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pjartama · 4 years

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The Taveril’domaine Trip: Chapter 1 - At The Door

Written by PJ Artama (in collaboration with ThatJunkieFinn and Penthepoet)

Upon arriving in the famed Dekn city of Taveril’domaine with Zachriel and his bodyguards, Valek and Branuul, Ka’yel was hit with a wave of nostalgia. The tall city towers, the bustling streets filled with Dekn men and women and children, and the various districts they walked past. It was like she never left home. She had spotted a few changes here and there since she left to stay in the Library, but overall, it was mostly how she remembered it.

After hours of searching and finally settling into their temporary residence, word had reached them that even though it had been around a month or so since the door first appeared outside the city on May 15th, there were already rumors being spread around about the door. Some were saying that the door had actually opened and something on the other side got out. Some said the Arkn had summoned the gods and as a result caused the appearance of the door. True or false, these were just rumors. You had to be up close and personal to see the truth for yourself. But after Marchosias Aversen released his propaganda video to the Dekn population, no one dared to go anywhere near the door.

When Ka’yel heard this, she immediately understood what this was. She had learned enough from her father and from various historical books about using scare tactics. She also gleaned enough about the Master of Beguilement and Debauchery himself to know that this video was just a ruse. A ploy to get people to stay away from the door so he could take control over the door and do Hethe knows what with it. She assumed it involved his “Society” somehow. She knew better of course. They all did. Anyone with logic and common sense could see right through the facade he was putting up and how much of an egotistical son of a bitch he was. Despite the warnings and threats, his shitty propaganda video was not going to stop them from seeing the door.

The day finally arrived and they all walked together out of the city and towards the door. Ka’yel was feeling butterflies in her stomach and looked more nervous in contrast to Zachriel’s confidence as he led the charge. It stemmed less from fear and more excitement at finally being able to see the door. She knew that Zachriel was feeling the same way, he just had more experience in not showing it. Many things were running through her mind; what would it be like? What would they find there? Had Marchosias already gotten his greedy hands on the door? Would she have a chance to touch it? She didn’t know. All she could think about at that moment was keeping herself together despite growing more anxious with every step closer.

The door was near in sight. Its shiny golden surface was dazzling brightly in the sun, decorated with beautiful symbols, runes, and gems that too sparkled with the sunlight. It was breathtaking. As they got closer, however, she could see a group of people gathered around the door. They appeared to be… worshipping it. All of them were wearing various robes, dresses, suits, and outfits of all shapes and sizes... all of them coated in a signature purple and white color scheme. She had assumed correctly, they were members of the Society of the Purple Rose and she immediately knew that this was not going to be good.

Some of these figures leading this worship looked up and saw them approaching, immediately causing one of them to point to some Purple Rose guards and gesturing them in their direction. These guards nodded and began to intercept them. Upon seeing this, Zachriel silently told everyone to stop and wait and see what these guards wanted from them. Slowly, the guards arrived. They were ornate with brilliant purple-colored silk undergarments and shining silver armor, images of purple roses carved into the metal, and more. Their horns on their helmets supremely menacing in appearance and holding weapons at their side. She had to hand it to them, they at least had some style.

The guard in charge stepped forward.

“Turn back strangers.” It was a woman’s voice.“This door is currently in use by the

Society of the Purple Rose as declared by the God-Emperor Elucidis himself. Henceforth, you all are not permitted to approach it beyond this point. Turn around now and return back to the city.”

“When will it be available to be seen alone?” Zachriel inquired.

“Ah, not for a while I’m afraid as our God-Emperor has exclusively booked us here for three months.”

They all stood there with a look of surprise and frustration.

“Three months?!” exclaimed Zachriel.

“That is correct.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

“I am not. I apologize if you wished to see the door right this second, but this is the situation. I must now ask you again to leave.”

“Who in Hethe’s name needs to book a door for three months? Ka’yel angrily exclaimed, “It’s in the public domain, why is it being used privately by you?”

“As I have explained, it is our God-Emperor’s will that this happen. The door is a sign of his power and he has now ensured that we stay by it at all times.”

“Bullshit. Marchosias Aversen is just using its sudden appearance to manipulate you into believing he made it appear and scaring everybody away so that your cult can worship it without interruption.”

“How dare you call the Society of the Purple Rose a cult!”

“Then what are you then?” Ka’yel yelled as she pushed past Zachriel to the front. “A peace-loving charity that believes in the power of Elucidis who believes that all will be well if you give in to him? Don’t give me that crap. This “society” is nothing more than a fabrication created in the mind of a twisted monster in the body of a man. You’ve been lied to. Conditioned to follow him and his so-called “beliefs”. He’s using you to get what he wants.”

The guards drew their blades out towards her and she took a step back in shock.

“Blasphemer!” she yelled. “You dare to speak against our great God-Emperor and his chosen few?! He has saved us all from our darknesses. He foretold this event was to come and he would guide us to a better world. You are misguided to ignore him. Who do you think you are coming here to tell us such lies?”

Ka’yel suddenly felt Valek and Branuul on either side of her, both of their arms crossed.

