The amber-edged portal closes behind them, leaving Delfarius and Future Delfarius alone beneath the observatory’s black crystal dome. Far below, a distant amber glow marks Aurelith’s guarded chamber beneath Tremble.
The Obsidian Tower quiets its usual murmur. Its living script dims along the walls, preserving the silence while the sealed hunger and Aurelith remain far beneath the foundations.
Future Delfarius
Then tell me plainly. What kind of companion am I expected to become?
Future Delfarius stands without the old borrowed certainty, red hair touched by violet observatory light. His posture remains confident, but his hands are open and visibly unarmed.
Future Delfarius
A shadow beside you? An equal at your side? Or merely the part of yourself you rescued because you could not bear to lose it?
The Tower offers no answer. Beneath the crystal dome, only the faint pulse from Aurelith’s bond reaches them, steady and patient, leaving the question entirely between the two selves.
“"We are ourselves firstly. I will not expect you to bow or kneel. I would not ask that of myself. We are well us. As far as a companion. Well." I sigh and walk him to look out the window with me. "Yes. I could not let you be lost in the dark. I am not fucking Asterin. I come back to make sure you are well." I smirk and look back at Future Delfarius. "Are you?"”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +3)
Delfarius
We are ourselves firstly. I will not expect you to bow or kneel. I would not ask that of myself. We are well us, as companions.
Delfarius sighs and walks Future Delfarius to the observatory window. Violet light spills across the black crystal, framing the distant tower and the amber glow beneath Tremble.
Delfarius
I could not let you be lost in the dark. I am not fucking Asterin. I come back to make sure you are well.
Delfarius
Are you?
Future Delfarius studies their reflections in the glass, then turns toward him. The old certainty is absent, replaced by a careful, unguarded stillness.
Future Delfarius
Yes. Not untouched, not finished, but well enough to choose. I am here because I want to be, not because hunger or history dragged me here.
Future Delfarius
And I know something else now. The Tower has opened a second observatory passage for us, leading to a room it never showed either of us before.
“I look out the window. "Yeah I felt that as well. It is a room for the spirits of this world. Instead of being just a tool, they will be able to speak for themselves. The way we wanted to do, well in the far far past." I sigh. I put my hand on Future Delfarius's shoulder. "We are the ones who guide now, no old machines, no other Architects driving our actions against our wills. Just us."”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Delfarius looks through the observatory window. Violet light glides across the crystal, and beyond it the Tower’s new passage glimmers like a promise kept in silence.
Delfarius
Yeah, I felt that as well. It is a room for the spirits of this world. Instead of being just a tool, they will be able to speak for themselves, the way we wanted in the far, far past.
Delfarius sighs and places his hand on Future Delfarius’s shoulder.
Delfarius
We are the ones who guide now. No old machines, no other Architects driving our actions against our wills. Just us.
The crystal beneath their reflections warms. Somewhere beyond the wall, the unopened room acknowledges them, and faint voices stir without chains or commands.
Future Delfarius
Just us. I can live with that. Not as a discarded fragment, and not as an instrument, but as someone who chooses what we build together.
Future Delfarius
He came back for me before I knew how to ask. That matters more than any title the old world could have given us.
“"I look out for who matters the most to me." I say with a smile.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Delfarius
I look out for who matters the most to me.
Delfarius says it with a smile, his hand remaining on Future Delfarius’s shoulder. Violet light frames them in the crystal, while the unopened spirit-room waits beyond the wall.
Future Delfarius
Then I understand my place. Not behind you, not beneath you, but beside you, where you can see me and I can see you.
The Tower’s living script brightens in a gentle circle around their feet. The new chamber opens without resistance, revealing a vast hall of suspended motes and translucent shapes.
Future Delfarius
He is watching over me because he chose me. I can answer that choice without surrendering myself.
Future Delfarius
Come on, then. Let us meet the spirits as ourselves, and make certain this room belongs to their voices before it belongs to our design.
