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Post by Seraphina De'Asandir on Apr 15, 2022 20:51:59 GMT -5
He did not answer. She would look up, gazing at him curiously. Perhaps his consciousness was finally starting to drift away as her Nathan had when he died. The things he had said during that transition had broken her heart and this whole scenario was just a painful reminder, despite her attempts to put it in the past. A near photographic memory was both a blessing and a curse.
All she wanted to do was reach out and run her fingers through his hair, even if this spirit was not her husband. And so she would. Delicate fingers would reach out to touch as she so often did, gently starting at his temple to brush back white locks of hair and tuck them gently behind his ear. She found that while she held the orb that entrapped his soul, there would be a semi tangibility there. She'd smile gently despite the sadness that remained in her eyes.
Fine threads remained wrapped about her fingertips, like stray hairs gently broken away by her touch. It was the form they took though she recognized them to be traces, thin strands of the spirit's soul. Just a token perhaps. A memory, for this little bit wouldn't be enough to even tempt a creature that wished to devour such things. But perhaps it will be enough to scry.
"You may go. I will not force you here any longer. Thank you for continuing to speak with me. I will attempt to locate Ahanna. May you find peace with your wife."
And she'd hold out the orb in the palm of her hand towards him. Had the thought crossed her mind that feeding the soul energy to her growing children might be enough to save her life. A whole life for another life? Of course. But she was not cruel.
Slowly the orb would begin to dissolve into a fine mist and once gone, so too would the spirit be free to travel where it was he was meant to be.
She'd sigh, taking a finger to swirl the strands of what looked like hair around in her palm as she considered. The health of her children and locating her Husband was her top priority. She was certain her own health would be sustained by the magic and energy she was currently borrowing from her sleeping Grandmother. If not, she supposed that was just a risk she was willing to take. Now then, would she address Nathan's Aunt or the Faerun Pantheon first. She'd nod to herself as she made her decision.
A portal would open within Danu Realta's sanctuary with the wave of her hand.
"Ahanna! A messenger arrived with news you had been trying to reach me. Come. I welcome you into this realm if you would visit."
The invitation would pass through the portal and connect to Ahanna wherever she might be, even if that were on Solavi.
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Post by Lilith McCarrion on Apr 22, 2022 9:01:59 GMT -5
Lilith's gaze narrowed as Balty went into a scrying mode and began listing off the whereabouts of all the avatars.
Charion made it back safely, but it seems they encountered an avatar of their own. And another one is deceased? Or... not drawing breath as Balty had put it. The others, she would have to remember for a later date unless Balty had the capability of remembering all of that.
A few names she didn't recognize passed through his mouth before he went on about her father and promptly passed out. She'd hold out her hand and telekinetically floated the cat into her arms.
"Come then. Back to Ogham so that we may venture to Mortis. I cannot think of anything else we may need."
"Here. Before you leave...."
The avatar stood from her chair, folding a piece of paper between her fingers as she approached Lilith.
"The grimalkin's ramblings. I offer only this as assistance to your cause."
Lilith would look to the avatar and nod, taking the piece of paper between her fingers.
"When we are able I will see what it takes to free you. You have my word."
Jade green eyes would turn to Morsus and Mia then, inclining her head to the door for them to follow. She doubted she needed to ask them twice as both appeared bored out of their skulls.
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Post by darkheart on May 1, 2022 12:15:59 GMT -5
Seraphina would see an avatar of Ahanna appear before her like a weird hologram with a pre-recorded message:
"Greetings Traveler! I am currently floating through time, space and multiversal dimensions with a dark, grumpy captain, a strange A.I. and a beast of an Asgardian. I am otherwise occupied. If per chance you have a line on a talking racoon, please send word through the appropriate channels. I somehow feel it would be appropriate. In the meantime, all summons have been sent to a responsible party according to request time and appropriate authority. Thank you, and please do not attempt to visit me unless rated for the heat of several suns. Have a nice day, and please don't die in the most horrible and painful of ways!"
The magical projection would flicker, then vanish. After a brief moment Seraphina would begin to feel a strange warmth. It wasn't so much a temperature as it was a resonance of her very essence, as if her very soul was radiating the joy of sunlight. Anxiety, fear, pain, confusion and weariness would melt away as she felt a deep peace in her heart, mind and body. In truth, all of Oghma would seem to feel at rest as through the portal came a tall, slender elf with flaxen hair, shimmering bronze skin and golden eyes. She was dressed in gold silk with a small gold crown. There was no evidence that she even walked as her movements were so graceful that she seemed to float. To Seraphina there would be something about her facial bones, nose, and mouth that were very reminiscent of Nihilano. The eyes were far different, however, having none of the draconic hardness. Standing a full foot taller than even Nihilano, her long, slender fingers came up to cup Sera's chin affectionately, and at the moment of skin to skin contact a rejuvenating energy enveloped Sera like a warm hug. When at last her lips parted to speak, the voice sounded like a deep contralto, almost musical.
