ardenssolis

[ardenssolis]

@nvrcmplt said (inbox):

Fingers reach out to bother Ramses hair, a light tug before braiding begins in the moment. "Ya've stuck around for a while, huh? Like my company that much?" //Tyler

OZYMANDIAS MERELY HUMS WHEN Tyler’s hand drifts through his hair in preparation for braiding. He sits still, docile as can be as they set to work. It was no secret that he tended to melt easily when his hair was the center of attention, and thus, just like any other time the Witch toyed with those dark brown locks, he allowed them to do as they pleased. ❝Hah, you need ask that? I believe the answer to that is as plain as day.❞ After all, there were a lot of places that Ozymandias could be right now. This city was so vast, and he held a great deal of interest in many places and things contained within it. The food, the clothing, the overall atmosphere, intrigued him. If his time was to be limited in this world, then naturally he would seek to enjoy himself for as long as he possibly could. Not many were given the opportunity to live again, and though he was just a mere phantom who happened to have some semblance of a physical body, the fact remained that he was ‘alive’ – that he was here.

     That’s all that mattered.

     Trying not to turn his head was difficult when he desired to see Tyler’s face, yet he kept his gaze fixed forward, his attention slipping towards the window nearby for just a moment’s time. ❝But in the chance that you desire to hear it for yourself – yes, I do rather enjoy your company. Who else knows how to keep me as entertained as you?❞ He grinned, tease lacing his question. Without even having to look, he knew that the grin was returned.

[ardenssolis]

❝OH? TWO I IMAGINE would be quite terrifying to deal with – if you were an enemy, at least. I can already tell that no one in their right mind would ever want to encounter a wild Displacer Beast.❞ He hummed as she continued onwards about the creature he currently graced with his affections, a soft click of his tongue following soon afterwards. Who in their right mind would wish to put something so majestic on display as if it were some common circus attraction? Considering, from what his present company told him, these beasts were a rarity to encounter, one could make quite a hefty sum of coin from having them. A brow rose a little as Artemisia trailed off, going no further into her story. So…could he assume that the person this Displacer Beast liked ‘died’? Unfortunate. ❝I can understand her feelings. I too would be distrusting of others after being captured and gawked at by others.❞ Ozymandias gave a few more scratches before he moved his hand away, making sure to give a polite, ‘thank you’ as he did so.

     His manners might have been lacking on a good day, but he was not so rude as to not offer that much after so graciously being allowed to pet. ❝Ah, forgive me. I probably have held you up with all my questions. Unfortunately, I have a bit more that I wish to ask of you. You see, I was traveling with others, but we wound up being separated. I am wholly new to this land, so I am a bit…lost. Do you happen to know the way to the closest town?❞ Or city. Or village. Honestly, he didn’t care where he was as long as he could get his bearings. It was just his luck to be sent to some world where he had little to no knowledge about anything. Alas, such was the life of a Servant.

𝐒𝐇𝐄'𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐍'𝐒 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑 lack of knowledge about Displacer Beasts, but she's not saying anything about it. For now. Not knowing isn't inherently suspicious, after all- especially given the creature's usual habitats. But a man who looks this traveled... well. It's questionable to say the least.

However, Artemisia is smart enough to question it silently, and only to herself- for now.

"They are- though they're also a bit rare to see outside of their usual range. So imagine my surprise at having run into two of them in my current travels." Shame she hadn't been able to convince the one at the Temple of Shar to come with her. The trouble she could cause for the Dead Three with two of them is immeasurable. However one will have to do.

At least she has an owlbear.

"And I did- from a circus. I think the owner wanted us to give her back after she got out of her cage, but well... hard to make her go back in, especially when the only person she liked..." A press of her lips together, and she shakes her head. "In any case, she sticks around with me for the most part. Not really all that big on people after being a circus attraction, I'm sure you understand."

Beneath his hand, Shadow-whiskers tilts her head into his hand. This one is quite... acceptable at petting.

[ardenssolis]

❝AH, I SEE. YOU are trying to think of what pleasant dreams you can weave for those dealing with that onslaught, are you not?❞ Despite not needing to do any of this for humans, Ozul seemed to truly and deeply care about these beings who, more or less, seemed so insignificant in comparison to his vast self. Ozymandias didn’t quite know that the other was, but he could sense their power. Normally beings like this, held very little interest in aiding those weaker than themselves. What had brought about this devotion? This care? That was something that he wanted to ask them when given the chance. After all, he would more than likely be the only one to know the answer, and then when he left this world as easily as he had come into it one day, that answer would fade away with him. But that was a dull thing to think about right now. Instead, he wished to focus on the present.

