As the first one lunged at Cicero, Ashevelen approached from the back and quietly slit his throat with her sword, making sure that some of his blood would be sprayed over Cicero. A small "jab" for him not following the plan. "Oops. Very sorry for this. Maybe next time you'll let me talk with them instead of gelliny them that there's a cat INSIDE the cealing. " said Ashe in an innocent voice before turning over to Gwyn.
" It sure looks like another puzzle. Should we apply the same method as before? We look for the mechanism and try to cheat it or actually solve it this time? "
Turning her head slightly towards Cicero, Ashe spoke in a louder voice "Cicero, care to have a look for anything that might kill us if we get the puzzle wrong? "
@DirtyDingo As promised, apologies for the late submission.
Name: Ashe “The Ghoul” Age:21 Gender: Female Height:1.87m Weight:56kg
Motto: Slow and steady. Follow the horde. Don’t lose yourself.
Appearance: Ashe is a tall woman with dark red hair which she keeps loose. Almost always dressed in some sort of pre-war attire or if not in her city, she’ll wear leather armor made of whatever leather is available. She is skinny with bones visible underneath her skin, enough for one to confuse her with a ghoul.
Equipment: A skin-mask made out of the dried out skin of an old ghoul “friend” of hers. A few throwing knives and a sword. A backpack is strapped on her back at all times which allows her to store the RAD-Xes needed to survive some locations in her city. Besides these, Ashe has carved a bone as a whistle that makes a sound similar to the screech of a ghoul. A crusader pistol is tied to her leg, a last resort weapon.
Past/Current Affiliations: Followers Of The Apocalypse - Friendly relations with the Followers after a group of them wandered into the streets of NY and got caught by a horde and was saved by Ashe. NCR - Neutral - After she left NY with the horde, she encountered the NCR briefly. While they mainly steered clear of the horde, Ashe was able to leave a message on the body of a ghoul with a place where they could meet and talk. The Enclave - Enemies - On multiple occasions, Ashe’s horde encountered their drones or on rare occasions, troops and each time the horde thinned down. While the Enclave didn’t yet realize it was a human directing them, Ashe hates them.
Likes: Quiet places, darkness, meat
Dislikes: Loud people/places, the Enclave, high concentrations of water
Key Character Traits:
Ghoul-whisperer. Ashe has lived her whole life between ghouls and ferals to the point where she can easily walk between them or using her flute, command them.
Scavenger, spending time with creatures that eat anything that’s alive makes one learn to survive with less or to be good at finding things that others wouldn’t observe..
Higher than average radiation resistance - part of a vault experiment.
Background: Ashe "The Ghoul" was meant to be a vault-dweller of one of New York's vaults and through the eyes of a 8 year old, it seemed like her whole life would be spent in the vault. Alas' it was never meant to be. After a few hundred years of being closed, the Vault opened its doors for the first time but was never able to be closed again.
The Vault, like many of Vault-Tec’s Vault was an experiment. A robo-brain was put as overseer and had one objective, raise children, impregnate the females with genetic material collected from the males but mixed up and RAD-X components as a way to increase a person’s natural resistance to radiation. The Overseer was eventually destroyed after the dwellers managed to take control of the security systems and shut them off.
As the door opened, feral ghouls stormed in. In the first hour, more than half of the vault dwellers were killed, the other half soon followed. The dwellers weren’t prepared to deal with the harsh reality of the wasteland. A group of scavengers found themselves in the area and decided to help or came to steal whatever was left of a just opened up vault.
All but a few of the vault dwellers died or sustained heavy injuries by the time the ghouls were terminated. The rest were taken in by the scavengers which planned to sell the children to slavers and killed off the remaining adults. It seemed that Ashe’s life was destined to be short and potentially painful.
The scavengers turned temporary slavers, looted the vault and made sure to close the door for future trips into it but this time, the vault would remain shut. The scavengers and the vault dwellers were soon caught by a horde of roaming ferals. They all died, children and scavengers. The sole survivor being Ashe. Luck and the death of her best childhood friend made it happen for her to survive with minor injuries.
The next years Ashe spent learning how to survive on her own while dodging ghouls, raiders and other survivors which she grew to distrust and by the time she was 17, Ashe had several bases of operations all over New York. Due to the large number of feral ghouls, New York proved to be too much of a danger for most groups and while the brave or crazy were adventuring on its streets, the main majority of people kept away.
At the age of 18, Ashe met her mentor. While on a scavenging run, Ashe ran into a group of ghouls that were moving erratically. Different from the others. Upon observing them further, Ashe noticed something was off with one of the ghouls. He looked more smooth skinned than the others, the face was…off. As if too big for his face. With a combination of light signals and sounds, Ashe attracted the attention of her new mentor who was more than impressed by her survival skills and unusual ability to survive higher radiation.
Two years later Ashe, now alone, got herself trapped in the middle of a horde thousand strong of ferals that left NY due west after a massive battle between different factions made a lot of noise that was strong enough to alert most ferals around the area.
After a run-in with the NCR scouts, Ashe promised to try to direct the horde as much as she could away from known communities and allies of the NCR in exchange for their promise that the horde will not be harmed unless it would provoke them.
Almost a year after the NCR run-in, they manage to contact Ashe again with a mission. A place where she can direct her horde safely and where they can stay unharmed in exchange for her unique skills.
With a loud sigh, Ashevelen looked as the shadow ball that transported the now mortal Desire disappeared in the horizon. Where? She didn’t know herself. Cutting ties fully with it and letting it land wherever. Desire’s destiny was now in her own hands. That is, if her mother won’t track her down and kill her either way.
It was time for actual work now. Teleporting herself back to the Shadow Bazaar, Ashevelen transmitted a message to all of her sentient creations, everywhere. It was a simple command.
Shadow Bazaar. NOW.
In a matter of minutes, all the Umbra, Coin Fairies, Beholders and species in between, within the world appeared in the Shadow Bazaar. One by one they appeared in a newly created room that was large enough to fit everyone. Some were hopeful, maybe it was time for them to learn something new, get a divine gift, but the others, all others, were afraid. The fear was palpable. A lesser divine might’ve drowned in the concentrated feeling of dread.
“Creations of mine. Some of you have been created by my will, others have been evolved or created by my siblings but know you are all mine. Something is coming for the world. Something that even I can't stop but I've got a plan. So, I'm giving you one command. When you leave the Bazaar, don't return home 'for it won't be there anymore. Go to the Umbral Forest. You'll know when it's clear for you to return. For now, stay here. Food, drinks and entertainment will be for now…free of charge. " said Ashevelen, her voice strong and clear. They would die if they didn't listen to her.
Before anyone could say anything, tables with food, drinks and musicians appeared. In the commotion, the Lady disappeared. Appearing above the Umbral Forest, she focused her power, transmission. With a loud shout, the whole territory vanished and reappeared thousands of km up in the air and before it could start falling, a bubble appeared around it. Keeping the whole territory afloat.
“Ashevelen, I would speak with you…”
Familiar and foreboding - the voice of Anath Homura reached her from afar, and beckoned. Then the taste of Transmission was abruptly all around again and precisely woven through the air along the wandering winds, as a portal of another opened afore her. An almost deficient invitation for a deity, yet definitely perspicuous.
At very high speeds, Ashevelen crossed the Umbra Forest, checking every square inch of the forest for imperfections or potential dangers. After doing that twice, she stopped and waved her hands once more. Buildings made of wood, stone and different already discovered metals started to construct themselves. Shelters, homes, barracks everything that a new city would require to support the massively increased population. Yet before the job was completed, Anath’s voice could be heard.
The powers of Transmission flared around Ashevelen and she shook her head. Anath was wielding the powers nicely but it lacked a certain something, a charm to how they’re applied. Either way, this was the moment that Ashe knew would come sooner or later. Taking a deep breath, she stepped through the portal created by Anath but not before throwing hundreds of coins around the forest. Each to be used as teleportation coins, same as the one she gave to Penumbra.
