Oblivion Oolong Tea

Log Info

• Title: Oblivion Oolong
• Emitter: Cryosanthia
• Characters: Cryosanthia, Cesran, Aya
• Place: A10: Temple of Daeus
• Time: Sunday, September 19, 2021, 5:12 PM
• Summary: Cesran and Aya visit with Cryosanthia while Zeke sleeps. He has been over-extending himself, finally agreeing to rest after everyone begs him to do so. Cryo is awake, lucid, and happy to see at least Cesran. Three of the seven Guardians of Ea can talk at last. Cryo feels the need to reassure Cesran she is not evil, that playing Maugrim was acting and not inviting evil-into her soul. It's a costume, one she's having some trouble getting out of. He assures her, she is of pure heart, and also that he will rescue Lily and see to the Demon Duke, promises that she believes and finds reassuring. Aya's presence is a little less welcome, it is clear the palescale overheard some of her confession to Zeke, stating simply that Aya has lied to her, and to never do so again. She follows on to say that she does not believe Aya to be evil either, after what she saw in the Sea, and that it is important for all of them to remain together and trust more. The acrimony after defeating Salina should not be duplicated. They must overcome, which she is trying to do, even if she's very angry still. Cesran leaves and Cryo asks Aya to make her tea with extra oblivion in it; Aya over-reacts, believing her to mean she wishes to die. Cryo laughs, a little shocked, explaining she got over the pointless death months before, even if the feelings still pull at her, and she recognizes they are there in Aya and others she cares for. She's only after sleep, and with some questioning gets Aya to tell her some happy news, before watching her struggle with the tea.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple of Daeus *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The temple of the Sun Lord glitters golden beneath the same. Rather than walls, the majority of the temple is composed of what appears at first blush to be a raised round platform made of one of the largest slabs of marble likely in existence. Columns rise into the air as if to hold some massive ceiling, though instead of a normal ceiling, one finds the deep blue sky, studded by a disconcertingly close canopy of bright stars. One should not worry, however, as the rain never falls, and the wind never blows on this particular temple, but for a gentle breeze, whatever the weather outside may be.

Despite the austerity of the columns, warmth suffuses the grounds. A grand, marble statue of the Shining Knight stands a the center, a hand outstretched in benediction. Beside Him, the statue of Althea, their hands clasped in love. The central position of the temple to the others gives view to all of their children, and the two look upon one another with the solemnity of love that has been the center of so many tales and legends.

Masterfully designed mana lamps provide further soft, golden lightning where needed, their pedestals carved in the form of the Dragons of Light, over which Daeus is said to have dominion in His form of Draco Solis. Majesty, justice, and welcome suffuse the temple grounds. Around the central temple are a series of smaller buildings, each with a simple function and form. One houses the sacred book depicting some of the earliest known translations of the Laws of Light, which pilgrims from near and far come to visit. Another houses the well-appointed quarters of the Sunguards, and among all the ground bristle the Sunblades.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Appearing  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Cryosanthia  7'2"     391 Lb     Dragon            Female    Sickly, tattered grey-scales, with a crippled wing and tail.
Cesran       6'1"     185 Lb     Human             Male      A tall dark-skinned man
Aya          4'7"     105 Lb     Shadow Elf        Female    Mul'niessa. Braided hair. Simple clothing.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

The Temple of Daeus.

A room in one of the side buildings of the complex. Cryo's recovery room. Her cihuaa has been here the entire time, never leaving her side. This has become an issue, he has been over extending himself, barely eating and sleeping. His focus has been on his cihuaa, to the detriment of self. Several other healers, and even Cryo during her lucid moments have begged him to get some rest.

Tired healers make mistakes.

The bluescale won't leave her, but has agreed to lie down on a separate bed as long as trusted friends observe in his place. Ones that have promised to rouse him should something develop.