"Greetings, Childe Seraphina, wife of Nathan Alexander, Son of Atreyu, Son of Illereas. I am Rieta, Rightful Queen of Solavi and your family by marriage. You are welcome in my sight young one. Your road has been a hard one, with no mercy shown to it through the challenges that seem to follow my bloodline, and for that I am deeply sorrowed. My niece's unsual methods of communication have notified me that you are in need of aid, and now that she has been freed, she has at least removed the magicks that have prevented me from sending you this avatar of my energy, though she still seeks the keys of silver and gold to release me from my confinement fully. As it is, childe, I am at least able to be with you in this way for a short time. My abilities are still greatly reduced in this form, but perhaps my council will suffice for whatever aid you seek of me. Tell me, Sweet One...what may I do for you to assuage your concerns?"
*~*~*~* Morsus would watch all that took place with Balty, Lilith, the Avatar and his sister. He was so entirely lost, but it sounded like they were going somewhere cool. Anything was better than this stuffy library where he couldn't kill the pretentious elf librarian. He was no scholar or archivist. He was good at breaking things and killing people. It was his skillset. If they could get to it, he'd at least not be bored. Punching Mia in the shoulder as he walked by, he followed Lilith without a word. He somehow appreciated her quiet. He idly wondered if he'd been the one to meet Princess instead of his half-brother, would she have trained him as well? What a glorious blood letting time that would be.
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Post by Seraphina De'Asandir on May 7, 2022 23:02:34 GMT -5
Seraphina would give pause, blinking a moment as the hologram appeared. Not that the technology surprised her, more so that Ahanna would use such technology and the message left.
"...a talking raccoon?" She'd mutter to herself curiously, not getting the reference.
She wouldn't have time to ponder it's meaning however as her attention was diverted to the presence that entered Oghma. Only briefly would she feel uncertainty to letting the unknown person into her Grandmother's presence and sanctuary, but all of her fears would vanish as she was filled with warmth and comfort. Even the Lady's touch would send a sense of relief through her body as aches and pains she had not realized she was carrying or was ignoring vanished. Then she would speak and introduce herself.
A small intake of breath as she heard Rieta speak her own name and the entirety of the Solavi history book she had memorized came to the forefront of her mind. It was nice to be able to put a face with the name and it was a relief to know the Mother of her Father-in-law, whom she still considered as such, appeared alive and well. Even if still imprisoned.
Sera would lower her gaze and dip into a gentle, though not too deep curtsey as one would when met with royalty.
"Your Majesty. It is an honor to finally be able to be graced by your presence."
She'd stand from the curtsey and raise her eyes, relaxing a bit from her moment of formality to take in a deep breath.
"A traveler who just passed through had told me Ahanna was attempting to contact me. I was told that I am dying because of my Children. I would assume this is why she had been attempting to contact me and thus, I reached out to her. But I am troubled on many fronts, as I believe you can see."
Seraphina never really needed to convey her thoughts with words as her Mother had taught. She'd reach up and gently place her hand atop the same hand that cupped her chin and in a moment information would be passed between them. Everything that had happened, including the sorrow, panic, and even anger would be shared with Rieta. Of her Nathan being lost, of another Nathan delivering to her a message before his death, of the fact she planned on using the energy and magic syphoned from her Grandmother, the strand of a soul collected from the passed Nathan, and perhaps even the assistance of the Gods of Faerun to find her husband. Gently she'd remove her hand to rest upon her belly once all of that had passed between them.
"I would welcome any advice or thoughts you may have to impart upon me regarding any of the troubles I am currently facing."
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Post by Lilith McCarrion on May 7, 2022 23:59:20 GMT -5
Lilith glanced over her shoulder with an arched brow, looking over Morsus but a moment quietly before returning her attention back to the path in front of her, making her way out of the library to the portal that brought them there in the first place. Balty would remain cradled in her arms, and she'd gently pet him until, hoping he regained consciousness soon. She would make sure of it at least before they teleported elsewhere.
Morsus would need to learn to guard his thoughts better. She had overheard the entire thought process and although her face would not show it, it would almost cause the darkling fae some amusement. Would she have taught Morsus instead of Nathan had he met Seraphina first. Likely not, only because she didn't see Morsus making it far enough with Seraphina for her to have even met him back then. She remembered encountering the wild eyed silent troublemaker back before he could speak. But had he met Morsus through Nathan, then yes. She could see herself offering to train him. After all, some aspects of their childhood mirrored each other. And yes... it would have been quite a blood letting.
