Alleycity Thread

[kenod]

The fox waited at the location in the map, feelers spread through the alleys to check up on their approach. Three tails were visible this time, mimicking the seal on the letters. Mentally they sighed, hoping this would work. The original had given them a plan, a great plan, but they couldn't predict the future, and returning memories could easily throw off predictions. And, of course, they hadn't seen fit to allocate any reasonable degree of mental ability to them either, so they just had to hope this would work out, since they doubted they could improvise if things went off the rails.

They sighed again, physically this time, and waited for Lita and Laurelai to arrive. Once they did the fox would give a small, polite bow, before continuing to move, letting the other two follow them, shifting alleys around them.
@Voidus

[Voidus]

She was next to Lita this time, not trailing behind. Laurelai was not under any misapprehension that the change in positioning was due to any alteration in status between the two of them however. It was simply due to the fact that they were now both stepping into unknown territory together. That, and of course Laurelai had chosen to take Lita's arm when they began this dangerous jaunt.

What were you thinking? A voice chided. She's not a friend, not close enough for something like this. Far too forward.

She ignored the voice, ensuring she did not hold too tightly onto the redhead as they moved into an unknown Alley. She also ignored the piercing headache that sprang up again, a near-constant pain now. But she could put such things to one side easily enough, she would let neither pain nor errant thoughts distract her while on the job. This was a dangerous path, one with a dubious reward at best. And it was almost certainly a trap. Distractions would only get the both of them killed here.

Whatever Laurelai had been expecting to see in the Alley when they arrived, this was certainly not it. When they first arrived at the terminus of the map they had been given Laurelai had quickly scanned the area, eyes glazing past each detail so that her mind could categorise them all. But she quickly found herself double taking. Her attention pulled back to a fox that awaited in the middle of the Alley. A fox with three tails, which gave a small bow as it made eye contact with the pair before promptly turning to lead them further into the Alleys with a swish of its tails.

"An actual... three tailed fox." Laurelai commented, mixed suspicion and curiosity in her voice. "That was very much not what I expected to... wait!"

She raised her voice, trying to call the foxes attention before it shifted into another Alley. Already she could feel them shifting, another placed expectantly in their path, and others still leading them on a path... somewhere. Certainly none of the well-traveled Alleys she had only just started to become accustomed to. She felt her headache pulse again, this time with irritation as well as the usual pain. This damnable letter had sent them on nothing so much as a treasure hunt so far and she would be damned if she would take another step without confirmation that something at least lay at the end of it.

"Who... what are you?" She said cooly, looking to the fox. Trusting it to be able to understand. "Where are you taking us?"

@ZincAboutIt @kenod

[kenod]

The fox paused slightly. "I told you, didn't I?" It said in a feminine voice. "A place where you can acquire knowledge, and the answers to your questions." She paused again. "I'd prefer not to tell you for now. As you might have already experienced, there are things watching, and the wrong words can draw the wrong kind of attention. You'll find out the truth soon anyway, so there's no real need for me to tell you."

Another pause. "That said, if you want for more information, in order to trust me... Well, first of all, you probably shouldn't. Your companion should know how that works, given her job. A little trust goes a long way, and the less you have, the further you'll travel. Aside from that, perhaps the fact that I'm aware of your headaches, and the reason behind them, should be interesting enough for you?"
@Voidus@ZincAboutIt

[+ZincAboutIt]

Lita watched Laurelai speak with the - quite literally three-tailed - fox, tin on high to try and detect any kind of illusion or trick that might be present. She was no Seeker, but a mundane illusion - the throwing of a voice, the use of advanced technology - was often more effective in a city where everyone presumed magic was involved in any strange happenings. But Lita was also likely more accustomed to seeing strange, otherwise-impossible creatures than the average citizen of the Alleycity. This was far from the oddest thing to wander out of R&D, let alone some of the abominations that lurked in the older, deeper Alleys.

"'Her companion' knows it well, indeed," Lita said, keeping her voice steady and cool as she always did when speaking with a colleague. She pushed down her irritation and favored a more respectful tone, not wishing to provoke this thing to hostility, though couldn't entirely keep a bit of acid from her words. "Though seeing that you already broke into our quarters and trespassed upon our sleep, you might consider using our names. Surely you know them already."

Lita slid her Alleycant pen out of a dress pocket and motioned at Laurelai, hoping the woman had enough forethought to bring one with her as well. Trust was at a premium in these Alleys, and Lita intended to take the fox creature's advice and trust it only as far as she could see it - without tin. Which was not very far at all. Lita's pen danced over and between her fingers, sending a quick message to Laurelai.

This place it wishes to take us - if there is even a chance it could be the pool from our collective memory, we should follow it. If it's actually real, even if it has no other properties, we will have our suspicions confirmed. That we are in one another's memories, and that those memories are also real.

The prospect brought with it a whole host of other, new questions that Lita shoved aside for the moment. Now was not the time to wax philosophical or ethical or any other emotion. Now was the time for answers, answers to secrets that had been shadowing her for weeks. Lita looked back to the fox with keen, cold green eyes.

"Lead on, please."

Then she took out her bayonet and held it close - not as a threat, but as a precaution. Knowledge was power, after all, but so was sharpened metal in the chest. A Dark Alley denizen knew it was always best to prepare both.

@kenod @Voidus

Edited October 14, 2022 by ZincAboutIt
tagging

[EmulatonStromenkiin]

Balance strode along the street, managing to project an air of confidence in spite of his inner turmoil. In his hands, he clenched the pauldron he had gotten from this Technotic, the pauldron that was a motivator. A motivator based on his powers. He wanted to destroy it, a primal urge demanded that he do so. He made his way to a small empty lot, making sure no-one was following him. He summoned the lines, sending them swirling down his arm and wrapping the pauldron, prepared to crush it. Then, he hesitated. He should make sure that it was a motivator. He dismissed the lines with a thought and a twitch of his eye, and hesitantly began to strap the armor piece on.

Nothing happened for a moment, and Balance sighed. Just because he was truthbound didn’t mean that everyone else was. He made to remove the pauldron, but then it flashed with a weak blue light. It flashed again, brighter. A blue spark appeared by his shoulder, floating an inch from his skin. Lines seemed to drip from it like paint running down a wall, forming concentric circles at the joints and two parallel lines along the limbs. He stared in astonishment. With a start, he realized that it was not causing him pain. However, it was obvious that it was using his powers. He did his best to examine himself mentally, probing for pain. All he found was a drain of energy that he normally associated with using his powers. Confused, he absently walked to the edge of the lot. He pushed his arm against a crumbling wall, and stumbled as it crashed into dust and rubble. 

