Achronum

Fire Emblem: The Slumbering Goddess

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The bite of unforgiving wood and the creeping chill of the unnatural fog left Clarissa mourning the loss of her carriages back home. She took a moment to shake out the ache once she’d disembarked and rubbed her hands together despite the gloves. Clarissa and the cold held each other in equal contempt and neither were pleased at the intrusion of the other, if the vindictive way the ever present chill clawed its way down to the bone was anything to go by. Clarissa clicked her tongue irritably as she was wont to do in displeasing situations as she attempted to gain some meager understanding of the town around them.

Despite her claims otherwise, fear was an emotion Clarissa was well acquainted with. Its chokehold had cost her two years of her life, buried beneath the once insurmountable weight of her bloodline. So she was quite sure the quickening of her pulse and the faint tremble in her fingers wasn’t fear. A twinge of concern, sure. After all, her closest friend and staunchest ally was off galavanting elsewhere beyond her magic’s help but if anyone would make it out of an impossible situation, she knew it would be Jorah. Still, she bowed her head briefly and offered up a prayer, that Jorah’s arrows would fly true and his steps would carry him safely back to them, unharmed and unburdened by the weight of his gifts.

No, what quivered in her fingers and boiled in her blood was anger; righteous and white hot at the obvious bait laid out before them. Their numbers cut, their vision questionable, and their intel even worse, the only thing Clarissa was certain of was that the battle was already decided. The Goddess was on their side and thus, the only ending to this trap was victory. “Rudolf, let’s apply your analysis into something a tad more productive than questioning the orders of our Professors. The one thing you can trust is their politics‒the massacre of their students would likely obliterate the institution’s reputation, especially since they’d be crippling the future of all three nations in a single blow.” Clarissa couldn’t remember the last time she’d thought about the quiet boy but she couldn’t help rolling her eyes at his whining. They were here to learn, to improve, and to help, not whine and protest an inescapable situation.

“Furthermore, the Goddess smiles on us and us alone here. It is we who will carry Her light into this Darkness and with Her radiance in hand, emerge triumphant. Every choice and every decision has brought you here beneath Her gaze. None of us have failed Her before and no amount of heresy shall mark this as our beginning. Stiffen your spines and hold up your chins. It is we who carry Deliverance this day. Through whatever horrors may await us in this mists, we shall emerge victorious in spite of them!” Determination radiated off her in waves as she spoke, her voice carrying into the mist.

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

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Location: The Hospital
Skills: N/A

"I'll keep that in mind. Maybe we'll do a little testing with your power. Already have some interesting ideas if you're up for it. But thank you for this. We couldn't get this anywhere else and we'll treasure it forever." James gestured at the cube as he tucked it away in the little bag of supplies. He pressed a kiss to Daniel's forehead and then to Casper's cheek. "Yeah, we'll lean on her a lot I'm sure. Gotta have her in Daniel's life as much as we can." James knew it wouldn't be any other way; Casper was a total mamaa's boy, after all.

"Well, why don't we swing by the apartment, drop off this kit and see if the baby is hungry, and then we can go introduce him to your mom and see if she is willing to help us hunt down some supplies?" James suggested as he waved a quick goodbye to Bee and headed towards the apartment. As much as he wanted to keep this to themselves a little longer, they did need more help than not from this point forward. "'Cause honestly, I don't even know where to start or what to consider about some of the supplies we'll need."

The Shattering of Aegis

The Soft Haven Bounty House

_{14th of the Full Autumn Moon, 1698 P.A.
Mid morning - Clear Skies}

_{@Hero@Trainerblue192@Obscene Symphony@Scribe of Thoth@McMolly}

Aleka nodded as Ceolfric spoke, quill writing small, neat lines across the blank page. It continued far longer than the brigand spoke, the briefest pauses only when the half-elf glanced up at new faces wandering in through the door and then at the pianist whose excitement grew more and more visible with each and every person entering. “This information is necessary in deciding what jobs we consider you capable of handling, including what connections and influence you may wield as well as what connections and influences wield you. Both the Bounty House and Lord Mystralath strive to maintain excellence in their service and reputation; sending the wrong person to a job reflects poorly on both.” Aleka explained as he procured an ink blotter and carefully rocked it over the ink.

