#AND WAIT WITH AZEM BEING THE SHEPHERD TO THE STARS

[lululeighsworld]

ive known themis for five minutes and if anything were to happy to him id kill everyone in this facility and then myself

[minti-tales]

FFXIV Write, Day 27 - Sole

Dionysos, Azem, spends an evening with Venat, Azem.

Spoilers for Zone 5 of Endwalker.

Apologies to Will Shakespeare for borrowing lines from "Antony and Cleopatra."

CW: Drinking, intimacy.

It is a known trait of Azems, current and former holders of the seat, that they can find each other, no matter the distance or how secretive the hiding place. Perhaps it is due to theirs being the seat of shepherds - "shepherds to the stars in the dark" as the venerable Emet-Selch once put it - ever able to find the lost, the lame, the lonely. They are Travelers, and so it should stand to reason they know the hearts of their own as well as each civilization of the world Etheirys.

Dionysos should have remembered this. An hour of quiet contemplation in the Lethe, alone, his busy mind lost in buzzing insects and creaking trees, ruined by rustling coming from the branches concealing his hiding place. "Calliope, not you," he muttered into the pillows and blanket he was using for "rest." Maybe not rest, as much as closing one eye and pretending that his brain was tricked into thinking it was sleeping, which, on occasion, worked.

Could he not get a moment's peace from his dear friends, the Chorus? Muses though they were, and drawn to his artistic visions that came with the enjoyment of wine, it felt as if they were bound to him by some otherworldly force. It was frustrating. Always wanting to hear stories of the world below Elpis, always demanding, demanding, not feeling inspired to create unless he was drunk on wine. He was the spring from which Art could be created, and, until the rustling, the spring was hoping it could get some time to refresh itself.

"Calliope? Is that who I sound like these days, Dionysos?"

Venat?

Dionysos quickly rolled over on the blanket, adjusted some of the pillows, and brushed long brown hairs away from his face and eyelashes. Mask on his face, covering those striking green eyes of his - must look presentable. "V-Venat? Of course I knew it was you, and not…Calliope." He coughed and moved towards the entrance to his lair, pushing aside the branches to reveal the white robed former Azem and her hound familiar, Argos. "I suppose I must find a new resting place anon, lest word reaches their ears. They were asking for something dramatic for Garudae, and I have nothing. Not a word. I asked to be alone, I slipped away when their heads were turned, and thus, I was found by your faithful familiar. A being in a humble hovel, waiting for refreshment."

Venat had to lean down quite a bit to get herself fully in to the resting place. It was small, but comfortable. She was reminded of the lean-tos she'd seen on her travels, temporary shelters created in the event of inclement weather. "I imagine it to be a little hard finding 'refreshment' when you've put yourself in such close quarters. Not to take away from your artistic visions, but I must put that thought into your mind." She paused. "Dionysos? May I ask you something?"

Dionysos was hurt, yes, but he couldn't stay upset at Venat - his mentor, his friend. He smiled underneath his mask, entertaining thoughts of inspiration found in close quarters. A universe of possibilites found within a pregant question. Maybe, Calliope could wait a little longer. "Ask me something? Of course, of course. Whatever you want." Where was the wine.

"Have you created any familiars recently?"

The current Azem sipped from his ever-flowing cup of wine. "Familiars? Me? Not…recently. I fear I wouldn't remember them well if I did. There is that kounéli running about the gardens, somewhere." He shrugged and gave Venat a look of confusion. "I'm afraid to admit that I was expecting an entirely different question, coming from you."

Venat sighed, and put a hand on his. She looked as if she was about to share some grave matter with him - not exactly the mood for pleasure between enlightened beings. "Whatever lies between you and Calliope is your business, and yours alone. What I, the former seat of Azem, am asking you, is if you will give me your support in the days ahead."

"My support? You don't need to ask me for that! You were always one of the wisest among us, truely." This needed wine. "Of course you have it, and I know a great many who would give the same." Dionysos frowned. "But, what does this have to do with me and my familiars? You speak as if you've days to return to the star."