“This, this is new,” he muttered, perplexed. A part of his brain was still screaming at him to destroy the motivator, but his curiosity at a new and unknown application of his powers was swiftly overwhelming it. He examined the lines, prying at their secrets. After a few moments, he thought he could tell what was going on, by his sense of the wireframes and the feeling of energy entering his arm. The wireframe was functioning as a support system, strengthening his arm. It was like an exoskeleton, though admittedly a limited one. It was astounding. He had to learn more on how Technotic had created this. 

He removed the pauldron, deactivating it. Focusing himself, he duplicated what the motivator had done, noticing that the drop in his energy was much more significant than what the motivator had done. He smiled grimly to himself at his success, and shredded and crushed the pauldron with his lines, leaving only a heap of leather and metal to show that something had existed. Quietly, he strode away, finding a place to wait for the next day to return to Technotic.

[Voidus]

It took Laurelai a moment longer than she would have liked to catch Lita's meaning and slide a pen from one of her own pockets. A very fine implement that seemed somehow a little different than the one she remembered Lita handing to her but then memories were not entirely trustworthy right now. Deciphering the message went a little faster, some initial hesitancy before slipping into a more natural rhythm which allowed her to translate the odd series of twitches and spins as easily as she would verbal speech.

At the mention of memories again Laurelai felt an echoing stab of pain in one of her temples, a new headache to join the one that was already brewing. But she stamped down on the pain, suppressing it to avoid it interfering with her work as she replied.

Of course. She replied, pen spinning naturally in a hand. It has had plenty of opportunities already to spring a trap if that was what it intended. It would seem best if we-

She paused mid-message, habitually taking a casual, almost friendly tone with Lita. Storms but the woman was charismatic, very few people had ever gotten Laurelai to lower her guard of formality so quickly. After a thoughtful pause she revised her tone slightly, reminding herself that Lita was an employer, not a friend.

as you say if we follow along to the end of this journey. I shall do my best to keep an eye on our backs.

The words had barely slipped from her pen before Laurelai realized that meant that she would be behind Lita, and therefore last to see that mysterious waterfall in her shattered memories. A cold sensation gripped her chest, followed by a warm rush of jealousy as she imagined Lita getting to it first but she firmly crushed both with a polite but impassive mask that she slipped into. A third headache, one that whispered of cool waters and everything she could ever want, now joined the other two as she followed Lita and the fox into the Alleys.

@ZincAboutIt @kenod
(DA thread?)

[+ZincAboutIt]

Quote

Quote

DA thread sounds good for the next post, which I assume will be kenod.

 

Bennington drifted a few feet from Nox, testing the thread that connected them. The Lonely God had taken back Knowledge, and Bennington could see him sorting and filing it away. Now was not the time for another drink - not yet. It would undo this cold efficiency, and Nox needed that efficiency if he were to start properly dismantling this false world.

"You are a good friend Bennington." Nox said, with the hint of a smile.

Bennington paused, then did a silent loop of assent. That was the sort of thing Vivica would say, which made sense. He had Vivica's madness, after all. Bennington did not understand the concept of friendship, though he suspected that Nox might not actually consider him a good friend if he knew the entirety of what Bennington was doing to his mind. That was alright though. It pleased him in a very small, abstract way to know he was appreciated.

He was increasingly eager once Nox mentioned the Elsecaller. That Inkspren would be a tasty meal, if he could catch it. Spren were some of the more delicious things available to eat in this realm, outside the minds of mortals - especially Invested mortals. Nothing quite compared to that. But a nice spren was a close second, and here Nox was, already formulating a plan to lure the proud Radiant into an Alley. So accommodating. No wonder Vivica had been so fond of him.

"Bennington would you like to join me for some more baking?"

Bennington gave another loop of agreement, this time far more enthusiastic. His body bled from violet to indigo, his shape lengthening out, tentacles growing sharper and more indistinct - possibly more numerous, out of the corner of the eye. He was ready to assist in catching this mortal and their cognitive pet. Nox would get his frosting, and his spike. And Bennington would get dessert as well.

@Voidus

 

Edited October 20, 2022 by ZincAboutIt

[Voidus]

Voidus gave another precise cut to the webbing between his fingers, steadying his hand before repeating the same motion over again to each gap. His tolerance was not quite what it once had been but that mattered little. The pain of each of these cuts, of the ribs that he had broken, the leg that had been crushed. Very little of it mattered. Temporary maladies at best, a means to an end.

Another small orange hand seeped up from the ground beneath him, reaching to claw its way up his body and towards the blood that dripped from his hands. Looking down at it Voidus gave a satisfied nod. This would have to be enough for now. Ideally he would want to prepare the alleyway over multiple days to be safe but he lacked that time just now. Time, resources, power. He lacked everything but knowledge. But it was knowledge that had allowed him to gain all those others. And he could do so again.

"Excuse me." Voidus said to the empty alley before frowning and clearing his throat. "Someone! Someone please!"

He reviewed the sounds mentally, trying a few more times before finally seeming satisfied. Acting in this manner was difficult, particularly with no ability to alter his own mentality. But a quick mental recollection of the stakes were enough to inspire a little genuine fear in his voice.

And just in time. He noted, looking at the Fabrial pocketwatch he had recharged since visiting the Chapel. Only two minutes to spare.

Counting down the seconds, he replaced the watch, adopted a panicked second and just as his mental count reached zero he stepped out into the streets again, bumping immediately into a tall Alethi woman. He clutched her clothing with his bloodied hands and a wide-eyed look.

"Please." Voidus said, intensity and fear sinking into his words. "Please you have to help, someone please. I... in that Alley my friend she's..."

The Alethi woman appeared taken aback but she quickly regained her wits, glancing sharply over him and noting the blood and the broken leg before giving a suspicious glance into the alleyway. Few others were on the street this hour, it had been truly a stroke a fortune to have bumped into someone but she took it in stride giving an immediate nod.

"There is danger?" She said quickly. "Please, show me. Osteous, be ready."

She placed herself protectively in front of the bleeding figure of Voidus, an inkspren manifesting on her shoulder with suspicious eyes looking into the Alleyway. Both seemed ready to fight in an instant and the woman drew a preparatory breath of Stormlight. Her glowing eyes peered into the darkness of the Alleys as she stepped forward, the city itself seeming to shift and vanish as they entered the darkness.

"Painspren?" She murmured as she arrived. "Careful Ost. We won't be able to jump to Shadesm- to the cognitive here."

A piercing pain drew her attention downwards to her chest, the very tip of a slender piece of sharpened silvery metal was visible. A saber? Something rounded in any event. She swiveled in place to spot the man who had led her here, holding the other end of the metal that pierced her.

"No, you won't." Voidus replied calmly.

