldaruit as the Wise finally turned his head to properly view the figure behind him. Their dark form hovered with a contradictory kind of whimsy still suspended in the air just behind his sealchair, making absolutely no movement to conceal themself.

“Iguin, sir, at your service.” they purred with no small amount of satisfaction. “The Eye of the World, The Lidless One. Not quite as lofty as “Wise in Teachings”, but my titles suit me well enough, wouldn’t you say?”

They laughed softly, voice lowering as if sharing a secret with a close companion.

“I am needed everywhere, Lord Beldaruit. And yet, to what fortune that it is here I remain! Did you require company to your market directly? I could escort you quite quickly indeed…”

[theoldwisewhimsy]

"No, indeed- no amount of-" Beldaruit started to said as he was turning and then froze when his eyes fell on the brimmed witch. His expression melted into one of horrific recognition of who was behind him. With a breathless gasp he turned to be able and face the other witch, braced and pulled together as he listened to the unlikely introduction. "Remain you shall no longer, lidless one. Your kind is not welcome here and I must insist for you to leave before things can get out of hand." There was none left of the light demeanour from before as he ignored the rather ridiculous offer to escort him to market. To Beldaruit it felt like mockery and he surely had to make sure the brimmed cap had done no harm to his hair or drawn a sigil on his hair. "Begone. At once."

[lidless-eye]

Iguin sighed heavily, the bangles of their mask puffing out slightly on the breath to reveal the edge of their smile. With that same deft motion from before, they drew their quill from his hair and twirled it idly between their fingers.

“Oh? Have I worn out my welcome so quickly, Lord Beldaruit?”

Far from sounding saddened by the turn of the other witch’s favor, Iguin drifted around to the side of the sealchair so that Beldaruit might have an easier time speaking to them. As they continued idly twirling their quill in hand, the Wise would be able to detect the already-fading seals which had imbued their fingers with an unnaturally drying touch directly upon their skin. The scent of that conjuring ink smelled like ozone on the air; the components nothing like the bottles typically available in markets.

“You seemed glad for my help just moments prior. Are you certain you would rather continue your trek alone?”

It seemed as if the Lidless One had not imparted any ink directly on him, nor had he gotten it into his hair— unless that cloying scent which lingered there still counted against them.

[theoldwisewhimsy]

“You were never welcome, lidless one. Whatever it is you seek of me, you shan’t archive it.” Beldaruit spoke, eyes following the movement and being mildly surprised the brimmed witch moved more into his vision. Like that he didn’t have to turn his head too much and while it was a small gesture he had often found others moving intentionally out of his immediate vision to try and threaten or unsettle him. 

Now one that should technically do exactly such, moved to give him better aid. Like that the elder witch could make out more of a witch that was supposed to be his enemy. Faintly Beldaruit wondered if someone had ever seen him this up close. His eyes slightly narrowed. 

“I am certain to continue my trek alone. I may look helpless but I certainly am not. I would greatly appreciate however to part ways without further interference.” Why Beldaruit didn’t call for aid was beyond him. Later he would blame it on being so spooked that he just wanted to get rid of Iguin. 

There was an urge to thank the assumingely younger witch for the aid he had given but Beldaruit held his tongue as it might give path for an opening. 

[lidless-eye]

"Are you already so frightened of me, dear Wise?" Iguin hummed sweetly; quiet and imploring. "You would first tell me plainly that whatever dastardly scheme I've concocted is doomed to fail. Are you not curious what it could be? You spoil a pleasant conversation braced in anticipation for a knife in your back."

They laughed gently, almost reassuringly. It rang strangely with their next words.

"Let me be openly plain with you, my dear. There is no hatred equivalent in my heart to the Pact Law you have sworn to uphold. I have no fonder wish in the world than to be granted the opportunity to tear that horrible falsehood asunder... except, perhaps, to have more like you rising to shred that draconian abomination apart with me."

