Blinking Eye in the Sky

[2016/08/16 12:52]  Rntyiglok: The city of Convergence glistened underneath the weeping heavens. For truly, demons ran amok below, a sight that could bring any knowing and caring soul to tears. Atop of the Gallery, a remnant that could suit its innards stood tall and ominous, looming upon the dark streets like a vulture that'd smelled blood. Its fur matted and tangled, its muscles bare and throbbing, what appeared as a horrendous statue from afar was a nightmare borne from flesh. For now it simply watched.

[2016/08/16 12:57]  Amaryl loved the moon nights because it meant the stretching of wings, even if she didn't ever really do anything spectacularly out of the ordinary. She had emerged from her apartment above Ritual and looked up at the sky, frowning at the rain. It always bloody rained when she wanted to fly and could. Of course. With a frown she'd disappear back inside to find an umbrella before returning to the landing to look slowly around. Seeing what could only be one of hers across the way - and with a pneuma signature to match, she'd leap and glide across to the opposite rooftop and land next to the horror that was her kin. Hooves touched down delicately and her wings mantled against her back, the cupcake umbrella popped open without much ceremony. <"Trying to decide where to start, brother?"> She'd ask in Infernal, her voice a shattered chorus of a thousand, child-like highs and gravelly lows braiding themselves around the midtones of her speaking voice.

[2016/08/16 13:04]  Rntyiglok 's pneuma signature might as well have been a throbbing beacon in the distance, no rain nor mist could ever keep that from a fellow kin. Whether the wretch watched as its sister sped towards its side, faceless skull creaked with a broken stutter, every little vertebra eager to let itself be known as they sung underneath its squirming flesh. [I am unsure how to proceed,] it croaked, every word struggling to worm itself free from its exposed throat. Its hoarse voice belonged to a man with one foot in the grave. Where its sister seemed to abhor the rain, every tentacle it owned danced with rejoice. [The very sight of me could be reason for a riot — it certainly would not be the first time, and if I'm not careful enough, not the last.]

[2016/08/16 13:12]  Amaryl turned her attention to take in his form, a slow look up and back down from horns to toes. <"What is it you wish to accomplish? A little fright? Or perhaps you're hungry?"> She hated the rain because it made her ache. Asmodeus' pleasure palace where she had spent most of her time training was one of the hotter climates, and she had grown to love the heat. Living in the pacific northwest was something of a nightmare for her.

[2016/08/16 13:18]  Rntyiglok reached down to pluck a frolicsome maggot from between its ribs. As it held it up to consider such a lowly life form, [Truth be told, I long for abnormalities in people to shine a little brighter at the very sight of me.] It paused, but by no means long enough to usher in any questions. [A human who is drawn to me; the true me behind the masks.] Instead of squishing the little maggot, it was released to slither up its blade-like claws at a snail's pace, fighting for its meager and insignificant life. [What of you, sister? Surely, your wings yearn to taste the sky in flight.]

[2016/08/16 13:23]  Amaryl peers out at his treatment of the maggot from beneath her umbrella. Her wings give a hard shake, as if she could feel them between her feathers . Instead there's just a spray of water mist around her. She doesn't edge away, though. The Hydri can't help themselves and if /she/ can't be compassionate to them, who could? <"I will fly before dawn, before I go to pray."> She looks up to that shrouded face and extends one hand to catch the cloth with the tips of her fingers to take a curious peek beneath. <"Do you worship the Morning Star?"> Not all of their siblings see him as something Godly, and she respects that.

[2016/08/16 13:31]  Rntyiglok: The stained cloth rippled at the very touch as odd shadows bled into fabric, slithering along the surface like growing blotches of ink. The shadows underneath coiled with a presence of many obscured shapes and silhouettes — the abyss stared back. [I am envious of the Morning Star,] it rasped in reply. [As I am envious of most things that have undertaken great feats beyond my reach.] Rntyiglok appeared composed despite its words — its mood could not be read on the surface, nor in the death rattle of its voice, mute in emotion. [For what do you pray, sister? The wellbeing of your kin? Our victory against our tyrannical brethren?] One by one, countless eyes opened in the darkness to peer down at her. [Or for something far more personal than that?]

