#MATHYE WHAT THE FUCK

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

PVP with the Bishops

Augustine, later:  I chose violence

[chysgoda]

Evidentiary Part Two

A Desertwalkers Tale

Investigations | Part One

The deputy and the doctor (evidently the deputy’s brother) were hissing at each other in low tones and felt very far away. Hephaistos looked down at his granddaughter and struggled to connect the freshly changed bandages on her torso and down one arm, with the young woman who decided to throw aside her hard won masters to play at being a hero in the dust. She looked small on a bed that was long enough for the tallest likely patient. On a small stand next to the bed he saw Bel’s grimoire. He absently touched the chains and phoenix feathers which glowed like sleepy embers against his skin. Hephaistos had sent his old grimoire with her when she’d gone across the salt and she’d carefully added her own spells to the blank pages in the back. 

It did not seem to have served her well here. 

“What happened to her?”

The brothers Bishop looked up from whatever they had been whispering about. The doctor’s eyes narrowed, “Fucking Livia Junis is what happened to her. And she came in better than most of the people I see because of that bitch. She’ll make a full recovery if she listens to directions.”

“Better?” Hephaistos asked, his voice tight. 

“Livia isn’t known for restraint,” Deputy Augustine said. “Most people-“

“Either leave here able to tell the fucking weather, or in a damned pine box.” Mathye finished for his brother. The Lahabrea patriarch noted that the doctor had a leg brace when he turned and folded his arms over his chest, “Which I’m sure you are aware of, being her boss’s fucking lawyer.” 

He was aware of it, but in a distant clinical way. In the way of receiving reports from the junior associates he sent out to be the hands filling out papers and submitting them to the local judge. He sat down at the foot of the bed and watched his granddaughter. Her chest rose and fell in a steady cadence, but something of the pain must have chased her as she slept and pulled her expression from peaceful into pained. 

The distant whispering stopped and the door opened and closed. Bel wouldn’t be here in this backwater clinic under the care of a backwater saw bones if she’d just listened to his advice. She could have been settling into the family firm where he could guide and mold her to take over after he retired. She could have been established at the university back in the city working continuing the research she’d started with her grandmother’s guiding hand on her shoulder. She should be back in the city where the most physical harm she might face would be a mild hangover from drinking herself a bit silly after having to deal with Athena’s high society acquaintances. 

Instead she was here, burned and bandaged. 

He wasn’t sure how long he’d been sitting there when Bel groaned and a furry purple ear twitched. She twisted a bit and hissed when the motion pulled on her burned skin, she looked at him with unfocused groggy eyes, “Grandpa?”

The tone reminded him, too painfully, of when he and her mother had taken her from Athena’s lab after his wife’s second bout of madness. She’d been five years old and terrified and clung to him or Idunn as she whimpered. “It’s me, I’m going to-” 

Another shift and hiss of pain brought sharpness to his granddaughter’s miss matched blue and green eyes. Her next words were growled, “You damn well better not have taken my evidence.”

The sudden shift felt like a slap in the face and he felt his voice and temper respond, “You stole those ledgers.”

“Like hell I did!” Bel yelled back at him. “It’s salvage if his name wasn't on the deed.”

“You have no idea what you are doing” Hephaistos was on his feet and looming over the girl. 

A hand on his bicep dug in and yanked him back. The medic glared at him and jerked a thumb at the door, “Get the fuck out of my clinic.”

“This is my granddaughter!” Lahabrea growled

“I don’t fucking care. Get out of my fucking clinic.” The medic pulled him back harder surprisingly strong. Bel had forced herself to sit up so she could glare properly at her grandfather which only earned her the medics ire as well. Mathye jabbed a finger in her direction, “you will damn well lay back down before you tear that healing skin.”

Bel did as she was told with bad grace and Mathye turned his attention back to Hephaistos. The lawyer ground his teeth and looked at his granddaughter who was pointedly staring at the wall. He ground his teeth and stormed out before the sawbones could cuss at him again. At the very least the door slammed with a satisfying sound. 

Hephaistos Lahabrea began to walk back to the hotel and from the corner of his eye caught the familiar sight of a priest of the Holy Mother and Father. A priest with a familiar face. He did not stare at the priest in white robes that crossed the road. Just like the priest did not stare at the lawyer in a black suit. Lahabrea walked into the hotel and stopped at the front desk to hand over a key. “I no longer need room five.”

“Oh course sir,” the young woman had a carefully blank face. “Will there be anything else?”

“That will be all,” Lahabrea left without any pleasantries. Once he was in his room and the door locked behind him he poured water from the pitcher on top of the dresser into the basin that provided the most basic of washing up possibilities. He splashed water on his face but did not look into the mirror to see what he already knew was there. He found himself thinking of his Ericthonios in the wake of the encounter with his granddaughter. His son looked like he was every inch his son from his ember orange hair to the scarlet eyes set in dark skin, but his son was aging into laugh lines not scowl lines and his hair was not burned white by his own ambition. He considered looking for Claudine who he knew was lurking around Stonewood but after all of today’s chasing after nothing he did not have the energy to hunt down a son to argue with. 

There was one possibility that might salvage this trip to this town forsaken by the Mother and Father. Lahabrea grabbed the hand towel and patted his face dry. He locked the door behind him when he left and began walking to the chapel on the west side of town. He knew the shape of the building he was looking for without ever having seen it. The Holy Church of the Mother and Father liked to keep a consistent image. He’d been raised in the old religion that had come from across the salt. He still went enough to be seen doing so, making an effort at the show of piety helped mitigate some of the dark reputation that the Lahabrea Legal Firm had. 

The inside of the church was a pale shard of the grand cathedrals in the lands across the salt. The walls were white washed with middling violet and blue tapestries. The wooden pews were painted white with faded purple scrollwork painted on the backs. Behind the alter the rounded abstract figures of Mother Hydaelyn and Father Zodiark were carefully painted wood rather than carved alabaster and amethyst lit from within by ancient crystal. The only thing that did not seem like a worn out facsimile was the blood red stole that now hung over the shoulders of the priest. 

“You are several hours early if you want to attend midnight service.” Lahabrea would never lose that edge of surprise when the deep baritone voice rang out from the man’s slight frame. 

“Elidibus,” He stopped walking at the front row of pews and watched the priest set out candles in preparation for the service. 

“I prefer Themis these days,” the he turned to face Lahabrea. Themis was the same age as his sons, old enough to have children grown, but he still looked barely old enough to convince a saloon keeper to let him drink. 

“This isn’t where I expected to find you,” Lahabrea probed but only received one of Themis’s polite smiles. He pushed harder, “I assume you’ve-”

“I do not work for you anymore Hephaistos,” Themis cut him off, “And I have not for several years now.”

“One does not simply walk away from a vocation like yours, Elidibus,” Lahabrea put heated emphasis on the name. 