"Trap." The Alethi woman coughed in a spray of blood. She pulled herself free from the metal, she just needed some space, she and Ost were more than a match for someone who needed to resort to stabbing someone in the back. The Light would heal her, it would...

"Why?" She coughed out a second time, sinking to the ground as her wound continued to bleed both red liquid and Stormlight.

"Thank you very much for your assistance." Voidus said, turning the spike over in his hands. "I apologize that I won't be able to show you any further hospitality, you will have to forgive my rudeness. But I am late to meet a friend."

Stepping back into the city streets with a bloodied smile, Voidus felt one more lance of pain as he pierced the spike just past his liver. There was a momentary disquieting sensation as his organs were forcibly rearranged and then a flooding of something else, a new power that pulsed within him, waiting. It was only when he took a deep breath in, drawing Stormlight into his lungs that it came alive. His wounds mended in an instant, and his eyes opened further as he peered at the world around him, and then through it, looking beyond.

"Vivica?" Lucien asked, nervously. "Are you here?"

@ZincAboutIt

[+ZincAboutIt]

The wind pushed against Vivica's back as she sat at the mouth of the Alley, whipping her hair forward past her face. A few strands pulled free, torn away immediately with vengeful fingers. This realm did not like her lingering. Always, it insisted she leave, go. Move on. But she would not - not while she still had a job to do. And right now, that job was waiting.

So, she waited, thinking. Thinking about him, which was one of the only things that remained clear to her now. She spent a pleasant while doing so, kneeling by a slender Light Line and watching the lightning crackle deep within. Time passed as peacefully as it could in this place, and then she heard it: The distant snapping crash of lightning meeting lightning. Vivica's neck snapped around so fast she lost another piece of her cheek to the hungry wind. She smiled, standing. The Professor had left the Alleys again, and so Vivica had to go find him.

She set off down the street, passing a few glowing shapes of people, though few. Night again, then. The thought pleased Vivica, though it was always dark here, in the Cognitive Realm. But she had loved the night, and thinking about him striding through the dark streets of the living city made her smile. His city, his world. It was good that he was out in it, walking. Thinking. Baking, perhaps. It belonged to him, and soon he would remember that. That thought made Vivica smile even wider, and quicken her pace.

Running was rather impossible here. Perhaps that was because her legs had been mostly torn away by the wind, or perhaps it was simply because she was dead. Or maybe because she wasn't real. Vivica pondered these options as she moved, quickly as she could, through the city's many streets and alleyways. They were all rather fascinating; perhaps the Professor would know. Vivica craned her neck around a large building, trying to catch the next slamming crackle of his lightning meeting its opposite. Whatever was keeping this place going did not much like the Professor, either. Vivica frowned, her speed increasing even more. 

Impolite, terribly impolite, she thought, practically flying over the street now though she barely noticed. The wind tore at her again, and she bared what was left of her teeth at it. Not for herself - for him. How dare this place fight him, her Professor, her Nox? How could the world fight him, fight one so perfect? That thought drove her onward, moving faster, faster, until she could actually see the crackling feedback of light up ahead. 

Vivica slowed, rounding a final corner and shying back at the horde of painspren that gathered in the mouth of an Alley, snapping and screeching, fighting over access to whatever injured creature was on the other side in the Physical Realm. She peered around the corner again, cautious frown quickly turning into delight as she caught the figure of the Professor, dark tendrils coiling around gold-white wire through his perfect, translucent frame. Very suddenly, the tall figure of an Alethi woman popped into existence, still staring at some point in her chest. Vivica suspected she knew precisely what she had been looking at as she died.

"Storming bastard," the woman hissed, looking around with considerably less surprise than someone usually did after dying. She must be used to seeing the Cognitive Realm, then. An Elsecaller. Vivica blinked, impressed. Elsecallers were very difficult to catch.

"Hello," Vivica said, stepping out from behind the building. "The man who was entertaining you - did he have blonde hair? Green eyes? A very nice, white smile?"

The Elsecaller, frowned. "Stormfather, what happened to you?" Then she looked off toward some distant point, and let the wind drag her away.

Well, that was unhelpful. The painspren were beginning to depart, back to wherever it was they hid from the terrible wind. No one liked to linger here, it seemed. No one but Vivica. She stepped forward, watching her Professor neatly insert a new spike into a bindpoint. A smile returned to her face. Baking, as she'd thought. And then he spoke a word that called all that was left of her to quivering attention, a word that brought the barest echo of warmth to the deep places of her form and soul. 

"Vivica?" He spoke, peering between the Realms, looking for her. "Are you here?"

She stepped out fully from behind the alley wall, drawn like iron to the magnet of his voice, and smiled.

"Yes," she said simply, as the wind tugged at her hair. She could almost feel the joy radiating out of herself - she hoped he could feel it. "Of course I am here, Professor."

@Voidus

[Voidus]

"Yes." A polite voice called in reply, slightly restrained but joyous to hear.

Voidus turned towards the voice slowly, as if in a dream. That thought terrified him more than anything else he could remember, that this might just be a dream, another nightmare that he would wake from, screaming. That when he turned around to her voice he would see an endless corridor, be too far to stop her when she-

"Of course I am here, Professor." Vivica continued, smiling as she looked at him.

"Vivica it-" Voidus' eyes opened wide as he looked at her, staring a moment before smiling "It is good to see you."

He hoped that she would not see the pain in his eyes, the deep-rooted sadness and fear as he stared at her. He wished to spare her that at least, wished that the first thing she was subjected to when they met again was not simply his pity.

But Vivica clung to the world of the living by the most tenuous of strands.

His chest ached, pulsing with pain far more potent than any of his self-inflicted wounds. An inescapable, all-consuming pain at the fear of more loss. That even now, even with his memories returning he might be too late to save her. The ache pulsed in time with the beating of his heart, speeding up now at their reunion, and with each pulse it expanded, filling him until it seemed that pain was all he would ever know again.

Or so he thought, at least. But in the wake of that pain, in the space between pulses that felt like they would rip open his heart and pour an eternity of grief into the world, he looked at her. He saw her, beautiful and joyous. So happy, just to see him again. Even in her fragile state, her face was mostly intact. A small hole appeared in her cheek, a piece of her neck was missing, revealing the shrouded alley behind her. But the rest was there. She was still smiling, even as her limbs were shredded by this wind. Even as the storm created by the one who built this false world pulled at her with greedy fingers and riddled her mind and soul with wounds that would not heal as easily as the cuts he had made to himself.

In the wake of that pain a burning heat developed, following in the path of the grief. Where the pain had numbed, this new warmth invigorated, gave energy. It extinguished his exhaustion, both that caused by simple lack of sleep and the deeper exhaustion of his eternal life. It gave him purpose, feeling, and life.

