gardenerofavalon | Just a bit of dreamweaving... (for the000)

Dreams do not come easily for a primal beast. Astrals made them efficient, even nourishment is more a choice than a necessity. They can shut down and slumber, but having dreams is different. It's unknown if they are capable of it. Sandalphon is more used to rest than the average, sleeping allowed him to endure his solitude in Pandemonium, and then the merciful cradle Lord Lucifer had imprisoned him allowed a state similar to lucid dreaming.

That seemed so long ago, in another life, when he has cried out the skies about the pointlessness of his existence. A primal beast without a purpose. A primal beast with a choice. He's not tired that night, but still puts his head on the pillow of his room in the Grandcypher and closes his eyes.

He's unsure what to expect. A shaded garden with a cup of coffee expecting him, perhaps? That's a hope that goes unfulfilled, the familiar garden of Canaan isn't there to greet him, nor are the fragmented memories he inherited from Lucifer along with his pristine wings. Instead, the Supreme Primarch finds himself standing on a field of unfamiliar pink and yellow flowers.

"What...?"

It's a start, but surprise and confusion aren't quite good enough, no not at all. But if that's what he has to work with... A stirring breeze rustles the flowers to one side--in that direction, the field of flowers stretches to a pristine, magnificent vista. Not to mention, the flowers themselves give the air a pleasantly sweet scent.

Of course, Merlin himself is in the opposite direction, sitting in the shade of a tree overlooking a small pool. But please, do enjoy the beautiful scenery he's made! Be awed, wonder at its natural splendor!

The breeze is a nice touch but the flowers confuse Sandalphon. Why flowers? Is this Lord Lucifer's memories? he wonders as he stares at the blooming field. No, it can't be. He doesn't quite recognize these types of flowers and Lucifer... Lucifer loved all the Skydom, truth, and its beauty. But above all, he loved the endless expense of blues. In oceans and, especially, in the sky.

Sandalphon's confusion and a bit of awe are immediately replaced by suspicion. Is this nonsense a trick from the Otherworld? He squeezes his eyes shut and tries to feel the world like primarchs do, but not knowing if such thing would be useful in his own head? He is not lowering his guard and make him a target for the agents of chaos.

... Interesting. Well, that's what Merlin gets for deciding to dabble in such a peculiar stranger's dream, isn't it?

Still, he won't give in that easily. He maintains the dream, but mostly passively--it's something that exists, but not exerting an active influence beyond the inherently soothing nature of the setting. Outside the dream, however, he exerts a bit of his power to try to figuratively 'hold' the dreamer in place. Not physically within the dream, but mentally within the state of sleep and dreaming. The true form of an incubus's embrace, even if it's a relatively benign one.

Besides, he can still always flee if things truly go south. Probably.

It's utter nonsense. Why it feels so good like if he was back to the archangel's cradle? The lul to relax is almost too tempting to jus let go of himself for a moment? If only-

No, I can't do this. He grits his teeth and opens his eyes again, he glares at the imaginary flowers. Then he exhales the breath he's holding and restrains himself to brandish a sword. Maybe he's wrong and is just a mischievous primal beast and not an agent of Crimson Horizon. But if that's the case, he'd sense it.

"Enough of this nonsense and show yourself." Sandalphon doesn't think it'll be that easy, but he has to try.

It seems Merlin's grip on the dream is more or less secure, for the time being. True, the fellow is managing to stay lucid, but he isn't trying to break free or put up a fight. Which means that Merlin can humor him for now.

"My, just who are you talking to? It's only us here."

The voice comes from behind him, where Merlin's still seated by the pool. Has that been there all along? It totally has.

Before Sandalphon turns to face him, a purple glowing sword materializes and flies in his direction. It doesn't hit him, but rather it flies pass him as a warning. It sinks into the pool by half before it shatters away. The Supreme Primarch's red eyes scrutinize the placid man's expression if he's from Crimson Horizon, he would soon know it.

"You shouldn't be 'here'," he says, trying to keep his anger from surfacing. He's got to remember how he behaved with his customers in his summer food stall. "I shouldn't be 'here' either." Wherever 'here' is supposed to be.

He advances two steps toward him and then stops. This man isn't cleary a erune, draph or harvin, but is he truly human?

"Who are you?"

Merlin wouldn't have allowed the sword to hit him anyway, but as it's not actually aimed at him, he pays it no mind as it whizzes harmlessly by. Still, a rather amusing reaction... And try as this fellow might to hide it, Merlin can sense that anger simmering below the surface. Well, it may not have been his original idea, but that works well enough!

"I am Merlin," the cambion says casually, as if it's no big deal at all. He doesn't rise from his spot, though. Nor does he bother inquiring as to the other fellow's name.

