#🕮┆“LENGTH”╞ ᵖᵃʳᵃᵍʳᵃᵖʰ

[stolememory]

`A TRAP SET AND THE TEETH HAD SNARRED INTO THE WAYWARD LIMB. Upon approximation of present // IN THIS POCKET THE EYE PRIES // he had allotted tradition in place of technique (A BLACK BOOK // THE TOME OF WHISPERS SCRAPPING AT THE EDGES OF SKULLS). What was set had been sprung, mortal grasp upon ancient covers but it was not human of interest to the One Who Knows. A mere pawn // DEVICE // COG IN A GREATER MACHINE. (LEATHER SNARES BETWEEN SKIN OF DIGITS // THE VERMILLION DRANK AND OBSCURED BY TONES // THE LEATHER AND FLESH MELT AND DANCE). Atramentous limbs boneless wrapped around the squirming and sputtering, feeling the muscles and sinew stress and TREMBLE beneath tendrils curl.

`HERMAEUS MORA WAS INTERESTED IN THAT WHICH WAS DISCOVERED A THIN LINK BETWEEN THIS CARCASS THAT STILL HAD A PULSE. The buzz and hum of technology mere murmur within the DRONING the Prince of Knowledge presence suffocated the small space in (WAS THE MONITOR LIGHT REFLECTING IN HIS EYE // OR WAS HIS OPTIC THE SOURCE OF ILLUMINATION?) Drowned was the echoing snap of a limb within way of the creatures restricting-- - ichor dripping ever so intently on a phone screen laying open and bare on floor below. The scryer was opening the ink-- - TO ENTICE THE ENTITY OF INTRIGUE TO OBSERVE THE DETAILS.   “&– - The fragility of the mortal vestige is disappointing at best, is it not?” The voice of Old Antecedent an invite // AN OFFER AT PRESENCE TO BE KNOWN. // @gateway31 liked for a horror starter

[stolememory]

`THE OLD ANTECENDANT COULD FEEL THE DISCOMFORT SPAWNED FROM SELF. It had a way of PLEASING him in some baser fashion-- - they could further it, twist it, CONTORT IT UNTIL COMPLETELY UNRECOGNIZABLE // but the current remained fixed as was beyond a smallest slip-- - blood from corpse dripping upwards. A few strands like ruby threads of a marionette (TO DISTORT REALITY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE PRINCE). “&– - Of course-- - however, a wise individual knows how to use what they have at their disposal regardless of limitation. My choices are my own, absent of limitations that require them. Yours, however, are due to an unwillingness to use otherwise, a lack of knowledge on how, or because you do not wish to admit you prefer the methods you decide. Often these three work together. Only one of those aspects I could change with ease”

`HERMAEUS MORA HAS DETERMINED THE LINE OF GIVE AND TAKE WITHIN THIS. A structure of combination // BELITTLING PAIRED WITH AGREEMENT PAIRED WITH OFFER // it is aware their hook is not being bit, but still the great Tide King recasts yet again. “&– - An unspoken suggestion is a request is an exchange. But an exchange is not always a contract. All beings request trade-- - a conversation expects returned words, venting demands a listening ear, a task desires a payment. On this ground we are still exchanging-- - if words, if time. And yet your freedom remains, and your wrists unbound. Caution is smart, but misplaced.” A tentacle strays, slithers and curls upon the snowy ground. The atramentous and green tainted limb encircling loosely where her feet lay // IT DOES NOT TOUCH, HOWEVER. “&– - And is based upon the perspectives of the past. History may repeat except where I am at its center- the reasons are numerous. I will speak of one simple and plain- I do not enjoy repetition. There is nothing for me to gain in such things. The information borne would be of little difference to what came before.”

gore and other bloody horrors had long since stopped bothering her    —    stomach hardened to the ways of battle and the makings of a man,     but the prince of fate was so creative in its grotesqueness that her stomach still swirls as she stands before it,    only carnage separating them.    the tendrils were the worst part of his strange form    (    even with those bulbous eyes    )    and the thick air around them slides like an oil spill down her throat.    still,    that won't stop her from speaking her mind,    tinged now with indignance.   

