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Ailward GuardPermalink Reply by ✓ Dominic Howlett ~Mod~ on October 18, 2023 at 4:01

Dominic looked at the Aspect as if he had three heads. "It's never too early for diner food, what's wrong with you?" He put the key into the ignition and started the engine, the noise loudly breaking the silence of the surrounding woods. "I'm ordering delivery when we get to the manor then. You can thank me later. As godly as you were made to be, I haven't forgotten the many hangovers we've shared. Also haven't forgotten how cranky you can get either." His smirk towards the other hinted at the many nights they had enjoyed as close friends, even though it also felt like it was so long ago since they had been able to find that comradery again. He wondered sometimes if he could find that person within himself again. If only for a lifeline to help Erythreus.

Driving out onto the main road, he headed even further from the city and civilization once hitting the open highway. The journey had been quiet between the two, the radio playing lowly in the background to cut through the otherwise silence. Dom knew they were both deep within their own thoughts and overthinking. If he couldn't figure his own shit out, at least he could maybe help Ery in some way straighten out his. Being his personal guard was an honor and a lot of that responsibility went beyond just making sure the Aspect wasn't physically hurt or worse. 

Turning off, Dominic headed down the path that led to the once popular lodging meant for tourists. It had made a perfect place for the Aurazin to stay when they'd first fallen. He'd been here attempting to help some of them move in as well as clear out the rundown place, though it was mostly restored through the use of Malva's magic to become inhabitable again for a permanent residency. He hadn't been back since then, but could see the new tenants had begun making it their own from the gardens planted and furniture on the large wrap around porch.

He noted Lucien sitting on a bench with a mug and a book in hand, his face turning to curiosity at their arrival. Dom had no doubt he was wondering what they were doing there. The therian angled his head slightly towards Ery. "Think you can play nice?" Lucien's face turned to recognition when his eyes landed on Dominic and then the Aspect, though the unexpected visit likely brought about some concern. 

Dom stepped out and shook the awaiting hand of Lucien who smiled. "Hey, Luke. Sorry to drop in like this. Could maybe use some insight if you don't mind."

"I thought I recognized that truck. Of course. You're always welcome here." The Aurazin then turned to shake Ery's hand. "It's good to see you again, Erythreus. Please," he opened his arm towards the lodge then in welcome. "Come inside. There's coffee and some breakfast pastries."

"Speaking my language, Luke." Dominic cut his eye over to Ery in a silent warning to be amicable before leading the way towards the lodge and hopefully some much needed guidance.

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Erythreus Aliward on October 26, 2023 at 13:34

The aspect of death had never been the most cheerful person. Just like everyone else he had his fair share of despair. Maybe even more than most. However he’d always had people to fall back on, his friend and loyal guard Dominic being one of them. He’d always gotten back on the horse after a failed relationship. Guiding the souls and ruling the death realm had never easy but he had enjoyed it. It had felt meaningful to help the spirits pass over. He had been close with his aspect family and more often than not hung out with Dom, getting in to all kinds of trouble.

The blonde didn´t know when all that had changed. When the isolation had started and the hole had gotten too deep to get out of. Everything had just escalated. An entire species hated him, he couldn’t control his powers, the girl he had seen forever with had left him. There was nothing left but the self blame and the angry ghosts. The booze was his only ally the only thing that helped slightly. To everyone else it was just another proof that he’d lost it and was useless.

The road flew by as they made their way to aurazin territory. They exited the car and Erythreus eyes darted around. He hadn’t visited or spoken to Lucien in a long time”Ehm excuse me haven’t anyone told you to always be yourself?” Ery mumbled back rolling his eyes at Doms implies that he couldn’t behave. ”Thank you. Much appreciated. Not everyone is as welcoming to us aspects these days” Erythreus chuckled giving Lucien’s hand a firm shake, ignoring Doms warning glances. ”Ah yes pastries, way make the world better don’t you feel all of our troubles fading already Dom?” The sardonic male said following the other men. He wasn’t much for social codes and warm welcomes over a hot beverage. He was more of a straight forward kind of guy.

