[ she watches the flame dance, crackling against the fireplace, visions of different lives flickering in and out. what if she lived a life vastly different than this one? perhaps she has sometime in the past.
a princess and a thief really does sound like a good plot, maybe for her next novel. or is she already writing that one? maybe she’s living it. maybe this author’s life isn’t really hers.
she hears voices and foot falls as caelus trots off to get ready for work. has he always been a guard? come to think if it, when did become one? when did they even meet? he’s always had his head in the clouds, eyes searching the stars for a way home.
where is home?]
Ah— [ the flame flickers again. black. then pink. he head throbs and she reaches up to hold it with one hand. but then its back to normal. no alternate or past lives to be seen. only flame. ]
Maybe I’ll go see Alfyn later, see if Daan has anything for migraines.
[ that is a problem for future nina, for now she proceeds up to her room, where she pulls the dress back out and holds it up herself. it’s beautiful, something she could only ever dream of. very fitting for the next princess of nohr.
a twinge of pain again. she winces and shakes her head. ]
Enough of the daydreams, Nina. You’ve got to get ready, it’s a big day.
[ she talks to herself, smiling as she slips the dress in and looks in the mirror. its perfect. her father really outdid himself this time.
once she’s dressed its time to head back downstairs. she’s never been the best at doing her hair, really only good at braiding her signature twin tails. ]
Motheeeeer, can you help me with my hair? I think a change is style is need for this occasion. But nothing too different. Still need my audience to recognize me.
[ it’s after this that she’ll be all ready to go!! all the supplies she needs are in her satchel and her dress is perfect. her mother will make sure her hair is also perfect and then she’ll say her goodbyes! then it’s off to her signing!!!
camille, all of a sudden, you feel a pained ache - specifically, from looking at daan. daan's life is perfect. daan has his beautiful wife who he loves. are you feeling covetous? are you feeling greedy? would you ruin that? why would you ever even allow yourself to think for a second about anything other than what reality is? those feelings that you had are useless. they are wrong. they do not belong in this world. your head hurts.
daan huffs. there's a warmth to his smile, as he goes to a cabinet full of tinctures and bottles, feeling around before he comes up with two concoctions - one in a purple bottle, one in a brown one, each neatly labeled. PLUMWOOD PANACEA and SLEEP DROUGHT.
he pushes them across to you. ] She's fine. Refuses to stay off her feet, no matter how many times someone says she should rest them. [ singsong, from the other room: Just because I'm waiting for a delivery from Her doesn't mean I have to be invalid.
daan rolls his eyes, but it's just bursting with affection, and then he smiles at you, camille. you get it, right the smile says. ]
On the house, then. [ as always. he's never charged you a cent. the sadness behind daan's eyes is missing, here. there's nothing haunted. their pet cat meows from another room, and alfyn grins at you from where he's sitting, wiggles his fingers where he's mixing up a poultice for something or the other in a wave. both of them, homespun apothecaries. stayed in cragspear, never left. you left, once, but you came back. something always draws you back here. never wanting. how could you ever want for more?
you're going to be late for your interview. ]
🔥🔥
[ on nina's end. corrin seems thrilled to do up nina's hair - her usual, heart shape braids are pinned up into delicate loops underneath her ears, all soft pink-white tresses and pretty ribbons. the two she chooses are the same jewel tone as your dress. ]
Pretty as a princess. [ corrin declares. when she kisses the top of your head. niles makes an agreeing noise. kana too, clapping his hands as you give him a little twirl. everything's perfect. kana will stay here in cragspear forever. he'll grow up safe and warm under your mother's embrace. your darling mother, blessed like all under the Mother himself. you, and your brother, and kana, you were all delivered here in a bassinet, set on the front stoop. chosen by the mother of all to live your life as it is.
and what a wonderful life it is.
nina, you head outside.
the two of you are set now to converge at a tavern. before your award ceremony, nina, a local reporter, camille curry, is set to interview you about your latest book. your latest book... that you are currently having trouble remembering the contents of.
weird? maybe a drink will help loosen you up at the tavern before you start talking to her. it's probably nothing. ]
[Emotional pain manifests as physical all the time. But the sudden jab now is still shocking. She has to breathe. It's not normally, like this, is it? The pull, or the push back. Too strong for a torch long since gone out.
Camille takes the medicine with a ginger grip. Finding her bearings under the weight of his smile.]
Stubborn girl.
[Elise. Resting for two. This isn't a shock. If anything it's a surprise they waited this long. So why does it feel...]
You're going to have to take my money sometime, Daan. Kids aren't cheap. [Keep it light. There's nothing here. Nothing more than usual. She grins back, tucking the goods into a lean satchel strung over one shoulder.] ...I'm happy for you, I hope you know that. You've done really well for yourself, Daan. That's all I could ever ask for.
[She has to leave.
Camille turns, waving the pair off. She's not in a mood to go say hi to Elise, nor does she have the time.]
Catch you later.
[General, congenial, all-encompassing. She breezes out into the street with a strangely taut chest. To the tavern, then. Get her head back in the game.]