Lilith wouldn't speak a word the rest of the way as they walked through the desert of silicon until they made it through the portal. Once back inside the workshop she'd lay Balty down upon a bench and made a motion to the twins.
"I task the two of you with gathering rations as I am not entirely sure what our situation will be. I will remain here and see if I can replicate the correct currency from the data base we just collected. It seems fashion varies wildly but I do not believe your current beach wear would blend in. I can have some clothing replicated as well."
Mia would only snort, taking the opportunity to return the punch to Morsus' shoulder and incline her head towards the door.
"C'mon then. Lets use your sniffer for food. Can't be too hard to find in a place we're unfamiliar with and where my bioempathy doesn't work. Right?"
She'd shoot Lilith a sarcastic grin, one that the elder fae would ignore, before walking out the door.
Both Mia and Morsus would of course revert back to the same manipulated forms that Oghma brought out of them. Upon stepping outside of Rift's workshop though Mia would find herself stopping in her tracks. She'd look down to the hairs on her golden hued arm as they stood on end, her magenta gaze looking around wildly.
"Do you feel that?!" She'd ask Morsus, though she wouldn't look at him. She had sensed something of Solavi in that upper building that Lilith had prevented her from entering but it was weak. This was a pull, a strong pull, like the very fibers of her being were calling her to seek it out.
She'd step upon the path that had led them to the shop and looked up towards the main buildings but it wasn't coming from there. It seemed to be coming from the valley below, from the ornate looking stone building that reminded her of some kind of temple.
"Down there!" She'd flash Morsus a wild grin, motion for him to follow and then take off at a sprint down the path.
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Post by Balthaxar on Aug 5, 2022 15:18:05 GMT -5
Balthaxar had been unconscious for a long time. When he opened his eyes, he realized he wasn't with Lilith, Morsus, and Mia in Oghma... rather, he was floating in a void.
"Cripes I could use a fish or two. How long have I been out?" He tried walking forward and found that his limbs just flailed in the air uselessly. "Oh... Balls." he thought.
He couldn't see anything moving around him in the void. As time passed and the Gelmelkin began to concentrate, he could tell he was moving. Unfortunately he wasn't so sure about the direction. His concept of time was off as well.
Balty squinted and pulled his ears back as he felt the sensation of drifting forward, and then he did a spiral. Now it was like flying, as was feeling as light as a feather. "Okay, now, I think we're getting somewhere."
Far off in the distance, a beam of solid light struck him. Balthaxar could do nothing but move toward it, though he would not abandon a cautious approach. He hissed in alarm at the moment he heard the voice fill the void. A freakishly tall woman wearing antlers approached.
"Creature of the infernal. Immortal seer of all. Reformed feline darkling fae. It is I. Behold the visage of DEATH." she pulled him into her reach easily.
The deer skull began to glow a frightening shade of pale grey beneath the pitch black hood shroud of the grim reaper. The entire space filled with the density of her presence. Persephrone, the Grand Mortician, cradled Balthaxar carefully. "This will likely be the only time we will meet in person. I'm sorry to tell you. not that it matters... however... I believe in giving my successor a fighting chance. I need to tell you that Deux is running out of time. Oh. And yes, I'm sorry.... you are dead. I probably should have told you that first, in hindsight. Well... anyhow, there you have it." "
Balty blinked, not fully understanding what was going on. "Uh.... do what now? What the fuck am I supposed to do with that information?" She shushed him and began to pet him. He was not ok with this at all. His eyes would not roll back in his head hard enough.
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Post by darkheart on Aug 6, 2022 11:05:18 GMT -5
Rieta would smile with an untold gentleness at the graceful formality Seraphina displayed. It had been far too long since she had the honor to interact with anyone outside of the voices of the royal guard and the telepathic commune with her prismatic dragon husband. To see another and to be treated with dignity instead of disdain was a comfort she had not had since she could remember. In turn, she would bow low, then raise up to her full height. She would listen intently as Seraphina explained why she had been called. The queen's hand would move from her chin, then, to her belly as a pulse of energy resonated into Sera's body, then echoed into two pulses. There was a strange mix of joy and sadness in the elf's demeanor as she looked back into her granddaughter-in-laws eyes.