Venat gave Argos scratches around the ears and chin, her head turned away from Azem. Whatever this was, this must be bad. "There are dark days coming for this star, Dionysos," she said. "I received portents. A vision of your familiar, who shared with me what is to come." Argos whimpered and buried his long nose in his mistress's robes. "I need to gather those who believe that the future can yet be saved."

Dionysos was silent for a moment. He clearly wasn't in the mood he'd been in a few minutes ago, and for good reason. Azem was needed. "Well, if that is the case, then you can expect the seat of Azem to be ready. For whatever tragedy might befall the stage upon which our beautiful world is laid." He raised his cup to Venat and nearly drained it of its contents. "If you can't share all with me, then so be it. Tell me when the time is right. I shall do my best to rally the Chorus to your cause."

Venat smiled, a faint smile, but one nonetheless. She began to rise from her blanket. "I really must go, but I wanted to find you out, and share what I could."

"You can't stay the night? Watch the sun rise over the obelisks?" Dionysos gestured towards the pillows, and willed small white candles into existence. "At least until Calliope loses the hunt over me."

"'Let's have one other gaudy night: call to me/All my sad captains; fill our bowls once more; Let's mock the midnight bell.' From one of your recent dramas, I believe."

Dionysos's eyes glittered. "Very well! Pour the wine. Refreshment, for what remains of the evening. To Azems, both new and old. May they serve the star with distinction and honor!"

[sarastuss-a]

ONCE AGAIN, YOU RETURN, TRAVELER, : HER DUTY AS THE SHEPHERD TO THE STAR, to travel &. to discover, ... she can feel how 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 beats against her ribcage, always one to seek ( &. find ) adventure! one could say it finds her without her ever having to seek for it. ... but it can hardly compare to the feeling that fills her whole being, WHEN SHE FINALLY RETURNS! HOW SHE RUSHES TO TELL OF HER ADVENTURES, how she aches to see those dear to her heart. ... &. yet, the joyous reunion had to wait, 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐔𝐓𝐘 𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐑.

THE VERY REASON HER RETURN KEPT A SECRET, : JUST FOR A LITTLE WHILE LONGER. signature mask covers the upper half of her features, darkly painted lips allowing the soft smile to show as she wrote down reports of HER JOURNEY. THE MERE MEMORIES AT THE SIGHTS SEEN, the were cause to the slight curve. ... perhaps even too lost within her thoughts, as she fails to notice the silent steps that approached from behind : stepping deeper into azem's office. he, 𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐋, was bound to detect her presence the very second it returned. SUCH WAS HIS ABILITY WITH SOULS, BEYOND THEM ALL! ... a step, another, it is just enough until hythlodaeus is close enough. @sunderedoldfriends + hythlodaeus sender  hovers  over  receiver’s  shoulder  as  they  complete  a  task. ... it is only after this, that underneath her mask, azem's eyes widen. a swift turn of her head, &. OH, HOW MUCH BRIGHTER HER SMILE GROWS! ❝ hythlodaues! ❞ his name spoken with excitement, &. mixed with slight disbelief. ❝ how long have you been standing there? ❞ her tune edges on playful, within she reminds herself that she should not lose focus this way.

[elveny]

Dear Hades | Read on AO3 (T-Rated, 1692 words)

At the end of all things, the Warrior of Light lies dying. Each breath brings forth a thought, a prayer, a plea, a regret.

Dear Hades.

Dearest.

___

Dear Hades. I have lost track of how long I have been here at the edge of the universe. Sometimes, I feel like I have always been here, wrapped in this pain with its long, black claws dragging slowly through my body. Each second is another eternity beneath the cold stars. ‘Tis the realm of pure emotion, so I struggle to find clarity in my thoughts, carving each word out with chisel and hammer. It gives them a sharp edge, so forgive me if you happen to cut yourself at them. I shall kiss it better, pressing my lips upon the wound, licking the coppery red until it stops flowing. Hythlodeus would scold me for being so dramatic, but I can see the laughter and care in his eyes, so I am not overly worried.