Through the calling portal - a colossal chamber; circular and commanding of the attention via complex architecture, all adorned with glittering gemstones and a myriad of mosaics sculpted and set in an infinite stretch across every aspect of the edifice, silently awaited Ashevelen. The designs and artistic features almost sought to speak aloud, yet an unyielding presence administered a state of suppressed quietude.
The Creatrix herself - seated upon a throne a short distance away, thematically similar to the splendor and awe-inspiring sights of the chamber the two of them stood within - stared at Ashevelen with her single ruby-red eye, solemn and salient. An aura of sorrow and isolation surrounded the scarlet goddess, as aside from Ashevelen, she seemed to be the only denizen of this ornate domain, and Anath Homura had remained reticent regarding whether she should be approached.
Ashevelen looked around, fully ignoring the Creatrix, at the chamber she was in with a collector's eye. The design of the room was being written in the records of the Bazaar in real time as she gazed upon every inch of the room and the throne.
With a snap of Ashevelen's fingers, music started to be heard from within her. A violin song, calm and soothing. She walked towards the Creatrix and bowed low at her presence before taking out an immaculate mirror from the shadow of her robes. A reminder of their first interaction, yet this one was even more extravagant than the other one.
"Anath. Greetings! Love what you've done with the place. It could use more pizaah and I could offer some designs if you wish to improve but nonetheless, it's a fine job. Please accept this gift. " said Ashevelen, her voice charming as she held the mirror in her hands, in the direction of the Creatix.
“Be welcome, Ashevelen, and your gift is accepted.” Anath Homura announced from her seat, and then stood. Her short stature and almost simplistic serenity contrasted with the complexity and always shifting-shapes of their surroundings, as though the Creatrix did not belong in this beautiful chamber she had carved and sculpted herself. Her voice and visage indicated no ill intent, yet something insidious suffused the sound of her speech, similar to how the sight of smoke viewed from afar was suggestive of a vehement flame.
The White-Rose, which seemingly replaced her second ruby-eye sometime ago, resonated with weird energies, as though weaving a wayward tapestry together that would form upon the face of Anath Homura. Soon numerous veins of vile black, akin to ichor or oil, spread across the skin around the strange flower, resembling roots traversing the soil. There were no words of worry from the cosmic conjurer as these concerning changes occurred - she simply spoke, continuing to stay where she stood afore her throne.
“Your adherence to Honor shall suffice. However, are you aware of why we are having this appointment?”
"We both know that honor is subjective, Anath and I never lie. A trader is only as good as their word after all. But to answer your question. I am assuming you've asked for me because I made a trade? Is that not what you've asked of your divine siblings when you've called to us? Come here and do what we know best. "
“Your diligence towards the acts of creation and cultivation have been beheld, Ashevelen. You shall be awarded for your achievements as well. I hereby bequeath to you, a set of sanguine dice, fashioned from your younger blood.”
Anath Homura held up her hand and gestured, as a set of dice appeared afore the grim goddess and then gently hovered towards Ashevelen. A reminiscent shimmer was reflected in her ruby-eye, along with an orb of golden light which changed not into a woman, but a whimsical child sharing a serendipitous smile. The subtle sight faded swifty, and the familiar form of Ashevelen appeared in the eye of Anath Homura.
“Ahh… I have never been fond of gambling, or luck, yet I am averse to the actions of Yudaiel as well - ever a source of troubles within my realm. Hmm… Perhaps my punishments were too lenient, or perhaps I could have been more persuasive. I digress, those deaths all hang in the past.”
Ashevelen grabbed the pair of dice and bowed low. Head hanging low in gratitude. Her merchant self was already thinking of a way to have it sold if needed.
“ Luck is made by oneself by negotiating with destiny itself. Unless one is divine, and then we can make our own luck. There’s no such thing as a lenient punishment I found within my own mortals. Punish them hard, they’ll grumble and eventually end up making you destroy them. Be too lenient and they’ll abandon you. I found that it’s better to find a balance between them and of course, make them believe that they can work for your forgiveness not because they fear “the stick” but in exchange of great riches or whatever motivates them. ” replied Ashevelen with another curtsy before looking directly into Anath’s eye with a determined look. Her whole stance changed on the spot. No longer a courtier playing nice but a divine meeting another. A merchant meeting a client.
“Now, I am sure you’ve got other stuff to do than exchanging pleasantries with me. Tell me, what trade do you wish to make? What information do you require? ”
“You presume much, Ashevelen. Hmm… I am seeking my wayward daughter - and pleasantries aside - tell me; have you seen her, my twisted and adrift Desire?” Anath Homura asked, her comportment unchanged and concealing any ultimate umbrage underneath. The dichotomy of her divine stillness and the indefinite shifting of their surroundings was a stark contrast that would shatter the senses of a more meager creature.
Of course that's why she was here. It was quite surprising it took so long to be summoned. Lying to a goddess of such rank would be…detrimental for one's health. As such, Ashevelen did what she knew best. Tell her the truth.
"I only presume what I know for a fact, most of the time. The other times I'm simply following my calling. Trading is, after all, a game of presumption among other things. But, to answer your question, yes. I did see your wayward daughter a few times since you called us here. She was most recently being chaperoned by my champion. " said Ashevelen, talking fast.
“She has gone astray, fleeing from her family. I shall absolutely not allow such to persist, proliferating the profane path. You say neither leniency nor admonishment is an answer, and speak of rewards and motivation. She defies my decree, and shuns me… as though she seeks to attain my anger.” The scarlet goddess spoke with a serene intonation, yet something subtle, insidious, seemed to suffuse her voice.
Those vile veins of oil which spread around the roots of the White-Flower that resembled scars, akin to cracks and crevices across her skin, revealing secrets behind the boundaries of flesh, surged and receded in repetition. Wherein Keltra was whirling swiftly in a silent symphony of endless mesmerizing motion, as the Creatrix stayed completely stationary, the embodiment of equilibrium, those sinister scars seemed to embody a strange aspect of existence - abstruse and alien…
“Desire belongs to me. She is my child, my creation, my… I must bring her back home. She cannot choose to sell herself, or pay the price of freedom. I forbid such. Ashevelen, your arrangement with her; why would you act against me?”
An inquisitive look rested on Ashevelen’s face. Maybe she acted in Desire's favor but it was not against Anath. Though it made sense for her to see it that way.
"She was your child. She had a path. She isn't that anymore. As such, her path is her own. As much as you push your child, that's how much the child will push against you. Desire had enough free will to make a trade for me. It wasn't against you. It was just business from my perspective. " replied Ashevelen before making a pause, letting the words sink in before continuing "You're saying she cannot pay the price. Yet she did and it was a good one. More than happy to offer you the paperwork for the trade but I can assure you, I could've pressed my point even more and earned even more but let's say I go sentimental. As such, I have not acted against you. I simply have acted as one in my position would. A deal is a deal after and what she offered, made it a bargain. " she added while a scroll would appear next to Ashe, nicely folded.
“Hmm… why does this merchant remain in my world, mentioning contracts with children and motivation. Twice you have given me a mirror as a gift, thus I should be benevolent despite the displacement of my daughter, or perhaps my perspective of events is erroneous.” With a calm and composed aura, the Creatrix returned to being seated upon her jeweled throne as she contemplated.
“What do you seek, Lady of Swift Trade and Shadow? Independence seems insufficient… So what is your wish?”
"What do I wish for? Good deals, of course. What can any trader wish for? I've seen countless worlds, I've created my own, destroyed a few. I only wish for one thing. The excitement of a good trade. Maybe in a few eons I'll find a mortal able to best me in a match of wits and out trade me. But short term? I find myself wanting to say nothing but let's just say…a favor to be called by me in the next eon. Nothing major for a divine being such as yourself. " answered the divine with a smile and a laugh. Before becoming serious once more.
