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Post by darkheart on Aug 12, 2023 12:24:56 GMT -5
No matter where you go or for how long you travel there, your heart always tries to find its way home. This simple truth spans across all species and beings. Even Nomads find home in their tribe. Whether home is a place or a person or being, beings are tied to something no matter how hard they fight it. And even with the span of geography, realms and even time itself, it was no different for the Shadowstars. Time had passed, and it was no surprise that Nathan and Sera had returned to their home in Austin. It had been ages since Mia and Morsus had struck off with Lilith and Balty. Lord knows where they were or what they were doing. Lord knew what mischief Winnie and Ilimetha had gotten up to. It seemed like one day a portal had just opened and they had vanished off on some strange otherworldly adventure. Knowing them, they were off smoking weed with some pot goblin somewhere and making new friends.
In that time, as Nathan had foreseen in his time jumping, Seraphina had given birth to twin daughters. The spectacle had been a horrifying display of the pain and destruction of the first true birth of half sunelf children that threatened to tear apart Sera's very soul mixed with the incomprehensible beauty of Sera's magic that bore Aisling and Saoirse into the world and sustained Seraphina even as the last remnants of Sunfire's soul stored in the ring was consumed. The girls had grown into toddlers under the loving care of their parents, along with the oversight of their great grandfather Malcolm. Nathan had put Malcolm up in the guest house that Mia and Morsus naturally occupied for the times when he felt like being in human form, as well as hosting the frequent visits of Donny and his lady love. Malcolm had been shocked when Zella and Winnie had returned with a version of his dead wife from another realm, and while she wasn't the same woman, they had been getting used to each other a little more each day. The sun hung low in the sky as Nathan stood on the back porch watching the girls climb all over Malcolm in bear form as he gave them rides around the yard and tossed them about playfully in his large paws. Nathan marveled quietly how time changed everything. This deadly and violent man of the past fit the role of loving patriarch to a "T".
Calling out to the girls that it would soon be bedtime, the chorus of disappointed whines from all three in the party caused a soft, relenting smile to crease his lips. Shaking his head, he waved relentingly. Malcolm would see the girls to bed in good time and likely tell them fascinating stories of the past until their small eyes closed in exhaustion. He would take in the scene slowly one last moment, then retire to his basement office. The scene was a disconcerting scene of juxtaposed otherworldly technology painted with hundreds of scraps of papers and photographs tied with red strings in a cacophony of near paranoid investigation. The books of Rin'quith lay strewn about, highlighted in places, and several of Nathan's notes were scribbled below Nihilano's. Pages had been torn out and put on the board, strung with red string to other items of locations, astral occurrences and photos of strange and previously unknown worlds. Nathan's obsession had consumed all of his off time to the point where he was nearly malnourished and the weariness tugged at the corners of his eyes. While he played the good father and husband, making sure his work did not distance himself from his family, he had barely slept in years, and when the household was asleep, he decelerated his perception of time, spending the equivalent of decades in single evenings doing research, recon and slipping through the timestreams to the past and future to dig up everything he could on the topic of his pursuit.
On his finger rest the silver ring he'd taken from his father, allowing him to manage and control his timeslips. Seraphina had relinquished the copper ring Sunfire had gifted her, and it stood in a small case that was protected with quantum security next to the onyx ring that had come from his aunt Ahanna. It had taken him nearly a year's worth of real time to track down the sapphire ring from Winnie's long dead mother, Atreyu's wife, and several trips across realms and the past to retrieve it from a time when she was still alive. The Etherial Ring, which seemed to be made of tangible cloud, had been retrieved from Jaeden Starfire, having been kept in confidence and meant for Vespyr when he came of age. A secret stolen from the great Solavi Vault by Sunfire himself when first the notion of having children had been conceived. Only one remained - a gold ring. Had Mia been around, she would have certainly teased him with some sort of movie reference to Sauron. These rings, however, were not crafted to control or augment. Each offered a buffer to the realm of Solavi and had been crafted by the Ancient Sunelves as keys. They had been forged with help from the cosmic prismatic dragons to aid Rin'Valessor when the Gold Elves had originally come to Solaris Prime, and bore different aspects of the realm that had allowed the 1st sunelf pilgrims survive and create a livable realm on the surface of the great Red Star after the Bronze City had been established. It was a bond of peace and alliance between the races who lived in harmony at the time. They had been passed down through the royal family long before Rakesh had exerted his control.
