Quest [Syka Quest] Sacrifices At Sea

[Gossamer]

50th of Summer, 513 AV

The ships were loaded. The Dusk Sister was riding low in the water, so loaded down with supplies was she. The Dawn Sister was riding higher, having taken most of the passengers, livestock, and food for the living. Passengers had settled, and a full contingent of sailors was on board. Most had shed their shirts and were stripped down to the waist clambering among the rigging, making both ships ready. Mathias was on the Dawn Sister, organizing things and speaking with the Captain, one James Fran. James Fran looked a great deal like Mathias, silver in the brow and older pushing his mid fifties though still fit and seemingly very authoritarian. He introduced himself as Captn. James, and asked everyone to call him that. His second mate, Paulis, was younger, and looked almost as if he were related to Captn James. James was clean shaven, while Paulis had a dark growth of two or three days shadowing his cheeks. James’ hair was clipped short, suitable for life at sea, while the younger man – the second mate – had long black locks and handsome good looks. James ordered and Paulis carried it out.

Along with Mathias, another younger man named Keval North was introduced. Keval was a nondescript fellow somewhere in his mid twenties with bright curious green eyes that made him seem older than perhaps he was. Dressed in dark clothing, the shadows hugged him as he leaned against the rail near the ships leaders. Black hair, long like a womans, graced his head and tended to float around him. It was curled lightly. He almost looked like he was always standing in a breeze though it wasn’t wind that clung to him, only shadow. It was almost as if he were apart of the group, yet not really included. His purpose aboard was not revealed. He was only introduced as an adviser to which he smiled and gave a chuckle at. Mathias at that statement.

The two exchanged looks.

Then the group gathered at the bow of the large three mastered pinnace, the Dawn Sister, and quietly watched as her hearty crew scurried about and got the ship underway. The two pinnaces sailed out of the Plunge Pool Bay at sunrise with a quiet breeze cooling her decks and Syna painting the skies red in welcome.

Mathias moved with a purpose. His captain and first mate flanking him as they moved to the front of the bow and crossed the dangerous bar at the mouth of the bay where the fresh water of the Bluevein River met the salt of the sea and created rough swirls of waves. James, taking charge in that moment, leaped up on the bowsprint and clinging to the ropes, opened his shirt. A tattoo of the sea swirled around, revealing three waves interlocking. The gnosis marks seem to glow as the captain threw back his head and offered his prayer.

“My Lord Laviku. Bless these two ships. They sail into your arms and carry the dreams of quite a few people to distant lands across the Suvan. We sail to Falyndar to reclaim Syka and learn of the mystery buried deeply there. We place ourselves and our lives, more than five hundred people, in your hands. Each of us has an offering for you, for we realize that you are the giver of life and protector of us all. See us safe through this journey and all the journeys that come after!” He said, just as a priest on land would conduct a rite.

Across the waves, the sailors of the Dusk Sister were already tossing offerings overboard.

And with that, the Captain pulled a bag from his pocket. It was filled with gemstones, already cut. He poured the stones into his palm and tossed them overboard. Then Paulis did the same, only this time he tossed a book wrapped protectively in oilskin out into the waiting waves. His speech was shorter and stolen by the wind. Sailors of all sorts left their posts, one by one, and did the same, offering up a multitude of things. Some did not reveal the contents of their packages and some lovingly displayed the carvings they had wrought with their own hands. Each said a few words, explaining the gift or its meaning to them before they released their offerings into the arms of the sea. Many did not return to their posts, but waited, their eyes expectantly on the sea.

Then it was time for the passengers to do the same.

Mathias came forward first and unwrapped a long package that looked much like a combat staff. It was not. Instead it was made of gnarled wood that glowed with an unearthly red light. He gently tossed it overboard where it hissed when it touched the waters. “My grandfather has kept that always. He said it was a relic of our people from Syka. It has always brought me luck with its power. I hope it does the same for others.” Mathias said, moving back and giving everyone else room to make their offerings as well.

