[ME] save forever for me

There was no appropriate ledger, tone, musings, or sagacity for when the dead returned – nor when the hauntings melded into prior circumstances of lacerations and age-old wounds. So though they looked to one another for guidance, both were just as equally lost. He took a long, steady breath as he studied her features, caught the fractures, and tried not to flinch at the ‘inevitability’. He could have argued that with motions of immortality and the way demigods found methods to return, time and time again; but it scarcely mattered, when the truth was blunt and right before them.

In their quiet huddle, he swallowed down the bile and reached across her cheeks, fingers gently removing the tears gathering by her eyes. “All right,” as an echo of their shared confusion and bewilderment, opting to build and fracture and try, rather than surround them in walls and fortifications. Gods, it was tempting though, to perhaps never know, to not saunter near, to leave it as it was, as it had been. Sojourns taken, journeys at ends, neither forgotten nor obliterated, and somehow consigned to another’s realm regardless. Grounding the lines for them, and tilting his head so Evie might be hidden from view while they contemplated the eventuality, his gaze steadied, forbearing as ever. “Do you want to?” To know? To understand?

deimos

Never let them drain the river of your soul

Growing up is a pain, and it is what it is
Okay, It's not the end of the world

I do laugh at the quip Ronin gives me, but I don’t bother them further. Remi had let me in on this when he brought me to the Hallowed Grounds, and I already expected their attention to be well-focused elsewhere.

Like their children, or the very woman that was embracing them now.  I smile and sink back into the crowd and find myself something to drink. I watch with what I hope doesn’t look like jealousy as people reunite with the ones they’ve lost. Flora and Mateo both seem to be with who I can only assume is the twin brother she’d told me about. My eyes keep moving, as if I’m intruding on something private.

I know who I want to see and I know he won’t be here. I try to focus on looking for someone that fits the description of my grandmother instead. I think I do see her, maybe, if she’s the one chatting with Sunjata —

Ohh shit.

That’s definitely Vervain , because that’s my mom right behind her. I blink once, twice. I sink further back and tip my drink back too. I slink through the crowd, and I resist the urge to rush up and hug her, just as my grandmother pulls her in. I bite my lip and stop—she needs this. Maybe more than I do. I’ll wait just a moment.

There's always light where it burns

Theea

daughters made claw first

Her brow arched at Ru’s response, snorting into her own before also knocking it back, draining it in one go and displaying the empty flute proudly. “That’s a new one.” Her foresight had never been much – strongly encouraged by bold, audacious impulses alone. Caught in the demigod's hug though, she smiled,  permitted to be mothered for a second. “But I know what it means to y’know. Mourn and shit,” she flailed her hand outward towards the individuals nearby, once thought to be ghosts and brought back every so often.

She just didn’t let it consume her. Because then where would she be?

Tracking Hotaru ’s line of sight, she caught the tethers of Amalia and those left behind in her own breadth. The Honeybee’s eyes narrowed, then looked away, tracking something else as the Valkyrie remarked and dug, clearly trying to fill up the space of her own feelings. “I have plenty of emotions. Most of them are just filled with rage,” at which she winked, satisfied and content with that most of the time. “Want me to find you some extra then?”

Melita

tiger roar and wolf bad

THE FLOOD

// take my heart and make it feel,
take my soul and make it real

With the promise made of seeing her soon, he cradles the glass and turns back toward Hotaru and Melita while they’re talking, downing the glass that Vai had given him in favor for snagging the flute that Mel had brought over. He’s pulled himself together enough to have not let the tears that had rimmed his eyes fall, but enough that they turn red.

Catching the tail end of their conversation, he flashes them a small lopsided smile. “Maybe I should just whisk them away with my magic.” He drawls playfully, sniffing a little before he shakes his head and takes a sip of the drink Mel had brought. “It’s… Really nice, though. I definitely wasn’t expecting this for the party.” Growth and admiration, perhaps, in Sunjata’s view of Remi as of late. Not that he’ll complain, given a chance to speak to those once more that have long since passed.

It meant the world.

'cause i was bright, yeah I was pale and blue,
starry eyed by every thought of you //

Seren

"I missed you too. Congratulations, father - and you too, Remi, of course. I'm so happy for you both." For tonight, the starchild was solid and very real as she slipped into her father's arms, warm like she'd only ever been a prayer away, ever so slightly out of reach. Laughing joyfully as Ronin lifted her clean off the ground, Seren let his apologies wash over her, acknowledging them and his need to let them out - though they were unnecessary, because he had no more hand in her passing than she, and she would never blame him for aiding those who needed him.
"Of course," she smiled, when other shades of his past emerged and her father's attention fractured. "Come find me when you can; I won't be far." Would never be far away, no matter what veils might separate them.