     ❝As for me…I do not dream. Not anymore. When my eyes close, there is only perpetual darkness to great me. After all, I need neither drink, food, or sleep.❞ Although, despite not needing those things to sustain himself, he still enjoyed them all the same. ❝What a shame it is, that I will not be able to experience what beautiful images you manage to fashion for me when I allow my mind to drift.❞ Despite the faint tease that still lingered within his words, Ozymandias spoke the truth. Ozul, the ever faithful guardian of those caught between the waking world, and the land beyond it, would have been quick to chase away anything that might have made caused him any duress. There was a pause, lingering for just a second or two. ❝Do you dream, Ozul? I do not think I have ever caught you sleeping.❞

' pleasant to look at ' ... brow raised out of skepticism, unable to take him quite seriously despite his assurance that his features were rather good - looking. ( he's unused to this behavior. ) though, coming from ozymandias, it's become something of a more .... familiar trait. a low scoff leaves him while he, very slowly, returns to opening his notebook; though, still maintaining secrecy over their contents .... it would be quite rude to have another set of eyes take a peek into the privacy of their dreams and records. only he had unspoken permission to handle their ties. ozymandias' curiosity nonetheless doesn't go unnoticed or unregistered. it was a relatively common display when it came to ozul's ' job ' as a dream weaver -- THE dream weaver, as a matter of fact. since he had direct ties and access to the dreamscape.

" if you must know .... " ozul sighs, beginning to flip through some of the pages of his notebook. ... it wouldn't hurt to indulge him. at least for a short while. " i've recently visited some dreamers that require my attention ... some have been experiencing an increase in nightmares. as such, i need to weave new, positive dreams for them to balance them out. .... what of you ? do you dream ? "

[ardenssolis]

@caemthe said (inbox):

[ conall ] It seemed like it was going to be another sleepless night. On the bright side, they were less frequent now. However, nowadays, they only occurred when he regained more of his memories, the ones that reminded him why he wanted to get rid of them in the first place. The death of his brothers, the corruption of his homeland, the actions of his uncle… it was one of his ‘latest’ memories. “Right before all went to hell… did I ever send you a letter that seemed ‘odd’?” Probably not. He would’ve preferred it if his partner didn’t try to stay awake with him, but it might be better to clear some questions he had instead of pondering about them for the rest of the night. "Conchobar was plotting with one of your 'allies' to kill your father and take over your kingdom." It's been nearly a decade since then. From what he learned from history books, their betrayal and war happened, but they still lost. Would things have gone differently if the Land of Wolves had assisted them? “A few more months and they would’ve had everything ready to attack from different sides. My role… he didn’t give one, just said to think what was best for my loved ones’ safety. I spent the next days on the borders, and then…” Everything went to hell, and he didn’t have to make a choice anymore. But, if he had to, would he have risked the lives of his mother and Sétanta to tell his lover of Conchobar's scheming? Or would he have followed orders like a dog and try to ‘save’ Ramses another way? He was his uncle's best attack dog, so he doubted he would've had a small role in that play. So… what would he have done? Everything can change from one moment to the next.

RAMSES BLINKED, A BIT taken aback by the question he was asked. He should be used to this by now – Conall just bringing things up out of the blue without any warning. He had done that quite a bit when they were younger as well. One moment they would be sitting quietly, and then the next, he was bringing up something that required thought. This one, thought the question was simple, had him furrowing his brows a bit, digging deep into his memory to try and find something that brought about some hint of familiarity. ❝No, you did not. I would have recalled if you did as it is a bit difficult to forget the last letter from someone you cared for.❞ He would have held onto that letter forever as the last thing he would ever have from Conall. However, he would never state that out loud. He was too…proud to do so. However, perhaps there was no need to voice such thoughts when Conall knew him far too well.