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Ailward GuardPermalink Reply by ✓ Dominic Howlett ~Mod~ on November 8, 2023 at 16:36

Dom glared and rolled his eyes at the aspect's sarcasm, unseen by Lucien since he was standing behind him. The aurazin looked between the two for a fleeting moment as it was obvious he was missing whatever unsaid thing was happening between his new guests. Dominic gave a tight grin towards Lucien who nodded towards the lodge again to usher them in. Hiding emotions from an aurazin was fairly pointless. Dom wondered what Luke might've been picking up from them. Anger? Frustration? Loss? Likely all of the above. Still, he wasn't here for a therapy session. At least for now, he wanted the focus to be on Erythreus and what could be done to help.

"Please, come in." Lucien held the large wooden doors open for them to step through into the receiving area. What was once a lobby for a popular resort, now felt more like a home. The crumbling desk he remembered being there and breaking apart to remove which had been for reception was gone. In its place was a pile of shoes from different occupants and coats on hooks, a bench, large planted fern, and mirror. He hadn't been here since this place was being renovated for them by Malva and some of the diviner guards with the use of magic to give the aurazin a place to live after their fall. 

"So, how've you been, Dominic?" The question by Lucien made him whirl around from his inspection to find the aurazin standing very near. His blue eyes were calculating and far too penetrating, making the guard antsy.

Dom's brow lifted slightly before speaking with hesitancy. "Fiiine." However, he knew the pointed question was loaded with more than just friendly etiquette. The last time he and Lucien had seen one another, there was a lot more violence and chaos and emotions. Emotions Lucien decided he needed to pry about at the time to which Dominic pointedly told him to back off. Possibly with harsher words. His tongue rolled out between his lips and he motioned over his shoulder with a thumb. "Kitchen that way?" He was not about to be the subject of this visit. Retreating, he let his nose lead the way, his booted steps heavy on the wood floors.

The kitchen was huge. He supposed it made sense given this was a resort at some point. A few of the aurazin living there were milling about the large table, drinking coffees and eating their pastries. Dominic scanned the faces, but none were any that he knew. Not that he really knew many of them anyway. Luke and the one in the woods, Astraea, were about it.  

"Would you all excuse us please?" Lucien's voice came from behind him and he watched as the others left, curiosity clearly on their faces. "Help yourselves to whatever you want. Or what's left now, anyway."

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Erythreus Aliward on November 28, 2023 at 18:13

Being calm, collected and show a respectable facade was something Erythreus had given up on a very long time ago. He had always been an emotional roller coaster with his heart on his sleeve. His feelings were always in turmoil and on display for the rest of the world to see.  Aurazins could sense feelings but not the intentions and reasons behind them. With Ery you rarely needed an interpreter to reveal his true emotions. However he’d never been good at reading other peoples feelings. Sometimes he wondered how much easier the world would be if he knew what people actually felt.

He gave Dom another death glare trying to convey that. He wasn’t very happy to be dragged into Aurazin territory and be dissected by their leader. Even tho it was for his and all dead ghosts best. ” Thank you” Ery said trying to sound and feel genuinely grateful. He followed Lucien through the aurazins residence. He hadn’t been there before. Too caught up  in his  own misery and self pity to come along to the various representations and meetings that he otherwise was expected to attend. He knew his sister Malva had spent endless hours to help the aurazin build a home.

The broody male had expected a more formal meeting with the aurazins leader and not around all the other faction members standing around. He saw that Dom wasn’t too comfortable either. His guard was way more private than the aspect of death himself so being in a room full of people who registered your every emotion must be a nightmare. Ery could feel a tension between the two men and frowned. What had he missed?

”Hey” Erythreus greeted the rest of the breakfast eating members of the faction awkwardly. Smells of coffee and buttery desserts filled the room. The aspect was usually not a morning person not a breakfast person either for that matter but he didn’t want to offend Lucien more than necessary and a croissant was always tasty. ”So what miracle do you think can be done to me” Ery asked sarcastically taking a bite from his pastry. 

