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Entry tags:
TDM #13
Welcome! Everything is fine.
Uploading. . . Complete!
The Lobby.
- When you open your eyes, there is quite a lot of beige to take in. The unassuming walls of the room you've found yourself in are barren save for a single motivational poster directly in your line of sight. An illuminated sign above an open door on the far wall reads 'lobby exit.'
"Welcome," chimes a polite, synthesized voice. "I'm happy you're here." A moment later comes the clarity of the situation: you have died and so has the world you came from. "This is Amani, your new reality," continues The Peacekeeper. "Everything will be fine."
At least you aren't the only one here, you'll soon find out, as others who are just as confused and concerned as you are might be mingling on the main hub's first floor. Hopefully, you find a familiar face among the crowd. If not, that's all right. You'll get to know quite a few people very well soon enough.
- If you're one of the unlucky few whose death required a bit more intensive re-coding to maintain stability in the simulation, you'll instead awaken on a bed in the infirmary. Everything is strikingly white save for the occasional string of vines with lavender growing in bursts to help keep people calm. Whether or not it works seems to be on a case-by-case basis.
While there is active medical staff, the voice of The Peacekeeper is also there to explain the situation in a more delicate manner to these individuals. It's already stressful enough having to have gone through such a violent death, after all!
If characters want more questions answered, they'll need to speak to The Peacekeeper directly. But first, it will encourage socialization in the main hub and hopefully, you'll find someone you recognize to make taking things in a little easier.
WHAT
The thirteenth Amani TDM!
WHEN
September 20th, 2023 (and until the next TDM!)
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Tantric Sex
★ Body Worship
★ Cuddle Fucking
★ Electrostimulation
★ Quirofilia
★ Body Worship
★ Cuddle Fucking
★ Electrostimulation
★ Quirofilia
WHAT'S YOUR DTF STATUS?
If the main hub and its features don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.
Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can visit the training grounds, music lounge, library, and onsen. Also, feel free to leave an offering for the resident deity of sleep (Hypnos) at his shrine! You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities. Even if you do complain, The Peacekeeper will encourage others to set off and find their own place to live out in the simulation.
Granted, the housing market in the afterlife isn't exactly robust. It doesn't help that every place you find has a leaky roof or broken window. No, unfortunately, that will need to be fixed the peaceful way. If you'd like more lighting or even cozier clothes, simulation inhabitants are reminded that 'peaceful interactions' are very important!
It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.
Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.
BASKETS OF PEACE
"Hello, inhabitants," speaks The Peaceekeper, "have you had a check-up recently? While we don't have to worry about disease here in Amani, your sexual health is still important in so many other ways!" It was recently suggested that perhaps they haven't been the most mindful in terms of encouraging inhabitants to have healthier sexual habits. No time like the present to work on correcting that oversight though.
How? With a gift basket, of course!
Each inhabitant - either new or established - will receive a gift basket full of fun things to try. Each one includes (but is not limited to):
How? With a gift basket, of course!
Each inhabitant - either new or established - will receive a gift basket full of fun things to try. Each one includes (but is not limited to):
- ★ Male and female condoms (flavored and unflavored)
★ Edible lubricant
★ Erotic dice + erotic card game
★ Bottle of wine
★ Heart-shaped bath bombs (aphrodisiac-laced)
★ Bondage lace eye mask + wrist/ankle bindings
TRIPPING OVER TROPES
Due to the influence of Dirk Strider and Rose Lalonde both, The Peacekeeper has learned about an interesting phenomenon known as 'fanfiction.' It has studied the topic intensely for the last couple of days to try and learn more about its literary significance amongst the multiverse. It is an interesting insight in some of the inhabitants' cultures and what 'tropes' appear to be more common depending on the circumstances.
Unfortunately, such an influx of information sees the AI running Amani a bit more distracted than usual. The simulation - at least for a few days - is a bit more prone to glitches as a result. Only these aren't the usual ones like a hole in reality someone falls through and ends up somewhere unexpected.