The blue elf finally shoved himself off the piano bench, smoothing out his vest before making his way to the amassing group with a wide smile. “Welcome, welcome friends! Such an interesting cast of characters walking through the doors this morning. And from the looks of it,” The man took in the glow on Kyreth’s face, the shining orange of Eila’s eyes, and the writhing mass of shadows with blatant glee. “Most of you are aetherborn, though I’m not sure about our fine masked friend here. You are safe here; if you wish, you may remove your mask. We have no qualms about any and all joining our little venture! Oh but my manners. My name is—”

“One moment, Mr. Laidon.” Aleka interrupted, ignoring the dramatic flourish the elf was building up to. “If you will please move off to the side Ceolfric. I will continue to process others and then will address you all at the same. Next individual interested in joining the Bounty House please step forward. The rest of you may continue to be entertained by Mr. Laidon until it is your turn.”

The elf had been holding both arms out, seeming frozen as he waited for Aleka, before performing an unnecessarily grand bow. “Cerric Liadon, merchant by trade, primordial aethornborn, and Master of Coin for the Soft Haven Bounty House.” He continued as if never even interrupted. “I am truly looking forward to a profitable relationship for us all! If you have worries or concerns, I would be absolutely tickled pink to assuage them!”

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

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Location: The Hospital
Skills: N/A

James situated himself behind Casper for the picture, resting his chin on Casper’s shoulder and tucking his arms up beneath Casper’s were he was holding Daniel. As Bee counted down and he beamed at her like the proud dad he was, it really hit him that they were parents. They were responsible for another person’s life―a child’s life―just like that. And James was at the limit of what commercials, movies, and passing the baby section of Target had taught him. Hopefully someone on this island had a Parenting for Dummies book.

“Never had a kid. Just watched TV and the Target I used to go to puts their baby section right in front of electronics. But that’s pretty much what I got. We’re going to have to do a little asking around about the rest.” James admitted as he squeezed Casper a little tighter before letting him go.“And I am definitely not being called Daddy our kid. We’re avoiding that at all costs.” James continued with a shake of his head as he gently took the hard light copy out of Bee’s hand.

“Babes, look how cool this is! God you are unfairly handsome, but this is so interesting!” James marveled over the little cube, holding it up for Casper to see the image better as wheels turned in his head. “Bee, does it always create it in this cube construct? Does it always come out this size? If you look at something entirely 2D, can you generate it into a 3D image or does it stay 2D and just create whatever media the image is on?”

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

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Location: The Hospital
Skills: N/A

"You don't have anything to worry about, babes. You won't get trench foot just from swimming." James said, mostly confident. He wasn't really sure how one got trench foot but it couldn't be just from swimming. Wet socks maybe? Something about moisture. James huffed in amusement as Bee led them through the hospital. Casper was clearly rubbing off on him if he was rambling in his own head about something as bizarre as trench foot.

James accepted the bag from Bee. "Thank you very much. We really appreciate all the help, Bee." James thanked her sincerely, carefully putting the bag over his shoulder before replying to Casper. "Well, I wasn't really sure how the formula was stored? I only ever saw it in powdered form in the stores so I just kinda assumed it was that and we had to mix it, put it in the bottle, and then warm it up." James explained with a shrug. "So, that's some stuff down. We should hunt down the other stuff we need next, like a crib and some clothes."

It was a weird experience, suddenly feeling little bubbles of happiness in his chest for no other reason than the love of his life was holding their son. James could just soak in the sight of them, watch them together forever, and he had an idea. He turned back to Bee. "Would you mind taking a picture of the three of us actually? Babes, do you mind if we take a picture together real quick?"

The Shattering of Aegis

Aleka Doneka

Interacting with: @Scribe of Thoth

“In addition to your given name, I require your surname, prior and/or current occupation, village or city and country of origin, the same information for your next of kin, a brief description of your skills, and assuming that I do not need to summon the grave keeper, what classification gave you that tongue.” Aleka listed after giving him a long look after his introduction.

