Lady Auresae's Return

Outside of the Enorian walls. (road)

The bright sun shines down, blanketing you with its life-giving warmth. This area has been blackened
and burnt from a recent blaze. Flickering candles lit by the faithful surround a large golden bowl,
comfortably set in an opulent ruby pedestal. Amare Ari stands guard here, beady eyes surveying all
in attendance, his rigid posture impeccable. A large block of stone is standing here, waiting to be
carried out of the quarry. Resting on the ground is a cube-shaped silver sigil. A sigil in the shape
of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground. Dark burnoose toying on the sea breeze, a
shrouded Kingbound soldier patrols here.  Enorian's gold and blue flags fly proud and true here.
You see exits leading southeast and northwest.

The roaring inferno engulfs you as you fight to find a way out.

The shield of flame around you repels the fiery attack.

You approach the fire and place a hand into its base. Calling upon all the power that you possess, you draw the fire into yourself. As the flames recede and disappear from the area, you feel their power pulsing within the core of your being.

Despite the flames being put out you still feel the heat coursing unnaturally over your body.

You tilt your head curiously.

An uncomfortable burning sensation begins on your feet.

You tilt your head curiously.
//*facepalm* I can't help but picture her as a cockatoo here. "How odd. It's so toasty! Fancy that."//

You say, "My feet feel like they're burning."

Jami eyes you suspiciously.

You have emoted: Melantha shifts her weight slightly from foot to foot.

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "Sandals probably aren't the best for burning or charred ground."

Jami creases her brow in a frown.

You smile wryly.

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "Shall we find water for your feet?"

The heat slips away alongside all of the heat around you.

You say, "Likely not, but it's never proven to be an issue befo..."

A shiver runs down your spine.

Attaining her fullest glory, the shining sun sits upon her throne at the apex of her daily trek through the firmament.

The air feels almost frosty, devoid of heat.

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "Oh dear, why is..it so cold."

You have emoted: Melantha looks around with a puzzled expression before her eyes, a violent shiver wracking her frame as the cold intensifies.

You say, "I'm not sure...."

You draw your eyebrows downward and together in consternation.

The bright sun shines down upon you.

Rubbing her hands together, Jami glances upwards, staring at the sun briefly, "This is truly odd times.."

You nod your head emphatically.

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says to you, "Do you think.."

Slowly the heat returns to you, though it doesn't seem to reach your bones.

At roughly the same time, you say, "That reminds me... Was it like this when Fire went away?"

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says to you, "They just..randomly spring up and then nothing until now."

The bright sun shines down upon you.

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says to you, "I wonder, perhaps Mebrene.."

You say to Jami, "That was my thought. No enemies, no anyone at the scene of the flames..."

You have emoted: Melantha's gaze falls upon the shrine to Lady Auresae with an interesting blend of curiosity and hope.

The bright sun shines down upon you.

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says to you, "Do you have any connection to Her?"

The rough dirt and gravel of the road crunch softly under your weight.

You have emoted: Melantha nods and whispers, "I do. I'm Her representative, and to the Beacon specifically."

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says to you, "Is Her stronghold still the Peshwar?"

You have emoted: Melantha rubs her arms vigorously as the warmth returns again somewhat. Jerking her gaze from the altar, she shakes her head at Jami. "Not for a long time, no. The Pillar remains, but Her temple is in the Eastern Ithmia."

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "Odd, I guess I can ask why She would choose the forests later."

You say, "I visited it not too long ago... Well, them."

You say, "As to that, if I remember correctly, Her mortal vessel was taken in by the forests before She ascended."

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "Oniala."

You nod your head emphatically.

You say, "The cabin is there to this day."

You say, "It marks the entrance to Her temple."

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "She was taken in by..the Sentinel tutor or something similar."

You nod your head emphatically.

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "I was there when Mebrene took her as a vessel."

Her voice laden with crackling fire, Jami whispers warmly to you, "(( god damn Jami is old))"
//Left in for reasons that should be quite obvious.//

The bright sun shines down upon you.

You have emoted: Melantha smiles wistfully as she says, "Lucky you. I would give a great deal indeed to have been there."

You have emoted: Looking about once more, Melantha brushes a gloved hand lightly and reverently against the side of the shrine.

Kaleigh enters from the northwest, riding a gentle pony.

His hardened gaze settling upon Kaleigh with measured wariness, Corporal Amare Ari says, "I trust you will mind yourself within the Beacon's walls, traveler."

