#//Aileth

[projecth-aileth]

“Could you help me with this?” 

//From Leslie! :) left it broad for you//

Abandoning whatever activity had been happening at the moment; indifferent to the sounds of crashing, groans, or the chorus of flavored cussing wisely directed at him instead.

Silver, waist length hair streaming behind, joining the other on the opposite wall; metal crates clearly needing to be moved.

Easily lifting the loaded boxes onto the overhead shelves; inhuman strength hidden behind the slight frame and delicate features.

“Was that all?” Draconic eyes faintly directed down; small but unmistakable, she had gotten slightly taller since being released.

[calamitysshatteredson]

@projecth-aileth liked for a thing!

Records weren't impossible to find regarding Shinra operations, even some time after everything had been considered settled. Over and done. It depended entirely on their level of classification, however, and some of what he'd been searching for--

He knew it likely didn't exist. It was worth seeking anyway, for his own curiosity and to personally fully destroy anything which might lead to any of the tragedy happening again. It would have been bad enough to find records of what he saw in front of him, the subtle hum and several tiny flickering lights indicating that power still flowed here somehow. Most of the building was gone, but this... whatever this was...

"They tried again after all." The sounded like empty words in an empty room. Felt that way. Sephiroth reached out a hand to clear off the rest of the dust and debris obscuring the chamber's full label, then let it hover above instead. No contact. No certainty as to what he would do with whatever knowledge he gained. Destroy it, whatever it was, but... "They tried again." He repeated, tired. Angry. Tempted to tear the storage pod open; but he didn't have that strength anymore. Better to simply brush the paneling clean enough to make out words, code names, classifications; whatever ought not be remembered. Something else to take with him

[roleplay-abiogenesis2]

"What the...?!" His professional side was already kicking and screaming for letting himself be thrown off by the surprise of what he had just witnessed. That speed, that power... and just where the hell had that blade come from? This girl was...

... Heh, it was obvious though, wasn't it? He knew what that man was capable of, after all. This was just another of Dr. Hojo's abominations.

Another name to make it on his list of things to worry about. How on Gaia was he even supposed to get rid of something like this...?

How many more people had suffered for the creation of Aileth, just like how he'd suffered due to the project responsible for... No, now was not the time.

The second beast was still a threat, and before it could fully turn around, Saruhiko was quick to throw one of his knives straight at its face. The blade sank into the soft fleshy side just at the corner of the left eye, sharp and precise like a needle. Only the briefest squirt of blood spurt out of the injured socket, and the street shook with the monster's shriek.

"Don't you turn your back on me, scum." He hissed to himself. Well, the creature's attention was on him at least. Now what was important was to avoid any incoming strike.

Concrete, metal, glass, all still familiar in its shapes if not… softer? The edges and lights nowhere near as… sharp as the Labs… but before… overhead, that dark ceiling- the empty endless feeling it gave off had been… unsettling. The constricting confines of the stations halls more familiar if not for the concentration of people. Still so many compared to any demonstration or surgery she’d experienced- nose wrinkling slightly as some limped past.

‘Fresh air’ trailing after scrambling stragglers into the area stunk; not like the blinding sting of chemicals or burning rot and infection in The Drum.

Nearly overwhelmingly new and so… awful…

Blood and humans, there was the distinct scent of fear from them all.

Turning the corner, the cries of people were immediately replaced by guttural yowls from a pair of creatures; one standing upright on hind legs. Blank red eyes flashing with irritation when they did not flee like the rest at the threatening display of height.

‘Unknown hostile’

She didn’t recognize the beasts; rather large and somewhat feline-like. There was something… about its build… Fangs and claws, meant to be precision killers but the bodies were much too bulky-

Whispers, prickling and stinging in her ear~

aRtIfIcIaL

DeFiCiEnT

DiSgUsTiNg desTrO

Painful jolt flashing to a memory of the -Lab-

Able to feel the Leering grin in the dark, the crawl of His disgusting breath fogging across the tanks glass

Static washing out the details, everything narrowing on the unnatural beasts. Rational thought becoming obscured- burning…

It was all broken by the delicate song of sharpened blades being drawn and his smooth motion in her peripheral- flattening the rising haze. Lasting only a fraction of a moment, it had been jarring and painful but she stood unmoving at his side. Calmer now and fully aware of the Handlers new posture; readied and anticipating an attack- it appeared he was not intending to run.

Tensions thick in the air and as much as the idea of killing these things felt… correct; this wasn’t a testing chamber and there were… priorities. There was still one uncertainty, she hadn’t had the opportunity to figure out what he was like: was this a handler that expected action- only when directly ordered or…

“Do what you can…”

She was gone, rocketing forward before he could engage, stone tile cracking under the force. The change sudden; his final words enough.

The standing beast tried to stomp its too large claws but was suddenly thrown back. Swallowed by an explosion of dust and debris. Swirling plume falling to reveal the creature pinned upright to a partially destroyed wall; metal blade impaling it through the chest. Aileths slim frame poised unbothered, hand wrapped around the handle of a sword. That same cold glare, from the Lab was slowly turned, not to him this time- but to the remaining animal.