As Aleka finished, so did the music. It was jarring and sudden as the pianist abandoned his song to turn in his seat, child-like excitement written plainly across his face. The blue skinned elf wore a white shirt with a high collared shirt with a cascade of ruffles falling down the front of the shirt and framed by the royal blue vest and paired with a pair of dark hose that ended in boots with far more buckles than necessary. He didn’t move to get up but he was tapping the tips of all twelve of his fingers together in excitement.

The Shattering of Aegis

The Soft Haven Bounty House

_{14th of the Full Autumn Moon, 1698 P.A.
Mid morning - Clear Skies}

_{@Hero@Trainerblue192@Obscene Symphony@Scribe of Thoth@McMolly}

It was a short trip from the edge of the bridge to the front door of the Bounty House, up a barely noticeable slope and a few short steps. With the new angle, one could see that the House was built far more forward that appeared from the shore, leaving a sizable amount of land further beyond. A section along the left side of the House had been cleared and beaten down into nothing more than dirt. The ground was heavy distrubed and there were several indents where something heavy had hit the ground hard. A glance to the right would reveal a well manicured garden running the length of the patio that wrapped around the building, flowers still in bloom as they entered the end of their season.

The doors of the Bounty House continued the same diamond pattern present on the bridge, four interlocking diamonds carved into the rich, dark wood. The doors were unlocked and pressing past them would reveal what seemed like an entirely different building. While the stairs and the large fireplace on the right were still the original stone; stone bled into wood in much the same manner as the lanterns along the bridge, creating a strange display of aetheric construction. The right side of the main floor held scattered couches and chairs around tables, plush rugs scattered for comfort as the nights grew cooler, and a piano, currently belting out a jaunty tune at the fingers of what appeared to be a blue skinned elf in similar colored finery, at the far end of the room next to a door that presumably led out onto the porch. Heavy tapestries interspersed the windows that looked out over the sprawling garden.

The left side of the room boasted fewer windows and furniture, only a handful of desks that were mostly unoccupied at this hour. Further towards the back, a stairwell headed beneath the main level and another door beyond that along the back of the House. One man did occupy a desk, quill scratching quick notes across one of the various pages of parchment as he consulted a ledger book. Older with heavy set wrinkles in the forehead and eyes, the half elf regarded the interruption of his morning work with a simple glance over the half rims of his glasses, pulled out a long piece of leather, placed it in the ledgerbook before closing it gently and carefully sliding it into the desk he worked at. In its place, another, larger book came out, opening with a heavy thud.

“Welcome to the Soft Haven Bounty House. I am Aleka Doneka, facilitator for this establishment on behalf of Veraz Althma and Lord Malcer Mystralath.” He introduced himself, offering a half bow. Aleka wore a heavy black cloak over a simple but well made gray and white tunic and breeches. He was incredibly monotone, his voice flat and entirely devoid of emotion as he spoke. “If you are looking for work, there are a number of documents you must complete. If you are not literate, I can assist you in this.”

There was one major oddity that stood out from everything else. At the base of the stairs that led into the second and third floors, a large stone circle, large enough for two or three people standing shoulder to shoulder to fit, sat flush with the floor but rimmed with gold. Strange markings, slightly faded, were connected by lines and circles and the stone was clearly of different origin than the outside of the House. It was a chaotic addition to an otherwise warm and inviting interior.

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

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Location: The Hospital
Skills: N/A

James laughed as Casper rambled. "I think that's how trench foot works but no, we aren't going to fireproof the baby. We're going to fireproof all his and our stuff and then we'll just put him out with an extinguisher." James explained, humming thoughtfully. "We can just get one of each type until we know how this fire stuff works, you know? Because I don't know what the limits of "Fire Generation" are. I think they even make like, little portable ones so we can stick it in a bag to carry around, too."

Now that they had some records, next step was to get proper furnishing and supplies. Diapers, formula, bottles, clothes, toys, a crib… He really jumped the gun on this one, didn't he? James couldn't be too mad though; they had the cutest baby in the world and fatherhood loomed fantastic on Casper so in the end, it all worked out. A little scrambling wasn't a horrible trade off. "Next is all the supplies. I know we can pick up formula and stuff here but I don't know that they supply bottles." Not willing to detach himself from Casper, he guided them back towards Bee.

