unsundcr

[unsundcr]

Thunder is not such a strange phenomenon above the Acadaemia that people are too concerned, for all that most of Amaurot might be. Then again, experimentation and weather are two fields that often go together, and if it weren't for the aether charge in the air, Prometheus might not have been too concerned either.

But his job is partly to worry, and as soon as a familiar face appears, he knows his concern is very much warranted, despite Phoenix's very cheerful chirp from her perch.

"Come again?" He demands, for all he's heard them perfectly fine. He's just trying to think of how to deal with this, as he stands up from his chair. "Leave no details unsaid." He sighs, in the end. "And we shall see how to solve this... issue."

His anger will wait until the crisis is dealt with... for all there is quite some anger to wait.

"...I screwed up" loud thunder rolls across the sky above them followed by lightning flickering down from the dark clouds. "remember that concept you told me to not open? the one with the big bird? I opened it."

@unsundcr .

[unsundcr]

"do you even celebrate heavensturn?" how many has he seen? did they loose meanings over the years or did they become heavier and heavier burdens with all his memories, with the failure of resurrecting his people.

or perhaps his view changed once more after becoming a father to a mortal child.

emer cups his cheek and shifting her weight to the tip of her toes to kiss him. "maybe one day I will see the same face from you each and every heavensturn - if you ever decide that the lives here are worth living and not sacrificing."

His views have long been set in stone, even though stone might not be the proper material. Aether, perhaps, crystalized in the will of a deity that took all that Prometheus was and then etched in his very soul who he should be. From that point onward, change was not truly an option.

He's not even sure he has changed. He doesn't think he can stop wanting what Zodiark demands, in the same way he cannot really stop breathing, because time and time there have been moments of brief humanity, but they have never been enough.

And then She who had been his daughter placed a child on his arms, and asked him to be a father. And Lahabrea found himself unburying the man that lay beneath the monster. They met Emer not too long after.

It's a brief kiss that he returns, in yet another stolen body, but it's warm and it's gentle and it's fond and bittersweet, because a part of him wishes he could offer her more. That there was an answer to both the old and the new, to protect and return and... he does not dwell on it, not with the way hesitation burns his very soul.

"I have celebrated, over the ages, when it was necessary." He replies, however. "Yet it was not until recent times that I started celebrating for myself."

He started when Amaya came into his life and they called him 'dad', and years suddenly had meaning again.

"We celebrated changes, back before." He tells her. Extends an arm, an offer of a hug, or closeness, even despite the promise he cannot make. An offer of warmth, at the very least, in a cold night he does not feel. "But it was not Heavensturn."

That was a purely mortal celebration. And perhaps, he thought, that was not a bad thing. Perhaps he could cherish this as well, wishful thinking that it might be.

"May I stay here tonight, Emer?" He asks her then, because he's curious about her traditions, and Amaya is out there with the Scions, and he's too old and too jaded for multitudes. Too inhuman for them.

But her small cottage has long become a place of comfort, and her company is something he knows he cherishes. Something he did not expect to ever feel nor value again.

He does not dare dream of the world she speaks of, but he supposes even an old monster can wish, even against the will of a god, in a clear, cold night, as the year dies and a new one is born.

[unsundcr]

INQUISITION PARTY BANTER  *  assorted dialogue from dragon age inquisition

you... actually look like that?

thank you for remembering. sometimes people forget me.

it's interesting watching you. the way you carry yourself when you use magic.

why are you so angry at your father? he wants to help and you know he does.

no one needs to see my arse.

you're set on being sad forever.

remember, do not use it like a sword.

i'd just eat the cheese.

always knew you were up to something.

you didn't always have a beard.

sometimes love isn't enough.

there were so many wonderful hats.

you're happier now, [name].

you have so many feelings.

i am uncertain whether to believe you.

the world doesn't make sense to them. it's too real.

you're right about that. they would.

do you need to eat? or sleep?

you would stop it if you could.

i can't tug it loose without tearing it.

stop. it isn't about you.

i believe i can work with that.

you have other things to carry.

you're serious, aren't you?

you let it keep hurting because you think hurting is who you are.

it is because you think you have to?

you ask a lot of questions, [name].

why be ashamed? power should be respected, not swept under the carpet.

i'll have to steal that one.

hey, when this is all done, if you ever need my help for anything, you just ask, all right?

maybe you're not a complete moron.

we were having a moment, and now you've ruined it.

i can't believe you drank that swill at the tavern.

i'm well aware you lied to me.

that is... remarkably decent of you.

i don't want to think about that right now.

you need a hairbrush.

when you charge at them, you make them hit you.

