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Criala

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  1. (Picture found here) Natalia Marie Falcone ┗.༻❁༺.┛ There was the faint sound of footsteps. Gravel crunching beneath shoes. It was the only sound, aside from the rustling of any trees. “When did a simple walk get so tiring?” The words were murmured beneath an elderly woman’s breath. Face aged with numerous wrinkles, white and gray hair pulled back into a loose braid. A bag hung at her side. Every day was exhausting. Simple, easy tasks took all of her energy. The crunching of gravel only stopped once the elderly woman found herself in front of a bench. Soon, she took a seat on it, her gaze shifting upward to focus on the sky. Her breath was labored, slightly heavy as she tried to catch her breath. “...Issa been this way for a long time now...” Her tone took on an almost defeated tone, as if she wasn’t able to fool herself any more. The years just kept going by, adding onto her fatigue one by one until it was all she felt. Slowly, the things she loved to do so much… She was unable to do so. Baking, her hands were too shaky and she’d dropped more batter than she wanted to remember. Sewing, she wasn’t able to keep her lines straight. Forget even trying to do the medical duties she also enjoyed. There was no way she’d be able to help anyone with how shaky she was. Reading was the only solace she had. A leather bound book of poetry, which she always had. The spine was worn, showing how frequently it was opened and closed. One of her most prized possessions. Even now, as reality crashed around her, it was with her, nestled in her bag. Death wasn’t something she ever feared. Life wasn’t something anyone got out of alive. At least, those who were mortal. What scared her now were regrets. All of the regrets she’d have to face at the end of her life. Dante… I’ve always been proud of you, my son… I’m sorry. I searched… But I could not find you. A slow exhale escaped the aged woman as she slumped backward against the bench, gaze still upon the sky. Gracia… My little girl. I wished the world for you. I hope you were able to find it. Slowly, a hand reached into the satchel. A moment of rummaging around, and the worn leather book was produced. Carmine… My baby boy. I hope you found what you were meant to do. For a few moments, all she did was stare at the cover of the book. Ludovica… You were gone far too soon. Will I see you in the next life? I loved you as if you were my own. I hope you knew that. A sad smile tugged at the wrinkled edges of her mouth. My children, I love you more than life itself. If I could, I would spend even just a moment more with each one of you. No amount of time, no matter how much it was, wasn't enough with you. I’m sorry for the failings I had as your mother. She ran a hand along the cover of the book, feeling the leather beneath her weathered finger tips. Anton… How I wish I could have been there for you more. You were the brother I’d never had. Will I see you on the other side? I hope so. For another moment or two, her palm just rested on it. Her smile fell until her lips were a neutral line. Did I waste my life, mama? Spending it devoted to a man who just left in the end? Who just betrayed me in the end? Finally, she opened the book, gaze falling on on the first page of her book. Sadness streaked across the woman’s aged features. Cosimo… I should hate you. For all of the hurt, pain and betrayal you caused me over the years, I should hate you. So desperately do I want to hate you with every fiber of my being. But I can’t hate you. I remember the young man I first met in that little cantina in Osanora. The one I fell in love with. The one I slowly saw disappear over the years. What happened to him? A question I was too afraid to ask, because the answer terrified me. Her eyes closed, hand falling against the page. She stilled, taking a slow, deep breath, before exhaling it. The time had come to finally rest.
  2. Almaris, 124, Northern Ocean “So, what’re we doing?” It was a male voice that spoke, glancing at the other three gathered. His hair was white, eyes turquoise with a golden rim around the iris, skin a light tan in color. First to catch his gaze was a ‘ker with black hair and eyes, clad in clothing just as black. “And where did Rhae get a boat?” He squinted at his older sister. Her complexion was pale, long white hair tied back with braids. Her eyes were an electric blue, the same golden ring around her irises. A smirk tugged at her lips. She said nothing in reply, just continuing to smirk at him. “Haelun, do you know where she got it?” His attention now shifted to the shortest one gathered. Unbeknownst to him, the ‘ker was hiding a slight smirk behind the blank look on his face, sharing a brief look with Rhae. Long white hair hung to her waist in loose, natural waves. It was partly pulled back, and turquoise eyes that matched her son’s. For once, she appeared to not have her staff. Likely back home, so it didn’t get in the way and wasn’t destroyed. “One day, you’ll learn to not question anything she does or has.” She said, not appearing phased at all by this. “No one was using it.” Rhae gave a shrug of her shoulders, the smirk still on her face. “They really weren’t.” Nedai spoke up in agreement, hands tucked into his pants pockets. Sulion just stared at the two of them, for a solid minute. One blink, two, before he shook his head. “Does Maln know she does that?” “Ti. Encourages it even.” Estellise responded casually, gaze trailing along the open ocean before them. “...Am I the only one concerned by this?” Sulion lifted a hand to run through his white hair, with a sigh. “Pretty much.” Rhae snickered. “Aren’t you concerned?” Sulion now spun around to look at the youngest there. Pure white hair that cascaded down the young ‘fenn’s back, with pale skin and wide innocent eyes. She shook her head and shrugged. “Not really.” “I really am the only sane one here.” Sulion mumbled to himself. He appeared to finally give up on trying to understand whatever had gone on with the boat, now also looking out to the ocean. “So, what’s the plan?” Nedai asked, his dark gaze shifting over to Estellise. “There’s an orca with a dual fin in these waters. Hareven told me about it. It’s causing a rapid decrease in marine life here. So, it needs to be removed. We’ll need to tire it out. And not disrupt anything unnecessary while doing so.” Estellise answered, sparing Nedai a glance. “Mm, right. Easy enough.” Whether Nedai’s comment was sarcastic or not was hard to tell. His tone and expression gave nothing away. “How are we supposed to do that?” Reosa asked, eyes on her grandmother. “Mmm…” Estellise breathed out slowly, not taking her eyes off of the water. “Not damaging any of the water’s plant life