Despair, Loyalty, and Pain

[21:37] Bruno takes a seat across from the woman as his children do their thing. He had grown less than disturbed by their crafting with the years.

"I believe you have seen what will happen to you if you are less than cooperative. However that is hardly my... concern." He explains, further delving into the subject.

"You bear pain. The kind born from weakness. And I hold the solution. So long as you are willing to grasp it."
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[21:39] "Thank you, Father."

To never want for anything. Titus makes the most of the items and materials bestowed upon him, taking the time to refine and smooth out the iron clumps before using his affinity for magic to assist in converting them into something stronger.

At the same time, the gentle soul seems content with glancing over to assist his sister in her own crafts. Silently aiding where he can and leaving her to her own devices otherwise.

After a period that felt like eternity, the youth applies a few pats to her back and makes his way out.

He knew very little about the Priestess, but their conversation would likely go over Titus' head regardless.

"I'll be around later."
(Titus pyr Aertas)
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[21:40] Once Bruno had finished his business and situated himself across from her, a weary sienna gaze turns his way.

She couldn't avoid talking forever, could she? Not if she wanted to survive.

Though a part of her wondered if she even deserved to.

"You already took him from me. What more do you want from me...?"

The woman's pained frown settles deeper on her face and she lowers her eyes.

"I'm just a priestess, y'know. You're crazy."
(Celicia)
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[21:45] Even if her brother would do his crafting practice for the day and depart, she would not unless instructed to do so. Blue hues once more staring directly at the sienna-eyed Osronan, it was enough to make one uncomfortable if they were in normal circumstances. Yet Celicia was not, so she may not even mind when compared to the mass of trauma she's apparently already experienced.

Shifting briefly towards the patriarch of her household, she felt it was important to see how he handled such things.. and what he would do with her. It was interesting enough to hold her attention, that much was certain.

Remaining silent for the moment, the pale girl grasps one wrist with the opposite hand, idly letting them clasp before her as she rests after her own bout of intense crafting.

Eagerly observing.
(Isana pyr Aertas)
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[21:49] "A priestess. One with the intricate belief the stars will save you. Yet... the stars above are cruel. Heartless. They do not care to bestow their blessing upon those who do not give to them first. As do the Primordials— the divine beasts."

A rant on divinity, as expected from one who hails from Achyon.

"However, I can aid you. It is as I have said earlier; I will usher humanity towards their future. Your pain is deep. Love is both a strength and a weakness. You will never forget what happened, of that I am sure. Though my proposition lies not in destruction but rather... creation."

His left hand rises up slightly, mimicking the gesture that had been made to signify his ability to aid machinery from before.

"I stand above mankind's petty existence, and so does my family. Though I am not without a heart. What I want from you is simple.

I do not desire a sacrifice.
I do not desire prayer.
I do not desire praise.
All I, Bruno pyr Aertas, needs for you to receive my help is but one single thing:

Loyalty."

He rises his right leg over his left, leaning down upon his hand as he takes a deeper look towards the woman.

"Should you accept, loyalty no matter the circumstances is all that is needed. If I have a need for your skills I will call upon you. In exchange I can ensure your pain dissipates. I can ensure you never feel the way you do right now."

It seemed too pretty didn't it?
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[21:58] It was almost too good to be true. In fact, it was. He knew well of her teachings and thought little of them, yet Celicia was certain that everyone in Achyon shared the sentiment. The stars were simply little dots in the night sky in these dirty streets.

If she'd been even more devout, she wondered if she'd be in this situation now. Her salvation was far from reach...

Or was it?

Had the man more precious to her than any other not been abruptly torn from her hands, it was safe to assume the priestess wouldn't even consider entertaining his proposal. Broken and unbearably fragile, however, she'd listen to him.

She'd begin to think.

"Loyalty to you would mean betraying the people I've been loyal to for years. How could you even trust someone who'd betray their people for themselves? Nobody is that selfish," Celicia murmurs, shaking her head.

