Fantasy As the World Burns

[ThatWhichShouldBe]

Han Liuyang

Han pulls Toko into his embrace against her will, letting her cry into his shoulder. And it's at times like this, that the King feels... Old. How many times had he seen this before? Burning homes and people whose worlds had been destroyed around them. People who are lost, desolate - their futures only seen as ash in the wind. How many times had he been there too late? How many times had he been the cause?

Five hundred years was a long time.

"Toko. Look."

Han's finger stretches out to point across the shores of the lake. The pillar of floating rocks, caught in the shadows of a starless night.

"I know the Divine- for once, in another world, in another place, I walked among them. Our ways inscrutable, our machinations to be held as articles of faith. For so oft we act, and do not grant even the ghost of a hint as to our will.

But that is not this."

His hand unfolds, and rests open to the sky, as if to catch a star falling from the heavens.

"The Wyvern was fleeing, its Knight was dead. The orb was safe. And yet, they raised the Eye into the heavens, and with it, the stones raised from the earth. Do you think that is a coincidence, Toko? Chains bind those islands to the lakebed. Their surface is etched with symbols. What hands do you think forged those chains? What do you think the symbols mean?"

He looks Toko in the eyes, a spark in them, as he smiles.

"And what do you think is waiting at the very top of those stones? The stones go up. The Eye goes up. I am willing to bet, Toko- The Eye is not gone. The Eye had a purpose. It was not raised up because you failed - No. I think, somehow, in some way, it was exactly where it should be. And that it is still up there, amongst the floating islands - Waiting."

He pulls her up.

"But we are in no condition to go climbing those stones now, are we? And we need answers. Come."

 

[Juju]

• Outside Gates
• Inside Cloud-Home
• Astellian Prison

• 
  Solirus jmann
  
  “Ha. A simple pup, then.” The wolf mother breathed through frozen fangs, “It is a wonder you lasted so long… I would have had no patience. I pity your matriarch.”
  
  Her ears pinned back at Rodal’s question about ‘foul-blood’. Her answer was short and sharp, “Tainted by the forbidden. Rotten things.”
  
  It seemed that the wolf and rider were uncooperative to elaborate further without the proper etiquette. The man perched on the matriarch’s back seemed to grow more and more irritated for as long as Rodal continued talking instead of bowing. Thankfully, Gammariah stepped in to guide him. There was a glint of approval in the man’s broody expression, one followed with a slight nod.
  
  Matriarch Oshaka continued to watch Rodal, though her eyes shifted quickly from disdain to predatory. She seemed to immediately sense the change in Rodal, which had been overlooked by the mortal creatures around her. In an instant, the surrounding temperature dropped below freezing. Below Rodal and Gammariah's feet, frost curling into powdery shapes across the dirt.
  
  The fur on her neck rose as she bared her teeth, “A foul-blood indeed. Even now, it squirms like festering maggots. You are fortunate this is not my territory, creature. How I wish to see what worms spill out of your snapped bones.”
  
  While her spoken intentions hung in the chilled air, the wolf matriarch kept her word to Sohaa and made no movement to harm Rodal in any way. It would seem that so long as he was considered a guest here, she and her pack could do nothing to harm him. The limits of this, however, remained to be seen.
  

  ---

  
  YsFanatic seasonedcat jmann Solirus
  
  A flicker of recognition passed over Wren's eyes at the mention of "Earth". She recognized it as the first planet that humans had lived on. Or maybe that was Mars? She couldn’t really remember. Anyhow, the only thing that mattered was that this granny somehow came from a ‘version’ of her world. It sparked her curiosity, but that question would have to be brought up later, when fewer people were pointing sharp things her way.
  
  With Sarah’s words, things were finally starting to look up for Zareth. Sohaa crossed his arms, thinking over the words of the elderly woman, “This is true. We must question this one thoroughly, but be wary. One elf mage can be dangerous if left alive.”
  
  As fate would have it, Gammariah stepped forward to offer his services. The great white wolf moved her gaze to him, considering his offer to volunteer as questioner. She padded a step closer to him, towering above him as she inspected him closely, as if to detect some hidden intent. Had it not been for his display upon the field of battle, she might have outright denied his request.
  
  “There is a Child in Cloud-Home who tried to pull words from these elf-kin. In the end, nothing was gained, but it made for an excellent meal.” Her fangs clicked together in malicious amusement, “If this elf-thing does not speak, rip it apart and let the buzzards feast on the offal.”
  
  She did not seem to particularly care if the elf was from the stars, or across the sea. All she seemed to wish for was to grant Zareth an untimely and gruesome death.
  
  Rokii was looking a little more pale now, an indicator that he would need to see a healer soon. Still, he added, “There is a spirit who collects the caged elf-kin in its nest. The children here call it ‘Gloom’ now. I do not know how many elf-kin it has left in its hoard, but you can bring this one there for… safekeeping. It can be found in the broken tower, near the northern wall of the temple.”
  

  ---

  
  ThatWhichShouldBe
  Toko did little to resist the hug. She buried her face into Han's robe, wetting it with the tears that fell. Miserably, she lifted her head and let her watering eyes follow Han's gesture towards the floating pillar of stone islands. For once, her pained expression shifted, though it was marred with a look of confusion and perhaps fear. She glanced over to Han, urgency in her eyes as she tried to comprehend how he could be a member of the divine. Was he a spirit? Very few took humanoid forms. Not only that, if it was true, then she had failed to show him the proper respect and traditions.
  
  She tried to balance this panic and confusion with the words Han spoke. Could this truly be a sign from the great spirits? After locking eyes with Han for but a second, she lowered them away a bit shamefully. His smile was reassuring, at least. Perhaps there was wisdom in his words?
  
  "Perhaps... perhaps it is a sign after all." she muttered weakly, wiping her face with the back of her sleeve.
  
  She stood up straighter with the help from Han, wrapping her arms around herself as if struck by a sudden cold. With a sheepish glance towards him, she added, "Only the seer can interpret this. Yes, we should tell her of this sign and--"
  
  Toko stopped herself, eyes going wide as she reexamined the burns littered across Han. Her eyes brimmed with fresh tears, "No, no, please forgive me! You are the one who is hurt! I was supposed to help you find a healer, not run away! After everything you did, spirit. That was selfish of me... I..."
  
  Before she could be reduced back into a blubbering mess, she grabbed Han's hand and began to drag him towards the temple gates. All the while, she scrunched up her face in an effort to keep the tears from falling all over again. There was no way she could start sobbing a second time and delay his treatment any further. As she pulled, she blurted, "You must see Elder Ook-So!"
  
  
  (feel free to have them both enter Cloud-Home in your next post! He is free to interact with anyone there just like the rest of the group)​

  ---

• 
  seasonedcat jmann Solirus YsFanatic November Witch ThatWhichShouldBe blankcanvas
  
  Finally, the massive gates ‘untangled’ themselves, retreating back against the stone wall like willow branches pushed out of the way. It opened to reveal what looked to be some overgrown courtyard, the broken walls and stones painted with brightly coloured depictions of mortal and spirit. Lengths of patterned were wrapped between arches, their edges fluttering in the midnight breeze.
  
  The spirit who had controlled the living gate sat at the edge of the courtyard, peeping behind a broken stone. They were not alone. A group of curious civilians and warriors had gathered before the gates. Most of them kept their distance, wary of the newcomers crowding the gate. Even as suspicious as they were, soon a few of them rushed forward to greet the wounded warriors. There was the exchange of embraces, tears and assurances as the concerned loved ones of the surviving defenders reunited.
  
  Of course, there was also a good portion of the shrine’s inhabitants who continued to look anxiously past the group, hoping to spot someone who would never cross the threshold again.
  
  Sohaa raised his hand, signalling the warriors, civilians and spirits to heed his words. “The Great Spirit has granted us victory this day. The elves have retreated to lick their wounds. But this is not the only blessing!”
  
  He motioned back towards the Summoned behind him, “The Great Spirit has delivered us an omen! These individuals have fallen from the stars and helped to drive back the elf-kin! They are honoured guests of Cloud-Home, a sign for the Seer to interpret. Treat them with every respect.”
  
  
  
  “Make way, make way… usher in the wounded. Be swift about it.” spoke a raspy, dry voice. A short man appeared from behind the crowd, which parted almost instantly to make way for his passage. His steps were slow and stiff, but deliberate.
  
  The man was hardly taller than a child and wore an unusual hat fashioned from some sort of tortoise shell, topped with lit candles. A carved wooden mask completely covered his face and eyes, its edges woven into a trailing veil. Flanking either side of him were two pale spirits, each bearing a singular large eye in place of a face. The thick scent of incense wafted off of him.
  
  “Elder Ook-so,” Sohaa gave a deep bow, wincing a bit from his wounds, “There ar-”
  
  “Yes, yes, I know what they are,” The short man waved a stubby, clawed hand towards the summoned, “Stars that fell from the sky. It is known. We have seen it. They are destined for Haavi, just as the wounded are destined for the lower shrine. Go about guiding them there. Go, go, all of you! Wounded warrior and wounded star, all be ushered. Be mended, that which is broken. Less-wounded help the more-wounded.”
  
  At his words, the gawking bystanders were spurred into action. The injured warriors were helped onto carts that appeared to had been prepared long before the gates opened. Each of the carts were fashioned to a harnessed Windhorn and padded with pads of dry, woven grass. Each of the carts could fit about 4-5 people and looked to be repurposed vegetable carts. As soon as one was filled, it began its journey up the winding path to the upper levels of the fortress-temple, which one could assume held the shrine.
  
  The wolf matriarch padded over to one and roughly shoved her rider onto it. He gave out a protest, but a quick snarl and snap from the matriarch was enough to make him stay, though he had a foul look on his face. The wolf then turned heel and trotted back over to where Gamma and Zareth were.
  
  As for Sarah, she was helped onto one of the carts by the warrior who had been supporting her this whole time. A few of the civilians also made their way to the obviously wounded Rodal, and offered their assistance.
  
  As efficiently as the little spirits and civilians were with helping the wounded onto carts, Elder Ook-So still seemed to be impatient, "Make haste, make haste! By the dawn shall all be sheltered within the lower shrine. Much to do, much to do!"
  
  He pointed to a small group of warriors who had survived the battle beyond the gates, "You there, take some windhorns and survey the field for survivors. Honorable Sha-Rii will assist you."
  