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Ailward GuardPermalink Reply by ✓ Dominic Howlett ~Mod~ on December 15, 2023 at 18:04

Dominic had already moved towards the stacked pastries before being formally invited. He snatched up a pastry with some type of jam pooled in the middle and shoved it in his mouth as more of a way to free his hands up, walking over to the still hot pot of coffee. Pulling open the wood cabinets above him, he found some mugs on the second try and poured he and Ery some of the coffee, biting down into the unknown flaky baked good and deciding he liked whatever it was and happily destroyed it within a few bites. The therian then dropped the first mug in front of Erythreus with a bit of force as it echoed through the quiet before turning back to gather what they would need for the drinks.

Lucien's calculating eyes moved between them before a cautious smirk pulled at his lips once the cup was thrusted at the aspect. Clearly something was up with them. "Miracles I can't perform. At least not yet," he joked, looking to Erythreus. He could see how very worn down the aspect was. Shadows, and not just of the ghosts he knew were always lingering around him, were under his eyes. Dominic sat across from Erythreus, having brought over the cream, sugar, and pastries with another hanging from his mouth. The guard's eyes seemed to be angrily pleading with the aspect. Their emotions were tangible, Luke could see their auras pulsing and he had to put up his own shield as not to let them affect him. 

Dom began pouring an obscene amount of cream and sugar into his coffee before drowning the new pastry into the liquid. "Miracles we don't need. Information and educated guesses will work just fine." He put the soggy baked good into his mouth and practically groaned at how good it was. "As you know," he began between bites and a full mouth, "after The Fall and you all showing up," he motioned towards Luke at the head of the table adjacent to them, "things in Evermore have been... off. Especially when it comes to the aspects." His gaze turned towards their host. "I know you all are learning new tricks of your trade too with being on Earth more permanently." His large hand gripped the mug and lifted it. "I'm sure you know the aspects' abilities seem limited or halted." His eyes stayed pointedly on Ery.

"Yes," Lucien replied with a simple nod. "I've heard as much. I've been meeting with Venetus and Aureus as you know throughout the weeks. Reading up on what I can from older texts for any clue as to what's caused our expulsion." The aurazin glanced over to Erythreus as he spoke to him, still using quite the effort to shield from his emotions. "Why don't you tell me in your own words what's going on? Your brother, Aureus, has spoken to me a bit about his own troubles with his."

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Erythreus Aliward on February 11, 2024 at 20:43

When Dominic served him a cup of coffee with a little more force than necessary Ery just shook his head not knowing what had upset the guard this time. Not that he was very relaxed himself with Lucians sly prying eyes on him. Away from his usual scene, his room in the maner or a bar in town. At least it had been for the last year before that he had liked exploring new places and people and had traveled the world to help the lost souls. How times had changed. He wondered what his previous love interests would think if they saw him now. What did they do now? He took a sip of the smoking hot coffee as his mind to a certain blonde and his heart ached.

”Too bad, I guess we are doomed then” The negative aspect joked rolling his eyes at the expected answer still he had had a slight hope that whatever had fucked up his magic wasn’t him that there was a quick fix. That him and Doms relation would go back to normal as if the hadn’t drifted appart and that this was the first time in months that the two had actually talk. Or they hadn’t really talked yet. ”Well no need to disturb you anymore then Luc” Ery stated and started raise from the chair. ”Let’s go then Dom” Ery urged Dominic. As Lucian studied them.

”Education you think education will solve this?” Erythreus said laughing with disbelief at the therians suggestion. Had he really lost it? Wouldn’t be the first time if so was the case. However that was what heartbreak did with you so he couldn’t blame his friend. He had been there himself many times. The aspect gave Dom a furious glare as he continued talking to Dom.

”Fine, but only if Dominic is telling you about his troubles too we are not here only for my deficients as an aspect” Erythreus bargained turning back the attention to the terraian. Something he knew wouldn’t be appreciated. Even tho Siobhan meant the world to Dom and he would do anything for her whatever their current marital status was, he didn’t like asking for help. Showing himself vulnerable as he asked Erythreus to just now showing Lucian just how much he had failed as an aspect. 

