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Re: And These Hands Are Not Mine

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2023 2:07 pm
by Aeros
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Palæros would click his tongue at Victrian’s response, “...methinks you doth protest a bit too much, Victrian~...but I digress,” he’d say with a light but teasing smile.

“A shame about the alcohol, though…and the poison possibility. In life, I had an incredible constitution– was resistant to most things of that nature, though I’d be able to feel it, still,” and though he’d laugh, there was a discomfort he’d tried to conceal woven beneath. “Good to know how thoroughly the food is checked over, at least,” he’d add, that previous discomfort seeming to have vanished.

Palæros would briefly take a more timid demeanor, “...As I am, I’ve witchmarks rather than the greater vitality some of us are blessed with– but isn’t that funny? Some of us are more suited to resist poison than others and yet that isn't taken into consideration...

“...but I suppose that tangent is moot, no? I’d imagine it’d be… something of an exceptional oversight for the Semblers to make an error grave enough that it would actually affect any of us.”
His voice was more gentle as he continued to muse, though as he finished the last sentence, he’d make a sharp inhale as if realizing something, then stop speaking; he came across as nervous, as if he’d spoken for too long.

Æros, though, was happy with how quick he’d figured out a rune of theirs each, nosy as he was; the information didn’t really benefit him per se, he simply liked to keep track of such things.

With regard to the Golden Guard and the Silver Sentinels, “I’d always admired the mages which composed both prior to the split– but I think I lack the discipline, so I’d never thought to pursue that path,” Palæros would comment, his voice smoothed over and more confident again.

And when the others commented about Janus’ folly, Palæros’ pale eyes would narrow, gaze shifting away from his company for a moment as he appeared to hesitate on a response. Both souls within had a guess; it was likely a shortsighted mistake made from having sat beneath Thalya for so long. Being so used to the Solar Sovereign’s unquestioned rule, to assume such slander as bribery would be leveled at the crown with any validity was…simply not something that crossed his mind? But they couldn’t quite explain that, because Janus’ cover was that he’d…misheard, that it’d never even been an offer.

“We can’t say. We only wish that he’d paid for his folly rather than us,” the possessed would begin, but then he’d grit his teeth, lips forming a hard sort of frown as he bit back words. “Retirement doesn’t seem quite the same in weight as living like this,” he’d say, though this was a markedly trimmed version of what one of two souls actually felt– the other sat silent, not wishing to vent his thoughts to strangers either way.

But then when Seværys changed the subject, Palæros’ focus would shift, appearing relieved. “I’ve always derived joy from dance, whether I’m performing or not, but…” he’d push his tongue to the roof of his mouth and breathe in, as if thinking about what to say. He’d laugh a bit before starting, “Palæmon does not have the flexibility nor endurance that I did in life, so while my soul, strangely, seems to ‘remember’ my old skills, translating it to his form is proving to be…an endeavor.” But then he’d smile something playful, “...but he is adapting quickly, at least!”

“Aside from that, though, I recently picked up bladework as of the start of the year. It’s thrilling, and a lot of the bodily control I learnt through dance can be translated into it, too.”

At this point though the words came from the same mouth, it’d come across like another was interjecting. “Hosting Æros has been nothing but exhausting,” he’d say, stronger than before and rolling his eyes, but still carrying a nervous air. “Previously, I spent most of my time shaping the gardens in our estate or lost in meditation with elemental spirits...I'm a horticulturalist, mostly.” he’d admit, almost sheepish in tone. “His cavalier approach to, ah…engaging in his more athletic pursuits after having purloined my body is certainly something…” he would sigh, but the exasperation carried an amused sort of air to it.

“...but at least we both relate in our love for magic. It’s enlightening to have another cast their Crafts through your skin…He has some I do not and one shared, that in life, I actually gave him. We each can only use our own Crafts, so it's...certainly a team effort, though I will admit it has been genuinely fun to start working together in that regard.” and to this, Palæros would give a smile that reached his eyes– this was the one silver lining to them, really.