"The first sunelves to be born in a millenia. Well, naturally, at any rate. And twins as well. You are most fortunate and unfortunate my beautiful one. I do not know what you know of our history and our curse, but twins are a deep concern. Solavi Sunelf children consume part of the mother's soul during gestation. Most sunelf women are weak and tired during the process, but recover slowly after. However the drain from twins will consume your soul entirely, usually ending in either miscarriage and the death of the mother or, in the rarest of cases, death of the mother at birth. I sense my son's energy in your twins - it would seem that he somehow stored or transferred his own soul energy to you to keep you healthy, which has brought you to this point. This is a rare magick I thought only my brother possessed, and one he guarded heavily. How Nihilano came by it, I know not...but he must care for you a great deal, I have spent many years wondering what type of elf my son became after he was wrested from me. There are treatments and tinctures I can teach you to make that will ease your carrying and labor, but you must make a difficult choice, child. Either you allow your children to consume the soul of another, risk death yourself, or remove one of them if you wish to survive this.
But tell me, young Seraphina...I sense you are far more troubled than this. Something weighs upon your light...I feel it weighing heavily upon you."
She would stand, then, turning to look over her shoulder with a curious smile. Closing her eyes, the apparition would reach her hand in a direction beyond sight and then laugh.
""It would seem that on this blessed day I am to be graced with more family. This is joy I do not know if I can bear after so long..."
She would smooth her clothes with her hands, check her hair and stand up just a touch taller as she awaited the twins to come into view.
*~*~*~*~*
Morsus would grunt as he was put on food duty. Great. There weren't even animals to kill so they could have meat. Princess probably only kept rice cakes and dried fruit around here. He would have to keep his distance from Mia at nights lest her gas be the second end of him. He perked a brow as they exited and Mia got all squirrely. What in the nine hells was she all up and excited over all of a sudden? He didn't feel a thing...but then again he was distracted by the smell of death coming off the cat-thing. He almost felt bad, but at least he didn't need to find liverwurst to bring along. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he begrudgingly trudged after his sister. He was used to Death following him around. He'd even met her once. She was pretty in spite of the whole skull motif. She'd ushered him into the void and the only peace he'd ever known after that building had fallen on him. He hoped she was treating the cat-thing well. Little critter wasn't half bad, after all.
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Post by The Grand Mortician on Aug 8, 2022 9:48:52 GMT -5
Persephone pondered as she scratched behind Balthaxar's ears. "I have to admit, this was unfair. You were killed by a paradox spell you didn't create, looking for the demon prince of travel known as Rift McCarrion."
Balty perked up. "My old master Rift? I should have known! What the hell did he do to me?"
"It isn't what he did...it is what Nathanial Shadowstar did... a variant of his initiated a grandfather paradox that allowed a variant of Rift to fill the void of the original. There is another being... something foreign to me... that is breaking all sorts of interdimensional laws to allow all of this to even be possible. Whoever imprisoned McCarrion... the real McCarrion... they must know spells of reality bending, paradoxes, and necromancy. Whoever they are, they are trying to make his banishment truly indefinite. Your scrying is what got you killed."
"No shit. Curiosity? That's what did me in? That is some real ironic bullshit right there." Balty got comfortable in Persephone's arms as they moved through the nothingness. "Despite appearances, I'm not really a cat."
Perspehone's tone was dulled. "As you remind everyone you know constantly, yes. This is known. Nobody... not one single creature or being, regardless of their strength or ability can exist in the same universe and time simultaneously."
Her shadow lengthened and created a doorway into the underworld. Balty could do very little but listen.
"For as long as this Rift variant exists... Darkrift, he calls himself... the original can never return."
They eventually exited the void, to enter a world that appeared to have been made out of soft yarn. Persephone walked with a sweeping gait, handling Balty carefully. "You will be allowed to be in a paradise if you want it. Your demise was so cruel I believe you would have earned it."
A few quiet moments passed as kittens played in the distance. It was indescribably adorable swarm of cuteness.
The infernal cat considered it. Skipping judgement? Paradise within hell? or was it heaven? He thought it over and smirked. "If you wanted me to stay, you wouldn't be telling me all of this stuff, true or not. So...Nope! As much as unlimited all you can eat swordfish sounds, I think I need to get back to Lilith. I would like to make a deal."
Those were the words that she needed to hear. "You are wiser than I thought, little one. He has taught you well."
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Aug 14, 2022 10:44:59 GMT -5
Lilith would look down at the still form of Balty. In an act of tenderness she'd slip her hand under his head, cradling it as she ran her thumb atop his head and over his ear. Stubborn feline. If it were anyone else she would not bother as it was not her place to interfere in such matters. She was a dealer of death, not a giver of life. Though perhaps some titles were interchangeable. A tiny spark would enter through the limp form of the feline, slipping all the way down his spine. As if sleeping and dreaming the whiskers would begin to twitch, paws flexing, tail twitching, heart thumping. Was it life? No, it was an invitation. Should Balty wish it he would have a short period of time to return before the body became still once more. Time before the body truly set in to decay.
