Pegulis, Chapter 4

[Diana]

BARVELLE STREETS, royalblue

Eirene studiously listened. It was said often in Pegulis if you waited and opened your ears, the world's answers would come to you. Though Castagarian's tale was not filled with the answers she was looking for, it provided a very intriguing avenue of thought. Where there were tales of gods, there were also links to the divine. Could this be an opportunity...?

"I believe your expedition could be arranged..." she responded softly. Leaning in closer to say something else without being overheard.

Even Wolfsin did not catch the request she gave Castagarian.

BARVELLE- NORTHERN LIGHTS DINNER, royalblue

Once the sun dipped low beyond the horizon, the sky lit up in color. But this was not the usual brilliant hues of pinks and violets, dancing among the stars in long fantastic ribbons. Deep reds and cracks of white marred the sky like a splattered paint on a ruined canvas.

"The storm has rolled in faster than expected. We'll suffer the full brunt of it come morning. It may be safer to cancel and send everyone back within the mountain." General Coul stated, standing beside the Northern Archon.

Eirene shook her head, not tearing her gaze away from the sky. "No. This may be the last chance for celebration in a very long while. Let them savor it while they can." Skadi paced around her feet restlessly.


They stood at the edge of a rock and ice garden. Carved in to the side of the mountain, like many of the overlooks in Barvelle. The flatted out floor was artistically designed with inlays and footpaths. At one side of the garden was a gazebo, set with low tables and warm cushions for the evening's viewing. On the other side was a flowing fountain, engineered with thermal gems to keep the water from freezing and sending dreamy wisps of steam floating up in to the air.

There was already a small gathering of people milling about aimlessly or conversing in small groups. Ones that worked within Barvelle's Tower, and those that were members of the council. When one looked down the cliff side, they could see the glow of lanterns, gems and candles lit by the denizens of the city. All over Barvelle people were having their traditional dinners, or special parties in honor of the Lights.

And all over Barvelle strange things were starting to stir, spurred on by the arcane energies collecting in the air as the storm drew closer to Barvelle's doorstep.

 

[Peregrine]

ETHELWEN-BARVELLE, royalblue

It was not easy.

When Ethelwen was finally left alone in the room he took a few deep breaths, ready to try and begin the process. It shouldn't be too hard, he reasoned. It wasn't as though he was being asked to do anything strenuous. All his life, he had been put into situations that expected the utmost patience. His whole time in Barvelle was a similar requirement; patience until the people here accepted him, until he was able to be a part of things and an influential member, at least to those who mattered. There was no rushing trust. And he knew that there was no rushing learning either.

But it was not easy.

He kept waiting to slide into the feeling that had been waiting for him in the dark pool, a sense of imbalance and a loss of the external self. Many times he thought that he was growing close to the answer, as though he had been climbing up a massive hill and was about to crest the top. But, every single time he began to feel that something would distract him. Most of the time it was his own body. Even when he had been out hunting in the wilderness of Pegulis, before he had stumbled across Barvelle, he was allowed to wiggle. A twitch was nothing disastrous. Here, a little twitch would bring him back to the surface of his mind, and he would have to start all over. Luckily, the same patience that kept him at every task he encountered kept him from getting frustrated and giving up now.

This was important. There would be no substitute for the time it took to learn. Anything else, any shortcut he tried to find, would be a deception, an illusion of power and skill that was ultimately useless.

No, it was not easy. But it was not impossible either.

When Arktus finally lifted the curtain that separated the small chamber from the rest of the city, he found Ethelwen almost exactly as he had left him. The cat was standing, arm hanging loosely by his side, tail still, ears forward. The room was dim, the fountain barely splashing. His breath was calm and deep.

As soon as he noticed Arktus in the doorway Ethelwen's eyes opened. He gave a small, uneasy smile, uncertain of what exactly Arktus had expected from this. By now he was comfortable enough with the idea of Arktus as a teacher, rather than as a member of the Inner Council, that he was almost certain that the young man would not reject him for even a major failure. Failure was part of the process. That did not mean that Ethelwen was in any hurry to mess up, as he was more eager to continue these lessons than even he was willing to admit to himself.

Arktus pressed his hand on a small symbol on the wall, and gradually the light began to rise. When he was satisfied he stepped away, and stood next to Ethelwen.

"The Archon is having a dinner tonight, in celebration of the Northern Lights," Arktus said, with no comment on the lessons. "I would be delighted if you would join us."

Ethelwen's mind instantly went into overdrive, even as he remained perfectly still. Every nerve in his body wanted to agree, wanted to jump on the opportunity to spend the time with the Archon and Arktus, and whoever else would go to the celebration. But, even at this point, even after all of the special privileges he had earned, Ethelwen was uncertain about his position and relation to the highest echelons of Barvelle society. His whole life had been strictly controlled by hierarchy. It was the kind of structure where a trash cleaner would never be invited to politely socialize with the leader of the country, even if the trash cleaner was interested. Yet here... here interest was more than enough to gain him access.

Perhaps they would welcome eagerness more than he knew.

"I would be delighted," Ethelwen finally replied, his hesitant smile mirrored much more warmly by Arktus.

"Wonderful." The Calm Sage replied. "We can continue your lessons whenever you have time, but try and practice what you have learned today whenever you get an opportunity."

That was all that they said as they walked out of the chamber and separated, but it was more than enough.

NORTHERN LIGHTS DINNER, royalblue

When the time came for Ethelwen to make his way to the balcony, he made his way in completely unescorted. The two guards waiting by the door nodded politely, not even questioning his right to be there. It gave him a warm feeling, even though he knew it was entirely possible that no one who came up to the doors would be denied access. Things were going really, really well for him.

He had dressed in the nicest clothes he possessed, although it was only a simple, grey, long sleeved shirt with a collar, a pair of dark pants, and clean boots that he had thoroughly scrubbed to remove the trace amounts of his labor that seemed to follow him everywhere he went. Although his appearance would have normally been quite bland the whole thing was magnificently heightened by his Aux, which had changed into a long fur cloak, mostly dark to match his clothes, but trimmed with a bright white fur that seemed to glow in the evening light.

He hesitated slightly as he made his way out onto the balcony, suddenly uncertain of what he was doing. He did not belong here, and while everyone present would probably recognize him from the council, when the Ghoul Sage had singled him out for questioning, that did not mean they would think that he belonged. He skirted along the wall, trying to pretend that he had purpose, without moving obviously enough to draw attention, before he paused by the railing.

Even with the interference of the looming storm, the sunset still stained the icy mountains the faintest shade of pink. It was beautiful, in a frigid, distant sort of way. But that was the world they all lived in now. A small shiver raced up his back, but he pulled his tail in tight around him and waited. Waited for one of the opportunities that always seemed to find him.

 

[4everDifferent]

Tavark

The battle raged on. Soldiers on both sides died but it was the true heart of Tavark that began to gain the upper hand. The arrival of Jarrikssdotter provided a morale boost that Darin would never be able to. The paladin even found himself feeding off of it. He was no Tavarkian, but e find himself fighting as if he were as if this was his home.

The Tavarkians fought with a ferocity, a fervor he hadn't seen in a long time. Having lost everything they owned and a chance to take it all back had filled them with a drive that the raiders didn't have. Yes, their desire to survive made them worthy opponents but Justice was against them. Not to mention numbers and the calm,calculating mind of Jarrikssdotter. She steeredd the battle from the front lines. She closed gaps in their line and opened them in the enemies. For a woman who knew her father had been slain, she fought calmly and precise. If they all made it out of this battle, Darin would recommend that she be given her father's mantle. The woman was born for battle and to lead.

The air was filled with the smell of sweat and blood as bodies of the dead on both sides began to pile upon the city street. Darin noticed the absence of one more key element to Eimund's plan, smoke. Jarrikssdotter noticed it too and the pair locked eyes momentarily. If someone didn't ensure the fires weren't started, everything would be for not.

"Sir Darin," Jarrikssdotter thrust her spear through the chest of a raider and then stepped out of the line and signal for Darin to do so as well. The paladin obliged, "There were raiders that moved into the alleyways earlier. Take some men and hunt them down. None esc-" the captain's word were cut short when an arrow slammed into her shoulder and spun her around.

"Captain!" Darin stepped toward her and men surrounded her, but it was Jarrikssdotter who pushed herself to her feet. Darin watched as she broke the shaft of the arrow and pulled it free. Her face twisting in agony, "Let me-"

"No time. Do as you've been ordered. Keep them from setting the city ablaze," she returned.

Darin nodded reluctantly and then grabbed another soldier by his chest piece, "Keep her alive, I'll heal her when I get back," the man nodded and Darin pushed him back.