Its had been partially shoved trying to leap ungracefully to the side. Body clumsily hitting the wall as it avoided her blasting past. Still spitting with rage and looking to fight; unaware of its partners death.

[pinkestmenace]

Knight Vision

Ohoho! Here they are! The sillies! I debated whether I should post this, but I think I managed to keep it largely spoiler free. (It is set after Galacta Knight settles in Dream Land.) But the eagle-eyed will find some crumbs in here. Fufufu...

(It looks like Galacta Knight has picked up some healthier hobbies. He even learned how to cook! Without burning everything this time! ...And with his stabby urges focused on his undead "roommate"/sparring partner Dark Meta Knight the rest of Dream Land is safe. Probably.)

You know, it's funny to me to make MK and DMK parallel each other and actually give them similar opinions. They're just too hardheaded to realise it yet. And until they —Nova forbid— sit down and say it out loud their bad blood won't resolve.

MK: Hmph. Galacta Knight certainly has a...lacking taste in partners. (Is my counterpart taking advantage of his guilt? I should have kept a better eye on him. If only I'd paid attention and realised he revived.)

DMK: Tsch. That feathered fool has terrible taste in men. (And that blue bastard's such a hypocrite. You never bothered to care about little messed up me before, why start now?)

GK: Ohoho! Look how small yet lively ye are from up here! Mine edgy enigmas! (Why can I not shake the feeling something terrible aileth them?)

I like to imagine Dark Meta Knight can throw his voice if he wants to. He usually sounds similar to Meta Knight (especially when he's deadly serious), but with some small differences. (He alliterates more often and uses synonyms of what MK would say. He's also a bit snarkier, if that's even possible.) I like coming up with mirror/glass related curses for him. E.g.

Fool => Dullard (a dull mirror is useless)

Instead of swearing by Nova he might swear by the Mirror's Mercy.

"Ah, cracks."

"Oh, shatter me and scatter my shards!"

"Shards, not again."

"Not a splinter of a clue."

"Let me get this crystal clear."

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Birth of Isaac

1 And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as He had spoken.

2 For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

3 And Abraham called the name of his son who was born unto him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.

4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac, being eight days old, as God had commanded him.

5 And Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born unto him.

6 And Sarah said, “God hath made me laugh, so that all who hear will laugh with me.”

7 And she said, “Who would have said unto Abraham that Sarah should have given children suck? For I have borne him a son in his old age.”

8 And the child grew, and was weaned; and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.

9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne unto Abraham, mocking.

10 Therefore she said unto Abraham, “Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.”

11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.

12 And God said unto Abraham, “Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman. In all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

13 And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.”

14 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a bottle of water; and he gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

15 And the water in the bottle was spent, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.

16 And she went and sat down apart from him a good way off, as it were, a bowshot; for she said, “Let me not see the death of the child.” And she sat opposite him, and lifted up her voice and wept.

17 And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven and said unto her, “What aileth thee, Hagar? Fear not, for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

18 Arise; lift up the lad and hold him in thine hand, for I will make him a great nation.”

19 And God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water; and she went and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.

20 And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.

21 And he dwelt in the Wilderness of Paran, and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

22 And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the chief captain of his host, spoke unto Abraham, saying, “God is with thee in all that thou doest.

23 Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son; but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.”

24 And Abraham said, “I will swear.”

25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.

26 And Abimelech said, “I know not who hath done this thing; neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it until today.”

27 And Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them unto Abimelech, and both of them made a covenant.

28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.

29 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, “What mean these seven ewe lambs, which thou hast set by themselves?”

30 And he said, “These seven ewe lambs shalt thou take from my hand, that they may be a witness unto me that I have dug this well.”

31 Therefore he called that place Beersheba [that is, The well of the oath], because there they swore, both of them.

32 Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba. Then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.

33 And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God.

34 And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines’ land many days. — Genesis 21 | 21st Century King James Version (KJV21) The Holy Bible; 21st Century King James Version Copyright © 1994 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc. Cross References: Genesis 4:23; Genesis 14:6; Genesis 14:13; Genesis 15:1; Genesis 16:7; Genesis 16:10; Genesis 16:14; Genesis 17:17, 18 and 19; Genesis 18:11; Genesis 20:1-2; Genesis 21:23; Genesis 25:6; Genesis 26:15; Genesis 26:20; Genesis 26:28; Genesis 26:31; Genesis 28:15; Genesis 31:44; 1 Kings 17:12; Jeremiah 6:26; John 7:22; John 8:35; Acts 7:8; Romans 9:7; Galatians 4:29; Hebrews 6:15; Hebrews 13:8

Why did Abraham banish Ishmael?

[unkn0wn-w0rld]

Aileth: O-ow...mmh...

Beaker: You alright?

Aileth: Y-yeah, it just hurt a little...

Beaker: Maybe Kindness is worried about you. This is her color, right? Heh.

Aileth: A-ahah. *Aileth looked down at her stomach. Kindness was indeed glowing way more. Aileth seemed happy as a small smile spread on her face.*

How cute.

[projecth-aileth]

The human continued struggling against the unyielding grip, from an all too delicate pale hand; adversary pausing for the first time since the fight began.

