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Post by Althea on Nov 18, 2017 18:22:44 GMT -6
OhohohohoHOHOHO!
'Althea' giggled when she noticed Aura's discomfort, grinning like the cat that got the cream. Vicarious or no, she did derive a certain amount of... amusement from his reaction, the emotions swimming beneath and on the surface through his mind an almost intoxicating aroma. "So Althea has a 'beautiful' body, does she now?" The twisting of his words was intentional to better mess with the adorable little heretic. "Would you say that is your judgement based on, ah, careful inspection, Aura? My, I wonder what the good lady herself would think if she were to find out you had been entertaining such scandalous thoughts!"
GODDESS but she wanted to hug him, as much out of general touchy-feeliness as just to get an even more over the top reaction out of him... even if she was a little jealous that it wasn't actually HER body he was admiring. Well. Sort of. Man, this was going to get confusing. She wasn't actually going to do anything of course, despite her oft-flaky nature Ereshkigal did take the idea of safeguarding Althea's body and, uh, chastity, sacred, but that didn't mean she couldn't have ANY fun along the way did it? Not like Althea was even capable of understanding what fun was after all.
Still smiling wide enough to unhinge her jaw and swallow him whole, Ereshkigal jabbed the priest with her elbow, guffawing. "Ahaha, you're so cute when you're flustered. Don't worry, it'll be our little secret..." Not the most hope-inducing phrasing ever, but she was having fun, and well, that was all that really mattered anyways. Plus, she wanted to see how he reacted.
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Aura
Priest
Posts: 117
Profession: Hereticus Exterminatus
Affinity: Light
Profile: Aura
OoC Alias: Vincent
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Post by Aura on Nov 22, 2017 11:23:56 GMT -6
"Wh-wh-what? N-n-n-no! I, I just mean that Althea has a beautiful face!" Oh Elimine, mother Gaea, or Father Sky! Someone save him from this nightmare that threatened him so! "Not to say her body is not nice, of course," What are you saying Aura!? Why would you say such a vulgar thing!? "But I mean, I don't like her over her face or body, its her personality that matters most. Beauty is only skin deep after all. But no, please don't tell Althea I said that! It was supposed to be an innocent statement I swear, I don't want something like that to go changing our current relationship!" Wait, what was this about inspection, "And I have not been inspecting her in such a way! I swear! Its simply hard not to notice something that stands out so positively!" Was he digging a deeper hole? Building a ladder out of said hole? Or perhaps burrowing sideways beneath the earth?
His face was red like a beat and his floundering had left him completely out of breath, subsequently making him appear redder still. Taking a deep breath of air trying to save his life he was simultaneously met with a playful elbow to his gut. "Guof!" He weezed feeling air knocked right back out of him. Leaning on the table he felt utterly defeated. Not to mention the jab did not help his ribs any, but he did not wish to make a scene out of that. Still, their little secret? But, there was no secret to tell. The two were just friends! Oh, please don't go making things more complicated than they needed to be!
Simultaneously cursing his slip and the fact that Ereshkigal would not ignore it to stay focused on the business at hand he coughed into his sleeve to hide is face and compose himself. "Alright... well," Seeing a chance for revenge, "I never would have thought my cuteness would transcend the ages. I am flattered." He smiled at Ereshkigal and offered a wink. Oh gosh! What was he doing!? He instantly felt a soul crushing regret after that statement but he did his best to not show it on his face.
"A-a-anyway, was there anywhere particular you wanted to go to first? I can mark places we visit on my map to help us not retrace our steps, or if there is anywhere you've already gone, I can mark those off now."
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Post by Althea on Dec 6, 2017 8:44:50 GMT -6
Ereshkigal, consumed by a most nefarious brand of giggles, failed to respond adequately to Aura's frantic denials and desperate attempts to enlist her to his cause in order to ensure Althea didn't hear about this on account of being too busy chortling upon her own vile plans. Aura would probably be disappointed to know that she had absolutely zero intention of telling Althea ANYTHING about this regardless, but watching him struggle was just so goldurned cute she couldn't help herself!
"Ah-ah-ah," the spirit stated with a knowing smile and a waving finger, as Aura attempted to turn the tables. "I am but the gatekeeper, oh priest. Your parlor tricks will not work on a master of maliciousness such as this devilish, ah," she trailed off for a second, trying to think of a great finish to that statement, and more or less drew a blank. All she could think of was pretty much the same as devil, but... "-demon!" Hah. Nailed it!