The paladin selected his men, taking six strong fighters with him. The alley ways were narrow and fighting in them didn't allow for much maneuvering but eventually, his group minus one that had been killed during the pursuit, poured into a familiar alley. Darin's men fanned out securing the buildings and for a brief moment Darin wondered back to Durael's betrayal. If the snow was still not on the ground, Darin was sure his blood would still be visible. A small glimmer caught his eye and Darin wondered to it, pushing the snow away revealing a shield. His shield.

Darin's chest tightened with relief and pride as he picked it up and slid it over his arm. It was a piece of him and to have it once more revitalized the Paladin. Having retrieved his shield, his eyes scanned the snow, his feet lightly kicking it away until his sword was found. Darin quickly picked it up just as his men returned to the alley.

Darin lifted the blade and looked at the reflection. He sported cuts from the battle. Blood, both his and that of his enemies, painted his face. But the most noticeable thing were his eyes. Determination steeled them and as he lowered his blade and looked into the eyes of the panting, equally tiring men he saw the same thing.

Darin nodded respectfully to his comrades, "Move out," with his sword and shield in hand once again, Darin led them down the alleys and toward the great hall. They had to keep the raiders from starting the fires. As far as Darin and his men knew, they were Tavark's last hope of surviving the battle.

 

[fatalrendezvous]

Ilsa Lisbon — Barvelle, Indigo

Ilsa sighed softly as Vrein walked away, hurt by his abrupt decision to leave but at the same understanding the gravity of the situation surrounding their presence in Barvelle. He was needed for far more important things, and certainly had his work cut out for him.

Letting him leave for now, Ilsa trusted that she'd be able to meet with him again at the Northern Lights dinner hosted by the Archon. With one more glance out to the sunset, framed by the Northern Lights and contrasted by the arcane storm looming in the distance, she turned to leave. She followed the paths back to the town square, briefly perusing some of the local wares and considering a change of clothing for the dinner.

It had been a long while since she had felt the luxury of cloth dresses and robes rather than the rigid grasp of her armor, but her longing for the comfort and warmth of fur would have to wait. It would be inappropriate, perhaps even unprofessional, to do the Watch that disservice by attending the event without her Aldus Watch armor.

Mind made up, Ilsa hurried to the dinner, but not before stopping by the house of Ulgeryn, where she assumed Vrein would be. She was greeted at the door by Oberik, the stout bearded fellow who was gracious enough to lend use of his forge to Vrein. "Ah! Ser Ilsa. Wha' canne du fer ye lass?"

Ilsa smiled at the man's warm greeting. "Good Evening Oberik. Is Vrein inside?"

"Aye, he's still workin' o'er by th'forge. Finishin' up some kinda jewelry, 'r necklace, 'r som'thin like tha'. Ye want fer me ta' fetch 'im?"

Jewelry? The thought brought a faint flush to Ilsa's cheeks as she shook her head. Was it for her? "No, that's alright. Don't disturb him if he's working. Can you remind him for me not to be late for dinner? I'll meet him there."

The portly man nodded as they exchanged their farewells. Ilsa could hear him shouting over the forge as she departed to head back to the dinner.

"Oi, Vrein! Tha' was th' Cap'n, she wanted t'remind ye not t'be late for yer date!"

Northern Lights Dinner, Indigo

The guards at the entrance allowed Ilsa to pass without incident as she arrived. Ilsa stepped out onto the terrace, framed by the intricate and expertly maintained ice and rock gardens. Lanterns and candles lit the overlook aglow, keeping the darkness of the dimming night sky at bay while the Northern Lights danced overhead.

Ilsa met and graciously shook hands with several of the other attendees who approached her. Many of them offered thanks for aiding in the fortification of Barvelle, others discussed the words she shared at the Assembly. Some just wanted to meet her personally. Humbled by the attention, Ilsa courteously thanked each of them before finally finding a lull in conversation.

Treasuring the quiet moment, she approached the railing near Ethelwen, leaning her arms against it as she looked out over the sea of candles decorating the lower half of the mountain below. The rumble of the approaching storm caught her attention as well as Ethelwen's, both pausing to look up at it. Ilsa turned to the snow leopard anima, catching his gaze before refocusing her attention on the arcane storm. "These are strange times. The Ghoul Sage, Divine Weapons, now that storm." She shook her head, the statement directed more to herself than to him. Turning to look at Ethelwen once again, Ilsa looked him up and down with a sort of reminiscent smile. "You know, my daughter's Aux is a snow leopard. You remind me of her." She straightened and extended a hand to him. "I don't believe we've formally met. I am Ser Ilsa Lisbon. You're... the Archon's assistant, are you not?"

 

[unanun]

Aldus, white

The first strike at the golem's core sent it thrashing. The metal spheres and sticks it used to form the basis of its body shivered, apparently uncertain of where they were supposed to sit. It struggled to regain its form, thick black lines emanating from the imprisoned aux on its pelvis to reconstrain the rapidly disintegrating body.

...

The shrieks were the sounds of spell formula undoing themselves as it toppled off the battlements. As the golem was blasted to pieces by the lightning, the expiring aux flashed brightly, dissipating in a swell of golden light and casting other-worldly shadows on the wall, imprinting a gross magnification of the runes that were used to imprison the aux and force it to obey a pseudo-crux.

The golem's death gave the beggar pause, whose hooded face tracked its fall through the walls. The beggar had just ascended to the upper levels of the Necromancy tower, the golem moving ahead to leave a welcoming committee of crushed bodies. Their minds fused with the dying breaths of the Necromancy tower as it feverishly worked to realize their thoughts.

The ghostly aviary faded away.

As did the storm. The worst of it was already over the snowed plains, hours and days blended to a blur underneath its viciousness. Stray bolts of energy licked at the towers, the other half left alive clinging to the last surges of energy, falling once again into dormancy, just as the Necromantic tower let out a deep, dying sign, sending a third ripple through Pegulis.

Gnnnnnnoooorrrrrrrrruuuuuhhmmm.....

The storm's passing also signaled the end of the Mordakar's involvement, and he finished his ritual in the Necromancy tower, descending via the elevating stone column and exiting the front of the tower with the last two golems in tow.

Barvelle, teal

"..." Arktus paused, greeting frozen in his throat, as Captain Ilsa engaged Ethelwen to conversation.

Well, it was no matter. Really. He turned and folded his hands into his sleeves, a fine robe of Viridosi silk gifted to him long ago by a visiting Forest-kin scholar.

"Are you jealous?"

"He's jealous."

"I am not jealous."

"It's fiiiine, Arktus." Helena swirled a sweet dessert wine inside a flagon - flaunting her bottomless Tavarkian stomach for drink. The wine was Barvelle's best kept secret: the berries grown in such a cold climate naturally concentrated their sugars, making for a syrupy, heady base that was diluted with fresh melt water. "It's hard to let go of my students too! I wish I still had students ... "

Arktus smiled, extending a steadying hand to grip Helena's elbow. "He's the first student I have had in a long time, and he's taking to his lessons extremely well. I have not had the pleasure of teaching in years, ever since Eir - Archon Eirene gave the three of us new responsibilities."

"We have made some progress with the thermic gems." Michel gave Arktus a significant look. "Perhaps -"

Their conversation was interrupted by a third rumble. Helena had seen the first while training the Barvelle Watch recruits. The second had jostled Ethelwen out of meditation, on the cusp of reaching something, the water splashing out of the cistern and wetting his feet. The third shook the tables, and as one the three Inner Sages glanced westward. The towers in Aldus were barely a dot in the distance, but they could see the storm licking at the metal dots. And it rolled towards them now, charging Lake Kaikas an eerie teal, cyan, and purple.

Perhaps Ilsa would soon need to return to Aldus.

 

[Jade]

The captain was quick to find her weapon, propping herself up with the large spear. "Keep ME alive..." She looked to the boy Darin had instructed to take care of the captain, standing next to a handful of other men, catching their breath,"You, and all you there! With me; we're moving!" She intended to make her way to the other breach, hitting the raiders there in the backside, but first she would need to clear the ones here. She eyed a break in their line, "There!", she ran to the hole, spear held out, clenched beneath her good arm. She slid into the gap, bucking left to slip her spear under a mans chin, quickly spinning back, pulling it out and swirling to her feet. Her small group of men behind her, they surged through the gap, opening it up, spilling out and around Eimund's men. One swung at the captain, catching her weapon with a glance. Fluidly, she swung up and around the raiders axe, quickly jabbing him above the collar bone.