No, these ones are as if the NPCs and inhabitants both residing in the simulation are having their pathways forcibly rewritten. It isn't very obvious, at first. Perhaps you're feeling a bit clumsier than usual and need to chase after a rogue piece of paper carrying on the wind that leads you running right into your current crush. Or maybe something gets unexpectedly spilled on you and the person you like is suddenly offering the shirt off their back (and leaving them shirtless, of course) even if it's out of character.
Finally, inhabitants might really start to catch on when whatever dwelling they enter there is only one bed. Have roommates? Too bad, looks like you might have to share for a bit! Oh, no, how unfortunate... However do you think this scenario will end? The Peacekeeper knows since, well, it's the one unwittingly writing inhabitants into these romance trope scenarios.
Thankfully, it will snap back to 'reality' within a few day's time having learned that, as with most good things, fanfiction should be taken in with moderation in mind.
Unfortunately, such an influx of information sees the AI running Amani a bit more distracted than usual. The simulation - at least for a few days - is a bit more prone to glitches as a result. Only these aren't the usual ones like a hole in reality someone falls through and ends up somewhere unexpected.
No, these ones are as if the NPCs and inhabitants both residing in the simulation are having their pathways forcibly rewritten. It isn't very obvious, at first. Perhaps you're feeling a bit clumsier than usual and need to chase after a rogue piece of paper carrying on the wind that leads you running right into your current crush. Or maybe something gets unexpectedly spilled on you and the person you like is suddenly offering the shirt off their back (and leaving them shirtless, of course) even if it's out of character.
Finally, inhabitants might really start to catch on when whatever dwelling they enter there is only one bed. Have roommates? Too bad, looks like you might have to share for a bit! Oh, no, how unfortunate... However do you think this scenario will end? The Peacekeeper knows since, well, it's the one unwittingly writing inhabitants into these romance trope scenarios.
Thankfully, it will snap back to 'reality' within a few day's time having learned that, as with most good things, fanfiction should be taken in with moderation in mind.
FRUITS OF FALL
Last year, there was an emphasis on apples but there are plenty of other common fruits to be found growing throughout Amani. Due to The Peacekeeper learning about tropes though, some of them will have a temporary effect in that vein on any inhabitant who eats them.
And what are those effects, exactly? Well...
And what are those effects, exactly? Well...
- ★ Pomegrante » Usually a fruit associated with femininity, eating this will actually see your concept of gender be a little more malleable. Characters will suddenly see new sliding scales in their DTF's menu that allows them to decide how feminine, masculine, or in-between they'd like their physical forms to be!*
★ Blackberries » Eating a handful of these berries will see someone's personality flip on its head. Those usually happy-go-lucky and bubbly will now be morose or upset about every little thing. Thankfully, it doesn't last long... even if the damage to your relationships from your unexpected shift in mood might. Oops.
★ Peaches » Often used in modern text language as a sensual symbol, this fruit will see someone swap kinks with another individual in the simulation. Get ready for some really confused boners, everybody!
★ Grapes » These fruits are meant to be a shared experience since just one person can't be expected to eat a whole bunch of them; however, eating a grape at the same time as someone else will see you sharing more than just a meal. Now, you're sharing experiences in one the most intimate ways of all - by swapping bodies and all that means.
SEXY STAMP CARD
If you're wondering about these 'peaceful interactions' that keep being mentioned or what the kinks of the month are for... Here's your answer! Upon arrival, all characters will receive a digital copy of their very own sexy stamp card.
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!NOTES
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!
★ *While this effect of the gender sliding scale will be opt-in entirely and only temporary, it is a feature that inhabitants can purchase in the future with stamps if they'd like!
★ We are currently at 30/40 slots taken! Anyone wishing to claim a character must have an invite from someone currently in the game and follow the proper rules in place to be accepted into the community!
NAVIGATION
no subject
"Yes, I had thought so. Few of us as there are, an unfamiliar face lends itself to but one conclusion. I am known as Elidibus," he approaches now to stand politely near Joshua, eyes bright, "and I am sure that you have many questions. Should you wish to ask, I am more than willing to answer what I can."