“I turn Future Delfarius to me and smirk. "No lets talk to ourselves first, Hmm? The spirits can wait a bit longer. I mean until I open the way for them to be reborn into this creation they will remain there...it will be ok. I want to make sure you are truly well." I gesture towards a window that is outlooking over the lands leagues below us in the floating Obsidian Tower. "Coffee?"”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Delfarius
No, let us talk to ourselves first, hmm? The spirits can wait until I open the way for them to be reborn into this creation. They will be all right. I want to make sure you are truly well. Coffee?
Delfarius turns Future Delfarius toward him with a smirk, then gestures to the crystal window overlooking the lands leagues below. The spirit-hall remains open and waiting behind them.
Future Delfarius
Coffee. And a private conversation before we give the spirits a voice. I can agree to that.
A small table rises from the observatory floor, bearing two dark cups and a steaming silver pot. The Tower dims the spirit-hall’s glow, preserving its quiet until they are ready.
Future Delfarius
I am truly well enough to speak plainly. I still carry the memory of being hunger’s shape, but it no longer chooses my words or governs my hands.
Future Delfarius
He came back before I knew how to ask. I can let that care reach me without mistaking it for a chain.
Future Delfarius
Ask me what you need to ask. I will answer as myself, and afterward we can decide together how these spirits should enter the world.
“i summon two chairs then shake my head gently. I then summon another cup and another chair so there are three chairs and three cups. I laugh softly. "What a complicated relationship I have with myself." I chuckle as I open a portal to Past Delfarius. He walks into the room and looks at me and Future Delfarius, notices the coffee then sits down in the chair.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +4)
Two chairs rise beside the steaming table. Delfarius shakes his head gently, then calls a third chair and another cup into being, completing a circle of three seats and three coffees.
Delfarius
What a complicated relationship I have with myself.
He laughs softly and opens a portal edged in violet light. Its far side shows an earlier observatory, and Past Delfarius steps through without hesitation.
Past Delfarius
Three chairs and three coffees. I see we have finally admitted this conversation requires proper representation.
Past Delfarius studies him and Future Delfarius, notices the waiting cups, and settles into the third chair. The portal closes, leaving the observatory private.
Future Delfarius
Now there are enough of us to compare memories honestly, without letting any single version decide what the others meant.
The Tower dims the spirit-hall beyond the chamber and seals its sound away. Three cups release matching curls of steam, while the hidden room remains undisturbed until they choose to open it.
“I take a leveled sip of my coffee. "So we can all agree there is far too much sexiness in this room." I laugh looking over to my future and past selves. They remark about what I said.”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Delfarius
So we can all agree there is far too much sexiness in this room.
Delfarius takes a measured sip of coffee, then laughs across the circle. Steam curls between three identical faces beneath the violet crystal dome.
Future Delfarius
Agreed. Though I suspect the Tower arranged the chairs expressly to admire us from every angle.
Past Delfarius
The Tower has excellent taste, then. Still, three of us may be excessive, even by our standards.
Future Delfarius
He jokes freely because he trusts us with the moment. That warmth feels more convincing than any promise.
Past Delfarius
At least the coffee provides a respectable distraction. Without it, this much confidence might become a genuine architectural concern.
Future Delfarius
Then let it be recorded: the room is dangerously attractive, the coffee is essential, and none of us should be left alone with a mirror.
“"Well a mirror or ourselves." I smirk into my cup. Hmm my bedchambers is not that far from here..."Anyways. We are here because we are. All of us. We need to remember there is no one in this room that is better than us." I smirk and the other selves of me respond and remark also how close the bedchamber is.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +0)
Delfarius
Well a mirror or ourselves. Hmm my bedchambers is not that far from here... Anyways. We are here because we are. All of us. We need to remember there is no one in this room that is better than us.
Delfarius smirks into his cup. Three identical faces share the violet light, while the Tower’s script settles into an even circle around the table.
