castleinthemist | 001 ► O P E N

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[Death was never something he considered without a bark of laughter to follow the idea, because when one was labeled as a god, an immortal in ever sense of the word, the idea of mortality was not a concept that hit too close to home. His destiny hand long been laid out for him and nothing within the transcripts of time stated that a figure regarded in such fear and maintaining such power would fall prey to the sword. Yet when the final strike came down upon him and that last whisper of breath left his lungs, Alduin had never felt as venerable as he did in that moment when he realized that death was upon him. Suddenly it had become blindingly clear that even though he believed he would long outlast the struggles of mankind, the will of men had become strong enough to defeat his physical form, to knock him back down to earth and out of the skies. For Alduin though, whose stubbornness persisted years, even as he felt his body hit the ground and the blood fall from his wounds he could not consider defeat, he could not accept placing the final touches to an end of life that was supposed to span throughout all time.

He swore to himself when he knew it would all end, that it wouldn't. Alduin promised quietly that he would be brought back to life and there would be no mercy when he returned, there would be no gentle or kind nature, something he never possessed but would now never consider once in his life. He was a god, he was the Nordic God of Destruction, he was beyond those who walked on two legs and those who spoke the horrid guttural language of mortal-kind. Alduin was certain this could not be over because who could kill a god.

When he woke, the gasp that took to his lungs was loud, harsh and brought in as if he feared he would never breath again. He shook and trembled as he found himself suddenly within the grip of the life once more but what was different, what was distinctly off was not that he had awoken within a tomb but the fact that he he felt significantly different, physically. From what his memory allowed, he knew that his body felt significantly smaller, that his senses were thrown off and he was no longer the rather massive, strong creature he was known as.

A god, dead or alive, but Aludin was distinctly human when he found himself awake within the darkness and in a daze of confusion he threw an arm upward to knock aside the pieces that covered him. An arm, not a wing nor a talon but an arm and this--it stirred a fire within his belly.] What--

What is this mockery?

[A grumble sounded--his voice sounded different, it sounded weak compared to the strength he felt in it before but as he stood, as he pushed himself upwards it was suddenly apparent that for a god, he did not know how the mortal form worked and instead of standing proudly on two feet he went tumbling down to the ground, knocking aside pieces of the broken sarcophagus and dust into the air. What was this all--what had he become and why? To him, this truly was hell.]

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[A fading bruise high on her right cheek near her temple is the only thing marring the picture she presents, seated neatly on an overturned sarcophagus.

Ankles crossed, Narcissa nibbles delicately on a peach, a dispassionate expression on her face as she watches the new arrival fighting his way free of his stone prison, like some sort of spindly moth emerging from a cocoon it didn't make for itself. Odd, that this one seems to have limited motor function. He moves as though he's unused to his limbs, rather than one who is accustomed to making do with reduced motion.

So really, she quite likes the arrival room, despite the grisly decor. First reactions are marvellous. She's sure to finish her bite before she responds, her words clear but quietly spoken in her crisp, not-quite-plummy English accent.]

Rebirth, if you squint.

[The voice that sounded was not as clear as it normally would be. He would think that the person who stated such a thing would have been further away but when he turned his head to face the sound, as his vision was no longer so close to binocular vision that he was used too, his eyes normally situated differently. Everything in this human for was inadequate, everything was unfamiliar and even though he tried to push himself up, it took a moment to realize that he could not dig his talons into the ground to support himself, his points of balance were severally off-tilt compared to what he was used to. He felt like an oaf, like a fool, far from the graceful form he should be and was known to be.] Mey--

[Alduin grumbled in his native tongue as he pushed himself up onto his knees, bright red eyes focusing on the woman that sat across the room from him, the dust distorting all vision.] That is something I refuse to believe.

[This was a punishment; if it was rebirth let him be struck down quickly.]

[Witnessing his continued struggles only furthers her thought that this isn't the body he's used to inhabiting - and isn't that interesting. So far as she's been able to tell, everyone here has arrived in the form they generally inhabit, which begs the question of this man's - if indeed that's what he is - origins.

With that in mind...] Allow me to rephrase; perhaps 'reincarnation' is slightly closer. If you squint.

Although you could go in the other direction entirely and call it purgatory.

[Remaining where he stands, he watches the woman carefully and the way that she watches him. She is a lovely mortal, that much is true but Alduing knows better of the humans, better of mankind and he knows he is above them. Narrowing his gaze at the words she chooses he flexes his fingers as if trying to get used to them and how they move.] I fail to see what squinting has to do with it.

Purgatory I would believe--and if that is the case then I am closer to hell than between worlds.

Merely a turn of phrase. Squinting alters the vision, allowing you to either see more clearly, or see what you wish to see.

[Another neat bite of fruit. Peaches are her favourite, and a small comfort to her, here.]

There are certainly some hell-like qualities here, though you can take some solace in the fact that you are, for all intents and purposes, alive.