Dear Hades. Have you ever been in a place of utter calm? You would like it here, I think. The sound of struggled breathing has stopped, as has the dripping of blood, so it is blissfully quiet by now. It’s not like on the battlefields we both know so well, not that horrified silence that is a mix of stupor and sighs of death, not that devastated crying and cawing of crows gathering for a feast. It’s just silence. There is not even wind that would play in the grass or chase clouds. No faint footsteps or murmuring of water. Just silence. I like to imagine that perpetual line between your eyes smoothing over, and that exhale of yours be one of peace instead of a sigh of exasperation as it is wont to be. The thought makes me smile, but I can barely feel the movement in the corner of my lips, so I beg you to visualize it. I know you have seen my smile often enough to know it by heart. Just like I yours.

Dear Hades. I wrote to you. Letters with poetry and tales, with thoughts both small and grand. I wrote to you of the taste of grapes, salted by unintentional tears. I wrote to you of a longing that makes me bow from the bed in pain at night. But I also wrote of joy. I could never look at the night sky in the same way again, not after you filled me with so much Light that it ripped me apart. There are butterflies that only come at night, beautiful little creatures dancing from glowing flowers to fragrant weeds. I wrote to you of all the things overflowing my heart, and then I folded the letters into paper flowers that I set upon the ocean. I watched the water seep into the paper, ink bleeding words into the waves. I folded myself into the creases of the flowers, poured myself into the dissipating words, and then I watched until they had sunken beneath the waters. Maybe the waves will carry them to Amaurot, wherever it is. Maybe they will carry them to you.

The silence wraps around me like velvet sheets, inviting eternal sleep, but I am afraid to close my eyes. The stars might be cold and far away, but they are something to hold on to while I wait. Or are they? It is hard to tell. In the moments between breaths, I see myself in their midst, each spark of light within reach. Wanderer, they call me, shepherd of the stars, and here they flock around me. I dance between them, laughter in each movement, a strange juxtaposition to the screams you left in eternity.

But then, that’s what we’ve always been, isn’t it? A contradiction. Day and Night, Life and Death, Struggle and Acceptance, Wanderer and Gatekeeper. You think I’m not Azem, but I know you’re wrong. I can feel the memories inside me, just a hairsbreadth away. But knowledge is of no consequence here. Emotions are. And they are more clear than they have ever been. A love as old as time, steadfast and crystal clear even through that myriad of lives. I could always only ever reach for you, trying to get closer, closer, closer…

Hythlodaeus realized it before either of us did, but we should have known that he’d be the one seeing the truth most clearly. ‘Dear old friend’ he called me, even one-time-less rejoined. Before Ardberd became a part of me again. Or I of him? Or both of us of Azem? It doesn’t matter, not here, not in this last resting place.

Dear Hades. I want to wrap myself into you. I want to cradle you and be held, I want to soothe you and ask for forgiveness. I want to taste you, all of you, want to be ripped apart by your claws and put back together in a way that matters. Don’t you realize that I have always been searching for you? In all my lives, there is this constant of being a wanderer. Never content to be at one place, because no place had you.

You think I am not Azem and of course you’re right. I could never be for I could never see myself shying away from you, could never leave your side. I would find that crack and slip through with you. And yet, I can feel something in the darkness, writhing in pain and recognition, and find myself wondering whether I might not make the same decision again. Have we always been destined to be at odds? Laughter and screams between the stars. Echoes removed from the origin far enough so that they are no longer distinguishable.

Dear Hades. It is getting colder and there is salt on my lips. Will you be much longer? I have waited for so long already that I can no longer remember ever waiting for anything else.

Dear Hades. I find myself missing the sun and the moon, the caress of wind on my skin, and the sounds of life around me. The stars are beautiful, but they lack the warmth to ease my pain. I find myself missing the feeling of your fingers in my hair and the spark of Hythlodaeus’ eyes as he watches us. Towards the horizon, the blackness above me eases into purple and blue until it meets the shimmer of purest, brightest light, and in it, I can see you both. Hythlodaeus looking back over his shoulder at me, his braid half unraveled as he laughs. The silver of your hair over the gold of your eyes as they soften.

The thought wrings a sob from my lips, but I can’t hear it. Are the tears on my face water or blood? I would taste them, but I can no longer remember the difference.

