Finished Orson's Feast: Communion

[Clyvelle]

Absence of an adversary did not cause Akim to drop his guard--though he was hopeful of the beast's demise. In the moments following the avian's apparent defeat at the hands of the bearkin monks, Akim had the second wave form a circle around the first wave. Those of the first wave, which had just released bolts at the avian, now bore a badly singed arm that hung limply at their sides. Once eyes were set in every direction, Akim began sending members of the first wave out in pairs to locate, defend, and escort the remaining survivors to the sanctuary as best they were able. Due to their proximity to the front of the line when the dark bird had appeared, Hathaway and company would be among the first to be reached.

-----

Ciu'nan
| Fae | Crusader |

Spoiler: Titles

[Crusader] - character is pursuing a dangerous goal that threatens to bring change to many and has already shed blood toward the cause. When their spirits are low, they will find the strength to persevere. When their morale is high, it will be as if [god] were on their side.

Ciu'nan looked around at the small group that had assembled. There was herself, Beni, as well as Wei, who was charged with getting them to the sanctuary, Beh'zig, who was cradling in his arms the body of his sickly mate, Anasi, and lastly, Hathaway, the priest that stood alone against the shadowy menace that now terrorized those traveling to the sanctuary.

Ciu'nan couldn't help but stare at Anasi. The form of the half-giantess lay limp and unmoving in Beh'zig's arms. Though she was obscured by a thick cloak that covered most of her, there was no sign of life from within....

Then beside her was the shivering form of Beni. Ciu'nan lifted the loop of her shackled arms andwrapped them around the rabbitkin--much to her protest. She pushed at Ciu'nan, even digging her tiny claws into her arms as she tried to pry the fae off her. This time, however, Ciu'nan did not relent to Beni's desire to be left alone.

"You're shivering! We're all wet and cold! Now stop being foolish and let me comfort you in what way I can!" Ciu'nan hissed at the stubborn girl, who eventually realized she was not strong enough to force Ciu'nan away.

Meanwhile, Wei would reassure Hathaway.

"Don't worry. Master Akim will do all he can for the stragglers. I imagine he'll be the last one inside the sanctuary knowing him. Still, it remains to be seen what this beast of a bird is looking to do. We've never had this much trouble during the feast...."

When the monks arrived, they would take stock of how big a group they were dealing with, as well as what injuries, if any, were present. Hathaway would note the marred state of their arms, which had thrown the bolts. A discerning individual might pick up on the traces of pain in their expressions, which were disciplined to minimize such displays.

"We'll wait here a moment longer, but prepare yourselves to move. Once we leave cover, we can't stop until we reach the sanctuary." said one monk as he peered around the side of the weathered column. As he spoke, a thin pillar of light appeared above the sanctuary. "It would seem the ritual has begun."

 

[Kenju Law]

Hathaway

Titles: [Human], [Priest], [Landless Lord]
Clyvelle
​

Hathaway peeked in curiosity at the interaction between Beni and Ciu'nan. He wasn't aware of what happened transpired between them while he was separated, but they seemed to have formed a unique bond. The young man wasn't sure of what to make of it or Ciu'nan's current affairs at the moment. There was however a bit of hope in his eyes once he heard Wei mention the work Akim was doing to help those they had gotten separated from. "That's reassuring to hear. He always manages to surprise me. I should know better by now. What a respectable Master I've found myself under." he spoke with a tone of relief.


Hathaway's eyes would wonder at Akim and his fellow monks. There, he was reminded of the cost of their power. The mangled and burnt messes of their arms was that reminder. The priest grimaced at the horrible sight and the pain they must be enduring. He didn't waste any further time, Hathaway almost ran over to the nearest injured monk he could find. "Your work and sacrfice are appreciated. Please, let me do what I can to ease you." he would say before holding a hand near their arms. The palm of his hands would glow and shower a ray of healing light onto the damaged areas. The priest would proceed to use the full range of his Healing capabilities on the rest of the monks while they still had time.

As he did his work, Hathaway would find the pillar of light up ahead and with grim but hopeful determination, peered at it. Hoping that this would be the answer to their prayers.

 

[Clyvelle]

Moments passed in tense silence intruded upon only by the rain. The bird still had not yet appeared. Victory was looking more likely with each peaceful moment that passed, but the terrors of the day--especially those which it had personally instilled--made everyone hesitant to accept such an ideal outcome. Akim still oversaw the efforts to recover those scattered along the length of the trail.

When Hathaway came running from cover to tend to the monks, Akim would start to shout orders for him to return to cover. The priest would not be dissuaded as he ran into the circle of monks, beginning to heal them despite protests.

"Foolish boy! Don't you know that a student should obey their master's orders?" Akim scolded Hathaway as the monks allowed him into the innermost circle. When Hathaway began healing their arms, Akim clenched his jaw.

Why would this stranger risk himself time and time again for us...?

"Fine then. Another pair head down the path. Keep an eye out for the human artist." Akim said, as another pair ventured off into the path. "As for you, priest, when you've finished there, two monks will escort you into the sanctuary." It was hard to tell with his gruff speech, but there was something in Akim's eye that hinted at approval of Hathaway's fearlessness.

-----

Ciu'nan
| Fae | Crusader |

Spoiler: Titles

[Crusader] - character is pursuing a dangerous goal that threatens to bring change to many and has already shed blood toward the cause. When their spirits are low, they will find the strength to persevere. When their morale is high, it will be as if [god] were on their side.

Ciu'nan held onto Beni while they waited for the signal to move. While the bunnykin had resisted at first, she seemed to welcome what warmth Ciu'nan's embrace afforded her.