One of her men was wrestling with an especially stout man, barely clothed at all, skin blue in the frosty night. He snarled and hissed at the poor soldier, not a weapon between the two of them, only snatching, grasping hands, and pounding, wailing fists. She turned to help the boy, but just as she moved she was struck in the back by a hammer. She stumbled, knelt, and looked back to see the man who hit her, hammer high in the sky. Proud and strong as she was, she didn't wince, or look away, only gathered a glut of bloody spit to hack at the man in protest. But before she could, a different mass of red hit the man, sending him out of view. She turned to see. He was on the ground, five or so feet to the right, hair and shirt aflame; the man had been struck by fire magic.

The army of Tavark is not simply a collection of barbarian berserkers; far from it. In fact, the Tavarkan army boasts some of the greatest battle mages in the land, and Captain Jarriksdotter had just seen as much. She looked for the wizard, scanning the battlefield for eccentric garb, it being the first thing that she envisioned when she thought of mages and magic. And so she found him, up on a small mound. A short man devoid of armor or sword, wearing capes of purple and red, a mantle of pendants and beads, and with his arms trust high into the air, chanting in a low voice. He swirled his arms above, a spark emerging, turning into a flame, and larger, and larger, until her thrust his arms forward and down, casting a tall and fierce wall of flame beneath the feet of the raiders manning the rear line. The screamed, running back and away, but the fire was upon them and would not leave, clinging to their body, the men unable to quench the flames. She could see the man laughing; the magically inclined sure were cruel, she thought. "They must feel like gods... fucking bastards..." She crawled away, regaining her footing after slinking back behind the line.

 

[LVL1337N00B]

Artorius Cale - Aldus, burlywood

Dane took Arorius' hand and stood with his help, then let his eyes wander and survey the area. The golem now lay in pieces, most spilled out from the tower but some littered the floor around him, broken shards of metal and brick that scarcely resembled what the creature once was.

Tragically, the Aldus watch was in a similar state.

Still, they stood victorius and hopeful that this nightmare would soon come to an end. Dane looked back to Artorius, whose lips had curled just so, his head held high. He seemed proud, no matter how tiny his part in the golem's defeat had been. Sure he hadn't charged in valiantly like these other brave lot, but he didn't abandon them either.

Rather, he didn't abandon his friend. Artorius turned his gaze back to Dane, holding there for a time. He'd called the guardsman friend several times before, but it took until this for Artorius to realize he was genuinely fond of the man. He patted his friend's shoulder.

"Let's go, we have more good guy things to do."

"But.." Dane looked up, searching. The path they ought to take was unclear, the uppermost level of the tower appeared inaccessible. "How're we 'sposed to go from here?"

"I know the way." It was an eerily quiet and calm commander who spoke now, staring unblinking at a small metal fragment she held between three plated fingers. Moments earlier, a series of events played before the woman's eyes, one in particular revealing how to proceed.

Marin stood silent for a moment as she turned the fragment between her fingers and gazed upon it, leaving the rest of the party to stare at her in anticipation of enlightenment. She offered no explanation, instead moving to a circle in the middle of the floor they stood on, motioning for the others to follow.

When all stood within the circle she spoke an incantation, her voice foreign and barely above a whisper. It was as if for a moment, Marin was not herself. One was not left with much time to speculate on that though, as suddenly the space they stood in began to rise.

As they ascended, the group could hear voices, panicked and furious. The higher they went, the more distinct the voices. There was begging, crying, yelling, then just before they reached the top.. "I can't do it.. I wont. If you want someone dropped to their death, do it yourself you fucking lunatic!"

An avian with pure white feathers shoved a redheaded young man with hands bound into one with black feathers. The birds stared eachother down, then the lighter feathered turned away. "You would show these miserable shits a mercy you know well they would not show us. Are you on our side or theirs?!"

Another avian with long red hair and wings to match hurried over to the two, setting a hand on the dark feathered bird's shoulder and directing his attention to the small group that had just appeared at the room's center. The feathered man who'd refused the order to cast an innocent over the tower's edge shot his eyes back toward the one who issued that command, narrowing them and muttering something under his breath.

Ignoring his fellow, the black winged man ushered the redhead back over to the group of captured councilmen and took a few steps toward the group. "Looks like you came just in time.. Looking at you, either you're here to negotiate or looking to get yourselves and a lot of others killed."

 

[Porg]

Tavark Backstreets

"The fuck has he done to you!?" Ture stumbled back and fell over, scrabbling to his feet as the dark children closed in. He swore quietly as the last two flares rolled from his satchel in the flurry of movement, both silently rolling past the children's feet.

Another knife was swung and Ture raised the Sparrow blades, staring briefly at his hand as he made the successful parry. He didn't have much time to think though as a flash of silver elicited an instinctive flap and Ture riased himself off the ground, putting a good few feet between himself and the pair of children.

"I can't fight them" He whimpered to himself before turning and running. As the children stepped out of paths and alleys ahead of him it occurred to him that he was being herded. He took flight as another child, a girl of about 8, emerged from a doorway besides him. He landed on the roof of one of the houses, slipping a little before getting a grip on the tight thatch. Taking a breath he considered how he find Amara, staring across the maze of roofs and rubble that made up the city.

Tavark Great Hall, darkred

The mage swept his hand through the waters in the barrel languidly, smiling distantly as he viewed the avian dart and panic around the backstreets. A mild amusement, soon Darin would come and he would have his prize.

He reached deep into the barrel, drawing the order dagger from within. It glowed with Aux light, power siphoned from the children and some from the paladin.

Tavark Backstreets

Ture's eyes settled on a sorry shape a few streets over, armour glinted in the aurora glow and his eyes grew wide as he made the short journey by air to land beside it.

"No.." He gasped as he beheld the lifeless figure. One of the men they had entered the city with. fresh blood oozed from his plate-mail and from his position Ture guessed he must have been finished off while trying to crawl away.

The avian ran over his options and gulped as he realised he couldn't leave it. Hopping up onto a nearby roof, the crampons his knives provided giving him more purchase this time, Ture made his way towards the Great hall, following the trails of blood and men. From what he could tell the group had been ambushed and had been unprepared to kill the children and had paid for their hesitation.

Weighing up his options as he beheld the wagons full of oil and tinder. He wouldn't be able to do much about them even if he tried… Scanning the horizon of the city his eyes settled on the dust cloud and glow of flame that surrounded the northern breach and nodded to himself.

Yanking his aux down over his eyes he concentrated.

Guiding light, #ffff99

The light sparked by the wagons, hovering for a second before darting off into the maze of pathways that spanned across the city.

It hovered inches from the floor, leaving a dull golden trail in it's wake. It took less than a minute to shoot across the city, drawing as straight a route as possible from the breach to the great hall and the stock of fire-starters that rest there.

Tavark streets, darkred

Eimund slumped against a building taking a few ragged breaths. He had escaped the fighting, the day appeared lost. Rage fuelled his advance as he picked himself up and gritting his teeth continued his trek through the rubble-strewn streets.

That bastard Suvius had lied to him and he would pay. They would all pay! He raised his arm and swiped his sword down the scales of his shield, lighting arced off of it and struck at the ground. The rocks smouldered and ignited briefly before the flames yielded to the lack of good fuel.

He would set the whole town ablaze and they would all die with him. Suvius included.

Tavark Backstreets

Ture opened his eyes, sagging a little as the effort of using his advent hit him. He stared at the great hall and the carts filled with volatile materials, wondering if he should stay around to help the situation.

"Sorry Darin" He said quietly to himself as he stared out across the city and took flight.

 

[Noctis the Devious]

Tavark

The silence was deafening.

Sounds of battle echoed around Amara, fires blazed and crackled, and her boots struck the cobble stone roads and resounded off the standing structures, nothing more than remnants of Tavark's former glory and looking so mournful. Yet, despite all of this, silence somehow found her, suffocated her in its mockery.

Nothing! She was finding nothing! From house, to tavern, to grain store-- she retraced her steps and rechecked the places she found the previous captives but she found nothing. Not a single piece of evidence that her mother had ever been there. If she was smart, she would have asked the survivors if they seen her mother, but she wasn't smart; she was desperate. The fight, the war for Tavark, still raged on but none of that mattered as long as she could find the one person she came back for.

The huntress finally stopped and tried to gain her bearings. A heavy, dreadful feeling had already taken root and the longer she continued to run blindly the more of a chance it head to fester until she was on the brink of sobbing. Tears glistened in her eyes and her shoulders trembled, but there just had to be another place. Tavark was huge, she could be anywhere!