i'm curious about you. i had no idea something like you was possible.

how do you want to be remembered? valiant yet sexy rebel against the status quo?

it's not easy finding people willing to shoulder such a terrible responsibility.

it's not such a terrible thing. some of my best friends are murderers.

who's judging now?

i know your kind.

i know that what comes out of your mouth is the same drivel that comes out of theirs.

careful i don't club you on the head.

if i had something to say, i'd say it.

if we're going to fight at each other's side, we need to get along.

enough, both of you.

you said i could ask you questions.

how do you get your hair to do that?

do you think we could ever be friends?

killing him won't make anything better.

if you really cared, you could ask.

you caught the eye of a young woman in that last village.

i just need to know you're capable of higher thought. for my own comfort.

i question your reasons for being here.

my reasons for being here are the same as yours.

i think that's the first time i've heard you admit anything is complicated.

what made you change your mind?

i will try to be more like you.

you should learn to watch your back.

i mean. could be naked more. that'd be better.

beardy people are supposed to be jolly.

why are you complaining?

you're smirking again.

right, here we go. what is it from you?

there is no need to tell anyone that.

does yelling while we're walking around count?

stop pointing that at me!

you need a drink or something, you tell me.

[unsundcr]

send me "be honest..." with a question your muse has been dying to ask mine and they'll answer truthfully.

[unsundcr]

@seatedsacrifice asked: "There was a time when no one concealed his true name, but this age isn’t as kind."

How could there be kindness, in an age born from the screams of shattered souls? Time was not necessarily kind, when Lahabrea walked the earth in his own body, but it had seemed so for a long time. For aeons, until the end.

"There was a time when the truth was not feared, Elidibus." He replied, his agreement clear on the tired voice of yet another stolen vessel, yet another body that would never be the one he'd called his.

Elidibus, when once upon a time they'd both gone by other names. Lahabrea could not know for certain if the Messenger still remembered his, but Lahabrea's own name was cradled still among the memories of better times. He'd been the Speaker for many thousands of years before the Sundering, but he'd still had his own name. It had just been reserved for use in private, as he held one of the fourteen seats of Amaurot.

That name, however, had not been spoken aloud since the Sundering.

"There will be a new age." He spoke, his sigh exhausted with the weight of ages and a fraying soul, but nevertheless even. "We shall be ourselves again. Our sacrifices, and yours above all, will not have been in vain."

Or so he hoped, with the faith of one who could not believe otherwise. Not even when a part of him knew that some changes to a soul could not really be undone.

[unsundcr]

𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞, 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐨𝐧𝐞: 𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧 meme series. from .. ch. 18 (thunder roar and lightning crackle) - ch. 22 (daret)

taken from the book 'eragon', by christopher paolini. medieval fantasy setting. change tenses/pronouns as needed.

“I wouldn’t push you so hard if I didn’t think you were strong enough.”

“It's due east and four days away, if all goes well. It’s a small village situated by the Ninor River.”

“Normally I wouldn’t go into a storm like that, but we’re in for a battering no matter what we do, so we might as well get some distance covered.”

"I couldn’t do anything; the wind wouldn’t let me go. I was helpless."

"I am guided not by the land, but by the stars and sun."

"It is foolish to conjure up woe where none exists."

"Only those who love the pain and suffering of others could have done this. They wear many faces and go by many disguises, but there is only one name for them: evil."

"There is no understanding it. All we can do is pity and honor the victims.”

"This is Urgal [or, monster name] work; the spear is of their make. A company of them came through here, perhaps as many as a hundred."

"Where are the ones who did this? I will tear them apart!"

“I’ll explain it later. Your arm is injured. I bandaged it as best I could, but you need a safe place to rest.”

"I'm not harmed on the outside… but I’m not sure about the rest of me."

"Don’t feel bad. We all made mistakes today. Mine was not staying closer to you."

“It seems I owe you a debt for saving my life. I hope I can return the favor someday."

"You could have destroyed yourself and the whole town.”

“I’ve been searching for answers to this mystery, but I can’t make sense of it. What happened? How could I have possibly used magic? No one has ever instructed me in it or taught me spells.”

"Is there some secret I’m not supposed to learn until I’m old and wise? Or maybe you don’t know anything about magic!”

“You demand answers with an insolence rarely seen! If you knew what you asked for, you would not be so quick to inquire. Do not try me.”

“I feel as though I’ve been thrust into a world with strange rules that no one will explain.”

"This magic—for it is magic—has rules like the rest of the world. If you break the rules, the penalty is death, without exception."

"The word 'brisingr' is from an ancient language that all living things used to speak. Fire is called brisingr, not only is that a name for fire, it is the name for fire."

