A Time To Heal. (Closed)

by **Haraza Frostfawn** on November 8th, 2011, 12:40 am

The bear's aggressive stance froze Haraza's hand and body alike, unsure what to do. The bear seemed equally trapped, not at all where Haraza wanted the bear to be. There had to be a way to get it out of the crowd and free it from the city streets, back to the Denvali wilds. Haraza glanced around, trying not to keep his eyes off the bear for more than a second at a time in case it decided to charge again. He may not be able to get out from under its impressive speed and weight.

No plan come to mind.

Haraza gritted his teeth, preparing himself for a fight he thought was sure to come, readying his spear- But the music he only faintly heard in the back of his mind transformed, noise like a quiet howling wind or some other odd phenomenon filled his ears. Haraza looked towards the end of the road, towards Delano and the main feasting grounds that beckoned him forward.

Lights were playing tricks on him, haunting and shifting as did the moon. Haraza found his feet moving nearly of their own accord, shuffling themselves towards the open yard. The bear seemed to be no longer aggressive, but Haraza moved through a side street, letting the strange serenity that had befallen Denval guide him. Haraza searched the crowd for Hanno, his eyes darting back and forth as he wandered back towards the booth he had last seen her by.

Still, he arrived at the feasting grounds where the two figures loomed, impressive and absolute. Haraza knew them to be gods, he guessed them to be Syna and Leth. This was familiar to the vantha, the gaze of beings beyond understanding. He had seen Morwen several times, he could even say her perfect face was familiar to his eyes, but these two were strangers.

Their words were shocking. chaos and danger, battle in winter, death at the door. It was ill-bid, the graces the gods granted, it seemed. Haraza was shocked, his mind flowing. First of he had to find Hanno, apologize for leaving, and hug her. Next thoughts of leaving filled his head. If the winter was to be dangerous enough to warrant a visit from the gods was there a point in staying, hoping to make a new home here? He just wanted to silence his own thoughts for an instant.

Several others approached the god and goddess, several let their tongues speak in their own languages. Now that Haraza thought about it, he couldn't tell what languages the gods were speaking, just that he understood it. He didn't have words to spare with the gods, he was slowly moving through the crowd, trying to find Hanno. Whether it was because she was crouched or moved...

He couldn't find her.

by **Galio Keln** on November 16th, 2011, 10:15 am

Haraza’s readied stance threw off Galio’s charge. It had been his intention to scare the man by rushing at him, only to swerve away before he got too close. Instead he only seemed more prepared to fight and Galio instead backed away completely. This time he looked towards Delano only to discover him gone, then realization came to him.

He could think clearly, the music was gone. The strange silence that now overcame Galio set his paws on the path back to the feasting grounds. He wasn’t sure why he was returning to the place he had just run away from, though he returned along with everyone else.

Staying in his current form Galio stood on all fours near the back of the crowd. The two strangers in the middle of the crowd seemed to be the focus of everyone's questions. The strange feeling that he now had as he watched the two both frightened and calmed him. He did not understand completely what they were talking about, but as far as Galio could tell it wasn't something good based on the crowd's reactions.

by **Tabarnac** on November 19th, 2011, 6:21 pm

The weight of the celestial lovers made space and time bow and bend around them, making everything more real than it had been before, the sleepers awakening to a higher reality, stomachs tipping and balance becoming a precarious thing, though only some few had fallen to their knees, and those rather out of reverence than imbalance. Crusty old Master Jarret nudged Cian sharply with his elbow as soon as he could get to the agile healer.

"Your gnosis, boy," he grunted, even his cantankerous voice hushed in the presence of deity. "Use it while you've a respite." That said, he tore bandages -- he always seemed to have some on hand -- and quickly, deftly wrapped the healer's forearms enough to staunch the flow that he might heal those around him.

Though Syna and Leth remained silent and serene, everyone heard their voices in their heart of hearts, a special message delivered to them and them alone. The Kelvics were all calmed, a cool night breeze whispering through their souls to calm them even as they felt the sun's warmth upon their skin, inducing a contented torpor.

The Kelvics heard: "If you would have this be your home, if you would live among the humans, you must learn to temper your wildness with discipline, embrace your animal nature, but do not abandon the gift of reason. Rest now. We will hold you safe for a moment."

Syllke heard Leth say: "Winter is coming, and you will become more important." Morwen's mark tingled upon him. "The danger lies without. You will be necessary to reach its source."

Vanos heard Syna say: "Clever craftsman, chance alone did not bring you here. Remember, remember your old self in embers. Something lies broken, its repair long neglected. You might have the skill to do so." Then the heat seemed to go out of him and he felt compelled to return to the forge, for its heat and to stare into its fires, looking for the past.