Pale blue eyes would light up at the subject; he looked delighted. “Palæmon’s got Crafts I lack as well, and he’s right about the experience. I’ve…felt, hm…exceptionally…close to others in the past by means more magical, but there is nothing quite like spellcraft literally alongside another soul. It is more taxing if we swap control back and forth quickly, but...nothing gained without a little risk,” and he'd punctuate the sentiment with a little giggle.
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"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"
"Vastien Tongue/Speech"
"Valasren Tongue/Speech"
"Common Tongue/Speech"

Re: And These Hands Are Not Mine

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2023 3:22 pm
by Pharaoh
“Living like this?” Tithya chortled, “With your run of an imperial palace in exchange for nothing but rigid mealtimes, a spot of temperance and navigating the moods of a certain peerless platinum prince? What a pity.”

“I think he means the condition of sharing a body with his cousin, Tith…” Seværys interjected.

“Oh. Right, well, sure. That.” She replied with a grimace. It would become abundantly clear that Sev’s supposition was indeed correct as Æros and Palæmon elaborated.

“Well, old buddy old Pal, it seems to me you’ll make out on the deal if Æros leaves your body in a better state than he found it, right Ærie? Just be a dear and put your Pal to bed before you exercise and it’s win-win.” An amused Victrian suggested.

“Bladework is a sterling skill to hone.” Seværys encouraged with a wan smile.

“He’s being modest. Sev is the eldest child of the Princeps Legatus. He is a knight of the realm and was on track to being a great general, before his career to a sudden turn toward its current state.” Victrian's words elicited a wince from the Astræon prince.

“Indeed. But I do like to keep my skills sharp, so if you’re ever in need of a sparring partner, there are training halls to which we have access.” Seværys offered, warmly. “And I’m certain your current condition is a learning experience for you both, but one from which I hope you both come out the stronger.”

“Founders alive, Sev, you’re not petitioning in front of the Conclave of Electors. You don’t have to be so bloody nice all the time.” Tithya groaned.

“It’s just how he is, Tith. Seværys the Beneficent of House Sol’Aværys.” Victrian declared grandly, lowering his voice he explained: “If it weren’t for His Serene Starlit Highness and the Princeps Pontifex, Sev here would have been a shoo-in for heir presumptive.”

Re: And These Hands Are Not Mine

Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2023 4:20 pm
by Aeros
TIMESTAMP: -
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Palæros very nearly rolled his eyes at Tithya’s words, but he stopped himself; while he figured she was taking a deliberate misinterpretation of the point, there was always the chance that she wasn’t. Plus, there was some information that all of the others simply weren't privy to. And Seværys, ever the sweetheart, interjected to correct her.

“I…thank you– that is what I meant. This position, from what either of us can tell, is certainly a lovely one. But...just imagine sharing your body in this fashion. There’s three ways to live; both of us must sacrifice a portion of his autonomy wholly unto the other, we fight one another, stealing literal time from each other…or, simply, share–” he’d stop abruptly, as if being interrupted.

“...–any way you cut this arrangement, the way we experience autonomy, privacy and individuality is forever changed. And Æros's Mesmer bleeds into me every single time he uses it…” Palæros would laugh, this time distinctly sardonic. “Then there's the fact that the two of us know more about one another now than you should ever learn about another soul; still, we'll get used to it eventually, I'm sure.”

Palæros’ affect would shift again. “...but ‘tis not all bad,” he’d look to Victrian next. “His point is certainly solid, isn’t it, dear cousin? I’ve only had you for a little under two weeks and you’ve already more energy, a bit more spry, even,” he’d say aloud in a sunny, teasing manner. “He might complain about the exhaustion now, but he’ll thank me later when he can do more of the things I used to be able to do,” the moonborn would add with a little giggle. Æros had been more than just an exotic gimmick as dancer– he really was brilliant at it.

When the spectre finished teasing his cousin and the subject shifted onto Seværys once more, Palæros eyed the royal with interest as the others teased him in turn.

“That you are, aren’t you? My, my– to be in the presence of somebody both exquisitely talented and so very sweet,” He’d deliberately made himself blush with manipulations Mesmeric and had started to feign swooning before stopping, quickly clearing his features again, lifting a hand to his lips and giggling.

