Who: Lucifer, others When:December January shhhh Where: Thorne, the Horizon What: Closed for the moment; will open more later Warnings: Wrathful teenagers, discussions of violence... Not in the same thread.
Istredd's response to that childish annoyance is fond amusement and the mental equivalent of trying to soothe an annoyed cat. He knows that he's right. It's fine. He isn't going to belabor the point.
Lucifer does have more close acquaintances. Istredd has a list of people he gets along with, people he teaches, intellectual connections like Stephen, but he has Yennefer, Lucifer, and Wanda as close. And obviously, Yennefer and Istredd's version of friendship is very complicated. It's not a lack of being interested in others, he simply spends more of his time focused on his goals. Reading, studying, teaching, theorizing. Almost no socializing for socializing's sake.
One of these days he might need to get himself a life.
Istredd does glance up when he sees the lightning, knowing exactly what that is in reference to. He never really stops thinking about the Cage his friend was trapped in and how much it makes him want to cause violence toward someone for the first time. Lucifer is ignoring it so he will too.
"That sounds like a challenge to me. Why don't you try? You have all this open space you've made."
"It does, doesn't it? It's on my to-do list," he says, and that's the truth. "I haven't been here in awhile, except to change out a section for a meeting space earlier this month." Which is in the direction he meanders towards, heading north, not finding the path again, just idle wandering.
He's only here when he needs to be. Otherwise he's at Istredd's or Wanda's. Which is just... hilarious to him. He'd have figured he'd be knee-deep in the Horizon's possibilities. "I suppose that makes me a hypocrite," he admits. Not using the Horizon to its potential. But then, in most cases he's usually a hypocrite.
"I had an 'island' of snakes for awhile. I wonder if anyone ever wandered that far? Just a portion of the tropical forest and thousands of snakes. That was..." Lucifer whistles. "More brain power than the hundreds of ravens, sure, but it was definitely too many snakes." He has more mental wiggle-room now that they've been replaced.
"Obviously you prefer my tower, for good reason." Istredd is allowed to be proud of one thing, and that one thing is his tower of books. It really was a rare creative endeavor for him and sprang naturally from his subconscious. Despite not being particularly social, he somehow created a domain designed for other people to feel comfortable in. Go figure.
"You're not a hypocrite, you've had other things on your mind." More important than being able to create the Horizon in a particular way. They really have been busy. Istredd keeps up with him on his meandering, glancing around as he does, taking in all the details that are unknown to him as he does. He isn't getting distracted by Lucifer himself, he wants to give his domain the attention it deserves.
"Did you have the island of snakes because you wanted them or because you thought it fit your whole snake identity metapor?"
"It is an awfully good tower. Haven't found a better one, yet." He says it liked even if he did find a better domain to spend most of his time in that he would actually reside there instead, but there's enough of a joke to it.
Istredd also made somewhere for people to come to him versus putting the effort into being social himself. It likely wasn't even close to his intention, but it worked out, didn't it?
"Bit of both!" A lot towards the latter. He'd started to consider changing the snakes out after far too many discussions with Wanda. It had been a blank space for awhile, metaphoric cans of paints spilled across as he tried to decide what he wanted.
He's been satisfied with its replacement.
The glowworm cave is an eerie sight more than a dangerous one like most of Lucifer's domain. Hidden and engraved in the walls, and in some cases (like the Devil's Trap) below the trickles of water, unseen because of that darkness, are wards from both himself and Istredd.
Normally, he'd save the cave for last, but he thinks the limestone towers to the west would at least amuse Istredd. They're not special rocks or anything, but they're a wonder in their own right.
The live-update feed produces: Waitomo Glowwworm Caves, New Zealand and details about the glowworms and how these use their bioluminescence and sticky webbing to catch prey. Through Lucifer, Istredd can also sense where and what all the warding is, including one that Lucifer had sketched out through dust months ago but has never used anywhere else: dampening wards for angels. Istredd will be able to tell that it is having a minor effect on Lucifer, but he still has enough of an archangel status physically that he's greater than the block. Mostly.
"I told you, my meeting space would've been far too small for all of the Thorne Summoned!" He's laughing, arms spread to indicate the constantly-alive ceiling, way easier than snakes, bathing them both in the blue.