Both monks watched the path. One watched for Akim's signal to advance, while the other watched overhead for sign of the bird's return. Eventually, the signal did come, and they motioned for everyone to get up. A final moment was taken to survey their surroundings before one monk took off. The other monk waved everyone on, bringing up the rear after they had all left.

The path taken was mostly straight but favored the cover granted by the fallen stones littering the area. Akim only glanced at them as they passed, shouting orders for another pair, freshly healed by Hathaway, to go out. They had covered much ground without incident.

When Ciu'nan's group neared the front of the bear statues outside the entrance, a roar could be heard from within the sanctuary. The column of light overhead flickered as its yellowish light began turning darker. The monks would encourage everyone to quicken their pace as they ran inside.

Passing through the outer wall, they would enter a roofless space full of deteriorated columns. Up above, frayed pieces of cloth that had once served as decoration fluttered in the wind. The tiled floor was cracked with entire section missing, being presently filled in with rainwater. Straight out from the entrance were three decently sized braziers, two of which were burning brightly. The middle one had yet to be ignited. Off to the right, Lady Bao was sitting on the floor propped up against a column. In the middle of the courtyard between the entrance and the braziers, Jia was fighting ferociously against the pilgrim, who seemed to be using magic to deflect his blows. Even so, the pilgrim had visibly suffered damage already as his garments were shredded and his mask had been torn off. Now his true form had been unveiled.

Upon seeing Jia in combat, the monks guided the group off to the right near Lady Bao before leaving them to join Jia. The councilbear snarled at them as they approached.

"Stay back! If you want to be useful, go get Akim!" screamed Jia.

An ominous grin spread across the pilgrim's face before waving his staff. A burst of feathers manifested and swarmed towards the monks, thoroughly skewering them before they had time to react. Jia roared again before charging the pilgrim.

 

[Kenju Law]

Hathaway

Titles: [Human], [Priest], [Landless Lord]
Clyvelle
​

Despite Akim's orders telling him to evacuate, Hathaway remained resolute in his goal to heal the monks however he could. "I'm sorry Sifu Akim, but if these men are going to risk their lives for us, I see no reason why I shouldn't do the same!" he yelled with with no trace regret in his tone. Admittedly he was scared of the possibility the feathered beast returned but he couldn't allow that fear to risk the lives of others.

Once he took care of his business healing, Hathaway allowed himself to be escorted to the sanctuary. As he walked slowly through the rain, he took careful breaths to help regain his stamina. "So this is the much talked about sanctuary..." the priest spoke casually thinking back of all the hopes from all the people here. Just as he was thinking that, the pillar of light emitting from the sanctuary began to fade into a darker shade. Seeing this, an ominous chill ran through Hathaway's spine.

"I've got a bad feeling about this." Hathaway called out in nervousness. Hurrying along with the monks inside, the priest noticed two things. The first was Jia fighting against an unknown stranger. Second was Lady Bao laying propped up against a pillar. "Lady Bao, answer me, how are you feeling?! What's going on?!" Hathaway yelled as he rushed to her side and checked her for a pulse.

At the same time, he was witness to the horrible sight of the Monks Jia had come with be torn to bloody pieces by the pilgrims rain of feathers. Hathaway was in shock at the sight that was now a mess of crimson chunks that used to be bearkin. "....Ahh.. You heard what he said, get Akim! I'll tend to Bao!!" the priest desperately called out to one of the monks that had came with him. "Help me get her out of here!" he referred to the second monk he had arrived with. There was no way he could carry her himself, he needed help in order to get her and everyone else out of danger!

 

[Clyvelle]

The pairs of monks being sent out were rounding up what villagers remained. Bai and Bolin could be seen coming up the path with Karsh in tow. Hathaway finished healing the injured monks that had not been sent out yet, then two of those monks escorted him into the sanctuary. They would arrive in time to see the pair of monks that had escorted Ciu'nan be slain by the volley of feathers. Jia's orders would be shouted at Hathaway's monk escort, who would quickly retreat after Hathaway ran to inspect Lady Bao's condition. At Hathaway's calling, she weakly opened her eyes, squinting at him.

"It's much too late, dear...We'll go...pick mushrooms in the...morning. Hurry on home...now...." she murmured as her head lolled to the side.

Physical examination would show she's still breathing. Her body had suffered blunt trauma along the left side. Additionally, there were was no obvious sign of external injury save for a cut on her left palm. Ciu'nan and Beni were standing behind the column Bao leaned against, keeping it beween them and the pilgrim as much as possible.

-----

Ciu'nan
| Fae | Crusader |

Spoiler: Titles

[Crusader] - character is pursuing a dangerous goal that threatens to bring change to many and has already shed blood toward the cause. When their spirits are low, they will find the strength to persevere. When their morale is high, it will be as if [god] were on their side.

Ciu'nan was just as confused as Hathaway was when she entered the sanctuary. Wei had guided them over to where Bao sat, while the monks ran to assist Jia. He stood between his group and the pair locked in combat. His expression betrayed his desire to run to Jia's side, but duty anchored him to his spot.

Beni was trying to rouse Lady Bao as well, receiving a similar nonsense reply as Hathaway would when he arrived.

"What's wrong with her?" Beni asked, her voice full of emotion.

Ciu'nan's attention was on the fight between Jia and the pilgrim. The latter was nigh unrecognizable with his mass of feathers and misshapen hands and feet. Both he and Jia wore tatters as their vicious clawing back and forth had torn cloth and flesh into bloody ribbons. Crimson trails ran down their forms and pooled around them in the puddles. Jia's wounds were healing even as more were inflicted, but his fur was turning white at an alarming rate.

