penitentluminary

[penitentluminary]

A painting of something cherished and now lost to time.

"Oh- thank you, stranger... It will be nice to have this, if a little on the bittersweet side of things." How could he turn something like this down, when it could be the last he saw of things he had cherished? He could not. Clutching the painting carefully, he sought a safe place to put it up.

[penitentluminary]

TWO BAGEL

"Er... what? I don't have any bagels, why are you shouting at me about bread products?"

[penitentluminary]

twin-branded​:

“It is.. A little hard to describe the Troupe Master in any simple form. He’s flamboyant, dramatic, sarcastic.. Anything you can really think of that just adds up to being Extra. Aside from the hardcore presentation though, he’s a great dad. Kept us safe, encouraged us to explore all of our abilities no matter how odd or eldritch, and taught us a certain degree of his own flare!” Really, if it weren’t for their upbringing with the Troupe, they might’ve been shy about some of their void-based abilities and general nature.. They were undead, after all, that was frightening for most. Encouragement of the bizarre and alarming was much needed confidence.

Seeker canted their head some though, at the inquiry over Farul and Amali. “Well, no- not that I know of. Farul was raised by mortals, and I don’t really know much about Amali’s background… Actually, no one really taught Wanderer and I on the godly or monarch aspects of things either. I think everyone is sort of just blindly feeling around in the dark until something works…” Not something they were particularly proud to admit, but it was an unfortunate truth. All of the older gods of Hallownest were either dead, isolated, or in Grimm’s case- more focused on raising them to be functional individuals after growing up all alone in the infection.

Idly rubbing the back of their neck, Seeker sighed. As capable as they were in combat, as resilient as they had been to a tough life, and eager to learn as they always were- they weren’t exactly sure why they had been picked as a monarch, rather than someone like Hallow. They didn’t even know what a monarch was until a year or two before being crowned. Glancing down to the kings brand on their right palm, they seemed a little.. Uncertain. “I hope we’re doing a good job anyways…”

Lumen’s expression softened somewhat as he listened, musing to himself that perhaps he might have gotten along with Grimm, if neither’d had cause to consider the other a threat. “He sounds to be just the sort of person I could have hoped would watch over you, with a dash of, as you say, Extra.” He chuckled softly, relieved by the fresh assurance that someone had been supporting them in such a way. That was heartening.

As the newer gods’ situation, and indeed the situation in general, was explained - well, he couldn’t say it was necessarily idealised, but neither was it awful either. “Well... I imagine that’s probably the normal way, feeling around for what works. If you would like, though, I could try to collate some of my old notes from when I was learning? Not exactly a curriculum, but perhaps of use nonetheless? Life’s a class nobody studied for, you could say, and we gods have fewer seniors and teachers than most, so why not crib a little from time to time?”

A chirp escaped him as Seeker sighed and glanced at... their hand? It felt as though trying to see why might be rude, but he nonetheless wanted to do something. Reaching out, and admittedly lifting off a bit for better effect, he attempted to pat them on the back. “From what I’ve seen? I think you are.” Admittedly, he hadn’t seen all that much yet, but restoring a kingdom from ruins was no small feat.

[penitentluminary]

twin-branded​:

Seeker gave Lumen a delighted chirp as he noted Grimm, a wordless confirmation to his comment. While they undoubtedly wondered at times what a more royal upbringing like their heritage implied would’ve been like, they truly adored their adoptive father. As well as the rest of their family, save for their birth mother- and they were happy to elaborate more on them. It was nice to be focusing in on the positives, after the rollercoaster of events and emotions since they arrived in Lumen’s world. 

“Oh! Absolutely! There’s a lot of us so far, and most of us are still rather small. Only Hallow, Finnley, Wanderer and I are adults that I know of. Finnley is about as loud and rowdy as any bug from Kingdom’s Edge, really friendly and outgoing guy. Wanderer has to be my favorite bug in the world! They’re sweet, friendly, protective, and so optimistic… Whenever I’m away from them too long I just feel like a part of myself is missing.” With a brief pause, and a touch of grey dusting their shell, their focus shifted from their siblings. 