  Just as he said this, one of the large-eyed spirits beside him began to change. Their body shuddered, contorting and growing outwards before suddenly splitting in two. A new spirit, identical to the first, emerged on the space beside it. This clone then trotted up to the awaiting warriors, gazing up expectantly with its singular, watchful eye. The bizarre occurance did not seem to frighten or disturb the warriors, who merely bowed to the creature.
• 
  AriAriAbabwa
  Rishii nodded her head bleakly at Doi's condolences. It did help, but not by much. At the mention of a 'different perspective' she seemed to be a little intrigued, at least more than last time, and shifted her attention to Doi. A small frown made its way onto her face when The Guiding Star was brought up yet again, but her expression was more weary than it was offended. At least, until Doi accused her tribe of abandoning her.
  
  "That's not true! The Skysingers would never abandon one of their own!" she objected, her hands balled up into fists.
  
  Doi's words seemed to have struck a nerve, for soon the rage subsided into a wave of hopelessness. Of denial. She shifted as far away from Doi as possible, hugging her legs against her chest in a sad, huddling heap. To keep herself from crying, the girl bit down on her lip hard.
  
  It was unclear just how long Rishii had been stuck in this prison, but it seemed to be long enough to have harboured a good amount of doubt and grief.
  
  "They wouldn't just leave us here... we have sworn an oath to protect this land, and each other." She muttered, disbelief on her face. "No, it can't be true... after so many fought and died...it just can't."
  

 

[Solirus]

Rodal - Vessel
Juju
​

The matriarchs goading fell on deaf ears, Rodal couldn't stop thinking about the voice and the curse. What was this curse doing to him, why was it changing him? He questioned, raising himself and staring blankly as he instinctively shook off the frost from his boots. He recalled his initial encounter with Stalwart Bluff, he could recall the exact words the bull used. In those words, the bull was upset at being saved by a foul-blood. It thus meant that the curse was not what warranted that status. Was it Leva, was she the reason for this odd categorization? It was possible, but it still didn't explain that voice. It almost mimicked his own, in a ghastly and corrupted fashion, it was nothing like the voice of the weapon, perhaps it was part of the curse to mimic the cursed.

The gates finally opened wide, but Rodal remained still for a bit. During his fight with the blade, Rodal felt odd at a certain point, perhaps odd is not an accurate word, but he felt compelled by something. It had worried Leva, and it wasn't part of the blades' ability as the blade itself seemed surprised, why increase the bloodlust of something when it has nothing to release that aggression on but you? Was this a side effect of having Leva for too long?

Too many pieces but few connections left Rodal frustrated, he needed to find something to keep his mind preoccupied.

Finally walking into the Cloud-Home, Rodal investigated the area lazily. The depictions in the wall irrationally bothered him, having to suppress his feeling through the veil of monarchy. When the elder finally arrived alongside others, Rodal initially thought to step forth and begin the questioning. But in everyone's current conditions, healing would be the top priority and although Rodal himself was wounded, his paled in comparison to the rest who endured greater hardship.

He needed something to distract himself, something. “Excuse me” Rodal approached Sohaa, granting some personal space, “Do you know where the training grounds are located?” Rodal asked, giving a small, unpracticed bow to show he was at least trying something. “I don't wish to bother the elder, so I figured you knew.”

 

[YsFanatic]

It took a bit of time and effort for Sarah to get into the cart as care had to be taken to not aggravate the wound on her side. Even as used to pain and injury as she was, the swordswoman still gave a small sigh of relief as she laid down on the pad of grass. With not having anything immediately pressing requiring her attention, the old woman let herself relax a bit and before long sleep would claim her again. After only a few moments the sound of her quietly snoring from time to time could be heard by any close enough that cared to pay attention. A sound, that while possibly annoying to some, was a sure sign that she was still alive.

 

[AriAriAbabwa]

The Astellian Camp
Juju​

Different world or not, human behavior was all the same. And Rishii had her expressions open like a book. Poor thing... she must've had these thoughts suppressed until now. Only a little more pressure... "I've seen it all before. Nations proclaiming peace and acceptance. But when faced with imminent danger, they forsake their morals; sacrifice those deemed 'lesser'. It becomes a matter of survival, and you and Tonati, unfortunately, don't matter to them."

Then to fill her void with hope. "You've been here for a while, haven't you? If that's the case, then there's something your people haven't foreseen: that you are not a nobody. Listen to me carefully. Your name is Rishii. And you are not like those spineless traitors. You are not useless, nor cannon fodder. You are strong, and you've survived despite them abandoning you. There is still a purpose for you to fulfill."

Looking at the pitiful girl, Doi couldn't help the twinge of empathy. To spend days locked indoors, hoping for a rescue that would never come; it was all too familiar. And upon remembering this, Doi took a breath—and recited her mantra, for Rishii and herself. "Forget the past, for it has nothing to offer you in this moment but grief. We can only move forward." Throughout everything, her smile never once faded. "Once they let me out, I promise you, I will free you as well. As long as you stay by my side."

 

[ThatWhichShouldBe]

Han Liuyang

Han just smiles at the look on Toko's face, as he waves her concerns aside. He holds up a finger as they walk back into the gates, chuckling softly. Ah, being fawned over. It was always troublesome - at least Toko wasn't bending and scraping saying 'I'm not worthy' over and over. That had been a frustrating few decades. He gestures to his softly flickering halo.

"I once walked among them. I am a spirit no longer. Everything fades, Toko- even the divine are not always immune to such a thing. What I was is simply the past- I am as mortal as any man, now. I gave all that up. This is not my world anyway- the Sun I was King of is far away. Don't worry too much about it."

Eventually, the ragged pair makes it into Cloud-Home, Toko predictably dragging him over towards the carts and what he assumed must be Elder Ook-so.

"Don't worry about me much. These wounds aren't getting worse anytime soon," Han laughs. The small mercies of burns- As long as you survived the initial encounter, you wouldn't bleed out from them.

 

[November Witch]

Autumn Ichor

Status: Worried, nervous & cold.

Autumn made note of those inside the walls of their home. Some scared and nervous civilians were gathered around to meet those who survived. She took note of their appearance, races, etc. She simply observed as much as she could at the moment, from the people, to her surroundings, the buildings, the way they spoke, etc. Information was an incredibly useful tool, if no one was going to explain anything to her. However, she hoped it was temporary, and that this Elder Haavi would be more helpful than the others had been so far.

Autumn wrapped her arms around herself, still chilled to the bone due to the torrential downpour from earlier. She pondered only momentarily on whether to help the others with the wounded. While she was leaning towards it, she didn’t know how these people would react to her approaching and handling the wounded. Especially the massive wolf. Besides, they didn’t seem to be low on manpower. There were enough people to help. So, feeling more like a prisoner than a guest, Autumn would remain there until ushered to wherever they wanted her to go next.

She was, however, glad to see Toko and Han make it back in one piece.

 

[jmann]

GAMMARIAH | Temple Gate
seasonedcat Juju

Gammariah stood proud, some proven quality gave him permission from the great wolf-mother to rend truth from the mouth of the elf. He heard there was a prison camp for the Astellians, but if too many Astellians got together… Gammariah saw the effect of that on the battlefield. A swarm of mages huddling like bugs in lamplight. Rightfully so, however. They saw what happened to the last mage who broke out of the herd. They would have to develop techniques to break up the herds, perhaps a catapult or some other large projectile their shields would have difficulty blocking.

For now, Gammariah would focus his attention on the person in front of him. He drew his swords and placed them on a rock nearby. Not close enough to lure the elf’s hand, but close enough they could become useful if things escalated.
“Elf,” Gammariah turned their face to see them still unconscious. On touching his face, Gammariah got a new vision. The elf was from this world but long ago, dying like Gammariah and being brought back among the stars. If they were of this world they were likely an agent of Astel, but Gammariah held onto hope. If they were old enough perhaps they predated Astel, or perhaps they were of the same species but unaligned with the Dynasty.

Gammariah pushed them into an upright seating position and stood. Scanning the gates he noticed some soldiers yet to go inside. He approached a younger man, ensuring he could still keep an eye on the elf.
“Friend, would you be so kind as to bring me a pail of water? I cannot leave the prisoner.” Gammariah smiled and returned to Zareth. Gammariah could never tell with elf ages, but this one looked younger than most. Surely not a child but far from many of the soldiers he had met in his day. Perhaps years of scholarly life softened him. It would bring him joy to know the Dynasty were so desperate they were sending their scholars out into the field.

“Wake up,” Gammariah slapped Zareth across the face, leaving a bright pink handprint on Zareth’s white skin.

 

[Juju]

• Lingering
• Enter the Shrine
• Interro-gate
• Still in Prison

• 
  Solirus
  
  Sohaa was found assisting his comrades into the waiting carts. Despite his own wounds, he was making an effort to ensure the safety of those who were worse off. As Elder Ook-So barked orders, Sohaa shuffled around, carrying the weak and infirm.
  
  He had just helped a wounded young man onto a cart whenever Rodal approached him. Dusting off his hands and taking a breather, he smiled at the masked man, “If it isn’t the slayer of devils. How might I be of help?”
  
  Sohaa seemed a little impressed, and a little confused at Rodal’s quick change from arrogance to abundant respect. He listened to the question, his eyes flicking to Rodal’s bloody wounds, “Ah, no need to bow to me, friend. As for where warriors go to practice, we have created a training grounds of sort near the High-Wall. I could take you there, but you must wait until I am finished here. There are many who need my aid.”
  
  Just as Sohaa had mentioned, Rodal still found himself surrounded by wounded warriors waiting to be loaded onto carts. All the while, Elder Ook-So walked between them, his one-eyed spirit at his side. Occasionally he would pull a bundle of herbs out from the folds of his robe and offer it to the less stable.
  
  Sohaa glanced between the group of summoned and Rodal, an inquisitive look on his face, “Perhaps the visit may be saved for the morrow? Elder Haavi will be anxious to see you and your other allies.”
  
  By this time, the other summoned and Elder Ook-So were beginning their ascent up towards the shrine. If Rodal left now, he could catch up to them without much strain. Alternatively, waiting any longer would risk being left behind.
  
  
  (you can have Rodal catch up with the others if he chooses to do so. From there, he can follow along with what is covered the next tab)​
• 
  YsFanatic ThatWhichShouldBe November Witch blankcanvas
  
  After completing his rounds, Elder Ook-So hobbled over to the cart holding Sarah and hopped on, grumbling something about rain and his knees aching. His remaining spirit followed his lead, sitting on his lap like an enormous housecat.
  
