divineth | week 4 - witch's lair curfew

Was it that which we'd spoken of before? Or something else?

Something else. That was the desire that brought me here, after all. The wish that I believe was granted...

[ She closes her eyes. ]

Was my fervent desire to ensure Meteor made it to the very end, that he would find his way even without us there to guide him in full.

[...

There's only so much she can glean while missing context, but...]

Would you like to try the almond water?

If you believe me to be infected, very well. Are you certain you would like to use that resource?

Edited 2025-12-05 04:24 (UTC)

[Shaking her head.]

It's up to you. I just thought that if you'd like to check, we have a way of finding out right here.

I believe myself to be of sound mind, though I will gladly taste it if it would provide you comfort.

[Okay, she has to laugh at that, short and humorless.]

Testing you now wouldn't exactly be a comfort, though. If you turned out to be infected, I'm already locked in here with you.

[This is, for once, extremely not about her.]

[ She laughs, amused. ]

If that were the case, I'm certain these old men would manage to restrain and incapacitate me.

Until they fell asleep.

Anyway, ignorance is bliss and all that. We don't have to use it.

Y’shtola…

[Like, he WOULD, but…he really doesn’t want to even consider the possibility of her being infected.]

[He goes very still at that.]

...

Your wish from Ultima Thule.

[Which had, indeed, been granted.]

[Urianger’s looking over as well.]

…and the result was the infection coming to Etheirys in short order.

Correct. We had known peace for only a short time, simply for it to be disrupted by another world ending catastrophe.

[ She shakes her head. ]

I had wondered if this was a consequence of my desire, in conjunction with my knowledge of this realm and what we have learned in our time here. Your words simply confirmed it for me.

[ And she never said anything because she isn't the type to speak without being certain. ]

Do not put that burden squarely on your shoulders, Y'shtola.

We already had dynamis on our hands. From what Urianger has told me, you worked off of what you knew, as well as what you hoped for.

None of us could have known what else was at play. [Just like dynamis in the first place.]

[Urianger nods at this.]

Just so. ‘Twas our hopes and desires that which shaped Ultima Thule to our will.

Not one of us could have foreseen this.

[Not even the diviner.]

[ ... ]

Yet I am willing to hold the burden nevertheless. If there is aught I can do, it is this much.

Then at the very least, let us hold it with you.

My wish is not much different than your own, after all. [A little broader. A few different caveats. But similar enough.]

[ She falls silent, and it's a moment before she says anything. ]

Very well. You're well worthy of sharing the weight of my burdens, the both of you.

[ They're people she cares for, deeply, even if she has her own subtle way of showing it. ]

I will do all in my power to ensure that our star is saved again. I refuse to allow a time to come to pass where you may not have an opportunity to see the fine young woman Ryne has certainly become.

As Thancred hath said, I should also bear this burden with thee. It should come as no surprise that my wish is a reflection of thine own.

[Urianger smiles, glad to see that Y’shtola has come around. ]

Ne’er would we expect any less from thee, dear friend. Pray, let us come together once more to see this through.

Edited 2025-12-05 05:22 (UTC)

[ She doesn't smile, not right now. It hurts, even knowing that they're so willing to bear this pain with her. ]

I would be a fool to reject your offer. I know well that you and Thancred both are strong enough to carry such a weight alongside me.

[There's a slight break in his composure at the mention of Ryne. His hand slips to his pocket. Pulls out the keychain. It's likely from one of the dead, he realizes, and nothing to do with her. But she is still all that comes to mind, when he holds it tight.]

So long as Etheirys survives, the First will follow.

Her happiness... so long as she can still pursue it. So long as all of you can. That is all the victory I long for.

[It is what is always had been.

Survive.]

Edited (Typos phone suffering weh) 2025-12-05 05:32 (UTC)

[Oh… That keychain is so sweet. Urianger’s smile softens considerably as he watches Thancred hold it and listens to those words.]

[He has had this stupid little plushy heart thing for weeks... thanks ghosts]

Yes, yes, spare me the observations. [NOT IN FRONT OF COMPANY.....]

...

It's her life to live now. But she will always deserve the world.

[Just like Minfilia did before her.]

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avocations - 2025-12-08 07:11 (UTC) - Expand