"i am not a god... or prince.    i have fewer tools at my disposal to achieve my goals,    do i not?"    an excuse,    although she will not admit it.    they aren't even remotely equals,    a fact that she is so desperately aware of as she stands at their mercy,    as protected by her godly soul as miraak had been    —     she feels comfortable with her justifications.    "and i make no requests.    i have learned enough of princes to know that a request is often seen as an exchange."

[stolememory]

`ENTROPY AND CATACLYSM FESTERED LIKE A STUDY IN MICRO BACTERIUM. Small and inconsequential little planet, A SPECK IN A GREATER EXPANSE // BARELY PAST THE CRAWL OF EVOLUTION (THE ADAPTATION OF LANGUAGE // THE FINITE TOOLS OF DISCOVERY). Thus perfect-- - cruel bait, twisted trap. The Abyssal Cephaliarch handing down knowledge of things WELL BEYOND these mortals scope-- - that which could bring TREMENDOUS ENLIGHTENMENT AND TECHNOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENT // OR UTTER ANNIHILATION. Truthfully, either would provide Hermaeus Mora with a show-- - but despite haze when it came to sight of that which tied to self, the One Who Knows was keen to the ruinous ways of many. The Great Eye watched warfare and strife, massacre and destruction all in name of such a MINUTE piece of knowledge it had granted them (BUT TO THE DENZIENS, IT WAS A SPRING OF WATER IN THE DESERT OF IGNORANCE).

`AND THE MASTER OF THE TIDES OF FATE HEARD THOSE THAT PLEADED AND BEGGED. They had wormed way into isolated pantheon of one-- - they were the vocal voice, one true Deity to those that knew not others. (THE MASSES PRAYED TO THEIR GOD // THOSE HUNGRY FOR MORE // THOSE HUNGRY FOR ANSWERS TO SILENCE KNOWLEDGE GONE TOO FAR). And he answered-- - and gave; but knowing demands use, and the cycle repeats.  “&– - They know not when to stop; I gave, they received. They did what they pleased with the gift, but still they request more; the conclusion is approaching.” Old One muses to familiar ears, the unseen maw has a laugh scrapping at the bends of throat; threatening to escape, to circulate (BUT FOR NOW IT JUST TAINTS SYLLABLES WITH LEVITY).   “&– - I often prove to be an unfair betting partner, but speak your mind about which end you anticipate. Or if you wish to place a new piece upon this board, proceed.” // @the27percent liked for a horror starter

[stolememory]

`STOLEN MUSCLE AND SINEW BEGGED FOR RESPITE. The being had plan // THE ONE OF ACTIVE MIND AND BORN OF KNOWLEDGE ALWAYS DID // but he was trudging blind through ground unbecoming against limbs alien and GROTESQUE (MORTAL SHACKLE UNBEFFITING THE MANTLE OF THE PRINCE). Unlike guises of flesh and skin worn prior this was not out of choice-- - how lowly it felt to require out of NECESSITY // OUT OF SURVIVAL. (TO UNDO RASH AND THOUGHTLESS DETHRONING CAST UPON THEM // AFTER ALL, IT HAD BEEN A DECISION WITHOUT ALLOWANCE FOR KNOWLEDGE TO BE HEARD FIRST). The other Princes knew not what smart course of action was without guidance of the Great Eye. Fools to think otherwise in this matter, and as always it was up to him to undo the mistakes.

`TOWER LOOMED BEFORE THE EYES OF THE INEVITABLE KNOWER. Repository of that which was collected in mind before his own realm was SEVERED from all but the most baser life-line knew of this place (THE ONE WHO KNOWS STILL KNOWS // THAT CANNOT BE TAKEN FROM HIS CORE.) Determinably, if ungrateful ichor and bone needed rest then here be better- the most cursory scrying of stars could be performed with mortals toys.