Nathan chewed on a pen cap, hissing at himself in frustration. After the equivalent of nearly 400 years of work (all having been decompressed over the span of a few years of real time) he had still failed to find the gold ring. With an exasperated roar, he began to tear everything off the board and throw it around the room in exasperation. In real time, this happened about once a week and was the reason he'd soundproofed the office after his first outburst had sent Aisling to caterwauling and Saoirse to clinging gently to her father's leg in silent concern. Flopping down in frustration amongst the slow rain of papers, Nathan sought to compose himself. The papers hung in the air in still motion, held in place by the time decompression. Releasing his control of the dilation, it all fell to the ground unceremoniously. Looking to the ceiling, he wondered why his grandmother had not appeared to him in far too long. Was she keeping silent because she didn't want this? But that would be in contrast to what she had expressed in Meridian. Growling in exhaustion and minor rage, he moved over to his computer with a sense of resignation. He had not found any trace or record in the past or future of the ring. His father had no knowledge of its whereabouts and had only heard rumors of it in his youth through the oral traditions. Even Nihilano had never seen it in person, so there was no description to work from. A small chest of antique and magic rings sat in the corner from failed pursuits from myths, legends and folklore he'd tracked down over the years. They were worth billions in gold on the Faerun black market, yet he kept them all so as not to receive false trails only to track them down again. He had even gone so far as to corner a young Shayanna Vryce-Griffinsbane to inspect her legendary rings. While she would never part with them, none were what he was looking for. Ahanna had likewise heard tell of such a ring, confirming its existence, but was of no further help.
Blinking on the screen was an encrypted e-mail that even his systems had not been able to back trace. Opening it, his eyes grew wide at the message within. A picture of a lone finger adorned with a simple gold band. The finger was desiccated and aged, clearly undead. What made it so intriguing was that the crest etched and worn on the face of the ring was the crest of the Solavi sages. A single word escaped the young man's lips.
"Rin'quith."
It couldn't be, and yet it made sense. Only one thing was more important to the Solavi Elves than royalty and succession - their history. And the keepers of the histories were venerated nigh unto godlike status. Could it be that the sage who penned the books had received a different fate than those who had distributed and read them? Could it be he wasn't burned by coldfire, but rather been condemned to a more sinister and serious fate?
"Illereas...you bastard. You couldn't just get rid of him because he had information you needed and needed to control. Gods, I've been so blind in my assumption."
Turning and running to the pile of papers that now lay strewn about, he dug through them feverishly, looking at them briefly before throwing them aside. After several moments, he came across a picture. Sitting back on his haunches, he looked at a dark stone door with ancient script etched in silver and gold ore that looked like the entrance to an ancient tomb.
"You bastard. You put him in Kelemvor? Of course you did."
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Post by Seraphina De'Asandir on Aug 20, 2023 16:42:23 GMT -5
So much had happened in the span of only a couple of years. Seraphina had felt so alone after sequestering herself to Oghma, her Mother's voice ringing in her ears of what she had done to her Grandmother, what with the Danu Realta's shrine laying empty and her powers dancing upon Sera's fingertips. She hadn't the heart to return to Terra where family may judge her, or where she may cause harm to the Avatars. So she'd stay in Oghma, worried for her missing husband and the safety of her unborn children, her only comfort a necklace left by Lilith before she left. She wouldn't feel alone for too long when word reached her that Nathan was in Faerun with Zella and Winnie. As much as it pained her, she'd decline the invitation to join them, waiting instead to join them back at the Shadowstar estate when they returned to Terra.
Nathan, Zella, and Winnie would not return empty handed however. He'd return carrying what appeared to be a dark skinned woman with long purple hair. The glamour upon the unconcious woman being so good that none realized who she was until Nathan explained he had found another avatar. This one went by Inaya, was smart, deceptive, and dangerous. After refusing to join them Nathan delivered a nerve agent into the water supply of her base of operations, paralysing all inside. Zella keeping the other facts to herself, that Nathan had grown increasingly darker the longer they remained in Faerun and that it took her to convince him not to raze the building to the ground and kill everyone inside. Zella would just be happy that no one died and could sense a calming of his spirit once reunited with his wife. Charion suggested locking Inaya away with the Librarian in Denier if she was that dangerous. The others agreed and Charion would take her away.
In the last two years, after the birth of the twins, two more avatars would be found and delivered to the Shadowstar estate with the rest. One found by Z'ress and Ilimetha who goes by the name Ileana. She would happily tell her story, that all of her life she heard the voice of a Goddess in her head and would openly speak with her. No one else believed her and thought her mad, which she was fine with, until the voice stopped. She had recalled the voice telling her to be reunited she would need to give up her self. She took this to mean she needed to die and asked Ilimetha and Z'ress to end her life. Z'ress would refuse, instead convincing her to come with them, telling her they would reunite her with the owner of the voice. She was not disappointed and has been following around the eldest avatar like a puppy.
The next to be brought back also went by Illyana, though requested to go by Illy for short when returned by Ilimetha and Winnie to the Shadowstar estate. She had been found powerless, travelling through Chardra looking for a way back to Oghma, certain that if she could find a way back all would be made whole again. After a long conversation with the eldest avatar and being presented with the other two living there, she'd come to accept the reality of the situation and offered to assist in any way that she could.
Today, Seraphina walked through Oghma's library and into the gardens. At least once a week she would spend a few hours, dutifully tending to the home of her Grandparents. She'd ensure the obligations the Dana Realta still had to the realms were not overlooked. In addition to this she would use the time to speak to Lathander, fully taking up the mantle of Arbiter as she had promised years ago. With the differences in time between Oghma and Terra, this meant Sera could be away from her home and family for more than a day. She could not of been more grateful for her Husband, her Father, and her Grandfather for helping while she worked. Her Mother, would return with Mia and Morsus eventually. She was certain.
