When Will We Finally Breathe?

Everything is torn in the river deep

There was much to think about following her time in the dungeon, or more specifically…what events had taken place during her imprisonment. The leeches of the Royal Court that the government lovingly referred to as Parliment had spread absolute nonsense, slandering Voxi’s name, dragging it through the dirt.

She thought to herself, long and hard about how it was that their poisonous lies could be remedied. Kill them with kindness… Were her thoughts reply. This led her to recall the newest acquaintances she’d made throughout her time in the capital. It was time to put those connections to use…for what better way to spread the truth and to erase the damages done by the rumors than to make friends while openly representing The Voice.

The enchantress had come to knock on the College’s doors, a particular interaction tickling her brain and leading her here in search of the man she’d spoken with. When there came those of staff or student (she did not know which) to attend to her and to inquire of her arrival, she called upon this individual by the name he’d given from behind his mask of nature’s bounty. “Professor Arythmetik, if you will…you can let him know that The Lady of the Lake requests his audience.”

@Arythmetik

"Go to the water so very near,
the river will be your eyes and ears."

code by claerie ~ art by ashon

THREAD TITLE MUSE

A R Y T H M E T I K

When a bushy-tailed student—no older than a year—came up and murmured to Arythmetik that he had a visitor, the newly-anointed Professor smiled broadly. So many visitors lately! Things were really starting to change for the scholar. Only a year ago, most of his time was spent in isolation, re-reading yellowed pages on his den floor or combing the dusty corners of the library for undiscovered tomes. He was intimidated by the thought of teaching lessons in the wake of civil war. But now he was a public figure. He hosted lessons weekly, he had more friends than he’d ever had in his entire life, and new, exciting companionship existed in the form of Grigori: his charming, sassenach protector. However, the student followed the introduction by explaining that she called herself the ‘Lady of the Lake.’ Arythmetik’s smile morphed into riveted curiosity, and his eyes shimmered as he parsed out his only clues.


Without delay, he arrived at the Arboretum’s boughy gates. Nimue’s cerulean eyes struck him in his very soul, and Aryth grinned and hummed in recognition. Of course—he’d suspected the intriguing, masked noblewoman from the ball, but he hadn’t been sure. “My Lady,” the scholar greeted enthusiastically. He was partially joking about her new title, “Lady of the Lake,” but there was honest reverence in the address. His russet tail wagged as he strode forward and offered the woman a gracious bow. Last time they met, she’d left him with a lot to think about… But so many rumors spread since then, the Professor wasn’t sure of the truth.


“I was hoping I’d see you again, Nimue,” he added, turning and poising himself to lead her further into the College. Like a gentleman holding out his arm for support. He was no King Arthur, but perhaps he was akin to Merlin, eager to divine the secrets of Avalon the Lady held just below the water’s surface. Without his woven, gold-and-holly mask, Arythmetik looked much more humble. Still, there was something distinctive about his wizened emerald gaze and earthen features. “Perhaps we can walk while you tell me how I can help you?”

code by claerie

@Nimue

Everything is torn in the river deep

When he arrived, she turned to meet his gaze, a slow smile creeping steadily along her lips as he clearly recognized her. She offered a graceful dip of the head as he greeted her. “I had a feeling there was a handsome face beneath that mask. Those dazzling emerald eyes must have given it away.” Nimue gave him a wink and nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders. “You look well, Aryth. It’s good to see you.”

As he poised himself she whisked herself to his side as he led her from the entrance. “It was only a matter of time…I would’ve come by sooner, but I admit I was…delayed.” Nimue absentmindedly peered about, taking in the atmosphere of the interior of the Grand College. “I’ve no doubt you heard of the events that took place towards the end of that enchanting Winter Ball?”

She raised her brows at him expectantly, before the grin of a sly fox transformed her features. “That is…unless you departed early with a lover or two…” Nimue nudged his shoulder, clearly teasing him, anything to get that rather flustered reaction from him again. She shook her head and tilted it to the side, feigning innocence as she contineud, “In all seriousness, I’ve sought you out because, you’ve inspired me, Professor. I’d like to enroll as a student at the College of Eòlas.”

@Arythmetik

"Go to the water so very near,
the river will be your eyes and ears."

code by claerie ~ art by ashon

A R Y T H M E T I K

“Oh,” Aryth muttered abashedly, grinning in spite of himself. It was the wink from the lady that really sent a blush to his cheeks. “Please. Such a compliment from you, my Lady, is like a prayer. I’m not worthy.” The scholar smiled at his companion good-naturedly, a playful energy dancing from the edges of his features, twirling in the air between them. When Nimue came to his side, however, the current intensified. They began to stroll, a certain skip in the professor’s step. Beneath their paws, the spring grass bounced and stray debris crunched, leftover from the heralding storms of the season.


