Juno.

The Fox Mother sat within her seed's hall, cleaning the supplies she had used to tattoo the newest addition to the family. The dark circles under her eyes had failed to disappear, and it was in moments like these she thought about the one who had first received the golden marking. The High Priestess placed a hand on either side of the basin, dipping her head with a heavy sigh. "Be safe my son, remember what I've taught you.."

The Fox waited at the foot of the new Vuln'miruel hall, golden ink and several needles in her lap. She gazed off with a slight sigh, placing her head in her hands as her eyes came to a gentle close.

Accompanying Music Why. That was the only thing the little fox seemed to be able to ask herself. Why did you disappear maln. Why did you die haelun. Why do you hate me mal’onn. Slowly, with the twisting and crunching of bones and flesh, the priestess reverted to her most natural state, and made her way from tropical pines to thick forests of redwood trees. I tried my best, I really did. Was I not good enough? Did I not try hard enough? Maybe I am too immature to understand, or maybe I’m too soft to make the tough calls. Maybe that’s why I wasn’t told or consulted, maybe that’s why I’ve been called a coward. The vulpine continued to travel on all fours, remaining low to the ground as she hid in bushes. This wasn’t the first time she had visited the citadel in this form, and she didn’t wish to be stopped today. She squeezed through a small crack in the wall, finding herself in the grove she helped name. She passed the statue she carved, and soon found herself at the list of names, her own in the center of the High Priests. Why have I been labeled a snake in fox hide? Why have I been called a traitor? All I’ve ever done was try to guide as my mother did, as she entrusted to me. Have I failed her? Have I failed them all? From there, the fox traveled to the hollowed tree stump, climbing up the sides into the familiar home. This had once been her room, then her mother’s, and now was vacant. The creature curled up amongst the pile of blankets and pillows, the comforting scent of her mother now long gone. She had been here though, and that was good enough. Why did he say I knew when I didn’t? Why was there never a meeting about this? There could’ve been another way. Why does he lie about me? We are supposed to be kin, to be family. Did he have no choice? Did he have to paint a negative image of me in order to accelerate himself? She tucked her tail tightly around her body, curling up for a long while as she continued to ask herself these questions. She knew she wouldn’t find answers this way, but sometimes it was nice to just contemplate; to be alone with your thoughts and away from judgmental eyes. Why did you entrust this duty to me, and then leave? Why did we become distant? Is it my fault? Did I do something wrong? Is that why you favored the others? Is that why, in your final letter to me, you apologized? Is that why you said you were a bad mother? You didn’t say that to my sister, or any of my other siblings. So was it just me? If it was, then why? How am I supposed to face you again? After a while, the vixen untucked herself and made her way back down the trunk and off towards the gorge. She crossed the bridge towards the other circle, stopping to gaze at it from across the pond. Why did she favor you? Why did she pay more attention to you? Why did you stop calling me haelun? Why did you stop talking to me altogether? Was that my fault too? Do I also need to apologize for being a bad mother? Did you ever even consider me that? Do you remember when I gave you your first tattoo? Do you even care anymore? She continued on, now towards the almost empty foxhole; the old home of the Vuln’miruel. They had begun the process of moving earlier that week, but in truth, the elf had been ready for years. All of her stuff had already been in her home in the Grove, and had been there even before she stepped down from the council. Why did I stay for so long? Was I ever even needed or wanted? For years they scorned and hated me. For years they spat insults at my face while the others simply watched. For years I ignored the festering hate that began to grow inside me. For years I continued on, only for a mother who barely looked my way. Is that why I did it? To somehow gain her attention? I know she loved me, so perhaps I’m just being greedy. Or maybe she just didn’t show it enough. Maybe I started to doubt it and grew desperate to feel it. Maybe I needed it more after maln disappeared. Maybe I should’ve said something, and now it’s too late. She fled from the ghost of a home, dashing through the crack and back into the woods as fast as she could. You told me it was my duty to guide our people, but you lied. These aren’t my people. Kin don’t lie and scorn at you. Kin don’t mock and silence you. Kin don’t threaten to kill you.. The words of the Sylvaeri child plagued her mind, troubled her the most out of all that had happened. She could handle being labeled something she wasn’t, she could handle the lies being spread, but she could not handle her kin, a druid, threatening to kill her; dispose of her as if she were a pesky fly. Dispose of her. Those were the exact words he used according to the child. Children don’t lie unless they have a reason too, and she didn’t have a reason. She didn’t even know me, just knew it was wrong to kill and sought me out to warn me. She is so sweet and innocent, and he is devious and angry. I have no reason to doubt her words, and neither does marmaln, his rage upon hearing such being evidence enough. Why did you say this mal’onn? Was my outrage at your actions enough to warrant death? To break the rules we are soulbound to? I wonder how Grandmother will react to your intent. I wonder what punishment awaits you in the Forest. As she continued to dash and crawl through the trees, a new question came into her mind. What do I do now? The duties. The voice of her grandfather rang clear, tired and old, but wise and true nonetheless. Your duty is not to the elves or the ame, nor are they your kin. Your only duty is to the Aspects, and your only kin are your fellow druids. He was right, she had only been wasting her time in the citadel, in the ‘safe’ walls built upon the blood and skin of their own kind. It wasn’t long until the fox returned to the towering tree, whose roots spread deep underneath the ground. It wasn’t long until the young druid came to a sense of clarity, and discovered a truth she wished she had discovered long before. My father used me, and my mother lied to me, though I do not hate them, especially not haelun. She cared too much, and her flame went out too soon; both mentally, emotionally, and physically. I’m sorry haelun, but I will not make the same mistake as you did. I won’t be used up by those who only take. I won’t focus on anything other than my duties and my true kin. As for he who threatened death, who thinks I can be disposed of like garbage, I shall not worry about him. He may be a druid, though his actions and words paint him more as a tyrant. Slaughtering kin with no motive is something that Grandmother shall take care of when he finally arrives at her domain, though I doubt he will ever act on his words. He’ll continue to sit behind stone walls and rule a nation that despises him, that sees through his lies and cruel nature. Afterall, barking and hunting are what Hounds do best.