His shout bringing out some kind of response other than cold violence; masked head tilting slightly as it turned towards the blond.

Sparks jumped from gashed metal, the control helm had taken a severe amount of damage; the circlet obscuring the experiments face was barely functioning, leaving her mostly blind but also free of its interference.

The hanging silence broken by a voice, small and unused “…why not?”

OPEN RP | Muse: Cloud

“You can’t do this!!”

[oleworm]

Sorry for the long ask bro I have once again been tormented by supernatural apparitions. But yes, the Fisher King, The Wounded One, the one awaiting for a hero to ask 'What aileth thee...?'. I kinda like it that subconsciously, so often fan-made 'fix-it's repeat a millennium old story - of a character troubled and wounded being ripped out of their torment by someone giving a damn, someone asking the right question. "What hurts you?".

There are many more who said it, but I had to laugh good-naturedly when I was reading this message of yours. It's the old phrase, made new by Wildean turn, "Give [a man] a mask, and he will tell you the truth."

And so many people are hurt.

Once I was having a conversation with a person and encouraging them to write, and they asked me, "But if someone reads it, won't they know what I think? Won't they know who I am? Won't they know what ails me?" Even if we are talking about a fictional story, not one meant to serve a commentary about society, ourselves, or so on, I don't think there's any way to avoid it, unless you commit to writing trash. Of course there are degrees of skill that can make the experience of reading more or less attractive, more or less challenging, but there's nothing I like less than a writer who outright tells you what they think you--the general public--would like to hear.

[tiodolma]

What is your name? said Sir Tristram.

Wit ye well, said that knight, my name is Sir Palomides.

What knight hate ye most? said Sir Tristram.

Sir knight, said he, I hate Sir Tristram to the death, for an I may meet with him the one of us shall die.

Ye say well, said Sir Tristram, and wit ye well that I am Sir Tristram de Liones, and now do your worst.

When Sir Palomides heard him say so he was astonied. And then he said thus: I pray you, Sir Tristram, forgive me all mine evil will, and if I live I shall do you service above all other knights that be living; and whereas I have owed you evil will me sore repenteth. I wot not what aileth me, for meseemeth that ye are a good knight, and none other knight that named himself a good knight should not hate you; therefore I require you, Sir Tristram, take no displeasure at mine unkind words

.....

Paalomides what are you doing???? You hate him, you love him, you despise him, you admire him, you scorn him, then immediately ask for repentance.... by the lord jesu christ, palomides, pick a side???

[rjalker]

haven't read it yet

Melion

by anonymous

A story of a werewolf knight of King Arthur's court

4k words long

[read more was here]

In the days when Arthur reigned, he who conquered lands and dealt out rich gifts to knights and barons, there was with him a young lord whose name, I have heard, was Melion. Full brave and courteous was he, and made himself beloved of all; and he was of right great chivalry and goodly fellowship.

The king had a full rich following, and throughout all the world he was famed for courtesy and prowess, and bounty and largess. Now on that day when all the knights made their vows—and know ye that well they held to them—this same Melion pledged him to one that thereafter brought him sore mischance. For he said he would never love any maid, howsoever noble and fair, who had ever loved any other man, or had been talked of by any. For a long time matters went on in this wise: those who had heard the vow spread it abroad in many places, and told it to the damsels, and all maids who heard it, had great hatred of Melion. And they who were in the royal chambers and served the queen, and of such there were above a hundred, held a council concerning the matter, and swore they would never love him, or hold speech with him. No lady desired to look on him, or any maid to talk with him.

Now when Melion heard this he was right heavy thereof; no more did he desire to seek adventure, and no will had he to bear arms. Full heavy he was and sorrowful, and he lost somewhat of his fame. Now the king had news of the matter and had great grief thereof, and he called the knight to him, and spoke with him. "Melion," saith King Arthur, "what hath befallen thy wisdom and thy worth and thy chivalry? Tell me what aileth thee and conceal it not. If thou would have land or manor, or any other thing—so that it be in my realm—it shall be thine according to thy desire; for gladly would I lighten thy sorrow," so saith the king to him, "if that I might. Now upon the sea shore I have a castle, in all the world is not such another; fair it is with wood and river and forest which are full dear to thee, and this castle will I give thee for thy cheer; good delight may ye find therein."

So the king gave it to him in fee; and Melion gave him thanks thereof, and went away to his castle, taking with him an hundred knights. Right pleasant was that country to him, and so was the forest that he held full dear; and when he had lived there a year through, he grew greatly to love the land, for he sought no disport but he found it in the forest.

Now on a day, Melion and his foresters rode to the chase; with him he took his huntsmen, who loved him with true love, inasmuch as he was their liege lord, and all honour was found in him. Soon they came upon a great stag, and forthright let loose the dogs upon him. Thereafter it fell that Melion drew rein amid a heath that he might the better listen for his pack. With him was a squire, and in his leash he held two greyhounds; and anon, across the heath, the which was green and fair, he saw come a damsel on a fair palfrey, and right rich was her array. For she was clothed in scarlet samite, laced full seemly, and about her neck hung a mantle of ermine, never did queen wear better. Well fashioned was she of body, and comely of shoulder; her hair was yellow, her mouth small and shapely, and red as any rose; gray-blue were her eyes, and clear and laughing; right fair was all her seeming, full winsome and gracious; and all alone without fellows came she.