It's possible he doesn't actually care.

His placid indifference is irritating. It vaguely reminds Sandalphon of that obnoxious Lucio (his voice too - but it might be his imagination). He gives him a cautious glance when he introduces himself. His expression remains blank. He's never heard that name before, so he can rule it out from primal beasts, and it doesn't sound like the exotic names from the Crimson Horizon either. Although that doesn't comfort him, he could be lying to wait for him to lower his guard.

Tch. Patience, he must be fair, as the Supreme primarch. He forces an unnatural, dangerous smile before he proceeds to prod again.

"And what are you doing here, Merlin?"

Edited 2020-04-01 03:04 (UTC)

At that question, Merlin gives a broad grin.

"Enjoying myself, of course! Aren't you?"

If he's bothered by that smile, he shows no sign of it.

Enjoying himself? His expression flickers and hardens. His gaze sharpens into a glare.

"You think this is funny?" he questions, his voice strained. Does this man know who he is and what he's done? No, clearly not, but he doesn't want to bring that up. He's ashamed of his past actions. That's why... He takes a long breath and calms himself. He's now the Supreme Primarch, he can't lose his temper over this. Even if this man is irritating and vaguely reminds him of that idiot who resembles Lord Lucifer. "Is that your only goal? Entertainment?" He asks more seriously as if he's trying to gauge an enemy from some minor annoyance.

Merlin frowns just a bit at the question.

"Now, isn't that a bit of a trick question? If I answer truthfully and you don't care for my answer, you'll be angry, but if I lie you'll also be mad at me. Even if there's no harm in a little fun. So!"

His expression suddenly brightens, becoming cheerful once more.

"Let's just say I have an interest in pleasant dreams and leave it at that, hmm?"

"DON'T MESS WITH ME!" Sandalphon exclaims. Enjoying pleasant dreams? This sounds like utter nonsense, and even if it's true, it has nothing to do with someone like him. Then he adds, clearing his throat, pacing in front of him.

"I'm a primal beast! We don't dream like skydellers or Astrals do." That's a matter of fact. It's unnerving to do something you're not supposed to do. Is he capable of dreaming at all?

Edited 2020-04-01 22:53 (UTC)

"Don't you?"

Merlin remains unperturbed by the outburst. If anything, his smile now is almost downright sly.

"Then just what, may I ask, do you think you're doing right now...?"

"Wha-"

Sandalphon is caught off guard by this question. What is he doing? Is this is a dream? "Nonsense. This is all your doing, isn't it?" He couldn't be dreaming of this obnoxious guy he's never met.

"Ah, so you noticed?"

Now he's just being downright cheeky.

"You didn't really give me much to work with, you know."

A vein, no, two veins pop on Sandalphon's temple and look about to explode. But, when it looks like he's about to lunge and beat the crap out the bragging intruder, his body and expression relax into a sardonic grin.

"I see. That explains the poor job."

That might have been a more effective insult, had it not been preceded by such clear irritation. It's not that easy to get to Merlin when he already knows he's hitting his mark.

"Hmm, I suppose it would make sense that someone who claims to be unable to dream can't recognize good craftmanship when he sees it..."

That, and he's used to exchanging barbs with a far wiser opponent.

But, be that as it may, this seems like it won't go anywhere fast, so perhaps it's time to change things up. So, he briefly considers and--with that suddenness that seems perfectly natural in a dream--they're no longer in a field of flowers. Instead, they're among the dunes lining the edge of a sandy beach lapped by bluegreen waves. The sea beyond stretching out to meet the paler blue of the sky at the horizon. The round dunes are covered in long grasses that wave in the breeze, as well as, of course, a variety of flowers scattered all about.

Merlin's tree and pool are still there, now nestled amongst the dunes, but otherwise looking for all the world like nothing's changed at all. Aren't dreams odd?

While this irritating man looks unaffected, it doesn't stop Sandalphon from criticizing him. He's got a sharp tongue, after all. One he doesn't care to censor anymore.

"I thought dreams were supposed to bear unprecedented beauty," Sandalphon dismisses with a handwave. "While this." He clicks his tongue before the scenery changes. "I've seen more beautiful views awake."

So the field of flowers dissolves into gold and blue-green. Sandalphon's eyes are briefly on the horizon. The sky seems different from the intense blue of the skydom, enough to wonder where does this sky belong to. Either way, he smirks to himself. Whether this man admits it or not, his comment makes him react.

(And there's something else, something else missing. There are no islands floating on the horizon. His eyebrow lifts curiously).