"I don't have a problem with snakes, but too many of anything is a bad idea." That was exactly what he thought when he went into his tower to find a ridiculous amount of ravens. The five that stuck around are acceptable, he's even come to like them. He isn't surprised that Lucifer felt like he had to be a certain way. That seems to be the story of his life. A rebel against what others expect and yet also fulfilling that expectation.
Istredd is surprised by the glowworm cave because everything up until now has seemed large and this is contained, but he looks up and around and he finds it truly beautiful. It may remind him a little bit of the eels, in terms of worm figures that glow, but there is something very intimate about this space. Or that is how it feels like to him.
He notes all of the warding, his kind and Lucifer's, and realizes this is where he has been meeting people given that. His protected space. Istredd finds it interesting this is what he came up for it. He looks at Lucifer, laughing under the glow of the constantly-alive ceiling, and smiles, warm and affectionate.
"I like it. I'm surprised you'd want to be in such close quarters with people." There is space, obviously, but it's not like the tower where there could be half a mile in between people. Istredd's eyes almost look like the electric blue of the ceiling, glowing in this space as it is shining off his already bright tinge.
"It's actually an island full of snakes though!" Lucifer says, almost excited. Snake Island is in fact a real place. Ilha da Queimada Grande, Brazil. "Zero human population, four-thousand snakes, some of the deadliest in the world! It was predicted to have much more at one time, but the amount of resources for that many snakes, as well as other creature inhabitants, likely cut the number back significantly."
By the glowworm cave, well. "Smaller space is easier to ward," he says. "Easier for one-on-one conversations." Certainly more people would be less-than ideal. He's lucky that Geralt didn't decide to bring anyone else with him. "Less likely someone is going to wander through like everywhere else."
"No one wants to go to the island of four-thousand snakes, Lucifer. Least of all the snakes wanting humans to show up." Psychically or not, there would be a good reason to keep that separate. Istredd did think that it was likely it was a real place, like everything else here. Strange wonders of the world that they are.
"Since I'm here." Istredd gestures and immediately adds his own active wards to the space in here, strengthening what Lucifer's done. While his tower is public, there are spaces in it that are not, it's simply not known to most. There's at least one space that not even Lucifer knows about, in case Istredd (and Yennefer) need a completely quiet and alone space.
"You really don't want anything a little more comfortable in here? It's a very dramatic meeting space and I get that. You could make yourself a throne."
"You don't know that; plenty of Summoned could be snake enthusiasts, but we'll never know." He likely won't put it back when there's so many other fun options that don't require the mental strength of a living snake island.
He makes an appreciative sound at the boost to the warding and takes to perching precariously on one of the outcrop stones as a sign that it's really all he needs. Thrones are fun to sprawl over when they belonged to someone else. "It'd ruin the aesthetic," he says.
"But would the snakes be human enthusiasts? I doubt it." Also there is the fact that it seems unlikely he could keep that many creatures going. It is possible that not everything in this place would require the amount of consciousness that having living creatures around does, but he wouldn't waste the energy on that. "You could always pick your favorite snakes to slither around here. A compromise."
Lucifer's perching here, typical. Istredd smiles at him, shaking his head. There are barely perches in here though, he really needs a better one than that. "Ah, yes, and appearances matter in your glowing meeting cave." Istredd can only hope that none of Lucifer's enemies end up in here. Too close. I would think you don't like enclosed spaces.
"I'm sure humans taste good," Lucifer says. Protein. Sure, most snakes swallow their prey whole, but eh.
Ehhhh.
Istredd will be able to feel the mental spark of wicked inspiration. Humans and their films. Let's make a horror movie about a giant anaconda that is thirty-feet longer than average and will in fact swallow a human whole. There's just a flash of the impossible-snake in question. "You know," he says, "that's not a bad idea."
If there's a giant anaconda slithering through Lucifer's domain at some point, guess who'll be to blame, Abraxas!
I know my exits. And, there's a sound of wings and Lucifer is standing directly besides Istredd, his arms folding. "I can still fly," he says.
another to add to the 'istredd is tired of him being hot' list
Lucifer, Istredd says disapprovingly after witnessing the anaconda in question. I thought we agreed you were going to try to kill people less in here. And that includes having a big snake eat them. Try to kill people less, like it's on the same level as common suggestions like try to be nicer. For Lucifer, it's about the same thing.