Dear Hades. The darkness is coming closer, and for the first time in millennia, I am afraid. Even more afraid than when I spewed pure Light from my lips, than when I slew that terrible wound into your stomach that brought you so far away. You have taught me not to be afraid of the darkness, but I have waited so long already and you haven’t come. What if you aren’t in the darkness? What if you won’t cradle me in your wings to take me home? What if this place of pure dynamis is too contradictory even for you? What if you won’t be there to shepherd me to the Underworld? What if I can no longer find you because the Lifestream doesn’t reach here?

We promised each other to return to the star together. Fingers upon palms, skin against skin, lips against lips, a flutter in my heart and lightness in my stomach, I promised and accepted yours in return. I remember, Hades, I remember the three of us in an unsundered world, just like I remember the golden bonds of light wrapping around our wrists and binding us forever. My fingers tremble, but I manage to clasp my wrist, tracing the promise written upon my skin and soul. I am afraid I won’t be able to keep my promise. Not from here.

Dear Hades. You are wrong, you know. There is no need to turn back. We aren’t bound by our past, just by our hearts and our promises. I know that your power is such that it keeps you farther from dynamis than Hythlodaeus and I, but that is why we have always been so good for each other. Only together are we complete. You were wrong to leave.

Dear Hades. I think I could be content to die here if I only knew that you’d be there to greet me. That both of you would be there to greet me. I could be content to die if I knew that my death served some kind of purpose. If I knew that, if nothing else, birds would nest between my bones and flowers sprout where I lay. But there is nothing here but the shell of your grandson, of your descendant, the dragon, the primal, the butcher, the hunter, the beast. Did you pass on your longing for me to him, was that why he always came for me? Did you pass on your disgust for what I am still lacking, was that why he was never content?

My chest burns with each breath, and the stars are flickering out far above me. Soon, there will be only darkness left, and what remains of my emotions. Regret and pain and fear. I once feared to die in Light, and now, I shall die in nothing but Darkness. I can feel it all slipping away, and there are no wings to catch my fall.

A falling star paints its way across the darkness, glittering and utterly beautiful. I didn't know the stars out here could descend like this, and its beauty is devastating enough that I close my eyes against it. Now I can no longer find the strength to open them, but it has always just been a matter of time.

Dearest Hades. Find me. I would beg if I still could. And if you can’t find me, take care of Hythlodaeus for me. If you can’t find me…

Forgive me.

_____

Come back.

[tea-and-conspiracy]

Prompt 24: Beam

Azem had this uncanny way of knowing when Emet-Selch was in the middle of something.

She’d summoned him from a nap too many times to count. Once, she’d summoned him when he was holding up a ladder for Hythlodaeus. Today she summoned him out of the bath tub. That wasn’t the bad part -- after all, either of them could solve it in a snap and it wasn’t anything she hadn’t seen before. Nor was it the fact that his unceremoniously naked appearance set her into delighted giggle-fits. No, the real rub was that this time, Azem had summoned him not because anyone was in danger, not because she needed his insight, but because she had found a petrified head hanging from a tree.

He didn’t even bother re-conjuring his mask because his need to facepalm was too great. WHY did he find this so endearing? That was most frustrating of all.

“Guess what this is!” She was practically bouncing on her toes. “Come on, guess.”

“Why is it singing?”

“Look at it, Hades!”

“Yes, it’s quite a lovely head.” He hadn’t even noticed her using his real name.

“No,” came Azem’s careful reply. “Look.”

Oh. She meant that sight. Emet-Selch blinked and stepped forward, squinting at the head. He’d thought it painstakingly carved from marble -- a beautiful, curly-haired youth, the textbook definition of Adonis. But beneath unmasked, alabaster flesh came an anemic glimmer, the faintest shiver of yellow light.

“It has a soul?!” He stepped back in horror.

“Mhm.” Azem gave a melancholic smile. “I’ve been searching for him forever. This is Orpheus, the third Azem, who died attempting to save his beloved Eurydice.”

Emet-Selch shook his head, sweeping forward to touch the man’s cheek. “No, dear, he’s not dead. Not while some fragment of him lingers here. The third Azem, you say? Then he has lingered in purgatory for....”

Azems rarely lasted long. There had only been fourteen Emet-Selchs but there had been thirty-two Azems. By all in mournful Creation, that was an unfathomably long time.