Well ok no not really but she wasn't Althea dammit, she didn't do fancy words that good.
At any rate it seemed that Aura had more or less composed himself from the initial assault and would be harder to needle from here, not that she intended to give up obviously, and she hadn't ACTUALLY answered his earlier questions so it seemed that even if she was not to be Althea she should take a note from the dour dark mage's book and answer as such anyways. Vinland, was it? "I've never heard of a Vinland, but I believe I remember Althea mentioning it when we were in Khan Yunis. Perhaps there are more akin to it out there. Perhaps it was even once attached to Elibe and then... drifted off!" Ereshkigal had no idea if continents did that, waving her hand as if to simulate the movement of an entire continent that just decided to up and swim away for no reason, but the idea did sound plausible to her... which wasn't saying much.
As for his previous question... "And to answer your question. Normally Althea and I are both... awake. I make her aware of my thoughts, and I am aware of hers. There were times when I slept, and I believe now Althea is sleeping for a time as well as we lightly discussed a bit earlier. For the time being I cannot rouse her; her consciousness must have been stressed by what happened at the village you three visited."
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Aura
Priest
Posts: 117
Profession: Hereticus Exterminatus
Affinity: Light
Profile: Aura
OoC Alias: Vincent
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Post by Aura on Jan 12, 2018 20:44:34 GMT -6
"I see. That is... well, troubling." Aura had concerns about this but opted not to voice them unless pressed. It was obvious that the two spirits were they themselves still coming to grips with their new reality, made all the more complicated by very recent events that Aura felt responsible for. Inside he worried that one day their mind could go silent and never wake up again. If that was to happen he could never forgive himself. He began to berate himself with insults in his mind so as not to look like a madman but his face looked pained enough to speak volumes for him... or make him look like he really had to use the bathroom but was too stubborn to go... huh, was Ereshkigal familiar with such mundane things as that? Alright Aura, your mind was going to weird places now, time to dial it back; and so he did.
Bringing himself back to matters at hand he crossed his arms with a slight tilt of his head. "Well, I don't know if continents can really move like that but it is possible I guess. I mean, until I met you I wouldn't have believed it if someone said people could carry two souls in themselves... so there's that. But even so IF that did happen and there are more lands out there I don't think we will be able to get an expedition willing to take that risky journey. They found one land yes, but if the stories are to be believed then their hands seem tied for now." Despite all his jumping around and childlike enthusiasm prior he seemed tired by this idea and took a seat. He sighed deeply. "But, it can't hurt to keep an ear out eh?"
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Post by Althea on Feb 9, 2018 1:30:43 GMT -6
Ereshkigal tried not to look too crestfallen that Aura hadn't kept going with their argument of sorts, but they had been going back and forth on subjects enough to make even her head spin so maybe she shouldn't be too judgmental. It would have been easier than dealing with all the confusing events of the day to be sure, she had only come in at the tail end of the battle and while she had a general idea of what had happened overall, and of course her role in all of it, it was still pretty jarring to not be a person anymore. Living in someone else's body as if it was her own, like a puppet master - but rather than a cruel manipulator, a willing participant. She thought. Was she really? Althea had accepted her, yes, but was it under implied duress or true belief?
...Actually maybe being a spirit hadn't been that bad in retrospect. The ancient spirit considered facepalming but didn't want to draw Aura's attention, and besides, the poor kid looked like he had some serious problems of his own. She pursed her - Althea's - lips but restrained herself from asking immediately as had been her wont. It took a moment of distancing to remember that Aura was... Althea's friend, not hers. She hadn't really had many friends, any friends if she was to be perfectly honest with herself. Maybe one, if He counted. And now... sort of Aura. But while she was not going to tell the guy as much, she was kind of really hoping not to screw this up. And pushing people too hard could screw things up a lot.
Ereshkigal found herself awkwardly uncertain if she was frustrated or relieved to find that she wanted to help anyways. It was gloriously her and unfortunately her, both a call back to who she had been and was still to some degree, but that was a double edged sword given what it had done for her. SHOULD she still be... her? The spoiled, naive child she had once been - daddy's little princess, as the human saying went? That story didn't have a very happy ending. But was it the end of the book, or merely the end of a chapter? Now she was a part of Althea, but still her, to some degree or another.
