#studentalthea

[theportaraceli]

who? @studentalthea where? Aventia, near the evacuation lines when? A few minutes before the memories hit, because I love drama

A day after the odd exchange with the merchant, it haunted her still. Araceli knew not the reason, whether because she knew the little fox toy was infinitely important but remembered not why, or due to the inherent oddness of the whole exchange. She doesn’t understand why, but there is something missing. A whole on her chest, empty darkness where something else once stood. The thought lingers at the edge of her mind through the evacuation, worry heavy on her brow as she continues her tasks and pretends everything is alright as to not to alarm her people. 

She manages just fine, until she meets Althea’s eyes across the crowd and sees the doubt clear on them. It’s no surprise the Emissary notices, not when their entire relationship was born while they were both wearing masks. Long had they grown from that, but that doesn’t change the fact that they knew each other’s masks, and when they were wearing them. 

With a sigh, she steps away from the crowd and deeper into the crumbling streets of her once home. The sight sends off another pang of loss through her, the reality of her rotting home ever present and sharing space with her worry about her deal. 

“There is no going back, is there?” She asks quietly, as she hears Althea step closer, eyes flickering to meet hers with a bitter smile on her lips.

[ageofkarme]

who?: @studentalthea where?: emissary quarters when?: after she failed upward, don't worry karme won't tell anybody about that teehee

It wasn't edible and the addition of multiple wide-set, big-lipped magic mouths spouting blessings and affirmations in Celestial might've made the gift even less appealing, but Karme was happy to construct a cake-looking machine to celebrate Althea's success.   "I'm so proud of you! You stuck with it and it might've been hard at times but look! Now you know Celestial! Yay Althea, the greatest witch I know!" The "cake" fired of streamers and was equipped with colorful sparklers and mini firework canons to provide a celebratory atmosphere.  It had taken him years before he spoke the language at a proficiency Lady Juliana approved of, whereas Althea only needed a month or two to become fluent. Sure he was twelve at the time, Karme thought Althea's accomplishment was much more impressive than his. Borwyn was even there in the corner to jingle while strumming the dulcimer embedded into his abdomen, adding to the joyous ambiance. "I never thought there'd be something that I could teach you, and you calling on me to help was the highlight of my year—and I became a Slayer! I'm so lucky to have the smartest, most talented, and of course beautiful witch in the whole queendom as my best friend!"

[steadythora]

If doubt was the first step, then Thora's task was never taking it. She needed to be assured of herself and her skills, especially when facing unfamiliar forces. Just as she would lunge into battle against an opponent she had yet to study fully, she could not hesitate if she had to face a witch, an elvhen, or any of the other beings of great power who lived openly here in Lysara. If she were to ever be able to face the Aetherians again, Thora needed to be able to handle anything.   "I'm not used to being noticed. In fact, I used to prefer not to be. But I do recognize that was a weakness. I won't hide again, not from myself or the worst of what being a legionnaire will throw at me. I'll conquer every tool I have until I'm the strongest blade the Legion can send into battle." As instructed, Thora did hold her head high and stood a little straighter. Sometimes, the support of someone admirable was enough to make all the difference. Dark battles were coming ahead, and hard choices would need to be made, but Thora had been growing since she began trekking from her lost home to this place and she would continue to grow still. She just needed to trust her gut and remain steady on her path. "When they watch now, they'll see a warrior who doesn’t yield or give up. I'll be the sword that cuts through the Dark, no matter what form the Dark may take."

Althea studied Thora with the sharp gaze of a woman who had seen hesitation turn to ruin more times than she cared to count. The flickering torchlight cast long shadows across the stone walls, the scent of myrrh and burning cedar thick in the air. There would always be moments, the moment, when a blade either found its edge or dulled from disuse.

“Fine words, but finer have been spun and wilted just the same. Doubt is the first step to surrendering to the Shadow,” she said at last, her voice smooth as still water. Althea tipped the other's chin up, the Dark did not care for want or ambition. The legionnaires all felt it in their bones... The Dark One grew more powerful every day and his suffocating army would fall on them sooner or later. They all needed to make the most of the time they had, they all needed to be ready. Althea included. "For now, hold your head high- and do try to stand up straighter. Shoulders back, head high. Remember, my dear, the world is watching."