[ she takes a look in the nearest mirror, admiring her mother's work and taking the compliments as they come. the twirl she does for kana is dramatic and she even ends it with a curtsey. her little brother has always been easy to entertain, but in the most endearing way possible. she still remembers when they didn't get along all that well, she didn't know how to be a good older sister back then.
no that isn't right. they've always got along, haven't they? why wouldn't they.
she says her goodbyes to her parents and to kana, caelus shouting from somewhere else in the house, finishing getting ready for his guard shift. with a wave she is off! the streets are already bustling, but she knows the perfect path to take to the tavern, short and sweet, and with plenty to look at one the way!
on her way she passes by a certain pair of teens, one with stark white hair and piercing blue eyes, the other with long black hair tied up in a bun. they're fighting again, but it's playful, flirty. it's how they've always been. she smiles and waves to them, not having the time to linger today.
there's more people along the way, each of them singing their praises for her as she passes by, offering a wave and big smile in return! she really is so appreciative of the people here, they're all so welcoming and nice. always have been.
once at the tavern she heads right to the barkeep, head and heart pounding. it must be the nerves getting to her, because each time she tries to think of how the interview will start every thought leaves her head. every thread of information about her own book, gone! poof!! like it's something she'd never even done. ]
Something good for the nerves, please.
[ the barkeep nods and slides her something sweet and light. no alcohol, just a nice refreshing strawberry lemonade, nice and cold. ]
Now, let's see if I can spot her... [ she stay seated at the bar, waiting to see camille walk through the door. she's seen her around town, a few of those times being at the apothecary, while she was visiting alfyn. always lingering as she spoke with daan, her eyes lighting up with each word. a very interesting woman. and she's read her articles before, to be honest she considers herself a fan. so this is especially exciting! ]
[ daan blinks at her as she says all of that - a little off? surprised. like.... of course she's happy for them? why wouldn't she be. it looks for a second like he has an eyepatch. she blinks. its gone.
when she turns to leave, she'll notice there's a baby basinette on the front door. alfyn hops up - he makes a squawking, startled noise and peers past camille. you can hear him yelling.
Hey! Hey, Daan! It's here! The baby's here!
there's a fuss and a hubbub behind you - daan, elise, and alfyn, all scrambling to the door to see the blessing from the Mother. it doesn't occur to you as odd. that's what happens. that's how couples are blessed. if you think for a second that it's abnormal, your heart aches and your head pounds, again.
camille... maybe something is wrong. you've got a good sense for these kinds of things - you're a writer, a reporter. an observer. as you rush down the street to the tavern, you find yourself noticing the world around you. the people are happy, here in cragspear. they walk, they talk. they praise the Mother of All. her son, her beloved son, the Bestower of All had given you all so many gifts, had kept the world so safe, so happy. so perfect.
the torches on the street flicker black.
you find your way into the tavern. it's lively in here, but you have your normal table. you set up, you get a drink - just a water - and you turn, and there's nina! she smiles at you, clearly thrilled.
the fireplace in the tavern flickers black and pink, and then returns to normal. nina, you remember your book is... it's a fairy tale of some kind, right? but you can't remember anything else. bad for an interview, huh? well. maybe camille won't ask you about it right away.
[Somehow, beyond all logic or reason, Camille accepts and ignores the fact that Daan and his wife just got GodStorked. Congrats to the new parents, it will be a beautiful baby.
Still. Moving through the streets does less to steady her than staying in his presence had. Why was she thinking of eyepatches, of all things? Silly of her.
It's just that none of this is sitting easy with her. Camille turns to look around, watch the people mill by. A carriage makes way to the left of her and she hears a loud blare and a rush (taxi), stumbling back. The torches on the walls flicker, flames darkening to inky black wipes. Then they're ordinary golds and oranges again. Where was she going?
Tavern. Nina, the writer. Interview.
Camille beelines for the place with sweating palms, praying she doesn't look as rattled as she suddenly feels.]
Hey, [She waves to the young thing (much younger than expected, shouldn't she be in school?), coming over with a hand outstretched to shake.] It's so nice to officially meet you, Nina. I'm Camille. I've seen you around, you're Caelus' younger sister, is that right?
[He's a good guy. Sweet and overeager. Camille sweeps into the seat and looks into her satchel for her pen and paper.]
I've read some of your stuff. You've got a real gift. I'm honoured for the chance to pick your brain, frankly.
[When she finally gets the parchment out, it's covered in words. Jagged lines, nonsense jumbles. Kitty. Duplicitous. Can't. Harmful.
[ it’s as she’s waiting, watching the door, that she notices how the fire flickers. again. that same inky black and vibrant pink. it’s happened too many times to be a coincidence, right?
she shakes it off, spotting the reporter and waving her over. it’s like seeing a friend again for the first time, in a long time, after being forcibly separated. why does she feel like that… and why is her skin suddenly on fire. it burns. ]
That’s me! I love your work, your articles are always a joy to read. [ she smile and shakes her hand, lingering there for a moment. this isn’t the first time. weren’t they holding hands just before they got here… before they pricked their fingers… there was a girl. ]
Oh! I’m so glad you enjoy them, please, pick away. I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks.