“Ah, and Leben.. She’s an interesting bug. Mischievous trouble maker, a bit cocky, but there’s no denying she’s a skilled warrior. A beautiful one at that, too… Oh, right- she was the one who introduced me to the new light deities, they popped up while she was helping investigate some oddities with the void in Hallownest. Farul is the new sun god, his designations are sunlight, music, and memory. Then Amali is the moon goddess, patron of hope, dreams, and moonlight. I think they’re both fairly young- younger than me and Wanderer, anyways.” It was.. Admittedly a little odd, just talking about the other higher beings of Hallownest so casually. Or.. Rather even referring to them as gods. They had been raised around mortals and higher beings so indiscriminately, they sort of forgot there was a difference to consider most of the time. 

It wasn’t Lumen’s place to begrudge Grimm the role he had taken, if he had done right by Seeker, then that was all anyone could ask. Certainly more than his counterpart had done. He hadn’t expected it, but then, how much did he really know about the king of nightmares? Better for a ruler of such things to be a decent bug, all things considered, so he would hope that such was indeed the case. From Seeker’s reaction, it certainly seemed so. “What is he like?” He asked, hoping to learn more about someone who had clearly played such an important role in their life.

Most of them were still small? Perhaps that made sense, if their needs had been inconsistently met. What mattered more was that there were a lot of them. He couldn’t help perking up a little at that news - that was hope, after all. Hallownest was a big place - even if he hadn’t seen surviving vessels to his knowledge yet, perhaps there were more he just hadn’t spotted. “Finnley is loud? I must admit, I’d not expected that, but I suppose where there’s a will there’s a way, and it would suit anyone venturing to the Colosseum.”

He could relate to feeling as though part of oneself was missing when apart from someone special, though for himself that was not a twin. A hand drifted to where he kept half of a special charm, lightly running fingers over the broken edges. “It sounds to me as though you have wonderful people around you.” He murmured, more at ease. “Is anyone mentoring Farul and Amali? I don’t believe I know of any of we older gods who had someone offering guidance early on, and look at the mess our egos made... It would be nice to think that those coming after would be able to learn from our mistakes.” It was also interesting to think that someone might have music as an aspect - he didn’t think there had been before, but he had been investigating the possibility that music held power, before the infection tore away his focus.

[penitentluminary]

twin-branded​:

If the snail shamans were related to them- Seeker had no idea at all. Maybe they had branched off at some point? Or maybe they were entirely different groups- hard to really tell. But Seeker could tell Lumen was stressed over many of the crossing topics, so they gently gave him a pat on the back. It was understandable, in fact they’d be a little offended had he no concerns of the Abyss- but, he wanted to fix things. So that was good. 

“There’s probably means of help.. I suppose worlds differ, what may work in mine might not in yours- but how about next time I’m here, we give that a shot? For now, let me fill you in on my world.” The vessel paused, needing to take a moment to think of where to start. There’s so much he may not know, or so much that could be similar… Well- perhaps from the obvious would be best. From what they experienced in the infection onward, that was clearly different. 

“Well.. After the infection, we were raised mostly by Troupe Master Grimm, and trained as knights by Hallow until we were old enough to take the throne. Mostly it’s bugs from the wastelands who’ve come in, and a handful of survivors. There’s three monarchs right now, myself and my twin Wanderer, as well as my wife, Leben. There’s a new sun god, and a moon goddess, along with the remnants of the moth tribe in the resting grounds and crystal peak regions. Thankfully, the new light deities are pretty much both walking cotton balls in both appearance and personality. The White Lady still remains in Queen’s Gardens, though the place is overgrown with thorns… The Colosseum of Fools is currently run by one of my older siblings- his name is Finnley. Although unless you intend to compete, I’d avoid the place if I were you. The fools are all obnoxious hillbillies, as per usual with Kingdom’s Edge…”

If they had eyes to roll at that last bit, they absolutely would’ve. They didn’t want to discuss the amount of times they had punched or punted one of the fools for being called a slur.

An appreciative little warble freed itself as he was granted that little pat, and Lumen drew in a slow breath in an attempt to calm himself some more. It was true that he had a lot of work ahead of him, but he could at least try to hold onto some dignity for the time being and see the task at hand through. Especially, it had to be said, with the relief of Seeker’s agreement. “I’ll see what I can find as well in the time between.” He assured them with a nod, not about to leave all of the matter to the chance that Seeker would know what to do.