“That’s why I called you,” came her soft response.

Of course. The Shepherd to the Stars needed the Shepherd of the Dead. That wasn’t even his Seat and yet it had become his job more often than not. This was...new, though. Emet-Selch couldn’t recall a time he’d seen Creation magic used with such murderous intent. Who had this Azem managed to anger? Had the past truly been so barbarous?

“Help me, my dear?”

“Of course.”

He didn’t need to explain; she understood.

As he weakened the stone, turned it to putty, she summoned the sliver of soul from it. She could not see them, not as he could, but the pull of her Traveler’s stone told her it was there. When at last it was free, Emet-Selch reached for the soul -- and smothered it, crushing it back into the Lifestream. And in that lingering silence, Orpheus was finally free.

“...Thank you, my love,” she whispered, her eyes upon the stars. “I know it’s grim work.”

Emet-Selch gazed back at the tree. “Certainly less unpleasant than being denied rebirth. I cannot imagine what an effect that would come to have upon a soul. Amnesia? Depression? Perhaps simple madness.”

“Maybe. But the important part is he’s free. Isn’t that worth being happy about?” She smiled, laying a hand upon his cheek. “Besides, you are very much alive. You have no excuse to be depressed.”

“I have to deal with Nabriales in the morning, that’s plenty depressing.” He smirked.

“Nabriales, hm...?” And Azem got that look. He knew that look; she wore it almost as often as Hythlodaeus did. With a melodramatic flourish, the Traveler moved to where she’d dropped her belongings in excitement nearby. “You know? I think I forgot how to send you home all the sudden. Maybe Nabriales will have to wait a few more days. What do you think?”

Azem glanced over her shoulder, and beamed.

[lizzy-frizzle]

Bragging Rights

Lizzy and Sadu discuss recent events

(There’s one instance of implied transphobia)

Sadu and Lizzy sits at the dining table eating a meal, as normal. Lizzy shifts her eyes away from Sadu anytime she tries to look at her.

“You’re hiding something.” Sadu says accusingly. She squints her eyes, and stops chewing mid bite.

Lizzy retorts, “Nuh-uh! I...Just….Ok, so, promise not to be mad.”

Sadu’s eyes narrow further. She chomps down hard on the animal’s cooked leg, nearly biting through bone.

Lizzy sighs, “So, you know how you told me to not fight any more inter-dimensional immortal beings? Especially if it could kill me?”

Sadu slowly puts the food down, and slowly responds, “...Yes...”

“Well, I kinda...” Lizzy pauses as she senses the aether gathering around Sadu, “I’m fine now! It’s ok! Nothing bad happened!” “Elizabeth.” Sadu starts, “What did you fight?”

“I may have fought another ascian.” Lizzy admits, looking downcast at her plate, “He may have tried to send me to an eternal gaol of darkness.”

Sadu starts to reach for her staff.

“But I got out! I’m here anyway.” Sadu remains unchanged, “Anyway, I mention this because I learned something about myself.”

Sadu tilts her head, shoulders relaxing slightly, “Go on.”

“So, I told you about Emet-Selch, the convocation, right?” Lizzy continues, “I was one of them. Apparently, I was the Shepherd to the stars, uh, named ‘Azem’, an-” “Azim?! Like the God that Magnai believes himself to be?” Sadu stands up hurriedly, “NO WAY. I HAVE TO RUB IT IN HIS FACE THAT NOT ONLY IS HE NOT, BUT THAT I MARRIED THE REAL REINCARNATION OF HER.”

Sadu rushes out the door, muttering about the Dusk Mother not liking men. Lizzy follows her, eventually catching up and offers to fly her there.

“You’re pregnant Sadu, please try to take it easy.” Lizzy gently reminds her.

Sadu’s hand instinctively reaches for her child, “I know, but I HAVE to do this to HIM.” she pauses, “I will allow you to fly me there.”

Lizzy allows her wife to do this slight on her mortal enemy.

~~The Dawn Throne~~

It’s late into the afternoon when they arrive.

Lizzy attempts to dissuade her wife again, “You know I said ‘Az-em’ not ‘Az-im’ right?”

