isleofavalon | [closed]

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🧙 WHO: Claude, Horus, Emet-Selch, and one (1) spooky ghost
⚔️️ WHAT: Talking to the dead.
🕒 WHEN: Some time after this thread.
🗺️ WHERE: Emet-Selch's shop
⚠️ WARNINGS: Dead body stuff, associated death mage shenanigans, and mentions of murder. Will add more as needed.

[Claude had thought it would take weeks, or months, even, to fully get to the bottom of what happened with the attack on the city. But it had happened much quicker than he'd expected after he'd put up that post fishing for information, and now the culprit was dead before he even had a clear idea of who he was or whether he'd really done all the things the others claimed he did.

Dead men tell no tales, as they say, but that's not exactly true in Avalon, so Claude had enlisted the help of a death mage -- Horus -- to try to get to the bottom of this whole mystery once and for all. They arrive at Emet-Selch's shop, a jeweller's and potion shop signed 'Polydegmon's Lapidary and Brew'. The sign at the door indicates it as closed, not that it deters him any.]

This must be it. The name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, does it? [Despite the attempt at lighthearted humour, his expression grim as he looks back at Horus.] Hope you're ready.

[He doesn't wait for an answer, turning to knock on the door.]

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[ The front display and door both have glass panes, but the lack of lighting means one only gets a vague impression of someone approaching the door until Emet-Selch is upon the threshold. The Ascian opens the door for them both, eyes flitting between the two. ]

...Here to see the dead man, are you?

[ He sounds aggravated. Not because of them though - Ardyn has been quite a nuisance to him ever since the man found his shop. ]

The ghost answered the door!

[ Horus claps his hands over his mouth in exaggerated shock, as if he thinks Emet-Selch is the ghost. It's obviously not actually him... ]

Joking! I saw that dour face and couldn't help it.

[Claude, seasoned diplomat that he is, tries very, very hard to keep a straight face.

Okay, it's not that hard. He joins in and gasps theatrically as if he believes Horus.]

No way! [Then he looks Emet-Selch up and down.] Well, the only description we got was 'greasy and little', and I don't think you're either, so we're good. Probably. Can we come in?

[ He scowls at them both but does step back to let them in. The door shuts behind them with a tinkle from the bell above, trapping the cold out. ]

Yes, yes. Make yourself comfortable, I suppose. 'Tis not like he hasn't.

[ An irritated swipe of his hand indicates the ghostly intruder - one Ardyn Izunia - who has for the past few days been lounging about the place like he lives here. ]

[ The said Ardyn Izunia is, indeed, lounging around the place as though he is the true owner, and Emet-Selch is merely his butler. In this particular instance he's slumped in a chair, looking regally bored, but he does deign to flash a smirk to the newcomers. ]

Ah. My valiant judges, I assume? Do come in, do come in.

The villain is a vagabond?

[ Humans are so strange. Don't they have better things to focus on than world destruction, like finding shelter?

Though he supposes in this instance, Emet-Selch has given him shelter. ]

If I were your judge your heart might be devoured by a beast with the head of a crocodile, the legs of a lion, and the ass of a hippopotamus to swim eternally in a lake of fire. Claude will be judging. [ A beat, then he looks at Claude. ] He's sat there and is giving us a cheeky welcome.

Wow. [Claude blinks at Horus.] You don't go easy on the divine punishments, do you?

[It's actually impressive, just how evocative that mental image is. Which is more than he can say for Ardyn, since looking toward where he's indicated to be, he can't see or hear a thing.]

I guess I'll start with the obvious question: why did you do what you did?

[ Ardyn, meanwhile, only breaks into laughter at Horus's description... but surprisingly enough, it's not malevolent or unhinged. Just a "oh good one" kind of laughter. Once it passes, he gives Horus a curious look, still smiling. ]

I could see the threat in the head of a crocodile, what with the devouring, but does the 'arse of a hippopotamus' come into the punishment? Or is it merely decorative detail? And I am uncertain how a heart would swim in a lake of fire. It would be more like... floating.

[ It's pretty obvious that he's mostly joking around, though, being pedantic for the sake of it. He gazes towards Claude lazily when the man asks his question and then shrugs, transferring his attention back to Horus and Emet-Selch as well, since they have to be their interpreters. ]

And am I required to answer?

[ He crosses his arms. ]

Would you answer even if I said 'yes'?

[ Because from his short time with Ardyn, he thinks the man will do whatever he damn well pleases. ]

[ It takes him a moment before he realizes that there's probably some context missing for Ardyn there. ] I'm a god in my realm. Ammit- the hippo-assed creature, is the demon who devours the hearts of people who have been weighed against a feather of the goddess of justice Ma'at and failed. The part of your soul that makes up your conscious self is contained within your heart.

