Altered Tundra

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

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Ava eyed Audrey as if she was a dumb blonde or something. “Yes, another one; as in it’s more than one - dos, if you will.” Ava retorted with her usual sarcasm, though she did notice that Audrey leaned into Alexandros, wondering exactly what she was saying to him. Knowing him and what she [Ava] had just said about Alexandros’ sexual endeavors, it didn’t mean good things for him, which brought a proud smile to Ava’s mouth as she happily dug into her food.

On the other end of the table, Alexandros felt that familiar chill down his spine as Audrey not-so-subtly threatened him. What a wonderful feeling it was getting these on the regular basis. The first time was Alexandros’ fault, of course, but every time after that seemed to be the work of someone else. If it wasn’t Florence, then it was Ava. He never did seem to be able to catch a break when it came to this woman. At the least, though, he knew she cared. The fact that she was worried she caught something brought a smile to Alexandros’ face and he stared back at Ava who only looked at him with a confused expression.

Ava raised her eyebrow at Alex but then heard Audrey. “Oh right, I think you asked about my brother’s refusal to use condoms.” She smirked at Alexandros. “To answer that would be to dredge up ancient history.” She glanced at Alex, seeing the oh-so-subtle gleam in his eyes that was telling her not to do it.

“Ava..”

She contemplating for a moment. As she hummed lowly, seriously considering her options, she gave Alexandros a beaming smile. He knew what was coming.. “So would you like to know about the time he did our last nanny or our neighbor's nanny?”

And there it was. The obvious war between siblings was on. Alex drew the line in the sand and Ava crossed it, boasting her military arsenal of secrets. In that moment, Alexandros knew there was nothing he could do. For once, the half-Greek God of Greatness was at the mercy of the artful Ava.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Savayna had been the first one to wait by the Southgate, which was surprising. She was often the last one up due to her innate ability to be one of the laziest people in all of Ivalice. However, she seemed extra motivated. She didn't have a lot to gather. The rations that she needed was on her person at the time. She had a few potions in her pocket and when she got to her room, she grabbed a small pouch which had some other medical supplies in it. After she would grab that and a cloak in case of the rain season in Giza, all she would need was her sword. As soon as she had placed that on her hip, she had left.

"What the hell is taking them so long? I told them thirty minutes, not thirty-one, not thirty-two - but thirty fucking minutes." She tapped her heel rather loudly against the stone-plated ground.

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

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“You’ve got a point there.” Ava echoed Audrey’s sentiments. “You can’t give him any sort of gratification or his big head might explode. Or worse, he might think he’s a god or something.” She let out a sigh.

Alexandros couldn’t help but feel attacked, though he didn’t show it. To him, it was Ava just being her usual, jealous self. It must be really hard not being perfect. Their parents thought highly of her, sure, but there was nothing like being the first-born. No matter what any parent might say to their child to assure them they love every single of their children equally, there’s always a part of their hearts where their first-born child resided. Even if he was wrong, if Ava thought it to be true, then it was worth rubbing it in her face. After all, regardless if it was true or not about what she just said, giving her any gratification about being right was also something he wasn’t about to let happen.

But, enough of that. Alexandros was rather interested in how this was going to play out. His sister and his...current house guest were having a conversation. On one side, Ava wanted to know what on earth had gotten into her to sleep with Alexandros and in the corner of Audrey, she simply didn’t give any hint to that. Don’t disappoint, ladies.

Ava eyed Audrey closely. This girl was skilled in the art of the poker face. It was hard for Ava to get a read on her. Still, something had to give. “I hope you used a condom. The last thing mom and dad want is another pregnancy scare by your current hussy,” she looked at Audrey, “again, no offense. You seem like a real charmer, but you wouldn’t believe the company he keeps.” She let out an exasperated sigh, glaring at Alexandros who had simply smiled, feigning innocence about Ava’s claim.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"Fine, I suppose there isn't any avoiding it." Savayna let out a sigh, looking to the Roselia brothers. The disappointment couldn't be retrained as Savayna would give Lorenzo an annoyed glance. She understood the logic, though. No matter how inconvenient it was, it also made sense. She might not have known much about magicite, but the theory was if you have foreign magicite in a magicite-powered machine, it would get sucked into it, and that could be catastrophic for said machine, especially if those machines had people near it.