Yet today there would be no need to remain for an extended period of time. She'd slip through the division between realms easily enough without the need of a door or key, appearing on her back porch just as the sun was setting. She'd only have to wonder a moment where her children were when she'd hear Aisling whine petulantly that she wasn't tired and demanded another story. Hearing Malcolm's deep laugh she'd picture Saoirse clinging to his arm with wide eyes that begged him not to go. She'd smile to herself, as this was a common occurrence when he watched them. He could never tell them no.
With Malcolm upstairs, there would be only one place her husband could be. Sera walked to the door of Nathan's basement office and lightly rapped her knuckles against the wood before opening it and descending the stairs. His obsession concerned her. While she had no real way of knowing how long he had spent in research without being intrusive or demanding, the toll he was putting on his body and mind were obvious. She also didn't need him to tell her he was slipping in and out of time, the power hung thick in the air like the taste of lightning after a storm. She could only be supportive and make sure he was taking care of himself along with everything else.
"Who is a bastard?" She'd ask gently from the stairs before finally stepping foot down on the floor of the office, glancing only a moment at his computer before looking to him directly.
"Hope I wasn't absent for too long. Have you eaten yet? You look exhausted."
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Post by jsmith506 on Aug 22, 2023 23:20:10 GMT -5
The lady Max De Asandir, though she simply referred to herself as Max now, stretched and slid out of bed in the guest house and slipped on her housecoat. The setting sun was still spilling its light into the living area of the guest house and she cautiously opened the door. The bedroom had been fitted with blackout shutters to keep out the sunlight for the elder Setite's safety. She could feel the slight discomfort of the setting sun on her skin but it did no damage. She smiled and stepped all the way out into the light. This was an unexpected side effect of subsisting off of the Malcolm of this realm. The sun was no longer lethal to her at dusk and dawn hours and her sleeping patterns had shifted slightly. She had also gained the ability to enjoy small quantities of food and drink, the most exciting for her of which was coffee. She padded into the kitchen and over to the coffee machine which was fresh and piping hot. Malcolm had put on a pot for her before heading out for story time with the girls. She had also become very fond of the two energetic youngsters that were not really her great grand children, but she tried her best to treat them as if they were and be a positive influence in their lives like their great grandfather.
After her coffee she would slip into a simple sun dress and flip flops and head outside towards the main residence. Her complexion had grown a bit less pale here after spending time feeding from Malcolm's angelically infused vitae, it was flush with color now in her cheeks and collar bone area, a rosy hue contrasting with the pale. Her long white mane tossed over one shoulder flickering in the breeze. She reached the main residence and looked up towards the girls bedroom window that was aglow with lamp light. She noted the window was open a crack with a smirk and knelt down taking upon her serpent form, a large boa like snake aproximately ten feet long. She slithered up the side of the house with ease and poked her nose inside the window, her forked tongue doing a quick flick flick inside tasting the air. She heard the girls squeal with delight as the large serpent appeared at their window, they had grown accustomed to seeing her this way as the scales of this form proved to be more resilient to sunlight and she could spend more time in daylight hours, exhausting as it was she did what she had to in order to spend more time with Malcolm and the girls. She glided down through the window and slithered over her lover's broad shoulders as she coiled around him and pressed her serpentine cheek against his affectionately.
"And after all that chaos and mayhem, our story closes with the Great One, the legendary Shayanna getting a very thorough flea bath!" His laughter filled the room and he smiled, caressing the scales of his lover draped over his shoulders.
"I hope you had a good nap my dear, good of you to make it here in time for bed. And that's it now young ladies, time for night night, got it!? Good."
He stood up and closed the window, then knelt down to press a kiss onto both girls' cheeks. Max as well let her long tongue give a quick flick flick onto their noses as he did prompting more giggles.
"Sweet dreams."
He would then exit their room and head downstairs, he arched an eyebrow. The basement door was open, this was unusual, he heard the sound of Seraphina's voice then though and smiled knowing nothing was amiss then. This was as good a time as any to check in on the grand children now he supposed, and it was totally obvious he was coming, his large frame having an extra nearly 200 pounds of snake draped over it as he plodded down the stairs. They creaked and squeaked in protest with each step as he pushed the load limit of the staircase.
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Post by darkheart on Aug 25, 2023 22:53:26 GMT -5
As the door opened and Sera's light footstep touched the first stair, there would be a hint of wind as all the papers, string and books were cleaned, organized, stacked and straightened to look like the office was normal. It was even dusted and mopped, smelling lemony fresh and not stale of sweat and the equivalent of years of abuse. He didn't do it to hide anything, but rather just out of respect for his wife so that she didn't have to wade through his mess. He'd even showered, shaved and changed his clothes to be presentable for the time he got to spend with her. While the difference between Oghma and Terra was different, what was hours or days for her to be gone were years at a time for Nathan, comparatively. As such, once her face was visible to him, a bright and appreciative smile creased his lips and his tired muscles relaxed visibly. It was always better when she was around. The voices were quiet - almost afraid to speak in her presence - and nothing else mattered. He had lost over 30 lbs. since last she saw him; a clear answer to her question about eating. He could go relative weeks at a time with only water, but filling up his bottle was only a few seconds of real time compared to preparing food for himself. That hour would cost him weeks of research in dilation, and he was far too focused on his goal.
