Juno.

“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."

Sonna Vuln'miruel was high off her ass on Ivy's Dust when she received the letter, reading it over in the downstairs of the library with her equally high lover. She wasn't exactly able to make out what it said, but she knew it was important, so she spent the next five minutes carefully folding it and placing it away. She then went back to snorting lines.

A red fox watches the carnage, remembering one of it's kin having been twisted by the woman. A small smile tugged at the vulpine's lips as the crows feasted until all the meat was consumed. As the druid gathered up the clean bones, the fox turned and ran off into the forest, off to find a mouse to eat.

The red fox follows the young ame throughout her journey; always remaining far enough away, but close enough to watch. As she reaches the bridge, it runs off into the forest.

- She ran through the Hinterlands, past the gates and across the water to the vast woods beyond Amaethea’s borders. Her three companions were right on her heels, their gold circlets flickering in the setting sun. This place was familiar to the druid, but new to the others, as they hadn’t followed when Sonna disappeared in these same woods for a year. They only knew that their mother was truly one of them when she returned. They continued to run as the sun set and the moon began to rise; by the time they stopped, it was full and lighting up the night sky. All four struggled to catch their breath as they came to a stop at a particular tree, a small opening at the base leading underneath its roots. The High Priestess placed the butt of Hileia against the ground, the staff to remain as she traveled further inside. She fell to her knees and crawled underneath, her three vulpine falling close behind. The den was small, clearly not fit for the four of them, but large enough for the elf to get inside comfortably. It was cold and vacant at this point, though it showed signs of once being a warm nest; a home. A small whimper fell from her lips at the feeling of the packed dirt beneath her hands and she soon curled up into a ball. The other three curled up with her, never allowing her to be alone. I failed, didn’t I? Her eyes glowed gold as she sought her companions' words. How can I go back, how can I face them again. The foxes didn’t respond verbally, though did their best to convey a sense of comfort and warmth, doing what their skill set could to reassure the mourning woman. She understood their meaning, and allowed a small smile of gratitude to cross her features. When I return, he’ll be gone. I know that. And maybe that’s for the best. Perhaps his path is different than mine; different from ours. She hummed softly, talking to herself just as much as the others. Perhaps along the way, my path has changed too. She was silent for a long while, basking in the familiarity of the den and the foxes, humming softly as she allowed herself to be calmed by their voices. I’ve changed, haven’t I? I’m not the same anymore. I am a different soul. She lifted her head then, and reached for her satchel, grabbing out a piece of parchment and charcoal. A different soul, that he will not recognize; if he ever returns. Every bird she had sent him always returned in vain, the note still its beak. Every fox she sent to scout the realm also returned with no word. He must be on a different path as well. She wrote her final letter, and could only hope that this time, it reached him. Folded neatly, the mali handed it towards the first fox they raised together, a red fox named Suna; a knowing glance exchanged between the two before the vulpine took off. Suna knew her mission, find her father and deliver the note, no matter how long it may take. And so the priestess laid her head back down and allowed her eyes to come to a close, the two remaining leaving shortly to hunt their meal. She released one last murmur before she was left to rest in the old home. Maybe one day, our paths will cross again.

The voices of nature sang a song of wroth as the Fox Druid read over the missive, heightening so as she saw her son's name in the writing. How long will you let them disrespect you. How long will you defend the ignorant minds of this nation. The words spoke to her in a familiar tone, one dripping with ichor. The priestess turned to the phoenix watching her, and whistled to call it over. She ripped the missive off it's post and wrote a message on the back, handing it to the phoenix and sending it off. Not any longer.

Sonna Vuln’miruel read over the letter with a bright smile, immediately jumping around her room in glee. “My old friend is getting married! I have to figure out what to get him!” The High Priestess grabbed her staff and sent out to find the perfect gift.