Besides, there was a lot of truth to what he said. Ozmone was just a few hours away from Rabanastre. The journey did wholly dependent on whether or not it was the wet season in Giza Plains. It was so random that one day it was dry as the Dalmassca sands and the next it was like a monsoon. If it was dry, then the journey to Ozmone was two hours tops, but when it was wet and water flooded the plains, they would have to find alternative routes across the vast wetness. Not to mention there was the immediate danger of lightning storms. With Savayna being an ice/water magick user, that didn't spell good things for her.

"We'll meet at the southgate in half of an hour. That should be plenty of time for us to get what we need for the journey ahead." Savayna told them. She gave both of them a nod.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

It was strange when Isabelle thought and looked at Reia. The two of them were around the same age (with Reia being just five years shy of her) and yet, as the blondes mingled and conversed, Isabelle could tell the immediate differences between them. It was true that Reia wasn’t a mother, but she acted like one to not only her troublesome brother, Lorenzo but the seemingly troubled youngest of the three, Grant. There were tales that reached Dalmasca’s hot deserts from Rozarria’s lush, rich mines that Reia when she wasn’t being harsh on her council, had been a just ruler. Even after the recent stories that painted her as an evil woman, Isabelle did not see her in front of her eyes. Who she saw was a confident person who deeply cared not only for her country but her family. So, maybe that’s why she acted harshly towards Cassandra.

When Reia began speaking about her own council and Isabelle’s late husband, she began to grow... well, somewhat sour. She didn’t show it on the surface, but thinking about her husband reinforced how terribly she felt as a mother. She knew that Reia didn’t blame her nor did Wesley, but she blamed herself. She might’ve not been the one to kill her husband, but she left, leaving his children to deal with it on their own. And to make matters worse, there’s a part of her that secretly despises her son’s decision to forgive the one who did kill him. Even if it might’ve been under the influence of that bastard Hamut Darcone, she still couldn’t overlook the fact that Isaiah Darcone killed her Jonathan.

She nearly showed it on the outside, but she stopped herself, only to smile at Reia. It was just in time as she mentioned Wesley and how he would be the one to lead Dalmasca to glory. “He is truly his father’s son.” Isabelle noted, smiling softly as she looked at Reia. “I am sure whenever he takes full control and reigns of this country, great things will await it.” Isabelle said warmly. “And I’m sure your niece will be with him for every step of the way.”

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She didn’t like it when Lorenzo just grabbed it out her hands, which she made known she bopped his head lightly, though she would huff and turn around as if pouting like Emiri. However, when Lorenzo started to talk about where they could find Sonosis Magicite, she turned around. Hearing him speak, it seemed they were going to go on a bit of a trip. Though it came to a surprise when he said that come along without even being asked. But, as with all things, he would use this as a prerequisite for getting to know her.

Savayna sighed. “You remind me way too much of Jaakuna.” She sighed again, turning to the selection of vehicles. “Well, in any case, guess we should pick one that can fit all three of us.” Savayna said, approaching them.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

No one had been able to break Cassandra’s will quite like Reia did.

She thought it couldn’t possibly get any worse. With what Cassandra had said about Reia’s brother and the known fact that he had gone corrupt and murdered his own father, she thought that what Reia had to say in response couldn’t make the conversation between the two ruling figures of their respective countries go down an even darker path. However, as Reia began to unload on Cassandra, the Queen Regent was proven wrong.

Reia ripped into Cassandra like it was nothing. She had remained calm and dutifully focused as she did everything that Cassandra had said towards her but insult her family. To do that would stoop to Cassandra’s level and unlike her daughter, Isabelle knew Reia to be above that. Instead, she’d direct all of whatever she was feeling in that moment at Cassandra. Telling her exactly what’d happen to her in the next few years, how she’d end up in ten years, and what her future looked like. And though Isabelle did feel as though she went too far, the Queen Regent also knew her daughter needed to hear this. Moreover, she deserved this.

A few minutes passed and Cassandra had been read her rights. She was a silent, nearly-about-to-cry mess. It broke Isabelle’s heart, though she simply gestured to Alistair. “Take her outside for some fresh air.” She ordered.

“Right away, Queen Regent,” Alistair got up and guided a petrified Cassandra. “Come on, your majesty.”