And then the flare went off. She spun around, gazing at the eerie spectacle as red drenched the sky and bathed the town in its glow if only for split second. Oh gods! Ture! She made a move toward another road but a flash of silver caught her eye. The cool metal bit into her cheek but she had moved fast enough to avoid any serious damage, side stepping another attack and putting distance between her and her enemy. The sight that greeted her chilled her to the bone; however, the child gave her little time to dwell on the twisted situation, continuing to fling the dagger they held in her direction. Amara met the blade with her own and sent them sprawling to the ground with a swift kick.

There were more. They spilled from the shadows, light appearing to seep from their eyes and mouths and illuminated the harrowing expressions carved permanently into their features, but what had her stomach really doing flips was presence of the godforsaken octopod clinging their necks like some overgrown parasite.

The huntress staggered away from the growing mob, barely able to duck another attack thrown her way, before turning on her heels and dashing down the only road left open to her. Things just kept getting worse! Even if she did find her mother, what would come of them? How were they going to recover? Another child. Another mindless attack. Her dagger was in her hand but she refused to use it on them. For Arcwain's sake, they had parents! People who she chatted with, helped out, hunted with. How could this have happened?

Amara's foot caught a piece of rubble and was sent sprawling across cold cobble stone road.

First a dragon came and had killed off her father, wreaking havoc on the unknowing Tavarkians for three days. Then Eimund came back with a thirst for power and control so unbelievably twisted that he slaughter his own people without a blink of an eye, and now this? Their buildings were destroyed. Their people were dying, being cut down by their own blood and kin. And the children were turned into abominations. Some of them her own age! How were they going to bounce back from these hits? How would Tavark ever grow and prosper after such terrible events?

It couldn't.

She sat up and didn't fight as tears began running down her face. The were surrounding her, soulless gazes locked onto her slumped figure. She couldn't fight them all. Couldn't even bring herself to harm any of them let alone make an escape. What would even be the point? What as there to look forward to when hell itself was being brought down upon them? As if every force of nature was acting against them?

Maybe, just maybe, Tavark was meant to fall.

Footsteps. They were heavy and uneven, nearly drowned out by ragged breathing and then a crackle of a laugh. "God really does favorite me." Amara's body tensed. Every muscle screamed for her to run, but really, she had no where to go. She was cornered. "You are going to pay dearly for what you did to me." The footsteps held more conviction behind them this time and fear gripped at the huntress' heart in earnest. No anger. No hatred. Just plain unadulterated fear had her frozen in place. They were doomed from the beginning. What was really the point in fighting? The sword rose high in to the air and the colors of the Aurora were reflected in the battled scarred surface. Mum. Her eyes closed and a broken sob escape her. This really is the end. She knelt before Eimund in the most pathetic state possible awaiting her death, convinced otherwise would be in vain.

 

[Wolfsin]

Tavark

Light.

Blazing, murderous light.


Raige looked to the sky and noticed the rolling smoke that floated above. The war had already destroyed their home, and the burning skyline was enough of a testament to that. Catapults roared in the distance, The valor of men and women edged closer moment by moment. This had to end before every building, every monument this place stood for was rubble and waste.

Raige's gaze became deadly when he searched the distance for the sorcerer. "Suvius.." Raige growled under his breath. The echoes of men's lives lost were enough to chill the bone and shake his disposition but he was beyond that now. Even if he wanted to stop, to hide in a corner and pretend that nothing was wrong, he could not. He had to end this.

A few more turns through the alley lead him to the clearing he'd watched from above. Raige had perfect vision of Suvius, and still the Sorcerer seemed so very unaware. Raige knocked an arrow with a trembling hand, and pulled the string back. He hated Suvius, He hated this man, and that hate was what stopped his hand, at half pull. Raige loosed the strain on the bow and watched. His entire body was trembling now; something of a mix of fear, and anger. He glared at Suvius, and then he replaced the bow in his hands, with the sword of his father.

I will not let it be that easy for you.

Raige shot forward, and charged the dark form of Suvius, unaware with his barrel. The look of the Sorcerer when he turned and met the gaze of the wolf was driving. It elated the fighting spirit, ignited the warrior heart and Raige became aware of only one essence of vengeance in that moment. "I will see you suffer, Suvius!" Raige was just about there. Another step and he would finish this, he would kill this sorcerer and have accomplished the first rite of peace that his family deserved. One more step.

Schiingg~

Blind sided, a hook nearly lopped the head from Raige's shoulders and by sheer luck had only earned a very large gash across Raige's cheek. The wolf turned and swung thrust his blade forward, with all of the rage he had assumed. His battle cry was heard loud, and his eyes focused forward he found that on the other end of that blade was a child. A young girl with scraggly hair. Her face was a distortion of insanity, upturned into a smile but a tortured smile; of one who did not know how else to react anymore. Blood ran from her, and a parasite rested on her neck.

"N...no..."

Raige stepped back, his gripped weakened and the blade of his father fell to the ground. The girl before him fell over, and her blood mixed with the dew on the ground. Raige watched her in her final moments, and in the puddle he could see himself, and the guilt he bore openly. "No...dammit no.." A certain denial possessed him, but there was not time for it.

Schinn
Shinnnnnng~

Two blades struck this time, and his reactions were slower. The first was a simple butchers knife that slashed a very large gash from his waist. The second was a lumber axe that caught him on his shoulder. Raige cried out, but was unheard. Two more of those children surrounded him, and he could tell that they were the ones that had struck him. Suvius was right before him, and the dark man reached his hand into the barrel again. Words crossed those lips but they were inaudible.

I have to run.
I have to kill Suvius.

Logic and desire confronted in his mind, and pain did nothing to help. The children were moving in again with their weapons, and Raige could not bring himself to do it. Not again.. Another swing came in and Raige barely dodged it catching a small bite in his leg; he whimpered. Death was imminent here, he had to run. Raige pushed the second attacked away and then fled his vengeance. His wounds were not minor, his body would not hold up. He was hopeless, Dead. Raige had no choice, he didn't want to die, not like this, not having done nothing. In his mind regret settled. Darin might even be dead because of his betrayal, and why would he come now?

The Children were coming, and another had joined them. There was no choice.

Raige stood still and raised his ring to his maw before letting out a silent longing howl. This was the only hope he had now. Blood loss would do the work if the children did not. Either way Raige refused to be a puppet to that sorcerer. His hand fiddled with a dagger. Just in case.

Advent light shined against the darkness.

A message, and a vision passed through Darin's eyes and the paladin knew just as Raige knew what his decision would mean.

"Darin Help me please. I found Suvius."

 

[Silvir]

Eydis - Barvelle, #3B3178

Ushered on by her brother the fox girl walked through the doors. The dress she was wearing reminded of a simple flower. Two layered the inner one tight along the body while the outer one is loose and lightly transparent showing the shape of her female body behind it. The upper part is less revealing and thicker, colored in a light blue contrasting the pure white of the rest. Completed by her hair and tail. Combed and braided until they glowed like snow in the light.

But it was a wilting flower that walked down the stairs. Politely nodding at the people that her brother greeted and introduced. She would rather have grabbed a strong beverage and climbed to some secluded place to watch the sky then be here this evening.

Trying to warm her hands as the crystals in the dress didn't reach all the way Eydis excused herself to find something warm to drink. Soon warming her hands around a cup she looked up observing the silent dance of colors across the sky. Of course seeking solitude at the table of refreshments wasn't too bright of an idea and after a moment of forced politeness and mingling, she managed to escape of to the terrace edge, leaning on the parapet. "Why the heck did he force me to join this" she muttered to herself ignoring the cold rock against her arms.

 

[unanun]

Although the storm passes through Aldus ...

They remember what they were originally used for. They send out cries into the sky.

Invisible and hidden among the stars, moons, comets and meteors, something whines back in return.​

 

[Peregrine]

ETHELWEN-BARVELLE, royalblue

"Ethelwen," the anima replied to Ilsa, the faintest trace of a smile crossing over his face. "And technically I'm still a trash hauler..." his ears flitted back and his tail flicked slightly, passing through his Aux. Why shouldn't he claim the right to be called the Archon's assistant? She had said it to him, almost a month ago now, although he suspected she hadn't meant it quite so literally. But she had never taken it back. "But being called the Archon's assistant certainly sounds much better." Another smile. This one significantly more heartfelt.

He was silent again for a moment, his attention turning back to the horizon. He didn't notice Arktus, but the sight of the way he reacted to both himself and Ilsa would certainly have brought another smile to his face.

"You came here from Aldus," it was a statement, as everyone knew that she was the captain of the Aldus Watch. "But now you are here to protect Barvelle. Protect it from the strange times that are surrounding us. But you'll have to go home eventually."