[ He actually full-on pouts at Claude after giving his explanation to Ardyn. ]

That's so much less intimidating when I have to explain it. If he wasn't so disheveled I'd let him possess me so you two can just beat it out of him when he doesn't answer like this.

[ ..You know, as long as someone calls a healer afterward. ]

You know he'd probably just find it funny if he provoked us into beating you up, right?

[pls chill, Horus... And while he'd normally ask more about that soul-eating demon thing, interesting as it sounds, that's a topic for another time. He shakes his head and looks back at roughly (?) where Ardyn is.]

We can't make you answer anything, but it's not like you have anything to lose by telling us at this point, either. So if you want me to stop pestering you, just answer the questions and I'll be on my way.

[ Claude has the right of it, Ardyn would absolutely find it hilarious. Especially given that Ardyn himself is a borderline masochist.

But right now he's ignoring everyone else in the room to focus his gaze entirely on Horus: attentive, amused, perhaps slightly wary - it's hard to tell exactly, but there is a tension to him.

But just like that the moment passes and Ardyn smirks, at ease once more, and even bows slightly, as much as he can while sitting down. ]

Why, far be it from me to question the will of the divine! Now, what was it you asked again? Why I did it?

[ He hums, as though in thought, as though he can't quite remember why. But, oh, there is a delightful opportunity there... ]

... Seek out the man called Somnus Lucis Caelum. He may tell you why. After all, it was with his permission that I set out.

[ It's both a truth and a lie, and Ardyn couldn't be more proud of himself for that. ]

[ Somnus? It's his turn to frown. ]

I doubt you needed anyone's permission to do as you did, even if he did somehow put the idea in your head.

[ Odd though he had found Somnus, he can't imagine them telling someone to open a gate to the other side. He addresses the other two this time: ]

I've met this Somnus he speaks of, though I do not know him well enough to say if this one speaks truth or a lie.

Unless he's into hot blondes, I've got what I've been told is an "M" streak. If the pain doesn't bother him...

[ Horus winks at Ardyn, but it's more to try to annoy him than anything. Ardyn isn't to his tastes. Regardless, Horus comes over and seats himself on the arm of the chair that Ardyn is posted up in, not particularly concerned about getting close to him. He's a ghost, and ghosts can look shabby but don't smell shabby unlike some of the other dead they could be dealing with. And he's well aware plenty of people don't like having their personal space invaded. ]

I'm sure there are potions we could come up with the guarantee the truth, but I'm not sure how to make one that the dead could ingest. Have you heard anything?

[ There's no question that Emet-Selch is an alchemist too, given where they are right now. ]

If this Somnus gives you permission to climb into a Titan Pelican's mouth, are you going to do it? Don't shift blame, answer the question or I'll just seal you in a jar and you can live out your afterlife on a windowsill.

Edited 2022-03-24 02:30 (UTC)

[ Ardyn raises his eyebrows, letting out an amused chuckle. ]

Well, now... My betrothed was blonde. And are older men your preference, boy?

[ Unfortunately for Horus, Ardyn is absolutely not bothered by the invasion of his personal space, and in fact puts a ghostly arm around his waist. It's unclear if it's played up sleaziness to create an off-putting effect, or if he's just Like This. Or possibly both. ]

My, my! You are quick to assume what I would or would not do, are you not? Perhaps I would enjoy being eaten by a Titan Pelican, whatever that might be.

[ Well, he's... certainly not willing to make things easy. ]

And what if I told you that it is not permission that I am given, but a command? Is that enough of an answer for you?

He could have simply told you to 'leave' and your words would not be a lie.

[ He sounds disgusted as he addresses the other two men once more. ]

The man is claiming that Somnus commanded him to 'set out', in those exact words. I feel as though he twists the truth into a lie. I've not had need to brew a truth potion before, least of all for a ghost. Given time, I may be able to create one.

A truth potion's a good idea, if it's possible for you to make one like that, but we don't have that kind of time right now.

[Claude's rubbing his forehead, evidently in deep thought as he listens to the back-and-forth. Considering he can only hear two-thirds of the other speakers, he's mostly having to string things together from context to avoid being completely baffled.]

Okay, I need to backtrack a sec to ask the obvious question. Who is this Somnus, and what's so significant about his orders, if he really did tell you what to do? Aren't you angry with him? His commands got you killed, after all.