“Oh there has been nothing simple about my path,” Themis stepped up to the alter and looked at him with that same polite smile but now the blue eyes were calculating. “I would advise you to caution Hephaistos Lahabrea. The Mother and Father ensure balance in all things and all lives. You would not want anything to upset that balance and draw their will into action.” 

Lahabrea bristled at the obtusely worded threat. “Nothing you know could be used in court.”

“True balance is rarely found in the Dawnservent’s courts. You have helped to ensure as much. And so I doubt that any redress for your sins would happen there.” Themis folded his hands neatly in front of him. “I will pray that you have an uneventful trip back to the city.”

Lahabrea clenched a fist as Themis turned away from him. He stormed out of the church without even crumbs that might make something of the trip to this backwater. He returned to the hotel and slept poorly in an unfamiliar bed that night. The next morning at the train station he watched two Landsguard agents in full uniform board with the box that contained the evidence that he had originally set out to get. 

He would need to find out what those ledgers contained. Hephaistos took his seat in the single passenger car and pinched the bridge of his nose. It could wait until tomorrow when the dust of Stonewood was no longer clinging to him as a reminder of what he had failed to do. 

[zashahope]

Zasha Hope was humming in a peaceful manner as she was trimming the hedges of her topiary to make sure it kept its carbuncle shape.

Farrson Odim came walking up and through the arch to the manse. His coats was dripping wet and it looked like his left pant leg was soaked in blood, "Hey, Zasha."

Zasha Hope glanced over, holding a trimming sheer in hand with a small smile. That smile faultered though. "Ah... you okay there?"

Lerran Nemas walked up the path a bit trying to get the water out of his hair with a small cough. "Hmh?" He paused, glancing over at Zasha when he heard Farrson greet her.

Alexander Rendon was about to stride into the homestead, right through the front door before his eyes widened upon the sight of Zasha. He looked down at himself, looking like he just came out of a slaughterhouse - covered in blood, drippings, and entrails of the Amalj'aa he had slaughtered as he stepped right on the cobble leading to the main door. "Shite...I'm covered in blood..." He murmured, having heard stories of Zasha's wrath. "Wait... I KNOW!"

Alexander Rendon experiences a brief moment of enlightenment.

Farrson Odim: "Hmmm? Or. Its fine. Just gutted a toad in the shroud and rubbed it on my leg. Sort of a fetus."

Zasha Hope grimmaced. "Well make sure you wash off before going inside." she said before going to put the scissors on her tool belt. "I'll get the ho---" she paused as she heard Alex shout his 'I know!' and glanced over with a clueless expression.

Lerran Nemas: "I have a bad feeling about this."

Lerran Nemas: "Nothing good happens when he has ideas."

Farrson Odim: "He has ideas?"

Lerran Nemas: "Not ones that are actually worth calling that. . ." Lerran muttered under his breath.

Alexander Rendon with a grin and a look of accomplishment and actual self-respect, he confidently /strut/ over to the hot tub, stripping off pieces of armour on the way as he disappeared behind a screen, which was soon followed by a splash. Alex, the blood-covered Midlander, the former Demon Wolf of Carteneau, was now stripped down to his skivvies, revealing his scarred, chiseled physique and eight-pack abs which glistened with perspiration from the exertions of battle...as he hopped into the hot springs +

Alexander Rendon: with a relieved sigh.

Lerran Nemas: ". . ."

Zasha Hope stared. "D....Did he...Did he just go...blood covered in there..."

Lerran Nemas: "Yup. . ."

Farrson Odim: "Uhhhh... I'm sure Frisk will stop him?"

Zasha Hope: "That's... incredbily unsanity for the others that go in after right?"

Lerran Nemas: "Yup. . ."

Farrson Odim: "Oh. speaking on that. We'll be having a few geusts tonight... they are not as blood covered as Alex, of course."

Zasha Hope: let out a small noise before pulling out her bush trimming sheers and stomping over to the hot tub.

Mathye Bishop comes out, quickly wrapping a bandage around his left hand again.

Lerran Nemas: "I don't think she can hear you right now. The rage is to strong."

Alexander Rendon: "Oh man, this was a great idea!" Alex's voice floated over the walls of the springs, "I should've done this sooner! Now I won't track blood all over the inside of the Homestead and make Zasha mad at me!"

Zasha Hope: "What. THe. Actual. Fuck. Rendon."

Mathye Bishop: "Wait what's this about...blood and rage?"

Mathye Bishop: "...Why is she using profanity?"

Mathye Bishop: "And hasn't slumped into a faint?"

Farrson Odim: "Oh... But she's so cute when she is angry. Her voice goes up a few octives."

Lerran Nemas: "Alexander Rendon is why."

Mathye Bishop: "...GODDAMN IT ALEX CAN'T YOU KEEP OUT OF SHITE FOR LIKE TWENTY FOUR FUCKING BELLS."

Farrson Odim: "He went into the hot tub covered in blood... So somebody is going to need to clean it."

Alexander Rendon: "...She gave me moko brownies, I should be considerate of her - " His head snapped so hard it almost gave him whiplash, "Wait, what do you mean what the actual fu - wait, what the fuck you just swore, Zasha. Uh...I'm making sure I don't track blood all over the homestead?" He grinned weakly.

Mathye Bishop: "...The hot tub that Amber uses for her medical treatments?"

Lerran Nemas: "It's more of a general tub, but Amber does use it more then anyone else. Hot springs are meant for relaxing, not actual bathing."

Farrson Odim: "You are ment to clean yourself before you go in."

Zasha Hope held up the trimming sheers. He couldn't see her face from the rim of her hat hiding casting a shadow. "Do you know... that blood leaves pathogens that can be very harmful to the sick or pregnant thus why I tell people to -hose- off before going in the HOmestead...?"

Mathye Bishop facepalms. "Goddamn it. Though if he dies, I call dibs on all his belongings."

Farrson Odim: "Alex... Well... He had all sorts of blood and other boddily fluid on him."

Alexander Rendon 's hands immediately went to cover his groin after spying the shears in Zasha's hands. "...Isn't...this a way of hosing off?"

Mathye Bishop: "..."

Mathye Bishop: "Yeah I'm not touching that shite with a ten yalm pole."

Zasha Hope: "That is a place people go to rest and relax. Not bathe. -Amber- who is -6- moons along uses it to sooth cramps. And you're putting -blood- in it?"

Alexander Rendon: "...Am I not supposed to?" Alex blinked twice.

Mathye Bishop makes to finish tying off the bandage around his left hand. "Zasha if you murder him, I want the body for science."

Farrson Odim: "I'm more worried about Zasha. She's holding sheers and is clumsy as can be." he paused, "Though... I've never seen her fall down stairs and such while angry..."

