hugtopia_logs | the umbra ouroboros

Entry tags:

the umbra ouroboros

♥ Who: Lup, Honerva, Pyra
♥ Where: Lup & Honerva's house
♥ When: around now
♥ What: the separation of old "friends"
♥ Rating: PGish

[It had taken some time to get the new vessel ready, and just as much (if not more) time to mentally brace herself for what they were about to do. If she were stronger, perhaps it would have been easier, but the thought of having to handle the Umbra Staff long enough to draw whatever strange entity or energy was trapped within it and bury it in something that (should he ever return) her brother won't want to have hanging off his arm... well, she's scared shitless, if she's being honest about it.

She's not being honest, admittedly, but she's barely a sliver above fully transparent to those who know her best, so she figures that's close enough. It's less about the entity, for certain, though one aspect of her fear is it trying to crawl its way back into Honerva. A big part of it is dreading having two magical artifacts that can suck her unanchored soul into themselves in her household. She can't really make it work without that aspect being functional, though, so at least she thought to set up an auto-text to Ardyn in case this really goes tits up and they're all out of commission for a while thanks to a misfire. (It shouldn't, but. You know. Shit happens.)

While they wait for Pyra to arrive, she's in the kitchen, seated at the table with a cup of herbal tea to soothe her irritated nerves.]

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[ They both have their concerns over this, one way or the other. As much as Honerva limited her input beyond the information she could provide about it, or any concerns or suggestions, but otherwise, it seemed better to know as little about certain aspects as possible. Out of sight but not completely out of mind as a project.

Still, with Lup being a hair above tense, she's trying not to feed into that with her own buzzing concerns, at least not too much. The last time they were in the position of planning for something particularly major involving something powerful, it nearly all had gone wrong for all it had gone right.

After the communications are sent to Pyra, for the most part she's busied herself with checking on things around the house, trying to give Lup a little space before go time, but sometimes it just doesn't do for them to leave thoughts unsaid before something major like this. It's almost too familiar, really. Tea might be helpful. ]

... She should be arriving soon.

[ And arrive she does, being led in by the drone-like machine from before.

Pyra hasn't ever been effected either by the alien entity or having her soul siphoned into a cage for an extended period of time. Neither are her traumas, but while they are not hers, she can feel the gravitas of situation the moment she steps into the kitchen. Their wariness is etched on both of their faces as plainly as day.

From her perspective, she's here to ensure things run smoothly and to function as a sort of failsafe to their process. The entity won't harm her, she's fairly certain-- or, well, as much as it might harm the others. The magical artifact that can siphon souls into it sounds similar enough to how she can take souls into herself. It looses that threat to her, when she thinks of it like that. ...Although, of course, she's very much aware there's a lot she doesn't know about either thing, and she could be underestimating both.

Time will tell, but the important part is that she's here, and she's ready to provide what aid she needs to ensure no harm comes to either. ] Hello, you two...

[ She keeps her tone even. Not solemn, but not cheerful, either. She's genuinely glad to see them, in any case. ] It's been a while since I've been over, hasn't it?

[Lup sits up a bit, striving to look not quite so much like she's been hunching miserably. This is a good thing they're doing! It'll be... good. She wants to get this thing out of the Umbra Staff, and ideally buried in the deepest hole they can manage to dig without breaking the pipes. (Ooh, or there's an idea. Dump it in the sewers, let a few generations of the future deal with alien space goo.) Her nerves can be born of anticipation just as much as anxiety, right? Right.

She's glad Pyra's here. It doesn't send a fresh spike of nerves up her spine because Pyra's presence means soon, no sir. Tea isn't a delay tactic.

....]

Yeah, we don't host a lot of parties at the inner sanctum. Want some tea? We can catch up.

[ Between the three of them, there's certainly a wealth of knowledge on the subject in any direction. It feels... safer, at least, to have someone else present in case something does go wrong, no pressure, as much as Honerva has been carrying around the thought that should something go wrong, she is the weak link, she is the reason they're going through this at all, and she hates the thought of endangering either of them. She understands, however, that unproductive thoughts like this are what makes her susceptible and she knows that as much as she tries to focus on the bond instead.

She does give a small smile to Pyra when she enters, one hand curled in close to her chest while carrying an extra teacup over to the table at Lup's offer. ]

It cannot be helped, between our having the cafe or the mansion, visits here are far less common for anyone.

To be fair, with you two running the Affurgato, I'd say you pretty much have hosted every single party in Havenwell through catering or cake...

[ They have a monopoly, of sorts. That's surely good for business. On the other hand, she can't help but wonder if they're ever able to take a break for their own parties. But these are thoughts for a less tense time.

Pyra walks over, taking a seat on the opposite side of Lup. ] Tea would be lovely.

[ She'll take the proffered cup from Honerva, but her gaze wanders about the kitchen and living room, as if looking for either the umbra staff or the new vessel that Lup was supposed to have made. ]

[Lup watches her glance around for a moment, recognizing the implication, and idly taps her fingers against her own mug.]