Voidus did not have all of his memories still, but he knew that he was rarely an angry man. Even in his many years he had only been truly angry a handful of times. And indeed, Voidus was not angry now. Now, he was livid.

@ZincAboutIt

[Voidus]

Spoiler

ZincAboutIt — Yesterday at 3:23 PM
Vivica, her smile growing wider at Voidus’s greeting: It is wonderful to see you too, Professor. I’m so happy to talk to you again!
Voidus — Yesterday at 3:28 PM
Voidus, his body straightening to its full height as he grips the rage that fuels him firmly in one hand and give her a slight smile: I'm sorry I couldn't do so sooner, it took a little while to begin... reacquiring things.
ZincAboutIt — Yesterday at 3:31 PM
Vivica, swaying slightly in the high wind, seeming not to notice it as a small wisp is torn off her shoulder: Oh, that’s quite alright. I expected you much later - you have very many important things to do.
Voidus — Yesterday at 3:32 PM
Voidus, a hint of softness entering his eyes: I do. A great many things that are all important.
ZincAboutIt — Yesterday at 3:33 PM
Vivica: You’re wearing my earring! I’m so happy it worked. Helped you remember.
Voidus — Yesterday at 3:36 PM
Voidus, lifting a hand to touch the simple piece of copper: Of course. It was your last-
He pauses, a dark shadow crossing his face once more before leaving.
Voidus: It was your gift, and it was very helpful.
ZincAboutIt — Yesterday at 3:39 PM
Vivica, tilting her head to watch him, eyes a bit sad: I am sorry I missed coffee so abruptly. It was poor manners not to tell you before.
Voidus — Yesterday at 3:41 PM
Voidus: Quite alright. I understand. You had important things to do.
ZincAboutIt — Yesterday at 3:43 PM
Vivica: It was a good reason. But still rude. You don’t deserve rudeness, Nox. But I had to look after you.
Voidus — Yesterday at 3:48 PM
Voidus, silent for a long moment before replying: I know Viv. Come, we should get you out of this wind. Someone else is taking care of a few things in the alleys for now, I'll need my office.
ZincAboutIt — Yesterday at 3:51 PM
Vivica, nodding and stepping closer, though still a respectful distance from him, as they begin to walk: It is very windy here. I don’t think this place likes me very much. I’m supposed to be more dead, I think.
Voidus — Yesterday at 4:09 PM
Voidus, browse creasing in a frown: Mmm, severing connections. Trying to minimise cracks.
ZincAboutIt — Yesterday at 4:10 PM
Vivica: That…sounds right. I don’t remember very much right now. Not much but you of course.
Voidus — Yesterday at 4:11 PM
Voidus: Neither do I just yet. Only a few things. But it's returning, slowly.
ZincAboutIt — Yesterday at 4:12 PM
Vivica, beaming at him: That’s such wonderful news! I hope you remember how very important you are.
Voidus — Yesterday at 4:16 PM
Voidus: Important? Yes I suppose I was wasn't I? I mostly remember how tired that made me.
He gives a wry smile as they move back to the main street, the university in sight.
ZincAboutIt — Yesterday at 4:18 PM
Vivica, her eyes widening with fervent excitement: And you remembered baking, too. I watched you, in the little shop. You were so very polite - I think you made a wonderful impression. I miss baking. I miss all the lovely red…
Voidus — Yesterday at 4:20 PM
Voidus: Mmm. I think Bennington kept trying to remind me. He's been wonderfully helpful. It just took a little while before I realised what he meant.
ZincAboutIt — Yesterday at 4:22 PM
Vivica, clasping the ragged remnants of her hands together with happiness: Bennington! How very clever of him. He is delightful, I’m so glad you’ve been looking after him for me. It is a bit hard when he can’t talk but that’s alright.
Voidus — Yesterday at 4:28 PM
Voidus, eyes darkening again as he looks to those tattered hands: Of course, you left him with me. We've been looking after each other.
ZincAboutIt — Yesterday at 4:30 PM
Vivica: I did hope he would go with you, yes. Will you tell him I miss him very much?
Voidus — Yesterday at 4:33 PM
Voidus, nodding: Yes, of course. I think he misses you too, wants to see you again.
ZincAboutIt — Yesterday at 4:36 PM
Vivica, watching a few more strands of her hair float away on the wind: There is not that much of me to see right now.
Voidus — Yesterday at 4:39 PM
Voidus, pausing in his stride: No. But there will be Viv, soon.  I will pull this world apart brick by brick if that is what it takes. Once it is fixed... we can get you back to the physical.
ZincAboutIt — Yesterday at 4:45 PM
Vivica, stepping closer towards him: Oh, it’s alright. You don’t need to worry about me - this is already so much more than I had hoped for! I’ve been here for…hmm, I don’t quite know. A while. Forever? I probably have forever before I disappear completely.
Voidus — Yesterday at 4:49 PM
Voidus, a flicker of darkness appearing in his eyes as he directs them into the phantom wind: No, not forever. But don't worry, you'll be back before then. I promise.
ZincAboutIt — Yesterday at 10:10 PM
Vivica: I am never worried when I am with you.
She looks up at him, smiling shyly for a moment, before looking back towards the university
Voidus — Today at 12:42 AM
Voidus, returning the smile: You will never need to.
His stare into the wind intensifies a fraction, darkness not just flickering in his eyes but spilling out from them. Only a trickle compared to the flood that he once commanded, but enough to dull the edge off of the hungry and ever present gale.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:34 AM
Vivica, perking up considerably: Oh thank you - that’s much better already. And it does get better inside of places like buildings, though it never fully goes away. And these Lines… I feel like I ought to know what they are. Do you know? 
Voidus — Today at 1:39 AM
Voidus, resuming his steady pace as they enter the university grounds: The lines?
He focuses more intently, sight piercing the realms to see the fullness of the cognitive and the lines of glowing lightning that run through it.
Voidus: Hmm, very deliberate. A pattern. The Forgery I should imagine. A stamp to cover the city.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:41 AM
Vivica, following after him, closer now: Oh, of course. Silly of me - that should have been obvious. But then, I’m very dead. So maybe not.
Voidus — Today at 1:45 AM
Voidus, falling silent for a minute again as they walk before speaking: Yes, probably difficult for you now. I hadn't known how bad it would be there, how much these winds would take from you. It is... impressive that you are able to retain a connection at all.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:47 AM
Vivica: Oh, it isn’t so bad here. I don’t want to complain. It is lovely and dark, and I like to watch all the living people. You look especially perfect out of everyone, of course.
Voidus — Today at 1:48 AM
Voidus: It isn't safe Viv. I'm... I apologize that it took me so long.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:51 AM
Vivica: Please don’t worry about me, Nox. I’m just happy you found me at all.
Voidus — Today at 1:53 AM
Voidus: Yes... I suppose that is what matters.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:54 AM
Vivica: What matters is that you’re safe, and you attend to all your important matters. Are you certain you want me with you? I don’t want to be a bother.
Voidus — Today at 1:58 AM
Voidus, the darkness fading a little as his smile returns: Yes, Vivica. Very certain. I have many important matters that need attending, some personally others not. So I had to prioritize.
He turns to face her, still smiling gently.
Voidus: The most important first.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 2:04 AM
Vivica: She looks at him for a long moment as though she may cry, though no tears streak her spectral cheeks. Then, she opens her mouth in a delighted laugh and spins on the bare outline of one pointed foot, stopping to regard him again
Vivica: I could disappear now and be happy, hearing such a kind thing from you, my - From you, Professor.
Voidus — Today at 2:06 AM
Voidus, still smiling though a little taken aback: Well, while you may be happy with that I do not think that I would be. So please, stay with me a while longer? Until everything has been restored.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 2:07 AM
Vivica: I will stay as long as you wish. I promise.
She follows him up the stone steps onto campus, looking around her
Vivica: Is there any way I can help you? I only want to help.
Voidus — Today at 2:12 AM
Voidus, wishing that he could slow his pace, enjoy the time, but instead taking the most efficient route to his office: Hmm. Well, I don't quite remember everything. Not yet. Only pieces. Will you tell me something? Anything you can remember.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 2:13 AM
Vivica: From the Other Life?
Voidus — Today at 2:14 AM
Voidus, giving a short nod: Yes. Anything you can recall would be fine.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 2:29 AM