Sadu waves off the clarification, “You would have me believe that The Dawn Father, the representation of the Sun, named Azim, and this Azem, a traveler and shepherd to the stars, are different people?” she continues, “One could argue that the Sun does indeed shepherd the stars, and travels across the sky.” she punctuates this thought with shaking her head, “No, I believe these two people are one in the same, and that the Dawn Father is actually the Dawn mother.”

She laughs, “At any rate, it’s better.”

Her confidence astounds everyone at the Dawn Throne as Sadu Dotharl marches straight up to Magnai on his throne.

The large auri man rolls his eyes at the intrusion, and begins, “You taunt my grace wi-” “-I CARE NOT!” Sadu shouts, “Khagan, tell this False Little Sun the truth!”

The room grows dead silent in the wake of the announcement. The Oronir waiting for Magnai’s reaction.

[Oh jeez, she must be serious if she’s invoking my official title.] Lizzy squirms under the intense scrutiny.

Sadu gestures to Lizzy, forcing Lizzy to announce to all of these warriors something she would really rather not say, “A-As per Dotharl believe in the soul inhabiting life after life,” Lizzy tries her best Leader Voice, which is to say, not all that intimidating, “And through recent events involving preventing a calamity. It has been revealed that the soul that lies in me is none other than Azem, the Traveler and Shepherd to the Stars.”

Some light murmurs occur among the Oronir. Lizzy decides to put her hands on her hips, partially to remind everyone of her daggers, another in preparation to defend her and her wife if the worst happens.

Magnai stands up, angry, “Do the Dotharl then claim that not only am I not the Dawn Father incarnate, but also that this...this OUTSIDER is? And that SHE is HE?”

Sadu interprets the statement differently than Magnai probably intended, and immediately begins casting a fire related spell, “EXCUSE. ME?!”

Her temper flared, with a spell to match, explodes next to Magnai, causing everyone to draw their weapons. Lizzy included.

“Calm down, Sadu,” Lizzy calls out, “I’M SURE HE DIDN’T MEAN IT.” she loudly hints to Magnai.

But Sadu is already in the middle of casting another spell.

Magnai puts his axe away, and starts, in a calm manner, “I did not mean to imply any disrespect.”

Sadu launches the spell. Lizzy uses shukuchi to position herself in front of her and blocks the hit with a dagger. She looks into Sadu’s eyes, seething rage swirling inside.

“Sadu...” Lizzy tries again.

Sadu’s eyes flicker for a moment, then her brow furrows again, “Tell. HER. You. Are. Sorry.” Lizzy senses aether swirling around her staff, “Or. I. Will. Make. You. Sorry.”

Magnai must sense it too, cause he immediately puts his hand in the air, “Enough. You’ll have your way Dotharl. Khagan, I’m sorry.”

Sadu calms down. Not a lot, but she’s not going to kill anyone at this point. She puts her staff back, and everyone relaxes slightly, “Anyway. It’s important for you to know. The REAL Azim got me pregnant.”

The shock on Magnai’s face is no doubt what Sadu came here for. However Lizzy feels her face become flushed, “SADU. WHY?”

Mortified, Lizzy begs the gods above to end this day.

Magnai sits on his throne, too shocked to respond.

Sadu grins wickedly, and begins laughing, “How does it feel Little Sun?!”

Lizzy pleads with Sadu in her mind, [Sadu...please...I’m dying...stop]

With Lizzy as red as a tomato, she picks up Sadu, and walks out of the throne chamber. Sadu not sparing a chance to make a taunting face at Magnai as she gets carried out.

~~In the sky above the steppe~~ “You didn’t HAVE to do that.” Lizzy says sternly.

Sadu’s smile refuses to leave her face, “But did you SEE his face?? I wouldn’t trade the world to be able to do that again!”

Lizzy shakes her head.

Sadu continues, “Anyway, I love seeing how flustered you get too, so it was a 2-for-1.” she wraps her arms tightly around Lizzy’s stomach, and nuzzles her head into her back. She can’t see, but she knows this flusters her further.

“A-ah, Anyway!” Lizzy fumbles her words through the surprise hug, “We should tell Meeps about the pregnancy.”

Sadu picks her head up, “The miqo’te that was at our wedding?”