...She didn't really know. She COULDN'T know. And with her uniquely straightforward mindset, Ereshkigal shrugged it off and decided to burn that bridge when she came to it. She was here. She wasn't much of a thinker anyways. Definitely not compared to Althea. She just did stuff. Sometimes it even worked. "Aura..." And yet, as sure footed and determined as she wanted to envision herself as, she was, in the end, still that same stupid little girl, wasn't she? "Is there something bothering you?" She kept her voice soft, trying not to press herself on him too hard, but there was something in Aura's listless demeanor and mental exhaustion as he spoke that worried her. And for better or for worse, she did do 'emotions' pretty well. Better than this sassy albino turbonerd anyways.
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Aura
Priest
Posts: 117
Profession: Hereticus Exterminatus
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Profile: Aura
OoC Alias: Vincent
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Post by Aura on Feb 9, 2018 2:14:26 GMT -6
Aura's mouth opened to respond but nothing came out. His mouth slowly closed as he let the moment wash over him. It was easy to lose oneself in conversation and excitement. The more he talked with Ereshkigal it was the same as talking with someone else. In a sense he could even forget Althea was there to begin with. But just as a child who plays pretend, the moment they are forced back into facing reality it left him feeling hollow and even cold with a mind still drifting refusing to return.
"There's..." one word, some would call it progress, others stalling. He put his head in his hands and hid his face. He could feel tears beginning to well in his eyes as his throat dried. Stop it Aura! Stop it with the tears and frustration and the guilt! You did this to yourself! This is your cross to carry! This is your shame! But he did not remember any of it! It wasn't fair for him to feel like this all the time! He wasn't August, he was Aura, but he was trapped in this sullied and blood stained body! Huh. Did Ereshkigal ever feel like this he wondered. She was still herself but she felt so wrong and foreign?
"...so many things wrong." Despite the long pause he finished his thought with choked words. "I'm sorry for being pathetic and weak like this." He looked up having managed to hold back his tears and frustrations about himself. He should just focus on his concerns for the two people in front of himself. "Ereshkigal, I know that all of this is something new to the both of you, but I find myself strangely afraid for you... both of you." How should he put it all into words? This was not easy. He dreaded sounding clingy but damn it! He was clingy! Althea and Ereshkigal were the first people to not try and kill him or patronize him before offering him dirty looks behind his back. He knew them for so short a time but as his life was considered it was the majority of it.
"I'm afraid I guess..." no, that was not the right words, not entirely anyway. "No, well, yes, but I just, ugh!" He ran his hands down his face in frustration pulling the skin before his fingers slipped off. "I don't want to lose you, either of you. It sounds silly but you and Althea are the most import- er the first people to become my friend." Whew, almost slipped the tongue there, no way she'd figure out what he almost said. Hah. "And when you tell me that one of you sleeps I worry that what if you don't wake up again? I... don't want to see that happen. It'd be the same as dying while still living."
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Post by Althea on Feb 9, 2018 2:57:26 GMT -6
Ereshkigal wilted back a shade as Aura more or less went to pieces, unfamiliar with him in the way that Althea might have been able to see it coming but far more nakedly exposed to his emotion, both figuratively and literally. She wasn't an emotional vampire or anything but the blessing and the curse of existing as a mass of emotion even long before her reduction to spirit form had left her intensely empathetic, or at least pathetic. And Aura was certainly pouring out enough feeling to feed an actual vampire.
He wasn't entirely incorrect, though. It was... wrong. She was living in someone else's body as if it was hers, recklessly using her remaining power in an attempt to - play the hero, or do something right for once, Ereshkigal didn't really know what the real motivation was at this point. Not even Althea's control could keep the spirit's own emotions in check, the yawning abyss of roiling darkness below the true nature of who she was. What she hadn't even told Althea, much less Aura. That the only thing that had kept her alive for what appeared to be thousands of years was the hatred and rage that she had clung to in her final moments after being betrayed and murdered in cold blood by those she trusted implicitly.
But she also knew, now, that Althea's darkness was far greater than the human could ever bring herself to realize. Not because of Ereshkigal's actions. But Althea's refusal to understand and accept her own emotions. And that that was what had brought them together in the first place. She had felt a hint of a kindred spirit and acted without realizing the depth of what she was getting into. And for better or for worse, had tried to do something good. For Althea's sake. And it had succeeded, more or less, with unexpected complications, some of them possibly yet unknown. Ereshkigal would not be ashamed of that. She might not be the sharpest tool in the shed but she had done SOMETHING good, she thought, and it was a good feeling. ...And she couldn't really leave now, even if she wanted to. Not out of fear of it killing her - though it likely would, unless she found another host and obliterated their will to make their corpse her own. But because she would not do that, and because of what she... hadn't told Althea about her life force she couldn't very well leave in the first place.
