The Last Leaf Falls | PK

[EndRealms 132]

 

 

╰──  🌿  ──╮

 

“You did very well today, Xil. You've grown into quite the druid. I am very proud of you.”

 

“..Ahernan, Maln. Ahernan for taking me in, and teaching me. For being the Maln I never got to have.”

 

“Ahernan for letting me be your Maln.”

 

“Of course. I will never regret it- it was the best decision of my life.”

 

“I’ll never regret it either. You and your sisters mean everything to me. I could not possibly ask for a better family.”

 

“..Me neither. You've led me to be proud of being a Caerme’onn, and even prouder of being a Darkstone- I'm ne sure what I would have done if you had’ne dragged me along with you. Come on- why do’ne we head to the den and share a blunt? We could tell stories, just like in the Vale.”

 

“Ti, that sounds like a great idea.”

 

╰──  🥀  ──╮

 

..This wasn’t the story she ever wanted to tell. And it was one she may never get the chance to.

 

She was just going out to the Glade of Hileia- with all of the fights that had been happening as of recent, and the increased darkspawn activity, she wished to seek guidance from some of the surrounding Mani, and from the druids that had passed on. She went to Sasha’s grave- one of the few she could remember now, from when she had first become an Epiphyte. The one who had helped her move her tree, from its original spot by the river. She passed a few others, making sure to pay her respects to the unknown names that died in service to the Aspects… until she got to Nenar’s.

 

A Pale Knight stood before her grave- she couldn’t hazard a guess as to why. Nor did she particularly want to find out. But as she stepped away…

 

CRACK

 

A branch she hadn’t noticed before, now snapped clean in half by her foot. There was a grating of stone as the Pale Knight’s head snapped over to watch the druid, who had frozen in place.

 

“You. You are not mortal. Not mortal, yet you still dare to interrupt my time of silence?”

 

“I may ne be mortal. But I am still ‘Ame and a Drui, and your presence is disrupting their graves.”

 

She knew that she wouldn’t win this fight. There was no way she could. But her words spoke true, and she wouldn’t let her desecrate the graves of the fallen druids, to the best of her ability… even if that meant she would join them. As she infused her staff, and began for battle, the Pale Knight came lumbering forth. 

 

From the start, it was uneven. She couldn’t land a hit- all of them either ending up caught, or needing to be abandoned for her own safety- but she couldn’t escape, at this point. She had locked herself into a duel, unable to retrieve any help. She did what she could- but her abilities paled in comparison to a behemoth of stone possessing orc-like strength. Her staff was snapped in half, almost every attack caught, or forced back, while she took a hit that shattered her left arm. Eventually.. As she delivered a blow to the being’s head, it’s mace struck her left side, knocking her back, and leaving her prone. Before she was able to fall, she was caught by her neck, and was lifted in a chokehold to be slammed into a tree, over.. And over.. until a translucent blue sap leaked from her head, and she was barely conscious. Only then, was she dropped, and set against the tree in a sit.

 

“And here, I thought you were to be the one who gave me trouble once I took a fair fight. No, you are just as weak as the ancestors who blessed your lineage with life.” 

“What is your name, soldier.”

 

“...Geyser, is the only name you need to know.”

 

There came a pause from the felled epiphyte, then. She was beaten, nearly dead. She knew it was coming soon, and there was a part of her that just wanted to accept it. She had done her duty, hadn’t she? She tried to protect the Glade, somewhere that held the memories of everyone who had died doing their duty to the Aspects. Yet.. there was a part of her, screaming, that THEY needed to survive. Not she, no. There was no true care for the ‘Ame. In that moment, all she was was a body, a host. Someone who needed to survive, simply so that another thing could keep on living. Her good arm went to push herself up, to fight once more, to figure out a way to run and get help, to survive. But eventually.. That arm stilled. Pain was already wrecking the epiphyte’s form… a bit more wouldn’t hurt.

 

“Kill me. Release me from her. Please. I am a slave to a plant. Free me.”

 

She begged for her death. She didn’t fully know why. She still had much to live for- family, friends, her duties, the Sun Circle… she still had so much to learn, as well. But in that moment? When she knew she couldn’t survive, that there was little chance that there was a way out? She fought against those instincts that had ruled her life ever since she shoved herself into that tree, desperate for comfort. She begged, begged this abomination to the balance to free her. To send her to those in the Forest, where she could continue on without having to bend to a plant's whims. When she would arrive… she would apologize to Nenar, she decided. For not listening, for starting arguments over such a thing. And she would thank her, for teaching those around her, and getting them to attempt to help her. 

