Rain washed away the salt upon his face as the sun stared at him in front of dark clouds. The crashing of waves was as consistent as each of his breaths. Roaring like a monster behind him, lapping at his feet. So many faces, so many neutral stares. Blank, impassive. They watched him like vultures watch their prey. Hungrily, waiting for the inevitable. He was defiant, he was strong, even in the face of such impervious cruelty.
Yet he would fail and they knew.
It made his blood boil.
All had been going so well. For more than a decade he was in charge, he was a king! A RULER! A CHAMPION! A GOD!
Anything he said was decreed law, anything he made was decreed divine, every breath he took, every woman he made his- It was his right. For they were inferior. The Gods had made it so! He took them from their lowest point and made them strong! Forged them into something new, something better!
And what did they have to show for it?
Nothing but contempt. Of Pity.
They had fostered such resentment, such fear, that at the moment their destiny was made clear, was made absolute, they faltered and sneered. They did not want him, an outsider, this GOD made flesh.
His grip tightened on his mace. The mere thought of such betrayal made him grimace, then snarl.
Was that how it was?
Fine!
If they would not listen to him in the face of such danger, in front of such lies and slander, then they were not worthy of his time. They would all of them die and he would do it but first…
He turned to the sun, made manifest and pointed his mace at it. The giant came on the eve of his war, his war he had planned so meticulously. From the druids upon his ‘land’ to the ‘replacing’ of those pathetic chiefs who would not fall in line. Before him had gathered the largest army the Litus tribes had ever seen. Would EVER see. And now, at the mention of this disapproval, this ‘divine’ decree, they had stopped. They had questioned their ways that had made them so great. And now he faced the sun alone, for they were cowards and fools to believe what it said. You could NOT trust a GOD!
The Daemon placed his helmet upon his head and with a defiant roar he barrelled forward to the giant.
There was a bright flash and then he was tumbling down a hill of stone, breaking sticks and twigs with each crack. The light was bright here and he could barely keep his eyes open long enough to see. When he finally came to a stop, he laid still for several moments, trying to register what had occurred.
He at last sat up and removed his helmet to meet a wave of crushing heat and a sea of red all around him.
Malri let out a frustrated roar.
A lone warrior faces down an impossible adversary. His tirade of terror comes to a swift end as he is banished to a land far away.
“Come on come on!” Elena shouted, voice full of fright as her brown hair whipped in the wind of her own feet. They ran through the woods, sticks and brambles poking and scraping them with every step. Every frantic step. It felt like his heart was going to burst out of his chest but they kept going and all the while, Elena held tight to that basket.
A dog howled behind them, it was getting closer now, followed by the sound of Yazif’s men. They whooped and shouted, egging the dog ever towards its quarry. Them. They weaved through the forest, hoping to make it to the river. That way they could lose the dog and it was so close, he could see the break in the trees!
But one wrong step by Elena, and it was over. She tumbled to the ground, her basket of ill gotten fruit spilling out onto dry leaves and yellow grass, like bright jewels. He stopped in his tracks and went to his friend but Elena protested. “Zayd go! Run!” she shouted but it was futile. He wouldn’t leave her behind. How could he?
She gave no protest when he began to help her up, but by that point it was too late. There came a deep growl, and Zayd whipped around to see the black hound of Yazif, teeth bared and hackles raised. He froze with fear, staring into it’s yellow eyes. Footsteps followed it not long after, and three men came running towards them. Zayd tried to fight back but it was no use, a punch to his stomach sent the wind out of him and he felt Elena be ripped from his grasp. She screamed, the dog barked and Zayd fell to his hand and knees, gasping for breath.
Someone whistled and in an instant the dog stopped barking and whined. He lifted his head up to see Yazif, wearing his family robes of crimson, emerge from the trees. Elena was held by one man, but her eyes were on Zayd. Blue eyes brimmed with tears.
“Did you really think you could steal from me and run away? In broad daylight no doubt! I mean, honestly,” he came over and grabbed Zayd’s hair, lifting his head up. The smell of stale ale permeated from his lips, “You kids aren’t the smartest in the bunch and oh, you’ve wasted it.” His eyes fell upon the spoiled fruits. Yazif frowned, his black hair greasy and unwashed as he moved it out of his eyes.
“Well, let’s get this over with. You know the price for stealing.” He pulled out a long, copper knife from his robe. “Shall I start with you or the girl?” Zayd’s eyes glanced at Elena and Yazif wrenched him free from his grasp, landing with a grunt.
“Girl it is.” Yazif said without a hint of emotion.
“No! No! It was me! It was my idea! I wanted your fruits, not her. I-I-I dragged her into this. Don’t punish her! Please!” Zayd shouted, trying to get to his feet, but he was shoved to the ground again.
Yazif turned to him and crouched down. “Oh, is that so? Well then, I suppose that means instead of a finger, I’ll take a hand.” Zayd began to breath faster as his anticipation grew at an alarming rate. A sickness he had never felt welled up inside, almost making him throw up. Yet he felt himself lifted, arm outstretched as he fought back but it was no use. Yazif lifted the knife higher and then-
“No! It was me!” Elena shouted, “It was my idea, don’t listen to him! Punish me, not him. Not him.” She cried, no longer struggling against her captor.
For the first time, Yazif looked amused. “You know girl, I believe you. It takes a certain type to take the blame for another. Honorable even. But, all it really does is make him a liar. A lying thief, at that.” Yazif touched the tip of the blade to his cheek and stroked his goatee as he looked between the two of them. Then he laughed, a cruel smile forming on his lips, “Fine, I won’t take his hand. But I will take his tongue.” And he gave a nod.
A grimy hand grabbed his cheek, Elena began to scream in protest and before he knew it, his mouth was being pulled open. He couldn’t bite down, all he could do was panic and plead like some pathetic creature. Some pathetic creature that couldn’t even speak. Was that his future?
“Don’t make this harder than it has to be boy, or we’ll take something a little more sensitive.” Yazif sneered, gesturing with the blade. “Trust me, you’d rather keep that then a tongue.”
Zayd’s eyes went wide at the thought of that- He wanted to be a man and not… With a great amount of reluctance, he stuck out his tongue and felt the taste of metal as Yazif pressed the flat of the blade on his tongue. Yazif was toying with him, even now. The anticipation was beginning to take its toll on Zayd, as tears and snot ran down his face.
“Remember boy,” Yazif said, flipping the blade up.”Women are never worth it.”
There was a sharp sting, a flash of pain and the loss of something dear. Something needed.
He could feel a warm liquid fill his mouth as the world became a fog. Elena’s screams and Yazif’s laughter fading into the black abyss of sweet silence.
Several Years Later
Zayd ran his fingers through the dry dirt. The sun was beating down on his bare back, only adding to the stifling heat of the day. There was no breeze to be had and no rain cloud in sight but the work had to be done with or without the few comforts the gods could afford. As his baba had always said. Now that old man looked down on them, probably laughing at their misery.
He smirked at the thought, worming his index finger into the dirt to make a hole. He then grabbed the bag of chickpea seeds and took one out. He looked it over, making sure it was healthy. Satisfied, he placed it into the hole, then pushed the dirt over the seed and gave it a slight pat. That was one down, and now… He looked over the small field he found himself in, half was planted and the other half still needed seeds. He breathed out his nose and grimaced. Then got to work.
Later that night after the planting was done for the day, he went back to the homestead. Several huts sat around a large opening, cobbled together with stone, mud and clay. Draped with colorful cloth and drying clothes, it was a hectic place. He was not the only one who called it home and that was apparent when a band of children came to greet him. Running, whooping and hollering in the dying light of Oraliyah. For Zayd came from a large family. A very large family.
His father and his brothers all called it home with their wives and children, having come to settle there with baba and his wives. For baba had come from the old stock, from the west, having won his freedom and fortune by chance one fateful day, or so baba had said. As he walked to his father’s hut, Zayd could hardly count all the faces of his cousins, nieces, and nephews. There was great laughter here, infectious with each passing step and Zayd did his best to greet everyone with a wave and a smile. The very air smelled wonderful, full of spices and cooking things. It made his mouth water and his stomach growl. He picked up his pace, for he knew his mother would have the nightly supper ready.
Before he could enter his family's hut however, his older brother, Saban erupted from the door as if he had been waiting for him. He was pulled to the side of the house and out of sight from anyone. Saban’s curly hair was unkempt and his face still yet to be washed, was grimy. Zayd frowned, pushing Saban’s hands off of him. He raised his eyebrows and Saban began to grin like a fool.
“Zayd, my brother, you are looking fine today. Perhaps a bit too smelly for mother’s liking but that just means you worked hard, yes?” He spoke in a silky voice, the type that made one know where this conversation was going to go. Zayd shoved him in return and began to walk away. Saban grabbed his wrist. “Okay okay! Brother please, listen to what I have to say! You’ll like this I swear.”
Zayd turned to him and crossed his arms, tilting his head to the side as he stared at his brother.
“You know how mother and father want you to wed Nashwa?” He could hardly contain his smile now.
Zayd grimaced and stood straighter, that was a topic of contention of late. He did not want to wed that woman. She was far too needy and loved to be pampered, even her voice made him cringe. Zayd outstretched his hands and shook them at Saban. His brother chuckled.
“Relax, Zayd. Today they found out she’s going to wed some snob from Artikulah. You’re saved!” Saban clasped his shoulders and Zayd let out a large sigh of relief. That was wonderful news. He then grabbed Saban’s shoulders and looked him in the eyes, nodding his head in question.
“Yes yes, I am sure of it. Mother tells me everything, remember?” Saban’s smile faded as he looked to the floor. Zayd’s eyes narrowed and he shook him. “There is some other news, I’m afraid. The captain of the guard in Artikulah… He demanded every house under their ‘protection’ deliver them two sons of age, in accordance with the old ways. For war.” Saban squeezed his shoulder. “Father is sending myself and Imraan.”
Zayd gulped and began to shake his head as his face turned into a scowl. He would go give his father a piece of his mind on this. He knew it should be him! Not Saban! As he tried to free himself from Saban,his brother did not let him go.
Instead he spoke, “It’s the only way, Zayd. Imraan has always wanted to be one with the sword, you’ve known that the moment he could wield one to practice and I, I do my duty for my family.”
Zayd looked away from Saban, a wash of emotions welling up inside, wanting to burst forth.
“Zayd, look at me. Look at me!” Saban said in a stern voice and he did after a moment.
“This is not your fault brother. Do not blame yourself, this is for the best. Just trust me. Let’s just go and eat alright? Mother has made your favorite.” He cracked a small grin.
Zayd nodded and when Saban finally let him go, he bolted.
“Zayd no!” Saban called after him as they entered the house.
He found his parents and siblings around the table. All eyes fell on him as he entered the room, pointing at himself. Why wouldn’t you pick me? Why why why? He wanted to shout, but all he could do was point at himself, shaking his head in anger.
“Zayd, what the matter?” His mother asked, raising from the table.
Saban then arrived and his mother looked to his father, who he had not taken his eyes off of. He was a large man with an even larger beard. His laughter could shake the whole house but at that moment, all he could see was a betrayer.
“Saban, you didn’t.” His mother began to shake her head.
“I- wanted him to hear from me. I thought he would understand if I explained it.” His brother said.
“Oh Saban.” His mother frowned.
The rest of his siblings all grew quiet as his father finished the piece of meat he was eating. He took a drink and then said, “Sit down and eat my sons. We can discuss this tomorrow.”
Zayd shook his head and stomped his foot on the ground.
Now his father stood and everyone seemed to grow still. “What do you want me to say!” He slammed a fist onto the table and the rest of his children scattered, leaving the oldests among them remaining. Imraan, Saban and Eshe, his older sister.
“Kaid, please.” His mother said in a pensive tone, hands on the table.
“Salma, not now. If the boy wants to know why I won’t send him in Saban’s stead, then he can learn a hard truth.” His father said, brushing off his shirt. Zayd relaxed his shoulders and crossed his arms again, looking hard at his father. Waiting for whatever lie he was going to be told.
“Don’t give me that look Zayd. You have no idea what this means for this family. This is a great honor, to be in service to the Hash’Lahan, to mean something! So they can make names for themselves, your brothers! Be happy for them, for they will be able to have multiple wives like baba! They can have their own land like baba! They won’t have to be stuck in one place forever like us!” He looked to his wife for a sign of reassurance, but her face was of stone. His father sighed and looked him dead in the eye, “I am sorry, Zayd. I will not send one who has no tongue. It would dishonor us all.”
Zayd recoiled as if stuck. That was not a lie, was it? His face all at once became a canvas of shock and sadness that melted into anger each passing second as he looked to the faces of his siblings who would not return his gaze. He clenched his hands into fists, taking a ragged breath before turning and running out of the hut. He could hear shouting behind him, and his name being called but as he ran, their voices were replaced by the roar of a fading fire and the eventual cold of dark.
A story taking place sometime in the Garden. Zayd and his gal pal Elena get caught stealing fruit from an orchard. Zayd takes the blame for it even though it was Elena who did everything. Seeing how Zayd is about to lose a hand, she confesses and Zayd meets a new punishment.
Years later a now mute Zayd lives at home with his big extended family planting some chickpeas. At the end of the day he arrives home and his brother Saban confronts him with some news. Zayd is no longer going to be wed off which is good news but Saban and his other brother are being sent away to become soldiers.
Zayd doesn't like this and confronts his father who basically says his brothers will have every opportunity to become wealthy and he will not dishonor the family by sending a mute.
Year 29AA, middle winter, outside Caisteal Na Grèine...
“Oh, I cannot wait! I cannot wait! To feel the Statuette once more… How can we be so fortunate?” The young man Macdouh clapped his hands together and had a skip in his gait, kicking up snow with every step. His brown linen robes were characteristic for a monk, and in true monkly fashion, he had given up his family plaid in favour of simple furs. Indeed, nothing less was expected of an acolyte of the House of the Sun. His excitement was met with a somewhat patronising chuckle from his left. The monk turned to see the old, speckled face of Kaer Pier, his balding head covered with a well-sewn and ornately embroidered squirrel fur hat.
“Now, now, young Macdouh - we haven’t even started negotiations with the Reiyar - there is no guarantee that we will be permitted to touch the Statuette.”
Macdouh’s excitement was quickly capped by the elder’s words, and the gait lost its momentum. The monk folded his cold hands instead and attempted to assume a more conservative stance a little behind the druid. “Of course, father - forgive my overreaction.”
“My son,” the druid soothed, “one should never have to apologise for one’s excitement; after all, excitement is but the sun’s will made manifest within our souls. The greatness of Reiya and all of her gifts given to this good world comes to light in the sensations of joy, life and excitement.” He clapped the monk on the shoulder and lifted his tree branch staff to the heavens. “Come now, sing with me! Sing praises to the Daymother! Oh Reiya, oh Reiya~~!”
The druid was quickly joined by Macdouh, as well as the other seven monks and nuns who had come along for the trip. A little behind, two elks trudged through the snow, each carrying a plaid-dressed, copper-helmeted warrior wearing vigilant stares as they surveyed the hills around them. Behind them again, thirty or so foot soldiers followed, all armed with copper spears and small, wooden shields.
“Oof, here they go again,” muttered one of the commanders. The other rolled her eyes.
“Only you would complain about hymns to the Sun, Cumhail. I think they sound rather nice, actually!” Cumhail, théin of the farmstead of Ha-Reyr, gave a long, drawn-out groan.
“Not another word, Cat. I did not ask for this mission; I want my bed; I want my wife; and I want my morning porridge.”
“You had porridge this morning, though…” Cumhail exhaled hot air.
“I want it the way -she- makes it. Campfire porridge cannot even begin to compare!”
“Okay! Okay, relax.” Catryn, théin of the mining village of Ha-Tind, pulled her green and red plaid tighter around her torso. “Didn’t mean anything mean by it…”
“Look, I know you didn’t, but, c’mon, show a man some respect, would you, and don’t make him think of his wife’s porridge while in the field.”
“You’re the one who brought it up, tho--”
“Shush! Not another word.”
Catryn looked to be on her last thread of patience, but a call from ahead in the column caught her attention enough that she let go of the handle of her axe. They kicked their elks gently in the sides and the mounts sped up to top a hill. There, over the top, they could see the red stone castle, standing out from the surrounding like a spot of blood in the whitest snow.
Caisteal Na Grèine.
“We’re here!” announced Kaer Pier to the sound of applause from the monks and nuns. “Now, remember the plan - I will approach first with the acolytes and ask for lodgings. You warriors will await outside.”
“In the cold?” Cumhail replied curtly and sourly. Kaer Pier nodded.
“Most unfortunate, I know, but I will not have armed men and women enter the holy halls of great Solus - of Mother Reiya. Remain out here, and we will make certain to plead for permission so that you, too, may come in. Now, come now, young acolytes! Let us do what we do best!” The druid trudged ahead through the snow, followed by the monks and nuns, some of whom were pulling pulks. The théins looked grimly at one another. Catryn growled at Cumhail and turned to the warriors.
“Well, you heard the man - set up camp and get a fire going. I’m freezing my tits off…”
Meanwhile, the druid and his companions reached the gate of the Sundom, its radiant heat having melted all the snow around it in a several metre radius. The druid motioned for his followers to kneel as he himself approached the gates and knocked. “Great Reiyar - servants of the Sun - we come bearing gifts in honour of your great aid earlier this winter, and pray we may spend the day strengthening our great friendship!”