"Well," she started, half smiling, trying to appear jovial, "you're stuck with me for the time being at least. After that last... stunt, I'm kinda stuck in here whether I like it or not." Ereshkigal wasn't sure if that was actually funny or not and her expression chilled, froze, as the humor evaporated from her mind. "I am sorry, Aura. I just - wanted to help her, I did the only thing I could think of, I didn't think that all... this would happen," she waved her hand, vaguely, not really at the scene before them but in recognizance of all that had happened. Her first meeting with Althea in the village under attack by monsters, all the way to here. The waking dreams that had led to her regaining actual consciousness. And from there, what? She knew already how easy it would be to grind Althea's consciousness to dust before the waves, even if she didn't mean to do it, but to separate now would be the death of both of them.
"I doubt it would, er, help much to admit that I don't know what I'm doing either. Althea has always been the dominant one, the..." she trailed off, looking for a moment like she had swallowed a particularly sour bit of licorice, "-the smart one," she ground the words out, "all I can do is protect her body for now. I'm - I'm not trying to take your friend away from you, Aura, I swear. I just... wanted to help."
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Aura
Priest
Posts: 117
Profession: Hereticus Exterminatus
Affinity: Light
Profile: Aura
OoC Alias: Vincent
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Post by Aura on Feb 9, 2018 9:48:16 GMT -6
That cold dominance. That teasing and playful nature. Everything that had made Ereshkigal who she was up until now had all entirely melted away. Aura watched and could just feel the emotions coming from Ereshkigal. He was afraid of her, then he wanted to help her, and now he got to see her becoming vulnerable. Tonight was becoming a rather full experience.
Aura did not smile, no relief, no joy, nor did he frown in anger or worry. His face and eyes just turned dead as he absorbed her words. Something about it just did not sit right with him. He did not know her story, and as far as he knew Ereshkigal knew nothing of it either, but there was one statement she made that stuck in his head, just one, because she said the same thing to him back in the ruined village where she first emerged.
Aura stood with a quick motion, his face still unchanging, if Vadis were here he would have sworn he had the old August back in this moment. He stepped close to Ereshkigal and spoke low so as to let only her hear him. "You feel guilty, don't you?" He stepped back and looked at his map in thought, slowly looking over the slight tears and water stains before he brought his full attention back to the woman. What was appropriate in a time like this? Did he hug her? Did he yell at her? He stood there and just observed her body language.
"You said to me, that I can leave, you would return Althea soon, and now you tell me, almost fearfully, that you aren't trying to take Althea away from me." What was the right approach? Get angry and call her out on bullshit? Or be kinder and empathetic? Shoot, he was in the dark so honesty was the best he could do. "You're terrified that my fear is right, that one of you might overwhelm the other, aren't you? Because you would win?" a hand unconsciously went to her shoulder. Then his body just moved, and he tried to pull her into an embrace.
"I don't care. I don't care which one of you is dominate or smarter, both of you are amazing from what I have seen. I've only gotten to know you a short while but I would not trade that for anything!" if Ereshkigal did not stop his hug he had a fistful of her clothes fabric clenched now. "I don't want to lose either of you... so stop putting Althea on this pedestal, to me you're just two halves of the same whole." The tavern didn't exactly have a lot of patrons this late at night but those it did have were mighty confused.
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Post by Althea on Feb 9, 2018 22:48:34 GMT -6
She wasn't scared of Aura. Ereshkigal's boundless self-assurance in regards to magic was not entirely unfounded. But she was scared of what he would say, the shell of goofy awkwardness fading away from him, replaced by someone almost emotionless and cold enough that it felt as though the room's temperature was dropping all around her. Her power hadn't kept her alive. It hadn't kept what she cared about safe. And it certainly hadn't made her strong.
The ancient Arum didn't have an answer to Aura's question as it coursed through her. She felt - a great many things. Perhaps more intensely than most humans could ever comprehend. But guilt was certainly one of them. She had been lonely and afraid, tried to help Althea and only caused more issues. She suspected that Althea's recent monster issues had been her fault as well, the result of trickles of her power leaking out and attracting creatures linked to darkness. And - Aura was right. Ereshkigal wanted to think that she was a good person. From what she could remember, she thought she had done okay with that. But now there wasn't much left of her besides her anger, her pride, and she didn't know what the her of this age would do. Could do. And... he was right that she would win. Althea had incredible strength of will and intellect that surpassed hers. But no walls could hold back the ocean.