"The Ancient Language describes the true nature of things, not the superficial aspects that everyone sees. The word is not a word, it is an essence of the thing itself."

"The practice of magic is more of an art than anything else."

"You can use this magic, can’t you? That’s how you started the fire our first day, that windy night on the plains.”

"Even at your weakest moment, you are stronger than I."

"Magic takes just as much energy as if you used your own arms and back to execute the task the mundane way. If the magic had used more energy than was in your body, it would have killed you."

"I’m not as strong as I used to be. Every time I reach for magic, it gets a little harder.”

"Once you commit to a task and release the magic, you can’t pull it back, even if it’s going to kill you. I mean this as a warning: don’t try anything until you’ve learned more."

"We are becoming more powerful, [Name], both of us. Soon no one will be able to stand in our way."

"The river is the only source of water for many miles around, so most of the plains animals come here to drink. We won’t starve.”

"Every Rider could use magic, though with differing strengths. They kept the ability secret, even at the height of their power, because it gave them an advantage over their enemies."

"It was rare for anyone to discover magic on his own... though they were never put under the same pressure you were.”

"It will be hard in the beginning, but the rewards will be great."

“I know many techniques you can practice that will give you strength and control, but you cannot gain the discipline the Riders had overnight.”

"There are still some alive who are that old, and well trained: the king for one, not to mention the elves. Any one of those could tear you apart with ease.”

“To work with magic, you must have a certain innate power, which is very rare among people nowadays."

"The bird trusted me because he knows what all animals do, that those who speak in the Ancient tongue are bound by their word.”

"It takes a refined and subtle mind to deal with the Elven culture.”

"There was a time when no one concealed his true name, but this age isn’t as kind."

"Whoever knows your true name gains enormous power over you. It’s like putting your life into another person’s hands."

"Be careful. It can be a terrible knowledge."

"You are not easily dissuaded. That is good, for only the resolute find their identity."

"There is an abyss beyond life where magic means nothing. If you reach into it, your strength will flee and your soul will fade into darkness."

"What I want you to do is lift the rock off your palm and hold it in the air for as long as you can. The words you’re going to use are 'stenr reisa'."

"Also, you should know that magic is affected by distance. If you try to lift or move something a mile away, it’ll take more energy than if you were closer."

“This plant is called 'delois' in the Ancient Language.”

“Halt! Put your weapons down. You’re surrounded by sixty archers. They’ll shoot if you move.”

“You’re armed pretty heavily.”

“Alas, this is indeed a dark day.”

“This area has become far too perilous for anyone to live in peace.”

“I was in the king’s army for some years.”

“May your swords stay sharp.”

"A person’s mind is his last sanctuary. You must never violate it unless circumstances force you to."

"Blocking someone from your mind is a simple matter of concentrating on one thing to the exclusion of all else."

“I don’t need perfection, just safety.”

"Every time I learn something new about magic, I grow more wary of it."

[unsundcr]

AS SAID BY CASSANDRA PENTAGHAST  *  assorted dialogue from dragon age inquisition, updated version

the truth is more important than my reputation, and anyone willing to accuse me of weakness is welcome to try.

i cannot stop thinking of our earlier discussion.

you enjoy making things complicated, don't you?

you can't be serious.

i simply wanted to steal a moment, while i still can.

i will not let him take you from me.

i want a man who sweeps me off my feet, who gives me flowers and reads me poetry by candlelight. i want the ideal.

pretend you don't know this about me.

the flirting. with me. i've... noticed it. unless it is my imagination, which is entirely possible.

i'm thinking less flattering things now.

perhaps this would be a good time to stop talking.

what makes you think i would welcome your pity?

you so rarely call me by my name, [name]. why is that?

you were together for a long time?

i enjoy fighting at your side, [name].

you're not as handsome as you think.

romance is not the sole province of dithering ladies in frilly dresses. it is passion. it is being swept away by the pursuit of an ideal. what is not to like about that?

i was hoping we could speak privately.

you're smiling a great deal these days. do you always do it while staring dreamily into the distance?

such fascinations reveal far more about the teller than the truth.

i did not realize it took so little to exceed your expectations.

i do not trust any event where hitting someone isn't an option.

me? in a dress? it's ludicrous!

what would i have to blush about?

i take it you think i'm frightening?

if you had done that in our last sparring match, you might have won.

were you not suggesting earlier i should be more intimidating?

how is manipulating and bullying people supposed to be enjoyable?

i don't wear "underpants."

if you are going to pursue this, make it worth it. be happy.

i've never considered what i must look like to someone common. i must indeed seem terrifying.

