Junoix

The Lady Elverhilin nodded at Lady Helena's commentary, still looking just as bewildered as she was when she read A Failure of a Ball. "I'll never understand this human gossip...and you really should stay in bed! A bolt to the chest.." Siss'sira continued to dote over the Rochefort girl, and question her about the new courtship! @TheIchorDruid @MrChenn

An elfess reads over the gossip as it was handed to her, bewildered as she had just learned about the Social Season. "You find a husband in just a year?! How stressful! What if you pick the wrong one!" She remarks to the Lady who handed it to her. The mage simply shakes her head, unable to understand human traditions.

Blood, so much blood. Her son's body lifeless on the ground. The Hound standing over it. Her husband holding her back. No...no! NOOO! The Fox Mother awoke from her nightmare with a jolt, cold sweat causing her clothes to stick to her body as she searched around in the dark for her son. And he was there, sleeping besides her, seemingly also struggling with some nightmare. Her husband lay on the other side of Amaesil, also suffering from a restless sleep. He's alive. He's alive and with me. Sonna gently ran a hand threw her son's hair, looking at the clipped ear. Never again, please, don't do this to me again..

Fox hybrid you say??!! 👀 +1

I'll miss you buddy, thanks for everything. <3

Accompanying Song - The First Season She came from the South, walking through the redwoods until she reached the place that she had been several times before; the woods where she had become what she is now, and returned to for comfort from time to time. She carried nothing with her and barely wore anything, just some furs to cover the essentials. She soon arrived at her own burrow, except this time, she found it full. A new family of foxes had moved into the hole beneath one of the trees; a few couples and newborn pups. The Acolyte snickered as the foxes first looked to her in fear and then confusion, but the druid did not explain as she was committed to her task; survive in the wild for a year with no gifts or aids. She moved to the next tree, digging out her own little home with her bare hands while the family of vulpine watched suspiciously from a distance. The Priestess paid no mind, giving them the space they needed as she continued with her task. The air was warm and smelled of sweet nectar, flowers of every color filling the lush scenery. Animals were frequent, and babies even more so. She continued to watch from afar, spotting a mother fox scolding her little ones for playing too rough. The woman longed for her own children as she watched, though her rough exterior softened and a small smile donned her features as she watched the pups play. The years had not been kind to her recently, but in moments like these, she couldn’t help but forget the hardships and anger that seemed to be all consuming. She couldn't help but wonder to herself Is this peace? The Second Season It wasn't long until the days grew longer and the sun more ablaze, the pups growing older as they went out to hunt for themselves. Once the season started to change, she headed out to the East for a week, trekking until she found a wheat field. The grain was not quite ripe yet, but it would be there soon, the darkening green turning more golden with each passing day. She sat herself before a tree beside the field, pulling out a sharp rock she had found not too long ago. Carefully she carved an image into the redwood, watching the bark give way to a lighter interior as she spent hours on her design. Her fingers were cramping by the time she was satisfied, looking at the image of an antlered man wielding a spear she had created. The Acolyte kneeled before the design, closing her eyes as she murmured a soft prayer. O’ Father, Guide Mother’s birth into harvest, So that Grandmother may guide such into death. Blessed Be. When she returned back to her home, the druid was pleasantly surprised to see that the family of vulpine had grown more accustomed to her presence, the kits who were now older even allowing her to eat with them. The chirping of crickets filled the hot night air as they all settled down to eat their meal, some of the younger fighting over the last mouse. The adults simply made their way back to their dens, seemingly fed up with their childrens’ antics. The Priestess was full so she split up what she had left amongst them, ceasing their petty squabble. She sat back on her palms as she watched them devour the meal, releasing a soft hum as her shoulders gently relaxed. Is this peace? The Third Season The plentiful harvest came and went along with the scorching days, so the elfess headed North as the wind began to chill and the lush greenery turned shades of amber and gold. She continued her walk until she came across an apple orchard that still seemed to have a couple red fruit left on it’s branches. The Acolyte approached one of the trees and picked such a fruit, feeling the mushy texture of one that had been uneaten for too long. And so she sat herself before the tree and pulled her carving tool out once again, creating her image until her fingers burned. She kneeled before the image of the spider she had created, murmuring a prayer similar to the one she had spoken in the wheat field. O’ Grandmother, Guide Father’s harvest into death, So that Mother may guide such into birth. Blessed Be. When she returned to her home once again, she was met with a tragedy. The pups who were now full adults were crying out, seemingly mourning. She gently pushed into her old home then, seeing the laid body of their mother. The fox mother had grown old, and had died while the freckled lady was off on her trip. The foxes allowed the elf to comfort them as she then scooped up the body of their departed and laid her to rest. The druid wished she could speak to them, try and soothe them with gentle words, though her actions would have to be enough. That night, the foxes joined her in her den, curling beside her as the bitter cold only grew stronger. The foxes found strength in her and in each other during these troubled times, a notion that caused another smile from the druid. Is this peace? The Fourth Season The leaves that danced like fire then turned brown and fell to the ground as it only grew colder and dry; the days growing shorter. As soon as the first snowflake was sighted, she got to her feet once again and headed West, hiking through the bitter cold until she reached a blackspot in the already dreary scene. These trees weren’t just leafless, but they were scorched black, completely dead and crumbling away. It seemed like some sort of forest fire had hit this section, most of the trees barely even standing and only half the height. She bent over and dug through the snow, humming with a smile as she saw the acorn buried below. And so she kneeled before one of the burnt trees, taking out her rock and getting to work. She knelt before her image of a lady wearing a cloak of leaves, murmuring her final prayer. O’ Mother. Guide Grandmother’s death into birth, So that Father may guide such into harvest. Blessed Be. She decided to spend that night amongst the scorched earth, the foxes growing more and more independent as they matured with age. The way the animals had persevered through loss and how this forest would soon do the same struck a chord within her, resulting in a couple icy tears to run down her smiling face. Is this peace? The Final Day The snow began to thaw and give way to those beautiful flowers once again. The once kits had grown and found lovers of their own, giving way to a new litter that would soon continue the cycle the elf had witnessed. Perhaps it was time she continued with the cycle as well. She had let unbalance control her for too long, not allowing herself to flow through life as nature does. There will always be death and misfortune, always struggle and hardship. This is what gives way to love and success. This is what gives way to peace. A year and a day had passed since she first arrived, and now she began to start on her way back south again. The foxes gathered as she started to leave, seemingly confused on where she was going and why she was leaving. The druid merely looked back to the vulpine and smiled as her form began to change, bones creaking and skin tearing as she became their mirror image. The Fox chirped to her kin before bounding off into the redwoods, She laughed and smiled all the way, overjoyed to soon return to her own family waiting for her at home. This is peace.