Althea's body stiffened when Aura cautiously placed his hand on her shoulder, but she made no move to push him off, nor when he pulled her into a hug, almost melting into it as her reserve crumbled. She was in Althea's body and mind, but she was not nearly as disciplined as the other, and after millennia of being completely and utterly alone, cut off from her people and even herself, the sudden close companionship was more than she could handle.
She heard him out as he spoke, her chest heaving as she tried to keep a lid on her emotions. Ereshkigal couldn't have alone, but Althea's mind served to help stem the flow, at least enough to keep her from breaking down. It was - strange - to feel supported by Aura and restrained by Althea simultaneously - Ereshkigal wasn't even sure what exactly she was feeling anymore nor how to figure it out as he cut to the chase with piercing insight she... to be honest, hadn't expected from him. More than meets the eye indeed.
...She must look quite the sight, the thought came to mind unbidden, and Ereshkigal laugh-cried-snorted all at once in a moment of confused bemusement. So much for being anyone important. At least her(?) nose wasn't running, though there was something suspiciously damp in her eyes that was definitely not tears, that would be really pathetic, must have just gotten garlic in her eyes or something.
"T-thank you, Aura" she managed after a few moments, hiccuping quietly as she struggled to retain control of herself. "I - I don't want to hurt anyone, but it's all I'm good for, all anyone ever wanted me for, and you two are some of the first f-friends I've ever had and I don't want to screw this up too?" Her words started slow but rapidly came quicker, jumbled together to a degree as she mumbled and her self-control frayed as Ereshkigal admitted more than she had intended to, pausing abruptly as that fact registered and she tried and failed to follow it up with much of... anything at all. Somewhat tentatively she pulled her arms around Aura as well, willingly drowning herself in the closeness for a moment.
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Aura
Priest
Posts: 117
Profession: Hereticus Exterminatus
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Profile: Aura
OoC Alias: Vincent
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Post by Aura on Feb 10, 2018 0:09:47 GMT -6
Aura was a hypocrite, he was the biggest hypocrite of them all, but he mostly came to terms with that fact about himself, or at least pretended that he did. He too put Althea on a pedestal. One he was mostly not even conscious of himself. He felt intensely guilty every day he lived and was not punished by God, yet he tried to comfort Ereshkigal. And now he would tell her to just live for herself, stop living for others if it brings her pain. But he had chosen to dedicate his life to sacrificing himself for others; he wanted to suffer so that others might live and know joys. He wanted to be the martyred hero that could help save everyone, only then could he atone.
He would never admit it (But he really likely would) but his hugging Ereshkigal was more for his own sake than her's, but if she benefited like this than it made him happy. But no, what was this feeling? Holding her in his embrace he suddenly noticed something. Her body quivered and she was smaller than him? So strange, he somehow believed her to be larger than him, was that just the force of her personality and magical prowess? But here she was in his arms holding onto him. Any other time he would be beat red but here it just... what was he feeling? How does one put this moment into words? Did it need words? No. For what it was worth, the turmoil and emotion, the moment was perfect in its somberness.
Her soft sobs broke Aura's heart. He hated when others cried and to see someone so proud and respected reduced to it hurt. His left hand had held his right wrist but slowly he let go and let it slide to the nape of her neck, her long white hair catching in between his fingers. He barely noticed the softness of it as he held her head gently in a supportive manner. "Promise me you won't go hurting people then. There is no reason to seek it out. Life is full of pain, I won't pretend any differently and you WILL hurt someone again, gods know my soul is damned for it, but you can live a life that is full of good as well. Its your choice, no one wants to use you. Not me and I'm sure, not Althea either. Just live honestly with yourself and us, and you can't screw this up. We're a bunch of broken screw ups so join the club." he laughed softly at his own less than funny joke. "And one more thing, never be afraid to cry, there is no shame in it. It shows you still have a good heart and if anyone ridicules you for that you don't need them."
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Post by Althea on Feb 10, 2018 17:11:46 GMT -6
"-I"
...What?