[ weeks? it’s barely been a single week since she died. since she last saw camille and the others. others?
she shakes her head, noticing how camille frowns at the paper. ]
Everything alright? If you’re in need of paper, i’ve brought some things that could help. [ she catches a small glimpse of the words and she blinks.
where has she seen those before? was it on an arm? a leg? what. no that’s crazy, they’re very common words! just very… cruel. frowns. ]
[ as you both reconcile with what's going on your heads - this strange, off feeling, that something isn't right... no. that can't be right.
everything is perfect. everything is fine. The Bestower of All has created this world, and it is your beloved home. your family loves you. they are alive. they are happy. they have no ambitions or dreams, but they are happy.
camille. you know that nina is a prolific writer, and you feel the urge to ask her questions about the book she's writing for her accolade. for her book, which everyone reads, and everyone likes. for your article, which everyone reads, which everyone likes. there is no corruption. there are no problems. this world is perfect.
nina. you should probably check on your book. you have it in your satchel - you ought to refer to it, very quickly. make sure you're prepared for the interview. what was the book about, again?
the tavern fire remains black and pink for a longer moment, this time, casting shadows behind your heads. you swear you see a monster illuminated on the wall. it's just a shadow.
it's not reality. reality is kind. reality is good.
[Camille holds still. The warmth of the handshake had lingered, in a way that felt both fond and devastating. Her eyes flick from the paper and land on a scorched corpse, sprawled on a table in front of a pyre. Then it's a girl again.
The shadows around them unnerve her.]
...Um. Right, so, I suppose first of all, I'd like to hear about the uh. The premise? [She turns the paper open and spies a blank portion. She doesn't acknowledge the questioning tone, scribbling fast.] Or perhaps a little biography to start. Did you grow up in town here?
[She withdraws the pen and turns it, all the better for Nina to see.
[ the light shifts in the tavern and a shadow of something almost monstrous appears behind camille. then it shifts to something with multiple legs, before settling into something more stone like. and when she blinks, it's gone, reverted back to a normal shadow.
the fire, however, remains black with that flicker of pink. ]
Ah, yes, my book. I've brought it with me... [ she pulls it from her satchel looking at the cover and running a hand over it. when she tries to read the title the words seem to jumble and move around, distorting it. her head hurts as she tries to decipher it. ] It's a fairy tale about a pair of girls who set off on a magical journey, filled with tension and-
[ she stops herself, blinking at the words in front of her, that camille has written. ] Oh! Yeah!! [ nodding, totally answering the question camille just asked. ]
My family and I haven't been here too long, I'm originally from Nohr. [ a place that no longer exists in this reality. no. she shakes her head. ] Sorry, I got my history mixed up with my real life...?
[ she opens the book and starts reading the first few pages. she has to remember what's in here... the interview. she has to do the interview. ]
My head has been hurting all day, perhaps it's the change in weather?
nina, you've always been so good at writing romance. your favorite kinds of romances, though - they are steamy. spicy, if you will.
and you're realizing that the book you wrote is lacking all tension. it's lacking conflict. it's lacking... well, it's lacking hot men kissing. there is no hot guy kissing in your book. because that is desire. and you cannot have that, in this perfect world. the Bestower of All would not allow it.
The Bestower of All's world is a world with no ambitions or desires. and the both of you are living in it.
things are becoming more clear. bit by bit, you start to remember, you look at the fire - it's still black and pink. you could put it out. you should put it out. you know what that is. no one else in this smiling, happy tavern seems to notice the ominous colors.
you remember your happy family. their smiling faces. sure, they don't want anything. sure, they experience no desires. no ambition. no wants. they live. right? they live.
right?
no one else notices the way the people here look like their skin is ghostly gray. ]
[No place she's heard of. No place that should exist. Not here.
Camille's eyes stray from the young girl as her chest begins to tighten. Her breathing thins. The people around them, they don't look right do they?
She reaches for her hand again. Real, solid. That heat from before tugs at her, and she realizes it's a memory. Not a hallucination. They'd held onto each other as the being ruptured, burst into light and burned them both beyond measure.
What was she doing here? Not writing a puff piece on a literary debut. That's never been her forte. Curry sends her to gritter scenes. Overdoses, accidents, fires, murders. Crime of every and any order. That's not what happens around here.
Curry isn't her father. He just acts like one sometimes. Took her in after a complete breakdown, realizing what Amma was. What Amma had done.
Her eye — singular — flicks between Nina's. Then to the blackened fire.]
[ when she hears that name repeated back to her, that's when she knows, it is real. it is a real place with real people and real life! life that, while it may not be the most ideal at the moment, is still breathing. living. fighting. it is her home.
she squeezes camille's hand like her life depends on it, just as she had done before. when the stone golem exploded and engulfed them both in bright searing light. and just as they did when they relived that, making it through to the next stage of their journey. hand in hand.
this isn't her world. this isn't her life. and it isn't camille's either. she's certain of this now. she looks to the woman across from her, sees how she looks now. it's just how she did back in the village.
she looks to the fire. ]
These aren't my stories.
[ she reaches for a pitcher of water, just chilling on a table, where a group of shadows sit. ]
Let's get out of here.