It did not take long for a reply to muster forth in the form of great golden Leo. peering its head over the walls, body precariously perched upon the stone as if it was finding its footing. A great halo shimmered above it'a head as two curious eyes looked upon them. It lifted its head to sniff at them and then seemingly disinterested, it turned and disappeared over the wall.
“A beast! A beast of the sun!” one of the nuns burst out and squealed, being joined by her comrades. Kaer Pier seemed a little less giddy about the whole situation and gently knocked on the gates again.
“With great humility and respect, we pray we may enter this great castle again in hopes that we can further our bonds of friendship - the Reiyar and the Dûnans!”
The gates did begin to open, revealing winged men and women standing tall on either side of Tevuri and a shorter woman. She wore embossed plate armor of the sun, a faint Halo was above her golden hair. In stark contrast to the Reiyar, her skin was dark… Her arms were folded in front of her and her facial expressions were neutral.
"Dûnans." she stated in a strange accent. "Please, come in, you must be cold." She smiled.
It was the druid’s turn now to stand dumbstruck in awe. The monks and nuns hadn’t risen from their knees, and a few of them were nervously looking around for the signal to stand up. Instead of giving such a signal, the druid himself fell to his knees and laid his staff down on the ground, saying, “Oh… Oh, what fortune - what joy! To think that I, the humble sinner that I am, would be so fortunate to gaze upon the beauty of the Sun’s daughter twice in one lifetime. I greet you from the bottom of my soul and wish you all the blessings of my people, Lucia Helgen!”
The monks and nuns gasped. “A helgen?!”
Lucia remained still. "And I greet you. All of you. Please, rise. Rise and tell us why you've come. No one was expected here until spring at the earliest. Or so I was told."
The druid rose against slowly and the monks and nuns joined in. “Oh, but we couldn’t wait to show our appreciation for the Sun’s aid in reclaiming our home. We’ve brought gifts of ale, food and crafts for all to enjoy, and my acolytes here, a selection of monks and nuns from the House of the Sun, were all eager, so eager, to travel as soon as the weather would allow it. And, as it happened, thanks to the grace of Claroon, no storms have come to keep us at bay this month. I hope we are not intruding.”
"I see. What do you think Cardinal Tevuri?" she asked, turning to the taller Reiyar.
He stroked his chin and said, "I for one always welcome the mixing of culture and exploring the Humani's customs. They are most welcome here. Plus the Oraeliari would do well with something to do."
"Well, that's settled then. Please, come in and be welcomed." Lucia said.
“We cannot express how grateful we are, kind helgen,” praised the druid and took a step forward. “Oh! Before I forget… Atop the hill there, our escort awaits in the cold. They number roughly thirty or so. Would it be too much to ask if they, too, may stay inside the warm castle?”
"Of course." Tevuri said. "We do ask that any weapons are given to us upon entry however. They will be relinquished when you decide to leave."
“Oh, certainly, certainly. Whatever you request be given over, shall be given over. Macdouh, son, would you run up the hill and invite the warriors into the warmth?” The monk bowed and immediately set off on a panting spring through the snow. Kaer Pier smiled and walked over to one of the pulks a nun had dragged with her, from which he untied a thin-necked clay vase with a bark cork. He then stepped back over to Tevuri, bowed his head and offered the vase. “Good Cardinal… Please accept the first of our gifts - the wholly new invention of our people: golden ale.”
Tevuri took the vase with gentle hands, as if he was holding a baby. He brought it up to his puzzled face and asked, "Golden… Ale? What does it do?"
The druid smiled. “It is a drink, friend - a tasty, round-flavoured drink that keeps your belly warm and happy in winter times. In excess, it will soften your soul just enough to reach into the divine plane and speak to the gods. Indeed, I have tried and succeeded - much a similar effect to pipeweed and joyberries.”
Tevuri still looked skeptical but uncorked the jug and took a long whiff of the ale. "It smells good." He said, taking a swing. His face puckered and he passed it to another Reiyar. "It is different, but different is good. Go on and try it Yuleari.” The woman was hesitant in her reaction but sniffed and drank, a small smile creeping onto her face as they passed it around to try.
“Be not afraid to drink it all - we have plenty more! If there is a table somewhere, let us prepare you the feast we have brought with!” At this point, the warriors arrived through the gate behind them, looking blessed to be in the heat of the castle. The two théins dismounted their elks and each offered curtuous bows to both Lucia and Tevuri.
“Gods’ peace be upon you,” Catryn greeted and took her helmet off, blonde hair flowing out of it and down over her cloaked shoulders.
“Yes, gods’ peace,” Cumhail offered just politely. Kaer Pier cast him a sharp glare.
“My companions have naturally accepted that they must give up their arms and will do so immediately,” the druid reminded through a forced, toothed smile.
“Oh, right!” Catryn blurted out and all the soldiers quickly disarmed themselves, neatly arranging a pile by the gate. There were daggers, spears, axes and even some swords - mostly copper, with one or two bronze artifacts scattered in there. There was even a sunforged weapon, which Cumhail seemed terribly reluctant to leave behind. He hung over the pile, holding the long dagger in his hand, grimacing harshly.
Tevuri clasped his hands, "Please, this way. We shall prepare some tables in the dining hall. In the meantime, warm up and mingle as you humani do." Tevuri and Lucia walked off ahead into the keep.
The Dûnans didn’t ignore his suggestion, and many immediately snuggled up against the sunstone wall, many taking off their thickest clothing to not sweat them soaking wet. Kaer Pier and his followers rounded up sacks of oatcakes, pots of cheese, vases of ale and much more from the sleds, following Tevuri with their arms full of gifts. When the food had been moved over across the grand courtyard and into the warm keep, the druid picked up a small wicker chest, beautifully woven and ornately decorated with speckles of chalk, amber and a cross-shaped, golden sun atop its lid. Ceremoniously, he carried it over to the tables and put it down, placing his hand in kind protectiveness over it. “Now… Shall we feast?”
Tevuri nodded, looking around at the many humani and Oraeliari entering the chamber. Each table was large enough for a Reiyar to sit at comfortably but the Humani were a bit short. Lucia had vanished however, most likely through one of the many doors in the vast chamber. As Tevuri sat down at the head of the hall, he looked at the box and asked, "I don't think I ever caught your name?"
The druid smiled and bowed again. “Forgive my insolence - I should’ve opened with that. I am known as Kaer Pier, former archdruid of Ha-Dûna and now trusted advisor and messenger of our sanndatr Boudicca. I also oversee the Daytemple, temple of the Sun.”
“No need to apologize, Kaer Pier. It is nice to meet you.” Tevuri said, taking off his gloves. Around the room the two species mingled and merriment was had, as the Reiyar tried the ale and food. They in turn brought out some of their own items that they had brought from the Luminant. Lumos berries and oran bread, bright and colorful but not as delicious as when they were ripe. “Former archdruid? Sanndatr Boudicca? Has there been a change of leadership in Ha-Dûna?” Tevuri queried.
“So there has,” said the druid and received a horn of foaming ale from a bowing nun. “The Moot declared that the druidic leadership had brought our civilisation nothing but ruin and infamy - we elected that we should have one leader instead, one selected on account of their stellar virtues and inborn charisma: the sanndatr, the True Daughter, or sannsonn if our next one is a man. Boudicca was the only viable candidate in the eyes of the gods and the Moot, without a doubt. Some among us are naturally skeptical of leaving power to a single individual, but the last thing we need now is a crippled council government. A single, righteous leader of such exemplary moral character as Boudicca can make effective, solid decisions and have them be carried out on the day they are made. -That- is what we need; that is a leader.” He sipped his horn with a nod.
Tevuri took a sip of some freshly poured ale, smiling at the nun in thanks. “Change can be many things. Good and bad, it is simply a matter of perspective.” He took another sip. “I can not comment on singular leadership I’m afraid. The Oraeliari people are guided along by we Cardinals. No easy task, but the light of our Oraeliara guides us along. I hope things go well for you and your people.”
“As do I, friend. As do I.” Pier helped himself to an oatcake and scooped onto it some cottage cheese from a nearby bowl. “If I may ask, what has become of your policy on the local, for the lack of a better word, conflicts in the Dûnlands? You helped us reconquer our home, but… What will you do now?”
“Ah, that. We were unsure after reclaiming your home, but now with the Sun Daughter’s arrival, our purpose is clear again. We shall help build a lasting peace here in the Highlands, between all clans, villages, peoples, and races. It is the Sun Mother’s will made manifest.” He said, taking another small sip.
“Then we are of one mind, friend. Peace is the only sensible goal left for these lands - if we can achieve it, then all will be well.” He smiled. “Naturally, Ha-Dûna will wholeheartedly line up behind you as an ally in this matter - whatever you may need, whether it be knowledge of the tribes, connections around the Dûnlands or manpower and resources, you shall get it.”
"Any help is appreciated." Tevuri smiled. "Now, I've noticed that box you brought with you and I must say I'm curious to what might be contained within."
“Oh, this? A small gift for the Cardinals personally - one we hope to exchange for a small favour in return, is all, a favour that to us would mean a great deal.” He opened the lid: The inside of the box was upholstered with wool and bird dow, forming soft, pillowy protection against uneven movement. In the centre of the pillows, there laid a set of four golden rings, intricately adorned with bulbs of transparent glass, with one verdant piece of chiseled malachite in the centre. “Had we known the Sun Daughter was here, we would have naturally brought another one; let us bring it at a later date.”
Tevuri's expression narrowed as he looked the rings over. He said nothing for several moments, as if deep in thought. When he did speak he looked to Pier. "They are beautiful rings, one cannot deny that and I cannot speak for Lucia but before we Cardinals think of accepting this gift, I think it prudent you speak of this request of yours."
“Oh, it’s not as much a request as it is a simple question of permission, my friend.” The druid closed the box and pushed it gently aside for a spell as he took his horn and gave it a sip. “As you no doubt know, these upheavals and our years in exile have taken their toll on our population - many fine, beautiful youths who were meant to grow up and carry our people forward were taken from us much before their time.” He sighed somberly, and the monks, nuns and warriors around the table who had heard him either joined his sigh or teared up. These were comforted by their peers. The druid gave Tevuri a broken stare, the residue of his smile lost completely. “We ask therefore for permission to have our young and newlywed come here on a pilgrimage, just so they can touch the belly of the Sun Mother’s statuette and help our people recover.”
Tevuri looked them over, eyes lingering on the sad faces he saw before him. He then looked out over the room and said, "Such a question cannot be answered by myself alone. Thus I propose that in the morn you gather those of you who speak for your sanndatr and I shall gather mine and we shall discuss this. For now, let us enjoy ourselves in the warmth of Oraeliara and friends."
“I wholeheartedly agree.”
"Good." Tevuri smiled, "Now please, pass the butter?"
A sun of red began to rise, warming the foggy keep. The feast had gone on well into the night and most had fallen asleep in the grand hall, but those that were able to walk found rest in the barracks and dorms of the Reiyar. The day was full of anticipation, stemming from the weight of the question posed. And after a quick breakfast, they were guided to where they needed to go. Up winding stairs, down long corridors until at least they reached another short flight of stairs and looming above, a great door. The Reiyar standing guard pushed on the doors and sounds of straining wood and creaks filled the air. Before them sat another room, not as long or tall as the dining hall, but ornate with windows letting light stream in. Rows of tables and chairs lined the sides of the room, leaving a walkway to the front, where another longer table sat, facing a raised platform that stood half as tall as them. Upon that platform sat another table, and sitting upon great chairs were Tevuri and three other cardinals. They wore simple white robes with golden sashes.
These cardinals sat on either side of two figures. One was Lucia, wearing a sleeveless but simple gown of lavender. Her golden hair was let down, matching the color of the Cardinals wings and her own shimmering tattoo’s. Above those five, shimmered their ever present Halos, marks of Oraelia herself. The sixth figure who sat next to Lucia, was a broad-shouldered woman with no easily determined heritage beyond being fair of skin. Her black hair flowed reminiscent of the Ketrefan south, but her face - locked into a thin frown - had the same sharp lines as Acadian nobility. Beyond all that, she was shaped like a western warrior, with athletic muscles hidden underneath thin black fabrics woven like layers of veils over the skin rather than any thick clothes for weather. Lucia turned to her and said something, placing her hand upon her shoulder.
Behind them all, carved into the very stone of the wall, was a depiction of Oraelia. She held a glowing sun in one hand, and a flower in the other. She looked down, smiling with kindness.
As Kaer Pier and his party approached, Lucia rose with a smile. ”Welcome, welcome. Please sit.” she gestured to the table below before continuing, ”Tevuri has informed me that you wish to ask something of the Caisteal Na Grèine. So please, before the eyes of my Mother ask us what you will.” She then sat back down.
The Dûnans offered their most respectful bows, though young Macdouh stood staring at the mural of Oraelia, descending slowly to his knees. “Oh, Mother Sun,” he whispered, then furrowed his brow somewhat. He leaned over to Kaer Pier and whispered something to him, and then the druid put his hand on his shoulder, squeezing it firmly.
“Don’t be disrespectful, my son,” one could barely hear him respond through a forced smile before greatly loudening his voice. “Sun Daughter Lucia, helgen of helgens! Once again, I must express from my heart’s deepest cavities that to see you once again is nothing short of a blessing, and as much as I wish we had come purely for the social exchange, wise Cardinal Tevuri speaks true: We have come also with a request - one that, if granted, would mean the world to our people’s present and future.” He took a breath and bent a knee, his followers doing the same. “We wish, with utmost humility, to be granted permission to open routes of pilgrimage to this holy keep, so that our promising youth may touch the belly of the Sun Mother’s statue and be granted her bountiful fertility.”
"Ah, so the object of your desire is the statue? And you wish to pilgrimage here to be able to touch it." Lucia folded her hands across the table, her expression marked with neutrality. "You are aware that the statue is one of the roots to the problems this land has faced over these years? That my mother blames herself for what she gave you in her naivety? That you could be trusted with it in good faith, so that it could be used responsibly? If the Sun Mother had known the path it would send you on, she would have never given it." Her voice grew softer, "But who could have predicted you would use it so fanatically that your own land could not keep up and then when she gave you everything you needed, it still wasn't enough. After the wars, after the bloodshed." Lucia sighed and her expression grew hard. "I shall ask you this now and answer truthfully. Do you think you are worthy still of such a gift?"
The druid frowned. “Would it not be blasphemous to not employ a gift given by the Sun Mother herself to its greatest extent? Would it not be insolent to willingly restrict ourselves and our people’s growth when the gospel of the Sun forever preaches fertility and proliferation? Our sins are not the Sun Mother’s fault - they are ours, and ours alone. No matter the size of her infinite heart, she cannot take our guilt away from us - not even Naya can. Our growth was but a mere factor of a greater evil within our ranks - one that no god can truly take the blame for; I dare say not even the cruel Sigeran can be blamed for planting that first, wicked seed of greed within Kaer Teagan all those years ago. In regards to sustenance, Sun Mother realised our plight, of course, as wise and great as she is, and our lands can now feed our population tenfold, at least. Our estimates cannot keep up with the true yield, even.” He paused. “We are learning, wise helgen, and it is all we can do for as long as we live. That is all we can say to that.”
The dark-haired woman managed to look even less pleased than before, but shrunk back into passivity as Lucia spoke up. "To learn is to grow. To grow is to live. My mother embodies that, and just as you have learned from your lessons, so as she. For life is such a precious thing, it surrounds us in its beauty but with every breath we take it can be taken away in an instant." She paused. "Too much of a good thing can be abused and turned to cruelty, can it not? I have no doubt your intentions are pure however, you are faithful to her and her teachings. But you must learn that excess so often turns to greed. I think you were wise in coming here asking for pilgrimage, for that is admitting you are willing to change further. Now," she turned to her peers at the table. "Does anyone else wish to speak?" she asked.
Tevuri cleared his throat, giving Lucia a nod. He then looked to the druid and then other followers. "Lucia speaks with wisdom. I knew this day might come, where you would come to ask for it but I do not fault you for that want. It is a powerful gift and should not be denied, to any. I would like to say this, if you wish to make pilgrimage here then we cannot only allow the people of your nation, but any who wish to touch the statue. We wish to remain neutral when we have to and in good standing with all of the people that call these lands home. We cannot show favoritism." He said, finishing his speech.
Cardinal Amara then stood up. "Tevuri speaks after our own hearts, as does Lucia. If you wish to pilgrimage here then we would also ask that any weapons be collected at the gates before entry, any violence committed within will result in immediate expulsion by all members of either accountable parties. And finally, before Oraeliara, we do ask that bad blood, grudges and other pettiness be cast aside in favor of understanding and compassion to your fellow man." She then sat down. The two other Cardinals, one known as Ponifiri and the other unnamed both gave nods in agreement. The dark-haired warrior beside Lucia murmured something under her breath, though it wasn't particularly audible for anyone but those closest to her. In turn, Lucia glanced at the woman but her own expression remained neutral.