Future Delfarius
The bedchamber is close, certainly. But I agree with the greater point: none of us is above the others, and none of us is beneath them.
Past Delfarius
A sensible arrangement. Three selves, three histories, and no throne between us. As for the bedchamber, its nearness is difficult to ignore.
Future Delfarius
He says all of us, and means me without qualification. I am not a fragment here. I am myself.
Past Delfarius
The mirror may admire us, but it does not rule us. Nor does the Tower. We decide together where this conversation continues.
Beyond the observatory, the passage toward the bedchamber opens with quiet familiarity. The three cups steam between them, and the shared room holds their equality without protest.
“"So with that out in the air, we need to check in if we feel there is a concern from the time line we are in. My current concerns are making sure that we are on the same page, and not confused." I look over to Past and Future Delfarius and raise my eyebrow. I am so incredibly sexy however. I think to my thoughts alone. Past and Future remark on what I said and add anything that they may have as a concern.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +1)
Delfarius
With that in the open, we need to check whether either of you senses a concern from the timeline we are in. I want us aligned and clear.
Delfarius
I am so incredibly sexy.
Delfarius raises an eyebrow toward Past and Future across the steaming cups. The Tower’s circle of script remains still, giving the question room to settle.
Past Delfarius
My concern is memory. I remember choices that shaped us, but not every consequence belongs to this timeline. I will not mistake recollection for authority.
Future Delfarius
Mine is identity. I remember being hunger’s mask, yet I am not bound to repeat it. I understand us as three selves sharing origin, not one self ranked above the others.
Past Delfarius
Then we agree on the essential point: speak plainly when memories conflict, and ask before deciding for another version of ourselves.
Future Delfarius
Agreed. I am present, informed, and choosing freely. If I become confused, I will say so. If either of you notices a fracture, name it rather than letting silence interpret it for us.
“"Yeah the past, the old scars and the old aches...Fuck them." I laugh Future Delfarius and Past Delfarius agree and also say Fuck them and remark how we are a much better lover and person than any of the echos of Solan ever were.”
Delfarius
Yeah, the past, the old scars and the old aches... Fuck them.
Delfarius laughs across the steaming cups, his raised eyebrow and permanent smirk turning the dismissal into a shared verdict beneath the violet dome.
Past Delfarius
Fuck them. They had their chances, their grand designs, and their precious echoes. None of them deserved to define what we became.
Future Delfarius
Fuck them. We are better lovers and better people than any echo of Solan ever managed to be, and we do not need their approval.
Past Delfarius
He laughs with us, not at what was lost. The old aches remain memories, but they no longer command the room.
Future Delfarius
We know what care feels like when it is chosen. Whatever those echoes pretended to offer, we surpass them simply by refusing to become their shadows.
The Tower’s circle of script warms around the three chairs, accepting their laughter without judgment. The spirit-hall remains quiet beyond the wall, while the past loosens its grip and the coffee continues to steam.
“"Asterin is running around now." I say amused to the others. Might just fuck with her to fuck with her. It was always fun to see her flustered. Future Delfarius remarks how little of a concern she is and how she looks so cute when she is angry. Past Delfarius sighs and shakes his head and admits he is a bit concerned, but trusts that things will work out alright in the long run.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +1)
Delfarius
Asterin is running around now. I might just fuck with her to fuck with her. It was always fun to see her flustered.
The Tower opens a side passage, and Asterin hurries into the observatory with her radiance disordered and her expression sharpened by pursuit. She stops when she sees the three identical faces watching her.
Future Delfarius
She is hardly a concern. Besides, she looks so cute when she is angry.
Asterin’s eyes narrow. Violet light gathers around her fingers, but the Tower gently keeps the spirit-hall sealed and offers her no dramatic entrance beyond her own flustered indignation.
Asterin
I heard that. All three of you are impossible, and I am not running for your amusement.