Before speaking he would draw her close, holding her in his arms gently and just taking in her warmth and scent appreciatively. He would open his mouth to form words when the staircase positively groaned under Malcom and Lady Max's weight. He chuckled as he looked up at the pair with a gentle nod to them. Sighing, he shook his head.
"Up! Up! Out of my study! I could use a break and some fresher air, and this is not the place to have a discussion. Besides, I could use a cup of tea and perhaps a sandwich. To the kitchen, everyone! Shoo! Shoo!"
He would usher them back up the stairs and put on some hot water. Pulling some roast beef, red onion and swiss cheese out, he'd portion it onto some rye bread with mayo and mustard and nod. Pouring a cup of pu'er tea for himself, he'd leave the kettle out for anyone who cared to join him. Unusually, he was not very host like at the moment and didn't put out enough to feed an army or cook anything because he was simply exhausted. The hour and a half he was downstairs had been three weeks for him in dilation, and he hadn't slept a moment of it. Taking a bite of his sandwich, he leaned on the island and finally began to speak.
"So, my Grandmother, as you know, is imprisoned on her homeworld of Solavi. With Grandfather taken away by Rift and the Council and Military of Solavi not knowing she lives, I have no idea what is happening politically there without a ruler. Politics aside, I have been searching for a way to free her from the imprisonment Illereas imposed upon her. The search has led me to 5 rings which act as keys for the door to her chambers/prison. A literal queen in a locked and forbidden tower. A bit cliche, but Illereas would want her where she could be comfortable and where her mate, a prismatic dragon, could visit her in peace and solitude. The rings themselves hold a special power to the Solavi - they were gifts of the dragons of that world to our ancestors to help bind the energies of matter and magic on the world and allow them to make a home for themselves. 4 of the rings were held by the royal family throughout the generations, and I have managed to acquire them. The last I had no records about, but I believe I have located to be left with the Royal Sage of the Solavi. Only he was thought to be dead long past when Nihilano was still younger than I am now. The thing is, I only found out about it tonight from a mysterious tip that I haven't been able to trace. I'm not sure who sent it, or who even knows I'm looking for it. So, while dubious and suspect, I still believe it to be accurate information.
He would pause to sip his tea and take another bite of his sandwich, look up to Seraphina.
"To answer your question, the 'bastard' is Illereas. I think he did something to the last Royal Sage, Rin'quith, and imprisoned him. I believe Rin'quith has the ring, but unfortunately, I think Illereas stashed him in Kelemvor...not a very nice place. So, at some point, then, I need to go and check out this lead. It might be a trap, or it might be what I'm looking for. Either way, if it is what I think it is, I may be able to finally free Rieta and hopefully have one member in my family line who is not an absolute terror, unlike my father and aunt, my great uncle and a host of other family members who are either crazy, evil or just plain unbearable. So yeah. Tea anyone?"
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Post by Seraphina De'Asandir on Aug 26, 2023 21:15:53 GMT -5
Sera's feet gently touched down upon the study floor and move directly into his embrace. She'd take in a deep breath and lean her cheek against his, feeling the tension leaving his body. She worried for Nathan, naturally. Seeing his weight, pallor, and composure change so drastically in such a short amount of time, within her perception of it at least, did not leave her comfortable. Yet she'd keep a smile on her face, and do everything within her power to take care of him and their children.
The noise from the staircase drew Sera's gaze to it, and she'd watch as her Grandfather descended. She'd smile, truly happy of his presence, and happy for him to have a second chance at love. This Lady Max was not her Grandmother, but she appreciated the effort the woman made to treat Sera, Nathan, and the children as her own family. Having never met this world's Lady Max outside of obtaining a fae amulet that held her tortured spirit, she would often wonder how the two would compare and what, if any, differences they possessed.
"Good afternoon." She'd address the two with a smile, directly before Nathan shoo'd them out of the study. She'd have no issues. After all, he needed to eat.
Sera would have no problem playing the host, motioning for Malcolm and Max to have a seat, in whatever form she was most comfortable in of course, asking them for at least a choice in beverage. Once obtained, she'd make her own way into the kitchen, moving around Nathan as he made his sandwich and began explaining what he had uncovered.
She'd pause beside Nathan, pushing a bowl of fresh mixed fruit next to his sandwich along with a bag of potato chips. The quickest things without conjuring food. She was also trying to listen to his story, catching his gaze as he looked over to her.
Eyebrows raised. "It could be what you're looking for and a trap. An unknown source is.... uncomfortable." She'd sigh, knowing he would go, that he needed to go. Else there would be no end to these focus driven time pauses.