or any of the other mammals. We’ll have to figure this out while we go. It’s going to take a while.” The group proceeded to get on the boat, making sure that they had everything they needed before setting sail. Harpoons, the sticks used to throw them, rope, and anything else. The ropes had already been tied to the ends of the harpoons Nedai was fitted with what appeared to be some kind of inflated device, strapped around his waist and both of his arms. For extra good measure, Rhae secured a rope around the ‘ker’s waist, with the other end being tied firmly to the boat. “So, you can steer the boat, alright? Probably be the best bet for you.” Estellise watched as Rhae tested the knots she made in the rope. Once she was sure they wouldn’t come loose at all, she nodded her head and stepped back from the ‘ker. Nedai simply stared at Estellise and Rhae, not looking or sounding very enthusiastic about such. “...Fine.” Despite the unamused look on his face, Nedai focused for a second. Ink pooled over the tattoo on his arm, before something shot out of his arm. What surged forward was a crow, now sitting on Nedai’s shoulder. “Fancy.” Estellise mused, looking at the crow. “What does the crow do?” “Her name’s Nox. She can watch for things and alert us if she sees anything.” His tone was bland all the while, his expression not changing one bit. “Ah, good, that’ll be useful here. In case there’s something we don’t see.” Estellise nodded her head in approval. “Or help you dodge things while steering the boat so we don’t hit anything and sink.” Rhae quipped, in an almost cheery tone, despite the seriousness of the situation. “Or destroy any nature.” Reosa added in. “Right?” “Right.” Estellise offered the young elf a smile. “We don’t want to harm or damage anything. The Orca is the only thing that needs to be removed.” Reosa nodded her head, returning the smile with one of her own. “No problem. Not hard at all.” Sulion breathed out a puff of air. “It’ll be fine, little bro.” Rhae nudged Sulion’s arm, pushing against it with a fist. “Let’s get this started then.” Estellise said, signaling with her left hand to Nedai. Ever present was the unamused look on Nedai’s face, but he took hold of the wheel, so he could steer the boat. The crow on his shoulder surged upward to keep an eye out further ahead for the group. The waters were calmer than expected, with no sign of the supposed orca. The wind was strong enough to blow against the sails, to move the boat along the waters, but not enough to throw anyone off. “Any sign?” Sulion asked, calling the question over his shoulder as he kept an eye on the west. “Nothing yet.” Reosa replied to her Uncle, her attention on the east. “At least that I’m seeing.” “Me neither.” Rhae sounded bored, as she watched to the south, though she spared a brief glance to the harpoons stockpiled. “I want to use those already.” “You’ll be able to soon enough.” Estellise mused, keeping her attention to the north of them. “We could be waiting a while for it to make an appearance.” “I hope not…” Rhae grumbled beneath her breath, though she remained alert. “How’re we supposed to get these into it though?” Reosa questioned. “These.” Estellise held up a stick. It was thin until the end where it curved up. “Line it up and toss as hard as you can.” “Oh, alright.” The young ‘fenn nodded her head. The waters were calm for some time. Everyone was silent now, with no sound other than the sound of the water around them. After some time, a noise came from the crow that Nedai summoned, akin to that of a musical instrument. “Something’s coming.” Nedai spoke up, as the crow perched back onto his shoulder. “What direction?” Estellise asked, gaze shifting over the waters in front of them. “Northwest.” He replied, keeping a firm hold on the wheel. “But I don’t see anything.” Sulion frowned, squinting a little as if it would help him see better. At first, there was nothing, just a rippling of the water. But, soon enough, dual fins broke the surface. “Oh, there it is. I see it now!” Sulion informed the rest, motioning towards the north west. “Everyone be ready!” Estellise called out. “Harpoon time?” Rhae asked, excitement written all over her features and lacing her words. She appeared to be down right giddy almost. “Harpoon time.” Estellise nodded her head, taking one of the sticks in her hands, as well as a roped harpoon. Reosa appeared to be just as delighted as Rhae was when she grabbed her own harpoon and stick. She hefted the harpoon up, resting it against her shoulder. Sulion followed suit, hoisting one up and taking one of the sticks to throw it with as well. He returned to his mother, older sister and niece. The blank look didn’t once lessen on Nedai’s face as he watched on, prepared as he could be for the steering he’d have to do. “Wait for it to get close enough.” Estellise told the others, looking out to the direction the orca was coming from. “But be ready to throw at any time.” She made sure her own harpoon was ready, as she’d told the others to do. Sulion, Rhae, and Reosa all gave a nod as they followed her example. More of those dual fins were revealed, as the orca’s back broke through the water’s surface as well. It was speeding through the water, quicker than one might think for something so large. “Wait…” Estellise raised her arm, so she could take aim. Closer and closer, the orca surged through the water. So close that the water rippling around the orca was causing the boat to now rock. Nedai’s hold on the wheel tightened. “Now!” Estellise shouted, mustering up all of the force she had to send her harpoon directly at the orca. It hit its target, in the side. Quickly, she grasped the rope tied to the end of the harpoon, holding on as tight as she could. Sulion shot his harpoon forward as well. His aim was true, and his harpoon hit, somewhere towards the back of its side. He too grasped the rope, tightly. Rhae sent her harpoon forward with a grin, delighted to finally be able to use it. It sank into the orca’s skin. She was quick to grab her own rope, holding onto it. Reosa threw her harpoon as well, and just as the others, it landed where she intended. She reached for her rope to also hold onto it. The orca jerked in the water as the numerous harpoons hit. It was a sudden force, nearly ripping the ropes from their hands. But, with a good amount of effort, they were able to keep holding on. From the force the orca was using to try to dislodge the harpoons, it caused the boat to shake. Nedai clutched the wheel, turning it to avoid the boat crashing into anything. “Don’t let go!” Estellise tightened the hold she had on her rope, grunting as it was nearly yanked from her hands. Reosa nearly lost her hold on her rope, but managed to not let go, using all of her might to keep hold. “Not going to lose to an