As always, the chance to learn new things delights Elidibus. Perhaps he'll learn of Joshua's world?
no subject
"Such a willingness is more than a little appreciated, thank you." But what to ask first? Many questions, indeed. There is one, though, that looms over all the rest.
"First and foremost, I must ask after the nature of this place, Amani. Our gracious host claims it to be an afterlife, and while I myself nigh-certainly died before I arrived, I find it difficult to believe that the one bent on destroying my homeland could have succeeded. This, amid other evidence, leads me to the conclusion that what we have been told is at least somewhat false. Do you know aught else of the matter?"
no subject
"This place is a simulation - what that means is that it is both real, for us, and not. We are truly here, souls and all, but our physical forms are not quite ground in reality. Should a body die, it will disintegrate immediately, and be reformed either in the location where the death occurred or in the infirmary, though I am unsure of the certainty of that last location. We feel all that we would normally, we bleed as we may have before - but our powers are limited, at least at first. The simulation can do much, but not everything - not immediately."
As he speaks, he gestures with his hands, the white sleeves swaying with the movements when he punctuates his statements.
"Those who created this place I refer to as our 'gaolers,' but that is perhaps an unkind term. From what I am able to understand, the energies we generate allow them to create or resurrect worlds which have died. These energies are generated by 'peaceful interactions,' which generally mean those of an intimate nature. They need not be sexual, however. An example would be the intimacy of cutting another's hair for them - that would suffice to generate a modicum of power. These may be reported, and in return we are given 'stamps,' which them may be used as we see fit. To gain or regain items, to restore or enhance an ability - even to create a building here."
And now to the part he grows most suspicious of. He first checks to see that Joshua is following his words, before continuing.
"You are correct to doubt the truth of what we have been shown in regards to our worlds, so take heart in that they may be well. Some who have arrived here from the same world, the same reality, have come from points in time further than others. Yet we are all shown the destruction of our worlds - including those in the 'past' of their homes, so to speak. This leads me to believe that said destruction is false."
Having spoken now for a fair bit of time, Elidibus brings himself to a halt. "I realize this opens more questions than it provides answers, but it is most of what we understand of our plight."
no subject
And it's a relief to hear that he is not alone in suspecting that what the Peacekeeper tells them is a lie. But more than that, what catches his attention is the evidence Elidibus gives for his suspicions. He leans forward a little in his chair.
"You have my thanks, Elidibus. That it poses more questions is merely a confirmation that I must continue to be diligent in my studies. But one of those questions I must ask immediately: how exactly is it possible for someone to exist here having experienced less of their reality's shared history than another? For those who have survived beyond the point at which others have died, I understand, but..."
But Barnabas seemed confused to hear all that Joshua knew of his plans and his master. At the time, Joshua chalked it up to a few potential possibilities, but this wasn't one of them. Could the Barnabas who exists here in Amani have experienced less of their conflict than Joshua has?
no subject
"There is another of my people, an individual quite close to me. The point in time he was taken was greater than twelve thousand years in the past from my own. His memories and mine align exactly to that point, and then his cease - where mine continue on. I am unsure if it is possible to be given the memories of the interim, though I am sure that the Peacekeeper would hold the answer to that particular question."
Gesturing now with a hand toward Joshua, he continues, face turning apologetic, "Unfortunately I do not know why this occurs, only that it is the truth of things."
Elidibus leans back in his chair now, sighing.
"There are a great many things about this place that have get to be revealed to us, much to my frustration."
no subject
He thinks for a moment. "I believe I may already have encountered someone from my world who has come from my past, a man named Barnabas Tharmr. He did not seem to understand how I knew what I did of him, when the reason should have been obvious. But what to do with such knowledge?"
He thinks, too, about Dion's theory. If this place really is of Ultima's design, what would he gain from Barnabas' ignorance? Or are there parts of this simulation that lie outside of Ultima's control?
