inbox for rubi;
INBOX
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INBOX
text / audio / video / action
I have to tell you something.
[ she'd honestly forgotten until zoya actually showed up — because it wasn't like people used each other's names all the time in conversation, right? but it does occur to her, seeing zoya's face in front of her, a particular mistake she'd made months ago, when she'd been terrified and clueless. ]
[ she'd honestly forgotten until zoya actually showed up — because it wasn't like people used each other's names all the time in conversation, right? but it does occur to her, seeing zoya's face in front of her, a particular mistake she'd made months ago, when she'd been terrified and clueless. ]
Urgent enough to rely on their means of communication, I assume.
[ because, truth be told, she's a little less than thrilled about how they can all speak in each other's heads with no notice — but out of anyone who would reach out in this manner, she's less annoyed that it's the young woman from the woods. zoya, though their last encounter didn't involve much in the way of deeper conversation. ]
[ because, truth be told, she's a little less than thrilled about how they can all speak in each other's heads with no notice — but out of anyone who would reach out in this manner, she's less annoyed that it's the young woman from the woods. zoya, though their last encounter didn't involve much in the way of deeper conversation. ]
[It's time for another installment of Deep Thoughts by Ianthe Tridentarius that came after the sun set while Ianthe was out on the expedition to the Void.]
You ever just get tired of life?
You ever just get tired of life?
Your new dress is ready. Sorry it took so long, Yen. There was a surge of orders when the villagers returned. You can pick it up at the shop and get the sides taken in however you like. The alterations are already paid for.
It's not as nice as I had planned, but it seems like some of the better fabrics were stolen. Or at least that's what I was told. I hope you like it.
It's not as nice as I had planned, but it seems like some of the better fabrics were stolen. Or at least that's what I was told. I hope you like it.
[ before yennefer can even attempt to remember her own mental shields, there might be a subtle instant where ianthe can perceive a glimmer of surprise — a moment when the sorceress is genuinely taken aback, though hardly in the negative sense. ]
You didn't have to.
[ it isn't a complaint, or even a strong protest — she's only pointing it out because she doesn't always know how to respond in the face of unexpected generosity like this. ]
You didn't have to.
[ it isn't a complaint, or even a strong protest — she's only pointing it out because she doesn't always know how to respond in the face of unexpected generosity like this. ]
[There's some real exasperation in Ianthe's voice, her frustration making her phrase her question in the most stupid possible way.]
How does a fucking fireplace work?
How does a fucking fireplace work?
[ yennefer at least has the place of mind to not sound like she’s been woken up from a doze — which might be closer to what’s happened. ]
Is that another name for a sexual position? [ considering how much she’s already learned from ianthe, it seems a question worth clarifying. ]
Is that another name for a sexual position? [ considering how much she’s already learned from ianthe, it seems a question worth clarifying. ]
( look, it took a little longer than expected — not least because he had to find someone to actually launder it — but he's nothing if not a man of his word, so: yennefer can now add one blanket to her inventory. fresh, warm, and smelling, regrettably, of wildflowers and not of lilac. )
Edited (my inner witcher fan >( at the mix up) 2023-11-15 20:45 (UTC)
[A skeleton bearing a nameplate with Viola written in Rubean upon it found Yennefer and handed her a small flat box. Once the box was taken, the skeleton walked away.
Inside the box was a gold bracelet: an oroborous with a pair of tiny amethyst inlaid in the eyes. The bracelet was lighter than expected and the artistry wasn't as refined as one might have expected from a jewelry maker. Ianthe had sculpted it from bone then gilded with gold using the same technique as she had on her arm.
Included was a note written in Rubean: Happy Resurrection! -I.N.]
Inside the box was a gold bracelet: an oroborous with a pair of tiny amethyst inlaid in the eyes. The bracelet was lighter than expected and the artistry wasn't as refined as one might have expected from a jewelry maker. Ianthe had sculpted it from bone then gilded with gold using the same technique as she had on her arm.
Included was a note written in Rubean: Happy Resurrection! -I.N.]
Edited 2023-12-25 03:31 (UTC)
I hate you.
[Said in a petulant tone that made it clear Ianthe didn't actually hate Yennefer.]