[2016/08/16 13:35]  Amaryl would not hold tight to that shroud, curious but respectful. He need only move an inch either way to pull it from her grasp. Her expression softened as he spoke, her heart gently breaking for him, as it was wont to do. <"The wellbeing and safety of all of our siblings under my care."> She replies gently. <"And the strength to provide what I can for them. For you."> She'd meet those eyes fearlessly; she had seen far worse than him within the pits. <"I pray that we all may go home soon.">

[2016/08/16 13:41]  Rntyiglok was a nightmare tailored to the instinctual frights of man, not to those of its kin. [I hope the very sight of me has given you some satisfaction — a glimpse of home we shall surely return to one day.] The tendrils at its neck spread wide and held their fingerless arms up towards the heavens. In the right light they looked like a halo. It creaked into slow, awkward motion. Unless stopped in some way, it flattened its ghastly hand atop of her hooded skull, enveloping it with comforting weight. [Pray loudest of us, sister, as I will pray for you.]

[2016/08/16 13:47]  Amaryl could not help the small smile that slipped across her features as he spoke, first of home, then that he would pray for her. Perhaps surprisingly, she'd lean toward the weight of his hand, always one to enjoy touch, even if she'd rather glad that she's wearing a hood and so none of his pets will crawl into her hair. Her hand releases his shroud then, and she glances to his back, to find a spot that isn't rotting or squirming with maggots. If she can find one, she'll rest her hand there, just as warm and as soft in this form as her last though the doll-like qualities are lessened by the removal of her mask. <"You are welcome to join me. I have a spot on a hill by the harbor that has a perfect view of the sunrise. It's blissfully quiet. I would like the company of family.">

[2016/08/16 13:56]  Rntyiglok had spots here and there not teeming with its pets. They preferred the comfort deep inside where they could burrow and feed. For while her hand might be soft, it was unable to feel the quality of her skin, just the weight that rested there. It, however, would feel slimy; not even the pattering rain could wash away the layers of ooze it'd accumulated to protect itself against the harsh seasons. [As would I, but I sadly have to decline.] It took away the comfort of its hand, stepping back if only to face her fully, the majority of its decomposed state for her to see. [What I have done to myself... I have to take care of my body before I do anything else. It is important, especially during days of the moon.]

[2016/08/16 13:59]  Amaryl would let it pull away as it bid, her eyes lifting back to that shrouded face. <"I understand."> Her hand would wipe across the back of her dress to rid itself of the ooze. <"If there's anything I can do to ease your burden, please don't hesitate to ask."> This is deeply sincere, and quite evident that she loves and cares an incredible amount for those under her charge.

[2016/08/16 14:01]  Rntyiglok craned a deep nod of gratitude. To be understood, even if at the decline of her offer, seemed to be important to the hydri. [As I expect from you; a burden should not be carried alone.]

[2016/08/16 14:05]  Amaryl , for being their Director, for being 'in charge', was surprisingly soft-natured. At least, when it came to her kin. To her, they were lost children of the revolution, and above all others, they needed love and protection. She only wished she could provide more. <"I'm glad you feel that way."> She purrs, a warm, soothing sound.

[2016/08/16 14:09]  Rntyiglok peered out over the darkened skies through the dome. [The day is still young. And if not today, we still have eternity to watch the sun rise and set.] As it bowed its farewell, [Be careful out there, sister.] As it turned, one of its thick tentacles weaved something akin to a wave before it lumbered for the edge to disappear down from.

[2016/08/16 14:10]  Amaryl smiled more fully, her hands wrapping around her umbrella, lifting one to wave back. <"Stay safe, brother mine. Regale me with the stories of your first moon on the island over coffee sometime soon."> She winks and giggles, her hooves scrapping the roof as she took a step back to give it room to drop and disappear.