[ hand outstretched. they're going to do this, together, just as they had before. ]
[ as the girls experience a shift in reality, they realize something.
first of all, this entire place is lit in sort of ominous red. everything here is dark. dark, dark, dark. strange structures protrude out of the walls like black, massive claws - one is barely an inch from your head, nina. and mounds of pulsating black and red... something look like globs of living, breathing flesh marred with black and red, pulsating veins ooze from the corners. a black miasma floats through the room. you get the sense that if you touch it, it might burn you. there's nothing you can do but walk through, though.
additionally: every person in this bar is also - not really a person.
their bodies are red, or gray. their skin is rotting off, their jaws sunken - some broken off entirely. their eyes are red, and bloodied tears streak down their faces. some have their ribcages exposed. a creature you thought was a dog upon arrival was in fact this thing ambling along under the hand of a person - a hellfiend. these people in the bar have the faces of your friends. daan, his eyepatch, scissors wielded in one hand, mouth cut wide open in a glasgow smile. niles, mouth wrenched open in a permanent scream, a dagger in his chest, arms bent at unnatural angles. they are all acting as if they are just in a tavern, in the worst facsimile of a world you've ever known.
no one has noticed what you've noticed, yet. perhaps, if you are careful, you can make your way to the accursed, rippling black flame in the room and put it out. i won't make you roll for it, but describe to me how you sneak past the sight of warped and twisted desires. ]
[The scenery flips, and Camille regrets waking up at once.
It was a beautiful dream, after all. Hard to go from a loving family to amorphous mounds of flesh and bone. Of friends now marred, horrible smile from you Daan. And she turns and sees both Ann and Natalie. Girls far, far too young to be in the bar, their bloody and toothless mouths yawning for more drinks. Amma's handiwork, post-mortem.
Camille pulls Nina closer to her as the blood drips out of her face in one swoop. She's pale as a ghost. Fitting, considering the setting.
The fire's still burning.
With a silent gulp, she mouths to Nina. A reflection of their prior strategy. "Move quickly, and put it out."
She'll start them walking over. Slow, but even-paced. Maybe the patrons won't notice anything's off if they try to act normal.]
[ and just like that they say goodbye to that perfect world. that perfect life. but it's for the best, they can't stay there forever, they have places to be and people to see. she hasn't forgotten about iwa and asa, wherever they are... she's certain they're having it just as rough, if not rougher.
her face scrunches at the sight of the other patrons, her father and even daan... awful. just downright awful. at least they're both eyepatch guys.
she presses close to camille and suddenly it's much harder to breathe, her chest aching as she tries to take in air.
the fire is within view. she nods to camille, understanding. just like before. move quickly and as silently as possible. make it to the other side.
she has the water pitcher in hand still and she's going to sneak alongside camille, while trying to stay as close to her as possible.
as they go she looks over to see the disfigured face of marina, her friend and someone who really doesn't deserve this. face bashed in and barely recognizable. she winces.
slow and steady wins the race. carefully now.... ]
[ camille walks past the girls. slow. steady. nina moves past marina, her destroyed face. she reaches upwards with one hand, almost desperately, towards the wall. they ease past the wall - which once contained tavern game, a head on a rack, they release is now two bodies pinned to the wall by swords. two blonde figures, each trying to pull their weapons from their chests, crying tears of blood, rondo's hand reaching downwards just inches from marina's. they are no longer human, only agonizing triptychs of pain.
this is the price of desire.
the two of you feel exhausted, the longer you walk. black miasma brushes against anywhere your skin is bare, and it stings a little, but you're seemingly okay.
you sneak forward to the fireplace. and with both of your hands on the pitcher, you pour the water onto the accursed flame, and it sputters out.
the room goes pitch black.
-
and when the darkness clears, you find yourselves standing in a plain, familiar room. blue carpet. white walls. bright lights. you also find that you are uh.
burnt?
girls you are REALLY burnt. the longer you were in here, the worse it got - the fires of hell burned up your legs and your arms, leaving your skin cracked and faintly glowing like those awful, pulsating veins. it's a bad feeling! you can stumble forward, though. the both of you have torches in one hand, and another blue fire (your favorite thing to see right now, i'm sure) waits for you.
behind you is a much more familiar, locked door. you know how this goes. light your torches, and return to the hallowed hall. ]
[The sight of Marina is no easier to behold than anyone else. She'd missed that trial. Been spared the horror of another sweet young girl with a gruesome wound.
All the more reason to hurry. Before one of them turns, lashes out. Camille's breath stops coming in total by the time they pour the pitcher on, skin searing on the thick miasma. Poison? Acid?
The room winks out before she can get it worked out.
Then the air rushes back into her all at once, from a dreadful and pained gasp. Camille wrenches her hand, nearly pulling away from Nina as she realizes the extent of the damage in one pained wash. Burned. Glowing through the cracks of their skin like something villainous. Her whole body shakes.]
N-nina, Nina! [She reaches for her, careful not to drop the torch again and invite yet another open flame.] Hold onto me, hold on!
[For her sake, or her own? Hard to say. Both. God it hurts, oh fuck it's unbearable.]