Istredd turns to face him and he at least is very aware of how close they are in a private glowing cave. It is humorous to him, how aware of that he is, it has to be funny because otherwise it's just sad. He doesn't back away though, just tilts his head and remembers being repressed is the best way out of this. "Can I see your wings?"
They won't die if they don't irritate the snake! It's a lesson in nature. Don't Make Stupid Choices. He is, unfortunately for Istredd, already planning out his monster-movie snake. Complete with name. Istredd can complain all he wants at a later point but it would likely only make the snake duplicate on Principle.
He makes a face. "Maybe not here," he allows. "It's not easy on a normal day, and there's enough angel warding here that it'd be a detriment to me." He shrugs. "I'm not sure you'd be able to really see them. Few beings have the right level of supernatural senses to be able to--though through me, maybe?" They're in weird territory with the mental link, so it's all just one big guessing game.
Istredd gives him his most withering and exhausted stare. Very 'why are you like this' energy mixed with 'I wash my hands of it' acceptance. Maybe one day Lucifer will come in here to find his giant snake has a bow around its neck or cat ears, just to make it funnier.
"I can't believe you put angel warding on your own space, I get you're some high and mighty archangel, but there are other ways to protect yourself." Istredd also isn't sure if the other angels he's worried about would come here seeking violence, he doesn't like that idea. But it's unlikely. It's the Horizon. Only some people (SOME PEOPLE) end up with violence in this place.
"I hate to point out the obvious, Lucifer, but we're in the Horizon. You can make me able to see anything that you want to."
It's amazing how often Lucifer gets those very same two reactions.
"Every precaution matters, and my younger brother is annoying."
What? Did he specifically make warding to give Castiel a hard time?
Yes. Yes, he did.
That is who his giant snake with insert randomized-accessory here will likely eat on sight. And then they can have a wholly different conversation about eating habits.
Heh.
Lucifer, who has a very distinct Horizon mental block, isn't in a mood to humor Istredd at trying to combat that at the moment. "Then no," he says, with an odd amount of finality. There's other ways, sure, but the connection of grace to wings, wings to vessel is... important. He hates vessels most times, so he wouldn't go as far to say sacred, but...
There's some other problem there than simply Horizon blocks.
"I'm assuming that's the one who is friends with Dean Winchester. Do you think he'd come looking for you?" With all the Mark of Cain drama going on, Istredd could see how that would be cause for concern. Although he doesn't know if Castiel is dangerous or if he's just annoying. If he cares as much about Dean as Lucifer thinks, he probably would want to find any information he could on the Mark. Even walking into the belly of the beast ... or an anaconda.
Istredd was mostly doing their usual banter thing and then he remembers a moment too late what Lucifer told him about his difficulty in the Horizon. And his general difficulty when it came to seeing himself. He has the good sense to be genuinely apologetic over their bond for bringing up something he already knows is a problem.
He has trouble sometimes with keeping himself from picking away, wanting to know more, wanting to see all of Lucifer.
They are close enough he barely has to move to put a gentle hand on Lucifer's arm, only for one second, and drop it. He still tries to be as respectful as possible with boundaries, it was meant as a sorry of its own.
"I like it, your Horizon. It may not be as homey, but it's interesting."
"Probably not. Even if he does, he won't recognize this as my domain." But he still wants a space if they do need to meet face to face, similarly to Geralt being here. "He's from an earlier point than I am too." So he's. Maybe only been killed by Lucifer the one time. Unfortunately Lucifer is more likely to have enemies in this space than allies; it's just the nature of who he is.
Though he wouldn't personally call Geralt an enemy. They're just... opposing forces.
"Well!" he exclaims, not entirely brushing Istredd off, but putting space between them regardless and heading back towards the cave's exit. "We do have one more destination."
The unusual limestone spurs forest, hundreds of jagged stone spikes pressed together, making dangerous walkways and hiding lush plantlife.