Keval North, when his turn came, walked forward and pulled a necklace from around his neck. It looked like a piece of darkness. He balled it in his fist, kissed it, and shouted to the sea. "My lady of darkness sends her regards. Thank you for letting us share your realm for a time. We won't stay long, not if we can help it, but we will be gracious guests while we are here." He added, then tossed the necklace out into the sea.

[Sirroco]

The Svefra strolled along the deck of the Dawn Sister, which proved difficult as the crew scrambled about tending to a myriad of tasks as the ships set out towards the mouth of the bay. He marveled at the pinnace as he dodged sailors, coils of rope and other obstacles. A Svefran palivar had been the largest ship Sirroco had been aboard, and the Dawn Sister was considerably larger, its network of rigging weaving a web of lines from the deck to the masts. Stopping to lean over the railing, he tried to spy his casinor, but could not see the boat, towed behind the stern with the other passengers' vessels, and turned back to the organized chaos of the crew. Mathias, the captain and the others moved towards the bow, and Sirroco followed after then, his otter tavan skittering at his heels . Once gathered at the front of the great ship, Mathias introduced Captain James, his second mate, and the enigmatic figure he referred to as an advisor. Then came that which Sirroco had anticipated. Captain James took the lead, clinging boldly to the bowsprint. The Svefra grinned when the captain's open shirt fluttered in the seabreeze, revealing the living mark of Laviku himself. A captain worthy to earn the Sea King's mark was a good sign indeed. The crew followed suite, as Sirroco knew sailors of all kinds faithfully did, in making offerings. Then came Mathias and his mysterious staff, and the curious North and his remark about the lady of darkness. Sirroco, unabashed when it came to revering Laviku, stepped forward. He, like the sailors, had shed his shirt, his torso bronzed by a lifetime beneath the Suvan sun. The Svefra, too, bore a shifting image of Oceanus, teal waves and white spray, this day it swirling across his tanned back. Stepping to the base of the sprint, he seized the ropes and hoisted himself to the wooden beam jutting out over the water. Tain scrambled up after him, the otter clinging precariously to the wood. Holding the rigging with one hand, Sirroco dug into his pocket with the other, producing a necklace made of shell and coral. It was colorful, but of little monetary value. To Sirroco, however, it represented a part of his life. It was all that he had found after the storm swept Sybil from their ship. He had given it to his mate and Lia shortly after they left to form their own pod. Sirroco looked at the necklace clutched in his hand, a pang of finality tightening his chest. It was time to let go. Sybil belonged to Laviku, and the Sea King had taken back what was his. The fisherman was going to finally accept that. The Svefra began to speak, choosing to make his offering in Fratava. "All Father, grant your whalekin this request, allow us safe passage, fair weather, and fat schools!" The necklace slipped from his hand to disappear into the rippling water below.

[Delani Denusk]

The day had finally come and the turmoil felt for leaving her home on the plains and her family so recently reunited with had subsided only yesterday. It was strange saying both hello and goodbye at the same time with the only true roots she had left with the people of the horse. Her heart would forever ride the waving grasses on her Striders back, but it would no longer bare her form. To another life she went now, another place in another land, with the hope of something new and inspiring riding in the fore of her mind.

The Drykas had moved with the loading team off and on the ship during the loading process, monitoring the transition of the dogs and their pups from Sanctuary to the much less cozy quarters of the lower decks of the ship. She had taken time to investigate each vessel briefly the previous day, after departing Lacerta's and Brodon's company and was satisfied with what she'd found (even if it was just verifying their stability in order to sate her nervousness about going off to sea-sea-sea). Presently, she remained below, the weathered old yvas in her hands as she stood before Coram. Her head was against his broad cheek, the healthy warmth of the driving horse a soothing rock for her to steady herself on. Some of the dogs were barking, mostly the younger ones who were unsure of this new adventure, and the sound mixed with the cadence of the creaking ship.