"You'll not go alone." She'd state, the look in her eye not making it a discussable topic. But who? Sera of course would drop everything so long as Malcolm would watch the children. Donnalbane had accompanied them on other ventures. But then again, where was Lilith with Morsus and Mia?
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Post by Lilith McCarrion on Oct 18, 2023 14:00:50 GMT -5
It was if the thought within Sera’s head was enough to conjure the portal that opened up in the back yard of her Texas home. It appeared as a swirling mass of pitch blackness mid air that only grew in size until it reached a circumference large enough to support its passengers. Silent alarms within the house would go off, alerting those downstairs of the unknown magical entity that had suddenly appeared within such close proximity.
Mia and Morsus would be the first faces to appear out of the vortex, still clad head to toe in blaster scarred Beskar armor. Mia removed her helmet, reaching up to scratch her head and adjust the long braid that had been stuffed up under the helmet.
She’d pause, looking up to one of the security cameras as the warning system began to shut down upon facial recognition. Mia would just grin, a wicked glint in those silvery blue eyes before taking in a deep breath.
”Ahhhh…. Smells like. Like cow shit. Yup! We’re back in Texas. How boring…”
From behind her emerged a cat. A cat that that looked like it had been suddenly dropped out of the portal, tried to stand up on two legs instead of four, only to give up and look disappointed.
“I suppose it was fun while it lasted.”
Balty would say with a pout as he trotted towards the house. The greymalkin having reverted back to it’s smaller earth cat shape from its Togorian shape as soon as he existed the portal.
From behind him, Lilith and Tres. Once those cold green eyes observed and verified their location, Lilith would turn to close the portal behind them. She was dressed in black robes and a cloak, from her belts dangled the weapons she used in the futuristic land.
It had been a search that did not go as planned. Their initial objective was only to find Tres so that Lilith might deliver a message of what was going on with their Mother back home. Mia and Morsus were to accompany her. If for no other reason than to assist beating down Tres so that he’d be receptive to hearing her words. Their last meeting prior had been a violent one after all.
Little did they know it would turn into a rescue mission. They had found Tres held by a Sith Lord by the name of Darth Malice. Malice thought she had found a wellspring of youth and power when she had found this creature. She used him and his regenerative abilities over and over again, draining away his life force, keeping him in a weakened state while her powers in the Force grew exponentially.
It had been a memorable fight as Malice turned not just her powers but the extensive resources and troopers she had gained from her sudden rise in the ranks. The need to throw everything she had became alarmingly evident when she realized Mia had a similar power to her own, effectively cancelling out her draining abilities. The spark of fear in the Sith’s eyes driving Brother and Sister to unparalleled bloodshed as they raged through the troopers as Malice retreated. Lilith would follow, carving a path effortlessly through the field with her red “lightsaber” or simply flinging troopers out of her way telekinetically.
Malice cornered herself in the same room with Tres, screaming at what she thought was a rival Sith and her guards, that she would not relinquish her power. If she could not absorb the life force from her attackers, then she would steal everything possible from Tres, even if it killed him. Tres raged against his bonds as Malice’s hand reached down to touch him. Malice had already began to pull energy out of Tres when Mia moved in, grabbing hold of the Sith’s wrist. Malice brought up her lightsaber to strike at the armored Mandalorian when something went ‘click’. It was a small sound, and yet it seemed to resonate within all of their ears. Mia could feel it, even if she couldn’t see it through the Sith’s robes, the wrist she grabbed hold of seeming to vibrate and crack within her grip as if skin and all were just made of fragile fine china. Mia could feel the long crack extend up Malice’s arm. Malice too looked stunned as the energy ran up one arm and down the other, forcing her to drop her saber as her hand violently shook and flesh colored sludge began to drip out of the arm of her robe.
Mia manically giggled as she felt Malice’s life force begin flowing into her, and yet, a more wicked idea sprung to her brain. Mia’s free hand went to touch Tres and through her, all of his stolen strength and power was returned.
Mia would just let go and back away as Tres snapped his bonds as if they were but paper and enjoy the carnage as Tres took out his vengeance upon Malice. She’d whisper to Morsus through their coms as they watched.
”Isn’t it beautiful. Makes me want to blow up a moon.”
With all that, Tres would be receptive to listening to Lilith and the issues back home. He would agree to return back to Terra with them.
”Brother…” Lilith quietly spoke as they stood outside the home of her Daughter and Son-in-law, watching as the young Shadowstars strolled towards the house.
”If nothing else, I thank you for sharing what happened in Tír nAill. It has provided me with enough information to propose a solution to our Mother’s shatter. I will need to discuss this all with Sunfire. He should be involved considering all the assistance he and Puma have provided.
We have been away quite some time it seems. I sense Sera’s children upstairs. Still young but their minds are… quite developed. She had yet to give birth when we left to find you.”
She’d pause, looking upon the house. Her tone still distant and cool. If she harbored regret at being away so long and missing out on the birth of her Grandchildren, you wouldn’t be able to perceive it. Lilith’s emotional capacity had greatly regressed over the recent years and losses. It harkened back to her time in Krythal, assisting Munroe with it’s growth.
