ohmyarceus | March - April Test Drive Meme

[Hey, don't go putting the pieces together! Just keep believing they're villains, it's easier that way. Sure, he wanted the Scions to know the truth, for he planned to take them on as possible allies, but for others? It works far better to believe their fronting.

Sure, he did indeed introduce himself as Solus, the name he will continue to use till he finds its use obscelete, but that did not mean he's not still trying to distance himself emotionally from its ties with the mortals. ~~Also, yeah Zenos is fucking terrible~~.

The news surprises him, not only that Zenos was able to return in such a way, but that he likewise sought to take out Black Rose. What has become of that deranged child? Does everything have to fall apart every time he steps away? It certainly seems so.

Leaves Loghrif to the first, that ends in failure and thus he comes to clean up the mess. Leaves The Source to Elidibus, and now Black Rose is compromised, and his--that body's--great grandson has returned in a fashion that's almost Ascian in nature... Here he was the architect of nations, yet now he was feeling much more the janitor of his cohort's incompetencies.

For a moment, he's left staring at Estinien with widened eyes, blinking a few times as he processes the immeasurable derailment this plan has suffered. So much has gone awry, when it should have been perfect, he was so close to retirement! It should not have come to this.]

...That is...most unexpected.

[And here he is, stuck in this world, incapable to return and right the course! What a horrible feeling of helplessness this is, one that's left him speechless.]

Edited 2020-04-30 23:21 (UTC)

[Oh, you can be a villain and have an understandable, even sympathetic motivation. It's the way you go about it that determines whether or not you're the villain.

Look, no one can predict Zenos apparently. He has made himself a cozy refuge in audacity and does not seem keen to leave it anytime soon.]

Aye, it was. If I had not seen it with my own eyes...

[He shrugs.]

...he killed his father in cold blood. My condolences.

[And...surprisingly he does actually sound apologetic? Granted, he doesn't know you hate Varis.]

[The news of Varis' death likewise leaves him feeling...odd, yet he finds it the piece of the tale hardest to believe. Mayhap he was too involved with the going ons of the First to notice that particular soul joining once more with the lifestream, yet at the same time he finds that hard to believe.

Yet, he believes him. As he keeps his eyes on Estinien, the genuine and stoic way he delivers the news speaks not of falsehood. How troubling.

He and Varis did not have a close relationship, though arguably closer than he had with most mortals. A wall of contention and negligence built between them once his son had passed, strengthened by the look of him, that robust and large body naught but a reminder of his foolish lapse. A painful, necessary lesson he tells himself. Still, there's a twinge in his chest he cannot put words to, one that he pushes himself to ignore.]

I need not your sympathies, Varis reaped what he sowed with that boy of his. He was but a pawn, one that believed his purpose far greater than what it was, and through his hubris he brought about his own demise.

[Recollecting himself, he sighs with a shake of his head and a wide gesturing of his arms. His deeper tone of voice growing light, and far less serious. As if trying to cast off the weight of the news, and what impact it truly has.]

You mortals certainly enjoy making a mess of everything, but it matters not. We will but start again--but I thank you for this most valuable information. Gives me much to think on.

[Estinien doesn't quite understand that feeling--that the loss of a family member just doesn't do anything to you. He still has the occasional nightmare of finding his parents and brother.

That reaction is colder than a winter wind. Though there might still be something there. He's not going to dig at it though.]

Mm. And I thank you, for the news of the others. Lest you think my only concern is for our hero, tis not.

[Well, he is concerned for them, they're one of the few friends he has.]

[If only Estinien knew the grief of loss Emet-Selch had felt when he lost his son, the grief he still feels so keenly. Varis' untimely demise being but one more reminder of his mistake, and perhaps the twist he feels is because of that, than any measure of grief for Varis. Who knows, these things are complicated.

Casual and calm, he shrugs.]

Close to the lot, are you? I do suppose your brusque manner fits well with a few of them, what a pity you couldn't join them on their heroic journey across the First.

[But, if he had, then he might not have been able to learn the details he's learned, so he supposes everything has its purpose. Maybe even being brought here had some purpose other than being infuriatingly inconvenient. He supposes he shouldn't be quick to jump to conclusions.]

Right then, if we've naught else to discuss...

[Y'know you'd probably feel a lot better if you got it out. Maybe had some therapy. You've got time for that now, you know.]

Aye, well, I had enough to keep me occupied.

[Obviously. Now he has to figure out what that is here. Again. Why can't things be simple for once.]

I shall leave you to it then.

[He'll be around, though. He needs to see what this place has to offer, if not a way back.

He turns on his heel and, unless Emet-Selch wishes to get the last word in, he'll be leaving.]

[He honestly had nothing but time before, but I suppose it's hard to seek things like therapy when you have a dark god compelling you to revive him, and your trauma and loss serves as your motivator. Oops!