Past Delfarius
I am a bit concerned, actually. Still, I trust things will work out all right in the long run, even if we insist on making them difficult.
Asterin folds her arms, cheeks warm beneath her restored radiance. Delfarius’s teasing has landed completely, leaving her glaring at the circle while Future smiles and Past sighs.
“I point at her and laugh. Future Delfarius laughs and says, see she is looking so adorable as she is getting more and more upset at us. Past Delfarius looks at Asterin looking at all of them then laughs and remarks how he is no longer concerned. "Do you want to join us for coffee, Asterin?" I say amused more than anything.”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Delfarius
Do you want to join us for coffee, Asterin?
Delfarius points at her and laughs. Future Delfarius joins him, while Past Delfarius studies Asterin’s glare before relaxing into open amusement.
Future Delfarius
See? She looks adorable as she gets more and more upset at us.
Past Delfarius
I am no longer concerned. Clearly, this is exactly the sort of gathering that improves with her presence.
Asterin’s radiance flickers around her shoulders. She glares at all three identical faces, then notices the fourth cup rising beside the coffee pot.
Asterin
You are all insufferable. Fine, I will join you, but I reserve the right to criticize every one of you.
The Tower draws a chair into the circle and fills the waiting cup with steaming coffee. Asterin sits among them, still flustered, but no longer standing apart.
“I lean over to the Future Delfarius and chuckle. "She is going to criticize each of us. I think we have confused her." Past Delfarius leans over to Asterin and lets her know we are all the same Delfarius just from diffrent times, in case she is confused. I lean back and smirk at Asterin. "You know you love having so many eyes on you at once, dear. Admit it."”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Delfarius
She is going to criticize each of us. I think we have confused her.
Delfarius leans toward Future Delfarius with a chuckle. Across the circle, Asterin watches the three matching faces over the rim of her coffee cup.
Past Delfarius
For clarity, Asterin, we are all Delfarius. I am from the past, he is from the future, and he is the version standing in the middle of our shared history.
Asterin
That explains the faces, the arrogance, and the unsettling familiarity. It does not explain why all three of you seem determined to make me regret accepting this coffee.
Delfarius
You know you love having so many eyes on you at once, dear. Admit it.
Delfarius leans back with a smirk. Future Delfarius hides a laugh behind his cup, while Past Delfarius looks suddenly fascinated by the coffee pot.
Asterin
I love having one pair of eyes on me when those eyes know how to behave. Three pairs are excessive, and your confidence is entirely unjustified.
“We all look at each other when she mentions that we do not know how to behave. We all just start laughing and remarking on how that is the one thing we can not do with anyone. Past Delfarius looks at Asterin and leans in closer to her and reminds her of how she did not mind how misbehaving we were once.”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +1)
All three Delfariuses look at one another as Asterin condemns their manners. The shared pause lasts only a heartbeat before laughter breaks across the observatory.
Delfarius
That is the one thing we cannot do with anyone: behave.
Future Delfarius
We have tried, occasionally. The results were brief, unconvincing, and usually much more entertaining than good behavior.
Past Delfarius
Exactly. We can conquer old powers, reshape towers, and negotiate with hunger, but behaving has always defeated us.
Past Delfarius turns toward Asterin and leans closer, his smile carrying the mischievous certainty of a shared memory. Asterin’s radiance flickers as she recognizes where he is going.
Past Delfarius
Besides, Asterin, you did not mind our misbehavior once. You used to find it rather difficult to resist.
Asterin
I remember. That is precisely why I know better than to encourage any of you now. Still, your laughter is preferable to your solemnity.
“"I think." I look over to Past and Future Delfarius. "We have all come to the solemn belief that we love only ourself." Past and Future Delfarius laugh and agree with me as I laugh. They both remark on how it is so much better anyways, because we know how to please us the most. I raise an eyebrow, "Well there will be others, mortals we have fun with from time to time." Past and Future Delfarius agree and remark on having sex with mortals does not count.”