Overhead, Delani could hear the men moving about the ship and the gentle sway of the water against the sides of the vessel resonating through. "It's strangely peaceful, don't you think, Coram?" She said softly, holding the yvas to her chest so that she could pet the colorsplashes opposite cheek. "Remember the first rains of that Fall?" The horse gave a low huff of air through his nostrils as he swayed in time to the rocking of the boat in order to keep his balance. "Me too. Kept us company in all that openness...a charming lullaby."

Then, above, a voice boomed. It reverberated powerfully through the ship, calling upon the sea god she never before would have shared a prayer with. Never in her life had the figure thought she'd be off to sea, heading for a new land far from her home. "Sounds like it's begun; keep the dogs company, ol' boy." She gave him a final pat and then turned away, the frayed drykas-saddle still in her hands as she climbed the steps onto the main deck.

----------------------

Many had already begun throwing their sacrifices over and Delani was just emerging in time to see a few, including Matthias and the advisor he had introduced his recruits to. The strange staff drew her attention immediately, a curious frown crossing her features as she approached the railing and looked down into the water passing below, wondering what significance that might have been. It looked very unusual for a staff. But the knowledge it might have shared was lost with the toss into the brine.

She spied the Svefra casting his own sacrifice overboard nearby and sending his prayer to the mighty Sea Lord. She listened and watched as the necklace sunk into the shifting surf. Lacerta had suggested that Laviku was somewhat vain. Delani assumed that this meant he might enjoy something beautiful; but what of beauty had she in her possession? Her miza-stores were depleted for the most part, which meant actually buying something pretty was foolish. The best she had that was visually attractive was her frayed clothes and the equally frayed yvas. The latter had lived through nearly all of the womans life while the former...well, it was just clothing. It could easily be replaced. The yvas, not so much. Not for the value it had to her.

The wizened jade eyes lowered to the Drykas-made saddle, reflecting on the many trips it had been on, from first receipt all those years ago when she was but a girl and Delani barely out of filly-hood herself, to the day the strider died. She closed her eyes, a sad smile upon her lips at the memory; the yvas was extended and she spoke quietly, reverently, hopefully.

"Laviku, you are a god I do not know; a king of salt and storm whose waves bow and rise before you and whose crafts you hold sway over in the trails they blaze. I am and shall be ever humbled by such power. I pray you will look kindly upon this wayward soul to let her go forth with these men and these women, that I may see all that Lady Eyris deigns me to see and to know. Grant us passage safe to distant shores and take of this sacrifice I give, from the back of a childe of Semele whose light has since been extinguished. May this bare another safely along the trails they ride and the seas they too may cross."

Then, with a kiss upon the worn old saddles neck, she released into Laviku's domain, praying it was a worthy sacrifice. She had little more to give...

[Brodon Windriver]

It seemed that his turn had come after Delani's in pretty much everything else related to this expedition, so he may as well go now. It was much easier said than done though. Not from any sense that his gift did not measure up to many of those preceding it. It simply was not so easy to give it up in such a final way. Even just a simple Strider figurine, with a glaze that made it glow softly in the dark. It represented his last tie to his people, his culture, his upbringing, his family. It was all Brodon had left of them.

The first time he'd been separated from it, he had only had it for a day. The Pressorah of Ahnatep herself had kept it safe for him! Along with his other things, and a regimen of care for his animals while he recovered in the infirmary for the better part of a season. Then bandits had stolen it, along with most everything else he owned. But he'd recovered it with his horse when he'd rescued his benefactor's kidnapped daughter. Then a Dhani woman had robbed him, but she'd had no use for it and thrown it away. It's glow had alerted his searching eyes and he'd found it again.

Then an incident in the market, a case of mistaken identity, and he'd been taken before the Masha. He'd been released, but he'd had to track down the vendor of figurines and make his case that it had belonged to him and was not one of hers. Then the sandstorm, and his second crossing of most of the Burning Lands an foot. His horse had run off and he'd had to track it. He found it among strays collected by the very caravan that had been flying the banner announcing this expedition. His description of the figurine in his yvas bags had been the proof of his ownership. And then he'd heard about the expedition, and all the events seemed to point to his destiny to join.