Lerran Nemas: "Bless his idiot soul. . . he tried." Lerran said dryly.

Mathye Bishop: "...WHY ARE YOU LETTING HER HOLD SHARP THINGS?!"

Zasha Hope leaned out. Were here eyes glowing red like a demon's. "Shut the fuck up Mathye." she said before leaning back slowly to the hot tub, pointing the sheers at Alex.

Zasha Hope: "No."

Farrson Odim: "Because you think I could tell her what to do?"

Alexander Rendon backed away from Zasha as she pointed the shears at Alex, squeaking as he backed up against the wall. "I thought I was doing a good by bathing before going in...I'm...not doing a good?"

Mathye Bishop: "...Woman, if you fucking faceplant and stab yourself, your ass ending up in my infirmary, and we're both going to be unhappy."

Lucerna Sainahs is dropped off along with Zayaat and ten captives of various ages and races. She had an arrow sized for an Amal'jaa sticking out of her abdomen, but she has since snapped most of the shaft off so she could move around easier. "Um.. is everything alright?"

Lerran Nemas: "Zasha. . . we have guests from a traumatic experience walking up the path to the homestead. Can you pause the threats for a moment?"

Mathye Bishop: "...WHAT THE FUCK?!"

Zasha Hope: "No. You get the hose and spray off. That's why we have the hose." Zasha said. "You've contaimented a medical area and did you what that I am have the full training of castration of pigs?"

Farrson Odim looked over his shoulder, "Oh... alex is making Zasha want to murder him. The normal things."

Alexander Rendon: "...."

Mathye Bishop: "WHY THE FUCK DO YOU HAVE AN ARROW STICKING OUT OF YOU AND WHO THE FUCK ARE ALL THE PEOPLE?!"

Alexander Rendon: "I should run now, shouldn't I."

Mathye Bishop rushes over to inspect Lucerna!

Zayaat Malqir: "Oy, language."

Zasha Hope glared, he could see the look of pure rage on her face. "I will put that knowledge on YOU if you don't empty out the hotsprings and sanatize it up to Lerran's expectations."

Lerran Nemas: "Alex had an idea and tried to do a good thing, but did a bad thing inseat. Theusual."

Alexander Rendon: "..."

Mathye Bishop: "No.  If Zasha curses, I get to curse. Period."

Alexander Rendon: "................"

Zayaat Malqir: "Two, I was going to have it removed before we left, but everyone else left before I could start removing the arrow."

Mathye Bishop pins Lucerna with the Medical Look of Doom. "You."

Alexander Rendon: "I'mgonnapaysomeprofessionalcleanerstodothisforyouinsteadcauseI'mnotgoodatthissortofthinganywaythanksforlettingmetakeabathBYE!"

Zasha Hope grabs Alex's aether suddenly, holding him still from a distance.

Lucerna Sainahs: A tiny black-haired blue-eyed lalafel child, not older than twelve summers, is standing by Zayaat's legs. "We get to curse here? Fuck yeah!"

Lerran Nemas: "I was going to take care of it when we got here. . . I didn't feel like dealing with her not wanting treated on site."

Zasha Hope: "No. You're FUCKING doing it. RIGHT GODSDAMNED NOW!"

Alexander Rendon was stopped in mid-air, and the wind aether was cut off abruptly. To add injury to his misfortune, Alex immediately began to fall down the cliff, tumbling and smacking into the cliff-face as he fell down the rocks.

Zasha Hope used her aether manipulation on his aetherial signature, yanking ALex backwards and reversing his movements to make him splash back in the bloody hotsprings.

Alexander Rendon was yoted back into the hot springs, bruised, bloodied, and with several rocks and twigs sticking out of his muscular body as he fell into the hot springs, face-first, despaired gurgling the only indicators of life.

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

on our fates alight --the honey b lovely show (start)

Sebastian moved quickly, putting a hand to Reinhardt's eyes. A shadow covered the dragoon's vision, and his shoulders sagged in relief.

"Thank fuck. I can't look at that. I'm sorry, I can't." That being Honey B. Lovely's customized fighting ring in the Arcadion. Reinhardt had taken one look at the viewscreen and had nearly vomited from the overstimulation.

"You're fine." Sebastian assured the other Dominant. "Here, sit down--and I'll keep this over your eyes for now. Are you okay with listening?"

"Listening's fine, I just can't look at that...that." Mathye came up with a chair, nudging it against the backs of Reinhardt's legs so he knew where it was. Sebastian removed his hand, keeping the veil of shadow attached to Reinhardt's eyes as Zurvan's Dominant sat down.

"How's Zurvan?"

<I will be happy to live the rest of my days without ever gazing upon such chaos again.>

"I think I actually can feel my blood sugar rising the longer I look at it." Riven breathed.

"Probably a good thing you aren't fighting, I have a feeling their ability to safeguard people from any affects of their fighters would be stretched to it's limit with you involved." Mathye commented. He scowled as Reinhardt tried to shoo him away.

"We're fine now!"

"I'll be the judge of that!"

"I honestly thought you were going to fight her." Sebastian commented to Riven.

"I was supposed to. Then she saw Augustine, and next thing Metem was changing the match." The brunette looked back to the viewscreen, where Honey B. Lovely had made her entrance.

"Does he at least have a second?" Mathye asked, Reinhardt having passed current medical satisfaction.

"Bylti and Tsukuyomi. Tsukuyomi was apparently very interested for some reason." More cheering came from the screen's speakers as Augustine walked onto the field.

<He said he wanted to try and hold out against her for as long as possible before calling for help.> Halone said thoughtfully.

<He possibly could pull it off. It would just depend on how powerful the girl is.> Odin replied. Riven winced as the screaming suddenly hit painful levels--Augustine had semi-Primed. Mathye moved to stand inbetween her and Sebastian, looking at the screen.

"I have a bad feeling about those regulator transformations." He said lowly, watching as Honey B. Lovely gave a wink and activated her regulator. "I can't put my finger on it exactly, just that it feels wrong to me."

"Well if Augustine and Bylti win this one, you might have your chance next match." Sebastian answered.

The starlet with a sting-the adorable-but-deadly, sweet-yet-poisonous Honey B. Lovely!

Riven's lips parted in surprise, and she leaned in closer to the screen. Then...

"THAT IS A FUCKING WASP!!!" Mathye's roar was enough to shake the energy drink cans on the table, and Riven jolted back.

"WHAT THE FUCK?! THAT'S A WASP, NOT A BEE! WHAT THE ENTIRE FUCK IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE?!"

Sebastian was starting to lose it. Utterly and completely. Desperate wheezing and high pitched sobs of glee were escaping him as Mathye proceeded to have a taxonomical meltdown at what he was seeing on the screen. Reinhardt was deciding to slowly inch back in his chair. Eyes wide, Riven tried to intervene.