The druid lowered his head and smiled. “What joy, what fortune - to have such wise and understanding lieges to stand before. Of course, the gift should, no, must be shared with all in the Dûnlands - that has ever been our intention, for we restricted no one from using it before. Now, however, that it is placed much more centrally, perhaps we can all share in the Sun Mother’s blessing. All of these conditions are most acceptable in our eyes - we are grateful.”
”I am glad we could come to this agreement.” Lucia said. ”I do have a request of my own however, one unrelated to the statue. The Sun Mother has sent myself and my wife to bring about a lasting peace in the Dûnlands and beyond. We were relieved to hear that Ha-Dûna has been reclaimed and that the fighting has settled down, however, Oraeliara scouts have seen some rather disturbing things from the settlement of Scawick? Scawack?” She frowned. ”As such we think it best to gather those who have been wronged in the past and call a grand moot of sorts. A meeting between village heads, town leaders, kings and queens, elders- All across the Dûnlands so that we can talk about peace, settle mistakes from the past and move forward towards a brighter future. I ask you deliver this request to your sanndatr.”
“Such is our intention, as well, make no mistake - but the Scawicks have proven angry and hateful towards our cause of peace. We met them in the field earlier this winter and tried to talk sense to them; they would not listen. We were forced to employ blunt weapons to keep them from murdering us all. We managed to send the majority of them back home with food and supplies, but…” He hung his head in shame, his monks and nuns joining him. The warriors seemed less inclined. “... Alas, when a wolf pack takes too many of your own flock, some must be culled in response.”
The dark-haired woman beside Lucia tapped the table before them a few times, a thoughtful and erratic break from the hitherto calm back-and-forth discussion. Seeming to come out of her thoughts and behavior with a brooding peer at the assembled pilgrims, she spoke up with a broad dialect that seemed equally difficult to place. "Do not fault the wolf for remembering who struck it in the past. Your legacy stretches further back than you may be keen to remember."
Kaer Pier shifted his look to her, his polite smile losing most of its composure until only a frown remained. “Oh, do not misunderstand us - we do not fault them for their behaviour; it is common amongst people like the Scawicks to be… Less in control of their emotions.” He held up his hands. “And we absolutely understand - again, the Dûnans have a history as warmongers, and this we must repent for; however, if they murder our peacemakers when we come to them with a message of harmonious existence, then we cannot simply turn the other cheek, can we?”
”People like the Scawicks…” It was Lucia who frowned now, shaking her head. ”One step forward, another step back…” She massaged the bridge of her nose. ”I must advise, in the future when you come into contact with those who will not listen due to past prejudices, that you ask a neutral party to be a bridge between the two. To ensure such life is not unnecessarily lost.” She rested a hand upon the dark-haired woman’s cheek for a moment, before dropping it out of view. ”We shall go talk to the Scawicks to see what can be done. Now, is there anything else that you wish to ask?” she asked.
The druid bobbed his head softly. “If all aforementioned clauses of the agreement remain, then we have nothing left to ask. We thank you from the bottom of our thousand hearts for your wise and merciful decision to allow not only us, but all peoples of the Dûnlands to access the statuette through pilgrimage.” He extracted the box with the golden sun upon it once more, knelt down again and offered it in the direction of Lucia, Sanya and the Cardinals. “To solidify this agreement, allow us to offer you the gifts intended for the wise administrators of the Sun’s will, as tribute to let you know that, through thick and thin, Ha-Dûna will always be loyal to Caisteal Na Grèine.”
”Not tribute, but rather a deal made.” She turned and nodded at Tevuri, who stood and pulled out from beneath the table a box of his own. He walked down the steps and placed it before Pier.
“We offer this in return, to affirm this agreement.” Tevuri said, opening the chest to reveal an assortment of glowing seeds. Some resembled familiar nuts and acorns, but others were wholly exotic. “Take these seeds from our homeland, grow them in your fields and remember that the light lives in us all.” Tevuri said.
“A gift from the Sun Mother!” celebrated the clergy, and Kaer Pier’s followers quickly scrambled to pick up the chest and carry it to the door. Kaer Pier managed to calm them down a little with some whispering and gesturing, but they couldn’t hide their eagerness in beholding something so sacred. The druid eventually gave up and turned back to the council with a wide smile.
“As their reaction proves, we are infinitely grateful for the gift. Come spring, these will be the first seeds to be sown.” Once more, he bowed. “We cannot wait to bring these wonderful news back to our people, and to all peoples throughout the land. Today is a most fortunate day for the Dûnlands!”
“You and your people are welcome to stay for as long as you like, Kaer Pier.” Tevuri smiled. “Though I think we will understand if you wish to leave to spread the word.”
“Your hospitality is legendary, wise Cardinal, but it is as you say - these news must be brought back post-haste. The celebrations will almost certainly ravage the city all over again, I reckon,” he chuckled.
“Then we wish you a safe journey.” Tevuri said.
”Indeed. Thank you for your time, Kaer Pier. Until next time.” Lucia said, turning to the woman beside her. Something murmured under her breath, and the dark-haired woman nodded towards the druid as well.
A few days had passed since the retinue from Ha-Dûna had departed and Lucia found herself watching the Oraeliara train outside the barracks. Today, like the last few days, she found her eyes falling upon Sanya, who had taken a liking or perhaps a purpose, to avoid boredom. She taught them how to wield the spear with deadly intent. Lucia enjoyed watching her partner do something she enjoyed, it was good to see. Sanya had kept up practice these past decades, switching to unarmed forms when she had buried Sorrowsting. Now she had the chance to meet and train with students who seemed eager enough to learn, and Sanya used the opportunity both to impart her knowledge and perfect her new fighting style. She weaved into different forms and stances, and taught them grapples to dislodge and overwhelm opponents.
But she found herself lingering for too long however, and with reluctance she moved on. Through the warm halls she walked, greeted by the tall winged one with friendly smiles. They did not revere here as much as the Druids did and for that she was thankful. Eventually Lucia found herself back in the chamber of mother’s likeness, where they had made their agreement. It was empty, but only of mortals.
”You did well, Lucia.” Rhiona’s voice came from the statue of her mother as she walked forward. ”The people here are fanatical but perhaps they will learn in time.” ”I hope so. I cannot bear to see them act so cruelly. You saw how they made mention of the Scawicks…”
”Indeed. What was it that Sanya said? Wasn't it, humans never change?”
Lucia frowned and took a seat. "I love Sanya but she has a very pessimistic view on humans and I don't blame her. But some do change for the better and some change for the worse. It's one of the view journies in our life we have to take."
"Mhmm, spoken like your mother. Now, I believe I might have a few things you'll be interested in. For there is always more to give in the name of peace." A large topaz appeared on the table in front of her, giving off an aura of calm. Lucia felt as if she could burst from empathy just being in its presence. "Use that in the name of peace and negotiations. Also I made more Joyfs. Goodluck Lucia!" Rhiona said with haste in her voice before her presence disappeared.
Lucia was so wrapped up in the stone that it took her a few seconds to realize what Rhiona had even said.
”Oh goo- Wait! More Joyfs?" and as if on que, there was loud shouts coming from the courtyard and Lucia grabbed the gem before running off in that direction. Her worry began to fade as shouting gave way to laughter. She turned the final corner and the courtyard came into view. The first thing she saw was a massive head of a Joyf, looking around excitedly.
Then she saw smaller yet still large Joyfs frolicking with the Oraeliara, in fact, several swarmed over Sanya, one was laying on her legs, head at her chest, begging to be petted as the others licked at her face and head. The dark-haired warrior had all but given up any attempt at sparring practice, and was now fully caught up in trying to wrestle free from the fluffy mound of cute animals. An energetic and big joyf licked her over the nose, and caught off-guard, for once, Sanya offered a genuine and peaceful chuckle.
Lucia laughed and watched as the largest one… This Queen Joyf, fall to her side and whimper. In an instant a swarm of Joyfs went to her and several Oraeliari, all providing helpful pats to her thick fur.
Lucia rolled her eyes and looked up to see the two cats circling above. It seemed they were the only ones not a fan of the newcomers.
Druids go to the castle of the Oraeliari in the highlands and propose an agreement to make pilgrimage to the statuette of fertility. After some talk with the Cardinal Council and Lucia (who is there with Sanya) they come to a deal. Pilgrims are welcome if they abide by the rules and have only love in their hearts. The happy druid and his followers depart with this information. Skip a few days and we see Lucia seeing Sanya training some Oraeliari before going to talk to Rhiona. The avatar gives her some stuff and ushers in a golden age of Joyfdom.
Oraelia 5/5
-3MP To claim the last of her Love ports, Joy.
-2DP Blossom Topaz II - This palm sized topaz emits an aura of compassion that warms the hearts of those that are in sight of it, allowing for easier communication and less aggression. Probably a lot of feels too.
-3DP Royal Joyfs. Bigger than their cousins but retaining the same basic purposes, Royal Joyfs are around the size of large ponies when adults. These Joyfs are also very smart for a non sentient animal and go to great lengths to ensure the very best care is given to those that need it by giving joy, and compassion. They are big floofs.
-2MP (Towards Authority) The Queen Joyf. Standing as large as a cobble house and resembling a much fluffier Royal Joyf, the Queen Joyf is exactly that, the queen of Joyfdom. As well as having all the traits of her subjects, compassion, joy and kindness the queen has an aura of authority over Joyfdom and all other Joyfs obey, including other subjects who she imposes herself on. Her voice may reign supreme but this does not make the Queen a tyrant. In fact, she is quiet the opposite. A more benevolent deity that demands of her subjects, scratches. Lots and lots of scratches.
Cardinals of Tranquility Start = 14 -5 (Minor tech shift) Luminant seeds. Plants and trees that glow. Forgot to Add +5 To their last post as well Post 10k+ = 5
= 19
Lucia: 55 Prestige +5 (10k+ post)
Total: 60
Sanya: 39 Prestige +5 (10k+ post) -5 Teach some Oraeliari how to use a spear goodly.
Sat deep within the cool stone of the palace, there lay another bath chamber, this one decadent and lit with hundreds of candles, flickering into dying light. The room was further furnished with a variety of chairs and tables, set into the crooks and crannies of the tall room. In the center of this bath chamber sat an oval pool. It was large and full of water that was covered with the last of the flower petals kept from the Highlands, giving off a very floral scent. The water was warm, heated by hot rocks at the deep center.
Lounging upon the second ledge of the pool, covered with flower petals, was Nalla. She was naked to the world as she was attended to, a rare moment of insecurity by any means but she did not show it. She was accompanied by five servant girls, all of the same build, same hair and similar face structure. All were of a modest age and all of them could be trusted. For these five girls were privileged. They were the ones tasked with the most precious position of being bathing attendants. To wash their Queen and witness her innocence. Handpicked for loyalty and looks or perhaps for the easiness of their minds to be broken. They did their jobs well.
Nalla let out a relaxing sigh. Her flaming hair was being combed by two of them, her body washed by two more on either side of her and her feet and legs were being washed by the last. There was no talking here, for Nalla preferred the silence. It soothed her and so she shut her eyes and let their rhythmic work be felt and in a rare moment, appreciated.
Though she was being washed, her precious tools of rulership sat on a table nearby. Their weight was familiar to her and without them she felt vulnerable, how silly a thought was that? Someone as her, so powerful by herself uncomfortable being without her clothes. Or was it her paranoia?
A frown found itself snaking its way onto her lips. It was true, she was suspicious of everyone and paranoid of traitors and gods having their way with her and her accomplishments. But it only took the mere thought of Neiya to make her calm again. Well perhaps calm wasn't the right word but it would suffice.
Ever since she had mingled with the Goddess, her very being had felt… Stronger, more attuned to the world. It was exhilarating, like a part of Neiya had never left her. Sometimes the world slowed to a halt, and she had an ethereal experience of surrealism. Almost as if she was part of something greater. She would keep it close, for no mortal pleasures could compare. Ah, her Goddess...
If only there was other gods as kind as her mistress. Exodus the avatar, true to her word, had not been seen or heard of since she had left so long ago and her Sylphi no longer seemed to care about worshipping their Genesis or Exodus. In fact, her Sylphi were now hers and the Blood Sylphi were growing well. In a few generations she would have what she wanted.
Tekret had been the one to give her, her crown but not a word had been heard from him since or whatever his cult had been. If they had been in the Highlands then it would seem they would stay there and far out of her authority. Alas, she knew only enemy gods and those who would not see her in a better light to be left. There was no other patronage but Neiya.
Even the Alma, the desert people who knew her to be their master now, had no gods to be spoken of. Or if they did, the language barrier had not yet been broken down. They had only managed to figure out simple things and what they would call their precious slaves, Alma.
Nalla had put them to work already on constructing her new home. One far larger and grander than any that had come before. By sheer accident had a crazy foreman begun racing about a giant temple in the shape of a triangle. Needless to say, though mad, he was let in charge of the project. It would take years to accomplish but what was that to Nalla?
Seeds from the Highlands were being sown to see if any would be viable, they were hunting what life they could find along the river and raiding parties were being sent out to secure more slaves and anything interesting. Things were on the up and up in Nallan but if food cannot be maintained in ample supply, it would perhaps be their downfall.
And it was her supply of fresh blood that concerned her most. Without healthy stocks she would starve and she couldn't have that. For now she would hope for the best.
At the edge of her hearing came whispers, not of voices truly, but sounds that clashed together, melding from yelps of dogs, the croaking of toads, the screeches of river hydra. Words came whispering in quiet unison growing softly from nothing. They came from nowhere and everywhere, from no discernable source and yet omnipresent surrounding and coming to her ears. The words were simple, repeated, growing from quiet nothing to clear but still soft.
Nalla remained still, ears and eyes on alert but she saw nothing.
Her attendants showed no sign of hearing these words spoken thus, "Nalla, daughter of Rado and Alina, Empress of Blood and favored of Neiya, are you prepared for my words..."
They would fade and soon repeat, at first from the quiet cacophony that made them unison it seemed nothing. But as they grew louder they became clear, as though echoing from some far distant place through something other than the air or the ground.
The words came again, and again her attendants showed no sign of hearing, "Nalla, daughter of Rado and Alina, Empress of Blood and favored of Neiya, are you prepared for my words..."
Nalla sat up, motioning for her attendants to cease and they obeyed her without words. She eyed the room again and stopped upon her things, heart racing with thoughts. She took a deep breath and settled upon one thought in particular. Neiya had once said the same, about her parents and she was a god. Had another been listening to her thoughts just now?
“I-I am prepared.” She uttered. The servants gave each other looks, but still, they said nothing.
The words stopped, a long silence held before the cacophony came crashing like a wave.
"Leader born of blood and strife, Nalla of the Thusly-Named-City. Most moral and righteous is your rule with all of your actions undertaken, I have watched with grave interest as your realm expanded and you gave employment to that most moral Wizardess."
"And I have watched the harm done unto you by deities most wicked, such things are not forgotten, nor will they go uncorrected. You have purpose and strength to do much good still, and so I have decided to grant you aid."
“You have?” she breathed. “And to whom do I owe such thanks too?”
"My names are numerous, as are perspectives among Galbar's peoples. You may call me Ekh-Rus, a protector and patron of your Empire. In time all fall into my domain, even as the many other gods squabble over their little patches of power. Announce to your people that you have been blessed when the time is good, and my gifts shall come forth."
“As you wish, Ekh-Rus. Your name shall be added to the few we worship here. But why, why help m- Us? Surely not because we have been wronged by the Sun?”
"Many have been wronged by the Sun, I do not aid them all. I choose to render aid because you are useful, should you prosper and succeed in creating a strong state, you shall have a wide impact of the most moral order. I wish to see this come to pass, I wish it to come sooner rather than later. Few are suitable agents."
"You are useful for making things better, for my goals and ends, for all souls. Enjoy it as best you can and serve well, few get such opportunity."
“Very well, I accept any aid, it is rude not to. But what aid is it you seek to give? I am curious.” She asked, relaxing into the water.
"Do not be so insolent as to presume upon my plans Nalla. I will say for the necessity of your announcement to your people, not to satisfy your curiosity. I will rectify your ill-suited failures to adapt to your new locale, as well as the weaknesses of your own flesh and kin. If you serve well, perhaps a boon will be granted to you and your flesh-kin."
Although there was no feeling of entering Nalla could feel the sudden effect of something having left.
At long last she turned to her servants with a bemused smile and said, “Dress me and let us be done with this.”
Later that night when the land took respite from the harsh sun, Nalla stood before her people again. Much like her appearance after they had arrived, Nalla wore all her regalia from head to toe. She stood over her people, singular and hungry.
She threw out her arms into the air, quieting the crowd that had gathered.
“People of Nallan!” She stated. “We are not alone! Neiya has helped us,” she pointed to the statue of the two of them, “We know that the Goddess of Love’s heart is a sea of devotion for those cast aside, downtrodden and betrayed! She loves me, she loves you… She loves us all! We worship her not because she has saved us, but because we love her in return!”
The crowd gave praises and prayer to her mistress, as all any should do.
“Yet Neiya is not the only one who has seen our plight! A new God has come forth, a protector and patron for we, of this beautiful Kingdom. And this god is known as Ekh-Rus, and we have been blessed! Ekh-Rus gives us the knowledge necessary to live in this place, so that we might thrive and grow stronger then ever before! For we are loved by the Gods! ARE WE NOT?” She put her hands into the air, and dipped her head. Ekh wanted her to speak before her people, what would they do now?