Kaleigh leaves to the southeast, riding a gentle pony.

Kaleigh enters from the southeast, riding a gentle pony.

The deepening dusk yields to impenetrable darkness as night claims the land.

Kaleigh gracefully hops off of a gentle pony.

Kaleigh slaps a gentle pony on the rump and sends it cantering off.

Nodding her head in greeting, Prioress Kaleigh Deschaine says, "Ma'am, Miss Jami."

You turn towards Kaleigh and place your palms together in front of your chest, bowing respectfully.

Jami removes a pair of boots.

Jami gives a pair of boots to Kaleigh.

Jami gives Kaleigh a peck on the cheek.

Kaleigh smiles at Jami.

Prioress Kaleigh Deschaine smiles and says to Grand Mistress Jami Siarani, "Thank you Miss."

Kaleigh gives Jami a peck on the cheek.

Pressing the open palm of her left hand against the clenched fist of her right, Kaleigh bows respectfully.

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

Kaleigh leaves to the northwest.

You ponder the situation.

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says to you, "It would be quite magnificent if it was some sign of your Lady."

You have emoted: Melantha's face blossoms into a smile as Jami makes the suggestion, and she nods vigorously. "Mmhm!"

You have emoted: Melantha's expression grows pensive as she slowly says, "I wonder, what if we evoke more of our Illumination abilities? Not Firestorm or the like, perhaps, but..."

Jami molds a brilliant orb into existence between her hands. As she places it on the ground, a radiant light illuminates everything in the area.

You call upon your inner spark to fill your body with warmth.

((Intruder in the city.))

Jami leaves to the northwest.

You crease your brow in a frown.

Jami arrives from the northwest.

You begin to follow Jami.

((Walking around for a bit before back to starting point.))

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says to you, "Where should we venture?"

Omei, the Beast Queen cuts the air with a bone-chilling howl, having roused from Her slumber.

You ponder the situation.

The stars wink into existence, familiar constellations illuminating the night with tales of myth and
legend.

You say, "The master shrine, I think. I don't know what we'll find, if anything, but I can always hope. And always will."
//Yes, this was said entirely straight-faced.//

You cease to follow Grand Mistress Jami Siarani.

You beckon Jami to you.

Jami begins to follow you.

The Pillar of Auresae flickers brightly once before lowering well below its normal strength.
//"A clue! A clue!" "What's that? A shoe?" "No~! A -clue!"//

Jami places her fingers to her mouth, pausing for a moment before blowing hard, creating a sharp, carrying whistle.

A lustrously-armored sprightly white mare trots in, beckoned by its master's call.

Jami swiftly swings up onto a lustrously-armored sprightly white mare.

You blink.

You beam broadly.
/...Why? Why -that- emote? I mean I was tired, but seriously?//

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "Let's go to the pillar."

You nod your head emphatically.

You say, "And it's a good thing I have coal!"
//"Oh, boy! It sure is! And it's a good thing you aren't even a tiny bit worried that the Pillar might go out!" v_v;//

((Cue fumbling my way to the Pillar because I can't remember exactly where it is. Finally...))

The bank of a marshy island.
--- Area 60: The Peshwar Delta ---- v1607 ---
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--- The bank of a marshy island - -3:-2:0 ---
The stars twinkle in the clear night sky. A black cohosh plant is here. A bellwort flower is growing
here. A prickly ash tree is growing here. A cranberry bush flourishes here in the wet environment. A
clump of watercress grows here. Rising as an indisputable bastion of Fire, the Pillar blazes skyward,
 an impressive testament to the power of the Goddess. Flickering candles lit by the faithful
surround a large golden bowl, comfortably set in an opulent ruby pedestal. Wild white hair draping
Her body, Omei, the Beast Queen stands here.
You see a single exit leading west.

You blink.

You turn towards Omei and place your palms together in front of your chest, bowing respectfully.

Jami turns towards Omei, places her palms together in front of her chest, and bows respectfully.

"Bad, bad, bad!" Omei growls, ignoring the mortals.

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

Whispering quietly, Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says to you, "This is not the Lady we were hoping for."

The object of Omei's attention sputters again, burning weakly.

You have emoted: Melantha's shoulders straighten and a fierce expression transfigures her mild face.
((Apologies to Omei. Tired mind added two plus two and got potato.))

"Argh...! Sister!" Omei springs away, worked into a froth.

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "Sister..."

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "It must be."

Without Omei there, the fire dims even more, barely burning at this point.

You crease your brow in a frown.