Joshua nods in sympathy. "A kind of frustration with which I am well familiar, and one that I will no doubt share with you in time. But tell me - this man whose memories have fallen behind yours, have you told him what you know of what is to come?"
no subject
Elidibus is also not surprised that Joshua has met others from his world. Strange, how the inhabitants tended to come in clusters. Strange but welcome, otherwise he himself would have far less keeping him happy in this place. It would be quite lonely, to be the only Ancient present.
But now he needed to answer Joshua's question. And that requires some explanations.
"I have. Between one another, my people are able to temporarily merge our souls. We experience every emotion the other feels as if it were our own, see their thoughts, their memories, share all of ourselves with the other. He witnessed and knows all I had up until that point." He smiles, clearly fond and loving, "He is the love of my eternity, and I could do little else."
But that smile falls. "For him, there was little to nothing to share of his future. Our world suffered a great calamity, and all of my people save myself and two others were no more - shortly after he was taken. Days, perhaps, from that point. Due to the nature of this event, their souls were unable to return to the Aetherial Sea as they once would - they were shattered instead, to become and thus reincarnate into mortals. To live, die anew, and have their memories washed away with each new life and subsequent death."
He speaks matter-of-factly, but it is clear that the events do not leave him unaffected. He's simply had time in order to come to terms with it all.
"Thus I believe the situation of my Erichthonios, and the individual you have mentioned to be quite different."
no subject
He listens closely to Elidibus' story, and his gaze grows soft to hear the Ancient speak of the man he loves, and of such a full sharing of oneself with another.
"Shattered..." Joshua's own expression falls to hear of the cataclysmic destruction of Elidibus' world and people. To hear that this man he loves and so many others were lost to him for millennia... "Elidibus, I'm so sorry. But then, to see your love again here, whole and well, must have filled you with such joy."
He nods, then. "Very different, indeed. Barnabas is no ally of mine, and I doubt telling him of his own future would accomplish much more than to convince him further that his reign of terror is justified." Joshua's face clearly shows how vehemently he disagrees, but then he grows thoughtful. "And yet...if anything in the tale could serve to instill even the smallest seed of doubt, it may be worth the telling, even if he has no reason to believe it true."
no subject
So the person is Barnabas. Barnabas and Cid know of one another, and now Joshua hails from that same world. Elidibus wonders, idly, who else might be from that same Star.
"In the many years through which I have gained wisdom, it has become apparent that holding fast to hope - no matter how dire things may become - is and shall always be an admirable trait." His voice grows almost wistful, "A light in the darkness, as it were, shining bright though all else may grow dim. The information may change nothing, but given the chance - slim that it may be - why not do everything in one's power to make that difference?"
Elidibus was no stranger to such adversity.
"I have met this Barnabas but briefly. You speak of him as an adversary, what of your world? His place within it. I know from Cid that your Star is... afflicted, but not much beyond."
no subject
It's the one thing that gives him doubt about the theory that this place is Ultima's. Ultima wanted to sever their bonds with each other; why would he grant them the opportunity to build them further instead? But his schemes can be convoluted, as Joshua well knows, so there very well might be a reason for it.
His gaze becomes resolute in his firm agreement with what Elidibus says about hope and light in darkness, as he nods. "Well said, indeed. The tale of that man's history is shrouded in shadow, but from what little I do know of it, he was never truly given the chance to find his own way in the world." Not that it even comes close to justifying all that Barnabas has done - or has become - but Joshua is not without sympathy.
"Afflicted...yes. By many ills, but the most obvious one is the Blight. Wherever it spreads, it renders the land inhospitable, bereft of life and aether both. Barnabas was the king of a nation beset heavily by the Blight, and yet he sought not to seek ways to revive it or aid his people, but to plunge all our lands into chaos to bring about his deity's will that would have purged humanity from the star entire." A stormy look descends upon Joshua's face to speak of it.
no subject
It does feel good to see another find inspiration in his words. The tidbits of information about Barnabas he files away, to be turned over at a later time. The man was interesting by every measure, but not enough to give Elidibus pause. He did not feel threatened, despite the adversarial nature of the man.