Their head turned coyly, that laugh turning into a genuine giggle. "No need to rebuke me now, Lord Beldaruit. I know you would sooner see me mindless and trudging toward that despicable island you call mercy. You will answer me soon... but not yet, I think. No, no--"

They propped their chin atop their hands, hidden beneath the bottom of their mask. The feather of their quill drifted beside their head, still entwined between their fingers.

"We will part ways, but I have a curiosity to pursue, first! What is your greatest wish in this world, Lord Beldaruit?"

[theoldwisewhimsy]

"A pleasant conversation? You ask if I was frightened of you as if you intend to install fear on me. Is that it? Are you here to try and scare an old witch?" He asked, chin tilting up in stubborn defiance. It was truly confusing to talk to a brimmed cap and it was nothing Beldaruit had ever imagined it would be. The other witch sounded quite eloquent but he assumed they should need to have their way with words as well as their charms to recruit new witches for themselves. Being called 'my dear' caused the elder witch to blink in surprise. His own hand came up to brace against his chest in an almost offended manner. "With you? Are you mad? Do you listen to yourself talk? The rules exist for a reason and you do nothing but break them. What have you down to yourself, over this time joined that... association of yours?" Beldaruit's gaze flickered back to Iguin's hands, almost seeming saddened by someone doing this to themselves. His eyes narrowed once more as he listened to the brimmed cap talk about the island and that he would get answers soon. It was quite unsettling how much the witch knew but Beldaruit could see what led to it. No new witch that was full of innocent wonder would turn this path. It was the knowledge and guilt that throve them this way eventually. "My- huh?" And that caught the elder witch off guard. "My lidless one. I don't seek to fulfil my own wishes. I am old. I lived most of my life and I found that I live for a reason. That everything that happens and everyone I encounter-" He paused to give Iguin a pointed look. "-happens for a reason. There is nothing I need to have fulfilled. So off with you now. Do mind your own wishes. And don't let yourself be seen here or there shall be consequences." The elder warned without any bite as it strangely felt less intimidating to talk to another witch, evil or not, than with the king these days.

[lidless-eye]

“I have better things to do with what precious time I am granted than to lurk as a mere phantom upon your path.”

Iguin’s whimsical voice grew gravely serious the more Beldaruit spoke. Even their cloak and feathers, which fluttered occasionally in the invisible ebb and weave of their magic, seemed to still in response to their eerie focus in that moment.

“Do you truly believe I am here to haunt you, Lord Beldaruit? I will speak more plainly even still. The organization is nigh irrelevant in this moment— though I would be quite gladdened to see a Wise realize the way of the current world only seeks to harm witches and don a Brim instead. You see us as ah… terrorists, yes?”

Another warbling chuckle.

“I will not sway your mind on that, nor I suspect persuade you away from your seeming pity of me and what has become of me. No, no. You are not amenable to conversation yet. This is fine! I am very patient, Lord Beldaruit, and I will be there again when the weeds you tend overgrowth their vile plot. When you realize no soul on this entire earth has ever once outgrown having a heart’s desire, and that you have wishes that deserve to see the light of day once more…

I will leave you with this, then. If you are so confident that I am wholly unjust and unsound in my philosophies, test the mettle of your own convictions against them. Against your counterparts and the Pact you uphold. You may pretend to be a man content within his secured legacy, but you and I both know there is more to magic than this sorry echo we are trapped within. Or will you only raise a hand when there are no new witches to teach among those who have forcibly forgotten and the dead?”

[theoldwisewhimsy]

Of course Iguin wanted him on his side. Even due to a rather grim expression Beldaruit did smile faintly at the realization. What a clever phantom that one was. He didn’t answer as what he did see of the brimmed hats as the suggestion seemed rather accurate. To the elder the brimmed caps were a rather aggressive groups that tended to force their beliefs upon unsuspecting or innocent subjects.