“That’s my secretary you’re talking to, ma’am,” came Zachriel’s low angered voice from behind them, “and I do not appreciate you pointing your weapons at her. If you so much as lay a finger on her, there will be consequences. I will be damned to let you harm her in any way!”

His eyes flashed a deep orange-red at the guards, causing them to take a step back before he took a deep breath and calmly spoke again.

“Excuse me for my sudden outburst. Now, let us put our differences aside and maybe we can negotiate a way to see the door today.”

The guards looked at him, thought for a moment and they soon lowered their swords from Ka’yel’s throat. But they didn’t put them away.

“Very well,” said the head guard, looking back at Ka’yel. “I apologize, Miss. I forgot some people just don’t understand our God-Emperor and his ways and I am a very devout believer in him. I must continue to control my emotions as he would scold me for not saving face.” She turned back to Zachriel. “As for negotiating, I’m afraid I must insist that it is not going to be possible.”

“Listen, ma’am,” said Zachriel, once again taking the front, “we are on a tight schedule at the moment as we are only going to be in Taveril’domaine for a few days and we don’t have any other time to spare to come back another time. Least of all three months. So, we’d greatly appreciate it if we could get a closer look at the door right now.”

“Again, I’m sorry, but we cannot allow that.”

“Why not? We’re only here to see the door up close. We swear we won’t disturb the society’s prayer time and we’ll keep our mouths shut while we examine the door. Won’t we?” Everybody in the group nodded. “I don’t see why that should be so harmful?”

“Uh, w-well…” the guard stuttered. “It’s… it’s b-because your presence has an effect on everyone else. W-we need the space to um… concentrate without sensing others than ourselves.”

“Well, surely if we went to the other side of the door we’d be fine right? You’d still have your space and there’d be a door between us and your lot. Better yet, we can stand at a distance behind that door and you’d still have your space. Everybody wins.”

“W-well, n-no. I-”

“Furthermore, I am Zachriel Rofocale, the Dekn Lord of Memories and Devastation. I have more knowledge on things relating to the Old World than most and I must glean some insight and more information about this door so it may be preserved on the shelf of my library, and you are blocking my path to see it.”

“Uh, w-well n-now...”

Ka’yel noticed that the guard seemed to be sweating and stammering a lot. Something wasn’t right here.

“You can tell it, can’t you?” she telepathically said to Zachriel. “It’s more than just scaring people away. They’re hiding something.”

“Yes, and they’re not doing a good job at hiding it,” he replied.

“So, what’s the plan?”

“I’m working on it. I didn’t expect to have to deal with cultists today.”

The guard cleared her throat.

“L-look, Mr. Rofocale, or whoever you are. I understand your humble desire to see this door, but we have our orders, and I’m afraid we’re going to have to escort you from this area by force.”

Suddenly, Ka’yel was struck by a brilliant idea.

“I’ve got this one,” she telepathically said to Zachriel.

She looked directly at the guards.

“No, you’re not,” she said.

The guards all looked at her once more with a look of disdain on their faces this time.

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” she said as she walked up to the front once more. “You are instead going to take us to the door right now or I’ll cause more problems for you.”

The guards laughed upon hearing that.

“You’ll cause more problems if we don’t take you to the door? What, in the name of our God-Emperor Elucidus, makes you think you can order us around?”

“Well, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ka'yel Luueth'dei of House Luueth'dei,” she said as she reached under her shirt, pulled out her Luueth'dei emblem necklace, and held it up for the guard to see.

"If the name Luueth'dei rings any bells, you'll know that I am related to Mastema Luueth'dei, the Dekn Master of Dreams and Nightmares whom you may also find works alongside Alastor Andromalius, the Dekn Master of the Gallows, who I'm sure would find it very interesting to see what it is you all are doing and hiding from the rest of the world. After all, your “Society” still has to abide by certain Dekn laws set in place, right?"

She got right up into the head guard's face.

"So, unless you and your Purple Rose friends want me to ensure you receive a visit from the Master of the Gallows, you will take myself and my posse closer to see this door. Is that clear?"

The guards stood in stunned silence at her half-truth. She hoped it would be enough to get them through. The head guard nodded, closed her eyes, and stood there for a few minutes, then finally opened them to face Ka’yel’s.

“We will… escort you to be at a closer distance to the door. About 2-3 yards, no more.

You will also be given a short time to look upon it. I’d suggest you gather your notes quickly.”

They all nodded and they were quickly escorted to their destination.

The site of the door was more beautiful than anything Ka’yel could’ve imagined. Even from a distance of 2-3 yards, she could somewhat hear the distant whispers of the Hethe. She was making so many notes, she feared she might run out of ink in her pen. But she had to get everything she could see down. It was the only chance she had. Zachriel was intensely analyzing it. Making sure he recorded every single observation into his memory as well as reminiscing a bit. The Old World symbols, she imagined, probably reminded him of home. It was a nice, yet sad thing as well. However, their time there soon came to a halt and they were forcefully removed from the distance and were told to be on their way. They had done it. Though they were not as close enough to touch it, their allowed proximity was enough to satisfy her.