Sitkanis heard Leth say: "Stand up. Do you think that this is punishment? You were a proud Drykas when I took you and a proud avatar in the Ukalas. Find your pride again. Everything is impermanent. You may return to the Ukalas some day, but for now you must be strong for yourself, for Denval, and for your seed quickening in the belly of the Captain. She is yet stronger than you. Find your pride. Make me proud." The weeping Ethaefal felt a brush against his tears, gentle as moonlight, but with a faint wildness. There was no dishonor in weeping, but one had to soldier on.

Talen heard Syna say: "Brave defender, you have fallen to rise again. Your soul is tied to this place. There are more monsters lurking in the dark, slouching toward Denval. Do not falter in your resolve, but remember that some monsters are not beyond redemption."

Lysander heard Leth say: "Little one. You are missed, but you can only grow down here among the danger. Remember my wildness, my violence. Its seed lies within you, and you will need it in the time to come. I would empty the Ukalas of my servants to prevent complacency. It is time to grow up."

Seodai heard Syna say: "When your back is bent in labor, I am watching you. Actions beyond your memory are responsible for this. Do not flee, no matter who bids you go, no matter how much they love you. If you would stay, you must defend Denval and defend yourself."

Haraza heard Leth say: "When your Queen locks this land in ice, your affinity for it must lead the people out of Denval to defend themselves against the lurker in the dark and the broken love token. Know that should you fall defending your home, these people will not let your daughter want for anything. Nor will I."

Hanno heard Syna say: "Little one, you must be brave. There is no such thing as safety, but these people will keep you as safe as you are able. You must be strong. Now go to your father. Allay his fears. We are watching you." An irresistible urge sent her gaze toward her father, who was suddenly looking frantic despite the peace of the gods.

Veldrys heard Leth say: "Prophet, you have been given divine words and yet others are written down. Find them. Question people. There is a puzzle that must be put together else Denval will not survive the winter."

The pair began to fade from view, although their presence remained, an echo of itself staving off the darkness. The gods could not say more or free will would be threatened. For the time being, the ethaefal remained in their higher forms. For the time being, Denval was safe. But all felt in their bones that this respite would be brief. It was the eve of a long battle against a foe they still did not understand, but the time had come to work together, to figure it out, and to take action.

Many felt a strange thing kindling within, a shard of memory, too fractured to see clearly, but white hot and razor sharp. Remember who you are.

Moderator NotePlease post your character's reaction and then we can grade this thread. Winter is coming! Also, if you were wounded, you can assume that Cian will heal you while the gnosis is working. By morning, gnosis will be screwy again.

by **Seodai** on November 20th, 2011, 8:08 am

Seodai had not realized how accustomed he had slowly become to the foggy distance between himself and his Beloved. Now peace radiated around him, into his very soul, so that he felt like the precious one of Bala again. He could imagine her smile, the warmth of her near. It was soothing in a way words couldn't describe. Perhaps the others, with polluted links to their gods, could understand. Seodai remained fastened in place, standing aside his cousin, as the voice of Syna penetrated his very soul.

Bala had found potential in him, and had marked him. She was his first love. But, if there were a second place in his affections, it had always been Syna - who received his indirect worship for a great deal of every day. To hear her voice so intimately awed him, stirred him, left him breathless.

And then they were gone, leaving behind them the balm of peace that he knew wouldn't last for long. It couldn't. He had no comprehension of what was to follow, and all of the cryptic words were confusing for a boy more suited to the farm than the books. In a slicing, startling blow, Seodai remembered.

He just didn't know what. He remembered something other. Some truth, some existence, some identity. And yet, he didn't remember it at all. The phantom impression that it was there was all he really had, and the resounding words that echoed around in his head like a prophecy.

Remember who you are.

by **Veldrys** on November 20th, 2011, 11:40 am

Prophet? Veldrys wondered as he heard Leth’s words. [i]I am not a prophet. I have been given a prophecy, but I have never made a prophecy myself. I am only a Symenestra. I received a mark from Viratas once, but I can’t see the future! He opened his mouth to speak to the moon god, to tell him that he didn’t understand, but then he remembered. He remembered who he was and who he had once been. The memories weren’t clear, they were fractured, broken things, but he understood what Leth had told him now.

„I will try to solve the puzzle“, he promised the god. „I will do what I can to make sure that Denval survives.“ He raised his head to look at the god, as long as possible, but both Leth and Syna had already begun to fade from his view. And then they were gone, as quickly as they had come. For a moment it seemed to him as if he could still feel them though. He couldn’t see them anymore, but they were still there, at the edge of his awareness, staving off the darkness that had threatened to take a hold of the city.

He slowly turned around and looked at the people that were gathered all around him, trembling a little as he did so. What had happened had shaken him, more than he had realized. Had the others heard Leth as well? Had the gods spoken to them as well? Or had he been the only one who had received a message, just like Viratas‘ prophecy had been meant for him? Could he rely on them to help him protect Denval in the dark times ahead?

Where had those divine words been written down? He needed to find them ...

by **Lysander** on November 22nd, 2011, 2:39 am

It is time to grow up. Lysander snorted.

