firstworldproblem | IC Inbox (Imeeji)

Jack-Of-All-Stats: I'm not going to run into Absinthe am I?

[He'll show up, but he has some questions about him in particular.]

Alexander: We are very accommodating of each other's privacy.

[He will meet him outside the dorms and lead him through the receiving room.]

What name have you decided for yourself?

Edited 2020-09-25 04:41 (UTC)

[Hm. This is his first time visiting another dorm so he's kind of just taking it in.]

Uh- Sorrel.

[He knew his real name now, thanks to Luna, but he was keeping that to himself until he felt like he could trust people who weren't her or Gladio.]

Thanks for having me.

Sorrel then.

[It is very dark wood and dark reds everywhere, but he'll be taking him here:

The planetarium bar is set in space. No, really space. When you walk out of the door it's onto a solid, but see-through, circular platform. Above, below, and all around you are stars, planets, distant, wheeling galaxies, gas clouds, solar systems, moons, and other such space objects. And they all seem to be quite real. Some are closer, most impossibly far, and there are no nearby suns so the lighting of the place is always dark as night, affording a beautiful star-filled view at any time of day.

Fortunately an invisible unbreakable bubble or force-field surrounds the whole area, so even when you get to the edge of the platform you can't fall off, and there is no trouble with oxygen.

Once a day, from 9pm to 1am, a greenish series of streaming lights dotted with innumerable bright, vibrant colors, like a strange kind of galactic event, winds its way around a nearby planet, entrancing while visible. To those who know what such things are, it is definitely the lifestream of that planet.

The platform itself has minimal amenities, it boasts the door you came in from, a dark countered bar with glass shelves for liquor behind it, and dark upholstered, comfortable U-shaped couches at infrequent intervals, all of them plush, cozy, enough to fit several people comfortably, with a table at each. However, most of the platform is bare, just space for viewing.

He pulls out a pair of glasses and puts them on before sitting on the couch. Motioning for Sorrel to join him.]

Now, what did you want to ask?

[He can't help but gape at it all. Baritones was so different from Lilis - it felt almost more extravagant compared to their rustic more earthen feel.

After a moment of taking in the stars and planets, he sits.]

I wanted to know what you know about him. Absinthe. Luna- uh, Glacies. She told me he and I are related. He told me that we have a 'contentious' relationship. He wants me to just remember it when I remember it, but-

[He's hesitant, considering he's brought himself - foolishly - to Absinthe's own dorm.]

I just have a feeling, that's all. No one seems to want to or be able to talk about home in detail. I- sorry to say - I also don't trust Absinthe, even if he's technically supposed to be kin.

[Shaking his head.]

I don't know why I feel like I can just ask you, but you're the only one who offered. I don't want to cause Glacies trouble either.

[She's probably going to be mad if she finds out he went here, honestly.]

So- what can you tell me about him? Let's start with that.

Edited 2020-09-25 05:06 (UTC)

Absinthe is very dear to me. And if he wants you to go on your journey of understanding bit by bit, then I will not break his trust. However, that does not mean you will leave here with no information. 'Tis a bit cruel honestly, to keep you in the dark as close as you are. But do expect it to be a bit overwhelming.

[He taps his chin.]

He is not prone to give his trust or accept it. Truthfully, he'd rather be alone, but keep an open mind. View him without any preconceptions and let his actions and your memories dictate how you should treat him.

Has anyone even told you of the Starscourge?

Oh. I- I understand.

[He's a bit disappointed, mostly because he wants to know what exactly is so 'contentious' between himself in Absinthe. Maybe he shouldn't have been so quick to voice his distrust?]

Glacies did. We talked about it somewhat.

[He hated thinking about it, truthfully. The way it tainted her skin- he could only imagine how much worse so many others had it - how they had been corrupted by the darkness.]

I know that I'm supposed to be some sort of Chosen King - but not what that entails. That I got from a memory, at least.

What exactly did he tell you? You do have to read the lines at times. I might be able to tell more than normal as he is rattled with guilt due to my ire.

I just want to ensure it is worth it.

Then you know the Starscourge is a parasite, a most curious one, that exudes nothing but shadow aspected aether coating the star in darkness. There are those that can bequeath it unto other stealing their memories and experiences in the process. But also some may take it unto themselves thus healing it. Though those who heal do take up themselves its burden.

You are set to defeat this evil. Though the star you live in is not so black and white as most things are. There are many players on your board.

[He sighs.]

I can't believe they won't tell you this. Glacies and I are on ... uneasy terms. We do not see eye to eye on a few principles that do not have to do with your star but mine. I wonder if she would care if I told you.

When he and I talked he didn’t really offer much. Maybe he’d really rather not tell me?

[What he did know bothered him - like the star scourge.]

That’s- sitting around waiting until I can fill all those gaps feels almost worse. Kind of selfish since everyone is trying to remember stuff.

You'll not find one more cagey and slippery. Just because Absinthe is dear to me does not mean I do not realize that he can be difficult at times. But as I said make your judgement based on him, not what he pretends to be.

[He pauses for a moment.]

Can you wait here?

[He really won't wait for an answer as he goes back to his room and gets him a copy of some notes with any mentions of himself, Lahabrea or Absinthe etched out.]

This is your enemy, and it would be best if you studied it. It will darken your skies, infect your people, and cause unknown suffering for all who come into contact with it. It's source is unknown but there are those who would use it as a weapon to further there own goals.

Your bloodline is important, the line of Lucis. I do recall a certain ring that is passed down, but of that I do not know all the details. And the Gods meddle in your affairs.

Does that help give your wandering mind some focus?

So it's all an act for him?

[He could agree though. Absinthe seemed to move with his own agenda, whether it was pretending not to know him in order to test him or being upfront that they didn't have a great relationship. It was still complicated.

He shelves it for now, looking at the notes he's been handed.]

I know about the ring. [Whether or not Alexander knew about the crystal was another matter. He didn't want to give too much away, still worried about it getting back to Absinthe or Luna.]

I didn't realize Gods could become corrupted by it too.

[Is that why Luna told him not to follow the prophecy?]

Has either of them mentioned a prophecy to you?

No. As I said, keep an open mind.

[He shrugs.]

Gods is a rather relative term, but they are no doubt immortal beings of immense power.

The prophecy...? If it is from one of your Gods then it is nothing more than a means to push you towards the path they desire.

Yes. From what I understand of it, it comes from them. So does the roles of Chosen King and Oracle.

[Still, he's a little worried. Luna told him not to follow the prophecy and now he's hearing similar sentiment from someone else.]

It is. Has he told you anything about it, or no?

No. But I have heard enough from Glacies. I would ignore it, and find your own path. Or at least do not take it as an absolute.

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