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Ailward GuardPermalink Reply by ✓ Dominic Howlett ~Mod~ on March 3, 2024 at 1:02

Dominic nearly spit his coffee out when Ery tried to put the spotlight on him instead. His jaw locked and he shook his head, swallowing the hot drink and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He placed the mug down on the wooden table top and took a few steadying breaths before speaking so he wouldn't yell. Or maybe flip the table. Probably both at this point. 

"This isn't about me," he started, the tone of his voice not hiding his annoyance so easily as he ground the words out between clenched teeth. "Lucien isn't a fucking therapist, Ery. He's connected like all the aurazin are to the fall. Like you and your siblings are. Whatever magic happened that caused all this shit," he waved his hands around to encompass the serious problem plaguing Evermore, "it's all linked." Dominic nodded towards Lucien who remained completely still as a statue, obviously not wanting to step in the line of fire. "He deals in death. He's adjacent to you. Lucien has been studying and researching his ass off since he landed here with the rest of them. You know this. If there's anyone that can maybe help you, it's this nerd." Dom turned towards the aurazin and put a placating hand up. "No offense."

The sentry cleared his throat and smiled tight lipped in response. "None taken."

Dominic swung his gaze back to the aspect of death. "Can you please, please, just talk to him?" He paused a moment as something else his charge said came back to the forefront of his mind then. "Wait, deficients? What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Dominic's eyes squinted across the space to the other like he was trying to study the real meaning Ery would be saying that. "I've been traveling across the country on missions, namely ones that have to do with the fall and another for your sister, who might I add, needed me to be her goddamn gardener in order to find a plant that only grew in Washington. What the hell are my deficiencies, hmm? I bust my balls for the Ailwards. It ruined my fucking relationship! The one good thing I had going in my life!" So much for not yelling. 

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Erythreus Aliward on April 30, 2024 at 12:08

Erythreus request had succeeded to throw the terrain off guard something that was quite hard to do. The guard was prepared for most unplanned things and didn’t let anything distract him for long. However this must hit a nerv as Dom got more and more upset. The aspect could hear that Dom was seconds from screaming but seemed to take a few deep breaths instead. ”Well maybe that would be exactly what we needed instead of this” Ery bit back. He hated these get togethers were you never got to the bottom of things only speculated and then gossiped afterwords. Patting your friends backs for keeping up the facade another year.

”You sound like a maniac” Ery said ”Its all linked” he mimicked in a mocking tone rolling his eyes and rose from the chair. ”I am not a freaking alien who needs to be scrutinized” Erythreus  shouted and felt ambushed  ”You should’ve just left me in that ally and continued on with your life” Ery sighed before turning to leave the table.

The self-critical male was bitter and drunk most of the time. He was equally unpleasant whenever you approached him. Unlike Dom who usually was cheerful and nice to be around. So when Erythreus got mad it wasn’t much different from his normal self and didn’t cause many raised brows, but when Dom got mad it was shocking. A one time in a decade kind of thing. Maybe it was that that finally got to Ery, to see his friend finally expressing his worries. Showing that he also had problems. ”Perhaps we both should get better att expressing this things”the aspect proposed in a gentle tone. He had almost forgot his audience. They had spoken so loud that the rest of aurazins could hear and not Luc who had to witness it all.

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Ailward GuardPermalink Reply by ✓ Dominic Howlett ~Mod~ on August 9, 2024 at 17:04

Dominic's normally hazel eyes started to shift as the aspect continued his best to avoid every chance at getting any type of help. The lycan had an explosive temper when pushed enough. Sure, he could blame that on his species and their anger issues which was very true, but the events of his life had certainly helped in nurturing that temper. Years being on the Ailwards had given him an out on how to properly channel all that emotion and eventually, he wasn't such a terrible person to be around. He'd made acquaintances, friends even. Then, he was trusted enough to be a personal guard to Erythreus.