 

“Forgive me, for this will be the last breath you take upon this realm”

 

“..Ahernan. Be prepared for The Hunt.”

 

As she uttered those last words, that mace came crashing down upon her skull.

And the world went silent, for the first time since she’d been attuned.

 

╰──  🪦  ──╮

 

There were so many other stories she had wanted to share… how she came to the Vale from Amathine, how she had become a Caerme’onn, how she had become an Epiphyte, what she had experienced while in the wilds, her tasks and trials to become a druid, the fights she had been in during the end of Aevos- but the realm had decided that she had had enough time. That she didn’t tell the stories when she should have, that she squandered what time she had had with her family…

 

And so, those stories would never be told, as the last leaf on a withered Truespring Geyserian fell.

 

Xilvyre Cairora Darkstone Caerme’onn, Sister Geyser

(1972 - 2082)

 

As her room and belongings were being gone through, some letters were found, and sent out:

Spoiler

Nalinor: @VenomKNight

Spoiler

Do’ne be too upset, Maln- you know that one day, we’ll be able to fight side by side with each other again, and share stories with other druii who have passed, just like we did last. And do’ne throw yourself into the hunt that I know you’ll go on, to get revenge for however I passed. Take care of yourself. That’s all I ever wanted for you- even when we first met, when I tried to convince you to ne drink as much. I can’ne write all the words I wish to say down on paper- but someday, I’ll be able to tell you everything. Ahernan- for being my guide, my chieftain, my Maln. 

 

Remember: Do ne lose yourself to the Hunt. 

 

I love you, both Maln and Father. Happy hunting, to the both of you.

And llun, that I could’ne keep my promise.

Yra’lissa: @FOOB

Spoiler

Ahernan, for being my Haelun- for teaching me what you have, for leading me on the path I’ve ended up on, for sharing in laughter and pain alike. I know things got rocky, at times- and I know there was tension with my plant, because of Mar’haelun. But despite that- I’m glad we were able to meet back in the Vale, and have continued on. Be safe, and take care of yourself.

Suliin’yuln: @Chuuwys

Spoiler

My lari’onn- ahernan for everything you’ve done over the years. Llun, that I’ve ne been present as of recent- that does’ne reflect my care for you, which I hope you understand. Do ne beat yourself up over this, or anything that results of my death. Take breaks, and do’ne overwork yourself- Aspects know that both you and Maln tend to. Work is ne an ayla distraction- let yourself grieve, and feel. Do’ne destroy yourself again. You’re strong, I know you’ll get through whatever comes, and will flourish. Be well, lari’onn.

Nenárë: @DragonofTaters

Spoiler

Oem’ii, I’m so sorry I never got to truly spend time with you, past some.. shenanigans, with my tree. Ahernan for the time we did spend together, I’ll still always hold you close to my heart. I carry your bear you gifted to me everywhere I go- every fight I take, every step I take in travel. I’m hoping it can see me through whatever I face. But if that fails.. Know that I loved you, lari’onn. You will grow up big, and strong- I’m leaving my armor for you, in the hope you’ll grow into it. Maln, or Suliin, should be able to help fit it to you. That way, even in death, I’ll be able to help protect you, just as an older lari’onn should.

Kelpie: @Weebmaster36

Spoiler

Lari’onn- I do’ne know if this letter will find you, in all honesty. I have’ne seen you since you returned briefly with Fenric, at a time that I.. unfortunately could’ne remember you. I’m sorry, for that- for ne being able to speak with you as a sister, and speak on time gone by. If you’re receiving this- I’ve passed onto the Eternal Forest. I wish we could’ve caught up one last time, relive when we were still oem’ii… but I hope you’re doing well, and that you’ve gotten to live on and experience new things.

Wulff: @Badgermordakin

Spoiler

Marlari’onn- I know we did’ne get to speak too often, and I regret that. I wish we did- I wish I had reached out to learn more about your wood carving, and about Malikii. Maybe, one day we’ll be able to speak on it. But ne before you're ready. I can wait as long as needed for us to sit and speak again. Until then- be safe, Wulff.

Amethyst: @LupinCrystal

Spoiler

Marlari’onn, llun that I could’ne visit again, or come help with the restoration of the Mother Grove more often. I know we spoke about me coming around more… and that’s ne longer possible. I hope I do’ne see you too much, too soon- you have too much you still need to do before you come to the forest. So please- keep going, keep fighting. Know I’ll be waiting here as long as needed, and that I’ll look forwards to us talking again. 