[Said in a petulant tone that made it clear Ianthe didn't actually hate Yennefer.]
[ Yennefer gets nearly the same message he sent Junpei. ]
House won't be into the clinic until he's resurrected at the start of next month. I've already told Magda and Junpei. I'm available for scans and magical surgery as needed.
House won't be into the clinic until he's resurrected at the start of next month. I've already told Magda and Junpei. I'm available for scans and magical surgery as needed.
[ it would be easy to inquire about the particulars, but she won't. john's already given her what she needs to know for the next while. ]
Then I'll call on you if you're needed. [ there's no discernible tone in her words, but he has to know that she won't have any hesitation about reaching out to him if the situation warrants it. ]
Then I'll call on you if you're needed. [ there's no discernible tone in her words, but he has to know that she won't have any hesitation about reaching out to him if the situation warrants it. ]
[ that voice — hearing it out of nowhere shouldn't have the effect that it does, but for the briefest instant she's called right back to that stage. ]
An outlier in more than one way, I'm sure.
[ there's the slightest hint of amusement across the connection. ]
You already made quite the early chivalrous impression, so my expectations are rather high at this point.
An outlier in more than one way, I'm sure.
[ there's the slightest hint of amusement across the connection. ]
You already made quite the early chivalrous impression, so my expectations are rather high at this point.
[Sweeney's been practicing with focus. If telepathy is going to just be a thing to live with, he doesn't want to be shit at it.]
Hey. You doin' alright? [There's a brief pause.]
Looked rough.
Hey. You doin' alright? [There's a brief pause.]
Looked rough.
[ yennefer at least has enough control to make the telepathic version of her voice not sound as tired as she actually is — though it's more of a bone-deep exhaustion than the need to instantly fall asleep. ]
I've been through worse. [ and he's well-aware of that already — she doesn't have to bring up the memories he's glimpsed of her past again as a reminder. ]
There may have been some... exaggeration for the sake of the audience.
I've been through worse. [ and he's well-aware of that already — she doesn't have to bring up the memories he's glimpsed of her past again as a reminder. ]
There may have been some... exaggeration for the sake of the audience.
[ can't go to ianthe, and she needs some bitchy, solid female drinking company - ]
Lady Yennefer, if I may be of an imposition, I am in need of company this evening - I may I be so bold as to ask it of you?
I come with ample bribe, of course, strong drink and food.
Lady Yennefer, if I may be of an imposition, I am in need of company this evening - I may I be so bold as to ask it of you?
I come with ample bribe, of course, strong drink and food.
Sweeney isn't sure what he's doing. All he knows is that this is where he wants to be, and he took the time to clean up before coming. Freshly showered and trimmed, he stands at the door of her cottage, trying to quiet all the thoughts that are swimming about; bare flesh, dark tentacles, charging horses in caparisons, and a box tucked in his pocket.
It takes him almost a full minute before he knocks three times.
It takes him almost a full minute before he knocks three times.
Yennefer's had her hands relatively full dealing with the arrival of an unplanned houseguest — but beyond that, recovery from the caves has been a gradual process, one requiring her to rest and reluctantly take advantage of Peony's cooking and preparing tea. Slowly but surely, she's been getting her strength back, though she has no intention of heading into the village yet, not when things are still tenuous there as it is.
Still, in the days following her return, she's found her thoughts straying more and more toward what transpired before. Her dreams are filled with memories that are her own, somehow — soft red fur beneath her fingertips, a tongue stroking over her neck, an incandescent joining of minds and bodies that felt akin to worship. When her mind turns toward it again, she doesn't realize that it's the result of a certain presence nearing the cottage until she hears the knock at the door.
She already knows, unquestionably, who will be standing on the other side of it by the time she opens it, chin lifting expectantly.
"I'd wondered how long it would take you to show up," she admits.
Still, in the days following her return, she's found her thoughts straying more and more toward what transpired before. Her dreams are filled with memories that are her own, somehow — soft red fur beneath her fingertips, a tongue stroking over her neck, an incandescent joining of minds and bodies that felt akin to worship. When her mind turns toward it again, she doesn't realize that it's the result of a certain presence nearing the cottage until she hears the knock at the door.
She already knows, unquestionably, who will be standing on the other side of it by the time she opens it, chin lifting expectantly.