"I've only given you what you asked for. A way to see your family. That was your first wish. The mirror you've received now is different from the first. Look inside it, cast your gaze and see yourself. Your true self. The one you hide from all. The one you hide to yourself. It's a mirror of self-truth.
As for your daughter, your daughter is alive and well. She hasn't found her way to the Bazaar. I only gave her what she asked for. If you wish to find her, look in the mirror after I leave. See your true self then ask yourself, was she right to run? Was she right to renounce the divine gift? If you won't know for sure, then I was right and I made a very good deal and gained some divine essence in the process too. "
“A favor…” Anath Homura mused aloud, and examined the exquisite mirror with another enigmatic expression, a cryptic scrutiny consorting alongside abstract confusion. Another reflection appeared in her ruby-eye; a fractal image of Anath Homura surrounded by several simulacrums with slight variations, such as the return of her second eye - one with an emerald eye was evidently Desire. Amidst the congregation was a child that shared some resemblance to the Creatrix and her clones, with a pink aesthetic instead of crimson and scarlet.
The image of the Anath Homura also had a happier countenance compared to the actual being before Ashevelen, whom was much more akin to an apparition that haunted this heavenly hall. What she wanted; her wish, finding her family, and an attempt to conceal that yearning within, the craving to be whole-hearted, was futile… she silently considered whether to stare at what the mirror would show or to shatter such an artifact swiftly.
As Anath uttered the word favor, a piece of paper appeared before her.
“You just need to give me your word. Nothing more, nothing less. It will appear on the paper and bind you to your promise of a favor and will bind me as well to ask for a favor that won’t cause you harm or anything that I wouldn’t be able to do myself if I would have the time. I require nothing more than what’s easily doable. ” said Ashevelen in a calm tone.
“My honor is more absolute than any manifestation of our agreement you can conjure. A favor I could give freely, without you asking for a frivolous piece of paper to force me to abide by a promise. I shall see whether you have wrought my wrath, or offered an auspicious opportunity.” Anath Homura announced with a hint of annoyance, her words altered when written, and agreed to the terms set by Ashevelen with a formal small signature added to complete her side of the pact.
“No offense, Creatrix but honor means nothing to me. It’s all a matter of perspective after all. What’s honorable for me, might not be honorable for you. The “piece of paper” as you call it is a contract. It is not necessarily to force you to abide by a promise but to force me as well not to ask for something that you shouldn’t give. It offers security for both sides. As for your wrath, as I said, I see no reason to have wrought it. I did, after all, what you wished me to do. ”
There was a wrongness to the way Anath Homura held herself, as though whatever animated her had become broken and baleful. Slowly, she shut her solitary eye and sighed, then winced and trembled. The vile veins from the White-Flower abruptly spread across her entire shape, adorning her skin, her attire, and subtly suffusing her aura. She struggled to speak, almost opening her sole eye as the words barely escaped the prison within. “Forgive me for my mention of wrath… my weariness has worsened and allows them to affect my actions.”
The Creatrix swayed and sagged as she sat upon her throne, staring at Ashevelen. “I asked why you remain in this world as well… and require your answer. Do you believe you will find what you seek?” She said feebly, while her hesitant hand reached towards the immaculate mirror.
“Nothing to be apologized for, Creatrix. I’ve noticed that even beings sure as yourself are susceptible to feelings our mortals have. Seen many divines trading their divinity away in exchange for death, others took the matters in their own hands and went to the Hounds as they were known by a tribe of demi-divines I lived with once. The Hounds are divine eats, they live and breathe to consume divine essence. I ask that you don’t follow into their footsteps. Take a break. I could make some ambrosia out of Desire’s divine essence if you’ve got something better to exchange it with. Secret recipe by yours truly. ” said Ashe with a diplomatic smile and yet another bow of deference.
“As for your question….I don’t know. I have no reason for staying here when so many of our siblings left. Maybe I find it interesting, maybe I’m waiting for a better opportunity. If I find a reason to leave, you’ll be the first to know. ”
Anath Homura shifted slightly; acute attention and searing-sight turning away from Ashevelen as she contemplated again - her hand upon the mirror. Then the composition of the cosmos shivered, their surroundings seeking to subvert the tremendous cage of conventional thought, the presence of the Creatrix this close providing such potential. She simply sighed - another adjustment to herself upon her throne, and supplied a second solemn look.
“I shall shape this land, bringing beauty and art about… but could we coexist? Conflict and calamity almost certainly awaits… a choice.” She proclaimed.
"I know. Your daughter provided me with some information and the rest I figured out on my own. I've taken precautions to keep my creations safe. All of them. Yet, it is not me whom you should ask if we can coexist. The Goddess, Oa. Her existence is a threat for all life. Yourself included. " said Ashe, her voice grave as she summoned a coin in her hand and gently made it float to Anath.
"All my conversations with her. All the information my spies gathered. All the interactions my creations have had with all. All is stored on that coin. Just focus on it while holding it and it'll be yours. "
“Ah, Oa’qeisskesi. I have found her acts amusing…” An upheld hand; then the drifting coin danced and fluttered amidst the fingers of the focused deity, as Anath Homura mused again. “I shall summon and speak with her as well, asking the same… whether this world could be shared between all of us.”
"They are the acts of a child that received divinity far from when they should. Yet…those actions are endangering my prospects. I don't say no to wars from time to time but her way is of constant war. I've managed to trick her, for now, in signing a pact with me. Herself and her subjects may never cause harm of any type to my plans. A very vague pact which doesn't have a time limit. Alas, any pact can be broken given enough time. "
Another set of arms appeared; sprouting from behind the shoulders of Anath Homura like scarlet limbs, birthed behind her body still seeping blood with newly formed flesh. Swiftly, skin materialized, and silky strands wrapped around each arm, shifting into elegant sleeves, slightly ethereal - enough to still see the slender limbs shrouded beneath. The Creatrix then held the Mirror of Self-Seeing and the Coin of Input, in her higher arms, as she lay her lower arms upon her lap and languidly folded her hands together.
“You are excused for now, Ashevelen. Continue conducting yourself as you have… and I shall care for the children.”
"Very well, Creatrix. I shall take my leave. My mortals have caused troubles again. That's what I get for putting all the different types of mortals in one spot. " replied Ashe, a portal appearing behind her but before she stepped in, she turned her head and smiled at the Creatrix.
"Your new body suits you. Don't use it against our kin. You'll find that we're very resourceful if needed. " warned Ashe as she went in and disappeared.
Ashevelen levitates the Umbral Forest after teleporting it into the sky, protecting all of her creations there.
Anath Homura summons Ashevelen to her domain, and asks about her daughter after exchanging gifts. She has yet to decide whether she accepts the situation.
The two deities talk about Oa, and the threat she poses to the world.
Ashevelen leaves with a last warning to Anath Homura.
Ashevelen grunted in annoyance. Maybe these companions she found herself with weren't the opportunistic type she always believed people to be. A problem or an opportunity for the future.
"Very well. We'll save them but I'm expecting a reward from them. " said Ashe dejected.
"Trust me. Manzur is dead or long gone. It ain't hard for one to escape here on his own if there's a big enough of a distraction like you guys caused while fighting off the guards. This place surely has multiple exists, not just the one we went through. Any smuggling or slaving operation has one. " continued Ashe at the mention of Manzur.
But before she could say something else, Cicero took the lead and went inside a room. Screaming like an idiot. Realizing that his ruse won't work based on the faces of the guards, Ashevelen, who wasn't in the room yet, went into the shadows. Trying to flank if not go around the guards completely as they stared at Cicero.
Ashevelen listened to the two newcomers leave and shook her head. Turning to Cicero and Gwyn, she watched as Gywn took our the map and talked about engaging the guards.