“Oh? Is that so, lidless one? You might find me rather strong willed with my believes. It seems you have given up on it long ago but there is hope left in life, beauty in magic. There will always be new witches to be taught. And while I admit there will always be those that are forced to forget, it may be for their own sake. We have exceptions but that is beyond the point and my decision alone.” Beldaruit said with a light smile, feeling almost at ease at the moment of knowing the brimmed witch would leave.

“Now, save your words. They do not reach me to the intent you’d wish them to. But I appreciate the civility of this conversation, may it be something I surely haven’t expected.” Beldaruit bowed his head ever so slightly to Iguin as a gesture to show respect and a sincere farewell at the same time without letting go of his own beliefs.

[the-interuniversal-geometer]

The cutest lil brimhat you ever did see

[theoldwisewhimsy]

≽^•⩊•^≼

ฅ^•⩊•^ฅ

*gasp* Oh? What a darling performance! *squeezes little paws gently*

[theoldwisewhimsy]

Hey Bel! I made you something!

Hands over a medium size chibi plush version of Qifrey

Here you go! Hope you enjoy!☺️

*he lets out a little squeal and cups his own face in delight*

What a precious gift! He shall reside in my bed and be there for me when my cruel ex-apprentice won't even visit me unless me needs something.... Thank you so much 🩵✨

[theoldwisewhimsy]

hi Beldaruit you're awesome & also i love your hair :3

Awww you're awesome yourself my little Midas 🩵✨ Thank you so much and come to me if you are in seeking for wisdom :D

[theoldwisewhimsy]

You are an awful child. Begone with you. Shoo!

[theoldwisewhimsy]

I think you are the coolest witch ever, and you have lovely hair!!! Also do you think your son is going to have doomed mlm, im thinking possibly… it might just be his stinky little attitude..

That is very kind of you to say. It's not easy to take care of that amount of hair so it is my entire pride. But it saddens me to raise my finger at you, my dear Qifrey has gone through quite a lot. Please treat him just as kindly, I tried my very hardest to raise and teach him after all. So in the end he does reflect my... stinky little attitude, one might say 👉🏻👈🏻 teehee

If he wronged you in any way however I shall raise my finger at him and make him apologise to you. Only the stars know what he is up to at all times...

[theoldwisewhimsy]

gives you a basket of 20 brushbuddies + one mini qifrey plush

Oho-ho! Look what you brought me here! How utterly adorable are those! All those soft little creatures and- *gasp* !! My, if that isn't Qifrey! He's adorable!! Did you make them yourself? Many thanks, dear anon! I shall keep them in my bed with me. ✨

[lidless-eye]

*he's got into a downpour and can't see due to hair sticking to his face* Oh? You, there? Could you be a dear and bring me a brush and a set of paper to dry my hair with? It would be delightful! Thank you ✨

"But of course, Wise. Allow me."

Iguin drifts, sitting perfectly cross-legged in the air behind the man's sealchair. Humming a soft note of something akin to amusement, the witch deftly produces a long quill pen from the unknown folds of their billowing cloak. In the next motion, the pen is secured as a hair pin at the back of Beldaruit's head, separating sections of damp strands for them to begin combing through.

"I cannot but help my own curiosity. What brings one such as yourself traveling through such a deluge?"

They position themself just out of range of eyesight as they begin to tend to the Wise's hair, their hands gentle and unassuming to one who could not see the conjuring ink staining their pale skin.

[theoldwisewhimsy]

Beldaruit was so used to people helping, touching and even carrying him around that there was not one bit of suspicion towards the witch behind him. All that mattered was that he could hinder his hair from getting tangled and to get dry. "Ah, well, you must understand that I've decided to visit a market. Recently I felt rather prime. So I decided to use the favour of my body being kind." The older witch explained, head tilted lightly forward and eyes closed. "I do hope it's not too much of a bother, my dear child? I tend to assume that everyone is a friendly aid to me. I greatly appreciate your help regardless." The elder hummed with a smile.