Hours after the incident, Ka’yel, Zachriel, Valek, and Branuul were all sitting together at a table in a restaurant close by to where they were staying. Testrath’s Cuisine it was called. It had a nice atmosphere. Calm, yet loud at the same time with its rich architecture and design. It brought people together. Ka’yel used to come here sometimes to enjoy a nice meal and to simply read and write at a table in a corner. Taking a bite out of her Ata’karai curry had warm memories flooding her mind. Oh Hethe, how she missed this.

“Well, that was quite a trip,” Zachriel said as he took a bite out of his Onsapur curry.

“Tell me about it,” Ka’yel remarked, “those cultists were absolutely up to something back there.”

“Indeed. Nice job threatening them by the way.”

Ka’yel shrugged. “Well, I had to get us to the door somehow because nothing else was working.”

“And you did a great job at it. Didn’t she guys?”

Valek and Branuul, both eating, nodded in agreement before returning to their plates of food. Ka’yel smiled.

Zachriel took a few more bites out of his curry in annoyance.

“Sadly, I had hoped we’d be right up to see it. But, no. Marchosias and his fucking purple flower cult had to get there first.”

Ka’yel sighed. “Yeah. And what really ticks me off the most, is that he’s gotten everyone convinced that the door is dangerous so that he can use it to further his own gain and worship. Furthermore, those people who “worship” him are out of their minds!”

“The bastard has a way with people, that’s for damn sure.”

“And not the good kind of way,” Ka’yel said before returning back to her meal.

“Regardless of him,” Zachriel continued, “whatever that part of the cult is hiding seems very important and detrimental if it were discovered by a member of the public.”

“It must have some relation to the door I would assume.”

“My thoughts exactly. And it’s making me more curious about the door and what could be behind it as a result. Argh, I want to know so badly!”

"Same here. I just wanted to touch it initially, but now there are more questions surrounding it. Hethe above, it's so frustrating not being able to get close enough to touch it."

"Exactly! And very unsatisfying too."

Zachriel then sighed. "But with them in the way, guarding that door like there's no tomorrow from all sides, I guess we'll never know."

Ka'yel sighed and took another bite out of her curry.

"Yeah… As much as the thought of trying to sneak by them sounds cool, it could cause more problems for us if we did and were caught."

She then looked at her notebook filled with her somewhat rushed handwritten notes on the door. Thank goodness it was still legible enough to read.

"At the very least, we have enough information from what we could get to do an analysis on it and write a book about it."

"Very true," Zachriel agreed. "I wish we had more. But this will certainly suffice."

“What could you discern about it?”

Zachriel put his spoon down and thought for a second.

“Obviously, it’s unnatural. Even though we were still at a distance, I could still hear those whispers that were mentioned. It’s just as the rumors say, that’s the tongue of the Hethe coming through. So, I’d have to imagine they had a hand in this door’s appearance. To how much extent that was, I have no idea.”

“You seemed to recognize some of those symbols on the door.”

Zachriel chuckled. “That I did. There were only a few of them that I could discern their meaning, and plenty of them were very unknown to me. But there’s no denying that they were all definitively Old World symbols.”

“Did it remind you of home somewhat?”

Zachriel initially seemed hesitant to answer, but eventually, he nodded and looked down at what remained of his Onsapur curry. Ka’yel immediately felt guilty.

“I-I’m sorry Zachriel. I didn’t mean to-”

He put a hand up to interrupt her.

“It’s fine Kay. I’m just… thinking a bit. Seeing those symbols made me nostalgic. Like I was back home in Elysia again. I felt happiness, joy, things I hadn’t felt in a long time. Yet it also made me feel… sad, and... alone. Being here in this new world, it all still feels... surreal, you know? To know you’re one of the last living remnants of a world long past… that the home you once knew, your friends, and your... family… are all gone now… and you’re still here… carrying their memories… until you’re gone too…”

His voice trailed off somewhat as tears formed around his eyes. He put his face in his hands and silently cried for a moment.

Ka’yel immediately got out of her chair, moved past Branuul, and sat right next to Zachriel. Without hesitation, she pulled him into her arms, then wrapped them around him to comfort him as tears started to form around her eyes as well.

“Oh, Zachriel. I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry.”

Zachriel eventually wrapped his arms around Ka’yel and they sat there like that for another minute or so until Zachriel pulled away from her, sniffed, and then took a deep breath in to calm down.

“I’m okay now, Kay. Thank you,” he said as he wiped his tears away. “I’m not sure what I’d do without your help sometimes.”

Ka’yel smiled and wiped her own tears away.

“Now then, I’m not feeling like eating the rest of my curry at the moment. So, if anyone else is not feeling hungry either I think we’ll all leave a tab for the fine people who provided this delicious cuisine and be on our way. What do you think guys?”

Everybody at the table nodded.

“Very well. Let’s head on back then.”

And as the sun was starting to set, they all paid for their food and left the restaurant full and more cheerful than they were when they entered and made their way back to their residence in Taveril’domaine.

