Closed [The Sanctuary] Touch That Which Is Within You

[Kavala]

Kavala gently eased a robe up over her brother's shoulders and draped it across his nude form. They'd probably have to fight over the baths now to get the blood washed off. She studied him intently, having listened to everything he said, and then simply nodded at his conclusion. "My time in Mura taught me that some people tolerate all people. There were people there that were walking around that the Konti accepted wholeheartedly, perhaps because they could sense their intent. And I agree individuals are not the manifestation of their people. But there are cultures that are just wrong. And among our people it is different because we know hate. We've faced death and worse from the hands of the Zith. Riverfall has faced predation at the hands of the Symenestra. I know what these people think and do are wrong, not because its different than how we think and act, but because its just wrong. I have no desire, Vanator, to ever let a Zith live. And so help me, I'll kill every one I see - every one - especially since I know what they did to you." Kavala said softly.

She slipped his arms into his robe lovingly and belted it. The Konti did the same to hers. And then she smiled at him with such love in her eyes that it was uncanny. "I am so thankful you are my brother. There is no sister anywhere more lucky to have you to help guide me through life. And what you've survived and how you've changed is amazing. I wonder sometimes if father would even recognize you. I know he'd be proud. How could he not? He's ever been worried that you would not come into your own, but he had no idea what They had in store for you and what you'd have to face and survive. I hope you understand, Vanator, how special that makes you. I know you wanted to be father's successor, to be Ankal, but from where I'm standing it seems such a small thing - so trivial - compared to what you can be. No, what you are now." She said softly, pulling a basket from the doorway to the circular chamber and beginning to snuff and gather up candles.

"Why don't you practice Vanator? Snuff the candles for me as I gather them? You can make flame but you can unmake it too. I would learn the unmaking of fire first." She said, chuckling softly. "I'm glad you are so levelheaded these days. Could you imagine Bolden or even Akela with fire?" Her eyes danced, and she didn't mind remembering those she loved, even if the likelyhood was they were dead. The offerings were left, however, because she knew that in the morning they'd be gone anyhow. Such was the way of the Gods. Offerings to them weren't just symbols. They were true gifts and they'd better fit the deities taste or displeasure could result.

[Vanator]

As Kavala gently slipped the robe onto her brother, hiding again his nudity with the tying of the belt, Vanator gave her a serene smile. Kavala had become a woman of great power and vision, yet she was grounded, practical and nurturing, not only of the animals that had come under her care, but of those who lived here, and of her family. Even as she swore to kill every Zith she saw, he knew she would kill because she loved him so deeply.

"Father would be proud of both of us, Kav. Of all the Denusks, we have been chosen to carry on our family, with those we have with us now." He took a step towards Kavala and took her hand in his. " Your mother would be so happy to see all that you have become and accomplished. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes, how proud I am of you, and how much I love you."

Vanator's gaze moved around the room, dimly lit by flickering, dying candles, before settling again on Kavala. "I know now, I can see, that I belong to a world larger than the pavilion. I know... forces are at work in my life. I have to find my place in that world." Strength, clarity, passion, fire infused his being, tempered by a spiritual soberness. "I feel as if I am where I belong. We have been fire and earth, Kav, and we have always complimented each other. Earth tempers fire, fire purges earth. Earth and fire together form beautiful things. Thank you again." He leaned in to kiss her cheek.

Vanator accompanied Kavala as she passed each divine image, the stone indwelling of each god and goddess, the oblations left at the graven feet of each one. The echoes of the induction still rung in the man's body, and part of him wanted to unleash it in a massive fireball, to indulge himself in the power he had been given. But that was not the purpose of granted power. The Drykas would cherish what he had been given, would hone and harness it for greater things than self-glorification. As his sister lifted each small candle, Vanator would summon djed, form res, and draw the small flame from each votive, allowing it to vanish in a puff in his palm, leaving a dead, smoking wick.

Once they had made the circuit of the shrine, they returned to the altar, the few candles upon it all that illuminated the Denusk siblings. Vanator again searched the familar, beautiful pale blue gaze of his sister. There was more, he saw it in her eyes and he felt it in his soul.