`ISOLATION WAS NOT THE ALLOWANCE THIS NIGHT HAD FOR HIM. The closer approaching the canvas of heaven promised above churned the abyss nestled within // SOMETHING HERE CAUSING A PRIMORDIAL REACTION TO BLACKENED OOZE UNSEEN. The individual found at peak was unassuming, but Hermaeus Mora could still feel the ache behind the iris. (HE NEEDED TO DIG TENDRILS TO FISH FOR INFO // BUT COULDN'T GET THE READ IMMEDIATELY-- - AND USAGE OF POWER WAS NOT AS FREE TO THE PRINCE AS IT ONCE WAS).   “&– - Are you an observer for the pleasure of it, or are you searching for something within the stars?” Voice that came from breaths and windpipes, not of the flow and echo of tides, spoke without a proper greeting given. // @stolefate liked for a starter

[stolememory]

`THE HOURGLASS HAS SHED A FEW GRAINS DOWN ITS EDGES. Such an occasion called for CEREMONY, did it not (FOR THE UNIVITED GUEST TO KNOCK UPON THE DOOR). The scent of soul and temporal energies still swam through the air-- - intoxicating nearly-- - but eventually it would come into clutches. Today was not that day // TODAY WAS DAY OF RECOGNITION.   “&– - So, your role as Dragonborn has finally been marked. A known fact long seen before The Great Eye has finally been witnessed by the mantle herself.”

`VOICE PRESENT BEFORE A FORM. But it stay not absent for long-- - emerald and gilded flecked orb OPENED // NESTLED WITHIN THE HALLOWED BONE OF CRANIUM NEAR HER. It's shadows malform and twisted, oozing and bubbling and SNARRING AND TWISTING (OIL SLITHERING LIKE VEINS AND ROOTS).   “&– - And so I deemed it fitting I be the first to address you upon your eyes opening to the temporal blood and soul slithering through your mortal body. An awakening.” // @timewound liked for a starter

[stolememory]

`FEAR MINGLED WITH THE OPRESSIVE ATMOSPHERE OF APOCRYPHA. The Great Eye could taste it within the air // THE ARCHITECTURE GROANED LIKE THE REALM WAS LAUGHING. Its God, however, remained CIVIL-- - attentive, waiting & waiting & waiting for the inevitable. When it presented itself // THE QUESTION // the pupil pulled inward (THERE IT IS // DELICIOUS). “&– - I knew you would seek me out to find what you lost. The Prince of Memories of course has them; all memories flow to me with time, especially those that have slipped beyond the original owner-- - and I can help you get them back. Give you the answers to the parts which I speak of, that which will gnaw at you.”

`BUT IT DOES NOT DISCLOSE THAT IT IS HE WHO WAS TRADED THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE. A device whose purpose was finally arising, and Hermaeus Mora would not give so suddenly and easily // THAT WOULD DEFEAT THE ORIGINAL PURPOSE OF COLLECTION. “&– - However, I cannot give so simply. To regain years of that which was lost would cause damage upon your brain.” A questionable statement // BUT WHO WAS TO QUESTION THE ONE WHO KNOWS? (THE HOLDER OF FACTS AND TRUTH). “&– - I also do not give for free-- - no one does. A system of trade is to be developed; there is that which I seek.... aid in. And you seek from me that which I now own. From this we can mutually benefit, I'm certain you'll agree.”

   “ I... ” Grip tightened on her bow, voice catching in her throat. The Bosmer was intimidated by this creature. She fought dragons, for nirn’s sake. At it’s surface, Mora seemed like not a lot, but something in her knew it; this was something she wouldn’t survive if she wasn’t careful. It wanted something from her, she could tell, but what that was she wasn’t sure.

   Taking a steadying breath, Nilas looked up at that center eye, bravely holding it’s gaze. “ I want my memories back.” She wasn’t entirely sure who he was talking about. She had no memory before waking up on that cart with the Stormcloaks. If he was hinting at something, that meant he knew something, right?

[stolememory]

`TO DISPARAGE SET ORDER WAS NEITHER ABOVE NOR BELOW THE PRINCE. The natural manner of things was regarded as A CANVAS TO OBSERVE UNFOLD // A TRITE, DULL THING THAT NEEDED NUDGES (A CONTRADICTION // ALWAYS A CONTRADICTION). It was upon this aspect that the former was winning out, drawing Hermaeus Mora's actions. The Golden Eye hung UNTETHERED // SUSPENDED WAS THE WRETCHED ABYSS above clear waters reflecting the expansive twilight that stretched the Oblivion above. Tentacles hung and dipped into the calm pond-- - the Scryer disturbs the peace // THE RIPPLES OF DISPLACEMENT BEGIN.