Aryth suspected that Nimue arrived with interesting news—or intriguing questions at the very least—but her words still surprised him. He tilted his head just so, offering the woman his full attention. He knew the paths through the Arboretum like the back of his paw in any case. Glimmering, emerald eyes clung to her intently, his lips parting a fraction as the seashore fae spoke. Does she mean the assassination attempt? Or…? He’d heard rumors, but wasn’t actually present for the protest. Before he could reply, the Lady got exactly what she wanted: the mention of a lover conjured an image of Grigori to mind. Aryth glanced away quickly, trying and failing to keep his composure. His tail wagged fast and low behind him briefly. If he were human, his entire face would have been red.


But just as the sorceress was his damnation, she was his savior. With a faint gasp, Aryth looked back down at her. Joy blossomed in his gaze like rays of sunlight unfurling from the heavens. “Truly? It would be my honor to enroll you!” The scholar leaned a fraction closer. In a faintly hushed tone, he inquired, “But I would love to know...what do you mean, delayed? I was there to witness the...losh, the assassination attempt. I know some wolves were also taken into custody for a demonstration outside the castle. But I know nothing of the details. The two aren’t related...are they?” There was nothing critical in his voice. He was merely curious...and cautious. It was up to the Lady if she would supply any answers.

code by claerie

Losh = mild expletive
@Nimue

Everything is torn in the river deep

The professor was too expressive for his own good. A twinkle of amusement lit up Nimue's deep blue eyes when Aryth averted his gaze and she chuckled lightly. "My, my...aren't you easy to read, my darling poet. You'll have to divulge upon your romantic ventures one of these days." She teased, biting her lip for additional theatrics before moving right along, not wishing to cause him any more embarrassment where it was not necessary.

The joy that radiated off of the man's golden coat was infectious and she found herself delighted to bathe in it, her tail wagging along with his own. Had she known of this College and that it would have been this easy to become a student, she would have braved the grounds when she was far younger. When he leaned forward, her brows rose and she too leaned in close, her ears swiveling towards him to ensure she caught every syllable of his hushed tone.

"Mmm..." She hummed thoughtfully as he spoke, pleased that he'd understood her ambiguity enough to request an explanation. "You have a inquisitive mind...that's good. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for most...who have been fed false information and have devoured it whole." Nimue lowered her muzzle and sighed with a shake of her head. "Whatever your political alignment, Arythmetik, I can accept humbly as I would anyone."

She took a couple of steps back and her eyes dangerously flickered as they met his. "What I cannottolerate is liars." She stated plainly, the bitter venom dripping from her tongue with the formation of each word. "I did not sit in a dungeon for a week to find out that my people were pinned for every atrocity that occurred that evening. Ohh, no, no, no...we we answer to The Voice protested peacefully and were completely unawares that those who worship Jacob's Crown were going to make an attempt at his life...in hindsight, it's no wonder the Imperial Guard was so hostile by the time they approached us in the Queen's Garden..."

Nimue let the fire escape past her lips and then the smoke was exhaled as she cooled. She closed her eyes taking a deep breath leading into a prolonged exhale. When she opened her eyes again, thsi time they shone with emotion as she looked to Aryth with a pleading look. "If you have any influence in this region...the people need to know the truth...Voxi was not responsible for any of the violence that took place at Castle Stuart...we were merely another party's scapegoat..."

@Arythmetik

"Go to the water so very near,
the river will be your eyes and ears."

code by claerie ~ art by ashon

A R Y T H M E T I K

There was a stillness in the air about them. Not only were they alone along the Arboretum path, but it felt as though they were suddenly the only two creatures in the entire forest. Not even a bird could be heard warbling as Nimue unveiled the truth of her endeavors. The geniality of their earlier conversation softened the blow of such stunning information. Their kindling friendship also abolished the furtive attitudes that normally accompanied the topic. Arythmetik was rapt on her every word, as any scholar should have been. However, even as the Lady promised to accept him regardless of politics, a twinge of foreboding pricked his heart. Is that so, my Lady? he wondered silently. There was a sharpness to Nimue he couldn’t quite explain. An unforgiving edge that could cut to the quick.