He’d realised by now that Grimm had involvement - honestly he’d have probably had to be a fool not to - or perhaps a Fool. Still, he hadn’t quite put together that it had been the harbinger of kingdoms falling who had stepped into the role of father. “It sounds as though Grimm was good to you... For that, ah, I am glad. I must admit that it is... bittersweet to hear of the state of the pantheon, but I realise that this is the way of things.” He would have to be very careful to avoid Queen’s Gardens entirely - he didn’t doubt this world’s White Lady would sense him setting foot there, even as concealed as he could manage, and that was not an explanation he wanted to give.

At least it sounded as though the moths had managed to persist after all, perhaps bolstered by any who had wandered back in from the wastelands one way or another. He wasn’t sure what to interpret from the idea of a cotton ball personality, but perhaps those new deities Seeker mentioned were young and still developing. “A twin and a wife? Would you be willing to tell me about them - and your sibling Finnley? How many siblings are around in your timeline?” That the Fools would be obnoxious was honestly no surprise, so it was more matters of family his mind latched upon. “Ah, and it may be a good idea for me to know the names used for those new deities, to avoid confusion.”

[penitentluminary]

twin-branded​:

Ah, so he knew at least something of their existence? Well he was better off than they were at first- Seeker didn’t have any clue who they were until encountering their faction in person. “Not sure when or why they left, but they were scattered in the Wastelands until fairly recently- I figure that’s why they weren’t wiped out like the rest of Hallownest’s population. For now they are in the Forgotten Crossroads, in a restored section I believe was once a small settlement… Eventually they plan to return to the Abyss, but that needs to be restored first.” 

Seeker sighed, the Abyss was.. Well.. Still as terrible as ever. If anything it made them sadder the more they had learned from the acolytes, to know it had been a home. A home, a shelter, a culture, eventually a birthplace for them and their kind- all buried under the countless bodies of the very same kin. But efforts to restore that were ongoing- and certainly not the focus here. “Admittedly, they tend to be rather prickly with higher beings, and their elders would sense your magic, even if you may pass if someone merely saw you at a glance. They don’t usually wander too far into the rest of Hallownest though, and I doubt any random individual would call out another passerby on the street.”

They had to stop and think about any possible history books, or other resources.. Would that be available? Most of what bugs had begun to see as large historical events were simply things they lived through, questions of past times they had delved into the kingdom’s depths to uncover themself as much as they could. They never really.. Checked for history books being updated. “I don’t actually know if there’s much written down on recent history, save for a few recallings of my own journey I wrote down. But I can fill you in decently from memory, if that works well enough.”

“I had been under the impression that they had been wiped out, more or less, before Hallownest was founded.” Lumen explained, a little awkwardly. “Are they at all affiliated with the snail shamans in your world? They were in this one, which is where most of my information on them comes from.” There had been some remnants of artefacts, but for the most part, word of mouth was the basis of his knowledge of those who had come before.

The Abyss... He couldn’t help another wince, lower hands fidgeting as he thought back on the place. “...I do intend to do what I can for the Abyss here. If there is any guidance you could offer in that regard, I would, ah... be a receptive audience.” He was well aware of the debt he had to pay in that particular area, and he doubted he would ever forget, even in a best case scenario fixing as much as was possible to fix.

It definitely sounded as though some kind of presence-masking charm might be a good idea, whether imperfect or not. It was understandable for void acolytes to be iffy about higher beings, given all that had taken place, and he had no intentions of making himself a burden on them. Was it wrong of him to be relieved to hear there weren’t likely to be many wandering Hallownest as a whole? “I see... I shall still endeavour to be careful. Ah, and whatever you can tell me would be welcome, anything’s more than nothing, after all.” He just needed to avoid being an obvious anachronism, not to devour a library’s worth of lore.

[penitentluminary]

twin-branded​:

Well they weren’t sure about any papers related to lifeblood’s interactions with the void.. That was information passed onto them from the very individuals they hoped they could get Lumen to blend in with, it was simply common knowledge to them. But they could pass it on, they needed to elaborate more on them and the general knowledge of Hallownest to make a disguise functional. Looks could hide one in a crowd, but not in a conversation. For that, Lumen would need key information about where he was going and who he was pretending to be. 

Information, and perhaps some comfort given the news they had just delivered. Seeker lightly headbutted Lumen, trying to offer a smile as best they could. “I know it is not ideal, I apologize for that.. But, at the very least I can prepare you to keep you safe, and you are more than welcome to stay in the palace during your visits if you feel more secure that way.” They reached an arm out to offer a hug if Lumen desired, it had seemed closeness was a comfort for the both of them during their time in his world. 