`REFLECTIONS OF THAT WHICH WAS, WHICH MIGHT, WHICH WILL. Fates displayed before mortal eyes-- - hers, fed to the mind AND EXPOSED TO THE SIGHT. One leaks into the other-- - images of triumph, blood shed and mingle with fresh snow. Flames and embers DEVOURING, smoke to engulf the lungs. Loss-- - THAT WHICH WAS HELD DEAR lost prior to self (THE HAND IS OBSCURED // IS IT ASSILIANT, IS IT ONES OWN). Images shift again-- - the trivial, the unimpressive. Water bursting the esophagus at the wake of drowning // OR DEATH IN THE REALM OF DREAMS.   “&– - Endless strings of fate tie to you, as any mortal. Some have been redacted from possibility, but others begin as the tides shift. Regardless of your interests, you have little control over where these strings begin and end. And where your own tapestry concludes.” The Master of the Tides retracts tendrils from the mortal pool, having provided a small TASTE-- - HE HAD ALREADY BEGUN ADJUSTING THE MOVEMENT OF THE WAVES WITH THIS SMALL INTERACTION.   // @listenermage liked for a horror starter

[stolememory]

`MEMORIES MALFORMED BY THE CARESS OF IMAGINATION AND DREAMS. The mindscape of The One Who Knows was a sacred place // WHAT MORE PRIZED A LIBRARY THAN OWN MIND (THE GRANDEST UNMARRED TOME). But intrusion in the most private of sanctuaries could be detected-- - as very little slipped beyond the perception of Hermaeus Mora's eyes, even where security should not be necessary.  “&– - To trespass on my realm in one thing, or steal what is rightfully mine. This is a whole different level of irksome. I should kick you out and expunge all your little edits.”

`SHE HAD MANAGED TO CRACK A BIT OF THE SHELL OF THE CREATURE. Emotions laced an absent tongue // WORDS ENDING WITH THE HINTS OF HISSES AND VENOM. (SHOULD HE NOT COMMUNE WHAT SHE IS MOST FAMILIAR WITH). The Great Eye wide and absolute in its attention to the Prince of Dreams-- - even the ever flickering and changing dozen for once centralized upon a focus.   “&– - You best be able to somehow surprise me. And you know how impossible a task that is against the Knowledge-Keeper.” // @stoledreams liked for a starter

[stolememory]

`THE OLD ANTECENDANT WAS A CURIOUS CREATURE, IF SUCH A KIND DESCRIPTION WAS EVER ALLOWED. For all his knowledge & awareness & ESSENCE, there were pockets that eluded endless Libraries of information (INSTANTLY DRAWING THE DEITY LIKE A SHARK IN BLOOD-SOAKED WATERS). Keenly aware of presences beyond self-- - not of kin // NOT OF LESSER LIKE MORTAL. Details about her of vaguest tomes within the Great Eyes realm; something for correction, something for amendment.

`A QUESTION IS DEMANDED OF THE INEVITABLE KNOWER, AND IT REGARDS WITH RECOGNITION. Hermaeus Mora was haughty and proud in some regards // CERTAINLY // but it was as keen and cunning in others (KNOWING WHEN ONE WAS NEEDED OVER THE OTHER). Here, he was a guest before that which had keys to what began the bloom of hunger deep within essence-- - to KNOW, to scribe and hoard and obtain.   “&– - I am the Scryer, that which Records All Knowledge. Your.... sanctuary has eluded my gaze before this point it has seemed, I aim to rectify that. What I seek is simple and without threat to that which lay here. Information, to be scribed within my Great Library.” Ah, but knowledge is power // STATEMENT FURTHERED BY THE PRINCE OFTEN (BUT IT COULD TWIST THE TONGUE WHEN NEEDED). Needn't lie-- - of course, of course-- - but bending of the truth wasn't a lie. And Hermaeus Mora could bend and twist and knot things till they snapped to get what was DESIRED.

between worlds did darkened limbo exist. that desolate bridge that would allow gods & primal entities alike to gain passage if they so desired. it was the very path heaven & hell sought in attempted entry into sanctuary. the daughter of hatred, now anew, was aware of all and any that stepped into her creation, especially one that holds unimaginable power. it was a force that didn't come familiar, neither a prime evil nor lesser. it was nothing in nature of heaven, either. the demoness had found herself looking upon @stolememory, an entity with a form that could only be described as uncanny. & yet, she wouldn't falter, but embrace it with such callousness.