[ seeing rondo skewered in the wall and how he reached out for marina and she reaches back… her heart breaks. its hard to see… even if they’re not really them. she remembers how crushed rondo was, when marina died, how he cried. she sat with him that night, for a long time, hugged him and held his hand.
it becomes harder and harder to breathe, her limbs feeling heavier with each step. that burning sensation creeps up and she realizes it’s happening again. she’s burning. they're both burning. bad. bad bad bad.
the adrenaline pushes them forward and then… nothing. darkness, before finding themselves back in that all too familiar room. ]
Camille!! I-i’m here!
[ she holds fast, close, and yet careful. everything hurts, but they made it! they’re alive, if only barely… time to meet back up with the others. they’re one step closer. ]
[She can't help thinking about Rondo either. Beyond the skewering, the desolate reach for an equally battered Marina, knowing that it was his own head they were tromping through puts a chill down her spine.
Never did get a peek at his past, did she? Never realized he may have walked through literal hell, tangled with his gods and come out flat on his back.
Turns their reunion just yesterday all the more bitter. She wishes she knew then. What she'd say now, she doesn't know. Just that sorry can't cover it.
In the here and now, there is Nina. Camille draws her close, heaving, heart breaking as she watches her flesh crackle for a third fucking time.]
I've got you, [she gasps, gripping her tight as she tries to move them to the exit.] It's okay, it's all right, just a little further now.
Edited (u said hold fast too.....words are hard) 2024-07-25 12:21 (UTC)
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no subject
a princess and a thief really does sound like a good plot, maybe for her next novel. or is she already writing that one? maybe she’s living it. maybe this author’s life isn’t really hers.
she hears voices and foot falls as caelus trots off to get ready for work. has he always been a guard? come to think if it, when did become one? when did they even meet? he’s always had his head in the clouds, eyes searching the stars for a way home.
where is home?]
Ah— [ the flame flickers again. black. then pink. he head throbs and she reaches up to hold it with one hand. but then its back to normal. no alternate or past lives to be seen. only flame. ]
Maybe I’ll go see Alfyn later, see if Daan has anything for migraines.
[ that is a problem for future nina, for now she proceeds up to her room, where she pulls the dress back out and holds it up herself. it’s beautiful, something she could only ever dream of. very fitting for the next princess of nohr.
a twinge of pain again. she winces and shakes her head. ]
Enough of the daydreams, Nina. You’ve got to get ready, it’s a big day.
[ she talks to herself, smiling as she slips the dress in and looks in the mirror. its perfect. her father really outdid himself this time.
once she’s dressed its time to head back downstairs. she’s never been the best at doing her hair, really only good at braiding her signature twin tails. ]
Motheeeeer, can you help me with my hair? I think a change is style is need for this occasion. But nothing too different. Still need my audience to recognize me.
[ it’s after this that she’ll be all ready to go!! all the supplies she needs are in her satchel and her dress is perfect. her mother will make sure her hair is also perfect and then she’ll say her goodbyes! then it’s off to her signing!!!
a good day. an exciting day. a perfect day.]
no subject
camille, all of a sudden, you feel a pained ache - specifically, from looking at daan. daan's life is perfect. daan has his beautiful wife who he loves. are you feeling covetous? are you feeling greedy? would you ruin that? why would you ever even allow yourself to think for a second about anything other than what reality is? those feelings that you had are useless. they are wrong. they do not belong in this world. your head hurts.
daan huffs. there's a warmth to his smile, as he goes to a cabinet full of tinctures and bottles, feeling around before he comes up with two concoctions - one in a purple bottle, one in a brown one, each neatly labeled. PLUMWOOD PANACEA and SLEEP DROUGHT.
he pushes them across to you. ] She's fine. Refuses to stay off her feet, no matter how many times someone says she should rest them. [ singsong, from the other room: Just because I'm waiting for a delivery from Her doesn't mean I have to be invalid.
daan rolls his eyes, but it's just bursting with affection, and then he smiles at you, camille. you get it, right the smile says. ]
On the house, then. [ as always. he's never charged you a cent. the sadness behind daan's eyes is missing, here. there's nothing haunted. their pet cat meows from another room, and alfyn grins at you from where he's sitting, wiggles his fingers where he's mixing up a poultice for something or the other in a wave. both of them, homespun apothecaries. stayed in cragspear, never left. you left, once, but you came back. something always draws you back here. never wanting. how could you ever want for more?
you're going to be late for your interview. ]
🔥🔥
[ on nina's end. corrin seems thrilled to do up nina's hair - her usual, heart shape braids are pinned up into delicate loops underneath her ears, all soft pink-white tresses and pretty ribbons. the two she chooses are the same jewel tone as your dress. ]
Pretty as a princess. [ corrin declares. when she kisses the top of your head. niles makes an agreeing noise. kana too, clapping his hands as you give him a little twirl. everything's perfect. kana will stay here in cragspear forever. he'll grow up safe and warm under your mother's embrace. your darling mother, blessed like all under the Mother himself. you, and your brother, and kana, you were all delivered here in a bassinet, set on the front stoop. chosen by the mother of all to live your life as it is.
and what a wonderful life it is.
nina, you head outside.
the two of you are set now to converge at a tavern. before your award ceremony, nina, a local reporter, camille curry, is set to interview you about your latest book. your latest book... that you are currently having trouble remembering the contents of.
weird? maybe a drink will help loosen you up at the tavern before you start talking to her. it's probably nothing. ]
no subject
Camille takes the medicine with a ginger grip. Finding her bearings under the weight of his smile.]