     He thought about it sometimes… that moment he heard about the destruction of the Land of Wolves. His father had been unbothered by it, waving it off as an ‘unfortunate’ occurrence, but his father had lacked any sort of attachment to that land or its citizens. He had only meant to keep Conchobar close so he could monitor him, the rumors swirling about the cunning of that wolf one that was not so easily ignored. For Ramses, however, he had gotten too close – had become attached to Cu and Conall both. Distance was not an easy thing for a child, and though it should have come easier with age, it had not. If anything, the difficulty grew all the more. Still somewhat half-asleep, he fell quiet as he listened to the rest of Conall’s words, surprised that he was even talking about this incident. It was not something that Ramses had ever pressed to know. The fact that Conall had used magic to try and bury those memories deep told him more than enough.

     ❝My father had never trusted Conchobar. He said when you invited wolves into your home, you had to be prepared for when their hunger might extend past the offered meat. When Conchobar met his end, my father showed nothing on his face. He was neither overjoyed, nor was he saddened. He merely waved his hand and resumed his usual duties without a change.❞ He fell quiet, his hand reaching out to gently brush a few strands of hair from the other’s face. ❝For me, though, it felt as if the whole world suddenly lost its light, as if the very sun itself had been swallowed.❞ What would Conall have done if he had to invade? Had to slaughter those whom he had come to know? Would that have come easy to a trained warrior? Or…would it have been far harder to do than merely numbing yourself?

     He didn’t ask.

     He wouldn’t.

     ❝It’s late, Conall. If you do not fall back asleep now, you might wind up tired later on. Let us return to sleep.❞ Fingers soon caressed the other’s cheek, his soft means of helping soothe away those darker memories. Those questions that had come to mind were soon brushed into a corner. After all, he didn’t need to know an answer. It wasn’t important. The past may remain right where it was.

[ardenssolis]

WHAT DID MAKE HIM willing to put up with this wishy-washy stall owner? That was indeed a good question, wasn’t it? There were many around here – plenty who could probably get him what he wanted in time depending on what it was, but well…that was a lot of unnecessary trouble that he didn’t want to go through. It was bad enough that he had to rely on this specific individual for what he needed. Their prices were good, and they had things that no one else had right on time. The problem was, he felt, they were very much aware of this when it came to their customers, and thus, made everyone wait every now and then. Maybe this was some…merchant tactic that he was not aware of. Business had never been his strong suit, especially when he had others do things for him in the distant past. ❝If you ask that question, that means you are quite new around here.❞ He paused, glancing back in the other’s direction. ❝Supply and demand. That is why I come here.❞

     A rather simple answer, he knew. As such, he supposed he could add a little more. ❝Sometimes you have to put up with nonsense because there’s nothing you can do it. Although…thinking more on it all, I wonder if giving a little ‘word’ to the Trade Commission might make our runaway more privy to staying around.❞ Something to keep in mind, at least. ❝I might bring that up when they appear again after completing their little errand. That aside, since we both seem to have no choice but to wait, mind telling me exactly what you were looking for? Depending on what it is, you might be lucky enough to find it elsewhere.❞ Possibly. There was a reason they came here in particular. Had they the ability to find what they needed at any of the other stalls, no doubt that would have already been done.

what   a   fuss.   while   he   was   not   inherently   opposed   to   running   errands   for   the   healer,   he   wished   they   wouldn't   involve   a   scavenger   hunt   across   the   markets.   as   moze   relied   on   jiaoqiu's   cooking   or   the   meals   provided   for   the   cloud   knights   at   the   barracks,   typically,   and   was   not   one   to   spend   his   time   shopping   in   general,   he   was   both   unfamiliar   and   far   from   fond   of   the   many   stalls   littering   the   area.   that   an   owner   should   vanish   like   that   seemed   an   unnecessary   burden,   although   one   his   unique   skills   could   likely   make   short   work   of.   tracking   people   down   was   one   of   his   chosen   specialities,   after   all,   but   he   had   already   procured   a   few   items   for   jiaoqiu   and   was   of   no   mind   to   risk   losing   any   of   them   while   pursuing   some   run-away   stall   owner.

conversation   was   unpleasant,   he   found,   but   the   information   that   could   be   gleaned   from   it   had   its   use,   at   times.   that   idle   chatter   did   not   seem   too   promising,   then,   but   the   stranger   had   an   air   of   mystery   about   himself   that   at   least   struck   the   shadow   guard   as   odd,   not   to   mention   that   he   did   not   take   him   for   a   native   of   the   yaoqing,   much   like   himself.   briefly   did   he   eye   him   before   looking   back   to   the   stall.   it   was   his   last   stop,   there   were   no   other   tasks   to   be   completed   and   idling   farther   away   was   more   likely   to   spell   failure   to   procure   the   items   on   his   list.   a   soft,   miffed   grunt   escaped   him   before   he   looked   back   to   the   stranger.   ❛    what   makes   you   willing   to   wait,   then   ?   ❜