❛ i know the essences of heaven and hell, and you're neither. ❜ lilith stated loudly, ❛ from the endless you've traveled, and it was sanctuary you choose to set upon. i may so boldly lay forth the question as to why. what is it that you seek here? ❜

[stolememory]

`THE TREES ARE WATCHING, THE BROOK SEEMS TO MUTTER. Aspens marks seem to become the eyes they MOCKED // slow, observing, EXTRACTING. The sap dripping darkened and ooze-- - they release the fluids of the One Who Knows, the Apocryphal inks (AND ITS CENTRAL ORB HANGS LIKE ANOTHER MOON // THE ABYSS BLEEDING AROUND IT). “&– - How difficult it is, mortal emotions and ties. How they burden you. And you utter your mind before the Master of the Tides of Fate; and there are two paths that could be crossed. Do you seek company, or do you seek an end to suffering? Which demands of you more?”

`WORDS SPUN WITH THE SILK OF TRICKERY AND FOOLS GOLD. He is aptly aware of that which HAUNTS THE OTHER // THE TRAGEDY AND SUFFERING (BUT ONE THAT UNDERSTANDS DOES NOT MEAN THEY HOST EMPATHY). It simply has the tools to pretend, to act, to twist the narrative to catch the eyes to keep tumbling down page after page. “&– - I can rectify one, if that is your wish. However, all actions necessitate trade. A selfless being is one that shouldn't be trusted-- - I do not intend to fool you with such things.”

The rage of a beast, the bloodthirst of a human, long forgotten in the trenches of forest deep. The spirits gave no word, no explanation for the feats the shifter had to accomplish.

Anger grows, despair bending and looming in a dark cloud, oozing itself as thickly as the ichor emerging from the other's body. A deity, a god, asking if she understood.

(Do you understand my feelings?)

There was no dream beyond the Lost Woods. Just one. And the rage of it being unspoken, undiscovered by the kami... Consumed her whole.

"I can't stand suffering alone anymore." Comes the sinful reply, her hands clawing at the dirt.

[stolememory]

`QUESTIONS PUSHED UPON THE OLD GOD AS IF THEY WERE BUT ANOTHER LESSER INDIVIDUAL. What had been presented was taken at face value, nothing UNEXPECTED within the vast awareness of Hermaeus Mora. The Prince of Knowledge demanded NOT SILENCE or THREATENED upon such casual prying of him (ITS VOICE BURROWS IN LIKE A PARASITE THOUGH // AND IN THESE MANNERISM BEGINS THE REMINDERS).   “&– - You take what I say as mention towards myself, and demand answers from the One Who Knows upon such a basis. There are those that have followed me loyally for decades wishing for even a morsel of facts you request so casually-- - do you think yourself worthy of every answer from the Daedric Prince of Knowledge without so much as a trade?”

`SUCH A HUNGER FOR KNOWLEDGE FESTERED SO FREELY WITHIN HER THOUGH. The Keeper of Whispers did enjoy when potential pawns showed themselves before their eyes (NOT THAT THEY WERE EVER UNAVALIABLE TO SUCH, OF COURSE).   “&– - I speak of that which is, will be, and has been within your fate strings. But perhaps the Great Eye will satisfy one of your request on the principle of the spread of Knowledge. I exist, but my state of being alive is in no way akin to mortals.” It spoke not from kindness or the PURITY OF SPREADING THE SANCITY OF FACTS // RATHER THEY WERE TRYING TO SET A NET (DRAW IN AND ENSNARE).

at this point, she was sure that all the princes were just this cryptic. as much as it annoyed her that they could never give her a straight answer, because that would be just too easy, being in the presence of such a being was not an opportunity she was going to pass up. especially with the Prince of Knowledge. despite not worshipping any of the Daedra, she wondered if she might get an inkling of something from them.