You remove 500 coal, bringing the total in the cache to 414.

You have emoted: Melantha's expression settles into concern, and she carefully attempts to feed the
Pillar.

You put a stack of 500 pieces of coal into a pillar of flame.

You have emoted: Melantha murmurs an earnest prayer for the Pillar's renewal.

Omei materializes.

The fire flares in response to the coal, though it swiftly returns to its previous state.

Deepest Stygian night steals over the land as the symbolic hourglass empties and turns, ready to begin a new day.
It is now the 17th of Midsummer, year 421 of the Midnight Age.

You draw your eyebrows downward and together in consternation.

Omei hauls impossibly-sized bundles of worked lumber on Her back, most likely pilfered from some
construction site.

Omei drops a stack of lumber.

Omei drops a stack of lumber.

Omei drops a stack of lumber.

"What are you waiting for! Make yourselves useful!" Omei commands.

You have emoted: A slow smile works its way across Melantha's face and she nods vigorously.

You pick up 3 lumbers.

The moon glows fiercely, projecting a beam of light into Spinesreach.

The last croak of a consumed amphibian breaks the silence.

You have emoted: Melantha quickly and carefully stokes the Pillar with the provided wood, murmuring
prayers all the while.

The flames of the Pillar flare once more, though swiftly dim down.

Omei drops to all fours, uttering a fearful crowing noise, and begins to mutate.

A low, bestial growl rumbles in the back of Omei's throat as Her muscles grow taut, causing Her to double over as they stretch and snap beneath Her skin. Her face elongates into a lupine muzzle, Her teeth sharpen, and a thick pelt springs from his flesh. She gives Her body a vigorous shake and lets out a bone-chilling howl as She assumes the form of a werewolf.

With a dull roar, the pillar of fire is engulfed in a white glow for but a few moments, before returning to its normal yellow blaze.

Kaleigh enters from the west, riding a gentle pony.

"NO GOOD," Omei snarls, pacing frenziedly around the burnt field. "NEED MORE FUEL."

Kaleigh jumps off of her pony and nearly stumbles backwards from Omei's outburst.

Kaleigh slaps a gentle pony on the rump and sends it cantering off.

Grinning fiercely, you say, "I have more."

Jami drops swiftly to her knees by the pillar, her hands placed around a small globe of flame,
"Mother Mebrene, grant us your fires once more." Jami softly chants.

Omei's mere presence seems to agitate the fire, making it spike and flare, bits of flame leaping toward Her body.

You have emoted: Melantha hauls another load of coal from her cache and proceeds to shovel it in as fast as she can, her aim quite accurate at point-blank range.

This time the coal does little good, the fuel not nearly enough.

Omei lowers Her head and gazes into the flame, Her violet eyes flashing a fierce orange in its glow.
"What is it, Sister Fire? Do You rouse? Do you--" Watching you, inspiration strikes Her. She seizes you in Her enormous hand. "Perhaps a DIFFERENT FUEL?!"

The fire seems to excite at Omei's words, spiking harder into the air.

The deepening night settles in as the moon traces its path across the sky.

You have emoted: Melantha nods fiercely, her face working into a mask of concentration as she considers the problem.
//Gah. Weak response is wea~k! It didn't quite sink into me that "Holy crap, Mel's being manhandled by the Beast Queen!".//

Jami rises to her feet as she watches her companion be snatched by the Goddess, "If this is the fuel She would want, our sparks will gladly be thrown to her."

"No, no, not you..." Omei puts you back onto your feet.

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

Kaleigh's gaze switches from the flames to the Goddess and back again, her eyes widening.

"YOU," Omei bellows triumphantly. "Traitor. SPY. FEED MY SISTER!"

The twisted shadows melt away from Aren's frame and leave him free.
//Him now being Syssin, I had no idea he had arrived. Not in the habit of keeping Hypersight up. Should probably fix that.//

As Aren's hand makes contact with the flames, they leap out, consuming his body wholly. He screams in
pain, writhing on the ground as his skin melts off before the fires cook his muscles and fat,
leaving a putrid scent in the air.
Aren has been slain by a pillar of flame.
Aren drops a stack of 8 pieces of irid moss.

Aren's body does the trick and the flames leap high into the sky, burning brightly once more. From
them steps Auresae, Goddess of Fire.