Now that he had started, it was surprisingly easy to be bold. Perhaps it was partially because Ilsa did not belong completely in Barvelle, but the desperate need to make a good impression faded a little around her. Perhaps it was because, for a change, he had actually managed to make a good first impression.

"What did you see out there? And what are you doing now?"

 

[Voices of Nerat]

Dane Myros - Aldus - The Divination Tower, gold

He felt no anger, no resentment. Whereas moments ago he would've liked to kill every one of these kindapping bastards, that feeling was fleeting, perhaps brought on by adrenaline and his own despair. When Dane saw Karissa's frightened face among the hostages, all dark thoughts vanished, replaced by a resounding clarity of thought.

"I'm here ta' tell ya the truth." The watch recruit hobbled forward, blood lightly trickling from the shard he still sported in his shoulder. Several of the avians raised their makeshift weapons reactively, expecting confrontation. Dane shook his head. "Not here t'fight. Had enough'a that t'day. Had enough'a that for a good while."

"Listen... y'all been run outta yer home, and there weren't nothin' you could do about it. I reckon I understand that better'n anyone else here. The fear, the anger, the grief... worst of all is the shame. That voice in yer head that keeps tellin' ya you coulda done somethin' about it, that maybe if ya'd been stronger somehow, things mighta been different."

His words seemed to be garnering a mixed reception, some burning into him with angry looks while others stared listless. Perhaps a shift of gears was in order. "But that ain't the point, I s'pose. Ya'll got a bad lot in life, no arguin' that... The world treated ya wrong and it ain't one to apologize. So fer as little as it might be worth, I just wanna say, I'm sorry."

"Sorry ya all lost yer homes, yer families, yer lives. Sorry that, after all ya been through, all the toil n' hardship, once you came here lookin' fer help, even the smallest kindness, we treated ya like dirt, like less'n garbage. Treated ya the way no one should treat another livin' thing, no matter where they come from. We did it 'cause we were afraid. Afraid you were here to destroy us, that we'd lose everything just like ya'll did."

"But it ain't gonna be like that anymore." Against his better judgment, he ambled over to the tallest of the captors, the black winged avian who, even in his enfeebled state looked fierce enough that he could deal with Dane without much effort. The two met their gazes, one wary, one steadfast. "Yer not gonna be treated like nothin' no more." The amount of negatives in his statement was astounding, but the sincerity was unmistakable.

"Let everyone know, as long as yer here, yer one of us. Aldus welcomes ya with open arms." To compliment his metaphor, he literally opened his arms wide, offering a gesture of reconciliation. Defensive as he had been, the lead avian all but deflated, letting his weapon slip from his fingers, accepting the offer with tears in his eyes.

The time for strife was over. For now, at least.

----​

"Who the hell does he think he is, speaking for all of us like that?"

"It doesn't matter. It saved our heads, and if we want to keep them we'll honor it. At least for now."

"Personally, I think it showed some real initiative."

The councilmen stood huddled in the background, bickering and arguing while the guard captain hovered over them, silent, looking like she needed a stiff drink and a few days rack time.

Both the refugees and their former captors were at the base of the Divination spire, filtering out into the streets, their world calm for once. It seemed as though the worst of the storm had passed, both literally and figuratively. Several avians took flight to inform their brethren that there was no need to fight any longer. Soon the word would be spread around the city, for better or worse.

Dane was on one knee, embracing the Lisbon girl in a heartfelt moment. Both were teary-eyed, both smiled and laughed in relief. "Thought I'd lost ya there, Karissa. I really did."

"I was so scared... when they grabbed me, I- I'm sorry I ran away..." She sniffled. A realization seemed to dawn on her, head whipping around to look at the crowd of people assembled around them. "Gr-Grandma! Did she-"

"Stop crying. Your grandmother is fine. One of my men found her earlier." Marin had approached the two, having grown tired of the councilmen's bickering. "You'll be able to see her soon enough." Her steely glance met Dane, offering him a curt nod, paying some small credence to his part in this, loathe as she was to do so.

The two Cales were not far off, father patting his son on the back with a rare sense of pride in his boy. "You did good, Artorius. I'm ashamed to admit I thought you'd have abandoned the city by now, but I'm glad you've proven me wrong."

The rogue grinned, an arm finding its way around his father's shoulders. "Don't be so quick to call my actions altruistic, old man. The only thing on my mind were all those grateful young lasses who'd be eager to shack up with a hero such as myself." They laughed together, walking down the debris littered street in tandem. Ironically, it only seemed to take their world being torn apart to bring them closer again.

Just as the blanket of silence would descend on Aldus, did the spires decide to issue their call. The sages and scholars would spend days to come attempting to decipher their meaning, but their hypotheses would find no true answer. No mortal alive on Sunne could tell them.

The truth lied in the heavens above.

 

[Diana]

BARVELLE, royalblue

Wolfsin stood with his back against one of the massive stone pillars in the garden. Despite the frosty air, he was sweating. He could feel the beads sliding down his neck. A muscle in is cheek was starting to twitch and the only thing keeping his hands from shaking was years worth of diligent practice. His eyes remained watching the Northern Archon, and though this job was both dull and frustrating, he took it seriously. He could not fail his duty again.

"Here it is. Drink it up now."

Relief flooded Wolfsin's senses as the Archon's steward arrived at his side, inconspicuously passing him a small vial of liquid. Turning his back to the garden scene, he popped the cork off and swallowed the contents in record time. "Thank you." he grunted out.

The steward clasped her hands together, looking pleased as she nodded. "You're welcome. I can't imagine how much of a burden it is on you to keep this weakness a secret..."

"It isn't a weakness." Wolfsin almost growled the words. The vial went in to his pocket and he returned to his watchful stance.

"No..? If it doesn't affect your duties as the Archon's protector, then I suppose it isn't. Never mind, then. Good day."

The steward left the man to his post, and on her way out of the garden she passed another. A nod and a smile exchanged between them.

It would be soon.


*


Jules Vriska was not one for fancy parties, hobnobbing with important people, or otherwise being polite and lady like. So where many people were wearing colorful robes or fancy furs, she stuck out like a sore thumb dressed as if she had just gotten back hunting in the forest. In truth she had been hunting, though it was within the Barvelle city caves. A man tried to escape his two angry wives... but that was not the business she was here for today.

She made a beeline for the Nothern Archon, who was seated gracefully at the edge of a water fountain. A scruffy looking golem with a sword nearly jumped at her for the sudden approach, but he was stayed by the Archon's hand. Jules flashed Wolfsin a wicked sort of grin as she plopped down next to the slender woman without greeting or ceremony.

"I'd say it was an honor to be requested by you, but then when people ask for me by name they aren't usually looking to do something honorable." Jules chirped. She glanced around carefully to see if anyone was listening in, before she gazed curiously at Eirene.

Eirene only smiled, giving a slight shrug of a shoulder. "I am told that you can tell me where to find any one or anything."

Jules' mouth twisted up in thought. "Not exactly quite like that, but I can get a pretty good idea of where to look. Aiming to find something special, Lady Archon?"

Eirene leaned closer, lowering her voice. "In the coming days I may have need to leave the city and perhaps even Pegulis. I do not know when, but require a guide and people to be prepared to go at a moment's notice."

The red haired girl looked a little stunned, but for once in her life didn't blurt out any questions. "A piece of cake to arrange. What kind of trip should I be planning for?" Everything from fleeing the country, to secret diplomatic missions were coming to mind.

"I cannot say, for now. Will you make arrangements and keep this confidential?"

"Aye, Lady Archon. I can do that."

With an awkward bow, Jules made her exit.


A few moments later, General Coul reappeared. His face turned in a frown. Eirene didn't look at him, instead dipping her fingers in to the warm waters of the fountain.

"Forgive me for eavesdropping, Eirene, but I'd like to know what you are up to. You can't seriously be planning to leave Barvelle."

At first she didn't respond, being focused on the ripples of the water's surface caused by her fingertips. "I am not abandoning Pegulis if that is what you fear."

Coul sighed and shook his head softly. "No. I am concerned you have more grandeur plans in mind. If there are rumors of invasion and war, a certain child might have it in her head to make a personal introduction to our enemies. Kaustir is not the Northern Wilds, Eirene. They are not a people that are lost and without leadership, desperate for someone to unite them."

Eirene laughed softly. "Wouldn't that be a naive and idealistic approach? Meet the Czar of Kaustir over hot tea and discuss the peace of our lands. Perhaps I should give that I try."

"Eirene. This is not a laughing matter."