"Only two fires were lit...." Wei murmured aloud. "Will it work without Misha...?"

This made Ciu'nan look at him.

"What do you mean, Wei?" she asked from behind the pillar.

Wei kept his eyes on the fight as he recited an ingrained passage.

"Three braziers for three bears of Kruhrin.
At feast's end, light flames therein.
Atop the kindling a sprinkling from each
With offering of blood let us beseech
That Orson will dine with us once more
That all that is lost may be restored."
​

Realizing what he had said might sound confusing, he continued, "The braziers need to all be lit, and our leaders must sprinkle their own blood in the fire for the ritual to be complete. Orson won't appear any other way."

Jia and the pilgrim were locked in furious exchange of claw and talon. Though the pilgrim still held his staff and had just displayed his ability to conjure spells, he seemed content to take Jia on with mundane strikes. When they parted, the pilgrim would utter crazed statements between his breaths.

"He which flies on four wings bids all creatures bow in his shadow. Offer your body as living victuals for the sky's shadow."

Jia did not offer much in reply, save for spitting some blood that had pooled in his mouth. The man's incoherent rambling offered the councilbear a moment to catch his breath at least, which seemed more grateful for with each passing moment.

"The beast, the human, the fae--all creatures must pass under the Four Wings. Even children must be weighed of their worth! Pass your younglings through the winged shade and prove their worth!"

Jia leapt at the pilgrim, reaching his claws with intent to tear, but the pilgrim simply leapt away. His feathers wafted to the floor in his wake.

 

[Kenju Law]

Hathaway

Titles: [Human], [Priest], [Landless Lord]
Clyvelle ​

Having inspected Lady Bao, Hathaway took notice of the internal damage along her left side. Along with that was the cut along her left palm. Did she cut her own palm before being knocked away? It wouldnt be easy to knock away a bearkin of her size. Their enemy must be quite formidable to do that and be able to hold out against Jia.


"Don't waste your breath. I won't be leaving you behind." Hathaway reprimanded Lady Bao's demand as he hovered his hand over her left side. Hathaway took a deep breath in order to gather the mana he needed after healing the other monks earler. Light releases from his hand, healing the injured side of Lady Bao's body. While he was doing that, he kept an eye on the otherside of the pillar at the ongoing battle.


The fight was a bloody frenzy not to be unexpected from what happened earler. All their tensions were high in nervousness in what could happen to Jia. "Their visage...its very similar to that of the blacked feathered monstrosities we fought before. Just what is it that they want!?" Hathaway frustratingly uttered at the creature that blocked their path. The priest wanted to help, but he knew that if he did, there was a chance he would draw the feathered enemy's attention their way and that would put the already injured Lady Bao in further danger.

"Judging by the wound on her palm it seems as if Lady Bao already gave her blood and I have no doubts about the amount of blood Jia is losing right now. Then does that mean we still need to wait for Sifu Akim to arrive?" Hathaway assessed the situation, calming himself down while doing so. The old bearkin master couldn't get her fast enough. However, what could they do to help without getting in Jia's way? "Orson, lend us your aid.." he muttered helplessly.

 

[Clyvelle]

Outside the sanctuary, the monks sent by Jia ran, shouting to Akim. "Sifu! Sifu! Jia's in trouble!" Upon hearing their cries, Akim quickly directed one of his students standing by to take over the recovery effort outside. In the span of a blink, Akim had disappeared from where he stood in the midst of them leaving a momentary gap in the rainfall where he had been.

Bai and Bolin were in process of entering the sanctuary. Upon crossing the threshold a stray barrage of feather projectiles narrowly missed them. All three gasped as they immediately about-faced and went to stand outside under one of the bear statues. They were abruptly forced to the side as something barely visible rushed past them.

Hathaway's healing magic seemed to soothe Lady Bao as well as close up her injuries. Her face seemed to relax, but she did not wake up. The priest would feel the hair on the back of his neck stand up after his prayer to Orson.

-----

Ciu'nan
| Fae | Crusader |

Spoiler: Titles

[Crusader] - character is pursuing a dangerous goal that threatens to bring change to many and has already shed blood toward the cause. When their spirits are low, they will find the strength to persevere. When their morale is high, it will be as if [god] were on their side.

The scene seemed to be coming together in Ciu'nan's mind. They had come all this way to light those fires and summon this deity of theirs, but with Misha gone, there was uncertainty about how to go about the ritual. Then there was the bird and this pilgrim, who seem intent on disrupting the ritual. It seemed they had done all they could from what Ciu'nan could tell. The councilbears were not all present, thus the ritual could not be complete. Had all of this really been for nothing?

Even if that was the case, they still had a murderous manbeast loose in the sanctuary. Beni was still in danger--as were everyone else present. They couldn't stand by and hope Jia saves them--again.

"Wei loose my shackles." Ciu'nan said as she stepped out from behind the pillar. "I can't just stand here and hope this all plays out in our favor. Let me fight."

Wei turned to her and folded his arms.

"I'm afraid I can't do that. We put you in shackles for a reason. Don't think I'm about to free you and hope you don't suddenly turn on Jia at this critical point in the fight. Besides--"

"Get down!" Ciu'nan screamed while tackling Wei as a shower of feather projectiles littered the entire area of the sanctuary. While everyone ducked away from the attack, a dark figure dashed over the braziers towards Jia and the pilgrim.

It was hard to see between two fighters of their caliber, but Jia was slowing down. His strikes were becoming fewer, and his dodges were almost coming too late. While his injuries from fending off the shadow avians and frogs outside of the monastery had healed incredibly fast, they were remaining longer and longer as new ones were being inflicted. All color had left his fur, leaving him as a shock of white in the bleak interior of the sanctuary.