When they were out of the Grand Hall, Isabelle let out a sigh, shaking her head as she glanced at Reia. “There was no way that was going to end well no matter what route you took.” Isabelle said, letting out a rather annoyed sigh. “I saw no other way for her to see how horribly she’s been acting as of late. Please know that she doesn’t reflect our nation. She has...been having a difficult time with her father’s death. It’s been a full three months since that his murder. I feel as though I’m partially to blame for her attitude. I left for my father’s home in Balfonheim after he left. It was the wrong decision, but it was something I had to do to get away. I didn’t even stay for when Wesley took off on his own adventures, so I don’t know. Maybe I’m trying to find a way to excuse her behavior. Had I stayed, maybe she wouldn’t be such a bitch.” Isabelle gasped as soon as she said that. “Oh gosh, did I just--you must think I’m a horrible mother.”

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As they ventured through the halls and made their way to the part of the palace that housed their vehicles, Savayna smiled at the Rozarrian brothers. She had pretty much ignored Lorenzo’s repeated inquiries. It only had taken them ten minutes, but once there, she would also snicker.

“So, Grant here can’t speak. I don’t know why, but the only way he can speak is through the use of his Esper, Zeromus. I don’t know the specifics, but all I know is that he needs a special contraption that you Lorenzo, Rozarria’s greatest inventor, is going to make him. I know for a fact you have a blueprint of something that could help Grant. In fact, I have it right here.” Savayna snapped her fingers and out of nowhere was a blueprint of a collar of sorts that seemed to manipulate the user’s mist in order to draw out their thoughts and project it into sound. “Now, tell me where we can find this--” Savayna looked at the blueprint real quick. “Sonosis Magicite?”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"It's nothing at all. My Cassandra, though I love her, is a handful." Isabelle sighed regretfully as she and Lorenzo tried to find some solace in the madness.

Cassandra thought little of Reia's comments. It just proved that just like her aging lady parts, she's also quite grotesque. "I'm not worried. I'm still young - I can find a husband in a few years. If not that handsome Jaak, then I'm sure I can find some suitor." Cassandra stated, refusing to back down regardless of the height difference between them. "I cannot say the same for you, though. You're practically a grandma, with the exception of children, that is. you might be lucky to remain in some kind of advisor rule when they choose a new Emperor or Empress. Though, maybe they would want to cut their losses and start fresh."

"Cassandra..."

"What mother? All I'm saying is that maybe Rozarria would be better off if the Roselia family wasn't in charge."

"Don't you think you should dial it back?"

"Mother, honestly! It's common knowledge that their brother became corrupt. He even killed their father. Except for maybe Lorenzo and his daughter, their just as bad. It wasn't long that this one here was trying to kidnap that Emiri." Cassandra looked at Reia. "Oh, I'm sorry, did I cross a line?" Cassandra feigned an apologetic tone.

Meanwhile, in the doorway leading to the hallway, Savayna and Grant stood, unsure how to respond to that. However, Savayna coughed. "Don't mind us," Savayna walked over and pulled Lorenzo's arm and dragging him. "We'll be back in a day or so," Savayna said as she had Lorenzo's arm in one hand and Grant's in another as they left the same way they came.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Colors all over the spectrum swirled around a golden figure of gold light, all of them calling to him. They beckoned him to follow them. Red demanded with a fierce determination. Green tempted him with unlimited excitement. Blue and purple both gave reasons based in logic and realism. White and black both presented the pros and cons of hesitation. Yellow and orange were mostly quiet, but when they spoke, their words were elegant and tone regal. All of these colors had only but one thing on their minds: recruit thefigure.

But as this figure of pure mist heard all of their cases and would start to think about their respective proposals, it heard another voice. It was not one associated with a color. It was one that was colorless and had seemingly faded into naught. It was frail and barely audible, but the figure somehow was drawn to it - almost as if something connected them. This figure had then decided to ignore the wants and needs of the Rainbow Collective and phase through them, their forms being absorbed into him, and went for that voice that called out to it.

It passed through dimensions of various locations and worlds it seemed, and found itself stopping in a room that was surrounded by flowers of various makes. It was a room that was well lit with magicite and had been cleaned recently. On a bed sat a frail woman who had seen better days. Her eyes was like a rusted sienna and her hair, though obviously gray, had the image of something once quite serene. Her skin had wrinkles and had faded from its obvious-former porecelin white shade to a dismal silverish-gray. Additionally, at her bedside, there was a man with all the youth that a 40something man had. Though he looked like a man who wore armor, he wore casual clothing of gold and white, hair dark as the night sky, and when he turned aorund, eyes were gray with a speck of golden ore.

This man that sat by her bedside had puffy eyes. No one in the room had to think. This was Francis Sicarius, the Golden Wolf of Archadia.