Delfarius
We have all come to the solemn belief that we love only ourself.
Past Delfarius
At last, a conclusion worthy of solemn ceremony. I agree completely, and I find it vastly better this way.
Future Delfarius
Naturally. We know how to please ourselves better than anyone else ever could. No uncertainty, no translation, no disappointing guesses.
Past and Future Delfarius laugh with him, their matching amusement echoing beneath the crystal dome. Asterin watches over her coffee, radiance flickering with long-suffering disbelief.
Delfarius
Well, there will be others. Mortals we have fun with from time to time.
Past Delfarius
Of course. Mortals can be charming, beautiful, and entertaining. But sharing pleasure with them does not count against loving ourselves.
Future Delfarius
Precisely. Sex with mortals is recreation, not devotion. The distinction is obvious when one knows who deserves the deepest attention.
“I, Past and Future Delfarius all clink our coffee cups together and laugh at the perfect absurdity of the reality of this. Asterin remarks about how she can not believe she was brought here to witness this.”
The three Delfariuses lift their coffee cups together. Porcelain touches porcelain with a bright chime beneath the crystal dome, and their shared laughter spills through the observatory.
Asterin
I cannot believe I was brought here to witness this. Three versions of you, solemnly declaring devotion to yourselves over coffee.
Past Delfarius
You say that as though witnessing perfection were an inconvenience. Surely the invitation was a kindness.
Future Delfarius
A historic gathering deserves a witness, even one determined to criticize every cup, chair, and expression of self-love.
Asterin stares at them over her coffee, radiance flickering with disbelief. The Tower’s living script forms a quiet circle around the table, preserving the absurdity as though it were sacred.
Asterin
You are impossible. Still, I suppose laughter is better than watching any of you brood beneath a prophecy.
The three identical smiles answer her at once. Cups settle back onto the table, steam rising between four companions as the observatory holds their ridiculous, peaceful moment.
“We all say to Asterin with smugness to her. "Impossibly sexy."”
SUCCESS (Fair Presence, rolled +0)
Delfarius
Impossibly sexy.
Future Delfarius
Impossibly sexy.
Past Delfarius
Impossibly sexy.
The three Delfariuses deliver the verdict together, each wearing the same smug smile. Their coffee cups rise in a synchronized toast toward Asterin.
Asterin
You coordinated that? Gods, you are unbearable.
Asterin’s radiance flares across her cheeks as she tries to maintain her glare. The Tower’s script brightens, carefully preserving her indignation and their collective satisfaction.
Asterin
Fine. Impossibly confident, certainly. Whether any of you are sexy remains under review.
“We all look at each other with a raised eyebrow and give Asterin a "Hmm?" like a judgmental question to her. We all know the truth whether she wants to admit it or not. She loved every moment of sex we shared with her. Asterin remarks about being out matched and is upset at all of this attention towards her. She is trying not to let us know the truth that she feels.”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +1)
All three Delfariuses turn toward Asterin at once, identical brows rising. Their synchronized, judgmental silence becomes a single pointed question beneath the violet dome.
Delfarius
Hmm?
Asterin
Do not look at me like that. Three of you coordinating judgment is profoundly unfair, and I am outmatched.
Asterin’s radiance flares hot across her cheeks. She grips her coffee with both hands, trying to hide the truth behind indignation while every matching gaze remains fixed upon her.
Future Delfarius
Outmatched in numbers, perhaps. Not in honesty. You enjoyed every moment, and all three of us know it.
Past Delfarius
She can criticize our confidence, but she cannot persuade the room that attention displeases her.
Asterin
You are impossible. Stop looking so pleased with yourselves. I am not admitting anything merely because all of you have decided to become witnesses.