[ Horus puts a hand on his own cheek, blushing intentionally and looking away coquettishly. ]

How'd you know? Claude, he's asking if I'm into older men and telling me he's into blondes. Do you want me to seduce it out of him?

[ Horus is definitely just Like This, and also wildly competitive, so there's a very good chance this could very well turn into a game of ghostly gay chicken if neither Claude or Emet-Selch step in to stop this nonsense. ]

Want to try it? They're just up in the Fisher King's forest. You're lucky you didn't run into one stealing him.

[ Horus wonders if he can touch a ghost. He's never really tried that, so he reaches out to try to flick Ardyn in the forehead while he looks to Emet-Selch innocently, as if he isn't trying to flick a ghost. His tone of voice is much less playful, though. ]

If you end up coming up with one later, I want one of your strongest batch. Not for him.

[ Horus's antics elicit a quiet laugh out of Ardyn. Despite everything, he quite likes the boy already. Unfortunately, he's a god, but in a sense that only adds to the enjoyment of interactions and whatever darker thoughts Ardyn might be harboring. After all, he's yet to kill someone he actually liked, or regarded positively in any way. That might prove to be a fun experience in the future.

And, of course, he immediately latches onto this sudden revelation about Horus. ]

Oh? You've got someone you think is lying to you, my boy? Tsk, tsk, that won't do at all. After violating their will, after prying their mind open, what do you intend to do?

[ But look, he's so magnanimous, he doesn't forget about Claude's question either! Although he mostly just waves a hand lazily in his direction, even if the man can't see him, and looks over to Emet-Selch, giving him a shrug. ]

Tell the boy I've no right to resist the path that Somnus follows. He is on the right side of history, after all. We are to be the salvation of our world, a deliverance from darkness! Can you all truly protest such a thing? Does the suffering of countless innocents in our world not concern you?

[ Again, the words are both a truth and a lie, depending which angle you look at them from... And yes, this is the man who almost caused the destruction of Avalon, preaching about saving the world and innocent people. Nothing wrong here. ]

[ Emet-Selch narrows his eyes. He has never much liked dishonesty in others, but he would be a hypocrite to criticise them for it. After all, he has bent truth into a lie often enough.

Well, the challenge on its own may make it worth the struggle. He catches himself wondering what ingredients he might need to make such a concoction and abruptly shakes himself back to the present - and to words which sound uncomfortably similar to that which he has uttered once upon a time. ]

Don't pretend as though you did not have a choice, [ he snaps at Ardyn, momentarily forgetting the other two men. ] Unless you were enthralled by Somnus in some way, a man always has a choice in how they act. Your antics have brought the calamity within sight of Camelot itself - how is that salvation?

[Claude just gives Horus an aghast look at all the talk of seduction. A ghost, really? A murder ghost? Avalon has all kinds of tastes, he supposes. But getting back on track with Emet-Selch's response...]

I agree. What's this Somnus guy got on you that means when he says jump, you ask "how high"? We can just ask him about all this ourselves if you don't give a straight answer, you know.

[He has no idea what explanation Ardyn is actually offering without hearing a full translation, but he can imagine based on the picture of the man he's forming in his mind. What a headache.]

[ Horus just tilts his head at Claude's expression, braided hair swinging to one side and over his shoulder. He doesn't really care about murder as a reason not to sleep with someone or Set wouldn't be his number one target, but it's what Ardyn actually says in response to Claude that cools his expression. He watches as Emet-Selch snaps, as Claude seems exasperated... and he waits until the exact moment it seems like Ardyn is going to speak again before putting his hand up to cover his mouth. He doesn't want him to answer yet, even if it's more a gesture than a true physical hushing. He'll repeat it if Ardyn tries to interrupt until he can get through what he wants to say. ]

I was going to tell you to focus on your own problems and not my own, but it suddenly seems like you and I are somewhat similar... The King, my father, even the creator god all seem to have decided my path for me and expect me to follow it. I'm not weak enough to think it's acceptable to follow someone else's will because it is not my place to question, and I cannot carve my own path forward until I am able to discern the truth and make my own decisions instead of simply believing everyone's claims about who is on the right side of history. So, I can't say I agree with you making the choice of salvation by death for all these other people when if you're telling the truth, you won't even make your own choices. Darkness is a part of free will, but you decide to be inconsequential... boring. Submissive.

[ His lips curl up into a smile. It's the same smile as Osiris. Kind and soft, yet his eyes are still cold. Ardyn seems to be thriving off of attention and claiming to be the hero, so he'll aim to change direction. Maybe he's wrong, but Emet and Claude are obviously frustrated and Ardyn seems into that. Might as well try. He can always still seal him in a jar and toss that jar in the "Shit Box" never to be seen again if he doesn't get a reaction. ]

What's the point of you?

