lysainscale

[lysainscale]

🔮 - "Hmm." A very humbled, bumbling hum trills from the throat and resonates in his nose as he oriented his body in an approximation toward Paric. A great degree of his attention was removed from that of the music as it began to fade. His brow shuffled as Paric's subtle request thinned the man's lips. "I'll consider it, but I don't have any suitable instruments to even rouse these weary souls. Besides, their flutes have very grating lower tones." He scrunched the bridge of his nose, trying to be limited in who was able to hear their conversation, before some nobility of this region to ruse his words as offense. As for the man's intention, Jesopp tempted not. The man's hunger was quite ravenous. Perhaps he'd favor being the delectable morsel for the evening. "Might? Ahhh~." Jesopp gave the man a telling gaze, pulling the man's attention as his brilliant eyes indulged in the handsome facade of the changeling. "I'd rather you commit to that than taunt or bluff. After all, I may need to request a private bath be drawn to cleanse of my flesh in reverence to the aether of this land. I may want to take a companion with me."

🫦 - the high priests could have a stronger connection to the religions that the practiced than those that weren't connected to magic. even if paric had some. his form of astonishment was not only more covert at times, but it was also only internal. there wasn't a connection to a higher power for the magic that he wielded. just the sidhe mother that had birthed him. that's why he enjoyed studying someone that got their magic from their land. also their genes, but that had to work their way up to become the only one in their land with their title. the high priests were fascinating to him. maybe that's why he favored picking jesopp's brain over some random commoner. “promise that you will show them the benefits of our hymns later in the night when they open the floor? i'm sure darius would appreciate a cultural exchange.” paric licked his lips while thinking about it. “the night is still young and i'd rather pick your brain that of someone i might just see tonight. i'll get to them eventually.”  

[lysainscale]

🔮 - "Mayhaps." Jesopp's eyes drift toward the sky, as if paying their due audience. The Gods of Old and New. As they spoke of them, it was required of him as he was so intricately intertwined with such divinity. Even if The Slithering Serpent was known to roam through the sandy valleys that ripped into the terrain of Lysain, they were everywhere. Even now. He could feel it coursing through him. As if he nests in his chest and coiled his lungs. He doesn't draw Paric into despair nor concern as he keeps his thoughts completely submerged. He faintly smiled at the man. It was his own perception that made him keen to the other's appraisal of him. For a moment he questioned how he should indulge the other. A brow perks as he found himself sipping of his spirits. The potent elixir soaked his tongue and pushed back as he pursed lips. "We have our own spirited hymns. But it's still less of a droll over high pitches. I just didn't assume you'd rather keep the company of your seat over the curious dukes and nobles from near and far."

🫦 - "surely the divine has to have some understanding for how us mortals are doing things nowadays." that depended on which religion you followed. the slithering serpent and willow tree were the ones that paric guided himself with. allowed him to believe in something, yet be carefree at the same time. that was something that he needed. while jesopp was busy studying the wine, the changeling was busy studying the high priest. the other's assessment on the music was spot on. at least for what they were used to. “it's fun for them to get rowdy, but i think you have a point. our celebrations are much more subvert. soothing music that one can flow towards, not stomp on the ground.” this is what he wanted, the truth. “it's not rare to be more connected to what you have at home. maybe at some point we'll be able to show them how the other side parties.” 

[lysainscale]

🔮 - "Sins? When does honesty become an immoral misdeed against thee divine?" The Priest's age obviously played a great degree on his perception. Some things he'd allow to be consumed by the tides of change. Others? Well, let's just say he held to them with a taut grasp. His eyes shift back to his own chalice as if watching the cosmos unravel before him. It was as if he'd study the abyss at the very bottom of its belly. He'd gaze over at Paric, who'd seemed to take a greater liking to the small conversation. "It's harsh on the ears. Sharper notes. Hastened melodies. Some too fleeting for the carriage of the solicited mood. Celebratory? Well, yes." He took a sip of his cup. He knew he presented as an archaic bastion but he did not refute that perceived notion, either. "I'm just too fond of what is our home and the hypnotic chattering of the wooden beads and chimes. "

🫦 - feeding the need to complain? that made paric all the more curious. he took another sip of his drink as he sat with those words for a couple of moments. a smile was placed on his features as he put the chalice down, sitting and shifting so that he was turned to jesopp. “you are amongst trusted allies right now. speak freely as i will not hold you accountable for the sins of the tongue. especially since i so often let me tongue do many things it shouldn't.” he snickered softly, leaning back on the chair. “more of a boom. i find ours to be much more subtle, but that might just be me.” often times he wanted to pay attention to the people and drinks instead of the music.

