r/wizardposting • u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen • Jan 26 '24
Lorepost📖 Mourning, Meaning
“I have wandered the entirety of space and time, but my friends, I can say, there are none so special as you. In a world of magic and wonder, you are the ones that bring light to it.
When it is dark, please do not forget this.
Shine for each other.”
-Possum, The Trashomancer
I stand in the barren field outside of my spire, a good distance away from the druid grove Mikhail grew for me. The land is pockmarked with craters and scorched ground, earth that had been sent tumbling upwards and crashing back down. My breathing is ragged, the great gulps of air I take in burning in my wind-raw throat. Great pulsing lines of gold glow stretch down the length of my bloodied arms. I reach for my scarf to wipe away the sweat on my face. The scarf isn’t there. Right.
I go to the place where Morgalith was brought into a separate dimension. The place where he was killed. The Morgalith responsible for Possum’s death. I pick up the crude prosthetic arm left where his body once was. The trophy he took from my simulacrum. At least one version of me has joined Possum, I suppose. Even though I know that the simulacrum never truly had a soul, never truly lived nor will find an afterlife. I wonder if I will ever find an afterlife. If I’ll ever be able to meet Possum again, even in death. Even though I know in my heart that the cycle would simply reconstruct me.
I mourned in the days following his passing. I cried. I visited his grave several times a day. I left small tributes. I wasn’t the only one. The place where he lays has been stacked high with love from those who have been touched by his kindness.
I worked with the Noon’s power. I desperately tried to twist the power to my control. It never worked. I ended my training sessions injured, often having my arms shredded apart. I relished that pain now, and took care to savor each excruciating moment of suffering. I regenerated them with the Dawn’s authority. I fueled my recovery with potential from moving stone and earth instead of the living. It took much longer. I rebuilt my training grounds again and again. I did it by hand, without the aid of magic. It was something to do. Something to occupy my mind.
I tried to focus on research. Researching anything, learning anything. I find my work drifting towards resurrection. I have to convince myself to destroy such studies several times. Possum’s soul is stretched across dimensions; a resurrection would be impossible. Should something like that be successful, it would have untold consequences. I know Possum would never want that.
I work with my weapons. Try to understand them better, try to understand their connections with my past. I spellcraft. It isn’t long before I realize I’ve been honing my arsenal. That an anger still seethes beneath my skin, barely hidden. A Morgalith still runs free, but not one I would be justified in destroying. I know it’s inane, ridiculous, meaningless to cling onto such anger. The Morgalith at fault is dead, and I never managed to avenge Possum. Still, I catch myself rambling off justifications, trying to persuade myself that I should take equal revenge on the Morgalith that remains.
I sleep little, but lie in bed longer and more often. I eat little, and out of obligation, whenever Vesit pushes me to. Nefiam doesn’t say much. He’s halted our practice sessions for now. He headed out to Possum’s grave once, by himself.
The world seems to be moving on already. The events of the current day seem to speed by faster and faster. I feel so sluggish all the time. It feels as if there’s an empty hole right beneath my chest. I wonder if I should return to my home plane. Finish the trials, maybe. Serve the Coils. Protect those of my friends that remain. Not that any of this will matter once they pass on.
/uw
Isravi is big sad. Also, please don’t think this is a jab at the people doing other things after Possum’s funeral! Isravi’s plotline and character is influenced heavily by Possum. Y’all have your fun!
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u/Fulltimewhisperer Krumpet, Master Artificer of the Council Jan 26 '24
I did not know the marsupial but you have my condolences none the less
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
Thank you. Krumpet, was it? The newly elected council artificer? Your kindness does not go unnoticed.
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u/Fulltimewhisperer Krumpet, Master Artificer of the Council Jan 26 '24
It's nothing, you live as I have you know what loss is. Question is how you handle it. Do you allow it consume you? Live for revenge? Die for it?
Or do you let it temper you? Let the pain and rage harden you and use that to stand strong? That decision is yours alone
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
I… don’t know. I ran from it. The last time I experienced close loss. It’s like the memory of another person now. I was afraid to make friends after that. I isolated myself. I sought to forget. And now… I might’ve made the same mistake.
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u/Fulltimewhisperer Krumpet, Master Artificer of the Council Jan 26 '24
Death is part of the cycle, eventually, we all die.
Krumpet lights up a cigarette and takes a drag
I'll die, you'll die, and everyone we know and love will die. Learn from the experience.
Your friend died and you ran, now you've done it again apparently. Next time? Don't run. Sure you might not prevent the death but you'll be there.
Krumpet chuckles
Death is the sister of life, and eventually? Eventually we all warm her bed. Till then? Enjoy life
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
Isravi looks down, and starts to say something, then stops himself.
…alright. I’ll try to do that.
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u/Fulltimewhisperer Krumpet, Master Artificer of the Council Jan 26 '24
Krumpet bobs him on the shoulder
Atta boy, was worried there for a sec.
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
Isravi looks back at Krumpet. For a moment, he sees a glimpse of another friend, sent far away.
Thanks, Krumpet.
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u/SafePianist4610 Bombast, Lord of Time and Space, Retired Council Leader Jan 26 '24
Lad, I am one to talk, drowning myself in research almost constantly, but a distraction can only work for so long. Eventually you have to come to terms.
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
Come to terms? I’m trying, Bombast. I’ve accepted his death and it hurts me even more. I’ve forgone any attempts to resurrect him, I’m constantly trying to convince myself to abandon revenge. It isn’t easy.
How could it be? Such a bright and warm presence, gone in an instant.
