Junoix

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.

RP Name: Siss'siraMC Name: JunoixVoted: Yes

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

Verendus continued to watch the water as she waited for her lunch, grumbling something about her old man.

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."

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.

Siss'sira looked over the missive with a growing smile, folding and tucking it into her cloak as she joined Anordal in the forge.

IGN: Junoix Skin: Regal Monarch Bid: 20 Mina

RP Name: Reina Edwardson MC Name: Junoix Voted: Yuh

A Frozen Year The Dedicant Trial of Melinoe -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Melinoe awoke amongst the freezing snow, a massive headache racking her as she came to. She was dressed in barely anything which were the clothes she had been wearing earlier; she now cursed herself for not covering up more. Beside her was a stag femur, a pouch of seeds, and a six inch dagger, all of which she quickly grabbed. As she sat up, she took a look around her environment, greeted by only mountains, ice, and more snow; a pure white wonderland. The ground was rock solid and atmosphere frigid, with no other terrain spotted for hundreds of miles. The dark elf was actually stationed at the bottom of one of said mountains. Another curse left her lips as she hauled herself to her feet, shivering madly as her bare skin fought against the chill. It was clear that she needed warmth and shelter quickly, or she would die. So off she went, bare feet frozen as she hiked across the icy ground. She was soon able to find a cavern, though it certainly provided not enough warmth. Icicles hung from the ceiling and ice caked the walls, only some spots of the ground weren't frozen. The woman had gathered a few sticks along the way, which she set down before going out to find more wood. Lucky enough to find a couple larger pieces, she returned to her cave and quickly set to work on a fire. If there was one thing she was good at, it was making a fire, having done so several times. Melinoe came from a traveling banditry group, and was pretty good at survival; when it wasn’t in a frozen hell in the middle of nowhere. While she had some skills, it was clear this wouldn’t be easy, and death was more likely than she hoped. Meli gave up on the seeds, for in this cruel environment, there was no possibility of growing crops. She would have to hunt and search for berries for the next year, while also using the fur to keep warm. The first thing she hunted was a bear, mostly for its pelt. Melinoe knew she wouldn’t survive the night without the warmth. Jumping on the creature’s back and stabbing it with all her might did half the job, and eventually she was able to kill it, though she suffered her own injuries. Stained with a combination of the bear's and her own blood, she skinned the beast. She now had her pelt and first several nights’ meal, though not without injury and struggle. She tried to remain hopeful, but the odds weren’t in her favor. A couple months had passed and things were going decently. She had made a wooden bowl using a large piece of wood and the dagger, filling it with snow and placing it by the fire. She did this daily to get her water from the melted snow. Melinoe had certainly lost a lot of weight and muscle mass, as well as had a matted mess of hair, but she was alive. She continued to hunt and use her knowledge to eat the safe berries and leaves. The ice in the cave had mostly melted due to the fires she had running constantly. She spent most of her day looking for food and firewood, keeping herself as busy as possible. The dark elf hated boredom, and would not fall victim to it. As the fires she lit continued to melt the icicles away, Meli noticed one that didn’t seem to melt. As she got a closer look at it, she noticed it wasn’t an icicle at all, feeling nothing like such as she touched it. She broke the crystal off the cavern ceiling and kept it with her, noticing its faint glow when it was pitch black. It was about five months in when everything truly took a toll. She was running low on energy and lonesome dreams plagued her nights. Meli couldn’t remember the last time she cried, until she began to dream of her children and their father. Her son and daughter’s adorable giggles and her love’s bright smile brought tears to her eyes, resulting in her first meltdown in decades. She didn’t sleep that night, and struggled for several nights after that, her motivation waning. At one point, she even stopped eating, questioning what the point even was. That night, as she stared into the fire, she heard the howl of a single wolf, completely alone. She was used to hearing the songs of a pack, there being some wolves in the area, but this was her first time hearing one by itself. It sounded sad to her, almost like it was crying, and as Meli hummed along with it, she realized that she would not die alone. She would see her dear children and love again. The next day she got right back to it, resting only as she came across a single dead wolf not too far from her cavern. She said something softly to the dead animal before putting it's remains to use; wearing it's fur as a memento of what could of been her. She was reaching the end now, and thank the Aspects for that. The dark elf had a couple infected wounds, was suffering from malnutrition, dehydrated, and waning in spirit. She had to fight to survive; the environment, creatures, and her own inner demons. She was tired and missed her family, regretting the year she was away from their lives. During one of her final days, as she was out hunting once again, she noticed something strange happen in the sky, something she’d never seen before. A dark shadow was moving to cover the sun it seemed like, which the elf couldn’t exactly wrap her head around. She just stared at the sky, dumbfounded until the dark shadow moved to completely block the sun, only a white ring of it’s light peeking out around the edges. The world went as dark as dusk for a couple minutes, and wolves began to howl as if there was a full moon, Meli looked around in complete amazement. “Is this an eclipse?” She wondered to herself as the event finished and she started back towards her home. Perhaps it was a symbol of the change this journey had brought within her. She spent her final night reminiscing on the lone wolf and the eclipse she witnessed, sighing softly as it was about to come to an end. When she woke, it was to Miven shaking her, the dark elf unable to speak at first as she was dragged out of her year long home. Seldom words were exchanged on their trip back, and no smile graced her lips until she finally spotted her and her love's house in the Father Grove. "Finally," She murmured softly as the two neared. "I'm home."