"It'd be disgusting, wouldn't it? You really are a demon..."

Her voice sounded distant, even to her own ears. Everything felt wrong.
(Celicia)
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[22:07] "I am no fool. I do not inherently trust you." He reveals, only to speak further upon the matter.

"Loyalty is all I ask for, but betraying such loyalty will have its price. A horrifying one at that. No matter how far you may run, no matter how much you believe you may escape it, it will come."

The man leans back against the couch for a moment, red eyes staring down towards Celicia with a focus unlike any other. His children's presence was nothing he was worried about. They understood what mattered most.

"Whether you wish to ally with Achyon or not will remain your choice. A choice that will bring its own consequences, of course. Whether that comes in the form of a missing hand, a death, or the death of others will be your decision. What I require is merely your unwavering loyalty: To accept me as the man who will usher humanity towards a new future.

And in turn, your pain will no longer exist."
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[22:07] Bruno pyr Aertas says, ".. That much is a guarantee."
[22:11] "I don't get what use you'd even have for me," she quietly admits. She couldn't stop thinking about his death.

Viridian.

The torment upon her countenance lingers, yet in spite of it Celicia continues to prod at his intentions.

"I-In the first place, is there even any chance I can leave this city alive? That's not up to you, is it?"

There was a way out.

It seemed like there was a chance.
(Celicia)
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[22:18] "A New World begins with a single person. Then another. And in time? Enough for all of Esshar to accept their weakness and reject the burden of flesh. To be selfish like those stars, those beasts, those primordials is not how I wish to be. Your worth comes first and foremost with you... understanding what I can do for you. For others. For humanity. As a priestess you should be no stranger to the concept of mere belief gathering more people to believe."

Though the question that came was one that truly was out of his control.

"I can give no promise on your safety in or outside of this city. Of course a decision to turn your back on Osrona and join Achyon would aid your cause, but I do not believe you are willing to abandon everyone counting on you back there. The only benefit I can grant if you were to pledge yourself to me would be my influence. My word may bring leniency on your punishment. On your treatment."
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[22:23] Titus pyr Aertas whispers something.
[22:24] Isana makes a quiet 'hmph' sound as her brother departs, this was something she wanted to see.
(Isana pyr Aertas)
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[22:36] "You know... I hate you. If not for you, Id would still be alive. If not for me, Id would still be alive."

Both were facts she struggled to come to terms with. Not long ago, he'd been there by her side. Everything had been just fine.

Yet he'd smothered her light in darkness without remorse.

"Killing you wouldn't bring him back, but right now there's nothing more that I'd like to do. Mercy? Aren't we supposed to show mercy...?"

Gritting her teeth, Celicia sharply rises to her feet, tears brimming within the corner of her eyes.

"How the Hel is anyone supposed to show mercy after that?!"

It'd be an impassioned outburst wrought with pain. As soon as she'd spoken these words, she rests a hand against her forehead and shuts her eyes.

Her emotions were all over the place. Retaining her composure was a clear obstacle, as thing stood.

"...even so, I want to live. It's selfish, isn't it? I don't think there's anyone who's not afraid of dying. Things were simpler when I only looked out for myself- now I've got all these other people to look after too."

People who wouldn't forgive her if she gave up. Right now, though?

She wanted to forget her pain more than anything. It was pulling her apart in several different directions from within.

There was no way she'd be able to press forward like this.

"If you can save me while accepting me hating your guts, I'll help you. Do I hate myself for it too? Sure I do. I should be saving you with that horrible, ugly magic you choose to wield," the woman snaps.

With as much conviction as she can muster, she meets his gaze once more. There was no point in hesitating forever.

"But I won't let his death be meaningless. Nor my own. I can't."