Her voice caught in her throat as the spirit tried to come up with any manner of words or even feelings she could express in return for Aura's words. She... wanted to say yes. Recognizing it, admitting it, made it easier to understand. That was something Althea had taught her, albeit unwittingly; the way the human mage compartmentalized and dissected her problems, ignoring the overwhelming whole in favor of easily handled fragments, and when she finished working through all the pieces the problem had been solved in the process. Ereshkigal wasn't particularly optimistic about doing that, but naming her initial reaction let her at least control it to a degree.
And that, in turn, solved that part of the question for her. Even she knew the answer, whether or not she liked it. And the reality was that there was no escape from reality. The force that had kept her alive this long was not something she could simply discard now.
"...I can't promise that," she said quietly, not particularly proud of that fact but cognizant of its absolute primacy. To betray it would be to betray herself. It would have been easier to lie to Aura and say that she would, but Ereshkigal had never seen much point in dishonesty, and she didn't plan to start now. "I... chose inaction once, long ago, and my cowardice cost me, and those close to me, everything." Not him. Ereshkigal wouldn't - couldn't - believe that even her knight had betrayed her. He must have been betrayed as well, for she could not envision him losing a fair fight. Her people did not even exist anymore, whatever had wiped them from reality lost so long ago that humanity did not even know they had once lived. Could she have stopped it? Maybe not. But she would have at least liked the chance to try.
Looking up at Aura as she tried to reign in her emotions she continued in a firmer tone, some fragment of who she once was. "I won't make that mistake again. Even if I am followed by disaster. If this is truly a second chance, I - want to do something of value with it."
Granted, WHAT she was going to do that was all that great was a bit of an open question. For the time being, all she could really think of was trying to keep people she liked safe. And some monster hunting sounded fun. She'd never been allowed to hunt anything in a fair fight - can't risk the precious priestess - so there was a minor element of immature thrill-seeking in there too. But, uh, mostly good intentions at least.
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Aura
Priest
Posts: 117
Profession: Hereticus Exterminatus
Affinity: Light
Profile: Aura
OoC Alias: Vincent
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Post by Aura on Feb 12, 2018 14:47:30 GMT -6
When all was said and done and Ereshkigal had managed to grab hold of her voice and temperament again Aura ended their/his little hugging session setting his hands on her shoulders and letting his body be back from her. Ereshkigal had not cried particularly hard, her resilience was more impressive than his own after all. But the body did not betray emotions and he slipped one hand into his sleeve before using said sleeve to wipe away the smallest showing of a tear with a smile. "It would seem the time for sadness is passed for the moment."
He took a deep breath as he mulled his words to be over, he could feel it, there might just be a monologue coming. He was beginning to learn himself a bit better that he feared it was coming at least. "If you can't make that promise, then don't make it." Aura had no idea what Ereshkigal was referring to but he decided to roll with it. Whatever fragment of her memories she held onto were certainly not pleasant... how relatable.
"You made mistakes once upon a time and suffered but now you want to make things right. I am the same way..." his eyes fell. He realized at some point that while Althea knew the generalities of what Aura had done Ereshkigal did not, then top it off with what memories had since resurfaced for Aura and he was left not knowing who knew what.
"My real name is not Aura, it's August. I don't remember much of it but I created some sort of cult that worshiped me and Hargus like gods. I twisted the minds of those that looked to me for guidance and they in turn did evil in my name." His lids began to fall. "Then I lost my memories in some ritual trying to... well... in an attempt to turn myself into exactly what you and Althea are." It was odd to say it so plainly. "I've probably lost years off my life from it. I did not used to have white hair, was once blond. But, I know it is wrong and unfair for me to have gotten this second chance but that's why I want to do what I can to make things right again. I created Vadis and that village was my fault. So if you feel a need to atone then I am right there with you, and I'll do everything I can to help you find redemption."
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Post by Althea on Feb 13, 2018 2:11:49 GMT -6
The time for sadness was past, mm?
Ereshkigal couldn't really tell if that was sage advice, sound-good bullshit, or a statement of fact. Maybe all three, maybe none of them. Given how long she had spent clinging to her anger and fragments of identity as the only things keeping her sane, she didn't know if she COULD give up on any of it now. But it was certainly true that crying about it like a country strumpet would do little for her - wait, country strumpet? That sounded suspiciously Althea. She didn't even know what a strumpet was! Ereshkigal mostly hid her momentary look of confusion by wiping her eyes, somewhat ashamed of her little display despite Aura's words. Everything just felt so - weird - without her... self to be, well, herself. She had always been emotional yes, but she could at least control herself previously rather than falling into the arms of adorable young pseudo-priests.