Yes, it had been through much with him. But, as it was a tie to his past life, it was meant to be let go now. It was time to move on. But still, his tie to the past was pertinent, for his purpose in going was to restore and atone for something gone wrong in his father's line. He did not know yet what, but he trusted the gods to reveal it. They had brought him here. And now Laviku would bring him there.

He now believed that he'd miraculously maintained his possession of the figurine just for this purpose. He walked to the rail, hesitation in his steps. It still was not easy, even with his belief that it was destiny. He looked around, the men all shirtless, displaying their tans and their marks. He had no mark, but his Eyktolian tan, based upon two nasty desert sunburns, rivaled or surpassed theirs. In a surge of purpose, off came the shirt and out came the Strider, glowing more brightly than the glaze should account for.

He spoke in Pavi, not to save embarrassment, but to honor Laviku with the eloquence one should extend to gods and their rituals.

"New roads begin as old roads end,
Yet all roads meet with fated bend,
The road before is hazy sight,
Bathed in equal dark and light,
Yet this first step we take with you,
See us safe, Lord Laviku,
And may you find delight, as art,
This cherished token of my heart."

That said, he held the figurine over the waves and opened his hand. He did not watch it sink. He had said numerous goodbyes to it the night before. It was time to move on. He draped his shirt over his shoulder and stepped back from the rail.

[Eleret]

Standing on the deck of the Dawn Sister brought back memories -- particularly, memories of the first time she had taken ship, nervous and excited. Today began a far different journey, and Eleret found herself not so nervous as that, but definitely still eager and excited to be setting out. Despite that positive energy, the Konti kept herself well out of the way, standing quiescent in a corner -- just a pale figure in light shirt and trousers, leaning idly on a carved staff a bit shorter than her own height. She nodded politely to the introductions of captain, mate, and assistant, noting each carefully, and looked on as they stepped forward and made their offerings to the sea. It was good to see the captain was marked by Laviku, for surely that's what the waves meant. They were too vivid and present to be a true tattoo. His blessing was a point decidedly in their favor. Mathias had called Konti good luck, but Eleret herself didn't feel any more or less lucky than the next person. Surely one with Laviku's gnosis was worth rather more good fortune. She had little time to continue reflecting upon this, however, as an opening at the rail offered her a chance to step forward and make her own obeisance to the god of the sea. "Hello, Father," Eleret greeted softly in Kontinese as she came up to the rail, looking out upon the expanse of ocean. The greater part of her prayer had been made the day before, so she kept her words now brief. "I ask your blessing upon myself and my companions, our ships and our endeavor." She lifted the staff in both hands, raising it up before her shoulders. Wood from Riverfall, carved with wave, water lily, and fish in a design which hearkened back to Mura; a union of sorts which, along with the paired fish of the staff's grip, was meant to be evocative of the union of Laviku and Avalis from whence she herself ultimately came. The reddish blotches on the petals had not been originally intended, product of a minor mishap with carving blade, but she'd left them in as ornament appropriate to a sacrifice. "Thank you for all that you do, all that you are, all that you give unto us; please, accept this token of my regard, and see us safely across your sea." The Konti tilted her hands down and let the staff fall into the waves, where it disappeared quickly after a muted plunk. She watched the water for a moment longer, smiling fondly at the sea and all that it meant to her, then stepped back so that someone else might make their own sacrifice.

[Abase]

Abase could not see enough, smell enough, feel enough as he stepped up the plank to board the Dawn Sister. He held a simple back over his shoulder, within it held his few and modest possessions, and he did not bother to reign in his awed expression as the ship and crew were made ready for casting off. As a traveler Abase had been on ships before. In fact he had swam along side a few simple rowboats, but never had he seen so many people, so much activity. The air seemed to vibrate with it all. A smile seemed to be permanently plastered to his face, for he could barely contain his excitement. Though the annoyed voice of Irist did keep him from outwardly jumping in excitement.

