Time with Eiphraem

[21:30] Ethan Hawke says, "That being said, there's something I think you can help me with, too."
[21:30] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Oh?"
[21:30] Eiphraem Kang says, "Please, ask away."
[21:30] Magdalen Elisheva says, "I believe she's from a small village somewhere on Agartha, Sir Eiphraem."
[21:30] Magdalen Elisheva says, "I hope she can get over her unease around you..."
[21:30] Ethan got up from his seat, walking over to the slithering tea brewer - leaning over to whisper.
(Ethan Hawke)
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[21:30] Ethan Hawke whispers: Occult madness.
[21:30] Eiphraem Kang says, "I... Feel pity for her, in spite of her words."
[21:30] Est politely shifts to the side.
(Est)
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[21:30] Eiphraem Kang whispers: Oh?
[21:30] Ethan Hawke whispers: That was the source of my fear, back in Crafthold.
[21:31] Eiphraem sobers, pausing to murmur at Ethan- Whatever he said, the young man currently has Eiphraem's full, serious attention. ... It might be more than a might intimidating.
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[21:31] Eiphraem Kang whispers: Please, speak freely.
[21:31] Ethan Hawke whispers: I can't trust even my brother. It... got really bad recently. I've managed to hold my thoughts and fears back after I met someone who made me feel safe, though.
[21:31] Eiphraem Kang whispers: It may be embarassing, but can you detail everything in regards to the latter?
[21:32] Eiphraem Kang whispers: It will assist.
[21:33] Ethan Hawke whispers: I met Aaron at the beach. An older woman who's taller than me by far but also... Has brain damage. She was pretty much like a kid - and asked me to keep her safe and not alone in the night. I sat there. We talked. I stopped doubting her - for a moment.
[21:34] The warmly smiling Magdalen waves Est over - presumably beckoning her to come sit at the table with her and the unknown Galahad!
(Magdalen Elisheva)
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[21:34] Ethan Hawke whispers: .. I don't know why, but I felt it was more important I take care of her safety than to be scared of what she might do to me. I never knew the woman, but... I trusted her.
[21:34] Est says, "Ah-"
[21:35] Eiphraem Kang whispers: How did you originally come into your occult magic? Was it a natural, or deliberate choice?
[21:35] Ethan Hawke whispers: It came to me naturally.
[21:35] Sir Airgenald floats into the tower going directly up to Magdalen.
(Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis)
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[21:35] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis says, "I have something to request of you. I apologize for the short notice in advance."
[21:35] Magdalen turns to face Spud! Still smiling. As usual.
(Magdalen Elisheva)
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[21:35] Calael Elisheva says, "..."
[21:36] Magdalen Elisheva exclaims, "Of course, Sir Genald!"
[21:36] Est glances over to Eiphraem for a moment, and then squints across the counter. Acceptable distance - mist spills over the counter, crawling along the ground like a fog machine in a tacky music video - until it collects atop a stool and reforms into the seated Est.
(Est)
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[21:36] Calael Elisheva says, "They have not made any progress on the road."
[21:36] Ethan Hawke whispers: Even now, I find it difficult to trust you. It's only because I hold something against you..r lover that I can ask of you.
[21:36] Eiphraem seems to be in a serious, low tone discussion with Ethan!
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[21:36] Est asks, "...How hard can it be to complete one little road?"
[21:36] Eiphraem Kang whispers: That is understandable. Tell me- What do you know of occult magic? Understanding is crucial.
[21:36] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis asks, "Would you be willing to wed Layla and I in Ashera's absence?"
[21:36] Eiphraem Kang whispers: If you want to begin to control the irrational urges, you must have a complete ability to trace your thoughts.
[21:36] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis says, "The shrine is already prepared, you would just have to officiate."
[21:36] Calael Elisheva says, "Apparently..."
[21:36] Calael Elisheva says, "Very."
[21:36] Calael Elisheva says, "I was really only going along for that meeting."
[21:36] Ethan Hawke whispers: I know it rots the mind. That it wasn't meant for humans to use. It would be like using divine magic - except the latter would... destroy the soul.
[21:37] Ethan Hawke whispers: I never had much of a problem, despite practicing for the past eight years. Only recently with more emotional trauma and many fights it grew.
[21:38] Ethan Hawke whispers: .. Girl problems. Specifically them using me, or trying to.
[21:38] Eiphraem Kang whispers: It gained something especially to feed from off of you.
[21:38] Eiphraem Kang whispers: Insecurity. Fear. Mistrust.
[21:38] Galahad Gwynne says, "Whoa. A wedding."
[21:38] The much more formally dressed Magdalen can't help but look the slightest bit nervious, having been put on the spot! Regardless, she gives a quick nod-nod!