Istredd watches him walk away for a moment before following along. Sometimes it really is better to shrug off moments that don't ultimately matter, and he's fine with that. Lucifer did save the best for last, at least what would be the best for Istredd. His eyes brighten as he takes in the limestone and peaks, the plants sandwiched in between, what looks like might be caves in between them down below.
It actually makes him think of the broken monolith, where he and Geralt made their discovery about the true nature of them. There had been a large cavern below, jagged rocks, and then a monster. Istredd turns as he walks to get a better view of it and he's always liked the concept of wilderness, it just never was something he spent the time to experience. Too lost in his books and his caves and his monoliths. Rarely did he see the world.
"Typical, you making an option with endless places to perch." Istredd smiles at him. He doesn't have to say out loud that this is his favorite, or that he likes this. It is openly expressed in their bond.
Rarely did Lucifer see the world, even if he had it all mapped out and burnt through his consciousness, something to page through more than experience. But every time he got back out it was something to walk among, something he'd forgotten how much he'd missed.
The Horizon gets him close to that feeling.
Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, Madagascar, the last filtered information trickles through. Geo-climatic phenomena.
"I still prefer roosting in Wanda's trees more than anything," he says, but he likes the openness of this, the caution that people should take. A bit like himself. "A little more dark and gloomy where she is though." He's just found that he likes orbiting near people. It's not... it's not anything like loneliness, that would be absurd, but just... offering some protection.
"I keep thinking you're more like a cat and then you say roosting." Roost makes him think of a bird. Wings do too. But Lucifer doesn't like birds. Istredd rarely visits other domains, not even of his friends. Maybe he should get out more, but it is easy to linger in his cozy and familiar tower. Typical Istredd. He has come a long way in getting out there, but only in the ways he feels he has to.
"She's gone through some dark and gloomy times." Istredd likes her spot though, apparently he prefers forests and trees if he has to be out in nature. There is something very calming about this place too. He thinks Wanda's doing better though, she seems to be on the upswing, although it would be hard to go down deeper.
"I think because I assumed I would have my long lifespan, I didn't consider exploring much. I'm sure there are many wonders of my sphere too, but I've only ever read about them in books." And that has always been enough. Istredd stays on the outskirts of acknowledging the world. He spoke with the people and studied his rocks but he never involved himself directly with anything.
"That wasn't always the plan." A feeling associated with only Yennefer swirls in his gut and in his nostalgia. At one point as a stupid youth he thought the two of them would run off together and have adventures. But his kind of adventures. Slow suicide is what she called it. "Why did you pick these exact places?"
Lucifer has....... vendettas against Certain Birds that have Wronged him but he doesn't completely dislike birds. See: all the ravens.
Though he supposes since Istredd doesn't get out much into other domains that he hasn't seen Lucifer just chillaxing on a tree branch alongside Wanda's ravens as though he was one of them.
"I think even with your long lifespan you'd still have your nose in a book," he tells Istredd honestly, regardless what other plans he may have had for himself.
He turns, looking up at some of the limestone pillars, wistful. "Some of the most dangerous, but beautiful places in the world," he explains. He just likes the beauty in danger, what can he say? "Natural, not created by man."
"You're probably right. But maybe I would physically read in a more interesting location." That seems like the only likely option. Istredd doesn't know where he would be in a few centuries though. He knows that Stregobor had hopes that he would come back and possibly live up to the ambitions he had for him. He would probably be proud of Istredd's actions here, a problematic aspect he tries not to think of or he may go back to hiding in the library out of pure spite.
Something the two of them probably have in common with their respective bad fathers, even if he was only a surrogate one in Istredd's case.
"Created by your father, you mean." If it isn't man-made or angel-made, everything is then made by God. He supposes it's a good thing Lucifer doesn't hate literally everything God created as that would make his life just one big pile of hate. "What would you make for yourself, given the choice? Outside of the giant snake."
"Everything is inspiration from Him," he says. It's so very rare that Lucifer puts any weight behind his Father. How and what he is beyond God. The reverence He is. But it's here, in this one, singular moment, and that alone should be enough to caution Istredd. "There is no original idea."