“Come back here!” He shouted at the cool air that once held a pair of celestial lovers. Alas, the insolent Ethaefal had no sway over the whims of gods; he could not even remain in the sky with them. The corners of Lysander’s pale mouth twitched and he took a staggering step backward. Leth was still around him; the air itself seemed to vibrate in the absence of Him. The apple in the man’s throat bobbed as he croaked another plaintive, “Come back.”

And then his calm was gone; he was in Denval again, and Denval was in danger. They had to … they …

Lysander’s head swiveled in the direction where he’d left Seodai. The space between the farmer and Leth’s fallen closed again in his dithering approach, head tilted towards the ground his feet seemed reluctant to traverse. When he was within an arm’s length, the Ethaefal’s head lifted again, painted with a smile, “That was something else, right? I mean the whole, everything.” He let his words fade in the cool fall air that drove its chilly fingers through wisps of white-blonde bangs and teased an admission he was too afraid to voice, even after the evidence had been dropped on his friend in the midst of the chaos.

Grow up. Grow up. Grow up.

by **Lucette** on November 23rd, 2011, 10:16 pm

Tame the wildness?

Lucette listened intently, ears forward as she lay in awe of the Two before her. She was not wild… at least she didn’t think so. Hadn’t she always tried to do what she was told, and done as others wished? Never had she acted out or been wild. The tense moments before when she attacked the healer… that… that was not real in her mind, that was not her... that was… that was... The Kelvic didn’t know what it was –

By her very nature, Lucette could not question those venerable beings above her. Instead the Kelvic simply accepted their words as truth. And agreed. Yes, she would try to restrain herself ever further for them, as she had for Roland. Though instinctually the Cheetah knew they were so much more than he could ever hope to be.

Rest now… rest now…

The words soothed. The tone took the last visages of the chaotic music from her mind. She was sleepy, and still on her side, her neck extended outwards. Lucette’s eyes blinked heavily, contentedly as her chest heaved out a loud sigh. The great feline’s legs stretched out to their length, and visibly relaxed upon the earth. And even amid the throng of people that surrounded her, Lucette dozed, languid in the night.

by **Lucy** on December 2nd, 2011, 10:37 am

Lucy felt dirt and something wet. She still couldn't see clearly. Her brain worked slowly. What happened? She remembered something hit her in the arm. Yeah, thats right. She tried to look at her arm, but she couldn't move her head. Could that wet thing be blood? But she was not bleeding anymore. Her arm was treated. She felt pain tingle her arm slowly, before it came back fully. The wound was deep. It was Galio, she remembered. She remembered everything. What an awful evening.

She wanted to stand up and see what's happening. Everything seemed quiet and calm. She still couldn't move, only her eyes listened to her mind. She breathed hardly. "Argh..." That was everything she could say. She wanted to ask for help, but she couldn't. Oh, God, what is she doing, she already got help, there must be more wounded peoples, she is asking for too much. She tried to ignore pain in her left arm and closed her eyes calmly. She wanted to rest, she was really tired. It seemed like everybody was concentrated on something beautiful that disappeared a moment ago. That calmed her down, their silent admiration. She didn't know if she felt asleep or not, she heard everything around her, but she didn't wanted to answer it. It was so warm. She had no intent in standing up anymore.

by **Talen Stirling** on December 2nd, 2011, 2:44 pm

Talen's hand moved from his cousin's elbow to his shoulder as he straightened up to listen and look after the goddess who spoke to him. His very posture and mind felt as if it were strengthened by her words, despite their severity and promise of danger.

Remember who you are, and do not fail in your resolve. He had been too close to despair, but had his own goddess not always been the one of hope? There was always a chance, and he would find it and succeed. Whatever was coming to haunt his home and his kin would not find him unready again. What monster was not beyond redemption he did not know, but he had never been one to do harm before he knew it were deserved... Perhaps it was a warning, to ensure that his resolve did not dissolve into desperation and he acted with violence and without thought.

He felt strange as he saw the celestial pair leave, his own eyes following the goddess who had spoken to him with a devotion he had never attributed to her before. As if the words they had spoken had awakened something deep within him, a memory or a knowledge that spoke to him in words he could not yet understand. The hand on his cousin's shoulder tightened it's grip momentarily and he smiled full of wonder at the last of his blooded family before looking about the sudden calm area to see if anyone were in need of him. It seemed as if in peace he was of less use than in war, ironically trying to prevent the latter from surfacing.

by **Paragon** on December 14th, 2011, 1:13 pm

Sitkanis :

Seodai :

Talen :

Veldrys :

Syllke :

Galio :

Lucy :

Daroes :

Vanos :

Lysander :

Lucette :

Hanno :

Haraza :

What a monster of a thread to read and grade, but it was great! You did a fantastic job guys. As well as the Lore's listed, EVERY player can also add these two to their character sheets: "Witness to Leth and Syna" and you can also add what your PC was told in Tabarnac's final post - if you have ANY questions or concerns about this grading, don't hesitate to PM me.