The Fox thought over the last conversation she had with her grandfather, his words echoing in her mind days after they were spoken. “Just do your duties, nothing else matters..” She muttered to herself as she continued to bake the cookies, wrapping them up with golden ribbon. “I hope he likes them..”

------------------------------------------------------------- “Well Loki, what do you think? Nice little area huh.” The ker came to a stop amongst the dense redwood trees, planting the butt of her spear in the ground with a small huff. She pulled on the handmade clothes, the sweat from her hike causing the deer hide to stick to her skin. The black wolf came up on her other side, sniffing around with a small huff of his own. With a small grin, Melinoe bent down to run her right hand through his thick fur, then giving his back a couple of hard pats. “Come now, let’s get our den situated, and then we’ll find some dinner.” It was nicer now that she had Loki, returning to the place that she had originally survived in solitude. Hunting was easier too since she had a natural predator with her. It was long before they had caught enough food for the both of them, soon returning to the small cave Meli had lived in before. She struck a fire with rocks and nearby sticks, skinning and cooking her portion of the hunt over the flames. As she nibbled on her rabbit, she looked around the cave with a glazed over gaze, reminiscing on all the previous times she had spent in caves. Her traveling group used to hide out in caves like these, though they always burnt out the foliage and scared off any animals, filling it then with supplies and stolen goods. She then spent a year in a cave that was frozen, barely surviving in the harsh loneliness of the tundra. And then there was the first time she came to this cave for another survival task, this time skipping the burning and cleaning out of leaves. That time she slept among the foliage, did her best to ensure that she wouldn’t disrupt the home that was originally theirs. That was only fair of course, she could only imagine how pissed she would be if someone came into her home and disrupted her living space, chasing out her family so that they could make it their own. - A couple months flew by in the blink of an eye, the elf and wolf working together seamlessly to survive the year. They did everything together, inseparable through it all. When they slept, they did so curled up into a neat ball, the ker’s arms wrapped around Loki’s thick fur, and his tail resting over her form. Melinoe hadn’t even thought of the reason why she was here in the first place, allowing herself to simply enjoy her time with her dear companion. It wasn’t until their nightly walk that she truly began to contemplate what she had learned. It was a full moon that night, its light illuminating the trees as Meli and Loki hiked through the dense forest. The previous full moons had all been covered by clouds while they were there, so this was the first time they were truly seeing one. The sight caused Loki to stop, eyes locked on the silvery orb in the midnight sky. “What’s wrong chirr’ii?” Melinoe called, lifting her spear in case he had caught a whiff of danger, though she soon relaxed once she saw where his gaze was directed. The lupine took a seat amongst the grassy floor, opening his maw to release a soft howl. A chuckle left the elfess as she took a seat beside him, soon joining her companion in his song. The last time she had done this, she had been in that icy hell, half dead as she listened to a lone wolf’s sad cry. The sad howling and inevitable death of the lone wolf had made Melinoe realize just how much of a pack creature she was, how afraid she was of being alone. It had been that revelation that pushed her on during those terrible months, living to see her family once again. That was one of the things she had learned during her dedicancy, the importance of the pack. She would complete her duties and service along with her family; her husband, children, mentor, and companion. The ker came to a stand, motioning for Loki to follow. “Come now chirr’ii, let’s go home.”