[lysainscale]

🔮 - The Lysain Priest kept his gaze upon the princes. It was brief as their royal guards kept them in better company. For the night, he'd allow himself a chance to enjoy the festivities. Should the Gods will it. His eyes gently cast over his shoulder at Paric, who he'd assume was enjoying his beverage. He shifts in his seat, to accommodate the man's presence. The Lysain noble acknowledged with the lowering of his head, presenting him with honor for house in a foreign land. "It is vastly different than what I am used to but I will not find need to complain." He took a sip of his own cup but it was far more potent. "What are your observations of their music?"

location:  vissai  kingdom

the  master  of  revels  was  intrigued  as  to  how  other  kingdoms  threw  their  parties.  paric  was  scanning  the  room  while  taking  small  sips  of  the  wine.  he  thought  his  wine  was  always  better,  but  whatever!  the  room  was  grand,  spacious,  and  he  couldn't  deny  that  fact.  “what  do  you  think  of  the  music?”  the  changeling  stopped  the  nearest  person,  intrigued  to  what  they  thought  about  the  whole  event.  he  leaned  against  the  wall  and  took  another  sip  of  his  drink.

[lysainscale]

🔮 - "There's got to be more to this. You didn't cross the barren dunes and abandon the green of Lysain for the sake of having me rattle some dice." Jesopp's movement was as if he was the air, itself. He tucks one hand beneath his knees as as he sat in a chair directly across. His fingers wove the elements, infusing astral energy into the motion. Threads stretched between each digit as he kept his gaze steadfast upon them. "Speak the contents of your mind and soul. Should the Gods will it; and should The Slithering One allow me, I will give you the counsel you seek." The fibers anchor into the ground. Each four corners are traced and a slab of sandstone emerged.

"Only condition is to be completely truthful. Prove to be dishonest and the Gods will shut us out." He gestured to the slab. "Rest, now. The work is just to begin." The priest opened the color of his robe, revealing the glowing markings that were scribed into his skin. Someone usually sought a high priest when the problems were far too great for a sorcerer. When they sought one outside of their kingdom, it was to be off the books. He turned very few away. "And if you hear slithering, steel your worry. It means that He listens with interest."

[lysainscale]

[lysainscale]

kingdom of ritrinc: waterfront square [here]

🔮 - "You are most generous," Jesopp dots the kind soul with a prolonged bowing of his head. Grace had been a favored friend to the foreign high priest along his journey. And it seemed the sovereign god has shined its mercies upon him. Just as The Slithering One and the Gods of Old. His fingers traced over the encircling bricks as he smiled at the swell of intrigue. Rich clay kissed his fingertips. He'd smear it between the pads of his thumb and middle finger. The small mat beneath his buttocks, supporting him at the root as rocked back into a seated position. Legs stacked crisscross, with the soles anchored to the inside of his thighs. He hummed. Though he did not need to, it assisted the young; and old, to find ease in the eccentric display of magic. His garbs had been tucked into a small satchel.

That was his merciful gift to these festivities- ushering further fruitful harvests now and in the future.

"Parlor tricks? I think not." Jesopp's head ticked, jolting skyward with his nose and chin. His gaze still parallel to the ground. "These people celebrate the multiples of their manual labour." He gestured to the evident baskets that decorated the waterfront. He'd join in with the liveliness of the gathering crowd, clapping to the joyous cheering and relishing in the beautiful breeze that wefts from the water's surface.

There was no such thing as a stranger during these collective meeting places. They were all tethered by opportunity and bliss. It was written in the strange but comforting smile that teased his features. "Come. Sit. There's something heavily waging war within your mind, but we are here to enjoy these festivities. Perhaps there is opium to burn, or perhaps myrrh?"