Running his fingers over the railing the Akontak tried to make himself as small as possible, a difficult thing for one his size, as he tried to stay out of the workers ways. Passing Matthius he offered a short wave and a nod before his attention was once again drawn by the hustle and bustle of the men at work. Finally finding a place out of the way, Abase settled himself to watch in simple amazement at all that went to making such an expedition go. It was a bit baffling to watch men climb the ropes high over head, never once seeming afraid to fall yards to the water or the hard deck.

Settled as he was, Abase finally noticed the man who stood near Matthius. Tilting his head, Abase puzzled over him, his appearance, but with the Captain calling everyone's attention he simply filed curiosities for later revisiting. Instead Abase smiled and cheered with the rest of the crew, wondering if it were some seaman ritual to go without a shirt on deck.As he watched each person approach the railing to offer their sacrifice, Abase began to feel that his own was rather pale in comparison. He saw gems, clearly magical artifacts, and even tomes of knowledge being tossed overboard. Was this what Laviku wished for? A hint of worry touched Abase's mind, for he knew his own would be far less extravagant than these.

When finally his turn came Abase stepped to the railing, setting his bag down to grab the wood and lean over the side. He closed his eyes, breathing in the salt air as he prepared himself, steadying his doubts for now it was too late to try and find a more extravagant sacrifice.

"I have little in this world. I carry little, I need little, I can offer little. Is how I have been for some time." He leaned back from the railing, "So I offer what I can, what I hold dearest of all." He then proceeded to remove his shirt, dirty and worn with clear patches sown on. Holding it out before him, Abase's eyes traced over a stain on the left from where he had gotten freshly picked berries for his mother and somehow managed to drop them all on himself. Then his eyes found a patch over his right side, a reminiscent of his Right of Passage. Patches, scars, stains, all these things seemed so simple and inconsequential, but to Abase they were each a memory that he held dear. This one shirt told his story, showed the path he had followed, and now he folded it reverently, holding it over the waters edge, "I offer shirt from own back, my memories of old. They speak of path I take to now, and with this..." he released the shirt into the waves, "I show that I now begin path anew."

Stepping back Abase picked up his bag, tossing it over his shoulder. He did not bother to put on another from his possessions, for somehow he felt he honored the ship more to be as the other men were. So he exposed himself to the elements, pledging to offer his body and soul to the quest that it might succeed. On his left shoulder blade his mark of Avalis glowed, a single lily blooming like the feeling of hope in his heart as he returned to his seat.

[Lacerta]

Lacerta was standing aboard the passenger ship, staring out to sea. She held the glass ocarina held in her hand tightly, but not enough to break. All the others were giving their sacrifices to Laviku, and it was time to do the same. She took a deep breath and began to think of what to say.


Her prayer thought up, the Eth tossed her gift into the blue waters, staring into the depths below. She paused for a moment, watching it disappear, before beginning her prayer. "Laviku... Please accept this gift and grant us safe passage along our journey. I hope you appreciate this, and play it with your waves and tides. Though I've only had it for a day, I've grown to love its beauty, and it's slightly... Sad, for me to see it go...." She drifted off into silence. It had all been truthful, the instrument had looked beautiful, and she hated to get rid of it... It was funny how quickly she grew attached to something like that.

Her prayer done, the Eth turned away from the edge, sorely hoping that she'd done some good. She caught, out of the corner of her eye, Mathias throwing a strange staff down, which caused her to frown, then nod. It looked important, and valuable. If it was meaningful to him... It would help n their journey. She hoped the others knew what to do as well... Maybe they'd gotten better gifts? Maybe she'd be bringing the group down... Eh, that was silly. Scowling slightly, Lacerta forced that from her mind, and began to contemplate their journey.