She'd turn then, leaving him upon the bench as she went about her business with the replicators. She had sensed the presence of a stranger within the realm, but that was all it was, a presence. No true physical manifestation existed and they were in the presence of her Daughter. She would pay a visit, after she set things in motion in the lab. She only hoped the unconscious presence of that one's Brother wouldn't be an offence. After all, she had not had the time to implant new memories and give him new life. So he slept. Protected within Oghma as all things within the realm were. Her parents would have been disappointed had she rushed that task. There was nothing but time here.
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Seraphina smiled, though there was not joy, as Rieta asked what else weighs heavily upon her. If Rieta's words held true then her main task was even more urgent. If she were to pass then her children would need their Father. She needed their Father. She would not end up lonely like her Grandmother or mired in darkness like her Mother. She simply refused to let that be her fate. She'd touch the hand that rested upon her stomach, keeping her brilliant gaze upon Rieta.
"Their Father has inherited the ability to not only jump through time, as his Father Atreyu, Son of Illearas had. But it seems as if he jumps realities as well. I know not when or where he is, but I am prepared to find him and bring him home on my own if I have to."
Rieta would stand then, becoming distracted and looking off into the distance. Sera too would pause, tilting her head gently to the side as if hearing the whispers of the world that told that her Mother and the twins had returned. She'd look up to Rieta, catching the joyful smile upon her face. She was not so selfish as to keep the woman's attention who had spent so long alone. If she looked up the path that led to the stone staircase down into the valley, she could spot Mia and Morsus.
"Ah. Mia and Morsus. Two of three children born of your Son Nihilano and his wife Tanaphurr. Or as they prefer to be called, Sunfire and Puma Shadowstar. The third, Vespyr, is currently being tutored by your Niece Ahanna. I will leave you to meet them, I will be just inside the sanctuary."
Sera dipped her head low, turning then to take steps inside, moving behind the screens that protected the original body of her Grandmother from sight.
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Mia stopped as she came into full view of the taller, golden hued woman. She'd tilt her head to the side, glancing over her shoulder to look for Morsus before looking back again. She did not know who she was, but there was something deep in her soul that pulled her there. A similar feeling for when Illearas had paid them visits. Something of a place that felt like home despite the fact she had never been there. Something she would never really admit to wanting because she was too cool and independent for all that nonsense.
She's straighten her posture, clear her throat and look at the woman suspiciously. So many smart assed remarks waiting to fly off of her tongue, but only one simple question actually came out.
"Who are you?"
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Post by darkheart on Aug 20, 2022 8:29:18 GMT -5
Rieta would listen to Seraphina's explanation of her grand-nephew's powers, musing at it a bit. Her look softened as Sera explained more what weighed upon her soul and called gently after her.
"Fear not, child....Nathan is with me. He will be with you shortly and you will be able to lay your burden down. And if what I believe to be true is accurate, he can do far more than that, though I wonder what catalyzed him at last. Interesting."
Morsus would trail after Mia with his usual bored, smug swagger until his grandmother would come into view. Cocking his head to the side, he let Mia take point as always. He would normally be tensed and ready to follow up with a strike should Mia take the offensive, but looking at Rieta he felt a deep calm within himself, as if Mia's presence were amplified as his One. It was as if the beast within him had sensed her and laid down to sleep gently, knowing there would be no trouble - only peace - around this one.
Rieta would take in a soft breath at the pair, her fingertips coming up to her lips as if to stifle a gasp. These were her grandchildren and they were beautiful. She could sense the dark beastial influence of Puma in them, but they were still of sunelf blood as well and she could resonate with them. Few knew that the people of Solavi primarily communicated in song - resonant notes with no actual words. Merely tones and volumes to communicate. The act of speaking Common was considered low brow and was only done with 'lesser' species out of necessity. An individual sunelf resonated with their own ultrasonic frequency, and she could feel the music coming from these two. Mia was a strong, sharp tone - cutting and powerful. Morsus was a deep minor chord, brooding and mysterious, though strangely sad. Together they harmonized dischordantly, as if missing a third note to balance the measure - something flat and atonal, and she was already beginning to surmise what Vesypr would be like. Her lips would split and a C7major tone would emanate from her lips. It would be so loud that the whole of Oghma shook, the trees waving and the rocks vibrating in resonance. Where one would expect the sonic shock to hurt the ears or pain the senses, it seemed to rather energize the whole of the place. The light would grow brighter, the smells richer and the temperature more soothing. Mia and Morsus would feel as if their cells called out in song back, vibrating with sympathetic resonance as if calling back, energizing them and giving them a static current that would travel along their nerves as if in joy. Seraphina would feel the children within her still, as if they wanted to call back in song but had no ability to do so.