With whirling sound and wind the sky above Nallan seemed to crack open with leaking green flame. Only so slightly did the edges of this fracture open even as the wind roared up above and green flame crackled. This sight stood above the crowds only for the briefest moments that allowed them to glimpse and gaze upwards before something else came forth.
Like a wave it spread over the masses gathered in the city, no sight, nor smell, nor sound announced its presence. Instead the pounding addition of knowledge, each person's head filled with the background information gleaned from generations of desert dwellers. What to eat, what would grow, what to wear. Information drawn of the conditions to survive the desert from the massed dead, previously living souls who begat survivor after survivor after survivor. The knowledge to live in the desert was what flowed over them, although it brought minor headaches to be given so rapidly into their minds, it would bring survival if not flourishing.
However not only did the changes come to the masses alone. The land began to shift to, the river side shifted and rifted, forming into irrigation ditches and canals as would be found in any river based agricultural community. While the infrastructure may have been left behind, for the new river it came forth without the toil of the people to remake it once more.
A booming voice came from the flaming cracks in the sky, an enormous eye darting between them gazing through the breaks to the masses below. The voice came as rush, the calls of birds and the braying of reef horses, sounds of all animals coming together in a tide of sound to make one voice. "Hear my voice loyal devotees of Nalla, for you are blessed on this day by the presence and care of Ekh-Rus! Your fields stand ready and your minds have been prepared to survive the harsh challenge put before you. Do not forget that I stand as your protector through your Queen and Idol Nalla, the chosen of the gods. Know that her flesh and kin be holy and rightfully rule over you and your children for the prosperity and moral order of all times!"
A lesser voice like before swirled around the mind of Nalla herself, "You did well, and shall receive additional blessings, be known that all things come with a price and the toll you pay will be well worth it."
“And pray tell,” Nalla whispered, raising a hand to the masses as they began to celebrate. “What do you wish of me?”
"Soon there will come a time when you and all of your Vampiric Kin will be assaulted by visions of those slain, intense and all at once as a combination of all your cursed kind have known. After this, it will be broken. I will tell you this as after you will assemble those Vampires that you have close to you, I will grant all kin of your flesh and blood a gift, and another for those that serve you as well. You will continue as you have, to be a conqueror and a leader. Rule well and I may come calling again when you have grown to fit your potential more. Do you understand?"
The news made her heart skip a beat. The curse would be lifted? Oh what joy! “As you wish, Ekh-Rus. But I must admit… The curse on vampire-kind has left us… Lacking. There was another one here in my thrall but he died when the Sun moved us. Only I remain.”
"Then I shall accelerate my plans for your kin, in short your kind will be able to do a kind of reproduction, a gradual process of transformation of one extent to be a vampire as well. It may take time for them to fully come into their abilities and they will need shepherding, but I am sure you will not fail me in such a task."
Nalla stared out at the joyous crowd, a wicked smile began to etch itself within her lips. More of her kind… Ruling them all like shepherds over their flock. “Yes... How delicious it will be.” She said whimsidasically.
A pulse came from the rifts slowly closing above, barely visible to the mortal eye, but faint only in means of sight, not power. Nalla could feel a tingling sensation, an uncomfortable shifting in her flesh that remained for some moments before disappearing as quickly as it came. Something similar to all vampires on Galbar felt a change had come to their most strange race. No longer were they unable to produce more of themselves, now a vampire could convert others to their own kind, less a disease in action that may spread. But like a toxin, enough given in a short enough time to reach a tipping point to turn. It would be gradual, and not all would survive the process, but a chance given to have a real impact, and not be scarce and hunted.
It took several moments before Nalla could calm down from her excitement. When she did, she raised her hands and exclaimed. “TONIGHT! WE CELEBRATE IN THE NAME OF EKH-RUS! IN THE NAME OF NEIYA!”
And a celebration was had, as Nalla returned to her palace and a celebration of her own was had.
Many moons later much was beginning to change in Nallan. The knowledge provided by Ekh-Rus was a miracle in its own right, and the irrigation channels provided new access to crops- Which meant food would be plentiful in the months to come. But perhaps the most significant of Ekh-Rus’ gifts was the beauty of vampiric venom. Where once a victim would lose their memories of an attack, more and more feedings inflicted a most sinister poison into the blood streams, turning the blood sour as it took root. When it blossomed, it either killed the fledgling outright, or put them on the path to a fully actualized vampire.
Nalla took on a new role, that of a teacher. For raising a vampire and teaching them her ways was paramount in her society to come. She had a handful of fledglings that had survived on their path to adulthood but soon, they would make more and her mortal stock would produce more of their own and the blood would flow. Though the cruel sun was blinding, it was just beginning to rise upon her kingd- No… Her dominion. Empire.
But another promise was still to be had, for her vampires could not feel the curse as she did if they were to be useful. Everyday she waited for Ekh-Rus to appear without luck. She would not call to him, for such a God was not one to be angered. Thus, Nalla waited.
And there, in the dark room of her throne, surrounded by her faithful vampires, Ekh-Rus came.
There came a coiling searching voice, as though the vibrations of millions of wings, the chirping of birds and the soft nigh inaudible whispers of children came forth as one voice. One the louder to the whole, and one the quieter echoing through Nalla's mind alone. "You have done well to prepare yourselves."
"And you have done well to produce them."
"Are you prepared to accept the precepts fledglings? To gain an opportunity for real purpose and power?"
Nalla watched with anticipation, knowing that such a day might come, for she had distilled in them a primal urge to aspire ever greater but not so great as to supplant her.
One by one they stepped forward, once mere servants that hoped to please her at every turn, man and woman. Including three of her bath chamber attendants. Nalla had picked well, only the most handsome, the most beautiful would be gifted with the chance to become one as she. In that moment their individual names meant nothing, for they were stripped of that right as fledglings. A new name, a new purpose awaited them now. Would they cease it? Or falter?
Nalla could only watch.
It seemed to be almost a flash through those assembled, if only a moment that convulsed between them. Brief, a bolt of the unearthly green and then it was gone.
However internally much had changed, the voice began to speak again, "The flesh of your bodies will not die easily, far more so than even the rest of your vampiric kin, additionally the healing ability has been enhanced. More importantly however are your souls, they are now secured in their devotion and protected from undue influence. These are my gifts to you few devotees of Nalla. I will warn you a storm will come to you, in your minds of victims claimed, the curse will be broken soon, I have acquired the threads so strewn, connecting the realm of the dead with those of the living. I am the master of the realm of the dead, you will be freed of this unjust cruelty."
It began as a trickle. Nalla felt a new sensation, her hands balled into fists as she saw the last person she murdered- Though Neiya’s gift made them only feel bliss, it was still an overload to feel their memories begin to flood into her mind. Her body went limp as her face and body relaxed into the back of her throne. There were so many, so many she had killed, drained, butchered, murdered- All with Neiya’s love. But had she not been intertwined with Neiya herself and felt that godly bliss? It began to pale in comparison and soon enough she began to feel differently as her memories became ones of panic, horror and shock. She lurched forward, growling as her memories came to a stop upon her first victim, her sister. It played out all over again and she felt her own blade pierce her heart over and over and over and ov-
It ended and Nalla finally breathed. And with a new breath, she began to laugh. No more would they be slaves to their inhibitions. Never again.
She looked upon her fledgling vampires, cold sweat dripping down her forward and knew this was the rebirth of a people.
Her people.
Around the world, a cursed people rejoiced, for their chains had been broken.
Nalla ruminates on stuff that;s happened since Neiya blessed Nallan as she takes a bath. She realizes that a bit of Neiya’s divinity has leached out into her which is cool. Then Thaa shows up wearing the disguise as Ekh-Rus, Protector and Patron of Nallan. They speak on some things and Ekh offers some gifts, all Nalla has to do is give a speech. Which she does, and Ekh makes a spectacle of it, then gives Nalla and all vampires the ability to spread their kind through venom. (It is detailed in the post, but basically it doesn’t work quickly, takes time and doesn’t always work. Once the venom takes root, you’re basically a fledgling vampire and not as strong as an adult. Takes some time to grow into a full vampire.) So anyways Nalla goes and starts to get busy and we cut to the future, as Ekh has more to give but there are no vampires yet.
But no more! As Nalla has a harem of fledglings when Ekh comes back and he makes her a holy order and then breaks the memory curse that chained the vampires down. They are now free once more. Post ends on an optimistic note, at least for Nalla.
Neiya 5/5
-3MP Aspect of Divinity II: A piece of the divine remains within the Nalla, and allows her to warp reality in small but meaningful ways. This could be slowing down a fall, balancing on a thin wire, or dodging an arrow. It cannot damage or alter other things, only manipulate Nalla and her interactions with the physical world.
2/5
Thaa Start 5/5 -1 Mp Portal -2 Mp Extraordinary Ability, Vampiric Venom -1 Mp Teaching Desert living -1 Mp Irrigation canals -1 Dp (3 port applicable 1.5 round down) Break Vampiric Curse of Seeing Dead Victims -4 Dp Consecrate Holy Order Undying III:
The Devotees of Nalla can survive wounds that would normally kill vampires of their kind. They won't go into shock or otherwise be debilitated in most cases, although extreme situations like being assaulted with solar anti-vampiric weaponry, even their enhanced survivability might not save them.
Undying Regeneration I:
Devotees of Nalla will slowly regenerate wounds inflicted upon them beyond their normal healing abilities, lost limbs might regain use if reattached, although this won't fully re-grow a limb on its own.
Soul Devotion I:
Devotees of Nalla are specially devoted and loyal to Nalla as the focus and Queen of her Empire. This goes into a field of affecting thinking that may break or damage such loyalties or affections.
Soul Protection I:
Devotees are marginally protected from attacks on their souls, whether to change or rend their souls from their mortal coils. Determined assaults by a deity or supernatural power engaged in soul rending or influence may take much longer but still may be effective in the end.
A thunder-like sensation greeted Gibbou as she opened her crusted eyes. Her saliva tasted sickly, and there wasn’t enough of it to wet her dry mouth. Even though the night was her element, she could barely see anything around her. She welcomed the darkness, though - sunlight was the last thing she needed now. She dragged her hand down her face, her thumb smudging something sticky at the corner of her mouth. She slowly brought her hand to her nose and gave it a whiff. She groaned.
“... I did it again…” she lamented and rolled over onto her belly to push herself up. Staggering forward and pushing into a wall, she barely stabilised herself to some approximation of upright standing. Unable to handle the taste in her mouth, she snapped her fingers and conjured forth a glass of something akin to what she had had the day before, but altered the taste a little so she wouldn’t, well, do onto the floor what she had done to her shirt. The flavour stung still, but already minutes later, it had begun to dull the aches in her body. She dumped herself in a sofa with a bottle to refill her glass, leaned over to the side to smell the pillows and then recentred herself - stretching herself as tall as possible to avoid the stink. To take her mind off of the chaos that was her dome, she looked down at Galbar below, hoping to catch some sights of the ongoings of mortality.
“Eeeey, the guys in that place took back that thing. Good for them!” she cheered in a voice like single, continuous groan before downing the contents of her glass. As she swallowed, she pondered the situation. ”Actually, why not - let’s celebrate! Drinks for everyone!”
Meanwhile… Down in Fragrance…
“Mommy? What’s that abandoned house?” whispered the small girl while pointing at a small shack in the corner of the marketplace. The mother shook her head slowly and clicked in an upset manner.
“That’s the old flutemaker, sweety. His flutes were just too loud - nobody wanted to buy them.”
Suddenly, there came a flash of lightning, striking the shack in a mighty beam. The mother and child, as well as everyone else in Fragrance, all dove for cover, some screaming, others praying. Then, as soon as the flash had come, it went, and in its place stood a tall, sturdy hut with a large, festive stall out front surrounded by odd-smelling pots. There stood a merchant there, who held aloft two cups that smelled like a punch to the face and said, “Kwut here! Come get yer kwut!”
The mother and child stood there speechless. “By the gods,” whispered the mother and fell to her knees in prayer. The girl stuck her finger in her mouth and looked to the sky.
“Mommy,” she whispered, “what is kwut?”
Gibbou gave her head a scratch. ”Nah, wait, was that it? Oh, pfft…” She slapped her forehead a little too hard. ”Silly Gibby - that’sh the other place! Dumb-dumb… Here ya go - partay!”
That same moment, in Ha-Dûna...
“Little more to the left! No, left, not-- yeah, yeah, there! Now slowly, SLOWLY lower it!” Dûnan glass was of world quality (especially considering they were among the very, very few in the world who actually made glass), and to make window panes for the temples was a task that required the utmost precision. It was bad enough that their workday had been extended long into the night - their groggy hands could barely maneuver the pane properly in the darkness.
Suddenly, a lightning bolt from clear, moonlit sky struck the nearby palisade-in-construction at the edge of the city. The workers dove for cover. When they looked back up, they were shocked to find that It had been replaced by a tall stone wall, on top of which appeared fifty men and women. They were all anywhere from thick to chubby, had massive beards or bushy hair, and all carried pots under their arms. Suddenly one of them shouted, “Want some beer?”
The workers looked at each other in horror, and more and more awoke and came out of their homes to witness the miracle, falling to their knees in prayer. “What in the gods’ names is ‘beer’?” asked the foreman before looking down. “Aaaaw, damn it, lads! You dropped the pane!”
Gibbou snorted to herself. ”Heh, funny… Hey, Orey, I did a thing!”” Raising her glass in the air, she was only met with silence. She waited a second longer for a response. ”Yo, Orey? You here?” Again, the dome was silent as the moon. She shambled to her feet and tripped over various misplaced objects on the floor before she finally made it to the door. Almost forgetting to properly close the inner hatch before opening the outer one, she eventually exited into the vacuum of space, the wine in her glass freezing over instantly. She gave it a frown and looked around with drunken worry.
”Sis? Ya here?” she mumbled and gave her whiskey pop a lick. Searching in a daze, she shambled out of her portal and made her way to her sister’s. Once there, she tripped into the portal and faceplanted into the grass, groaning weakly at the unfairness of the world.
It wasn't long before her sister's voice began to assault her ears, growing louder by the second. "-bbou! Gibbou! I was wondering when you would show up. I'm sorry if I made you worry but It's all wonderful! My realm is secure and you'll never guess who is- Gibbou?" a quick pitter patter of feet and a moment later Oraelia knelt next to Gibbou, shrouding her in darkness as she always did in her realm. Two hands began picking her up around her chest and waist, as Oraelia lifted her up to a sitting position and leaned Gibbou against her. Oraelia's hands began to fix Gibbou’s hair as she began to fawn over her. "Oh Gibbou, are you alright? What happened?"
”My existence…” came a hopeless retort as the corpse-like goddess barely managed to turn her head to the side, one cheek resting heavily on her sister’s bosom. ”I messed up.”
Oraelia began to pour some life into Gibbou as she murmered, "Oh, we've been here before." She placed a kiss on Gibbou's forhead. "What happened that makes you think you messed up Gibbou?"
Gibbou gave a tearful sniff. ”I punched that bitch Neiya in the throat…”
"You… Punched Neiya?" Oraelia said. "How did this happened Gibbou? Are you okay? Are you alright? Did she hurt you?" Oraelia asked with a quickened voice as she began to look at Gibbou all over.
”No, I’m not okay. I’m useless, Orey!” whimpered the blue goddess. ”I only hit her because she let me, and, and, and it wasn’t even in the throat; it was in the stomach! And then I, I lost and went home and had a drink and, and then another and…” She curled up in Oraelia’s lap and droned quietly to herself. ”I need a hug.”
Oraelia obliged, wrapping her arms tight around Gibbou. She then leaned her head on hers and whispered, "Shh, shh. It's okay. You're not useless Gibbou, you stood up to her. That's more then any can say."
”But I loooost!” whined the moon goddess and hiccuped.
"No, you survived and I'll count that as a win in my book." Oraelia cooed. "I'm proud of you either way. I just… I just wish it wasn't so."
Gibbou nuzzled up further against her sister and pouted. ”I just, I just couldn’t accept what she had done to you… I hated her - hate her - but I couldn’t do anything. She’ll just be angry now - angry enough to mess up our stuff, I bet…” She gagged somewhat. ”Ugh, I messed up so bad…”
Oraelia's embrace tightened. She did not respond right away but when she did, it was with a soft voice. "No… I'll go and speak with her. See if we can come to an accord. Before you try and talk me out of it listen Gibbou, I told you a long time ago I would have to confront her eventually. To try and redeem her but I'm not sure if it'll be possible. It's not your fault at all, it's just what she's become. But I have to try, Gibbou. For you, for me, for Lucia and Sanya and every mortal everywhere. She won't attack me, I know this but if it does go bad, I will not hesitate to call for you. "
Gibbou sniffed. ”Uh-huh,” she cooed sadly. After a moment, she looked up at Oraelia with a raised brow. ”Wait, why’re you talking about Lucia? You haven’t mentioned her for millennia. And who’s Sanya?”
"Oh please, it hasn't been that long. Only around… twenty or so years, but we made up. I still feel bad about that though." But she steeled herself and placed a fist into her palm. "Come on, let's get you sobered up the old fashioned way. With a big breakfast!" She eyed Gibbou again. "Hmm, we'll have to clean you up first though. You want to look good for your niece right?" she grinned.