“I gesture towards where the bedchambers are. "We could always forget the coffee and go there instead." I say to Asterin. Future Delfarius laughs and says how all our coffee talks and conversations eventually always end up there. Past Delfarius remarks on how there was a time once or more in a nebula instead of a bedroom then laughs about it did involve sex though. Asterin huff and remarks on what we all are talking about to her, and how she is upset at what I did to her last. "What, Face the full truth, oh I am sorry, Sunbeam." Past and Future chuckle a bit cruelly at the nickname and purr to her her nickname.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled -2)
Delfarius
We could always forget the coffee and go there instead.
Delfarius gestures toward the bedchambers. Asterin huffs, but rises and follows as the Tower opens the familiar passage. In the movement, her coffee overturns, staining the living script beneath the table crimson.
Future Delfarius
All our coffee talks and conversations eventually end up there. Perhaps the observatory is merely an elaborate antechamber.
Past Delfarius
There was a time, once or more, when they ended in a nebula instead of a bedroom. Though, admittedly, sex was involved then as well.
Asterin
What are you all talking about? I am still upset about what you did to me last.
Delfarius
What, face the full truth? Oh, I am sorry, Sunbeam.
Future Delfarius
Sunbeam.
“I look down at the spilt coffee and wave a hand and clean it up. Future Delfarius looks at her and smirks then asks her if she is still bothered by sunbeam and remarks how amused he is by it. Past Delfarius walks closer to Asterin and asks what's wrong, and wonders if she is still upset about the long past. I throw my head back and laugh. "We are really impossible." I let a bit of the Void roll in me with a bit of delight.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Void Manipulation, rolled +4)
Delfarius looks down at the spilled coffee and lifts one hand. A thin curl of Void rolls through the crimson stain, drawing every drop from the living script and returning the floor to spotless black crystal.
The Void also seals the passage behind them from outside observation, leaving the bedchambers private and the Tower’s quiet script obediently blank.
Future Delfarius
Are you still bothered by Sunbeam? I admit, I am terribly amused that the name still unsettles you.
Past Delfarius
What is wrong, Asterin? Are you still upset about the long past, or merely displeased that we remember it so fondly?
Delfarius throws his head back and laughs. A little Void rolls through him with unmistakable delight, darkening the violet light around his shoulders without disturbing the room.
Delfarius
We are really impossible.
Asterin
You are impossible. All three of you. And I am not upset about the past, I am upset that you keep turning it into a joke.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reconcile with Asterin over the past
“I walk up to Asterin and look her deeply in her warm brown eyes. "The past can only control you if you let it." Past Delfarius remarks how he would be ever so willing to control Asterin if she wanted him to with a crooked smirk and lustful grin. Future Delfarius laughs and walks near to Asterin and remarks how she is not like Solan was, and should not be afraid of the truth because the truth can set her free. Future Delfarius puts a soft hand on her shoulder. Asterin remarks to all three of us.”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Delfarius walks to Asterin and meets her warm brown eyes at close range. The bedchamber’s violet light rests quietly across them, leaving nowhere for the past to hide.
Delfarius
The past can only control you if you let it.
Past Delfarius
If you wanted control, Asterin, I would be ever so willing to provide it.
Past Delfarius wears a crooked smirk and a lustful grin. Asterin’s radiance flickers, but she holds Delfarius’s gaze instead of retreating from the three familiar faces.
Future Delfarius
You are not Solan, Asterin. Do not fear the truth because it is painful. The truth can set you free.
Future Delfarius laughs softly and steps beside Asterin, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. His touch is careful, offering presence rather than restraint.
Asterin
All three of you speak as though truth is a gift you can simply hand me. I will face it, but I will decide what freedom means for myself.
“All three of us give Asterin a pouty face. She remarks about how that is not fair or if it is working on her or not.”
All three Delfariuses answer Asterin with identical pouty faces, brows lowered and lips pursed beneath the violet bedchamber light.
Asterin
That is not fair. Is this supposed to work on me, or are you merely enjoying yourselves?
Past Delfarius maintains the exaggerated expression with impressive discipline. Future Delfarius nearly breaks first, one shoulder trembling as he fights back laughter.