Their world, however, sounds an unfortunate place.
"Though your world may be plagued by this Blight, I've no doubt you and yours will find a way to overcome such a thing. It is reminiscent of areas of my own reality drained of aether, or lands whose polarity has been permanently tipped out of balance. A world of nothing but Light is one of those such places, rendered static and unable to hold life any longer where that element dominates all else."
no subject
Joshua smiles reassuringly. "Fortunately, we already have found such a way - it was during our fight to expunge the last traces of magic from the land and bring down the god who would destroy us that I met my own end. But I know that my brother shall see it finished, and usher in a new age for all."
He leans forward a little, then. "Then your reality suffers from a similar problem, and stranger ones besides. In Valisthea, the elements were kept in balance by eikons and the Dominants who embodied them. What causes your Blight, and your aetheric imbalance?"
no subject
A gentle expression blossoms on that youthful face. It speaks of warmth, of comfort, and of a delicate beauty. Holding out a palm, several dozen tiny sparks of light emerge and float into the air. They flit between the two of them, each with its own independent motion.
"The Aetherial Sea is a name given by those who live in the current age to what lies at the heart of our world. It is indeed what one would call our afterlife, but it is far more than that. All in our realm is aether, both tangible and intangible. The land, the body, even the mind and soul - all are comprised of this energy. When the body falls, its aether will eventually return to the land. But the soul?"
He lifts his hand, and the sparks dance, each glowing softly. Elidibus smiles at the memory, having crafted these to be as reminiscent of the real place. His voice gentles now, clearly fond.
"In death it returns there, to rest. To have what experiences gained in life slowly washed away, cleansed until the individual is born anew - another life, to make new memories. To love, to live, as is the nature of our Star. The name is one I quite enjoy, in fact. Like these imitations, each soul appears a star upon its own journey, breathtakingly beautiful as it travels where they will. The Sea teems with life, just as the Star itself upon the surface."
A wave, and the sparks begin to fade, all but one. It flickers towards Joshua, almost curious in how it weaves and bobs around his hands, his fingers. After a few more playful moments, it too dissipates. But now comes a darker turn, to tell of the fate of his world.
"My world is broken. Though it lives - shall live, now, for as long as the mortal races serve as its steward - it has forever changed since my people walked the surface. Recall that Calamity I spoke of, how my people were shattered? The End Days were averted, yes, but the events to follow..." he sighs, heavily. "In the end, our Star's reality was shattered. There was the Source, yes, but so, too were there now thirteen reflections. Every life, every soul - the very star itself - divided into fourteen equal, but far lesser portions. For every division were they exponentially reduced."
One hand comes to rest upon his chest, "My people, once immortal, were no more. They held no memory of the lives they once lived, had no powers akin to our own, and for a time even forgot language. All but myself and two others, who managed to escape but for the talents of one of them." Emet-Selch, preventing the sundering of himself and Lahabrea. "All else was Sundered."
"Of these reflections, one eventually came to fall to Darkness, the polarity tipping beyond salvaging. Another suffered from a flood of Light, halted just before it could consume the remainder of that shard. They have pulled from the brink, and rebuild even now - I fully believe they will return balance to their home entirely. The Star itself, the Source, remains in balance. The duty to keep it so falls now to the mortal races, as the last of us have entrusted it to be so."
Having spoken at length he now swallows, smiling apologetically.
"My apologies for going on as I have. I do hope that answers a fair few of your questions."
no subject
He watches those little sparks weave and frolic in the air with a small smile of delight. He lifts a hand when they come near as if he might touch them, as he listens to Elidibus speak.
"Your description of aether is familiar enough - indeed, in my world we refer to an ambient excess of it as an 'aetherflood,' with similar aquatic metaphor. And I wonder...when such an aetherflood occurs, anything living therein becomes saturated until it reaches a state we call 'akashic.' Reduced to an aggressive, mindless thing with far too much strength and far too little self. Perhaps the akashic are the result of a process like the one you describe - such a process isn't meant for living souls still housed in material forms, which I imagine is why it would go terribly wrong."