“As for the faction, they are known as the void acolytes. They’re the remnants of what had been in Hallownest long before you ever arrived. Thankfully, your glow shouldn’t be an issue- they’re a very secretive group, wearing weighted black cloaks to keep outsiders from recognizing them and using lifeblood charms for protection. With the cloak and charm it should be easy to hide most identifying features, and it won’t seem odd to the general public if you keep more to yourself. As long as you keep your distance from their area and elders so no one picks up that you’re a higher being, you should be just fine.”

They paused and rummaged through their cloak briefly, pulling out an intricate charm; a Lifeblood Heart. It seemed old and a little scuffed, but still pulsed with a blue shine. “The acolytes are actually the ones who brought the information about lifeblood, and how it interacts with void. Said it’s a sort of sedative, though I’m not quite sure how it works yet. I’ll see if I can ask more about it later.”

Emitting a soft chirp as he received the light bunt of Seeker’s head to his, Lumen tried to offer a smile in return, wan though it was. “I understand, I should have expected something like this, really.” He responded softly, rubbing the back of his neck. As he was offered another hug, he wasted no time in accepting the embrace, indeed drawing comfort from the gesture. “I’m willing to go in disguise if that is indeed the best way. It might have been wise even had public opinion of my counterpart not been so unfavourable, or news of his demise less certain. I am... not exactly a person who wouldn’t draw a lot of attention either way.”

Hearing just who Seeker meant him to mimic drew a startled little sound, and he peered up at them in clear astonishment. “I thought they had all been killed by the Old Light - some survived?” Perhaps it wasn’t too surprising that they hadn’t revealed themselves to another light, all things considered, but he wished he could have consulted them about the void - perhaps he might not have erred quite so much?

“I imagine that true void acolytes would notice I wasn’t of their number - are they likely to mind..? Perhaps I should try to concoct a charm to mask more of my presence..." He didn’t want to step on any more toes, if it could be avoided. Offering his hand for the old Lifeblood Heart, he wondered whether it was one that they themself had used on their path to becoming who they were today. “I see... Whatever information you can provide, I would be grateful for. I had intended to find out more about the void if possible in any case, and learning in general is something I value. Oh - might there perhaps be recent history books I could consult, to be more familiar with the setting?”

[penitentluminary]

twin-branded​:

Seeker canted their head as Lumen dug through the box, watching and waiting to for him to come back. Honestly they’d love to take a peek in there themself and ask what most of the contents were, but, maybe another time. For now they gently transferred the flame into the empty lantern, the wisp settling in and casting an eerie glow through the glass. “Ah, I would advise not sleeping next to that unless you’re trying to come to my realm. I’m not sure if my magic has the same effect as typical nightmare lanterns, but better safe than sorry.”

With a bit of fair warning about the lantern given, the vessel lightly clapped their hands with excitement at the prospect of this now settling arrangement. Oh, they loved the idea of getting to adventure in a new place!! As much as they were fond of their own home, nothing quite beat getting to investigate new things for an individual as naturally curious as themself. “I hope you don’t mind if I wander about some when I’m here- I will do my best to avoid causing any trouble.”

It was an out of the blue question speaking of lifeblood- but nonetheless, an important one for this to work on both sides. Unfortunately.. They couldn’t quite introduce Lumen to others in their world as he planned to do with them. “Well, that makes more sense. I always did wonder about that, as we’ve found it a useful medicine, especially when dealing with void-related injuries. But, that’s not why I asked.” Their excitement faded, minimal expression falling some. They feared it wasn’t an answer he was going to like, but it was for sake of his own safety. Traversing into other worlds did come with consequence of unpredictable circumstances…

“I ask because it would be a key part of a disguise, hiding you as a member of one of the smaller factions in Hallownest. In my world, your counterpart isn’t well liked- more importantly though, he’s dead. I fear many would be frightened and aggressive seeing you, assuming that your counterpart had crawled from his grave as a void-based husk. Such things are disconcertingly common in the wastelands, and there was a problem of it happening in Hallownest for awhile too. I can’t blame them for being scared, but I don’t want you to be harmed.”

Though the glow was an eerie one, there was a sort of beauty to it as well. “Duly noted, better not to invite more than I’m already likely to be in for.” He chuckled ruefully, aware that once he had enough rest in him to dip once more into dreaming, he wasn’t likely to enjoy what came to mind. There were so many unpleasant things for his sleeping mind to churn through, after all. Still, better that than the Radiance.