The bank of a marshy island.
--- Area 60: The Peshwar Delta ---- v1607 ---
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--- The bank of a marshy island - -3:-2:0 ---
The stars twinkle in the clear night sky. High stalks of green-brown grass grow tall here,
surrounding a stone platform that possesses a pillar of fire. Towering above all else in the area,
the blazing bastion looks more than a little out of place, piercing the sky and casting its
brilliant illumination across the marshlands. The ground underfoot is very wet, with sucking mud and
pooling water, but each blade of grass blooms bright golden flowers that basks in the glow of the
looming Pillar. A black cohosh plant is here. A bellwort flower is growing here. A prickly ash tree
is growing here. A cranberry bush flourishes here in the wet environment. A clump of watercress
grows here. Rising as an indisputable bastion of Fire, the Pillar blazes skyward, an impressive
testament to the power of the Goddess. Flickering candles lit by the faithful surround a large
golden bowl, comfortably set in an opulent ruby pedestal. There are 8 pieces of irid moss in a stack
here. The twisted remains of Aren lie here. Prioress Kaleigh Deschaine is here. Grand Mistress Jami
Siarani is here. She is riding on a lustrously-armored sprightly white mare. Clad in black and white
fur, Omei, the Beast Queen hulks over you, rage in Her eyes. Intense waves of heat bathe the area,
radiating from the Divine presence of Auresae, aiyr Vahaitnari.
You see a single exit leading west.

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "Finally that traitor has done some good."

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

You have emoted: Melantha's face runs the spectrum of shock, hope, and vicious satisfaction before settling on pure joy.

Auresae looks immediately to Omei, Her lips turning up in a smile. "Sister.." She hums, looking pleased.

Stathan arrives from the west.

Pressing the open palm of his left hand against the clenched fist of his right, Stathan bows respectfully.

Kaleigh emits a long breath, one she had not known she was holding.

You have emoted: Melantha cries out a fierce, welcoming, "Inesse!"

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

She is an Immortal of regal countenance, Her corporeal form that of a young woman with blackened
skin and a mane of hair that crowns Her head and spills over Her shoulders. The locks themselves
bear the multi-hued brilliance of flame, almost constantly shifting and licking over Her skin as
though alive, pulled halfway back from Her face by means of a decorative metallic piece. She has a
gently rounded visage with high cheekbones, thin lips and radiant golden eyes framed by long, dark
lashes. The sheer palla She wears arcs over one shoulder, fastened in place by an amber brooch, to
wrap around Her torso in a thick swathe over the opposite hip. Brushing down the length of Her thigh,
 the excess cloth of the garment is gathered and draped casually over Her arm. A soft, warm glow
envelops Her form and the faint aroma of smoldering embers accompanies Her presence.
She is wearing:
an effulgent bracelet of many-hued sunstones, worn on head
a luminous white stola with gold trim, wrapped around Her body
an airy, sheer gold palla, over one shoulder

Omei shares much of your response. Stumbling backwards several steps, She teeters on Her digitigrade feet, before hurling Herself at Auresae, practically strangling the Goddess of Fire in an exuberant hug. "I missed You! Missed You! Missed You!"

Stathan moves to stand next to Kaleigh, offering her a quick nod in silence.

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

Auresae laughs joyfully, barely catching Omei in Her arms before wrapping them around Her. "I missed You too, dear Sister," She says, and then, in a darker tone, "Do You still possess that -Book-?"

Omei gives Her body a vigorous shake and begins to shed Her werewolf form, the fur receding rapidly, and Her body shrinking back to normal size, not a single trace of the wolf remaining.

With nary a whisper nor a sigh, rosy-fingered dawn creeps into the land, stealing the soul of the night.

Kaleigh watches the Goddesses and smiles at their reuniting. Feeling Stathan near her, she glances at him and dips her head in a slight nod.

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

Omei shrinks, Her musculature compacting tightly, until She is a head shorter than Auresae, flushed in the face. Letting go abruptly, She coughs into Her fist, averting Her eyes shyly. "Excuse Me, please. It has been... no, no book. It is back with its owner."

You have emoted: Melantha laughs brightly, tears of sheer relief and happiness falling unheeded as Omei greets Auresae. She settles down as Auresae's tone registers, and she watches with a sharp, curious gaze.
//Little bit slow on the draw here. Hate it when that happens.//

Stathan morphs before your eyes, taking on the form of Osifer.

Auresae nods slowly. "It is best," She says decidedly, "It is an evil thing." She reaches out a hand, stroking Omei's arm tenderly before finally looking around at the mortals gathered. "So few.." She says, "I must have been gone long."

Kaestrin suddenly appears, looking bewildered.

