ilqaras: (pic#15229945)
Dohalim Melqal il Qaras Na'amo ([personal profile] ilqaras) wrote in [community profile] eggbowl2022-08-31 01:52 am

In my blood...

[everything happened so quickly and so slowly, everything that happened is nothing but a haze in Dohalim’s mind. he isn’t sure what had transpired, all he can think about are the dredged up memories he’d spent so long suppressing, tamped down and never to be brought to light ever again. the despair had overtaken him, distant screams and thoughts of death clouding his thoughts as gleaming, liquid silver splashed into view. all he knew after that was unadulterated rage, wanting nothing more than to banish those with him, and to punish those who were responsible.

trails of blood and carnage followed Dohalim to the palace as he tore through any Renan in his path. they could no longer be trusted. the ideals of coexistence is now nothing but a burned up dream; he now sees their true colours. the Dahnans were not the ones at fault here, he could not blame them. but those who got in his way are pulled away by summoned vines as he continues his warpath.

blood splatters the pristine walls of Autelina Palace, an angry contrast to the calming whites, golds, blues and greens, crimson liquid staining the fresh plants and flowers lined up along the walls. countless times had he been met with Renan resistance, clearly those who are dissidents of his rule. they did not stand for very long. the audacity they had to stand up against a lord like him…

vines rip the doors open to his chambers where Kelzelik and his supporters huddle together, eyes widened to see Dohalim stand before them, rod in hand. words are not exchanged as those same vines wrap themselves around those who’d dare to oppose him, their pleas falling on deaf ears as they slowly squeeze the lives out of them. all, except Kelzelik, one of those who Dohalim had trusted the most. one who seemed to follow his every order, his every suggestion, his every dream for this realm. the blood on Dohalim’s hands are also on his former advisor’s, as he gestures to the men struggling around them]


You did this.

[Dohalim’s voice sounds strange even to him, hoarse and pained. maddened eyes stay on the man, standing unflinching as thorns burst from the vines and through those it’s ensnared. crimson blooms of roses blend with the blood as it drips from the petals as he puts to rest those who had tried to seize his realm.

when Dohalim is finally found, he’s still in his chambers, on his knees, arms wrapped tightly around himself as hands grasp onto his shoulders, his breathing is ragged and erratic]
geocash: (♪And reveal to me my true name)

[personal profile] geocash 2023-03-07 07:06 am (UTC)(link)
Mmm... that depends largely upon where you were within the world.

[Zhongli considers it for a moment, drumming his fingers on Dohalim's side. it really does feel nice to be able to keep him close this way, to think that perhaps, at least for a little while, he'll be... maybe able to want something for once.]

In places like what is now Menancia, which were under the jurisdiction of myself and Rukkhadevata, the Dahnans tended to focus on commerce and trade, as well as knowledge and its pursuit. We were each their protectors, in many ways.

In others, places like what is now Mahag Saar, society was much more divided. Humans... do have a natural tendency to create something of a ranking system, for better or for worse. Much of it depended upon the whims of the God or individual that presided over the area, as well.
geocash: (♪To find the missing lifeline)

[personal profile] geocash 2023-03-08 12:38 am (UTC)(link)
As de facto leaders, yes. Not... all of us were so predisposed to being an available resource for our people.

[His expression speaks to a touch of annoyance and distaste, gone momentarily thereafter. Whatever God he speaks of isn't one he seems to have liked overmuch.]

There were a great many of us, once. Scattered across the land, we once all vied for our own little space, building our power with the intent of creating our own society - or creating chaos and destruction, in some cases. This was before Dahnan society, though; a time of war and devastation beyond measure, as Gods and immortals whittled away their competition.

I can't speak to how many existed outside of my own jurisdiction, but when I founded my first city in these lands and created a form of commerce, there were only a handful of us left. Principally, I spent a fair amount of time with the Gods of Dust and Salt. [there's absolutely a joke to be made there. don't do it, Dohalim.] Eventually... there became a reason for us to whittle down our numbers again.