[Kench]

Kench was bubbling with excitement, the small pycon practically hopping around the port. The sea breeze seemed to mimic the pycon's own attitude; playful, if a bit over zealous. Each zephyr threatened to knock the clay creature into the churning sea below; laughing, and daring to walk as close to port's edge as he could manage, Kench seemed to be daring the winds to try. Tongue out, and cheeks puffs, the little pycon looked ridiculous as he balanced his way towards Dawn Sister. He tempted Lex and Zulrav both, close enough to the edge to almost fall over. Using his py-pole as a balancing beam, Kench wobbled over the port, taking care to watch the biggies as they stopped around, ignoring him as per usual. Sighing loudly, Kench stabbed the wooden port with the point of his py-pole, the pycon dared to hold himself just over the water's edge -- if only for the briefest of ticks. Not even Kench was brave, or stupid enough to try for longer. Especially since he couldn't swim. It was the captain's prayer that caught the pycon's attention, or perhaps the immediate silence surronding it. Either way, the young clay thing watch with interest as all matter of things were launched from the ship -- shirts, toys, pictures, anything and everything Kench could have imagined. The little pycon giggled, but quited himself; Laviku was their god, and he would be watching over their boat. Kench's boat. Aquiras nor Harameus never asked for an offering before, but Laviku was neither, and Kench new better to offend a god before willingly entering their territory. He watched as a human woman dropped a saddle, and the green scaled giant threw in his shirt. Kench frowned, wondering what he could give. The pycon had carried less than little on the way over to Riverfall, and had only himself and his py-pole to remind himself of home. Of a pyve he would, most likely, never be returning to; Kench frowned, wondering if the sea god would take memories. "Laviku. You are the sea god," Kench addressed the murky waters below, as if the god was there waiting, "Kench doesn't have much to give, but Kench would not want to offend you," the pycon nodded, his own muddled reflection mimicking nodding in return. With a sigh, Kench tossed in his py-pole -- the only thing besides his memories that could remind him of home. "Kench gives you the happiness he felt, the memories of his pyre," he nodded, smiling as his reflection did the same. He paused, continuing, "Kench would like very much for everyone to be safe, and to be happy," the pycon grabbed his stomach, wincing as he pulled a small piece of clay from his own body, tossing it into the waters below, "Now you have a piece of Kench. You can find Kench now, and his friends on the boat. Keep everyone safe. Thank you," Kench nodded again, walking up to the boat to join everyone.

[Levissa Certier]

Staring out at the endless blue in front of her, Levissa could barely keep herself to stay still. Her energy was buzzing with excitement at the journey that awaits her. To be honest, she had never actually board a ship like this one – this massive hulking mass of structure. Her family owned a boat – a simple one enough for only a small group of passengers – and it was nothing like this one. The wood underneath her felt firm, yet at the same time, it swayed the littlest bit. Ever since she had stepped onto the ship, she had rushed herself to its railings, staring out at the horizon. It was early in the morning, the air still carrying the night’s chill. Her worn cloak rested on her shoulders, the wind whipping at its hem.

As the some of the crews were introduced, she took note that every one of them seemed capable and at ease with the sea. It reassured her that everyone seemed to know what they were doing - much more than she did, in a way. Her gaze had lingered on that curious man, Keval, if she was not mistaken. There was something odd about him – she could not tell what though.

Then, the crews started to give their sacrifices, she barely noticed the commotion until most of them had finished. Several of her fellow volunteers had also begun tossing their offerings into the sea. It was interesting to see what they had in store to sacrifice for the god of the sea. Levi straightened and went over where everyone was standing, her hands working to pull the necklace over her head.

It was probably worthless in gold – a small glass vial filled with holy water. She couldn’t remember the last time she had taken it off. It had been a charm for her, despite her disbelief when her mother had told her to wear it. Clarien Certier was a believer in protection from the gods and somehow, she had asked all of her children to wear holy water around their necks. Levi could still remember the day when her mother had placed the necklace over her head and did the same for her siblings. “As long as you wear it, no harm will come to you,” her mother had said. Well, it didn’t save two of her sisters from getting killed. Levi had never said it to her mother, but the bitter thought never truly left her head. Still, the girl wore it around her neck for years, never even thought of taking it off. It might not hold any magical powers but she had developed a habit of clutching it in her hand before every job.