Undeniably on an instinctual level Mia and Morsus would know that this woman was queen, as if their genetic memory responded to the call, but it was not one of dominance or oppression - rather it was an adulation of their identity. They were not called to submit, but rather to join the chorus of one people.
After a moment the note would end and Reita would look to them with a pleased smile as Oghma settled into stillness once more.
"Hello children - I am your grandmother. I wish that I could be fully with you, but I am, alas, still on Solavi where by brother locked me away. In the Common tongue I am called Rieta D'Damakos, and my joy in meeting you is nigh unto impossible to contain. Peace to you, Children of the Royal Family of Solavi. May you ever walk in the Sun's Light."
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Aug 21, 2022 21:46:17 GMT -5
Seraphina paused just before passing behind the screen, looking out to Rieta. She believed her. There was truth in her words. Her lips twitched in an almost involuntary smile. Did she dare get her hopes up? Perhaps she needed it. She continued back to sit with her Grandmother, wondering if she too saw in multi-planal realities. She had to. How else would she have known or thought of the avatars and her search.
Mia watched the woman's subtle movements, not feeling the need to disturb her thoughts when the chord sang through the air. Her breath caught in her throat and her hands went up reflexively as if to block something being thrown at her. She'd shiver as the world around her reverberated with that sound and for the first time in a long time her mind heard... nothing. No voices of the Kalak'mal, not her own constant thoughts of song lyrics and movie quotes, only the quiet and that one perfectly in tune chord. Was this what peace felt like? She'd reach up, confused by the wetness on her cheek. tears? Was she crying? But she never cried. She certainly didn't feel sad. Quite the opposite in fact. She remembered to breathe.
"Grandmother?" She couldn't help but laugh. It was a sound of true happiness and she'd bring her hands up to her lips to contain the sound. She'd instinctively walk towards Rieta, holding out her hand, wondering if she could touch her.
"We'll come get you. Just tell us what we need."
Sera would not be immune to the effects, but it ran deeper than the children she carried. Sera had tapped into the immense magic locked away within the still form of her Grandmother. That magic was also tied to and sustained Oghma and whatever affected the world affected it's steward as well. Fae magic and elven magic were similar, and in some realms, derived from the other. It would be no surprise when Oghma responded to Rieta's call. Trees shuttered, flowers bloomed, and birds who had hidden away in the boughs and bushes flew to the sky, haven hidden themselves when predators were sensed.
Sera sat upright and took a deep breath. She'd close her eyes and just smile, a hand resting on her stomach, the other resting upon the still fingertips of Dana Realta. Her skin glowed, her opalescent hair lifted as if supported by some unseen wind, and behind her a pair of pearlescent wings appeared upon her back and fluttered. A note within the same chord hummed from her lips. For a moment, everything felt perfect.
Lilith had stepped outside just as the effects hit Oghma. The warm welcoming breeze blowing ebony hair back away from her face. The darkling was connected to Oghma, though not in the same way, and as the light within the pocket dimension grew brighter, the shadows would grow deeper. Quietly she'd step into one, only to reappear down in the valley below and walking out from behind the sanctuary. She would not interrupt, only stand off to the side quietly and observe.
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Post by Balthaxar on Aug 30, 2022 12:25:05 GMT -5
Balthaxar stirred and opened his eyes. His body had been left on a construct bench within the pocket universe known as Oghma. This was his home away from home within the Grand Library.
He had met death, and survived by making a deal. Though he was an immortal creature, his life essence still remained vulnerable to death spells. Balty looked around for Lilith, and by this point there was no sign of her.
He stretched and adjusted his spine. Being unalive for so long had made him famished. His mouth watered at the thought of fresh mackerel, created by one of the many food replicators he knew would be somewhere in Rift's lab.
The Greymelkin hopped down off of the bench and trotted towards the main housing of Rift's lab. He would pause to lick his leg about halfway there.
Sure, he had a story to tell. But Balty was in no hurry to find anyone to tell it to.
"Meow!" Then he realized he couldn't... at least for now.
~~~
A little time had passed since the feeling of life flowed through his entire body once more. His unnatural intelligence was slowly returning. "Meowwww... Meaiioow... Meaa.... mmmmman... that sucked! I need to remember to pick a shorter game to play against the grim reaper next time!"
The deal Balty had made had been to challenge death to a game of his choice, to have life return to him if he won. He won, just barely, but he had cheated, which also part of the deal. Persephone had been amused enough to humor him. If he had lost he would have simply remained dead, but as Persephone's personal pet.