"Of course, Sir Genald… I'm not a hundred percent sure what I should um... Say! But I'm sure I can come up with something!

When would you like me to do this?"

She asks, her tone upbeat, as before, but tinged with earnest thoughtfulness.
(Magdalen Elisheva)
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[21:38] Ethan offered a small nod.
(Ethan Hawke)
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[21:38] Eiphraem Kang whispers: ... Occult magic is the symbolic magic of destruction, change- And fear.
[21:39] Eiphraem Kang whispers: It is something my kin are born with- And even if I am stunted of it, I know that taste.
[21:39] Eiphraem Kang whispers: More than anger, I would go as far as to say it is absolutely a primary emotion that can fuel it.
[21:40] Eiphraem Kang whispers: It encourages you, thereby, to experience more and more of it in a spiral.
[21:40] Eiphraem Kang whispers: It will urge you to control and dominate others.
[21:40] Ethan Hawke whispers: It's not pleasant when it takes over my mind. I've lost myself to it. I used to know and realize what was happening, but it got to a point where my own thoughts mix it with and it feels like... Those crazy thoughts are what I'm thinking.
[21:41] Eiphraem Kang whispers: It's easier to say than to experience, isn't it?
[21:41] Eiphraem Kang whispers: Tell me-
[21:41] Ethan Hawke whispers: It feels so.
[21:41] Eiphraem Kang whispers: Do you hate those women?
[21:41] Eiphraem Kang whispers: Those people?
[21:41] Ethan Hawke whispers: ... I wish I could say yes. I just know better than to trust them, now.
[21:41] Eiphraem Kang whispers: I want you to do me a favor.
[21:41] Ethan Hawke whispers: Some of them I've known they were trying all along. Others I was fond of.
[21:42] A big smile would spread across his face as his tail wagged fast enough to be considered a hazard for those behind him.

"I can not thank you enough, Magdalen. I know you will do an excellent job. and in a couple hours, I have to speak with Koume, so you have time to prepare." He states as if a couple hours was plenty of time to prepare, he'd pull her in for a hug.

"That is a nice dress by the way. Anyway, I shall return later." That said he sprints out.
(Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis)
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[21:43] Slowly, the demon takes his massive hands.

His index fingers, before the claw curls from the nailbed out, are capable of plugging an eye socket. Carefully, he presses each of them against the sides of Ethan's forehead- The cold, sleek, shark-skin like calloused flesh of the warrior's fingers applying pressure slowly.

Right against his temples.

It feels like the mist of a cold waterfall fluttering near his ears.

He continues to speak, in those soft tones...
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[21:43] Eiphraem Kang whispers: I want you to take a deep breath in. Think of your friends here, and tell me how you feel.
[21:43] Eiphraem Kang whispers: Close your eyes.
[21:46] Seeing that smile is all the payment the sisterly Angel-blooded needs! Readily, that hug is accepted, a nod nodded afterwards.

"Okay, Sir Genald! I'll prepare something!

Oh and thank you!"

With his departure, Magdalen withdraws both a thin quill-pen from her nearby bag, as well as a bit of parchment. Quickly, she begins scribing something - not runes. Likely some ideas about what to say...
(Magdalen Elisheva)
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[21:50] Quickly the youth looks to her table-mates, a welcoming smile provided to the newly arrived Est! A question is asked to the lot;

"Um, has anyone here had any experiences with weddings? I think I'm gonna be the minister... So I should think about who I want to say my authority is when I pronounce them married...

Not like the Angels... Maybe on behalf of my family and our blood?"

She looks genuinely puzzled, but talks aloud as she thinks through exactly what to say.
(Magdalen Elisheva)
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[21:53] Est taps her finger against her chin a few times, the digit breaking apart into fog with each tap. "My memory isn't... /flawless/ - but in my 'previous life' I remember going to one. I caught the bouquet... I don't think I'd be able to touch it today."
(Est)
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[21:55] The youth's attention rests on the spectral form of Est, giving a little nod-nod. She seems quite pleased at this admission, quickly asking her;

"Oh! Oh! what are some things you remember that the minister did?"