”I don’t want anything to eat…”
Oraelia deflated a little. "Well… You don't have to eat. Mortals do though. If you don't want to see them that's fine. Sanya is Lucia's lover, she's also immortal so they have history together before they ended up together you know. What do you say?"
Gibbou burbled. ”Sure…”
Oraelia gave her a tight squeeze. "Hey, everything will be okay. Would you like me to cure your hangover?"
”You don’t understand, sis… There’s something inside me - deep inside - that cannot be cured.” She stared a thousand yards into nothing, a dark expression on her face. ”But yeah, please do.”
Oraelia began to pour more healing energy into Gibbou. "Oh Gibbou. Overcoming our vices, our pain and our problems makes us stronger for it. You may not see that right now but one day, perhaps you will." she stood, helping Gibbou to her feet. "Now come, let us spend time together as family, so that we might forget our issues for a time."
Gibbou sucked in the deepest breath she had all day and the colour returned to her face. Her body showed remarkable spirit and vitality despite her clothes looking like a mistreated vomit bag. ”Thanks, sis! Before we go, though…” She tucked at her shirt and gave it a reluctant sniff again. ”Uhm.. Where’s your nearest lake?”
Oraelia smiled and took Gibbou's hand. "Come, let me show you."
Freshly cleaned and smelling of morning dew, the dark blue summer dress-dressed moon goddess strolled giddily alongside her sister towards Oraelia’s house, all memory of her utter failure and uselessness as a goddess happily suppressed under many layers of brutally enforced feelings of warmth and joy. She wore her dark glasses to keep the sun out, and her moonlight crown was vastly outshone by the light from all around, making it almost invisible. She stopped in front of the door, turned to her sister and put her hands on her hips. ”So!” she opened, ”where are they?”
”Inside, waiting for me probably. I told them I would be back soon. Come, come.” She cooed, opening the door into the lofty house. They walked through the front doors and down the main corridor until the hallways split, then they went right and not long after they reached a room with a large dining table, full of food and drinks and Lucia, sitting on top of Sanya as they made out. Oraelia sighed, then knocked on the wall next to her. Lucia froze then looked over at them. ”O-O-Oh you’re back, mom! With… Auntie Gibbou!” Lucia smiled as she got to her feet and walked over to hug Gibbou.
”Woah, hey there!” was all Gibbou managed to say before being tackled by a hug. Not quite knowing what to do, she awkwardly hugged back and patted her on the head. ”Nice to see you, too, uh, squirt!”
Lucia's tattoos squirmed with delight as she let go of Gibbou and looked her up and down. She smiled with a warmth that mirrored her sister's. She then gave another slight squeeze of a hug and went over to her partner. "Gibbou, I'd like you to meet Sanya. She is my love."
Sanya had rocketed up from her seat and spent the time to herself adjusting her loose clothing and straightening out. When Lucia finally turned attention on her, she bowed her upper half stiffly like a soldier on inspection. "It is a great honour to meet you in person, Mother Moon." she managed with practiced but hurried words.
Gibbou eyed her up and down and assumed an equally stiff stance, sticking her arm out like a barb for her to shake. ”N-nice to meet you, too, Sony--Sanya!” She sniffed. ”Sssssssooo… What’s up? Havin’ a party?”
Sanya stared at the hand in brief confusion before straightening out and extending her own hand to meet Gibbou's, and then the other. She grabbed the goddess' hand with both of hers, then knelt to humbly prostrate herself, lifting Gibbou's hand as though it were a sacred relic. Thoroughly enraptured by this awkward ordeal, she left it up to Lucia to answer.
”Ah!” squealed Gibbou before Lucia could even open her mouth and pulled the hand to herself. She stood frozen for a bit, massaging her hand as though it had been burned, before forcing a sheepish giggle. ”Sorry. This feels really, really weird up close.”
"Oh! N..No! I am sorry, Goddess Gibbou. I didn't mean to attack you so." Sanya intoned quickly, looking horrified at the reaction she had caused. "Please forgive my abrasive behavior."
Gibbou closed her eyes and waved her hands. ”Please! Please, don’t, don’t talk to me like that… If you would. You have no idea how weird this is on point blank range. I’m not…” She shifted between the three women. ”I’m not really the kinda goddess you oughta speak like that to… Call me Gibs, Gibby or just, well, Gibbou. No titles or stuff, okay?”
Sanya nodded twice, flustered and uncertain, with a few confused glances towards her partner briefly. "Oh, uhm. Alright. Whatever you wish of me, Gib...s. Gibbou." she intoned briefly, before following it up to avoid the awkward silence. "So… ah, do you live.. on the moon?"
The change of topic immediately brought a fire to Gibbou’s stance, and she gestured a mighty circle with her palm. ”Oh yeah, sure do! It’s pretty cool up there, actually - if ya catch my drift.” She waited just too short with the comedic pause. ”It’s very cold, see. You can come visit, but you’ll need some magic.”
Oraelia clapped her hands and said, "Sit sit, let us talk to our hearts delight now that the… Pleasantaries over! Yeah!" she said, sitting down at the head of the table. Likewise, Lucia grabbed Sanya's hand and guided her back to her seat, whispering words of encouragement and praise as they sat down on the right side of Oraelia.
"Does anyone need anything? A specific food? A drink?" Oraelia asked, looking at them all. Lucia shook her head and grabbed a roll.
”Yeah, I’ll have a strong barley wine, if I could?” said Gibbou and raised her hand.
"That's not a bad idea," Sanya mused, extending an arm around Lucia without thinking. "It's been years since I've had wine."
”Pfft, what you had probably wasn’t wine. More like smelly fruit water or something,” Gibbou mused almost mockingly. ”Here, let’s get you some -real- wine. Make that two cups, sis!”
"Well that wasn't what I…" Oraelia began sheepishly. "I don't even know how to make it, Gibbou." she relented. Lucia just looked happy to be there.
”Oh, I’ll fix it, then,” said the moon goddess and, with the snap of her fingers, conjured forth two cups of a dark brown liquid. She pushed one over to Sanya and lifted her own. ”Cheers for, uh… For the couple!”
Sanya grasped the cup produced for her without much hesitation, offering the smallest of smiles at the quick toast. "To family," she returned.
"Sanya, let me try some? Please?" Lucia asked.
"Oh, of course," Sanya obliged, and offered her cup to Lucia.
Lucia snatched the cup and drank a mouthful. She then handed the cup back to Sanya, her face frowning. She coughed, "How do you drink that, it doesn't taste good at all." she said, taking a swig of water.
Suspicious of Lucia's reaction to this mysterious new drink, Sanya sniffed the cup briefly and then brought it to her lips. Her expression lingered on a thoughtful frown for a few moments, before she lifted the cup for another sip and an ensuing comment. "I don't know, I rather like it. I thought I'd tasted everything over the years. Barley, you said?"
”The finest grain there is - a soldier’s grain,” boasted the moon goddess as though the flavour had banished all over her anxiousness.
Sanya pressed her lips together in brief thought, humming to herself before taking another taste of the mythical new brew. "I wouldn't mind an amphora of this, if you want to leave some here." she eventually managed, leaning forwards to nod at Gibbou with guarded respect. "That is, if that's alright." Sanya eventually conceded and glanced to both her tattooed partner and Oraelia.
Lucia’s hand found its way to Sanya’s shoulder. She grinned, giving her a small nod. ”Only if I can get something a little more… Fruity? Sweet? Fruity and sweet?” she pouted at Gibbou.
Meanwhile, Oraelia’s lips turned into a frown, followed by a half sigh. ”Alcohol, as we both know,” she eyed Gibbou, ”Will make you lose the wits about you. That said, for special occasions, it is… Fine. And if you like, I suppose you can leave some here.” Oraelia then slouched forward and placed her cheek on her palm. ”Just… Be careful is all I ask.”
Lucia piped up again, ”Of course mom, your house, your rules!”
”C’mon, Orey - she’s a few thousand years old now; I think she can make her own decisions.” She conjured forth a tall, thin-necked pitcher of something smelling of peach.
Lucia smelled the pitcher as Oraelia spoke, ”I know that Gibbou.” She spoke with calmness as she looked at Sanya and Lucia again. ”Enjoy yourselves.” She gave a small, reluctant smile.
Lucia gave her a nod as she poured the contents of the pitcher into a cup. She then took a sip, then another, as her lips curled into a smile. ”Now this is good! Thanks Gibbou! Here, here Sanya, try it!” she said, giving her the cup. The sweeter drink was forced into Sanya's hands, and the warrior briefly lifted it to sniff and taste. A brief grimace later, and she handed it back.
"Wonderful." Sanya offered with deadpan tone, before giving Lucia a smug look. "Tastes like my mouth is melting."
Lucia giggled and with a playful jab in Sanya's side she said, "Doesn't it, darling?" Sanya smirked ever so slightly and clicked her cup against Lucia's in an idle toast.
"It does my heart good to see you both so happy. I know I've said it a thousand times already but it's just so wonderful. A truly refreshing sight." Oraelia fawned. "Oh that does remind me, Gibbou, have you found, uhmm, you know, a partner?"
”Partner in what?” asked Gibbou blankly, conjuring forth a bowl of blueberries and popping one into her mouth.
Oraelia scrunched her nose. "Uh… Nevermind. I was thinking of something else. Anywho, Rhiona has caught me up to date on events I missed while I was away. I'm sorry about everything Gibbou. I blame myself for how the druids have acted and as such we've sent Solus to take away that pesky fertility statue. I'm not sure a tool such as that belongs in mortal hands. And soon enough, Lucia and Sanya will be going back to the Highlands to bring about some sort of peace. A storm is brewing, there are too many pieces in play."
Gibbou shrugged. ”They’re mortals - give them anything and they’ll find six ways to misuse it by the end of the day.” She ate another berry. ”It’s not your fault that they went on a rampage looking for food. They were breeding like crazy, and… And…” She paused and tasted her words, looking as though she found them sour. ”... Actually, what I meant to say was - mortals are dumb and do dumb things. It’s not your fault, most importantly!” Sanya breathed a quiet scoff at that, but hurried to hide her expression behind the cup.
"They are right you know." Lucia said, pouring another cup. "They abused your gifts and got hungry for more. Just like they abused me when I visited." she took a drink.
Oraelia leaned forward at her daughters words. "Lucia, what do you mean they abused you when you visited?"
Lucia sighed. "Well like… They wouldn't give me a moment to myself and disrespected me when they went into my room without my permission to pray. It felt so… Wrong. A violation really." she took a large swig and leaned on Sanya. Oraelia looked at her partner with inquisitive eyes, but Sanya’s own gaze was deep into her cup, a dark frown hinted above the drink.
"Lucia… I'm so-"
Lucia cut her off, "Ish fine. Lesh just talk about something elsh.", she slurred her words, taking another drink.
Oraelia gave a slight frown and turned her head back to Gibbou. "How's the other half of the world fairing?"
”Oh, y’know. It’s quiet, mostly,” she replied curtly and shrugged. ”Nothing interesting happening over there - no, siree. Like, sure, some things are happening, maybe, but most things aren’t.”
"I see." Oraelia twirled her fingers. "It seems the only exciting news we have is that mortals can come to our realms. That seems to be about it."
”Yeah, that’s pretty cool, I guess. Again, though, I don’t think they can visit mine - no air and all that, y’know. Would need some kind of protective gear, wouldn’t you, mortals?” She forced an awkward laugh to support her own failure of a joke.
Lucia gave a vague wave and a nod, taking another drink from the pitcher before leaning into Sanya to steady herself. Sanya reflexively put her arm around her shoulder. Lucia began to giggle. "Yeah! Who neeeeds air anyways?"
”I know, right?” Having found support, Gibbou’s giggle grew genuine.
Gibbou's giggling only made Lucia giggle more. She began to play with Sanya's hair as she took another drink. "And why did you make us so squishy?" As if to empathize her point she pressed a finger into Sanya's cheek. Her voice then went lower, "I like your squishy darlin."
Sanya languished in a flustered surprise, offering a terse chuckle as she glanced nervously at the goddesses present. "I'm not that soft. On the uh, mortal… scale."
"She has abssssh." Lucia said, followed by more giggling.
Oraelia in the meantime looked on with a modest sense of disappointment and horror but did not say anything. Sanya, perhaps to her credit, tried her best to steer conversation back towards something less awkward. "... Guilty. I've spent a lot of centuries fighting. Have to stay in shape."
Gibbou suppressed a burp. ”You know fighting?”
"She's the… the besht fighter you've ever sheeeen!" Lucia exclaimed with mirth, pressing herself more and more into Sanya. The dark-haired warrior breathed a light snicker and ran her hand through strands of Lucia's hair.
"I suppose I know fighting. I was put on the path of violence millennia ago, and it's followed me since. Well, until about two decades ago." she eventually explained.
”Huh. You any good?”
Sanya gave the moon goddess a jaded glance. "As good as I've needed to be. I certainly wasn't getting any assistance from my benefactor."
”Whossat?”
Lucia gripped onto Sanya, "Shhhhhh, we don't talk about heerrr." she said, dipping her head into Sanya's lap, drink sloshing.
Sanya sucked in a breath, smiling down solemnly at Lucia before reaching out to steal away her drink. "The love goddess cursed me to sorrow and anguish." she mused calmly, keeping her eyes on Lucia to keep herself centered.
”Ugh!” groaned Gibbou loudly and threw her hands in the air. ”She -always- does this! Why is she so fuckin’ mean all the time?!” She began to stand up, her balance severely inconvenienced by her alcohol permille. ”I’mma go over there and teach her a lesson!”
All at once, Oraelia stood. "No. You are not. Please sit down Gibbou." she said with a certain sternness unlike her. Gibbou, somewhat taken aback by the shift in tone, sat right back down. With shifty eyes, she mumbled:
”G-gee, sis, I was just jokin’... Chill.”
Oraelia relaxed but did not sit down right away. She held her gaze on Gibbou for a moment or two and when she did sit she put a hand on Gibbou's arm. "I'm sorry Gibbou. I didn't know you were joking." her voice was sheepish.
”Y-yeah… I totally was. I mean, what kind of idiot would pick a fight with that bitch, am I right?” She forced an exaggerated laugh and pointed at herself. ”That’s riiiiiight! This idiot!” Her smile hung on by a thread, her eyes two empty, white voids.
Oraelia tilted her head and glanced at Sanya, giving her a knowing look. Once more Oraelia got up from her chair and embraced Gibbou. ”You are not an idiot, Gibbou. You are my sister and I love you so, so much.” she cooed.
Sanya looked at the two goddesses for a time, shifting forwards to set down both cups of alcohol before leaning back and running her fingers gingerly over Lucia's hair, who had fallen fast asleep. "Anyone who stands against that fiend could never be anything but great in my eyes," she affirmed solemnly. "If it wasn't for Lucia she would have sapped my willpower into oblivion. In the same vein, I wouldn't be who I am if she'd never cursed me. Wouldn't be here."
Gibbou made a quiet raspberry with her tongue, hardly reacting to her sister’s hug. ”I’ve fucked up too many times to be great, kid - if anything, I’ve reached a nice equilib… Equilibree-oom of mediocrity.”
Oraelia pulled away one arm at a time. She said nothing but her eyes gave her away- downcast and sucked of joy.
Sanya shrugged her shoulders idly, watching them yet. "And?" she questioned, willing to let her jaded, calm tone come out with Lucia down for the count. "Life is a constant journey of disappointment and failure. No one is as great as they want to be. At least not among us humans. I doubt I could ever begin to match your grandeur, as a mere mortal. All we can do is try our best, and roll with the punches."
Gibbou sighed. ”Yeah… Maybe… Hey, Sanya - what gave you the will to be a soldier? What was that first spark?”
Sanya shifted her shoulder and flexed a grim expression past her lips. "My tribe and family were hit hard by a rampaging troll. Raiders wiped out what was left. There was nothing in my heart but hate and sorrow, and… she… put me on the path of vengeance. After that, it was all I could be."
Gibbou’s eyes, as though that was even possible, somehow lost a final twinge of life, and she slowly got to her feet. ”I… I need to go.”
"Gibbou?" Oraelia asked, backing up to give her sister space.
She looked back at Sanya, then at Oraelia. ”I need to leave. I… I shouldn’t be here.” She then ran at the door, opened it and escaped into the vast, yellow garden.
"Gibbou…" Oraelia whispered, feeling her leave the realm.
Silence reigned for a time, until Sanya finally mustered the courage to ask; "Did I say something wrong?"
Oraelia turned to Sanya and shook her head but before she could speak, Lucia stirred.
"Thar youuuu are." she cooed, kissing Sanya on the cheek. "Whad I misssh?" she yawned.
Lucia sifted through the contents of the bag, placing and removing the many items she and Sanya had collected over the years. Some were practical, others were not. She just couldn’t make up her mind.
The goodbye had been heartfelt, but after their time staying in her mother’s realm, she could only hope to return and Oraelia knew this. It would not be a goodbye forever. They were connected now, once more. With determination in her eyes, Lucia placed the last of their gear into their sacks and headed out the door.