Istredd can sense the change, he is after all a very perceptive person. It's not as if he has no understanding. The only time Lucifer has managed to get him truly annoyed was pricking at his own raising, where he didn't expect himself to be sensitive or defensive at all. Geralt does that a little too, with his open dislike of the Brotherhood. Very much the energy of 'I can hate my people but don't talk shit about my people, outsider.'
"Maybe nothing original in essence, to you, but something can still be yours. If you are using pieces of his creations designed in a way of your own, it counts. The snake, our ravens."
"I'd like to see those. You've already shown me more in the past few minutes than I've seen in my entire life." It's sad, Istredd does know that. He mostly didn't care much, he went about his life, he had his priorities. Seeing the sphere wasn't one of them. He visited several kingdoms, he went places, but admiring them, that wasn't in his mind.
"I'm sure there were wonders of the sphere I'm from too, but Yenna would know about that more than me."
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no subject
Lucifer does have more close acquaintances. Istredd has a list of people he gets along with, people he teaches, intellectual connections like Stephen, but he has Yennefer, Lucifer, and Wanda as close. And obviously, Yennefer and Istredd's version of friendship is very complicated. It's not a lack of being interested in others, he simply spends more of his time focused on his goals. Reading, studying, teaching, theorizing. Almost no socializing for socializing's sake.
One of these days he might need to get himself a life.
Istredd does glance up when he sees the lightning, knowing exactly what that is in reference to. He never really stops thinking about the Cage his friend was trapped in and how much it makes him want to cause violence toward someone for the first time. Lucifer is ignoring it so he will too.
"That sounds like a challenge to me. Why don't you try? You have all this open space you've made."
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He's only here when he needs to be. Otherwise he's at Istredd's or Wanda's. Which is just... hilarious to him. He'd have figured he'd be knee-deep in the Horizon's possibilities. "I suppose that makes me a hypocrite," he admits. Not using the Horizon to its potential. But then, in most cases he's usually a hypocrite.
"I had an 'island' of snakes for awhile. I wonder if anyone ever wandered that far? Just a portion of the tropical forest and thousands of snakes. That was..." Lucifer whistles. "More brain power than the hundreds of ravens, sure, but it was definitely too many snakes." He has more mental wiggle-room now that they've been replaced.
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"You're not a hypocrite, you've had other things on your mind." More important than being able to create the Horizon in a particular way. They really have been busy. Istredd keeps up with him on his meandering, glancing around as he does, taking in all the details that are unknown to him as he does. He isn't getting distracted by Lucifer himself, he wants to give his domain the attention it deserves.
"Did you have the island of snakes because you wanted them or because you thought it fit your whole snake identity metapor?"
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Istredd also made somewhere for people to come to him versus putting the effort into being social himself. It likely wasn't even close to his intention, but it worked out, didn't it?
"Bit of both!" A lot towards the latter. He'd started to consider changing the snakes out after far too many discussions with Wanda. It had been a blank space for awhile, metaphoric cans of paints spilled across as he tried to decide what he wanted.
He's been satisfied with its replacement.
The glowworm cave is an eerie sight more than a dangerous one like most of Lucifer's domain. Hidden and engraved in the walls, and in some cases (like the Devil's Trap) below the trickles of water, unseen because of that darkness, are wards from both himself and Istredd.
Normally, he'd save the cave for last, but he thinks the limestone towers to the west would at least amuse Istredd. They're not special rocks or anything, but they're a wonder in their own right.
The live-update feed produces: Waitomo Glowwworm Caves, New Zealand and details about the glowworms and how these use their bioluminescence and sticky webbing to catch prey. Through Lucifer, Istredd can also sense where and what all the warding is, including one that Lucifer had sketched out through dust months ago but has never used anywhere else: dampening wards for angels. Istredd will be able to tell that it is having a minor effect on Lucifer, but he still has enough of an archangel status physically that he's greater than the block. Mostly.
"I told you, my meeting space would've been far too small for all of the Thorne Summoned!" He's laughing, arms spread to indicate the constantly-alive ceiling, way easier than snakes, bathing them both in the blue.
no subject
Istredd is surprised by the glowworm cave because everything up until now has seemed large and this is contained, but he looks up and around and he finds it truly beautiful. It may remind him a little bit of the eels, in terms of worm figures that glow, but there is something very intimate about this space. Or that is how it feels like to him.