Sonna snorted as she read over the paper, rolling it up and placing it in her satchel before moving off to the citadel.

RP Name: Reina Edwardson MC Name: Junoix Voted: Yes 💯

Sonna Vuln'miruel felt the pang of a fellow druid leaving for the Eternal Forest, eyes saddened as she walked through Elvenesse. It was only once she saw an unfamiliar fox run through the city towards the Arvellon Seed Hall that reality hit her and she rushed to find Renae with haste.

Vuln’miruel The Foxhole Home to the Orphaned, Widowed, and Outcast -=- =-= Vuln’miruel was officially formed in the Deep Cold, Year 1 of the Second Age after founder Sonna had a conversation with High Prince Feanor Sylvaeri. It was during this talk that the Royarch and High Priestess decided that a Wood Elven Seed would be formed for elves like herself; orphaned, unfit, and rejected. The seed was named Vuln’miruel after the founder’s totem and Sonnos is their patron. Their colors are red, gold, and green and their mark is of a golden fox wearing a crown of twisted branches. Philosophy “The fox is witty and clever, and following the fox’s tail will lead to fortune. That is the path we will follow, our strength in our wit and grace as we weave through the obstacles of life.” The religion of the seed is elnarnsae’ame, The Wild Faith, however, members of the seed are free to practice whatever religion they wish as long as it is not a dark religion, or involve dark and voidal magic. As long as the members respect the seed's official religion and honor what the patron stands for, they can do as they wish. [The Wild Faith] The patron of the seed is the Fox Mani Sonnos, Prince of Vulpine. He represents cleverness and wit, traits valued by the Vuln’miruel. Members of the seed may pray in front of the Sonnos shrine for these traits as well as advice on how to face a certain situation with tact. The fox is their symbol, as their family tattoo is a golden fox wearing a crown of twisted branches, meant to signify the Prince of Vulpine. [Sonnos Lore] The founder often refers to these beliefs as “The Way of the Fox”, and believes that good luck comes to those who randomly encounter a fox. She also believes that following after a fleeting vulpine tail will lead to good fortune, and has stories of doing such herself. - - Rites “After the fleeting tail.” To become a member of Vuln’miruel, Vuln’ii must complete three rites. Facing Your Obstacles When a mali first wishes to join the seed, they must first face the tragedy they have endured in the past, whether internalized or not. They do this by forming a relationship with the Chieftain or Vuln'sae, until they trust them enough to open up to them and share their past experiences. The Chieftain or Vuln'sae will then comfort them, in their own way, and give them advice on how to move past it. Befriending the Vulpine The founder of Vuln’miruel found their lifelong companion in a red fox named Suna, gifted to her by Feanor when she first came to the village of Siramenor in Arcas. Thus, she believes that every member of her seed deserves a loyal companion like she has. After their first task, the Vuln’ii will be sent into the forest to find a lone fox or orphaned kit to befriend. They are not allowed to capture the animal, as they must gain its trust naturally until the fox follows them willingly. Following the Red Tail Once they have finished their other trials, the Vuln’ii complete a final trial that is common in many wood elven seeds and even in the Priesthood. The Cheiftain or Vuln'sae has the Vuln’ii smoke herbal substances and then leads them deep into the forest with their fox companion. Once there, the Chieftain or Vuln'sae will leave and the Vuln’ii must follow the quick vulpine back home while facing whatever they see along the way. Once they return, the Vuln’ii will tell their mentor what they encountered and reunited with their vulpine. They will then be named Vuln’miruel and receive their ilmyumier. - - Ranks “Come, malii vulmiruel’onn” Chieftain of Vuln’miruel Chieftain of the House and Leader of the name. They take in and teach Vuln’ii and watch as they do their rites to become Vuln’miruel, and nominate Vuln'sae to do such in their absence. They also hold a wooden fox mask passed down to each leader of the house. Vuln’sae A Vuln'miruel who has proven devotion to the seed through either time and/or tribulation, and has thus been given permission from the Chieftain to take in new Vuln'miruel and conduct their trials. Vuln’miruel A fully fledged member of the seed who has completed their rites and has received their ilmyumier. Vuln’ii Meaning “little fox”, Vuln’ii are those officially undergoing their rites to join the seed. They will gain the name Vuln’miruel from the Chieftain or Vuln'sae after completing their trials and receiving their ilmyumier. - - Practices “Gather round” New Birth When a mother in Vuln’miruel welcomes a new child, matching crowns of pine leaves, holly, and white rose buds will be made and put on the mother and child’s head. The leader of the family will then say a prayer to Cerridwen to watch over the two followed by a house wide feast. A Dark Scavenger Hunt Foxes are quick, clever creatures that are also scavengers and most active at night. To mimic such, a competition that entails a scavenger hunt in the woods at night will occasionally take place. The winner of such competition will get a prize. Story Telling Occasionally, the seed may get together around the hearth and share stories with each other. This is a warm family event where everyone can catch up with each other, share some laughs, and enjoy tea by the fire. Non-members of the seed may be invited, but they must share a story of their own if they come. - If you’d like to join this seed, find Sonna in game!

AME AME AME