"Funny, I didn't realise you had a heartbeat. Do Daedric Princes have hearts in the traditional sense? Do they beat like a mortals do? Are you alive in the same way man, mer, and other mortal beings are?" now she was rambling, taking what they were saying too seriously for her own good. so many questions, so little time. she was forgetting, in part, quite who she was talking with. "If your," she eyed the tendrils and the eyes and the clearly not human skin. "Heart does beat with the same rhythm mortals do, I would like to think it's beating faster than mine. Though I'm rather concerned what part of us might stop. You couldn't be clearer, perhaps? Does the Prince of Knowledge also happen to be the Prince of Poems too?"

[stolememory]

`CURIOSITY WAS A SHARED COMMODITY. The typical dullness it appeared as was ever so SHARPENED with the other compared to that with which the Abyssal Cephaliarch usually encountered (A FATE TO BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT // TO BECOME INTERESTING IN THE EYES OF THE OLD ONE SPOKE OF UNEASY TIDES TO COME). It retracted no insult as one might after claims of arrogance thrusted upon self adjusted to that of weakness in its own sense. A noise of ease perched off the UNOBSERVED MAW. “&– - Often I find it that Gods would rather endure torture or entrapment before even breathing an inkling of awareness of the truth they are not infallible. I find your admittance of such to be welcoming, even if unnecessary knowledge to provide. I already own it.”

`THE GREAT EYE COULD FEEL THE SCRIVENING OF THEIR OWN ESSENCE BY THE OTHERS BLIND OBSERVATION. An unusual sensation // EXTRACTION OF SELF UNOBSERVED BY MANY // but Hermaeus Mora took not as threat. Instead he spoke awareness freely with voice that compressed and DUPLICATED ever so subtlety upon itself. “&– - What do you see upon the lifelines you follow within me, Consumer? I can feel the way you invade that which others consider vacant.” The Wretched Abyss, borne of the non-existent // THE IDEAS OF CREATION DISPOSED AND DENIED (PERHAPS THE PRINCE OF KNOWLEDGE KNEW NOT THE COMPLETE ANSWER ITSELF).

The Amihan vieled as a Dæmentré doesn't twitch a false muscle or allow a single hum to slip past his lips. In the presence of another diety means there's no room for humor. That is reservered for the mortals and ill-mannered immortals that he has the displeasure of hunting. The One Who Knows will not be met with such shameful behavior.

                           –only... curiosity.

" I offer no mirror, nor do I offer insight. " Xavier remains perfectly still. Hands slack in his pockets as his mind's eye focuses on the strong lifeforce the Daedric Prince contains. " Simply... curiosity, as arrogance is also a trait of believing one is invincible. "

He tilts his head a fraction. " Even us Gods know not to believe such things. "

@stolememory continued from here.

[stolememory]

`IN THE VASTNESS OF THE VOID WAS FOUND SOMETHING THAT SWAM ALONG. Similarities and differences intermingled to caress the curiosity of the All Seer (A TERRIBLE FATE FOR ONE TO HAVE). Interactions formulated with the Dark Matter had been formal but always twinged with same level or REGARD the Tide King gave to others-- - the willingness to toy, play, and that gnawing inevitability of claiming // AS THIS MEETING WOULD BE, THOSE BEFORE, AND THOSE TO COME // all spread before their eyes.   “&– - All knowledge has a place with me-- - either now, or with time it will come to my realm and my expanse. Divulge your honesty before me, and I shall claim it.” The hum that encapsulates end of sentence was mild // BUT EDGED WITH DEMAND, ALMOST (EVEN AS AWARENESS SWAM WITHIN HIS SEAS).

`ABYSSAL CEPHALIARCH CONTRASTS THE EXPANSIVE DARKNESS. Thin emeralds often lost within his inky tones pops and churns like strands of cosmos // OR SOMETHING BENEATH PITCH WAVES. It lets the request settle and grow with silence as large optic as all attentive upon Atieno. Lower lid lifts a degree upon statement of things DESIRED (THE COLLECTOR ALWAYS SEEKS TO COLLECT). And he plays unawareness to allow a voice place to speak-- - sometimes the One Who Knows likes to hear the personal voice of info already received.  “&– - Is that so? Be it some entity you see fit for my collections, or memories snagged to be collected within my libraries? What offering are you presenting to me, Atieno?”

