thuringen | the chronos is woven

Entry tags:

canon: sound horizon

the chronos is woven

[ Though Artemisia was aware it had been a long time since she had been separated from her brother and taken under the wing of the poet Sophia, it didn't make the events that had transpired any less vivid in her mind. She remembers as if it were only yesterday that she had been reunited with Elefseus after he rescued her from that vile priest, and they, alongside Orion, had fled from Ilion together...but even that reunion had been short-lived, hadn't it? Yes...there had been a terrible storm, causing their boat to crash and separating them once again. And that was when Phyllis had found her washed up on the shore of Lesbos and introduced her to Sophia, who had raised her to become a beautiful woman who loved everyone and could overcome her grief. She had told her that no matter what hardships were thrown her way, she could do nothing but accept fate, and so Artemisia lived by that philosophy.

Even while the stars foretold her tragic fate - her impending demise - she lived by that philosophy. Even though she longed for nothing else but to see Elefseus again, to live happily with him forever just as they had promised when they were children ("Let's be together forever!" "Yes, let's!"), she had to cast aside such selfish desires because it was not what Moira willed for her, and she could not dare defy destiny.

That's why when she heard the commotion outside, the disruption caused by the intruders who dared to trespass onto Astra's holy domain, she knew that, too, was Moira's will. Even if she would be betraying her promise to her brother in the process, she simply could not allow someone else to die on behalf of her selfishness. She could not live with herself if she blindly let an innocent life to be taken. Therefore, she volunteered herself in Phyllis's place and showed no resistance as Scorpius's troops seized her and carried her to the temple of Hydra, the water god, to lift her up as an offering.

"I'm sorry, Elef..." She whispers, an apology she knows will never reach the ears it was intended for. "We weren't able to be together forever, after all."

Even so, had she become a woman whom she could feel proud of? Had she finally become the woman Sophia wanted her to be - a woman who could love everything and lived without fear or doubt swelling in her heart? If she had become that much, then...even if she harbored regrets of an unfulfilled promise, she could at least die knowing that truth. She could die with that fact comforting her.

Scorpius unsheathes his sword and approaches her. "O Hydra..." he says, drawing back his sword just enough to align it with her chest. "Please accept this offering."

And he moves in with a thrust. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Hurry, the feeling of desperation fills him to the brim. With every fiber of his being, he urges for his body to move forward. Elefseus awoke from a nightmare prior to disembarking from the ship he took to reach Lesbos. There were certain words engraved into his mind: Sacrifice; Temple of Hydra – Misia killed. He didn't completely understand what that meant but knowing that his twin sister was placed into grave danger rattled the younger twin to his core.

After receiving directions to the temple, he wasted no time with propelling himself up the stairs to where the Temple was located. And his fears were answered, the sight of his sister about to be stabbed....!

Elef wasn't going to allow for that to happen. He owned no sword, but his walking stick would be suffice. It's been carved out of hard wood, after all. Seeing the man committing the deed: the Red Haired man who drove them away from home in the first place made his blood boil. Putting enough strength in his legs, he pushes off - lunging forth with his walking stick in hand and he goes to deflect Scorpius's sword. ]

Keep your disgusting hands off her, you despicable low life...!

[ He's internally relieved to get there in time, but the sword is able to slash at him, causing for fresh blood to ooze out of his left forearm. With a hiss, he bites down on his lower lip and makes an attempt to use his weight to push the older man away who looked rather enraged by the sight of his sudden appearance. He briefly glances toward Misia, before facing Scorpius again. ]

Misia...? Are you all right? I'm sorry I didn't find you sooner.

Edited 2016-12-05 17:36 (UTC)

[ Artemisia braces herself for the impalement of the sword, but much to her surprise, it never comes. What she finds instead is her twin brother standing in front of her, shielding her from her assailant. It takes her a moment to truly register what her eyes are seeing, and even then, she can't fully believe it. Her brother, from whom she had been separated all these years, was right here in front of her. It was too good to be true, and she would not have been surprised were this simply a cruel joke that Moira decided to play on her - an illusion to taunt her in her final moments. That's why she can't help but ask, her voice full of incredulity: ]

Elef...? Is that really you...?