"Look, not to sound too...mercenary here but what do we get out of that? Let's just find your equipment and leave. Between our uniforms and the ruckus those two and the other slaves will raise, we won't have any issues escaping. I say we let them do their stuff, bring as many guards to them as possible and when everyone is distracted we go get your gear and leave. We don't owe them anything and the way I see it, they owe us for saving them. " said Ashe in a very serious manner.
The truth was, she couldn't care less about the two. They were just...there at the right time. With Manzur gone, there was no point for Ashevelen to lose even more time. Home awaited and if she somehow roped those two in...perfect.
Run! RUN! RUUUUN! They’re coming, they’re coming. THEY are coming. Close, close…close. Too…CLOSE. Thralls, liches, the dead. Oh…the dead. Friends, family. All surrounding the dreamer. TH. Approaching her from all the sides. EY. Left, right, the underground. The bloodcurdling screams. ARE. The dark smell of death. Rotting bodies, blank stares in their eyes. COM. A fireball passing above the dreamer’s head. Explosion. Fire. ING! wake up wake up wake up wake please wake up wake WAKE UP DO IT. W…ake…up. No more no more no more pleeasssee no mo…re! WAKE UP! I AM SORRY! WAKE UUUUPPP
With a jolt, Ashevelen stood up from the bed. Her face all sweaty, ears still ringing from the fireball thrown by Kara, a desperate effort that proved useless at the time. Strong shivers crossed her body as she grabbed her staff ready to defend herself against the dead. Still not recognizing where she was. Unfamiliar room, different smells. MASK. A single thought going through her mind. Hand trembling, Ashevelen reached for the pillow where her mask laid on. Why is it off? What have I done? Where am I? Questions shooting back and forth. Where was she? Why was her mask off?
Suddenly a loud knock on the door startled her even more. “Who’s there?” shouted Ashe with a tremble in her voice.
“Ashe? It’s me. Can I come in? Please. Let. Me. In. ” came from beyond the door. A familiar voice. A very familiar one. Who was that? Who’s voice came from the door?
“Who is it?! Make yourself known or feel my power! ” she shouted back, as she tried to reach deep into the wells of her magic…only to find it empty. Tired. Restless. Surely there must be a reasonable explanation.
Knock. Knock. KNOCK three loud knocks came again. This time though, more desperate. Louder. Stronger.
“Asheeeeeyyyy! Leeeet meeeee iiiiinnnn! PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! Let me in! They’re coming! THEY ARE COMING! PLEEEEAAAASSSEEEE!” shouted the familiar voice, their voice desperate.
Ashevelen sprang to action, her hands going for the door. A lock appeared where there was none before. Not that she would remember but surely she would’ve seen it. With a quick move of her wrist, the lock opened and Ashe peeked through the door. Not fully opening it. Her staff…her staff was missing. It was right next to her. Just let it go for a second. Where?
And that’s when she saw the half-eaten face of someone she knew. Someone…that died. Pushing at the door, throwing her away over to the other side of the room. It approached her. Step by step. Singing an old elven song.
“NOOOOOOOO! Go back! Please, I’m sorry. I’m sorry! ”
“If you were…I wouldn’t be dead now! But don’t worry, I’ll let you join me. It’s peaceful on the other side. Come…you'llloveitttt…” the same voice. That oh’ so familiar voice. The voice that once put her to sleep. The voice that used to sooth her to sleep and protect her from the made-up monsters of childhood.
The screaming started again. Her companions' screams. Monsters everywhere. Their faces appeared on every surface. Their mouths whispered the same question “Why did you kill us? Why did you let us down?”
“I’m…I’m sorry. Please, brother. Everyone! I’m sorry! ” said Ashevelen as she fell on her knees, sobbing, hands over her eyes to avoid the horror that was about to befall her. Only that…it never came. The screaming stopped. Everything seemed to be frozen in time. The sound of her crying and her breathing was the only thing she could hear or feel. Taking her hands away from her face, the room was empty. As if nothing happened. The door was closed as it was.
A loud creaking noise from above shook her out of her reprieve and with trepidation in her hearth, she looked up and…
“Hi! Ready to… DIE?!” the voice of her brother said as it jumped from the ceiling on top of Ashevelen and started biting down on her. Only thing she could do was to scream, only that no sound came out.
That’s when she woke up
A sudden jolt startled the half-sleeping form of Ashevelen. Her mask secured properly on her face, staff close at hand. An old habit she learned from the Fingers. Be always ready for foul play, even in times of peace…especially in times of peace.
Last night’s nightmare was just one of the many she experienced. The same dream over and over again. Occasionally, it would change up details, different monsters attacking or they would be in a city instead of the cave but it would always end the same. Wilham knocking on the door, half dead half not. Begging for mercy before coming after her. Every single time.
A part of Ashevelen took a strange comfort in that. At least she was able to see Wilham. At least she was able to hear his voice once again. The only silver lining about the details changing was that it kept things interesting. At least she wouldn’t get bored while also being scared shitless every night.
Looking around the room where she slept, Ashevelen took a deep breath and centred herself. Her nerves were still on edge from the nightmare but it wasn’t anything new. Over the course of the years she learned how to deal with it or better said, learned how to ignore it. For how long? It was a question she didn’t know how to answer. One day, soon, it’ll all end. Maybe by her own hand.
Putting a hand within her armor, she took out a piece of paper and gave it another read. Looking for something, anything that might prove what she read was wrong but she couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary but after a few more tries, she couldn’t see anything and the sun creeped slowly through the glass window of the room. Illuminating it with a golden light.
It was a simple room where she chose to sleep before meeting her companions that would join in the Delve. An inn with an already forgotten name. She arrived late last night and her almost sleeping mind didn’t remember much. Some money given to the master of the house, a key given for the door and that’s about it. Irrelevant memories overall. She knew she’ll probably die in the next few days.
Before leaving, Ashevelen washed her face and dispelling the last bits of sleep from her face using a small bowl of water left on the table of the room. With a practised hand she grabbed a piece of cloth and started cleaning the staff. It had to be shiny. It had to be perfect. A staff is what made a mage, a mage or so her mother always said. It shows the others that she’s a respectable mage and certainly not a loser who killed her team.
Morning preparations done, her staff looked pristine and everything in her inventory was nicely sorted out in her bag. Going for the door, Ashevelen took another look at the room before stepping outside. It was time. The last time she’ll see this room. Probably the last time she’ll see the light and if she somehow survived, it would still be months until she’d see it again.
Ashevelen ate some quick meal or what passed as one done by the innkeeper before paying him a few pecks. He tried making some light conversation with her, mostly due to her mask which even in the early hour still had the few patrons looking at her in curiosity. The mask fully covered her face, nothing could be seen. Hair, eyes, mouth, anything distinguishing even the race was hidden from view. In other ways, she was a curiosity for most.
Waving him off after eating her meal, careful to not reveal anything about her appearance. Ashevelen stood up and started walking. Her adventure, quest and ultimate death awaited and she was ready, happily embracing it.
N A M E ║ Ashevelen A G E ║ 28 - 99,977 TK G E N D E R ║ Female (she/her) R A C E ║ Elf S U B -R A C E ║ Mereai M A G I C ║ ⬤⬤
T H E S P I N E T H E S P I N E
T O W N ║ Morgana R E G I O N ║ Foggy Isle P O P U L A T I O N ║ 1586 C E N S U S ║ Elves T R A D E ║ Fishing N A M E S A K E ║ Named after Fata Morgana a complex form of superior illusion visible in a narrow band right above the horizon.