#arkn legacy #arkn #original story #purple rose #the trip #zachriel #ka'yel #shadow on the sea

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musesandmagick · 4 years

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The Violet Gala

In collaboration with @the-siren-saga and @penthepoet

Ah, the Violet Gala. The social event of the year, many said. The rarest of occasions, when the doors of House Aversen were opened to any and all-- well, so long as they had the means to pay. Of course, not everyone bought the official PR. It was well known, in certain circles, what the true purpose of this “celebration” was, and there were those who wanted nothing more than to undermine it in the most glorious ways possible.

Among those were the famous information dealer, Moirah Averil, and her assistant, Uvall. Their purpose? Espionage, mostly, and support for Laen Adaire, who had come looking for his sister.

“Moirah, you look absolutely ridiculous,” Uvall said, looking at his boss’s Gala attire, a deep blue silk sari held together by a pin in the shape of a diamond encrusted scarab. “Beautiful, but ridiculous. I think I’m just surprised to see you in a dress.”

“That’s the point, though, isn’t it?” Moirah asked. “They see me… like this, they won’t know it’s me. It’s like, um…” She searched for an example. “How no one knows Clark Kent is Superman until he takes the glasses off. Yeah, that's exactly it.”

Uvall was a bit confused by this remark, not being quite as well-versed in human pop culture. “...Come again?” he asked.

“Oh, never mind. Here, put this on, it’ll let us stay in contact more easily.” She handed him a small circular patch, which he then stuck under his ear. It quickly changed color to match his skin tone, becoming completely invisible. “Wireless invisible communicators. U.M.E.E.C. tech. How’s it working?”

Uvall jumped in surprise as Moirah’s voice came out in his ear. “It’ll take some getting used to, but I think we’re good. You should go see how Leo and Laen are holding up.”

Leo Burton and Laen Adaire were in another room of the apartment, talking amongst themselves about how terrible of an idea this was.

“I give it an hour, maximum, before one of them figures out who we are,” Laen was muttering, voice entirely deadpan and not at all hopeful despite the way he was already reaching his mind out as if ‘feeling’ for his sister would be any easier in such a messy-minded place. The only thing it was accomplishing was making his headache worse. “Even less time for my brainwashed sister to raise the alarms when she realises I’m here. Remind me why I agreed to this...”

"Because the hour it'll take for someone to figure out who we are is more than enough time to get in, reestablish a link with your sister, and get out?" Leo asked, ever the strategist. "No one is going to suspect a thing, I promise you. Your cover story is that you're here as a reporter for the society column of some newspaper in Mistria. Go around asking people banal questions about who designed their gowns and shit until you find her, it'll be fine."

“Empty promises followed by banal questions.” Laen sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose between his fingers. “My two favourite things.” Glancing up at the sound of movement outside, he breathed a relieved sigh as Uvall came into view. “Are we ready? Can we get this over with yet?”

"Yeah, I think we're ready," Uvall said. "Moirah told me to give you these. Just stick them below your ears so we can all hear each other." He handed each of them a communication patch. It was clear he was worried about this after his last encounter with Marchosias at the re-education facility, though he hid it well. "I also feel like we need to lay down some ground rules. Rule number one, don't talk to Marchosias. Don't approach him. If he approaches you, make up an excuse, pretend you see your date across the room, whatever. Just do anything you can to minimize contact with him as much as possible. Rule number two, do not draw attention to yourselves. Everyone here is trying to catch his eye. Only be as ostentatious as you need to be in order to fit in. Rule number three, this should be obvious, but do not break cover. As far as anyone knows, you're Aliya Friel and Lochlann Kenzou, society columnists."

Leo pouted. "I had a different cover story."

"You did, but it was a bad one."

“Got it.” Laen nodded sharply, obedient despite himself, and quickly applied the communication patch, trying not to actively wince at the thought of yet more voices in his head that weren’t his sister’s. “If that’s all, let’s get this done.”

Leo applied her patch as well, though she was grateful for the ability to stay in contact with the others. "Yeah, let's. I'll be right here if you need anything, Laen." She gestured to her comm patch, in a somewhat inelegant way. "Don't go disappearing on me," she said, trying her hardest not to reveal how terrified she secretly was of something happening to him.

“I won’t if you don’t,” he hummed, just barely a joke.

The three of them walked out to meet Moirah, who was waiting by the entrance. "Uvall, did you give them the patches?"

"Yeah. We're all set," he answered, offering his arm to Moirah, which she took. You know, the most insane thing about this whole plan is how anyone's gonna buy that we're straight.

Tell me about it, Moirah thought back at him, cracking a smile. "Let's go on in, then."

Laen had never seen anything so grand in his life, and for a moment he could see why Laurien was so taken by it all. A huge ballroom, bustling with activity; people from all walks of life dressed lavishly in the nicest silks and lace. Purple drapery and beautiful music… His sister had always been fascinated with the more indulgent things in life and this looked like what he imagined her paradise would be.

The more indulgent things in life made Laen sick to the stomach. And to know how this came about, and the purpose behind it all, only solidified that feeling. Just about suppressing a grimace, he was glad -- and not for the first time -- that he at least would have Leo’s more-.. positive attitude to lean on.