The pilgrim seemed to pick up on this--though he too seemed fairly winded himself. His maniacal chatter had become more sparing as the fight dragged on. Now with Jia's ferocity dying out, the pilgrim seemed to favor keeping his distance and relying on his conjuring abilities. Thus the sanctuary began to be littered with stray feather projectiles as the pilgrim danced away from Jia. One such stray volley was sent towards the group around Lady Bao. Another was sent towards the entrance as Bai and Bolin were trying to bring Karsh inside.

The ferocity with which Jia had been fighting the pilgrim came with a cruel level of focus. Jia was so intent on defeating his opponent that he was no longer aware of the others in the sanctuary with him. This same focus had driven him beyond his natural limits. Now his body was bruising from internal injury due to the musculature giving out on him.

Jia stumbled into a kneeling position as his leg gave out while attempting to dodge the pilgrim's latest barrage of feathers. He would not clear it in time. Only now did Jia feel it: his body was returning to normal. The potent regeneration he had been enjoying would not save him this time. His strength was failing him as well. He was exceedingly tired. All of this became clear to him in an instant as the feathers came at him in slow motion. Suddenly....

"A...Akim?!" Jia gasped as he looked his friend in the eyes.

Akim stood looking down at Jia as a pained smile spread across his face. Blood trickled out the corner of his mouth as he sank to his knees.

"That's...the fastest I've ever ran...I...think...." Akim spoke while coughing. His body fell forward as Jia reached out to catch him.

 

[Kenju Law]

Hathaway

Titles: [Human], [Priest], [Landless Lord]
Clyvelle ​

The hairs rising on the back of Hathaway's neck only slightly registered to him under the heavy duress they were in. His instincts did what they could to cover behind the pillar along with Lady Bao in order to shield themselves against the rain of feathers that hurled at them. They couldn't continue like this. If Jia was taken out, then they would be next on the chopping block. Listening in on the conversation between Wei and Ciu'nan around the pillar, the priest interjected, "We can't do this ourselves, Wei! We could all lose our lives! Please trust in Ciu'nan!" He sincerely hoped Wei would come to his senses before it was too late.

From the looks of it, that time was coming soon. Hathaway's blood began to run cold as he saw the life force draining away from Jia. Without a doubt, this pilgrim was just as dangerous as the large raven he had faced earlier. He wanted so desperately to go out there and help, but the same terror plagued his heart. The same visage of the giant raven of death looming over him overtook his mind. Certainly, if he showed any sign of asserting himself, only a painful death awaited him. "No..." Therefor, he could only watch regretfully and agonizingly as the feather blades rained down on Jia.

That was when an unexpected turn of events occurred. A blast of wind blew past Hathaway and the next thing he knew, there was Jia holding an injured Akim. The shock was enough to light a spark that allowed the priest to be unchained by his fear and make a mad dash for the two bearkin. It was seeing Akim once again that he remembered. Weren't the monks the ones that saved him? Not only that, but there were many that were either injured or dead out of the risk of saving Hathaway on that road against the giant raven. They must have been terrified themselves and yet they still summoned the courage to face it.

If that were the case, then the least Hathaway could do, was risk his life in return. Afterall, the reason Hathaway became a priest was to give thanks to the kindness given his way. If he were to dishonor that path, then his mother would truly be dead. So there Hathaway was, both keeping away from the pillar near Lady Bao and getting near Jia and Akim. "Keep your eyes on me, fowl creature! Illuminating Flare!!" he shouted at the pilgrim while running, releasing a blinding flash of light at it's direction. While he used that to keep the enemy distracted, the priest breathed carefully to gather mana once he made it to Akim and Jia. "Now, Accelerated Healing Rays..." he spoke while trembling.

Hathaway would go beyond his normal limits and use Illuminating Healing Rays Flux to divide his healing magic between the two bearkin in order to heal them both at the same time.

 

[Clyvelle]

The rain pelted the mountaintop where Orson's Sanctuary was situated. Droplets trickled down off the partial wall built to set apart the ritual ground from the rest of the terrace. There in the center of the plaza were three braziers, a column of tainted light rising from their midst. Two braziers were lit, but the central pot still yet awaited its flame.

Bearkin began gathering around the entrance to the sanctuary as a few monks took a couple cautionary steps inside. Concerned stares focused across the sanctuary on Jia, who now held the crumpled form of their master Akim. Emotions were high at the sight of Akim's state and even the pilgrim seemed to take a moment to relish the unexpected victory over one of the supposedly elite bearkin. Having had his fill, he now leveled his staff at Jia to continue his dark work.

As his sceptre began to glow while he prepared his attack, however, he was interrupted by a harsh flare of light. The pilgrim's eyes shut tight against the holy radiance as he blindly fired the spell he had been preparing. A wide volley of feathers shot in Hathaway's general direction, but none would find their mark. At this point, it felt as if the entire back half of Hathaway's body had an intense case of static cling. He would feel a sensation as though something immaterial were touching his shoulder as a voice from behind calmly instructed him, "Help Jia get Akim to the last brazier, my boy."

The sensation on Hathaway's shoulder receded as its owner moved between him and the pilgrim. He was a softly glowing figure that was somewhat translucent. He was of average height and build as far as bearkin go. Standing in his presence, one could feel a staticky sensation on the side closest to him. This could be no other save for one: Orson.