"It isn't, no. Lay your fear to rest. That is not what I had in mind." she paused briefly, leaning farther over the fountain's edge as something caught her eye. She pushed up her sleeve to reach down, fingers circling around an object in the pool. What she pulled out was a crystal. Long but fit snuggly in the palm of her hand. Curiously she examined it before slipping it in to a pocket.

"Then explain to me, Eirene." Coul urged with impatience.

"I intend to-"

Her response was cut off by a sudden shriek filling the night. Wolfsin darted to the fountain's edge, drawing his sword the same moment as Coul. Eirene rose to her feet searching for the source.

There was another shriek and a few startled gasps. "It's a GHOST!" squealed a woman, causing a panicked commotion.

What ever it was, it wasn't a single anomaly. Apparitions were appearing. Strange cackling things that almost had the shape and size of people, but were nothing more than flickering bits of energy and lightning. They didn't seem to be sentient beings or attacking, but were being drawn to random individuals in the gardens.

One came too close to the Northern Archon and General Coul swung his sword. The result was a shock. A searing painful bolt than ran up the metal and through his body. His knees hit the ground and Eirene moved to rush to him, but Wolfsin caught her arm before she could touch him.

"It must be the arcane storm! Everyone should get inside!"

 

[Peregrine]

ETHELWEN+ILSA - NORTHERN LIGHTS DINNER, blue

(This post was co-writen with @fatalrendezvous . In order to properly complete Ilsa and Ethelwen's conversation there is a small discontinuity that includes the repeat of my last post.)

"Ethelwen," the anima replied to Ilsa, the faintest trace of a smile crossing over his face. "And technically I'm still a trash hauler..." his ears flitted back and his tail flicked slightly, passing through his Aux. Why shouldn't he claim the right to be called the Archon's assistant? She had said it to him, almost a month ago now, although he suspected she hadn't meant it quite so literally. But she had never taken it back. "But being called the Archon's assistant certainly sounds much better." Another smile. This one significantly more heartfelt.

"Trash hauler?" Ilsa couldn't help but chuckle at the idea. How would a trash hauler end up as the Archon's assistant? Because that certainly seemed like what he was, given how often Ilsa had seen him at her side.

"Yes," Ethelwen replied, suddenly seeming uncertain. "My job in Barvelle is to work the compost piles and the sewers..."

Ilsa's curiosity got the best of her. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you go from that job to this one?"

"I'm still in that job," Ethwlen replied. "But I met the Archon when they were taking apart a dragon that had died outside the walls." He paused, and turned to look at Eirene, where she was sitting on the fountain. Something strange seemed to flicker within his gaze. "She is a... strange leader," he continued. "But remarkable. I walked up to her, and asked if there was any way I could help. And she told me I was now her assistant. I think she only meant in carrying the crates... But then she called me again.

"I guess the real answer to your question would be dumb luck and persistence on my part. And the generosity of the Archon herself."

The Captain nodded silently in response as she gave herself time to digest his words. If he was telling the truth - which she had no reason to believe otherwise - was the Archon truly so willing to entrust others, even strangers, to be so close? "Is that wise? To allow someone she doesn't even know to become her assistant, just like that?" A subtle smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she returned her gaze to Ethelwen. "Not... doubting your abilities, of course."

Ethelwen could only shrug. "I've often wondered the same thing myself. But it was my only goal," he gulped slightly, and then started over. "All I've wanted... all I want is to be trusted by the people in Barvelle. I wandered in here as a complete stranger. The only position I could get was in the jobs no one else wanted. But I was desperate to prove myself, to earn trust. Perhaps she read that in me."

"I understand. It can be difficult to get by when nobody knows who you are. At the same time, there is something peaceful in anonymity, no? Being able to avoid the public eye and be safe from their judgment? The people of Aldus," her voice trailed as she looked towards her hometown on the horizon once again. "They were very resistant to idea of allowing a woman to lead the Watch."

"Now you are here to protect Barvelle," Ethelwen continued, his eyes too floating out towards the horizon. "Protect it from the strange times that are surrounding us. But you'll have to go home eventually."

Now that he had started, it was surprisingly easy to be bold. Perhaps it was partially because Ilsa did not belong completely in Barvelle, and the desperate need to make a good impression he had mentioned was less important around her. Perhaps it was because, for a change, he had actually managed to make a good first impression.

"What did you see out there?"

"Out there," she echoed, her gaze tracing an imaginary path of their travels between her hometown and Barvelle. "I saw magic the likes of which I'd never seen before, that I never even thought could exist." Ilsa's hazel eyes followed their path, getting lost somewhere around where they encountered Proditius, the ice golem in Fissura Pass. A remorseful sigh escaped her lips, her breath condensing into a slight fog in the cool mountain air.

"An ice golem threw us off course and trapped us underground. And Arcantos, the draken... he was just another Ghoul Sage pawn, transformed into some abomination."

There was another moment of silence between them, where they both watched the storm. It was not uncomfortable, more of a mutual pause to acknowledge Ilsa's memories, and the dangers that were still out there. Finally, Ethelwen's own curiosity forced him to break the silence.

"Do you think we can stop it?"

Ilsa pursed her lips as she contemplated her response to the question. "Truthfully? I don't know. Preparing for the unknown is a challenge. I am setting up Barvelle's defenses the best I know how to. Against a typical army of people, Barvelle will be fine. Against the Ghoul Sage?" Her shoulders lifted into a shrug as she shook her head. "I'm not sure."

"It is a small reassurance," Ethelwen replied. "But a reassurance noetheless. What have you done? I've seen some of the changes myself. The blockades. But what else?"

"Blockades, traps, perches for archers or mages, trenches..." Ilsa briefly glanced over her shoulder to look for Vrein, who hadn't showed up yet. "Vrein is helping to forge weapons and armor for the militia so that we can outfit them. The outcome will hinge on training, execution and leadership." Another thought flitted across her mind as she recalled the earlier discussion in the Assembly. "Or a Divine Weapon, if such a thing exists," she added.

"Do you think a Divine Weapon could stop the Ghoul Sage?"

His question was met with another shake of the head. "I don't know what the Divine Weapons are capable of - if they are real at all. At the same time, the Ghoul Sage didn't want us to find them, so I have to assume he finds them a thr--"

She was interrupted by a crack of lightning followed by the shouts and screams of other dinner guests. Ilsa drew her sword and shield as one of the apparitions drew close, immediately placing herself between Ethelwen and the ghost. Her words were a hurried whisper. "Run, Ethelwen. Get to safety."

ETHELWEN-BARVELLE, royalblue

Ethelwen flinched violently as the crack of lightning crossed the sky, dropping into a crouched position even as his Aux seemed to flinch back to its standard white hooded shoulder wrap. There was something unearthly and disgusting about the figments, and it wasn't until Ilsa stepped in front of him, breaking his line of sight, that Ethelwen was able to stop staring. Whatever they were, they didn't seem malevolent, at least not at the moment. All the same, he was more than willing to accept Ilsa's order. He didn't know what these things were, and he had no reason to risk himself. It would do neither him nor Ilsa any good if he stayed.

"Don't get hurt," he replied, equally quietly, before shrinking back against the wall. As soon as it was clear that none of the strange, glowing figments were coming his way, Ethelwen darted for the patio exit. He wound up at the door almost at the same time as Eirene and Wolfsin. Ethelwen's ears were laid back, his mouth open, and his tail bottle-brushed in every appearance of panic.

"Wh... what?" was all he managed to say before he was forced off of the patio with the Archon by the wave of people coming their way. No one wanted to face the rage of the storm outside.

 

[Ai]

Vrein Baelithar - Barvelle -The Party, #285bd2

With no time to prepare anything decent Vrein made his way toward the party covered in soot and wearing the shirt he wore earlier, the pendant in his pocket. Indulging in the vision of warm hot food on a table, The Archon and Ilsa in beautiful dress, the giant Castagarian smartly groomed for the occasion and the scornful looks he'd get for showing up like he'd just climbed out of a chimney, but Lady luck was not so merciful.

Clouds of lightning swiftly passed over them, bellowing a thunderous roar that echoed off the walls of the caverns. As wails of of women and men suddenly reverberated of the glacial walls. From within his pocket, the Trinket glowed bright a soft shining white light 'Danger.' "Ilsa!" he called panicking, her ran toward the gardens.

Arriving, Vrein stood wide-eyed with horror watching as the stories of old came to life, as ghost emerged from the Aether of the storms wrath and fed from the life of the living. From all corners of the garden muted shrieking could be heard as the ghosts congregated around the other guests who gradually turned more and more pale. Crackles of lightning running across their shriveling bodies that began to decompose the more their hunters approached.