Aspects guide, Ame.

Zaelyn: @MayRndz

Spoiler

Llun, that I could’ne become a part of the Sun Circle as we had spoken about, and that I never got to finish my lessons in Blight Healing. But ahernan, for the time you spent teaching me, despite that. Your lessons carried me through the battles we’ve faced recently- and I’m hoping, carried me far enough in whatever fight killed me for others to figure it out.

I’m glad I could have you, as one of my guides, and as a llir.

Arle: @craneia

Spoiler

Llir- ahernan, for the time we’ve spent together, and what you’ve taught me of the Wild Faith. I wish I could’ve followed along the line of priesthood- but I guess we can’ne do everything we wished for in life. Live well, and hopefully we’ll be able to sit and speak on the Wild Faith again one day. Until then, Aspects Guide.

Gul’ash & Amber: @FloralHedgehog @RMW01

Spoiler

Ahernan, to both of you. You both taught me how to accept myself, ne matter how much I was struggling to do so. I owe being able to get to the point where I am to the two of you. Amber, for helping me accept being an Epiphyte when I was struggling, and Gul’ash, for helping me accept the instincts that came with it. Given what happened when Nal stole my tree… I don’t think it would have gone nearly as well without both of your advice.

I hope you’re both doing well- Aspects guide, and be safe. I do’ne want to see either of you in the forest until you’re both ready.

Spoiler

 

OOC:

 

Wooh. Ok- first pk post, with the first persona I had joined LOTC with. It’s insane to think about the fact that I’ve played her for a year and a half, starting in the beginning of December 2024. It’s definitely a bittersweet thing- I know she’s not as old as some other characters around, but she’s been one of my main characters essentially all this time, with around 1,050 played hours, and accounting to about 1/3 of my total LOTC playtime. 

HUGE HUGE shoutout to @VenomKNight- Without him, I genuinely may not have stayed on the server, and would’ve missed out on all of the friends and stories I’ve made. Thank you, for dragging me into the Caerme’onns, and further into the mess of Nevaehlen and Druidism.

Other big shoutouts: @ASpookyDream, @Weebmaster36, @RetroMako, @DragonofTaters, @Badgermordakin, @Kudos, @DistantCryptid, @FOOB, @RMW01, @FloralHedgehog, @LupinCrystal, @Chuuwys, @MayRndz, @craneia, @yungwoman and anyone else who’s contributed to her story.

 

Onto new frontiers- see y’all in the Eternal Forest :)

 

 

[Chuuwys 502]

“But think about how it feels when your hands are so cold they go numb. How it's only when they start to thaw out that you realize how much they hurt.” 

- lauren wolk -

 

≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

 

The Epiphyte laid on the ground, one horn snapped from some point in the heat of battle, that strange clear sap leaking from the building number of wounds that covered her from fighting between Druid and Darkspawn.

“...Lari’onn- if I do’ne make it- take care of Tara and Nenárë, ti?” her voice hoarse and weak, nearing an end with a certainty and acceptance betraying her telltale bite to fight and see the next dawn.

 

She should have known.

 

“You’re going to make it!” Suliin’yuln grits through clenched teeth, knocked off of her feet in kind by the barreling Skelebob, level with her sister who had long been distant, who she had barely spoken with in true lucidity since the parasite in her mind had rid her of memories in full, and had been ripped from root to protect the 'ame's mind and soul. “I told you back then and I’ll say it again - I will help you when I can, if I can. I’m ne letting these freaks steal you away from me when I just got you back.”

 

She should have known.

 

≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

 

“Lari’onn? I- what happened, what did I do?” Teal leaves slowly brown, falling to skin and seat cushion within a hidden cavern of the younger ‘ame’s making - somewhere secret only those she trusted most could live in. The parasite quieted. The pure fear in the woman’s pale eyes that she may have hurt her own sister unknowingly. “...Suliin’?”

 

A hand hovers over Suliin’yuln’s warpick, tentatively over the fox skull that decorated its head… “Your voice changed… was that her speaking?”

 

She should have known.

 

≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

 

A letter slipped silently into the mailbox of a forgotten bedroom below Caerme’onn hall.

“You are still my sister through years gone. I wish to see you well in these times.”

 

≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

 

A wreath of Eucalyptus and Oak, intertwined with sprigs of Sage, Violets and Lily-of-the-Valley and branches of Gladiolus.