In reality, Celicia knew she didn't really have a choice. He'd made it clear that he'd get what he wanted no matter who was trampled on in the process.
(Celicia)
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[22:48] The satisfaction of having Celicia fall under him in such a way was something that was not reflected upon Bruno's features, though it was clear to his children, at the very least, that he was happy by the woman's decision to accept him as the only person who could help him, even as the one who had hurt her. His lips part, asking but a single question.

"Will you don Achyon's colors or do you believe yourself to be capable of coming out of it all alive on your own?" He asked, only to add another detail to it all.

"Should you betray the Empire I will consider your loyalty no more, keep such in mind. The decision is yours; either way... You will receive my blessing."

The man's right hand pulled out a staff from Kraus-knows-where, setting it upon the empty chess board. Its design alone is... remarkable to say the least. Its weight, while far heavier than most staves, is likely bearable for thepriestess. The unique geocentric pattern held in prominence is notable, for sure.

"It is through carrying this weapon that you will find yourself able to see the pain vanish.

... when I complete its design, that is."

The man took in a breath, his right hand moving upon his own chest.

He was preparing for... something. A few words are spoken under his breath, awaiting for Celicia to understand the weight she was about to take on.

"To create one must destroy..."
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[22:48] {Item} You drop Anthropocentric Vision.
[22:58] If he was gone...

Was there really any point?

Because she'd had her own light to hold close, she'd been able to serve her people faithfully. There was nothing to look forward to in the morning now nor nobody for her to turn to when things got tough. Every night, she was certain she'd be plagued by nightmares.

She'd be constantly reminded of her failure until it drove her insane.

The thought almost made her want to laugh.

Rather than answering his words directly, she'd speak on her own circumstances further. Her eyes linger on the eerie, heavy staff before her.

"I'm someone blessed by the fae. If my heart ceases to be pure? I'll lose their favor. Or, at least..."

"The favor of those who aren't corrupt."

Those who cursed, rather than playing tricks. The very fae she'd sought to save.

Yet a corrupted fae could never truly be cleansed. It'd never been an easy matter.

"They're all I have left. What do you expect me to do, even while knowing that?"
(Celicia)
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[23:01] "I expect you to make decisions of your own. The Empire always welcomes those who are useful. The Commander, Ryker, and myself have met the Queen of faes for ourselves. She was the first being to surpass my expectations; your dedication to their kind will not be scorned upon in Achyon." He states, soon enough sharing more of his thoughts, as she did with hers.

"My own method of aiding you should hardly interfere with who they favor."
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[23:09] "I see..."

So they wouldn't hate her.

A hand is rested upon the collar fastened about her neck and her fingers curl down.

"I'll do what I can to survive without turning to the Empire. I'm not sure whether you feel the same way or not, but I think people who betray their loyalties are scumbags. It hardly ever matters what they're doing it for."

Even if it were to save themselves, it was inexcusable to her. She hated the lack of transparency that her own people boasted at times.

"Past that? Ever since I was little, I was always convinced that people don't care about the truth. All they care about is the one speaking. So long as they believe in that person, their lies would become their 'truth'. It's probably why Esshar's so messed up right now. Good and evil are way too complicated."

Celicia lifts her head once more.

"If helping you will allow meto atone for Id's death, I'll put up with that. Maybe then my prayers will finally be heard."

Or perhaps they'd forever fall upon deaf ears. It was the first time she could feel her faith wavering.
(Celicia)
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[23:23] With Celicia's decision made the man accepted it. He was not meant to be the judge of those who decided to believe in him, but merely the shepherd who would guide them to the right path. If she died in her attempts, then so be it. He likely would be able to have her able to carry the staff regardless of her imprisonment with enough justification.

And now came the important part. The man breathed in, then out. Then in again. Then out. His eyes shut and the dreadful feeling of occult magic filled the air like it had once before, though it targeted no other than Bruno himself. The man clutched his chest as he delved deeper into his very being, his spirit. Tendrils of darkness latched onto the vivid memory of Viridian's death. The moment that brought along the end of his life and the one that caused Celicia so, so much pain.