"I'd wondered how long it would take you to show up," she admits.
[ After the disastrous Moot Hall that saw Mateus speak on her behalf, Wanda's been lying low. She intends to disappear and become a ghost, to find herself a spit of land far away—
She's already done that.
What compels her to reach out to Yennefer is simple. She wants a friend. She's tired of navigating this by herself. Every time she thinks she's figured out where the landmines are, she steps on one and sees herself back at the start of where she's been since the destruction of Sokovia. How does one break a ten year loop? ]
Yennefer.
Is this a good time?
[ No, she's not stalling. ]
She's already done that.
What compels her to reach out to Yennefer is simple. She wants a friend. She's tired of navigating this by herself. Every time she thinks she's figured out where the landmines are, she steps on one and sees herself back at the start of where she's been since the destruction of Sokovia. How does one break a ten year loop? ]
Yennefer.
Is this a good time?
[ No, she's not stalling. ]
Of course.
[ yennefer isn't saying that to be polite — she would turn anyone away directly if she believed them to be an inconvenience, and in her mind of all places. with anything pertaining to telepathy, she might not even reply at all, just slam down her shields and simply not pay it another thought in the literal sense.
but wanda is, and always has been, different. she'd be fooling herself if she claimed anything to the contrary — so that exception is what prompts her to respond with little hesitation. ]
Is anything the matter?
[ yennefer isn't saying that to be polite — she would turn anyone away directly if she believed them to be an inconvenience, and in her mind of all places. with anything pertaining to telepathy, she might not even reply at all, just slam down her shields and simply not pay it another thought in the literal sense.
but wanda is, and always has been, different. she'd be fooling herself if she claimed anything to the contrary — so that exception is what prompts her to respond with little hesitation. ]
Is anything the matter?
It'd hurt. Not the dying so much, he'd done the best he could to make it quick for both of them, but resurrection is apparently incredibly painful. Even if Sweeney had known beforehand, it wouldn't have changed his conviction, but he hopes that Yennefer can't feel it through their bond. There's hope that she can't; not at that distance and from within the castle's walls.
When he's up and heading out of the gate, he pauses, unsure of what to do. Would she even want to see him? Sweeney figures it's probably best to check before he winds up on her doorstep. So, instead, he closes his eyes and reaches out with his thoughts.
(Hey.)
Okay...now what?
(Can I see you?)
When he's up and heading out of the gate, he pauses, unsure of what to do. Would she even want to see him? Sweeney figures it's probably best to check before he winds up on her doorstep. So, instead, he closes his eyes and reaches out with his thoughts.
(Hey.)
Okay...now what?
(Can I see you?)
The words across her mind are born of hope, but it's a feeling Yennefer has already resigned herself to avoiding because she's convinced she doesn't deserve to possess it. What reason does she have to preserve hope, when she was the one who claimed his life by her own hand, who felt his pendant practically burning against her palm as he'd surrendered it to her so that she could deliver the killing blow?
The days following had been a blur — transformation, the taste of others' blood in her mouth, pleasure and pain melding together until she'd finally awoken on the forest floor, naked, skin stained with black, inky fluid. A bath at the cottage had been cleansing in the bodily sense, but after that she'd taken to bed, rousing for very few things, and even when Sweeney's voice finds her, she's still huddled into a small ball beneath the blankets.
You're entitled to that and more. Lay eyes on her. Kill her in retaliation, if he desires such a thing. He's earned the right to, in her mind.
The days following had been a blur — transformation, the taste of others' blood in her mouth, pleasure and pain melding together until she'd finally awoken on the forest floor, naked, skin stained with black, inky fluid. A bath at the cottage had been cleansing in the bodily sense, but after that she'd taken to bed, rousing for very few things, and even when Sweeney's voice finds her, she's still huddled into a small ball beneath the blankets.
You're entitled to that and more. Lay eyes on her. Kill her in retaliation, if he desires such a thing. He's earned the right to, in her mind.
[From here.]
Thicker indeed. Sweeney sucks his cheeks in, as if to ease the depth of his dimples. It's only a temporary fix.
"Two then."
