For most people. It was difficult for me to find people who didn't want to sleep with me, my teachers included.
[It's pleasant to doze off in Emet-Selch's arms. But they haven't been having very pleasant dreams as of late. Cardinal is dreaming of their home. Emet-Selch will recognize the living room - the time-worn ring of grey couches, the glass wall looking out onto the ocean.
He can hear screaming coming from the direction of Cato's lab.]
[Cato's voice, hoarse with rage and tears.] "Choice? You're not leaving me any choice. You never have."
[And then coldly, calmly, Sniper:] I am this time, Cato. That's your punishment: You get to choose. You can stay here, and stand trial, and see how sympathetic your precious public is when they hear your sob story about how you never wanted to commit mass murder, or you can come with me and keep doing what you're so good at doing, to protect the world now that it needs us more than ever.
[He waves at Cato smugly as he takes Cardinal's hand and the scene shifts to a raised purple platform amidst the stars. Sure looks like a boss battle arena. The lifestream is apparent in the sky. Its weave visible to their eyes.]
You can see it, can't you? The lifestream.
But before we begin... Was that an actual memory or a confrontation you are dreading?
[Cardinal takes a minute to gather themself, breathing in and swallowing to clear the bitterness from their tongue. They keep their hold on Emet-Selch's hand.]
A memory. One I took a long time ago. [They shake their head, again trying to clear out the emotions.] It's just been on my mind lately because of the trial. It's better than the doll museum, so I'll take it.
[They do look up, and more of the tension bleeds out as they look upon the sight of it.]
Oh, do be gluttonous. But I do hope you can find someone on your star to share these moments with if you end up going back. Or perhaps take a friend with you if you are not. To Amaurot. Or with Amaranth.
[He leans back. At least they are much closer to the same height now!]
No more than an ocean or the wind. Though I suppose a powerful, individual soul might have some awareness if called upon properly.
[Cardinal leans forward. They take their time observing, watching the light it gives off, the subtle currents of its movements. Making sense of the sensation - mostly just an awareness, right now. Their pulse jumps unexpectedly with one last second of hesitation - do they really have a right to this power?
It has to be sufficient that Emet-Selch is giving it to them. The red thread flows over their gripped hands, weaving between their knuckles.]
It is rather impossible for me to tell if you star has aether or even if it flows with you. I imagine I would be able to see your soul regardless of what it was made of. Truly a curiosity.
If you wish to learn curative magics, you must understand the flow of the lifestream and life it brings as well as the elements in balance. Wind, earth, fire, water, light and dark. Umbral and Astral all in balance.
[Cardinal simply hums. It's difficult not to think of Bridger and Bridger's powers when considering the question of aether.]
I want to show it to you, one day.
[Would it burn brighter in their own world? Cardinal drops that thought and obeys the instruction, closing their eyes. They sense the there-ness of it. A difference in the air.]
I would be surprised if you were not mostly aligned with wind or water.
Astral is growth and movement. Umbral is patience and stasis. Perhaps you can think of them like the waning and waxing of the moon. Either in motion or still.
Not as much as the six elements, but in a way yes. Think of Light for example. In motion it can be a flood, but still it can all but wash way one's personality.
Ever tipping the balance was our great work. A truly delicate thing. I don't believe the shards ever appreciated it.
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[It's pleasant to doze off in Emet-Selch's arms. But they haven't been having very pleasant dreams as of late. Cardinal is dreaming of their home. Emet-Selch will recognize the living room - the time-worn ring of grey couches, the glass wall looking out onto the ocean.
He can hear screaming coming from the direction of Cato's lab.]
[Cato's voice, hoarse with rage and tears.] "Choice? You're not leaving me any choice. You never have."
[And then coldly, calmly, Sniper:] I am this time, Cato. That's your punishment: You get to choose. You can stay here, and stand trial, and see how sympathetic your precious public is when they hear your sob story about how you never wanted to commit mass murder, or you can come with me and keep doing what you're so good at doing, to protect the world now that it needs us more than ever.
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This isn't a bad time, is it?
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Cato shriek/snarls "You again!" while Cardinal rubs a hand over their face.]
No, your timing is perfect.
[Cardinal finishes the scene with haste, shoving the rag in their hand into Cato's mouth and heading for the lab door.]
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You can see it, can't you? The lifestream.
But before we begin... Was that an actual memory or a confrontation you are dreading?
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A memory. One I took a long time ago. [They shake their head, again trying to clear out the emotions.] It's just been on my mind lately because of the trial. It's better than the doll museum, so I'll take it.
[They do look up, and more of the tension bleeds out as they look upon the sight of it.]
It's so beautiful.
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[He squeezes their fingers.]
You put your heart into your work. It makes it more powerful, but does leave you a bit vulnerable.
[And he does nod.]
It is, isn't it? It makes the daily struggle, the strife almost seem distant.
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I can afford vulnerability, here. I might as well roll around and get my fill.
[They lean against him lightly, but their gaze stays fixed on the lifestream above.]
How much awareness does it have?
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[He leans back. At least they are much closer to the same height now!]
No more than an ocean or the wind. Though I suppose a powerful, individual soul might have some awareness if called upon properly.
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[They sound amused.
Finally, they turn to Emet-Selch.]
Teach me.
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Can you feel that?
[Cardinal will be able to feel it. Not physically, but it definitely has a sensation.]
Just as with your abilities in the Production, focus on it, and try to manipulate it.
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It has to be sufficient that Emet-Selch is giving it to them. The red thread flows over their gripped hands, weaving between their knuckles.]
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It is rather impossible for me to tell if you star has aether or even if it flows with you. I imagine I would be able to see your soul regardless of what it was made of. Truly a curiosity.
If you wish to learn curative magics, you must understand the flow of the lifestream and life it brings as well as the elements in balance. Wind, earth, fire, water, light and dark. Umbral and Astral all in balance.
Close your eyes and focus. What do you feel?
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I want to show it to you, one day.
[Would it burn brighter in their own world? Cardinal drops that thought and obeys the instruction, closing their eyes. They sense the there-ness of it. A difference in the air.]
Movement.
What are Umbral and Astral?
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[He smiles at the answer.]
I would be surprised if you were not mostly aligned with wind or water.
Astral is growth and movement. Umbral is patience and stasis. Perhaps you can think of them like the waning and waxing of the moon. Either in motion or still.
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[They sound highly intrigued. ]
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Ever tipping the balance was our great work. A truly delicate thing. I don't believe the shards ever appreciated it.
[He's jesting mostly at that last part.]
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I'm not familiar with the personality-stripping properties of Light.
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We are straying from the topic at hand, but I'm sure you've marveled at how delicate life seems.
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