[ hello!! because gale hasn't properly met aqua, he will actually probably go seek her out sometime on monday. he scratches at the side of his face briefly with a hand - just. gently trying to divert from where it says `a meaningless death` plastered along the side of his neck. it runs along the strange mark he's always had there: a circle that starts on his chest and has tendrils running on his neck and over his cheek. it seems more obvious now with the ink. ]
Good day! Or, well, I suppose I don't know the quality of day to call it, to be quite honest with the impending sacrifice situation.
[ she's trying not to read these 'tattoos', but it's like they're meant to draw the eyes. as for her, matching sets of words wrap around both her arms, visible through her sleeves though interrupted where they curve around her elbows: There's no deeper sadness......all that you knew is gone.
nonetheless, she she greets him with a smile. ]
...I think we'll have to call it foggy, with a chance of disaster.
[ im very sorry but he is. very nosy. so he is going to read those so quickly, but he is polite enough to not call it out. it's fine. in fact, he laughs at the joke - it's really quite good. ]
We have not! Gale of Waterdeep, at your service. Lovely to meet you, Aqua.
[ it's okay i'm banking on his cute extrovert personality to carry our cr also NOOOOO don't laugh at her mom jokes!!!!!!! ]
Likewise.
[ a pause, ]
...To be honest, I feel like there's more we should be doing [ to stave off impending sacrifice situation ] than just settling in... [ to their rooming assignments. ] But maybe I'm just being impatient.
[ CUTE well he is at least an extrovert and is happy to yap as long as she is willing to listen. ]
Believe you me, I feel entirely the same. It feels rather like being cattle awaiting the abattoir. But perhaps I should be more used to that feeling - it's hardly my first cult encounter, unfortunately.
I, of course, appreciate your sympathy, and rather wholeheartedly agree. Then again, I suppose my life has been quite exciting as of late? It's certainly gotten me out of my tower.
[ a joke, but also. it is true. ]
They have. A trade of risk for power. What do you think of that sort of balance?
It's definitely exciting to be able to adventure to new places. Though I'd say we could all use a little less excitement here.
[ also joking-but-honest. IT'S TIME TO DE-ESCALATE THE RITUAL SACRIFICE!!!!!
...her expression turns somber, thoughtful. ]
In my experience, it usually isn't a balance at all. It's easy for power to corrupt, and overwhelm. ...But I'm not sure. I'm quickly learning that this place isn't like my home at all. Our worlds are all so different.
[ ... ] Do you think it's really a good idea to let a monster's power grow stronger...?
I suppose that would be my experience as well. There are a thousand stories of mages of all walks of life being tempted by things that should be rightfully left very much alone. But then again, a thousand more of those who reached for power in a time of great need and ultimately succeeded.
It is not so much the monster's power, but the promise of the wish accompanying it. Though you are correct: they march hand-in-hand.
[ being high might be a good thing for gale. or make him worse. the yapper times four. he will in fact take a couple more, admiring. ]
Food is often underestimated in its importance. Sometimes warriors on the battlefield forget that a war can be won or lost by its supplies. And that eating nothing but slop for a week will depress even the brightest spirits.
[ he puts a hand over his chest where it is, almost without really thinking about it. the mark is still there, just not outlined in ink or glowing, instead a deep, dull purple. ]
I assure you there is no danger to any of you, or at least, I would endeavor greatly to ensure there is not. It is sealed, for the moment, and the Overseers are informed with instructions should I die and it become destabilized.
[ he puts the hand down, forcibly almost, putting them both behind his back instead. ]
It was much worse, before it was sealed, so really it's mostly a twinge here or there. Nothing to be concerned about.
[ but, well. okay. explanation times. ]
I suppose it is a long story, and I do apologize. I will try and spare you to much rambling. It is less of a mark, and more of a. Hm. Condition? I have named it the Netherese Orb, for the manner in which I obtained it. During the study and foolhardy attempt to capture a primordial piece of the nature of magic itself, I made a grave error. A portion of that energy has seated itself inside my body, and feeds upon magic - if it cannot be fed magical items, it siphons from my own magical reserves, and then from my very spirit. It has been sealed to slow the consumption of magic it requires and the source from which it is able to, erm. Drain. My living body keeps it in check and contained.
But as it is a collection of a vast amount of magic within itself, it also encapsulates a large amount of potential energy. Destabilization of the process would be ... bad.
[ and, since she does specialize in magic herself, this is genuinely interesting to her albeit still concerning. ]
I see. Destabilization would mean wide-scale destruction, yes? [ the release of unchecked, primordial power. ] Is it possible it might even trigger the ritual...?
[ which requires a large amount of energy to complete... ]
...Were you looking for a way to undo it, before this all happened? [ is there even a way? ]
By my calculations, perhaps around three days after my death. And yes, I was. I ... had beseeched my goddess, but she rather left me to dangle, so to speak.
...I wish we had a way to help you. [ she means this whole-heartedly even if they've really only just met. so many of them here are familiar with magic, it's frustrating they can't put any of it to use—even if it might not actually be of help to gale. ]
The wish that the overseers mentioned [ if he were to find his match ]—is that something you could make use of?