  Once settled, Ook-So waved a clawed hand towards the other summoned, “Fallen stars come this way, this way! Be quick about it. The shrine awaits.”
  
  The little man’s head swivelled to Han, a hoarse scoff escaping from under the mask. “Typical youth, putting on tough displays, thinking they are immortal. Hmm? Got in the wyvern fire, eh? Hmph! Not getting worse? Nonsense! A burn that big can mean dragonblight. Tsk! You won’t be impressing many ladies when your skin starts to boil with pus. Better to come see me after your visit with the elder. Hmph!”
  
  He snapped his claws together, garnering the attention of the wide-eyed priestess at his side, “Toko, what are you doing? Bring him here! And stop standing around like a frightened silktail. Quickly now, girl!”
  
  Toko flinched at Ook-So’s orders, stumbling over her words, “Y-yes Elder! Uh, sorry Elder!”
  
  Praying Han wouldn’t resist, she led him towards the same cart as Ook-So and Sarah, silently begging him to listen to the impatient elder by taking a seat. As for herself, she walked beside the cart. She looked exhausted, but the fear of Elder Ook-So kept her as far away from him as possible.
  
  While walking, she noticed Autumn seemed to be struggling with the temperature. Toko herself was quite comfortable in the cool waters, and no stranger to the chill that came after leaving them. Most people, however, were not. With fingers interlocked nervously, Toko approached the shivering woman, “Erm… Autumn? If you are cold, you could borrow my scales. They aren’t much, but they might help?”
  
  If there was any confusion as to what she meant by scales, it was soon clarified when Toko removed the unusual garb from her head and shoulders. The details and shape were akin to a giant fish, which unfurled like a cloak made of scales and fins. Its two bulbous eyes stared blankly up in opposite directions, mouth ajar like some skinned animal. The texture was smooth and wet, much like the animal it resembled. The cloak was remarkably thin, but it was better than nothing. Perhaps it was the thought that counted.
  
  Toko looked a little embarassed, “I um, well, I do not think I thanked you for helping me and Han. I hope this helps. At least until we get you to a fire. I do not wish you to grow ill.”
  
  With everyone gathered together, the carts and the summoned made their way up the winding passage towards the Shrine. The road was mossy cobble, remnants of old infrastructure that withstood the sands of time and the weeds that grew in between. As they climbed up the winding road, more tiers of Cloud-Home came into view. On further inspection the whole 'temple' looked to have been an ancient city that long fell into ruin. Most of the old buildings had collapsed and been replace with new huts, but some survivors could still be seen between the new construction. Small farms had been planted into the wide, overgrown spaces between walls and ruin. Peculiar windmills jutting up between broken arches that now guarded over nothing but crops of grain and vegetable.
  
  At last, their journey ended when they came across the final and top tier of the temple-city. Half the walls of this tier were shattered and crumbled by some long-forgotten force, revealing what could only be the aforementioned “shrine”.
  
  

  (reference image!)​
  
  Enormous pillars rose up on either side, like the ribs of some gargantuan beast. Many were cracked, broken or otherwise worn down from the unknown ages they had stood here, giving the ruins a jagged, uneven silhouette. The entranceway was framed in grand arches and the remains of flying buttresses, hinting towards some long-lost gothic architecture. For any summoned familiar with such things, the ‘Shrine’ looked like it had been built into the carcass of some fossilized cathedral.
  
  Lanterns crafted from bone and hammered metal flickered warmly in the crevices of stone or swayed from broken arches, illuminating the entrance to the massive ruins. Between the sprawling vines that creeped up the old stone, paintings depicting mortal, spirit and other scenes of nature formed a sprawling tapestry of colour. Long stretches of patterned cloth hung between the pillars, creating a multicoloured roof that swayed with the midnight breeze.
  
  New life had sprung over old, forgotten bones.
  
  Once the carts had stopped, Elder Ook-So hopped off into the overgrown courtyard. As he did this, a small pack of the one-eyed spirits trotted out from an entrance cloaked in incense burners and steaming censors. The scent was pungeantly earthy, and so strong that even the steady breeze could not disperse it. The spirits began to assist the wounded off of the carts and into the bowels of the temple.
  
  Meanwhile, Ook-So grumbled at the summoned yet again, “Go on, Elder Haavi and the wise spirits await in the shrine. What are you waiting for? Another star shower? Hmph, har har!”
  
  Seeming unusually entertained by his joke, Ook-So turned his back on the summoned and began to fuss over the injured yet again, barking orders to his spirits and those unfortunate enough to be capable of moving on their own.
  
  Toko ran over to him, fists held against her chest as if she was worried the short man would bite her fingers off, “W-wait, Elder Ook-So, what about the injured ones? Shouldn’t you-”
  
  He cut her off with a little grunt and a finger pointed her direction, “It is as your crispy friend said. No wounds shall get worse, well, not yet at least. I took a look at the well-dressed elder on our way up. Hmph, that rock-brained Stalwart Cliff has already stabilized things for her. I will undo the blessing when Haavi has had a good look at them. Now go, away with you. I have many to assist in little time.”
  
  After being dismissed with some aggressive shooing, Toko returned to the rest of the party. She stood between them and the inner shrine. She stood in front of the grounp, pointing to the grand archway that marked the entrance to the inner shrine. To gain their attentions, she waved a hand and raised her voice a little, “Erm, honoured guests? I… the shrine is this way! Well, not that I think you would get lost. Of-of course not! Aha!”
  
  Awkwardly, she laughed. It was then that Toko realised Sarah had not stirred. Eyes widened, she approached the motionless woman.
  
  “Oh no… is she…?” judging by the worried look on her face, Toko must have thought Sarah to be dead. Concerned for the wellbeing of the elder, she grabbed onto Sarah’s shoulder and gingerly shook it. “Elder? Please speak!”
  
  (added some stuff with YsFanatic )
  There was some grumbling from the older woman before a groggy, "I need my damn sleep," is muttered. She goes to roll into her side away from Toko, but a jolt of pain from the wound in her side reminds her not to do that and instead she just remains laying on her back, trying to sleep again.
  
  “Oh, thank the spirits.” Toko sighed out in relief, her eyes holding doubt despite Ook-So’s reassurances, “Erm… a thousand apologizes for disturbing you, but Elder Ook-So said you should see Haavi before he can assist you. May I help you into the shrine?”
  
  "Light help me," Sarah mutters as she slowly sits up. "You'd better be right about this patch," she calls out to Ook-So. "'Cause if it falls apart I'm gonna bleed out and die, again. And no, I'm not exaggerating. I've been through enough lethal wounds and close calls to have a pretty good idea of what kind of injury will kill me sooner or later." The older woman didn't grumble anymore, knowing the importance of triage. "Might want to find someone who can princess-carry me, no point in making the other wounds worse by moving around more than I have to."
  
  Toko cowered away from Sarah with almost with the same fear she reserved for Ook-So. She certainly would be unable to carry Sarah into the shrine. Nervously, she looked around for someone to help her in this endeavour. Otherwise, she would have to scurry off and find someone. [If none of the summoned offered their help, Toko would return shortly with a well muscled woman with scars over her arms and an unimpressed look on her face.]
  
  As Toko struggled in her task of ushering the summoned, a figure emerged from the Shrine Entrance. She had long white hair and skin like old, tarnished clay. The wrinkles on her face were the telltale signs of a life long-lived, something that was also seen in her slow steps. The deep blue silks she wore were embroidered with the designs of clouds, wind and water.
  
  Spoiler: Elder Haavi

  
  
  “Hail, fallen stars, I am Elder Haavi.” the woman said in a clear, yet weathered voice. She raised her hands outwards in a broad, welcoming gesture, “We are blessed to receive you. Please, if you would follow me into the shrine.”
  
  She turned and slowly made her way back into the Shrine. They passed through a large hall lined with steaming censors and candles that illuminated the painted depictions of storm, wind and starry skies.
  
  Soon they emptied out into a large antechamber, its stone arches towering over the summoned. Half of the grand, arching ceiling was broken, and there was no more glass in the stone windowpanes, but any holes had long been filled with tapestry and cloth. Long silk banners hung down from the stones, fluttering like lingering spirits in the nightly wind. A pleasant scent permeated the entire place, and unlike outside, the breeze seemed warm and gentle. It scattered through the countless wind chimes that dangled down from the ceiling like a haze of soft, tinkling sound.
  
  Elder Haavi brought the summoned into the centre of the wide, circular chamber. It had a flat base, almost like a stage, and several tiers circling arund it that looked like the seats of a long-lost courtroom. Countless candles lined the circular theatre, coating the stones in thick globs of wax beneath the garden of little flames. At the very centre of the circle there was a large brazier crackling with a hearty fire.
  
  Just as the elder had said, the audience gallery was not empty. Nestled upon throne-like nests of pelts and pillows sat two large spirits who peered down at the summoned.
  
  The first appeared to be nothing but a cloud of long, grassy fibre that spread across the stones like hair. Mist rolled off of the spirit in thick, obscuring waves that cooled and humidified the surrounding air. Two antlers wreathed in tattered cloth were the only thing that sat upon what could only be assumed as its head, while bone-like spikes stuck out of its main body. The edges of its body melded perfectly with the mist, making it difficult to tell where its form ended and the mist began.
  
  Spoiler: Mist-Mother

  
  
  The other was a creature that could only be compared to a centipede, except its body segments had humanoid arms instead of insect limbs. Its length coiled around itself and the surrounding architecture like a flat serpent. It was about forty feet in length, shrouded in a long, flowing veil of shimmery silk. Similarly to Ook-So, the creature wore an elaborate headdress with a long shroud over its face with beads that made it look like a wide, open mouth. It held threads between many of its fingers, weaving them together in intricate, quick movements any spinster would be jealous of.
  
  Spoiler: The Spinner

  
  
  Haavi bowed to each of them as she entered, then turned around to urge the summoned to do the same, “My friends, it is an honour to introduce to you the wise spirits of Cloud-Home; Mist-Mother and The Spinner.”
  
  She motioned to the foggy and insectoid spirit respectively before walking over to take her place on a cushioned seat between the two spirits. She reached her hand into a potted jar and scattered a handful of chalky powder into the brazier before her. In a whoosh of heat, the flames rose up into a sparkling flare of blue and green. The air crackled with the scent of some sharp, floral herb.
  