"Another question for you Bee," James asked from where his head was propped up on Casper's shoulder. "Formula and supplies. I know you guys pass out some of it but I'm not sure what exactly that all includes.")

Strixhave: The Lament

It arrived in a flash of violet and pink, leaving a perfect circle burned around where the letter lay. Blank on the front, the envelope was yellowed with age and stuffed near to bursting.Flipping it to the back revealed it was sealed with wax, a dragon’s head with five wings pressed into the seal. The layers of protective sigils and wards hummed faintly but so long as the one it arrived in front of opened it, they simply dispelled themselves and faded. Another would find the letter suddenly burning in their hands and the memory of the letter quickly fading from their mind.

The first page of the letter shot out of the envelope and a soft, high voice began to read it aloud.

Congratulations on your acceptance to Strixhaven Institute of Magic! Many of the world’s premiere mages have passed through our gates, learned at our vaunted Professor’s feet, and left to change the world in ways even our oracles could not conceive of. We now have the pleasure of instructing you in these fantastic and ancient ways so that you too may unlock the hidden potential of your abilities.

Enclosed within are directions to Vale Rift, the magical markets of New York City, your required school materials, a temporary Gate pass and directions to the Gate, and a magical contract in which your parents must sign and send with you. If your parents are unaware of the magic world, failure to sign this contract will result in a memory removal spell and they will assume they have sent you out of the country. If your parents are aware, this contract is simply a release form and is required otherwise you will be removed until next year.

Your first day of orientation will be August 3rd. Please be sure to have crossed the gate by 8am and one of our campus guides will be happy to assist you.

I look forward to your attendance,
Professor Windry Sharpbeak
Dean of General Studies

As each portion of the contents were named, they slipped out of the envelope on their own and hung in the air for the reader to take them as they pleased.

Academy Commons

The trekk to Strixhaven was a comfortable two hour drive through a sleepy town in the New York mountains. Far beyond the town limits, deep in the mountain forest, lay an unassuming lake. At first glance, it was nothing but murky, still water but with the presentation of the metal gate pass, the water cleared and flawed upwards in a silver arch. Stars whirled and spun for mere moments before the image of a strange gold creature, standing on two wide feet and comprised of a pulsing blue crystal core crapped in a simple gold band and two arms made of the same metal waved. A pathway rose from the depths of the lake and offered a way to reach the portal.

Passing through the barrier felt like brushing through cobwebs and then sound slammed into the space. The portal faded away as the various shouts of flying students and the general murmur of people wandering the grounds filled the once silent air. Ahead stretched a beautiful and well manicured garden where the well known star arch hung overhead. Various statues and benches littered the gardens and in a few cases, a number of early birds had stretched out blankets and quilts, claiming spaces they could relax in the summer sun before the stress of classes stole it from them.

“Welcome, welcome, welcome!” The strange gold and crystal creature spoke, it’s whiney voice coming from within the crystal. “I am one of the campus guides, your campus guide to be exact! Someone will be along to collect your things shortly so please just bring the clothes on your back and your wands for your orientation tour!”

A gnomish girl, red hair bundled up in a bun, adjusted her grip on her broom, looking distinctly uncomfortable at the thought but left it propped against a trunk as instructed.

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

---

Location: The Hospital
Skills: N/A

James paused before he snatched the pen from her, listening to Casper calm their son with a unique lullaby and felt a rush of adoration for the man. Damn, what a horrible song choice but the softness with which he sang it was perfect and that was Casper all wrapped up in a nutshell. A little out of place in parenthood right now but he was exactly what he needed to be and James loved him for it. “He’s too perfect.” James sighed, the panic fueled terror draining out of him as he calmly took the pen, rather than snatching it out like he was going to before. He updated the information he had, namly parents and the baby’s name, before passing the pen back.

“Thank you. I’ll be back in a bit to pick up a copy if that’s okay.” James said as he slid the document over and made his way over to Casper. He slid up behind him and rested his chin on Casper’s shoulder, smiling fondly at the pair. “And you thought you’d be bad at this. Looks like you’ve got this on lock, babes.” James pressed a kiss to Casper’s cheek. “Found the file, thank God, and now we have to figure out all the ways to fireproof our apartment because little Daniel is on his way to be a little pyromaniac one day.”