Cesran has come to see Cryosanthia and how she's doing since he last left her. He nods politely to their clerics and other healers as he makes his way over to her. He doesn't want to disturb Cryosanthia as he finds a seat near her.

It is just as well that Zeke is resting. Not only does he need such (and Aya bade him previously), but all may be somewhat more ... quiet with Aya's entrance into the room. She steps aside of the door and gives Cesran a brief nod before giving Zeke a glance. Her attention then turns to Cryosanthia, though she doesn't approach her bedside.

Cryosanthia seems quite different from when Cesran and Serene last saw her. She's a lot smaller, no longer an immensely sized dragon. At first glance, practically her normal size, and while her head seems slight off it's hard to remember in exactly what ways. The Sith'makar are Children of the Flame, descended from dragons, it's not surprising they look similar.

It's the second glance which is telling. She's lying on her belly, covered with a blanket, and her body profile isn't right. Also, she has wings, although one of them is in a shocking state. It seems withered, necrotic, and possible on the way to decomposing, part of her tail is similar. This was not observed in the immediate aftermath of the Sea of Mana, or when Cesran left her with the Am'shere healers.

"Hello Cesran," Cryo says, remaining still, her eyes still closed. Her head adjusts slightly to one side. She opens her mouth, tasting the air, "... and Aya?" There is a pause, her eyes open. Aya is given a long stare and finally the palescale says, "Thanks for coming." Cesran smiles at he hears Cryo's voice, "Hello Cryosanthia, how are you doing?" He asks softly, "You are welcome. I'm sorry about what's happened. I knew I should have stayed in Am'shere with you."

Aya takes a few steps; if not nearer, then at least a shift to a more readily-viewable position by Cryosanthia. "I am here." It is redundant and obvious, yet no other words immediately come to mind. It may be assurance, it may not.

"I'm grateful, for your efforts, for everything." Cryo says softly, glancing at the other bed. "We need to speak softly so he isn't awakened."

She exhales slowly, "and it's not your fault. Something magical happened, and not in a good way."

Another glance at Aya, which is held, "Then other things happened. Returning was not the happy triumph I was hoping for." She rests with her head turns a few slight degrees on the bed, to see the pair. "You look different Cesran. Are you ok?"

Cesran nods as he keeps his voice low so not to wake up Zeke, "You are welcome, if there is anything I can do here let me know. I am not a healer, but I'll do what I can to research a way to get you back to your old self." He ohs and touches his face, "The lines of my face, that's my scars from channeling so much magic from the sea of mana. I basically turned my body's circulatory system into ley lines, so this is the after effect."

Aya appears calm, neutral, perhaps even a touch cold as she nods to the whitescale. "No, your return, and after, was not as any expected." After Cesran mentions aid and/or research, her eyes shift briefly to the other bed before returning to Cryosanthia. "Time. The healers expected only time was necessary, unless they seek other aid for you."

Cryosanthia listens. Her scales are oddly darker, a grey that looks like dirty snow. She had lines before, and pale blue scales that combined to be beautiful markings. They're all glowing with a strong blue light. "That's neat. It does look good. I don't know if softskins find it attractive, but I like it."

"I think the Mistress did something like that to me, when I was in the Tower." She speculates, "I used to flash when I cast."

A glance at Aya again, a slow blink, "just time? My wing and tail are itching very strongly. I can't imagine that's good."

Cesran nods, "I wouldn't want to move you, but perhaps we can bring in some druids to help as well. I was having some issues throwing off the last bit of the mana poisoning and the druids helped me make a full recovery. Thank you, they light up now when I cast a spell, the stronger the spell the more intense the light." He hmms, "Usually itching means they are healing, but that could be an old wives' tale that I have picked up. I'll be sure to let the healers know. Are you in any discomfort now? Do you want me to fetch them?" He keeps his voice low and soft.

Aya's lips purse. "That was what I was told. For my own ills," she caveats. "Yet you are not me, and I am no healer." A nod aside towards Cesran. "Others are far more aid to you than I."