orca!” Rhae smirked, clutching the rope, with all her strength. Sulion kept his hold as well, standing his ground. Water was sent splashing everywhere as the orca thrashed this way and that. It caused water to spray across the four of them, some drops even hitting Nedai. That only furthered the unimpressed look upon the ‘ker’s face, but even still, he stayed true to his role in what was going on. He steered the boat, his crow having surged up in the air once more so he could keep the boat from knocking into anything within the water. “It’s all slippery now.” Reosa was struggling somewhat to keep her hold. The water was making it difficult, though she was doing her best to keep the rope from slipping out of her hands. “Just keep holding tight.” Estellise reassured the young ‘fenn. It was a struggle, arms and shoulders straining to not let the rope go. Rhae readjusted her grip to have a better hold on the rope, keeping hold of it. It took a lot of effort, but she didn’t seem to mind, putting her all into it. Sulion was able to keep his own rope in his hands. The water made it difficult, but he kept it up. Nedai was doing his best to keep up with the ocra’s movements. So far, he was succeeding. Nothing within the waters was destroyed or disturbed, no other fish or ocean life out of place. The orca continued on, its thrashing and surging through the water causing even more water to crash up against and onto the boat. Jerking this way and that, the orca was putting up the biggest fight it could. Gradually, its movements were going sluggish, slowing down as it was repeatedly unable to dislodge any of the stuck harpoons. However, it wasn’t ready to give up. It gave a sharp turn, more powerful than expected from the exhausted creature. It all happened so fast that it was hard to have any time to react. Reosa was nearly sent flying, but she managed to stay on her feet. Sulion slid forward, almost sent to the edge of the boat, but he wasn’t sent off the boat. Rhae dug her boots into the wood of the boat as best she could, keeping herself from being sent flying. Suddenly, there was nothing beneath Estellise’s feet. Her hands held onto the rope as if it were a lifeline. The last thing she heard before hitting the water was… “HAELUN!” The chorus of Sulion and Rhae rang out, soon followed by a splash. “Is she okay?!” Reosa questioned, a hint of franticness to her voice. The rope was clutched in a vice grip in her hands, her eyes widened as she stared at where her grandmother used to be. “Of course she is.” Rhae took a step forward, to rush to the edge of the boat, but a jerk of the rope in her hands stopped her in her tracks. “Haelun!” Sulion called out again, his hands shaking as he held his own rope. With a gasp, Estellise broke through the surface of the water, shivering slightly. The sleeve of her right arm was torn, blood seeping from it as she held it at an awkward angle. However, the rope was still clutched in her hands. “Haelun?!” “I’m fine!” Estellise shouted, hissing slightly as the water splashed against her arm and stung it. “Just keep holding on!” “Told you.” Rhae commented to Sulion, however, the relief in her eyes was obvious. “Yeah, yeah, you were worried too.” Sulion huffed in reply. Estellise, despite the pain of her right arm, and the pain in her shoulder, kept hold of her own rope, even as she was dragged around in the water by the orca. That last push of force seemed to be most of what the orca had left in it, the creature’s movements slowing down even further until it finally, however long later, stopped.
  3. Rosalia looked over the invitation. A smiled tugged at her lips, but she soon let out a sigh. "Well, time to see if we can keep Theo alive to make it to his and Norra's wedding. I'll do my best, Theo."
  4. ✱*.。:。✱*.:。✧*.。✰*.:。✧*.。:。*.。✱ Hello, I’ve had skin commissions open for a while now, so I thought it was time I made a post detailing what all I can do and charge. My commissions are always open, and my slots are unlimited. I take Paypal, Venmo and CashApp! I’m fairly quick when doing commissions usually. Outfits can be done in only a couple hours, sometimes only an hour depending on how simple the reference is. Armor is usually the same amount of time, as are heads and bases. Other skins, such as azdrazi/robot/construct skins, can take longer, but it just really just depends on what people want and how complex it ends up being. Prices Heads: $5 Bases: $8 Outfits: $9 for Alex, $11 for Steve Armor: 15 Azdrazi/Robot/ect: 15+ depending on complexity Examples If more examples are needed, I am happy to provide them! Request Form Type of skin: (Head, base, outfit, ect) Alex/Steve: Reference image: Discord: I do prefer contact through discord, but it doesn't have to be through discord. My discord is Zadie#4764 :)
  5. I usually use past tense. But it can depend on the tense of who I'm roleplaying with uses. Sometimes I'll follow the same tense as they're using. If they emote.. 'Geraldo'd do this action'. I'll use that tense too. I don't usually use present tense.
  6. A soft sigh escaped Estellise as she read over the letter in her hands. "I will see you again one day, Hareven." She murmured, not taking her eyes off of the parchment. Another moment or two, before she pulled out a piece of paper of her own. And began to write... As Vienele read the letter, a slight smile came to her face. "You deserve to finally rest, brother. And to just enjoy what life has given you." The Lilac druid dug out her own paper to pen a letter of her own. It was a surprise, when Rosalia opened her door that day to find an eagle there. Even more of a surprise the words that came from it. "We are bonded now, and I will stay by your side til I am sent to the next." Confusion was evident on her features, but she brought the eagle inside with her. The eagle offered her a letter. "Haelun, what's that?" A voice called out, icy blue eyes landing on Vaki. "Is that an eagle? With a... Letter?" "I guess so..." She took the letter from the eagle, opening it to read the contents. Tears welled up in her eyes as she took in each word. "Haelun?" The voice softened, upon noticing his mother's reaction. He moved closer, so he could catch a glimpse of what was making his mother tear up. "What's wrong?" A slight glare was sent the eagle's way. "It's fine, Arradian." She murmured, lifting a hand to her son. "It's Vaki, Hareven's staff..." "But it's... Not a staff.." Arradian begrudgingly pulled his gaze away from the eagle at that, attention on his mother once more. "You learn to get used to it with anything involving Hareven." Rosalia sniffled a little, as she held the letter closer to her chest for a moment. "I guess it's mine now though.." "Alright.." Arradian nodded slightly, watching as she pulled out her own piece of paper to pen a reply.