“I jest– but I would be absolutely honored to spar with you. Although– my own abilities certainly pale before your own, so I’ll try not to fall on my own sword,” he’d continue, sounding genuinely enthused about the idea. “...but should I last any amount of time against you, I’ll surely learn something, indeed.”

He couldn’t quite tell if the Astræon princeps was always this kind, but regardless, he quite liked it.
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"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"
"Vastien Tongue/Speech"
"Valasren Tongue/Speech"
"Common Tongue/Speech"

Re: And These Hands Are Not Mine

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2023 1:34 pm
by Pharaoh
"I've shared bodies before..." Victrian quipped with a smirk, "I shared a boy with Tithya just the other day, but never after that fashion. It sounds harrowing." He wrinkled his nose, "I can't think of anyone I like enough to share a body with. I barely like myself enough to go solo in this one."

"Heh..." Seværys' blush was an earnest one, bereft of arcane manipulation. He glanced down, seeming uncertain if he was being mocked or not. Ridicule was likely a regular occurrence, given the temperament of his fellow prægustatori.

"It's sort of the family focus. Well... on the distaff side, at least." Palæros would know that Sev's father was Princeps Prætor of the Realm and one of the most famous members of House Sol'Aværys. The Paterfamilias of Gens Naxos was the oldest member of the Regium Consilium and had been married to Thalya's predecessor on the Radiant Throne, prior to her demise. His mother was far younger and, though she was deemed an artful tactician and an imposing figure on the battlefield, she'd rarely had a chance to display her mettle as the realm had been at peace since her assumption of the role.

"You're being humble, I'm sure. And it will be good to have a willing sparring partner! I've long since given up on trying to train with these two."

"My offer to wrestle both of you naked in oil still stands," Victrian shrugged, "But swordplay is not for me."

"I said yes to the offer!" Tithya objected,

"Yes, dear, but you are oh so easy to vanquish. At least Sev would put up a fight, and if it was two on one? My loins stir but to think upon't."

"Don't worry, Sælyan boys. I'm sure they'll objectify you before long, as well."

Re: And These Hands Are Not Mine

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2023 4:45 pm
by Aeros
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"Precisely, Victrian– when I was alive, I felt similarly and now poor, dear Palæmon is stuck with me," and though Palæros would laugh, one would be hard pressed to tell if this was a pain point or genuinely funny to one or both of them.

The theatrics put on by the possessed were done to gauge Seværys' reaction, and some small semblance of guilt was felt when Æros saw the earnesty with which he did. The two senior prægustatori must be nigh relentless with their teasing or perhaps the princeps' interest in the two newcomers was more sincere than he'd thought…or, more probably, it was a bit of both.

Palæros' expression would shift to something less hyperbolic and more genuine. "You flatter me…but you might’ve been right, were I still living. Since my fall, I've only yet had the chance to spar with my step-father, ah…Zopyros Val'Zeromys Scipio; I don't know if you've heard the name? But I'd been making great strides with him prior and, well…it's not quite the same now," he'd smile sheepishly.

"But rest assured, I am more than willing; I'm excited! Any time spent with you would be time well spent, of that, I'm sure," Palæros would add, this time no trace of a feigned emotion.

At their banter and Seværys' last comment, he couldn't help but to giggle. "...should you ever extend that offer to me as well, I'd be hard pressed to say no. We could take him together, Tithya, don't you think?" His expression once again leaning far into impish.
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"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"
"Vastien Tongue/Speech"
"Valasren Tongue/Speech"
"Common Tongue/Speech"

Re: And These Hands Are Not Mine

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2023 6:47 pm
by Pharaoh
"Now we're all stuck with you." Tithya giggled,

"We're all stuck with each other, Tith." Seværys amended sharply, but things moved on and he lifted both brows at the mention of his stepfather.

"Aye, I know Scipio, though I didn't know he was a member of your family..."

"That is because you didn't know they existed before they strolled up earlier today, Highness..." Victrian muttered.

The prince ignored this entirely, focusing instead upon the plight Æros espoused.