@stolememory

atieno knows that mora's presence - there's so much to him. so much that shouldn't be touched, shouldn't be engaged with. and yet he has always been around - they have always been around. in passing, in passing - the crossing of their interactions forging something strange, peculiar.

for all the seeking they did, atieno recognized that his appetite was definitely more.. focused, voracious beyond measure.

they've been thinking about what he wants from them. and vice versa.

did they want anything from him? did they?

some of the answers often sent them into quiet places, moods of utter silence.

it's a question that has been floating around atieno way too much. and somehow, somehow they got the feeling that he would be aware of such .. inclinations. or at least he would find out.

"i don't even know if you want to know some of the things that rise up whenever i run into you lately. " it's a weird kind of honesty, one that they probably shouldn't share and yet.. "anyway... i think i've found some things you might end up wanting.. "

right, just diverge into that knowledge, into what actually can be shared here.

[stolememory]

`THE NUMEROUS ORBS OF HERMAEUS MORA BARELY HELD GAZE TOWARDS THE DEFENSIVE DAEDRAS. This song and dance had been observed before // MANY A ONE // and thus the Prince of Knowledge relinquished little more than a hum that flowed like the water he had tainted with presence (EYE EVER FIXATED UPON THE ONE OF MADNESS). “&– - I'm sure you'll be able to... readjust the fanciful air here soon enough.”

`EASE OF MULTI-TASKING ON DISPLAY FROM THE BEAST. Tendril coiled around mortal throat and flesh UNHINDERED // UNWEILDING as the voidial snakes pushed past the barrier of teeth and gums. A muffled wet pop resounded as the limb dug through UPPER PALATE AND THROUGH SKULL (AS IF IT WERE PAPER UNDER THE GREAT EYES TOUCH).   “&– - Then I will not pay heed to being careful while fishing through this ones memories, nor the ones to come after. Would my leaving of the occasional dent or hole within the lobes be satisfactory?” It spoke with a level of humor tainting the Abyssal Cephaliarchs tone as he began to siphon what was DESIRED.

`ONCE SATISFIED, OILY TENTACLES RETRACTED FROM THE FIRST. Whites of eyes still speckled with inky marks and dribble leaving the corner of mouth // BUT BREATH STILL CAME, AND HEART STILL PULSED. Limbs curled in almost satisfactory, but also the gnawing to gain more. A couple straying towards some of the others AS OF YET UNTOUCHED (BUT THE HAND OF TIME WAS ALWAYS MOVING // AS WAS THE TIDE KING WITHIN ITS SHADOW).   “&– - Any knowledge provides some level of satisfaction to me, my mad friend. But I needn't recount what is already known. What trial did you deem satisfactory for these poor fools this time?” Whether the Great Eye had decided BLINDNESS TO THE ACTION // or wished to hear it recounted personally // was up to Hermaeus Mora to personally know.

✧ The saints and seducers both took a step back, raising their weapons toward the fountain but lowered them at their lords' command. The daedric prince of madness stood, a lazy smile on his face, slit pupils watching in amusement. "You know, my old friend, you could just use the door but then there's that gatekeeper..." The mad god laughed. "But never mind that, indeed you are this group is rather... large! A sad display indeed, it's putting a damper on the whimsy~"

Whimsical was one way to describe the shivering isles. Although some wouldn't even think the word applied. These poor souls trying to pass trhough to Mora's library couldn't even get past Sheogoraths' test. They weren't the first to fail and wouldn't be the last.

"Broken in even, in even ? Nonsense! I hope they fracture, crooked and uneven because the ugly pastries often taste the best, wouldn't you agree? Of course you agree, or maybe you don't, either way! Malleable!" A cruel smile crossed his features. " Let's hope they have knowledge you want, as it's just begun, you've gotten here at a good time.."