Vivica: Hmm… I remember the Alleys. You went into them, but, they don’t like me anymore. But I remember the skies, so beautiful and black. Black on black, always shifting, darker and darker forever, with such a soft and lovely whisper to look up and come away into the endlessness… Mm, I miss it. Do you really think I could see it again?
Voidus — Today at 2:34 AM
Voidus, giving a smile again as he pushes open a large door and enters the familiar building that houses his lab: Even if they collapse and I have to build them over again. 
ZincAboutIt — Today at 2:38 AM
Vivica, slipping in beside him, grinning: I should love to see you build a world. You built this one, of course. It is all yours, and everything on it. We all owe you such a debt of gratitude. I hope you know that.
Voidus — Today at 2:40 AM
Voidus, hesitating mid stride as his head tilts to a side: I... am not sure that anyone has ever said that to me before.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 2:41 AM
Vivica, looking aghast: But that is so terribly impolite!
Voidus — Today at 2:43 AM
Voidus: Unfortunately not everyone is quite so polite as you Vivica. Those of this city... well they've usually seen things quite differently.
A little extra weight seems to add to his steps, a recollection  of the exhaustion that plagued him before.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 2:46 AM
Vivica, frowning as they walk: Well then they are very silly. You don’t deserve that, not at all. You’re so wonderful! How could they think such nonsense.
Voidus — Today at 3:26 AM
Voidus, giving a tired sigh: I wonder that myself. I hope that the answer is somewhere in the memories I have yet to regain, but I suspect that it is not.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 3:32 AM
Vivica: I remember some hemalurgy. Not all of it. I think I used to know far more. That chart I gave to the nice man in the hospital… it was far from complete. I do hope it wasn’t incorrect.
Voidus — Today at 3:40 AM
Voidus: I am sure it was just fine. And that came back to me very quickly, just a few more cracks in the Forgery and I am sure it will begin returning to you as well.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 3:44 AM
Vivica, nodding: He was so very familiar… He reminded me of… I can’t quite recall. But he had such a nice smile.
Voidus — Today at 3:47 AM
Voidus: Did he? Well, I'm sure that will come back too. Perhaps we can thank him for keeping you company.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 3:48 AM
Vivica, tilting her head: Maybe. Something about it all feels…odd. But then, everything about me is odd right now. So perhaps not. Actually, I believe everything has always been odd about me, from my memories. Like when we met, at the coffee machine.
Voidus — Today at 3:49 AM
Voidus, eyes wandering a moment before lighting up with a smile: You gave me a name.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 3:50 AM
Vivica, nodding and looking down, as though blushing: Yes. That was rather presumptive of me I suppose. But it seemed as though you needed one, and it did so fit you, with your eyes so lovely and dark, Nox.
Voidus — Today at 3:52 AM
Voidus: Not quite so dark now. But I remember. I enjoyed it, it was a lovely gift.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 3:54 AM
Vivica: You have a different name now. In the Forgery you were Professor Lucien. Should you prefer that I call you that, now? That I call you Lucien?
Voidus — Today at 10:34 AM
Voidus, more warmth entering his smile: Hmm, well I enjoy the name that you gave me, such a lovely gift. But that... that is a name from a long time ago. It is nice to hear you call me that as well. Sometimes.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 11:14 AM
Vivica: If it makes you happy, I can call you both! And you may call me anything you like, if you want. Is there a name you want to give to me? 
Voidus — Today at 11:21 AM
Voidus: Hmmm, I have a fondness for your name. The one I have used the most. But a new name?
He considers, hist steps echoing along a long corridor.
Voidus: Will you let me think on it a little longer?
ZincAboutIt — Today at 11:23 AM
Vivica: Of course! You can think on it as long as you like.
She pauses, then smiles
Vivica: As long as you like, Lucien.
Voidus — Today at 11:25 AM
Voidus, his eyes lighting up as his smile deepens and he gives a satisfied hum: Mmm, you were always so formal here. Always 'Professor.' I like this much more.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 11:34 AM
Vivica, tilting her head down a bit, though still looking up at him: It seemed proper to call you that. I didn’t want to presume. You never told me to call you anything else, and so I didn’t.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 12:18 PM
She thinks as they walk, him with purposeful stride, her floating softly
Vivica: I didn’t, even if perhaps I wanted to.
Voidus — Today at 12:20 PM
Voidus: Mmm, I wish that you had. I wish... that things could have been different.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 12:28 PM
Vivica: Yes, me too. I did not much enjoy the Cognitive Ward, from what little I remember. I suppose that is rude to say. They only did their best.
Voidus — Today at 12:35 PM
Voidus: I tried... I asked for some changes for you. That they stop putting you to sleep. Usually the hospital listened to my advice, I tried to help patients when I could. But... well they thought that my opinion was perhaps compromised at times.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:17 PM
Vivica: Why would they think that? You’re so very clever. Surely they’d be happy for your advice.
Voidus — Today at 1:20 PM
Voidus, finally reaching a sturdy oak door with his name engraved into a plate upon it: Mmm, something about unreasonable bias they claimed I had.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:22 PM
Vivica: Oh, I’ve been here! I came here just a little while ago. Or perhaps it was a month ago… I’m not sure.
Voidus — Today at 1:23 PM
Voidus: It's not quite as nice as my old office, but I do get to use the lab quite a bit more.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:25 PM
Vivica: Why didn’t you use the lab in your old office as often?
Voidus — Today at 1:27 PM
Voidus, pulling a key from his pocket: Too busy. I had all the rest of the Alleys to oversee, R&D submitting requests for more resources practically by the hour.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:32 PM
Vivica, waiting patiently for him to open the door despite being able to walk through it: That’s very impolite of them. I think… I think I was part of R&D. But I don’t remember submitting any requests. I don’t actually remember talking to much of anyone… well except Bennington.
Voidus — Today at 1:35 PM
Voidus, pushing the door open and holding it politely for her to enter: No? A shame, I can't imagine why someone would not wish for the pleasure of your company.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:37 PM
Vivica, nodding graciously and stepping through: Thank you. And I think people found me a bit strange. It’s alright… I was mad after all.
Voidus — Today at 1:43 PM
Voidus: Follows through, closing the door with a gentle 'click' behind him as he turns to surveil the room. He gives a satisfied nod at its contents, just as they were when he left and moves towards his desk, beginning to pull open drawers filled with half-finished projects.
Voidus: Well, at least now you are in good company then. As one both strange and mad myself. 
ZincAboutIt — Today at 1:56 PM
Vivica, looking on as he starts to set up his work: I am in good company. The most perfect company.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 2:06 PM
Vivica, settling daintily onto the floor to continue watching him: I always wanted to watch you work. I used to dream about it, when I had dreams. Those were nice dreams.
Voidus — Today at 2:10 PM
Voidus, very subtly flinching at the topic of dreams: I... that does sound nice. It has been pleasant, to be able to do this kind of work more. Though there is a depressing lack of hemalurgic research here. Had to make do with the first spike.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 2:15 PM
Vivica, eyes wide with a slightly fevered intensity: Mmm, yes. It was lovely to watch you do that, too. So precise. Such a beautiful art.
Voidus — Today at 2:25 PM
Voidus, one hand drifting up towards the pin of brass in his ear: It was. Quite beautiful. I was perhaps a little distracted the first time to quite appreciate it, too tired. But the second... a pleasant challenge.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 2:28 PM
Vivica: Elsecallers are difficult to catch - I’ve only ever managed two. They do have the most lovely violet eyes…
She tilts her head at this, then smiles
Vivica: That is a new memory. From before.