[lysainscale]

Pheopaphenia -- The Exalted Ascended Place Said to be the sacred site blessed by The Slithering Serpent as a divine dwelling place of the Gods of Old and New. The exact age of origin is unknown. This tall structure looms within the distance as it divides the kingdom longitudinally. Here houses texts inscribed by priests; long returned to the beyond. Mysteries that time had long consumed. Within the great chamber; the ground floor, one could glance through the crystalline seal that glowed with the respective hue of the sun or the moon. Sorcerers and likened are free to utilize this space for their rites.

Ornate marble and sandstone carved meticulously. Bronze artifacts affixed to their pedestals. Worshipers, practitioners, and observers may rest on the rows of slabs fashioned with cushions overlooking the elevated platform. The six floors above act as a library, accessible only by those gifted enough to pass a simple, but challenging arcane test. The very top is a singular chamber. Rumor has it is the place where sacrifice and rituals take place-- none of which have been acknowledged or denied. It is the place where the acting high priest carries out great feats that are limited by physical means. It is where they may study or worship, evoke the gods of new and old, teach the sorcerers of age, praise -- whatever is necessary.

Approaching this tower; as its majesty emerges through the sandy dunes and desertscape, is said to cause unexpected fright and anxiety-- if you can survive the wandering basilisks that stalk the sands. It is also a place where intentions and truths are revealed.

[lysainscale]

PLEIADES GROUP PROMPTS ! they'll be split out by different categories (kingdoms, magic, bestiary), just to give you multiple routes to play in. send me a word from the below and i'll make a starter based off of it. please specify muse if i'm a multi-muse blog. if you want it the other way around, just add a reverse to the message.

LYSAIN

POISON → our muses come across a beautiful plant, but it might be poisonous. it's up to us to decipher if it can be picked or not.

HALLUCINATION → my muse just snapped out of a very deep illusion cast by a sorcerer. yours is the first they see upon waking.

LOST → my muse swore that they saw a beautiful library in this spot earlier, but now they can't find it. can your muse help or is it the blind leading the blind?

VARLINNIS

EXPLORE → our muses are exploring part of the untouched old lands of varlinnis. will they get lost in the moment or get too spooked?

ASH → our muses find something buried in the ashes. a beautiful and ornate book. what secrets lie within and how will they use it?

GLAMOUR → our muses are lying about their identity. using the fact that this kingdom is a fresh start. fake dating trope anyone?

RITRINC

DIP → our muses take advantage of the beautiful and large body of water that spans throughout part of the kingdom. time to skinny dip.

BOUQUET → my muse has collected a couple of beautiful (and safe) flowers and they decide to give it to your muse when they see them next.

HEALING → my muse was severely injured in a battle and is currently in a medic's tent recovering, yours is either healing them or coming to visit.

VISSAI

DRAGONS → our muses come face to face with one of the dragons. what's their reaction? bonus points if one of them is a dragonrider, they can be showing theirs off.

ARENA → our muses are in one of the largest arenas ever. time to start sparring. why not take advantage of the old lands?

VIEW → our muses just hiked up to the top of a mountain. now they're able to sit back and enjoy the beautiful view.

CHASQUE

CAVES → our muses are exploring the caves together. they're probably lost, but at least the company is good.

ETERNAL NIGHT → suddenly our muses are engulfed in a lot of darkness. mine starts to freak out and seeks yours out to comfort them.

CRYSTALS → our muses stumble upon a beautiful bunch of crystals and mine tries to take some for your muse.

UMORIA

WHISPERS → our muses start to heart whispers coming from the tree. they stop for a moment to see if they understand.

DARE → your muse dares mine to go into the swampland where people seem to be transported out of if they're not magical.

LEGEND → my muse is telling yours a scary story or old myth about the land. they're sitting around a campfire at night.

FERANTHOR

WALL → our muses reach the wall and mine jokes that they should just stay here forever. really, they just wanted the exercise.

UNKNOWN → our muses venture out pass the wall and start to explore what could be out there. their life is really in danger now.

MONSTER → our muses just saw something breeze by them and it looked like a creature. mine is quick to jump into hunting mode.

NON KINGDOM RELATED

POTION → our muses take a potion together and it starts to make them extremely hot or thirsty. they have to look for a cure together.

GARGOYLE → my muses accidentally activates a gargoyle and now our muses are being hunted down together, forced to hide.