  7. Deep within the Father Grove, a newly attuned druid knelt in front of a spruce log. A log where all kinds of different images were carved upon its surface. At the top of it was a magnolia blossom, the stem swirling down to be against the spine of an open book. On the open pages, a number of symbols were carved. The smoldering cinders of a fire was in the center of one page. A lynx lounging was in the top right of that page, and in the lower left corner was an iris flower. On the other open page was a rip tide current, flowing away from a shore. In the top left corner of that page was a crystal, painted to be a brownish silver color. Below the book was wilting grass and flora, decaying trees, animals cowering as they stared up at something. The grass and bushes continue downward, growing more alive the further away it is from whatever the animals were looking at. Within the grass and trees was the face of a mountain lion, paw forward and ready to pounce. Just below the paw is the carved form of a young mali, holding a bow in their hands. Underneath that it transitions into a family of bears, a mother with her two cubs, underneath a tree out in a forest somewhere. The tree stood strong, appearing to not bow to anything. The base of the tree thinned into a singular root, which soon took the shape of a staff. Many different things adorn it. The bottom of the staff was attached to a log, numerous engravings along the sides of the log. Grass was along the bottom as it began to shift to two figures appearing ready to fight. There was an empty space at the very bottom of the log. A carving tool in hand, the druid appeared to be taking it to the empty spot, taking her time to carve something. The task was taking a fair bit of time, but that didn’t seem to bother her. “Haelun?” A familiar voice called out. Gold pulled from the log, sparing a glance over her shoulder to meet a striking icy blue. “Karin’ayla, oem’ii.” She greeted, before turning back to what she was doing. “What’re you doing?” He asked, head tilting to the side slightly in curiosity. “Adding the last part to my Grand Task.” She replied, focused on not getting her hand or fingers with the carving tool. “I thought you finished that though.” He watched, icy hues remaining curious. A blade hung from his left hip. “There was one part left. My totem after being attuned.” She shaved off another bit of the wood’s surface, resulting in that spot being finished. She stood then, taking a step back. His gaze fell on the recently finished engraving, taking it in. Along the bottom of the feet of the figures, a fire beginning to be lit was carved. “What’s your totem then?" The youth asked, soon turning his head to look down at his Haelun. "Flame?” “No. Kindle.” She tucked the carving tool back into her satchel. “Kindle.” He repeated, giving a nod of his head. “It suits you, Haelun.” “Ahernan.” “How did you know? What it was?” “In my attunement vision, I was told.” Her voice softened, gaze shifting up to meet her son’s. “By who?” A smile tugged at her lips at that, no other words coming from her. And from the way she smiled, he didn’t need to ask again to know who it was. The figure stepped forwards. A curved blade hung from his hip. Hood pulled over his face, keeping it in shadow. Stepping to Rosalia's side, he bent his head to whisper quietly in her ear. "Hope is the flame that feeds us all. From the weakest child to the strongest warrior. Keep it burning. Reignite it when it's needed. Be the kindle to the flame of truth and life.”
  8. Unaware of all on goings, Rosalia wondered where her nephew had been. It was unusual to not see him for so long. Her mind wandered to something she overheard him say to Wulff, last she saw him. "I'm not parting with it." She hadn't caught all of it, but that one part was what stuck out to her. What 'it' was, she didn't know. What she did know was that it left a suspicious curiosity and worry. She'd not been able to ask, since he and Wulff went off rather quickly. "Hopefully you're okay, Greene." She brought the carving knife down, the features of the young 'ame starting to take shape in an oak log. "I hope this feeling is wrong."
  9. Estellise stared at the parchment that somehow found its way to her. Something about this nagged at her. The unease from that day hadn't lessened any. And now... It was growing yet again. This didn't sit right. What is is going on...
  10. Thin, shaky hands paused, a page within index and thumb. The world felt as if it came to a stand still. Hazel eyes lifted from the page. Something is not right. An unease settled in. The feeling gnawed at her, itching and clawing. It refused to ease up, even as an emptiness took hold of her heart. A mother knows. Slowly, the woman pushed herself up from her seat, the book she was reading forgotten on the side table. "Dante..." It was time to pay a certain someone a visit. And he better have answers, because hell hath no fury like a mother.
  11. Leilani Aureon read over the letter that somehow found its way within her grasp. A few long moments passed, as the Aureon Chieftess contemplated. But she ended up reacing for an empty piece of paper. To pen a reply.
  12. It was a calm day. Only the sound of the waves could be heard as the 'fenn woman sat upon the shore. Unaware of what went on, she watched the waves as they crashed into one another. Suddenly, admist the peace of the ocean, it hit. A stomach churning bad feeling that shook the woman to her very core. Unease overtook her. Her hand gripped the shaft of her staff, gold rimmed turquiose eyes darting around. There was nothing there. No apparent reason for this feeling. But it refused to fade away, settling in the pit of her stomach. It would linger, and she never was able to figure out what caused it.
  13. Something was missing. Or rather, someone was missing. The thought occured to Rosalia as she made her way through the square of Nevaehlen. It nagged at her, mind turning until suddenly, it hit her. Plume. One, that though she didn't recall ever speaking to her, that she often saw in the square. A name she'd heard spoken often. Someone she remembered was always smiling and so bright. "May the Aspects welcome you, Plume. It's a little darker now without you."