Melion rideth to meet her, and courteously he greeted her: "Sweet, I salute you in the name of the Glorious One, of Jesus the King; tell me of what house you are, and what bringeth you hither." And the damsel maketh answer: "Even that will I tell you in all truth: I am of good parentry and born of noble lineage, and from Ireland have I come to you. Know ye that I am much your lover. Never have I loved any man save you only, and never will love any; so great praise have I heard of you that no other save you alone have I ever desired to love, and never shall I feel love for any other."

Now when Melion heard that his vows were fulfilled, he clipped her about the middle, and kissed her thirty times over. Then he called together his folk, and told them the adventure; and they looked upon the damsel, and in all the realm was none so fair. So Melion took her to his castle, and the people rejoiced greatly. He married her with great splendor, and made great cheer thereof, that for fifteen whole days the tourneys lasted.

For three years he dearly cherished her, and during those three years they had two sons, whereof he was right glad and joyful. And on a day he rode into the forest, taking with him his much loved wife, and a squire to carry his bow and arrows. He soon came upon a stag, and they pursued it, but it fled away with lowered head. Thereafter they came into a heath, and in a thicket the knight saw standing a right great stag; laughing, he looked down at his wife. "Dame," saith he, "if I would, I could show you a right great stag. Look ye, he is yonder in that thicket." "By my faith, Melion," said she, "know ye that if I have not the flesh of that stag never more will I eat morsel." Therewith she falleth in a swoon from her palfrey. Melion raised her up, but might not comfort her, and bitterly she began to weep.

"Dame," saith he, "mercy in God's name. Weep no more, I beg of thee. Here in my hand I have a ring; see it now on my finger. Two gems it hath in its setting, one white and one red, never were any seen of like fashion. Now hear ye a great marvel of them: if ye touch me with the white, and lay it upon my head when I am stripped naked, I shall become a great wolf, big of body; and for your love I will take the stag, and bring you of its flesh. But I pray you, in God's name, that ye await me here, and keep for me my garments. With you I leave my life and my death; for I shall have no comfort if I be not touched with the other gem, for never again shall I become man." Therewith he called his squire to take off his shoes; the youth stepped forward and unshod him, and Melion went into the wood and laid aside his garments, and remained wholly naked, save that he wrapped his cloak about him. Now when his wife saw him stripped of all his raiment, she touched him with the ring, and he became a great wolf, big of body. So fell he into sore mischance.

The wolf set off running full swiftly to the place where he saw the stag lie; forthwith he set himself upon the track,—now great will be the strife before he hath taken and caught it, and had its flesh. Meantime the lady saith to the squire: "Now let us leave him to take his fill of the chase." Therewith she got her to horseback; no whit did she tarry, but she took with her the squire, and straightway turned her towards Ireland, her own land. She came to the haven, where she found a ship; forthwith she addressed her to the sailors, and they carried her to Dublin, a city upon the seashore, that held of her father, the king of Ireland. Now hath she all that she asks. And so soon as she came to the port, she was received with great joy: with this let us leave her, and speak we again of Melion.

Melion, as he pursued the stag, pressed it wondrous hard, and at length he drove it into a heath where he soon brought it down. Then he took a great collop of it, and carried it away in his mouth. Swiftly he returned again to the place where he had left his wife, but did not find her, for she had taken her way towards Ireland. Right sorry was he, and knoweth not what to do when he findeth her not in that spot. But none the less, though he was a wolf, yet had he the sense and memory of a man. So he lurked and waited until evening fell; and he saw men loading a ship that was to set sail that night and go straightway to Ireland. Thither he went, and waited till it grew quite dark, when he entered into it at adventure, for he recked little of his life. There he crouched down under a wattle, and hid and concealed himself. Meantime, the sailors bestirred themselves, for the wind was fair, and so they set forth towards Ireland, and each had that he desired. They spread aloft their sails, and steered by the sky and stars; and the next day, at dawn, they saw the shore of Ireland. And when they were come into port Melion tarried no longer, but issued out of his hiding-place, and sprang from the ship to the sand. The sailors cried out upon him, and threw their gear at him, and one struck him with a staff, so that well nigh had they captured him. Glad was he when he escaped them; and he went up into a mountain, and looked long over the land where he knew his enemies dwelt. Still had he the collop he had brought from his own domain, but now, in that his hunger was great, he ate it; sorely had the sea wearied him.

And then he went away into a forest, where he found cows and oxen, and of these he killed and destroyed many. So began his war, and in this first onset he slew more than a hundred. The folk that dwelt in the greenwood saw the damage he wrought to the beasts, and ran flocking into the city, and told and recounted to the king that there was a wolf in the forest that wasted all the land, and had slain many of their horned beasts. And for all this they blamed the king.