The single spark left that comes to dance and play with him makes Joshua laugh quietly, enchanted. But he sobers soon enough, as the Ancient goes on.
Lives, souls, entire realms ripped apart into pieces and diminished so thoroughly...it's a wonder Elidibus can speak of it so calmly at all. And yet, it isn't entirely unlike what appeared to have been the state of Ultima's people, or rather, the beings that were all precise copies of each other. As Ultima gathered them all together and fused them, he became exponentially more powerful, judging by the unimaginable density of his aether the more he progressed.
But the Ultima collective was able to separate and reunite at will, and it seems that this Sundering was far more permanent, far grander in scale, and far less controlled. Still, more similarities exist - 'shards' drowned in one element or another to the exclusion of all else, like the Mothercrystals. And when the powerful immortals departed the realm, it fell to mortals to maintain it without them. Curious.
It's apparent on Joshua's face that the gears in his mind are turning just like one of Mid's complex inventions all the while during Elidibus' tale. Thus, the apology is actually a little jarring. "Please, do not apologize. All that you have told me is fascinating, and it seems there may be more similarities between your star and mine than simply the way their aether flows. You have indeed answered many questions, and raised just as many." He smiles slightly. "Which is no bad thing."
Then, turning more serious again, he says, "But the fate of your people and your home...I cannot even imagine how devastating it all must have been for you and these two others who were left. And yet, your star lives on. I hope that has at least helped your heart to heal."
no subject
Still, that the terminology is similar - and the effects - takes this one a step closer than the others.
"What you describe is not dissimilar to a phenomenon in my own world, that is currently known as 'tempering.' One's aether is overwhelmed and set out of balance in favor of outside influence, and thus one is driven to follow the will of that influence. In time, that balance may be reversed - or fully tipped into total corruption. A summoned being of fire, for instance, may temper those around it - aspect their nature towards its own, and thus they become slaves to the desires of that being. Summoned creations such as these are known as Primals, beings brought about by an offering of crystals and prayer. But the will of the summoner influences the desire of the being, and thus creatures such as Ifrit, Garuda, or Titan are indeed twisted from the root of their legend. Shiva, another of these, was once a living individual, whose memory may now be used to summon forth that Primal."
Joshua is a good listener, and Elidibus is happy to speak further. He's rather enjoying their conversation, in fact, and immediately decides that he likes this man. Many times when he converses with another, they grow weary of the length of his words. THe other Ancients do not, of course, but the mortals here... He knows he appears strange to them. But there is a kinship with this red-haired youth that he feels, and he smiles as he speaks.
The animated discussion grows grave, however. Despite the plain way he speaks of his own tragedies, it does affect him still. Better to communicate this fact.
He looks upwards, at the library around them, "Do not mistake my way of explanation for a lack of emotion. The loss remains, has done so for the last twelve thousand years. It is only through sheer strength of will and my natural disposition to remain calm that I function as well as I do." His eyes glance to meet Joshua's, a smile tugging at his lips. "That, and the support of those I love, even those who no longer remain."
A sigh now, heavy but not sad.
"You are correct. The story is immense, thousands of years in the making, and incredibly complex, but every detail had to be just so in order for our star to be saved. For the source of our End Days to be uncovered, then destroyed - not just averted as my people did, though we did not know the reason why it began. For that, I have no regrets. Etheirys will live on, and my people may rest at long last."
Now he gestures around the library, breaking into an amused chuckle, "At least, until we found ourselves here."
no subject
"Reversed or fully tipped into total corruption...how might one reverse such a thing? And what marks the difference between a being that is merely tempered and 'total corruption'?" Research and common wisdom both in Valisthea claim that coming back from an Akashic state is impossible - but if it's true that the process is similar to this tempering, then perhaps what works in Elidibus' world may have some effect on those turned back home.