He notes all of the warding, his kind and Lucifer's, and realizes this is where he has been meeting people given that. His protected space. Istredd finds it interesting this is what he came up for it. He looks at Lucifer, laughing under the glow of the constantly-alive ceiling, and smiles, warm and affectionate.
"I like it. I'm surprised you'd want to be in such close quarters with people." There is space, obviously, but it's not like the tower where there could be half a mile in between people. Istredd's eyes almost look like the electric blue of the ceiling, glowing in this space as it is shining off his already bright tinge.
no subject
By the glowworm cave, well. "Smaller space is easier to ward," he says. "Easier for one-on-one conversations." Certainly more people would be less-than ideal. He's lucky that Geralt didn't decide to bring anyone else with him. "Less likely someone is going to wander through like everywhere else."
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"Since I'm here." Istredd gestures and immediately adds his own active wards to the space in here, strengthening what Lucifer's done. While his tower is public, there are spaces in it that are not, it's simply not known to most. There's at least one space that not even Lucifer knows about, in case Istredd (and Yennefer) need a completely quiet and alone space.
"You really don't want anything a little more comfortable in here? It's a very dramatic meeting space and I get that. You could make yourself a throne."
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He makes an appreciative sound at the boost to the warding and takes to perching precariously on one of the outcrop stones as a sign that it's really all he needs. Thrones are fun to sprawl over when they belonged to someone else. "It'd ruin the aesthetic," he says.
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Lucifer's perching here, typical. Istredd smiles at him, shaking his head. There are barely perches in here though, he really needs a better one than that. "Ah, yes, and appearances matter in your glowing meeting cave." Istredd can only hope that none of Lucifer's enemies end up in here. Too close. I would think you don't like enclosed spaces.
no subject
Ehhhh.
Istredd will be able to feel the mental spark of wicked inspiration. Humans and their films. Let's make a horror movie about a giant anaconda that is thirty-feet longer than average and will in fact swallow a human whole. There's just a flash of the impossible-snake in question. "You know," he says, "that's not a bad idea."
If there's a giant anaconda slithering through Lucifer's domain at some point, guess who'll be to blame, Abraxas!
I know my exits. And, there's a sound of wings and Lucifer is standing directly besides Istredd, his arms folding. "I can still fly," he says.
another to add to the 'istredd is tired of him being hot' list
Istredd turns to face him and he at least is very aware of how close they are in a private glowing cave. It is humorous to him, how aware of that he is, it has to be funny because otherwise it's just sad. He doesn't back away though, just tilts his head and remembers being repressed is the best way out of this. "Can I see your wings?"
;)
He makes a face. "Maybe not here," he allows. "It's not easy on a normal day, and there's enough angel warding here that it'd be a detriment to me." He shrugs. "I'm not sure you'd be able to really see them. Few beings have the right level of supernatural senses to be able to--though through me, maybe?" They're in weird territory with the mental link, so it's all just one big guessing game.
no subject
"I can't believe you put angel warding on your own space, I get you're some high and mighty archangel, but there are other ways to protect yourself." Istredd also isn't sure if the other angels he's worried about would come here seeking violence, he doesn't like that idea. But it's unlikely. It's the Horizon. Only some people (SOME PEOPLE) end up with violence in this place.
"I hate to point out the obvious, Lucifer, but we're in the Horizon. You can make me able to see anything that you want to."
no subject
"Every precaution matters, and my younger brother is annoying."
What? Did he specifically make warding to give Castiel a hard time?
Yes. Yes, he did.
That is who his giant snake with insert randomized-accessory here will likely eat on sight. And then they can have a wholly different conversation about eating habits.
Heh.
Lucifer, who has a very distinct Horizon mental block, isn't in a mood to humor Istredd at trying to combat that at the moment. "Then no," he says, with an odd amount of finality. There's other ways, sure, but the connection of grace to wings, wings to vessel is... important. He hates vessels most times, so he wouldn't go as far to say sacred, but...
There's some other problem there than simply Horizon blocks.
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Istredd was mostly doing their usual banter thing and then he remembers a moment too late what Lucifer told him about his difficulty in the Horizon. And his general difficulty when it came to seeing himself. He has the good sense to be genuinely apologetic over their bond for bringing up something he already knows is a problem.