[shewolfaurea]

Person: @studentalthea Location: It's a spa With everything going on, Aurea had finally taken the plunge to do the most harrowing thing she'd done in years and booked an all day appointment at the best bathhouse in Eterna. And then she'd practically rolled up to Althea's door and told her that she was going with her because she was not about to brave such an endeavor alone. Also Althea deserved it after everything and she kind of thought if the witch saw her taking care of herself it might brighten her day just a little. And so there they were, hot rocks on their backs, face masks supposedly infused with actual gold applied, as they awaited pedicures. The problem was that Aurea felt herself actually incapable of relaxing. "Can I tell you something that stays between just us?" It feels rhetorical to ask the woman on the lounge chair a foot away from her, but this was something that had to be kept from literally every single person they knew.

[ramessesxwadjet]

@studentalthea Location: The Dreamscape

The dream was...dark. There were no erected pillars, no chaise where he expected Althea to be consorting with another Desire demon, or something wishing to possess the witch and move on with their life together. For Ramesses, he was already a nervous druid, but this? He clutched the staff in both his hands, the one he always used as he moved about the dreamscape. He thought that it made him look a little cooler, a little braver – anything when it came to facing Althea.

Yet still, he didn't understand. He'd waded through the dreams of the dying before, and it almost reminded him of that. A chill crept up his spine, the idea that he hadn't been quick enough, that his choice to move back towards the Silverlands instead of head towards Haven had come back to haunt him – that her dreams no longer existed.

"Althea?"

[sigtryggrx]

soundtrack: the student & the lie.

i. pomegranate seeds - julian moon. ii. two ghosts - harry styles. iii. miss murder - afi. iv. you've got the love - florence + the machine. v. someday - the strokes. vi. it will come back - hozier. vii. knights of cydonia - muse.

@studentalthea

[emissaradia]

closed starter for @studentalthea location: haven note: *cough* i trusted a twink brother eugh

That box had been nothing short of horrible for all parties involved. Aradia had tried to put on a brave face. She'd tried to move through it without second-guessing herself. She'd tried to be the best version of herself that she could be. And all it did in return was show her that she had never made an error a day in her life. Everything she had ever done had been given reason. There were devils that reared their ugly heads in the shape of a friend every day. And for what? To teach a lesson? Well, she thought that lesson sucked. Maybe she shouldn't have trusted someone she barely knew. Devils were awfully convincing though. They crept in when one least expected it and she had never thought she would be the kind of person to fall into such a trap. She'd been kind. She'd been...for fucking what? Everything that had been on the table crashed to the floor as her hands swept across it. And then she soon followed.

Aradia wasn't sure how much time had passed since, but when she awoke, it was with a scream. As if her nightmares hadn't already been a permanent mainstay, they were now increased tenfold. Maybe she would be better off being some demon's vessel. The door opened and she tried to scramble towards it to keep it closed. "Don't come in!" If it was her sister, she probably wouldn't listen. Maybe it was the unknown assistant though. He wouldn't be able to speak a word. Aradia had been holed up in here long enough though. She had to find a way to fix this. She couldn't let this control her. "I won't let you beat me," she muttered under her breath as she tried to lift herself up off of the floor.

[vicoya]

when: the day after Vicoya arrives in Aventia; week 2 of the siege with: @studentalthea where: wherever the legion is camped out within the city notes: surprise starter for u jestie

Much had transpired, apparently, while Coya had been away from the fray. The Legion had three new recruits amongst their ranks, and had lost six other poor souls to the Joining. She only recognized Thora, from when they'd faced down the Aetherians long ago. At least it felt like ages had passed, with all that had happened since. Coya was eager to meet the other new recruits - a pair of sisters, she'd heard, and witches, at that.