  “We are aware that you helped to drive the elf-kin from our doors. On behalf of my people, and all the peoples of this land, you have our gratitude. Though they are sure to return, you have bought us precious time. Now, before I interpret this auspicious sign, I must first offer you my thanks. Should you require anything in return for your aid, name it, and I shall do everything in my power to make it so.” Haavi said, glancing over the burning flames at the collected Summoned.
  
  Silently, the two spirits peered down at the group of summoned huddled in their midst. Though they had no visible eyes, their piercing gaze could be felt all the same.
  
• 
  jmann seasonedcat
  
  The youth gave Gammariah a fearful, reverant look, his eyes flickering to the Wolf Matriarch's pack that still lingered near the gates. Nodding his head, he ran off behind the stables, assumably to go fulfil Gamma's request.
  
  As for the Wolf Matriach, she returned to her pack after dumping Rokii off into one of the carts. She gave a glance towards Gamma and Zareth, and perhaps bored by what she found, turned away and trotted off into the bloody battlefield. Barking at her heels, her spectral pack followed close behind as they made their way back into the smoky fields of carnage. Slowly, her pearly white fur faded into the dismal distance.
  
  Only two spectral wolfs remained nearby, laying on a tuft of grass while gnawing on the detached leg of some elf. A bow and a few arrows were scattered around them, the remnants of their kill. Just like their matriarch, they didn't seem that intrigued by Gammariah's work and stayed far enough away that they weren't even watching at all. If anything, they were too busy fighting over the scraps.
  
  Eventually the young man Gamma had previously spoken to arrived. He carried a large earthen pot filled with fresh water that sloshed with each of his steps. He brought the waterpot over to Gamma, his eyes reflecting disgust as he spotted Zareth's unconsious form. Without speaking a word, he placed the pot of water on a rock beside Gammariah and quickly retreated away, sparing only a harsh glare at the elf before departing.
  
  The two were then left alone. Well, mostly.
  
  Still holding onto Zareth's belongings, Wren took a glance at the poor elf and let out a small sigh. It certainly looked like Zareth's luck had run out. Despite causing all of this mess, she almost felt bad for him. Then again, maybe he deserved it? She didn't know him, afterall. Maybe he was some serial murderer? The tattooed man that slapped him certainly was.
  
  If anything, it was a shame Zareth might go to waste, but after carrying his boney corpse this far Wren had realized there wasn't much sustainence to his mana as she thought. In all honestly, it reminded her a little bit of her own unique condition. Twas a shame. He was kind of funny, in the pathetic and hopeless sort of way. Those were the best sort of people, in her humble opinion.
  
  Clearing her throat, Wren shimmied step by step away from the shirtless man, carrying the arcane tomb and staff with her in hopes he wouldn't notice her stealing the evidence, "Um, so anyways. I had best be off, yea? Have fun with the interrogation! It's quite the uh, locale? Very open-concept! Admire a good progressive torture chamber! Next thing you know, you'll be unionized!"
  
  She took a few quick steps towards the temple, eager to be away and out of sight. That's when she noticed her head was unusually light and slime-less. The familiar jiggle of her gelatenous friend was missing.
  
  "Shit." Wren hissed under her breath, whipping her head around to find Flub wiggling his way towards Zareth. The little guy could really make ground when he wanted to. Jamming the arcane tomb into the crook of her elbow, Wren managed to squat down, crouch sprint, and grab a hold the little devil by his chubby tummy. She squeezed him tightly, his jelly form contorting like a water balloon.
  
  "Flub, not the time~! hehe you little..." she hissed in a playful, not-so playful tone.
  
• 
  AriAriAbabwa
  
  The tears finally fell, plopping down onto her cold hands and the uncaring stone beneath her. Rishii’s voice did its best to remain strong, but it cracked from the strain, “It can't be true. The elder would never do such a thing… he just can't…”
  
  She buried her face shamefully in her arms, refusing to look at Doi or anything else in the dark, dismal world. There were no sobs, but the tears continued to fall and her breaths were interrupted by sniffles. As confirmation to Doi’s suspicions, she nodded her head vaguely at the question about her being held captive for a long time.
  
  The girl lifted her face in woeful disbelief, in fragile hope at Doi’s next words. The thing about the starvation of soul and body was that any form of release, even poisoned, was readily taken. Rishii watched Doi carefully, face wet and defeated. Silently, she listened to the words Doi spoke, open to them but still held back with the same doubt that broke her.
  
  “Yes, the elders say the path is just footprints in snow. I cannot dwell on it but… but what if they don’t free you? What if you end up like me, forsaken by sky?”
  

 

[seasonedcat]

Zareth | ???
visions and noises flew through Zareth's heavy mind as he fell deeper into the muck that was his mind. Memories and dreams took their turn, dashing through the walls of his head before slipping away into nothing, too difficult to grasp things he had just seen. Zareth let himself get dragged deeper into nothing, his entire body far too tired for him to want anything more. He was met with complete and utter peace for the first time in so long.

unbeknownst to Zareth, his fate was being discussed around his body as he rested peacefully. It wasn't until the harsh slap hit his cheek that Zareth was thrown out of his momentary bliss. A gasp tore through Zareth violently as he lurched forward into a sitting position, desperately trying to take in everything around him rapidly. The sights around him and the sounds didn't process until he took a moment to blink and breathe and try and understand what was happening.

the usual ache of his markings came as he woke, almost spurring an annoyed groan from him, but he chose to suppress it for now. The next things that came to his attention were his pounding head as well as how heavy and weak his whole body felt. Most importantly, though, was the pain radiating from his cheek. Instinctively, one of his shakey hands came up to caress the sore spot as his gaze fell on the man before him. Putting two and two together, he figured whoever was before him had just slapped him awake.

sparing a glance around his surroundings, Zareth found that he had no idea where the fuck he was. The only thing that he could recognize was the slime thing from earlier being held by some girl. Based on her familiarity with it there was no way that wasn't the girl from earlier. Was this her true form perhaps? Or some sort of magic? He did not know, though, based on the violence he had just endured, they were not near friends. He couldn't remember anything from after he fainted. Had the two of them been captured by one of the Astellian's many enemies? Or had the girl turned him in, willing or by choice? Judging by her rushed appearance(and lack of restraints or violence on her) it was most likely the latter.

as expected from someone who wasn't an elf. It was almost laughable. The people who opposed the Astellian Dynasty thought themself so superior to the elves, but are they any different? They jumped on the first elf they saw, just as they claimed the elves due to them. They take pleasure in the suffering of elves, innocent or not the same as they claim elves do. Just because they did not fire the first shot did not exempt them from those they did. So many lives need not be wasted if they had simply just joined the Dynasty. If they let their pride fall the same way they asked for Astellian to do, how would history have been written? There was no denying that the Astellian Dynasty was superior to the other nations in several ways if only the others could see the truth behind their obsession with things staying as they always had.

he wondered what the girl had done with the knight. Had she slain her to get access to him for a free ticket? He couldn't see her giving him up without much of a fight unless some scuffle or lie had occurred. Had all their teamwork simply been a lie to gain their trust? He could imagine his mother's response after she saw him have trusted a lowly being like her. It is no wonder no elves want to trust or respect those of different nations when they care for little more than their idea of their idea of the elven people. He was a fool for letting someone see him weak, elf or not, but at least an elf would have taken him to an infirmary or left him to die rather than be used as a pawn, or murdered him for his crimes. Either worked.

letting his hand fall from his injured cheek, he gave the other man a smug grin, "and you are? A fan of mine, I'm sure." his prideful posture returned instantly as he caught up to what was happening around him. He had no choice but to endure what was about to happen to him; his mana was still completely empty, even if it had recovered its exhaustion enough to keep him awake. Though, with how things were going, he would likely meet the end of a sword or dagger shortly.
mentions| Juju jmann
interatctions| jmann

 

[Solirus]

Rodal
Juju YsFanatic

​

Rodal's eyes were careful examining Sohaa, his expression, his mannerisms, it was an old and poor habit Rodal did to keep himself distracted. "Oh sorry, I'm not sure who I need to bow to, so I'm playing it safe" Rodal commented. His eyes inspected Sohaa further, the man's expression showed confusion but also a sign that he'd been impressed. "Oh, that's fine... say I'm being called 'Slayer of Devils'? It certainly has a ring to it, maybe by the end of this I'll have amassed more." he jokingly said, "Well, not that it's my main motivator anyway, just glad someone's recognizing my efforts." Rodal wanted to make sure he played the part of an arrogant fighter who was far more competent with swords than with words, but overall still was a well-intentioned person. "Anyway, I suppose I'll visit the training grounds on the morrow. While I uh, I'll go visit the other elder… Haavi." He spoke as he followed behind the rest of the summoned.

Sounds an awful lot like you

Where have you been?

Straight to the point, don't deflect my statement, you're practically playing yourself.

I'm not

The hells you mean no? You're good with a sword, you're awful with words-

I'm not bad with words, I'm choosing to be now.

Uh-huh, sure, you're extremely arrogant and cocky

I'm confident, not cocky

Stop interrupting me, Manure Man. Lastly, you're secretly good intentioned.

I'm not.

Yeah right, you may have all your rants and mental gymnastics in your skull, but you could clearly be handling things a lot worse, you're being careful and considerate even if you deny it, that's why I like you dummy.

Where have you been?

Unconscious.

…

Frankly, these aren't my usual self-imposed resting moments, started with that bitch earlier, you got furious for a second, so I decided to start paying attention to whatever was going on, then BAM. Knocked out cold.

You sound calm about it.

I'm just better.

… How did it feel?

What?

That moment in the frontline, when we were fighting that devil.

Oh, right, I got a similar feeling.

Last time, you never wanted to happen again.

You still did it though, I can't forgive you for this, Rodal.

Just like that previous time I couldn't control it. We've been through a surprising lot, yet nothing affected you like that. Why?

I don't know, it just, it's not right. It's like staring into something that shouldn't exist. You simply refuse to believe it.

So that moment and the current situation aren't the curse.

Checks out, personally, I can't wait to see what that curse will do to you.

Even if I get rid of the curse, I'll still have to deal with, the source of these emotions.

Sucks to suck, I guess.

You're in the same boat.

Oh, I know, figured you needed some spiteful encouragement.

By the time the internal dialogue ended, Rodal had arrived to the main destination, the conversation with Leva although at times aggravating, proved a great distraction. However, as a result of this, Rodal required a second to analyze his environment and soon found the old lady from before unable to practically move and needing someone to pick her up. Rodal practically wanted to leave her there, but knew it would be suspicious if he did, so without a word or moment of hesitation, Rodal stepped up and picked up Sarah in a firefighter carry. It was efficient and useful if they had to walk for a while, and it also helped that she was lighter than a sack of potatoes.

