Valannor 6345 Share Posted April 27, 2022 [!] The events detailed in this post are not public knowledge, and only known by those who were present for the accounts detailed therein. Spoiler Snow crunched beneath a leather sole, the howling gale of frigid peaks assailing the waking mind and nipping at the tips of her ears. A hand lofted to shield her gaze from the biting downpour of frost and snow, the other clutched firmly about the handle of a trunk as the Elfess ascended the mountain- and though the familiar chill wrapped about her like some profane serpent, a fire within girded the spirit and body alike, granting her reprieve from the sting of yesteryear’s tragedy. A light in the distance- a glint upon a fractal of ice, beckoning her further and further forth, tempted the ‘Ame so sweetly. She would heed its call. The mountain crumbled down around her, the explosion heralding the cries of frightened children and panicking innocents as her world collapsed around her in fire and ice. A brilliant shield of starlight exuded from her palm, bodies piled atop herself and friends. Bulwark broke. Cold set in. Entombed. Trembling digits clawed through the melting slush upon that jagged peak, the light like a burning sun all its own, those accompanying her to watch on and pray - not for their sake, but hers. Golden eyes graced the mote of divinity, a hand outstretching to meet it - and so followed dancing ribbons and rivulets of emerald and gold, gentle specks of starlight dancing around her as sapphyric haze wept from her eyes, a beckoned warmth banishing the morning mists of winter’s scorn. Her eyes flickered upwards uncertainly, searching for guidance where none was yet found- Sunlight flooded her gaze. She saw nothing but Light beyond Light. Thoughts danced and ran through her head like the swiftest steeds of elden Horse-Lords, then stopped in an instant at the all-encompassing radiance that eclipsed all else. A burning streaked across her body, running lines along her skin, but she paid no mind to such trivialities; how could she, in this moment of sheer and utter completeness, of the fulfillment and tranquility she now held so close to her? Strength and life flooded her being, greater and more profound than even the blessing of Valor upon an Ithelanen’s blade. She saw in Light. She breathed in Gold. Dread crept upon her like the moon cresting the mountain, an icy tomb now her home - she could not feel anything, her limbs refusing to pay her any heed. Her heart pumped unsteadily, the rhythm erratic as she attempted to calm herself - tears weeping from silver eyes as she mourned the promise she would never keep. “Revas, darling… I don’t think I’m coming home.” “Duty beyond Death - So, so warm…” She was plucked from the earth, how a child might fling their doll, an insect in the face of cosmic forces beyond mortal reckoning. A voice, deep and profound, spoke to her - and so she responded, but her gaze was flooded by the Light. An affirmation, calm before the flame. A banshee’s shriek howled throughout the mountain, multi-toned and echoing thousandfold as scars, sharp and angular, were burnt into her skin; like a labyrinthian spider web of intricate runes and flexian script, aglow with the last light of Sheerok’s sunkiss. The sound of sizzling flesh filled the air, piercing through the thick haze of coalescing mists that shrouded the mountain - the graveyard they stood upon, and through the pain and torturous consecration did her gaze remain on the Sun. Anything, to continue to lay eyes upon those gilded rays forevermore. A hand would reach out to the light, trembling as the pain wracked her form, the Elfess trying in vain to take hold of the paradise she had been shown. Peace washed over the Elfess, the gnawing cold turned to softest chill, akin to the tender fingertips of grace taking her in hand, and soothing all of her worries. Her heartbeat slowed. Her breaths fell calm. The tears ran dry. If this was death, then why did so many fear it- why did she fear it? Like a pale slumber it came upon her, life and vitality slowly escaping that mortal vessel, moonlit flame within dying beneath the frost. Her crypt had been built for her in the betrayal of rodents and the genocide of an entire race - perhaps fitting, that she was to be buried with those she’d hoped to mend ties with. A vain hope, to end a war of survival. She saw a light above her- a shadow, a hand outstretched. A hand would reach out to the light, trembling as the pain wracked her form, the Elfess trying in vain to take hold of the paradise she had come to know. A whisper crept from frozen lips, falling on deaf ears save to those who dwelt beyond the stars. None would hear it. A crumpled body, cradled by the mountain. The sun shining brightly overhead. The blizzard raged around her - another triumph, another death. Another life claimed by the mountain, another mote of happiness that could have been. Snow-white peaks stained black and gold from betrayal and ascension. And then Tarathiel was no more. 29 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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