The Fox gasped as she read the notice, the grip on her scythe tightening before she turned to run. My baby, my first. Where are you my snow fox? The Mother didn’t know what to think, but she knew one thing, she would hold her daughter and remind her how much she is loved before she left. That was at least one thing she could do.

"H-He.. We were together, but your haelun disowned him for it.. And then I ended it so she wouldn't kill him." "He killed himself, Veren." Everything came to a halting stop as those words left her cousin's lips, who might've even been her sister-in-law one day. Her feet refused to move, and she was unable to open her mouth as golden eyes gaped at the table ahead of her. The Asul'onn House that usually felt warm and inviting instantly grew cold and dark. Ringing assaulted Verendus' ears and a screen flew over her eyes; she was barely able to feel the arms that wrapped around her, and the words next spoken to her. "I-I'm so sorry, Veren.." Everything was crashing around her as it started to sink in, memories of her childhood with her older brother filling her mind's eye. The scarf he had given her weighed heavily around her waist now, and the lunarite knuckles in her pack seemed to be searing through the fabric into her back; she was now painfully aware of everything she currently carried that he had given her, all the items and lessons. She remembered crushing bugs with him outside the Haense palace, learning how to steal right out of peoples' pockets. When she wasn't with her parents, she was with Amthalion, happily following him around and hanging on him every chance she could. Where did it all go wrong? "Where is he." The half-elf finally spoke up. It couldn't be true, she would have to see for her own eyes. Maybe this is some trick, there's no way her older brother was dead. Not the smart, strong Amthalion that she knew. The one that was always protecting her and holding her hand. She was directed to the mantle, where atop lay an ornate urn, the name Amthalion scribed on the top. A shaky gasp escaped her now trembling lips. This was real. "He loved you very much." Then why did he leave me. Verendus ground her teeth to keep herself from saying the words out loud, her body beginning to violently shake as the anger set in. She was enraged; at her mother, at her brother, and at herself. Why did I leave? Why did I go off hunting for all those years? This is my fault. If I had stayed, if I had been here.. "Do.. Do you want some of the ashes?" She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small corked bottle on a chain, something she had been saving to fill with the blood of her greatest hunt, whatever and whenever that may be. She wanted to be able to carry the pride of that kill with her always, but now she would much rather carry her brother. The woman silently handed the necklace to Revas, her mass of curls hiding her face. Her cousin filled the bottle and handed it back to Verendus, who promptly placed it around her neck. Her rough and scared hand took the bottle in her hold, looking it over with a faraway gaze. Big brother. The next events and words said went by in a blur. The half-elf was given a pair of knuckles, an odd feeling and haze oozing from them, and a pair of eyeballs floating in bath of salt water. Another pair of knuckles to go with the one's her brother had crafted for her as a child, and his own golden eyes; the same eyes she had. Staring into them was almost comforting, almost. "You can stay in his room.." She was slowly led to the bedroom that used to be her brother's and she was then left alone. I'm...alone. Her pack fell to the ground and Verendus soon followed, fists pounding against the ground and gut retching sobs escaping her chapped lips. She hadn't cried since she was a child, it had been at least two decades. Maybe that's why so many tears poured out of her, definitely years worth as the carpet underneath became soaked in them. She sobbed until her eyes were swollen shut, pounded the ground until her fists were red, and screamed until her voice gave out. And then there was nothing left of her. Verendus Verrana Elyra crawled into Amthalion Wick's old bed and soon passed out atop it, falling into an empty, dreamless sleep.

@Goon @RaiderBlue The letter arrived with various stains on it and written in horribly messy writing. Barely even legible unless you were used to reading the half-elf's handwriting. 5th of the Amber Cold Year 23 of the Second Age "Dear Papa, I hope everything is going well for you wherever the **** you are. I swear if you come back injured, I'm gonna add my own scars to ya! Things are going well here, though Veritas doesn't really have many people in it. I ran into Astrid who is letting me stay in a room in her home in Haense! I actually kind of like Haense, they always have interesting items in the store. Unfortunately I used up all my mina to buy her some nice wine as a thank you gift. I'm not really doing much else besides hanging out in Haense and such, staying out of trouble of course. Tell that brat Nickolai I said he better not be replacing me! I'll have to kick his ass when he comes back. It's been awhile since I've seen you two, so I'm excited to see what you look like! Though I'm sure you're still bald and the kid is still scrawny. All jokes of course, don't have a heart attack old man! Anyway, you better stay safe and come back in one piece!" The tone of the letter seemed to suddenly shift as a line was skipped, starting a new paragraph as new, clear stains smeared the dried ink. "Amthalion is dead. Come back alive, both of you. Verendus Verrana Elyra"

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