The figure received a bow from Francis as he approached the frail woman. She had gestured the golden figure to come forward and so it did. Where Francis sat, the figure would sit. The figure took the frail hand of the woman and she beckoned him to come close. As she whispered into his ears, only five words were spoken.

“He lives within the Fallen.”

“What?” He asked her. The voice was so frail that he couldn’t make out what she said.

“He lives within the Fallen.”

And as he would ask her to repeat a second time, she would respond with..

“Jaakuna - Jaakuna, wake up please.”

Suddenly, as slowly as his fatigued body would allow, he opened eyes - albeit slowly. Looking around, the light was bothersome as he had to blink one too many times to adjust his own to it. Though, as he would find himself able to see much clearer, his head went to where Shion was soundly sleeping. And...snoring? Wait no, that sound was coming from somewhere else.

So Jaakuna turned his head in the opposing direction and there waiting for him were a pair of plump breasts. “Holy titty!” That was the first thing that came to his mind and he was still groggy enough that he said it aloud. However, as he looked up, he noticed who they belonged to. “Emiri?” Jaakuna lifted himself up, grunting because the floor was rather uncomfortable.

He let out a yawn as he looked at Emiri. He had to take a few extra moments because he was still in a dazed state, but as he looked at her, he noticed something was different - well, aside from the bust upgrade. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but there was something oddly different with her.

---

“Please, my Queen, Empress Reia, there’s no need to get angry. I only meant that maybe you two should lay down. It’s obvious that you two are very tired.”

Isabelle felt bad for Alistair. He truly wanted to bring peace between the warring factions of Empress Reia and her daughter, the Princess Cassandra. But not even she could bring about a truce once Cassandra implied that Reia was far past her prime. It didn’t help that Isabelle was practically forbidden from speaking. No matter how much she wanted to bring her daughter back to the ground, she was, after all, just the Queen Mother. Besides, not even Isabelle could get through to her daughter. Plus, she didn’t want to be in the middle of Reia’s wrath.

It didn’t help either that Lorenzo came in at the worst of times. He tried to claim peace on orders of Wesley, but both Reia and Cassandra, despite their differences, told him - and this is the actual quote - “bud the fuck off!”

Okay, maybe that was Isabelle’s paraphrasing. But still, it was a chaotic scene and it wasn’t even midday yet.

“Look here, Reia, I’m not saying you’re useless to your country. You obviously pull some of the weight, but even your council wants you out. Maybe you’re too old. Nadeline is pretty and young. And from what that Keiran said, she’s pregnant. I’m sure, once news breaks of that, you’ll be flat on your round, Cúchulainn-sized rump soon enough.” Cassandra simply shrugged, giving Reia a smug look.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

They had always made sure the other knew that they weren’t alone. When one felt as if though they had to take on their burdens alone, the other would remind them either subtly or bluntly so they knew it was never a one-man or one-woman job. All one needed to do was lean on the other. Wesley had to be reminded of that because he had forgotten that for a while. Besides, they were to be married, so he had to stop acting like a lone wolf. That was Jaakuna’s job.

He’s not going to be too happy if he hears you say that. Hashmal chuckled at Wesley’s thought.

He would ignore Hashmal and concentrate on Nadeline’s face and the words she spoke. He remembered them and made sure to lock them in a safe so he could go back to them whenever he needed a reminder. “I don’t know where or what I would be without you.” He took her hands and raised them up with hers. “You are my rock, Nadeline Lenore. You are the compass that guides me out of the deep forest of my own doubts; the light that guides me from my own insecure darkness.” Wesley smiled at her, letting the moment linger on just for a bit longer.

---

Savayna let out an annoyed sigh. Why was it so hard for her to know what he wanted? Honest to the gods, when he was talking, she couldn’t wait for him to shut up, but now that he has shut up (for good it seems), she wished he’d say something. Maybe this was what Grant was experiencing; feeling that the Occuria have a weird way of finding amusement.

Out came another sigh, she started walking. “Come along, Grant, the Mute,” she snapped her fingers, “if you can’t talk, then we’re going to find alternative methods for you.” She said, waiting for him to follow her.

Dance With The Angels - A GFX Shop by Altered Tundra

Still requesting? Its for a RP I GM.

Type of Request: RP Banner

Stock: Boop.

Size: no difference, maybe make it a bit bigger?

Text:_Project:P.H.O.B.I.A._

Other:Could you do a futuristic theme, with binary code and all that? Thanks!

@Majoras End

If this wasn't what you wanted, I can provide a different version if you wish but I just ran with a simple edit of color and - well yeah.