So Melion ran through the forests and waste places, and over the mountains, until he joined company with ten other wolves; and he so cajoled and blandished them that they followed after him, and did all his desire. Far and wide they wandered through the land, and sore mishandled both men and women. So lived they a year long, and wasted all that region, harrying the land and slaying the folk. Well knew they how to guard themselves, and by no means could the king entrap them.

One night they had wandered far, and wearied and spent, they lay in a wood near Dublin, on a little hill by the sea shore. Beyond the wood was a meadow, and all round about was plain country. There they entered to rest, but there they will be ensnared and betrayed. They had been seen of a countryman, who ran forthright to the king: "Lord," saith he, "in the wood yonder lie the eleven wolves." And when the king heard him he was right glad, and spoke to his men of the matter.

Now the king called together his men: "Barons," saith he, "hearken to this: know ye of a sooth this man hath seen all eleven wolves in my forest." Then round about the wood they let spread the snares with which they were wont to take the wild boar. And when the snares were spread, the king went thither without tarrying, and his daughter said she would come with him to see the chase of the wolves. Straightway they went into the forest in all quiet and secretness, and surrounded the whole wood, for they had folk in plenty, who bore axes and staves, and some their naked swords. Then they cheered on their dogs to the number of a thousand, and these soon found the wolves. Melion saw that he was betrayed, well knew he that sore mischance had befallen him. The wolves were hard pressed by the dogs, and in their flight they came upon the snares, and all were torn to pieces and slain, save only Melion. He sprang over the traps, and fled into a great wood; so by his wit he escaped them. Meantime the folk went back to the town, and the king made great joy. Greatly he rejoiced that he had ten of the eleven wolves; well was he revenged on them, in that one only had escaped. But his daughter said: "That one was the biggest. And yet will he work you woe."

When Melion had stolen away he went up into a mountain; full heavy and sorrowful was he because of the wolves he had lost. Great travail had been his, but anon he shall have help. Now at this time Arthur came into Ireland to make peace, for there was war in the land, and he was fain to bring the foes into accord, in that it was his desire to subdue the Romans, and he wished to lead these men with him to battle. The king came privately, bringing with him no great host; some twenty knights only had he in his train. Sweet was the weather, and fair the wind, and the ship was full rich and great; trusty was her helmsman, and full well was she dight, and plenteously garnished with men and arms. Their shields were hung along the side,—right well Melion knew them. First he spied the shield of Gawain, then saw he that of Iwain, and then the shield of Idel the king; and all this was dear and pleasant to him. Then saw and knew he the shield of Arthur, and wit ye well, he had great joy thereof; glad and blithe was he, for he hoped yet to have mercy. So came they sailing towards the land; but now the wind was contrary to them, and they might not make the port, whereof they were right sorry. So turned they towards another haven some two leagues from the city, where, of old, had been a great castle which was now ruined; and when they were come thither, darkness fell, and it was night.

So the king is come into port; sore wearied and spent is he, for the ship had much discomforted him. And he called his seneschal: "Go forth," saith he, "and see where I may lie this night." The seneschal turned back into the ship, and called the chamberlain, saying: "Come forth with me, and let us make ready the king's lodging." So they issued out of the ship, and came to the castle; and they had two candles brought thither, and forthwith had them lighted; and they let bring carpets and coverlets, and speedily was the chamber well garnished. Then the king issued forth, and went straight to his lodging, and when he came therein right glad was he to find it so fair.

Now Melion had not tarried, but straightway went to meet the ship. Near the moat he halted; right well he knew them all, and well he knoweth that if he hath not comfort of the king, he shall come to his death in Ireland. Yet he knoweth not what to do, for he is a wolf, and so hath no power of speech; yet none the less will he go thither, and set himself at adventure. When he came to the king's door, right well knew he all the barons; for nought staid he, but hath passed straight in to the king, though it be at the hazard of death. At the king's feet he cast himself down, nor would he rise; whereof, lo you, Arthur hath great wonder, and he saith: "A marvel see I; this wolf hath come hither to seek me. Now see ye well that he is of my household, and woe to the man who shall lay hands on or hurt him."

When supper was made ready and the barons had washed, the king likewise washed and seated himself. Napkins were spread before them; and the king called to Idel and made him sit at his side. And Melion lay at the king's feet,—well knew he all the barons. Oftentimes the king looked down at him, and anon gave him a piece of bread the which he took and began to eat. Then greatly the king marvelleth, and saith to King Idel: "Look now, know ye of a sooth this wolf knoweth our ways." Then the king gave him a piece of roast meat, and gladly the wolf ate it; whereat Gawain saith: "Lords, look you, this wolf is out of all nature." And the barons all say one to another that never saw they so courteous a wolf. Thereupon the king let wine be set before the wolf in a basin, and so soon as he seeth it, he drinketh it, and certes, he was full fain of it; good plenty he drank of that wine, as the king well saw.

Now when they arose from meat and the barons had washed, they issued out upon the sands. And always the wolf followed after the king, and might not be kept from him, wheresoever he went. And when the king desired to go to rest, he commanded that his bed be made ready. So he withdrew him to sleep, for he was sore wearied; but with him went the wolf, and he lay at the king's feet, nor might any man dispart them.