Setting the lantern carefully onto the nearest table, making sure it wasn’t anywhere near the edge or anything that could fall on it, Lumen produced a warbling sound as he shook his head. “I don’t mind at all if you wander, I’m sure you’re more than capable of watching out for yourself. If anyone gives you too much trouble for some reason once people are back, though, and you’d rather not deal with them yourself, you can feel free to let me know.” He responded, humming a little to himself for a moment.

“Especially with void-related harm, you say..? That’s interesting, I’d like to read any papers on that which may be available, at some point...” He murmured, as he listened, though a sense of apprehension stole across him as he noticed that Seeker seemed less animated. Oh. Oh, he supposed that made some sense, didn’t it..? Still, he couldn’t help a bit of a wince, his wings fluttering uneasily, though they couldn’t carry him away from this, nor would the curling of his tail closer around his legs really help.

“Ah... That... does present issue...” He murmured, his voice a little flatter than he’d intended. “I, ah, would need to know more about that faction - would glowing be a problem? It is rather a constant for me...” Thinking of himself dead wasn’t unfamiliar, it was one of the frequent possibilities he’d glimpsed attempting foresight. Honestly, it probably hadn’t been great for his mental state, foreseeing his own corpse so often, but at least he hadn’t seen it as a void husk. “I appreciate the warning...”

[penitentluminary]

twin-branded​:

Had he decided to ask, they certainly would’ve tried their best to explain more on how the void worked.. At least as much as they had come to understand in their own world, albeit that always felt oddly minimal with how extensive it was. A substance, and yet an entity.. Comprised of countless, while it was “the” void, vaguely united, each piece of it had a voice of its own. Impossible to count how many, even harder to keep track of it all being a part of it. Hence mostly tuning it out unless being addressed or overly curious, to avoid constant distraction and headaches.

At least tending to the small flame was a much, much easier thing to elaborate on. Far more simple, less existential and incomprehensible in nature. Seeker nodded some to Lumen’s question, slowly letting go with their other arm in case he wished to move about. “An empty lumafly lantern should be fine.. Just don’t seal it tightly. It’s magic, and will stay lit indefinitely if kept safe, but still needs air like any other flame.” For now they patiently kept it in their hand, thankful their own magic wouldn’t burn them. “I might be able to get back here as well, with the idol you’ve given me.. If we can both travel back and forth, that should make it fairly easy to keep up with each other.” 

Though, they would need to think of a way to keep Lumen safe in their world.. Their version of the Pale King was dead, and not particularly well viewed by most around in the present day. While they could pass off what a few guards saw the first time, frequent visits would probably need a disguise of sorts. At least they had a small idea, though a few new and odd questions. “Lumen.. I vaguely remember hearing in old Hallownest, there was something about Lifeblood being taboo, or a heresy, whatever that is. Is that a thing here? Would you be strongly opposed to use of a lifeblood charm, by chance?” 

There could be other opportunities to ask more about the void - for now, though, Lumen’s focus was on the flame he was being offered. Gently letting go himself, he set upon a box of oddments he’d brought in goodness knew when as materials to tinker with, locating the lantern he’d mentioned after a moment or two.

“Oh, not to worry - it already has holes in the lid, large enough that it ended up as tinkering materials rather than in use. I’m sure I can whip up a more suitable container in the not too distant future, however.” He assured them as he drew closer once more, holding the lantern open ready for the magical flame. Whatever receptacle he made for it when he had a moment, he intended to enchant for additional safety, not wishing to lose a gift like this to something knocking it to the ground.

“Oh! That sounds marvellous - I quite like that idea.” If they could both come and go as they pleased between their worlds by this means, well, that would indeed make it a lot easier to keep in contact. Definitely a positive, in his eyes, though not one without complications. After all, he’d need to explain who Seeker was to the others, once he found them to bring them home.

Seeker’s next line of query was unexpected, drawing a bemused chirp from him. “Ah, lifeblood? That was, ah, less a case of being forbidden than of people taking my words a little further than I meant.” He responded, gesturing vaguely with a free lower hand. “I advised caution when using it, as overuse can prevent one from being able to heal through normal means, and this was taken as a disapproval of lifeblood in general. I’d not actually be opposed to a lifeblood charm on principle - why do you ask?”