"Mathye--"

"I SWEAR TO THE GODS AUGUSTINE IF YOU DON'T BEAT THAT BITCH I'M COMING TO DO IT MY FUCKING SELF!! QUEEN BEE MY ASS!!"

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

Prompt #1: Steer

-----------

"How the fuck do you steer this thing?" Reinhardt asked, looming over the skyslipper's passenger side. Then he grunted as a hand seized his collar and pulled him back.

"Absolutely the fuck not." Augustine commanded. "I'm driving." Climbing past Zurvan's Dominant, the paladin dropped his bag next to the skyslipper's driver seat.

"Since when the hells do you get to drive?!" Reinhardt demanded.

"Since I don't trust you, don't trust my brother, and I especially do not trust Sebastian." Augustine bent over to adjust the pedals for his height.

"Halone take the wheel." Sebastian cracked, placing his own satchel into the skyslipper's carryon. That done, he dropped into the first passenger seat.

Would rather not. Came the snarky reply.

"How long is it going to take to get to..wherever the hells we're going?" Mathye asked, climbing on board.

"Whenever Ryne says 'stop' apparently." Augustine replied, settling down in the driver's seat. He started to flick the slipper's control switches as Reinhardt tossed his bag into the carryon hammock.

"Where's Riven?"

"First slipper. And I tried to get her out of it, but she said no." At least Riven was with Thancred, which mollified Augustine somewhat. The scheming of the Exarch and Urianger was still raw amongst the tight-knit group--despite explanations and apologies. As a tactician, Augustine could understand why the pair had done it--even more so when the Exarch had revealed all other ways had failed. But as a Dominant, as Riven's friend, as one of her brothers...

Augustine. Halone murmured. The paladin started. Inhaling, he forced himself to let go of the wheel--he'd been gripping it to the point where he was starting to crush the metal.

"Sorry." He whispered.

It's alright. Halone let a gentle touch of frost brush over her First Dominant's fingers. It...will take time for things to settle. Time for wounds to heal, time for trust--if it could be recovered--to regrow. The Scions could not afford division amongst themselves, nor could the Dominants afford quarrels with their keepers turned friends/allies. The goddess of Ice and War hoped that the...expedition into the Empty would begin the healing process.

"I am not sitting next to this dumbass." Mathye declared, breaking into Halone's musings. "Sebastian, switch with me."

"No."

"What's wrong with sitting next to me?!" Reinhardt demanded. Augustine rolled his eyes, slipping the key into the skyslipper's ignition.

"Mat." He called out warningly as the machina coughed and rattled to life with a loud roar. "All of you. Behave!"

"I have an idea for a game."

"I will fucking kill you." Augustine sighed again, turning around so he could start backing up.

"Why did I even volunteer to do this?" He asked the air.

Reinhardt is not to be trusted with anything mobile, my Dominant would probably drive all of us into a ditch whenever his patience snapped, and do you honestly want your brother behind the wheel? Odin countered.

"We crashed one time!" Reinhardt protested.

Once was enough. Zurvan rumbled.

"I should have gone with Zoissette and the others." Augustine sighed.

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

Prompt #26: Zip

-----

(Dawntrail)

-----

Pa-paya! Payapaya pa-paya!

Sebastian’s eyes opened. He stared up at the ceiling for several seconds before the headache roared to life.

Pa-paya, payapaya pa-paya!

Oh my fucking gods.

“No…” He heard Reinhardt moan. “Riven…no…” Next to the dragoon, Augustine winced and curled up into a small ball.

Pa-paya, payapaya pa-paya!!

Sebastian squeezed his eyes shut. Counted to five. Then slitted them open, hissing as the pain knifed through his skull again. He could hear Valefor’s chirping—or rather, he recognized the song that Riven was delightfully filling his aching ears with.

“Shut her up.” Mathye growled from under the bed. There was the sound of movement, and then the clinking of glass bottles. Sebastian winced at the sound.

What…? There were vague memories of last night—a bar, and then…

Pineapples. Odin rumbled. All four of you decided to drink them.

“Drink?” Sebastian got out, swallowing. His throat was suddenly so very dry…

Yes. You all drank nothing but those pineapples. And would not let Riven partake of one.

Pa-paya, payapaya pa-paya!!

“Riven.” Augustine’s voice was a mirror of his older brother’s now.

Pa-paya, payapaya pa-paya!!

“It is seven-o-clock in the morning.” Sebastian gingerly rolled over onto his side—and blinked. Riven was Primed into her small form, perched atop a pile of books. Her little head was bobbing up and down as she continued to chirp the lyrics to Pa-Paya.

“Silence.” Mathye growled, holding up a finger. Riven stilled, fluffing up her feathers as she surveyed the prone and hungover bodies of her siblings. Sebastian closed his eyes in relief, blessed, blessed silence…

Pa-paya, payapaya pa-paya!!

Odin’s Dominant opened his eyes in time to see a snowball zip towards the pile of books.

-----

(inspired by @saesama commenting that this very scenario should happen, based on this post: https://www.tumblr.com/everythingfox/744504540456452096/living-with-a-singer )

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

on our fates alight-- the front door

"Augustine, as much as talking our way in might be the best idea, it's probably not going to happen." Mathye muttered under his breath.

"You don't know that." His younger brother countered.

"That woman does not look happy. Not to mention that guard we saw in these colors probably went running back here with the wrong godsdamned impression of us!"

"My people brought me a report of a slaughter on the road." The Viera woman in front of them said darkly. Augustine huffed as Mathye hissed 'See!' behind him.

"Have you anything to do with that?"

"If by slaughter you mean teaching the local bandit population to not attack the helpless and strangers, you're welcome." Sebastian commented, not flinching as he got an elbow from Augustine.

"Shut up." The paladin ground out. Odin's Dominant went silent, eyes flicking to the guards who had arrayed themselves before the small group, weapons out and at the ready. There was grim determination on their faces, as well as fear. But there was also...

Relief? Odin whispered, confusion clear in his voice.

These people were expecting to confront something else. Zurvan rumbled. Something...worse.

"Bandits attacked us on the road, this is true." Augustine said aloud. "We defended ourselves. We have no quarrel with anyone, we're looking for a friend."

"A friend." The Viera repeated, looking doubtful.

"Yes. We were told that she was here." It was almost on the tip of Augustine's tongue to say 'brought', but he changed his mind at the last second. Right now it was more important to get into--or rather, onto the Crystal Tower's grounds so that they could start looking for Riven. If that meant stretching the truth a bit, then so be it.

"We've traveled quite a way to come here." He continued.

"Where are you from?"

Shite. Augustine's mind whirled--what could he say?--

"What business of that is yours?" Mathye demanded. To his credit, he didn't blink as Halone flared to life, hissing at him to be silent.