"Stay back! Don't let them near you." The general cried to Vrein, his voice was muffled from the desperate cries of the dieing Pegulis citizens.

Unable to hear the general's words Vrein foolishly ran into the fray trying to dodge past the grasp of the apparitions that mindlessly walked the frozen garden as if they were mindless. "We need to get you out," he screamed of the noise of the thunder kneeling himself next to the general to pick up his weight.


"Leave me, I will not make it!"

"I said that once! And nobody fucking listened!"

Dragging the man onto his shoulder Vrein and pulled him over his shoulder "You're a damned idiot!"

Vrein ignored the general and looked knowingly toward Ion who was sniffing the air "Ion, we need to find Ilsa, lead us to her!"

Nodding the giant bear began to run through the ghosts bounding in all directions to trying to find Ilsa, Vrein running along close behind with the general.

There was no way out, no salvation and the only hope that Vrein had left was for Ilsa, for Castagarian, for Eydis, for the Archon and for Pegulis.

For pegulis…

An idea suddenly popped into his head as he starred down at his pocket, the pendant; a protection token, powerful for those who wear it when given with the intent of good will, but Vrein did not make it for himself; he made it for the Archon.

The power of the stone would be enough for him to hold temporarily, to buy everyone time; but not enough to battle them all on his own, only Eirenne would be able to use it properly. After a short while it would be the end for him, after a short while he would once again face life and death. And for his comrades it would all be worth it.

"Sorry Archon, maybe I'll get to give you something, if not this one the next." He whispered softly taking the stone out of his pocket. "...Sorry Ilsa."

The Shell of the Kipawa will curse or protect,

Obsidian shall heal a heart of fear

Opal will call your foe or show you which path to follow.

The Moonstone will be wary of terror and will warn without error
​

Taking a deep breath, Vrein took the stone into his palm and let it's power flow around him like an aura. Beaming the colours of the northern lights that swirled around him. A beacon urging the creatures turned to him as they stared mesmerized by the Opal's power, a beacon of hope.

One by one the ghosts came toward him, crackling into sparks of electricity that sent nullified shocks pulsing through Vrein. So it began, the torture of the cackling electricity pulsed, getting worse and worse as time went on. Creating a build-up that would slowly seep its way through Vrein's organs and begin disintegrate him from the inside.


"RUN!!!" the smith roared, his voice booming in resonance with the thunder. Turning his head back for a fleeting moment as he watched the general run for his life. The polar bear, his faithful companions then stood next to him as their soul took a stand against the storm.
For Pegulis...

For Survival...

But most of all, for her.

 

[4everDifferent]

Tavark, gold

"Push into the city, we have to find all the points and keep the raiders from setting them on fire," Darin ordered. His breath was quick, a byproduct of hours of combat and running. His now four soldiers, another having been killed by raiders, hurried down the alleys. The captain had tasked them with one of the most important tasks and the fierce determination to keep their home from being set ablaze was evident on all their faces.

They rounded another corner when Darin slowed them to a stop. Laying lightly against the ground was a trail of light that went down another alleyway. Darin's brow furrowed in confusion and concern. Who would light a path for them? Telra danced over it just as concerned as he was.

"Gom," he turned to the large man with his bloodied axe in hand. Darin didn't have to finish his sentence, Gom nodded and looked skyward to his Aux, an eagle. The bird shrieked before diving down and landing on Gom's awaiting arm.

"He says it leads to a cart," Gom spoke after a few short moments.

Darin nodded. His suspicions were right. Someone was leading them, but why? He let out a slow breath, "That cart is our objective, but be prepared, it most likely is a trap," the men nodded and Darin led them on, following the trail of light.

It was not long after that they were cautiously moving down an alley when words flowed into Darin's ears. The voice was Raige's but the wolf was no where to be found. Then his vision was robbed from him and replaced with another's. There was blood and panic and fear filled his heart. They weren't his emotions nor was it his blood. They cry for help and the vision made him realize what was happening. Raige. It was Raige and he had used his advent. The wolf was dying.

Unbeknownst to Raige, his vision had also given Darin insight on what to expect. Raige was being attacked by children, each one had a squid similar to the one Darin had attached to him. Suvius himself was approaching Raige wth one in hand. This would help him direct this party and be more prepared for what was to happen next.

Just as quickly as the vision came, it ended. Gom's meaty hand gripped Darin's upper arm but released when he saw the paladin gather himself, "You wavered and fell. I caught you."

Darin nodded a thanks but quickly moved on, "I was given a vision through another's advent," he looked as solemn as ever, "Suvius has attached squids to several children and they've become something else. They lie along our path. Do not harm them, subdue them. Can I count on you four?"

Gom nodded, "We have no more desire to see the deaths of our children than you, Darin. You can count on us." The other men grunted their agreement.

"Good. Let's go," Darin ordered. Hold on, Raige.

They were closer than Darin thought they were as the turned the fifth corner and came face to face with the scene. Raige lay propped against a building, red slicked his dark coat and armor, as the children approached him armed to finish the job. Immediately, the four men charged the children driving them away from Raige. Suvius even backed as Darin moved towards Raige.

"Hold them off while I tend to him," Darin ordered and the men nodded. Darin fell to his knees beside Raige and floated his hands over his squire, "Raige, why did you listen to me?"

Raige's wounds were grave and no matter how badly Raige needed to be punished for what he had done, this was not it. If Darin didn't do something, Raige would surely die. He sighed slightly and the placed a hand on the wolf's shoulder, "Hold on."

Telra settled against Darin's chest and a faint glow encompassed the Paladin. Darin's eyes slid shut as the glow grew brighter and encompassed the squire beneath him. Darin's brow furrowed as he focused on each wound. They sealed one by one until Raige lay weak, but whole once again.

Darin's eyes opened as the advent light faded, "You're going to be fine," with Raige's life saved Darin stood to his feet and drew his blade. It was time to end this, all of this. His eyes caught sight of Suvius as he retreated into the great hall.

"I'm going after Suvius," he told Gom, "Holdfast," he challenged them before he pushed past the children and toward the Hall.

 

[unanun]

Some time prior at the meditation room, grey

Arktus and Ethelwen exited the meditation cavern, pausing at the entrance. "I do not mean to alarm you, but building a blackout chamber in your mind will take years of practice."

Ethelwen's ears flicked forward, then back. He seemed to be taken aback by the amount of time it would take. "Surely it can't take that long ... I mean, what I mean to say is that you said I responded well in the tank ..."

"Oh!" Arktus smiled knowingly, folding his arms into his sleeves. "Of course, you can begin to master the technique in as little as a week. It doesn't take too long to train yourself to remove your sense of self from your body."

"What will really take up the majority of your effort will be the imagination. At first, you may only be able to conjure up emotions. That is precisely when you are the most dangerous and uncontrollable. Much lore and wife's tales about dangerous magicians traces its roots back to young and heady acolytes."

"Observe."

He closed his eyes and went still. At first, nothing seemed to happen. Then, the small things that made Arktus human began to disappear. Subtle twitches, the gentle rise and fall of his chest, and slight shifts in posture. He became so still it was hard to look at, as if the real Arktus had disappeared and left a statue in its place. Ethelwen's eyes were fixed upon him, he would not blink for fear of missing a single thing, but the more he gazed the less substantial Arktus seemed to become.

The hairs on Ethelwen's neck raised. A sense of unease spread through him. He passed a tongue over suddenly parched lips, and his tail stiffened. His aux extended, then contracted. There was malice in the air, but the source was unclear. He wanted to look behind him. He could feel a pressure on him, growing by the second. But if he looked away ...

d̢̕͞i̶͏e͝

d̷͘͢ied̢̕͞i̶͏e͝

d͟i̷҉ȩ̸͠d̴ì͘e͡d̷͘͢ied̢̕͞i̶͏e͝

d͘͜҉i̢ed͟i̷҉ȩ̸͠d̴ì͘e͡d̷͘͢ied̢̕͞i̶͏e͝​

ḑ̧i̢͟e͏̢̡d͘͜҉i̢ed͟i̷҉ȩ̸͠d̴ì͘e͡d̷͘͢ied̢̕͞i̶͏e͝​

The wall behind him cracked, and as Ethelwen turned in shock an invisible brush carved a deep, deep, single stroke into the rock with pure violence.

"You see?" Ethelwen turned to find Arktus leaning against the wall, panting and distressed. Beads of sweat speckled his brow. He seemed incredibly sad at having to give such a demonstration. "Unlike a mudra that naturally shapes your state, or a spell circle that functions regardless of your feelings, magic from the heart is inherently linked to your soul, to all the weakness of your mind, personality, and self."