“Yes, She’s...probably not doing too hot I imagine. She could use some good news.” Lizzy frowns, “When I saw her, figured it wasn’t the BEST time to bring it up.”

Sadu rests her head back on her wife’s back, “Alright, Operation Cheer Up Meeps-y”

~~Meeps’ House~~

Lizzy knocked twice, and waited. Sadu shifts anxiously behind her.

“Are...you nervous?” Lizzy asks.

Sadu nods, “I’m a bit far from what I consider home, meeting one of your god-killing friends. Surely you can understand the apprehension.”

“It’s just unusual for you.” Lizzy responds, then she smiles, “is the pregnancy starting to affect you?”

Offended, Sadu lightly jabs Lizzy’s shoulder, “I’m the Mighty Khatun of the Dotharl. A little pregnancy won’t impact me!” her voice doesn’t sound quite as rock solid.

Lizzy just sighs, and holds Sadu’s hand, “It’s ok, hun.”

With her free hand, she knocks again.

Sadu takes a deep breath.

Asahi opens the door, “Hell-oh! Lizzy, and Sadu, welcome. Meeps...isn’t accepting compan-”

“Can I talk to her please?” Lizzy gives her best puppy dog eyes, “It’s super important, and I think it’ll cheer her up!”

Lizzy laces her words with her a chipperness that Sadu swears leaves her with a cavity.

Asahi stares at the couple. He shrugs, and sighs as he gestures for them to come in, “You can try.”

Lizzy let’s out a happy, “Thank you!” and walks inside, Sadu in tow.

He closes the door behind them, and points to the stairs, “She’s up in the bedroom, good luck...”

The two climb the stairs, and knock on the presumed bedroom door. Lizzy doesn’t wait for a response before opening it, however.

“Meeps?” Lizzy squeaks out.

The bedroom is dark, lit by a pair of candles on the bedside tables

The figure under the blankets remains silent.

Lizzy moves to the side of the bed, and sits down. She gestures for Sadu to do the same, “Hey, you know, Sadu is here with me.” She gives Sadu a look.

“Hey,” Sadu utters, feeling wholly uncomfortable with the situation.

Lizzy speaks again, “I’m sorry, I know it hurts. I don’t know what it’s like, or what you’re going through. But we’re here.”

Meeps doesn’t react.

Lizzy continues, “We have some really fantastic news.”

Instead of saying anything further, Lizzy gently lowers the covers from Meeps, and grabs her hand. The hand feels damp from endless tears. She moves the hand to Sadu’s stomach.

“What?” Meeps says, then her eyes widen, “O-OH!” She sits up and faces the couple.

Lizzy notices how red her eyes look. She lets a face of empathy reflect and tries to switch to a happy face, “Sadu’s pregnant,” she says with finality.

A weak smile spreads across her face, “That’s awesome.” she tries to muster. Her voice sounds more ragged this time, “Have you decided on a name?”

Sadu answers, “We don’t decide on a name until after they’re born.”

Meeps reflects on the information after a nod, “Ah, right, I forgot for a moment. I hope a brave warrior’s soul finds its way then.”

Sadu smiles back at her.

“Though, I did convince Sadu that if they’re a Raen, we’ll be naming her Alice.” Lizzy adds, “After my mom that adopted me.”

The sentiment makes Meeps tear up once more. Lizzy hugs her, rubbing her back in an effort to comfort her.

Meeps chokes back the tears, for a moment, “I think that’s a great name.”

Lizzy takes the moment, “Hey, I’m sure you haven’t eaten in a while.” she gets off the bed, “Why don’t we go downstairs, and have Asahi cook some dinner.”

Sadu chimes in, “Lizzy, it’s near midnight.”

Defensively, Lizzy responds, “So? Dinner is when you say it is, and I’m hungry.”

Meeps stays silent for a moment, then gets out of bed, “Ok, let’s go eat.”

“Thank you,” Lizzy says, “I know it’s hard.”

[izakaya-jinh]

THE TRAVELER

PROMPT 5: STARLIGHT - the light that comes from the stars.

Word Count: 787 | MASTERLIST

“Herein I commit the chronicle of the traveler. Shepherd to the stars in the dark.