.. And so, the man grasped upon that memory itself. He drew essence from his own body not unlike those who carried magic borrowed by the Demons themselves, though his? His was... potent. Precise. Calculated. It held a purpose.

A tug, and a small gasp came from him as from his chest was pulled essence - memories of something that had pained the woman so, so much. Red eyes opened up and despite the pain that coursed through Bruno he got to work. His left hand gently opened up the depicition of the earth held within the staff as this piece of himself shrouded in occult magic found itself floating towards it, inserted and... sealed within.

As simple as it seemed the effects would only become obvious once Celicia would...

"Grab it."

And when she would, that's when it'd hit her: Her promise of loyalty and his displayed deal was no lie whatsoever. The pain that plagued her heart would be dampened, reduced to exactly how Bruno felt towards the man's death: Indifference. Though there was more to that memory itself, for it carried this incredible feeling of empowerement through the use of occult arts. Dark magic. Causing... pain to others. What those would qualify as madness, or as the very reason occult magic was frowned upon, Celicia would finally understand why people fell to the dark. Why it felt so good.

Why she shouldn't shy away from those corrupt faes.

Perhaps she would understand the depth of their powers, of their might. No matter what, so long as the woman kept the staff on her person it would grant her the very thing that Bruno had promised, relieving her of the deep pain she carried. The added effect was naught but a completion of that memory.

Sure, she may be more attracted to occult teachings, to the intensity felt when unleashing all the evil within unto another, but...

.. What would she expect from carrying a cursed weapon?
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[23:30] The young Aertas had remained but a fly upon the wall during this entire interaction, taking her opportunity to finally see her father in the true depths of his 'work'. She had been pestering him about lessons for some time now, and thankfully in some way or another this had become one inadvertently. Or is that why he hadn't told her to leave?

It was all a promise, to soothe her pain, to offer her increased odds of survival an freedom.. but even she as young as she understood there was more at play than what she could see. The sensation of the Occult filling the air around them all, it was wondrous, calling out to the deepest and most secret aspects of one's inner self.

She didn't understand it, couldn't, not yet at least.. even if she desperately desired to. Pale fingers twitch as he imbued the staff with some strange form of binding, his command given as Isana herself found her breathing slightly hitched. "What was that..?" She quietly asked, trying not to disturb as much but her curiosity would surely get the better of her by now.

If anything they were all lucky she managed to wait it out this long, letting her question hand as a glance was paid to the Priestess. Would she finally take it..? It was in her best interests after all, and the most logical choice.

From the child's perspective at least.
(Isana pyr Aertas)
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[23:40] He'd hurt her, yet he could save her. He could undo the pain he'd wrought about- pain that would torment her for the rest of her life in some capacity. It was a promise as alluring as the prospect of survival. To surrender, in her eyes, was cowardly.

Yet she'd thought about it. Without him, her life felt empty. It'd always be empty, like a night without stars.

Up until Bruno filled the very void he'd left behind, there was no doubt in her mind that she'd live like that till the end of her days.

The stifling weight of occultism that'd always sickened her is something she'd endure to as he makes preparation. In the end, he'd pose one request. One that she didn't quite understand.

Until she grabbed hold of the weapon, it made no sense.

Like a coiling snake, darkness weaves its way into her heart to seep within the gaps and reinforce it. The curse she'd suffered at the hands of a demon previously paled in comparison to this particular weapon's influence.

Just like that, her pain was gone. She couldn't even remember why she'd been so agonized over him in the first place. Years of love and devotion felt senseless and ridiculous in the moment of her union with the staff. As someone who'd never devoted herself to the Celestial Church's magic, its pull was all the more potent. It'd be intoxicating, even.

For it'd allow her to take, rather than to lose anything more. Never again would she be made a fool of so long as she held on to this.

The weapon is hefted up in spite of its immense weight and her lips curve to small smile.

"I wonder... do I even need them anymore?"

It was a smile that wouldn't have come for a long, long time without it.