(Enorian): Jami says, "Citizens, if any of you wish to see Lady Auresae, you have the chance now."

Stathan inclines his head politely to Kaestrin.

(Enorian): Omei says, "Come! Come visit!"

Kaestrin kneels before Omei, swearing his allegiance to Omei.

(Enorian): Omei says, "She returns!"

With a dull roar, the pillar of fire is engulfed in a white glow for but a few moments, before returning to its normal yellow blaze.

Kaestrin stands up and stretches his arms out wide.

Kaestrin inclines his head politely to Auresae.

Dipping her head in a show of respect, Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says to Auresae, Goddess of Fire,
"It is good to see you once again, Lady."

Hallowed Hunter, Ranger Kaestrin Silverain the Primal says to Auresae, Goddess of Fire, "Fire Goddess."

The bright sun shines down upon you.

A beautiful melody wafts across the heavens, lifting each of the City of Enorian with the divine blessing of Auresae, Goddess of Fire.

A beautiful melody wafts across the heavens, lifting each of the Duiran Council with the divine blessing of Auresae, Goddess of Fire.

Omei enacts a greeting with Kaestrin that looks well-practiced, reaching out to touch at Kaestrin's head in sync with his kneeling.

Lucus suddenly appears, looking bewildered.

(Enorian): Demortes says, "Thank you, Lady Auresae."

Stathan smiles at Lucus.

You have emoted: Melantha's face falls at Auresae's observation, and she nods. "Aye, Inesse. Many sleep, but there are still those faithful. Kiyotan still wakes regularly, and others with him."
//Completely blanked on the other others I've seen around. Still can't remember. :\ Wake up, you lot!//

(Enorian): Stathan says, "Thank you, Lady Auresae."

(Enorian): Kerryn says, "Thank You, Lady Auresae."

(Enorian): Auresae says, "Of course."

You smile and say to Auresae, "Thank You for Your blessing."

(Enorian): Atticus says, "My gratitude upon you, Lady Auresae."

Kaestrin's eyes close and a smile touches his features at Omei's touch.

(Enorian): Demortes says, "Welcome to the world once again."

The bright sun shines down upon you.

Lucus bows his head respectfully and says, "Thank you indeed, Lady Auresae."

Auresae, Goddess of Fire says, "Well. I will find more, in time."

Casting off her final fetters, the luminous lady awakens fully, shedding her joyful light from horizon to horizon.

Ayanala steps through a fold in reality.

Ayanala takes a drink from a crimson and ivory vial.

Stathan presses the open palm of his left hand against the clenched fist of his right and bows respectfully to Ayanala.

Pressing the open palm of her left hand against the clenched fist of her right, Ayanala bows respectfully.

Kaleigh presses the open palm of her left hand against the clenched fist of her right and bows respectfully to Ayanala.

Kaestrin's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

The bright sun shines down upon you.

Ayanala presses the open palm of her left hand against the clenched fist of her right and bows respectfully to Omei.

Ayanala presses the open palm of her left hand against the clenched fist of her right and bows respectfully to Auresae.

Kaestrin thanks Auresae sincerely.

You smile and say, "I suspect it won't be long. Your Call has always been a strong one."

"As promised, I have protected Your holdings. It is fortunate You have returned - I have My hands rather full these days," Omei says, a touch of jocularity in Her tone.

The bright sun shines down upon you.

Auresae smiles to Omei indulgently before lowering Her hand and turning Her attention to you. "You and I will speak, I think," She says severely.

Paithan enters from the west, riding a grey mule.

Paithan sighs deeply, as if he has suffered a great loss.

The bright sun shines down upon you.

You have emoted: Melantha nods gravely. "Aye, Inesse," she says simply.


Ember Paithan says to Crusader Lucus Morrog, "Where will we be hunting, Prelate?"

Auresae nods once to you before looking up again. "Tell me the things I should be aware of," She orders, looking around the mortals assembled.
//Another place I blanked. I wasn't around for any of the really big stuff, like the Steelhew saga.//

Omei gazes on at Auresae adoringly, half of Her lit by the fierce glow of both Goddess and Her pillar. To Kaestrin, She says quietly, "Come."

Omei crouches down onto Her haunches, staring off into the sky.

Omei leaps into the sky, vanishing from sight.

Kaestrin staggers on his feet, diffuse white light bursting from his eyes, nostrils, ears and mouth. Abruptly, he crumbles and flakes, vanishing from sight.

The bright sun shines down upon you.

The last croak of a consumed amphibian breaks the silence.

Haven Locke of the Black Sun's voice resonates across the land, "Fire will cleanse the world. Blessed be the Light and all those who reach for it!"

The bright sun shines down upon you.

Ayanala puts her hands on her hips and goes, "Hmmm!"

Stathan turns his eyes skyward, hoping for divine inspiration.
//In the presence of the Divine seeking answers Herself, no less!//

Auresae raises Her brows expectantly.

Xiuhcoatl's voice resonates across the land, "You try to cook my food Haven, you're dinner."

Attaining her fullest glory, the shining sun sits upon her throne at the apex of her daily trek through the firmament.

Stathan Vitroth says, "Mr Locke is at it again, it seems."

Sister Ayanala Silverain says, "Is he ever not at it?"

Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says to Stathan Vitroth, "Hasn't lost his voice just yet."

Jami puts on a pair of boots.

Sister Ayanala Silverain says, "If you will all excuse me."

Stathan nods his head at Ayanala.

Pressing the open palm of her left hand against the clenched fist of her right, Ayanala bows respectfully.

Sister Ayanala Silverain says to Auresae, Goddess of Fire, "Thank you, Lady Auresae, and welcome back."

The bright sun shines down upon you.

Auresae seems to think for a moment before nodding slowly at Ayanala.

Ayanala leaves to the west.

Stathan murmurs something softly to Jami.

Auresae, Goddess of Fire says, "No one has anything to say? Well then."

Crusader Lucus Morrog says, "Wait!"

Lucus smiles at Auresae.

Crusader Lucus Morrog says, "I do, if I may ask a question?"

Quietly, you say, "There is much. First among them that comes to mind, Abhorash walks the realms again."
//Got ninja'd by Lucus. Of course, that wasn't too hard to pull off, come to think of it.//

With a slow nod, Auresae, Goddess of Fire says to Crusader Lucus Morrog, "You may."

The bright sun shines down upon you.

Paithan falls to his knees in supplication before a shrine of Auresae, murmuring words of prayer.

Auresae frowns at you. "Disgusting," She says, "We will act against them soon, I think." She then turns Her attention back to Lucus.

Atticus begins to intensify slowly until he appears flesh and blood once more.

Atticus projects a net of light about himself, and you watch as his image becomes faded and ghostly.

You nod your head in agreement.

The bright sun shines down upon you.

Crusader Lucus Morrog says to Auresae, Goddess of Fire, "You and Omei seem to know each other well. I had spoken with Her for the first time a few months ago. Is your return somehow linked with Hers?"

Crusader Lucus Morrog says, "My apologies Lady Auresae, I meant to say Your return."

"It is not," Auresae says, folding Her hands in front of Her, "It is mere coincidence, though it is no secret that She and I are close."

Its black eyes scanning its path, a wolf spider slowly crawls in from the west.

A wolf spider crawls out to the west.

Her voice laden with crackling fire, Jami whispers warmly to you, "Do you know why your Lady has been gone for so long?"

The bright sun shines down upon you.

The crackle and pop of flames accompanies your voice as you tell Jami, "I do not. To my shame, I slipped into sleep before Her."

Stathan Vitroth says, "Lady Iosyne is...a giant spider now. If I recall correctly, Lady Auresae, Your Sister Omei destroyed Her and Llazuth, I think, offered up her form to bring Her back. I don't think You knew about that as of yet, M'lady."

The bright sun shines down upon you.

Stathan morphs before your eyes, taking on the form of Indiana.

Damariel enters from the west, riding a powerful russet charger clad in battle-ready barding.

Damariel gracefully hops off of a powerful russet charger clad in battle-ready barding.

The sun begins her downward journey towards eventual sleep, casting even, full light upon the land.

Its black eyes scanning its path, a wolf spider slowly crawls in from the west.

Stathan presses the open palm of his left hand against the clenched fist of his right and bows respectfully to Damariel.

Your mouth turns up as your face breaks into a smile.

You turn towards Damariel and place your palms together in front of your chest, bowing respectfully.

Paithan bows respectfully to Damariel.

"Omei destroyed Her?" Auresae repeats before giving a soft sigh and a smile, "Always causing trou- Brother!"

Kaleigh presses the open palm of her left hand against the clenched fist of her right and bows respectfully to Damariel.

With a high-pitched, droning buzz, a marsh mosquito travels past your ear.

"Sister!" Damariel roars, vaulting right across the heads of the assembled mortals and landing before Auresae to embrace Her fiercely. "By Truth, We have missed You."