They're downstairs. We've got a workshop in the basement- it's pretty much all prepped and good to go.

[You know, when they get around to heading down there...]

[ When Pyra takes her seat and her cup, Honerva finally takes her own, putting herself to the left of Lup and right of Pyra. The conversation is almost a little too light for things to come, but she's not particularly in a rush when they've prepared for so long after such a strange few months. ]

It is a suitable workspace for this endeavor. We've done the work on it ourselves.

[ Most of their shared projects had taken place at Pyra's unused residence, but the careful planning of their workshop was almost a point of pride. ]

[ Reading the atmosphere of the room, she wonders if she should ask if they'd be more comfortable delaying this... Surely, the alien essence can stand to be in the umbrella for a little longer? ]

If everything's prepared then... We don't need to rush, do we? [ She lifts her mug of tea. ] Tea is more delicious when enjoying it idly, anyways.

[Lup glances briefly between the two of them, quiet for a moment, then looks down at her mug, her voice a mumble.]

I don't need anybody tiptoeing around...

[She doesn't make a move to get up, either. She seems content to sit here and breathe a bit before they get down to work.]

[ She'll use that moment to silently sip, herself. Tiptoeing, huh... well, there had been enough of that. ]

No, of course not. However... mental preparation is not quite the same as physical, as you well know. Especially with the prospect of any lingering concerns before we continue.

[ Pyra looks at Lup, then at Honerva. What lingering concerns, she wonders...This is just a transfer of the entity from one object to the other, isn't it? Or is she missing something? Is this more dangerous than she thought it'd be? She wracks her mind of all that she knows about the alien entity and the soul-sucking umbrella, and--

What's missing, clearly, is more reassurance. Pyra sets her cup of tea down and stands, making her way to Honerva, who she reaches out towards to rest a hand upon her shoulder-- ] Hey, you.

[ --and then she moves over to Lup, around the counter, to do the same, offering a small smile. ] And you, too.

The two smartest, wisest, and very magical people I know are in this room right now. You've both worked hard and prepared a lot. [ And, Architect, does it show upon their faces with varying degrees of fret. ] We can do this-- or at least, I know the both of you can.

[Lup blinks up at Pyra for a moment, caught off guard, though perhaps she shouldn't be. This is normal enough behaviour for Pyra, it's just that Lup herself isn't used to being this transparent. She looks back at her tea, then to Honerva, takes a big, deep breath... then sighs, mustering a smile.]

I feel like that's usually supposed to be my line. You're... not wrong, though. We're amazing, and we're overthinking this, and between the three of us, we should be golden.

[She looks over to Honerva again, the smile shifting back into quiet, pursed lips.]

This is just, uh. Way more personal than the usual, if you get me.

[ Pyra's touch gets her attention, though it's clear she's still in thought even as Lup responds. Should be was the operative thought. Reassurance... she knows where at least one of them stands on that front. ]

... with what we have already achieved, there is no doubt to ability between us. We would not have come to where we are now without risk. It is only that... the fact that we are faced with this at all is due to unexpected shifts in carefully made plans. Historically... I do not know how wise it is for me to participate so closely. At the same time, I have a responsibility to ensure that it is done.

[ She knows that just one line of pep talk won't assuage their concerns, but she feels better now that they're not ignoring the subject.

Lup is remaining strong even through it's effecting her on a personal level, perhaps more than she currently lets on. Honerva, while worried about her proximity to what they'll be doing, feels a responsibility to stay and see things through, despite her fears.

Pyra looks from Lup back to Honerva, and smiles. Ah. There's one trait she's forgotten to add, then, to that whole smartest-wisest-magical mini list she just made: ] Mm... Doesn't that make the both of you brave, too? I'm not just saying that, you know. I really mean it.

I'd be more hard-pressed to believe if you told us you were just placating us.

[Pyra is many things, and sincere when it comes to others is kind of at the top of most lists. It's... reliable. One of the reasons Lup had thought to ask her; she's knowledgeable about a lot of things that are tangentially arcane, and knowing about the crystal thing just kind of cemented her as a good choice, albeit unknowingly at the time. If this fails, Pyra might be able to come up with something better. On the other hand, having someone wholeheartedly believe in your success is a hell of a drug.

Besides, any backlash would likely fall on her, and if the entity escapes, it'd most likely beeline for Honerva. A third party who excels at comforting others is ideal for the worst-case scenario.]

I should probably reassure you guys by mentioning that I don't expect anything to go horribly wrong. Arcane backfires usually hit the caster, and I've done the math, because I like not transfiguring my face, as a rule. I'm mostly bummed that I have to put my hands on that umbrella for an extended period of time, because I'd rather throw it into a volcano.

Your faith is appreciated, of course.

[ As much as she might have those concerns that the entity might reach for her during a weak point for all their hard work and cause problems for all of them, she's more concerned for Lup's sake. Lup's part is crucial, and it involves handling something which she loathes. But reminders... are important. Not quite placating, but she trusts what they can do far more than herself. It means she must also take this faith and focus upon them, not allow her fears twist it. That was part of the promise they'd made, again and again. ]

Should anything unexpected occur... the results should not be beyond recovery. Whatever happens, we will bring each other back.