UNICORN → our muses are looking for a unicorn together, but soon enough forget everything (unicorn magic) and just wander around together.

FEAST → our muses are together in some grand feast. lots of wine and tasty food is being had, so they start chatting each other up.

THRONE ROOM → our muses are the last ones left in a throne room, it suddenly feels like an intimate space now that it's empty.

TREATY → our muses are from different kingdoms and trying to see how they can each benefit from working together.

WAR → our muses are from different kingdoms and tend to be a bit competitive, trying to one up each other in the conversation.

SPARRING → our muses are sparring together and things start getting hot and heavy.

HORSE RIDING → my muses picks yours up on the way into town, offering them a ride on their house.

[lysainscale]

[lysainscale]

🔮 - There were a great deal of reactions and voluntary responses he could've given the noble. Instead of preventing wandering hands from exploring the span of his body, he was quite curious as to the man's directives. His eyes close behind lids. Obvious that Paric was aware of the swelling and stimuli that scourged Jesopp's flesh. It were the sounds that probably uncovered the severity of Paric's actions. His hands now move, weaving through the physical and the astral. Intricate webs woven between as he ebbed and flowed through both. His energies and silent devotion offered to the beings that dwelled in both. The tantric energies? He harbored most and would sacrifice them to The Slithering Serpent. However, he does release it into those hands that coursed his body.

He gave Paric a sample of the stimulation that coursed through him. Well, enough that most could manage.

"I'm no fish, and I'd rather not use my abilities to keep myself from being taken by this waterbed." He gestured to a shallow portion carved into the side. Though, he'd stride through the water without hesitation. "What are your intentions with my body, Sir Paric Fenrich and would you still want them if The Slithering Serpent was watching over you?" He takes the moment to gain control over his own faculties. "Would you persist even more? Allow your hunger to best you?"

🫦 - a part of him wondered if he should stay silent for the rest of the time. there was something intimate about jesopp not being able to see him anymore unless he moved around. it gave him an excuse to move his hands freely without the other pausing. paric had his vendetta the second that he decided to enter this place with him. it only grew more and more when the man ended up getting naked and encouraging him to do so as well. his hands continued to explore his body. moving over to each arm while digging his hands into them, massaging the warm skin there. the changeling then moved his massages over to the middle of his back. he moved his hands around, groping his pecs in the process. he went closer to the man during that moment, warm breath pouring over him. then he realized that he shouldn't be too close, or else his excitement would have been felt. 

paric then drew his hands back until he was able to massage the rest of his back. he took his time, ensuring that he focused on every inch of jesopp's body. when he got to his lower back, he dug his fingers into the warm flesh and circled his thumbs around. he betrayed his own thought from earlier when he decided to speak. “how are you feeling over there? is the ritual coming along nicely?” not that he was going to know the difference between a bad or good chant. he was simply here to have a good time. after he asked the question, his hands lowered even further south. paric made sure to give the upper portions of his cheeks some attention, small and deep circular motions. then he pulled away, going back up to his shoulders to finish off the massage there. “i'd go lower, but i'd need to have you start floating in the water.” he snickered softly, wondering if that was something that he wanted.

[lysainscale]

🔮 - There was a time when the spark of life surged through Jesopp, too. Curiosity- a plague of his every waking and sleeping thought. In fact, he could remember its taste upon his tongue. But he could also remember how the sweetness of venom lingered upon it, as well. These likened ideas were two lovers dancing in an eclipse. Both were as unique to experience. Both birthed out of the wandering mind of a kindred spirit. He reluctantly softened his gaze upon the boy and his chin returned to a neutral line. His eyes studying the etchings in the walls. Even if he were sworn to secrets, there were things he shouldn't want the younger male to ever experience. The cold talons of the other side was one of them.

"Faith? You think they regard your faith? ...huh." He did not want to grace the foreign prince with the discipline reserved for his own princes. He does cast a very doubtful gaze from the corner of thinned lids. Like a spirit guide burdened by the weight of every spirit, he sighed. Disappointment? No. Concern and anguish? Quite. "Prince Solomon of Saewine. If there is nothing that you take from me, take this with you as you traverse your life. Belief does not act as a barrier from the forces of this realm and the next from interfering in your life." He opened his palm to him. The other hand still resting in the lower curve of his back. The sounds manifested in this place. Though it was quick, it was enough to let him know that they were never truly alone.