Voidus — Today at 2:30 PM
Voidus, glancing up with a smile: A new memory? Returned? That is a good sign. 
Pausing a moment he takes a pouch of infused spheres and draws the Stormlight from them, letting his own eyes burst into violet coloration.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 2:33 PM
Vivica, laughing delightedly and clapping her hands - or what she can of them: I can just barely see the color, but it is beautiful. So much I can’t see, on this side. Still, if this is all I ever see of you, I would be glad.
Voidus — Today at 2:35 PM
Voidus: I would travel there. If I could. But getting back would be a little difficult for me just now. And I think your side would be... problematic for me to stay in too long.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 2:37 PM
Vivica: I do not think you would like it here. It might try to hurt you.
For a brief moment, her face draws into a fierce little snarl at the thought
Vivica: That is why I’m here. To protect you.
Voidus — Today at 2:39 PM
Voidus, happily smiling: I could not ask for a better guardian. We can protect each other then.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 2:41 PM
Vivica, the fury gone from her face in an instant, replaced with utter joy: I don’t deserve something so very wonderful.
Voidus — Today at 2:44 PM
Voidus: You've given me so many wonderful gifts. It is the least I could do. Perhaps... you would like something else? When you've returned.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 2:45 PM
Vivica: Something else? Like what, Lucien?
She looks away, unused to the familiarity of his first name
Voidus — Today at 2:50 PM
Voidus: Well I shall have to return your earring for a start. Would you like the other as well? Or I can make something else. Something nice.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 2:52 PM
Vivica: I suppose we shall see if I return with my old spike. If not… I will need one. To keep from sleeping. If I don’t have one, I will die - I remember that. Or well, die again I suppose. But… well, I would love anything you wished to make for me. It would be the most wonderful thing I could own.
Voidus — Today at 2:55 PM
Voidus: I shall think on it then. A welcome home present I believe is appropriate?
His eyes stare holes into the surface of his polished wooden desk, the mention of her dying. Again. Of being torn away from him instantly reignites the wrathful fires that had been burning.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 3:02 PM
Vivica, noting his change in demeanor: I’ve made you upset. Please forgive me.
Voidus — Today at 3:03 PM
Voidus, his hands unceasing as they meticulously arrange items atop his desk and begin to disassemble and recreate them anew: No, Vivica. Not upset. And it was not you that was at fault.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 3:13 PM
Vivica: Perhaps not. I don’t know. Maybe if I had been more clever, I would have thought of a better way to help. But I did not have much in this world. I was not supposed to meet you, I don’t think. I was supposed to stay out of the way, and not let any of the lovely dark in.
Voidus — Today at 3:16 PM
Voidus: You... did what you had to do. You were just trying to help Viv, I know. But he... he built this. All of this. Set this world into motion, put you out of the way.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 3:18 PM
Vivica: I suppose I am rather inconvenient. Not precisely what one would want in a perfect world.
Voidus — Today at 3:20 PM
Voidus, harsh expression softening again: If all of these cracks show anything Vivica, it is that he had absolutely no idea about what makes a perfect world.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 3:24 PM
Vivica, giving a shy smile: The world was already perfect before this. It had you, of course. Your friend must have been confused. I…don’t quite remember him.
Voidus — Today at 3:28 PM
Voidus: He... yes, perhaps he was. One of the only questions I did not receive an answer to. I suppose I shall have to ask him myself.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 3:29 PM
Vivica: Are you making something that will help you ask him?
Voidus — Today at 3:34 PM
Voidus: Several somethings. But yes, all ultimately for that purpose. The world breaks around us, even if I do nothing further the Forgery has not long to last. Two days until all is returned. Two days for me to finish.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 3:37 PM
Vivica: Two days is not so very long. I’d be happy to stay with you, to help you if I can. Is there anything more I can do?
Voidus — Today at 3:39 PM
Voidus: That would be nice, I would enjoy your company. And if you could perhaps help me to corral some spren from that side it might be helpful.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 3:40 PM
Vivica: Of course. What sort do you need?
Voidus — Today at 3:43 PM
Voidus: Quite a variety, wind, flame, pain, creation, logic. And storm. Quite a few stormspren actually.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 3:46 PM
Vivica, nodding: Spren are harder to find here - nothing likes this realm very much. But I will go search as far as I can if you wish. I’d go anywhere you asked.
Voidus — Today at 3:49 PM
Voidus: Easiest would be if I went to Roshar, but Alleytravel to another world would be difficult for me just now. Regardless, there are certain ways to draw them out. And I received... quite some useful information about where to look for those I need.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 3:51 PM
Vivica: Oh? That sounds very helpful. I’m glad someone else here wants to help you as well, Lucien.
Voidus — Today at 3:59 PM
Voidus: It was an... interesting conversation. But she has made my work significantly easier. Given many answers. I just hope that all of it will be enough.
He glances to where she sits on the floor and gives a slight shake of his head.
Voidus: Sorry, terribly rude of me. Would you like somewhere to sit? A chair?
ZincAboutIt — Today at 4:06 PM
Vivica: Oh, it is more than alright. I can’t actually sit on anything here except the ground. I just sort of…drift through it.
Vivica: It is still preferable to being strapped to a bed.
Voidus — Today at 4:11 PM
Voidus: Well I shall not strap you to anything, but if you would like a seat...
He glances to the chair opposite him, a simple enough wooden stool, and then peers into its reflection in Vivica's side, the cognitive realm. A slight trickle of Light flows from him towards it, solidifying its form across the realms.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 4:14 PM
Vivica, rising and reaching out a few spectral fingers to test the chair, finding it solid to her touch: Ah! How lovely!
She perches on it and beams at him, as though he has just hung a new sun in the sky
Vivica: It is wonderful, Nox. Thank you.
Voidus — Today at 4:18 PM
Voidus, smiling at her familiar perching posture: Of course. It is only polite.
His hands move in silence for a few moments as he watches her.
Voidus: I missed this. The company.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 4:22 PM
Vivica, watching his hands: I missed it too. There is no one to talk to, here. Well, there wasn’t. But now I have you! And that is wonderful.
She absently puts a finger into her mouth and bites down on the fingertip softly, as if to test for some resistance
Vivica: You do have such lovely hands. It is a joy to watch them.
Voidus — Today at 4:29 PM
Voidus, flexing his fingers slightly though not breaking his pace: They are useful. I've always appreciated the length, useful for a number of projects. I suppose though that I don't really consider them from an aesthetic perspective.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 4:33 PM
Vivica: There is such beauty in the human form. I try to show that beauty to my guests, though no one seems to appreciate it. Your hands and fingers are worth appreciating. It’s rare I find such elegance. Mmm, that memory came easily. Perhaps it is because I am near you?
Voidus — Today at 4:36 PM
Voidus: Then you had best stay near. I am glad that you like them in any case, I rather have need of them right now but if you would like to appreciate them some more then perhaps when you've returned?
ZincAboutIt — Today at 4:39 PM
Vivica, watching his face for a long moment before speaking: Yes, I think I would love to do that. But there is so much about you to appreciate.
Voidus — Today at 4:45 PM
Voidus: Well, after this I'll have all the time in the world for you.
He glances up to meet her eyes, the harsh darkness fading into a softer dimness. A strange blending of violet light being emitted from two patches of darkest green.
ZincAboutIt — Today at 4:59 PM
Vivica, meeting his eyes and perhaps, for a moment, catching each bit of color as though she were whole again: You are so very generous. That is precisely the amount of time that I want.