[There's something akin to guilt there, in talking about it. He's being blatantly obtuse about the information therein, which does at least suggest he cannot or will not talk about it.]

The Seven were the penultimate elemental deities, we who survived and came to embody astral energy as you know it today.

[personal profile] geocash 2023-03-08 04:24 am (UTC)(link)

At that time, we had diminished significantly. Several of the Seven had come and gone, entrusting the world to the Dahnans. Had we realised then what their plan was, things may still have been different.

Moreover, the Renans came bearing a... different method of living. At the time, even we Gods saw nothing wrong with their arrival, many of our remaining number being... interested in knowledge as we were. We made contracts, and exchanges. Then came the Master Cores.

[now, his gaze drifts away from Dohalim, brooding on it. It's one of the greater mistakes he's made, alongside not realising what Kelzalik was doing at the time. In so many ways, the current fate of both Dahnans and "Renans" is at least partly his fault, he knows.]
geocash: (♪Walk the dark path; sleep with angels)

[personal profile] geocash 2023-03-08 07:57 am (UTC)(link)
[glancing down at his hand, Zhongli smiles faintly at the touch. it's easy to get lost in the memory of it, in the reality of all he's had to do. but... the questions are becoming harder to answer, for more than one reason.]

They seemed to show us the reverence one would expect of a deity, yes. I suspect they had been observing us for some time before making the decision to descend. But... no, not of our contracts. Were that the case, then there would probably only be one, perhaps two - I am the purveyor of contracts, after all. Others do not place such value upon these agreements.

[brows furrowing, he shakes his head.]

As to what the Master Cores are... I have no answer for you. Rukkhadevata may, but while I have knowledge of the works of mechanical genius brought about by some of our own kind, I have only a passing understanding of Renan technology in its full breadth. Were I to guess, I think they were a way to surreptitiously begin to siphon our astral energy for their own purposes - the reason for which I can only guess wildly at.

Nevertheless, it is something that is attuned to Dahna's astral signature. With each one being tuned to the direct elements, were someone to find a way to tap into its full power, it's not impossible that it could even deny a deity like myself access to the wellspring of our astral energy.
geocash: (♪To find the missing lifeline)

[personal profile] geocash 2023-03-08 10:08 am (UTC)(link)
Hm. Perhaps they chose to keep them on Rena herself, for some reason. Or they presumed we would simply die out over time as they implemented their plans.

[when Dohalim summons the core, Zhongli reaches out gently to place a hand on it. it still thrums with so much energy, all attuned to the earth... the idea of a Lord being able to fully tap into it, given that they're all "Renans"...]

I don't believe so. For a time, I had to remain incorporeal, as I didn't have enough energy of my own to manifest. Beyond that, as things began to change, I took on more of an observer's view of the world... but there is plenty that I didn't see, across the realms.
geocash: (♪All I wish is to dream again)

[personal profile] geocash 2023-03-08 11:09 am (UTC)(link)
Dohalim-

[Zhongli's brows furrow, and for a moment, he holds the Master Core for him. for now... well, it isn't hurting him to set it aside. no one can come here, after all.]

It isn't so simple. The Master Core is the culmination of our energy, yes, but... ah. Perhaps Rukkhadevata could explain better than I... [sighing, the deity sets the sphere aside, then pulls him close, running fingers through his hair.] It is honestly best in your hands, I think. It is your people's energy, but it also represents their hopes for you. The things you intend. My hopes for you, and that it may come to your aid in a time of need.

For us, it's nothing more than a danger, something we don't truly understand how to use.

[cradling his cheek, Zhongli leans down to press his lips to Dohalim's, soft and sweet.]

I will bear it for a time, if it brings you relief. Just know that I cannot keep it at length.
geocash: (♪The once and forever bloom)

[personal profile] geocash 2023-03-08 11:19 am (UTC)(link)
Loh--lord-

[his lashes flutter as he stumbles over the word, chest rising and falling with uneven breaths. too soon, the vines slide free of him, eliciting a whine from the deity. his tail curls as soon as it's released, grazing the ground. the remaining ones release his wrists, but before he can move them return to pull them up, setting his torso on display and raising him up off his knees at least a little.]