[lidless-eye]

“A dreary day for an outing such as that, but I suppose it would be easier to haggle with fewer competitors making purchases with vendors.”

Iguin kept their tone conversational, their lilting voice making it difficult to discern the region of their origin.

“I am no child, Wise in Teachings, but I seek to lend aid where I am able.” they hummed softly, pausing in their motions to consider the sight of the other witch’s long hair over their ink-stained fingers.

There was a quiet consideration in that soft moment. An owl on the verge of sleep at dawn’s early rays finding an unexpected mouse scurrying directly over its talons. There was a moment where it would have been so trivial to take their quill back in hand and etch directly into the delicate skin at the back of Beldaruit’s neck…

But then the moment passed. Iguin’s hands continued their gentle passes through the strands, ensuring he was unburdened from snags.

“What is it that you seek, there?”

[theoldwisewhimsy]

"My apologies. Once you reach a certain age you can't help but see anyone younger as a child. My gratitude shall remain the same regardless." Entirely unaware of the danger he was in, the horrors that could unfold for him. "I do not seek anything. Well... that is not quite true entirely." Beldaruit taps the tips of his fingers together, almost in a sheepish manner. "I was feeling peckish for something sweet and at times they sell the fruit of the honey tree, if available. Often it gets sold out rather quickly but I was caught utterly defenceless by that downpour. Can you believe me? I didn't even have time to cast a spell to shield myself. By the time I managed I was already soaked." The older witch sighed dramatically and then sat up a little more straight, opening his eyes. "What was your name again, young friend? I believe I just roped you in without making sure that you might be needed elsewhere." He tilted his head lightly, trying to catch a glimpse.

[lidless-eye]

“Even the wisest among us cannot be expected to anticipate every wayward surprise along their path, can they? Such is the way of life…”

Iguin’s head was tilted in rapt fascination, inches away from Beldaruit as the Wise finally turned his head to properly view the figure behind him. Their dark form hovered with a contradictory kind of whimsy still suspended in the air just behind his sealchair, making absolutely no movement to conceal themself.

“Iguin, sir, at your service.” they purred with no small amount of satisfaction. “The Eye of the World, The Lidless One. Not quite as lofty as “Wise in Teachings”, but my titles suit me well enough, wouldn’t you say?”

They laughed softly, voice lowering as if sharing a secret with a close companion.

“I am needed everywhere, Lord Beldaruit. And yet, to what fortune that it is here I remain! Did you require company to your market directly? I could escort you quite quickly indeed…”

[theoldwisewhimsy]

"No, indeed- no amount of-" Beldaruit started to said as he was turning and then froze when his eyes fell on the brimmed witch. His expression melted into one of horrific recognition of who was behind him. With a breathless gasp he turned to be able and face the other witch, braced and pulled together as he listened to the unlikely introduction. "Remain you shall no longer, lidless one. Your kind is not welcome here and I must insist for you to leave before things can get out of hand." There was none left of the light demeanour from before as he ignored the rather ridiculous offer to escort him to market. To Beldaruit it felt like mockery and he surely had to make sure the brimmed cap had done no harm to his hair or drawn a sigil on his hair. "Begone. At once."

[lidless-eye]

Iguin sighed heavily, the bangles of their mask puffing out slightly on the breath to reveal the edge of their smile. With that same deft motion from before, they drew their quill from his hair and twirled it idly between their fingers.

“Oh? Have I worn out my welcome so quickly, Lord Beldaruit?”

Far from sounding saddened by the turn of the other witch’s favor, Iguin drifted around to the side of the sealchair so that Beldaruit might have an easier time speaking to them. As they continued idly twirling their quill in hand, the Wise would be able to detect the already-fading seals which had imbued their fingers with an unnaturally drying touch directly upon their skin. The scent of that conjuring ink smelled like ozone on the air; the components nothing like the bottles typically available in markets.