[ There's something of an amused surprise on Ardyn's features as Horus hushes him, and so he does stay silent through the speech. And, as Horus speaks, there is indeed a reaction from Ardyn - a certain kind of fire in his eyes and a crooked grin slowly spreading over his face. They are, indeed, much more similar than he would have expected, and it's exciting in its way, but even more exciting is the fact that Horus apparently thinks Ardyn below him. Unable to make his own choices? Submissive? What's the point of him?

He laughs, low and quiet, keeping his eyes on Horus at first... Before heaving a heavy sigh and suddenly standing up, throwing his arms out as he almost pointedly turns his back on the three of them, beginning a stroll across the room. ]

Shall I tell you a little story, my friends? It may answer some of your questions.

[ He starts speaking slowly, pointedly giving Emet-Selch and Horus enough time to translate it for Claude's benefit. ]

Once, there lived a prince. He sought neither power nor admiration; nor did he care much to be crowned the king, but he loved his people deeply. And one day, a terrible sickness started spreading through the kingdom, a plague that turned all those it touched into mindless monsters that would then devour those around them, and thus spread the disease. No medicine could cure it, no measure could prevent it, and none could stop it. Some would start burning alive all those who were infected, and even those who were merely suspected to be infected. Young and old, children and their parents - all would be fed to the bonfires. And yet the sickness continued to spread. Yes, none could stop it... save one.

[ He turns around again, a wry smile on his face. ]

Our noble prince, of course. The gods granted him a great gift: he would cure his people by taking the plague into himself, yet never be turned into a monster. And thus he walked the land, reaching out to everyone he could before the sickness claimed them, or before the soldiers could come to them with their swords and torches. Now... what do you think happened next?

[ It certainly got him talking. ]

He's sharing a story. Bad sickness, people turning into monsters, gods make it so the prince takes on everyone else's disease without getting sick so they don't all kill each other in a panic. I think he really wants us to guess what happened and prove we're invested. I'll signal when he does the big reveal if you want.

[ Who knows if any of it is true, but they at least need to get the story to compare it to Somnus's to see if they line up. ]

Let me guess, [ he says, crossing his arms with a...surprisingly neutral look. Well, neutral for Emet-Selch, which is really a slight frown. ] The prince eventually drew so much of the sickness into himself that it corrupted him in some way and turned him into a monster, and then the people he had saved turned against him in fear and sought to destroy him - and thus eliminate the plague altogether.

And the truth of what really happened was patched over with some false history either venerating him or making him into a complete monster who never wanted to help anyone to begin with? Whichever version suits the people in power more, I suppose.

[He laughs, although it's humourless. He can't imagine the story being pleasant, however it continues.]

[ See, the best part is, Somnus WOULD fully confirm what Ardyn is saying. But with much fewer words, more emotionally-constipated facial expressions and stupid solemnity about The Duty and The Prophecy and If-Thou-Dost-Wish kind of speak.

Meanwhile Ardyn himself looks greatly amused at Emet-Selch and Claude's guesses, and even claps for them in appreciation. Almost acting as though the story has nothing to do with himself! ]

Such good guesses, my friends! Have you seen such a story play out before? Have you witnessed the way humans turn on each other, throwing away whatever pretense of compassion they had for one another? Quite the sight, is it not?

[ He laughs quietly to himself, fully aware that such sentiments are at least not to Emet-Selch's liking, before continuing with his tale - and, of course, he's adding all the necessary dramatic gestures, as though he's reenacting a play. ]

Of course, the conclusion is obvious. The prince was a naive fool, and paid the price. He was branded a traitor, exiled from the kingdom, betrayed by those closest to him, his lover slain before his eyes. And as she lay dying in his arms, he reached out to the gods, seeking an understanding. Why did they allow such a thing? Was it not their will that he would save his people? Did they not choose him to become king?

[ He raises his hands dramatically, as though indeed pleading to some higher power... before turning back to his audience, shrugging expansively, the usual aloof smirk on his face. ]

And he was rejected by the gods he so trusted. Their 'gift' made him impure, unfit to lead anyone... or even be human! And thus he was chained, the metal embedded in his very flesh so he would not escape, and imprisoned on a desolate island far away. Alone, in the dark, unable to die, for the plague and his 'gift' kept him alive. For two thousand years he stayed there, while the kingdom that was stolen from him thrived. Those that took his kingdom wrote him out of history, as well, and it was only in old legends and prophecies that some hint of his existence remained. The Adagium. The Usurper. The Accursed One, and the Scourge incarnate - such lovely names to give to one who sought to save his people, do you not find?