"We are not in the business of allowing strangers to cross our gates." Came the response. "Let alone ones who bear armor and weapons such as the ones you have, and leave a charnel house in their wake."

"They had it coming." Sebastian countered. "Since when is it lawful to attack travelers on the road? And why do you have such concern for them? Your line of questioning can lead one to assume that you are no law enforcer, but a bandit yourself."

"You dare?!" One of the guards snarled.

"Will you please shut the fuck up and let me do the talking?!" Augustine snapped. Then he froze as something flashed on the very edges of his aetherical senses, breaking through the haze of Light that surrounded everything where they were. At the same time a familiar high-pitched cry filled the air. The noise attracted the attention of the Viera woman and her guards, and they turned as one to look up--

Just as the pink and purple form of Valefor swooped down from the sky. Halfway down the Eikon's form blurred, light engulfing it as it suddenly became much smaller, plummeting down towards them--

"Riven!!"

And suddenly Augustine's arms were full, his heart screaming in joy. Riven was sobbing, clinging to him-and then to Sebastian, then Mathye and Reinhardt--Halone and Zurvan cheering, Valefor singing a greeting--

"Augustine! Mathye! Reinhardt--Sebastian!" Almost too late Riven remembered where they where, and she pulled out of the group hug to face the guards.

"These are my big brothers, Captain Lyna!" She said. "Put down your weapons, they don't mean any harm!"

"It's alright, Captain." Came an unfamiliar voice. Augustine looked past the Viera. A hooded man had made his way to the back of the group, stopping as the guards quickly lowered their weapons to salute him.

"This lot are among your strange friends as well, Exarch?" Captain Lynda said, disbelief in her tone.

"Yes. And honestly, I'm not surprised that the bandits fell before them. Nightshade can't fight back against one Dominant, much less four."

How did he know we were-- Halone breathed.

"I would suggest we head inside, however. This much activity in the wood may stir up the sin eaters." The hooded man continued.

"Ser!" Captain Lyna and the guards saluted again, and Riven reached out to grab Sebastian and Augustine by the hands.

"Come on!" She said, tugging.

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

on our fates alight--grave miscalculation

"There are two Halones."

Menenius' words had the effect of a Silence spell going off in the room. All eyes immediately tracked to the IVth Legion's Tribunus, who was slowly crushing a report in one gaunleted fist.

"What did you just say?" Lyon got out. Surely--he'd been hearing things--

"There are two. Halones." Menenius repeated, his voice clipped. Lyon's eyes scanned the room--no sight of Misija. She'd been sparse since losing another Gunnhildr Eikon--to Mathye Bishop, if what he'd heard was true.

"That doesn't make sense! Halone is not a duel deity!" Albeleo interjected.

"Apparently, she is now." Menenius said. Forcing himself to unclench his fingers, he held out the crumpled paper, watching as Lyon snatched it from his fingers.

"Two engagements. Opposite sides of the Front. Augustine Bishop at one end, his brother Mathye at the other. Both Primed."

"But...they need..." Albeleo was stunned, shock clear on his features. "That's--"

"The older brother practiced Thavnarian religious rites in Coerthas." Lyon let Albeleo grab the paper from him as his gaze flicked to Menenius.

"Misija said something once that she'd heard that it'd been something about him that let Halone pick them both. And I bet you anything that whatever they've done the past year and a half has empowered their Eikons. Odin was a right fucking handful when I dueled him, and that was only as his semi-Prime."

"...War and Ice." Menenius said aloud. His eyes widened. "So that means..."

"The paladin's War, more than likely." Lyon declared.

"And the priest is Ice. Which effectively means the Scion Eikon count here is now five." Albeleo finished.

And they're burning through Misija's Eikons of the Gunnhildr Queens. Menenius thought. What had originally seemed like a good idea to demoralize and break the Bozjan Resistance was fast becoming a liability. Especially if the Scion Dominants had been...holding themselves back.

"Do we have any word on Zurvan and Valefor?" He asked.

"Not yet. If what Votyasch told us was true, the Resistance will be fielding them in their next push, and letting Halone...or rather both Halones rest." Lyon answered. "That at least seems to be one thing going well for us, the Eikons are at least being held in check due to the aether of the area." Valefor had to be chomping at the bit, the Beastmaster thought. Riven Sadler wanted Misija's head.

Maybe it could be given to her.

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

another way to die-- secret's out (2)

"Holding your breath is not going to change the fact that I have to fix you." At Mathye's words, Brucemont exhaled--then winced. His torso still ached from the accidental knee he'd taken. Falling off the bed onto his back and shoulders hadn't helped either.

Additionally, Bastion smugly curled up in the back of his skull was also not helping. Brucemont hissed as a warm palm pressed itself in-between his shoulder blades. Then he sagged as the pain suddenly seemed to be cut in half, gentle pulses of aether rippling through his body.

"...You actually cracked a rib. Damn."

"Not funny, Bishop." Shite, he hadn't meant to growl that out. Unable to help himself, he nervously turned his head to look at Mathye. This close, he could see that the Tural sun had also been kind to the healer. More than that, there was a calmer light in Mathye's eyes--and his aura.

<It is nice to not be known as a big hero.> Hrist whispered. Understanding dawned over Brucemont.

I see. One of the reasons why he and Sebastian had been keeping their relationship private was the fact that it would be the recipient of much scrutiny. Thinking of the gunbreaker reminded Brucemont of what had just happened, and he drew in a breath.

"Mathye, I...ow!" A hand swatted him upside the head, and Brucemont stopped, staring at the hyur.

"What the hells was that for?!"

"I have been losing my fucking mind over the past year because at certain times, you and Sebastian smelled too damn clean." Came the acidic reply. "You could have said something like-I don't know, reasonable and sensible adults! Instead I'm wondering if something's gone wrong or if I'm going crazy because at least a third of the time you two didn't smell normal!"

"This coming from the man who rages about people's hormones!" Brucemont snapped back. Then he froze.

"Wait. You..." He trailed off, eyes widening. Mathye tilted his head, watching the dragoon.

"What?"

"You...don't have a problem with this? With...me and...?"

"I have a problem in the form that I need to give both you and him the fucking shovel talk like I did Riven and Estinien. Of which, let's get it out of the way! You hurt him, I kill you. He hurts you, I kill him. Good talk, everyone's happy, and I never want to see your dick in a non-medical setting ever again." Brucemont continued to stare at Mathye, feeling as if he'd fallen into some bizarre fairie-tale world.

"You don't have a problem." He repeated. Mathye sighed gustily, reaching out to rest a hand on one of Brucemont's shoulders.

"Brucemont." He began. "You saw who I used to sleep with. Do I have any fucking right to judge?" The two men stared at each other for several moments, and then broke out into laughter at the same time. A weight seemed to ease itself off the dragoon, and he caught his breath.