On his way to the lab he could see Lilith in the distance of another path, slipping around in a stealthy cloak. Of course he could see her, so he padded off in her direction to catch up.
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Post by darkheart on Sept 3, 2022 10:33:25 GMT -5
Mia's hand would pass through the light fingers of Rieta's Astral Projection. There was substance there, but not matter. In her mind she would feel the warmth of the fingertips, but moreso the joyful emotion of immediate unconditional love her Grandmother felt for her. If Morsus felt anything, it would be an amplification of the endless hole of nothingness and lonliness in his soul. His eyebrow perked at his sister's tears and while he internally scoffed at what he perceived as uncharacteristic weakness in her, he said and did nothing. This was her moment and he loved her enough to let her have it without interference. He would simply nod at Rieta and walk away, going to find the fabricators to perform his assigned task. He sensed Lilith upwind, though he did not smell her, casting a glance over his shoulder to pinpoint her, then moving towards the labs. He would do as he was instructed without useless interruption.
Rieta would smile to Mia warmly, her bottom lip quivering. What she wouldn't do to hold this one in her arms. She had not had physical contact with another in literal ages. The last sensation of another she'd had was Illereas taking her child from her arms forcibly before leaving her alone in her tower. Did she dare to hope that this one could free her? Even her own son had not attempted. Would his daughter do what her son had not? The thought of freedom was almost terrifying. Her image would waiver slightly as her focus lessened, but then would clarify. Kneeling to be at eyeline with Mia, she spoke softly - almost gravely.
"Childe, you do not know what you promise. To free me you would have to return to your home on Solavi. From there you would have to face the Solavi Army, of which your very father is the First Captain - the First Avatar himself. And even if you managed to get by through stealth or force, you would have to climb the Palace Spire and unlock the door to my chambers. To do so you would need the keys of Silver and Bronze my brother used to seal them - and your Grand-Uncle Illeras is not one to give them up willingly or easily. He is a terrifying force - an Oathbreaker, not the Paladin he parades as. I would not risk you so unnecessarily for my own sake. Better that you lived your life in full. I would not meet you to have you simply cut down. And yet, you are a Lady of the Court of Solavi, so I should not underestimate you either. In you lies an inherent gift of the cosmos, if you could unlock it. My Niece Ahanna holds the power of Gravity Darkening, my Nephew the power of...what is the work in Terran....Quarks? Temporal displacement of matter without having to traverse through physical space. My Brother holds the power of Superluminous Supernova - devastating and feared among our people. My own son holds the power of Coronal Mass Ejection...heat and burning. I, myself, hold the power of Magnetic Reconnection. It is the basis for what my son determined and refined into what you call "Bio-empathy," though his permutation of it comes at great cost as his utilization of the skill is a borrowed technique, not a natural one. Each of these inherent gifts, when fused with other known phenomena of magical, psionic or physical arts manifest into a unique gift set. You are the 1st generation after my son's in the royal family, so I have no idea how it would manifest in you. If determined and harnessed, it would not only prove your validity as a Lady of Solavi to the people, but also be utilized to devastating effect. I am having trouble sensing your gift, childe. You have clearly not explored it. Your brother, there, I fear greatly. He knows his gift but rightly refuses to use it. Most with his gift are killed at birth for the safety of the universe. In the wrong hands, the effects are horrific. His particular infusion with his natural talents make him one of the most volatile threats in the known universe. It is not the overwhelming power that makes him dangerous...indeed, it is one of the 'lesser' gifts. But it's application...."
She would visibly tremble and swallow hard. Morsus would cast a glance at her, grunt, and then look to Mia almost as if in sadness. He would turn back and move into the workshops and busy himself with the tasks Lilith had assigned. Rieta would continue, almost as if she could not help but offer the lesson as her royal duty.
"These gifts are not powers in and of themselves. They fuse with the identity and personage of their bearer. Hence Atreyu utilizes it to amplify his Time Magic. Nihilano carries his in his very blood and manifests it in his physicality. Illereas....Oh Illereas...."
The inherent joy in the projection of the woman before Mia would waver as she choked up, thinking of her brother. It was clear how much she loved him in spite of their history. After a brief moment, Rieta would regain her composure. Her smile would spread once more as she looked deep into Mia's eyes.
"I'm sure if you find your gift you will feel whole, dear heart. Perhaps then you can dispense with this cursed addiction to the vile Kalak'mal I feel in you. It is a vile mutation of the natural, and I'm sure you feel it when you are alone. I would not have you succumb. I do not judge or blame you...all of us are cursed by it's call. Atreyu even figured out how to purify it within himself, but he was always far more clever than he was honorable. In any event, I am safe - if not happy - in my solitude. You need not rush to fulfill your promise if I am not able to dissuade you from it. But know that if you intend to honor your oath, I shall ever look forward to the day I can hold you in my arms. You bring me great joy, Mia'onnya. But alas, I am tired and must rest. Forgive me for taking my leave of you shortly. But know that if you call to me, I know your song now and I will answer."