She took one more look at the place, their home for two decades now. She would miss it, but Oraelia had promised one like it when they departed Galbar again. She could hardly wait! With a giddy smile she sat their bags down and clapped her hands together. The sound of metal rang out. Her mother’s armor was a snug fit and they had grown used to the weight of it. Her hand found its way to the necklaces around her neck. She had to be careful though, for she was powerful now, more than ever before.
A Leaflits flew into her hair, followed by a dozen more. They tickled her all over and as she began to giggle, they flew away in a flock. When they arrived back upon Galbar, Rhiona ushered into the world around them several new creatures that had never existed before. She could see Gens uprooting themselves to bask in the sun and tend to flowers, while the Joyfs were spreading out by the hundreds, off to find those that needed some much needed joy in their lives. A couple had bolted for the two of them when they first stepped through the portal and their mere presence made Lucia feel happy. Sanya was much the same. They would make good companions, but now was not the time for that.
Now was the time for moving on.
”Isn’t that right, Eesis? Nisin?” She cooed over to the basking Leons. Much to her mother’s promise, their transportation was awaiting them. Now, they lounged about waiting for Sanya’s return.
She wasn’t too thrilled about that, the prospect of flying again but Lucia wasn’t going to let anything happen to her. Plus, that meant Sanya would have to hang onto her again and that was just a guilty little pleasure.
Lucia turned to the trees, waiting for her lover. She glanced back at the waiting portal. Another one that waited, for even quicker access to the Highlands. Sanya just needed to get back and they would be on their way. And return she did, breaking through the treeline in silver armor at an idle pace, the sleek black Sorrowsting laid over her shoulder as though it was never missing. Now it seemed different, however. Even from afar the addition of Oraelia's large gem shone and glittered with promise, lending a grandeur to the weapon that had been missing before. She looked ready for war, for better or worse. Sanya moved to join with Lucia and her company without word or delay, though smiled at Lucia when she caught her gaze.
And with that, they mounted Eesis and through the portal they went, into the unknown of war.
Gibbou’s drunk and does some stuff like breweries to places and she then goes to Oraelia’s realm and they talk about the fight and then they go see Lucia and Sanya at Oraelia’s home and have a fun time drinking before things get sad and trolls. Then Sanya and Lucia go back to Galbar on their quest to save the world I guess. Leons.
Gibbou 5MP/5DP 2MP: Give Fragrance a gift of a brewery and teach them to brew wine. (2 towards Alcohol portfolio under upcoming Party domain). 2DP - Give Ha-Dûna a gift they cannot make yet: A huge stone wall surrounding the whole city. (5/5 for Wall portfolio). 1MP: Create holy order - The Brewer’s Guild: A worker’s guild with the almost divine mandate to brew all kinds of good drink for the mortals of the world. Members of this order always seem to put on weight easier. (⅗ for Alcohol)
Brewers I: This order already knows how to brew alcohol, and their product is quite tasty, too!
End: 0MP/1DP
Oraelia 5/5
-3MP For Family Port -1MP Portal For Lucia and Sanya to return to their home. -1MP Another portal at Luciya’s home to the Highlands. -2DP (Joy) Rhiona creates Joyfs, dog like critters that act as emotional support animals by giving love through joy.
-2DP (Renewal) Rhiona creates Gens, small plant beings who tend to grow stuff and revitalize areas. They bury themselves at night to sleep and spring into actions at first light. Going dormant in winter until spring arrives once more.
-1DP (Life) Rhiona creates small creatures that resemble living leaves. They exist just to exist and may or may not make good pets.
“Those humans over the hill that way, the men say they are fighting.”
“The ones who wear white?”
“Yeah.”
“Why would they be doing that? Gran always said they were peaceful folk, liked to help those in need.”
Aeliana shrugged, hoisting the basket onto her other shoulder as the two walked along the sandy beach. “Many are prone to war, Cassia. Down at the temple, out near the bridge, over the hills. All directions really.”
“We are too.” Cassia said, looking down at the ground as she carried her basket.
“Well, yeah. But we are protected.” Aeliana said..
There was silence between the two for a time as the sun neared midday. Cassia looked over to her friend and noticed how forlorn her stormy eyes had become. Aeliana was one of the prettiest there ever had been within their tribe, well maybe except for some baby girls, but they were still growing up. To see her sad, felt like a crime.
“Hey, we’ll be okay.” Cassia piped up. “Like you said, we are protected. Who would dare attack us?”
Aeliana turned her face to her, long black hair blowing in the breeze. She gave a small nod. “I worry, Cassia. Humans are so… Aggressive. Cattia and her little companions give testament to that.”
Cassia frowned. “I know, but he prefers humans as his playthings. Let them be aggressive for all we should care, let them think that they have to be possessive. Better for our tribe.”
Aeliana straightened her back and eyed Cassia. “He likes us too.”
Cassia nodded with a solemn regard and silence reigned as they neared the village.
Up the rock and sandy path they went. The village itself was on a rocky outcropping that overlooked the warm waters of the sea. It was growing larger by the year and newer buildings were being constructed towards the interior, where the golden grasses touched the sands.
As the two women neared the crude gates, they titled their heads at the sight of Livia and Sabina standing guard. Usually that was regarded as a male job, but the women of the Litus tribe were no pushovers.
“Cassia, Aeliana! Where have you two been?”
“Collecting clams and seaweed. What’s wrong Sabina?” Aeliana asked, letting her basket down to touch the stone. Cassia followed suit as Sabina spoke, “Oh my, you have been gone all day?”
They nodded.
“All the men have gathered for a moot.” Sabina said.
“What? Why? Moots only happen when the white moon is full, why now?”
“Trespassers were caught early in the morning, fighting amongst themselves on our borders. Those that survived were brought back to be questioned. Not long ago, The Great Daemon demanded it. There are…” Sabina looked off into the distance before looking back at the two. “There is talk of war.”
Aeliana and Cassia glanced at each other. “Those the Venator’s captured, who were they?”
“Who do you think?” Sabina asked with sarcasm in her voice.
“Humans, of course.” Livia chimed in.
The Moot place was a large sea cave on the other side of the village. The ancients had first used it for shelter before more careful, crafted ways became the norm. Now, the Moot had never been abandoned but expanded upon, hewn from the stone into something grander. Chairs had been etched into the walls, rows upon rows, lined with furs for comfort and now most were all occupied.
The men of the Litus tribe were of stern stuff and of quick wit, but the normal faces of mirth and laughter had been replaced by grim expressions as most had their eyes upon the humans down in the sands before them. Broken and bloodied, tied and gagged, there remained five of them. They shook with such fear, like whipped dogs knowing not if they had done wrong, only that they had been struck. But none had struck them except their own. What gave them such desperate looks, was what the men of the Litus tribe had learned to avert their gazes from.
There, sat upon the largest chair, at the front of the Moot, sat the Daemon. Wings splayed apart, body sitting back with a fist upon his cheek, looking impassive as always. His ashen skin and white hair were trademarks of his scarred face. The armor of the damned was his clothing and his weapon, a mace of pain.
The Moot was quiet, for the Litus tribe had learned quickly- speak when spoken too and their world would be right.
"Dessus," He spoke at last, the name of his attendant. The man rose from his seat at once. "Tell me again why these… Cowering wretches exist before me."
Dessus rubbed one of his horns and cleared his throat. "They were found in our borders fighting, the Venators captured these ones alive for further questioning. From what they've said so far, we've gathered they are of two factions, fighting amongst each other over beliefs. A sad affair by any means, your magnificence."
The Daemon let out a low rumble from his throat. "They are far from home, are they not? Why come here to my lands?"
"A good question. Shall we find out?" Dessus said, moving over to the humans. He picked a man with ruddy orange hair and took the gag out. He licked his chapped lips.
"Why did you come here, human? What did you seek to gain?" Dessus questioned.
“W-We came ta gather allies for the war. The Sigeran filth found us along ta way. W-We meant no offense, I swear it. I swear upon ta gods!” he stammered.
“Intriguing. You are one of these... Druids then? The white cloaks? Helpers of the land?” Dessus asked, hands folded behind his back.
The man shook his head. “I was an apprentice under Kaer Lehon. They killed her in ta ambush.”
“A tragedy, to be sure.” Dessus put the gag back into the man’s mouth. He began to protest but one look from the Daemon was enough to silence the attempt. Dessus then walked over to another man, with black hair and a clammy disposition. He undid the gag and the man stretched his jaw.
“Speak then.”
He spat in the direction of the first man. Then spoke in a deep voice, “I’ve nothing to say but this; The Druids and their ilk speak no truths, see only evil they want to see and care naught for anyone but their own piety. They’ll do anything to keep their power. Anything.” The red haired man and another glared at the man.
Dessus stepped before him. “We were under the impression the druids existed as one, what do you and your people call themselves then?”
“Sigerans.” He said with calmness.
“Sigerans… Druids…” Dessus began turning to the Daemon. “You see your magnificence, they are fractured, fighting over religion and control.” He shoved the gag back in the man’s mouth and continued, “It is an alarming situation indeed. To have war on our doorsteps, brought about by these druids, these humans! What’s to say they begin to run out of resources, food, water- They will be forced to search far and wide and take what they want in the name of their gods and survival. Think of our women, defiled by these filthy creatures! It cannot be so!”
At this, the moot erupted into loud whispers and shouts of anger and praise. The humans began to squirm, shouting behind their gags in frustration. Several guards came over to subdue them once again as the men of the Litus Tribe continued in their talks.
It was then that the great Daemon stirred and at once the room quieted as he stood. His face became an expression of malice and he gripped his mace in hand as he descended the steps to the sandy floor.
“There will be no aid here, no salvation for the weary and lost, for humans and their ilk.” He growled, coming to a stop before the red haired man. He could not stop shaking, eyes poised on the mace. “Is this not what you were meant to be? Upon your knees, groveling like wretches and cowards. Weak and slaves.” He rose his mace and with one quick strike, caved the man's head in with a sound akin to fruit being thrown at the ground. Someone wretched and began to choke.
The Daemon looked around the Moot and raises his hands. “They came here seeking salvation, to use you for their own ends. Will we let them take what they want? No! We are Litus! Call the chiefs together, gather our supplies and prepare for war! They came seeking aid but they have only sealed their doom! We will conquer them all, drive them out and keep their lands for ourselves! Never again shall we ever think of helping those weaker than us. Now, too war!”
The room erupted into eager shouts and enthusiastic praise. They were no stranger to war, and thought it would take time, a war they would have.
“Feed these ones to the sea.” The Daemon commanded, and it was so.
Some Merelli women talk on a beach. Then Malri and co ask some druids about the war. (This is like a year or more from present time.) They come to the realization that strife is good and humans are weak. Time for war bro.
It felt like a dream of sorts. The landscape extended in glorious widths in every direction, a marvel of colors as grass and prairies mingled with flowers and plants. It all looked incredibly real - undisturbed and preserved, much like the spot that Lucia and Sanya had found for themselves. Unlike their home, this landscape had an ethereal, primal quality. It was untamed, inviting and peaceful all at the same time. Sanya understood it to be the realm of the Sun Mother, or one of her many havens at the least; why a deity with access to such splendor would ever look down to Galbar puzzled her - perhaps that was why she was distant in the first place. There was no disputing its beauty, however.
Even Lucia, enveloped in the effervescent energy hanging in the air seemed to move and smile with an uplifted, ethereal glow in her tattoos and features. She was like a lithe spirit bounding across the vast painted canvas of green they found themselves in, and Sanya found as much peace watching Lucia react to their new surroundings as she did looking around on her own. Her eyes could not leave Rhiona for long, however. The being was divinely beautiful and imposing in her own way, and knowing she brought them here provoked an uncertainty deep in Sanya that she thought she had put in the past, and in the dirt.
She wouldn't let that stop her now, though. Lucia seemed perfectly at ease with this agent of her divine parent, and that was enough for Sanya to let her guard down and try to focus on the supernatural splendor that surrounded them and threatened to ensorcell them with its peace and tranquil beauty. So the warrior paced, hands resting behind her back. She walked idly, watching both nature and her giddy partner with a growing warmth, and allowed herself a genuine smile.
She found herself at peace, uncertain how long they just explored at a sedate pace. What she did know, was that at some point Lucia pointed out a house on the horizon. Sanya had no mind to question anything in this land aloud, and instead settled an arm around Lucia's waist before moving towards the structure in the distance.
Lucia placed a quick kiss on her cheek and then turned her head to Rhiona, "What's this place Rhiona?"
The avatar smiled. "Why that's your mother's house. It sits empty now but once your mother arrives, I think there will be laughter from it again."
Lucia leaned her head on Sanya's shoulder. "And when is she arriving?" She asked.
"Whenever you want. Simply ask and I will call to her." the avatar replied as they drew nearer to the house.
Lucia grabbed Sanya's hand and squeezed. "Oh… it's up to us. What do you say, Sanya? Ready to meet my mom?" she teased.
Sanya breathed half a chuckle, not quite pleased at being the center of attention for such a choice. She had spoken with the Sun Mother before - and she hadn't exactly had a history of being pleasant to her. On some level, the mark left by another goddess made itself known. She knew she was one sour mood away from a curse, no matter how kind the goddess was. That said, the Sun Mother had always been kind. Who says no to meeting a goddess? "Ah, no getting out of it now…" she replied with a theatrical sigh, returning the squeeze.
Lucia giggled, "Oh it won't be that bad, my love." she turned her head to Rhiona and have her nod. "Please, call for her."
"As you wish, Daughter of the Sun." and Rhiona shut her eyes.
Lucia then turned back to Sanya and gave her a kiss. Sanya glanced towards Rhiona briefly before responding with a peck of her own.
Upon the moon a goddess sat, staring at the statue of her sister. It had been sometime since she had first viewed it so long ago, but now she sat in thought. The quiet had been eerie and strange at first but Oraelia endured it. If Gibbou could visit her realm and be fine, then she could do the same. Now she found it comforting and peaceful.
Her gaze wandered up and to Galbar. It still took her breath away even now. Yet she was afraid. Afraid of what she had done when her wits had left her. She had caused pain and sorrow instead of happiness and joy. She no longer hated herself for what had happened but she couldn't shake the feeling of knowing she should have been better. Gibbou had reassured her that the things she gave the mortals wasn't her fault, but that of her I inabitions, but it still felt bad.
Oh her sister had helped her a great deal. Protector of the body and the soul indeed. They had played many games together and throughout, Oraelia had healed. Some days were worse then others, but a good cry was always nice.
She was finally feeling better but knew it would be sometime before she was… she again. Perhaps she never would be the same but there was hope. Her gaze shifted to her feet and she stood. It was time to bake a pie, one of her new favorite hobbies.
"My lady Oraelia!" Rhiona's voice cut into her head and Oraelia froze in her step. Her voice sounded frantic!
"Rhiona, what's wrong?" she asked back.
"My lady, you must come quick. There's… uh… There bee an accident in your realm! One I can't fix by myself!"
"Oh my! Oh my goodness! Don't worry I'll be there in a second!" Without hesitating she shot off towards her sun, and the gateway that Gibbou had created.
"Gibbou I had to go back to my realm! Rhiona says there's trouble!" she shouted out towards her sister, not waiting for a reply.
She arrived at her sun and within a flash she was through into blue skies and white clouds and and… sky whales?!
She nearly slammed into one but managed to dodge, shouting sorry as she went. So much had changed in her realm, there was so much life now! But she had to focus! Oraelia honed in on her avatar's position and came to a halt before her in another flash.
Rhiona looked much the same and she had… a giant smile plastered on her face.
"Rhiona what's wrong!" she descended, feet touching grass.
Rhiona wordlessly pointed past her and Oraelia tilted her head as she turned around. She froze again, eyes going wide as they fell upon two figures, one of which seemed to be from a dream, yet as real as the day she was born.
"L-L-Lucia?" Oraelia whispered, covering her mouth as the waterworks began.
Lucia took a step forward and nodded as she held back her own tears. "M-Mom…" she breathed.
The air between them was palpable and Oraelia could hardly take it anymore. She ran towards her daughter, arms outstretched and Lucia did the same. It was only a few steps before they embraced. Lucia grabbed her tight, digging her face into her chest as Oraelia wrapped her in a warm hug. They both cried tears of joy and those of relief. She kissed the top of Lucia’s head, not wanting to let go, never wanting to let go again. It was a miracle. How was she even here?
After several moments of this, Oraelia cooed, ”Lucia. My Lucia. Oh I never thought…” She paused, choking up. ”Let me see your lovely face, my daughter.”
Lucia looked up with teary eyes, taking quick breaths as her tattoos’ pulsed with joy. Oraelia caressed her face, moving her long hair away from her eyes. ”Oh Lucia…” She murmured. ”Breath, just breath.” She encouraged with a smile, pulling her in close again.
She could feel Lucia’s body begin to relax as she stroked her head and rubbed her back. Oraelia’s eyes wandered to the other who had been standing next to Lucia. She was still there and as their eyes met, Oraelia felt as if she had seen the beautiful woman before. She reminded her of…
”Lucia, who might this be?” She asked.
Lucia pulled herself away again and turned back to the woman, then to Oraelia with a beaming smile. She rubbed the tears from her eyes and said, ”This is Sanya, mother. You’ve talked to her before and gave her a gift. She is the love of my life.” She turned back to her and held out a hand towards her.