The “Snake in Fox Hide” reads the missive with a single blink, throwing it into the fire to warm her hands. “At least I didn’t skin an ame, nor am I a war criminal...Snake in Fox Hide hm? Kinda nice sounding..”

“Aspects be with you lari’onn..” The Fox Druid hummed from within her grandparents’ den, folding up the notice and placing it in her pocket as she meditated by the fire.

Sorry!! I didn't even think of that. I'll fix it now!!

[!] A missive would be found pinned to several trees, posts, and the sides of houses in Elvenesse. Some even delivered to people outside the nation by way of fox. The missive reads as follows: Lari’onnan, Mal’onnan, For all who were unable to attend the public meeting today, I will inform you of a revelation that was brought forth. In order to gain the short peace we had with the orcs, one of our own was skinned, fashioning a coat that was given to the orcs. The kin that was slain was a Tahorran, one who had not committed any crimes or caused much controversy to himself. He worked hard to protect our nation; a brother, a lover, a father. And yet the council of Elvenesse decided that it was necessary to end his life, and allow his tattoos to be worn by others. This is not a call to action, but a warning, for the people I love and hold dear. My mother wished for me to protect the ame, but as a druid, I now do my best to stay away from politics and serve only the Balance. I write to you all simply to inform you of what happened, and to be vary, for if they are willing to skin one of our own, who knows what else they’ll do for peace. My door is always open should you all need anything, and may the Aspects watch over us all. Ahernal ito, Sonna Lorenthus Vuln’miruel High Priestess of the Fox [!] The missive is signed with the sigil of a golden sitting fox, it's tail wrapped neatly around it's paws.

A proud mother gazes over the notice with a nod of her head, then continuing off with her vulpine companions.

The Fox snickered at her granddaughter's words, ceasing the braiding she was doing as came to a stand. She gazed at her daughter and vulpine companion with a golden gaze, her smile wide as she murmured a quick thanks to the elderly Pip. The druid bent down to offer him a treat, then walking over to her child and wrapping her up in her arms. "My beautiful, brave snow fox...You have done well, and I am so proud of you.." The Mother of Foxes whispered before giving the tired girl a gentle squeeze. "Come my darlings, let's give you your marking.." She cooed to both Briala and Ellesul, ushering them both inside as her own foxes emerged to greet the successful Pip.

The Fox cheered for her husband and son, a wide smile on her face.

IGN: Junoix Character name: Sonna Vuln’miruel Which game(s) are you signing up for: (There is no limit!) All but Strength!

As the vision slowly subsided, some realization dawned on the Fox. She quickly made her way from the redwood trees to the coastal archipelago, rushing to her home in the Grove. Her hands ruffled through her pile of pillows and blankets until she got to the loose floorboard, pulling it up to gaze inside. The piece of the Owl’s staff, identical to the one she crafted for Bluejay except for the name on the back, was gone. The Fox Druid did not fret however, for she was sure it’s intended owner had come for it. Sleep well Sister, I look forward to seeing you again. Hopefully Hileia’onn will aid you, and bring you pleasant dreams.