The pilgrim blinked a few times as his sight returned before seeing the softly glowing figure now in front of him. Raising his staff the pilgrim hurriedly conjured a spell. This time the black projectiles took the form of a murder of crows rushing from the tip of the sceptre towards the glowing figure, but the entire spell was lost, instantly disintegrating as it hit the glow emanating a few inches around Orson's body.

"Come out of him." Orson commanded. The pilgrim's face contorted as a bizarre sound resembling the distressed squawking of a bird escaped him. Orson took a step towards him while raising his hand as the pilgrim began stepping back. "I said, come OUT of him." Orson repeated his command. The pilgrim, like an animal backed into a corner, growled as he suddenly lunged towards Orson. "COME OUT!" Orson said a third time, making a short vertical chop with his hand. Upon doing so, a bolt of lightning descended directly onto the pilgrim, dropping him to the floor.

Once the lightning bolt had coursed through him, the pilgrim reared back as he inhaled a raspy breath. He began dry heaving as his chest began to swell unnaturally. A bulge traveled up his chest, expanding his neck far beyond natural limits, and pried open his mouth as a black beak poked out. The pilgrim's body writhed as the rest of the avian was forced up and out through his mouth. The stray feathers on the pilgrim's body disintegrated away, and his avian features reverted to their normal human appearance. As the pilgrim collapsed unconscious, the expelled avian strutted around in a slithering manner, growing until he was slightly taller than Orson. His white eyes fixated on the glowing bearkin.

"Just the bear I came to see." hissed the bird.

"I accept all guests at my feast, creature. It is an open invitation given to all beings. Your actions here today, however, have revoked your invitation, and thus your right to be here." Orson stated firmly.

"Not so. Look there at your braziers and the tainted column of light." The bird cawed with satisfaction as it pointed a wing to the braziers. The column of light above them shone mostly white, but dark strands could be seen coursing through the beam as well. A bitter smoke rose from the central brazier, which had several dark feathers pierced into the coals. "I have come to contest your hold on this sanctuary." Its eyes squinted with malicious glee.

Orson observed the smoking brazier then turned back to the bird.

"The Alpha entrusted this sanctuary to me, and it is only He that can take it from me." Orson said as thunder rumbled overhead.

"We shall see if a bear's grip is so absolute." A menacing hiss escaped the dark bird's beak.

"Not just a bear: a god." Orson corrected as he walked towards the center of the cliff behind the sanctuary.

The bird followed after him, taking up a position across from the bearkin. Orson folded his hands in front himself and bowed his head. The bird spread its wings out and clawed aggressively at the ground. Orson made no move, nor lifted his head. This seemed to agitate the bird as it took flight, rising several feet above the ground where Orson remained in his reverent posture. It circled above Orson a few times, watching him closely, but the bearkin still made no move. The bird whipped a wing at him sending feathers raining down on his location, but these disintegrated in like manner as the ones conjured by the pilgrim earlier.

Making a few more circles overhead, the avian gradually began descending back towards the ground. Touching down not too far from where Orson stood, the bird stared at him questioningly. It was then that he noticed Orson's mouth moving slightly.

"Are you going to stand there muttering your incantations, little bear? Don't you know that you must fight me?" The avian challenged. "If you continue to bore me, I'll go back to slaughtering your kin." At this Orson finally looked up.

"I already smell one of my kin on your breath, creature. Return him to me unharmed."

The bird smiled slyly.

"Will you pray him out of me?"

"Not this time. The Alpha will handle the matter personally."

The bird's head tilted in confusion before a bolt of lightning struck him without warning. In the lightning was the shape of a paw that dug into the bird's back. It drug and raked through the beast's body, tearing it wide open. Then the paw of lightning scooped something out from the bird's torn body and deposited it in front of Orson. The body of the bearkin scout Alexei now lay at his feet. The bird moved no more and actively began disintegrating.

Jia and Hathaway had limped Akim's body over to the braziers per Orson's instruction. Hathaway's heal spell was prevented (Tech: Incurable) by the feathers. Once the bird had been slain, they would see the feathers begin to disintegrate from the brazier. With their dispersal the beam of light cleared up as well. Once the feathers were gone, they would be able to apply Akim's blood to the brazier. The blood sizzled and ignited as though it were oil.

Outside the sanctuary, Orson's translucent body would become opaque and corporeal. He stooped to inspect Alexei, who gradually began to wake at Orson's touch. Looking up, tears welled in his eyes. "I've really missed ya, cuz." Orson patted him on the shoulder then pulled him to his feet. Together they walked back to the sanctuary. At the outer wall, Orson propped Alexei against a partition as he walked into the midst of the monks and townsfolk that gathered. His face saddened as he looked out over the small group.

"So few this year...." he remarked in surprise. "But even more surprising is that it was not the prayers of my monks from the monastery, nor any bear from Kruhrin that summoned me here with their devotion, but the earnest, desperate prayer of a human priest, who only just became acquainted with my name." He lamented, gesturing towards Hathaway. Orson stared at the assembly with obvious disappointment for a purposefully extended moment. "Bring forth the councilbears that my judgment may be passed."

Jia shakily stood to his feet, waving off the hands of those who would help him. He approached Orson alone, his eyes watering as he went. Coming to stand before Orson, the tiny councilbear looked up at the divine being.

"Jia of the Three Bears of Kruhrin stands before you...ready for your judgment." said Jia before clenching jaw.

Orson stared down at him. His expression showed nothing save for a touch of sadness.

"Only one of my pillars is present on my feast day?" It was a rhetorical question spoken with audible sadness and disappointment.

"It's not just me. Lady Bao is over there, injured. She's...she's not right in the mind either. It happened suddenly...seemingly since we left Kruhrin earlier today. Misha left a few days ago with some of our strongest bears to answer an urgent request from a neighboring town." Jia said while staring at the floor.