The bright sun shines down upon you.

A wolf spider crawls out to the west.

Eugenides arrives from the west.

Raising his hands slowly, Mr. Eugenides Cardinalis says, "I don't mean to intrude, but Something like this is too interesting not to take the risk."
//Congratulations! You made it into the log.//

Auresae laughs aloud, enveloped in the larger God's arms making Her brilliant hair all that stands out separate from Him. "So I see," She says brightly, "So I see indeed."

Its black eyes scanning its path, a wolf spider slowly crawls in from the west.

Laughing delightedly, Damariel relinquishes His grip, steps back, and takes in His Sister with a quick, up-and-down nod of His head. "You're looking well. Remarkably well."

Lucus bows respectfully.

Paithan leaves to the ether following Lucus.

The bright sun shines down upon you.

Auresae nods to Damariel. "I spent time in My Pillar, burning away filth," She says, "I am strong. I am healthy."

A wolf spider crawls out to the west.

Its black eyes scanning its path, a wolf spider slowly crawls in from the west.

Stathan eyes a wolf spider, giving him the once over.

The bright sun shines down upon you.

Damariel mot Lanosaryon, the Unbound says to Auresae, Goddess of Fire, "Good. What do You intend to do now? No less than seventeen separate mortals have asked after You during Your absence."

A wolf spider crawls out to the west.

Atticus slowly fades into view, returning to the realm of perception.

Atticus tosses a sparkling cloud of dust over himself, and vanishes little by little into
invisibility.

"Only seventeen?" Auresae questions, shaking Her head before looking off into the distance, "Mine said something about Abhorash. I will have that taint removed. I will cleanse them in My flames." A frown comes to Her face, anger showing in Her expression.

The bright sun shines down upon you.

Its black eyes scanning its path, a wolf spider slowly crawls in from the west.

The deepening dusk yields to impenetrable darkness as night claims the land.

A chill breeze brings with it the smell of decay.

A wolf spider crawls out to the west.

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

Aishia Celaeno, the Shrike yells, "Hooo."

"Then Our purposes are of an accord," Damariel answers, His thumbs tucking easily into the belt upon His armor. "I welcome You back as an ally to the cause of Light."

Haven swiftly gallops in from the west.
//Hi, Haven! What a great chance to bury the hatchet!//

Haven clenches his jaw tightly, pressing his lips into a line with a grim look on his face.

Haven turns right around and leaves.
//Well, fine then! Not like She can't find you any time She wants. Nope.//

Haven leaves to the west, riding a donkey.

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

Stathan opens his mouth but says nothing.

Heaving a sigh, Stathan applies his face to his palm.
//Right there with ya, Stathan.//

Glancing towards the west, Grand Mistress Jami Siarani says, "Funny for Locke to be a coward, wonder why he is so."

Rubbing his chin, Stathan Vitroth says, "He has an affinity for Fire. I'm confused why he would not stay."

An ominous rumbling precedes the resounding echo of a fissure splitting open the earth, as the Malevolent emerges from Her lair.

Auresae, Goddess of Fire says, "I marked him, in the past. Perhaps I should check in on that..."

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

Stathan Vitroth says, "To aruesae (with a confused look) I don't know Mr Locke very well M'lady, but he fights, sometimes a bit foolhardy, for the light. If I might ask, how did You mark him?"

Heaving a sigh, Stathan applies his face to his palm.

Stathan leaves to the west.

Stathan arrives from the west.

Stathan coughs softly.

Stathan shifts his eyes from side to side suspiciously.

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

The stars wink into existence, familiar constellations illuminating the night with tales of myth and legend.

"I understood your question," Auresae says to Stathan, "But that is a long story for another day. Suffice it to say he has a reminder of Me he is not likely to forget." With that, She lifts a hand, inspecting Her palm for a moment.

With a slight nod, Stathan demonstrates his understanding.

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

Its black eyes scanning its path, a wolf spider slowly crawls in from the west.

Stathan eyes a wolf spider, giving him the once over.

Stathan Vitroth says, "Excuse me."

Stathan's aura of weapons rebounding disappears.
In a dazzling exhibition of agility, Stathan shifts from the form of the Dragon, to the Cat, to the
stalwart Scorpion, throwing out artful swings and leg sweeps, before letting a wolf spider have it
with an expertly-placed kick.
He connects to the torso!
The final blow proves too much for a wolf spider, who expires, pitifully.
Having slain a wolf spider, Stathan retrieves the corpse.

Stathan mutters discontentedly.

Stathan Vitroth says, "Don't much care for spiders."

Kaleigh quickly covers her mouth and giggles at her brother.

Atticus begins to intensify slowly until he appears flesh and blood once more.

Atticus projects a net of light about himself, and you watch as his image becomes faded and ghostly.

Jami places her palms together in front of her chest and bows respectfully.

Jami leaves to the west, riding a lustrously-armored sprightly white mare.

Auresae looks back over to Damariel. "Brother," She says with a frown, "Is it true? Of Sister Iosyne? She has been desecrated?"

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

The last croak of a consumed amphibian breaks the silence.

Calmly, Damariel mot Lanosaryon, the Unbound says, "Yes. It's true. Your Sister, the Dreamer, took the Muse's life. An abomination rose in Her place."

Stathan morphs before your eyes, taking on the form of Sahmie.

"Oh Omei, Omei, Omei," Auresae says, shaking Her head, "What am I going to do with You?" Focusing fully on Damariel, She says, "-My- Sister? Is She no longer Yours?"

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

Gruffly, Damariel mot Lanosaryon, the Unbound says to Auresae, Goddess of Fire, "She is. We recently
had a bit of a misunderstanding."

Deepest Stygian night steals over the land as the symbolic hourglass empties and turns, ready to begin a new day.
It is now the 18th of Midsummer, year 421 of the Midnight Age.

Interjecting with a duck, Stathan Vitroth says, "And a dance."

Damariel mot Lanosaryon, the Unbound says to Stathan Vitroth, "Let's not jump to conclusions on that account."

Kaleigh presses her mouth into a fine line and pokes Stathan hard in the side.

"Not much of a surprise there," Auresae says, cutting Her eyes at Stathan for a moment before back to Damariel, "Things are well now, then? We cannot afford division."

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

"They are not well. I have concerns about Her plans and Her goals." Damariel's lips are set into a grim line. "But for the sake of a united front, I have elected to let the matter go for now."

Kerryn arrives from the west.

Pressing the open palm of her left hand against the clenched fist of her right, Kerryn bows respectfully.

Giving a slow nod, Auresae, Goddess of Fire says, "It is best. I will check in on Her soon."

"Good," Damariel replies. "She always liked You. You'll be able to talk sense into Her."

Kaleigh presses the open palm of her left hand against the clenched fist of her right and bows respectfully to Kerryn.

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

Stathan ponders the situation.

Auresae takes a deep breath, releasing it slowly before looking back upon the crowd of mortals.

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

Auresae, Goddess of Fire says, "If you have no more to say, I will leave. I have much to consider."

Stathan inhales softly before stating, "I would have thought Lord Dhar would have showed up as well to welcome You back, Lady Auresae. Though I do not pretend to know how a Divine thinks. So, on His behalf, if He does not say so soon, Welcome Back."

Damariel mot Lanosaryon, the Unbound says, "Our Brother has a lot on His incorporeal shoulders. Don't think too much of it, son."

Damariel grins mischievously at Stathan.

With a slight nod, Stathan demonstrates his understanding.

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

Auresae nods curtly.

Auresae, Goddess of Fire says to Damariel mot Lanosaryon, the Unbound, "Brother."

An explosion of flame wreathes itself around Auresae's body, consuming Her entirely and leaving no trace of Her in its wake.

Damariel mot Lanosaryon, the Unbound smiles and says, "Sister."

Damariel puts a gauntleted hand to His lips, blowing a kiss toward the space of air She previously occupied.

Damariel swiftly swings up onto a powerful russet charger clad in battle-ready barding.

Damariel mot Lanosaryon, the Unbound exclaims, "HyyyyYYYAH!"

Damariel blurs with speed as His mount gallops Him away to the west.

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

You have emoted: Melantha gives a small smile, her expression filled with conflicting emotions.

Stathan exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from his lungs.

Pressing the open palm of her left hand against the clenched fist of her right, Kerryn bows respectfully.

Auspicious Legacy, Abbess Kerryn Cardinalis says, "Duanathar."
Kerryn is swiftly carried into the skies and out of sight by a pair of wings of the eagle.

Stathan Vitroth says, "I was half expected to get turned into a pile of ash at one point there."

Pressing the open palm of his left hand against the clenched fist of his right, Stathan bows respectfully.

Stathan leaves to the west.

Mr. Eugenides Cardinalis says, "You aren't kidding."