Lisaera's tale of the Creation of the Maeve

The Queen's Throneroom.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. It is quite mild. Laeroc stands
here, a determined look set on his features. A rowan sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here.
The Queen of the Fae casually fills the room with her presence. Yipping playfully as he hops back
and forth, Arco, the Hound of Papaxi, is here, his dark fur shimmering with an ethereal light.
Aodhan the regal gryphon is here, his golden eyes blazing like the sun. A brown woolly rhino with a
cracked horn and a tufted tail dominates the area, watching with narrowed eyes. A solstice dragon
lies coiled here, blowing puffs of red and green smoke.
You see a single exit leading down.
Barrin greets Queen Maeve of the Fae with a sincere smile.
Queen Maeve of the Fae looks up at Barrin curiously.
You close your eyes and let your etheric senses reach out to touch the spirit of the ground. You
find the environment here rebels against being wyrden woods, and so you let its true nature reveal
itself as that of sylvan forest.
Barrin says to Queen Maeve of the Fae, "Greetings, Queen Maeve."
Laeroc, the Queen's Consort whispers into Barrin's ear.
You greet Laeroc, the Queen's Consort with a sincere smile.
Urdnot gives the world a smart salute.
You bow respectfully to Queen Maeve of the Fae.
Silken tresses fall from a regally poised head adorned with a simple circlet of leaves that artfully
keep the waterfall of hair in place. A stunning pearl torc hangs across her otherwise unadorned neck
hanging deeply enough that it covers nearly all of her torso with a radiant grace. Eyes of a
startling violet dance with an otherworldly knowledge and an aura of power seem to emanate from the
air surrounding her. Completing the ensemble is a rainbow-hued skirt that envelopes the Queen's
lower half and hangs down so it continually brushes against the ground as she walks. Upon the back
of her neck is a single mark - a scarlet depiction of the Weeping Amaranth, occasionally seeping
with a trickle of blood.
Queen Maeve of the Fae does not even register your presence as a threat.
She weighs about 137 pounds.
She has a slight resistance to fire damage.
She has a slight resistance to cold damage.
She has a slight resistance to poison damage.
She has a slight resistance to psychic damage.
She has a moderate weakness to excorable damage.
She has a slight resistance to divinus damage.
She is loyal to the Faethorn Realm.
You cannot see what Queen Maeve of the Fae is holding.
It has the following aliases: maeve, queen, fae.
Barrin says to Queen Maeve of the Fae, "We would like to have some of your time, if we may."
You say, "Oh, dear."
Queen Maeve of the Fae raises an eyebrow questioningly.
Barrin says, "Something is afflicting Lady Lisaera."
Queen Maeve of the Fae reaches out to touch the walls of the tree around Her.
A brown woolly rhino with a cracked horn and a tufted tail paws the ground with his hooves
restlessly.
Across the heavens, the stars and moon challenge night's dark reign, revealing familiar
constellations that tell the tales of myth and legend.
Queen Maeve of the Fae smiles as her fingers glow slightly as the wall itself seems to respond to
her touch.
Queen Maeve of the Fae withdraws her hand and the glow seems to fade.
 (Serenwilde): Cadica (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Farewell for now friends."
 (Serenwilde): You say, "Fare well, Cadica!"
 (Serenwilde): Ryves (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Stay Wilde, Cadica."
A shriek seems to scream past heading from the south, and a chill runs through your body.
With a sigh, Queen Maeve of the Fae says, "And you come to us...why?"
Queen Maeve of the Fae waves a hand almost idly. "The Hallowed Awakener can surely deal with Her own
problems," she remarks drily.
Glistening gold light filters into the room as the shining form of an Honour Guard enters from the
down.
You nod your head slowly in understanding.
The room darkens slightly as the glowing mail of an Honour Guard leaves to the down.
Barrin says, "Queen of Faethorn, surely you have noticed something queer in faethorn or with the
fae?"
Laeroc, the Queen's Consort whispers into Barrin's ear.
You say to Queen Maeve of the Fae, "Have you been well, yourself, fae Queen?"
Laeroc, the Queen's Consort whispers into your ear, "I'm searching for something to help keep the
place cheery. The little girl with the rabbit is good about saving me a flower if you can find her."