"To practice magic from the heart, you must separate your soul from the heart. Like aux ... from crux."

The Barvelle Northern Lights, teal

To any observer, the crowd at the Barvelle party was scattering in panic, climbing over each other, past the fountain and down the steps to the entrance that led deeper into the mountain. To any Pegulis citizen, they were clearing the way for the three Sages, but not for all three. Arktus and Helena had already retreated to the opening, pressing their bodies against the cold mountain side.

Michel Urgus moved forward. While foolhardy, Vrein had collected the anomalies in one place.

With a muttered incantation and aligned mudra, he stamped the ground, glowing with advent light. Unspell was a curious advent. The chaotic energies around Vrein paused, and were then forced to align themselves, a tangled piece of fabric being pulled to work out the kinks. The ghosts became lines in a grid, then each intersection became a sphere, then each sphere became a mote, then ...

... simply scattered.

Vrein collapsed, free from the cage of shrieking, sparking ghasts.

But not from their curse. The arcane magic from the storm had been catalyzed by the charm that the blacksmith clutched in his hand. His entire left hand, to the wrist, turned into crystal with the veins and arteries sprouting from the wrist in fractal patterns. Yet it remained flexible, as if all of the flesh had merely turned transparent.

The storm still raged overhead. Helena moved forward and caught the unsteady Tome Sage, slinging the blacksmith over her shoulder and retreating, apparently unburdened by the two men.

"We go into the mountains. Now."

 

[4everDifferent]

Tavarkian Great Hall, gold

When the weak can fight no more, you are their sword and shield...

Darin raised his shield and rested his blade flat against the top as he stepped through the door and into the eerily quiet great hall. Only the light of day shown through the windows, every candle and lantern having been extinguished. Blood stained everything, the scent of stale ale and death hung heavy in the air. The bodies of those who were recent victims to the monstrosities of the raiders still lay cooling where they were carelessly tossed. The naked, broken bodies of the victims of rape stared wanting of help that came too late.

A cackle filled the air and Darin lowered his stance ever so slightly to brace for an attack. Each step into the graveyard of sin was calculated to avoid the dead and to search for the best footing. There was no doubt Suvius knew he was followed in by Darin.

"Do you hear him, Sir Darin?" Suvius' voice sounded and Darin turned to what he thought was the source, "Shh, Shh, shhhhhh, SHHHHH! Listen, god is speaking!"

Darin's brow furrowed, Suvius was just as crazy as he was the night he saved Darin's life. Darin's eye caught movement to his right and he turned and swung his blade. It passed right through the darkness. A thick dark fog dissipated and then rejoined where his blade had passed through. Darin watched as it coiled back and then lashed at him. He raised his shield and braced for the impact that never came.

Another cackle and Suvius continued, "So much blood, so much death, a small price to pay for god."

"Any god," Darin broke his own silence, "who demands the blood of innocent people is no god worth following!" He called out and the hall grew eerily silent. Darin's shield shook as he braced himself. One could not be too careful when fighting a wizard.

A roar of energy sounded and Darin rose to block it. His shield took the impact and he grunted from absorbing the force. Unfortunately, he didn't hear the second ball before it slammed into his left side and through him to the right. Darin groaned as he slammed into a chair and it shattered from the force.

"Blasphemy!" Suvius roared and the onslaught of magic resumed. Darin rolled to avoid them until he was finally able to push himself to his feet, "You will not speak ill of g-"

Suvius was interrupted and he grew silent. Telra huddled close to Darin, her natural light casting away the advances of the shadowy tendrils that danced at his feet. Whatever Suvius was up to could not be good.

"God has a message for you, Sir Darin," his tone was flat, "God wishes for you to join your brethren."

Darin's eyes flicked as he sought out the wizard but to no avail. Despite the light from outside, the shadow had grown thicker. The tendrils at his feet lashed more violently in an attempt to grab the paladin. Each time they grew close, Telra's light burned them and there was a hiss of agony.

Then a tendril braved the light. It lashed out and despite Telra's warning cry, Darin didn't react fast enough. It lashed across his back sending agony that he had never experienced before through his being. Darin stumbled toward, leaving Telra, right into the thick darkness. The tendrils lashed out relentlessly and pain wrecked his body. Despite his training, this pain sent him to his knees.

"Telra!" He cried out and a sudden flare of light chased the tendrils away. She shone brightly while he gathered himself and stood to his feet. He wavered slightly but took in a deep breath and sighed. Light hurt them. If Telra's light held them at bay, perhaps the Light of Orden would dissipate the shadow and reveal Suvius.

"Telra, hold them off while I cast the spell," he didn't need a reaction, he felt her agreement. Immediately, he began to chant. It was a powerful spell and would take some time. Telra shone brightly but about halfway through the incantation, he began to grow dizzy and Telra dimmed slightly, giving the shadow space as it closed in on him some. What was wrong with him?

A cackle from Suvius made his heart still, "God has left you with a gift. Telra will fade away, yes, you will die." He laughed harder and Darin grunted.

Telra continued to dim. Darin cursed as he was forced to abandon his spell for another. His shield glowed and he raised it flat above him. A bubble of light encompassed him just as Telra returned to normal. He grunted as the shadow assaulted the shield. His knees shook under the pressure as he begun the incantation again. Once again halfway through it, and Darin found himself crashing to his knees. Sweat poured from his pores, blood ran from every open wound and his nose from the stress of his body holding back the shadow.

"The others died as easily as you," Suvius taunted, "god truly is greater than Orden."

Darin grunted and used the insulted as motivation. He pushed hard as his lips continued to speak the incantation. His feet shook as he placed them flat onto the ground. His body strained as he pushed himself to his feet drawing near to the end of his incantation.

"Silly paladin doesn't see the futility of his fighting," he teased but then screamed, "GOD CANNOT BE BEATEN!"

Darin finish his incantation and roared as he pushed hard against the darkness. A bright light formed at his chest and radiated through the darkness. It burned away the shadow and basked the whole room in the light of Orden. Darin swayed, and though he had won that victory, it had taken too much out of him.

In a world plagued with darkness, you are their light...

Suvius began to roll his hands one over the other slowly creating distance between them that began to be filled by a dark orb. Suvius cackled as Darin could only watch wearily as the sorcerer summoned the magics for one last spell that would do in the paladin.

Darin's lips began to move in a silent prayer. His shield raised and he fought against the urge to collapse. The defense had drained a lot more from him than he could truly afford. He dropped to one knee and moved a hand over his lips as the magic continued to build up between the two. At this point it was going to be whoever could finish their spell first.

Suvius laughed mockingly at the paladin. From his perspective it looked as though Darin had surrendered to the inevitable. Darin finished the last word and with a smile on his face, looked skyward. The motion brought Suvius' eyes up just in time to see the bolt of pure light crash through the ceiling from above him. It slammed against the ground next to Suvius leaving a scorch mark and throwing the sorcerer into a table. Splinters of wood shot out as it gave under his weight.

You are a Paladin of Orden, the embodiment of Justice...

Darin loomed over Suvius. The Mage tried to raise his hand once again but Darin was ready. He swung hard and fast with the bladed edge of his shield. It cut through Suvius' hand severing it and the wizard cried out in agony.

"Suvius, you have been found guilty of murder and treason, to name two," Darin panted as he gripped his shield and leaned over grabbing a fistful of Suvius' robe. He lifted the sorcerer ever so slightly, "You will be tried and executed according to the laws of the land," he pushed the sorcerer back down to the floor and straightened up. He turned and started away from Suvius, confident he beaten sorcerer was going nowhere.

A wet maniacal, chuckle filled the air again and Darin froze. A chill rose up his spine, "God will have vengeance, Sir Darin, your death is assured by the creature you hosted," that mattered little to Darin so long as evil had been stopped, "Selphia never saw it coming as I pushed the blade into her chest and watched her last breath escape her lips. You will know. Death chases you."

But above these, you are my husband.

Darin looked down at the pendant that hung at his wrist. He let out a deep breath and closed his eyes. When he opened them, a second bolt fell from the sky and slammed into Suvius. The sorcerer screamed as it burned him alive. The screams were music to the ears of the paladin though he showed no signs of it. Justice had paid Suvius a visit and demanded everything. The screams ended only when Darin picked up his sword. He sheathed the blade and swayed on his feet. His eyes turned to the entrance and fell on Raige. The light of Orden still filling the great hall, Darin smiled ever so weakly. It was finally over, all of it was over.

I will always love you, in this life and the next. - Selphia Estrigg