[ardenssolis]

@deityforged said (inbox):

“You should join me.” Trust her to be demanding, not asking of a king, her tall frame sprawled out on the sunny grass of his estate, drawn to the warm temperatures and slight breeze on her face. “If anyone tries to talk royal duties, I’ll handle them.” Hand extends for him to take - with full intention of pulling him into her to take a cat nap. :)

ASHMI COULD BE SO demanding, and yet, he was truly no different. There were countless times in which he had desired her attention and time as well, and how spoiled he had been whenever she granted it. So, when she held her hand out to him, beckoning for him to join her in her usual daily naps, who was he to refuse such an offer? ❝Hmm…should I?❞ he teased, lifting his hand and rubbing his chin as if in deep thought. ❝There are so many things that require a king’s attention today, that I am not sure that I can set aside even a few minutes of my time.❞ Hah, a ridiculous notion. If Ozymandias said that it was night when it was day, his word would have been law. No one would have contested him just as they would not have bothered if he said he wished to be left to his devices for an hour or two. Besides, there were others who could handle the more…exhausting…things. Eventually he dropped his ruse, laughter slipping from him as he made his approach.

     ❝I jest, Ashmi. All of that can wait, and not merely because I am in no hurry to do them.❞ His hand slipping into hers, easily allowing her to pull him down beside her from a nice, relaxing nap. The sun was pleasant today, and the skies were clear. There was no better time to close one’s eyes than now. Ozymandias was not going to squander such an opportunity to sleep soundly in Ashmi’s warm, protective embrace. Arms slipping around her, he pulled closer, his nose burying into the crook of her neck. ❝Just for an hour…❞ Alas, was it ever just for an hour? He supposed none of that really mattered much. For him, time had come to a stop. His full focus was only on this moment.

     Nothing else.

[ardenssolis]

THOUGH OZYMANDIAS HAD BEEN to many places with a gambling area like Penacony, he could say that none of them quite held the same feeling. He supposed that was primarily because those that came here were fully expecting to win – to fall into the dreams that they had created for themselves while here. This dream-like ‘world’ created made one believe they could do the impossible, which in turn, made many much more foolhardy. There were less privy to hold back, often going all in with that intense feeling of satisfaction and confidence. If he was truly someone who immersed themselves into research, he might have been quite interested in making this a topic of discussion back at the Herta Space Station. His index finger gently tapped against the polished surface of the counter, bright gold continuing to examine the other man with quiet intrigue. Everyone came here for some reason or another, himself included. Which did make him wonder why someone who too wasn’t immersed in the ‘dream’ the same way others around were, would seek to enter one.

     Perhaps he could find out.

     Or, perhaps, the reason merely wasn’t interesting enough to pursue. Secrets were sometimes best left as they were. Only time would tell which one Ozymandias found himself tilting towards. Lips curled into a smirk once more, a soft chuckle slipping from him upon the praise. ❝I suppose I come here, wondering, even fruitlessly, if something will change. For a place that hails itself as a totally new experience each and every time you come here, it certainly seems to fall short of that little description.❞ Maybe due to his lack of ability to actually dream, he might not have been able to immerse himself in the same way. He could see truth, where others only saw the illusion of what was created for them. ❝What of you, My Dear Company? Surely you are not here to lose yourself like the others. What do you seek in this place of decadence and false freedom?❞

What  he  saw  was  a  man  not  blinded  by  the  opulence  that  the  casino  offered  but  rather  someone  removed  from  it.  He  stood  out  to  him  from  the  crowd  for  the  same  reasons  he  found  him  intriguing  and  he  thought  because  of  that,  he  could  find  himself  an  interesting  conversationalist.  That  idea  that  victory  was  guaranteed  usually  came  from  arrogance  and  a  sense  of  entitlement  but  the  man  spoke  like  he  understood  what  the  true  game  really  was  in  a  casino  and  Aventurine  believed  he  would  walk  away  richer  than  he  came  —  if  he  didn't  play  him  of  course.