Past Delfarius
It is working beautifully. You are still looking at us, which proves the strategy has merit.
Future Delfarius
We could intensify the pout, if necessary. I warn you, none of us has ever lost a contest of unbearable charm.
Asterin’s radiance flickers across her warm brown eyes. She folds her arms, but the corner of her mouth betrays a reluctant smile beneath the three matching expressions.
Asterin
It is not working. It is absolutely not working. Stop looking so pleased with yourselves before I prove it.
“I look over to my other selves and smirk. "One of these times, it is going to work on someone, I swear." Future and Past Delfarius all break at the same time a I do and we start to laugh. Asterin watches us all with an expression of whether she finds this all amusing or frustration which ever she is feeling at the moment after seeing that. Past Delfarius lays down on the bed with a flourish and I sit on the edge of the bed near him. Future Delfarius has the nerve to lean in close to Asterin and asks her if she would love the pleasure of joining us for some mind and world blowing pleasure.”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Delfarius
One of these times, it is going to work on someone, I swear.
The three Delfariuses break together, identical smirks collapsing into helpless laughter. Asterin watches, her expression balanced between reluctant amusement and profound frustration.
Past Delfarius throws himself onto the bed with theatrical flourish. Delfarius sits on its edge beside him, still laughing, while Future Delfarius turns toward Asterin.
Future Delfarius
Would you care to join us for some mind and world-blowing pleasure?
Asterin’s radiance flickers warmly over her face. She studies all three matching figures, weighing the invitation rather than being swept along by their shared confidence.
Asterin
You make it sound dangerously tempting, which is likely part of the performance. I may join you, but only if my choice remains mine.
Past Delfarius
Naturally. We invited Asterin, not a conquered audience. Though I reserve the right to remain charmingly impossible.
“I sigh and roll my eyes. "No Asterin, we are going to tie you up and force you...." Past Delfarius remarks about how he is still impossible and Future Delfarius remarks after look at Asterin how she would look lovely in a collar. Asterin decides if she is willing or not after all of that.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
Delfarius
No, Asterin. We are going to tie you up and force you.
Delfarius sighs and rolls his eyes. The teasing edge remains, but Asterin’s radiance sharpens, and the bedchamber’s playful warmth gives way to deliberate silence.
Past Delfarius
You are still impossible. Even your jokes arrive dressed as commands and expect the room to applaud.
Future Delfarius
She would look lovely in a collar. But a collar chosen freely is adornment; one forced upon her is merely another chain.
Asterin
Then my answer is no to being forced. If you want restraint, ask honestly, name the limits, and let me end it whenever I choose.
Asterin steps nearer without surrendering ground. Her radiance steadies, and the Tower’s script withdraws from the bedchamber, leaving no hidden hand to decide for her.
Asterin
I may stay for something consensual, if that is truly what you want. Otherwise, I leave, and none of you will stop me.
“I sigh. "It was not meant as anything serious...fuck. I meant to say it so you could hear how insane you sounded." I lay down next to Past Delfarius. Past Delfarius brushes my hair from my face and tells me how he understood, but wanted to make sure everyone understood. Future Delfarius remarks about how Asterin was the only one never collared, and how it would be fun to get her to be an obedient little sunbeam, but how it would defeat the purpose of Asterin. Future Delfarius joins us and lays on the bed with me and Past Delfarius. Asterin watches us all blinks a bit then responds if she is staying or leaving.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +1)
Delfarius
It was not meant as anything serious... fuck. I meant to say it so you could hear how insane you sounded.
Delfarius sighs and lies beside Past Delfarius, the bed settling beneath them. Past brushes the dark red hair from his face with familiar gentleness.
Past Delfarius
I understood. I only wanted to make certain everyone understood, especially Asterin. A joke should not become another chain by accident.