A plan of action made, he pulls his hand away to pat her on the back of her upper thigh, suggesting she should get up enough to get her ass out of the water for a moment. Sweeney steals the opportunity to reach for a bottle and uncork it. He fills his palm, then holds it up a bit in offering. His fingers flex down the line, as if presenting themselves for inspection while he's careful to keep most of the liquid in his hand. Sweeney reserves the bottle in the other.
"Which do ya fancy?" he asks cheekily.
Given both of his hands being occupied, it's on her to choose and oil up the ones she prefers.
Thicker indeed. Sweeney sucks his cheeks in, as if to ease the depth of his dimples. It's only a temporary fix.
"Two then."
A plan of action made, he pulls his hand away to pat her on the back of her upper thigh, suggesting she should get up enough to get her ass out of the water for a moment. Sweeney steals the opportunity to reach for a bottle and uncork it. He fills his palm, then holds it up a bit in offering. His fingers flex down the line, as if presenting themselves for inspection while he's careful to keep most of the liquid in his hand. Sweeney reserves the bottle in the other.
"Which do ya fancy?" he asks cheekily.
Given both of his hands being occupied, it's on her to choose and oil up the ones she prefers.
Edited (Link added) 2024-07-30 07:17 (UTC)
Yennefer does as he bids her to, albeit with a barely restrained smile, a subtle curving to her lips as she first shifts off of his lap and then settles herself on one of the outer ledges by the pool, naked and dripping, her legs still dangling over the edge into the water.
There's a subtle temperature difference, her nipples growing taut from the fact that it's slightly cooler out of the pool than in it, but if he plans to fuck her outside of the bath, they'll likely warm each other up plenty in no time at all.
Presented with the choice of which fingers she wants, Yennefer doesn't spend much time debating; instead, she draws his hand closer to her where she's sitting, collecting the oil in his palm and rubbing it up over his index and middle digits, ensuring their lengths are well-coated given that she's about to have them inside her.
But then she reaches to take the bottle from him, leaning back to display herself to him further before she upends the contents over her body. The oil splashes against her skin, running down between her breasts in slow tracks before disappearing into the dark, trimmed hair that covers her mound as she spreads her legs. The empty bottle she discards to leave her hands free so she can rub the oil over herself, starting with her breasts, leaving them glistening. The sensation of it against her skin is delicious enough, but she's not entirely doing this for her own enjoyment; she's offering the view up for him, specifically, her back turned to the rest of the guests participating in their own fashion.
There's a subtle temperature difference, her nipples growing taut from the fact that it's slightly cooler out of the pool than in it, but if he plans to fuck her outside of the bath, they'll likely warm each other up plenty in no time at all.
Presented with the choice of which fingers she wants, Yennefer doesn't spend much time debating; instead, she draws his hand closer to her where she's sitting, collecting the oil in his palm and rubbing it up over his index and middle digits, ensuring their lengths are well-coated given that she's about to have them inside her.
But then she reaches to take the bottle from him, leaning back to display herself to him further before she upends the contents over her body. The oil splashes against her skin, running down between her breasts in slow tracks before disappearing into the dark, trimmed hair that covers her mound as she spreads her legs. The empty bottle she discards to leave her hands free so she can rub the oil over herself, starting with her breasts, leaving them glistening. The sensation of it against her skin is delicious enough, but she's not entirely doing this for her own enjoyment; she's offering the view up for him, specifically, her back turned to the rest of the guests participating in their own fashion.
early november shortly before khoriya skedaddles away (1/2)
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clawandfang
2024-11-05 07:10 am (UTC)(link)
[ written in a blocky hand and then slid beneath yennefer's door. ]
I ask that you burn this letter after you read it.
Since consuming a portion of the Duchess' power some months back, I have gained some greater comprehension of the Void. No longer does it twist my mind or muddle my senses. Instead, I see into the emptiness therein, and would test how far it stretches, map its depths, and see what, if anything, lies beyond.
I have ventured forth before and returned unscathed. And I have every intention of returning. But if I am gone more than a fortnight,
[ a long thick splotch of ink where it looks like he wrote and then crossed out several lines. ] then I am sorry for the trouble.
Be well, Yennefer.
I ask that you burn this letter after you read it.