"Well I can move myself. The rest of me works. Zeke, the others want me to stay still. Let the rocks and blanket do their thing." Cryo says, "I might need a druid, Un'eth or Tae. They could turn into things. To show me how to turn back."

"It feels like I should be able to... it just doesn't." She sighs, "like try to explain throwing a spell."

She noses in the air, "there's tea, over there, that has a sedative, if you can make some. It puts me out. I'd rather not be awake."

"I have a lot of time to think, and one thing I don't want to think about. It's hard when there is no one to talk to."

Cesran nods, "I'll see if I can find them and tell them to come here to help you. I'll keep my eye out for them." He moves to get up and get the tea to bring it over, "If you want to talk Aya and I are here to listen."

Aya may not understand the act of spells, but she can fathom things that are difficult to explain. Far too well.

"You should rest..." she concurs, "yet not seek to always sleep, Cryosanthia. The world remains around you, and you remain a part of it."

"Thank you Cesran, I do want to talk." The palescale says, moving her head to watch him as he moves about the room. A long glance at Aya. "To both of you, and that's what Brae said."

"Braelnoir visited and explained me what happened, and that there's a way to get her back." Cryo's right talon-hand tightens around some object she's holding. "No... No. She didn't. She wasn't really here. Baz wasn't here either. I imagined that. Things have been a little fuzzy."

She closes her eyes, "I remember talking with Eluna, and Ceinara, and Maugrim. Pretty sure they weren't real either. And Salina."

Her eyes open, a sapphire stare fixed on Aya, "that did happen, the harbour freeze over? Endless Winter was here, right?"

Cesran sits back down, "Yes I've heard about the unfortunate event. I do have magic that I can try to use, but I'd like to research the situation first to make sure I'm doing it right." He listens to Cryosanthia, "I can find and speak with Braelnoir to find out." He offers. Aya's eyes widen at mention of Braelnoir and brows start to lift at some plan to- They then lower as it seems it was a dream? Aya can neither fault nor fret that Cryosanthia would dream of such. Not all were dreams, however.

A dip of her chin in a nod to Cryosanthia. "That was real. She came to the port, she gave warning and the scroll."

"Please. Tell her..." Cryo smacks her lips, licking at them a little, her tongue exploring around before vanishing. Is she sorry? She's not sure. It was one of the most honest things she's done. Apologizing might diminish it, dream Braelnoir was not seeking that, the real version might not either, "Tell her... I'm going to help her with her dreams, and I'm there for her. I just need a little longer before I can get up."

"Research sounds like the perfect thing." Her head rises up, "Mikilos knows? Right? Someone has spoken with Mikilos? He'd want to help!"

"I have to believe there's a chance."

"I'm glad I'm not imagining everything." Cryo continues to stare at Aya, her voice very careful and neutral, she simply states, "You lied to me."

Cesran nods a bit, "I'll let her know if I see her or Aya will whoever sees her first. I've all ready spoken to Mikilos and we have a plan that's forming. We don't want to speak to much of it though out in the open. I don' want you to worry, your focus should be on healing. Let us handle everything else."

Aya meets Cryosanthia's gaze. Not defiantly so, as her expression and tone are neutral. Not a relaxed neutral, but neutral all the same. "I was unable to explain at that time." Omission of facts, perhaps, though she doesn't claim that as a defense. "Mikilos knows. There is a chance."

"I want to close my eyes and open them with her in my arms." Cryo says, sounding despondent, closing her eyes. Opening them to stare at Cesran, "So don't wait for me to recover if you can manage without me. I trust you."

A statement that leaves out Aya. "I want to stretch. Do you think it'd be okay if I stretched? I'm going to stretch." She pushes against the bed with all four legs, rising. She arches her back, like a cat. There's a popping along her spine. There's also the rattle as the nethercite hot-rocks slide off her and plonk on the bed. "eeef. Can you put those back?"