Stubborn girl.
[Elise. Resting for two. This isn't a shock. If anything it's a surprise they waited this long. So why does it feel...]
You're going to have to take my money sometime, Daan. Kids aren't cheap. [Keep it light. There's nothing here. Nothing more than usual. She grins back, tucking the goods into a lean satchel strung over one shoulder.] ...I'm happy for you, I hope you know that. You've done really well for yourself, Daan. That's all I could ever ask for.
[She has to leave.
Camille turns, waving the pair off. She's not in a mood to go say hi to Elise, nor does she have the time.]
Catch you later.
[General, congenial, all-encompassing. She breezes out into the street with a strangely taut chest. To the tavern, then. Get her head back in the game.]
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no that isn't right. they've always got along, haven't they? why wouldn't they.
she says her goodbyes to her parents and to kana, caelus shouting from somewhere else in the house, finishing getting ready for his guard shift. with a wave she is off! the streets are already bustling, but she knows the perfect path to take to the tavern, short and sweet, and with plenty to look at one the way!
on her way she passes by a certain pair of teens, one with stark white hair and piercing blue eyes, the other with long black hair tied up in a bun. they're fighting again, but it's playful, flirty. it's how they've always been. she smiles and waves to them, not having the time to linger today.
there's more people along the way, each of them singing their praises for her as she passes by, offering a wave and big smile in return! she really is so appreciative of the people here, they're all so welcoming and nice. always have been.
once at the tavern she heads right to the barkeep, head and heart pounding. it must be the nerves getting to her, because each time she tries to think of how the interview will start every thought leaves her head. every thread of information about her own book, gone! poof!! like it's something she'd never even done. ]
Something good for the nerves, please.
[ the barkeep nods and slides her something sweet and light. no alcohol, just a nice refreshing strawberry lemonade, nice and cold. ]
Now, let's see if I can spot her... [ she stay seated at the bar, waiting to see camille walk through the door. she's seen her around town, a few of those times being at the apothecary, while she was visiting alfyn. always lingering as she spoke with daan, her eyes lighting up with each word. a very interesting woman. and she's read her articles before, to be honest she considers herself a fan. so this is especially exciting! ]
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when she turns to leave, she'll notice there's a baby basinette on the front door. alfyn hops up - he makes a squawking, startled noise and peers past camille. you can hear him yelling.
Hey! Hey, Daan! It's here! The baby's here!
there's a fuss and a hubbub behind you - daan, elise, and alfyn, all scrambling to the door to see the blessing from the Mother. it doesn't occur to you as odd. that's what happens. that's how couples are blessed. if you think for a second that it's abnormal, your heart aches and your head pounds, again.
camille... maybe something is wrong. you've got a good sense for these kinds of things - you're a writer, a reporter. an observer. as you rush down the street to the tavern, you find yourself noticing the world around you. the people are happy, here in cragspear. they walk, they talk. they praise the Mother of All. her son, her beloved son, the Bestower of All had given you all so many gifts, had kept the world so safe, so happy. so perfect.
the torches on the street flicker black.
you find your way into the tavern. it's lively in here, but you have your normal table. you set up, you get a drink - just a water - and you turn, and there's nina! she smiles at you, clearly thrilled.
the fireplace in the tavern flickers black and pink, and then returns to normal. nina, you remember your book is... it's a fairy tale of some kind, right? but you can't remember anything else. bad for an interview, huh? well. maybe camille won't ask you about it right away.
and you meet! ]
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Still. Moving through the streets does less to steady her than staying in his presence had. Why was she thinking of eyepatches, of all things? Silly of her.
It's just that none of this is sitting easy with her. Camille turns to look around, watch the people mill by. A carriage makes way to the left of her and she hears a loud blare and a rush (taxi), stumbling back. The torches on the walls flicker, flames darkening to inky black wipes. Then they're ordinary golds and oranges again. Where was she going?
Tavern. Nina, the writer. Interview.
Camille beelines for the place with sweating palms, praying she doesn't look as rattled as she suddenly feels.]
Hey, [She waves to the young thing (much younger than expected, shouldn't she be in school?), coming over with a hand outstretched to shake.] It's so nice to officially meet you, Nina. I'm Camille. I've seen you around, you're Caelus' younger sister, is that right?
[He's a good guy. Sweet and overeager. Camille sweeps into the seat and looks into her satchel for her pen and paper.]
I've read some of your stuff. You've got a real gift. I'm honoured for the chance to pick your brain, frankly.
[When she finally gets the parchment out, it's covered in words. Jagged lines, nonsense jumbles. Kitty. Duplicitous. Can't. Harmful.
Camille frowns.]