"This is an improvement," he says, tilting his head in the stranger direction. For now, he's almost certain this man is not an astral nor someone from the Otherworld. So he will not treat him as a threat, just as a minor irritation. "But I'm not convinced about the quality in the details. Perhaps I should inspect it with you."

Merlin's expression doesn't waver, but that remark does strike a bit of a nerve. Because really now, what kind of monster would claim that flowers are anything but beautiful? Hmph.

Still, though, his objective was something relaxing, and if a flowery meadow doesn't suffice, perhaps a calm seaside will. It works on the vast majority of people, after all, for a wide assortment of reasons.

But now it's his turn to raise an eyebrow at that remark.

"So that you might consult my expert opinion?" he replies, more than a hint of teasing in his tone. "Although, I suppose you do have a point, that you really can't appreciate the details unless examined up close..."

As he speaks he rises to his feet and steps toward the stranger, his long robes rustling, and hair glinting in the sunlight. The particularly observant might even note that flowers seem to bloom along his path.

"Come along, then." Without further warning he suddenly reaches out to grab the fellow by the back of his shirt. Anticipating resistance, Merlin locks down his control of the dream to briefly prevent him from moving, though flailing once he has a proper grip is certainly allowed.

In any case, Merlin reaches the shoreline remarkably quickly, in only a stride or two (dreams are wonderfully easy things to manipulate like that!) and without further ado swings him into the water. Don't worry though, he's nice enough to change his clothes into swimwear for him first!

... He's apparently also anticipating attempts at retaliation, as now his own outer robes and boots are gone, leaving merely his pants and tight-fitting sleeveless undershirt. For that matter, despite his seemingly slight build he's actually fairly well-muscled, so perhaps it wasn't just his control of the dream he was relying on just now...

If this is his idea for him to relax, it's working poorly. Sandalphon's put at the edge when the man grabs the back of his shirt to drag him alone. He could have swatted him away, but looks like he's unable to move. He doesn't panic, considering releasing his true form briefly but not knowing if he's going to affect his sleeping body if he does.

"What are you d-" he snaps at him, struggling a little when he notices the water has moved closer and his clothes have changed into... something lighter? He's given no chance to check his new outfit (unfit for combat no doubt), as Merlin assumed, the young primarch has reached out to grab his long hair to drag him alongside him into the water...

It's too fast, perhaps, a fraction of a second where he can swing the man closer and secure his grip. The cold water splash doesn't awake or lulls his senses, he knows immediately it's not real water. The refreshing feeling that engulfs him sure feels nice, but there's a disconnection between the actual element and this dreamy substance. He would know. He's gotten the four primarch's elemental authority. The contact doesn't last long, less of a minute, seconds, and then six wings unfurl from his back, a pair brown, and four of different colors - red, blue, gold and lavender. The water doesn't weigh them to take off and fly out the sea, with the man in tow.

Edited 2020-04-02 01:30 (UTC)

Oh, dunking definitely isn't for relaxing, it's for cooling off hotheads! Though in this case, that might be wishful thinking. Ah well, it's still kinda fun.

The wings though... That is a bit of a surprise. How very interesting indeed. Interesting enough that, while Merlin probably could lock the fellow down and prevent him from moving again, well, perhaps he'll just wait and see where he takes this. For now.

Oddly enough though, the scent of flowers doesn't fade as they rise into the air--it still clings to Merlin himself, after all.

Sandalphon looks a little disgruntled with his wet hair, but tries to cool off his ire. His wings meanwhile don't appear damp at all, unlike the rest of his body. He still can smell the flowers, and the scent look like if it comes from him, as if he were a close relative of the Rose Queen herself.

"I didn't mean the water, you idiot," he finally says, as he flies above the shoreline. "This sky gave you away, huh." He flies a little up, just to check his sight is as sharp as ever. He's right. He can't see even a hint of the cluster of islands faraway. "Where are you from?"

No, no islands to be seen here, unless they're of the sort that's surrounded by water. Though as for those, there are some lovely reefs a little distance beyond the sandy shore.

"If you'd just wanted to fly around, you should have been more specific," Merlin replies in a bored tone. He's tempted to toy around in response to that question, but ultimately his own curiosity wins out, as an honest but incomplete answer is more likely to draw out more information.

"Avalon."

Sandalphon chooses to ignore his useless remark and focuses on his actual answer. "Where is Avalon exactly?" He's not very familiar with the name. To be honest, he's unfamiliar with the names the skydellers use for the skydom except for the most important islands, but he's never heard about it.

He stops midflight and observes the empty pale blue sky. After a moment, he asks once more.

"Have you heard about Crimson Horizon?"

Just a bit of dreamweaving... (for the000)

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