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Sept 5, 2022 13:56:34 GMT -5
Mia listened, quite intently as Rieta. More power. More abilities. Greater than Bio-Empathy. She bet if her soul hadn't been split to make Zella she would've figured out so much of this by now. It was like a switch in another room that someone else had to turn on for her to access the abilities. But if Morsus had figured out his talent already, then maybe it didn't matter she'd been split. Her eyes grew wide a moment.
"Holy shit, Zella. Oh! And Vespyr! There's two more of us if you didn't know that already." She'd shrug with a laugh and a shake of her head. Her fingers then reached up to press in between her brows, the silence inside of her own head so loud she found it even more distracting. She had almost forgotten what it was like since the day Dad had offered to teach her Bio-Empathy.
"Don't... don't worry about us. In truth, half of what you mentioned is already a non-issue. It is understandable if you were not aware. Gruncle Illeras isn't a problem anymore, and isn't on Solavi. Lilith, Seraphina's Mom, completely wiped his mind. Something of his is still in Oghma though, I think I can sense it but Lilith keeps it under lock and key. Dad gave Zella his sword. Dad also doesn't live on Solavi anymore, he's retired and lives on the beach in Terra with Mom. I'm not going to tell you what they're up to all the time but I am surprised I don't have more siblings. ANYWAY... Ahanna is ruling Solavi now and from what I understand, is just waiting for Seraphina to give birth before she releases you. She's wearing two rings from the family that is supposed to help her with childbirth and those rings are supposed to be the keys to setting you free. And don't worry about me. I got the Kalak'mal under control. Surprised I haven't annoyed them enough to completely abandon me." She'd chuckle with a shrug. "So maybe... go visit Dad if you're able. I'm sure he'd appreciate it. Then when we're able, we'll come get you for real."
Lilith glanced in Morsus direction as he looked her way. She wasn't purposely trying to hide her presence, but she supposed some habits were hard to break. She had simply not wanted to interrupt personal time between family. Morsus would no doubt pass Balty as the cat made his way down to the valley below, and once the boy reached the top of the cliff he'd be greeted by the scent of deer off in the distance. He had assumed incorrectly there was nothing to hunt within Oghma. The dense woods that surrounded the estate teemed with life, but being Fae in nature they were very good at hiding their presence. Rift's food replicators were simply a convenience. He would have his choice of collection methods.
Lilith, upon hearing her name mentioned by Mia, would step out of the shadows. She still remained far enough away as to not intrude, but wanted to make her presence known out of courtesy. She'd nod to Rieta, but otherwise remain nearby to watch. She was somewhat impressed Mia had sensed Illeras. She was correct something of him remained here. His entire being remained locked away and asleep in the main building of the estate since she had no time to implant new memories into his mind. It was something she had wanted her Mother's input on as well, seeing as the elder Fae would be a lot more thoughtful with the process than Lilith would be.
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Post by darkheart on Sept 10, 2022 10:47:07 GMT -5
Ahanna would take it all in, every word. Her brow would furrow as Mia spoke of the true state of things. Her face would get very serious as she knelt down to look at Mia.
"I must go, Childe, but a few words of parting wisdom: Do not trust Ahanna - particularly with the rings. There are not two, there are five. Gold, Silver, Copper, Bronze and Starmetal - Each granted by dragons according to their color, Gold, Silver, Copper, Bronze and Prismatic. Ahanna must never have all five, and if she rules Solavi things are much more dangerous there than even I realized. Nihilano was gifted the Copper ring, Atreyou the Silver. Ahanna holds the Bronze Ring and Illereas the Starmetal. I bore the Gold ring, but Illereas took it from me when he sealed me away and I do not know where it is now. If Ahanna knows the location of Silver and Copper, she will take them - by force if necessary - once the twins are born. If Illereas is here in Oghma, then it is only a matter of time before she moves against this place - do not think it secure. If she had seen this place, been here in the mind of another, then she can bypass any wards or protections and invade - with the Solavi Army if she chooses."
There would be sounds that emanated from Rieta's projection, as if the background behind the real Rieta was being transmitted through her projection. It would begin to flicker and fade.
"The rings are keys to something terrible.....do not....have them...calamity...."
And she would be gone.
Morsus would sigh. At least that was over with. He'd look at his hands, then drop them.
"C'mon sis. Work to do. Let's finish this job we agreed to."
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