"Some desire to trick and fool you, young prince. To make you believe otherwise of the other realm would not be wise. Besides, I'd rather not have you pestering me from the otherside." He faintly smiled. More accurately, it appeared as a small twitch of his features. "Knowledge is belief- or the search for it. To understand. Some things are best cast under unturned stones." He groaned. "Spirits are fickle beasts. You believe you understand them and next your soul is fighting for your own body." Groaning continued. "Sorcerer or Priest, first! And then you make your request through the priest. Unfortunately, I am not going to be that guide for you." He gestured to the cavern. "Now within reason? I can show you these places, for they are a small sanctum blessed by the divine. Also..." Jesopp adjusts. "It is not my intention to make you feel as if I am lecturing you."

　　it was quite a comforting experience, to be there with the priest after having let go of all grievances he carried - the feeling could be temporary, but solomon did want to treasure those few minutes. any pain and resentment drowning in the depths of that aquifer. "yes, it is something beautiful. so many discoveries wouldn't have been made if there was no one curious enough to seek answers to their questions." he chuckled, arms idly caressing the cold surface that surrounded him.

　　when jesopp scolded him though - gently but disappointingly, regardless - solomon held back his tongue. a rare occurrence, by the way. he wanted to see the caverns, not the spirit themselves. perhaps he could have worded it better, but he did not want to interrupt the priest. he had some to respect the man and his devotion, so he just listened with an apologetic gaze. for there was truth in those words, and solomon could tell. he could be intelligent, but was he wise?

　　"it wasn't my intention to intrude in such a way. i wanted to witness the magesty of these caverns myself, as for the spirits...well, those are the reason why i reached for your guiding hand, sire." he clarified, now confronting the clear eyes of the elder. "i did not consult the priest of our court. to be quite frank, this had begun as a trip of knowledge, not of faith. which might have been my first mistake." it was difficult to atone to his missteps, but alas, he was not one to lie. "but trust me in this, my intentions are not those which i walked in here with. although...i do find satisfaction in the beauty of the caves."

[lysainscale]

[lysainscale]

🔮 - "Curiosity is a beautiful thing. Means life still dwells within you." Jesopp chuckled softly. His arms interlocked: wrist to palm. His own eyes did close as he slipped a little into the veil. He could see; feel, everything that did circle them. Some far less frightening than some of the other presences, but none should truly intervene in their practices. Not unless an authority deemed it so. He does not warn the boy. It mattered not. He faintly smiled as he shook his head. "To see spirits? Tsk." Jesopp sucked air through his teeth in a soft disapproval. There would be no 'bearing witness' to these entities. Not on his watch. Not in this sanctum.

Last thing Jesopp wanted was to have to report the unfortunate-curious cases of a foreign prince under his guide. Not even to his own King.

"Wisdom does come with the aging. If it is a spirit that roams down here, it is not willing to grace you with peace. That is, if it reveals itself to you." He sucked air through his teeth, yet again. "Come say. Has your Priest not discouraged these thoughts or desires?" He leaned in. "Have you told him as much?" A lone brow elevated as he looked toward the ceiling of the cavern as he returned to fully immerse himself in the physical realm. "Why not relish in the beauty of what is? Tempt these beings not. Invitation without proper boundaries is quite dangerous, Prince."

　　solomon could've seen the glow in jesopp's skin, let his eyes trace each mark with utter fascination - however, his eyes remained close. rare occurrence; more often than not, the prince was one to always study his surroundings, curiosity and calculation driving his every action. but in that moment, in the hands of the priest, he was finding something else. a peace he had not felt in so long, probably never. his body trembled as the water ran through his pale skin. loose droplets dripping down his lashes, nose, lips.

　　it should be noted that, in spite of the prince's scepticism and resentment to the carts he was dealt, he was faithful. even if he questioned the will of the beast, he remembered to revere it. and this experience had served as a humble reminder. consider the balance, echoed in the cave - within his head. and so, once the contact between priest and prince breaks, the youth gasps as he returns to reality. eye open to the darkness of the cave, the torch colouring in the features of the elder before him. his own expression drowsy, as if he had just awakened - which was not far from the truth.