Smiling to herself, she stood for a moment and simply absorbed the vibrancy of the evening. Emotions ran high, potent like the salt in the wind; old pain and joy mingling as family and friends reunited in a celebration like none other.
Turning eventually to seek out her siblings, her search for Flora, Enzo and Mateo took her through the milling crowd. Raising a hand in greeting when Melita's gaze snagged hers, she made beelines past Sunjata and Hotaru, and ghosted around the gathering of Deimos, Evie and Amalia, where tension hovered palpable in the air, offering quiet nods and smiles but choosing not to interrupt.

Then her path was blocked by yet another familiar figure. Tall and unmistakable, Hadama's stunned expression turned her smile mischievous. "Hello Hadama," she greeted him, like they'd met only yesterday. "You look well."

I'm ready to start the conquest of spaces
Reaching the starlight and silver fields

KIADA

burn it into my collar, hollowed onto your wrist

Flashing a bright smile toward Evie, having not yet noticed Amalia’s arrival despite the fact everyone else has so far. She should be able to tell, really, when the vibes are off. But Kiada’s a little too swept up in the moment, hugging Evie back easily. “I think I can manage that.” She teases, pulling away with a wrinkle to her nose, looking over at Deimos with a bright smile. “It was great! Torchline’s so nice for us in Longheat.” And by us she doesn’t just mean Fox and her, but Ancients as a whole.

Of course, that’s when it’s suddenly broken up – but a multitude of reasons, but most notably the voice that gasps out - Deimos, Evie. and then her own. Looking over and spotting Amalia as she approaches, surprise and sorrow mix interchangeably in the Harpy’s chest. “Ama?” She surges through the hesitation between them, wrapping the Archangel in a tight hug. “I… Yeah, I am. It’s a long story.” She laughs, but it isn’t an awkward laugh. It’s a laugh of do you have time? as it is I’m sorry, I didn’t know you hadn’t made it.

heaven knows i don't follow, but i believe in this

There were other friends that he had intended to greet at the gathering, but Hadama no longer seemed to see them as he looked upon a young woman he had never thought to see again on this side of Mort's Halls. She was, as ever, fully herself: not the linen-wrapped body that had been buried on the promontory, but a young woman as bright and vivaciously alive as she was in his memories. It was only her smile that kept the mask of serenity in place, though there was a suspicious sheen of saltwater in his eyes as he bowed deeply, overcome by emotion in his own quiet way, and then offered his arm to her.

"I have missed you."

But he would not darken this day with grief. Instead he took the gift that Remi had given to them and the corners of his eyes crinkled as he drank in Seren 's unmarred appearance, a smile threatening to crack his calm facade. "It has been too quiet in Torchline without your laughter."

NOAH

"I'm okay." He half-lied to Liam, keeping the smile plastered on his face as Maea greeted in turn. Noah gave Maea a faint nod, mirroring her sentiments. It was good to see her, see them, and that wasn't a half truth. “Not yet,” he said, swirling his drink twice before taking another sip.

He glanced toward the long tables where plates were stacked high, the scent of roasted vegetables and warm pastries lingering in the air despite the heaviness of sea salt on the tongue. People gathered there in clusters, laughing, brushing shoulders. He had not a clue of any dramatics among the guests, even as his eyes scanned them, the food, and then bounced back to the ancient and accepted.

It should have been comforting. Instead, it pressed in on him. It was too warm, too full of everything he’d lost, and he felt sweat bead on his neck. Cordelia would have taken his hand, teased him into trying something new. He swirled his glass again. The ice was nearly melted.

“Do you want to come?” he asked after a beat, looking between Maea and Liam. His voice was low but steady, like it cost him something to admit. “Could use the company.” Because everyone else had their ghosts, or their hands laced in the warm embrace of their living partner--except him.

His smile cracked some as he waited for their answer, his weight shifting. He knew, as he stood with them, that he still had ties even if one of the strongest had been severed. He held his breath and turned as if he were going to walk towards the food tables, but waited for his friends.

