(We can do that but it feels a bit less effective now. I think they can come along to Caracal Keep for sure though! Just figured there wasn't much else to be done here)
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
(That's true... hm, did you want any resolution about Michael before we leave, though? Like Gaius to realize he's there and/or Ky to attempt to wrestle him into passing with her herald-y powers or lock him in a room or something? I think we had loosely planned on him getting dealt with before she left or at least being an asshole to her again but if you're not feeling that that's fine)
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
(I dunno; I don't feel up to working with that character right now. He feels like a character that younger me thought would be a good antagonist but I find him sort of gratuitous now. I've got plans for the ghosts when Haelar wakes up)
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
(Okay cool... hmm, I guess I don't really have anything else in mind for Serpent Keep, then, either. Any last-minute interactions you'd like amongst any of the characters/ghosts before we go?)
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Ky was anxious but excited to be getting on the road. Mostly anxious because she wasn't sure if Gaius would pull a bullshit excuse last minute and not let them leave after all. But her stuff was packed and getting loaded up now and she was finally starting to dare to let herself hope as she headed down to the courtyard.
The Ainsleys and Zander had decided they would go along as well, having no reason to stay at Serpent Keep now that Ky was leaving. And to ensure her safety. There would be soldiers, of course. But Jerica and Zander both felt personal responsibility to Ky, and Derik and Rek were in full agreement.
Besides, to hear Ky talk her mother was a literal goddess amongst women and they wanted to meet her.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
Tomhas was already in the sleigh-carriage, bundled in blankets with his wan face peeking out from the top. He was still speaking little, but there was a slight shine in his eyes now that he knew they were going home. Several soldiers were accompanying them on horseback.
Gaius had detailed which route would get them home safely on a map that he'd entrusted to one of the soldiers, and he was now standing with his wife and children on the steps of the Keep.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Ky crouched down in front of the twins. "Hey, guys." She offered a little smile. "Thanks for letting me hang out with you at your house these past few weeks. You were great hosts." She opened her arms in an offer for a hug.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"Why do you gotta go?" Mattathias asked tearfully, while Marcella returned the hug.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Ky hugged her tightly, glancing at Mattathias. "I miss my siblings and M..." She hesitated. "Mother."
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"They can come here instead!" "Your aunt and siblings are busy," Sara chided gently. "And Ky's home is there, not here.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Ky nodded in agreement, rubbing Marcella's back. "Yeah... don't worry, I'm sure we'll see each other again. After the long night." Her throat clenched but she hid it.
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
"But that's forever away!" Marcella complained as Mattathias pouted. "We'll be grownups by then!"
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
Her throat clenched and she choked on a laugh, reaching for Mattathias. “No you won’t. C’mere. Gimme a hug.”
"u and rina are systematically watering down the grammar of yws" - Atticus "From the fish mother to the fish death god." - lehmanf "A fish stole my identity. I blame shady" - Omni [they/he]
He hugged her reluctantly, burying his face in her shirt.
Last edited by Ljungtroll on Sat Feb 11, 2023 5:33 am, edited 1 time in total.
"The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that." -Karis Nemik
You, who have all the passion for life that I have not? You, who can love and hate with a violence impossible to me? Why you are as elemental as fire and wind and wild things... — Gone With the Wind