He seems fit to let Estinien leave, watching him go. He himself turns to do similarly, facing the lake and walking forth—only to realize a few steps forward that his...portal isn't going to show up.

Right...that's a thing, isn't it. How embarrassing. Looking back, half in hopes that Estinien didn't see that, but also that the man isn't too far gone. Fortunately both seem to be true, and thus he calls to Estinien:]

You know, I had a thought... [He begins his pace again, this time towards Estinien, though it is ever his usual amble.] Mayhap...it would do well to not quite go our separate ways. Just yet. After all, this is a new world, who knows what dangers it has, and it would not do for you to wander off on your own, with naught but your endearing companion to rely upon, hm?

[Yes, this is clearly for Estinien's benefit.]

[Estinien cannot recommend his methods of having deep, soul-searching revelations--for one, we're fresh out of elder wyrms hell-bent on vengeance, and two that experience is something he would wish on no one.

But hey, he gets trauma and loss being your motivation! ~~You would just think it was petty.~~

And that seems like it might be the end of it. But then--of course, it would not be so simple. He stops and slowly turns.]

...I suppose this offer of companionship is solely out of altruism on your part.

[It would be easier to keep an eye on you, but you talk a lot. Ugh.]

[Even then, who's to say it'd work! What with the whole messy business of tempering, and it's not likely he needs to deal with another immortal's baggage. Dude has enough to fill a 747 on his own.

~~Hey now, he was empathetic, if maybe a little rude, about Y'shtola's "death', wasn't he???~~

With Estinien facing him, he pauses in his gait, standing with that weighted slouch, a lazy grin on his face as he shrugs, arms out at his sides, before they heavily drop to hang a moment later.]

What else would it be?

[Yeah, he's not about to admit that he'd rather keep company than be without while being rendered so utterly powerless. What good fortune that he would come across someone from the Source, but most importantly: someone reasonable.]

Edited 2020-05-01 23:30 (UTC)

[Hey, guess what, the Scions may have found a treatment for that too. Seriously, put them on any problem, give them sufficient motivation, and it'll be over in a month.

~~She really needs to stop yeeting herself into the lifestream.~~

Estinien crosses his arms.]

Fury give me strength. I prefer to keep my own company.

[Too bad they had to do the whole Old Yeller treatment to Emet before they figured that out, huh?

~~At this point I think she does it for attention.~~

Emet-Selch sighs.]

The loner type, are you? Believe it or not, I prefer working alone myself. I understand well the allure of one's own company. Buuuuut, I am more drawn to the siren's call of common sense.

[You did kind of turn into an eldritch horror on them. ~~What are the odds you'll be back two expansions from now?~~]

And yet when I came upon you, you were sleeping in the open.

[Were you just that tired, old man?]

[It was necessary! ~~Considering they did literally nothing that's been established to kill an Ascian, and the Shoebill's still around...~~

Being called out like that, he stares at him flatly, then shakes his head.]

Old habits die hard, I suppose. But see? I'm learning the ways of you mortals. You'll just have to forgive me for not being in the habit of scurrying away from every perceived danger like frightened vermin.

[Being mortal is exhausting.]

[That was honestly the only thing you could have done in that moment? Doubtful. ~~So you are in the shoebill!!~~

If you're going to get in a staring contest with any mortal, don't pick Estinien. He might have some leftover draconic traits that give him an advantage. He looks completely deadpan straight back at you.

Ordinarily he'd take his leave of this conversation--vertically, if need be--but you're not the only one who's found his usual skills diminished. ~~He can't jump as high as a measly roof, the suffering!!~~ He doesn't want to run either, it seems foolish.

After a moment, he scoffs and turns half-back towards the road before responding.]

Do as you will.

[Get used to it, bucko.]

[Look, I was dealing with some stuff, and I wasn't expecting them so soon... ~~damn straight~~.

Yeah, a staring contest isn't quite what he's after, not when he rather his eyes be closed than open. However, with Estinien's surrender—because that's what he's taking this as—he follows along behind him. Though, he probably should pick up the pace, considering his languid and relaxed gait.]

I always do.

[He didn't sign up for this. He didn't survive the sundering just to be forced into being mortal for real!]

Anyroad, where are we headed, dragoon? Or are we to explore these virgin territories without a plotted course?

[They're hardly virgin territories, though to them they are in a sense. Maybe he's just getting into a little bit of a role to keep himself entertained. Look, he's got to make up for Estinien's lack of sociability.]

[They were literally in your memories. You were narrating! How could you possibly not know where they were?

It's strategic capitulation. As you've just said, you're the type to do whatever you please, and Estinien can't escape this situation without looking weak or ridiculous, so he won't.]

My apologies, did you have somewhere else to be?

[Please say you do.]

[Before that! They couldn't even follow my simple instructions, showed up early, wasn't even a nasty, disgusting abomination. Threw me off entirely.

Ah, the things we do to maintain our pride.]

Not at all, I'm merely along for the ride.