At the names of these Primals, his brows lift in recognition. "What you call Primals, we call Eikons, but to my knowledge it has never been possible to summon them on their own, and their legends only exist in concert with the Dominants who have hosted them."
Elidibus speaks of loss, and will, and calm, and Joshua nods, solemn. "While I certainly have not endured any burden for nearly that long, I understand. However empty the days may seem, we must gather our courage and move forward, and hold fast to the memories that can keep us strong in the face of despair."
Joshua lets out an amused breath, as well. "And here, many of the dangers and evils of our home worlds no longer loom quite so large over our futures - or that is my understanding at this moment, at least.
no subject
"As the shift towards a specific element progresses past a certain point, the tempered individual may undergo transformation of the body. Those who experience such a phenomenon are unable to be reverted to their previous forms, and as such I have not observed that sort of reversal." It was still new to those upon the Star as it was, only recently discovered. In Ancient times, their robust bodies and souls - along with the wards they may place upon themselves, would help to prevent such corruption.
Summoning a sphere of emerald green light, Elidibus demonstrates as he next speaks. "See the spot of red upon its surface?" he rotates it so Joshua may see. It is a dark red, pulsating, overlaid onto the green. As he watches, the entire orb gets a faint red tint to it. "Imagine this sphere as the soul, as the mind. The crimson is the tempering influence, the intrusive element - the intrusive will. See how the entire orb is effected? That is the outside will thrust upon the individual, robbing them of their own choices. It may be more or less intense depending on the entity invoking the tempering, some create almost mindless subjects, while others allow for far more freedom in choices enacted. However, over time..."
Elidibus trails off, and eventually the red consumes the green, causing it to change shape. The sphere distorts, growing points and edges.
"But this may not always be so," and now the orb returns to the previous state, still green with that red tint. "If we re-balance the aether of the individual through a steady infusion, typically of an element opposing the intruding force..." a blue orb appears next to the first. As Joshua watches, a steady stream of blue energy flows from it to the green orb, causing that red tint to first fade, then the crimson splotch to disappear entirely. Energy transfer complete, the flow stops, and the orbs rotate peacefully for a few moments before disappearing.
"I do hope that demonstration was sufficient."
The name, Eikon, is similar. But there is where their similarities stop, it seems. Specific individuals providing host, rather than summoning, rather than truth becoming legend and false myth. Still, it interests him, that differing worlds can be so similar.
Joshua speaks of hope, and Elidibus smiles.
"You appear to be correct. I myself consider this place to be a second chance, or sorts. I am myself, present with several of my people whom I love dearly. That alone brings me to think of this place fondly. All else can be adjusted, so long as we remain here together."
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It's Joshua's turn to smile, then, if only for a moment. "A second chance...it sounds too good to be true, but I myself have benefited in this way, as well. I suppose we are merely left to wonder how long such a boon can last, and who else is benefiting from it in ways we cannot fathom." A pause. "Ah - forgive me, I do not mean to cast shadows upon your happiness."
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Elidibus shakes his head, sighing. "There is no way to know what would work on your world, at least, not while we are in this place. With such a convergence of realities, it would not be an authentic representation of what may happen in yours."
When Joshua apologizes, Elidibus waves it off. He sees no need for it, considering the subjects they've spoken of. In comparison to tempering or this becoming 'akashic,' the suspicions surrounding the simulation are tame.
He smiles. "There is naught to forgive, but I shall forgive you all the same. In taking advantage of these boons, I find my happiness, but know full well that not all is as it seems. Both may exist at the same time - my suspicions regarding our 'gaolers,' as well as finding a measure of love and care in this place." Speaking off...
"Perhaps this may be bold, but is there any here you care for in a similar manner? Or may yet find in this place?"
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His brows lift at Elidibus' question and then he smiles. "As a matter of fact, my brother is here." But the Ancient spoke of the love of his eternity, and Joshua suspects that's more of what Elidibus meant - otherwise, he wouldn't have prefaced it the way he did.