There were other well-known Dekn Masters there, too. Pruflas, for example - the Dekn Master of Quarrels and Shapeshifting - was standing tall with a drink in his hand. Or, rather, his paw - he did have on a glamour that made it look as if he were a humanoid lion. By his side was the most anxious-looking assistant imaginable - Juniper Azure Ancarra, already being spoken of in the Courts as a person of great potential.

“Juniper, my fellow, cheer up!” Pruflas’ voice boomed, making Juniper’s eyes widen. Pruflas handed Juniper a glass, urging them to “drink, please - it will help you loosen up.”

The lion-headed Dekn Master paused, looking around before lowering his voice. “Look, I hate this as much as you. But you have to at least appear as if it’s the finest night of your life. We can slip out after Aversen makes his important announcement, I won’t be indulging his foolishness any longer.”

Leo was either the most convincing actress in the Lathrym, or genuinely enjoying the decadent scene that lay spread out before her. "I wasn't expecting it to be this beautiful," she breathed, dragging Laen by the hand to a buffet where several Dekn delicacies were available for sampling. Laen briefly wondered if it was like the human legends of the Fae, and one bite of these strange and appetizing dishes would cause him to lose his appetite for anything else. "It's like walking into a dream. I can understand why so many people get a taste of this world, and just… disappear into it."

"It seems so superfluous to me," Laen said with a visible cringe, wisely choosing to abstain from any kind of intoxicating beverages for the time being and giving his companion a disbelieving look when she began to pour herself a flute of champagne. "What were you expecting, if not this? Don't drink that, by the way. We need our wits about us tonight."

Leo shrugged her shoulders in response. "I dunno," she confessed. "I guess I was expecting a little less Pride and Prejudice and a little more Eyes Wide Shut."

Laen briefly glared at Leo, then walked off to "interview" the most un-Purple Rose-like person he could find, a vibrant, intimidating woman with striking auburn hair. If he was going to waste his time suffering through the Violet Gala as a society columnist of all things, he was at least going to waste it on someone with something between their ears.

"Ma'am? Excuse me ma'am?" He called, putting on his best 'annoying but curious' voice and trying not to outwardly grimace at himself. "Lochlann Kenzou, society columnist. Mind if I ask you a few questions?"

She’d been talking to an up-and-coming actor in the Dekn theatre and opera scene - Ariarathes, a youth of incredible musical prowess who was dressed in a peacock-hued, flamboyant robe complete with actual peacock feathers. “I.. I really admire you, Morgaine, I think your work is stunning and I really look up to that series of photos you did..”

The intimidating Dekn woman swiftly turned to face Laen, her sharp eyes looking at him– into him– in a somewhat invasive manner. "You're looking for someone else," she simply stated, lowering her voice so as to not be overheard by prying ears. "It's written all over you. And I know it's not our gracious host you're looking for." Her voice seemed laced with sarcasm, as if she didn't want to be there any more than he did.

Laen deflated a bit. Less than ten minutes into the evening and he'd already gotten himself discovered. He was terrible at this. "Who is this person?" he whispered.

The voice of Moirah Averil echoed through his earpatch. "That's Morgaine Cyprien," she muttered. "One of the biggest names in the avant-garde art scene right now. Marchosias hates her… I wonder why she's here?"

Morgaine cleared her throat in a more conspicuous manner. "Why, yes, I would be honored to be interviewed for such a prestigious publication," she said more loudly this time, in a manner that made abundantly sure that those around could hear her, as she firmly grabbed Laen's upper arm. "I'm sure that by the grace of the Master of Beguilement, a room has been left open for more… private activities?"

Laen gave Morgaine an indignant look. "An interview," he clarified to those present, "she means an interview."

Of course I mean an interview, Morgaine's voice sighed in his mind. Everyone here has a highly specific image of me in mind, and I've learned quickly that the best way to avoid suspicion is to give them exactly what they're expecting.

That was fair, he supposed, brushing off the deep crawling under his skin that telepathy with anyone but Laurien gave him. Just about managing not to glance around at the eyes he knew must be burning into his back right now, he offered her a gracious nod and what he hoped was a knowing-but-not-suspicious smile, he followed where she led him.

Where she led him turned out to be a sitting room with an easel and canvas set up. "You can stop pretending to be a society columnist now," she said once the door was shut and locked. "I can plainly see that you couldn't care less about what goes on here. If you did care, I wouldn't have let you near me." She led him to an armchair and crouched in front of him, then did that thing again, fixing her eyes upon him in a way that made him feel like his soul was being laid bare before her.

When Morgaine next spoke, she seemed entranced. "You're a strange one. Such depths of caring and protectiveness, but something's standing in the way. And that power… beautiful. An inheritance, passed down through generations and finally finding its way to the two of you." She swept a stray strand of hair out of his face, her hand brushing against his cheek in a way that would've seemed like a maternal caress if he had known her for more than five minutes. "Twin souls, united across the great divide. Would you indulge me by sitting for a portrait?"

A portrait? Laen quirked a brow at that, blinking a few times as her touch startled him. Quite without thinking, he shuffled to sit; staring at her with a mix of curiosity and disdain. “How do you know so much about me? And could you, perhaps, stop?”