Sonna smiled softly as the phoenix dropped her invitation, curled up in Liri and Tailesin’s nest. She gently prodded their arms to wake them, the phoenix holding two more invitations to be received. @Kuila@Drusus

Based

The thill laid in her tower room, the widows open to allow the night air to wash into the space. She was still awake, painfully aware of that fact that her lover had yet to return home; the elfess found herself unable to sleep whenever she left her side. The sound of crashing and angry screams signaled her counterpart's return, the woman sitting up in her bed with a heavy sigh as she listened to her rage. She remained where she was at first, mulling over what she could possibly do to soothe her soul; she knew just how terrible Father's betrayal had been for her. "Mozi.." The thill murmured just under her breath, ignoring how her throat stung and her lips suddenly became dry. "Soon you will return to what you were, and soon I will join you...as Daz'rukrai." A painful cough erupted from her as she got the final name out, causing the woman to wince and rub the outside of her throat. It was then that she got out of bed and made her way down to her love's room, where she had suddenly grown silent. A soft tap at the door signaled her arrival, waiting for her sweet voice to welcome her in. Soon.

[!] Throughout the Atol Grove, the city of Amaethea, and to individuals across Almaris, foxes wearing golden circlets around their necks delivered letters on door steps before then scampering off into the wilderness. A single magnolia flower is attached to each letter. -=- Lari'onnan, Mal'onnan You are cordially invited to the wedding of Sonna Vuln’miruel and Zolvan Vuln’miruel. The wedding will take place in the Atol Grove, home to The Drudic Order, on the 10th of Sun’s Smile. It will be atop the Mother Tree, within its branches and leaves. After the ceremony, a reception will be held where the Mother Circle’s moots take place. Please come dressed for the occasion. This wedding is to be held on neutral ground so absolutely no political talk will be tolerated. It is a day for celebration, not treaties or bloodshed. I hope to see you all there! Sincerely, Sister Fox and Brother Amber =-= The invitees are as followed: All members of The Druidic Order, dedicants and family included Feanor Sylvaeri, High Prince of Elvenesse, and all citizens of Elvenesse Daerine Merachae’onn, and her family Caedric Edvardsson, Hand of the King of Norland, and his family Alisa Camian, High Keeper of the Red Faith, and her family Levian’Tol Grandaxe, Grand Steward of Urguan, his wife Yazmorra Blackroot, High Chief of Hefrumm, and their family Ayliana Maehr’tehral, Head Physician of Haelunor, and her family Maruthir Kriswynn, and his family (OOC: The wedding is Sunday, March 28th, at 5 PM EST)

As soon as she felt the voices' sorrow, she knew. She ran to the gate, where her sister soon came and fell against, fear in her gaze. "Tell me lari'onn! Who was it!" The Fox Druid pleaded with the Phoenix, tears already welling her eyes. "I-I heard Sister Scorpion cry out Awaiti...I'm so sorry." The wind stung her tear soaked cheeks as she ran to the beacon near the city amongst the redwoods, the formation of her mother's hard work. She banged on the stone, pleading with it to let her see her one more time; let her say she loved her before she explored the Forest. Silence was all she got, Taynei was already leading her off. The voices of nature twisted in sorrow, screaming and crying as golden tears sunk into the grass below. Hileia quelled what she could, fighting with Sonna to soothe her poor soul. But she could not be soothed as she trudged towards the hollowed out trunk, unsure of where else to go. She opened the door to her mother's room, trembling as she spotted her bed. She collapsed amongst the pile of pillows and blankets, gasping as she realized it still smelled of her. She curled up into the nest, unable to do anything but sob into it with uncontrollable grief. "I didn't get to say goodbye...mom...please don't leave me.." Her pleads were futile, and she knew that, but she couldn't help but plead. As she pulled on the blanket, she found a hidden chest, opening it to find several items and her mother's will. Golden tears stained the sheets as she read it, and then lifted the items in her hold. "I will carry on your message...haelun." And at that, her skin started to sprout orange fur, and her bones cracked and reformed amongst screams of terrible agony. A sad fox then slept amongst the nest, trembling and crying throughout the terrible night.