[ She tentatively reaches forward, almost as if she's scared that if he'll disappear once he's within her reach, and lets out a sigh of relief when her fingertips brush against his flesh. ] ...It is you. Elef... [ The realization makes her heart race with excitement, and a smile breaks out across her face. He's here. He's actually here. This isn't some cruel trick played by the gods; he's actually here, and they're together again just like they always wanted to be. ]

...I'm fine. Please, don't apologize. What matters is that you're here now. [ It's only then that she realizes the blood trickling down from his arm, dampening her fingers. Her eyebrows knit together in worry and concern, and her lips purse together in a faint frown. ] But your arm...you're hurt. We need to dress your wound properly before it gets infected.

[ There are other things that she should be concerned about - like Scorpius, who stumbles onto his feet after having been shoved by Elefseus and reaches for his sword again - but her brother's health and safety takes precedence in her mind. Elef has always been the most important thing to her, and he would continue to be...though, could she say that now, when she was about to forsake her vow to him by letting herself be killed because she believed it was her destiny?

In that moment, had the will of the gods been more important to her than Elef...? Was she really about to choose the gods - the gods who have been so cruel to them all this time, the gods who tormented them relentlessly with hardship after hardship - over her brother, whom she cherished more than anyone and anything in this world?

She can't help but feel disgusted with herself when she realizes that the answer to that question had been "yes." ]

[ ...He's almost afraid that he came here for naught, until he hears Artemisia's voice; this relieves the traveler causing for the tension to briefly release from his shoulders. A smile threatens to appear on his lips, but he subdues it for now, because there are more addressing matters, namely Scorpius who stares him down angrily and Elef braces himself, now holding onto his walking staff with both hands. ] We will, once this nuisance is taken care of. Tis only a scratch, it doesn't hurt too bad! Stay close to me, all right, Misia?

[ If then ran, it's quite possible that Scorpius may attempt to follow. They might also be at a disadvantage if parts of the forest floor weren't level with one another. He decides for now to end the other here and now. Attention now focused on the red haired snake, his eyebrows furrow downward as he addresses the scondral who might have very well killed their parents, which causes for his blood to boil with anger and contempt.] ...your opponent is me, not her! I won't allow you to bring any more harm to her!

[ Despite being incredibly frustrated, recognition sparks in the red haired man's eyes and no later does a laugh leave his lips. "So it is you–– my, haven't you grown up considerably well." He lunges forward, armed with his sword and makes an attempt to slash at Elef, which the latter blocks, "alas for you, that you'll end up taking her place then, boy!" And he'll claim her next, sacrificing the maiden and then be able to gain the power of the Gods to finally claim what was his. However, Elefseus wasn't going to allow for that to happen. The two are in a shoving match, pushing each other back, but Elef won't allow for the older to win... ] And that's where you're wrong! [ He pushes the older man off balance again, and swings the thicker part of his walking stick toward the man's head that makes contact, his sword swerving off to the side and into the water. Elef then ducks down, grabbing the hilt, and in a fluid motion deals a blow to the other which causes him to yell out in excruciating pain. ]

...And you won't ever claim another life again!

[ And he pushes the blade down; no one lay a finger on his beautiful sister again. ]

[ It looks like more than a mere scratch to her, but she nods in understanding and decides to drop the issue for now. There would be plenty of time once the matter was resolved to fuss over her brother later once they ensured their safety. She does as she's instructed, lingering close to her brother but giving him enough distance where he can combat Scorpius without her hindering his range or having him accidentally whack her in the face.

She doesn't realize it at the time, but she can't help but hold her breath in sheer anxiety as she watches the two go head to head, clasping her hands together, almost as if she were praying. If she were to pray now, would the gods answer her prayers...? It wasn't as if they had a reason to, now that she had abandoned their will, and at this point, Misia didn't have much faith in them either to believe that they would grant her wish. With how much torment they had put her through, it would have been ironic if they had.

So instead, she just continues to look on, inwardly berating herself for being able to do nothing but watch. She wishes that she weren't useless in this situation, that she could do something that would assist him. They had just been reunited; she didn't want to lose him again, especially when he was fighting to protect her. If only she knew how to swordfight...!