Though the world be sundered and our souls set adrift, where you walk, my dearest friend, fate shall surely follow.

For yours is the Fourteenth seat—the seat of Azem.”

The Azim Steppe ---

“Come with me, friends. There is much I would show you.” With those words, Cirina smiled and exited the yurt ahead of the others.

As Lyse and Hien turned to leave with the Doman lord’s loyal retainers close behind, the elderly Temulun Khatun called out to Elwyn.

“You, wait. I would have words.”

The Warrior of Light turned to face the older Xaela. “What is it?”

Temulun looked at her with kind but piercing eyes, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she seemed to see through a world-weary shell belying a yet-unextinguished passion for life and the unknown. It was as if she peered deep within at the very essence of Elwyn’s being. Elwyn shifted uncomfortably under the old woman’s gaze.

“A singular radiance. Shimmering. Like a jewel of the Dusk mother, blinding in its brilliance.”

Elwyn raised an eyebrow at her appraisal. “Who, me?”

Nodding and closing her eyes, Temulun continued, “Stars flicker and flock to you. Before such gathered light, even the secrets of the gods may be laid bare.”

“I’d be happy with just knowing the secret to curing human stupidity,” Elwyn muttered under her breath.

The khatun then looked towards those waiting outside the yurt with Cirina. Elwyn followed the old woman’s gaze as she seemed to study each of them in turn. “Some are fated to rise in grace and glory. Others to falter and fade, though not from memory. Both will be your strength and salvation come the end.”

Elwyn tilted her head questioningly, to which Temulun simply smiled.

“Cherish the stars and the light they bring you in the dark. For you are a traveler, are you not?”

“Yes…? I don’t really understand what you’re getting at, though.” Elwyn scratched her head and frowned. “Stars, fates, and gods; none of that means much to me. I just try to fight for what I think is right, because we’ve only got the one life and only this world to live it in.”

“The words may be beyond your ken now, but perhaps one day their meaning will be revealed in the light of another star,” Temulun replied. “Now, run along, young traveler. Your friends are waiting.”

Though she remained confused, Elwyn gave a respectful bow and took her leave. There were questioning looks when she stepped outside to join the others. Yet before she could say a word, Cirina quickly seized their attention as the young Mol expressed her gratitude for the party’s assistance in the coming Naadam. With the fight ahead to prepare for, the old khatun’s words readily slipped away into the recesses of Elwyn’s memory.

---

Amaurot ---

As a lone crystal glowed in the air before her, Elwyn looked up to the shade of Hythlodaeus. If the Ancient’s featureless face could smile beneath his mask, perhaps he would have, seeing the inquisitive gaze of the one who stood before him.

“Among all the offices, the Fourteenth was the most unusual. For while the rest sat in Amaurot, its holder was charged with gaining an intimate knowledge of the wider world. In the course of her duty, she traveled the length and breadth of every land, and befriended countless folk. She encountered troubles too, of course. Matters which she could simply have referred to the Convocation. But that was not her way.”

Hythlodaeus chuckled at the thought of his old friend and her many exploits. “Nay, more often than not, she would call upon her comrades, and together resolve matters themselves. Such is the magick sealed within that crystal—the magick to summon the stars to your side. In time of greatest need, should you wish upon it with all your heart, it will surely answer your call.”

The words of the Ancient stirred a buried memory, it seemed, as Elwyn recalled the words of another who had once looked upon her soul.

Stars flicker and flock to you... Cherish the stars and the light they bring you in the dark. For you are a traveler, are you not?

“You aren’t the first to say something like that before,” Elwyn mused as she stared at the crystal in her hand. “Could it be…?”

Hythlodaeus looked upon her curiously and guessed her thoughts. “Perhaps it is no coincidence. I could never fail to recognize your soul, after all. Were a fragment of mine to look upon you, even in a time outside our own, it would not surprise me to see you for what you are.”

“Is that so? Then this crystal… for the traveler…” Elwyn closed her hand around the stone and held it close to her heart. A strange and inexplicable warmth filled her chest, rising from somewhere deep within.

Hythlodaeus nodded. “Now it is where it belongs.”

-

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