- Cold. That’s what she knew for what felt like months, but in reality was only a day to the outside world. She survived the frozen tundra with her kin: mother, grandmother, and sister; using nothing but their bare hands. Not even their gifts were used, no fire was made. They ate their food raw, ripping apart wolf pups with their teeth. It was hard and bitter work, but it made them all stronger in themselves and as a family. The Fox, the Snow, the Autumn, and the Jackdaw, together all braving the harshness of The Mother’s Winter. Sonna would always remember their first day and night… [!] As the four fell to slumber, they’d awaken to a new day, clear and visible. Life would continue. Days upon weeks stack as the Four lived, the Gray suddenly accepting of them more with the stench of metal removed from their forms if they chose to leave their armors behind. Hunts would be uninterrupted by the Pack, daytime is dim and almost unending, and time goes on...on day, they’d be ushered by the Gray Alpha, taking them on to another den, where they’d bear witness to the birth of new Gray pups. A Cycle passed, the time spent felt real, before they’d begin to fade back into the Forest they began in… Even after Taynei’hiylun announced their success and sent them back to their homes with a smile, the conflict between the two packs remained in her mind. When the Sages entered the frozen forest, there were two wolf packs fighting; one of Gray and one of White. They were led by Alphas larger than bears, eternally locked in a never ending battle. The two packs told them that they had been at war for days, fighting for control of the region. It didn’t seem either side was winning until the White Alpha broke away to hunt, it’s prey being the band of druids. It was this choice that caused the White Pack’s downfall, as their Alpha attempted to feast on the Jackdaw, the Gray Alpha caught it by surprise, and it was this advantage that led to the Gray’s victory. It was the White Alpha’s greed that led to its downfall; it chose to satisfy its own hunger rather than continue to fight for its kin’s survival. This was the lesson that the little fox took away, the image of the Gray covered in the White’s selfish blood drilled in the back of her head. - War. That’s what continued to await her when she returned. Once again, her people were being hunted by what seemed like the entire realm; the people her mother had entrusted her with their care. She did her best to guide them, or so she thought. Maybe she had failed along the way, or maybe some just do not wish to be guided. She watched as they turned on each other, kin against kin, and it made her sick. Packs stay together, or face the cold embrace of death. Would they be the Gray or the White. She couldn’t say; no matter how hard she tried, some of the pack would continue to stray. Some would always be of the White. The return of a Brother is what led her to answers. Autumn held her hand out for the Fox once again, a grandmother forever guiding the little vulpine. She took it, and together with the Weed, they transcended realms to meet with one the Wise Owl, guarding the Bluejay pinned to the tree. “The little fox, once at peace, now seems to be...confused, maybe even in grief?” It was true, she was confused and grieving. She wasn’t sure what to do anymore, what her path was. “A path once set now clouded in a dense fog. Unable to see what lies ahead or behind. Many voices carry upon the wind. Full of promises, charm, a release from your burdens. Yet the most important one ignored.” Owl led her to a pool in the Forest Eternal, and instructed her to look in. The Fox obeyed, and only found her tear stained cheeks staring back at her. “Grief can consume and swallow one whole. Many run away from this feeling of utter pain and sorrow. Distracted by promises and relief. Uncertainty upon ourselves then grows as we lose what and who we are and once were. The voice that is most important is yours, Little Fox. For it never truly wavered. You know who you are. The voices that you hear are but an echo. A guiding hand should you seek it, but never the defining song that is your own, Little Fox.” They returned to the ring of mushrooms with no problems, the Snow waiting for their safe return. The Fox came to a slow stand and made her way out of the tropical paradise, unceasing until she stepped foot in the dense redwood forest; until she came face to face with that majestic stone gate. I know who I am. I am of the Gray.

The Fox Druid’s knees buckled as she felt the wave of sorrow and heard the message; tears immediately staining her face. Flashbacks to when they were both dedicants, Vex’s attunement, and all the conversations afterwards flooded her mind as all she could do was curl into a ball and sob. Vex was one of her first friends in the Grove, she has been there through it all, and now she was gone. Sonna remained in that ball for hours as she mourned, unable to comprehend how her friend had fallen.

Sonna Vuln’miruel smiles wide as she receives her invitation, looking forward to the union of her son and dedicant!

The Fox Druid searched for her mother, ready to get her grandfather back.

Sonna Vuln'miruel's eyes glow gold as she stares at a nearby chair, brows creasing as she attempts to move it while her partner watches. "How the ****.." @JustGrim

The Fox Druid gasps as the vision subsides, looking to her mother and partner with eyes glowing gold. Determination begins to steel the sorrow and rage within her, brows furrowing as she murmurs something to herself. "I will save you, grandpa."