”You are free to do what you will, Tres. If you wish to assist with Mother, you are free to meet me at Sunfire’s home upon the Ivory Coast. If you wish to but see, I assume the fragments of our Mother which have been collected still reside at Sunfire’s home. At least one remembers and retains her personality. How much involvement in this process is up to you.”
She’d begin to step forward towards the house, stopping and looking back. An almost confused look crossed over her features as if she had forgotten herself. Or forgot some form of manners.
”I assume, you are also welcome to remain here for a bit. This is Seraphina and Nathan’s home. You could meet your Niece’s children. However you wish.”
With that she’d continue towards the house.
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Post by darkheart on Oct 21, 2023 12:27:27 GMT -5
Nathan would not have the opportunity to respond to Sera as the sound of the alarms would fill the air. Rather than concern, a look of curiosity crossed his features. The alarm was practical, sure, but this was a sanctuary against all of his former enemies. Unless this was some strange, random threat, it was more likely that someone who knew how to get here - and thus was welcome - had arrived without prior notice or invitation. Normally he'd have simply grabbed the first aid bag and headed outside, but who needed such a thing when Sera was around. For that matter, Aisling had already shown aptitude in magics, and a simple heal spell was something safe to teach her. Saoirse's penchant for technology had injured enough gerbils and squirrels in curious testing, so Aisling had enough practice subjects. He'd already mused that some of the 'accidents' were not as such, as the two girls seemed to move in perfect tandem balance subconsciously, and perhaps the desire to heal had led to a desire to harm so that there was someone to heal and thus someone needed to be injured in a strange ouroboros of thought for mutual satisfaction and balance. He shuddered to wonder what would happen when at last Aisling was ready to learn resurrect spells. But that was a bridge for the future. Shaking it from his mind, he moved towards the window, but immediately paused. A slow, happy smile creased his lips as he turned to Sera. The smell alone was enough to identify them, but even more the tingle that crawled up his skin towards his mind.
"Your Mom's home."
As the alarm blared for a moment, when Mia looked up to turn it off, in her blindspot a blackened hand emerged from a portal of inky darkness, seizing Morsus by his head in an instant and pulled him into nothing without a sound. Before Mia could look back, a portal had opened above her head and over where Morsus had stood and he was soundlessly redeposited in nothing but an undershirt and floral boxers. A small trail of urine slipped from his crotch and down his left leg as his wide eyes stayed locked open in shock and his mouth worked for a moment before sound came.
"Aun....Auntie Ahanna says....she's happy we're not a threat to her fav...favorite little ones. Sh...She says...hel...hello..."
An inky portal opened above Mia's head, and a now lithe, silver hand slunk out, long, distortioned fingers brushing her cheek lovingly before curling like smoke into the depths of the darkness. Morsus just stood there twitching, having been pulled through a black hole, his hole body elongated through time and space as a single line of molecules, protected only by Ahanna's magic. While everything he wore was ripped apart on an atomic level, she was kind enough to, once she'd identified him, redeposit him with some of Dark Rift's clothes so he wouldn't be completely naked.
Before Mia could so much as make a snide remark, there would be a slight poof of cotton candy smelling smoke as a young toddler appeared and octopus hugged her face.
"Auntie Mia's Home!!!!!!!"
With that she would vanish with Mia completely. Nathan's eyes would go wide in shock, then turn hot with anger.
"Teleport? Who taught her Teleport? Malcolm? What DID I SAY ABOUT TEACHING HER SPELLS? Gods alive..."
Hundreds of feet in the air above the ground, Mia and Aisling would freefall through the sky as the small girl giggled with glee.
"Catch me, Auntie Mia, Catch me!"
One might have wondered how the child even knew who Mia was, since they had never been introduced. But one look into the star-speckled eyes of the child would tell that she was not ordinary by any measure. Meanwhile, with sleep filled eyes and dragging a teddy bear without a head by the arm down the stairs, Saoirse would slowly and soundlessly move across the main floor and out into the yard. Her little hand would raise and a small wrist dart delivery system she had scrapped together delivered a tranquilizer strong enough to knock even Morsus out instantaneously. Sniffing gently, she didn't wait for permission to simply climb Lilith like a tree, hanging around her neck with her head on the left side of her neck and simply hang in silent sadness. She looked up at Tres and wiggled her fingers in a sort of silent wave hello.
Nathan's anger would temper slightly as he saw Morsus drop. He knew that Saoirse must have gotten into his chemistry files and reviewed his classified neurotoxins. Perhaps she shouldn't have taught her how to hack already. He thought it would be a good bonding experience to infiltrate the NSA. But apparently while his parental controls were unhackable, he'd neglected to realize that she could potentially build herself a separate HMI out of spare parts and access the network by hacking his emergency back doors. Whoops. He just hoped she'd put him to sleep and not killed him outright. He saw Morsus twitch and sighed with relief. It was just a larger dose of Paralytic Shellfish Poison. While it might kill a regular organic at that dosage, Morsus had a very strong constitution, so he'd live. He supposed this was Saoirse's idea of a practical joke on her Uncle. She was a dark little thing.