"I have a friend who lost a leg. When they reattached it, it took him months to get back to walking without a limp, let alone being the star sprinter he'd been prior. Anyway, my point is you kind of lost your whole body. It's going to take time to get anywhere close to where you were, and that's all right. We're all works in progress, you'll just need to work a lot harder for a little while. We'll get you there." Sev smiled and placed an encouraging hand on Palæmon's shoulder.

"Well, that is if your co-pilot is amenable, at least." He added, an apologetic afterthought. He parted his full lips to speak on, but the approach of a court page gave him pause.

"Your Grace of Val'Levriel..." The servant would bow to the Moonborn, who arched a brow looking up at him lazily. "His Serene Starlit Highness would speak with you." Suddenly he looked none too relaxed as he scrambled to get his boots back on and rose to follow the page out of the gardens and toward the palace proper.

"Lucky Vic." Tithya clucked her tongue, "His Starlit Highness has been singling him out to help with the Mascherata prep, and he's sworn to secrecy on the details no matter how I beg and bribe."

"He's probably just tasting the canapes and taking the piss out of you, Tith."

Re: And These Hands Are Not Mine

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2023 7:29 pm
by Aeros
TIMESTAMP: -
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“That we are,” he’d respond to both Tithya and Seværys.

And when Sev further stated he recognized Scipio’s name, Palæros looked pleased; it was nice to know that his kin, even those who’d married in, had their fair share of recognition.

But further, the princeps continued with an anecdote and encouragement that was remarkably empathetic. The possessed looked to him, his eyes slightly widened in surprise at both his words and his touch, but only for a moment. And as if by instinct, he’d lean a bit toward Seværys, leaning into it. His eyes would shift off and down in the direction of the other man’s arm, but focused on nothing in particular. Perhaps he was considering his words, or in this case, it might be that the two souls within were conferring with one another.

Then, Palæros would blink and abruptly return his gaze to Seværys and nod, a wan smile forming on his lips. “You’re right. I’ve a lot of innate instinct, but translating it, relearning it, that much will very much require practice.”

And after a small laugh, he’d confirm, “Palæmon assents ‘long as I try and taper down my recklessness.”

Finally, Palæros would add, “...and I wouldn’t dare fail somebody with such faith in me.” And while he did speak in a light tone, there was an undercurrent of intention there. Æros, at least, was tired of disappointing the people around him.

But then, they’d be interrupted by an approaching servus, and Victrian would be called away. Curious. In the ensuing moments, the other two would mention an event that was apparently being planned.

“The what? I’m sorry, ah…dying and the subsequent switch of my house’s allegiance really has me out of the loop with current events,” he’d explain, tone somewhat sheepish. “His Serene Starlit Highness is hosting an event of sorts, I take it?”
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"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"
"Vastien Tongue/Speech"
"Valasren Tongue/Speech"
"Common Tongue/Speech"

Re: And These Hands Are Not Mine

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2023 8:45 pm
by Pharaoh
"Fæx, are you joking?!" Tithya's eyes lit up at the revelation that the newest member of their perfunctory pod was ignorant of the event of the season- if not the year. "It's only shaping up to be the most epic event since the jubilee! Well... I mean, all right, that's a loaded example, but suffice it to say it's going to be amazing. His Starlit Highness is pulling out all the stops. He's even holding a lottery so a few lucky commoners will get to come!" She was speaking so quickly, Seværys' more measured speech would seem stark in contrast.

"He's taking the lead, but it's technically being hosted by both Crowns. I've never seen His Starlit Highness so excited about anything. He's had a rough hand dealt to him, and I think it's taken him a while to find something he could sink his teeth into this way."

"And Vic gets plucked away to help him with it every now and again, the lucky fuck. I suppose, of the three of us, Vic's been the biggest party boy over the years, but I know my way around a ballroom. I mean Sev is obviously useless as an assistant master of revels. He's much too moderate."

"It's true. The hardest part of my transition into the role of prægustator was giving up control of my diet regimen."

"See? Blunt as a practise blade, this one. But you, Æros... Victrian said you were a dancer in the Noctis Æternæ? His Starlit Highness loves it down there. You should offer up your services!"