For a loving sister. A valiant warrior. To ward off evil. To remember one’s brightness in the darkest of times.

 

≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

 

Her cries are endless in the square of the Enclave when the news is revealed to her. Her chest aches, sobs heave one after the other and tears stain the clothes of her sibling who can do naught but cradle her and cry alongside her. Late in the night, after her cradles and coaxes to do little to comfort their youngest sister, she wails and wails where quiet would be the only audience to hear her grief.

 

Her sister was dead.

 

Her first sister. She, an only child who knew of nothing outside her tiny forest home, yet had found siblinghood in a woman she could laugh with, share tales and speak on life with from time to time. Who she could fight alongside and know she was as stalwart as a person could be, a balm to her anxieties and a joyous wonder in dark days. A Caerme’onn to her soul. A woman she would never get the chance to know more of before that thing in her mind would rip away the memories of who they were to one another.

A distant face, then a friend, a sister by title then by family. Even for such a short time, what sweet moments they would have by any fire and within any cavern. A healer, a would-be Priestess, a Druid, a daughter and sister both younger and older and an 'ame with a warrior's spirit.

 

...She never did get to teach her how to make Ikurn’amonn in the traditional method.

Never got to hang out with her and their baby sister together.

Never stole the tree like she should have when she heard those cries in the Azure Forest, putting her at the helm for her siblings... who was she to take that mantle of someone so good?

 

One of the strongest people she knew and loved and was so proud of was gone, with no song to hold close and remember her by.

 

≿━━━━༺♡༻━━━━≾

 

A prayer is set forth to the Mani of Death and Survival, that darkened bird that would watch across the Glade’s graveyard of lost siblings. A blessing bid to watch over her fallen sister, and ensure that what would remain of her and of that viscous plant would be carried safely back to the earth, unsullied by dark magic or parasitism, brought home by the detritivores of his domain.

 

A wreath, freshly re-made and decorated further with new blossoms of pale blue Forget-Me-Nots, placed atop a gravestone to one Xilvyre Caerme’onn, Sister Geyser. Blossoms of White Jasmine, Mandragora, Daisies and Chamomile adorning the top of the stone, candles lit in love and remembrance for as long as they would last upon the grave.

‿︵‿︵ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ ・❉・ ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ‿︵‿︵

 

Spoiler

What can I say other than playing with you End has been some of the highlights of my time on LOTC in these few months where our characters learnt of one another and got to spend time together. So many regrets, heartbreaks, days spent awake till near 6am just got another 30 minutes of quality roleplay with you. to say you and your character haven't had an influence on me would be a lie.

 

Despite what you say with Xilvyre, her story has been incredibly compelling and complex in my opinion. A brave hearted person who was loyal and stuck to what she wanted, fighting even till the end through all that hurt. I still think you made a special character with her, and I'll miss roleplaying these sisters. You've made some of the hardest times on the server bearable again and made me want to keep playing. Perhaps had we not been stubborn, these characters could have taken a different route altogether like we had jokes about, but even then I'm still pretty proud of the roleplay we did together. Hopefully there will still be opportunities through the ghost telephone :p

 

Have fun with your other characters, friend. I'll still be about, and I can't wait to see and hear about more of your adventures going forward. RIP Xilvyre. ♡♡♡

 

Edited May 23 by Chuuwys

[Redialing 29]

The Dame of Stone moved quietly among the trees in an unknown location, a gargantuan mace dragging behind her into the soil as she passed. Her mere presence among the wildlife seemed to stir what was lurking, stags bolting away, innocent birds fleeing as stone moved against stone. The druid's words rang through her hollowed mind as she observed the unruly effect she held over the surrounding life. A rot, she was. Nothing further, nothing less. A mere stain on the world around her.

 

Yet, as that translucent, sap-like substance dripped down the stones, the Dame called a weapon, did the Eidola find herself questioning her purpose. The fight had been brutal, the cracks from it still there upon the Dame's body, as she had yet to return to her domain. Simply, she couldn't, as the weight of the life she took prevented such from happening.

She questioned whether her Lord's vision was truly good for the world, removing the abusers of the gifts bestowed upon them and freeing this realm from the unworthy. Was that even her lord's goal? Was it simply a task she placed upon herself as she awoke before her creator? So many questions, yet all of them lacked answers as the Dame could only walk. 

No pleasure had been taken in killing Xilvyre Caerme’onn, or Geyser, as she had been told. Heck, the Pale Knight even apologized for ending the Druid's life, despite the pleas for death that fell before the Dame's mace met bone. Though one thing would remain true despite it, Geyser, despite the short fight, had left a mark that only one other could claim they had. A mark that would last within the Eidola, even after she passed on to the afterlife again herself.