✦ ✦ ✦
P A R E N T ║ Mora S I B L I N G ║ Wilham (half brother, human, MIA)
T H E L I M B S T H E L I M B S
W E A P O N ! ║ A long staff made of wood with a metal implement at the core W E A P O N “ ║ A small knife A R M O R ║ A dark blue robe with a hood T R I N K E T ║ A mask covering her face
P E C K S ║ 1 peck = 1 dollar B A C K P A C K ║ ///✦ Provisions ///✦ Marbles of multiple colours ///✦ A hand mirror
T H E F L E S H & M U S C L E T H E F L E S H & M U S C L E
𝕸𝖆𝖌𝖎𝖈𝖎𝖆𝖓 𝕸𝖆𝖌𝖎𝖈𝖎𝖆𝖓
S U B L C A S S ║
Maybe one the weirdest combinations of magic, at least in the town of Morgana, is those that study both the ancient magic of time manipulation and the phantasmal powers of illusions. The power to bend time to one’s will together with the power to make the unreal-real. A successful phantasmancer will be able to create solid illusions and slow down time around their targets or make solid illusions which can stand the test of time.
▮▮▮▮▮ ║ ▮▮▮▮▮
RACIAL SKILL ║
Racial Traits: Knowledge of the Ages: They are very well learned, and as such may know skills, weapons styles, or the like from any of the various races and/or cultures. They can pull it out when need be without it using up any of their concentration on other things. One free skill that does not count against the other three. To be chosen upon character creation.
CLASS SKILL ║
PRIMORDIAL SURGE - There is no perfect spell for every situation, sometimes you have to throw everything at an obstacle--living or otherwise. Once per delve, if you need to use a free action attack, it automatically succeeds.
✦ ✦ ✦
EAR EXPLOSION ║ RANK 1
MAGIC ║ ATTACK ║ RANGED Using multiple very simple but loud sound illusions, Ashevelen targets the ear of an attacker. Deals 1 Health Damage
LIGHT SPEED ║ RANK 1
MAGIC ║ AID ║ UTILITY Focusing on the magic of time, Ashevelen touches an ally and increases their speed tenfold for 5 seconds. One ally can use an action for free without consuming one of theirs.
DECAY ║ RANK 1
MAGIC ║ EXPLORATION ║ UTILITY Speeds up the passage of time over inorganic objects causing them to decay. Weakens locks, walls allowing something that cannot be normally opened by brute force to be opened.
Chrono-Fear ║ RANK 1
MAGIC ║ ATTACK ║ RANGED Creates an advanced illusion by combining the two spells, confusing the senses of an attacker making them feel like they’ve aged rapidly with an edge of actual time decay to further scare the attacker. Makes an enemy do a coin toss, and if they fail they miss 1 attack.
Y O U R B R A I N & N E R V E S Y O U R B R A I N & N E R V E S
S T U D Y ║
///✦ Moraa ║ Ashevelen has studied the two types of magic which run into her family. The elven magic of her mother and her hometown was first. Illusionary sounds, images and even messages were part of her education but as she reached adulthood and met her brother, she discovered herself being drawn to Chronomancy. /// 99,983 TK to 99,991 TK
///✦ Mentor - Wilham ║ Wilham, already an accomplished chronomancer, found a willing student in Ashe and while he was not able to teach her everything he knew, he managed to teach her the basics from where she only improved herself. ///99,999 TK to 100002 TK
E X P E R I E N C E ║
///✦ WORK ║ Learning any other type of magic that wasn’t of the Purple type made Ashevelen a pariah of her town. Having to leave her town of birth behind, Ashevelen joined Wilham’s mercenary band, “The 8 Fingers” and became the last “finger” of the group. The 8 Fingers were a mercenary band formed solely by mages of each magical school. The band was well known in the Foggy Isles and also the Holy Isles as one of the best mercenary bands to hire if you’re dealing with magical issues. ///99999 to 100002
E X P E R I E N C E ║
///✦ BATTLE ║ Also known as the “Amputation of the Hand”, this event marked Ashevelen’s career but also ended it. On a particularly dangerous contract, the 8 Fingers were sent to clear out a den of liches which were abducting people in the area and turning them into thralls against their will. While usually this would be a cleric’s job, the groups that were initially sent were never heard from again which prompted the local authorities to issue a contract on them. Ashevelen’s job was to create powerful illusions to mask the party yet when faced with a crazed thrall that recently fed and was covered in blood, Ashevelen froze. Her powers faded and the party was discovered. While successful so far, 3 of the Fingers were killed off before they even fully entered the den. The rest soon followed. Wilham used everything he had to save Ashevelen before he disappeared too. Never to be heard again. ///100002
E X P E R I E N C E ║
///✦ JOB ║ Retreating from the world after the destruction of the 8 Fingers and the apparent death of her brother, Ashevelen made a vow with herself to wear a mask for the rest of her life. Hiding in shame. Hunger soon came and she needed a job wherever she wanted one or not. She got herself hired as a shopkeeper’s assistant until a few weeks before the present day. ///100005 TK
Y O U R S O U L & H E A R T Y O U R S O U L & H E A R T
✦ CARING✦ CAUTIOUS ✦ INTELLIGENT✦ Racist against Thralls/Liches✦
P E R S O N A L I T Y ║
Ashevelen is a friendly, compassionate friend to those that aren’t a lich/thrall which she hates with the passion of a thousand suns, blaming them for the death of her party and in part hating herself for it. She’ll always think twice before acting and will always try to put herself in danger if it means saving one from their demise, a way to atone for her past.
✦ Mastrix, Goddess of Magic ✦ ✦ Mastrix, Goddess of Magic ✦
D E V O T I O N ║
Ashevelen’s belief in Mastrix is one of logic more than devotion. It makes sense for her, as a mage, to worship the Goddess which made it possible for her to use her gift. Made it possible for her hometown to exist. While she believes in Mastrix, Ashevelen partially puts the blame of her powers fading at the wrong moment on Mastrix too. Surely Mastrix was a true Goddess, she would’ve made use of the powers of magic wouldn’t fade when extreme conditions are present.
M O T I V A T I O N & I M P E T U S M O T I V A T I O N & I M P E T U S
There are two very important reasons as to why Ashevelen joined the expedition even if she initially left the adventuring life behind. Atonement for her past actions was one of the reasons. Nightmare after nightmare, night after night, she experienced the loss of her friends and family. Ashevelen felt that if she joins another group of people and gets them to succeed, maybe she’ll be able to sleep.
The second was more simple in nature. If she couldn’t find atonement, at least she would find the second best thing. Death. She would give her all and if she died, that was alright for her. From Ashe’s perspective, she should’ve died years ago.
T H E T R A P P I N G S T H E T R A P P I N G S
A P P E A R A N C E ║
Ashevelen wears a mask at all times combined with the dark blue robe that she’s never seen without. She’s wearing nicely cleaned boots made for walking on uneven terrains but also uses her black wood staff to walk with at times, not because she needs to use it but because it gives the illusion of someone who’s no danger to others. Her staff is kept in pristine conditions and Ashevelen is known to wake up half an hour earlier than most people to polish her staff and when time allows it, to wash her clothes.
N A M E ║ Ashevelen A G E ║ 28 - 99,977 TK G E N D E R ║ Female (she/her) R A C E ║ Elf S U B -R A C E ║ Mereai M A G I C ║ ⬤⬤
T H E S P I N E T H E S P I N E
T O W N ║ Morgana R E G I O N ║ Foggy Isle P O P U L A T I O N ║ 1586 C E N S U S ║ Elves T R A D E ║ Fishing N A M E S A K E ║ Named after Fata Morgana a complex form of superior illusion visible in a narrow band right above the horizon.