And he saw her, standing like a small twinkling star beneath Hadama's shadow, and his breath hitched again. It was good to see Seren, but he couldn't help the lump that clung to his voicebox as he did so.

I'll follow you down through the eye of the storm

Don't worry I'll keep you warm

A machine where your heart once was
Slowly takes the place of you

Liam was more or less oblivious to what was happening, seeing as he didn't realize that the party was attended by the dearly departed of Caido. And how could he, when he knew so few in attendance, and even fewer of those who had died in seasons and years past? Still, even without that knowledge, Liam knew that seeing so many couples could be painful for someone who had lost their own lover. Gods knew he understood more than most.

So as Maea cast a questioning glance up at him, Liam smiled down at her in an unspoken answer. "Of course," he said, hazel eyes flicking back to Noah. "We'd be delighted." In truth, it would be nice to pass the time with someone else he knew - it helped him to not feel quite so out of place.

Only hold the memories now
Of a love I thought I knew

Liam

NOAH

Noah let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

It was simple, just a quiet exhale that loosened something tight in his chest. The simple kindness of Liam’s answer settled around him like a hand to his shoulder. They were certainty were small things, maybe, but they mattered more than he could say.

He murmered a thanks and nodded, and the word felt a little raw. Like it had more weight behind it than it should. Like it was doing the work of grief and gratitude both.

He started toward the food tables then, slow and measured. The scent of spices and honey, fresh herbs and something roasted drifted stronger now, curling through the salt heavy air. His stomach still wasn’t sure, but he’d make a plate anyway. For appearances. For something to do with his hands.

His eyes flicked again to Seren. Then swept over those gathered as they moved and talked and danced and hugged and kissed.


He didn’t know if this was mercy or cruelty.

Maybe both.

I'll follow you down through the eye of the storm

Don't worry I'll keep you warm

I shouldn't laugh, but I know I'm a failure in your eyes

No sooner has Ronin been able to catch a breath with his husband and daughter when there are yet more people to greet - and though it's been a long time since he'd been anything like cordial with Hotaru, he offers her a warm nod and raises his imaginary glass in turn, since he's not yet been able to grab something for himself. (For the best, to be honest, because as he's about to find out tonight, he's quite capable of getting very merry again).

But then their names hit the air from a familiar voice, and gods, it's with mingled joy and grief that the Knight looks around for Amalia, a breathless laugh on his lips as she swoops in with hugs and kisses for the three of them. Aoife's cackling giggles echo distantly in his ears as he looks the Archangel over, the words I'm so sorry, I didn't know tight in his throat but refusing to escape ad ruin the moment. "I'll find you later," he tells her warmly instead, his voice a little rough, and when she's off again to see others she'd missed, he exchanges a sad smile with his husband.

Casting his gaze across the crowd enough to catch Noah and to offer him a nod in greeting, it's as Hadama approaches with a tray of cupcakes and a wink that Ronin all but sighs in relief. "It's good to see you," he tells the Tidebreaker. "Thank you." Pleased to have something to do with his hands if it isn't drinking himself silly, he instead samples one of the cupcakes (sharing it with Aoife, naturally) and offers a bite to Remi as he watches the gentle chaos of the party start up in full swing.

"There are so many people to see," he says softly, "but you know, I could just as easily stand here and enjoy this for hours, too."

RONIN

REMI

Remi watches the swirl of the party around them with that quiet, almost awestruck stillness that creeps into his expression whenever love takes him by surprise—though it’s hardly a surprise at all. The laughter of their daughter still rings in his ears, sticky as honey, and his hand stays twined in Ronin ’s even as his eyes track from face to face, each one more precious than the last.

When Ronin speaks, Remi hums softly in agreement, turning to glance up at him with a faint smile. "It’s almost enough, isn’t it?" he says, voice warm and low. "Just...watching. Letting it all be." His free hand lifts, brushing gently over the back of Ronin’s where it’s held his own, before his attention flickers out again—toward the firelight, the flickering torches, and the people gathered in their glow.

Hotaru ’s voice reaches them, and Remi catches the moment of her seeing Rexanna, sees the way her face changes even from across the beach. He holds her gaze for just a heartbeat, offering her a soft, understanding nod—an invitation, if she wants it. His smile for her is gentle and grounding, no pressure, just presence.