Rodal finally saw the supposed leader of the place, Elder Haavi. Giving a little nod with his head as he couldn't bow in his current predicament, and followed the elder while carrying Sarah. Rodal kept quiet as they ventured deeper into the shrine, the elder introducing them to two separate beings, which Rodal both gave a nod to each. Kings and Monarchs, nothing more. He told himself as he took a deep breath.

"No trouble, felt like the right thing to do" Rodal spoke to the Elder, "Well, I think a good start would be some much-needed healing for the people in this room. The lady on my shoulder is practically on route to oblivion. I'm surprised she's still alive. Oh, and I'm sure lots of us have questions, but I'll let others ask first… if they have any."

 

[ThatWhichShouldBe]

Han Liuyang

"A few rounds of infections won't kill me, Elder Haavi. It will, however, be very inconvenient." Han admitted. "I will see you after I speak with the Elder below."

As much as Han was confident he could recover- he would much rather recover quicker, rather than later. He lets Toko carry him along, bringing him to one of the seats on the cart and taking the moment to rest. It had been quite a day for him, all at once. Though he didn't think he'd get any real rest anytime soon- Speaking with old elders about matters of spirits was often tiresome. Dogma mixed with superstition mixed with ancient half-forgotten stories. You could tie yourself into a knot for days doing that.

As they travel along the passage, Han notes the ancient infrastructure. It was as he suspected. There had been something, some civilization that pre-dated this 'modern' age. The Knight had called the Eye an Arcane Keystone, Toko had seen it as an artifact of the divine. Another might think these two things irreconcilable. The work of men was the work of men. The Gods were the Gods. But Han knew better. The works of Heaven and Earth oft intertwined, and one could find truly impossible works of craftsmanship in the right age, in the right places, forged by bright minds and curious divinities.

Han was increasingly sure of the thought, with every ruined arch and pillar that they passed.

"What sort of people built these ruins?" Han asked, as much as to ask those around him who were from this world, as asking it of himself.

This place was new life overgrowing ancient works. The Eye, the Keystone, was a lost relic of an ancient empire, whose true purpose and nature had been forgotten by time. He'd seen this before, in the fall of empires. What was fades into myth, relics losing their meaning and purpose, only to be found again. When they stop, Han follows the rest of the summoned along the path into the depths of the shrine. Still, Han Liuyang refuses to do anything other than walk on his own feet while he still had the strength.

He passes through halls of ancient stone, past silk and perfume, through the kindly breeze. He passes through to theatre within- whether it held tribunal or play, it had found new purpose. As things tended to do with time. He looks upon the two spirits that watch over the gallery without fear or particular surprise, taking his own seat as they begin to commune. He listens to Haavi's words patiently, before shrugging. He did not do these things for reward.

"I ask only two things, Elder Haavi. That you not blame Toko for the events that have transpired, for I suspect they were driven by greater wills than you or I... And for you to help me interpret a vision that I received, when I touched the Eye that Toko guarded.

I am many things, Elder Haavi- but I do not have the context of this world and its divines, its history. I lack the knowledge to understand what the Eye showed me."

 

[AriAriAbabwa]

The Astellian Camp
Juju​

"They will let me out," she said, donning a sudden tone that left no room for argument. "That is Her will, and it cannot be bent." There was the very real possibility that the Astellans were not taking her seriously. That they left her here for later, as though she was some footnote saved for last. But no prophet ever spread their message without tribulation. She'd be patient.

"If the Elder told you anything reassuring, it was likely a lie. A soldier on low morale is no good soldier." Doi shook her head, disdainful of this leader's deceitful ways. "You have survived this place for so long. It should no longer matter to you what they said or did. Besides, you have a new friend in me."

They were making wonderful progress.

 

[YsFanatic]

Sarah gave a quick word of thanks when Rodal picked her up, uncaring of the manner that he did so. What was interesting though was the sensation she got when he went to do so, one of an instinctive understanding that he wasn't from this world. The fact that such a feeling happened as soon as they made contact was an interesting tidbit that the swordswoman filed away for later. The wounded warrior was a bit surprised that he didn't set her down once they arrived at their destination, but she could see enough from where her head rested on his shoulder so it ultimately didn't matter much to her. As she listened to the Elder's comments and the responses from two of the other summoned, the older woman gave an amused snort at Rodal's comment on her being 'on route to oblivion', but didn't respond to it, instead addressing the Elder.

"I don't do this kind of shit for rewards, but suitable gear that I can borrow so I can keep fighting would be appreciated. What I got now was salvaged from an elf I killed and doesn't exactly fit well." As if to highlight her point, one of the boots Sarah was wearing slides off her foot and lands on the ground with a thud. Instead of reacting she just moved on as if nothing had happened. "I have some theories as to what's going on here with us all showing up like this, but I'd like more context about the situation and this world first."

Juju Solirus

 

[November Witch]

Autumn Ichor

Status: Weary, nervous & cold.

While waiting, Autumn observed the area around herself, still taking in the sights and sounds. However, at this point she had taken a look at the buildings and structures long enough. Her focus shifted to people watching, hoping to get a feel for the kind of people who resided here. It obviously wasn’t something permanent. At least, Autumn assumed. Living within ruins like this is only something those would do in desperation. Either these people were losing, or were a much smaller force than the others. So much so that they did not have defenses of their own. Or perhaps this was built by their own hands. But they had been fighting for so long it had come to end up in this state?

It was then that her ears twitched and swiveled as footsteps approached. She turned to see Toko a few feet from her. She would stop and offer her garb to Autumn along with thanks. Autumn would offer the girl a smile. The garb didn’t look like it would help much, but it’s not what Autumn was the most worried about. The way Toko was dressed was much different than others that Autumn could see. She was worried about what this meant in a cultural and social aspect to those that lived here. It was possible that if she put it on, she would be disrespecting them or something along those lines. And Autumn didn’t need more attention on herself. Though the thought was something Autumn made a note of and gave a smile in response.

“Thank you Toko, but it’s yours. Go ahead and keep it. I can survive a little bit of cold. Though, I would implore you to heed your own advice. Rest up when you get a chance. You have to take care of yourself before you can help others.”

Autumn told the other. She still looked to be in rough shape. The fox hoped Toko would take her advice.

“As soon as I speak with Elder Haavi, I’ll be sure to rest up myself, so don’t fret over me.”

She gave Toko a reassuring look for a moment, before her ears twitched once more, hearing the footsteps of the others begin to head into the temple. Autumn would give a wave to Toko and follow closely behind them. She saw Eler Haavi, and assumed this would be the authority figure that ran the place, judging from what she’d heard from others. However, she soon ushered them deeper into the temple, only to find those who radiated authority and a demand for respect. Like a king and queen, except not human. Not even humanoid, actually. These creatures looked like something you would find in the Dreamlands back in Autumn's world. Meaning she had little to no reaction to them, appearance wise.

She would bow, given Haavi’s signal and stay quiet until she was permitted to speak. Autumn wished to stay still, but shivers would still wrack her body occasionally. She would listen as the others asked for their wish from the ‘council,’ as that is what Autumn decided to call the three of them. The first request, she couldn’t agree more with. Adequate healing and answers. This raised her opinion of the man more than it had previously been. He told Autumn at the gates she should visit the leaders of both sides if she wanted a peaceful end. Which was incredibly obvious. It had annoyed her that someone would think she was so unintelligent as to not know that. However, Autumn knew she was a stranger and he didn’t know her. So it was only natural to say something like that. She didn’t know who he was, but he certainly had a good head on his shoulders if these were his go to wishes.

Autumn knew the next person to speak though, Han. He wanted Toko to be free of consequence for… Something she did. Likely before Autumn had found them. He also wanted help deciphering a vision that something had given him. She felt like they were good answers as well, however she didn’t have enough context on the situation to really know what was going on, or make an informed decision about her feelings on Han’s answer.

Though the final one simply angered the girl. Especially since it was from the old woman who spoke down to her as if she was a child. Comparatively in age, sure. But Autumn knew how difficult a religious war could be to end peacefully. But evidence of this being a religious war had yet to show itself. All her previous anger aside, the girl just asked for weapons to keep fighting. Autumn assumed this must have been a case of one getting older but not wiser. Especially because this frail looking old woman still wanted to fight. Autumn didn’t doubt she could. But it was the ‘should’ that made her question the other. Just because someone can do something, doesn’t mean she should. Granted, at the end of the day it was her decision, but Autumn felt like someone should be enjoying their elder years relaxing and making the most of the days they have left. Not cutting their lifespan by spending their remaining days on the battlefield. Unless she was from a culture that valued fighting and centered everything around it. Like the Earthkind from her own world. Then maybe it was understandable. But Autumn already didn’t like this girl…

Then it came to be her turn. She would take a single step forward and bow once more. She held herself with confidence and respect, speaking slowly and concisely as to force her teeth to stop chattering. If the others had spoken with politicians, royalty, or even rulers of nations, they would recognize the way Autumn held herself and spoke. She was certainly practiced in talking to influential figures.

“Thank you for your time, and for granting us an audience Elder Haavi, Mist Mother, The Spinner.”

She thanked them all, and acted as she did when speaking to kings and queens from her own world. She could only hope such mannerisms still applied to this world, and that she wasn’t offending them or lowering their opinions of herself with the way she acted.

“I only ask for a place to rest overnight and to be able to leave. I know not where I am, or why I’m here. I wish to seek answers and find out this truth.”

She watched Elder Haavi mostly, as she would at least be able to recognize facial cues, body language and changes in emotion in response to Autumn’s wishes. Autumn wouldn’t even try to read the other two. She had no idea where to even begin. She would then step back and allow someone else to take the floor. Whether it be one from the council or one of those standing to her right.

 

[jmann]

GAMMARIAH | Temple Gate
Juju seasonedcat

Gammariah took a knee and only then noticed the shorter woman who complimented the temple and chased down a small creature. Was she from the stars as well? It would make sense for her bizarre attire. She spoke strange, too, as if their world were ephemeral and like she were a temporary guest in another’s home. It was true, in a way. It was possible if they died again they’d go beyond the stars to yet another world in need of saving.
“Thank you, sister,” Gammariah nodded in respect, “You did well to bring the elf back alive. I cannot say in your situation I’d have done the same.”