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she shakes it off, spotting the reporter and waving her over. it’s like seeing a friend again for the first time, in a long time, after being forcibly separated. why does she feel like that… and why is her skin suddenly on fire. it burns. ]
That’s me! I love your work, your articles are always a joy to read. [ she smile and shakes her hand, lingering there for a moment. this isn’t the first time. weren’t they holding hands just before they got here… before they pricked their fingers… there was a girl. ]
Oh! I’m so glad you enjoy them, please, pick away. I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks.
[ weeks? it’s barely been a single week since she died. since she last saw camille and the others. others?
she shakes her head, noticing how camille frowns at the paper. ]
Everything alright? If you’re in need of paper, i’ve brought some things that could help. [ she catches a small glimpse of the words and she blinks.
where has she seen those before? was it on an arm? a leg? what. no that’s crazy, they’re very common words! just very… cruel. frowns. ]
Camille?
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everything is perfect. everything is fine. The Bestower of All has created this world, and it is your beloved home. your family loves you. they are alive. they are happy. they have no ambitions or dreams, but they are happy.
camille. you know that nina is a prolific writer, and you feel the urge to ask her questions about the book she's writing for her accolade. for her book, which everyone reads, and everyone likes. for your article, which everyone reads, which everyone likes. there is no corruption. there are no problems. this world is perfect.
nina. you should probably check on your book. you have it in your satchel - you ought to refer to it, very quickly. make sure you're prepared for the interview. what was the book about, again?
the tavern fire remains black and pink for a longer moment, this time, casting shadows behind your heads. you swear you see a monster illuminated on the wall. it's just a shadow.
it's not reality. reality is kind. reality is good.
check the book. ask the questions. ]
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The shadows around them unnerve her.]
...Um. Right, so, I suppose first of all, I'd like to hear about the uh. The premise? [She turns the paper open and spies a blank portion. She doesn't acknowledge the questioning tone, scribbling fast.] Or perhaps a little biography to start. Did you grow up in town here?
[She withdraws the pen and turns it, all the better for Nina to see.
Is the fire burning black for you?]
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the fire, however, remains black with that flicker of pink. ]
Ah, yes, my book. I've brought it with me... [ she pulls it from her satchel looking at the cover and running a hand over it. when she tries to read the title the words seem to jumble and move around, distorting it. her head hurts as she tries to decipher it. ] It's a fairy tale about a pair of girls who set off on a magical journey, filled with tension and-
[ she stops herself, blinking at the words in front of her, that camille has written. ] Oh! Yeah!! [ nodding, totally answering the question camille just asked. ]
My family and I haven't been here too long, I'm originally from Nohr. [ a place that no longer exists in this reality. no. she shakes her head. ] Sorry, I got my history mixed up with my real life...?
[ she opens the book and starts reading the first few pages. she has to remember what's in here... the interview. she has to do the interview. ]
My head has been hurting all day, perhaps it's the change in weather?
[ as if trying to say does yours hurt too? ]
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is it?
nina, you've always been so good at writing romance. your favorite kinds of romances, though - they are steamy. spicy, if you will.
and you're realizing that the book you wrote is lacking all tension. it's lacking conflict. it's lacking... well, it's lacking hot men kissing. there is no hot guy kissing in your book. because that is desire. and you cannot have that, in this perfect world. the Bestower of All would not allow it.
The Bestower of All's world is a world with no ambitions or desires. and the both of you are living in it.
things are becoming more clear. bit by bit, you start to remember, you look at the fire - it's still black and pink. you could put it out. you should put it out. you know what that is. no one else in this smiling, happy tavern seems to notice the ominous colors.
you remember your happy family. their smiling faces. sure, they don't want anything. sure, they experience no desires. no ambition. no wants. they live. right? they live.
right?
no one else notices the way the people here look like their skin is ghostly gray. ]
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[No place she's heard of. No place that should exist. Not here.
Camille's eyes stray from the young girl as her chest begins to tighten. Her breathing thins. The people around them, they don't look right do they?
She reaches for her hand again. Real, solid. That heat from before tugs at her, and she realizes it's a memory. Not a hallucination. They'd held onto each other as the being ruptured, burst into light and burned them both beyond measure.
What was she doing here? Not writing a puff piece on a literary debut. That's never been her forte. Curry sends her to gritter scenes. Overdoses, accidents, fires, murders. Crime of every and any order. That's not what happens around here.
Curry isn't her father. He just acts like one sometimes. Took her in after a complete breakdown, realizing what Amma was. What Amma had done.
Her eye — singular — flicks between Nina's. Then to the blackened fire.]
...We have to put it out.
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she squeezes camille's hand like her life depends on it, just as she had done before. when the stone golem exploded and engulfed them both in bright searing light. and just as they did when they relived that, making it through to the next stage of their journey. hand in hand.
this isn't her world. this isn't her life. and it isn't camille's either. she's certain of this now. she looks to the woman across from her, sees how she looks now. it's just how she did back in the village.
she looks to the fire. ]
These aren't my stories.
[ she reaches for a pitcher of water, just chilling on a table, where a group of shadows sit. ]
Let's get out of here.