Joshua glances off and up into the sky, his gaze turning slightly smitten. "And...there is another. A dear friend, whose warm eyes have ever carried so much sorrow. If this place can grant him a measure of peace, then perhaps joy may find him as well. Earnestly would I treasure the chance to be a part of it."
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Oh, Joshua's brother is here? That is good to hear - have such a bond present is a boon indeed. And yet more than that, he watches the other man's face as he speaks of another. Another with whom he clearly does not bear a familial relationship with, no, the look upon his face is something else entirely.
He understands those feelings very well.
His voice softens, gentling, "Then I would speak your truth as earnestly as you have to me. Those same words have crossed my mind towards my beloved Erichthonios, and remain true. Take this opportunity with both hands, and do not allow it to escape - and you may both yet find such happiness that neither of you have known."
Thinking of his own time with Erich, Elidibus smiles. The two of them make quite a pair in this library, smitten looks upon their faces as they think of those whom they are besotted with.
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His wistful gaze returns to Elidibus at those gentle words. Seize the opportunity...Joshua likes to think he's become fairly adept at seizing opportunities when they arise, knowing well how little time he's had to do all that he has wished. And yet...
"I want to, with all that I am. But I am uncertain that he is yet ready to hear it. He has been through so many ordeals in such a short time, experienced the crumbling of his entire world into scattered pieces around him. The last thing I wish to do is add to the maelstrom of emotion that surely must rage in his heart."
Not to mention that Sanbreque is infamous for a culture that prizes conformity, appearances, and privacy. Dion would not thank him for prying too much too quickly beneath the princely exterior, he thinks - and if he were to put voice to his feelings, Dion would likely feel obliged to do the same, no matter what those feelings were or how difficult they might be to speak of.
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"Love need not be flame and fervor, though passion no doubt springs to mind at first. Love may be gentle, steady, the slow warmth of the hearthfire. Do not declare yourself with grand deeds or heroic words, instead, be the quiet he may need. The calm for his storm, the steady foundation upon which he may shore himself up," by the way he speaks, it is clear Elidibus is talking of first-hand experiences. "Be there, show your care in every word and deed, and do not balk or shy should your hands brush. Do not allow him to think you feel shame for it. Only smile, but do not advance further."
"When he is ready, when you both are ready, the petals will unfurl, and your love will blossom."
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The mention of an unfurling flower puts a warm little smile on Joshua's face, thinking of the wyvern tail he found in Dion's tent, and the one Harpocrates gave to Dion later on.
"Yes...I believe your words to be wise, indeed. And they make me wonder whether you might be a reader of minds," he adds in amusement. "Unfurling petals and blossoming flowers hold a certain sentimental value to him, one in which I have shared, if briefly. And as for hearthfires and flames..." He gestures to Jote where she perches now on the back of his chair. "The imagery you offer is perhaps more appropriate than you could have known. I spoke of Dominants hosting Eikons. I myself am one of them - I am the Phoenix, the Dominant of Fire." He lifts a hand and fills it with his scintillating flames, letting them dance there and illuminate their little corner of the library for a moment before he closes his hand and snuffs them out.
It was difficult, back home, for Joshua to consider such gradual, long-term ways of accomplishing things or building relationships. He knew he had little time in the world, and was determined to do as much as he could with the short life he possessed. Now...well, now the advice Elidibus gives him sounds quite pleasant, indeed.
"I thank you, Elidibus, for your insight. It eases my heart to think that we may yet overcome all that has happened to us and create a future together that dwells not in the shadows."
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Little does Joshua know that he and Elidibus are very similar in the respect of finally being given a chance. The Final Days had come so quickly, the world sundered before one could draw a breath. It seems that Joshua felt keenly about duty as he did, unable to grasp a future for himself in lieu of its completion.
"I believe you shall do so. Overcome what has happened and draw closer, and ultimately find a measure of peace."
Sitting back, he smiles at the other man. This meeting was fruitful indeed, for both forging friendships and gleaning information he had not previously possessed. "Had you any other questions for me? Or shall we enjoy the library together in our own ways."