"Is that so? Some of you standing by, bring Lady Bao forward while I speak with Jia." Orson instructed the monks around them before turning back to Jia. "I sense you have much on your mind, Jia. Tell me what has happened to my beloved Kruhrin. Speak freely."

Jia took a deep, shaky breath as he stared into Orson's eyes. He rehearsed all that had happened during the past week. The attack on him and his assistant. The request for aid from Houisil. The unexpected outbreak of a mysterious plague. The discovery of Ciu'nan's treachery as well as Beni's involvement. The sudden frog attack on their way to the monastery, and the appearance of the dark avian. When he concluded his account, he paused for a moment, appearing to wrestle with his next words.

"You know that I don't revere you in the same way as the rest of the citizens of Kruhrin. I respect your station as our guardian, and I am witness to a handful of times I have personally seen you at work. I can say with all certainty that you have protected us in the past." Jia's jaw clenched again as he cleared his throat. When he continued, he tried in vain to hold back the anger that seeped into his words. "So why...why am I standing here alone with the bodies of my kin and my own assistant, who would have replaced me someday, littering the ground between here and Kruhrin? Where were you?! You wield the divine and yet during the week in which we celebrate your protection, you let every single one of us down! You have come here to judge us, but who will judge you?!"

Orson continued to peer at Jia as his own eyes now began filling with tears. A quiet ensued as Orson closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he spoke in a gentle tone.

"I wield the divine as the Alpha allows me. My power comes from Him. He is also the one who informs me when the region is in danger. My senses are finite, and I rely greatly on the Alpha to keep me updated on changes in the region. It appears that a grievous lapse in communication has occurred, and I was not aware until I appeared here that anything was wrong.
"It is no mystery that the Alpha does not work alone. This sanctuary is just one of many sprinkled across this region bordering three nations. The Alpha relies on these other sanctuaries in part to keep Him informed. I fear that something terrible has happened in the Mountain Roost sanctuary, which is where most of our sense-able cooperators reside. It may very well be connected to this creature that visited such great tragedy on all of you." Orson sighed as he peered down at Jia. "I have heard you Jia, pillar of cunning. It seems that your fellow council members--for reasons of their own, whether right or wrong--have abandoned or otherwise have been unable to fulfill their posts as leaders of Kruhrin. This put an unfair weight on you: a weight that I never intended for one bear to endure alone. Even so, I see that more than a few bearkin have reached this sanctuary thanks to your sacrifice, and, yes, even your cunning. You have proven very soundly that neither I, nor any other creature in this village under your protection, were wrong to put their trust in you. Therefore, Jia I judge you--" Jia suddenly clutched his chest as he sank to one knee. He gasped for breath as his natural fur began to turn white. Orson calmly knelt down and placed a hand on Jia's shoulder. They stared at each other as Jia continued to pant, unable to speak, yet it seemed as though something was conveyed between them. Orson nodded as Jia panted a final time before he collapsed, a small smile spread across his jowls. "Jia has chosen to join me as a guardian of this region, and I have judged him worthy of this honor."

Orson stepped around Jia towards Akim. "As for you Akim, Kruhrin needs you now more than ever. This is not your time." Orson stooped down and touched Akim as golden honey covered his wounds, purifying and healing them. Akim's eyes lolled open as he came back to consciousness. He looked up at Orson as his wounds began to close. Orson continued, "You will fill Jia's seat on the council while a suitable replacement is found. Once such a bear is found, you will make a pilgrimage to the Alpha's mountain."

"Jia...the flower...Bao prepared it for him at his request. It was the only way." Akim said.

"I see. The old methods from the homeland that allowed a beast to trade his life force for temporary power. Jia made a most noble sacrifice. He will make a great guardian." Orson said in a satisfied tone.

"So many have been lost already. I know Jia will still be with us in a fashion, but...must we part ways with him also?" Akim said beginning to sit up.

"That is up to Jia. We won't withhold him from Kruhrin if he is desiring to return on occasion. Perhaps we can make a point to send him to Kruhrin more frequently." Orson said.

"I would appreciate that, master." Akim said breathing a sigh of relief.

Orson patted Akim's shoulder as he continued his evaluation.

As Orson was finishing with Akim, Beh'zig stepped forth, Anasi's covered body still in his arms.

"Forgive my impatience, honored one, but please heal my mate. She is a victim of the plague, and...I don't know what I'd do without her." Beh'zig said, kneeling and setting the body before Orson.

The guardian observed Beh'zig for a moment before kneeling down level with his height. "What is your name, cub?"

Without looking up, he replied, "Beh'zig, sir."

Orson looked down at the covered body that had been placed before him. Kneeling down to inspect her, he lifted the sheet back to peer at Anasi's face.

"This mate of yours...she isn't a bearkin." Orson stated.

"Yes, sir. She's a half-giantess from the East Empire, and I'd die for her." Beh'zig declared without hesitation.

Orson let the sheet fall below Anasi's chin, then picked up her hand and held it for a moment while shutting his eyes.

"I can tell she's very strong--even for being part giant. Very stubborn too. Some might even say 'headstrong'." Orson said as he held her hand. "She's lucky to have you. Like the sun and the moon, you balance one another. Like the bees and the flowers, you were made for each other." As Orson spoke, Anasi's hand began to twitch and slowly grasped his. Beh'zig breathed a sigh of relief as she began to move. Orson patted Anasi's hand and set it back under the blanket she was wrapped in. "How would you feel about taking Jia's vacancy on the council, young Beh'zig? I think you are a perfect fit."