  14. Criala

    Skin Selling

    These are some skins I made for practice and decided to put up for sale. If there are any questions, please contact me on Discord at Zadie#4764! *.·:·.★ ✦ ★・:・:* All payments will be in USD and sent via Paypal. Don't resell any of the skins. They are up for sale until they're all sold. To purchase one, comment with: IGN: Discord: Skin: 1. Mustard Price: $7 2. Blue Creme Gradient Price: $7 3.) Blueberry Gradient Two versions, one without sleeves and with sleeves Price: $7 for one, $11 for both 4.) Cherry Price: $7
  15. The words kept echoing within Rosalia’s head. "I know that it hurts, but you can find comfort in the fact that you know you will see her again." Words meant to be comforting for the news that her sister was dying. They had been comforting, a mantra she kept repeating in her head so she didn’t repeatedly break down crying in front of Tanila. "I am partaking in an assault against the dragonkin." "Well, I happen to be as well!" Rosalia lifted her arms so she could pull him into a hug. Avius frowned a little, despite reciprocating the embrace without hesitation. "I hesitate to fight such creatures with you at my side." He admitted with blunt honesty. "They are not simple trifles." She tilted her head up so she could look at him. "Because of what they are?" "Because I do not think you have the martial experience to stand up to them." He said genuinely, and with concern. "You are new to this art, and will be thrown into a den of dragons. Quite literally." "That is true..." She trailed off in a murmur, breathing out a sigh. "I wanted to be able to help." "I am not going to order you to stay here, if you truly wish to fight. But trust me when I say that these things are not to be underestimated. They are the creatures that killed Andria in the first place." "Would you be able to focus if I went? Or would it be a distraction?" "It would be a distraction." He answered, again, with brutal honesty. "I wouldn't want to hinder you in battle." She nodded her head. "It is a mark of my own weakness more than anything else." He said with a sigh. "I don't think it's a weakness to love or care." She murmured her reply. Now those words were what she clung to as she struggled to keep herself afloat. “Nen?” “What is it, Rosy? Are you okay?” “Have you… Have you seen Avius?” Rosalia faltered in getting the words out, unshed tears in her eyes. Perhaps she already knew the answer to the question she was asking, desperately hoping for a different answer. Nenar stared at her sister for a few seconds, giving no vocal reply. Instead, the small ‘ame pulled Rosalia into a tight hug. Rosalia collapsed into her sister’s shoulder, full on sobbing now. Amber stared at the signs upon the side of the house. Avius Csarathaire. Rosalia. She hadn’t been able to bring herself to remove the sign with his name on it so she just added one with her name below it. "When I first me-met..." She cleared her throat as her voice broke. "When I first met Avius, it was brief, many years ago in Elvenesse. He asked me how I got my scar and told me I should come up with a cooler story for it to tell people in the future." A quiet chuckle escaped her, her hand lifting to brush over the scar on her left cheek. "We weren't close until a decade or so ago when we ran into each other again here. Then I really got to know him." Another set of tears began as her hand dropped from her cheek. "He showed me what it meant to have fire, because his was contagious. What it meant to have strength... To never stop fighting for what you believed in... Even if you were the only one standing for it." ༻✧༺ "I suppose you might say I light your fires." He said with a flourish, looking quite satisfied with himself. She sputtered out a quiet laugh. "Yes, that would be correct, I would say." Avius rested back then, laying on his back and shutting his eyes, hands behind his head. "I am satisfied with your laughter." "Then I am glad to be of service to you as well." Her eyes scanned his face. "Would you say I light your fires too?" "I have found myself alive again since you came to me. So yes, the fires burn hot." ༻✧༺ "Then come here, and embrace me. Let your fears fall away, for now." "You always make me feel better." She didn't hesitate to wrap her arms around him, leaning into him. "That's my new duty." He said with a wry smirk, committing to the embrace and planting a kiss on her forehead. "You do it well." She smiled, letting out a content sigh. ༻✧༺ "Your faith in me is almost unbelievable, you know. I was almost prepared to let you go, if only to spare you the drama." "You've done nothing for me to not have faith in you." She reached out a hand to grasp his and give it a squeeze. "I'd just find you again." ༻✧༺ “I love you, Avius.” “And I love you, Rosalia.” Art By Wlop I only greyscaled the picture ༻✧༺ A bundle was tucked in her arms, a small tan face peeking out of the blanket. The infant slept soundly, resting against Rosalia’s chest. She supported the child in one arm, her other hand lifting to brush her fingers along his cheek. “Your Maln named you, you know.” “If we ever have a son, what do you think is a good name?” She asked, curious golden eyes meeting icy blue. "I already know I want to name a daughter after Tanila." “Aren’t you eager?” He asked, a signature smirk on his face. “I-I was just curious! J-Just answer the question!” She sputtered out, her cheeks darkening. A chuckle escaped him, before he took a moment to think. “Arradian.” “Arradian.” She repeated after him, a smile tugging at her lips. “I like it.” Slowly, the child’s eyes opened, revealing icy blue eyes. “Arradian.” From the ashes, another phoenix rose. Arradian Csarathaire.
  16. "Eve..everyon.." That caused Rosalia to pull her attention from her sister, Nenar, to look at Hareven. "Are you okay?" That was when Hareven just crumpled to the ground. Her eyes widened, unsure about what exactly was wrong with him. Whatever it was going on, since neither of them were able to move him somewhere else, the sisters sat with him throughout the night. "Is this one of those Hareven things..."