✦ ✦ ✦
P A R E N T ║ Mora S I B L I N G ║ Wilham (half brother, human, MIA)
T H E L I M B S T H E L I M B S
W E A P O N ! ║ A long staff made of wood with a metal implement at the core W E A P O N “ ║ A small knife A R M O R ║ A dark blue robe with a hood T R I N K E T ║ A mask covering her face
P E C K S ║ 1 peck = 1 dollar B A C K P A C K ║ ///✦ Provisions ///✦ Marbles of multiple colours ///✦ A hand mirror
T H E F L E S H & M U S C L E T H E F L E S H & M U S C L E
𝕸𝖆𝖌𝖎𝖈𝖎𝖆𝖓 𝕸𝖆𝖌𝖎𝖈𝖎𝖆𝖓
S U B L C A S S ║
Maybe one the weirdest combinations of magic, at least in the town of Morgana, is those that study both the ancient magic of time manipulation and the phantasmal powers of illusions. The power to bend time to one’s will together with the power to make the unreal-real. A successful phantasmancer will be able to create solid illusions and slow down time around their targets or make solid illusions which can stand the test of time.
▮▮▮▮▮ ║ ▮▮▮▮▮
RACIAL SKILL ║
Racial Traits: Knowledge of the Ages: They are very well learned, and as such may know skills, weapons styles, or the like from any of the various races and/or cultures. They can pull it out when need be without it using up any of their concentration on other things. One free skill that does not count against the other three. To be chosen upon character creation.
CLASS SKILL ║
PRIMORDIAL SURGE - There is no perfect spell for every situation, sometimes you have to throw everything at an obstacle--living or otherwise. Once per delve, if you need to use a free action attack, it automatically succeeds.
✦ ✦ ✦
EAR EXPLOSION ║ RANK 1
MAGIC ║ ATTACK ║ RANGED Using multiple very simple but loud sound illusions, Ashevelen targets the ear of an attacker. Deals 1 Health Damage
LIGHT SPEED ║ RANK 1
MAGIC ║ AID ║ UTILITY Focusing on the magic of time, Ashevelen touches an ally and increases their speed tenfold for 5 seconds. One ally can use an action for free without consuming one of theirs.
DECAY ║ RANK 1
MAGIC ║ EXPLORATION ║ UTILITY Speeds up the passage of time over inorganic objects causing them to decay. Weakens locks, walls allowing something that cannot be normally opened by brute force to be opened.
Chrono-Fear ║ RANK 1
MAGIC ║ ATTACK ║ RANGED Creates an advanced illusion by combining the two spells, confusing the senses of an attacker making them feel like they’ve aged rapidly with an edge of actual time decay to further scare the attacker. Makes an enemy do a coin toss, and if they fail they miss 1 attack.
Y O U R B R A I N & N E R V E S Y O U R B R A I N & N E R V E S
S T U D Y ║
///✦ Moraa ║ Ashevelen has studied the two types of magic which run into her family. The elven magic of her mother and her hometown was first. Illusionary sounds, images and even messages were part of her education but as she reached adulthood and met her brother, she discovered herself being drawn to Chronomancy. /// 99,983 TK to 99,991 TK
///✦ Mentor - Wilham ║ Wilham, already an accomplished chronomancer, found a willing student in Ashe and while he was not able to teach her everything he knew, he managed to teach her the basics from where she only improved herself. ///99,999 TK to 100002 TK
E X P E R I E N C E ║
///✦ WORK ║ Learning any other type of magic that wasn’t of the Purple type made Ashevelen a pariah of her town. Having to leave her town of birth behind, Ashevelen joined Wilham’s mercenary band, “The 8 Fingers” and became the last “finger” of the group. The 8 Fingers were a mercenary band formed solely by mages of each magical school. The band was well known in the Foggy Isles and also the Holy Isles as one of the best mercenary bands to hire if you’re dealing with magical issues. ///99999 to 100002
E X P E R I E N C E ║
///✦ BATTLE ║ Also known as the “Amputation of the Hand”, this event marked Ashevelen’s career but also ended it. On a particularly dangerous contract, the 8 Fingers were sent to clear out a den of liches which were abducting people in the area and turning them into thralls against their will. While usually this would be a cleric’s job, the groups that were initially sent were never heard from again which prompted the local authorities to issue a contract on them. Ashevelen’s job was to create powerful illusions to mask the party yet when faced with a crazed thrall that recently fed and was covered in blood, Ashevelen froze. Her powers faded and the party was discovered. While successful so far, 3 of the Fingers were killed off before they even fully entered the den. The rest soon followed. Wilham used everything he had to save Ashevelen before he disappeared too. Never to be heard again. ///100002
E X P E R I E N C E ║
///✦ JOB ║ Retreating from the world after the destruction of the 8 Fingers and the apparent death of her brother, Ashevelen made a vow with herself to wear a mask for the rest of her life. Hiding in shame. Hunger soon came and she needed a job wherever she wanted one or not. She got herself hired as a shopkeeper’s assistant until a few weeks before the present day. ///100005 TK
Y O U R S O U L & H E A R T Y O U R S O U L & H E A R T
✦ CARING✦ CAUTIOUS ✦ INTELLIGENT✦ Racist against Thralls/Liches✦
P E R S O N A L I T Y ║
Ashevelen is a friendly, compassionate friend to those that aren’t a lich/thrall which she hates with the passion of a thousand suns, blaming them for the death of her party and in part hating herself for it. She’ll always think twice before acting and will always try to put herself in danger if it means saving one from their demise, a way to atone for her past.
✦ Mastrix, Goddess of Magic ✦ ✦ Mastrix, Goddess of Magic ✦
D E V O T I O N ║
Ashevelen’s belief in Mastrix is one of logic more than devotion. It makes sense for her, as a mage, to worship the Goddess which made it possible for her to use her gift. Made it possible for her hometown to exist. While she believes in Mastrix, Ashevelen partially puts the blame of her powers fading at the wrong moment on Mastrix too. Surely Mastrix was a true Goddess, she would’ve made use of the powers of magic wouldn’t fade when extreme conditions are present.
M O T I V A T I O N & I M P E T U S M O T I V A T I O N & I M P E T U S
There are two very important reasons as to why Ashevelen joined the expedition even if she initially left the adventuring life behind. Atonement for her past actions was one of the reasons. Nightmare after nightmare, night after night, she experienced the loss of her friends and family. Ashevelen felt that if she joins another group of people and gets them to succeed, maybe she’ll be able to sleep.
The second was more simple in nature. If she couldn’t find atonement, at least she would find the second best thing. Death. She would give her all and if she died, that was alright for her. From Ashe’s perspective, she should’ve died years ago.
T H E T R A P P I N G S T H E T R A P P I N G S
A P P E A R A N C E ║
Ashevelen wears a mask at all times combined with the dark blue robe that she’s never seen without. She’s wearing nicely cleaned boots made for walking on uneven terrains but also uses her black wood staff to walk with at times, not because she needs to use it but because it gives the illusion of someone who’s no danger to others. Her staff is kept in pristine conditions and Ashevelen is known to wake up half an hour earlier than most people to polish her staff and when time allows it, to wash her clothes.
In the skies, she soared upon the Stria that Desire created - the shimmering river between the stars and the scorched earth - and she played with the coin that Ashevelen had passed onto her; flipping the currency between her fingers, while wondering what the price of freedom truly would cost. A funny thought to be had, as the avatar of the Hanged One, when she flew freely upon the Sunset Orange. Pyrrha then purposely thought of Penumbra, summoning her shadow companion from the Bazaar.
Penumbra was…busy in the Bazaar. Enjoying the hard earned benefits of almost fulfilling their Creator's quest. Even if said quest wasn't fully finished, Ashevelen deemed it so.
Power flowed into them as their spirit grew in power. Once, for those that could see the power flowing in a champion's soul, it was barely a flicker…a spark of divine essence. Now, it was a torch. A bright light. Not enough for a full divine but enough for them to be recognised as one destined for greatness and eventually, divinity.
But then, their break ended. Penumbra felt the power of the coin and soon found themselves in the company of Pyrrha once more but as Pyrrha would look at them, she would notice how different they looked. Their shadows were dark from the waist down but their upper side was as if made by light. Solid light. Only their face was split in two, one of shadows and one of light.