Since consuming a portion of the Duchess' power some months back, I have gained some greater comprehension of the Void. No longer does it twist my mind or muddle my senses. Instead, I see into the emptiness therein, and would test how far it stretches, map its depths, and see what, if anything, lies beyond.
I have ventured forth before and returned unscathed. And I have every intention of returning. But if I am gone more than a fortnight,
[ a long thick splotch of ink where it looks like he wrote and then crossed out several lines. ] then I am sorry for the trouble.
Be well, Yennefer.
Voice; in which Peony accidentally chilling predicts the future
hislittleflower
2024-12-01 04:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She has been told (firmly) to behave herself for the first few days after her resurrection. That hasn't really stopped her but her thoughts do cast to her favourite Sorceress, enough to send her a message while she's idling about. ]
Yen, my darling, do you ever miss when we shared a bed?
Yen, my darling, do you ever miss when we shared a bed?
Edited 2024-12-01 16:03 (UTC)
[ it’s not often that yennefer willingly lets other people into her head, but with the tether that connects the void-touched, sometimes she doesn’t have a choice.
that said, peony is a more welcome presence than others. ]
You were a much better bed partner than others I’ve had. Certainly less snoring.
[ the amusement is there, in her voice, a clear indication that she’s teasing. ]
that said, peony is a more welcome presence than others. ]
You were a much better bed partner than others I’ve had. Certainly less snoring.
[ the amusement is there, in her voice, a clear indication that she’s teasing. ]
Yennefer, right?
I think I have something of yours.
I think I have something of yours.
[The contact begins with something that might be compared to mentally clearing her throat. A little mental nudge before she starts in, like she's making sure she's not barging in or interrupting.]
I don't suppose you'd be free if someone were to pop in? In particular, someone who might be looking for to share a bottle of wine.
I don't suppose you'd be free if someone were to pop in? In particular, someone who might be looking for to share a bottle of wine.
[ Yennefer's more accustomed to these sorts of mental knocks, and knows not to guard against it, even while keeping the rest of her mind well-shielded. Vex's inquiry, when it comes, is a welcome one, since it keeps her from dwelling overlong on things that are much less enjoyable. ]
That's rather specific. [ She sounds a bit worn, but it doesn't diminish her amusement at Vex's way of broaching conversation. ]
It seems this someone already knows the best way to call on me.
That's rather specific. [ She sounds a bit worn, but it doesn't diminish her amusement at Vex's way of broaching conversation. ]
It seems this someone already knows the best way to call on me.
[Sweeney debates tracking her down, but decides to just nudge at her thoughts. He doesn't want to distract her too much from what she might be enjoying, and if she wants to see him, he's confident she'll just say so.]
Hey, luv. You busy?
Hey, luv. You busy?
Not in the slightest.
[ Yennefer's attempting to keep herself occupied in all the ways that matter — or, at least, the ways that won't arouse Zlatka's wider suspicion. If she's seen to be participating in everything that's encouraged of them, she can claim some welcome moments of privacy later on.
Still, she's conscious, for now, of letting her thoughts run too far astray. ]
Something in particular on your mind?
[ Yennefer's attempting to keep herself occupied in all the ways that matter — or, at least, the ways that won't arouse Zlatka's wider suspicion. If she's seen to be participating in everything that's encouraged of them, she can claim some welcome moments of privacy later on.
Still, she's conscious, for now, of letting her thoughts run too far astray. ]
Something in particular on your mind?
[After this.]
Sweeney's so tired. Tired of hurting people. Tired of hurting himself while trying not to hurt people. Tired of being here. Tired of...well, being himself. If only he could do better. Be more. Help. Matter.
He'd kept things vague because he hadn't known what to expect; it wasn't like it was a formal audience. Hell, he hadn't even expected the opportunity to present his gift in person. It'd left him a flicker of hope, but he'd never been under the impression that she'd embrace the solution fully, even if she was open to it.
It's one thing to be ready for that kind of rejection; it's quite another to realize that the fundamental 'fact' he'd based the whole idea around was straight up wrong. It leaves him feeling stupid; like he's blown his one shot and made a fool of himself in front of her, and now there's nothing to be done about it. And with the strike and his crash and burn in trying to be supportive, it's...it's been a day.