It fails to maintain it's cleverness if you continue to utilize it so frequently, joor. [The final word seemed to fall seamlessly from his lips, a natural tongue as he remained where he was, his gaze on the woman severe from the distance between. It was best the distance was maintained, he was feeling beyond himself and while he was not certain of his capabilities he liked it when those stayed away in situations such as this, even though situations in which death greeted him and he awoke in a mortal form were exceedingly uncommon.

The last comment from her though--strikes a cord.] I cannot die and will not allow myself so easily defeated. Since my birth I have been alive and will remain so for all of time.

Perhaps I felt, given current circumstances, that it bore repeating. [Her tone is frosty now, after the word she didn't understand. It could have been a curse or an endearment, but since it's unrecognisable, it's still insulting.

Narcissa refuses to let his gaze intimidate her, and she lifts her chin in response to his comment regarding death.]

Are you a deity, then? Or simply so long-lived as to claim immortality for convenience's sake?

[There is some genuine curiosity underlying her question.]

[He does not take insults, and is beyond the concept of them because he is so used to holding them at a distance. He knows who he is and does not mind the frosty tone as it is more something that is familiar in a way so despite her change in tone, his facial expression does not change.] A deity of sorts, yes.

A god is more what am I used to being called.

[A god, not the god. That's a good start, she supposes - though she's unable to place him in any of the pantheons she recognises.]

A god of anything in particular? Sun, stars, wind..?

[It's not disbelief, per se. But as a witch for whom religion is something other people practice, Narcissa is a tad sceptical of claims that may not be able to be proved.]

The Nordic God of Destruction, my dear girl. [His accented tone rolled from his lips as he was at least able to find stability in standing for the moment, not willing to take a step forward. From what he gathered it was likely these people around here came from other worlds asides his own.

So be it.] I was called the World Eater in my homeland.

[She hides her surprise behind another bite of peach. The Norse pantheon is vast and straddles many pre-Christian cultures, it's no bother to her that his name and title would escape her memory. But still, he's a powerful being, if he's speaking the truth.

Or would be, if he could master his physical body. His lack of real motion hasn't been missed.]

I'm sure it's a pleasure to meet you.

[Ordinarily, she'd offer her name in return, but something is stopping her. She's not sure what.]

[It's relative in some manner but their worlds are different, and if he was not aware of this he would be at her reply. Already this human body was proving to be useless as he stumbled when he tried to take a step and just seemingly could not get a grasp of his own legs. Cursing quietly under his breath he narrowed his eyes then looked back to her.] Their would be no pleasure in this meeting under normal circumstances.

[There is a small grumble.] But if you think it so, then so be it.

You lack comprehension of social niceties as much as you do motor control.

[An abrupt observation, but why beat about the bush?]

That isn't the body you're used to, is it?

No. [He states bluntly--blatantly ignoring her first comment.]

This body of flesh is weak and pointless to me.

[That's fine, she can ignore his lack of response to it.]

Are you ephemeral, then? Or do you inhabit another form altogether?

[He's grown accustomed to the patrolling the arrival room for some reason; it was the first place he arrived, so he felt comfortable in it for some reason, despite the surroundings, the atmosphere. He heard the sounds, directed himself towards the source because why not? If it was danger, it was danger and he knew how to handle it.

Avoid it, for now-- he was still injured from the happening a few days before. The pain burned him and for it his steps were lighter, more cautious with this temporary handicap. Turning around, he he found the form upon the ground, drew closer but kept his distance. He watched; eyes gold for a moment, he could discern no color from the other for a moment. A small sound of disappointment at that as he watched.]

It is a calling.

[When the other comes around he is tense, he is frustrated and he is beyond anger--it is all overwhelming and the fact that he is in his pathetic form he does not even know what to do at the moment. Pushing himself up, he places his palms upon the ground and remains on his knees. This body, it's not something he could comprehend right now and he when the voice sounded he looked up--his vision not as it was, everything was different, his hearing--everything and he hated it.] A calling?

[He replied, his voice rough as he met the gaze of the other with the glint of his red colored gaze, a grumble within his throat how even his voice tasted differently.] My calling is far from this, it is beyond this body of flesh and this realm.

[The man strikes him as unnatural-- everything about him from those red eyes to the way he cannot pull himself up. Is it because of an injury, something that he cannot see from merely looking at the other? Whatever it be, he stays where he is, takes in the other's words and keeps his own personal thoughts out of it. His opinion is not needed in this place.]

And why do you say that? [Curiousity held him for a moment; he waited to see if he would pull himself up past his knees, stand.]

[He hates the idea of not being able to control himself, he hates the sensation of not knowing how to balance his boy and feel that power he is used to but right now the only thing he can do it be angered by the fact and try to step up to meet it. Pushing himself up from the position that he was in, he leaned against the broken pieces of the tomb, fingers grinding down against the stone. An exhale of breath and he looked down to his feet then to the other.] Mey--

If only we were back in my realm you would understand how I am held in much higher regard, and fear than I would be ever in this pathetic mortal body.