"Pyrrha, greetings. I take it that the business with the Lady's sister has concluded? " they replied, their voices; not one but two, different from before. One that felt calm, and the other darker, reminding one of the old Penumbra.
“I cannot say with certainty since change comes and well - changes the world; changes all the contracts and supposed conclusions. I lack your calm, cousin. Chaos is coming and I worry about my familia. Do you believe the Bazaar will be a bulwark against corruption when war covers the cosmos? Do you think you could win against such an ancient and accursed calamity - the Unraveling.”
Pyrrha murmured, then motioned with her hand at the horrid sight of blighted stone and darkened debris far below them, forming a vast devastated landscape. There was something about the simple gesture which gave the impression that the world was going to suffer a much more foul fate than what she and the changed-Penumbra could see from the skies.
The Hanged One grinned as her gaze turned to the deity in development, ruby-emerald eyes glittering dimly, and indicating the inner arrival of Desire once again. The scarlet goddess glanced at her hand slowly, silvery strings suddenly appearing in a pile upon her palm and woven around her arms, though they stretched unseen beyond physical boundaries.
"Let's just say the Lady has a plan. A way to leave this plane of existence. The Lady hasn't seen fit to reveal the whole extent of her plan but what I know is that the Umbra won't be left behind. As for this corruption? I've been gifted with a new power. It won't matter to me for now. Yet, I can't stop myself from wondering, what is the purpose of it? What's the other side of its coin? " said the two voices of Penumbra before noticing the eye of Desire.
"Goddess Desire. A pleasure to meet you. The Lady spoke of your encounters. How can I assist you? "
A smile; swiftly shown and then sent away. The silvery strings stirred, shifting and singing softly. A series of sacred symbols; seven threads, slender and still stretching into the unseen - into the Sea of Shadows. Akin to a hand stretching outwards, attempting to Hang onto something. Terribly - the threads seemed so tight against her skin, coiling like serpents that sought to choke the life of a small creature that was caught.
Desire did not speak even as the silvery strings scarred her with sanguine intersecting stria. She simultaneously shone like a star in the heavens, while she was simultaneously shrouded in secrets, as a demonic darkness touched the devout darkness of the divine. A twisted shaping of sanctified shadows that turned into a sinister scripture written upon her blood-stained skin. The sundry trails of blood grew along the gangrenous goddess, rippling away and ripping her apart into sections secluded.
She became suspended over Sunset Orange, hanging herself as the shimmer-board serenely halted. The Stigma screamed: An interlacing language, abhorrent and agonizing, appearing before the agent blessed by Ashevelen. The flowering fragments and fractals sprouting from the seeds sinfully sown in sacred-flesh, too perplexing to decipher for even divine eyes, for Penumbra. However, they did see the similarities to the ruby roots of Hades, and an appalling reminder of how one always stays.
“I’m sorry if I hurt somebody…”
Time stood still, though scarlet tears still fell - sinking from the open skies of freedom to the depths of despair. The screams of strings; an otherworldly orchestra, the symphony of sorrow, overwhelming to mortal minds. How many times could an immortal mind endure the torture of descending into the Abyss? Seven strings seared her skin, and the goddess gasped. Reflected in her ruby-emerald eyes were seven simulacrums - sisters - shattered into shards of shriveling spirit. Slain by their source, by the terrifying source of this tapestry…
Anath Homura the Creatrix. Annihilation was coming.
Penumbra chose to meditate. Locking their legs onto the Sunset Orange, they closed their eyes and took deep breaths. Their spirit flaring like a light-house, a light in the darkness of the world. With a simple thought, their spirit molded into a sword then a kettle, then a ball…bouncing within themselves. Malleable spirit, changing from a bright light to a dark and threatening shadow. The duality of Penumbra now made evident on their whole body.
“Goddess Desire?” said Penumbra, awakened from their meditation from the whispering voice of the Goddess.
“I’ve never been the best at giving a good-bye… I think that saying; “see you tomorrow…" hmm, sounds so much more beautiful.” Desire mused aloud as she showed the shadow a smile suffused with such sorrow, submerged in solemn serenity - she had seemingly meditated as well and adorned herself with a mystical mask. The swift spell was a stalwart shield against the adversary assailing all aspects of her mind and spirit.
The sinister sigils of the Stigma screaming across her skin, her small and soft shape - her soul surely suffering such torture that the term “Hurt likes Hell” did not begin to convey the excruciating essence of what was happening to her. The stigma shrieked with insanity; with weird baleful babble, with Goddess-defiling gibberish, malicious molesting madness. So all of the silent sinful sigils were seen as thus, except for a substantial sentence seared into the flesh of the Hanged One: A profane proclamation purposely provided for Penumbra.
All of Honor shall be annihilated.
“Yes, Penumbra?” Desire asked, abashed and ruefully shaking with laughter - attempting to hide when she shuddered with agony, however subtlety had simply never been a skill she acquired all throughout the eons of her existence. She suddenly held the Jade Knife in her hand, calling upon all of its curative power, halfheartedly praying it would ease her pain, as she shared in the current conversation with her cherished companion.
“Your pain is obvious. Where are you going? Can I help somehow? Is there anything I could do or the Lady? I can call upon her at a moment’s notice if needed. If…you’re ready to pay the price for her help, of course. ” replied Penumbra. The words were jumbled, fast. Before they could even finish talking, Penumbra approached the Goddess and took a very deep breath, the curative powers they received, the power to cleanse corruption were being primed. Their whole body started to beam with dark light. A combination of darkness and light. The Duality is what they called it.
But they knew they couldn’t help, they knew she was in distress. Whatever was happening, it was enough to bring down a Goddess of her power. Enough to make her…almost scream in pain. Their distress was obvious on their faces, they wanted to help, they wanted to help the Goddess somehow.
“I… She… I have to go back, but I don’t - no; I can’t - and if I don’t hurry, she’ll be here to take me too. I won’t let that happen.” Desire answered, attaining a sudden amount of dignity and decisiveness at the end. She stood with a surge of beautiful and baffling defiant-acceptance, as the Sunset-Orange started to soar along the Stria again.
As they sailed towards the southern lands; the discordant-tranquility of Desire turned to stare at Penumbra, those ruby-emerald eyes of the goddess glittered with joyous-sorrow, and reflected the duality of their partner. The Hanged One offered her hand, holding the Jade Knife outwards; the verdant blade of the healing artifact precariously positioned upon her palm. The power to cure all wounds was changed then, and the artifact became a true blade, capable of cutting through skies, seas, and mountains.
“Should you wish to summon Ashevelen to witness this exchange, then do so. Indeed; do as you desire, my friend. I have a favor to ask of you - a request. Please release me from our pact. Let me be free. Let me go.”
The Jade Knife hummed with horrific knowledge. The Goddess. The Hanged One. Desire - daughter of Homura. The epithets of her essence. How she laid herself upon an unseen altar, seeking to sacrifice her thoughts and memories, her divinity and immortality, so that Penumbra and she were unbound by a promise made between them and a being that existed in the past, as she became the self-appointed princess of nothing now. No longer possessing the names she held previously.
To be nameless… She did not tremble at all as she approached her death, either decided by herself or by the baleful being awaiting the two of them beyond.
Penumbra saw the distress on the Goddess’s face once more, this time stronger than before but it changed, decisiveness taking its place. “[color=]Having a divine being tied to my own being isn’t something I wished for in the first place. I’m more than happy to release you from our pact if it were in my power, but the Lady’s power may be needed here. [/color]” said Penumbra, their voice trembling before sticking a hand within themselves before pulling out a coin. A dark gold coin that seemed to be constantly moving. Taking a deep breath, Penumbra imbued some of its spirit on the coin and…they disappeared. Ashevelen appeared as soon as Penumbra was gone, using a change-places coin meant to extract Penumbra at a moment’s notice and exchange their place with Ashevelen wherever she might be…if so she wished.