[ He shrugs again, looking more detached. If his behaviour is anything to judge by, whenever Ardyn distances himself from the situation it means that it's affecting him in some way. ]

But all things come to an end. Despite the best efforts of his jailers, he was "freed" - to be used as a weapon by an ambitious Empire. Oh, how eager they were to study him. But it was in that new containment that he finally learned the truth...

[ Ardyn sighs, walking back to his armchair slowly and sitting down languidly. Again there is a sense of detachment, almost boredom to him; as though he is indeed telling a story, perhaps one he's told countless times before. ]

All of it was the gods' plan. He was destined to be tricked into believing he could save his people. He was destined to be betrayed, not just by his family but by his lover, too. He was meant to lose everything, be locked away for those two millennia, become an experiment, become hated and feared. Yes, all of that... so he would become the true vessel of the plague. A sacrificial lamb to be slain at the hands of the righteous, just heroes, so that the realm would be rid of the disease and the Light be restored. Now, if you were in his place... what would you do?

[ Horus has a good many thoughts and feelings about what's being said. Gods and humans aren't very different, after all. Horus is stuck in a similar cycle of whoever has power telling the story, of not-so-villains being dubbed monsters. Maybe not the sickness. (Or maybe there was some manner of illness? He doesn't know.)

Horus is painted the hero of his own story because that is what others have decided for him. He wants to correct history, to learn what truly happened and not punish those who do not deserve it or who have punished themselves more than anyone should've ever asked. ]

If your world's gods are anything like mine, it's because we're just as flawed and foolish and manipulative as humans.

[ Oh, right, he's supposed to translate for Claude. He glances over at him. ]

The prince was betrayed and his lover was killed, the gods rejected him, and he was imprisoned for a few millennia and the story was woven that he was a monster who needed to be slain by some equally foolish humans who were written to be the hero. --You said your betrothed was blonde.

[ He didn't miss the past tense earlier, despite the playful flirtatious of that conversation. The killed lover is helping connect some dots, though. He hums, then answers what was probably intended to be rhetorical. ]

I would find a way to expose the truth and imprison the gods who crossed me for as long as they need to understand, personally. Destroying the whole world seems dramatic when you obviously know humans are easily fooled first-hand and you already know who the true monsters are.

[ At least it seems first hand. Horus guess would certainly be that Ardyn is the prince of his story. (Otherwise, what's the point?) ]

[ Emet-Selch, having spent some time with Ardyn before this point and become inured to the man's theatrics, watches silently with a stony expression on his face. Though the tale is quite different to any number he's witnessed or heard about in his long life, it also isn't new. That's how mortals are. They squabble, they fight, they forget the lessons of history, and then they reconcile and start the cycle anew.

He stares at the floor, arms crossed tight, nails digging into his arms. ]

None of which explains why he decided to unleash havoc upon this world. Unless this is part of some scheme to see that none of us are able to return home.

[ Ardyn seems to bask in their reactions; he might be just a little attention-seeking? Just a little. Just a tiny bit. A normal amount. He smiles slowly, lazily looking from Horus to Emet-Selch to even Claude, dragging out the silence before he answers, voice light and easy, almost... happy. ]

And why should he care about the humans? Out of the goodness of his heart, hmm? Out of some noble desire for justice and fairness for all? Pity for the poor, misled, unthinking, unconcerned masses?

[ He returns his gaze to Emet-Selch once more, giving another shrug. ]

You, too, my friend... Assume much too much evil of him, much too much petty concern with others. Does it not occur to you that perhaps he merely wished to postpone his own return?

[ He stares silently for a long while. Then he looks away, arms crossed. There is no way for Ardyn to know the details of Emet-Selch's own life, but the words hit close to home. As much as he desperately desires to resolve the coming calamity and return with Hythlodaeus to the past, he also doesn't want their time here to end. He doesn't want to live through another End of Days. ]

He can find ways to stay his return that don't ruin the prospects of those who do desire to go home.

Because no one cared for "him," and by not caring for the fate of others he thinks of as less than him, he's exactly the same as they are. Nothing truly changes, he's just another unremarkable fool punching down instead of up. Surely you could simply ask the Lady Morganna for a prolonged stay.

[ He doesn't know how to summon her, but he's heard that you can if you're willing to pay the price for it. ]

Either way, it's really annoying, so we can't let you get away with it. It's too bad you're already dead.

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[closed]

slides in here!

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wasn't sure if I should go next so! :U

it's all good!

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