  17. Snow crunched beneath boots, it being the only sound. Soon, the sound stopped though, as whoever the boots belonged to stopped. An ‘aheral woman stood at the top of a snowy mountain, the wind causing her hair to whip about her face and shoulders. Blue eyes stared out at the expansive, snow covered land before her. Neia surged up the side of the mountain, moving as fast as her legs would take her. When she reached the top and made it over the edge, she faltered. The sight had her frozen in place. Her eyes widened as she stared. An empty set of armor, charred, with ashes within. A set of armor she knew all too well, one that matched the armor she was clad in. Her heart dropped to the bit of her stomach, grief washing over the woman. She could only stare for a number of moments. “Do you remember when you told me about Csarathaire, Mal’onn?” The question was asked to the open air, her voice soft as she spoke. Of course, there was no reply. Not that she expected one. The dead can’t speak after all. Soon that grief changed into a burning fury. And she turned her blade to the enemy. Her rage had her seeking vengeance in whatever way she could get it. Even as it crumbled down into pieces, she didn’t stop. She slashed and stabbed at whatever part of it she could. A gloved hand dove down into a satchel at her side, rummaging around for something. A small container was pulled out, a box of sorts. “It was on a mountain much like this one.” Her gaze fell on the box, pain evident within it. Her features twisted, a deep frown settling onto her face. “You told me all about Csarathaire.” She had to pause here, to clear her throat, before continuing. “It sparked something inside of me, and I knew then that I wanted to be one.” Everything felt numb. She was on autopilot for the next several minutes. Her blank gaze on the charred armor. She made her way over to it, even as the others made their way down the hill to get Eretria back to the Vale. The ashes were all that remained of Avius inside of that charred armor. With shaky hands, she patted at herself. Looking for something, anything, until she finally was able to fish out two vials. As careful as she could, she did her best to sweep some of the ashes into one vial, then the other. She didn’t stop until they were full. It wasn’t all of them, obviously, but it was enough. With her hands still shaking, she picked up the pieces of his armor, before setting off down the hill. “I would have followed you anywhere, no questions asked, even to the Nether and back. You gave me family when I had none. You believed in me. You took the time to teach me and show me the ways of Csarathaire.” The top of the box was pulled off. Ashes were inside. A lone tear fell down her cheek, leaving a chilled wet trail. “Now sit and speak with me.” Neia eased herself down so she was sitting in front of Avius. "Now, I want you to think and tell me why you want to take this final step, why you want to join this clan." She was silent for a moment as she thought, her hands resting on her lap. "Well, I felt something when you were first telling me of your clan's traditions and how they came to be. It stuck with me. And it's something I want to be part of, devote myself to." "This is a lifelong commitment, Neia, and you know what the gods expect of you." Avius said, looking at her. "I know. And I wouldn't have done this if I wasn't going to commit my life to it. You inspired me, honestly. To take the step, seeing you stand up for the traditions and beliefs of your clan." She fell silent for a moment, merely staring into the box. The cold wind bit at her cheeks, but she gave no reaction. “I won’t ever forget what you’ve given or taught me, Mal’onn.” Slowly, she turned the box over, so the ashes would scatter across the snowy mountain top. “And I won’t rest until everything that had to do with your death is burnt into nothing.”
  18. The situation had already been almost over by the time Rosalia found herself in the square, using her sister as a leaning post. A frown tugged at her lips, upon spotting the face of a friend she'd not seen in decades. A man who had been the first to greet her when she found herself in the Father Grove of Elvenesse so long ago. Eir'thall. As his body fell lifeless to the ground, her frown deepened. I hope you can find peace. A peace you didn't seem to have in life. The look on her face was worn, a pain in her eyes. Exhaustion creeped over her, from the death of a man she called her friend, along with somehing else that already plagued her. I'm so... Tired of death.
  19. What met Neia when she finished the trek up over the mountain caused her to waver. To falter. She stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide. The charred armor of her Mal'onn. The ashes of him that remained within. Then her fury was directed at the enemy before them, her urge for vengence coursing through her as if it were her life's blood. Even as the enemy crumbled and broke, defeated, the 'aheral slashed and stabbed at whatever part of it she could. She only stopped when she realized it had fallen on the small Arvellon Chieftess. Her body went on autopilot as she and the others gathered, trying their best to help her. As the others took over, she was numb. A blank stare at the spot where Avius' charred armor remained. It didn't register as the others trekked down the hill, Eretria in tow. Slowly, she made her way over to the charred armor. With a shaky hand, she scooped the items up, and made her way back to the Vale with the others. However, when they arrived, she stared at the bridge for a good long moment, blank stare still present. She turned her back to the bridge, making her way off into the forest. Each step felt heavy as she made her journey to where a mali'fenn man was, somewhere nestled in the depths of Almaris. Only then, did she break. She dropped to her knees, tears dribbling down and dropping onto the charred breastplate. Originally, Rosalia intended to go as well to battle the Azdrazi, having wanted to do what she could to help. But, in the end, she decided against it. Lack of martial skill and the concern of being a distraction in battle. So, she waited. For hours, she waited. At the camp that Avius had been staying at. The place she'd last seen him. But he didn't return. It wasn't unusual to go without seeing him for a bit of time. But... Something... Something didn't feel right. It can't be. The thought was brushed off. She didn't want to think about that. Maybe he's at home. Yeah, he's just at home. And so, home was her next destination, her heart heavy the whole way. The name on the side of the house read Avius Csarathaire. She pushed the front door open to go inside. But she was met with nothing. It was empty. Not a sign of the man anywhere. The bed... Empty. Her heart dropped. A shaky breath escaped her, the worst settling in. And soon enough, her worst fears would be confirmed. He wasn't going to return. He'd fallen in the battle with the Azdrazi. The man she'd come to love so much and call her own... He wasn't coming back. The water works started before she'd even gotten back home. Barely in the door, she collapsed to the floor. Her back was pressed to the door, heaving sobs escaping from her as she struggled to breathe. "I know that it hurts, but you can find comfort in the fact that you know you will see her again." Little did Avius know... That his words, originally meant to bring comfort for the loss of another, would now have to be the comfort for the grieving lover he'd left behind to cling to.