She turned her head towards Desire and shook it. “When I gave Penumbra that coin I half-expected them to summon me for some unimportant mortal business but it looks like I was right to give it to them by the state of you. Talk to me, sister. What’s going on? It feels like this world is ending and I have pressing matters to take care of. ”
“It wouldn’t be wrong to claim that the world is coming to an end. My mother comes hither to annihilate me, as I have taken her tribute away from her. I don’t wish for her to hurt Penumbra as well, whom accidently forged an accord with me. A primeval pact that was wrongfully wrought and what shall not be their weird, if I can challenge the Fates. Will you, Ashevelen, Lady of the Swift Shadowy Trade, release Penumbra from their pact. Will you free us?”
Again - Desire held the Jade Knife outwards, its serpentine handle presented to the second deity with tenderness. The second-sight granted to the gods and goddesses allowed Ashevelen to see the truth The Hanged One spoke of: the imminent arrival of Anath Homura - after recently announcing her intent to reshape the world - and the precious possession that Desire had taken. The flames of Hope to rekindle the hearts of humanity.
The Creatrix would come and adjudicate the crimes of the Flame-Thief, and perhaps the Hanged One will be punished before all those that are still gathered. Desire only sought to separate herself from Penumbra prior to the torturous performance, potentially preventing them from feeling pain. She could extemporize until the end of her existence, offering an ersatz solution to those she had come to swiftly cherish.
Ashevelen laughed for a few seconds at the mention of a primeval pact. Such pacts were rare and powerful but easy to break. She found in her existence that the stronger the pact, the easier it is to break. True brilliance is creating a pact that’s very simple and impossible to break.
Her laugh stopped tho’ when she realized what Desire actually said. Death, destruction of a divine. The Creatrix coming to kill Desire. A plan formed in Ashe’s mind and she swiftly put her business face on.
“I can offer you salvation from your mother, if you so wish. It’s just the type of trade that you can only do once. But first, let’s break that pesky pact between you and my champion. ” said Ashevelen as she waved her hand and a tiny invisible-until now- string appeared. Leading from Desire all over to Penumbra.
“This pact is linked to Penumbra’s life force. It’s a simple matter of extinguishing that life force without killing either of you. If you would’ve been linked to any other creation, it would’ve proved harder to break but these are my creations. I just have to…multiply Penumbra or better said, have them procreate. ” continued Ashe as she snapped her fingers. A few mere seconds later, the string started moving, pulling left and right until eventually it stopped.
A mirror appeared and in it, two Penumbras could be seen. Looking quite bewildered at one another, they mimicked their moves and circled one another. The pact’s string could be seen going into the first Penumbra’s body while the second one was free of the pact. Another snap of Ashevelen’s fingers and the first body disappeared. Unknown to Desire, they weren’t killed. They were simply sent away, far into the cosmos. A plan for later, a chance for one Penumbra to experience life, even if it’ll be a painful existence at first.
“And done. Penumbra is dead and they’re alive at the same time. Same as before, just younger or at least their body is younger, they are the same person. Now, are you ready to hear my deal? A way for you to be free of your mother. Once and for all, you just might not…enjoy the drawbacks. ” said Ashe with a charming smile.
“I’m ready. I cannot see a cure to this ache in my chest, or to the hatred in the heart of Anath Homura. I just… wish to flee from the curse of family and all of the pain.” Desire answered, appreciative of all that Ashevelen had done, and anticipating what she would do as well. Whether her choice was wrong, or correct, she wouldn’t be certain until she at least attempted this. She simply contemplated all of her decisions prior to this moment, and mused whether she had walked the path she wanted to or not. Her namesake was absent, enigmatic and elusive, in this abstruse state of existence seemingly steps away from eradication.
“Very well, your divine spark in exchange for freedom. I’ll say it’s a good deal. Let me just add, if I do this, you will never be able to claim back this divine spark you’ve got and I will not allow you to kill yourself or purposely put yourself in danger. Now…” said Ashevelen as divine power gathered around her “ Let’s start, shall we?”
Desire gave a nod of consent to the other goddess, and then took another leap of faith as she freed the fiery seeds of her divinity from her flesh, the fractured sacred sparks sifting through fair skin similarly to the sundered soil spoiled by scavengers. Soon, all of the seed had come together and formed the flames of her spirit which she offered to the Lady of Swift Trade and Shadows. “In exchange for freedom from my fate and family, I accept your trade.” The Hanged One affirmed.
Power surged around Ashevelen’s form, all it moving towards her hands until they glowed with the same golden power. In an instant she closed the distance between the two and pushed a hand deep within Desire's body, all while grabbing the divine seed with the other. Words in thousands of forgotten languages could be heard, chanting. On and on until eventually Ashevelen pulled her hand out and took the divine seed away from Desire. Her body slowly losing its divine look.
"Choose a new form quickly before everything divine leaves you, old sister. " said Ashe, sweat on her perfect face dripping. Her voice sad yet hopefully.
The second choice startled Desire, and she floundered amongst a series of shapes and forms, deliberating which would be suitable when she would no longer wield divine strength and sorcery. So she shed the visage of her sisters - she was fond of their shared faces, however she wished to avoid being a simulacrum of Anath Homura - her straightened hair became black, freed from being tied back in a bow, and more minor changes were added to her mien. She stood slightly taller than before, and the features of her face were more angular, appearing almost ambivalent, as opposed to the fierce and fiery aesthetic of old… A face which showed her absence of faith. Her attire shifted into something simple and primarily snowy white with shades of grey and accented black - reflecting her removal of all ties to the past and the unknown path of the future.
As soon as the divine spark was taken away, it disappeared and appeared back in the Shadow Bazaar. Its light shining bright from atop the tallest spire. A light-house in the Bazaar.
"You are mortal now and within my power, old sister. You might not agree with my next decision but you'll come to understand it, in time. " said Ashe with a gloomy voice as she pinched Desire’s head. Every memory of Desire’s life, origin and life was taken away in a flash. Tiny shards appeared as they were being plucked from her mind. One by one until there was nothing but the most basic things left. Those and a message, "find the shards, reclaim your destiny."
With a clap of her hands, the shard started to levitate and each went in different directions around the world. Another clap spelled doom to Desire as she'd find herself in a ball of shadows. The ball started spinning and spinning until Desire fell unconscious. With a strong kick Ashevelen sent the ball to the ground from where Desire will have to find her own path.
-Pyrrha and Penumbra briefly reunite, then the former seeks to break the pact that binds them.
-Ashevelen appears and breaks the pact, in addition to making another exchange with Desire.
Also known as : Ashevelendar/Ashevelen/AsheTheReborn
Best compliment so far from [@Tortoise]
[img]https://i.ibb.co/qdK70br/image.png[/img]
On the brilliant roleplay : [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/185726-through-the-gateways-humanity/ooc] Through The Gateways [/url]
Playing as the Goddess of Trade in Divinus 7
[img]https://i.ibb.co/QjWNXR4/Ashevelen-Token.png[/img]
Playing as the Goddess of Shadowy-Trades in Divinus 7
[img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1006946263599677521/1014229630783340544/ShadowsAspectToken.png[/img]
Thank you!
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Also known as : Ashevelendar/Ashevelen/AsheTheReborn <br><br>Best compliment so far from <a class="bb-mention" href="/users/tortoise">@Tortoise</a><br><img src="https://i.ibb.co/qdK70br/image.png" /><br>On the brilliant roleplay : <a href="https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/185726-through-the-gateways-humanity/ooc">Through The Gateways</a><br><br>Playing as the Goddess of Trade in Divinus 7<br><br><img src="https://i.ibb.co/QjWNXR4/Ashevelen-Token.png" /><br><br>Playing as the Goddess of Shadowy-Trades in Divinus 7<br><br><img src="https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1006946263599677521/1014229630783340544/ShadowsAspectToken.png" /><br><br>Thank you!</div>
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