No doubt excited to pick the other's brain.
(Magdalen Elisheva)
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[21:56] Ethan had been in many difficult situations. Many disgusting ones, too. This, however, topped all of them. The sensation brought by the pressure of Eiphraem's reptilian digits pressing against the sides of his head felt plain wrong. They were cold, nearly lifeless, terrifying, too. He could feel the freezing sensation spreading further and further, numbing the tip of his ears. His expression was one of discomfort, for sure. Nautia's bloodletting was far less... Scary.

And the demon would be able to sense all of it. The fear in his heart had been struck once again, fingertips and claws close enough to take his life at a whim. It was definitely impossible to ignore - though it stemmed not from paranoia but fear itself, this time.

Ethan was terrified, shaking in his boots and had trouble even following the words being spoken to him. Part of him wanted the scary, cold touch to be nothing more than a way to intentionally trigger his fear on a level Eiphraem himself couldn't even understand. He doubted the archon knew of his past master's method of punishment and prefered magic.

No, this was all a coincidence. His heartbeat grew faster, his lips barely could stay in place as he tried to follow the instructions given to him. A deep breath was drawn. Eyes went shut tightly.

He muttered beneath a wisp of occult forces incessantly pushing against his mind, trying to make him fight back or.. run. He already had ran away before. It solved nothing.

"I... know they mean well. I know that. They're family. Friends. They don't let me give up on them, or myself. Nakiri... yelled at me when I told her I couldn't drag her down with me. It's— ... I know I should trust them. But I'm afraid. I'm afraid they'll play me like Anna always did everyone. Like Aspen has tried to do for years. Like Leoda does all the time. They're not the only ones. Cordelia lied and tried to get me killed. Artaghh and Chroma pretend to be on your side and betray you. Alastor gives out a nice smile while actively trying to capture me. I... can't trust everyone."

Thankfully most of that would be quiet enough for only the snake-like man before him to hear.
(Ethan Hawke)
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[21:58] Est clearly ponders for a very long time, but concludes this exercise with a vigorous shake of her head. "I was just a kid. I didn't listen to any of it, admittedly."
(Est)
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[22:03] Calael had been idly doodling circles in his notebook while he was awaiting any news from Noel about the road or conversing with Koume. The cosmic demiangel had little desire to continue staring at the grass where the road was supposed to be and expect any construction to burst out of the ether, so he had returned to the inside for the time being.

Hearing that Est had caught a bouquet at a wedding brought his attention back to the reality in front of him, and if his studies on tradition had taught him anything, the fact made him look around the room idly in thought.

Cal brought his attention back to his sister and spoke out on the topic. "Ah. I've-- read about weddings, yes. The minister usually recites some lines about the two vowing to love one another forever and such. Something like that.

I was just mentioning to... Noel that given the tavern is finished we could have a dance or something there, as Est and I sort of talked about." Another brief glance was shot in the ghost-girl's direction. "Perhaps a wedding will be equally as entertaining? I... am unsure.

I have never been to one."
(Calael Elisheva)
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[22:08] It's very lucky that Magdalen did not hear Ethan's words. If she did, he'd be gettin' a wack to the back of the head, and a sisterly scolding a la 'you need to find people more worthy of your trust'.

Regardless, a thankful smile is given towards Est, even though she can't think of anything to help. 'Bouquet' is written on her piece of paper, before her attention turns to the doodling, thoughtful Calael! 'Vows' are written after bouquet. 'Dance' follows!

"Those are all really good ideas... Okay! So I ask them to vow to love... Or maybe look after and care for eachother for...

The rest of this life! Mhm..."

A pause as the the white-feather nibbles on the top of her quill-pen, thoughtfully considering something.

"Then... I... Say that I pronounce them married... On behalf of our family.

Then I tell the bride to throw a bouquet of flowers to the crowd... And then we go dancing?"

Slowly puzzling this together, the Angel-blooded is! White wings give a delicate little ruffle.
(Magdalen Elisheva)
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[22:10] Calael Elisheva says, "Yes-- that sounds like a proper wedding to me."
[22:11] There is a soft, tinnitic buzz at the edges of Ethan's consciousness.

The serpent's eyes close in turn. While his touch is cold- There is something soft to it, once the initial shock recedes.

He is a primal, slowly growing old elemental being of water. His touch softly thrums with the course of rivers, and the cool of his touch slowly acclimates to skin, the crash of being immersed gradually giving way. There's a soft sensation of beading water, like the aftermath of a shower or emerging from a lake slowly forming against his hair, near his ears.