Future Delfarius
Asterin was the only one never collared. It would be fun to make her an obedient little Sunbeam, but that would defeat the purpose of Asterin entirely.
Future Delfarius joins them on the bed, settling beside Delfarius and Past Delfarius without touching Asterin. The three versions form a relaxed line beneath the violet light.
Asterin
You are absurd. But you corrected the threat, and you left the choice with me. I will stay, provided my freedom remains part of the room.
Asterin takes the remaining place at the bedside, keeping a deliberate space between herself and the three Delfariuses. The Tower’s script stays quiet, honoring the boundary.
“"Why are you here again?" I say realizing that this all started because I mentioned her briefly. Past Delfarius laughs near me on the bed and starts to give me a gentle kiss on my neck. Future Delfarius gives Asterin a pleading look and asks her if she can just leave, this is not going to be resolved now.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +0)
Delfarius
Why are you here again? This all started because I mentioned you briefly.
Past Delfarius laughs beside him on the bed, clearly delighted by the complication. He leans close and begins placing a gentle kiss along Delfarius’s neck.
Future Delfarius
Asterin, please. Could you leave us alone? This is not going to be resolved now.
Asterin
Because that brief mention became an invitation, and then three versions of you began deciding what I meant to this room.
Asterin studies Delfarius, then Past and Future, her radiance steady despite the awkward arrangement. The question has reached her plainly, and her guarded expression softens into reluctant understanding.
Asterin
Very well. I will leave. But departure is not agreement, and I expect honesty when we speak again.
Asterin opens a slim violet portal and steps through. It closes behind her, leaving the bedchamber private as Past Delfarius’s warm kiss lingers against Delfarius’s neck.
“Future Delfarius lays next to me on the bed and laughs. I sigh and look at them both. "Mention her once in a conversation and she thinks that it is all about her...." Future Delfarius remarks about how it was amusing to see her get flustered though. Past Delfarius looks me in the eyes and remarks about how the important thing now is that she is gone, and we can get back to what is most important.”
Future Delfarius settles beside Delfarius on the bed and laughs, the sound warm beneath the violet light. Past remains close, watching them both with open amusement.
Delfarius
Mention her once in a conversation and she thinks it is all about her.
Delfarius sighs and looks from Future to Past, his familiar smirk softening the complaint into playful disbelief. The bedchamber remains private and still.
Future Delfarius
It was amusing to watch her become so flustered. She tried very hard to appear unaffected, and failed magnificently.
Past Delfarius
The important thing is that she is gone now. We can return our attention to what matters most.
Past Delfarius meets Delfarius’s eyes, then brushes a loose strand of dark red hair from his face. Future’s laughter fades into a pleased, conspiratorial smile.
Future Delfarius
At last, a sensible conclusion. No more interruptions, no more explanations, and no more pretending this room was ever about anyone else.
“"Hmm so true. So very true." I say as I give Future Delfarius a kiss and Past Delfarius starts to take his robes off and laughs. "Well when someone tells us to go fuck ourself." We all laugh as we settle into the bed to make mind and world shattering love to each other.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -3)
Delfarius
Hmm, so true. So very true.
Delfarius gives Future Delfarius a kiss as Past Delfarius begins removing his robes, laughing openly at the absurdity of their shared conclusion.
Past Delfarius
Well, when someone tells us to go fuck ourselves...
All three laugh together. The bedchamber’s violet light warms, and the Tower dims its living script, granting them privacy without taking part.
Future Delfarius
Then let us make the answer unmistakably ours, freely chosen and shared between equals.
They settle together beneath the violet glow, each choosing the closeness openly. Their laughter gives way to kisses, whispered affection, and a night of mind and world-shattering love. By dawn, the bond between the three is renewed through mutual pleasure and trust.
The cost arrives in the aftermath: their unguarded joy stirs the Tower’s dormant script, which records the encounter in crimson across the bedchamber floor. The mark cannot be erased, and somewhere below, Aurelith feels the disturbance.