i wasn't very interested to begin with.

you will never let that go, will you?

i do not "rough people up."

do not pretend to be an innocent bystander.

are you eager to see me go?

what we had was fleeting.

this... is not a discussion i want to have here.

not all my feelings involve stabbing.

i am not without my sympathy, especially given recent events.

i thought you might be concerned.

i suppose that is all we will ever know.

thank you, [name]. that... does make me feel better.

i assume you have advice?

when it is done, i promise what you have done here will not be forgotten.

i thought you would be pleased.

no one has ever accused me of reinforcing reality before.

i should not have asked.

you have seen so much sadness in your journeys.

your opinion of me must be very low to surprise you so often.

i know myself and i cannot be the leader we need. thus, i have no regrets.

the world hinges on our actions. we face death at every turn.

it was an accident. well... mostly an accident.

we must pray it never comes to that.

what made you change your mind?

[unsundcr]

Selective, canon and headcanon based Lahabrea from Final Fantasy XIV, as written by Nay. Mun and muse are 18+ See here for guidelines and about

[unsundcr]

@soulgathered asked: "oh there you are! I missed you" emer beams when she sees the ancient shadow appear and with a hum she moves towards him... only to embrace phoenix. "hello there love, look at you, beautiful as always" she tells the bird before gently guiding phoenix to a basket of fresh dry laundry "can you sit on it for a little? the evenings are getting chilly around here and a warm blanket would be a delight" finally emer turns around to her other guest, eyes twinkling with amusement "I guess you are here too - and perhaps you were even missed, old grump"

Ever since her creation, since that night in which fire and aether turned into a living being, Phoenix has been the center of attention, and loved every moment of it. She is warmth where her creator is rage, and kindness where all that remains in Lahabrea is ash and sparks of humanity that have been very slow to rekindle.

For thousands of years, Phoenix has been the one creature Lahabrea has truly cared about. And even in ancient times he had long accepted the way she commanded attention. And it does not pain him: she is his masterpiece, his proudest work. What is her vanity before all that she is.

And she's vain, and happy: she chirps happily at Emer and brushes her head against her cheek, warm as the caress of sunlight, before elegantly landing atop the basket of clothes she's been directed to, humming all the while and settling down happily.

What remains behind is the masked shadow known as Lahabrea, whose expression is stern even in a face that is not his, for all that there's a certain amusement in the crinkle of his eyes, as he reaches for the basket of clothes and picks it up, making himself helpful.

"Careful." He tells her. "That was almost an admission. Should I be concerned, Emer?" He adds, stopping to let one of her dogs sniff him, then scratching the dog's ears for the briefest moment.

[unsundcr]

@starsfreckled asked: "father" amaya looks towards the man sitting at his desk. they sit down too, their tail nervously moving from one side to the other. it be nice to hold a certain fire bird right about now. "I wanted to ask if ...if you could not introduce me as your daughter. it somehow doesn't feel right? I don't think son fits either."

There is a man sitting at the desk, a shadow far older than the bones he inhabits as he reviews what is, in a way, paperwork. He directs many mages, many pawns and many souls that do his bidding in exchange for knowledge or power, in true mortal fashion, and that requires supervision. So does the affairs of mortals, that cannot be suffered to learn more than is their due.

He raises his gaze, however, as Amaya enters, this child he has raised as his own because of plans he has long doubted -perhaps even shelved-, because once upon a different time the creature named Lahabrea was a father and over the years so he has become once more.

It's not unusual for Amaya to visit him there, for his study is open to them always, but it's not usual to see them agitated. A heartbeat later he summons Phoenix, almost a reflex at this point: the old shadow is not great at being comforting, but his familiar often is, while he can focus on helping, or guiding. It has been too long since he ever needed to be comforting, after all.

Then Amaya speaks, as the firebird settles near them, chirping softly, and Lahabrea understands.

"Very well." He replies. It's an easy request, all in all. "What is your preference?" He adds, as he tries to figure a neutral term in the language his child prefers. He's not as up to date with mortal customs as he'd like to be, in those matters.

"Perhaps child?" He offers. "Progeny? Offspring?"

Truly, mortal ideas of gender ares something he is more baffled by than he'd like to admit: they change far too often, and draw focus to matters that Amaurot did not draw attention to. And they can be so very limited, in some matters. His own language would have many more words to express the concepts of one who is not son nor daughter, but he supposes he'll have to settle for what current mortal languages allow for.

[unsundcr]

Independent, canon divergent Lahabrea from FFXIV, as written by Nay (she/they, 25+).

Established October 2023.

See here for guidelines, muse info and content warnings

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