"I see into people," Morgaine stated simply. "I see their light and shadow and all that lies between. To stop myself from seeing it would be like giving up the ability to perceive color." She began to work on the portrait, murmuring softly to herself. "Marchosias himself once volunteered as one of my subjects," she divulged as she worked, "and I thank the Hethe every day that he wasn't yet powerful enough to do anything but throw a tantrum when my work showed him as he truly was rather than how he aimed to be seen."

“So what are you doing here?” he wondered, frowning just a little, “I doubt Marchosias would be too happy to see you at his Gala. Or are you one he has a sick fascination with -- I’ve heard he likes to keep lists of people he thinks he’ll have eventually.”

Morgaine seemed more focused on her work than on him, but still, she answered. "I doubt I intrigue or threaten him enough to get a spot on his little list," she said coolly. Laen couldn't decide how to read her tone. "But year after year, the bastard invites me, and year after year, I've declined."

"So what makes this year different?"

"Intuition told me that there was going to be something different about this one." Morgaine closed her eyes for a moment, pausing her work. "Laurien Adaire. That's her name, correct? The other half of your soul?"

“The other half--” Laen’s throat went dry at the thought of that. It was what they’d called each other for years, no? But somehow, now, in the midst of all this trouble, the thought of that actually being a truth and not some child’s fantasy was-.. Painful to think about. “...yes. That’s my twin sister.”

Morgaine opened her eyes, looking to Laen with… sympathy? Pity? Whatever it was, he couldn't decide if he cared for it or not. "There is an invisible thread connecting you. It grows thinner by the day. If you can get to her tonight, if you can reach her for long enough to strengthen the link… you will sustain her, even if only for long enough to bring her home."

“And how do I do that?” Laen couldn’t help the urgency in his voice as he leaned forward; the desperation and impatience that seemed to permeate almost everything he said these days, “How do I even get close to her here, without her raising the alarm?”

"Most are not so perceptive as I. I only saw you because I was looking for you. You have a gift– you can slip into the crowd unnoticed and emerge from it untouched." It was then that Morgaine ceased her work, looking deeply into Laen's eyes once again. "Use this gift to your advantage."

★

Outside in the main ballroom, Leonora Burton was enjoying the gala as if she were any other attendee, partaking of various delicacies, dancing with other guests– "don't worry, my date for the night said I could feel free to enjoy myself!" she would say with a rather convincing girlish giggle– and, of course, keeping a sharp eye on the Purple Rose members and their admirers who stood clustered around the central stairwell.

It took her a little while to be certain, but she finally realized what she'd suspected all along. The one standing on the far left of the platform was the one they were looking for.

Oh, fuck, oh fuck, do NOT make me go up there, I don't want this, I'm supposed to stay away from him, this won't end well–

She took a deep breath and made her way up the stairs to the platform where Marchosias was holding court with his many admirers and worshippers. With every step, she found it harder to think, harder to look away from him. It would be so easy to disappear into all of this. She refused. She had a mission, and she intended to complete it.

"Are you Moss Rose?" she asked, coming to stand next to Laurien. "I'm Aliya Friel, my boyfriend's a society columnist from Mistria. We're both very interested in the life of an Arkn member of the Society of the Purple Rose. Would you be so gracious as to grant us an interview?"

Laurien had to admit, she’d been so enthralled by watching the people dance and all the lovely decorations that she hadn’t even noticed the stranger approach before she’d started talking. With a start and a wide grin, she offered ‘Aliya’ a welcoming nod; frantically trying to remember her etiquette while in such esteemed company. “Yes, that’s me! It’s so lovely to meet you -- I’m happy to answer any and all questions you might have.” Glancing around again, she frowned as if she’d only just truly noticed where she was. Tucking a carefully-curled strand of hair behind her ear, she gave a startled giggle, unnerving in its innocence. “Oh! It’s so noisy here, though: perhaps we should head further into the hall? I know there are some quiet spaces somewhere here, for discussion and such -- our Lord’s graces permitting, of course~”

Damn it, she needs his permission. "Well, then, I see no reason why we shouldn't ask," Leo giggled, still playing the part of the giggly, somewhat ditzy socialite as she made her way to the spot on the platform where the fog was densest. Every step seemed a constant fight not just to maintain control, but to seem as if she wasn't trying at all.

Malistrade and Montezuma, two other members of the Society, appeared to be gathered at a cocktail table nearby, Malistrade keeping an eye on Laurien before he turned towards Montezuma. “Montezuma, I see you looking at Tea. Please, I’d advise you to ensure our Master doesn’t see you.” Montezuma couldn’t help but sigh as he turned away, missing Leo walking up to Marchosias, with Laurien trailing just behind.

"Master of Beguilement," Leo said with a respectful nod as she approached the center of the platform, Laurien following closely. "It's an honor and a pleasure to be here tonight. I'm Aliya Friel, I'm here with Lochlann Kenzou. May I please have permission to take Moss Rose for an interview?"

Marchosias gave a charming smile, reaching out to stroke Laurien's cheek as casually as one would pet a cat. "Of course you may," he answered. "Just take care to bring her back soon. My little Moss Rose gets somewhat upset when she's away from me for too long." Right at Marchosias’ arm was Tea, who seemed to be wearing what looked like an incredibly intricate torque-collar and leash. “Yeah,” Tea chimed in, “please bring her back to us safe and sound! She’s like a sister to me.”