It doesn't force itself upon him, as the demon's mind pushes softly against his- A passive, quiet listener to those churning, tumultuous tainted thoughts.

A soft, gentle hum emerges from the serpent's mouth, through his gills.

Words slide into his mind- Directed. Patient. Placid.

Those people who used you still have power over you.

As he says those names, Eiphraem conjures and impresses images of the ones he knows- Anna, Aspen, Leoda, Cordelia- Even Artaghh and Chroma.

Trust... Is power, in social bonds. Shouldn't it be? ... But it isn't a power for you, is it? It feels like a weakness, something that makes your fire flicker with indecision. That scorn comes from, that makes you prey.

... This is a lie, Ethan Hawke. This is how those people leave scars on you, how they squirm like parasites in your blood, and skin.

Blind trust isn't the answer- But neither is rejection.

Tell me- Do you think you have confronted how you feel about them? About how this happened? Do you feel like it could have only been because you were open? Vulnerable?
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[22:12] Magdalen Elisheva exclaims, "Hello, brothers! We're just figuring out what I'm going to do for the wedding!"
[22:13] Magdalen Elisheva exclaims, "Sir Genald says I need to minister it, since Lady Ashera cannot make it!"
[22:13] Noel Elisheva says, "Hm."
[22:13] Noel Elisheva says, "Be right back."
[22:16] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis asks, "Are you ready, Magdalen?"
[22:18] A quick nod-nod is given. It seems the white-feathered has written a bunch of little notes on her piece of parchment! Last-minute planning, no doubt.

The now elaborately dressed form climbs to her feet! A warm smile is given to both Ookami knight, and Ookami bride! A sisterly sort of pride evident upon her face.

"Of course, Sir Genald and Lady Layla!"
(Magdalen Elisheva)
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[22:18] Magdalen grabs her bag on the way out, carrying it tucked under one arm!
(Magdalen Elisheva)
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[22:19] Sir Airgenald Spudnicus Ixis says, "Now to the shrine- Everyone come when you are dressed for it."
[22:19] Layla says, "The Lady isnt necessary please.."
[22:19] Sera Elisheva asks, "... Dressed for it?"
[22:19] Sera Elisheva says, "I am dressed."
[22:20] Est says, "I... think this is good enough."
[22:20] Sera Elisheva says, "Hm, hm."
[22:20] Sera Elisheva says, "Okay! I'm going, then."
[22:21] Est says, "It would be very hard to find new clothes to... /bind/ to my form, or whatever it is, on such short notice anyway."
[22:21] Est says, "...Hm."
[22:21] Eiphraem Kang says, "I admit. It is a bit tricky to treat and enchant the cloth."
[22:21] Eiphraem Kang says, "More time consuming than anything else."
[22:21] Eiphraem Kang says, "You should be formal enough now, however."
[22:23] Est says, "I think so too. You did a /very/ good job."
[22:24] Ethan is met with the sound of waves crashing in the depths of his mind for a moment - blocking out the words and the intent that Eiphraem was trying to implant into him. His mind wasn't opening up for anyone but himself just yet. It'd take time, more than he'd be proud to admit.

As freezing turned into cool, as wet turned into fresh and his body's tension dropped the young man felt quite a load of weight vanishing from his shoulders, metaphorically so. He felt the archon's presence flow alongside his rather than guide him in any which way.

It was... a bit too gentle for how jarring to most the man looked. Still, Ethan was finally listening to the words echoing within his mindscape. His lips remained close shut. A breath was drawn from his nostrils, filling up his lungs gradually before he allowed himself to listen to the wise words.

Demon. Angel. Good. Bad. Holy. Occult. This room was filled with people who were all called those different words, yet none of them determined who they were. The memories of the past had brought fear rather than wisdom. His body still had some trouble accepting what had happened and proof of his paranoia only brought more kneejerk reactions - Leoda, Aspen and Anna all had done such. Still, the last question that came took some time to think about. It was so important that it overshadowed everything else, that it made him... Open up.

"No... They've done it to others. Not everyone saw me as a tool. Even... You." He finally answered out loud after quite a while.

This was it, wasn't it?
It was so simple, yet everything had been numbed and damaged by fear for so long that he never took the time to realize just how pretty the world could be, in a way. Another deep breath was drawn in, a certain... Calm was achieved. The wisps of occulting forces in his head had been completely killed off, for now.