"If anything…we're not serious." He said. "We're…just friends. That's all." Mathye tucked his tongue into his cheek, eyes flicking to Brucemont's right shoulder. Bastion was perched there, solemnly shaking his head in a 'No.'

<Oh dear.> Hrist commented.

"Let's get back to the others and you can explain why Aymeric told you to come over." Mathye said aloud. There was fuckery afoot, but right now he preferred to deal with the non-romantic side of things. If he had to play relationship counselor somebody was going to get hit.

Or maybe stabbed.

Something.

-----

Augustine peered around the corner.

"Reinhardt?"

"Why are my siblings sleeping with my superiors?" Came the muffled response. Before the paladin could respond, an index finger lifted into the air.

"Don't answer that." With a sigh, Reinhardt lifted his head and looked over.

"Is he…?" Augustine glanced behind him. Sebastian's head was on the dinner table, a towel on his neck. Riven was rubbing his back. She glanced up and offered a sideways wave of her other hand.

"He's not vomiting anymore if that helps." Reinhardt sighed again at that response.

<You're not mad at him.> Paien stated.

"No but can we not, right now? Please?" The last thing Reinhardt had needed seared into his memory was his commanding officer's junk. He'd already walked in on Riven and Estinien once, and had never wanted to repeat the experience.

Clearly, the gods had decided otherwise.

<How about we focus on why he came over? Mathye said that apparently Aymeric had sent him?>

"Aymeric?" Reinhardt repeated. He looked at Augustine, who tilted his head in confusion.

"What?"

-------

The slight smile Reinhardt had given him had eased the anxiety, somewhat.

It's fine. Everything's fine. Sebastian blinked, looking up as another set of hands patted him on the back.

"Breathe." Mathye ordered, moving to sit down next to him. "Next time, some warning would be a good idea." Sebastian blinked.

"You're not…?"

"Why do people think I am in a position to pass judgement on their relationships when I was the representative for gutter manwhore?" Mathye wondered aloud.

"Think that's my title now." Reinhardt quipped. He gave Sebastian another small smile, and the gunbreaker felt another knot untie itself in his stomach.

"Sexual liaisons aside, why are you here?" Riven crossed her arms, gaze fixed firmly on Brucemont.

"I'm here because one," Brucemont jabbed a finger at Reinhardt- "this one apparently forgot how to properly inform his commanding officers that he's still breathing, and a request for more dragon scales and blood got Vedrfolnir extremely worried."

"I wrote a letter, did yo—wait what?!" Reinhardt exclaimed.

"Two, the Grand Alliance is wondering what the hell is going on, because suddenly there's talk from Limsa and Sharlayan about strange airships that nobody's ever seen before looming over the harbour-" Brucemont watched as Sebastian's head snapped up. Five pairs of eyes were suddenly laser-focused on him.

"And three, dragons talk." Silence filled the room after his pronouncement. Augustine was the first to break it, putting a hand to the bank of his neck.

"Well...shite."

---

another way to die masterpost

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

Prompt #3: Tempest

-----

( guest-starring @saesama 's Klynt)

-----

Even with Klynt at the topmast and the storm-shielding in place, it took the ship another two hours to clear the sudden tempest. When they finally were free of the storm, Reinhardt carried Klynt back inside to the small area the Dominants were using for sleeping. Mathye was already there, armed and ready with his medical kit.

“Fucking hells, she looks like shite.” He breathed. Reinhardt set her down on the travel-mattress, taking the mana potion Halone’s Second Dominant was holding out. Without ceramony, he held it to the roe's lips.

“Drink.” He ordered. To his relief and anxiety, Klynt obeyed, not putting up a fight as how she normally would. Once the bottle was dry, Mathye handed over another one.

“What’s it like topside?” He asked.

“If you’re asking if the sailors are going to throw us in chains or overboard, the answer is no. They’re more concerned about their own and her.” Reinhardt watched as Klynt greedily downed the second mana potion. Her color had improved, and as he reached for a third bottle, she reached out for his wrist.

“I’m alright.” She rasped. “Susano is too. We’re just tired. Sleep’ll fix us.” Reinhardt looked at Mathye, who was checking Klynt’s pulse. The white mage looked back at him, nodding.

“Sleep and food.” He directed. “Ship’s cook has some stew going that’s not actually half-bad. Let’s get some—” He trailed off as Klynt’s free hand moved, Susano’s strength now gripping him. Reinhardt blinked as the same vice-like grip locked around his hand as well.

“Klynt?!"

“What the—” Klynt pulled, making both men loom over her. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed.

“That storm was not natural!” She whispered. “We heard a voice on the wind, commanding it!” Susano’s wine-dark tones crept into her last words, and she let go of the pair. Reinhardt and Mathye shared a shocked glance.

“Someone was commanding the storm?” Mathye was the first to recover, while Reinhardt rocked back on his heels and scanned the room. For the moment, they were the only ones present.

“A power like ours, behind it.” Klynt swallowed again. “Strong as us. Maybe stronger. It took everything we had to keep the worst at bay.”

A power like...wait a minute! “An Eikon?!” Reinhardt hissed. Zurvan immediately surged to the forefront of his mind, and he was certain Halone was doing the same.

“Don’t know.” Klynt replied. Mathye turned and poured a glass of water, holding it to the pirate queen’s lips. Klynt greedily drained it dry, and Mathye refilled the glass.

“Are you certain about what you two sensed?” He asked, his voice low. Klynt nodded.

“I don’t know if it was a primal, god, or Eikon, but that storm was not natural. It was summoned by someone, and being controlled by them.” Reinhardt shared a look with Mathye, and in the aether Zurvan and Halone were doing the same.

Wuk Lamat spoke of creatures called turaal vidraal that she likened to us. Halone ventured. Could this be one of them?

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

Prompt #13: Butte

-----

"There is like...nothing out here!"

"Want to reconsider that?" Augustine asked, beginning to unstrap his chestpiece. Mathye paused.

"Alright. This isn't in the same category as the Empty. But!" He gestured at the Yawtanane Grasslands.

"It's fucking flat!! Save for those random ass mountains!"

Butte. Halone corrected.

"Random ass mountains, weird looking bushes, rocks everywhere--"

"Don't forget the suspiciously buff cactuars." Reinhardt added. Augustine rolled his eyes, freeing himself from his armor.

"Has anyone seen Riven?" He asked, putting his chestpiece into the wagon. A screech was his answer as Sebastian carefully held up Valefor in her small form by one leg.

"Here."

"Riven, un-Prime please."

It's hoootttt. Riven complained. It's cooler if I'm like this and on the floor!

''Suffer like the rest of us." Sebastian ordered. Riven squawked and tried to bite him. Augustine sighed, looking at Erenville.

"If you want to leave us behind you're more than welcome to." He said. The gleaner sighed, shrugging.