She didn't correct Aura. It was not a lie, more deception by omission. If there was a chance for vengeance, she would take it, and there had been dark whispers in the Void that left the undead priestess to suspect that there was still some remnant of her people lurking in the darkness... perhaps even those who had wronged her. But for now, it was best to focus on the forward path.
Aura spoke then, of pasts that were best left forgotten but could not be. Ereshkigal was surprised, even confused by his story. It was difficult for her to envision him as anyone particularly mean, or even outright villainous. Though not entirely impossible. When he had stood earlier, the cold, relentless demeanor he had held for a moment, was that some remnant of who he had been...? Doubtless Althea would have had a fitting comment, but Ereshkigal had been caught blindsided and took a moment to digest it.
-Though it didn't change anything, did it?
"Whoever you were, you are no longer," she stated simply with a small smile, the question already answered in her mind. Perhaps it was simply that having not witnessed whatever atrocities he had committed made it easier to separate 'August' from 'Aura' in her mind, or perhaps she was enlightened enough to know the difference. Ereshkigal didn't think too hard on it. And why should she? The decision had been made. The answer complete. No point in second guessing herself. She could - would - judge those around her based on their actions. Not on their failures. To do otherwise would be to put her own failure aside, ignore its existence. "The Aura I know has been unfailingly kind, welcoming of a memory of the distant past, a friend to Althea, and... an excellent cook," she grinned impishly. "Him I do not fear."
...Well, at least all those public speaking lectures had to be good for SOMETHING. That almost sounded smart! "Perhaps fortune, or the Goddess, will bring us both that which we seek."
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Aura
Priest
Posts: 117
Profession: Hereticus Exterminatus
Affinity: Light
Profile: Aura
OoC Alias: Vincent
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Post by Aura on Feb 17, 2018 22:27:19 GMT -6
He was playing at being someone other than August. No matter how he ran from the harrowing truth, no matter how many of his memories were eaten away he could not deny that he was still August, that the potential to return to being that shadow he hated still existed. But he would not ruin such a wonderful moment with his eternal pessimism. He smiled.
Everything she said he was sounded so strange, such kind words from someone he had only gotten to know over the course of a few hours. But that was just alright by him. She made him sound like a wonderful person. "I doubt you have a lot of people on your list of fears... well, considering how you manhandled the second most dangerous person I know I think you have little to be afraid of from me." He laughed. "Obviously, that triumph puts you at number one! I'm sure glad that we've become fast friends!"
And the Goddess, fortune, whatever she wanted to call it. Whatever they chose to believe in, if it could bring them the things they wanted then perhaps there was a bright future not for just them, but all of Elibe to look forward to. "If there are any powers looking down on us then I am certain that they would be pleased by our declarations here today. Even upon a rocky and root infested road we can aid our fellow travelers and ease their burdens. Is that a bit too hokey?"
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Post by Althea on May 1, 2018 0:08:51 GMT -6
Of course, the most dangerous person she knew had technically killed her, ripped apart her soul, and used part of it to create a weapon of war. Ereshkigal still wasn't entirely certain what she thought of all that; whether it was fear, hatred, rage, or all of them and many more besides that danced and whispered at the corners of her consciousness. What she feared was something she had studiously avoided thinking about too much for most of her life, and now she did not know much about it at all.
She had only recently met some of them, but... losing those who had befriended Althea, befriended her, that prospect sent an unpleasant feeling to her gut that might be fear, she thought. Or perhaps not. Whatever the case, they would discover in time. Whether it be the Goddess's will or merely simple fortune. "I do hope so, Aura," she managed with a small smile after a few moments. Althea would probably have some big fancy plan to save the world by gassing all the poor people or something. Her, she just wanted to do something good for once. "Would that there were more who thought as you do. Be it... hokey..." she wasn't really sure what that meant but it sounded bad from how Aura said it, "-or not."
In the end, it didn't really matter how it sounded. Oh, that sort of thing mattered for purposes of politics, to be sure. She had seen more than a few courtiers and rulers argue over the meaning of a word in exacting detail. But the way she saw it, the intent mattered quite a bit, perhaps more than the word itself. And if anything she had seen and heard through Althea's perceptions was accurate, they had a lot more to worry about in terms of improving the world than whether some ideals sounded 'hokey' or not.
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