Sighing and rubbing his eyes, he shook his head then moved out to the lawn.
"Welcome back, Family. There will be time for explanations later - but you might want to use the main and guest showers in the main house. Mal and his mistress have been in the guest house for a while. The smell of bear and the shed serpent skins may be a bit...repellant for now."
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Tres McCarrion
Mortal
"I waited nearly three thousand years for this?"
Posts: 30
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Post by Tres McCarrion on Nov 6, 2023 15:50:05 GMT -5
Tres's fury had been expelled upon Darth Malice in the most spectacular fashion. She had nearly broken his spirit and mind in the short time of their time together, but the very second he had an opportunity to act, he did not hesitate. The visage of her shattered body brought about by his own power swirled in his mind as he quietly thought to himself. He was ashamed of himself for many reasons.
Based upon their last meeting, Tres did not expect Lilith would be the one to search for him. He had assumed if anything, if he had been disintegrated or killed by his captor, he would have been avenged at the very most. Charion would have seen to it, if she could somehow survive without him, but at this point, worlds away in the land known as "Texas", none of that seemed to really matter. His thoughts were interrupted by Lilith's voice.
”Brother…” Lilith quietly spoke as they stood outside the home of her Daughter and Son-in-law, watching as the young Shadowstars strolled towards the house.
”If nothing else, I thank you for sharing what happened in Tír nAill. It has provided me with enough information to propose a solution to our Mother’s shatter. I will need to discuss this all with Sunfire. He should be involved considering all the assistance he and Puma have provided."
Tres gazed into the fields with a stern expression, nodding curtly. Of course Sunfire would insist to be involved.
"We have been away quite some time it seems. I sense Sera’s children upstairs. Still young but their minds are… quite developed. She had yet to give birth when we left to find you.”
He'd mumble under his breath. "Hmph. Took long enough."
Lilith would linger for a few moments, gazing at the house, making no indication she had heard him. She seemed focused and cool, even if she had missed out on the birth of her grandchild, Tres sensed a small, subtle tinge of regret from his sister, though he wouldn't let on to it. Her emotional capacity had greatly regressed over the recent years and losses.
He wouldn't pry though.
She spoke.
”You are free to do what you will, Tres. If you wish to assist with Mother, you are free to meet me at Sunfire’s home upon the Ivory Coast. If you wish to but see, I assume the fragments of our Mother which have been collected still reside at Sunfire’s home. At least one remembers and retains her personality. How much involvement in this process is up to you.”
Tres's expression became indignant. He had already pushed forward with his search of the avatars, he had traveled into hell itself to try and find them. No one had asked him about his plans, but he thought it would be safer for him to work alone, to travel to the inhospitable places he knew his mother could traverse. He didn't want backup, or any sort of cavalry to get him out of peril, ever. He was fully fucking invested, and didn't need permission from anyone to do ANYTHING. His eyes flared with demonic fire for a second, as bellowing, fiery anger welled up inside him. He clenched his eyes shut, knowing he needed to stop, and it was the tone of Lilith's calm voice that kept him from lashing out.
”I assume, you are also welcome to remain here for a bit. This is Seraphina and Nathan’s home. You could meet your Niece’s children. However you wish.”
Tres's fists had balled up tightly, and the veins of his arms protruded. He hid his face, knowing full well Lilith would be able to read him in an instant. He took in few deep breaths, suddenly remembering who he had left behind without a single word. He whispered through clenched teeth.
"I.. just... need some time to process things. I'll stick around for a bit."
He sat down upon the ground, covering the steam that flowed from his eyes. He just couldn't fathom the reason why he acted like this around his siblings.
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Post by Danü Rèalta on Nov 11, 2023 15:00:48 GMT -5
Mia blinked, turning quickly at the sound of Morsus dropping to the ground reached her ears. Two things occurred to her at that moment. One, this was Morsus. What the hell could make him piss himself like that. Two.... OMG those boxers and he's peeing himself. The look on Mia's face twisted in both shock and amusement until the amusement finally won out. After all, this was Morsus and even covered in piss he could take care of himself. Might as well take the jab when it happens.
Mia couldn't help but laugh, even as the slender hand of silver reached down towards her. Her grin curling as she readied herself, only to have those disproportionately long fingers brush her cheek gently. Her laughing calmed, she'd lean slightly towards the hand before it dissipated into vapor.
"Heh..." was all the sound Mia would be able to make as a small, loud, warm, high pitched something wrapped it's self around her face.
"Auntie Mia's Home!!!!!!!"
Her next sensation would be freefalling through nothing, wind and air rushing past her ears in a deafening roar, yet still above all of that Mia could hear the giggling little girl asking her to catch her. Oh she liked this one.
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"Mom's home..."
Sera smiled as she echoed Nathan's words, following him out the back door where family had emerged. The visual of Tres standing with her Mother gave Sera a moment's pause. Her interactions with him as Deux had always been brief but pretty uneventful, it was the stories she had heard from Lilith, Charion, and Nathan of him that concerned her. Since Mother did not seem concerned at the moment, she would assume all was well. After all, the sudden appearance of a squealing Aisling made her realize Tres would be the least of her worries.