"If I do, I have a feeling you lot would get into worse trouble." He said.

"How much further is it to...where is it that we're going?" Reinhardt asked.

"We're only a third of the way in." Erenville answered. "About another four hours to the rroneek stop." He blinked as five pairs of eyes-or rather four human and one bird--suddenly stared at him.

"Four hours?!" Mathye exclaimed.

What do you mean we're only one third of the way in?! Riven screeched.

"Did you think that traveling up here was going to end up being the same like Eorzea?" Erenville fought hard to repress a smile. "If anything, it'll take longer for us to get around up here in Xak Tural than down in Yok Tural."

We've been traveling for five hours! How is this only one third-of the way in?!

"I would suggest we keep moving. I doubt you all would want to test yourselves against the night life out here."

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

Prompt #5: Stamp

-----

The raised edges of the stamp pressed against Augustine's palm as he started to crumple the paper. Halone was a low simmer of wrath in his belly, needle-like pinpricks of ice snaking up his spine. In front of him were several fresh graves, Riven having tapped into Valefor's powers to provide the group of Temple Knights they'd found a temporary burial.

"The Archbishop ordered a platoon out here." Halone was in his throat, turning every single word he uttered into ice. Faintly Augustine registered a hand resting on his shoulder, Darkness humming just under the skin. Turning his head, he caught Sebastian's eye. Odin's Dominant shook his head.

"Easy." He warned, the greenish light of Azys Lla giving his skin an eerie tinge. "Your anger is justified, but not out here. You need your senses sharp." For several moments Augustine could only stare at Sebastian, a retort fast forming on his tongue. Odin's Dominant of all people, telling him to calm down?!

"August." Mathye said. Augustine felt Halone check--and he closed his eyes. Damn the man, he was right.

"You said a platoon. Is it the missing one Lucia and Handelhoup were speaking of?" Riven asked.

"More than likely." Mathye answered. "Two squads of Temple Knights, and--"

"One dragoon." Estinien finished, a barely suppressed growl in his voice. "I had control of the Knights-Dragoon, and we had our missing squadron right up until your encounter with Bismark. When that pissant got his hands on the key, he must have ordered them to head out and come here."

"Why?" Alphinaud breathed. "Why would he..."

"Cannon fodder." Sebastian answered. His voice was grim as he released Augustine's shoulder. "Bodies to distract us while he goes about doing whatever the hell he's up to here."

"He'd need a fucking army, not just a platoon!" Riven said, her voice low. Augustine started, his eyes flying open.

"...What if that's what he's here for?" He exclaimed.

"An army?" Riven repeated.

"Of what, Allagan monstrosities from the seven hells?" Sebastian retorted.

"No. No. Augustine's onto something." Mathye said. "He doesn't need Allagan monsters, he's got his own private army! Or...close to it!"

The Heavens' Ward. Halone whispered. False Eikons.

"False Eikons." Alphinaud mirrored Halone. "Or as close to them as he could. You defeated them in the Vault. What if...they're unfinished? And there's something here that could complete the process?" All eyes flicked to Riven, who closed hers and bowed her head.

"...Nothing from Valefor." She said. "Aside from her being nervous--but that's normal when we're around Allagan ruins and the like." She opened her eyes.

"How many men in a platoon?" Sebastian asked Augustine, Mathye and Estinien.

"Dragoon unit would be six." Estinien answered.

"Temple Knights would make up at least thirty, so thirty-six for a full platoon. If they were specialized like Augustine, twenty." Mathye replied. "And if they were here to stop us, they'd have anti-Eikon weaponry and traps waiting for us." Sebastian glanced back at the graves.

"...Assuming they're even still alive to use them." He said.

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

List 3 prompt 11: quickie where you don’t take any clothes off, just tug and pull and expose the essentials for margrat & mathye :3

cut for smut. citrus warnings.

(i owo at you ma'am)

Maybe if he fucked her hard enough, he could get that need for her smell out of his system. Just work it out and carry on with life.

But her voice wasn't helping--low, sultry moans and gasps, nor was the feel of her nails lashing his back--the deeper they bit in, the more they raked his skin--badges of honor for satisfying her that made something in him growl and want more. Her hips writhing against his, demanding more, more more--the feel of her warm cunt around his cock, how he seemed to fit just right--

Mathye buried his face in Margrat's neck as she screamed, his pleasure spiking at the smell of her perfume, the way her body shook around him, the searing pain from his shoulders--good girl, let her leave her mark--he couldn't help himself, he could feel her pulse when he kissed her skin, that violent flutter in her neck that made him just want to reach down and just take a nibble, to hold her there as she kept howling in orgasm--and for him to take his own pleasure too, relief and bliss overloading his senses as he hit his breaking point.

They stayed that way for several moments--arms and legs and clothing, Mathye letting himself take another deep drag of that passionflower-and-whatever-the-fuck-it-was smell, getting his fix. Then he pulled himself away from the wall-carefully taking Margrat with him, and set her down on a nearby table. She murmured, hands reaching out to him as he pulled free of her body.

"Hm--mm?" She'd been warm, now it was getting cold. Margrat pushed herself up on her elbows, blinking at the healer.

"What, that's it?" She demanded.

"Yes." Mathye carefully secured his pants, then made to start buttoning up his shirt. He was not going to look at her, he wasn't going to look at how tempting she was all laid out, freshly fucked and smellable and biteable-- Shirt secured, he started to fasten his vest.

"Just 'wham, bam, put your clothes back on ma'am?!""

"Yes. Of which, put your clothes back on." Mathye turned his back, the better to not look at Margrat. Gingerly he tested his leg--still good, it'd held up well--and no he wasn't going to be proud of that right now, he'd deal with that later. The rustling of fabric behind him told him that Margrat seemed to be obeying--for the moment.

"You're a boor." She accused, glaring daggers at him.

"You're the one who said make it quick and leave." Mathye retorted. He risked a quick glimpse in a nearby window--his hair looked rumpled, but he could make up an excuse for that. Pants secure, shirt and vest secure, so was his lab coat...good. Picking up a nearby towel, Mathye retrieved the used condom and wrapped it up carefully with the fabric. One good Fire spell would get rid of the evidence.

"Asshole."

"Bitch."

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

Free Write #1: Reconnaissance

"WOMAN! STOP! JUST--STOP IT!"

"Ser..." Mathye didn't hear the squire at first, he was laughing too hard. Sucking in a breath, he turned his attention to the gangly-limbed youth before him. Halone bless the child, they looked extremely nervous.

"Lord Bishop, shouldn't we...do something?" Behind the squire, Estinien was running pell mell around the main training area for House Fortemps. And hot on his heels, screaming like an utter banshee was Riven--or rather, Valefor.