　　"mere curiosity." solomon admitted as he broke his silence. a sheepish grin upon rose lips. "i had read much about these caverns, their properties, the spirits that resided within them. i took the chance to see them for myself."

[lysainscale]

🔮 - His gaze follows Paric. Very closely. With idle energies still lingering along the flesh, he couldn't be so sure that another wave were to persist from the actions of the noble. Jesopp's head craned, allowing his eyes to reduce the strain he'd feel in his neck if he continued to accommodate for a reduction in his sight. If there were any real dishonor in what transpired, their actions would surely be halted. Instead, it was possible that the surge in reactivity was considered to be favorable by The Slithering One. He turned to face forward. The lack of visual stimulation would bless him with less distraction. As he relaxed, his eyes would close, and he'd do as Paric suggested - not told. He finds his center as he anchored himself through his heels and roots with the press of his toes. He took a deep breath in. His chest heaved as his back arched. Fingers splay. Palms pressed upward as if he held the weight of the air within his grasp. He resumed his chanting.

Manual manipulation ensued.

Jesopp denied himself not. He allowed himself to be a vessel for their deity. A worthy sacrifice of the flesh. His lips rounded as his tongue swam through his mouth, built on the filling of saliva. A heat from the core, as if he could breathe fire. His heart rate slows; strangely. Accommodating the flood of energies as his own blood flowed as if it were the same composition as thought. His own body brings balance as it welcomed all through him. His chin rose as every physical response that could be trigger happened almost all at once. Hair upon his body stood. Nipples drew firm, yet again. His dick stiffened, bobbing in the water. His balls drew taut. The small strip of flesh and nerves that was his taint tensed. His asshole pulled upwards and inward as it got as silken as the water they stood. He'd moan softly. Possibly preemptively. His flesh did yield to those hands, leaning into them.

Almost melting.

"You may continue."

🫦 - he was playing with fire, that was certain. paric should have known better to unleash his charming ways on someone that was in the middle of using their magic. yet, in his defense, he was not the first that had stripped himself of his clothing. that honor was left to jesopp. he could have just said that he was following along. declare innocence, albeit feigned, that he didn't know how any of this was supposed to work. that he was just following along with the other's actions. 

he grinned at the challenge. that seemed to only make the changeling want to continue even more. the three voices converging together were not enough to sway him otherwise. “i'm a wealthy man. i don't think i've met a toll that i haven't been able to pay in full just yet. unless you don't want to relax while you're doing your thing?” which, in his defense, he still didn't know what jesopp's thing was. again, he was here as a bystander. not an active participant. he didn't have that much magic. 

so he did just that and watched him carefully. paric pulled himself away, not wanting to tempt him from the front anymore. he made sure to drop his hands carefully back into the water, also careful that he didn't break contact that abruptly. “focus on what you're doing and you let me focus on the physical. i'll help your body relax as you do your channeling, or whatever it is.” his voice was a low whisper as he walked over to stand behind jesopp now. his hands moved up, slowly massaging his shoulders and the back of his neck. 

[lysainscale]

🔮 - "In all thy years, it still amuses me that you never ventured down here. It is not the safest place, but The Serpent wouldn't have allowed you to make it thus far if you weren't protected to some degree." Jesopp chirped, letting an idle mumble of the many thoughts that swam through his mind escape. He studied the throne's prized heir for a moment. Though the purpose was quite clear, the frantic movement of his gaze would've troubled many. Especially those unconditioned to the esoteric manner that the priest behaved.

Perhaps his eyes dwelled too intimately for someone, but his intention was not to pry or solicit alternate motives. It was more to appraise the physical health that a doctor could not see. He hovered close. His hand dipped into the water and used it as a conduit. He placed fingers in several places. He'd observe him as if there were to be an obvious reaction. Hm, he'd mumble, looking into Sebastian's eyes. It was swift but very heavy- as he didn't often make eye contact.

"And have you had any strange thoughts? Dreams? Impulses? No dreamwalkers or -ing, I can assume?" Jesopp's voice was free of judgment. "As you know, it is better to be honest with me than to lie. You may keep your secrets, but a simple form of agreement or denial will suffice." The Priest walked around him. "Should you desire to sit, I will accompany you toward the shallow end."