When Amalia throws herself into their arms with her characteristic joy and warmth, Remi’s laugh escapes bright and delighted. He catches her easily, wrapping an arm around her narrow shoulders and grinning through the kiss she plants on his cheek, then Aoife’s curls. "You’ve timed your entrance well, as always," he murmurs, squeezing her briefly before letting her move on, catching the familiar ache in her face as she sees the rest of their guests.

Hadama ’s appearance draws another quiet burst of affection from Remi. "You brought cupcakes," he notes fondly, accepting a bite from Ronin’s and then another to offer to Aoife, who squeals and tries to snatch the rest. "Thank you. Truly."

Then his gaze flicks skyward for a moment, to the place where Mort’s lantern still glows—steadily, but not forever. The pulse of it has begun to dim, softening around the edges like a candle nearing the end of its wick.

Clearing his throat, Remi steps forward slightly, keeping his voice strong without raising it too sharply. "The lantern won’t stay lit much longer," he calls gently. "So make the most of it, all of you. Say what you need to say. Hold who you need to hold." His throat tightens just briefly, his smile tugging crooked. "I'm not sure when we'll all be together like this again, but I’m glad we get to share it with all of you."

---

Get your breakoff threads made! As soon as the lantern goes out the ghosts will have to go back, so IC-wise assume you have ~an hour left.

Table by sky!

you don't know that you're living 'til you're carrying scars

Time skips like a stone across tideglass waves, and though Flora knows every second with Enzo is one grain closer to goodbye, she refuses to let it dampen the effervescence fizzing through her limbs. The warmth of his fingers laced in hers, the glow of lanterns brushing the sea with golden kisses, the pulse of music threading through sand and laughter—it’s all perfect. For once, wholly, stupidly, perfect.

Which is why, with the determination of someone chasing joy like it’s a moving target, Flora drags Enzo across the sand, the hem of her flower-spun gown catching light as she goes. "Come on," she stage-whispers over her shoulder, practically bouncing as she tows him toward the tents. "You’ve gotta say hi before you disappear again, or she’ll pretend she’s not mad but then send one of her weirdly specific storms after you next year."

Their mother is radiant, of course—she always is, the very picture of poise and grace no matter who she’s talking to or how many eyes are on her—but that doesn’t stop Flora in the slightest. Without hesitation, she releases Enzo only long enough to slip her arm around Hotaru ’s slender waist, squeezing her tight enough that her floral corset creaks softly in protest.

"Moooooom," Flora breathes with a sigh as dreamy as the tide at sunset, nestling in like a spoiled cat. Her cheek rests against Hotaru’s shoulder as she lets her weight settle lazily into the embrace, utterly unbothered by whoever may be caught mid-conversation. "This is literally the best night ever." Her voice dips into a soft, adoring whisper, like it’s a secret meant only for her mother’s ears. And in that moment, nothing aches. Not the past, not the losses, not even tomorrow. Just her twin’s hand still in hers, and her mother’s warmth, and a sliver of peace carved like a seashell tucked safe beneath the tide.

you're either falling in love or you're falling apart

Code 100% taken from the queeeeeeen herself, Sky <3

Growing up is a pain, and it is what it is
Okay, It's not the end of the world

With no eyes on me, but mine on everyone else, everything feels more familiar than it should. Slipping beneath notice, skimming under recognition—it’s how I’ve always moved through the world. Like stepping into a second skin, one I know better than my own.

Especially when I don’t want to be seen. I’m too mopey. Happy, but still mopey. I miss my dad. I ache for a night like this with him—just one—but I know better than to wish too hard. This night is for my uncles, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. They deserve it—surrounded by all the people who love them.

My gaze finds my mom and grandmother, and something in my chest softens.

At least my plus one made it.

I drift closer while they talk, watching the smile play on my mother’s face, studying the flickers of expression on Vai’s. The three of us share more features than I realized. Then my eyes sweep back over the crowd, scanning the celebration. So many faces. So much family. More than I ever dreamed of having. I catch sight of Flora again with both her brothers, one of them so obviously Enzo , and spot someone I can only guess is Seren.

I make a quiet promise to myself: I’ll greet each of them before the night’s over—introduce myself properly. Who knows if I’ll ever get another chance to meet all my cousins?

I start with the smallest.

Weaving through the crowd, I find Remi holding Aoife. A grin pulls at my lips as I wave at the excitable toddler. Then I glance between Remi and Ronin, lifting a hand in greeting.

“Hope I’m not interrupting. Is this my first little cousin?”

There's always light where it burns

Theea