Just as soon as she thinks that, Elef has Scorpius down onto the ground, preparing to deliver the final blow. Misia can't help but wince when her brother drives the sword into him, but she can't tear her eyes away from the sight either. This man...This man had caused them so much pain by tearing them away from their parents, by tearing them away from each other by sending them to the slave market, and was about to take away their final chance at being together, had Elef not intervened. It's only natural that she feels some semblance of hatred towards him, and so she feels that death is a just revenge for all that he put them through.

The moment she's certain that Scorpius is dead, Misia can't restrain herself from rushing towards her brother, a large smile on her face. ] Elef! [ She wraps her arms around him in a loving embrace, nuzzling her face against his chest. However, she quickly stops herself as a thought comes to mind - they aren't exactly in the clear yet. Therefore, she pulls back, her happiness from before fading into seriousness as she takes a quick glance around their surroundings before returning her gaze to her brother. ]

...We must hurry and leave the area. Scorpius may be dead, but his soldiers could return at any given moment, and I don't think they'd be very forgiving if they were to see us. [ Her gaze trails up towards the sky, where she consults the stars. After a brief moment, she points in a certain direction, looking at Elef with a knowing smile. ] There. If we head that way, we should be able to avoid his troops, and I do believe there is an area that we can take refuge in for the night. Elef, let's hurry!

[ Without another word, Misia takes his hand and begins to dash off in the direction she pointed out. As she runs, her heart swells with happiness as the action reminds her of when they were children, the euphoric days when they would run and play together through the mountains. How she wishes they could return to those days...but now that Elef was here by her side again, there was no reason why they couldn't, was there? Perhaps they were no longer children, but that didn't mean the two of them couldn't have fun.

That's why she suddenly decides to let go of Elef's hand, glancing back at him with her smile turning impish, and proclaims: ] I bet I can beat you there! [ She doesn't give him a countdown or anything; instead, she takes off running again, a joyous laugh escaping her lips. It's a laugh that she hasn't had in years, ever since the day they were taken from their parents, and it's one she never imagined to have ever again.

...Misia doesn't know how this change of events was able to happen, for she's certain it wasn't Moira's will, but she's definitely glad it did. ]

[ It's over, is what Elefseus wants to think. They were far from the clear and he knows it. He watched as he pierced Scorpius with his own blade, watching till the light in his eyes began to dim. In his peripheral vision he spots them, draped in the colors of darkness – with skeletal faces that look on at the scene and they disappear. Just like in his childhood, in the slave market where lives were claimed they were there. He takes a step back, removing the bloodied blade from their assailant's chest, bringing it close to exam it.However he drops it into the water after a vivid memory comes back to him, a black sword, his hands have been dyed in red––...no, he didn't want that sort of bloody fate. Was that Moira had in store for him if he chose a path of carnage...?

Elef's thoughts are cut by hearing his twin sister's voice and he spins on his heel, coming to face her. Happiness etches its way onto his expression but then it drops, growing serious at her words. ] You're right, we should hurry before any more decide to check up on him...

[ But when Misia let's loose of his hand, confusion mars his features for a split second. Watching her bound off on ahead makes him astonished – no matter how much she's grown, she still retained some of her mischief from back then. Her sudden proclamation causes him to gasp, and then he can't help but chuckle running on after her.] H-hey! –– that isn't fair! I've gotten a lot faster since the last time I've seen you!

[ And they run and run, he follows Misia's lead because she consulted the stars while he was not. He trusts in his sister's intuition, she's always been smart. Even back in the days where they roamed the fields carelessly, blissfully; his only desire was to return back to those days. And if he had to oppose the fate that Moira planned for him, so be it. A future of happiness with someone he loved rather than tragedy he'd much prefer, any day. Eventually Elef catches up Misia, it's thanks of his well toned muscles because of his travels. His limbs have grown considerably longer since the last time they saw one another, where he was scrawny and short and weak, unable to protect the ones he loved. But this time he intended to do what he was unable to do back then. ]

So where are we going to hide out –– ? [ He's genuinely curious of what Misia would say about the matter, and he tries to look on ahead, using his height to his advantage. He slows down to a slower pace to stay side by side by his sister. ] What do the stars say, Misia?