She relaxes, so she's standing, again on four legs. Slowly she lowers herself. Her sapphire eye continues to watch Aya coldly, she nods once, "I'm angry, but that's a luxury I can't afford. I need you. You will need me for something."

The little white dragon sinks onto the bed, "Zeke was telling Seyardu why Seldan doesn't trust anyone. He doesn't trust me. We have to get past that. It's what she warned about, us falling apart. We did an amazing thing and we can't let the forces pulling us apart win."

"I want to be able to make that dream come true for you Cryo. I understand if there is a chance we can do it we won't wait we'll strike while the iron is hot." He watches Cryosanthia stretch and eyes the nethersite rocks, "Let me call a healer so they can place them back in the right position." Cesran says as he gets up as he's not going to touch them. He comes back soon with a healer and settles back in, "Agreed, we'll fix it and work together stronger then ever."

Aya nods slowly to Cryosanthia. "Anger does nothing for us, now. We can only focus on what must be done. You are needed, will be needed." She pauses a moment before adding, "Cesran is also correct. Issues will be corrected and dreams will be made true."

There is an interruption as the healer removes Cryo's blanket and places the stones. Her scales appear to be burning up, like the were when the divine light faded in the Sea of Mana, but at a much slower pace. She's been cleaned down to her current scale layer. The healer checks to see if another molt needs to be washed away, but it's not time yet. Rocks repositionned, blanket replaced, the healer leaves.

Conversation can resume. "Thanks. You too Aya. When I'm ready, I'll ask, and I'd prefer you don't lie. Don't lie to me about anything again."

She doesn't sound angry when she says this, if anything, she sounds sad. "You know I'm not evil, right Cesran? We both aren't? We were playing a role. That's what Ceinara told me, the casting had to be right, the right actors for the part? I played Maugrim and you played Maugrim's weapon Aya, and I must find a way to trust you again so you have to trust me."

Cesran blinks as he's asked this, "Cryosanthia. I want you to put that notion out of your head this very instant. Of course you are not evil, you are one of the most caring, compassionate people that I have every met. No one things you are evil, not me, not Seldan, not Serene, not Aya no one does." He says as he struggles to keep his voice down. "You are so amazingly good that if I were to look at you with a detect good spell I'd have to shield my eyes. Everyone knows that you were playing a part we all were, we needed to for the ritual. I trust you with all of my being Cryosnathia. I swear to you on my magic and spellbooks that I do."

"I will not lie to you," Aya assures Cryosanthia firmly, "and I seek to re-earn your trust." Whether she does or not is up to Cryosanthia, of course. "You are not evil." She was not asked directly, yet shares her opinion all the same.

"Thanks. Those are kind words. The inside of my head is a mess, and I've bitten too many of my friends, and I get panicked and blood thirsty..." Cryo immediately contradicts, then halts herself. Accept the praise, take a bow. "I'll earn them. I'll be what you say even if I don't think I am now."

She laughs suddenly, then flinches, "Ow. Heh. Was thinking you could blind yourself looking at me with Detect Magic too."

"Ceinara told me I'm stuck in a costume. Or I told me. I'm still me." Cryo turns her head enough to stare at Aya with both eyes, "I think you're stuck in one other people made for you. I've seen what's underneath. I'll handle it. Whatever you show me."

"We saw things I still can't wrap my head around. That ride there, all the Asumits, our other selves. Whatever that was and whatever Merek saw." She shakes her head slowly, "it's... so much."

Cesran smiles, "I'm sure you will and I'm sure you'll find your way out of this costume. I'm afraid my time is up for today I have to get going, but I will come back and visit you Cryosanthia and we'll get you back into the right for and we'll get Lily back." He says as he gets up and nods to Aya, "Aya as always it was good to see you."

Aya dips her head to Cesran as he excuses himself. "As always." After he steps out, her full attention returns to Cryosanthia. "That does not mean that others are wrong. Still, I will answer or share whatever you wish."