He  had  no  intentions  to  drag  him  to  a  table  quite  yet,  though,  as  his  easy  observation  had  his  eyes  sharpen,  though  not  in  the  usual,  wary  way.  In  the  sea  of  those  lost  within  the  dream,  and  even  more  so  in  a  gambling  house,  finding  a  reasonable  take  was  a  luxury.  ❛  Alright,  you  answered  my  question  before  I  even  asked.  I  gotta  say,  you're  good.  ❜  He  said  and  tilted  his  own  drink  towards  him  before  finally  letting  go  of  the  pretence  that  he  would  even  drink  it  and  let  it  rest  on  the  counter.  ❛  You  know  your  way  around  the  rules  and  pitfalls  of  this  place  so  why  come  here?  When  victory  is  guaranteed,  is  there  really  any  thrill  left  in  it  all?  You  don't  strike  as  the  type  of  man  that  needs  his  ego  stroked.  ❜  His  arms  crossed  on  the  counter  as  he  leaned  on  the  counter  and  observed  now  with  more  attention  to  detail.  The  way  he  carried  himself  with  the  arrogance  of  a  man  who  already  knew  he  won  and  he  wondered  what  more  he  could  uncover  beneath  those  layers.  ❛  Unless  your  goal  here  is  more  than  just  a  thrill.  ❜

[ardenssolis]

@incandescentia said (inbox):

"so bright... Ichi is jealous..." subdued voice was not a little more than a distinct murmur, her presence is almost swallowed by the void that quietly creeps beneath her feet. to harm another is never her intention, for she only wants understanding. ( out of all people Oichi sees him like Ieyasu somehow ... )

THIS PRESENCE…HOW HEAVY. He had yet to meet any with a feeling quiet like the one in front of him, at least from what he could recall. It was cold, almost melancholic in nature. A cocoon in which the individual could leave it, yet chose to remain within for reasons all their own. Either way, Ozymandias did not see her as a threat to himself despite those ever shifting shadows. If anything, what he felt was a hint of sympathy rear itself from deep within his heart. ❝You need not stay so deep within the darkness. It is fine to step outside of it, if you so desired to.❞ But that was easier said than done, wasn’t it? ❝But it would appear that you are not ready. Or perhaps, it is not that so much as it is too difficult to do so. Either way, one day the sun’s warmth should reach you. Its rays have not forsaken you.❞ Whether those words were heeded or not meant little to him. What did, was that he offered them.

     That small, tendril of light.

[ardenssolis]

It's always interesting writing Ozy in another setting as a Servant because he always approaches things as a kind of distant observer. The way he talks to those sharp enough to catch it, comes across as someone wholly disconnected from the world he's in, and that's because he DOES feel disconnected. He's an outsider looking in, and it tends to take time for him to see himself as more 'a part' of that universe, reality, so forth and so on. Sometimes it's due to an attachment to an individual, and sometimes it's just because he begins to see things differently the longer he remains. However, it always takes time to fully come to such a point.

[ardenssolis]

She just grins at him. The silly goose grin. The silliest ever. Just beaming at him !!

SUSPICIOUS. HE DOESN'T TRUST it.

[ardenssolis]

I really love when like - me and another person share the same muse and we both have similar analysis' on how they behave, ect. There's just something really "!!!!" about this that makes me happy to see because that means we both see the same thing, and reached a similar understanding of said character. It's neat! Now this isn't for headcanons where like, I have very particular things and that person also somehow has very particular things that match mine when mine might be very, very off the cuff / tugged from the abyss itself. This is for similar analysis.

[ardenssolis]

❝I DO NOT THINK there are even enough words to describe one such as you.❞ Was that a compliment? It was honestly hard to tell with his tone. He huffed softly when their cheeks rubbed together, amused, even if he was attempting to not appear as such. It would only embolden this ridiculous ranger. ❝I do not even know how I would have introduced you in the first place. Saying you hail from the stars would be complicated.❞

Boothill presses their cheeks together playfully. "That wasn't a 'No', Darlin'. Sounds like y'would if y'could~"

[ardenssolis]

❝HAH! I HAVE NO home to bring you to, Ranger.❞

ardenssolis

Hmm 🤔

"Y'wanna take me home, Sunflower~?"