It seemed like the perfect match. Two broody assholes that could sit in complete silence with a couple of beers and be content. Dom understood Ery. He didn't need to vomit his feelings all over the place for the aspect to find companionship and Dominic didn't expect that of him either. They could both bury their problems deep down and drown it out with alcohol, a bar, or a motorcycle ride together. If words were needed, then they would listen to each other without judgement and give the best advice they could. Erythreus was one of the first people he trusted in Evermore and he still considered him one of his best friends.

So why was he being so goddamn difficult now?

Dom's fists clenched on the table, his hands shaking. The hues of his eyes continued to lighten while his therian side crashed against his will to not shift. "The fuck is your problem?!" He was standing now too, opposite the aspect. "I'm trying to help you! Yeah, it's my job, but it's cause I care about you too, you self-absorbed prick! The world needs you to pull your shit together and give a damn. I need you to give a damn. Why are you continuing to push me away after giving me shit about being gone for so long? I said I'm sorry. I was on missions and dealing with..." He slammed the top of his fist down on the table, his jaw clenching as the topic he definitely didn't want to start talking about again was rising to the surface. "It doesn't matter. What's important is trying to figure out why you and your siblings are being stunted. " Dominic's chin tilted in Lucien's direction where he still sat trying to be as invisible as possible. "Let him fucking help you. I don't know what is scaring you so badly that you won't try. You're a lot of things Erythreus, but a coward is not one."

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Erythreus Aliward on August 15, 2024 at 8:47

Erythreus could barely remember a time before Dom had became his personal guard. Almost all aliwards had at least one specially assigned to them, and his had been Dominic for a long while. Eryhtreus hadn’t always been as hard to be around as he was now. Before the celestials had fallen and the isle of Sky had become their prison he had actually been pleasant to be around. Funny even. He had enjoyed his duties and exploring the world. His heart hadn’t been shattered time after time by different blondes. Still it had taken a while for him to find his person. He wasn’t the light kind personality that embraced everyone with love and made everyone comfortable as his sister Argent and he wasn’t positive as Virindeus. Even in his happier eras he was sarcastic and not very chatty. He didn’t need to fill out all the silence and he needed his personal space and secrets.

When Dominic had joined the guard it had come naturally for him to be offered the position as the ruler of deaths protector and right hand. The two had always gotten along well and Erythreus had over the years started to seen him as one of his only true friends. Dom didn’t need to know everything shady he was up to he came to the rescue if needed, and cleaned up his messes when needed. Their partnership had run smoothly for decades until they both pursued the same woman. The same woman Dom still had a complicated relationship with. More and more secrets and mission had decided them and now they hadn’t spoken for months a long time for people who had spent most days together. The aspect of death knew that the split was mostly on him. He couldn’t imagine devoting his life to protecting and supporting another person full heartedly as the guards swore. His world had ben egocentric for so long it was hard to shift focus. He tried to see it from the guards point of view with different interests and promises pulling him in different directions, but still a childish part of him felt neglected.

”Didn’t know it was part of your duties to endure couples therapy” Erythreus said sourly staring back at his guard. ”I am sorry the pay aint good but I guess seeing the aliwards being a total mess and coming to your faction for guidance is reward enough” he joked glancing back at Lucien for a moment before turning the heat back to Dominic. ”Oh I am so sorry I am such a disappointment as an aspect” the aspect blurted voicing his inner thoughts something they both should’ve been better at to avoid this mess. ”You have too high thoughts of me old pal” Erythreus sighed a bit of sadness tainting his voice. On the battlefield during his time as a walker he’d been ruthless never backing down from a fight. That wasn’t courage though he’d learned a lot the millennium he had lived through since then. Courage was making hard decisions and standing by them but also being able to see once mistakes. Being brave was sharing your feelings and dare to show weakness even when it could end in heartbreak. The aspect of death had always run from that kind of bravery. Showing feelings and risk being hurt, which he had been either way, was nothing he had preformed. Wasn’t that cowardly if anything? 