They'd had little time to rest since the bombardments began, and thus she'd had trouble tracking them down given how thin their forces had been spread. She managed to find Althea's tent after asking around, and cleared her throat as she knocked on the cloth of the tent's entrance. Unsurprisingly, it didn't make a sound - she decided to announce her presence. "Althea? Apologies to bother you while you're resting, but I had a welcoming gift for you, of sorts." In her hands, she held a whisper stone, the only one she'd yet to distribute. She'd have to get Thora and Aradia a pair whenever she was in Eterna next, though she didn't anticipate that would be any time soon.

[hiddenvaldis]

“It is a common saying that women are delicate creatures, flowers, eggs, anything that may be crushed in a moment's carelessness. If I had ever believed it, I no longer did.”

@studentalthea

[adrianvoll]

starter for @studentalthea.

where: has to be in thee tower

when: like a good 3 weeks into his novice status

note: bully me thank yew

Piles of books sat before him, towering above the table really, as one sat cracked open with Adrian pouring through the pages. Often, he trained and studied secluded off in a quieter place of the Tower; back home, within the forge, Adrian spent hours upon days in solitary, he still hadn't gotten used to the large amass of people that frequented even the Tower. Outsiders seeking knowledge, various levels of Accepted witches, the five other novices who'd completed their audition the same time as he. The witch was capable, he'd shown them a spark of magic they could respect and appreciate, but he still had ways to go to hone the skills to their liking, to a precedent Adrian was still attempting to configure.

When one sat across from him, it took a moment to break his concentration, his fingertips following patterns described in the book but not outright navigating them with magic. He'd come to that when he was ready, but his eyes flickered upwards to address the other.

"Is it this demanding for any other?" It provoked the idea of prejudice against any latent Iskaran witch who'd attempted to prove themselves; but Adrian knew he was capable, he was just trash at making conversation. "And it weird to say I'm happy with said requirements?" He'd always favored a challenge, when crafting armor and weapons became routine, he'd become listless in his work, and it showed; a talent that was left to rust under boredom.

[theportaraceli]

who? @studentalthea where? Aventia babeyyy when? Day 3 of Progress Day

The streets of her city are shattered, nothing but ruins of once a magnificent citadel. Absent-mindedly, Araceli wonders if this is how the elvhen would feel if they were to find a way to return to a fallen branch. It’s a gutting question, and one she is experiencing at this moment, but luckily, she is not experiencing it alone. 

“Thank you for coming with me,” she offers her thanks to Althea, her smile less forced than it had been for months. They had been finishing brunch, when the news of Aventia’s retaking had spread, so after much begging, Althea had agreed to come with her to check what remained.  “I promise, next time we go for brunch it’s my treat, and I can even try to get a private booth in the Dragon Draught for us.”

[ageofkarme]

Create his own? The thought had never crossed Karme's mind. His doing so would either be seen as a major insult or a non-event. Probably the latter since the ladies of his house regularly reminded him of his place beneath them. "Still, they were certainly displeased when he began his education "I'll think about it. Lady Juliana doesn't expect anything from me. She didn't seem to notice when I stopped visiting Genovia. Even so, they're my family and I want to make them proud."

Though, after talking to Althea, Karme began to wonder for the first time if worrying too much about his grandmother was keeping him down. His mother crumbled under the pressure and his father never stood a chance. Maybe, if he let go and used his mind freely, he'd actually achieve something in Lysara. After all, Althea's dreams weren't limited because she only worried about making herself proud, and she was amazing. "No no, I wouldn't want to trouble you. I think I should walk alone anyway. I get my best thinking done by myself," he said, knowing he had much to think about. Plus, looking at Althea's companions made Karme feel like he was peering into some bizarre mirror. Could he possibly be a kindred spirit to a goblin and a golem? "As always, I'm the one benefiting greatly from you bumping into me where all I've done is grease your clothes."

"Perhaps create your own then, it's something to consider. It won't do for you to continue to produce works without an insignia, otherwise anyone might take the credit that should be properly paid to you." Riding the coattails of the Golden Flower came with its benefits, but in Karme's case, they were something of a curse instead. Althea understood the struggle of building a life from nothing, a name consecrated from the dirt she'd been born in. Secrets, power, and leverage -that was her path to ascension. Karme had none of these but he did have... Something.