[ Misia continues running until they've reached the edge of the forest, a long ways away from the Temple of Hydra. At the very least, Scorpius' troops wouldn't catch up with them immediately, but it would be a death sentence for them if they went without shelter. Once they make their way out of the forest, the two come across a shore, the ocean glistening in front of them. Misia walks along the beach at her brother's side, in search of refuge; she doesn't see anything just yet, but when Elef asks her about what the stars told her, she responds: ]

I saw Krios, the Ram, shining brightly over this area. [ The mythology behind the constellation was that he was a ram sent to rescue two siblings from being sacrificed for the gods, which Misia thought was more than fitting. For it to be shining brighter than the other constellations, surely it meant that they would be protected from harm. That's why she adds: ] The stars have led us here, so I am certain there is someplace. We just have not found it yet.

[ She had only seen glimpses of what would be their shelter among the stars - what appeared to be a cove - but she's confident that it's in this area; she just had to be vigilant and look for it. That's why she continues to glance around as she walks along the beach at her brother's side, looking for anything that looked remotely familiar to the vision she'd seen. After what seemed to be an eternity of walking, Misia finally spots a cove that looked like what she had envisioned around the corner. ]

Ah! Elef, over there! [ Misia points to the cove ahead of them and breaks out into a sprint towards it, excitement overtaking her. Her steps come to a halt, and she looks around, looking for somewhere that they could inhabit for the night. It is then that she discovers a cavern edged in the side of one of the rocks, and she makes her way to it, gesturing towards it when Elef draws near. ] Here. I think we could hide in here for the night. [ She looks over at Elef, tilting her head as if asking for his opinion on her suggestion. ] We are rather far from the temple, and since it is already late, I doubt that Scorpius's troops will be searching for us all night.

[ She glances in the direction where the temple they had just escaped was in the distance. ] However, I suspect they'll be getting close to us by tomorrow afternoon, so we'd have to leave at dawn if we want to avoid them. [ If only they could craft a boat. Then, they could sail away from Lesbos to some other island that she's certain they will never be found. An island where they could just live peacefully together, not having to worry about anything ever again. However, Misia pushes aside that thought for now; what was most important is that they made it through the night. ]

...Is that alright with you, Elef?

[ When they near the beach his gait slows down to match his sister's pace; he passes a glance behind his shoulder. They couldn't be too careful, even though they were out of danger's reach. His attention returns Misia once more, eyes too wandering the beach searching for where they must hide. When Misia dashes off, it catches him off guard––] M-Misia, wait up!

[ And he pushes off his heel to try to catch up with her. Out of reach, he couldn't keep her safe; the memories that were presented toward him earlier pressed him to be by her side to keep within sight so she'd be kept from harm's way. His sight surveys the area once more, watching for any strange shadows that may sway unnaturally. This prompts for Elefseus to hurry more to catch up with Misia, and when he does his pace slows into a jog. Spotting the cavern within sight, he blinks now trying to catch his breath. When Misia slows to a stop, her brother mirrors her, trying to maintain his breath. ]

Mmm..that is true, yeah no doubt about that. I wonder if they'll give up since he's....[ He paused, that wasn't important. With Scorpius gone there was a chance without a leader that his followers would disband, or not. He couldn't read the stars like his sister could, so he lets that line of thought to die. ] Anyway, this place seems good to rest, but maybe we should proceed with caution just in case something else may be occupying it....?

[ A step forward is made, a step closer toward the cavern, while he glances toward Misia. ] Let's go check it out together...!

Yep, let's go...!

[ Misia nods her head cheerfully and steps forward as well, looping her arm around her brother's with a faint giggle. She feels excited at the idea of exploring the cavern with him, for it reminds her of when they were children - running throughout the mountains of Arcadia and exploring the place they called home. Everything had been so interesting to her back then, so she's curious as to whether they'll find something intriguing now. She can't help but wonder if it's just her feeling nostalgic; that's why she has to ask her brother: ]

Hey, Elef...being together like this, it feels just like when we were children, right...?