Passing glad was the king of Ireland in that Arthur had come to him; great joy had he thereof. Early at dawn, he rose, and went to the haven together with his barons. Straight to the haven they came riding, and each company gave fair welcome to other. Arthur showed the king much love, and did him much honour. When he saw him come before him, he would not be proud, but raised him up and kissed him. And anon the horses were made ready, and without any tarrying they mounted and rode towards the city.

The king mounteth upon his palfrey, and good convoy he hath of his wolf, who would not be disparted from him, but kept always at his stirrup. Passing glad was the king of Ireland because of Arthur, and the company was rich and mighty. So came they to Dublin, and lighted down from their horses before the high palace. And when Arthur went up into the donjon tower, the wolf held him by the lap of his garment; and when King Arthur was seated, the wolf lay at his feet.

The king hath looked down at his wolf, and hath called him up close to the dais. Side by side sit the two kings, and right rich is their following; right well are the barons served, for throughout all the household great plenty is dealt out. But Melion looketh about him, and midway down the hall he saw him who had brought thither his wife; well knew he that she had crossed the sea and was come into Ireland. Forthwith he seized the youth by the shoulder—no stand can he make against the wolf—but Melion brought him to the ground amid the hall. And he would have straightway killed and destroyed him, had it not been for the king's sergeants, who ran thither in sore disorder; and from out all the palace they brought rods and staves, and anon they would have slain the wolf had not Arthur cried out: "By my faith, ill befall whoso layeth hands on him, for know ye, the wolf is my own."

Then saith Idel, the son of Irien: "Lords, ye misdo herein; the wolf would not have set upon the youth, and if he had not sore hated him." "Thou sayest well, Idel," quoth the king; and therewith he left the dais, and passed down the hall to the wolf, and saith to the youth: "Thou shalt tell us why he set upon thee, or else thou shalt die." Melion looked up at the king, and gripped the youth so hard he cried out, and prayed the king's mercy, and said he would make known the truth. So now he telleth the king how the lady had brought him thither, and how she had touched Melion with the ring, and how she had borne it away with her into Ireland; so hath he spoken and told all, even as it befell.

Then Arthur bespoke the king: "Now know I well this is sooth, and right glad am I of my baron; let the ring be given over to me, and likewise thy daughter who stole it away; evilly hath she betrayed her lord." So the king went thence, and entered into his daughter's chamber, and with him went King Idel, and he so coaxed and cajoled her that she gave him the ring, and he brought it to King Arthur. Now so soon as Melion saw the ring right well he knew it; and he came to the king, and knelt down and kissed his two feet. King Arthur would fain have touched him with the ring, but Gawain would not so have it: "Fair uncle," saith he, "do not so, but rather lead him into a chamber apart where ye twain may be alone together, that he have not shame of the folk."

Then the king called to him Gawain, and Idel likewise he took with him: so led he the wolf into a privy chamber, and when they had come within, shut the door fast. Then he laid the ring upon the wolf's head, and all his visage changed, and his face became human. So turned he to man again, and he spoke, and fell down at the king's feet. They covered him over with a mantle; and when they saw him very man, they made great joy. But the king fell a-weeping for pity, and weeping asked him how it fell that by sin he had lost him. And then he let summon his chamberlain, and bade him bring rich raiment. Fairly they clothed and arrayed him, and so led him into the hall; and all they of the household greatly marvelled when they saw Melion come in amongst them.

Then the king of Ireland led forth his daughter, and gave her over to Arthur that he might do as he would with her, whether it were to slay or to burn her. Saith Melion: "I will touch her with the ring, nor will I forbear." But Arthur said to him: "Do not so, rather let her be, for the sake of thy fair children." All the barons likewise besought him, and Melion accorded it.

Now King Arthur abode in Ireland until he had assuaged the war; then he went again into his own land, and with him took Melion; full glad and blithe was he thereof. But his wife he left in Ireland, and commanded her to the devil; never again would he love her for that she had done him such wrong; never would he take her unto him again, rather would he have let burn or hang her. And he said: "Whoso believeth his wife in all things cannot help but come into mischance at the end, for it is not meet to set your trust in all her sayings."

True is the lay of Melion, so all good barons declare.

[projecth-aileth]

Despite lacking evidence to the contrary, things in the science department were kept under increasingly tighter wraps; even to the extent of having a lab installed behind his personal office. Off the books and hidden from preying eyes…or so the professor had thought.

Cramped with equipment, most of the small room was dark; low-power humming of machines all around and shut down screens blank, save for one. The little panel for the single containment unit inside.

The glass was thick, several times more so than the usual models, casting a blueish light from within.

Few had interacted with this experiment or knew of the project and so far there had been no reaction to the uninvited entrance. Neither from a security system nor specimen; long silver hair spilled over the pale figure, sitting curled and motionless inside. Arms wrapped around folded legs, head resting on knees. Lidded eyes remaining still, distant, as it kept close watch of this… unknown… stalking just outside the reach of the glass's dim glow.