"She's trying to bait you into dire straits, Æros, don't fall for it. If His Serene Starlit Highness wishes for assistance he will be the one to conceive of the notion. Offer yourself up and he's like to cut you down."

Re: And These Hands Are Not Mine

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2023 9:22 pm
by Aeros
TIMESTAMP: -
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Palæros blinked in surprise at what was described to him. He would listen to Tithya’s hasty delivery and then to Seværys’ more measured explanation, staying silent as the two talked back and forth for a moment.

“Is that so? How fascinating…” he’d start, considering the scale of the event.

To the suggestion that he could offer any sort of assistance to Arkænyn, he bit his lip, though the accompanying expression was more of a grimace than anything else.

“I was, yes, and my kin are relatively well known for the parties we throw; I’d love nothing more than to offer any expertise I may possess, but, ah…” he’d trail off, as if he wasn’t quite sure how to explain his point.

“Sev is right on both points about His Serene Starlit Highness,” he would start, tone somewhat awkward.

Despite the fact that Arkænyn’s actions with regard to binding Palæmon and Æros together were objectively cruel, if one scaled back and looked at the aftermath of Janus’ folly, his family overall had not been dealt a bad hand by any means. The portrait forming in Æros’ mind about Arkænyn was incomplete, but he did wish the best for him, for his rule, for the Luxium and for Solunarium as a whole. Hanging onto bitterness would benefit him not.

“...so I do think it’d be poor form to try and insert myself if he doesn’t wish to call upon me for that sort of thing.” He’d smile sort of weakly at this, almost sadly, because while true, the idea of helping the princeps with this intrigued him greatly.

“The idea itself is grand, though; I really did hope the crowns would connect more with one another since the split, but…” but Palæros would bite his tongue. There were some things that the Sentinels kept to themselves which perplexed him, though now was not the time, nor the right company, to speak more on the subject.

“I hope this endeavor will pan out for us all– help knit the Solar and Umbral together more,” he’d quickly amend his statement, trying to reorient the subject.

And then he'd look to Seværys specifically, "in return for you assisting me with my swordsmanship, I'd happily impart any of my knowledge– or skills– you lack with regards to revelry, too, if you'd like," he'd add, that mischievous glint back in his eyes again.
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"Vallenor Tongue/Speech"
"Vastien Tongue/Speech"
"Valasren Tongue/Speech"
"Common Tongue/Speech"

Re: And These Hands Are Not Mine

Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2023 12:26 pm
by Pharaoh
Tithya sighed, disappointed at Seværys' interception and Palæros' subsequent deferral thereto.

"Are they?" The prince lifted his brows at the talk of Sælyan renown as hosts, "Well, I guess I've been missing out."

"Now it is Sev who is being coy. He rarely attends parties."

"That's not fair! I've attended every-..."

"Jousts and tourneys are not parties, Castor Sol'Aværys Seværys. They are sporting events in which the fun people do not participate. We merely orbit the action so we can enjoy a bit of blood with our wine." She mimed toasting with an imaginary glass, very much wishing she might partake in a real one. Well, perhaps at lunch.

"Oh, believe me, friend, many have tried to educate me in indulgence." Sev chuckled, "But I think I'm too precious to really let loose. Too..."

"Regimented." Tithya threw out.

"Regimented." Sev agreed, "That's truly the operative word. I am my mother's firstborn and heir presumptive to the House of Astræon. The eldest son to the house of the eldest son of the Founders. I have always taken measured steps."

"Indeed the vaunted Keeper of the Swords is wont to keep his sheathed."

"Now that isn't tru-... Oh, that's a euphemism, isn't it?"

"That's a euphemism." Tithya agreed sagely. "But you'll be required at the mascherata. Perhaps Vic and His Starlit Highness are plotting your costume as we speak..." She teased, eliciting a blush from the golden prince. Whatever that would be was not a comforting notion to envisage.

"Well, many are the duties required of a prince. There may be some with which I am not at my most comfortable, but I abide nevertheless..."

Palæros' first day as a prægustator to the Solar Court would proceed uneventfully. The lavish lunch was, unsurprisingly, unpoisoned and when Victrian showed up he would be reticent about his time with the Platinum Prince. They would be released to return home at the end of the day.