Gammariah returned his attention to the elf as it stirred. It grinned, and asked if Gammariah was a fan. An interesting defence mechanism, to be sure.
“I am sure I will be, in time perhaps. For now I only have questions. I think a conversation is most beneficial for both of us right now.”
Gammariah took a handful of water and scraped the mud off their arms, the Marks glistening in sunlight. He hated them being covered in common filth. There was a reason he rarely wore a shirt. The air was freeing, but he knew soon he’d have to cover them in a dozen wraps to let his back heal. His conversation with the prisoner would have to be brief if he wanted to avoid infection. The rot had claimed many in the rebellion who could not reach a healer in time or because they were forced to prioritise travel over rest.
“I am Gammariah, the Leading Light. And what do they call you? Would you like something to drink?”

It was an honest question, as honest as Gammariah could be through his disdain of the Astellian Dynasty. He didn’t want the elf to die just yet, maybe not at all if they answered well. The rebellion had dreamed of a turncoat to help them for a long time, if Gammariah could help claim responsibility for bringing one to these people he could win more favour after his prior outburst and disrespect of the Wolf-Mother.

 

[Juju]

• The Shrine
• Prison

• 
  
  
  Solirus YsFanatic November Witch ThatWhichShouldBe
  ​
  Rodal was the first to state his whims, and in turn he was the first to invoke a response from the spirits. One of them spoke, their voice little more than a whisper, and yet it filled the room like gently smoke. It disorientated the origin, but thankfully a small gesture from Mist-Mother was enough to link it to the spirit.
  
  “No trouble but that which weighs on the soul…” she said, antlers dipping with the words.
  
  Elder Haavi’s face was one of remorse and pain as her attention was drawn to Sarah’s sorry state. “I imagine Elder Ook-So urged her to wait? Please forgive our lack of hospitality. Our supplies run thin and often must be reserved for the most critical. As for wisdom, it is much more abundant. Speak freely, my friend."
  
  Her words melded with the crackling of the brazier, and the light tapping of many hands across stone. The Spinner, as it had been called, had moved from its cushioned throne. The great length of the creature winded behind it, curling around a broken pillar as it hung itself down to Sarah’s level.
  
  “Allow us,” The spirit rattled, its voice dry and raspy like hollow bones. “We might mend what has been unravelled.”
  
  The great creature dangled in front of Sarah, its many hands weaving red thread as it listened to her words. What she had to say seemed to earn its disapproval somewhat, as it began to chitter like some giant spider. “An ill-fit garb is worse than no garb at all… we might assist in this also. Once the flesh is stitched, fabric may follow.”
  
  A few of its hands descended, some lifting Sarah’s arms while others parted the shredded fabric to expose the earthen blessing that quite literally held her together. With all the ease of tugging a loose thread, the spirit pinched two fingers upon the unnatural rocks and pulled it free. It contorted, spun into a fine thread that slowly changed into a deep crimson as it stretched away from Sarah. Strangely, Sarah did not feel any pain, nor did her blood rush out from the now gaping wound. It was as if the blood itself had become a spool.
  
  “Hmm… a blessing made by Stalwart Bluff?” The Spinner pondered, examining the glowing thread of the ‘blessing’. It held it up to the firelight, letting the thread catch the light in glimmers.
  
  “Returned now to earth…” Mist-Mother echoed sagely.
  
  Content with its examination, The Spinner finally got to work. Its many hands moved quickly and in perfect sync. Despite being stitched together, Sarah would feel the pain decrease as the procedure continued. In a matter of seconds, the wound was completely sealed, and her nightgown was whole again. Not a single stitch could be seen on either, as if the skin and fabric had simply been fused back.
  
  “Very good, yes? Now, we hear that the little one needs fabrics…” there was a spark of excitement in the creature’s voice, an inflection in its gravelly speech. It slithered its way up a nearby pillar, half its body disappearing into the shadows. It then draped its body back down, dangling like a spider. Spools of thread were clutched in several of its empty hands, while the others twitched impatiently. “The Spinner is the best for this. Hold steady. Let us do our work...”
  
  Just as quickly as it repaired Sarah and her nightgown, The Spinner seemed to near-instantly weave lengths of fabric. Mysteriously, it had also managed to create fur trimming and leather in the same manner. Bit by bit, Sarah would see a full outfit coming together in front of her eyes.
  
  While The Spinner weaved at a blinding speed, the others came forward with their greetings and inquiries. From across the sparking brazier, Elder Haavi watched Autumn, Han and Toko step forward.
  
  Autumn’s polite greeting seemed to impress her, or perhaps she found it endearing. A warm smile spread across Haavi’s face, deepening the wrinkles around her eyes and mouth. “The truth is an elusive and twisting thing indeed. My brother and sister seers shared the same desire that is in your own heart.”
  
  She motioned outwards, the silken lengths of her sleeves spreading out like a bird’s feathers, “You and your companions are welcome to take shelter here for as long as is needed. It would be our honour to provide succour for the fallen stars.”
  
  “The mists whisper of the swift fox,” The vaporous mound of grass uttered wistfully. A long, spindly hand reached out from the grassy hair and pointed to Autumn, “The wolves have seen. Hungry, baying. Assistance without harm.”
  
  Elder Haavi’s face darkened with the stark shadows cast by the brazier. She nodded her head, “It is against our traditions to limit the freedom of a wanderer, but this is an age of great strife of sorrow. Though it weighs heavy on my heart, I must ask that should your path of truth lead you to the elf-kin, you do not return to this place. We have lost too many, far too many, to make the same mistakes again.”
  
  Her tired blue gaze then moved to Han and Toko, who cowered behind the man. There was a knowing look in her eye as she exchanged a glance with the terrified girl, as if the news were of little surprise to her.
  
  Mist-Mother began to whisper quietly, her words too soft and muffled to make out. The Spinner, still occupied in its craft, produced a clicking from beneath its mask. “To think it was entrusted to the Little Fish…how truly unwise.”
  
  Despite the gravity of the situation, Elder Haavi’s voice was calm, “Does this one speak truth, Sister Toko?”
  
  “Y-yes, elder… it rose to… to the clouds.” the girl squeaked, her eyes watering up again.
  
  “I see.” Haavi leaned back into her seat, a troubled look on her face, “And you there, burnt one, claim that the sleeping Eye granted you a vision from the Great Spirit? One made shortly before it departed for the skies?”
  
  “A vision gifted to a foul-blooded?” Interrupted The Spinner. It paused its work to twist its head in a complete 360, lowering it closer to Han as if to inspect him with invisible eyes, “Impossible!”
  
  “It does not lie…” Mist-Mother whispered, causing The Spinner to chitter loudly and withdraw without any other objections. Perhaps it too had seen the truth behind Han’s words.
  
  Elder Haavi motioned with a withered hand for Han to come forward, towards both she and the brazier. “Should it be true, then this in itself is a sign as auspicious as you who fell. Tell me, what is it that you saw? Share in your wisdom, so that I may interpret this message from The Great Spirit. It is without a doubt linked to the great omen you fallen stars have been woven from."
  
  The flames in the brazier sparked violet and blue, swirling with shapes half-seen.
  
• AriAriAbabwa
  "A friend?" Rishii's voice was a chaotic mix of hope and fear. She lifted her teary face and shuffled as close to Doi as her arcane prison would allow. The magic holding her rippled as she placed a hand on it, "Do you truly mean that? I... I suppose that even if we don't get out of here, it would be nice not being alone..."
  
  The fragile hope Doi had been spinning from desperation had finally begun to tangle around the poor trapped girl. As fortunate, or perhaps unfortunate as it was, it appeared as though their growing conversation had attracted the attention of a wandering guard. Footsteps approached their room, followed by a glow that heralded the arrival of an elvish lantern. The guard holding it was different from the two who had ushered Doi in, though seemed to be familiar with Rishii.
  
  He peered into the room, a dour look on his otherwise fair features. "What's all this racket? Are you crying again? I told you to quit that, or do you need another reminder?"
  
  The appearance of the guard caused Rishii to shrink away from Doi, huddling fearfully in the corner of her little prison.
  
  Squinting, he glanced over to Doi, "Astell have mercy, another one? We can't keep wasting food on your lot. Tell you what, if I hear another word from either of you, you're both going to the inner sanctum. Understood? I heard that red bitch has been pretty bored as of late. I'm sure she wouldn't mind another Observation."
  
  There was a certain weight behind his last words, one that was not lost upon Rishii. She shivered madly and nodded her head, fearfully complying to his words. Perhaps it would be wise for Doi to do the same?
  

 

[ThatWhichShouldBe]

Han Liuyang
"The vision was given in dire circumstances," Han spoke clearly, "We had sunk into the lake. Toko was dying. My options were few. Though I am divine no longer, I know divinity enough to appeal to what lay within the Eye. The Great Spirit manifested itself and healed Toko's wounds. And then it showed me..."

Prophecy. The giving of it was as much an art of interpretation as anything else. The vision that the Spirit had given him was chaotic, intermingled- It was not a work of clarity, as he had preferred to give in his prime. It was many thoughts bound together. Han pauses for a moment as he collects his memories, closing his eyes to try and clearly see that vision again. The impressions, the ideas communicated by the grace of the Divine.

Then he opens his eyes and speaks with a Prophet's voice.

"Red clouds at sunset. Pale feathers drip blood. Ash falls as rain.
The wolf breathes its last. The darkness stretches on and on.
Pain within, biting, pulling, breaking me bit by bit.
Collared by steel, impaled by steel. Maddened.
Sorrow. Tears."

Han blinks, as he clears his mind.

"I know not what you speak of when you refer to me as 'foul-blooded'. But the Great Spirit told me after, when I spoke with her...

'To speak is to wake the sleeper, and names have no meaning, you must first see to understand.' That was after I asked her for her name."

The burned demigod chuckles.

"She was also very clear that I not seek her out afterwards. Apparently, the next we meet would be of ill fortune."

 

[November Witch]

Autumn Ichor

Status: Weary & cold.

From the look on Elder Haavi’s face, it seemed she was pleased with Autumn’s actions and her respect she was showing them all. She was glad that the customs from her home world seemed to still hold some value here. It was relieving to see nothing she had done so far had seemed to offend them, and only a bonus that the reaction was a positive one. Whether impressed, respected, or heart-warmed, the reaction was good. That only served to calm Autumn further as she waited to hear a response.