[ Feeling Misia loop her arm around him, he too returns a relaxed smile toward his twin sister. It's been quite a long time since they were last able to spend anytime together. That was years ago, where they blissfully lived, without any obstacles put to divide them. ]

Mm, you're right! It feels really nostalgic. [ Oh, how he wished things never turned out like they did, but he's happy to save his sister from her prewritten destiny. ] Like going through the fields....playing around. I guess the only difference is that we've grown a lot since then. Yeah?

You've certainly gotten a lot taller.

[ So much so, that when Misia had seen him at the temple, she almost couldn't believe that it actually was him. Elef, her twin brother whom she had to fight for and protect because he was a crybaby. In fact, she has to poke fun at her brother about that, and so she adds teasingly, leaning up to poke the side of his face with her finger: ]

...And I see that you've finally managed to toughen up, too. I haven't seen you cry yet. I'm honestly amazed.

[ She gives him a cheeky grin, unable to stop herself from giggling while she does. She hasn't felt this giddy in such a long time; she does feel like a child again, and she knows it's all thanks to being reunited with her brother. With Elef, she doesn't have to be the demure and refined shrine maiden that Sophia raised her to be on Lesbos; she can be her cheerful, lively self again. ]

Heh, and you've certainly grown more beautiful.
[ When he propelled himself up the stairs of the temple before, seeing her taller figure, he almost hadn't recognized her. But thanks to the strange vision he received, he was able to prevent her tragic death. ]

...O...Of course I have! I've toughened up, you know? [ He puffs his chest a bit with pride, with all the traveling he's done in the last couple of years he had grown immensely. Milos' wise words often resounding in his mind when living day to day. ] I've learned a thing or two since we were separated.

[ He tries to maintain a serious expression, but it eventually cracks away a smile lets its way through and he too chuckles along with her. It's felt so long since he was able to feel silly – like a child. ] But I see you have as well, reading the stars... I'd never imagine you doing something like that.

[ He always imagined her do something else, perhaps, be more like the Amazons that he's heard a lot about through his travels. ]

Mm. [ She can't help but completely agree. If someone had told her younger self that she would eventually grow up to become a shrine maiden who could read the stars, she would've thought them to be mad; that's how drastic of a change it was. That's why she says without even thinking: ] Isn't it funny what Moira has in store for us...?

[ However, as soon as those words leave her lips, she then processes what she had just said, and stops walking then and there, as if her body had suddenly become frozen. She glances down at the ground, ashamed, as if she's a child currently being scolded by their parent. ]

Ah...I-- I didn't mean to say that...

[ How could she say something like that when it was Moira who had put them through all the hell they've been through? How could she be so inconsiderate to say that with what they've both just escaped from...? ]

[ When those words come from Misia's lips, he can't help but silently agree. O Moira, why did you cause for your children to suffer constantly? Pulling them through the mud, causing them to struggle on and on through life constantly? He remembers people saying the same, during his travels. The people at the port, some of the people in the various towns and villages he had gotten to visit. He pauses seeing his sister no longer walking along with him side by side.]

Ah. [ Elef stops now too, slowing turning to face his sister.]

...Moira has a strange way to raise her children then, don't you agree? But Misia, it's okay.

[ He takes a moment to close the distance between them, taking her hand into his own. ]

Despite everything, we've been able to overcome her games and prevailed, opposing what she laid for us.

...Yeah. You're right, Elef.

[ Misia squeezes her brother's hand gently, but it's more so to try and comfort herself than anything. She gives him a wistful smile, regretful that her brother has to see her so down, but she can't keep the cheerfulness up - not now, anyway. Her gaze falls downcast again, and she presses her forehead against his chest, her grasp on his hand tightening ever so slightly. ]

I...was destined to die today. [ There's a laugh that follows that statement, but it doesn't sound genuine; it's dry and empty and almost...mocking? As if she's scornful towards Moira for planning that fate for her. ] When I saw it in the stars, I-- I thought...I had made my peace with that.

[ Parthenos, the Maiden. At Moira's mercy, she falls...but was it truly mercy when it was Moira that had made her suffer in the first place? ]

Sophia had told that there was nothing we humans could do but accept our destinies, so I believed...I had no choice but to go through with it. But I realize I truly...I didn't want to die. I wasn't ready to...