Oraelia blinked. Sanya! Yes, she remembered her and they were… She felt her heart flutter. Oh, they were in love. A deep love, one that grew with each passing day. It brought a happy tear to her eye, knowing that Lucia had been in good hands while she was.. Absent. That would be addressed soon, she could feel it.
The dark-haired warrior stepped forward and offered a stiff but polite bow of her head, doing her best not to look like an embarrassed outsider after Lucia's introduction - and failing. "It is an honor to be in your presence, Sun Mother. I, uh… Please forgive my lack of tribute." she offered quietly, wrapping her hands behind her back.
Lucia shared a look with her and let go of Oraelia. The goddess then stood up with her daughter and walked over to Sanya. "No, the honor is all mine, Sanya. Your tribute is your heart my dear, for without it I would not have gotten to see my Lucia, or you." she said, wrapping Sanya in a warm hug. "Thank you." she said, placing a kiss on her cheek and letting go. Lucia then went to her side and grabbed her hand.
Sanya squeezed Lucia's hand and nodded twice when the goddess stepped away. The normally stoic warrior seemed staggered, offering a self-conscious smile as the two divine women directed attention her way. "Ah, I… Well, Lucia is really the driving force in my life and actions. I act with her wellbeing in mind."
Lucia leaned her head onto Sanya's shoulder. "Oh stop you." She gushed with a very large smile.
Oraelia clasped her hands together and watched them. "Oh I'm so happy for you two. Truly. I know I haven't… Been around lately… And for that I'm sorry but I am glad to know you had each other." She rubbed her arm and looked sheepish. "I'm sure you have questions for me, Lucia, Sanya. Please, let us go inside and we can talk. Rhiona, I think I'll be okay. Give us some time?" she asked, turning to the avatar. Rhiona gave a nod and walked off but Oraelia knew she wouldn't go far. She then turned back to Lucia and Sanya and outstretched her hands towards them.
Sanya squeezed Lucia gently around the waist, seeming to keep a very keen eye on the actions of the divine even with her mask of peace. She nodded after confirming with Lucia, and stepped forward to let Oraelia take the lead.
Oraelia nodded her head and walked beside them up the steps. "I'm sure Rhiona has told you this is my home. It's not as special as some of the other God's realms but it is quite homely. A room is already ready for you both because here, anything is quite possible." she waved her hand and the door disappeared, revealing a grand interior, the likes of which had been hidden by the smaller outside features of the building. Large stairs sat directly in the middle of the room, leading up to the next floor. Oraelia smiled at their wide eyes and led them to a room off to the side with furniture Lucia and Sanya probably didn't know could exist.
She motioned to a plush couch and she sat opposite of them on a chair. She watched as they meddled into the soft cushions. Lucia leaned heavily on Sanya, whether for her own comfort or for Sanya, she did not know. What she did know was that it was adorable.
"What is this mom? It's so… soft and comfortable." Lucia gushed.
"Things exist differently here. So easy are thoughts made into reality that anything can be done here. But there are limits on the material plane. Oh but that is what we ca a couch. It is used for sitting. I'm glad you like it, Lucia." she paused. "Are you two hungry or thirsty? We might be here for awhile, it's best to have some snacks don't you think?"
"Oh yes! Sanya, what would you like?" Lucia asked, tattoos pulsing with excitement.
Sanya was rocked out of a daze when her name was spoken, looking up with an almost guilty look on her face; one hand nestled around Lucia and the other inquisitively squeezing the couch and it's curiously comfortable fabrics. "Uh, yes. How about some grilled snake?" she muttered in her best attempt at recovery, glancing to Lucia.
Before Lucia could speak Oraelia stood up and said. "I'll bring some stuff for you to try and a side of grilled snake." she smiled and Lucia nodded, returning her own smile. It felt good to see her so happy.
Lucia watched her mom leave the room and then turned to Sanya with an inquisitive look. She pulled herself closer to Sanya and caressed her cheek. "Are you okay, love?"
Sanya awarded her with a peaceful, thin smile. It'd taken her a long time but she let herself smile these days. Still, she languished under Lucia's watchful gaze, and briefly averted her eyes before raising a hand to place over hers. "This is about you, remember?" she professed modestly, before tilting her head to touch her forehead to Lucia's. A soft sigh later, she steeled herself to speak. "It's… intimidating. Being in the presence of a goddess. Your mother."
Lucia smiled. "You? Intimidated by anything? My oh my." she giggled, then sighed as well, wrapping her arms around Sanya's back. "This just isn't about me my love, for we are together now and your needs are important to me, you know that. I want you to feel comfortable and secure here. But it's okay to feel the way your feeling, I was in your shoes once and it can be intimidating. I just hope you know that my mother would never do anything to hurt us, she's probably the least intimidating of the bunch. And I mean that in a good way." She chuckled.
Sanya placed a hand on Lucia's thigh and squeezed gently, giving her a peaceful look and a minute smile. "I know that, honey," she offered. "It's not her intent that intimidates me… although meeting your mother is certainly scary for other reasons… It's the power. Around her. In here. Everywhere. It's amazing, and imposing."
Lucia's tattoos pulsed, beginning to wrap around Sanya's body as Lucia grinned with closed eyes. "I know, isn't it crazy to think the gods are here, living in their own seats of power and everyone else is just… I don't even know where. It makes me feel so small." she breathed.
Sanya lifted her arm that had gently nestled behind Lucia, wrapping over her shoulders to tug the tattooed woman closer. "If you're small, I must be tiny. Barely of note." she murmured back, and gave her another gentle squeeze. "Do you think all the gods live here?"
Lucia nestled herself into Sanya's warmth and relaxed in her embrace. "Hmm. Maybe, maybe not. Rhiona did say this was Mother's realm and she was with Gibbou so, perhaps they are connected or something?"
Sanya shifted herself, shimmying up against Lucia to hold her closer, and gently massage her where her hands rested. "I always thought Gibbou was on the moon. It made the most sense." she murmured quietly, scoffing to herself in humoured tone. Then a brief moment of hesitation. "Do you think we could even get back home from here, if we tried?"
Lucia's tattoos began to throb as they wound themselves up Sanya's arms. Lucia murmered, "No, probably not but hey," she moves her head to catch Sanya's gaze. "At least we're together." she said, going in for a kiss.
"That's all I n--" Sanya began but was silenced by lips touching her own. She responded with confident yet restrained passion, her hand on her arm and shoulder caressing her glowing skin with slow motion. The warrior leaned into the kiss firmer before her patience appeared to run dry, and her hands began exploring further.
"That was quicker then I suspected, my Lady." Rhiona said, looking out over the prairie. Oraelia laughed then sat down next to her.
"Let's just say they both need to relax a little before I ruin the mood." she said, picking up a blade of grass.
"I don't… Oh, oh my. You truly are kind, my lady."
She shrugged. "I love Lucia and I want her to be happy. There is nothing else to do, besides, they aren't children. They aren't children by any means."
"You are a wonderful mother, Oraelia." Rhiona smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. Her lips turned into a small frown but she nodded anyways and spoke up with a quick voice.
"Tell me about what I've missed, Rhiona."
"Of course my lady. Well let's see. There are many things to say, from druids to wars, Aiviri to iskrill. But I suppose, have you heard about Nallan?"
Oraelia knocked on the door, carrying a platter of food and drinks. A brief pause followed before Sanya's voice called through the door. "Uh, hello. Come in, I mean."
She walked in, saying, "Sorry I took so long, Rhiona needed help with something and I just couldn't find any cups. But I hope I didn't worry you too much!" She looked at Lucia who avoided her gaze, tattoos pulsing with haste as she gripped the couch.
"Oh not at all Mom, we were just… uh… R-Resting our eyes." she stammered.
Sanya quickly ran her hands through her hair, doing her best to look no different than previously. It took her another good few seconds to straighten her clothes as surreptitiously as possible - unfortunately few things escape the notice of the divine. "Ahem. Rhiona is… your servant?" she queried to try and steer the conversation away from Lucia's atrocious excuse.
A table of white stone materialized before the two and Oraelia set the platter of food down. It had an assortment of delicacies and more homely snacks, including a platter of snake. Oraelia sat down across from them again and smiled. "Please, eat. You've been losing energy all day, it's good to have a full belly. As for Rhiona, she is one of my avatars. I suppose you haven't met Solus? He is existent on the material plane as of right now. I created Rhiona to watch over my realm why I got much needed help from Gibbou. I was not well…" she said, watching Lucia take bites as she listened.
Sanya drew a long breath, sat back and relaxed. She extended an arm to rest behind Lucia again, gaze fixed on the goddess. "I apologize for the intrusion. Rhiona suggested our presence would be positive, and," Sanya began, stroking a finger along Lucia's shoulder. "It looked like you both needed a family visit. I fear I've been disrespectful to Rhiona, as I was indignant to you when we first spoke. "
Oraelia rose an eyebrow. "No disrespect was ever perceived by my or her eye, Sanya. You are a welcome presence and like I said before, seeing you with Lucia does make me smile. I… I hope to call you daughter, if you allow it in fact. I understand if you feel otherwise." she said, twirling her thumbs as she looked to Sanya.
Sanya seemed to choke on her own breath, stiffly pausing halfway into reaching for one of the offered goodies. "I.. ah, you honor me deeply, Sun Mother. I would carry your good will with me always… as I have in the past." she offered and fiddled with a necklace, to pull out the mark of Oraelia granted to her decades ago. She cleared her throat and put her hand on Lucia's arm. "Unless it-... bothers you, of course." she murmured to her partner.
Lucia shook her head in swift motion and gave Sanya a big smile. "This is wonderful!" she exclaimed, giving her a big hug.
"Ah, it is good to see that again, dear. You are dutiful in more ways then one." Oraelia smiled. "But please, from now on you can call me by my name if you like. We don't have to be formal around one another." she shifted in the chair, eyeing Lucia for support. The golden hair girl gave her a thumbs up, one that Sanya couldn't see.
"Thank you-... I mean, it's.. I'll try to remember that." Sanya breathed in idle admittance of her own struggle to loosen up under the goddess' vigil. "Lucia makes a case for your radiance at least once a week. It's great to meet you. Truly." she continued unprompted, offering a small smile.
"Likewise, Sanya." she turned to Lucia and tilted her head. "Lucia, you are too kind. I…" she took a deep breath. "Perhaps it's time for me to answer the questions in your minds. Oh that doesn't mean i've been snooping around… er… it mean I could if I wanted but… um… I respect your thoughts I just… okay. Let's just start from the beginning?" she asked flustered.
Lucia settled in next to Sanya, cup in hand as she took a sip. "Relax mom, we know what you are trying to say… Just, go at your own pace and remember, I love you." she said. Sanya nodded crisply and leaned back to shift up beside Lucia properly.
Oraelia nodded. "Okay, my sweets. Close your eyes and listen to my voice. I shall start from the moment I awoke in a strange place, a small goddess before me..." She began, her voice growing stronger as her memories came into view before them. Nothing would be left bare…
And so they saw a small goddess, a child at mind but divine at heart. They could feel how Oraelia felt as she spoke to them of Genesis and Antiquity. The reunion Moon and Sun, the meeting of love and light. They were there, looking in at it, seeing it with their own eyes that were not there. Oraelia showed them everything since she awoke. From the time she helped the mortals, to Lucia's reunion, to Neiya's betrayal.
She shielded them from the brunt of those emotions but flavors were all too familiar but they endured it because Oraelia had endured it and they came to Genesis again and how she helped Oraelia. Then those negative emotions were purged away by Oraelia claiming Love as it should have been. More memories flashed before them of the times she helped Gibbou and created other heroes and gifts for the mortal world.
Then they came to her denial. For years she searched for Genesis until she came to a cold realization, she was gone. The next memories were a haze of joy and sadness. How she gave gifts to any just so she could please them and be happy. And her deepest thought of ending it all. But Oraelia shielded them from its dire influence and they endured it again, coming to a time when Gibbou made her see reason again. But the damage had been done.
The last memory was the profound joy she felt at seeing Lucia again and then she guided them back to the room with the snacks before them.
"And that, my love, is why I was silent for so long. I could not bear the thought of hurting you, or seeing reason by your voice. I'm so sorry Lucia. I've done terrible things in my need for escape." she confessed, wiping away tears. She looked at Lucia to see her doing much the same.
Lucia slowly stood, gently letting go of Sanya's hand and began to walk over to her. "L-Lucia I don't expect you to forgive me so easily… I-" but before she could finish, Lucia embraced her and Oraelia let her tears flow freely.
”Mother.” Lucia gasped. ”There is nothing to be forgiven about. Was I sad? Of course I was, but knowing how much you’ve… You’ve hurt… I… I wish I could have been here sooner.”
Sanya sat silent. Her face was a mixture of shock from the sheer volume of memory and the experience itself, but a kernel of something else lingered in her expression. A deep-seated frown that slowly turned her eyes distant and her frown bitter. Her fingers flexed as her thoughts seemed to call her deep away. It didn't last however - after a while, she refocused on mother and daughter, doing her best to appear in the moment. "You have gone through some terrible things, Su-.. Oraelia. I am sorry."
After several minutes, after Oraelia had calmed down enough, she pulled herself away from Lucia and looked up at her. She took a deep breath and then began, ”I’m so proud of you. You’ve both stood the test of time, struggled, fought and survived to stand here, right before me now. My sweethearts and look at you, you found each other. This… This makes all that I’ve endured worth it.” she sighed, frowning slightly.
”What’s wrong mother?” Lucia asked, settling down to her knees. Oraelia ran her hands through her hair.
”Like seeds my mistakes have bloomed into terrible problems. Upon Galbar there exists a winged man with bands who can heal him, Iskrill with a weapon capable of wiping even the strongest of men to ash and greatest of all, the Highlands suffer from war. It seems the druids went to war with their neighbors of the years, all in the need for more and more land because I gave them a gift that let them- Well you know, you were there after all. Now I learn that split and it’s just so… Horrible. Rhiona has sent Solus to deal with the artifact but I fear a larger conflict is brewing… What am I going to do?” she said, looking off into the distant lands behind the windows.
To this, Lucia gave no reply and instead looked to Sanya with a knowing look. Sanya's expression darkened with determination, and she simply nodded back to her tattooed lover. Lucia flashed her a smile and turned to Oraelia, moving her hand to touch her mother’s face and guiding back to look at her. Oraelia leaned into the hand and kissed her palm. When their eyes met, Lucia spoke, ”Send us. We can right these wrongs, it’s what we’re good at.”
”No, absolutely not, Lucia. You are all I have left, I won’t send you to fix my mistakes!” Oraelia said, her voice full of emotion.
”Mother… Please. I know you are more capable than we are, but we are your daughters, our words carry so much weight and if they won’t listen to us then they will answer to you. Let us help you, please, you don’t have to do this alone. We understand mortals, we know them better than any, please.” she pleaded, with stark determination on her face. Oraelia looked over to Sanya and saw much the same. It broke her heart, it did, but she knew Lucia was right.
She nodded. ”I… I am hesitant… But I know this place, my realm, as much as I want you to stay here forever with me, there is someone I need to speak to first. So okay. You will carry my authority, my will… But first, I don’t want to send you together alone and without anything to aid you. Solus and Rhiona have worked on a solution of sorts for now. Solus is going there soon and when he arrives I will send you too. For now you will enjoy yourselves here with me and train.”
Lucia nodded to Oraelia and then looked back to Sanya. The dark-haired warrior nodded back once more, then seemed briefly struck by an errant thought. It rolled visibly on her features as she considered it, and then exited her lips. "Sorrowsting is still buried."
Lucia tilted her head at Sanya, then she blinked and looked away, back to Oraelia. She gave her a pleading look and Oraelia knew what to do. She stood, letting her hand run through Lucia’s hair as she went over to Sanya. There, she knelt before the warrior and took her hand.
”Sanya.” she started, ”When we first met, your presence felt ever so familiar to me and when I atlast met her, did I understand that familiarity, that connection. And for that, now I tell you, sorry. I am sorry for whatever she did to you with her honeyed words and her… Love. She cannot understand that there are two sides and though she thinks she is incapable of understanding the other, she dwells on all the negatives regardless. Love works both ways. There is the bad, and there is the good. One cannot work without the other, but to overcome the bad, is to falter into darkness, or overcome it with bliss.” Oraelia’s voice broke into a hushed whisper. ”But you, Sanya, you’ve done it. To endure her, to live in the negative and overcome it, is to realize that there is a better path, one that you now share with Lucia. Sorrowsting is a part of you, but it does not define who you are. Thus, I give you this.” Oraelia removed her hands from Sanya’s to reveal a jewel the size of her palm, blazing with light. ”Add this to Sorrowsting when you retrieve it and never lose sight of that which you love.”
Sanya looked down at the gem with parted lips, a serene but troubled breath escaping her. She looked up at Oraelia, her eyes raw with the same vulnerability that harkened back to the original wound to her soul two millennia ago. A moment later, she nodded, and brought herself to respond. "...Thank you. I will look forward, for who I've become. For my love."
Oraelia nodded, and Lucia walked over to them. Kissing Sanya on the cheek as she sat down next to her to admire the gem.
Oraelia then waved her hand at the corner of the room and two sets of armor appeared upon stands, one golden and the other finest silver. Upon the regal-looking sets sat the insignia of Oraelia, and around one of them, hung a necklace of swirling beauty.