It was as good as she could have hoped for. Hospitality and she wouldn’t be held here against her will. However, Autumn had a slight suspicion that if she did try to leave, that giant wolf would be breathing down her neck if she even looked in the direction of the kingdom. Autumn didn’t want to make enemies, in fact, it was the last thing on her list. Though, she would need to talk to the other side as well if she wanted the truth. Besides, she had to make things right. Her inaction led to a death. Autumn would be damned if the body, whatever was left of it if anything, was left to the elements and scavengers.

She was an unbiased third party at the moment. If she could get the story from either side, it was likely it would be somewhere in between their telling's of the story. Autumn knew it would be up to her to find the middle ground. But then what? She had no knowledge of the laws or how one could enact change in this land… She could only hope their status as Star-Fallen gave her some sort of position in both parties. Otherwise, she would just be a nobody spouting nonsense of peace. If that was the case, Autumn wasn’t sure what she could do, if anything. It wasn’t her war to insert herself into and try to negotiate an end to it, as much as she wanted to. If she couldn’t, well…

Maybe she would just have to focus instead on why she was here, and not on stopping some war in a world that wasn’t hers. When it was her turn to speak, she would step forward and bow once more.

“I thank all of you. In order to catch and untangle this truth, I find it necessary to see what both sides have to say. After all, each side has its own story. Only once I hear both sides can I attempt to decipher what is truly happening here.”

Autumn would explain.

“However, this will not be my main goal. I simply wish to find out why I am here, and if there is a way to return home. I’m sure an outsider like me implicating myself into a war that has nothing to do with me is sure to anger some. I doubt most would take a stranger’s opinion on the war anyways. However, a peaceful end is something I will attempt to find while I search for my own answers. As someone whose job it was to debate, compromise and avoid conflicts in my previous life, I can only hope you would take my words at face value. As I now have nothing to prove that.”

Once more, she would step back, allowing for the others to ask their questions, and the council to respond to her words.

 

[YsFanatic]

Sarah quietly listened to the others while the Spinner got to work, and once her wounds were repaired the elder woman got down from Rodal's grasp. Once she slipped off the other ill-fitting boot she stood mostly still, the better let the spirit figure out how to size the garments it was making for her. A pleased, and thankful, grin could be seen on her face while she waited.

Then the prophecy recited from one of the others caught her attention. It sounded like one foretelling destruction, but the question was if it was just for one land, or for the entire world? "I had a bit of an interesting dream encounter as well," she comments briefly before falling silent as the fox-woman said her bit. It was only when she was done that Sarah started to get into more detail.

"Before I start, for introductions, do you prefer something quick or is it your way to get the full thing with any titles and such? Anyway, when I was unconscious earlier I had found myself in some kind of forest that had a bit of a flooding problem. Not far away was an area where the water was far deeper and a gigantic statue of a woman rested there with the head barely avoiding being submerged. The statue was rather beat up as well. As I was observing it from the 'shore', I also noticed some equine shaped heads of aquatic creatures observing me in return, reminded me of the Kelpies you'd find on some worlds. Didn't seem able to communicate and before long they abruptly left after a blue butterfly landed in one of the ruined eyes of the statue, filling it with light that then spread to the other eye. At that time I heard a voice that seemed to come from the water. It said something about 'finding home' and then asked for forgiveness."

"It was at that point the water level abruptly increased and the ground I was standing on vanished. Apparently I had to drown to wake up." She says that last bit with an uncaring shrug. "Felt more real than your standard dream, plus falling unconscious from blood loss isn't something that is conducive to having a dream in the first place. As such I'm inclined it was something trying to make contact with me, which ties into my theory as to why we are here."

"I don't know about the others yet, but I had died in my sleep from old age before waking up here. Considering that the only things I'm good for are exploring other worlds,” this first bit she says with a bit of longing before her tone returns to a more neutral one, “...and fighting any evils that I came across or threatened my home, I'm guessing we were here to stop something evil or to right a wrong. To support that, the Great Light of my home allowed me to go, if the entity summoning us was doing so for unjust or evil reasons then I wouldn't be here. The question is, what is it that we are supposed to fight against or stop? I at least wasn't told anything, which makes me wonder if the entity is currently too weak to do anything else at the moment. As such we'll have to figure out what is going on for ourselves, and that can mean having to travel to other lands to see what information we can find.”

The old woman gives Autumn a nod. “As such the young woman there is on the right track about needing information, I'd just ask that the scope of information be expanded to include stuff like ancient prophecies, legends, mythology, history, anything that might be useful in figuring out what else besides the war that might be going on. If, IF, my theory is correct, we may be facing something far more dangerous than this war before long and I for one would like to have some idea of what I'm up against for once. I'm not expecting you to change your stance about letting her back in, but we would need some way to stay in contact so we can discuss whatever she might find out.” The old swordswoman turns her attention to Autumn. “Not asking you to spy on the invaders either, just asking for information that could indicate if I'm right or not.”

There is another shrug. “I fully acknowledge that I could be wrong though, I'm just basing this on what I've seen and experienced in other realities as well as the information currently available to me. Seeing as I likely only have about two or three years before dying again, basing that on how my body feels currently, and assuming that I was indeed brought here to help deal with a threat, I'd guess it would show up before long.” Sarah gives the Elder and each spirit a brief look before saying one last bit. “If you have any information that may be relevant, regardless if it supports or denies my theory, I'd greatly appreciate it if you would share.”

Juju jmann Solirus November Witch ThatWhichShouldBe

 

[Solirus]

Rodal
Juju ThatWhichShouldBe November Witch YsFanatic ​

Rodal didn't resist as Sarah was withdrawn from his arms, it was a load off his shoulder. And just as soon, people started speaking, however the first thing that had really caught his attention was the creature's calling the tall man a foul-blood. That information was incredibly valuable as it meant that whatever caused himself to be given that title, it also affected the tall man. Perhaps that's why he felt such animosity to the man, it felt so much more natural. It was however odd that the creatures themselves were not foul-blooded, but perhaps Rodal only felt animosity not from mere sight but by their supposed roles. These feelings would need to be monitored, studied, and hopefully controlled.

Next, the tall man spoke, revealing his vision in a fashion Rodal could only find completely annoying and pretentious. If the man was trying to get under his skin, he was succeeding wonderfully. However, his next question asking about what foul blood meant was excellent as it saved Rodal from doing so. He might be useful after all, but Rodal had the feeling he'd be a pain in the ass.

The self-proclaimed neutral party spoke up, she spoke of lofty peace, exclaiming that she'd endeavor to do it whilst also searching for answers herself. If she tried working with both sides at this stage, she would end up impaled with sword and spear from both sides. Though, the aspect that ticked Rodal off the most was her statement of avoiding conflict while also stating her duty to debate in her previous life. Debate was inherently conflict, a conflict of words in which one side defeated the other and gained the side of the spectators. Perhaps it was semantics or an inaccurate choice of words, but it had managed to bother Rodal.

Lastly there was Sarah who simply seemed to vomit words out, he'd have to be cautious when revealing crucial information to her, before she goes around and tosses it out in one of her spews. She seemed completely delusional under normal circumstances, but these weren't normal circumstances, and Rodal was forced it take in all she had to say. One aspect in particular was of her death and how it led her here. Had Rodal also died? Unlikely, he'd made sure no one had followed him, his ears were ready to detect any approaching individual and Leva also made sure to give him sleepless nights at the sight of a squirrel. In essence, his death was out of the question for now.

It seemed now would be Rodal's moment to speak, "Yeah uh, like what's with Foul-blood? I got called that too… a couple of times by others" Rodal didn't want to stick out too much right now and merely prefaced his interest on the meaning of the word.

 

[Juju]

Visions and Omens

Solirus YsFanatic November Witch ThatWhichShouldBe​

The longer Elder Haavi listened to what Autumn said, the deeper the sadness that washed over her aged features. She nodded her head, listening to what the young woman had to say before saying anything of her own. “It was not too many winters ago that my kin and I shared the same view as you, sweet child. Before the elf-kin brought war to our shores, we were a people of peace. War and bloodshed was among the greatest of our taboos. Even now, many of our sister tribes hide away in hopes that the elf-kin will leave us alone. We of Cloud-Home have seen the truth. If we are to defend our home, our way of life, we must fight for it."

“I only ask that you stay to hear my interpretation of this message from the Great Life Spirit. I grow old, and cannot speak for the Great Life Spirit's will as often as I once could.” Despite the bittersweetness of her twilight years, Haavi’s smile was warm and free of any regret, “It will not be until several nights have passed before I may interpret the Great Spirit’s will once more.”

Mist-Mother tilted her head in vague agreement, watching the gathered summoned without eyes. She was silent for the most part, but seemed to be intrigued by the question of Rodal concerning foul-bloods. Cool fog rolled out from the spirit, heavy and calm as the night chill. Her voice flowed out with it, barely a whisper and yet clear for all to hear. “Foul-blooded… those born touched by the impure miasma. The blight of all creation. The unspeakable. That which lurks in the memories of all Spirits. To bear such a thing is to be harbingers of ill-fortune. Harbingers of sorrow. Shunned by the Children out of fear.”

Once more, she extended a long, spindly hand in the direction of Rodal, and then slowly towards Han. “Two here bear such a curse… I extend my pity…”

The spirit’s cryptic words clung to the air like her mist, until it was cut through by Han’s prophetic retelling of his own vision. Elder Haavi carefully studied him from across the brazier, her soft blue eyes flickering with the flames beneath her. With a wizened hand, she reached into a nearby clay pot to retrieve a handful of chalky red powder. As Han spoke, she sprinkled the powder into the fire and squinted at it as he told of his strange vision and meeting with a so-called spirit of the lake.

Haavi gave a frown of thoughtful concern, “This is indeed an ill-omen, as this spirit has told you. These signs you spoke of in your vision, they are omens of death… immeasurable death. Cataclysm.”

There was a silence in the air, broken only by the crackle of flames. Intrigued, the wise spirits peered down from their perches to stare at Han. It was The Spinner who broke the silence first, “This may be true, but one thing rings strange to our ears. There is no spirit who resides in the lake. Even now, the only resident of those depths is the coward Shem. Hmph! Pitiful thing.”

Toko winced at the comment, but said nothing.

All eyes turned to Sarah when she claimed to have had a vision of her own. Strangely, of all present, the one with the most visible response was Toko. As she listened, she placed a hand over her mouth and her eyes widened. Did she know something? If she did, she had no openings to add anything as Sarah continued to speak onward about legend, religion and a great deal of other things.