[ After all, who could honestly say that they were ready to die? Who could truly go through with their tragic destiny willingly...? She glances up at him, this time with a more genuine smile, but her eyes are brimmed with tears. ]

...I wanted to see you again, Elef. [ She lifts up her free hand and presses her palm to his cheek, cupping the side of his face. ] I wanted us to be together forever, just like we promised when we were children.

[ His eyes advert from her own, remembering the nightmare that he awoke from. Sacrificed to Hydra, that was her destiny that Moira wished for his twin sister. He then frowns then promptly embraces Misia, bringing her close to his chest. Silently holding onto her as she talks – talking about her predetermined destiny and of a woman named Sophia.

Hadn't Milos spoken of her, prior? If he wasn't mistaken, they had...met once. A long time ago.]

I did as well, I'm glad to have prevented your death, Misia.... [ Tears begin to brim in the corners of his eyes, while he's talking toward her. ] I..do too, which is why I had gotten to you quicker. If I hadn't known, then....[ He trails off, the imagery flashing past him – as if to mock him of what was supposed to occur.]

...Admittedly, I...I...[ Tears begin to slide down his cheeks now.] had a nightmare of what was supposed to happen. It felt so real, it scared me to hurry up to find you – and I'm.. glad that I had it because otherwise I don't know how I'd live with myself... [ Her corpse lay in the water, clutching onto the moon that she longed to keep in the palm of her hand.

[ The carnage he committed – in his sister's name, cast down Arcadia and the King. And...whoever that woman was–– ? Ah, he feels a headache come on, which causes him to wince.] ...I was able to find my way home too, after we left Illion and...found mom and dad's graves back home. So knowing you were destined to die...I...[ Be alone with his own destructive thoughts too and the ominous shadow that lurked behind every corner too. Perhaps he still was a crybaby, even now. But Elef is elated to know his sister is safe in his arms, away from the dangers and the plans Moira had in store for her, no, the both of them.]

I'm relieved to know you're safe, Misia; this time, let's be...together forever then?

[ ...Ah. She had always wondered what had become of their parents; she wanted to have hope and believe that they were okay, but she remembers the day that Scorpius had broken into their home. She remembers how their father had told them to run, how their mother had tried to help them escape, how they had eventually been captured and brought to the slave market. She should've known better than to cling to that childish faith. ] I see...so even mom and dad were...

[ Even their parents couldn't go without suffering; ah, Moira was absolutely relentless...but that was why Misia was determined to fight back against her. She wouldn't simply accept her will any longer; as long as she had Elef by her side, she could take on anything, even something as powerful as Moira. As he had said, they already managed to overcome everything thus far, and she would only continue to turn her back on the divine force.

Misia shakes her head, snapping herself out of her sorrow, and reaches up to wipe away her brother's tears with her thumb. ] Now, there's my crybaby brother I know and love. No matter how much you've toughened up, you're still the same old Elef, hm? [ Even though she's teasing, her tone is warm and fond. There was no need for them to cry, because their lives would be different from now on.

She takes her brother's hand again, holding it tenderly between her own, and smiles brightly at him. ]

Yeah. This time, we'll be together forever, no matter what. [ She nods, feeling more resolved than before. No matter who or what she had to sacrifice to fulfill that wish, she'd do it without hesitation. ] Elef...you are, and always will be, the most important person to me. Therefore, I'll devote myself entirely to you.

[ ~~And thus, she abandons the Sixth Horizon.~~ ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

the chronos is woven

hope this works (^: breathes, boi

boiiiiii i love dying and being killed

elef voice: sore wa chigau yo! LOL but omfg same t bh

http://i.imgur.com/4D9mrC4.gif c; also this is so long i'm sorry i just clenches fist these sibs man

omg don't worry, also i'm screAMING STILL THIS IS still great

dreamwidth if you mess this up again I SWEAR

dreamwiDTH KEEP IT TOGETHER OFMG

i was going to wait until misia cut her hair in this rp, but her long haired icons are so limited

ahh it's cool my dude! dw about it haha.

o/

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject