Criala

Blue eyes held a dull look, trailing along the walls of the woman’s bedroom. Seated in a chair was a high elven woman. Held in her right hand was a sword, black wisps emitting from the blade. Even after so long, at times, it still felt like he was going to be around a corner, waiting. Waiting for the perfect moment to try to capture what he considered to be his prey. There had been a time where it almost seemed like there was going to be no end to his torment. It’d been years since she’d seen him. He was dead as far as she knew. That didn’t stop the nagging feeling in the back of her mind, telling her to not let her guard down, to remain on alert. For he was a man that maybe even death would have a hard time stopping. What if he showed up again one day? You thought he was gone before, Valerica. And then he appeared again. Her form grew even more tense at the thought. A slow sigh escaped her, fingers tightening around that hilt, her knuckles turning white. The line her lips thinned into left almost no space between them. Her free hand was on the arm of the chair, hand grasping the end of it. Her nails dug into the cushioned end, scratching at it. The fabric there began to fray, ever so slightly. He wouldn’t leave you alone. He wouldn’t leave. He made you what you are now. A tool for murder. And it was so easy for him to do. A snarl almost escaped, her face twisting. But her expression soon relaxed as the thought of Rothilion came to her mind. A light in the darkness she’d found herself in. The light she’d met in that Sutica tavern. Amidst how unsafe she had felt and the constant worry and paranoia of him showing up, Roth was her safe haven. A place where she didn’t have to feel that way, where she could feel safe and happy. Guidance to show her the way and where to go. But he’s gone now, Valerica. A hint of sadness washed over her face. There was an empty space left in her heart from when Rothilion had passed. It ached and ached, not lessening even with how many years since his passing. So long, too long, it had been since his sweet voice had called her ‘love’ or his ‘snowflake’. Without him being the one to say them, it just wasn’t quite the same. No one would be able to take his place in her heart. Roth was the only good part of you. Look at the things you’ve done. The blood on your hands. Out of instinct, her gaze shifted down to each of her hands. Deep crimson coated both of her hands. It even appeared to be dripping down the hilt of her sword, since it was clutched in her fingers. In the blink of an eye though, everything was back to normal. There was no blood on her hands or the hilt of her sword. Nothing at all. Is there any hope for you to be good without him? Do you even want to be good? A battle she often had with herself. Many people had fallen at her hands. So many people she’d hurt. All the things she’d done in the past… Could they ever be righted? There was also the fact of… people. Being good meant people, and she hated those. Everyone but a select few.. Rhaella, Estellise, Daemeon… They are worth the effort, aren’t they? The effort it would take to be good? You couldn’t even keep your children alive, Valerica. How could you be good? A quiet, yet sharp, intake of breath, before it was slowly exhaled. None of her children were alive. She’d outlived all of them. Her shoulders curved forward somewhat, a slight slump forming as she leaned her weight against the left arm of the chair, her fingers relaxing so that her nails weren’t digging into the fabric there. How could you ever hope to protect those you care about when you couldn’t even protect your children? Look how they ended up, where they ended up. Almost as soon as that thought had finished though, she shook her head, however slight a movement it was. No, that wasn’t true. Not all of her children were dead. Rhaella was still alive. Her niece by blood, but in actuality a daughter to her. Her God-daughter. So, she still had one of her children with her. One she would do anything for, sacrifice anything for. Her fingers started to fiddle with the ring around her left ring finger. The hilt of her sword was still clutched in her right hand. What of Daemeon? Do you deserve him? After everything, do you deserve to be loved by him? Her love for Daemeon was unwavering, and Daemon had pulled her out of that pit of despair she’d fallen into with Roth’s death, something she’d be forever grateful for. It was a struggle, as it always was, to not fall deeper and deeper. The few she cared about though, they were what kept her going, what kept her fighting off the thoughts she had. The ones that made her feel like she was nothing more than her past. A cold-hearted murder. A tool to be used to take the lives of others. That is all you are, Valerica. It’s all there is to you. By now, she was doing her best to ignore the voice in the back of her mind. Whether what it was saying was true or not, she could look forward. Because of them, her loved ones, she was able to walk forward, try to move on from what she’d been in her past. Rhaella, Estellise, Daemeon, Rothilion, the rest of the Tathvirs…. They didn’t stop the internal battle she had going on, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last time she fought within herself, but they made it worth it. She could keep going forward, even if it was only for them. Art by Numirya

Within the walls of the tavern in Elvenesse, in the far back corner away from the noise of the square outside, was a mali’fenn woman. Silence filled the air as Estellise was seated at a table, parchment laid in front of her as she wrote. A lesson plan of sorts for her healing classes in the clinic. A few words added here and there, adding a section to the next set of lessons she had planned. Amputation wasn’t something she normally would have added to General Healing and Triage, but after recent events, she deemed the knowledge useful. The back corner was quiet. A corner of solitude, just the way she liked it. A welcomed change from the chaos that used to be her life for so many years. Her attention drifted away from the plan in front of her, mind not fully focused on the task at hand. As much as the silence was nice, there were times that the silence was almost too much. Being left alone with one's thoughts is not always a good thing. At times she’d find herself back in there. Once again, trapped in obedience and guilt, as well as a need back then to prove she could be trusted, lest any other actions be taken as an act of betrayal. Betrayal resulted in death, and that was not an option. A promise made to her daughter that she would be the one to stay, one that would not leave. She did what she had to to keep herself alive, but even then, it almost didn’t seem like enough. Even as she tried her hardest to prove that she could be trusted, said life was often dangled in front of her daughter. Stuck in the same cycle without any end in sight. Until one day, she realized it wasn’t a way for her to live anymore. She had to get out. A slow sigh escaped her, a hand lifting to her face where it then ran down it. It felt like there was an invisible weight on her shoulders, but she tried to ignore it, now trying to pull herself out of her time in that place. It was a place and time better to be left in the past. Better left in the darkness and shadows where it belonged. A darkness she had been confined in for far too long. She’d fought so hard to get herself out, to be out of the cage she’d been locked in. Free to spread her wings and fly. Just a look only showed a woman by herself, turquoise eyes on the parchment in front of her. Merely reading something. If they could see past the neutral façade, they’d see a woman who was struggling to keep her head above water and not to suffocate. Art by Wlop

Discord: Zadie#4764 IGN: Itsmearcher Skin name: Grace Bid amount: 40

It took a little time for the news of Lilith's passing to reach Leilani. When it did, the world just stopped. Her eyes widened, whatever had been in her hands slipped from them and met the ground. However long, she just stood there, blue gaze zoned out upon the ground. Finally, her lips parted, and she managed to get a word out, her voice beginning to crack. "Lilith..." A breath was sucked in, a hand clasping over Leilani's mouth. Her shoulders shook, the tears flowing down her cheeks. Sobs were choked back and muffled by her hand. There was barely a moment before she heard foot steps approaching. Likely Lyemar. But the voice she soon heard was not that of her husband. "Haelun? What's wrong?" Her eyes shot up, blue meeting amber. Leilani froze, only for a few seconds as it dawned on her. I have to break it to her that Lilith is gone. There was a concerned, yet confused, look on Rosalia's face as she looked at her mother. "Haelun, what is it?" Another shuddering breath escaped Leilani, her hand lifting to rub down her face, before she was able to work up the courage to speak. "Rosa.." A frown began to tug at Rosalia's lips, the concern on her face only grew. "Haelun? Is Lyemar okay?" Leilani gave a nod of her head, her hand dropping to hang at her side. "Lyemar's okay, dear." A sigh of relief escaped the younger 'ame, but the concern didn't fully fade from Rosalia's features. "What is it then, Haelun?" The thought of it was enough to bring another fresh round of tears welling up in Leilani's eyes. Her hand soon lifted again to clasp with the other, her weight shifting a little from foot to foot. It was a struggle to try to get the words out. Her mouth opened and closed a couple of times, but nothing came out. "Haelun, what's going on?" The frown on Rosalia's face only deepened, her mother's actions only prompting more concern from her. "It's Lilith." Finally, Leilani was able to get something out. But any other words caught in her throat. "Lilith? Is she okay?" Confusion twisted along Rosalia's face once more, head tilting to the side ever so slightly. "Rosa, She's... She's gone." It took everything Leilani had to not buckle down and sob right there, though more tears did start to dribble down her cheeks. One hand pulled from the other to wipe at the corners of her eyes. "What?" One faint word, Rosalia's frame beginning to tremble, but it was slight for now. She'd heard wrong, right? Right...? "She's gone." It was quiet repeated confirmation from Leilani, who was still struggling to keep herself somewhat composed. "No... No..." Rosalia began to shake her head, her breathing picking up. "Rosa..." Leilani took in a deep breath, which was followed by a thick swallow. Her throat felt dry and heavy. "She... She can't be gone! Sh.. She always comes back! No matter how long she's gone, she always comes back!" Tears had began to freely flow down Rosalia's cheeks, rapid breaths and hiccups starting to wrack her body. "Rosa, I... She..." Leilani took steps forward so that she could lift her arms and wrap them around her daughter. Her own frame was shaking as she held her. "She always comes back, Haelun..." A broken and resigned whisper, and yet there was still a tiny bit of hope that clung to the words. Rosalia's face was buried in her mother's shoulder, sobs erupting from her. "Not this time, Rosa." Leilani whispered back to Rosalia, her cheek resting on the top of her head. Any attempt to hold herself back was stopped, and stream after stream of tears poured down her cheeks, dampening Rosalia's hair.

Eyes scanned the parchment in front of their face, reading over each word, green eyes soon pausing upon the signed names. One in particular stuck out. "Feels like just yesterday she was in my classroom." It was murmured, a fond tone to the words, thumb brushing along the edge of the parchment. "You've come so far. I'm proud of you." The parchment was soon folded, tucked away in a dress pocket as the person turned to walk, green leaves just barely visible atop the woman's shoulders, having spread up her shoulder blades from her back. "I have faith that you will do amazing, Medli."

Wow, this is so nice of you! 😄

Amazing. Love it, Mattio.

“So, the Clerics have been reunited.” Leilani murmured to herself, reading over the missive she’d just received. “Suppose there will be a trip to Aegrothond.”

"I’d never met Xavis..." The words were murmured, a slight frown upon Amara's visage at the news. In her hands was a wooden item, the design beginning to take shape, though it wasn’t clear what it was going to be yet. "Where will the afterlife take him, I wonder?” "So, Xavis has passed on." Estellise mused to herself, an open sketch pad upon her lap. She was silent for a moment, a quiet exhale escaping her. "I feel for all of his children and family. Loss... Loss isn’t an easy thing to deal with."

MC Username: Criala Character name: Neia Csarathaire and Zolitas Discord name: Zadie#4764 ----------- Mina or USD: Minas Accessories: None! ---------- Skin – References of hair – Any preferred pose – Neia leaning against Zol is good! Any Details I need to know? – Neia has a red flame tattoo going up her right arm. Expression – Smiles are good. Cup Type: Tea cup. Liquid: Yes. Do you want anything on the mug: Yes, an open book please! ------- Do you understand that I do this as a hobby and will do yours in order, by saying yes you agree to not rush me. When I get to it, I get to it, okay? : Of course! ?

The Des’nox Matriarch was silent, taking in the sight of the familiar gates before the group. The gates of Ker’nor. They hadn’t changed at all, almost as if they’d been frozen in time. It was a surreal feeling, standing before those gates once more. Over two hundred years had passed since they were last here. Sapphire remained locked on the closed gates, until she felt a hand reach out to grab hers and give it a squeeze. A look to her left showed that Dak’ir had been the one to take her hand. Her fingers entwined with his, returning the squeeze. Even as the rest of the group conversed, mostly about how they would get inside, Lielle’s mind wandered. The memory of the first time she approached those gates, over two hundred and fifty years ago, came to mind. All because of a letter from her cousin. She was pulled from her thoughts when her hand was let go, in favor of Dak’ir looking through his key ring, full of at least a hundred keys. It took him some time to sift through them all, but he eventually found the correct one. He really should color coordinate all of those. She told him to before. And with that, they were able to enter. What greeted them was unexpected. Spider webs were all over, along the walls and across the ceiling of the cave. A frown tugged at her lips. This wasn’t the state they’d left their former home in. The deeper in they went, they found that the webbing was everywhere. Almost no place within had been spared. Even the temple, where the remnants from her and Dak'ir’s wedding remained, was covered in it. They were all in agreement to clear out the taint that had overtaken their old home. It wasn’t just the webbing that now held the caves in its grasp. Cocoons also hung from the ceiling at various points in the caves, one of them being right outside of the temple. Despite them causing it to pop open and small spiders to rain down upon them, the arachnids were fended off. It was a tedious task, but a task that would be worth it. In the end, it was their group that was victorious, though it was not without injury. Gusiam’s lung had been punctured, and Twilight ended up with cracked ribs. But the injuries would heal. There had been no loss of life that day. The start of an old beginning was now cleansed of taint.

Leilani Aureon would have taken the note to read it after Lyemar had set it aside. A quiet gasp would come from her, a hand lifting to press to her mouth. The High Princess would be in shock, what she'd just read taking several moments to process. "I'm so sorry, Sister." It would be the only thing that came out, the words quiet. A glance would be sent to her husband, a slow and shaky sigh escaping from her. A silent prayer would soon follow for her seed sister.

Hands clasped together and eyes closed, the mali’fenn woman sat with her legs tucked beneath her. It would appear that she was in prayer, though no sounds came from her. She remained like this for several more moments, before her eyes opened. Her hands dropped, unclasping in the process. Whatever answer she’d been looking for, it wasn’t obvious. Her gaze lowered to fall upon a spot on the floor. Silence filled the air, the sound of her breathing the only noise in the room. Now she was deep in thought. When was the last time I actually felt free? How long had it been? Years, at the very least. So long she’d been trapped by guilt. By a need to prove herself. To be trusted. All of which only weighed her down. She felt so heavy, carrying such a burden upon her shoulders. Too much. It was getting to be too much. Had been too much for a long time. But that need to prove herself, prove her loyalty… It kept her locked in a cage, confined by obedience. I can’t live like this anymore. No, this wasn’t her turning her back on anyone or anything. It was letting go. Something she had needed to do a long time ago. She just hadn’t wanted to. A tiny bit of hope. But that was no way to live. Lockezi was right. He was making fun of me. But he was right. Too long had she been like a bird in a cage, hoping to spread its wings. Now finally… Finally, she would fly. Art by Wlop

Mataliame'haelun | The Branches of the Mother | “You knowing how to treat a wound is just as important as you knowing how to inflict one, el’Uhier.” - High Princess Leilani Aureon The Mataliame’haelun, or Branches of the Mother as they are known as in common, serves as the primary institution within the Forest Realm of Irrinor that oversees the well being of the Irrinite citizens. Devoted are these Mali who invest much of their time tending to the young, healing the injured, and caring for the sick. = The Roots of the Order = “In the back of my mind, as I march alongside those blessed by the Father, a voice calls for my attention. The voice begs the question of what is to become of those who will fall to the blades of the enemy that call for their lives. It asks me who will care and tend for the families that they leave behind. It is not until I return home to the gates of Irrinor alone that I realize who the voice belongs to and what it asks of me to do.” - High Princess Leilani Aureon The Mataliame’haelun was established within the Forest Realm of Irrinor in 1753 during a time of change within the Wood Elven nation. Led by the reigning High Princess Leilani Aureon, it was she who set out to establish the order to ease and prevent the suffering of her people. Driven was the High Princess who bore witness to much of the hardship placed on the Wood Elven people throughout the Bootless War and the Morsgrad-Haense War. With the abrupt end to the Morsgrad-Haense war that was waged against the Orenian Kingdoms through the signing of the Orenian-Elven Peace Accord, she pleaded for the nation to take a neutral stance in worldly affairs. It was of her opinion that it was not the place of the Elves to play kingmaker in this world. With peace brought to her realm and hope in her heart for stability, Leilani set about establishing the foundations for the Branches of the Mother. Within the main square of Irrinor a clinic was erected to serve as the residence of the order. Within the confines of the building, facilities to ensure the proper care of her people were created. With the facilities for the order completed, word would be sent throughout the Forest Realm for those who had been instilled with the values of the Mother to enlist themselves in her order. For while the Wood Elven people need many warriors blessed by the Father to ensure the security of its border, it requires just as many devout Irrinites blessed by the Mother to tend to those at home. = Hierarchy = el’Maehr - The Wise The el’Maehr has been charged with the oversight and management of the Mataliame'haelun. It is their bound duty to guide those who take the path of the medic and to see to their flourishment in what many consider to be an art form. As the sole authority within the order, it is the el’Marhr who welcomes those aspirants in as el’Uhier and grants the advancement of el’Naeri. el’Naeri - The Devout The el’Naeri are proven medics who serve within the Mataliame'haelun. With adequate knowledge stretching across a variety of different areas in the medical field, an el’Naeri are capable medics who are granted the ability to operate independently within the Mataliame'haelun. el'Uhier - The Seeker el’Uhier is granted to those who join Mataliame'haelun and aspire to learn medical skills under the el’Maehr. These unproven medics are given a multitude of lessons by the el’Maehr to expand their knowledge of medicine. They are also charged with serving as assistants to proven el’Naeri as they are deemed incapable of operating independently within the order. = Oath = Blessed by the Mother am I My soul filled with the life breathed into me My path laid clearly forth by Her I question not her teachings, nor Her will. Wherever I shall walk, no Mali or creation of the Mother shall know pain I am to be selfless I am to be devout in my faith For I am to serve as the living embodiment of the Mother Kae Halere; I swear

Zadie#4764

Beneath the Gehenna Estate, in a room deep within the lowest levels of the underground, was a Mali’fenn woman. She was seated upon the floor, sitting cross-legged in front of the desk, upon the carpet. A mirror reflected her look of concentration, locks of her silvery white hair threatening to spill over her shoulders. Black snowflakes stuck out on her arms, going all the up from her wrists to the top of her shoulders. In front of her was a sketchpad, strokes of charcoal being brought over the page. The outline of a swing was beginning to take shape. Once the swing was done, her hand slowed to a stop, blue gaze scanning the page. Charcoal stained her fingers, contrasting with her pale skin. She gave a nod of approval, reaching to grab a cloth to wipe her hands off with. The black was wiped away, smearing across the white cloth. She balled the cloth, dirtied side on the inside, and set it aside to wash later. Her focus fell upon the page once more, taking a moment to take in the details of it so far. Picking the sketch pad up, she closed it and set it upon her lap. Her fingertips brushed along the cover, before she set it on the ground beside her. A quiet sigh flowed out from her as she heaved herself up from her seated position. Her gaze caught sight of the mirror, lingering upon her reflection for a minute. Soon though, she tore her eyes away from it, her focus falling to the ground. “I feel so lost sometimes.” The words were murmured, her mind beginning to stray. Arun’asna. The name had lingered in her mind since she’d first heard it from him. Ever since she’d come back to the Estate so many years ago, it’d stuck out to her more and more. Perhaps it could give her something. A purpose. Something to follow. Anything. “Show me the way, Arun’asna.” Art of her by Wolf-fram

The only sound within the room had been the breathing of the Mali'fenn woman. Then the Exalted at entered the room, his voice reaching her ears. Her ear twitched a little, but his speaking didn't wake her. Though her sleep had been peaceful, the chaotic aura of the being began to take its toll on her. It caused her to stir, her brow furrowing, her body curling further into the blankets and pillow. After he left, and the aura had gone with him, her stirring ceased. She was left unaware of what had happened.

What’s your favorite number?

It took time for the news of Pelilasdir's death to reach Eraami. With putting together lessons plans for the students of the Healing Institute, Peliasdir being one of those students, she'd been busy. She had been wondering why Pelilasdir hadn't been present at the last couple she'd held, but she had just assumed there were other things he'd been busy with, and that he'd be able to attend future lessons. The news stopped the elfess in her tracks, her eyes widening. Not once had she thought that his death had been the reason for his absence. "Oh, Pelilsadir..." It was whispered, her hand lifting to cover her mouth. Tears welled up in her eyes, though they did not fall. "I hope you're at peace, Pelilasdir... It won't be the same with out you..."

Aaaaa, yay! ? Thank you for holding this lovely raffle ❤️

When Lielle arrived at home, the Des'Nox Clan home within Vira'ker, she didn't expect to find the body of her step son. At first, there was a hint of confusion on her features, as she wasn't sure what was there at first. But then, once she's close enough, she was able to see what exactly was at her and Dak'ir's doorstep. She swallowed think, her knees shaking as she made her way closer. That was when she found the note with his body. One read of it, and she wasn't able to keep herself standing. She fell to her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks. She and Arveldir had never been extremely close, but she had loved him as if he were her own son nevertheless. She remained there, one hand pressed to her mouth and the letter in her other hand. Only a short time later, Ele'ira happened by while she was on her way to her own home. "Haelun?" She called out, stepping closer to see what was going on. A frown tugged at her lips when she saw her mother on the ground. She stopped just behind her, eyes falling on what was in front of the door. Confusion dances along the young 'ker's face, and her red gaze turned to Lielle again. "... Haelun..?" Unable to form words, Lielle offered the note to Ele'ira, who then took it. As Ele'ira read the note, her confusion was replaced with grief... And heart break. "Br.. Brother?" She barely managed to get the word out, tears welling up in her eyes as they fell on Arveldir's body. The letter fell from her hand, fluttering to rest on the stone floor. She shuffled closer to him. Then she dropped to her knees at his side, resting her hands on top of him. The tears started to flow then, dribbling down her cheeks and falling on the linens that were wrapped around his body. Her shoulders shook, and her breathing was shaky, but she was silent. And she refused to move. It wasn't until Lielle composed herself and gently urged her to move so they could move him, that Ele'ira finally did. With sniffles and hiccups, the pair moved him inside of the Des'Nox home. Now... To wait for Dak'ir to get home, so the news could be broken to him.

The intensity of the storm was unsettling. With each crack of lightning and roar of thunder, there was a slight grimace from the elfess. It was loud, and each time the waves crashed against the hull of the ship, Ele’ira cast an uneasy glance to Ganzorig. But, no matter how bad the storm got, she remained on the deck, not too far from his side. As the storm finally began to die down, and the moonlight broke through, a long strand of her white hair began to glow a brilliant pale blue. The blessing she'd gotten from Luara so long ago. She clasped her hands behind her back, listening as Ganzorig began to speak. Either and there, she gave a nod of agreement. As his speech finished, she smiled. "Until the end of times." She murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

Beneath the light of the moon, Lielle made her way to the totem dedicated to Luara. As she did, she passed by Dak'ir, offering her husband a smile and quick kiss before he continued on his way. She turned her attention to the totem, silent as she dipped her head to it. After a couple of moments, she lifted her head. With one last look at the totem, she turned to head home, careful not to disturb any of the flowers she'd recently planted throughout the area. It had taken a lot of work to get everything done, but the hard work had paid off, and it was time for their kin to join them once again.

"I hadn't spoken to you in quite a number of years, Abelas... I'm so sorry for that." Leilani murmured to herself, a few tears welling up at the corners of her eyes. "You were always so kind the times we spoke... I won't ever forget you. Rest in peace, dear friend."

Amazing art from Trinn as usual. +1