Nngh-- ah- for you... I can't help it. [tail curling behind him, he licks his lips, trying to ignore the utterly empty feeling inside him.] Of course I'm greedy for you... I want all of you, lord Dohalim. It has nothing to do with me being a god.

[as long as he keeps saying his name, he's sure it'll be alright. probably. honestly, he's entirely too horny after that vine-fucking to do anything less than plead for more.]
geocash: (♪The pages two and three)

[personal profile] geocash 2023-03-08 11:40 am (UTC)(link)
Ah- that's alright. It isn't that you need to use it yourself, Dohalim.

[his fingers return to their gentle stroking down the Renan's back, keeping himself in most of his view. that way, he can't think too much on other things... maybe.]

Nothing of this journey you've embarked on is easy. Having to carry something like a Master Core and knowing the weight of it is a part of your burden... so trust me to help you carry it. The use for its power should arise in time, without you having to harm anyone with it.

[even if he has no reason to believe in his own confidence, he has his suspicions. there must be a reason the Helganquil created five master cores, a reason they continue to perpetuate the Crown Contest. all they have to do is find that reason... and, of course, work through the inevitable crises Dohalim will be learning in the process.

it's... a work in progress. it'll be fine.]
geocash: (♪These lines the last endeavour)

[personal profile] geocash 2023-03-09 10:39 am (UTC)(link)
[this time, he just reaches out and takes Dohalim's hands, holding them gently in his own.]

It's natural to feel fear. Relying on yourself can be difficult, but... you are not alone. The corruption will try what it will, but it is not as strong as you are.

[his hands squeeze softly, a small smile drawing across his lips.]

And you needn't ask me if it's true - the fact that you're here now says as much.
geocash: (♪Gone with my sins)

[personal profile] geocash 2023-03-09 11:36 am (UTC)(link)
Admittedly, it is something of a hunch. I'm not infallible, of course... but still.

[moving to settle Dohalim in his arms, he shifts to rise up enough to drain the water. It's getting cold now, after all.]

I think it needs you more than it realises, and I know you're stronger than you think you are. As convincing as it might seem, the sheer number of people who care for you can attest to some of its fallacies. And myself, of course. As much as it may want to do, I don't think it can do most of it without your permission. Rukkhadevata could perhaps confirm it.

Do you want me to draw another bath? Or shall we settle to rest a while?
geocash: (♪My flower withered between)

[personal profile] geocash 2023-03-10 11:31 am (UTC)(link)
It's a hunch, mostly.

[with a soft grunt of effort for the angle, Zhongli scoops Dohalim up to bring him to a towel, first. it'll only help so much with the cold, but it's best to be dry for lying down, isn't it?]

If it didn't need you, why would it struggle so much to take control? Why bother to latch onto your own uncertainties? It isn't our bond - not completely. What I've done so far has mostly been to remind you, in some way, that you're not alone. That you're stronger than you think you are. [as he speaks, he gently dries the Renan off, inclining his head.] It will latch on to what it can, because it isn't strong enough to get very far on its own, I think. I could be wrong, but... I doubt that I am.
geocash: (♪Walk the dark path; sleep with angels)

[personal profile] geocash 2023-03-10 01:25 pm (UTC)(link)
I wouldn't call it a parasite, precisely. It's more... complex than that, if my hunch is right.

[after all, it's something unrelated to him and all he is - which implies that it's from elsewhere. it means something, and eventually, he knows... it will be instrumental in understanding what truly happened.]

... Probably because you lack the typical ego of your other peers. You have compassion and you have self-doubt, and you are by and large more human than most Lords I have seen or heard of. I can't begin to speak for it, of course... but, if I were to look into history, there are circumstances not dissimilar.

This was more prominent in the time when there were more Gods and Dahnans were still in their relative infancy, but- some of the Gods would use their abilities to possess those they believed could progress their agendas, to try and become more powerful. In almost no cases were the possessions fatal.

[granted, he personally took action against most of them, but... it's still true enough.]

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