When Nimue mentioned she’d endured the dungeon for a week, Aryth’s eyes widened. If it were even possible, the words that followed horrified him all the more. Yes, Nimue was intense. But when he looked into the liquid fire of her eyes, Aryth did not see a woman full of deceit or manipulation. She had no more reason to lie than the ocean itself; a force of nature might be powerful and devastating, but its waves are simply nature’s course. Aryth did not see a woman seeking revenge, either. But he saw pain. It was a betrayal to her honor to have the peaceful work of the Voxi tainted by rumors. No...the Lady of the Lake had no reason to lie to Merlin.


It would have been easier for Arythmetik if she did. If the Voxi were not responsible after all, that left only two possibilities: the attack was staged to quell insurgence, or the Jacobites had tried to kill the King at a celebration. One was far more likely than the other. Nimue’s intelligence seemed to indicate that followers of Jacob were responsible. And the Professor was crumbling inside. The deep emptiness of shock, succeeded by piercing agony, jolted through his chest like a bolt of lightning. He glanced away, mouth a somber line, eyes narrowing solemnly. He was unwilling to hide his sorrow; the Lady deserved his honesty in turn, a token of gratitude for her being so forthcoming. Aryth would not disrespect her by trying to pretend this news didn’t wrack him to his core.


The scholar’s very reason for disliking Adamh’s reign was its foundation in blood and duplicity. If Prince Jacob supported this behavior as well, he was not as fit to rule as his mother before him. She was a Queen worth every ounce of Aryth’s loyalty. And while Nimue seemed utterly capable of violence, she detested the barbarity of this entire ordeal as well. After a minute, Aryth swallowed heavily and said softly, “You didn’t deserve that cruel punishment. Tell me more about the Voxi’s beliefs...?”

code by claerie

@Nimue

Everything is torn in the river deep

"Aryth..." Nimue's voice lowered as she addressed him, once seeing how this news affected him. No doubt, her delivery might have come off as a bit harsh. She shifted closer to him, moving one paw so that it tapped lightly against one of his. "Forgive me...I can become, ehm...passionate, at times." She searched for the deep woodland green of his eyes, her own gaze apologetic.

"Our goal that night was to get the attention of the nobles. We needed them to listen and to understand that while all they view are pleasantries, their people are sick, starving, dying and what are they doing? They're pouring resources into ensuring their garden blooms in the dead of Winter..." Nimue's brows furrowed and she shook her head in disapproval, holding back a snarl. "I firmly believe we were doing the right thing...it seems, we were simply...in the wrong place at the wrong time..."

She blinked up at him in genuine surprise when Aryth stated that she did not deserve the cruel punishment bestowed upon her. A smirk appeared on her face, though her expression still reflected the bitter memories of her past. "Bold assumption...and it's only our second meeting, dear poet." It was her attempt at comedic relief before he asked to know more about Voxi.

"There are no Kings, no Queens...Rionnach belongs to the people. We unite as one with a representative from the Highlands, Lowlands, and Mainlands in order to create a system of checks and balances to ensure equality over the entire populace." Nim gave him a meaningful look, a hopeful smile appearing on her maw. "We see this to fruition not through violence, but through compassion, warmth, and kindness...perhaps with a bit of an extra push in the right direction. We are not the wild, untamed creatures violating the law like we're made out to be, I can promise you that. This is why I need your help...to clear Voxi's name."

@Arythmetik

"Go to the water so very near,
the river will be your eyes and ears."

code by claerie ~ art by ashon

A R Y T H M E T I K

The gentle touch was surprising, and Aryth jolted faintly as he allowed his gaze to drift toward hers once more. After a moment, he shook his head and murmured, “There’s nothing to forgive.” The scholar would never fault someone for their passions, even if he was never that excitable. But it wasn’t her harsh tongue that struck him bone-deep: it was a likely and dismal truth. And Arythmetik would definitely never fault someone for the truth. He nodded at her explanation, forcefully wading through this morose mire in which he found himself stuck. The other side was clarity, logic. He needed that right now. Of course, the Voxi were demonstrating for the misuse of the people’s resources. They would make a convenient scapegoat for the would-be assassins.


Finally, the mysterious woman responded to his earlier question. She was trying to tease him, but Aryth had to admit, her joke sparked a mote of doubt. She is indeed capable of violence. Still, that didn’t make her a bad person. Aryth remembered clearly the day he met Grigori and led him to the market. The rabbit vendor was trying to rip off the meek scholar, offering only a single rabbit in exchange for a large bundle of pristine herbs…that is, until Grigori closed in with brutish bravado and demanded the going rate of two rabbits. It was the promise of violence that earned Arythmetik his fair trade, and he knew that Grigori was a good, caring man. (Just a bit rough around the edges.) Ultimately, Aryth offered Nimue a raised brow, but a grin didn’t quite crack his lips.