"Oh, sir, I'm only good for repairing tools these days. Surely there is someone better suited for this role."

"Think on it. Both of you. I think you can do a lot of good."

Lady Bao had been set beside Akim, who supported her as his strength returned. Orson rose from tending to Anasi and moved over to where Bao had been placed. She looked up as he approached and smiled kindly. In her paws was the honeypot she had brought from Kruhrin.

"Why, is that you, papa? Did you come to see me on your birthday?" she said sweetly.

Orson did not seem amused. He leaned towards her and extended a paw as though to receive something from her.

"May I see the honeypot, Bao?" Orson asked. Bao cheerfully obliged, lifting the pot up for him to take. Orson took hold of the pot and opened it, peering at its empty interior. Replacing the lid, he leveled his gaze at Bao's oblivious smile. "Jia mentioned that you ran out of honey while tending to the plague victims. How is that possible, Bao, when a single drop contains a portion of my healing power?"

Bao giggled despite Orson's stern tone. The guardian simply continued to stare at her in silence. Gradually, Bao's oblivious demeanor gave way to sadness as she suddenly started weeping.

"It's gone! All gone!" she sobbed. "I ate all the honey. I knew my time was coming, but I did not want to die! I did not want to leave Kruhrin! How could I leave when no one could replace me?"

Orson finally broke his piercing gaze by looking away from Bao.

"In seeking to save your life, you have destroyed not only yourself but the very bears you didn't want to leave. When my honey is abused in this manner, it turns bitter in the stomach and destroys the body. Not even I can heal you now. Your life will end before the feast is over. Thus is my judgment over you Lady Bao."

Orson stood up straight as Lady Bao began to choke. Akim watched in horror as her aged body shriveled to an unnatural degree until she was nought but a husk in his arms. He began to weep as he held her one last time.

"Your leaders have been judged, O Kruhrin. May these consequences serve to guide you into the future. Now, bring forth the prisoners so that we may see what they shall reap."

Beni and Ciu'nan were led forward by Wei, whose face was streaked with tears for Jia.

"Our prisoners, Orson. Ciu'nan, the fae woman who killed Jia's assistant, and Beni, aide to the council who withheld knowledge of Ciu'nan's crime."

Orson looked upon both of them. Beni was surprisingly stoic, considering the many tears and complaints she had made up til now. Ciu'nan returned his stare with hostility. Orson suddenly pointed to Beni.

"We shall start with you, Beni. Betrayal from a friend is far more grievous an offense. At least we expect our enemies to attack us, but to have one we trust hurt us in his way...the punishment must be severe."

"Don't you dare hurt, Beni! It was my fault, you dumb bear! Punish me!"

Orson stared calmly at Ciu'nan.

"I will address you momentarily. Please wait your turn." said he before returning his attention back to Beni. Ciu'nan began moving towards him but was restrained by Wei along with a few of the monks. "Beni, are you ready for your punishment?"

Beni closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Sir, I deserve whatever you deem appropriate. I am ready."

"Very well." Orson approached her and, after a brief pause, handed her the honeypot. "The pillar of wisdom is currently vacant. As punishment, you will fill this role until a more suitable replacement is found."

Beni glanced uncertainly between the honeypot and Orson. Her hands eventually drifted up to accept the pot from Orson.

"S-Sir...?" she finally stammered.

"What better way to remind you that friends and family take care of one another than to put you in a position entirely designed to serve this community?" Orson explained. "Furthermore, you have just witnessed the danger of abusing this honeypot--my gift meant for all of Kruhrin and its guests. Who better to advise the next pillar of wisdom than such a witness?"

Beni was at a loss for words as her eyes darted between Orson, the honeypot, and those standing around her. Overwhelmed by the moment, Beni's faced scrunched as she began to weep. Orson placed a hand on her shoulder. "You came expecting this one mistake to end everything you had in Kruhrin, but fortunately, I do not specialize in endings but beginnings. Let this be a new season for you, little one." Orson then turned to the crowd. "Thus I have spoken. Let those who stand here bear witness! Let no citizen of Kruhrin look down on Beni. From this point forth, welcome her back as one of your own. Wei, release her binds, if you would."

As Wei proceeded to release Beni, Orson looked to Ciu'nan, who was in a similar state of speechless amazement as Beni. She looked to Orson feeling less sure of what to expect from him now. The guardian simply stared at her for an uncomfortably long time, causing her to avert her gaze. She was grateful when Orson began to speak at last.

"What would bring a fae all the way up into my mountain to slay one of my kin in cold blood?" he asked.

A knot began to form in Ciu'nan's throat. She tried to swallow it down to no avail. Thinking she had the right words, she opened her mouth a time or two, but closed it again without speaking. She realized for the first time that she had no explanation for her actions. At some point she became convinced that this was what she had to do. The 'why' behind it was forever lost--if it ever existed in the first place.

"I...I don't have an answer to that question." she said honestly, her tone capturing the sudden revelation.

"Murder without cause? Are you really that heartless?"

Ciu'nan met his gaze. The thought of corporal punishment was looking more and more appealing compared to this present conversation.

"I-I'm not...I'm...kind. They called me the 'merry fae' back home...."

"What changed? It's unusual to foster a reputation like that only to murder some poor creature on a whim."

Ciu'nan sifted her memories. The answer was there somewhere--it had to be. Try as she might, however, she could not recall what made her decide to come to Kruhrin.

"I'm...not sure...It's as if there's a giant hole in my memory. I try to recall, but...nothing is there."

Orson perked up at this.