Who was currently the size of a goose. Apparently Riven's control over her Eikon was very good, she could shrink her size if need be to make hunting or (in this case, reconnaissance) easier. She had offered this skill to scout out Castrum Aquilonis, to which Haurchefant had welcomed.

Mathye had no idea how Estinien had gotten involved, nor what had happened to instigate yet another fight between the elezen and Riven. But the sight of the Azure Dragoon-now-turned-Dominant-of-Nidhogg running around the courtyard, seemingly having forgotten that he could simply jump to safety, being chased by a bird that just barely came up to just below his knees, was fucking hilarious.

"Ser--"

"The Fury has sanctioned this battle." Mathye decreed with a straight face, and then had to keep from choking with laughter at the stricken look on the squire's own. "It's alright, you're not going to get in trouble! Go about your normal duties."

"Mathye, what in the seven hells is going on--" Augustine hurried over--just as Estinien somehow tripped, falling down onto the hard-packed dirt of the training circle. With a scream Riven charged, starting to peck violently at any part of the dragoon she could reach. When that didn't work, she seized the back of Estinien's collar in her beak and started to pull as hard as she could. The First Dominant of Halone took in the scene, then fixed his howling older brother with a glare.

"Really, Mathye?"

"He said the Fury sanctioned this!" The squire repeated. This only set off Mathye even harder, while Augustine sighed. Estinien was still yelling and flailing, and Riven was still trying to drag him by her beak.

"Has she forgotten she can change back?" Haurchefant--who had come out behind Augustine--wondered aloud through chuckles. "And did Ser Estinien forget he could jump?" Side-eyeing his manically cackling sibling, Augustine stepped forward to try and resolve the mess.

"Riven!" He snarled, power echoing in his voice. Valefor and Estinien both stopped--the eikon looking at the group with beady eyes. She blinked.

<Oh.> A shimmer of aether--and Estinien's head fell back as Riven returned to her normal self. She pointed down at the dragoon.

"He started--aaaaahhagghh!" Estinien aimed a blow at the back of Riven's legs, sending the younger Dominant to the ground. Augustine facepalmed, while Mathye dissolved in laughter once more.

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

on our fates alight- late arrival (1)

A wave of exhaustion made Mathye wobble as he tucked Riven in. First taking care of Alisaie, then Riven, both absolutely heartsick- Alisaie more than his sister, his own memories of the mercy kills he'd had to perform during the war coming back to haunt him…

Enough. Halone's voice was an unyielding command. Sit down. Rest.

"My lady." Mathye murmured. Gratefully he obeyed, his robes rustling as the bed dipped beneath him. Then he started as a glass appeared in front of him.

"Fruit juice." Sebastian offered. "Or so they say. Tasted like no fruit juice I'd ever had before.”

"I thought I told you to sit down." Mathye said, accepting the glass.

"And I told you to go fuck yourself. I'm fine. So is Odin." Sebastian countered. Seeing Mathye drain the glass dry, the darkness Dominant turned. Striding toward the dinner table, he picked up the jug of juice that was on it, coming back over to Mathye.

"How is she?" Concern was in his voice as he looked at Riven.

"She'll be better when she wakes up. Both of them-her and Alisaie. " Mathye watched Sebastian top up his drink. "I still want to smash that bastard’s face in, however."

"The tainted Light?”

"She said it wasn't bothering her or Valefor." Mathye drained the glass again. "I can sense it in her aether but it seems inert. But to be on the safe side, I told her not to Prime." Sebastian offered more juice, and Mathye nodded, "In fact, we probably shouldn't be Priming, period. At least not until we can talk to Zoissette."

"Little hard to do considering she fucked off to only gods-know-where Y’shtola is.”  Seeing Mathye shake his head at another refill, Sebastian went to put the jug back down, but not before getting his own glass.

"Also, not Priming might be too tall an order."  He added. "There's how many Lightwarderns left? And with how beat up Riven was from fighting only one?”  Mathye frowned, looking down at his empty glass.

"I would prefer we not Prime because even though the night's been returned to this area, there's still an overabundance of Light in the aether here." He began.

You think us drawing on the ambient aether might corrupt us. Halone whispered. Mathye nodded.

What if we limited our time exposed? Odin asked.

"A possibility, but Zoissette’s far better at figuring such things out than I. And I'm thinking we need to make it a priority to find her first, despite whatever the fail summoner tells us.”  Mathye exhaled. “We find her, we can better navigate the aether of this world without any permanent damage.”

"Did you see his reaction when he saw us?" Sebastian asked.

"I saw. He didn't expect us here."

More than that. He was lying when he said the spell malfunctioned when it came to you all. Augustine is already suspicious, and both Reinhardt and Zurvan are on alert. Halone added. Mathye exhaled, bending over.

"I can't help but feel we got here too late." He began, glancing at the sleeping Riven. "We came too late, and now she's got the aether of a Lightwarden inside her. And has agreed to kill the remaining four. I trust that damn Exarch as far as I can throw him.”

“Could ask him where Y’shtola is, then head out in that direction.”  Sebastian offered. “He can’t stop all of us.”

“Maybe.” Mathye mused. “Thancred and Urianger aren’t around here either. Part of me would feel better if we’re all together, considering what happened to break us apart in the first place.”  A thought occurred to him, and the priest straightened.

“Speaking of Zoissette…did you lose her aether too?”

“I could sense her in the forest, but then it was like she was swallowed up by Light.”  Sebastian replied. “Hopefully she’s found Y’shtola and unPrimed, but with how much the machine was taking over…”

“It’ll be a while before she’s back to normal. And we can’t track her when she’s not Primed.”  Mathye sighed, rubbing the palms of his hands over his eyes. “Shite.”

The best option right now is to gather as much information as we can. Odin was a whisper in the men’s minds. If your suspicion about the Light-aether corrupting us is correct, then you both need to rest. We will have to rely heavily on your resources if you call us into more active service.

You more than us. Halone responded. Light-blessed your bearer is, but I can tell this is taxing on you, Odin.

It is bearable now. More than likely due to the Light being expelled from the region.

“I’ll see about our rooms.”  Sebastian added. “And track down Augustine and Reinhardt. You get some sleep.”

“Hhng.” Mathye grunted, rubbing his eyes again. “I’ll be—”

“No.” Sebastian’s voice was sharp. “Until we find Zoissette, you’re the only damn thing we have that can warn us about what the Light can do to our bodies. That means not overworking yourself—and putting your health before ours when it’s called for.”

He’s right. Halone whispered. You need to rest. Mathye sighed, closing his eyes.

“Alright, alright. I’ll stretch out for a bit.” He said, submitting to Sebastian and Halone’s demand. “But wake me if something happens.”

------ on our fates alight general masterpost here

[scrollsfromarebornrealm]

(and yes while I realize I can do this in my lore in XIV let's be honest if I gave Mathye a libram he would be fucking unstoppable so you know what let's NOT.)