Elder Haavi unfolded a bundle of leaves and dropped a few stalks into the flames, unleashing a sharp floral scent across the room. She looked already half lost in thought, while the other half loosely listened to Sarah’s speech. What caught her attention the most seemed to be the mention of supposed reincarnation, “The Great Life Spirit is the arbiter of death and life, two halves of the same whole. If you have returned from the realm beyond death… hmm…”

With a slow movement, Haavi reached into the folds of her robe to pull out a bone knife carved with countless runes. She held a hand above the flames and drew the knife across her palm. The moment the first drops fell onto the flames, a change enveloped the room.

Every candle, hanging lantern or burning incense in the room was snuffed out in an instant. In the darkness, smoke lingered, reflecting the burst of light from the brazier. It burned in a blooming of red, pinks, violet and blue, shimmering with star-bursts of sparks. The magenta smoke clung around Haavi like a cloudy snake, enveloping her in a hazy shroud. Through it, her eyes glowed a bright blue, wide and staring directly ahead.

“Reincarnated ones… blessed by the Great Spirit itself. You who have defied ultimate end. An omen of great destruction. Of cataclysm. To pierce the heart of this world and the fabric of fate itself. The very embodiments of change. I see… renewal and… Great Spirit, have mercy. The End of all things. One and the same. The eyes of the world. Unravel the chains of the past. I… I do not understand…”

Something overcame the flames, twisting it up until the fire left the wood and brazier behind, rising up in a flickering ball of heat and smoke. As a flaming orb, it floated up, the light sharpened within it into the shape of a giant eye. It swivelled down, and no matter how many angles it was looked at, all the summoned would see the exact same thing;

The eye was looking directly at them.

A deep burning sensation had dug into their head, along with a vaguely familiar voice.

“M y‎ ‎ ‎ c h i l d r e n…”​

Both The Spinner and Mist-Mother let out inhuman shrieks before they fell to the floor, their forms shivering uncontrollably as they seemed to be resisting some unseen force. Even Toko was overcome with it, squatting down with her hands clutched tightly to her head and her eyes screwed shut in agony. Tears streamed down her face as she cried out in pain, begging for it to stop. The only one who didn’t seem to be in pain was Haavi, who was stuck in a trance. Though the bright blue light seemed to drip down her face like tears.

Staring at the flaming eye would cause intense pain to anyone who dared to, though it was the only way to witness it change from swirling red smoke into a blinding golden-white. Staring at it would make one’s vision blurry, but it also filled their mind with whispers. If they focussed on it long enough, they might be able to understand what the whispers were saying. However, the pain in their eyes left the question whether this could be harmful or not. Of course, there was always the option of ignoring it.

As chaos unfolded inside, so too did it unleash beyond the shrine. An enormous clap of thunder shook the foundations of the shrine and wind rushed in, stirring the draping fabrics and wind chimes into a violent flurry. A few of the medallions and charms broke from their ropes, crashing against the floor and walls. Strangely, most of them seemed to fling towards Haavi, Toko and the spirits, shattering against them unless someone tried to shield them. Some were quite large, and could cause significant harm to the humans.

The wind howled like a monstrous thing, and yet it was drowned out by an enormous wailing-roar that came from outside, originating from the pillar of floating rocks that now made its home above the lake. Clouds from the night sky were pulled in its direction, condensing around the pillars in a twisting, miniature hurricane. Lightning crackled throughout the clouds, shivering in the rapid winds. With the clouds rushing towards the isolated storm, the rest of the night sky was visible once again.

---

seasonedcat jmann​

Both Zareth and Gamma would feel the change in the winds at roughly the same time as the other summoned in the shrine. If either of them looked back at the shrine, they would see a beam of bright light radiating from the walls of the shrine. As both of them were outside, they would also have a clearer vision of the storm that suddenly condensed around the floating islands above the lake. As both of them were acquainted with magic and the patterns of storms in this world, they could both easily tell that this was not a natural phenomenon. Between them, Zareth would sense an uptick in the arcane energy in the air... as well as some concerning signs that he had read about in his studies into the leylines (check your DMs)

 

[YsFanatic]

Toko's reaction to what she had been saying caught Sarah's attention immediately, but the swordswoman decided that she'd give the other woman a chance to speak up on her own before questioning her about it.

But then Elder Haavi did her ritual and everything went to shit. The pain in her head did not stop her from glaring back at the eye. She had suffered through pain far worse than this more times than she cared to remember. This minor inconvenience would not cause her to look away or back down. However this didn't mean that she ignored what else was happening around her. As some of the various decorations started to be tossed through the air by the wind, Sarah reacted as quickly as her newly-healed body could manage. The nearly translucent, blue shape of her Mana Shield appeared on her left forearm as she stepped in front of the Spinner who had been right next to her, using it to block some of the items that were flying towards the spirit. But neither that, nor the impact of one of the charms against the swordswoman's head, tearing the skin and causing blood to pour down her face, would cause Sarah to lose her focus on the eye. The whispering seemed to get clearer the longer she glared at it, and if there was any information to be gleaned from the whispers the older woman was going to get it.

 

[ThatWhichShouldBe]

Han Liuyang

“Foul-blooded… those born touched by the impure miasma. The blight of all creation. The unspeakable. That which lurks in the memories of all Spirits. To bear such a thing is to be harbingers of ill-fortune. Harbingers of sorrow. Shunned by the Children out of fear.”

Han's eyebrow shoots up in realization as Mist-Mother speaks of the nature of being 'foul-blooded'. Touched by the unspeakable, the blight, the impure..... before a hearty guffaw spills from his throat. His hand clutches for a moment at his stomach, as he leans on a conjured spear, the King having to catch his breath after that burst of almost painful laughter. He finally clears his throat, wincing a bit at the pain of some of his wounds, before the Sun-King speaks in explanation.

"Ah! I died in battle defeating those twisted, hungry things gather like flies at the edge of Creations- That is likely the touch that you see. Yes, indeed, it would be Foul-blooded..."

Han Liuyang shrugs, grinning.

"But it is a mark I will wear with pride. It was earned with a worthy deed, and so I feel no shame for it."

There was a silence in the air, broken only by the crackle of flames. Intrigued, the wise spirits peered down from their perches to stare at Han. It was The Spinner who broke the silence first, “This may be true, but one thing rings strange to our ears. There is no spirit who resides in the lake. Even now, the only resident of those depths is the coward Shem. Hmph! Pitiful thing.”

"It may be a spirit you know not yet of, or perhaps a spirit that only manifests rarely, and does not truly dwell in the lake."

Han would go on to describe the scaled white spirit, with its humanoid torso and its long sinuous body, before.... Haavi begins to prophesy in her own way. The once-God listens closely, lending his ears to her words, trying to decipher them as she speaks. The Star-Fallen were a sign of a great change, cataclysm and renewal. Haavi may not have quite understood, but Han has seen the changing of ages twice before. The Wheel ever turns. A time of heroes and monsters was coming for this world, for however long it had remained in stasis before. A sword-age, a wind-age, an age of Legend.

"The eyes of the world.... the chains of the past...." Han mutters, before his eyes sparkle. "The Eye! When it floated up, it rose up islands from the water, bound to the lakebed by great chains. Ha! And some say prophesies are never helpfu-"

And then the flames blaze anew, and a great red eye appears in the flames. Agony washes over the spirits, Toko, and all those there. But Han, despite the agony, he does not look away. His eyes are wide, bloodshot. That Eye, that thing, lay in the crux between God and Horror, between World-Upholding Divinity and World-Breaking Outsider. Objects in the room begin to fly, and far off he can hear the howl of the floating rocks. The moment Han sees how they move, striking for Toko, Haavi, and the spirits, Han realizes this- this is an attack.

The spear in his hand unfurls immediately, long chain-blades extending out as Han grits his teeth. Even Han had his limits, and he was far from at his best. But since when had he ever let that stop him? The Sun King roars as the blades begin to whirl through the air, Han pushing himself hard as he dashes before Toko and Haavi. They were the least durable of all the subjects attacked by the flurry of thrown items, and so his chain-blades began to sing at blistering speeds. They act to deflect as many of the incoming items as he can, Han interposing himself between the objects and his chosen charges where his skill-at-arms fails.

"SOMEONE DOUSE THAT DAMN FLAME BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!"

Han cannot move from this spot, he's barely defending Haavi and Toko well enough as it is, but someone else had to stop this. He didn't know how long the Spirits could hold out against that dreadful golden eye, but he had no intention of testing their resilience!

 

[November Witch]

Autumn Ichor

Status: Fearful & Concerned.

Autumn understood Elder Haavi’s words and what she asked. However, Autumn didn’t know if she could oblige with the request. It was clear there were many here who despised her, and wanted her dead. She felt as if the longer she was here, the more and more danger she would be in… Though, when did that ever stop her in her past life? Visiting other kingdoms as a diplomat or emissary, even if her country was enemies with, or even at war with the other. As much as she didn’t like the thought, Autumn sighed. She would likely relent and end up staying a few days, waiting for Elder Haavi to commune with the Great Life Spirit.

She’d listen as the vocabulary word of the day was explained. Autumn didn’t exactly know what it entailed specifically. But she was glad that she wasn’t considered a foul blood. The conversation would move onto what Han had seen, then move further as Haavi once more added an ingredient to the brazier before her. Blood. What happened after was something Autumn certainly wasn’t expecting. A flaming orbital emerged from the searing bright explosion of colors. A voice tore into her mind and seared itself into Autumn’s brain. She looked at it only for a moment before the pain set in and she would look away once more. The scene was so chaotic, and everything started unfolding so fast…

Autumn froze for a moment, her mind catching up to everything. She wasn’t a soldier or used to situations like this. Acting fast wasn’t a strong suit of hers in something like this. For a few seconds she stood there and attempted to figure out what to do. Should she help? She really wanted to, but Autumn knew her limits. She wasn’t strong enough to stop most of the items. Nor was she very resilient. She was in the same boat as the others. If any of the items being flung around hit her, she knew she would definitely suffer broken bones, or worse.

While her body may not be the best, her mind was sharper. This was a ruin, so finding rocks was easy enough. In a moment, she had a few fist sized rocks, and she’d aim before throwing them at the bigger items that were hurling towards people, knocking them off course, and causing them to slam into the ground, just inches away from their targets. Unfortunately, Autumn wasn’t a professional pitcher. So, a few missed, and after just a handful of throws, she was out of ammunition. All the while, ignoring the eye. There was nothing for her to do at this point, so she went to the smallest, lightest, easiest person to move, who happened to be Toko; and move with her towards the exit. If they could just get away from that thing, then they would be out of immediate harm.