"Did he make the tea?" Cryo looks after the Arch-Mage as he leaves, then at Aya. "I want oblivion, I can only take so much not thinking..."

Her breaks off as her thoughts invite her grief to hit hard. She keens, quietly whining and calling for her youngling. It's loud enough to make Zeke stir, echo his own distressed noises. Cryo forces herself to breathe, and put that away.

Her tower is not reassembling nearly fast enough.

"Not... not yet. Maybe when she's back. Maybe never Aya." She thrums again, 'never' was a poor word choice.

"Everything is a mess. Maybe that's why Merek says 'You Ok?' when it should be obvious the answer is No! Maybe he doesn't know what else to say." She rambles, "So, you ok? What else has been happening while I was sleeping?"

Aya nods, slowly. "It will wait until she returns." She pauses after, and is silent for a moment or three. Her head then shakes. "No, Cryosanthia, I am not. Merek is a fool to ask most anyone that... but perhaps it is that he knows not what else to say. I cannot fault him for that."

The little dragon looks at her weapon, "is it anything you want to talk about? I'll listen to almost anything except you know."

Aya considers for a time and steadies her breathing during. "I could apologize, as Braelnoir did, but it would not undo what happened. I could tell you that I killed him, but he lives again or will soon...." A pause for a breath. Two.

"I do not know what I can offer that you would care to hear."

"You killed him?" Cryo's surprise is clear. She echoes, "You can kill him?"

"That's... that's more than Heaven or his opponents in Hell or the Queen of Air and Darkness was able to do."

There is genuine awe in her voice, "You truly are the weapon of tyrants. The one that kills them."

She sighs, stretching out on the bed, closing her eyes again, "Anything Aya, anything. That the fishmongers were fighting again, the colour of sky at sunset last night. That life goes on, so I might have hope that mine will, the way it should be and not the way it is now."

"Or what worries you, why you aren't Ok."

Aya nods, still neutral despite Cryosanthia's awe. "He can be killed, Cryosanthia, but he is not mortal. I dared not believe that it was his true end, and the magi," her head tilts at the recently-exited door, "explained that he simply returns to his portion of Hell, to be summoned again by his followers. Even if I had ended him... I was too late."

Her eyes lower with that. After the whitescale's final words, they lift again to meet Cryosanthia's, and Aya's tensed, bland visage no long extends to those two violet spots. What she can see within them... she has likely seen far to much of lately, felt too much. She opens her mouth to expound and pauses, closing her mouth and eyes, all.

When all re-open, the control is there. "I have a sister, now." A shift in topic, albeit brief. Perhaps far more brief than she intended.

"How can scales-rotted Animus die but this joker can't?" Cryo asks suddenly, angry, "How is he somehow more powerful and more durable than all the gods?"

"He can die, we just haven't found how to make it stick, and if it means burying him in nethercite and chewing his head off every hour I'm willing to sit there and do it."

The room temperature drops suddenly, Cryo might be calm-er, but her emotions are still a sea of storms. She takes a breath, then a second breath. She's transfixed by Aya's vulnerable eyes and what she sees in them.

The same thing she's seen in Braelnoir's, in her other-self's, what she knows is in her own. There are no words to reply which are not lies, convenient truths and self-deceptions. Cryo is silent.

"A sister?" She glances at the nearby table, "Can you make the Oblivion Oolong, really oblivion-y?"

Aya nods. "She is ...very much like me in many ways... and far different, in others." There is another crack in the careful mask as her lips start to curl upwards of their own volition. It halts at a flicker, though; as she parses Cryosanthia's request it vanishes and hardens. Enough that Aya takes several steps towards Cryosanthia.

"No!" Her tone and volume increase some as well, despite her (now strained) countenance. "Life does go on. Will. You cannot forget that. Yes, I killed him, and that is still ...something. Not the goal, but... a step. It is ... something. Others work against him. The city, all else, is still here." Either unable to describe it nor find a better word, all is 'something.'