  20. "I've been prayin' te the Aspects, te my Marhaelun Awaiti the last couple months for Tanila's welcome te the forest. But I've spent time teachin' some youngin's in front of Bolomarmaa's totem by the water, what it means te 'ave the stength of a mother. And there, we all prayed for you." - Miven Caerme'onn A child is supposed to out live their parents. The thought kept resonating within Leilani's heart and soul, threatening to break the Aureon Chieftess into little, irrepairable pieces. It took everything she had to keep herself together. Even as the group dismounted from their horses to continue on foot, part of her wanted nothing more than to take her daughters and run. Find somewhere to tuck them away, safe with her. Preserve what little time Tanila had left to spend with them. But this was a sacrifice that Tanila was choosing to make, for the greater good. For the Aspects, and for nature. To cleanse the horrific taint brought upon the land. As much as she wanted to take them and run, she couldn't. She had to be strong for Tanila, and for Nenar. The weight on Leilani's heart was tight and suffocating, threatening to squeeze it until it was crushed. Her arm moving to wrap around Tanila as she and Nenar aided the young 'ame to the tree that would be the young Aureon's final resting place. For the last time, she clutched Tanila to her chest, wishing to not ever have to let go, and whispering how much she loved her. I was with you when you first came into this world. "It's a healthy baby girl!" The news from her husband brought relief to the exhausted mother, who lay slumped back against a pile of pillows. "A baby girl..." She murmured, a tired smile spreading across her face as she looked at Lyemar. A bundle was soon placed in her arms, and she cradled it to her chest. Two wide, emerald green eyes stared back up at her as she was held by her mother for the first time. "She's beautiful... What will we name her?" Lyemar asked, reaching a hand out to brush along the newborn's cheek. "I think... Tanila." Leilani whispered, not breaking eye contact with those emerald eyes. "Tanila." Lyemar repeated, smiling as he tested the name out. "It's perfect for her." "I love you so, so much, Tanila." Leilani continued to whisper to their newborn daughter. The duo parted, so Tanila could say her goodbyes to the others there. Not once did Leilani pull her gaze away from her youngest daughter, even as she latched onto her older sister. Even as she moved to lay across the assembled stones. I will be with you until the end. Even as the tri-blade dagger pierced Tanila's heart and her own heart screamed at her, she watched. She didn't move until a familiar voice she'd not heard in decades said to run. A split second of hesitation, of longing to remain with her daughter, even in death. I shouldn't be leaving my baby alone. But that's not what Tanila would have wanted. And so she ran, as quick as her legs would carry her. Not for herself, but for Tanila. For the children she had left alive, and for her husband. She didn't stop, until everyone was safe. She kept herself together until she knew Nenar had made it as well. Then, looking on as the cleansing took place, she collapsed to her knees, stream after stream of tears flowing down the mother's face. Had Aedrie not been there to catch her, she may have just fully collapsed to the ground in a heap. With Aedrie's help, they made it back to the Vale. After relaying the news to her second youngest daughter, she made for the Wilds to inform her husband of their daughters fate. But, after this the grieving mother would often be found at the base of the willow tree left where Tanila had been, tucked against the roots. "I know that it hurts, but you can find comfort in the fact that you know you will see her again." - Avius Csarathaire It did bring Rosalia some comfort, but it still hurt. It hurt so, so much. She wasn't able to hold herself together in her final goodbye to Tanila. Tears flowing down her cheeks as she held onto her baby sister as if Tanila were her lifeline. Praying and hoping that the moment to part would never come, that time would freeze so she wouldn't have to let go. But reality crept up, and soon she couldn't put off letting go any longer. Words of how much she loved her baby sister, and how of if she had a daughter, she was naming it to honor Tanila. How she wanted to be able to be half the druid Tanila was once she was attuned. As much as she wanted to be there for the final moments, she knew she wasn't the one who needed to be there. Their mother was. Her tears only increased as she watched the backs of her mother, youngest and eldest sisters leave. "You're a big sister." Leilani held the bundle out to Rosalia, where an infact was tucked, wide green eyes, and dark brown tufts of hair peeking out. Rosalia's eyes widened in awe, golden amber meeting the emerald hues buried within the blankets. She didn't break eye contact with the infant. "What's her name?" "Tanila." Leilani supplied with a smile. "Do you want to hold her?" "Ti!" Rosalia frantically nodded her head, reaching her arms out so she could take the bundle from her mother. She held the infant securely, looking down into the big green eyes once again. "Hi, Tanila. I'll be a good big sister to you. Like Nen has been to me. She'll love you too. She's the best big sister. She won't ever let you be alone or leave you. I know, because she's always been there for me." The wait was agonizing, hoping beyond all reason that somehow both of her sisters would return. That somehow Tanila wouldn't need to die, and that they would still have time left with her. Even just one more hug was all she wanted. But her mother returned, alone. And the tears started fresh when she was informed that it went as planned. She latched onto her mother, sobbing into her shouldder as reality crashed into her. The two shed more tears together, before her mother reluctantly left to deliver the news to Lyemar. The tears wouldn't stop coming. She was gone. Avius' words went through her head again. "I miss you already." She murmured to herself, amber gaze staring at the spot she'd last seen her baby sister. "I want to be as brave and strong as you ar-were." She would do her duties with the devotion Tanila did her last one with.
  21. No words, no sound came from the Aureon Chieftess as her feet took her back through the gates of Nevaehlen. Tears were drying on her cheeks, though another occasionally fell, redampening them. When she originally left, she was with two of her daughters. Now... She returned with only one. Hollow. Everything felt so hollow. Her heart ached, an unfillable void left. People were interacting around her, showing relief for returned loved ones, speaking to one another. But none of this seemed to register for her as her trek continued. She disappeared deeper in to tell her second youngest daughter that it was done. Tanila was gone. The words brought forth another round of tears, from both of them, before Leilani left the Vale a short time later. To return to the Wilds and inform her husband of their daughter's fate. The tears hadn't stopped coming, not since Rosalia said her final good bye to her baby sister. She barely was able to let Tanila go, wanting to prolong the last moment she'd see her. She could only watch as her sisters and her mother left to what would be Tanila's final moments. Despite knowing there would be no other outcome, despite trying to prepare herself for this moment, she hoped that the three of them would come back together with news that somehow Tanila wasn't going to have to die. That there would be just one more moment longer with her baby sister. But her mother returned alone, and the news of Tanila's sacrifice was given. It went just as it was supposed. The tears increased tenfold.