Foronce, he felt in control again.

His eyes opened up, meeting a figure grotesque to most, yet heartwarming in its own way to Ethan.
(Ethan Hawke)
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[22:24] Est asks, "Are you going, Cal?"
[22:28] Calael Elisheva exclaims, "W!"
[22:37] It's true. It's not your fault, for being a victim- But you can learn from it. Recognize the signs, without shutting out everyone who does care about you.

When these thoughts come for you again- Those quiet, yellow-green eyes and their slits meet Ethan's own, full of bright thought and light. While the creature's physical tones rarely deviate from numb, neutral placidity, the serpent's mental 'voice' holds a distinct amount of passion by comparison, serious, but not unsympathetic- Staring back into Ethan's own green.

You may be alone in a crowd. Overwhelmed. And feel like it's all closing in. Maybe you will simply be talking to someone, and a simple tone, a simple word- Will make you think of it again. Make you wonder. Make you doubt.

It will try to happen again. What I think about, when I experience that sensation-

Is all of the times my faith in others has worked. I have to recognize it consciously. It isn't easy, because the occultism isn't a separate, insidious whisper. It's nothing like this- It is just... You. You, but everything about yourself that you don't wish to be.

That's all it is. It's the scars left behind. They're a part of your 'flesh' now.

And, if you can remember that, accept that- And move past that, as painful as it is. You can be the you that you wish to be, without forgetting or being weak.

Very slowly, those fingers pull away- The warmth giving back away to the air feeling cold and dry, once the pressure of Eiphraem's fingers was adapted to.

... His physical voice returns, the room empty.

"... I suggest meditation, if you have not already tried it." His voice is soft. "It can make your thoughts a lot clearer, and give you perspective."
(Eiphraem Kang)
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[22:45] The sight of Eiphraem directly was far from what he pictured his image in his mind. The vague manifestations of those who had betrayed him hadn't been nearly as impressive as the booming voice that echoed. Yet, before Ethan was what seemed to be someone full of life and determination. Someone who could understand pain and excess.

The idea of it never leaving him was something he hadn't thought of yet. If it weren't for the extended dedication from the demon he most likely would have a fit of panic once it got back to him - when it hit him again.

The message was simple: He would never be rid of those feelings and experiences. They were part of him now and would always be. Running away from one's self wasn't possible. He had to accept it. To see himself for what he wanted to be rather than what others thought he was.

A small nod was given to the spoken suggestion as the warm embrace of reality reached out for him once more. Words were shared, admitting something he had never told anyone else.

"I don't think meditation is for me. I hate tea."

The connection was easy to see, though his disdain of the beverage had never been stated before - leaving him feeling like he could trust others.

For now, at least.
(Ethan Hawke)
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[22:45] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Hahn. You know-"
[22:45] Eiphraem Kang says, "There are alternate forms."
[22:45] Eiphraem Kang asks, "Tell me- Have you ever practiced for combat?"
[22:45] Eiphraem Kang says, "Without a partner."
[22:46] Eiphraem Kang says, "Exercises, the like."
[22:47] Ethan Hawke says, ".. Not really."
[22:47] Ethan Hawke says, "I've worked on spatial magic for that purpose, but it's mostly theory."
[22:48] Eiphraem Kang says, "Hmn."
[22:48] Eiphraem Kang says, "Ultimately, what I recommend is finding something that makes rhythm and focus."
[22:48] Ethan Hawke asks, ".. Like a dance?"
[22:48] Eiphraem Kang says, "Yes."
[22:49] Ethan Hawke says, "Then there's a wedding I should attend."
[22:49] Eiphraem Kang says, "It doesn't have to be about sitting still, or idle."
[22:49] Eiphraem Kang says, "Just focus, and rhythm."
[22:49] Eiphraem Kang says, "Something where your mind turns inwards to express itself by body memory."
[22:50] Eiphraem Kang says, "... Ah. Please, do not let me hold you up. You likely should attend."
[22:50] Ethan Hawke asks, "You can find your way home?"
[22:50] Eiphraem Kang says, "I am certain I can find something, if you do not think of something better. But dance? It does work."
[22:50] Eiphraem Kang says, "Indeed. Do not worry."
[22:51] Ethan nodded, sharing this last bit of self towards the man - perhaps making him understand where the root of his troubles truly laid.

"I thought it'd be a good excuse to invite a girl."

Oh dear. Hopefully it'd work.
(Ethan Hawke)
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