[Deal with it, fucker!!]

Edited 2020-05-02 01:45 (UTC)

[You said 'come to me, and you can complete your transformation into a monster in peace' or some such, implying yet to be a nasty disgusting abomination, and you never uttered the words 'come alone'. Classic loophole blunder.

He's going to be praying to Halone more in your presence than he has for years.

He just. Keeps walking. Doesn't dignify that with a response.

This isn't worse than the time he got bodysnatched by a furious dragon, but he's definitely not enjoying it.]

[Mortals have literally no shame, this is why the rejoining is sorely needed.

See, that's gotta be a credit to Emet-Selch! Making a man more faithful to his religion by merely being around him! And here people want to paint him as a villain!

But it's fine, he doesn't need to respond, after all, his question will be answered soon enough by seeing where he's heading. But man, walking for prolonged periods of time through the wilderness, sure he can do it and has done it before and not just recently, after all Solus was a soldier before he became an emperor and that was Emet's doing!

But that mortal body wasn't acting as a literal flesh prison like this one is.]

I have to hand it to you mortals. [Oh, did you think he was going to be quiet just because he didn't talk for a moment there? Yeah, you ain't that lucky.] For all your inadequacies, your lot certainly are tenacious—willingly suffering these exhausting limitations for the entirety of your lives; paltry though they are.

[There's a reason lawyers were invented. Probably by mortals. Oooh, look at who can make things now!

Yes, you are the cause of his come-to-Halone moment. Congratulations.

He's honestly contemplating leading you in a giant circle and seeing how long it will take for you to notice. But no, he's heading back towards town. Keep talking and the giant circle plan may come back though.

Just when you think he might be still ignoring you:]

I suppose tis a matter of perspective. Those of us unlucky enough to be unable to shed our bodies as a serpent sheds it skin when it inconveniences us merely have to live with it.

Edited 2020-05-02 02:59 (UTC)

[What's he gonna do? Sue Hydaelyn for damages?

Really. He's not an idiot, he'd recognize a circle when he's walked it. His attention to detail is pretty damn impressive, even if he doesn't have his usual sight. In fact, these eyes kinda suck compared to what he's used to, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't realize it all the same!]

Awful presumptuous, aren't you? I do not make a habit of jumping too and fro between bodies all willy-nilly, nay, I tend to stick with my mortal host till my task is complete.

[He spent seventy-something years in Solus' old flesh bag, after all.]

But, there are advantages I lack being robbed of my power. Though, you too feel this, if not so keenly. Say, dragoons are known for the height of their leaps, are they not? How poorly has yours suffered?

[That's why it'd be a big circle. And he's not quite childish enough to do that for real, so it shall remain an entertaining thought, nothing more.]

Your comrades do not share your convictions.

[Elidibus is just body hopping errywhere. Into dead people even, speaking of not having shame.

He is...not saying anything. No more than five yalms, it's a disgrace and he hates it. His jumps haven't been that short since he was in training as a child.

That, and he doesn't feel the whispers of Nidhogg's aether or his rage anymore, and it's strange. He'd gotten used to it, the knot of the wyrm's remnant power resting beneath his breastbone. A reminder of what he'd been through, of what he needs to not allow himself to turn into.]

[A big enough circle, then he might not realize till partially through it again. But fortunately for both of them, Estinien matured since his time of making fun of a young boy for worrying about his friend.

Look, he used to be more conservative about that, maybe Lahabrea's bad habits rubbed off on him! Right now Emet seems to hold the record for longest possessed mortal, and it's probably going to stay that way.]

Yes, to their detriment.

[He says that idly, but he's quick to dismiss it all the same, seeing as Estinien is incriminatingly silent. Though, Estinien isn't alone with the deafening silence, since being here Emet had felt a disconnect from...well, the other Ascians, but so too to Zodiark. It's perplexing, but he's chosen to ignore it.]

Mm, that bad?

[That was like teasing a younger brother, not at all the same.

Estinien watches his Vulpix dive into and out of the brush on the side of the trail, seemingly perfectly content with their walkabout.]

Is it taxing for you, I wonder?

[He means the general you, but if you want to take it personally that's fine. He actually sounds...somewhat curious. Nidhogg subsumed him so completely that there wouldn't have been the opportunity to ask questions even if he wanted to, it was all he could do to keep his own self together under the onslaught.]

Enough to take to the trees and leave you here should I wish.

[You are thirty-two summers, Estinien.

The movement catches Emet's eyes for a moment, but then the question brings his attention back to Estinien.]

Aye, 'tis no trouble if one takes care, but should one get overzealous... [Like Lahabrea did... He shakes his head.] 'Tis a contest of wills, a battle of souls, and while ours will win every time, it does not change that there are drawbacks to such practices.

And, if you do make off for the treetops, I only hope that your ability to land has not likewise suffered. 'Twould be a pity if you made a right fool of yourself in your haste to flee.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject