as we circle the moon [open]

[thedevilwhorose]

Who: Lucifer, others
When: November
Where: Thorne, the Horizon, Nocwich
What: catch-all, open prompts, closed starters
Warnings: Self-Loathing, unhinged devil, mental breakdowns??



(Will match style. ShadowSpirits | Sleepwalker#5336)

Comments

OTA / Thorne

[thedevilwhorose]

To say that Lucifer has been fine in the past about the whole scenario with Abraxas would be an understatement.

But he was doing world's better before than he was after the lingering affects from the Heralds had faded.

It's almost a good thing that all the local populace are suddenly more hesitant to approach than usual... because Lucifer will bite their heads off--metaphorically, thank you--if they came near him. He spent so much of the last few weeks charming every single person he came across, outside of the Summoned (and even then oh, so much of that went poorly), that now he wants little to do with playing up a charade.

Abnormally, Lucifer cannot be found at any of his familiar haunts. He can still be found around the Dining Hall, but it's weirdly at a "sane" mealtime versus his odder hours. Around the town he might be seen perching atop a wall or similarly high point, people-watching or staring up at the sky.

The strangest location for him is the communal baths, sunk deep in the water and appearing to pay no attention to his surroundings, but he will sharply look at anyone that tries to come too close to him.

Lastly, to the unfortunate end of anyone who sleeps late into the afternoon, Lucifer can be found outside of the room he shares with Istredd. Generally around the same hour, when he deems most people should already be out and about. There's a singular, resounding loud sound of a knock. This is a daily occurrence. Whether or not someone is that late sleeper who is tired of this as their alarm clock, or they're just curious about what the hell, Lucifer, well...

High point

[magicalarchaeologist]

Istredd definitely had a confusing time during the recent affliction situation. Confusing and frustrating more than anything else, perhaps a little unsettling, but he knew it hit harder for others. He noticed the abnormal behavior from his roommate for certain but didn't press on him in the start, figuring he was still working out whatever went on, and he could ask him once everything settled down more.

What actually unsettled him more was the appearance of Princess Cirilla into his life and everything that entailed. It troubles him greatly and he's been off his game, distracted, not reading as much as usual. But there is nothing he can do about any of that. A lot about being here has been throwing him off lately. It seemed like a good idea to go into town and get some fresh air.

While walking his eyes fall upon a familiar figure high up, which seems strange, but Lucifer's been all kinds of odd lately. After a few minutes of consideration he decides to portal up there. While he doesn't have many reasons to portal around the castle, this is not the first time he's done so, and he doesn't just appear next to Lucifer. He appears a fair distance that he can then close so as not to startle him.

"What are you doing up here?"

[thedevilwhorose]

He startles regardless, though nothing that will get him rolling off his perch. Confusion, mostly, before he remembers Istredd saying something about being able to move around, limited as it was here.

"Hiding from Fate," he responds dully, glancing Istredd's way.

Melodramatic much, Lucifer?

[magicalarchaeologist]

Istredd raises an eyebrow and takes a seat next to him. They've spent enough time by now that he assumes his welcome is allowed. It is a little melodramatic, but he doesn't know what Lucifer went through. Maybe it's genuine.

"I'm fairly certain by definition, no one can outrun fate."

There are prophecies and true fate in his sphere, but he's never directly been a part of it before. Princess Cirilla is a child of Fate, and in a way they're now bound together by knowledge, not that he thinks it is a good thing on the other side of it. He pushes that out of his mind to look at his friend.

"Alright, what's going on with you? You've been acting strangely."

[thedevilwhorose]

"No, not typically," he grumbles. He said as much to Wanda. He rubs a hand over his head. He doesn't answer for long enough that it might seem like he won't, but it's clear enough that he's processing through something.

Important enough that he doesn't fire back with a flippant comment. What's not going on or when do I act otherwise.

He scowls. And eventually, eventually settles into a line of discussion. While it may seem like... little point, he's going somewhere with it.

"I've never asked you about religion on your world. It's not my favorite topic. Frankly, I hate it. It's not someone's faith it's my life. My family." No. Focus. "But other worlds... I've learned pieces from people about how things are for them." He opens his arms and gestures to the city at large, likely as far from it as he can get while still being in it. "The biggest question is if, and who, is the big, great evil. Lurking in the shadows. Blamed for every. Little. Thing."

[magicalarchaeologist]

Istredd is patient so he doesn't push or ask more than that, he simply waits. The flippant answer doesn't come so he thinks he might get a sincere one. Lucifer is difficult to get to know but not impossible; he feels like over their time together there has been an unraveling of defenses. Not entirely, but there all the same.

He lets Lucifer talk and while it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to him at first, he figures this is a preamble of sorts.

"There are religions and gods that are worshipped, but it's not really my way."

Istredd is not an atheist really, he's not claiming that gods don't exist or versions of them don't exist, they probably do, but he's not particularly involved in it. He has to live in the normal world, not in the divine, so he leaves divine struggles to the people who worship.

"So your family life is considered faith to other people and that bothers you?" He's trying to pick out the details that make sense. He knows that Lucifer isn't human after all. A demigod would make some sense.

i know im behind on our other one but sue me

[stations]

Jack doesn't sleep much. Sort of. Depending on your perspective, he either never sleeps or sleeps all the time, the jury's kind of out. It's complicated. The point is, when he does manage to actually lay down and go full-on unconscious for the periodic hour or two every day or so, it's a blessed, cherished thing.

And yet.

And yet.

By some cursed miracle of divine intervention (literally), every day for the last week he's almost managed it, there's been that sound. What is that sound?! One fine Saturday afternoon he finally snaps, throwing his bedroom door open to peer down the hall like a grumpy old man, and before he even registers who he's seeing he's already yelling, "Why?!"

Oh.

It's him.

Of fucking course.

Wait, how did he go this whole time not knowing Lucifer's room was like four doors down? That's embarrassing.

[thedevilwhorose]

He peers up from where he's seated cross-legged outside his door, now slightly ajar, and blinks owlishly at Jack.

Really, this does not surprise him.

He thinks about how to play this, and strangely opts to not outright screw with Jack, and tell him the truth.

(He might still need the guy. He hasn't decided yet. This could work out in his benefit.)

"Magic experiments," he says calmly, "normal people are awake at this hour." Well okay he almost got through that explanation without being a jerk.

[stations]

Magic experiments. Obviously.

"I don't know what I did to give you the impression that I'm a normal person, but I can assure you it was a mistake," he returns flatly. Jack has never been normal, not one single day in his life. That's not a hashtag brag thing, he's not a special snowflake — if anything, he's more like psychologically damaged dandruff.

But that's not the point. The point is-

"I get, like, an hour of sleep a day if I'm lucky. How do you manage to synch up whatever it is you're doing-" Wait, yeah, he's still totally confused about what that even is, so quick track jump: "What are you doing?"

[thedevilwhorose]

"Oh, trust me, I never believed you to be normal, but it's also not my fault that I didn't know you roomed so close." Would it have changed anything? Oh, definitely not.

He knocks his knuckles to the door; Jack will be pleased that no repeat sound happens. Lucifer leans back, palms flat to the floor, humming.

"Trying to figure how much is magic and how much is mechanical." Sorry, did he say any lead up to this? Nope. Jack asked what he was doing. "It doesn't vanish the mechanism, else I wouldn't be able to keep doing this each day. But it doesn't seem to damage it either. I know it can open a more solid lock, much more than our doors have. I haven't tested it on much else. Pretty sure that'll only get me in hot water."

Wanda + Michael / Horizon

[thedevilwhorose]

[It isn't often that Lucifer visits.

Well. That's untrue. He's been by, certainly. High up in the trees with the birds, avoiding her and his problems and but still being a presence.

He's never visited in search of her. He's never been so far in to actually walk inside her house, though he's found his way to it before. He should have sent a message beforehand to see if she was in, or could be in, but he figured worst case he could do it after he entered. It's just--he wanted to avoid it. As out-of-sorts as his thoughts are, he does not want to know how poorly that would translate over him trying to send her a message, because it went so swimmingly the last time.

So he ducks his way in, calling out 'Wanda!' as he does so, and as luck would have it she's in, having tea.

With Michael.

Goddammit.

Really. He really wishes he was surprised.

He rubs both his hands over his head. Oh. Oh, he does not need this right now. He should just leave. Say nah and drop out. The humiliation isn't worth it, and he'd thought perhaps Michael had already seen him at his worse. Ha! Hilarious!

But he came here because he needed her. And... hell. This is--it's too important for him to just walk away, and he doesn't see Michael leaving just because Lucifer asked.

So he pointedly ignores his brother's presence and looks right at Wanda, all frayed nerves and panic and all.] I--I need your help.

[carmesi]

[to say that michael is having tea is a stretch, as the cup sits empty before the man and like a gesture more so than anything else. she is halfway through bringing the cup to her lips, some discussion about faith and the purpose of it all or some other between them, when lucifer bursts right in, her name called out and his entrance catching her off guard.

had her ravens grown too comfortable with his constant presence that they deemed it unnecessary to let her know he was going to storm in?

—part of her worries, mostly, because michael is here, and wanda isn't sure how exactly the two will react together. had they spoken before? was michael aware of lucifer? was michael aware that she knows his brother—?

oh, good. he's looking a little erratic, as are the thoughts she catches onto.]

My help? [it's not every day the devil walks in asking her for help. wanda sets her cup down on the table and stands, pushing the chair with the back of her knees, uncertain if lucifer would want her to walk into his personal space without invitation.] What happened?

[familysucks]

[Michael would argue that Wanda isn't exactly having tea, either. It's the Horizon. Her full cup is as much a prop as his empty one, and drinking it as much of an act as it would be if he joined in.

His expression goes from impassive to annoyed in the same moment his brother barges in. Wanda's domain is more likely to host visitors than his, but he didn't expect Lucifer of all people to be joining them. He wasn't even aware that the two know one another, let alone that they're—associates? Allies? Michael struggles to picture Lucifer having a friend these days.

It serves to answer at least one question he's been asking himself ever since his brother stumbled into his domain, however.

That Lucifer doesn't so much as acknowledge him only adds to his darkening mood. If Lucifer's going to ignore his presence, he'll return the favour. Michael addresses Wanda without leaving his seat.]

You might have mentioned that you're on friendly terms with my little brother.

[Then again, if she's the one who'd told Lucifer he was here without telling him the same, maybe he ought not expect her to tell him everything.

Michael looks back to Lucifer, taking a moment to note the stress in his posture, the overall air of anxiety about him. Interesting. That's not on his account. Lucifer's never been afraid of him.]

[thedevilwhorose]

[Lucifer struggles to picture himself having a friend these days, too, but here they are.

It's uncomfortable all around!

But he'd rather Wanda not take the hit for this.] I asked her not to. [He snaps. And it's... relatively true. He implied it, certainly. Common sense and all that.

And now that he has actually acknowledged Michael, that makes this whole thing much more difficult. Enough that he's started to pace about more or less in a fixed circle. He thinks maybe it's only been once that he hasn't been around Wanda as a vessel holding unruly nerves.

And that one time, she was the one that was... off.

It takes a bit for him to talk with Michael being here, but it still comes out. The same answer, to start, that he gave Mildred.] Me. I happened. [He points at Michael without even facing his brother.] Don't. [Don't what? Don't be sarcastic, don't say isn't it obvious. Just don't, bro.] The kid. Wilhelm. I-- [He breaks off to laugh.] He talked about you. Seemed to get along with you. I need you... to keep an eye on him. Check in. I-I can't. He's not-- ['going to want to talk to me.'

Dammit.

He pinches the bridge of his nose, pressing knuckles in towards closed eyelids. 'It's not my fault' his thoughts argue.] The Heralds messed us up pretty bad, Wanda. I didn't-- ['It's not my fault.']--let's just say I had some plans for the kid that he didn't appreciate finding out about. [He drops his hand. Still adamantly avoids looking at his brother, not that he really keeps his gaze on Wanda.] And he's certain I only cared about him enough to manipulate him. [His tone is... wrong. Weird. He knows his last statement isn't accurate but he still doesn't know what to do with the truth, and what does it matter anymore, anyway?]

[carmesi]

[wanda gives michael a look as if saying that this isn't the time to be acting like this, especially when lucifer is obviously distressed. whether their relationship is forever destroyed or not, and regardless of michael having thousands of siblings, she would imagine that seeing one of them like this would at least make this animosity falter.

but—maybe—she is also projecting, seeing how she'd give the world to have her brother here to get annoyed at.

thankfully, lucifer is quick to assuage the situation (for now), taking responsibility for what was or wasn't relayed to michael prior to this sudden visit.]

Wilhelm?

[to think that the young boy has had the unfortunate privilege of being close to both herself and lucifer, adults who aren't entirely the best people to trust or have around. wanda frowns at him as he continues to explain—about the heralds, about these 'plans' lucifer had for him, about manipulating him.

but isn't that the devil's deal?]

You know I'm all the way in Solvunn. I— [how can she help, when she made some pretty big fouls as far as wilhelm's trust is concerned.] What plans?

[how bad is it?]

Eddie / Horizon / backdated to Oct. 30

[thedevilwhorose]

[There's a notable, jarring sound of a tuning radio distorting the air around the Horizon as Lucifer walks roughed up and a little worse for wear after being chewed up and spat out from a trapped portion of the realm that he does not want to talk about. When he looked back to try and find the labyrinth, there was no sign, and once again he didn't know where in the Horizon he was.

Nowhere he's traversed before now. He doesn't even have a landmark to know whose domains he was around. He's tempted to throw himself back out of this place; he knows he can now and perhaps it's the only reason he doesn't. Can't deny a little exploration when he knows it's safe--as safe as anything in the Horizon can be.

Aside from the accompaniment of sounds, his worn, modern-day clothing has a hard-to-miss Devil's arcana embroidered on his overcoat above his right collarbone. One of his many curses the Horizon continues to force upon him.

The tuning whines into static and then cuts back.

Lucifer doesn't even bother trying to stifle it down.]

[satanicpanics]

[ Eddie’s been more than a bit indecisive with his domain. It has to be perfect, and he’s spent the better half of his time here creating things only to destroy them again and return to the drawing board. What remains every time is very little; just the backdrop of a forest, all old and withering trees. There are no buildings, no clearcut roads, nothing that stands out—not yet.

He doesn’t really get visitors, because there’s really nothing to see, but he’s learned that the Horizon can get a little bit mixed up, especially recently. He’s pacing between the trees, trying to figure out what he wants to create and destroy this time, when the static begins to buzz. He pauses, tilts his head to the side, and listens. He knows that sound; you get it a lot in the middle of Indiana where radio stations tend to drop in and out. It’s not so scary in context, but there’s not a radio here, so it’s a particularly eerie sound to hear cutting through the silence. Curious and unable to help himself, he follows the sound, right to Lucifer. ]

Hey, man.

[ After the month he’s had in the Horizon, he’s clearly hesitant to fully approach. His body language is uneasy, but he grins none the less. He’s marked with the same arcana as this stranger, which he’s had a bit of a chuckle about on his own time. The irony is too much, but he’s embraced it, purposefully creating leather jackets and denim vests with the symbol emblazoned on the back. It’s going to appear regardless, so he may as well have a little fun with it. ]

You’re a little lost, sorry to tell you. Domain’s closed. I’m, uh, doing a bit of redecorating.

[thedevilwhorose]

I've never been out this way. [He jerks a thumb the direction he came from.] Got spat out of some labyrinth I got stuck in for a bit, which isn't even there anymore. [He gets uppity about being trapped anywhere for long periods of time, although this wasn't... too bad, all things considered.

A few twists and turns, half an hour at most.

Irritating, but not as bad as when he was trapped in his actual nightmares.] You wouldn't know anything about it, would you?

[satanicpanics]

I got caught in it too, earlier this week. But if you’re implying I had a hand in its creation, that’s a big no.

[ At least, he doesn’t think so? He pauses to think about it, then shakes his head. A labyrinth isn’t his style, and he can’t see himself creating one even by accident. He and Mat were stuck in there for what felt like days, fumbling in the dark for any sort of exit. ]

The Horizon’s been a bit…

[ He waves his hands, searching for the right word. ]

Topsy-turvy?

[thedevilwhorose]

Pity. Would've been good craftsmanship. [And an annoying one at that, but the credit should go to someone... right? That's always been how it's been? Anything in the Horizon is a creation of another Summoned.

And if not then... what?

A snort.] 'Topsy-turvy.' That's one way to put it. I suppose it was only a matter of time before the Singularity and whatever 'gods and monsters' [said with the highest mockery] affected here, too. Can't have anyone thinking there's a safe haven.

[Not that Lucifer was hiding. This time around he was even enjoying his time in Thorne. Mostly. Sure there were some drawbacks, but he'd have them here, too. All he needs is a couple of windows and mirrors to ruin his trip through others' domains.]

Geralt / Nocwich (Oleuni Square) / backdated to Nov. 6

[thedevilwhorose]

Last day in Nocwich. Lucifer almost hadn't come at all. Maybe the place has left a sour taste in his mouth. But in the end he said screw it and took what coin he had left after paying back Kell and took off for the portal, obtaining a hooded cloak (the same tan color as his tunics) along the way.

The last thing he needed was being recognized while he was indulging in the fact that he can actually get drunk without an ungodly amount of effort.

He had to think on the bright side of his gutted power.

So that's how he finds himself under lanterns at a small open-air bartop, seated on a stool, hood drawn over his head, hunched over and drinking out of one of the bottles of fine wine, clearly not bothering with a glass though they had tried to offer him one. The tint of animal blood was a nice touch, really. It was worth dropping the rest of his funds.

[gynvael]

The Square being of limited space means it's impossible to truly avoid anyone. There are approximately two or so taverns to indulge in—larger than the smallest village; smaller than a modest town.

Only a matter of time before they brushed shoulders.

Geralt, too, has a hood thrown up. Less to avoid recognition, more simply how he goes about sometimes. A few strands of white hair falls out from underneath. He's been hunting recently—or maybe the remnants of blood under his nails has just been there awhile.

Unfortunately for Lucifer, Geralt need not identify people by sight. He can smell him: a scent that isn't human, but carries shades of it. From the body he's taken, perhaps. They're separated by a single barstool. Still close enough that Geralt turns to look.

Oh. Good. This is certainly how he wants to end his night.

"How is it I saw no sign of you for months—" He turns back to his drink as it slides towards him. "—and now I can't be rid of you."

[thedevilwhorose]

Why.

Just why.

He groans. He doesn't even bother to hide it. Just faceplants a bit on the bartop that probably hasn't even been washed since it was installed and groans, like Geralt's voice alone is a knife to his gut.

Well, Lucifer has associated Geralt with an animal this entire time; of course he had other means to sense him. Literally wearing the cloak was to prevent this. He really should've known better, but he hasn't exactly been thinking straight.

"To be fair," he says, propping his chin up on the bartop now, holding to his wine bottle, "twice was Nocwich so honestly, maybe this place is just awful." He calls out to the bartender, "No offense!"

[gynvael]

That's. Hm.

Admittedly, Geralt had not predicted this reaction. Lucifer was so eager to fuck with him, then ran off in roughly ten seconds flat to gloat to Dean over it. He'd assumed he would find the same insufferable arrogance now.

If anyone has the right to bemoan this unwanted encounter, it's him. For the murder. Which he isn't, because while he's not happy that Lucifer invaded his home and would not lose sleep if Lucifer lost his head at some point, Geralt can acknowledge he struck first, that he was the one who allowed himself to be baited.

Fair is fair. His mistakes are his own. He's moved past his death. (Mostly. A little.)

His eyes land on Lucifer. Roams over the cloak and hood, and now Lucifer's genuine consternation at being noticed.

He tilts his head, considering. Is he...? "You're hiding."

Or sincerely cold. One or the other.

[thedevilwhorose]

He did not gloat to Dean; he was information gathering, thank you very much. He didn't even tell Dean he killed Geralt! ... Moooostly because Dean had already dropped the threat of calling in favors in Thorne, and the only reason Lucifer ever feels safe is because of Thorne.

That may or may not teeter in the balance because of Wilhelm. Whatever. What can Wilhelm really say that's going to make any difference? Telling everyone he's the devil isn't going to do jack shit. And he did no physical harm to the kid. Didn't do any mental harm despite what Wilhelm thinks.

He's got no ground held against Lucifer.

Truthfully, Lucifer's more scared of Mildred. Hell. He really has to go back to see her. The longer he waits the worse it'll be.

Lucifer straightens just a little. "Weird, right?" he says bitterly, gesturing at... himself? The bar? His entire life?? "That I just want a drink without running into Dean Winchester, you, and," there's a weird little pause but he manages to brush over it, because the white hair he could ignore but looking at that eerie tree, and Geralt, and the wildling's medallion, it's just, ehhhhhh, "anyone else that wants to natter on about whatever! Real strange!"

He's fine.

Everything is fine.

(He is, actually, cold too.)