Leo tried not to think about how wrong the entire scene felt to her as she got away from Tea and Marchosias.

Leo. Leo, what are you doing? Uvall's voice crackled through the earpatch. I saw you talking to him.

"Hey, I didn't expect to have to ask permission to take her off of the stairwell, okay? And I'm fine."

Laurien, meanwhile, was deeply engrossed in how romantic this all was. So many people gathered, dancing and talking and drinking and laughing and they were all so beautiful. A pretty woman wanted to take her from her Lord’s side just to speak with her, about her, and her Lord had allowed it! She felt beautiful. She felt admired. She felt like the jewel in a crown, so shining and decorative in such valuable surroundings, and as she led her new friend through the crowd she beamed at all who passed; being sure to show the joy and grace her Lord had taught her -- practiced and poised, but a little clumsy, just to show she was still His child and could never outshine Him.

"Do you like my dress? My Lord Himself picked it out for me!" She gave a little spin, giggling gleefully as she led Leo into a quiet side room and closed the door. Her wings, constantly manifested as a show of how very special she was to be an Arkn here among her Lord's court, shimmered and shook with her glee; shining pink to match her pastel purple dress. "Isn't all this so wonderful!"

"You look beautiful indeed," Leo agreed with an enthusiastic laugh. Gods, she was not prepared for this, not prepared to sit across from a woman who was once so full of life and who now looked like a porcelain doll. Disguising her motion by tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she reached to turn on recording– and also, to allow the others connected through the earpatch network to hear what Laurien was saying. "So, to start… A lot of the inner workings of the Society of the Purple Rose are shrouded in mystery. Most don't really know its true purpose, but when you see a crowd of beautiful people who seem to have been hand-picked by the Dekn Master of Beguilement and Debauchery, it does get the mind going. Is there any insight you can provide into this mysterious, intriguing world that so few are ever privileged enough to see?"

"Oh! Well, the Society is many, many things to different people," Lauri hummed, her posture growing practiced and poised even with the childish grin that accompanied her words, "To me it's a refuge from the people who would hurt me and make me something I'm not -- my Lord has given me an environment where I can truly be myself without judgement, and I fit in here in my own way without having to change who I am for someone else."

"Bastard." Laen's voice muttered through the network, listening intently to his sister as she spoke (though indirectly) to him for the first time in what felt like an eternity.

"But as a whole we are a refuge, home, and a movement really! There are so many terrible people across all of the realms and my Lord wants to change that -- to unite everyone, Dekn and Arkn-" She gave a proud shimmy of her wings at that, "-and maybe even humans someday soon! All He asks is our love and devotion, and in return he will shape and love us all as we are, not as the other powers think we should be."

"About humans," Leo said. "There are… well, there are reports that SEEKER has gotten involved in Purple Rose activities in the past? I'm sure these are just rumors, but if your Lord has been meddling in the Seeds… You don't have to answer this if you don't want to, but is it true? That SEEKER has investigated you."

The mention of SEEKER had Laurien paling, her gaze lowering to the floor for a moment as her mind travelled back over the events before the Gala. "SEEKER have no business with my Lord," she said, her voice almost a whisper, and left it at that.

Even Laen remained silent, the guilt and fury he felt almost tangible even through the network.

Leo tried to hide the fact that her heart was breaking. "Well," she said briskly, changing the subject. "On a different note. Do you think you can tell me a bit about what your life is like in the Society, day to day? I know that a lot is probably meant to stay private, but my readers want to know." She gave another girlish laugh, finding it almost disconcerting how easily she slipped into the role of happy-go-lucky society columnist.

Taking in a deep breath, the speed at which Laurien's darker thoughts were shoved aside was practically visible in her eyes as she plastered on another smile, her already heavily-blushed cheeks darkening with the question. "Well I couldn't possibly tell you everything, but… well, most of my days I wake up, say my thanks to my Lord for the blessings I'm given, then go about my devotions. He lets us do what we like, so it's different every day! Sometimes I work on my poise and appearance, sometimes I help other Society members with their troubles, sometimes when I'm particularly lucky or upset I just enjoy His company and His Divine energy. It's-- not so easy to explain, really! My days are so different and wonderful, it's like whole weeks go by in seconds~"

"So… the Society of the Purple Rose has quite a high opinion of Baelbaurith Aversen," Leo said, taking great pains to refer to him only in mortal terms, rather than making any indication that she could possibly be persuaded to see him as some kind of deity. "Calling him 'my Lord' and such. Does it bother you that people outside of the Society might consider this all to be… you know…" A cult? she wanted to ask. "A bit over the top. After all, he is known for his ego, among other things."

"My Lord Elucidis is prideful it's true, but not to the point of losing humility and charity," Lauri insisted, a little defensive despite her carefully welcoming tone. "I can understand from the outside why our Society would seem strange -- I thought it suspicious myself, when I was misguided and naïve." The bitterness in her voice was audible, but the smile on her lips remained gentle and excited, "All I can say to those who are suspicious of us is to come and see for yourself. It can be hard to understand real, positive change until you experience it firsthand."