[ hand outstretched. they're going to do this, together, just as they had before. ]
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first of all, this entire place is lit in sort of ominous red. everything here is dark. dark, dark, dark. strange structures protrude out of the walls like black, massive claws - one is barely an inch from your head, nina. and mounds of pulsating black and red... something look like globs of living, breathing flesh marred with black and red, pulsating veins ooze from the corners. a black miasma floats through the room. you get the sense that if you touch it, it might burn you. there's nothing you can do but walk through, though.
additionally: every person in this bar is also - not really a person.
their bodies are red, or gray. their skin is rotting off, their jaws sunken - some broken off entirely. their eyes are red, and bloodied tears streak down their faces. some have their ribcages exposed. a creature you thought was a dog upon arrival was in fact this thing ambling along under the hand of a person - a hellfiend. these people in the bar have the faces of your friends. daan, his eyepatch, scissors wielded in one hand, mouth cut wide open in a glasgow smile. niles, mouth wrenched open in a permanent scream, a dagger in his chest, arms bent at unnatural angles. they are all acting as if they are just in a tavern, in the worst facsimile of a world you've ever known.
you are not in the land of desires.
actually, you're in hell!
( hell music )
no one has noticed what you've noticed, yet. perhaps, if you are careful, you can make your way to the accursed, rippling black flame in the room and put it out. i won't make you roll for it, but describe to me how you sneak past the sight of warped and twisted desires. ]
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It was a beautiful dream, after all. Hard to go from a loving family to amorphous mounds of flesh and bone. Of friends now marred, horrible smile from you Daan. And she turns and sees both Ann and Natalie. Girls far, far too young to be in the bar, their bloody and toothless mouths yawning for more drinks. Amma's handiwork, post-mortem.
Camille pulls Nina closer to her as the blood drips out of her face in one swoop. She's pale as a ghost. Fitting, considering the setting.
The fire's still burning.
With a silent gulp, she mouths to Nina. A reflection of their prior strategy. "Move quickly, and put it out."
She'll start them walking over. Slow, but even-paced. Maybe the patrons won't notice anything's off if they try to act normal.]
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her face scrunches at the sight of the other patrons, her father and even daan... awful. just downright awful. at least they're both eyepatch guys.
she presses close to camille and suddenly it's much harder to breathe, her chest aching as she tries to take in air.
the fire is within view. she nods to camille, understanding. just like before. move quickly and as silently as possible. make it to the other side.
she has the water pitcher in hand still and she's going to sneak alongside camille, while trying to stay as close to her as possible.
as they go she looks over to see the disfigured face of marina, her friend and someone who really doesn't deserve this. face bashed in and barely recognizable. she winces.
slow and steady wins the race. carefully now.... ]
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this is the price of desire.
the two of you feel exhausted, the longer you walk. black miasma brushes against anywhere your skin is bare, and it stings a little, but you're seemingly okay.
you sneak forward to the fireplace. and with both of your hands on the pitcher, you pour the water onto the accursed flame, and it sputters out.
the room goes pitch black.
-
and when the darkness clears, you find yourselves standing in a plain, familiar room. blue carpet. white walls. bright lights. you also find that you are uh.
burnt?
girls you are REALLY burnt. the longer you were in here, the worse it got - the fires of hell burned up your legs and your arms, leaving your skin cracked and faintly glowing like those awful, pulsating veins. it's a bad feeling! you can stumble forward, though. the both of you have torches in one hand, and another blue fire (your favorite thing to see right now, i'm sure) waits for you.
behind you is a much more familiar, locked door. you know how this goes. light your torches, and return to the hallowed hall. ]
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All the more reason to hurry. Before one of them turns, lashes out. Camille's breath stops coming in total by the time they pour the pitcher on, skin searing on the thick miasma. Poison? Acid?
The room winks out before she can get it worked out.
Then the air rushes back into her all at once, from a dreadful and pained gasp. Camille wrenches her hand, nearly pulling away from Nina as she realizes the extent of the damage in one pained wash. Burned. Glowing through the cracks of their skin like something villainous. Her whole body shakes.]
N-nina, Nina! [She reaches for her, careful not to drop the torch again and invite yet another open flame.] Hold onto me, hold on!
[For her sake, or her own? Hard to say. Both. God it hurts, oh fuck it's unbearable.]
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it becomes harder and harder to breathe, her limbs feeling heavier with each step. that burning sensation creeps up and she realizes it’s happening again. she’s burning. they're both burning. bad. bad bad bad.
the adrenaline pushes them forward and then… nothing. darkness, before finding themselves back in that all too familiar room. ]
Camille!! I-i’m here!
[ she holds fast, close, and yet careful. everything hurts, but they made it! they’re alive, if only barely… time to meet back up with the others. they’re one step closer. ]
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Never did get a peek at his past, did she? Never realized he may have walked through literal hell, tangled with his gods and come out flat on his back.
Turns their reunion just yesterday all the more bitter. She wishes she knew then. What she'd say now, she doesn't know. Just that sorry can't cover it.
In the here and now, there is Nina. Camille draws her close, heaving, heart breaking as she watches her flesh crackle for a third fucking time.]
I've got you, [she gasps, gripping her tight as she tries to move them to the exit.] It's okay, it's all right, just a little further now.