You have all been more than kind about it, upon hearing of its nature. I appreciate it more than you know. Hah-- When I told Lae'zel, her first instinct was to demand I march as far as I could in an opposite direction from her and not stop until I'd reached the ends of the earth. Then again, I suppose I don't exactly have that choice here.
[ laezel also calmed down shortly thereafter. it was fine. ]
But please do not feel too much sympathy. It is, after all, the product of my own mistakes.
As for the wish ... I believe so. It's why I intend to find my match.
[ hi! it's memshare week. aqua is probably minding her own business, but unfortunately that's not how memshare works, one is simply smacked upside the head with a memory.
[ ...so the mark on his neck was given to him, by his mentor no less. as seemingly quiet as the memory is, she finds herself caught in an undercurrent of conflicting emotions. her heart feels weighed down by someone else's expectation, by their disappointment. perhaps she can feel a sense of resignment alongside determination—If only you might live to see it.
You will not fail.
she's quiet for a moment, seeing faint echoes of someone else reflected in that memory. the story of a master and disciple, of failings and rebuke. (had terra felt this way...?) ]
[ the mark was actually already there - the burden Elminster had spoken of. the charm had merely sealed it, or dulled it for the time being. it seems that mark is enduring, even here where magic should be cut off. ]
One deserved, all things told. He isn't wrong - of course. I ... should be grateful forgiveness was considered at all.
[ maybe it isn't her place to ask, but... to her he seems to be holding himself plenty accountable. she just wonders if there's room to give himself some grace as well. ]
[ what a question, honestly. has he forgiven himself? ]
... I don't know if I should. Forgiveness needs to be earned - if not hers, then my own. And I'm not certain if I have done what needs to be done to be worthy of that.
I could have destroyed the thing I love most in the world. What I did could have led to the destruction of all magic, or at least harmed the Weave in some irreparable way, and that would be a crime unforgivable.
...Do you think it's something that can only be earned at the cost of your life?
[ that would be too sad, she thinks. ]
...You could have done all that, yes. Even just the possibility is a serious one. But... you managed to avoid the worse outcome. I hope one day, it'll all become a distant dream. And I'm sure there are those who have already forgiven you.
[ even if he can't quite manage himself, his friends here seem to care for him deeply. accept him, for all his flaws and strengths alike.
(...she has a dear friend who reminds her just a little of gale, in the sense of having made mistakes, and having paid a terrible cost. and having been forgiven anyway.) ]
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no subject
Good day! Or, well, I suppose I don't know the quality of day to call it, to be quite honest with the impending sacrifice situation.
no subject
nonetheless, she she greets him with a smile. ]
...I think we'll have to call it foggy, with a chance of disaster.
[ ... ]
I don't think we've met. I'm Aqua.
no subject
We have not! Gale of Waterdeep, at your service. Lovely to meet you, Aqua.
no subject
Likewise.
[ a pause, ]
...To be honest, I feel like there's more we should be doing [ to stave off impending sacrifice situation ] than just settling in... [ to their rooming assignments. ] But maybe I'm just being impatient.
no subject
Believe you me, I feel entirely the same. It feels rather like being cattle awaiting the abattoir. But perhaps I should be more used to that feeling - it's hardly my first cult encounter, unfortunately.
Have you spoken to these masked figures?
no subject
[ STOP CULTS FOREVER ]
I haven't yet. I've been trying to figure out what to ask, if not what to request. But I did overhear a bit from yesterday.
[ ic/ooc blur ]
They've suggested that we look for our matches, right?
no subject
[ a joke, but also. it is true. ]
They have. A trade of risk for power. What do you think of that sort of balance?
no subject
[ also joking-but-honest. IT'S TIME TO DE-ESCALATE THE RITUAL SACRIFICE!!!!!
...her expression turns somber, thoughtful. ]
In my experience, it usually isn't a balance at all. It's easy for power to corrupt, and overwhelm. ...But I'm not sure. I'm quickly learning that this place isn't like my home at all. Our worlds are all so different.
[ ... ] Do you think it's really a good idea to let a monster's power grow stronger...?
no subject
It is not so much the monster's power, but the promise of the wish accompanying it. Though you are correct: they march hand-in-hand.
W1 MONDAY
Hungry?
[ she will toss him an apple or perhaps a peach if he would so like one! ]
no subject
Oh-- You know, starving actually, at least for food that isn't horrible gruel that makes you feel quite terrible.
no subject
she laughs a little ]
I can't believe we actually ate that for an entire week straight... There seems to be plenty of other options around here, at least.
[ she'll gather a couple more apples and then start heading down with her haul... which she'll present to him, tada! ]
You're welcome to take more, if you'd like.
[ no idea that they have side effects ]
no subject
[ being high might be a good thing for gale. or make him worse. the yapper times four. he will in fact take a couple more, admiring. ]
Food is often underestimated in its importance. Sometimes warriors on the battlefield forget that a war can be won or lost by its supplies. And that eating nothing but slop for a week will depress even the brightest spirits.
no subject
Yes. We've... had quite a week, too.