After this Althea would be sure to scour her skin to the very bone, but for now she settled for passing her hand over where he touched her to lift the grime that he'd deposited on her, flicking it into the dirt beside them. "A rising star if ever there was," Althea was sure to give his unnaturally wiry arm a bit of a squeeze before she looked from his paperwork to her own destination: Mercury's Bazaar. "this is as far as I go, will you manage the rest of the way on your own? I can have one of my companions join you if needed." Althea gestured to the earth elemental that had been lumbering behind him, beside the creature was a goblin toting many, many bags.

[shewolfaurea]

The Trouble with Wolves

Smiling, she offers a soft chuckle despite the fact that she is definitely still crying. Tipping her head back, she howls once more but the song is different this time. It is celebration but it is also a promise. The Feronia pack is still standing and so is she, so are her friends. The howl that echoes throughout the stone temple is a promise that they won't go down without a fight. @steadythora, @zelihatheflight, @studentalthea, @emissaradia, @freydis-freydat

[shewolfaurea]

Person: @studentalthea Location: The Queen's Boudoir It's something she's sometimes wondered is uncommon, going over her daily schedule in her actual bedroom with Althea. Too personal perhaps, and yet it's not like Aurea thinks of herself as some conventional queen. It's something she thinks about as she sits at her vanity, looks at her own face in the mirror whose edges are wrapped in gnarled wood. A year of being Alpha, of being queen, and there's still these tiny moments that doubt creeps into her head. Would Ulric have opened Haven for the Iskaran's? She highly doubts it as she attempts to run a brush through her unruly hair. "Did you ever think you'd end up here?" Her eyes meet the woman's who is no doubt scoffing at the daily itinerary on the chaise behind her.

[emissaradia]

“I’m here, aren’t I? It would take a good deal more than a corrupted spirit to fell me, you should know this by now.”

@studentalthea

[steadythora]

Thora knew her hangups were holding her back now. She was a master swordswoman, but she wasn't the best warrior she could be and she wouldn't be until she could reconcile every facet of herself. Blademaster, legionnaire, refugee, protector of Haven; it was all a lot to digest in such a short amount of time but the one aspect of herself she needed to start with was her elvhen heritage.

Eldar was the only person she thought she would feel comfortable showing her ears to. Her fellow saviors of Lorvine inadvertently found themselves on that list too, but Althea pushing her hair back felt uniquely special in a way. Maybe it was the power, maybe it was something else, but Thora had felt inspired by the magic Zeliha, Aradia, and Althea demonstrated. "This country is a strange place, but I'm getting used to it. And the people too, I guess." Thora never would've encountered someone like Althea in Iskaldrik. A witch so confident in her own magic and place in this world would be the kind of myth those sent to the mines would spin. Yet here she was, looking at Thora as if she was someone worthy of being by her side. Or striving to get there at the very least. "I'll reach the next level. It'll happen here. I'll defend Haven like it's my home, and I'll master my magic so you won't have to lift a finger against the small darkspawn." Althea's magic was in a league of its own, and the admiration she felt for the witch shimmered in her eyes. "I think getting stationed here was the best thing for me. It won't be long before I'm ready to fully accept my new role as legionnaire."

Thora answered predictably. A faiman trapped in a nation that hated her for merely existing; her story had been retold countless times over. Every citizen of Lysara knew the fate of those born with magic in Iskaldrik, rumors and stories were rampant but the truth was far more gruesome. Althea didn't involve herself with efforts across the border, her pursuits were both academic in nature and for her own personal gain. She wanted power, enough power that something so trivial as a mine couldn't frighten her.

"Fortunately in Lysara assumptions are rarely made regarding what a woman can or cannot wield." Althea took a step in and brushed some of Thora's hair behind her ear, "And your hair looks far better up than down." She understood a great deal of what it meant to be afraid, everything about the witch was crafted and it was only in giving in that Althea had come into herself. A thing did not have to be perfect to be beautiful, and magic could be found in the most unexpected sources. "You're turning the page, you can't change where you're from but you can control where you're going."