Quote

Putting a copy of this here for readability/those who aren't on Discord, this conversation was continued in our new RP channels over there, hence the difference in writing styles. But have provided a transcript here.

 

[Ashbringer]

The cobblestones were rougher in this part of the city. Cassie hadn't noticed that before. She'd only really been living here for a month or two, and so much of it was just in... places. Not a lot of walking between them. Not a lot of walking at all, actually. She hadn't noticed that either. So many days she set extra time to get from place to place, so many days she just stayed and worked in the smithy. So many days spent not walking.

One foot in front of the other. That's how you walked.

But nobody learned how to walk with feet made out of lead. Being able to feel the jolt of momentum with every step. The strange angles of the broken road, shifting in protest to taking such an unyielding burden. She wasn't cracking them, thankfully. But perhaps that would have been easier for her to notice. More traveling, more self-awareness.

That was what the Radiants were all about, right? Part of their code. Journey before destination. The path was the more important thing than the result. Cassie's time on Roshar did not overlap with what she now knew as the True Desolation, the return of the Radiants and the destruction that followed. But she knew their power. She wore it on her wrist. It was warping her into something else.

Cassandra Adama paused, alone in a street that was new to her. She looked at her Soulcaster. Those simple bejeweled chains.

"I know you're in there."

She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and said the words she'd spent a good part of the past weeks muttering and crying.

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination."

She waited, then cracked an eye open. Nothing. Just the chains.

"Aaaaaagh!" With a motion that surprised her, Cassie stretched out her hand, willing the power of change into it, and slammed a sparkling new aluminum dagger into the road. It didn't break the cobblestones either, just skidded off them and left a small groove. A mark upon the city, but one that would be quickly forgotten. So Cassie just collapsed over the top of it.

 

She wasn't sure how long she knelt, staring at that knife. Trying to think. What was she doing? She had no plan, just a project that would most likely kill her. That certainly would kill her, the idea was just that it would be temporary. Still... her first instinct in Soulcasting was an assassin's knife. She didn't want to dwell on what that meant. It was just falling apart, her world was- that was it.

The Hospital. NullBlade and her finding the doctor. The earthquake. The dark worms engulfing. Engulfing her, telling her everything would be fine. Everything would be fine. Everything would be fine. Soothing away the fear that had fallen into her, the fear that had come back just recently. And the cracks, the breaks that reality was trying to cover up and keep together. Cassie remembered.

Cassandra Adama hesitated, then reached out and touched the marred cobblestone. Not Soulcasting it, not yet, but feeling it, prodding its soul. It had those cracks too. Bigger than what she'd seen. The knife didn't, it was aluminum. But... it explained so much. A damaged soul so much harder to Soulcast. She hadn't noticed because she'd been getting better at it. But it was still harder, and hardening her skin. At least it made sense that way. She'd been focused on the project too much. And speaking of which... if reality was going to break, then perhaps that could help the impossible.

Cassandra Adama grabbed the cobble's soul and let it become aluminum too. That may fix the cracks. An infinitesimally small part of them, but it was something. A mark. 

Then she stood up and walked back towards the emporium. Towards a destination, yes.

But also towards life.

[+ZincAboutIt]

I have never been so happy, Vivica thought, watching the Professor work, his long, clever fingers moving over dozens of components, building, disassembling, designing, creating.

No, she reminded herself. Not the Professor. Nox. Lucien. He had asked her to call him both; he had had enough of formality. That thought made all that remained of her tingle and glow, made every errant strand of what was left pull together just a bit tighter. A few more memories floated, hazy and indistinct, through her. Memories of warmth on her fingers, deep and red. 