[ this island feels like a very well-timed reprieve, though she isn't sure how long it'll last.
she looks to gale curiously. ]
If you don't mind me asking—that mark... [ on his chest and across his cheek. ] Is everything all right?
[ she'd noticed it yesterday. ]
no subject
[ he puts a hand over his chest where it is, almost without really thinking about it. the mark is still there, just not outlined in ink or glowing, instead a deep, dull purple. ]
I assure you there is no danger to any of you, or at least, I would endeavor greatly to ensure there is not. It is sealed, for the moment, and the Overseers are informed with instructions should I die and it become destabilized.
[ huh? huh?? huh??? ]
no subject
You aren't in pain because of it, are you?
[ she was worried for his well-being, but now she's equally worried about everything else yeah!! ]
...What exactly is being sealed?
no subject
[ he puts the hand down, forcibly almost, putting them both behind his back instead. ]
It was much worse, before it was sealed, so really it's mostly a twinge here or there. Nothing to be concerned about.
[ but, well. okay. explanation times. ]
I suppose it is a long story, and I do apologize. I will try and spare you to much rambling. It is less of a mark, and more of a. Hm. Condition? I have named it the Netherese Orb, for the manner in which I obtained it. During the study and foolhardy attempt to capture a primordial piece of the nature of magic itself, I made a grave error. A portion of that energy has seated itself inside my body, and feeds upon magic - if it cannot be fed magical items, it siphons from my own magical reserves, and then from my very spirit. It has been sealed to slow the consumption of magic it requires and the source from which it is able to, erm. Drain. My living body keeps it in check and contained.
But as it is a collection of a vast amount of magic within itself, it also encapsulates a large amount of potential energy. Destabilization of the process would be ... bad.
no subject
[ and, since she does specialize in magic herself, this is genuinely interesting to her albeit still concerning. ]
I see. Destabilization would mean wide-scale destruction, yes? [ the release of unchecked, primordial power. ] Is it possible it might even trigger the ritual...?
[ which requires a large amount of energy to complete... ]
...Were you looking for a way to undo it, before this all happened? [ is there even a way? ]
no subject
[ exactly. ]
By my calculations, perhaps around three days after my death. And yes, I was. I ... had beseeched my goddess, but she rather left me to dangle, so to speak.
no subject
...I wish we had a way to help you. [ she means this whole-heartedly even if they've really only just met. so many of them here are familiar with magic, it's frustrating they can't put any of it to use—even if it might not actually be of help to gale. ]
The wish that the overseers mentioned [ if he were to find his match ]—is that something you could make use of?
no subject
[ laezel also calmed down shortly thereafter. it was fine. ]
But please do not feel too much sympathy. It is, after all, the product of my own mistakes.
As for the wish ... I believe so. It's why I intend to find my match.
W2 - MONDAY
enjoy!]
no subject
You will not fail.
she's quiet for a moment, seeing faint echoes of someone else reflected in that memory. the story of a master and disciple, of failings and rebuke. (had terra felt this way...?) ]
...Your burden is a heavy one. I'm sorry.
no subject
One deserved, all things told. He isn't wrong - of course. I ... should be grateful forgiveness was considered at all.
no subject
she's thoughtful for a moment. ]
...Have you forgiven yourself?
[ maybe it isn't her place to ask, but... to her he seems to be holding himself plenty accountable. she just wonders if there's room to give himself some grace as well. ]
no subject
... I don't know if I should. Forgiveness needs to be earned - if not hers, then my own. And I'm not certain if I have done what needs to be done to be worthy of that.
I could have destroyed the thing I love most in the world. What I did could have led to the destruction of all magic, or at least harmed the Weave in some irreparable way, and that would be a crime unforgivable.
no subject
[ that would be too sad, she thinks. ]
...You could have done all that, yes. Even just the possibility is a serious one. But... you managed to avoid the worse outcome. I hope one day, it'll all become a distant dream. And I'm sure there are those who have already forgiven you.
[ even if he can't quite manage himself, his friends here seem to care for him deeply. accept him, for all his flaws and strengths alike.
(...she has a dear friend who reminds her just a little of gale, in the sense of having made mistakes, and having paid a terrible cost. and having been forgiven anyway.) ]
no subject
I'm afraid I'm not sure I did avoid the ... outcome, as it were.
no subject
...I see.
[ awkward... indeed... ]
That wish of yours, then... Are you closer to finding your match? Or have you found them already, perhaps...?
no subject
I, ah. Am looking. Without much success so far.
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I haven't found mine, either.
[ a sigh. ]
Were it not for the rulebook [ AMONG OTHER THINGS ], I would've just written mine on the bulletin board and gotten it over with.
But I guess it's not meant to be easy. And... we are being watched.
W7 - MONDAY
So, have you been keeping yourself busy?
no subject
she has her face in her hands. ]
I... may have accidentally set something off earlier...
[ to answer his question... ]
no subject
... Did it have anything to do with a dramatic loss of hair?