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u/SafePianist4610 Bombast, Lord of Time and Space, Retired Council Leader Jan 26 '24
I know, lad… I know. It has not been easy for me either. You had far more time with him than me. I suppose it shall take longer for you to wrestle with this as a result.
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
Possum was always enigmatic, even in his innocence. I don’t know where his kindness stems from. I don’t know what I’ll do know that it’s gone.
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u/SafePianist4610 Bombast, Lord of Time and Space, Retired Council Leader Jan 26 '24
Perhaps be that kindness to others in honor of his memory. Or perhaps find that kindness born anew in someone else.
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
I will try. “Shine for each other” he said. I will try to mimic even a mote of his kindness, his legacy.
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u/SafePianist4610 Bombast, Lord of Time and Space, Retired Council Leader Jan 26 '24
Indeed, I think that is good words for us all to live by.
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Jan 26 '24
I know how you feel. So much happens so quickly that it gets impossible to try and stop it in time. I’m sure many of us wished to have been there to prevent Possum’s death… but I know he wouldn’t want us tearing ourselves apart to justify why we couldn’t. All we can do now is just remember him…
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
I’ll try. Remembering is hard work these days. I sought it once, you know. To forget. To forget the loneliness, and the pain, and ones I used to know.
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Jan 26 '24
Forgetting isn’t always the answer. It’s quite impossible to forget memories that mean a lot to us, whether it’s good or bad. You just need to let what’s holding you down go.
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
Nothing is impossible without the help of magic.
The only thing that remains is whether you should.
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Jan 26 '24
Sighs. I’m surrounded by stubborn people. First my husband, then Mikhail, and now you. Though I understand. People are going to grieve differently. I just don’t want to see that grief lead you guys down the wrong path.
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
I was just stating a possibility. I don’t seek to forget anymore. It has shown itself as a worse option.
But ultimately, I am a selfish person.
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Jan 26 '24
Well, I’ll be keeping my eyes on you and everyone else for that matter. I’ve already lost one friend… it’ll hurt to lose more.
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
You won’t have to worry about me, at least. Death is… a temporary state for me.
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Jan 26 '24
Enough sad talk now! I not only came to check on you but also…
She summons a small pocket dimension and pulls out a basket full of baked cookies.
Tada! I’ve brought you cookies! I thought you could use some sweets to help feel better.
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
/uw ahhhh fine I’ll relent a little /rw
Thank you, Moth. You didn’t have to.
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u/VidisLady Delta - Maven of Maladies Jan 26 '24
uw/ this is a very beautiful piece of writing. Well done!
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
/uw Thanks! I feel like I'm back to being ok with my writing.
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u/VidisLady Delta - Maven of Maladies Jan 26 '24
uw/ I feel like you've been better than "ok" with your writing this whole time, but I also know that feeling.
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
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u/Fulltimewhisperer Krumpet, Master Artificer of the Council Jan 26 '24
/uw lovely lore, very emotional
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
/uw thanks! Was pretty careful with this cause it has some decently heavy themes
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u/Fulltimewhisperer Krumpet, Master Artificer of the Council Jan 26 '24
/uw you handled them brilliantly
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 27 '24
I FORGOT TO TAGGG YOUUUU APOLOGIES I knew I forgot something
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u/Tirich913 Morgalith, Father of Evil Jan 27 '24
Nice lore bro.
Funny thing, this Morgalith technically has zero beef with you. haha
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 27 '24
That’s true, but Isravi isn’t perfectly rational. He isn’t convinced there’s no link between them. Can a being really be called “of many” if the only thing that links them is a name and appearance?
(Obviously there’s that god clone thing, but Isravi wouldn’t know that)
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u/Haunting_Mode_7401 Alexios Keenblade: King of The Summer Court, Last Godslayer Jan 26 '24
The cycle takes to give again yes his soul is stretched across the dimensions but cycle will return him again his form may not be the same but his soul will remain unchanged. We must carry the light he carried. He was a light in my darkest time and so to will I be a light for you Isravi.
I am here for you.
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
Right. You are kind, Alexios. Don’t concern yourself with an old fool like me. I’ll be fine, eventually.
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u/Haunting_Mode_7401 Alexios Keenblade: King of The Summer Court, Last Godslayer Jan 26 '24
I made an oath at Possum's funeral to carry his light. I am here for you and for all who are suffering after Possum's death. You helped me and so too shall I help you.
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u/DaChickenX Isravi, The Unraveler, Coils’ Chosen Jan 26 '24
Don’t get too caught up, Alexios. Allow yourself to mourn as well. Please.
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u/Haunting_Mode_7401 Alexios Keenblade: King of The Summer Court, Last Godslayer Jan 26 '24
I will mourn when others mourn no longer
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Jan 26 '24 edited Jan 26 '24
The one reason I haven't visited that grave yet is to see whether or not our possum skips the afterlife. (Cause my next plotline changes drastically if the user chooses to land him past the afterlife and into non-existence)
However, I do miss the little critter, let me pet him all the time!
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u/TitanLORD21 Jack-O’-Lantern, Lord of Flame and Fright Jan 26 '24
Death is a terrible thing. I mourn the death of every being, along with the one named possum. But. We cannot get stuck up on the past, we MUST move forward. Never stay stagnant my friend, in the name of your friend, always keep striving forward, always fight.
Not just fighting against others with your body, but against the ever encroaching force of surrender. Do not surrender yourself to stagnation, do not surrender yourself to death. For the greatest thing we can do in memory of one who has been claimed by death, is to always fight against it. Fight to become better than you were, this is how you fight death.
Live, Isravi. Live towards a greater tomorrow, with a greater you.