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

 

Spoiler

OOC: hi yes i killed her, yes i enjoyed it, yes i would do it again :) smiel 10/10 would recommend.

 

[VenomKNight 52]

R

[chaoscorvus 34]

The scent of garlic butter and fresh-baked bread wafts through the Enclave's tavern. A Mali'ame, soft of voice and kind of heart, begins their journey to the Glade, the parchment-wrapped loaf in their bag, and a bouquet—with one more flower than usual—in their arms.

[yungwoman 62]

"We all die twice...  the first time is when we simply cease to be; the second, when we are forgotten.”

The words came out no louder than a whisper.. who was it for? Herself? Her friends? Her family? No..

"We may not have known each other well.. but you and Sul, are the best damn lari'onn's a Mali'ame could  ever ask for.." 
 
It was for the dead.. For the voices she still heard in moments of silence for there was no more laughter that echoed in the tavern or through the forest, hands that once held something now belonged to the soil beneath..

Ava lowered her head, snow collecting in her dark hair, as the cold wind curled around her beneath the tree's.. Somewhere in untouched woods, kingdoms still marched, death still fed upon the living robbing the happy and leaving only misery.. But here, there was only silence.. pure unadulterated silence.. the faintest of whisper once again left her lips..

"I don't want the world to forget you.."
 

[craneia 232]

 

Faith, keep it around you now.

 

The saddened lilt of the song around her was heard, first. Then, came the letter from the Chieftain of the Caerme’onn. Another one of her people, gone. Pain felt for her little brother, and for her nieces. Her letter finds her in a quiet moment, one of very few these days. A sad smile takes to her scarred face as she reads the words, muttering a farewell with;

 

“Someday, suika.”

 

[FOOB 86]

R

[DragonofTaters 920]

A small form crouched on an island. Clear water bubbles quietly, coursing over rocks before cascading down cliffs to meet a larger river. Fireflies danced through the crisp night air; cicadas and crickets filled the night with buzzing song. 
 

Moonlight turned green moss to silver, dew drops catching the light. Pearls from the heavens, until morning tide would make them burn gold before fading.

 

Stones studded the landscape. Some tucked away under towering trees, some gathered along the banks of the water, some standing out in the middle of the field. Names, epithets, and memory carved by careful hands and time. All that was left of those beloved and hated alike.

 

A new stone stood now. A new name carved and offerings left. She did not go there. Did not stand near the name of a sister she hardly knew. Hardly had the chance to know.

 

Rather the child retreated; across the water, to the edge of the Fae Ring. Ethereal creatures - other worldly and yet the most trusted companions - guiding her across. Wisps lighting her path across slick stones, naiads and nixes offering shy greeting from the water. Little sprites darted to and fro. Faeries, family, friends to the child. Those that had filled her life and prevented loneliness.

 

How could a Faerie destroy that which she loved? They had been the ones to befriend her, comfort her, teach her in moments of quiet. A twisted, selfish creature, stealing her sister before the child ever had a chance to know her. Never truly able to trust that who she spoke to was Xilvyre and not the Truespring. How could a Faerie do such a thing? Be such a thing? Her friends, her family, those who guided her ever outside the watchful eyes of her elven kin.
 

Bare feet damp from the ground, she stared into the Fae Ring. Told to never cross, never enter, she stood poised to do just that. In her hands a small bear; plush, hand crafted from fabric and plant matter by tiny, patient hands. Blessed by her father to maintain warmth and life in the blossoms which decorated it. A gift, for that lost sister. A gift which said what the child never got the chance to. Carefully woven chains of ambrosia, forget-me-nots, and white clover. “Do not forget me. Remember me. Return to me. I love you.” A plea and a promise. Meant to ground the other when the twisted Fae took over. Now, abandoned in death. 
 

The child stood alone. There was no Faerie to comfort her. No sister to hold her. No mother to guide her. No father to save her. 
 

Love lost to lies. Trust broken by truth. Hope shattered in death.

 

~*~
 

When golden rays broke over the horizon, turning silver threads to flame, mist hung across the land. The small isle now silent, still. Abandoned. The only sign of the child footprints left in the dew soaked ground. In the center of the Ring lay the bear. Its heart, warm still; kindlefen eternally warm in its chest. A promise left, where perhaps the memory of a sister might see it…

 

and remember.