"A hole in your memory, you say? Hm...." The guardian stroked his chin. "This is worth investigating. If you showed up here and caused harm, who can say how many more will come with similar intent? Maybe our neighbors in Houisil could be next to suffer misfortune." Orson pondered it a moment longer before saying decisively, "You will just have to go with Akim when he departs for the Alpha's mountain! We can discuss the details later, but for now, you will be under our supervision--Wei, if you would be so kind as to release her binds as well. Wei will keep you out of trouble until we can get to the bottom of your mental tampering."

Ciu'nan looked at the floor. "Why are you so trusting...? What if this is all part of the plan to deceive you and cause more harm?"

"Good luck trying to deceive these eyes." Orson said while tapping a finger on his temple. "Now, as I told that dark creature, all are welcome at my feast. Unlike his, I will not revoke your privilege to partake. Do enjoy yourself."


Orson breathed a deep, gratuitous sigh, releasing it in animated fashion. He laughed as he looked around at everyone.

"I think that handles all the important matters, yes? What say we brighten things up?" Orson clapped his paws together as a yellow glow appeared between them. It grew as he pulled his paws apart until he dispersed it over the entire area within the sanctuary. Immediately, the entire vicinity--as well as all creatures and their clothing--became dry and pleasantly warm. The column of light over the braziers receded up into the sky, dispersing the clouds, leaving blue sky as far as the eye could see. In the center of the sanctuary, a long table appeared fully furnished with many food items, dishes, and utensils. Orson approached the table then addressed the crowd once more. "I have longed to share this feast with you, my kin, my friends. Every year I look forward to this time together. Though there has been heaviness today, I assure you that honeyed days are ahead. Beni, could you set the honeypot here in this stand?" Orson asked the rabbitkin, who obliged and did as was asked. Upon coming to rest on the table, the honeypot began to fill to the brim with crystalline golden honey. "Now everyone get a dab of honey before you pass out!" said Orson as he stepped back to allow access to the pot. [Those who partake of the honey are healed of all physical illness and injury up to C-grade.]

While everyone went for the honey, Orson found his way to stand beside Hathaway. He patted the priest on the back.

"It seems you have made quite a stir as well, lad. I was rather surprised when I heard someone beckoning to me in prayer only to arrive at the side of a human priest that I never knew. Are you wishing to convert? Ha, no need to reply. What deity a creature submits to is his own business. That said, I believe that what has transpired here today speaks for itself.
"Rest assured your efforts here have not gone unnoticed--by me or anyone else. Allow me to express my gratitude for getting the honeypot here safely, as well as defending complete strangers against that dark menace. Things might have been entirely different had you not been here." Orson pulls a small bag from inside his robe and hands it to Hathaway. "Take what suits you, then get over there and eat something! You humans always look so frail to us beastkin. I have to do my part to encourage you to put some meat on your bones! Ha ha!" Inside are three items:

[Exact pricing and effects will be provided by grader.]

• Orson Prayer Beads- orichalcum catalyst. enables user to cast Orson's lightning at the cost of health.
  • "As seen used by the bearkin monks, a strand of beads fashioned from orichalcum found rarely in the mountains north of Kruhrin. One bead is larger than the rest and has a depiction of a bear's paw etched into it."
• Feasting Bowl- ceramic bowl that fills with porridge, soup, or rice and meat depending on the time of day (breakfast/lunch/dinner)
  • "A ceramic bowl taken from the magical table bearing Orson's Feast. The dish smells faintly of honey, and all food conjured in it will have a subtle sweetness to it."
• Warding Fork- metallic fork that when struck creates a ward against immaterial threats.
  • "This polished metal fork has a golden tint to its otherwise silvery metal. When struck, it produces an unnaturally long-lasting tone that is said to reach all the way into divine realms. It attests to the persistent belief across cultures that melodic tones from bells, chimes, cymbals, and even tuning forks, have some sort of effect on the divine. Whether the divine attracts, repels, or remains indifferent is another matter altogether."

Epilogue​

In the days following the feast, the honeypot, now in the hands of Beni the interim pillar of wisdom, would return to Kruhrin. Most of the frogs were killed singlehandedly by Jia. Their carcasses were emptied of all humanoids swallowed on the final day of Orson's Feast. Some of those victims, who had by the grace of Orson clung to life after being eaten, were able to be treated with the honey and make a full recovery. These survivors would stand out, having pale flesh that did not grow fur and was commonly disfigured or scarred in some way. The catkin, Gray and White, would be hired to craft rings of cosmetic illusions for those who wanted them.

Those plague victims that had been quarantined in the inn mostly died. Their carcasses became petrified in the final stages of the mysterious illness. Mhu'ati, who had stayed behind to tend to them, was nowhere to be seen when everyone returned from the sanctuary. A mysterious pile of white, powdery residue was found in the lobby of the inn. The structure itself had to be extensively purified with various magical approaches as well as mundane washings using a mixture of water and Orson's honey. Some of the more corrupted articles were burned in a massive bonfire in the meadow behind Kruhrin.

A communal funeral pyre for the deceased would be constructed in the meadow on a separate occasion and different location from the burning of corrupted articles from the plague. Karsh, finally being released from protective custody at the end of the feast, would attend the service for Jia, though he would stand afar off and bid his rival a final farewell in solitude.

The fate of those who journeyed to Houisil remains to be seen....

Eventually, Beh'zig (with STRONG encouragement from Anasi) would accept the position of pillar of cunning. Together he and Wei would start an initiative to develop a countermeasure for the large frogs should they return. With Beh'zig having taken his place on the council, Akim would be free to depart with Ciu'nan for the mountains to the north of Kruhrin.