[Kavala]

Kavala smiled at Vanator and said nothing, just grateful to spend sacred time with him and be with him with a sense of family she hadn't felt in a long time. Kavala walked with him, met back at the alter, and then stared out over the assorted things there. She took her brothers hands and wove her own fingers into his, forming a joint bowl with their hands. She began to gently fill half of it with her res, nodding to Vanator to do the same. When the res was cupped in their hands, she purposed hers at the same time Vanator purposed his and together the mingling of their res turned to stone and ignited together.

Lava pooled briefly in their hands. It was not a huge amount, but instead, was a small pure bit of glowing molten power.

"Together, Vanator... we are going to forge something very powerful here, something very much needed. The Denusks live on. They will always live on as long as we are here to carry on the bloodlines and the values of our family. And within these walls the Cytali will be reborn as well. Let this be the first step. Let us understand that alone we are weak, but together with all our family and friends we are stronger." His sister said, barely with any sound, so awestruck was her whisper.

And with that, the lava in their hands cooled, fueled by both Kavala and Vanator's will. Two rings lay in their joined fingers when her brother's fire and her earth settled into themselves. Kavala took the smaller of the two, unlinking one palm, and slipped it onto the one finger on her right hand that webbing didn't interfere with. She left the larger of the rings for him, knowing it would fit perfectly. And knowing too they would make rings for Cadra and Larik when they came into their own and truly understood their family's legacy. And others would come too, people already here, already half family.

But for now, the two were enough. The sign of the Denusk Pavilion etched in the black gold-flecked stone not unlike a signet.

[Vanator]

Vanator no longer hesitated, or even pondered when Kavala entwined her fingers with his, understanding that their linked hands were forming a vessel, one that would be a crucible for the joining of their res, and elements. He did not know what exactly would be created at the meeting of their essences, only that it was as significant in its symbolism as it was in the physical manifestation of stone and fire.

It already felt natural to Vanator, the flow of ignited res, as if the plasma of fire had always dwelt in his bones, only unlocked when Kavala gave him the tool to release it. Element folded into element, rock and flame, until a puddle of glowing lava lay in their entwined hands. flames licked up from the magic substance. Vanator lifted his eyes from the beauty and power of what they had created together, to look at Kavala as she spoke, her words soft and sober as if spoken by the mouth of an oracle.

Vanator understood, and accepted the truth of his sister's words. Vanator's paradigm had shifted that night. What it meant to be Denusk was no longer bound to the men and women who had lived in the grasslands. They did live on, in Vanator and Kavala, in his son and daughter. But the Denusks were more than Drykas now. Not that they were abandoning their past, or who they were. The values and lessons, the ways of the horseclans would guide them. But the Denusks were to answer a greater calling, and though Vanator may not be one of Nysel's chosen, nor his role yet defined, the Denusk man would be entwined with the Cytali. The magic of his ancestors was alive in him, the affinity that had been buried now alive and at his disposal.

Vanator did not speak. He didn't have to. Kavala saw the enlightenment in his dark, gold-flecked gaze. Releasing his sister's hand, he took up the ring they had forged, sliding it onto his right hand. It was beautiful, a match to his sister's.

Stepping closer, Vanator embraced Kavala for a moment, before stepping back to meet her gaze, his hand taking hers, his fingers running over the smaller ring on her hand. "We must stay together. Others will come, but we must stay together."

[Jackalope]

Kavala

Award

Skill	XP Earned	Lore Earned
Planning	+1	An Enjoyment of Preparation
Dagger	+1	More Than Initiation: A Rebirth
Reimancy	+3	A Ceremony of Body
Interrogation	+2	Opening A New World
Leadership	+2	Intimacy of Initation
		Finding the Root of Pleasure
		Vanator's Tale of Captivity
		Rings Forged of Sibling Love

Inventory: Denusk Signet Ring


Van

Award

Skill	XP Earned	Lore Earned
Dagger	+1	More Than Initiation: A Rebirth
Reimancy	+3	A Prayer of Wholeness
Storytelling	+2	A Bonder Deeper than Blood
Observation	+2	Drawing Strength from Kavala
		Sharing of Your Experiences with the Zith
		My First Element: Fire

Inventory: Denusk Signet Ring

Witty Remark Here

Probably my favorite thread I've read so far. I love reimancy inductions, and this was by far the most creative one by far. Beautifully done. I wish I could award you more, but take all these lore I throw at your feet. Bravo. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, please send me a PM and we can figure it out.