@abyssfate from x

[stolememory]

`AS EXPECTED, AS KNOWN, THE PIECES FELL INTO PLACE WITH EASE. The act begins, and the strings start to move // TRULY, IT WAS ALL JUST A PLAY FOR THE ONE WHO KNOWS (WITH BENEFITS, WITH AN UNSEEN SMILE WRIT UPON ESSENCE). Tendrils curl around the basis of the Great Eye-- - like fingerless hands // LIKE FEATHERLESS WINGS, BONELESS. At it's edges the form may seem to shift-- - inconstant, unnatural. “&– - I know a great many things- for I am Hermaeus Mora. I am that which heralds knowledge, and protects that sanctity of memories. I am the Keeper of the Great Library of Heaven-- - ensuring that which is true is kept safe.”

`THE TRUTH IS SEWN TOGETHER WITH THE STRETCH OF ITSELF. The synonymous, the comparable-- - the expanses of Oblivion, the realms of the Heavens above. (MORE SIMILAR THAN THEY WERE SEPARATE, EVEN CONCEPTUALLY). “&– - The pursuit of knowledge is a sacred duty, and even I desire help in such a task as mine. There are places where I am.... unwelcomed. By the foolish and the ignorant-- - even texts that are untrue have their reasons for me to need them. To correct. To expunge if necessary.” The beast hungers // THE CONSTANT GLUTTONY OF IT // and it paints its desire for that of need of higher purpose. “&– - Of course making others.... aware of the sacred duty may result in a ripple effect of aid, but I believe you can do much more for me than being a simple mouthpiece, Orel. Perhaps building collection points, or even directly handing to me.”

The creature before him is convincing, not that Orel had actually needed much convincing to begin with. He had assumed it one from the bible itself. Why angels were complicated. None so simple. Many heads, eyes, sometimes one big prominent eye as this creature has.

Hermaeus Mora is saying all the right things and Orel is focused, listening and standing to attention.

He's amazed. ❝  You know my name- golly I mean of course you do! ❞ He is elated, feeling a little bit of adrenaline from natural fear. It wasn't unbearable. He was just so small here. Be not afraid.

❝ Oh, what shall I do to make sure I do not stray from the path of righteousness? - ❞ He hesitates.  ❝ Sorry what is your name? I feel rude. You know mine.❞ / @stolememory cont.

[stolememory]

`DARKNESS POOLED LIKE SAP OUTSIDE OF OPEN PAGES. Vaporish but THICK all the same // DANCING WITH OPTICS LIKE STARS UPON THE NIGHT SKY (LARGE ONE LIKE A MOON // LIKE AN OPRESSIVE SUN). They could feel the unspoken questions circling around the air, pinned and absorbed-- - and yet it does not supply back as appreciation towards the small unintended offering. “&– - History has a tendency to repeat itself-- - and I bear witness to numerous fates of yours that that which you disburse returns. There are some eventualities that another will stand in your place repeating the same phrase- now how many will have to be bleeding at feet before that conclusion is an inconstant.”

`THE OTHER SPEAKS OF INTREST REGARDING THE PRINCE; UNSURPRISING, INCONSEQUENTIAL. What has been deemed of importance now spoken by him // THE REASON OF IT BEING DEEMED SUCH KNOWN ONLY TO THE ENTITY (BOILING DOWN TO THE SIMPLIEST OF REASONS // TO POKE A DOMINO TO BEGIN A REACTION). Hermaeus Moras voice susurrates as a noise of response-- - the atmosphere SWALLOWED by him in even the smallest of sounds. “&– - This aspect of me is fractional to my whole-- - but regardless of the physical size I choose to manifest as, it is only natural to feel the force of the presence of the God of Knowledge.” In this, he deems appropriate finally to answer that which was not said.

"Kill the ones who stand in the way of it."

Kage responds to the question. This...entity is curious. He came from the black book that Kage has had extreme difficulty attempting to translate because none of the symbols within are known here. This might be the first time he's been alone when attempting this...so he wonders vaguely if this is a dream.

Are they a God? A Divine? An Infernal? Kage can't tell. It's an interesting way to spend the afternoon regardless.

"My you are...big, aren't you? And imposing."