He has trouble sometimes with keeping himself from picking away, wanting to know more, wanting to see all of Lucifer.
They are close enough he barely has to move to put a gentle hand on Lucifer's arm, only for one second, and drop it. He still tries to be as respectful as possible with boundaries, it was meant as a sorry of its own.
"I like it, your Horizon. It may not be as homey, but it's interesting."
no subject
Though he wouldn't personally call Geralt an enemy. They're just... opposing forces.
"Well!" he exclaims, not entirely brushing Istredd off, but putting space between them regardless and heading back towards the cave's exit. "We do have one more destination."
The unusual limestone spurs forest, hundreds of jagged stone spikes pressed together, making dangerous walkways and hiding lush plantlife.
no subject
It actually makes him think of the broken monolith, where he and Geralt made their discovery about the true nature of them. There had been a large cavern below, jagged rocks, and then a monster. Istredd turns as he walks to get a better view of it and he's always liked the concept of wilderness, it just never was something he spent the time to experience. Too lost in his books and his caves and his monoliths. Rarely did he see the world.
"Typical, you making an option with endless places to perch." Istredd smiles at him. He doesn't have to say out loud that this is his favorite, or that he likes this. It is openly expressed in their bond.
no subject
The Horizon gets him close to that feeling.
Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, Madagascar, the last filtered information trickles through. Geo-climatic phenomena.
"I still prefer roosting in Wanda's trees more than anything," he says, but he likes the openness of this, the caution that people should take. A bit like himself. "A little more dark and gloomy where she is though." He's just found that he likes orbiting near people. It's not... it's not anything like loneliness, that would be absurd, but just... offering some protection.
That's all.
no subject
"She's gone through some dark and gloomy times." Istredd likes her spot though, apparently he prefers forests and trees if he has to be out in nature. There is something very calming about this place too. He thinks Wanda's doing better though, she seems to be on the upswing, although it would be hard to go down deeper.
"I think because I assumed I would have my long lifespan, I didn't consider exploring much. I'm sure there are many wonders of my sphere too, but I've only ever read about them in books." And that has always been enough. Istredd stays on the outskirts of acknowledging the world. He spoke with the people and studied his rocks but he never involved himself directly with anything.
"That wasn't always the plan." A feeling associated with only Yennefer swirls in his gut and in his nostalgia. At one point as a stupid youth he thought the two of them would run off together and have adventures. But his kind of adventures. Slow suicide is what she called it. "Why did you pick these exact places?"
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Lucifer has....... vendettas against Certain Birds that have Wronged him but he doesn't completely dislike birds. See: all the ravens.
Though he supposes since Istredd doesn't get out much into other domains that he hasn't seen Lucifer just chillaxing on a tree branch alongside Wanda's ravens as though he was one of them.
"I think even with your long lifespan you'd still have your nose in a book," he tells Istredd honestly, regardless what other plans he may have had for himself.
He turns, looking up at some of the limestone pillars, wistful. "Some of the most dangerous, but beautiful places in the world," he explains. He just likes the beauty in danger, what can he say? "Natural, not created by man."
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Something the two of them probably have in common with their respective bad fathers, even if he was only a surrogate one in Istredd's case.
"Created by your father, you mean." If it isn't man-made or angel-made, everything is then made by God. He supposes it's a good thing Lucifer doesn't hate literally everything God created as that would make his life just one big pile of hate. "What would you make for yourself, given the choice? Outside of the giant snake."
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"Everything is inspiration from Him," he says. It's so very rare that Lucifer puts any weight behind his Father. How and what he is beyond God. The reverence He is. But it's here, in this one, singular moment, and that alone should be enough to caution Istredd. "There is no original idea."
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"Maybe nothing original in essence, to you, but something can still be yours. If you are using pieces of his creations designed in a way of your own, it counts. The snake, our ravens."
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"I've always been partial to the gaping maws into the planet. Carved out chunks of earth. Volcanoes, waterfalls to an extent." He shrugs. "We'll see."
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"I'm sure there were wonders of the sphere I'm from too, but Yenna would know about that more than me."
just to genuinely wrap it