[ardenssolis]

@spurhill said (inbox):

Bedivere is here. He has decided to attempt The Sneak. The Surprise. whilst Ozymandias is out and about, the Knight fills the corners of his room with wondrous flowers and an adorable little vanilla & chocolate sun shaped mousse cake on his bed. he is quite the trickster on this day! //Excuse the mobile

OZYMANDIAS HAD BEEN OUT and about today, enjoying a few drinks with his fellow pharaohs before he decided to return to his bedroom for the rest of the evening. He had expected his room to naturally look the way he had left it, but as soon as he had opened the door and stepped inside, he was met with the scent of flowers. Not only that, resting upon his best on a platter was a most beautiful cake, so ornate in its design, that even he found himself completely in awe. Who had left this for him? Nitocris…? No, no, she would have been quite obvious even if she had attempted to be stealthy. Surely he had no end of admirers (assumed), but who in particular would have thought to surprise him in this manner? Hmm…though he did have quite a bit of questions he desired to have answers to, for now, Ozymandias would enjoy what was given to him. He’d play ‘detective work’ at a later date. Making his way over to his bed, he carefully sat down, deciding to enjoy himself a slice before he turned in for the night.

     ❝Whoever my admirer is, they have quite a bit of skill. A master baker, perhaps?❞ That red Archer held a great deal of ability when it came to making various dishes and desserts, but it was hard to imagine that he would come to his room and do all of this. The very thought was laughable to him. Ah…he wasn’t supposed to be thinking about any of this. He was supposed to be eating this cake before it became too late. Thus, without another thought, he made sure to thoroughly enjoy the cake he had been brought. Maybe…he would leave a note on his door in case that individual passed by…

     A heartfelt thank you.

[ardenssolis]

@chasersglow said (inbox):

"Rider." He is warm. Warmth and radiance, akin to that of the brightest star within the cosmos. It would have been an honour to bask within the flare that he presents. Yet it stands not as something as fickle as temporary favouritism. It is a right earned, given from blood let and tears wept. "My king." Was it possible for a doll to feel? Happiness, despair, hope, humanity harboured and bore at the behest of naught but themselves. It wasn't something for the Foreigner to understand. To have. To cherish. To drown in. Perhaps it was too late for such ponderings with the position Himeko is in. A singular blink and the thoughts pulled in an undertow from her mind. Close enough to know where her breath began and his ended spoke, nose to nose upon a Kings bed the implications are all but there. Ozymandias' skin is warm beneath her touch and upon the small of her back, despite the silks of her dress. Yet simple words do not fulfill it enough. "....My dear Ozymandias." Words, another construct formed and beckoned by humans pale in the shadow of the feeling that blooms undoubtly in Himeko's expression. As the woman, leather and crimson bound fingers cup his face and gently tugs at the faint distance. Each word a kiss almost unto themselves. "May I...show you the means to live, to love I have learned...in the absence of you and I?"

IT WAS THE WAY that she said his name that instantly held onto his attention – holding it in a way that made everything else cease to matter as his golden gaze met with hers. Himeko. How could he ever forget that name? How could he ever forget her? Not even the Throne of Heroes could wholly erase her face, her name, her very being, from his memories. There was no murky recognition. No struggle to recall what déjà vu might have been present in a normal meeting when past Holy Grail Wars were involved…

     He remembered everything.

     Like a brilliant star, her presence would have stood out even amongst a crowd of people, and just like back then, his eyes would have been drawn to her radiance. ❝Even when the stars dance in the sky, you still are the most beautiful of them all.❞ How much time had passed since their last meeting? Ozymandias didn’t ask. None of that mattered, after all, to one who was ageless. For him, time was a meaningless thing, its importance having long since escaped him. What did, matter was this very moment. That was where he wanted to be right now.

     Nowhere else.

     Himeko was so close to him now, her form warm and inviting (how much power this woman had to ensnare even the sun itself). Ozymandias was not one to hold himself back from his desires, yet he did not press forward – did not allow himself to fall into those bright golden hues so easily. No, no, he wanted to see the extent of her own hunger, and to see if it too matched the intensity of his own. His hand came to rest upon the curvature of her spine, but that was all he did; all that he would allow himself to do despite how fingers tightened just a fraction upon that soft, cool silk. It had been countless years since he had felt like this towards another. For a time, he had forgotten what it was like to feel this way…

     Adoration. Love.