Erythreus stood there silent looking at Dom didn´t now what to say. Maybe this was where their ways parted? He knew the guard was disappointed with him, hell he was disappointed with himself. Still he couldn´t reveal all his concerns and self doubt giving him even more reasons to doubt him and he couldn´t bare that. Not with everything else going shit lately.

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Ailward GuardPermalink Reply by ✓ Dominic Howlett ~Mod~ on November 12, 2024 at 0:32

Dominic was quiet for a few moments as he stared back to Erythreus and let his words really process. "Is that it? Is that what it is?" he prodded, his voice lowering, the anger dissipating if what he was picking up on was truly the cause for the shut down the aspect was going through. He truly looked at his friend for another few heartbeats before straightening up from his leaned position over the table, relaxing his hands at his sides as the residual sting from slamming his fist on the table ebbed and the white that had been clouding his normal hues diminished. Dom knew Erythreus had been hurting. It was the obvious reason for the destructive behavior, but hearing the other say it aloud was making it more fact. He just needed Ery to also own that shit.

Dom kept his eyes on the aspect as he spoke. "Can you give us a moment, Lucien?"

"Of course," was the sentry's reply as he stood from the chair and exited out of the kitchen.

Another few silent moments stretched between the pair. "You think you're a disappointment?" Dom questioned with a scoff as if it was the most absurd thing he'd ever heard. "Man, all of your siblings are being affected in one way or the other, and for sure through their abilities. Why are you being so goddamn hard on yourself?" He tried searching Ery for the answer as if it would be written somewhere over his face. "You can't be perfect. You know that better than most with the shit we've been through. This has nothing to do with you as the person you are. It's an outside force that's causing this to happen. It's not because you aren't fit for your position as the aspect of Death, Ery." 

He folded his arms over his chest, his accessing gaze still on his friend. "And yeah, I have high thoughts of you because they are fucking deserved, Ery. We've known each other for years and the bar has been set high for others because you've proven time and time again what it is to be a hero, brother, mentor, and damn good friend." Dominic paused and sighed, letting the words settle around them in the quiet. "Now tell me what is going on. Please. Don't make me beg. It's unbecoming of my normally badass persona." A slight smirk formed in an effort to break the tension.

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Ailward AspectPermalink Reply by ✓ Erythreus Aliward 5 hours ago

The aspect of death watched one of his oldest friend processed his words. He saw that he was mesmerized by them. Something he hadn’t expected. To him it had been crystal clear that everyone had watched him with pity and disgust for what he had done to his powers and himself. Letting it get this far and his realm collapse and hiding behind the booze. Maybe he had been wrong. Perhaps the others hadn’t seen his full struggle, his self doubt. To caught up in their own problems and sorrows and just letting it slide when he pushed their helping hands away and not pushing until he cracked. Something he realized now he had needed even tho he hadnt been a great friend or leader himself.

Ery saw Lucien leave the kitchen, the person who with the actually most right to be there, and  then his eyes focused on the guard again. ”I know I am” he said his eyes not budging from Dominics. ”The others still function” Erythreus stated. It had been a while since he had interacted with any of his siblings. He had heard that some of them had struggled with their powers but none of them had struggled like he had. ”Well I should’ve been able to fight it, find a solution but I have not” he said ashamed ”The ghosts are devastated they are driven crazy when they can’t find peace on the other side, I see them everywhere reminding me of my faliures. They blame me for their misfortune for their deaths driving me crazy too” it was hard for him to admit how far it had gone. No one could see the ghosts for him and a few other spiritual people. The aspect of death hated to be the weak person, the problem needed solving.

”I hadn’t been anywhere without you having my back, I am sorry I’ve been a bad friend” Ery sighed. Remembering all their good times together, all their dangerous stupid adventures, their flirting during a time where the were both single ladies men. He had missed the man he considered his best friend. His ride or die. The man who had always been more than just his guard to him. He didn’t know when they had drifted appart. Did it start when they fought over they same girl? Dom and Ery had always been able to share everything even feelings. They used to laugh together over catastrophic dates and mishaps when had that stoped? Hopefully it wasn’t too late to save it. This was one step forward.

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