Sweeney tries to cradle the ember of hope; maybe there can be another moot. Maybe they can find a way forward. It's just hard to see the glow of it today.
He stares at the door before sighing and resting his head against it. Allowing himself a slow breath first, he knocks softly.
"You in, luv?" he murmurs. Sweeney doesn't wait to open the door. There's the sense that he can feel her inside, but even if he's wrong, the bed will smell like her, and that will still help.
Sweeney's so tired. Tired of hurting people. Tired of hurting himself while trying not to hurt people. Tired of being here. Tired of...well, being himself. If only he could do better. Be more. Help. Matter.
He'd kept things vague because he hadn't known what to expect; it wasn't like it was a formal audience. Hell, he hadn't even expected the opportunity to present his gift in person. It'd left him a flicker of hope, but he'd never been under the impression that she'd embrace the solution fully, even if she was open to it.
It's one thing to be ready for that kind of rejection; it's quite another to realize that the fundamental 'fact' he'd based the whole idea around was straight up wrong. It leaves him feeling stupid; like he's blown his one shot and made a fool of himself in front of her, and now there's nothing to be done about it. And with the strike and his crash and burn in trying to be supportive, it's...it's been a day.
Sweeney tries to cradle the ember of hope; maybe there can be another moot. Maybe they can find a way forward. It's just hard to see the glow of it today.
He stares at the door before sighing and resting his head against it. Allowing himself a slow breath first, he knocks softly.
"You in, luv?" he murmurs. Sweeney doesn't wait to open the door. There's the sense that he can feel her inside, but even if he's wrong, the bed will smell like her, and that will still help.
Yennefer's certainly not as anxious as some of the other Void-Touched who are currently guests of the Duchess's hospitality, but she is experiencing some apprehension the longer they remain within palace walls. What she can do, as someone with more age and perspective, is to offer reassurance where needed, a position she's found herself in more than once. Doing so proves a distraction for her, conveniently, from succumbing to her own late-night thoughts; if she's preoccupied with others' problems, she won't be focused on her own.
Amidst all of this, she's become aware of Sweeney's intended audience with the Duchess, even if neither of them is referring to it in any formal terms. Whatever the purpose, she's been able to glean his emotions here and there, perceive the note of anticipation ahead of time, even if she makes an effort not to pry too deeply into his thoughts. When he deems it necessary to fill her in on what occurred, he will; she can trust in that.
The room she'd previously claimed is empty, save Yennefer herself, who appears on the other side of the door — not dressed for any of Zlatka's fancy dinners or designated zadza-sating events, and not really anticipating any callers save the one who spends every night in her bed. There's a soft yet expectant expression on her features when he lets himself in without waiting for her to respond — which she's been attempting to encourage from him before, as the only person who's earned the privilege to try the doorknob first.
"You're back," she declares, even though she'd had no real sense of how long the meeting would actually take, given that she hadn't asked for the particulars. Even now, it's difficult to discern what occurred from his face alone. "Would you like a celebratory kiss, or a commiserating one?"
Amidst all of this, she's become aware of Sweeney's intended audience with the Duchess, even if neither of them is referring to it in any formal terms. Whatever the purpose, she's been able to glean his emotions here and there, perceive the note of anticipation ahead of time, even if she makes an effort not to pry too deeply into his thoughts. When he deems it necessary to fill her in on what occurred, he will; she can trust in that.
The room she'd previously claimed is empty, save Yennefer herself, who appears on the other side of the door — not dressed for any of Zlatka's fancy dinners or designated zadza-sating events, and not really anticipating any callers save the one who spends every night in her bed. There's a soft yet expectant expression on her features when he lets himself in without waiting for her to respond — which she's been attempting to encourage from him before, as the only person who's earned the privilege to try the doorknob first.
"You're back," she declares, even though she'd had no real sense of how long the meeting would actually take, given that she hadn't asked for the particulars. Even now, it's difficult to discern what occurred from his face alone. "Would you like a celebratory kiss, or a commiserating one?"
I owe you for the tentacle assist. What can I do for you?
[Ianthe sounded tired, but she means to make up forcing the transformation on Yennefer.]
[Ianthe sounded tired, but she means to make up forcing the transformation on Yennefer.]
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