“Laviku, I do hope you will graciously accept this offering of mine. This trinket had been in my hands for a long time and it is dear to me. My mother believes that it kept me safe for years – maybe it does. I hope you grant us – every single one of us – safety and protection as we travel to your domain and to me, it is only clear to give you something that had kept me safe all this time. But if we were to be sent into the arms of Dira, if it is our time and we have served our purpose, so be it.” Death had not been a concept that was hard to grasp for her and she had long since accept the reality of it. She tightened her fist around the container before throwing it overboard.

Levi could not help but lean over the railings as she watched the little trinket fall. Instantly, it was swallowed by the crashing water, never to be seen again. She pressed her lips together, noticing the loss of the familiarity that used to hand around her neck.

[Ialari Pythone]

Ialari was still unsure of her place in all that was happening. Her arrival in Riverfall was unexpected at best and her role in the whole expedition was also a bit uncertain. The expedition she was taking part in would lead her to a part of the known world that she had little knowledge of. She did know however that one of the divine whom she gave thanks and worship to, Lady Dira, Goddess of Death, claimed the island of Black Rock further to south as her own. The relatively close proximity of one who had laid their mark upon Ialari was a sign that indeed the gods had some part to play in Ialari's redirected arrival in Riverfall.

As she stood on the deck of the Dawn Sister and watched as members of the crew threw over items of sacrifice in the name of Laviku, God of the Sea, Ialari considered her own sacrifice. It appeared as though many of those on board had specifically crafted items for sacrifice while others offered things close to them. There were a few things Ialari carried that meant a lot to her yet she struggled a bit with what exactly would be appropriate for the task at hand. There was of course her staff, a reward for her service to Sahova and her part in saving the island and its inhabitants from destruction. There was the scrollcase that she never let leave her sight. Yet, the one thing that stood out above the others for her was an item she crafted but recently. It was an item forged in the Ukalas, in her Dominion, that was a symbol of her journey of self-discovery. Made from a conch shell found while combing the beach near her mystical Retreat, a scimitar saved from a ruined isurian outpost ravaged by a human barbarian tribe and the tooth of a sea-monster salvaged from a shipwreck where she helped escort a lost soul to Dira's embrace. Tying all those elements together was her faith in her Divine Father and a piece of her very soul.

Ialari reached into her pack and pulled forth the sea-dagger infused with Izentor. She had intended to keep the dagger not only as a reminder of her journeys but also a symbol of faith, life and discovery. As her hand wrapped around the hilt of the dagger, she could feel the sliver of her soul that lived within it. The dagger began as a cobbling together of rough materials. When she fused her soul into it with Izentor, the Father's mark brought out much greater potential. The blade made from the tooth of an unknown sea-creature, was as sharp as any metal blade and just as durable. The shell that formed the guard shimmered like light reflecting off the surface of the sea. The hilt and pommel were always warm and when Ialari wrapped her fingers around the grip, the strength of her faith could be physical felt by those around her causing them to think about their own place in life and how it related to the gods.

Was it a work of art? Hardly. Was it a powerful artifact of magic? Less so. The power of the item was given to it by Ialari's experiences and faith that her life was the way it was because of her relationship with the divine and in turn the divine's relationship with her. She was a child of gods and lived only to serve the purpose that they laid out for her. The dagger represented all of this and thus represented who Ialari was, what she wanted, what she did and why she did it. It was a part of her and she a part of it.

Thus it was with some amount of hesitancy that she held the dagger out over the side of the ship. Her eyes closed, Ialari announced to Laviku just as she had many times to her Divine Father and Lady Death, My Lord, Laviku. I have spent some time in and around your realm and have attempted to conduct myself in a manner that I hope you've found acceptable. I now take this new journey with hope and excitement and ask that you grant me your favor and that you see fit to allow the rest of those on this journey adequate safety and security. While in your domain, I am your humble servant. I offer to you this dagger and with it my experiences, my memories, a piece of my very soul. I hope it is worthy of your blessing." With that, she released her grip on the dagger and opened her eyes to watch it fall into the sea.

The crafting of the dagger can be found here.