     ❝You may,❞ he spoke, his words oddly soft for how raucous they could be on a good day. He leaned into one of her gloved hands, eyes half-lidded like the sun lowering beneath the horizon. ❝Show me everything, Himeko.❞ So that he may commit it to memory and lock it away within his heart for eternity. After all, the Throne would never take away what he didn’t desire it to. For deep within that tangled web, he would always recall that flash of golden eyes, that fire that was Himeko’s hair...

     And the softness of her lips.

[ardenssolis]

@luminaei said (inbox):

“your resolve and your strength are admirable,” vessel of Light sincerely conveys to him, “it is no small feat, treading upon a path, remaining on it, even when the road darkens.” ( we see you there, we had to come here )

AH, WHAT AN INTRIGUING thing to approach him with. It was instant how she held his attention, captured it as golden eyes came to fall upon her smaller form with great curiosity. It was said that the eyes could tell you a great deal about a person, and this was true. There was much one could discern from such things, and as his gaze met hers, he knew the kind of person that stood before him. How could he not when he had seen such before. It was for that reason that he lowered his guard, if only a little, his lips curling into a smile – genuine in all its rarity. ❝Roads can never darken for me if I continue to shine brightly, and I have very little intention to dim. However, your praise is noted and accepted.❞ There was a small pause from him, such lasting but only a few seconds as he further observed his present company. ❝Be sure to recall those words for yourself as well. Your road may darken, but as long as you carry even the smallest bit of light, it cannot swallow you whole.❞

     A king’s pride was a stubborn thing, and his had cost him greatly many a time in the past. However, at the same time, it was also that same pride that kept him from turning back when it mattered. There would be no accepting of defeat or failure, for he would not allow himself to. As long as the sun continued to rise and fall, then he must too. And if it ceased one day, then he would become the sun itself. ❝But you already know that, do you not? Those eyes of yours tell me that there is a determined soul buried deep within.❞ He sincerely hoped that she continued to shine radiantly, so that all near her could be bathed in that same warmth she carried.

[ardenssolis]

@nvrcmplt said (inbox):

He stands, staring from above and watching the world below... That one though, that one was not of these mountains or lands, no no. That creature of dark tones and scent of sun baked sands was not of their origin and yet older than it all combined? Amusement in the crows visage, ebony wings flutter and expand as tri-legs push the beast from branch to clouds. Soaring with wonder, a lowering of his talons to clasp onto electric cable, gaze twisting to watch them walk on with their... companion? Amusing, amusing. "Danger? Danger?" Cawed tones, mimicry at its finest as the crow flutters amongst several others that joined him... Though, he was the only one to move onto the next surface, a brick wall, then a car top, then an yard grown apple tree keeping up with this oddity. Yatagarasu was rather intrigued with this one.

OZYMANDIAS CAME TO A stop, his gaze shifting towards the most peculiar crow watching him with an intensity that made him wonder if there was more to them than met the eye. They weren’t a familiar from what he could tell, and even if they were, it wouldn’t have mattered. An enemy mage could monitor him and his summoner all they wanted. During the day, none were allowed to attack the other as were the rules for this ridiculous ‘war’. No, that bird was different. ❝Are you following me, Little One?❞ Ozymandias spoke, amusement present within his tone as he watched them flitter from perch to perch. What a most peculiar sensation they bore; their mana quite unique compared to the other curious crows that too watched him, perhaps if only due to their comrade’s curiosity. If they were not a familiar, then what were they? A thought for another time, he supposed. They were sharp enough to know that he was dangerous. Then again, maybe they were copying something they heard…

     Crows were fascinating creatures.

     ❝Something wrong, Rider?❞ Ozymandias didn’t miss the wariness in his vassal’s question, their gaze now upon the crows that watched above as well. Whereas he knew that something was off about the bird that tilted their head to and fro, they saw nothing more beneath the surface. Mages nowadays were so…weak in comparison to those who had existed in his homeland. Truly a shame.

     ❝No, it is nothing. I just seemed to have caught the attention of very curious company. It’s fascinating how different crows look here. Back in Egypt, their plumage was not quite so dark all around.❞ With a final lingering stare, he turned and began walking forward once more, gesturing for his summoner to come along. ❝Anyway, enough about that. All I care about is this ‘pizza’ you told me about.❞ When given a chance, he would see if he could get his newfound friend to approach him. Those beady black eyes reflected far more intelligence than some mere beast.

     He was curious too.