”This will do, yes. You will train, get used to the feeling of this armor and then… I shall send you back to your home. There… There I think you’ll see some familiar faces, Lucia but for now… Come, let me show your room and this house. For it is ours for a time.” she said.
Lucia smirked. ”Familiar faces?”
Oraelia just grinned.
Sanya and Lucia are in Oraelia's realm and it is pretty as hell. They're enjoying the sights when Rhiona full-on tricks Oraelia into scrambling from rehab in Gibbou's moon retreat to return in a hurry. Then she's like "It's just a prank, sis; your daughter is visiting and she brought her girlfriend."
Oraelia and Lucia have some much needed mom-daughter hugs before they all head inside to catch up. The heady land of the divine get to the pesky mortals, and Oraelia goes to get snacks and catch the latest gossip from Rhiona while Sanya and Lucia Netflix and chill.
When Oraelia returns she 'adopts' Sanya, and then dunks both the ladies with a screening of divine memories. Lucia comforts her mom while Sanya bad vibes about the visions. Oraelia admits Galbar is a garbage fire, and Lucia quickly volunteers the battle couple as firefighters. Oraelia comforts Sanya about her past trauma and gives her a DLC addon for her spear, and also both of them dope gear. They shall now train in Oraelia's realm until they catch up to the plot.(And because Zee ran out of MP for a portal)
5/5 -3MP for Compassion Port -2MP + II, Sunlight Centricity IV. At the center of this golden necklace sits a jewel that swirls with the ferocity and heat of the sun. It propels normal spell casting to new heights, allowing the wielder to cast sunlight specific spells with but mere thoughts. Some examples of this would be blindings flashes or beams of concentrated light with resounding results. Only a skilled user of second grade magic would be strong enough to use this artifact. Anything lesser and fiery sun will consume the wielder in a flash of light.
-3DP + II, Oraelia's Plate This twin set of armor, one golden, the other silver, is embedded with the regalia of the Sun Goddess. Each set is identical besides the metal used in their forging. A deep emboss of Oraelia's symbol sits in the chest piece. The helmet is a visor design, fitting comfortably to the head. The armor itself is neither bulky or too thin but is able to protect all the same and allow movement.
(-1dp sunlight + 1 free) The Sun's Champions II - This armor is imbued with solar energy, and is capable of acting as a beacon in dark places, causing blinding radiance or allowing the restoration of solar weapons.
(-1dp family) Familial link I - This armor is linked together in such a way that any who wear it are able to communicate with the other who dons the opposite set. The closer they are it doesn't work, but as they grow farther apart it begins to function.
(-1dp family) Familial Bond I - Those who wear the armor together in close proximity find their vigor boosted and minds clearer. The farther away they are, the more this becomes non existent.
(1 free) Healing Pulse I - This armor can heal the wounds of those that wear it and those surrounding them by emitting a pulse of healing energy. It does not work constantly but requires a charge to build. Oraelia's symbol will glow when it is ready.
-2DP + II, Compassion’s Heart.
(2 free) Wreath of Flame II - This gem alters a weapon when added to it. It imbues the solar energies of Oraelia’s sun into the weapon, causing blades, spearpoints, axeheads, and more to become molten, capable of slicing through mundane objects with ease.
(2dp) Value of Life II: While attached to a weapon, the gem subtly reminds the Wielder of the value of life, their loved ones, and other stuff that are worth preserving.
Kia took in the new world around her with a sense of awe. She buried her feet in the sand and felt the fine cool grains in her hands. The air here smelled of salt and so many other things she hardly knew how to describe them. One thing she did know was that it was hot and sticky here and she was forced to shed her thick furs, even the layer under that. Now all she wore was loose cloth over her more sensitive parts, with a large gap between the two. She felt incredibly naked but with it, a strange sense of freedom. Though she was still hesitant, this curious place of green and colors caught her attention more often then not, and she did not dwell on the events that had brought her there.
Instead she made her way further into the trees, stopping and watching plants, animals and any thing else of interest that caught her eye. The world was so alive here and it was amazing. The creatures of Sunlight regarded her almost as curiously as she regarded them but neither tries to reach out to the other. It was only when the sun began to dip, casting the jungle floor into darkness did Kia realize how unprepared she was for the night.
Small winged creatures that buzzed and whined began to nip at her and she was forced to snack them off herself. She was thirsty and hungry and tired but had no shelter and no fire to keep her warm. She was beginning to think the Goddess had left her here as punishment for her crimes and then the sky opened up and a downpour was unleashed and she knew, it was definetly a punishment.
She managed to find a tree with a thick canopy of giant leaves and it was there she huddled in the dark while thunder boomed. She stuck her tongue out and collected the rain, taking deep guzzles, at least she had that going for her. She was completely soaked and her hair was plastered to her face, but at least the small nipping monsters had stopped biting her. It was a restless night.
She awoke with a start in the morning, sitting upright as she surveyed the trees. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Everything was quiet. Not even the drone of the small winged things were sounding. The sun was out, that was good but the air felt heavy and she quickly figured out why. Something bolted at her from the thick brush, a creature that had been in plain sight, she had not seen. She barely had time to react as it pounced her, diving out of the way but Kia screamed as it was able to claw her back, just below her left shoulder.
She stumbled up and into a run but slipped in the mud from the rain and the creature fell upon her. It was on her in seconds, tearing and biting into her arms as she shielded her face. It growled at her with hungry eyes and a blood coated face.
That was her blood.
Her desperation turned to anger and her screams turned into a great yell of frustration. There was a sickening crack as the animal was impaled by an icicle from the ground. Then another and another, lifting it into the air. As its blood ran down the blue ice and onto her face, the creature whined one last time before going silent.
Kia yelled again, feeling her anger boiling over but it did not last this time. Anger gave way to pain and she clawed herself from out under the creature. Every cut in her arms stinging like a thousand knife cuts. She was losing a lot of blood in the process and something wet obscured her left eye. She knew it was blood but whose?
After crawling away from it she felt her arms give out and she collapsed face down into the mud. Her vision began to go blurry, head swimming, screaming in pain. Darkness began to take her. The last thing she remembered was the promised life, a new chance, being cut woefully short. Then again, maybe she… deserved… this...
Something stirred beyond the reaches of her vision. Exhaustion, pain, darkness. So many barriers made it hard to move and think. A jabbing force pushed into her side firmly, stirring her senses out of its deathly haze for just a moment. Voices mumbled in another realm, unreachable and difficult to understand.
"....escaped unpainted? More.."
"...not dead.. ...Oruna might…"
The voices faded into the darkness, her pain radiating out to drown every other sensation again. She drifted out on an ocean of haze and darkness once more, succumbing to unconsciousness.
The cloying humidity burrowed itself down into her throat through nose and mouth alike. Intense warmth hung in the air, pushing against her skin. Bright and unpleasant light broke in through the meager protection her eyelids afforded, shining bright from above. Through brief, distressed glimpses of her surroundings she saw trees, huts and a small wind shelter pushed up around her.
The chief sensation however, was pain. Her entire body hurt. Her arms felt they had been set aflame, her back burned with relentless pressure. Reality came crashing back all at once, and with it just a small amount of will and energy. Then just as swiftly, energy poured out of her like a broken vase, and Kia felt the darkness clamber back in around her.
Another call back from the darkness came with the sensation of wet cloth laid against her forehead. Much of the pain was a distant memory, and almost entirely replaced by the heat of her surroundings. A foul taste grew in her mouth, a strange herbal mixture clinging to the space between tooth and lip. The sound of dripping water preceded a sensation of cold touch, as someone dabbed something wet and soft against her body.
It felt like a strange dream at first as she came too. Questions began to pop into her mind and a feeling of fear welled up inside. Where was she? Who was touching her? Kia opened her eyes slowly, not wanting to let her fear control her. Her eyes had a hard time focusing at first but when they did, she was taken aback by what she saw above her.
A woman with skin dark as wood and black hair loomed above her, with white and yellow patterns drawn all over her face and shoulders in strange and unnerving patterns. A bone sharpened on both sides had been pushed through her skin above her right brow, and then meticulously painted with red stripes. She wrung a small rag free of water, before dipping it in a bowl beside her. Above her was a rudimentary shelter of leaves, tanned hides and wood. Kia felt a hand on her chest, no real force applied but enough to keep her from jolting away.
"Welcome back to the land of living, pale one." She rattled off with quick speed. "You are lucky the Great Hunter is lazy this week, allowing you to walk back from his home."
She opened her mouth but no words sprang forth. The woman was unlike anything she had ever seen before and somehow, she could understand her. The drip of the water stole her attention for a second and she realized just how thirsty she was. It felt as if her mouth was bone dry. “W-Water…” she managed to say in a hoarse voice.
The woman clicked her tongue as though she had just realized at Kia's request, then quickly pushed up and vanished from her side. It gave Kia a brief opportunity to look around, and see the walls of a few clay huts, as well as at least a half dozen people milling about in the distance, each as strange as the woman she had met first. Man or woman didn't matter - they barely wore clothes, and seemed to be covered in extensive patterns in different colors, although a few had simply painted their entire torso with a single color. Yellow and white stood out as the most popular.
Before Kia had any real chance to process her sights in her weakened state, the woman reappeared with a dark cup, and brusquely moved it to Kia's lips. The first sip tasted like water. The second tasted like old socks.
"Fireweed and Jozu Beetle water," the woman explained. "It will ward away the Great Hunter."
She almost gagged, but drank it down regardless, swishing her tongue around her teeth. She eyed the woman inquisitive now. She kept saying Great Hunter, had that been what attacked her? Her memory of that time returned like a cold blow and she remembered its final moments, the look in its eye as it died. In a shaky voice, not so hoarse this time, Kia asked, “W-Who are you?”
The woman eyed Kia in turn, before inspecting the now empty cup. She set it aside and picked the rag back up. "My name is Oruna. I am Ta'zesh, but today I was asked to bring you back from the Great Hunter's lair. Our lifegiver left us for the great city, so I am doing the work of unpainted." She sighed quietly, putting a half-cold rag on Kia's shoulder.
She did not shiver at the cold, for Kia was complexed. None of those words made any sense, whatsoever. Strangely enough, she did not feel panicked at all. More or less, intrigued, curious even. “I know n-nothing of what you speak. W-Where am I?” she questioned.
This seemed to provoke great resignation in the woman - Oruna - who sighed and glanced away at first. Cleaning away at Kia's shoulder without turning her over, she glanced back to her. "You are in Zeshutaru, an ancestral village under the rule of Etana, and tributary of the great Zuanwa. My friends assumed you had escaped from there; I am sorry to say you only traveled a day away before the jungle took interest."
“S-Seshura? Z-Zoonwa?” She mumbled the strange names. She then shook her head. “S-She sent me here… The goddess…”
"The goddess?" queried the woman with a quizzical look. "Do you mean Uraka, Daughter of the Water? Is she your owner?"
“O-Owner?” Kia paled. “N-No. What was her name? R-R-Rhiona! She’s the Goddess."
"Ree-ona?" She returned and furrowed her brow. "That's not any name I've ever heard. Very unorthodox." Oruna professed and wrung out the rag again. "This goddess of yours will pay for you?"
“Pay for me… What do you mean?” Kia asked, suddenly alarmed.
"Well," Oruna began, and Kia felt her hand stroke over what had once been a wound. "None of your few scars are a mark, so you're not a slave. You claim someone brought you here, so you have a ruler. You're either unpainted, or from beyond the trees, and either way you are valuable to us."
Kia furrowed her brow and winced back at Oruna’s touch. “She’s not my ruler, she’s a Goddess! I came from a land far, far away. One of cold and i- I’m valuable?” It was a word she was not entirely familiar with. “What do you mean?”
Oruna chuckled quietly, but retracted her hand all the same. "A pretty face is worth many goods. If you have any skills, even better. Just from your coral-like skin, I'd wager we'd get a barrel of blue, at least. If you do not belong anywhere as you say then you belong to us."
This time, she did panic. “N-n-no! I’m not something you can sell! You don’t own me!” she said with defiance. She then began to squirm, trying to get away from Oruna. She had to leave! The pain that had been so woefully absent now made itself remembered as she stirred too much, and too fast. She winced and let out a huff.
Oruna's hands came down on her body with surprising strength, though seemed to make an effort not to hurt her too much. Her own struggling on the ground was enough to hurt. "Calm down, Coral. I didn't steal you back from the Great Hunter's lair to slit your throat now. Do not make the chieftess brand you for being unruly."
“My name, is Kia!” She groaned again, the pain of her cuts throbbing. With a great amount of reluctance, she did calm down however. If only because the pain was too great to bear. She looked back at Oruna and pouted, “Please, I thank you for saving me, but I don’t want to be sold and enslaved. I-I can be valuable to you. I swear it!” She pleaded.
Oruna paused for a moment, peering down at Kia. Apparently convinced of her calmness, she lifted her hands to let Kia suffer at her own peril. "It's not really up to me, the chieftess will want to do whatever she decides." She lamented. "Unless you mean to pledge to me specifically, I suppose, but I don't really have enough to take care of an unpainted."
“You keep saying that, but what do you mean?” She inquired. “Is it that colors you have on your skin? Who’s the chieftess? Does she live in the Zoonwa?”
Oruna rubbed a finger under her nose, peering at Kia as though she was offended. "There are many positions in our society. I am Ta'zesh, a hunter of the soil. The only ones for you to know are marked and unpainted. One is, well, a slave. The other is to be, hm, how to explain?" She mused and tapped at her lip. "Ah, yes. Owned. As for chieftess Etana, she lives over there in the biggest home." She continued idly, gesturing to a place in the village. "She's not going to like you, I think."
"Oh I see, in a way." Kia sighed. "Why won't she like me?"
Oruna shrugged again, settling back to sit more comfortably. "A simple feeling I have. You have pale skin, hair like gold and eyes like the ocean. With this unique look and your talk of a goddess she will think you are a Za'watem looking to usurp her, or a troublemaker because you ask so many questions. I too suspected you were Za'watem first, but the divine protect their messengers. And you are, you know, not so strong." Oruna concluded with a smile, and reached forward to give Kia's exposed stomach a firm pat.
“Not… Strong?” Kia looked to the floor and seemed to deflate a little. Maybe she wasn’t strong at all. Maybe… She knew one way to show her strength, but would it be the right thing to do? She looked at Oruna again and asked, “When I was found, did they find the body of the Great Hunter as well?”
Kia's question appeared to cause great amusement for the painted woman, who burst into a full laugh. "You cannot kill the Great Hunter. To be caught by him is to walk to your grave." She leant back on her hands, watching Kia with a puzzled smile. "The women who brought you in said nothing to me. Did you see him, Ke-... Kee-ah?"
Kia’s face grew red and she looked away. “But I… I killed… The creature that attacked me… That’s not the Great Hunter?”
"..Ah. No, I think not. You cannot see the Hunter, but his claws are in every heart when they take their last breath." Oruna lectured with a certain amount of warmth contrary to her previous behavior. There was an appraising glint in her gaze. "You are the one who killed the spotted cat? I assumed they had saved you in all ways."
“I’m not as weak as you think…” Kia said with defiance in her voice as she looked at Oruna again. Though, sometimes she did wish she was weak, maybe that way, Rorik would still be alive. Other times, she just couldn’t control herself. “The Goddess who sent me here, knew I could take care of myself, or at least that’s what she thought. But, I guess I disappointed again.”
"Maybe. If your goddess is not here, what difference does it make? The Daughter of the Water is the closest you shall come to the gods here." Oruna pondered with a following shrug. "Besides, if it is as you say, you have done more than most Ta'zesh can manage, on your own. We lose many foolish huntresses to the hungry jungle."
Kia's expression turned dark and distant all at once as her thoughts became muddied by her past. “I'm dangerous. I-I shouldn't even be here. I've killed so many, I need to be alone. If I get angry I lose myself." She seemed to be talking to herself now.
"For my sake you are free to leave. But Zeshutaru village took you in, stole you back to life, used valuable herbs. I think maybe the chieftess will say you belong here. Or at least until sold." Oruna countered matter-of-factly, presumably not that interested in Kia's dark warning. "If you can be useful, maybe you can find a generous owner and avoid being marked."
Kia locked eyes with Oruna. Fine. She would show them just how useful she could be. There was a cracking sound, and from the ground erupted a blue spike of ice whose point stopped a hands length away from the huntress' face. Oruna's eyes went wide, and the cocky huntress winced backwards in surprise, almost falling over her own weight and risking piercing herself on the spike out of sheer confusion.
Kia then brought up a hand and formed a ball of ice in it. She held it out to Oruna. All she needed was a simple affirmation.
“I can be useful.”
After Rhiona dumped her off, Kia enjoyed the jungle for a bit before realizing that jungle bugs and humidity aren’t fun, nor does she know how to like, survive. It begins to rain and a miserable Kia finds shelter under a tree. It was a restless night and Kia is then attacked in the morning by a leopard who fucks her up pretty good before she kills it. She passes out and then wakes up later under the care of an amazonian named Oruna. The two chat and discuss many things, key takeaway is that Kia is going to probably be sold as a slave, and after much questioning, Kia shows off her powers and tells Oruna she can be useful.
Bet you thought there was some perverted stuff in here.
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