Occasionally placed here for… extensive periods, experience meant that energy conservation was important, but it was difficult to ignore such a distraction. Trying to place the voice but finding no memories of this one. Even with the audio taking on a terrible tinny quality, as it was fed into the otherwise sealed space.

Aside from Him all others were… the white-coats… timid tense

human breakable… unimportant.

This one though…

This one was unknown, tense… In a different way.

Draconic gaze suddenly locked to hazel the moment the stranger stepped closer to the panel; waiting.

@projecth-aileth liked for a starter

this is his latest - hojo's magnum opus -

another weapon bred by things heidegger isn't entirely certain one should dabble in.

a seemingly 'normal' one, whose mako glow gives her away. to anybody uninclined with the ways of a shinra experiment, they'd assume her innocent. oh odin, would they be wrong. although - she's yet to prove herself, heidegger would think, slow steps taken beside her holding unit - a cocked brow and a subtle eye on her ( should she try anything ).

"so-" hands coil behind his back, a firm hold of his gaze as he turns to face her "i hear you're quite proficient in combat training." his expression gives nought away, the hazel hues of his eyes dark, his lips unwaveringly still. "mind accompanying me to the training centre? i relish the chance to see these skills first hand."

[projecth-aileth]

Leslie would hold onto her hand as he'd lead her through the streets of Wall Market. "Come on. Let's go shopping." He'd say. "I got us some Gil to spend from that last job."

Empty.

Nothingness…

…

..

.

not alone…

in the darkness… creeping

Burning.

Choking, smothering

Pulling…

Looking down to see pale hand grasped… in another…

“…is that… alright?” Light and sound of the blaringly bright Market surged back into awareness, the nightmare dissolving.

[cheeseandstrawberrytartlover]

Ooh, Sheo you can hug Aileth!

She's 5'3.

I have her picrew on hand for reference. (BTW Hope you're having a good day! Don't forget to drink and eat :D)

Part 3!

Even more hugs from the Daedric Prince! Now for @constantfyre 's OC, Aileth!

[vespersilvanus]

Ooc:// sorry, stuffs going to continue being slow, both here and Aileth. I'm like hella sick for the first time in years. But I'm always around.

~��~

Edit:

I've got covid =_=

[calamitysshatteredson]

@projecth-aileth

He could feel it. He could feel the way his own pulse began to pick up, running away from him. He could feel that dull creeping sensation of hairs standing on end, of "skin crawling" and something being so, so wrong so close. He was trying to keep his breathing steady in spite of it all, his wits about him, wondering how many people had felt that way about him--

The thought hardly seemed worth pursuing. Sephiroth had no idea what he was doing, what he was trying to enable or save or... Ultimately destroy, he supposed. It might already be too late to think of those things, he might have sealed his own fate and that of the rest of the world. Shame it wasn't on purpose. Shame the blackest of humor succeeded in little more than causing his stomach to clench tighter as he tried to figure out what the hell he was doing.

He took a purely instinctive step back well before he could really focus on anything that might be motion. Paranoia only, a trick of the mind; until it wasn't. Until it truly, really wasn't, worse for wear mop handle still clasped in both white-knuckled hands as if that might serve as a shield. A weapon. Otherwise, he didn't move, he watched, surprisingly grateful for the muted sense of smell all over again. Everything was still strong, bordering on too much, but he could still breathe.

He wasn't alone in that. Not confirmed immediately, not until well after he tried to get the pace of his own breathing and heartbeat back under control from under the cacophony of sound, from the way everything was seemingly collapsing all around him. It didn't. Possibly just barely. As if the jolt of electricity itself had called upon something dire, the last step in some long process, movement and indeed something like life could not be denied. His own body held stiff and still in the kind of incomprehensible fear that only nightmares could imagine, he... watched. Even when the liquid spilled onto the floor, when the form itself spilled closer, he could, not, move.

He could hear the ragged sound of his own breaths. Feel the ache of just how hard he was holding on to the damn mop which would do no good at all. It moved, it moved and he--

Watched. Witnessed. Not recognized, not really, but it was difficult not to see parallels. Similarities. That time when it moved, when it winced, when it seemed to react in pain--

Sephiroth felt ice cold. Too cold to move, too still. And yet the urge to strike out or run or wake up weren't as powerful as before. If it was... a being, if it was weak and barely standing, if it wasn't immune to harm and pain...

continue_run program?

Which? What was responsible? What would do more harm? To him, to the world, to... it.

He was an idiot, in the end. Brilliant strategist, and idiot.

"No." He swallowed against a dry throat and finally pried his fingers away, mop clattering to the floor beside him. He might... he might need his hands, he might need-- "Cease program." It was standing on its own. Bleeding. Hurting. Nothing in the room could do it, him, any good now. Maybe he could keep it from doing harm. Being harmed.

What was he doing?

"Release helm." He had no idea of that was a command, if it could be understood or would be obeyed. He definitely knew how absolutely ridiculously stupid it was of him to say.

Chalk it up to curiosity and other old sayings about that.

Crooked doorframe and seized metal proved to be barely an obstacle to the surprisingly preserved supplies. Untouched from the day the small room was stocked; not a soul returning to check the crumbling vault. The grating shriek from the doors stuck hinges and it itself scraping across the floor echoed over the hum and buzzing lights; every small noise so loud in the oppressive tomb-like quiet.