“You seemed glad for my help just moments prior. Are you certain you would rather continue your trek alone?”

It seemed as if the Lidless One had not imparted any ink directly on him, nor had he gotten it into his hair— unless that cloying scent which lingered there still counted against them.

[theoldwisewhimsy]

“You were never welcome, lidless one. Whatever it is you seek of me, you shan’t archive it.” Beldaruit spoke, eyes following the movement and being mildly surprised the brimmed witch moved more into his vision. Like that he didn’t have to turn his head too much and while it was a small gesture he had often found others moving intentionally out of his immediate vision to try and threaten or unsettle him. 

Now one that should technically do exactly such, moved to give him better aid. Like that the elder witch could make out more of a witch that was supposed to be his enemy. Faintly Beldaruit wondered if someone had ever seen him this up close. His eyes slightly narrowed. 

“I am certain to continue my trek alone. I may look helpless but I certainly am not. I would greatly appreciate however to part ways without further interference.” Why Beldaruit didn’t call for aid was beyond him. Later he would blame it on being so spooked that he just wanted to get rid of Iguin. 

There was an urge to thank the assumingely younger witch for the aid he had given but Beldaruit held his tongue as it might give path for an opening. 

[lidless-eye]

"Are you already so frightened of me, dear Wise?" Iguin hummed sweetly; quiet and imploring. "You would first tell me plainly that whatever dastardly scheme I've concocted is doomed to fail. Are you not curious what it could be? You spoil a pleasant conversation braced in anticipation for a knife in your back."

They laughed gently, almost reassuringly. It rang strangely with their next words.

"Let me be openly plain with you, my dear. There is no hatred equivalent in my heart to the Pact Law you have sworn to uphold. I have no fonder wish in the world than to be granted the opportunity to tear that horrible falsehood asunder... except, perhaps, to have more like you rising to shred that draconian abomination apart with me."

Their head turned coyly, that laugh turning into a genuine giggle. "No need to rebuke me now, Lord Beldaruit. I know you would sooner see me mindless and trudging toward that despicable island you call mercy. You will answer me soon... but not yet, I think. No, no--"

They propped their chin atop their hands, hidden beneath the bottom of their mask. The feather of their quill drifted beside their head, still entwined between their fingers.

"We will part ways, but I have a curiosity to pursue, first! What is your greatest wish in this world, Lord Beldaruit?"

[theoldwisewhimsy]

"A pleasant conversation? You ask if I was frightened of you as if you intend to install fear on me. Is that it? Are you here to try and scare an old witch?" He asked, chin tilting up in stubborn defiance. It was truly confusing to talk to a brimmed cap and it was nothing Beldaruit had ever imagined it would be. The other witch sounded quite eloquent but he assumed they should need to have their way with words as well as their charms to recruit new witches for themselves. Being called 'my dear' caused the elder witch to blink in surprise. His own hand came up to brace against his chest in an almost offended manner. "With you? Are you mad? Do you listen to yourself talk? The rules exist for a reason and you do nothing but break them. What have you down to yourself, over this time joined that... association of yours?" Beldaruit's gaze flickered back to Iguin's hands, almost seeming saddened by someone doing this to themselves. His eyes narrowed once more as he listened to the brimmed cap talk about the island and that he would get answers soon. It was quite unsettling how much the witch knew but Beldaruit could see what led to it. No new witch that was full of innocent wonder would turn this path. It was the knowledge and guilt that throve them this way eventually. "My- huh?" And that caught the elder witch off guard. "My lidless one. I don't seek to fulfil my own wishes. I am old. I lived most of my life and I found that I live for a reason. That everything that happens and everyone I encounter-" He paused to give Iguin a pointed look. "-happens for a reason. There is nothing I need to have fulfilled. So off with you now. Do mind your own wishes. And don't let yourself be seen here or there shall be consequences." The elder warned without any bite as it strangely felt less intimidating to talk to another witch, evil or not, than with the king these days.