"Aisling?!!" She'd call out in an attempt to stop her, but it was too late, she and Mia were both gone. Sera gasped as she looked around the yard and Nathan began accusing Malcolm of teaching her spells. Saoirse waddling out towards her mother and shooting Morsus was the least of her worries, especially after she realized Mia and Aisling were falling from above.
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Lilith's watched all the goings on with seemingly little care. Ahanna's appearance, Aisling teleporting Mia away... even a Malcolm emerging from the house with what appeared to be a long dead Lady Max De'Asandir didn't seem to phase the darkling. That at least seemed somewhat curious to her, as she recalled when Danu Realta asked her to travel into the Fae mists and pull out a lost and maddened Donnalbane that had gone hunting his long lost Mother. All that time and one could've simply skipped to an alternate reality and stolen away another. Pity.
Lilith's gaze then flickered towards the small girl as she made her way over. Her head would tilt gently to the side as Saoirse shot a dart at Morsus, knocking him out cold, only to continue on her path towards her Grandmother and begin to climbing her like a tree. Lilith would plant her feet firmly and simply open her arms, allowing the girl better support to climb her way up. Saoirse hung there from Lilith's neck for a moment before quietly waiving to Tres, and once Lilith realized this was where the child wanted to be, she'd finally close her arms around her to support and hold Saoirse properly.
Tres' emotions at her words wouldn't go without notice. The seeming offense he took as Lilith provided options for his participation with their Mother's condition. Yes, he had technically already began helping, but Lilith had seen into his memories of the encounter with one of Danu Realta's avatars. What happened was accidental, and Tres had believed he had killed his Mother, not just a shard of her. Lilith would offer no reaction to his emotional flare up, and surprisingly, neither would Saoirse.
Tres would sink to the ground and Lilith would just watch, nodding as stated he'd stick around for a bit.
"As you wish."
A high pitched squeal from up above would catch Lilith's attention. She'd glance calmly, re-adjust Saoirse to her hip and move away. One hand would raise and Morsus' limp form rose in the air, moved quickly to the back door of the house and unceremoniously dropped back upon the ground.
"You may wish to move, Tres."
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Their approach had been heralded by the excited giggles of a toddler on a roller coaster. Mia wrapped an arm around Aisling, she didn't quite know what would happen but she would give it a go none the less. The kinetic energy she had gained while they fell would act as a shield and a buffer, but it was her hand as it impacted the ground that caused the most damage.
Lilith was correct in moving as the ground where Mia and Aisling landed didn't just buckle and break, but instead seemed to collapse on it's self. Molecules rearranged, dirt and rock simply evaporated as the girls fell through. To Mia and Aisling, it would feel as if they hit a very stretchy trampoline, the elastic slowing their descent but also promising to rocket them back into the sky. They'd reach a depth of 20 feet into the earth before being slung back, the ground that had vanished beneath them rearranging back to how it once was as they passed by. Mia and Aisling would shoot only 6 feet into the air with a giggle before dropping down to solid untouched ground. Both perfectly safe.
"Hello!" She'd exclaim, tossing the excited girl a little in the air with a laugh and catching her again. "Where in the hells did you come from?"
Mia would stop suddenly, looking around to see if her fall had damaged anything or hurt anyone. Upon realizing she hadn't, she'd whirl Aisling around and sit her on her shoulders.
"Oh my gods, NATE! I'm fucking starving! What the hell do you have to eat around here? Geeze, bro. You got nothing? You're skin and bones. Get some twinkies in your system! Sera and Malcolm not feeding you?"
Mia would shoot Sera a quick dirty look before her attention darted over to Malcolm and the snake. She'd snicker.
"You ever hear of the ginger fellow who fucked a bear? Allegedly?"
Once more she'd cackle, not caring if anyone else got her joke or not.
"C'mon Mor.... get your ass up. You smell like pee." She'd say as passed by Morsus, rocking him with her foot a few times before waltzing into the house.
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Sera could only clear her throat, looking to Nathan with a small smile.
"Language?"
Though she knew that would be a lost cause.
"Come along then everyone. Seems everyone needs to be fed."
Sera motioned for the group to enter the house, looking especially to Tres sitting upon the ground. She wouldn't say anything, just beckon him in with a wave and a smile.
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Post by jsmith506 on Dec 16, 2023 18:17:01 GMT -5
Malcolm's eyes would widen at the sight of the vanishing youngling. "I most certainly did not teach her that! I would be after her grampa for that one.... And as for the smell... I really had no idea, I mean, we bathe!" His cheeks would be flushed red, he would sniff his arm pit and shrug, looking down at Max with a puzzled look. Max would giggle and pinch his cheek, sniff his armpit too, and then proclaim: "You smell delicious darling... don't take it to heart, you're easy to tease." She would smile then and address everyone that arrived. "You all look like you have seen some action, please get comfortable and get some rest." And with that she would take her man by the arm and follow Nate and Sera to help prepare some food for the battle weary arrivals.
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