[ It seems her words helped... somewhat. What they'll soon be dealing with-- the umbrella, the alien essence-- isn't something either of them wish to handle, as they both weigh upon their pasts. But they're resolved to push forward. ]

I truly wish there was an easier way for the both of you. [ For Lup to not have to hold the umbrella, or for Honerva to be in the presence of something that might threaten her very mind and body. ] But Honerva's right. Whatever happens, we'll be able to overcome.

[ A pause, and then: ] Just-- let me know if there's something more I can do. If there's any way to make this less of a burden on either of you.

Having you here as a back-up is enough, really. I was kinda hoping you'd be a buffer, to help out if something goes wrong. Never hurts to keep an escape rope on hand just in case, right? To protect the squishies.

[She's not specific, but should Pyra be attentive enough, she might notice Lup's eyes shift briefly but meaningfully to Honerva. She's the real 'squishy' here, not the both of them. If Lup is hurt in a backfire, and her body dies, she'll emerge as a lich and get sucked into the staff, which while not ideal was something they could deal with. She suspects that Pyra is at least somewhat safer than most in a similar way, being a crystal person or whatever. She'd have called Ardyn for the same reason, but this was their project.

Meanwhile if that entity got loose and went for Honerva... not as many options, there. She'd have to start setting traps all over the house until they fixed the problem again, and that's assuming Honerva didn't lose her mind for another 10,000 years first or something and ditch all of them, which: honestly, fair.

If something shatters and Lup gets hurt, she won't be in a condition to stop anything, and Honerva will want to go to her. Someone needs to be around to drag her ass out, literally if necessary.]

[ It brings their concerns full circle; acknowledging them so that Pyra is aware of what she might be needed to do. Provided she is willing. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. ]

We can hope the worst will not occur, but you should at least be prepared for what to do, should we become compromised in our... unique ways.

[ While she knows Lup is certainly referring to her as the squishier of the two, Pyra may not know what to do with the objects should something happen to Lup physically. And should her own mind be compromised, she can't guarantee anything. ]

[ It's a strange situation in which she's been put into, being an arbiter, back-up, or kill-switch for the entity-transfer that is going to occur, but it's not something for which she wouldn't have volunteered for them. She'd do many things within her power to protect them both, and to ensure they both have a little bit longer time here together.

In Pyra's mind, worst case scenario.... she can absorb and deposit the entity into her crystal. ]

I understand. And I am prepared to assist you both in whatever way. Whether that's lending power or providing an extra seal.

[Lup nods with a slight smile, grateful, and drains her mug, sliding it resolutely away from herself. She's as ready as she'll ever be, whenever they are.]

If things go tits up and I beef it, I'm gonna need you to break the Umbra Staff and try to seal up half of what comes out. [Assuming the entity doesn't, like. Infect her soul while she's trapped in there with it. That would super complicate things, like, a lot.] And maybe get Ardyn over here before you do.

[She's not entirely sure what he can do or how much he can handle, but he has some experience handing ancient evil and darkness, so if they can't do this alone, he'd be a solid back-up.]

[ Seeing Lup drain her own cup, she finally thinks to lift her own. ]

Do not hesitate to restrain me, if need be. At any stage.

[ Whether as precaution or otherwise. So much of her life was created by pushing boundaries, but so much had gone wrong because no one could truly keep her in check when it mattered, once her sense of reason was already compromised.

Making sure they were all on the same page in regard to failsafes was priority. Or simply just guarding her newfound squishiness, which she sometimes would forget but Lup was all too aware of to remind her. Still, they had the means and the plan to go forward already in place. ]

Edited 2021-08-17 15:36 (UTC)

[ Surely it won't come to either... Rather, hopefully. But Pyra understands that what they need right now isn't optimism, but reassurance.

She brings a hand up to her chest. She vows to both Lup and Honerva, ] Okay. I will, promise.

[ She's ready when they are. ]

[Once the tea is done and they're out of reasonable excuses, Lup at last stands up and gestures for them both to follow, guiding them down the stairs to the basement lab. It's mostly finished by this point, with thick, polished walls and a smooth floor for drawing sigils and laying out material components for spells. Currently there's a desk in the center of the room with four objects on it: a bottle of nondescript water, a sealed box that glows softly around the seams, the Umbra staff, and a sturdy but otherwise unremarkable pot with a lid, almost like an urn.

Lup heads right for the table, lifting the lid of the box and scooping out a cupful of the contents, which is a bright green powder, almost like sand, that glows placidly in the somewhat dim light of the underground.]

[ It's a solemn enough procession down, with all that awaits them appearing rather deceptively simple for what they were about to undertake.

Promises were made, and doubts were set aside. No matter how things would go, from this point forward... and Lup was already moving ahead, so she moves to position herself accordingly, her eyes resting on the umbrella. What is inside remains cut off from the outside world, but there's no telling what it might do, should it have had enough time to make use of that space. In anyone's hands, that was power waiting to be used. ]

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