  22. »»———— Nevaehlen Forest ————«« “I think… That about does it…” The words were mumbled, only for a yelp to echo out among the trees. Rosalia shook her head, a red mark across it from where the trap snapped onto it, instead of sitting the way it was supposed to. “Ouch.” She huffed, golden gaze narrowing at the offending trap. After a few seconds of glaring at it, she started anew, trying to get the trap to cooperate. But the second time wasn’t the charm, because it snapped back onto her hand again, in the exact same spot as before. “Stupid thing.” She grumbled, a faint huff coming out. Yet again, she tried to get the trap set up right, going even slower than the previous attempt. Going slower appeared to do the trick, because she was able to do it that time. “Finally.” She rubbed her hand, wincing a little from the pressure on the reddening spot. “Now to wait…” What was going to be caught in the trap, she didn’t know. Squirrel, rabbit, whatever was small enough to get caught in it. With one last look at the trap, she made herself scarce. Now, it was a waiting game. At first, she was checking rather frequently, only to find nothing in the trap. After nothing being in it the first few times, she realized that maybe she was checking too often, perhaps scaring off whatever may get caught in it. So, after that, she spaced out her checking more. That seemed to do the trick, because after that, she found a rabbit caught in the trap. With a deep breath, she took the rabbit from the trap. Now she had a lure to try to hunt something bigger. »»———— Deeper in the Forest ————«« “This should be far enough in.” Rosalia squatted down so she could set up the lure. Thankfully, this came easier than trying to catch the rabbit. With it in place, she hurried away from it, though kept herself hidden close enough to be able to see if anything approached. There was a spear on her back, along with a quiver of arrows and a bow. Clad in light leather, as her regular armor may have made too much noise. Once she was satisfied with where she was, she pulled the bow from her back so it was at the ready. However long she waited, she wasn’t sure. But the sound of bushes rustling reached her ears. A glance to her left showed a mountain lion sniffing at the air, before making its way to the lure. As carefully as she could, she reached back for an arrow from the quiver and lifted her bow. With the shaft of the arrow between her fingers, she slowly lined it up down the edge of the string. She took aim at the mountain lion, hoping to penetrate it right below the shoulder blades, so it’d hit the heart through there. That was her plan at least. The arrow went soaring through the air, straight towards the mountain lion. But her aim ended up off, and the arrow ended up embedded into the dirt beside it. The large feline growled, head snapping up from the rabbit to look around for where the arrow came from. Rosalia stilled, not even lowering her arms for fear of catching its attention. That seemed to work, because the mountain lion let out another growl before picking up the rabbit and running off with it. Rosalia maintained her position for a good few minutes, even as her arms grew tired from being up in the air so long. Better to make sure it wasn’t going to come back. But she finally relaxed, staring at the spot where the rabbit had been. “It took my rabbit.” Her cheeks puffed out, bottom lip jutting out into a pout. “...Now I have to get another one.” Some time later, after getting another rabbit, Rosalia set up another lure. In a different spot, though it was still deep within the forest. She had herself hidden away again, bow out and an arrow already in her hand for a quicker reaction. Loud thunking soon came, signaling something larger than a mountain lion coming. And, within a couple minutes, a bear came in through the trees. Her eyes widened at the sight of the bear, her hold on the arrow almost slackening enough to drop it. This bear was large. And she wasn’t naive enough to figure that she could take on a bear by herself, when she’d never really hunted before. So, she did nothing as the bear scooped up that rabbit, and after eating it, went on its way. Everything was silent, until she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding in. “...That was one big bear.” A shudder went up and down her spine at the thought of trying to hunt that. “Wait. Now I need another rabbit!” She groaned, running a hand down her face. Instead of setting out again that day, since it was starting to get dark out, she went home to try again the next day. When the next morning came, she donned her light leather, spear, quiver and bow. First, she went to capture another rabbit. By now, she was getting used to that part, so it was easy enough to do. Once she had another rabbit, she ventured deeper into the forest again, though not anywhere near where she saw the large bear. The lure was placed, and she tucked herself away in a hiding place. Bow out, and arrow in hand, she patiently and quietly waited for something to show up. Hopefully not another bear. She didn't want to have to capture yet another rabbit. Just when she thought nothing was going to show up, a mountain lion slinked over from the bushes. A vague curiosity of if it was the same one as before crossed her mind, but she quickly focused herself again. She raised the arrow, lining it up with the bow’s string. Taking a moment to make sure her aim was good this time, she soon let the arrow loose. It flew through the air, hitting the mountain lion in the lower back. It roared in pain, and Rosalia tried to be quick to pull another arrow from her quiver. But the mountain lion tore across the forest towards her hiding place, meaning that she had little to no time to act. She managed to get another arrow nocked, but not the time to perfect her aim since her time was limited. She released the string, the arrow shooting off from the bow towards the mountain lion. It was going too fast to jump out of the way, and the arrow embedded itself into its shoulder. Another roar of pain erupted from it as it was slowed down by the hit. As the arrow hit its mark, Rosalia jumped into action. She pulled the spear from her back and pointed the sharp end at the mountain lion. Another growling roar from the animal, its stride right for her still. As she jabbed towards it with the spear, it ducked down and dodged her spear. This knocked her off balance, her free arm immediately going up to protect her face, the other that held the spear holding it up so hopefully it bit onto the shaft of it. Sharp teeth sunk into the spear. Claws slashed at her side, and down her legs, slicing through the light fabric and blood flowing from the wounds.. A hiss of pain came from her, but her hand moved from her face and shot towards the sword sheathed at her hip. Continuing to use her staff to keep it from biting her face or chest, she pulled the sword from its sheath. The mountain lion dug deeper into the spear, the wooden shaft splintering and nearly shattering it from the force of its grip. It continued to slash and claw at her upper leg and side, but she kept a tight hold on her spear, doing her best to keep it from detaching from it. With a shaky hand, as she was starting to feel light headed, she shifted the sword, pointing towards the mountain lion’s stomach. In one swift motion, she plunged it upward, piercing through the soft tissue. Blood spurted out, the mountain lion’s movements slowing the deeper she pushed it, until it went limp all together. Once it was limp, she pushed it off of herself, her world beginning to spin. It slowed as the pain eased some, her hands pressing to the wounds down her left side, though the blood still flowed from her upper thigh. “I don’t like hunting.”
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