Anyway, he was more interested in the Voxi’s policies. His other brow rose to meet the first. The scholar was thoughtful, pondering Nimue’s vision and the earnest hope of a brighter future. One where all needs are met across the land; no blood, no starvation, no tyranny. “It’s a beautiful idea…” Aryth mused softly. His voice was low and warm as he spoke, but he was obviously hesitant. Do I have room for idealistic visions? After all, his hope in Prince Jacob just broke his heart. He sighed and continued, “I fear that even representatives will grow selfish. In the end, wolves in power are always vying for more control, more resources. Perhaps the country would not be oppressed, but instead split into three separate directions, tearing and weakening.” There was a pause. Aryth’s eyes glittered as he looked up at the Lady again. “But I will do my part to quell these awful rumors. It’s clearly counter to Voxi’s purpose to stage a coup. I…will need some time to absorb the truth.” And then, Aryth offered a small, bittersweet smile to his new companion. “But I’m a man of the College. The truth is of the utmost importance to me.”

code by claerie

@Nimue

Everything is torn in the river deep

There was a gentle tug at her lips as a smile began to form upon her maw again as Aryth complimented this ideology of a nation given back to the people. She did sense the slightest hesitance and remained silent, allowing him to gather his thoughts to convert them into words. The torrent of emotion had dissolved from the deep blues of her eyes, replaced with glint of curiosity, clearly interested in his input.

The professor was everything she would have hoped he would be and more. Aryth provided insight that she might not have considered, being so focused on the main goal of her political advocacy. Like-mindedness would only take Voxi so far...it was the difference in opinions that would open up new doors and challenge them to change and adapt. She nodded with each statement, soaking in his words and truly listening to what he had to offer.

When they locked eyes once more, the glittering of his own brought about a pleasant swishing of her tail behind her. The stress that she carried in her expression seemed to melt away, her tightened jaw relaxing as well as the muscles in her shoulders that gave her somewhat of a rigid posture when she was worked up. Nimue bowed her head and held it there, emotion welling up within her chest and attempting to do so in her eyes as well, but she shut them tight. "You have my deepest gratitude...for even listening to me. For simply...entertaining notions others would consider blasphemous..."

Lifting her head again, she found his eyes, her own brimming with tears. "You hardly know me...and yet...it feels as though we've known each other for thousands of lifetimes..." Nim suddenly bit her lip and turned away, suddenly recoiling as she realized this sentiment was one that might have been safer kept to herself.

@Arythmetik

"Go to the water so very near,
the river will be your eyes and ears."

code by claerie ~ art by ashon

A R Y T H M E T I K

The turn of conversation seemed to ease his companion, and Aryth couldn’t help but smile widely at the fresh glint in her eyes. He was feeling a bit emotional himself. It was a strange thing to be confronted with a budding friendship that made him feel…vulnerable and comforted all at once. A woman like Nimue would have that effect he supposed. As pervasive and flowing as water, as fresh and determined as the spring itself. When the word “blasphemous” graced her sharp lips—softened by honesty and trust—he felt his heart ache once more in his chest. It was a word he’d used for his own treachery. Seeing her gratitude now made him realize that he was grateful too. “Acting as god is blasphemous,” the scholar murmured, his voice warm and encouraging. He leaned a little closer, grinning softly, then whispered conspiratorially, “And only the crown does that.”


And then the Lady of the Lake professed a tender admission. Arythmetik’s emerald eyes glittered as they widened briefly. Immediately his expression was one of affection, the kind of keen and knowing look that only a lifelong friend could offer. He didn’t touch others often (he preferred healthy boundaries), but with casual ease, he nudged his shoulder against Nimue’s. “If I believed in faerie stories, I’d say maybe we have. Now, you’ve teased me… You’re going to let me show you around the campus and enroll you, right? Shall we continue your tour?” Where only minutes ago, Aryth’s heart was shattered from the perceived betrayal of his leaders, he was already thrumming with hope. These powerful emotions were growing increasingly commonplace amidst civil war, attempted assassination, and turbulent relationships. When would they finally have a moment to rest and breathe…?


Well, Aryth had a feeling he wouldn’t any time soon. Not with Lady Nimue around. But that was fine by him.

code by claerie

@Nimue FIN? I left it at a place where we can either continue or end it there if you'd rather start a newer thread! <3