"This goes without saying, but don't listen to her," Moirah said coldly through the earpatch.

"I'm aware," Leo muttered. "Yes, that's very good advice, I'll be sure to put that in my write-up on the Society! Anyway, I think it's about time for my partner to come in– he's doing the profile on you specifically, I'm just researching the Society as a whole." It was amazing how well the lies flowed from her lips. "Lochlann, we're ready for you," she said through the earpiece.

Laen didn't hesitate. With scarcely a gracious goodbye to his current company, he hurried (as inconspicuously as possible) to join Leo and Lauri in their room, hesitating for a moment outside the door. Their family relic, tucked safely in his inside pocket, was buzzing with energy the closer he got to her, and not for the first time he was terrified to see her again. He knew how much she'd have changed, and to see her that way…

Clenching his jaw, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

His heart all but shattered with how long it took her to recognise him. He watched her gaze shine from curious welcome, to dull shock, to silent outrage, and for a moment he panicked -- unsure now he was here what he should do.

"Laen. You--" Laurien glanced between Laen and Leo, putting two and two together with the blistering speed he was used to seeing. "Moirah put you up to this, didn't she? Your friend is SEEKER too isn't she! Oh, I should have known, wait until my Lord hears about-"

Moving on sheer instinct, Laen shot forward, tugging their relic from his pocket and holding it towards her. In an instant, Laurien fell sharply silent, swallowing heavily as she gazed upon the strange little thing, littered with runes and tied as it was to the rope they used to take it in turns to throw around themselves. They made it quite the fashion accessory as children, didn't they…

Laen took her hand, pressing the artefact between their palms.

'You still feel me, don't you," he murmured, breathing out the breath he held as she nodded. "Do you still hear me?"

"I do."

"This is who we are, sister." Laen glanced at Leo as they communicated, offering her a nod to show it was working, before returning his attention to Lauri, "Whatever he made you is a lie. Through everything, this is us. We are together for all time. You know that as well as I."

"I'm happy here."

"You're living somebody else's lie."

"I chose this."

"You can choose to walk away."

"I don't need you."

"I know. But I need you."

The twins stared at each other for what felt like days, identical eyes burning into each other with the kind of silent understanding that only came with time. Laurien's eyes watered and overflowed with the force of her brother's emotions, and his with her's. For a time, all that existed was them.

But just as it always had, it came to an end. The muffled music outside changed to a gentle, mesmerising tune, and Laurien glanced towards the door with a shaken gasp.

"You two should leave," she murmured, sullen and dejected as she forced her hands from his, avoiding eye contact with either of them. "If He finds out who you all are and that you're here…"

She blinked and shivered, sucking in a breath as she put on the practiced poise once more. "Just go. All of you. If I find out Moirah is here I won't hesitate to tell my Lord."

For the first time, that felt more like a warning than a threat.

This didn't go unnoticed by Leo, who looked furtively towards Laen. "We should, um… we should go. Now."

Laen watched his sister leave the room with a clenched jaw and a dark snarl, lifting a hand automatically to his patch to speak with the others. "We're pulling out. I got what I came for. I'd rather not see what comes next."

But Marchosias’ voice stopped them before they could, as well as the crowd of people going up towards the front of the room to hear his announcement. “Ladies and gentlefolk, I have a wonderful announcement to make.”

He was up at the front, dressed in the finest attire of the evening - a traditional, incredibly-formal black Dekn suit with gold accents. His smile was like a lion baring its fangs: both incredibly beautiful and incredibly terrifying to see. His hands were clasped, his eyes trained out at the crowd.

“Here in the Society of the Purple Rose, we have.. rituals, one might say, that help us determine the finest amongst Lathrymites to crown as Esteemed - those from whom we can learn and grow. The highest of the high, after all, can climb ever higher in the heart of our little family.” He walked up to where a huge curtain was obscuring something.

"Can I set his suit on fire?" Leo hissed. "Please?"

Laen grunted in response, but the message was clear. Don't do anything that could draw attention.

“You see, during one of these rituals, my Consort came upon a most talented youth - a boy who knew more about fine Lathrymite literature than any other on Ersis, a boy of such talent that he endured eternities worth of torture and came back having carved out his captor’s hand and eye! What resilience! What a fire.” His eyes seemed to have a rather covetous, amused glint to them as he continued.

“We here at the Society of the Purple Rose can all learn from his tenacity and keen cunning. Therefore, I am beyond delighted to present to you our symbol of the canonization, and our announcement, of our newest Saint..”

He pulled down the purple curtain, his grin growing even wider as it dropped.

What was underneath was a gleaming stained-glass window of a cloaked figure, wrapped in thorns and holding what appeared to be a falling star.

“The Scholar!”

"Oh, he's going to love this," Moirah muttered to her disbelieving assistant.

Leo smiled innocently at her companion. Just as Marchosias was reveling in his triumph, his suit just so happened to catch fire.

A perfect ending to a perfect evening.

#arknverse #arkn x #arkn legacy #arkn #pink and purple #society of the purple rose #v:arkn #drabble

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