Event Twenty-Five.

[awashmods]

I'd like to creep into the wood And see the bonnets blue, And hear the bluebells ringing loud, I wish I could -- don't you?

t's another day, another month, and another time for people to show up in the well. You'd better go rescue them! Never mind the fact that you woke up with a flower in your hands. It's probably fine. Don't mind it at all. It's not like it's hard to ignore a little flower. (At least, not until the effects start to kick in. Better go rescue the people in the well before they do.) Oh, right. Even the people in the well have flowers, so... things are going to be a little ridiculous very quickly, when all of those side effects kick in. Have fun! Welcome to Awash's Twenty-fifth event log, everyone! Further information on this event can be found here at the OOC post. You are welcome to make your own logs and posts for this event! If there are any questions, please ask them here. Thank you!

Comments

hello, handsome _へ__(‾◡◝ )>

[meridio]

[ "You should know Ardyn's here, too."

Noctis had warned him. Knowing that there's nothing he can do to change anything, Somnus had opted to let sleeping dogs lie. Still, something in him lurches upon hearing Ardyn's voice behind him. Slowly, he rises and turns around, calling for his brother as he rounds the pew. ]

Adagium—

[ He freezes mid step, stupefied, before he shoots a glance down at the anemone. ]

oh my. sorry work has been a pain, dust is finally settling though. also hurray for broken italics

[scourged]

[ Ardyn is ready for a fight, he knows it's coming and is only a matter of time with Somnus in this place. Even his hands are poised to move, to pull weapons from his armiger in a matter of seconds if need be.

Yet hearing that name from Somnus's own lips? It takes Ardyn's breath away momentarily. After everything his brother did he has the sheer and utter gall to call him that? It makes the whole thing seem even more planned and any notion of being civil goes straight out of the window.]

You don't get to call me that, but then I suppose these days you're not one to be following an idea of courtesy anymore. [ Ardyn pauses, taking a breath as he tries to steel himself mentally. No, a fight isn't going to work right now. He has the upper hand, he just has to use it.] Poor you though. Ending up in a strange and unfamiliar place devoid of colour, surrounded by people you don't know. Most of them don't know you either and those who know your name don't know you personally.

[ The ex-chancellor smiles, a slow, mirthless gesture that doesn't reach the eyes.]

If you believe for one moment that your pitiful Gods have any power or sway here then you are sorely mistaken. Keep that in mind and tread very carefully with what you choose to do next.

no worries! it's broken . . . like their relationship.

[meridio]

[ Poor him?

Somnus' lips press into a thin line. The first blunder was his, compelled or not. He will offer no excuses for his poor address.

His own hands hang loosely on either side of him. Even knowing who stands before him, he finds himself unable—or perhaps unwilling—to muster up any fight. He has no desire for another clash with Ardyn, even when his last memory is that of being driven to madness: What his brother did to him is the result of what he did all those years ago. He can do naught but receive what comes his way.

It takes everything Somnus has to answer in an even tone.]

I speak not to quarrel with you, but to ask what your last memory of our world is.

[scourged]

Every single word you say is a quarrel, do try to keep that in mind. You lost the right to hold a conversation on your own terms the moment you buried a blade in my back.

[ At this rate nothing is going to happen but the pair of them snarling at each other until a fight breaks out. Not exactly conductive but then since when is anything in this place ever useful? It never is and with this Ardyn isn't exactly surprised.

But at least one thing swings in Ardyn's favour and the older brother can't help but silently bask in the idea of it all. Somnus has no idea what is going on; in this moment Ardyn holds all the cards. No-one in Chroma has a full understanding of what Ardyn's end game is - not Noctis who got an abridged version of the truth nor Shen Qingqiu one of the few who can claim to be on friendly terms. It does feel good still holding the cards so close to his chest and his smile widens at the fact that this is a minor victory already.]

I think I'll answer that, merely because you asked so nicely. [ That and because he mentions it on the network when he first arrives. Ardyn knows the first thing he says has to match up if he's going to sow the seeds of discord so neatly.] It's a long time after you locked me away. I was pulled out of that place by a faction and I ended up joining them, becoming an adviser of sorts to the city. Are you any the wiser for hearing it, Somnus?

[meridio]

[ So he left the darkness to rampage in the light. For Somnus, that was a number of years ago. Ardyn's most recent memory of Eos can thus be anything, and his answer was likely framed this way to avoid giving out the details.

It's frustrating; however, Somnus can ask no more of his brother. He knows too little to have an effective conversation, not least when he considers Ardyn's visceral animosity toward him. Still, he refuses to be cowed—to show how heavily his heart sits in his chest, even as he lowers his head. ]

Then you know what my last words to you were.

[scourged]

[ He knew, said words would be etched into Ardyn's memory for eternity. It's difficult to forget anything about the time a loved one suddenly turned and yet despite the seriousness of the situation Ardyn finds himself in he can't help but give a slow shrug. He even spreads his hands wide in a display of "what can you do?"]

Why, I should remember them, but then I am old and my memory is not what it used to be. Perhaps you should refresh my memory and say them again.

[ It's clear as day from the taunting tone Ardyn uses that he can remember, he just can't seem to help himself right now. It's so difficult to remain civil when his brother is lowering his head as if he were the wronged one!]

[meridio]

[ No.

If he says them now, the flower will twist his words into something he'll regret. Arydn doesn't care to listen, yet who can blame him for it? The only one who can do anything for his brother now is the Chosen King.

Better not to say anything. Still as a statue, Somnus remains silent. As much as he desires to reach an understanding, he knows this to be nigh impossible. He's already given up on reconciliation. No, he's better off letting Ardyn say his piece and taking it: That's all he can do.]