[penitentluminary]

twin-branded​:

Normally, they’d never find themself in such a position unless it was their twin, and even then it’d be rare. To sit in the arms of another and cry, the weight of their life and position’s demands an ache to mind and body.. But Lumen’s genuine care, unexpected words, and appreciation of actions usually expected rather than acknowledged- he both had their gratitude, and yet brought a twist of pain as they reflected on how little others acted the same. 

When had anyone ever admitted all that was asked of them was an unfair burden? Someone.. Actually said that it had been unfair, that they deserved better. They’d hardly known him, he was a being of light- and yet.. He was kind to them, and had even been understanding of the void. That rang through them, echoing something through the void, bringing a bit of silence to the ambient drone of distant voices. Seeker reached to wipe their tears, taking a deep, shaking breath as they tried to compose themself again.

They paused to shift some, gently tucking the idol into their cloak, before lifting a hand away from Lumen some. Knowing just enough fire magic to summon a small scarlet flame, dancing the wisp around their claws. “I want to give you the best thing I can, words would not do my gratitude any justice. If you could make something to hold it in, and keep this flame.. It will be a focus to come back to my world. A refuge, a chance to learn, opportunity for adventure.. You may not have kindled my flames, nor raised me… But you have been kind to me, and earned my respect. Earned.. A bit of our respect, treating our heart well.” That last part.. Didn’t quite sound like Seeker. But best not to question the eldritch and unknown too much.

Keeping Seeker held as close as he could manage, despite their somewhat differing heights, Lumen produced a soft little croon intended to be soothing. He wasn’t going to comment on the shakiness of the breath Seeker drew in, nor put them on the spot where their tears were concerned. If anything, he felt it was impressive how long Seeker had been holding all of this together. Oh, he was reasonably sure they had probably needed to let things out before, but he got the impression that it had not been a lot.

When they shifted, lifting one of their hands free, he couldn’t help but to be curious. What were they doing? No sooner had his curiosity stirred a chirp, though, than a distinctly nightmare-red flame flickered into being in their claws. Listening closely, his eyes widened with his comprehension of what they were offering to him. Parting did not have to be goodbye - a way back danced right in Seeker’s hand - and it wasn’t lost on him that it sounded as though more than Seeker had spoken, at the end there. That couldn’t have been the Troupe, their Heart was rather different... The void? That really did raise some questions about the nature of the void... It was a little intimidating, but after fighting the Radiance? He could at least counter that with memory of it as an allied power.

“Oh - thank you!” He exclaimed softly, still taken aback. “I would be delighted to be able to see you again - perhaps we might even make alliance more official between our worlds.” How best to take the flame without a lantern already made? Ah - perhaps a temporary holder might do? “I am honoured to know that I have earned that measure of respect, and I hope to be worthy of it... Would the flame rest well in a temporary casing while awaiting one custom made? I’m sure I have an empty lumafly lantern in here somewhere...”

[penitentluminary]

twin-branded​:

Despite their extended silence, they were undoubtedly listening to every word Ashen said. Listening, processing.. It was much more than they had expected, for some reason. It did make a world of difference, didn’t it? To help Lumen save his kingdom, to teach him about their void touched siblings, hopefully to bring a better future for the survivors and help those who had been abandoned. Why did such praise and affection come so unexpectedly?

… Perhaps it was because there was little of it the first time. There had been no deeply emotional moments afterward. No treasured gifts, no high praise. Their older siblings were just as exhausted, if not seemingly unnerved by the feat they had pulled off and the reawakening of the void heart. And those who remained.. They couldn’t understand their language for months afterwards, even if the survivors had anything to say to them. Everything just felt like they had been expected to do it, undead creatures serving a purpose they were made for and that was all.

Seeker still couldn’t quite find their words, but they accepted the offered hug. A few brief, black tears streaked down their shell as they embraced Lumen. They didn’t know they needed to hear what he said, but it felt like an overdue comfort against their fears and anxiety. The vessel gave a slightly weak trill, appreciative, even if struggling to find the right words to say. 

Wrapping all four of his arms around Seeker as his offered hug was taken up, Lumen gave them a squeeze and patted their back gently. While he hadn’t been entirely sure what sort of response his gesture would receive, he could in this moment tell that this was something they needed. Perhaps something they’d needed for quite some time.