Perhaps this was why people truly betrayed.

For something more.
(Celicia)
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[23:45] The smile upon her face and the shift in her expression was something that Bruno welcomed. It was clear that his work was perfect. It made sense. It all fell in place when executed with precision. With this new view of the world within her grasp Celicia would definitely be able to think more clearly, to understand how easy the weaknesses of humanity were to cast away.

Was it selfish? Not necessarily. Self-centered was more like it: To prioritize one's self over the rest. To dwell in pain for one that is gone is senseless. To hold back when it feels so good to live without restraints was evident.

And now, the priestess knew.

A mere taste of Bruno's memories was enough.

"Osrona or fairies?" He asked.
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[23:51] Utterly delighted, the priestess rests her cheek against the weapon. "Osrona. I mean, if I go back, they'll take this away from me! They wouldn't get it, y'know?"

She never had herself, but she hadn't understood until now. Her freedom with the weapon was assured in Achyon, but in Osrona?

There was no way they'd allow it.

"The fairies will understand. They always do, which is why I serve them faithfully."

Though it was more likely that, should we continue to hold onto the weapon, the fae that were drawn to her would be less than pure.
(Celicia)
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[23:52] "The decision will remain your own, priestess."

For Bruno was no judge, he was no decider. He granted his loyal follower - his first follower what she needed in exchange for a piece of himself, and in turn? She would go forth into the world.

Her path was her own, so long as she understood why believing in Bruno was the right decision.

"If you do wish to remain, we can speak to the Commander."
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[23:59] No longer chained down by her feelings for the very man who'd sacrificed his very life for her, it was apparent her stance on the matter had shifted. Her demeanor was far, far more selfish.

The people back home didn't matter, for they wouldn't understand. She'd be reduced back to her pathetic old self if they had any say in it.

She couldn't risk it.

While holding the corrupt weapon close to her chest, Celicia raises a brow.

"Would you suggest that I go back there...?"
(Celicia)
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[00:01] "The Empire is bound to extend its reach all over Esshar. It would be foolish to return. You may be treated as an obstacle." He says, only to add a few words as he glances over to Matryona entering.

"Though I believe you already know the decision you wish to make, do you not?"

A small gesture is made towards the Commander.
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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[00:05] She made her arrival into the Aertas home. Her goal? One or both nephews, simply to speak but instead, she's greeted with a main room, quiet, and consisting only of Bruno and the Priestess.

Words reach her and she stares for a second. "She'll be treated as all zealous Osronans. Her life will fuel the progression of our science and knowledge."

Like Aelrin Alcast, maybe kinder in the end. Or was his death one of mercy? Perhaps one or two seconds of extreme agony and then... nothing. Quick, not without pain but so quick it may not even be processed.

However, Aelrin Alcast did not go out of his way like Celicia has with the soldiers within Achyon's ranks. The end is the same, though the path different.

"I won't believe that she'll give up her life and what she values. If she ever claims such, it's false. My decision aligns with the fate that befell the late Radiant."

She pauses. "However, I had no interest in checking in on that at the moment. I'd rather await a report of the conclusion. I assume Titus or Julius are not here."
(Matryona pyr Docro)
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[00:10] Foreboding though the Commander's words were, they didn't seem to fully reach her. She'd retain a firm grip on the very staff that Bruno had passed off to her while smiling all the same.

"I don't need them, so long as I have this. If serving Achyon will let me keep it and I don't have to hold back...? Sure, whatever!"

The moment she let go of it, she'd be emptier than before. It was why she knew deep down that she couldn't.

Yet with each passing second, her desire to relinquish it increasingly lessened. It was an unfortunate, irresistible reliance on something that was all but good for her.
(Celicia)
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[00:11] Bruno allowed Celicia's newfound obsession to speak for itself for a few moments before he spoke towards the Commander.

"I believe I'm ready to make my report. The boys are not here, no."
(Bruno pyr Aertas)
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