Cracking crystal and each jarring impact against the aged machine was deafening by comparison- yet crack it did, giving way to the wood and revealing the original paint still bright under the growth. Unlike the others, collapsed and long gone- this unit was intact just enough to keep running… barely; it also, seemingly was the only one to develop the coating. Small minerals clinging to debris above and below; creeping from the cracks and grooves of the structures all around the pod. Small vents hissed, greedily sucking in air for the first time in years and larger unseen pieces clunking to life somewhere beneath.

Whatever the outcome, things where quite literally in motion now.

Nothing,

so much nothingness…

Submerged… in ..? all consuming… endless…

There were no thoughts, not really, not enough to truly form…

Just the feelings… the raw, vague emotion… instinctual.

…

There was… there was something… something other than the nothingness… ?

Some strange, undeniable draw…

So hard… draining… to try and separate from…

From…

…nothing… everything

Acidic venom suddenly cut in; dark, burning, drawn to the something as well. The small growing focus nearly scattered by it, however, just as quickly;

everything was washed away by pain.

So much pain.

Dormant nerves bathed in white-hot agony.

Again.

And again.

Muscles tensing with each jolt until the rhythm; feather weak, continued on its own. The machine struggled, diligently running procedures for Revive-Release.

Alert: support system- power remaining: 7%_

Listless arm sinking past the pods viewport, pale fingers giving the slightest twitch; it... could have been a trick of the light- the glow from inside. Full body obscured by the opaque liquid. There was still the chance that the specimen wouldn’t survive-

Terminal display dimming. The computers glitching display had nearly settled, instead dimming significantly.

All the while the remaining power

Quietly …

Dipped down… closer…

.

.

.

Alert: support system- power remaining: 4%_

Diagnostics: err//r

Err//:

Err//:

_Life signs: :detected:

:::Control helm::: //operational--- sub: err= ::-repairs-:: ¿ -incomplete-

A snap, and something sparked. Electricity arcing in a blinding flash again- more noise as things crashed from the ceiling. The poor machine: rusted, crusted, dented and now blackened. Computer screen cracked, and barely visible, lit mostly by the pods glow. The hum of the terminal and buzz of ancient lighting had died- leaving the visitor with what little sun filtered down and the mako filled storage unit.

It was only a couple beats, not enough time for nerves to settle, for the flash to be blinked away: when the pods front broke open. And just as before, a rush of toxic fluid flooded out, carrying with it a body, flowing onto the floor. Robbing the space of its glow.

And yet

It did not rot away…

And yet

This looked far different from the other… human even

And yet…

Lying limply, there was a twitch, and a breath.

Cold limbs gathered itself from the ground. Stumbling slightly at first, thin muscles trembling like a newborn fawn; body unused to their increased height. Silver hair longer as well, silken strands cascading over and under… a metal ring fixed around the head. Wrapping around, it covered the ears and part of the face; multiple small blue lights where eyes should be. Jagged portions of the casing seemingly missing leaving small amounts of the inner components exposed.

And yet

It had survived… so far.

Oblivious of the company, something else had captured the experiments attention. That blue almost appearing to blink tilting away; hand slowly turning over, palm up then down, inspecting… a stray light beam.

The sad, off-key beep from the terminal shattered the moment…

With a voiceless gasp the released being gave a violent jerk. As though shocked, it doubled- curling over, grasping for the fitted metal ring, clearly hurting. Despite the damage, the ring didn’t budge. Another jerk, had the experiment wincing. Shaking; blue flicking back and forth to red, until there was no more resistance.

Stilling from the struggle, fine tremors wracking the specimen as it stiffly moved to stand at attention; small beads of red trickled from under the metal by its cheek. Finger nail slowly showing similar, a nail torn, face and hand cut on the damaged portion of technology.

Facing the storage pod and stranger, the red lights replacing the softer blue. Tension hung heavy with the abrupt quiet, the avalanche of commotion finally came to a stop. Quiet settling thick over the previous disturbance.

And new notifications blinked on the dying screen, almost unreadable now under the grime and weak glow.

.

.

.

Alert: terminal system- power remaining: 2%_

.

.

:::Control helm::: //operational--- sub: err= ::-repairs-:: ¿ -incomplete-

-_continue_run program?_

(y/n) :_|

[cwarscars]

@projecth-aileth liked for a starter

this is his latest - hojo's magnum opus -

another weapon bred by things heidegger isn't entirely certain one should dabble in.

a seemingly 'normal' one, whose mako glow gives her away. to anybody uninclined with the ways of a shinra experiment, they'd assume her innocent. oh odin, would they be wrong. although - she's yet to prove herself, heidegger would think, slow steps taken beside her holding unit - a cocked brow and a subtle eye on her ( should she try anything ).

"so-" hands coil behind his back, a firm hold of his gaze as he turns to face her "i hear you're quite proficient in combat training." his expression gives nought away, the hazel hues of his eyes dark, his lips unwaveringly still. "mind accompanying me to the training centre? i relish the chance to see these skills first hand."