Be that as it may, [He replied in an even tone, watching the struggle. He made no move to help the other, because it seemed from his stance and tone that doing so may not be the best choice. The other looked down upon him and for it he said nothing, did nothing. Only spoke when he felt it necessary, as if to defuse a situation that held possibility of coming back to spite him later on. Hopefully.] Currently, you are and remain in this form until something happens.

[A pause as he looked back the path he had come, then to the stranger once more.] Now would you rather I leave as if this never happened, or lead you away from this room?

[The man was wise to keep his distance and wise to allow the other to take his task as he would, to learn his steps and at least remain some manner of dignity that seemed very precious to him. He was used to striking fear in those that lived beneath the skies, used to only the minor rebellion until the dovahkiin made their appearance within his realm. His realm, his place to do away with when he pleased and how and before all this, before they came to rise against him--he was certain nothing could stop him and in that refused to believe he was dead.] I don't need your help, joor!

[His voice snapped, despite the others kindness.] I don't need anyone's help with this useless body of weak flesh. It should prove easy enough to navigate considering that it is the body of man.

[He kept quiet, used to the shouting with those he had known, the company he was familiar with. There was only a nod as he stepped back, expression unreadable beneath the shadows of his attire.]

So you say. [He turned upon his heel, moved to head back down the halls. If the man was still here when he came back, perhaps he would force himself to help. There was no immediate threat to the other, as far as he knew and reasoning seemed to be a dangerous thing to try.] Safety to you, then.

[No peace. He wasn't sure about that.]

[The reasoning was dangerous, right now in this mood the last thing he needed was someone trying to assist him because only he could get used to such a body. So quietly he watched the other leave and only gave a huff of breath at the words before turning back to his task in attempts to move his legs.

He would unsuccessful at first, but practice made perfect.]

[Seishirou presents the picture of a man who knows either too much or not enough at all, given the expression on his face. A smile. It could be vapid or it could be smug, depending on your opinion-- Seishirou, though, he mostly aims for pleasant. Harmless, if you like, even when he isn't.

He considers the man and his confusion. Relatively average, as far as most new arrivals went... but most new arrivals could stand.]

Deadly. [that's the sort of mockery this is, after all.]

[That smile is enough to stir a fire within his gut and it is not the same fire, the same strength that he was used too. He does not like the other simply by his face, simply by his appearance and the way that he stands there. It is average because he cannot seem to reply to it, he cannot comprehend it and the anger, the rage will come later when he learns more of this place, learns more of this human form. He cannot push himself up easily but he does, still not willing to test the legs he was given.

His nails scrape against the stone flooring and pull back slightly, one snapping off which he seems to ignore at the moment.] This is not even familiar the death that I am used to offering those that look upon me in such a way.

Then that is more the pity. [Seishirou has always been fond of challenges, after all-- though not to the point of overconfidence, nor stupidity. His eyes narrow only slightly, and the smile becomes a little harder. He's calculating and not reckless, and he tempers his words with actual information.]

This place is a castle filled with the unwilling.

The unwilling of what? Because if you are assuming the unwilling of those to bend and fade away with time you will find out sooner than later that I am most unwilling to do such a thing. [He notes the others smile and it still irritates him, still strikes something up within his gut as he narrows his gaze in a more severe manner upon the other.]

Now are you going to say anything useful or simply stand there.

[Seishirou only smiles more. This man, this new man is reactionary and more verbose than others-- it's a little gratifying, after so long of dealing with children. This man is also very clearly dangerous, when he is at full power-- that is intriguing, and Seishirou has no intention of letting the man slip away when his interest is piqued.

Perhaps his standards are slipping? Hmm. Only time will tell, at this rate -- time and the ability to continue watching.]

We all arrived at this place in the same manner as you, and have been unable to find our way out. It is nearly an unfathomably big castle that you find yourself in.

[The sentiment would be returned if he could focus on it. Yet at the moment the people of this realm held little interest to him, the concept of mortality was more on his mind as he watched the other and while he might feel there was something more to him, at the moment there was little care in befriending or making acquaintances with any other upon the grounds he stood upon.

Well, stood was a word to be taken likely because he refused to stand at the moment, still getting a count of the toes he currently bore.] A large castle with only strangers as inhabitants?

Or are there actually residents?

The ones that are native here appear to be out to destroy us. [It's said with a definitive edge to his voice, and the smile turns sharp. He doesn't try to pretend he's anything but a predator, in this battle of hunters.] Creatures of shadow and darkness, ruled by a queen with motives unclear.

[Which is good, because Alduin does not pretend he is one to be hunter. Only recently that came into his life, and ended with his death but still--he was not willing it risk it again, not in this pathetic form.] I see.

[He replied as he looked to the other still--intently.] Every ruler falls.

Yes. As she will. [It's not even a threat-- it's a statement of fact. So long as the Queen does not touch Subaru, Seishirou will likely not bother to join the offense against her.]

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001 ► O P E N

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SORRY FOR THE WAIT!

perfectly fine!

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SORRY FOR THE WAIT!

fah, I've been slower than that before!

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