Though the crown prince of Lysain had lived in the kingdom for the entirety of his life, he would be a fool to admit that he knew every inch of the kingdom that he would soon rule. While he was certainly enjoyed by the people, because of his general demeanor and the way that he interacted with the commonfolk, he knew that there was a vast majority of caverns and crevices in the harsh landscape of the desert. But that was what made Lysain all the more mysterious, because you never knew what hidden gems you could find in the desert or what they might do to you... So when the High Priest Jesopp had mentioned a pool of water in one of these hidden caves... Curiosity certainly gotten the better of him.

"I've faith in you, High Priest," Sebastian had stated as he began to disrobe himself. Pulling at the silk fastener that wrapped his cloak around his waist, he shrugged his shoulders to let the fabric fall down his arms and onto the sandstone beneath. Once he was as bare as the priest before him, he began to take a step forward. "And I've faith in the Serpent God. Whatever fear I may have, I take courage from them both."

Slowly, he took a step forward and allowed a foot to step into the water, his eyes closing as he allowed the spirits and the Serpent God to assess his intentions. If there were anyone that would be able to read him, it would be them. And only once he was immersed in the waters from his shoulders down did he open his eyes to look into the mesmerizing ones of the High Priest, curious to hear the judgement that would befall him.

[lysainscale]

🔮 - 'Good,' Jesopp thought to himself as the foreign prince breached the surface. His hand dipped into the water. If Solomon denied all other distractions, he could feel the light vibrations that trembled through the water. If he were standing, he'd feel a greater presence reverberating through the ground. His hand finds a space beneath his head as water acted as a conduit between contact. His middle finger aligned perfectly with the start of his spine. The markings along his body began to illuminate as the incoherent chants that were being whispered alternates in volume. He flexed at the wrist. The upward tilt caused Solomon's head to rock back just slightly to allow the coming pour of water to roll away from his mouth and nose. What flowed from his palm was much warmer than the water to which they displaced.

Jesopp finds reassurance in the young man's silence. It dispels his current concern or worry.

"It begins once you step out of this pool." Jesopp's tone was more purposeful to bring Solomon's awareness back to him. "You will be observed. Consider every action made. Every choice pondered. I can not advise you on what to take. Consider the balance in all things." His hand returned for a second dip into the water. He clenched his fist tight as he follows the midline - from chin to navel. Droplets fall upon him. The final motion was a barrage of drops in the shape of a circle around his chest. He retracts his hands from Solomon's person, and he took a step back, waiting for him to stand whenever he chose. He did not judge him for his choice of action. The natural instinct that came once someone stepped into the water was always welcomed. "Consider an old man quite nosy." After gesturing a tap to his nose, both arms met behind his back as his stance grew very statuesque. "What brings you to our lovely paradise?"

　　jesopp spoke, and solomon listened. all malicious voices drowned by the echo of the priest. a voice so mesmerising, it had the young human in a trance. in a humbled position which not many got to see. for the prince could be arrogant, but never disrespectful, especially with forces which he did not fully understand. he could bite back against a king but not against a god. even if he dared to, there seemed to be no need for it. unlike the ever-present breaking waves of the sea, the aquifer remained perfectly still. a pitch black looking glass, only disrupted by the movements of those sinking into its waters. it invited him in, and solomon would bring no harm against his host.

　　peace, as the high priest proclaimed. peace of mind, something the redhead was rarely allowed - albeit by his own doing, more often than not. his own insecurities and resentments ever present in his life. i twas difficult to drop the baggage of a lifetime spent under the shadows of everyone that surrounded him, and yet each step into the water made it easier. soon his feet leaving the smooth surface behind, and allowing the prince to instead float on his own. it was cold, but not painful. it was easy to get used to, eyes closed as he let his whole being drown for a moment. ginger locks dancing in the water as the flame of the torch did outside.

　　calm, quiet, solomon resurfaced. droplets running across the sun-kissed skin, once well-groomed hair now unruly, falling down his forehead. green eyes making out the silhouette of jesopp in the shadows, and his body floating towards him as his honey-sweet voice called him to. he put himself in the hands of the gods, be it a serpent or a hydra, all or none. he inched closer and closer to the priest, no words spoken, but only his silent breaths. inhale, exhale.