Red. She remembered it clearly now. Vivica looked at Lucien and smiled. Lucien. Light. It was only fitting that he had both names. Lucien and Nox. The light, and the dark. Both spiraled beautifully within him, over and between one another. 

Perfect. The Stranger had been so wrong to think he needed to change the world. Any world with Nox in it was already - 

She sat up straighter, eyes widening. "I remember. The stranger at the hospital, the one with the lovely smile... He looked just like your friend. The one who made this world. The Stranger... I gave him such a lovely gift."

Vivica looked at the perfect man before her and tilted her head in confusion, hoping he had the answers she did not. 

"Did he not like his gift? Is that why this place is so angry that I'm still here?"

------------------------------------------------------------------

Bennington could see through the cracks now. Nox was losing the veneer quickly, burning it off with a combination of sorrow and fury and time. And of course, with help from Bennington.

But two days... that was hardly any time at all now. Did he really need that veneer anymore? And did he really need to wait all that time to reclaim the memory of his godhood? And did Bennington really want to wait any longer for another drink?

The answer to all of those questions was 'no.'

So Bennington gave everyone what they wanted, and took another deep drink.

@Voidus

[Voidus]

The void was a cold and lonely place, devoid of emotions. Somewhere that Voidus has spent the majority of his near-eternal existence. Little was left to him on most days, besides boredom and irritation. But the Stranger had changed that, in this new world of his Voidus had been able to re-experience the emotions of a mortal existence. He had ridden high joys and low sorrows, endured temptations and indulged in others. Those had, of course, all been fabricated emotions. Less real than simply employing a Soother to force them on him. But there had been a few real moments throughout. And now, Voidus felt another as Vivica's words rekindled the bonfire of rage that he had been barely suppressing to continue on his work.

"He is here?" Voidus asked. "Inside the Forgery?"

He kept his voice as calm as possible, excessive caution prompted by Vivica's current state would not allow an outburst. But the rapidly turning gears of his mind that had been speedily and efficiently working through a number of realmatic complications moments ago now ground to a near halt as he considered this newest information. Voidus had wondered what his friend had been thinking when he planned this Forgery. What had motivated the Stranger?

Voidus could perhaps have forgiven him, if it had simply been a friend trying to do a favour. Or at least, he could have if that had not culminated in Vivica's death. But this... the Stranger, keeping his distance from the world, already planning something new if Whisper was to be believed. And a doppelganger in the Forgery, visiting Vivica and living out his own life.

"No Viv." He said aloud, diverting himself from his thoughts. "I don't think it was your gift."

His fingers had stopped, the continuous work of twining metal wires around gems, of passing Stormlight and spren into gemstones and Soulcasting new materials had all faltered. He had completed one of his projects but the next sat waiting idly for him to give it purpose. Voidus could feel something drained from him. His patience? The last dregs of affection that he held for the man he had once called a friend? He was not entirely sure what it was, but what he was now becoming increasingly sure of was that the Stranger's motives had been far from altruistic. No, instead it seemed that the Stranger's motivations had been something else. Selfish, and bored.

He destroys the world. Merely because he is bored. Voidus confirmed to himself.

The thought was accompanied with an echo, from a time so long ago that he could not even remember it. Another man who had called himself Voidus' friend only to destroy his life out of boredom.

"That was very impolite of him." Voidus said in a voice of eerie calm and detachment. "I shall have to make sure to teach him not to be so rude in the future."

He returned to his work, one hand delicately interweaving threads of Nicrosil wiring as the other completed the process of sketching out an Aonic formula. Bringing the two projects together a flow of Stormlight began to enter the Aon, taking the place of an Elantrian drawing on the Dor and powering its functions. He cut his palm precisely over the symbol to let a trickle of blood enter it, seeming to be sucked into the pattern greedily as quickly as he could shed it before finally bursting with red light.

"There we are. Two jobs down, two more to go." He said, a faint touch of pride colouring the calm.

He sealed his wound with another trickle of Stormlight and picked the result of the formula from the desk. A large garnet, perhaps as large as his thumb was. Sitting and glinting perfectly in the light. A Perfect Polestone.

"I thought garnet would suit best." He said gently, tilting his head to look up towards Vivica. "Though I do apologise that I could not create a better accommodation. I need to make one more trip into the Alleys. To retrieve something. And then to meet up with the other person who has been helping me for the finishing touches. This seemed the best way to keep you safe."

@ZincAboutIt

[+ZincAboutIt]

Vivica looked at the gemstone in his hands and smiled. A garnet - her favorite. 

So thoughtful, even when he is so busy, so troubled. It was enough to make Vivica wish to cry, if only to shed the tears and make space for more tearful joy. It was far more than she deserved. A perfect gemstone, to keep her safe. She would stay in there forever if it meant that she could be so easily clutched in his hand. 

"It's beautiful, Nox," she whispered. "Does this mean I can stay with you when you go into the Alleys?"

The thought of re-entering them, even if she could not see them, set something deep within her at ease. The Alleys - her true home. Dark and deep and lovely. Quiet, except when she was entertaining a guest. Winding and close and endless. Her smile widened, mouth opening slightly as though she might laugh, though she did not. Now was not the time for wild joy. Nox had so much to do. It was only polite to help him be about his truly important work, and allow him to do has he had already promised: to keep her safe.

"What do I need to do to help you?"

@Voidus

[Voidus]

"Just relax." Voidus replied, a smile breaking through his calm veneer. "I'll draw you in and then... it should be comfortable enough. For a little while. Safe, at least."

His smile weakened slightly as his eyes refocused on her patchwork form, pieces of her soul torn free and devoured by the winds. The gem would be enough to protect her from any further damage at least. But so much of her had already been taken. What shape would Vivica be in when her soul was returned to her body? The question was one that even Voidus with his extensive experience in this precise topic was not entirely sure of.

"Just close your eyes for a moment." He said, voice lowering to a reassuring tone that he had often used to placate her in the hospital.

Darkness flickered within the gem as he drew the void to it, devoured all the lingering light that it has absorbed already and left a complete and utter vacuum in its place before holding it up. As Vivica's eyes drew closed, Voidus leaned forwards. His forehead seemed almost to touch hers, though the Realms separated them from any sensation he might experience. His own eyes drifted closed as he pressed the gem to her chest and she was pulled, forcibly, into the gem with a shimmer of blood red light.

He held the gem carefully in his palm, watching as the light coalesced into a small figure. She seemed fitting almost, dyed in red and seated happily, her face upturned and still smiling.

"Ready to return to the Alleys?" Voidus asked Vivica.

@ZincAboutIt