Cryo blinks, pulling her head back. "Oh. Ah... no, Aya, I want a deep sleep not a dead one. Pretty sure Zeke wouldn't leave something that could be overdosed out."

"I got over desiring the pointless death after my first foundling was killed and my cihuaa left me." Her tightens on Rolson's earring, "I'm still on stage. Brael has to fight and I have to keep performing until the play is done."

"I'm not accepting this as the end, but I really need an intermission Aya. Although, tell me about your sister, that was sounding nice."

Aya's brief burst of adamancy is deflated with the recoil and explanation. The rest of her is somewhat deflated, as well. Perhaps she expected the worst. More evidence that she is not entirely in the best state, herself.

The shift in topic makes it easier for her to re-energize. "Ariya endured much in Charn; captivity, enslavement... yet she did not allow it to change her. She still has much ... zeal."

Cryosanthia reaches out and pats at Aya. It's a soft gesture, though an alarming one, her hand is full of wicked claws. She pulls it back and tucks it against her side, "This one... did not imagine the Charnese could be as cruel to their own as the People. Or worse. Aryia ... makes me face that prejudice."

The edges of her mouth curl, "She does remind me of you. It's good you're together."

Aya does not flinch at the hand, claws or not. Cryosanthia would be justified if she wanted blood. It's also possible that Aya's sudden concern, before, was somewhat projective?

When the hand withdraws, Aya nods, and again a flicker of curl at her own lips. "She has even found ... a partner... Love?" The last word contorts the sliver of almost-smile in confusion. Consternation? Something. Aya may be uncertain whether it is the proper term, unsure of her assessment, or the word, or hasn't made the physical movements to enunciate the word, itself. Perhaps some combination thereof.

Aya relents the pondering and simply nods once more. "It is good."

"Wait, what? With you?" Cryo leans forward, eyes gleaming, perhaps this is another moment of confirmation where she will learn the truth of things she's read in the crimson pen! She is eager-sounding, and reluctant, "this one shouldn't ask."

"Or, should ask her. She'll have to write it out. Hee-hee."

Her head dips, her stare is serious, "I meant what I said earlier Aya. We need each other. I was hoping... to have a chance to think about what we did, saving magic for Animus, and what it means, when I got back. Not crawl under a rock and hide."

"Who... 'Her' is. And other things."

She lowers her head against the bed, "encouragements seem so hollow, especially... I don't want you vanishing into the void. It was hard enough watching all our alternate selves... die. It was too real."

"Another, not I..." Aya doesn't immediately close the sentence, however. As sisters, there is obviously a bond, an affection. A thought that cracks a new hint of smile... again to be neutralized by a follow-on thought."I have no intention of hiding, rock or otherwise, Cryosanthia."

She is silent for a time, considering, before she shares more.

"I do not know how to interpret it, and I have no wish to fall into the Void. Yet, it may be difficult to avoid. The arrangement that was made was for my life. I voided that arrangement when I stood against him, much less struck him down. When he returns, I expect that he will seek to collect."

"Well maybe you can punch something we can track into him like you punched his little statue out of that tower thing he made." Cryo suggests, shaking her head a little. "After Asumit's pet, we shouldn't be afraid of anything."

"And I'm not."

"More angry I can't hit and I can't hurt anything." She grumbles. Huffs.

"I'll have to ask Aryia. And... could you make some tea?"

"You are more powerful that you believe, just as Aryia is," Aya notes, a flicker across her shell before she turns to look for the water and pot. "I will make some tea, then I should go. You need your rest, I would not endanger your..." a glance to the other bed, "and it best that I am gone when he wakes." As Cryosanthia noted, they've faced the Void. Had untold quantities of mana forced through every orifice in their souls. She killed Eclavdran. How hard can making some tea be? She's witnessed it made at least ...twice?

The little white dragon settles her head on the bed, watching Aya.

Hopefully, Ceinara is watching too.

This should be good.