“It’s alright...” He murmured, his tone soft. “You can let it all out, if you need to. So, so much was asked of you, and it was... never fair, but you’ve done more now than anyone could have asked... You more than deserve recognition for your efforts.” In truth, he did still hope for something more - namely their help with attempting to aid the vessels he had mistakenly left sealed - but this was certainly not the moment to ask more of Seeker.

“I know I wasn’t the Wyrm to have kindled your egg, realities being what they are, but... I could not be more proud of you all the same.” He added quietly, peering up at them with earnest eyes. “Thank you, so, so very much.” Without Seeker, he would still have been lost in a world not his own, lacking hope and any idea how to find his way home, even aside from Seeker having aided him in crushing the dawn. Not anything he was about to forget in a hurry.

[penitentluminary]

twin-branded​:

It was easy to count on a voice of the void to remind one to take care of themself- at least in the sense of addressing hunger. This one one of few brief times in Seeker’s life where there wasn’t something pestering them about their appetite. And now they could pester Lumen about it instead of being the one pestered to eat constantly! Clearly with the already displayed sleep deprivation, he needed some encouragement.

But further insistence on eating properly and sating his hunger was secondary to their curiosity. Watching the Wyrm notably brighten they canted their head, before slightly recoiling at the exclamation. What their minimal face lacked they certainly made up for in body language, caught off guard by just mentioning the gesture. “A.. A present?” They weren’t displeased with the idea- far from it, but.. Why? They’d already had more than enough reward in an exhilarating, though exhausting battle and getting to eat the remains of their foe.

As Lumen raised in his hands it to offer it to them, and the vessel realized what it was… Ever still, they were confused, although touched. They were incredibly gentle reaching to take the idol, careful to avoid scraping it with their claws as if it were made of delicate porcelain rather than Pale Ore. All the effort to craft such a small, intricate idol, of.. Them? Weren’t these a means of worship and praise by mortal bugs? While their expression was rather unreadable, a sharp eye would likely catch just a bit of void welling at the rim of those dark sockets. Were they.. Crying?

Well, it was hard to try not to, with a gesture like that made like a creature towards them. Such a personal gift, assumedly a great honor in this world, such a positive depiction of themself- despite years of thinking themself monstrous. They didn’t quite know how to even respond, genuinely in a stunned silence.

It was clear to Lumen that he had startled Seeker with this course of action, though he wasn’t entirely sure why that was. Were they not used to gifts? He hadn’t really considered that possibility, with them being apparently in charge in their own timeline - though perhaps their nature as a being of the void came into play a bit there. A shame, that, if so.

“Of course.” He responded, his tone as warm and matter of fact as though he was discussing something quite intuitive. “Not only have you already done so much for me and my home, you’re also a pleasant bug to spend time with, and, well, family, if you’d be willing to let me call you that...”

It was growing clear to him, as he offered opened arms for a hug if it was welcome, that Seeker was emotionally affected. Looking for cues as to how they were receiving their gift, it was in their body language and the slow pooling of void in eye hollow crevices. He couldn’t blame them, and it wasn’t as though he was unaffected himself. A fair bit of emotion had gone into the creation of this, after all. “...Whatever else you may have been told, know that you’re a hero, now across two worlds.” He hoped that was what they needed to hear, instead of just making this awkward.

[penitentluminary]

as for what we are , well some are flesh and bones , other steel and wirings . we could be anything really .

If anything, this was a more confusing response than the last, but at least he hadn't offended them. The last thing he needed right now was to upset another being or set of beings he knew little about. "That's quite a variety... Are you Higher Beings?"

[penitentluminary]

curiosity , most of the time

"You're curious?" It wasn't quite clear to him whether they meant that they were beings of curiosity or simply curious, but he supposed that either was understandable. "Well, I can understand that, I'm a fairly inquisitive sort myself. Do be careful, though, it isn't safe here."

[penitentluminary]

hello there ! ( has it been a while since you saw an anon ? )

"Oh, hello - is that what you are, anons? Yes, it has been a while, you don't appear all that often. Would it be rude of me to ask what manner of beings you are?"

[penitentluminary]

twin-branded​:

An unusual mix of sensations coming into the room, for sure. The smell wasn’t well pronounced with their lacking senses, but it was faintly there, and the steam definitely was. They weren’t sure what to really expect anyways, but that wasn’t quite it. Well, at least both of them were well rested enough to ask about that when there was good chance! That and probably many other things they weren’t familiar with here…

Being awake and well rested, they could also keep the conversation a bit more consistent- opting to speak in common. “Well.. Normally the answer is always yes, I’m hungry. It’s a bit of a consistent, the void is rather insatiable.. But I’m actually still full after the Radiance, so I suppose breakfast would more be a matter of how you’re feeling.”

Seeker briefly paused, processing a bit more of what Lumen had actually said.. And recalling what he’d mentioned last they were awake. He did say there was something specific he wanted to do with pale ore here.. What was that? “Though- might I ask what this project you’ve been working on is? I’ve been curious since you mentioned it back in the dream realm, but I was too tired to really ask at that point.”

“I’d noticed that Hallow never refused food, and I suppose given the nature of the void, this is somewhat understandable.” Lumen mused lightly, rubbing his chin for a moment. He couldn’t help another guilty stir, with the awareness of the void’s ever-hunger. He shouldn’t have assumed that the others would enter a hibernation state without nourishment beyond the ambient soul in the air. T”here were a lot of things he shouldn’t have assumed - how much could he really blame on ignorance and sleep deprivation?

Now was not the time to let his mind spiral along those lines. He needed to let himself recover, especially if he wanted to have a fair shot at trying to repair all those little shells. “Well, to tell you the truth, my appetite has been, ah, somewhat out of whack for a while now. It probably would be a good idea for me to eat, now that it’s on my mind.” At least Seeker had been here to remind him to eat before he wound up working himself too hard on too little out of habit.

He brightened a little at the question, allowing his focus to rest upon the object in question, rather pleased with Seeker’s curiosity. “Why, a present for you!” He exclaimed, the tip of his tail curling around something behind him and passing it forward to his hands to offer up, as it had cooled enough to be touched directly. It was along the same basic principle of design as the king’s idols, but it was proportionally somewhat larger, scaled for Seeker - and it wasn’t Lumen it depicted. Instead, the figure resembled nobody so much as it did Seeker. “I hope you like it...”

[penitentluminary]

twin-branded​:

Not only would any remaining have been in sorry state from the infection.. But had they survived that to now, they wouldn’t have been well with the grown vessel stalking about the halls. Considering here, Hallow was just a baby, no doubt suddenly having a mature void creature round a corner would’ve scared the retainers probably half to death. They did always seem to be rather small, and skittish bugs.. But, no matter.

The halls were empty, making fairly easy to just follow Lumen’s trail- and eventually voice- to his workshop. It was a space of the palace they were unfamiliar with.. Did this exist back home? Probably. But the place was so big, there could be dozens of rooms they just hadn’t looked at yet. Ah well, they’re worry about that later when they were actually in their own palace, for now they were curious to investigate Lumen’s! As well as what Lumen was up to, for that matter. The vessel peaked into the workshop, making a soft and slightly sleepy chirp to announce their presence before risking sneaking up on the Wyrm.

… Actually, he probably heard them coming already, not like adult vessels were light on their feet and the palace was dead silent otherwise. Didn’t hurt to be polite though, they supposed. “Not sure if it’s a.. Good morning, or what time it may be.. But I hope you slept well Lumen.” For once, Seeker at least felt like they slept well, though the concept of how long they slept was anyone’s guess. “What’s got you in here first thing’s first? I figured you’d.. You know, be relaxing rather than working on projects. Or at least get something to eat.” Maybe he had already? They knew they tended to be slow to get up- but didn’t cooking take awhile too?

To tell the truth, a fair few retainers were relatively skittish sorts, and it wasn't totally unknown for them to be kind of unnerved by little Hallow even not knowing how tall the young vessel would one day become. It was fairly likely that there would have been some panic, had any lingered behind long enough to encounter Seeker.

It had taken a short while before the vibrations of Seeker's steps had registered, but without the muffling of his robe over the sensory tuft that tipped his tail, Lumen was aware of them before he heard them. Turning to greet them, he set down his tools. There was steam in the air, as though water had been boiled, and the scent of metal fairly pronounced.

"Perhaps well met, then?" He suggested with a chirp of his own. "I'm not sure what time it is either. Hmm? Oh - I may have gotten a little caught up in my idea, that does tend to happen, and it's just so nice to be able to work on something I want to do again, rather than that I need to do else all be lost. Ah, that and you weren't awake yet - are you hungry?"