You tilt your head curiously.
The silken calls of various birds that flit throughout Faethorn form a delightful melody.
Almost affronted, Queen Maeve of the Fae says, "Of course we have been well. Why would we not be?
The Faethorn is hale and hearty."
You ponder for a moment and say "Hrm..."
Barrin says, "It seems we need to towards the lisae."


Barrin says, "Ahem."
The slightest wisps of translucent cloud disturb the clear skies overhead.
You feel your skin grow warmer, fast becoming hot, as cold blue runes appear along your limbs,
emitting psionic vibrations before fading altogether.
Serenguard Urdnot Starleaf says, "Lady Maylea asked us to speak to Lady Lisaera's order about you, I
guess we came to see why we came."
Barrin says, "Thank you for...your time, Queen Maeve."
Laeroc, the Queen's Consort whispers into Barrin's ear.
Barrin bows respectfully to Queen Maeve of the Fae.
Urdnot gives the world a smart salute.
Barrin points boldly towards the horizon and declares in a proud tone, "Onward!"
You curtsey gracefully before Queen Maeve of the Fae.
Your eyes sparkle with amusement.
Aohdan, the regal gryphon, prowls out to the ether, the light going with him.
You say, "It is good to hear you are well, in any case."
You say, "If you are ever in need, Serenwilde is at your call."
With an imperial nod, Queen Maeve of the Fae says, "Of course we are well. Why would we not be?"
You say to Queen Maeve of the Fae, "There are many threats in the world, my Lady."
You say, "New Gods flock to the tainted lands."
narrowed eyes. With silken wings dusted with diamond unfurled, a rainbow gryphon is here, surrounded
by a halo of white light. Serenguard Urdnot Starleaf is here, shrouded. He wields a gold and onyx
lance with both hands.
You smile softly.
You curtsey gracefully.
You see exits leading up, down, and out.
Serenguard Urdnot Starleaf says, "Something is wrong with Lady Lisaera?"
Barrin says, "I think so."
Serenguard Urdnot Starleaf says, "Why?"
A rainbow gryphon with silken wings dusted with diamond talons the ground with a fierce shriek, her
wings spreading gloriously behind her.
A motherly voice questions lightly, "I do not believe anything is afoul with Me, little ones, but
your concern is kind and polite." The trees bend and bow low as the Silver Goddess steps forward
from the forest, a curious smile on Her lips.
Comprehension flashes across your face.
You humbly drop one knee to the ground before Lisaera, genuflecting reverently in Her presence.
Urdnot gives the world a smart salute.
Barrin bows respectfully to Lisaera.
You say, "That is good news, my Lady."
Barrin says, "Hello Lady Lisaera."
Her storm-coloured eyes a coiling grey in hue, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "I wonder -- what
brought this conversation to pass in My name?"
You point accusingly at Barrin.
Serenguard Urdnot Starleaf says, "Lady Maylea asked us to speak to Lady Lisaera's order about Queen
Maeve."
Barrin says, "We are...potentially on a quest to help You."
The Ethereal Realm responds to the Hallowed Mother's presence in glimmering motes of light and the
curious giggles of nearby fae.
A twinkling pair of golden eyes wink into being within the mist surrounding the Moonhart. "I appear
to have confused My flowers terribly," remarks a low voice with fond amusement, as the form of the
Bloom of Serenity coalesces into being besides Lisaera.
Harmonies resonate at the edge of hearing, recalling a martial melody.
Serenguard Urdnot Starleaf says, "Niina didn't know anything so we sought Queen Maeve and Barrin
mentioned something might be afflicting you."
You flutter your eyelashes charmingly.
Urdnot gives the world a smart salute.
You nod your head at Urdnot.
Lisaera takes Maylea's hand in Hers and smiles warmly.
You beam broadly.
Barrin bows respectfully to Maylea.
Barrin says, "Hello Mother."
You idly twirl a strand of long white hair in an elegant braid around your finger.
Barrin turns toward Maylea and touches his chest in greeting, an array of prismatic colours briefly
glinting in his eyes.
Gently, amusement in the low rumble of Her voice, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says to Maylea, "I
admire your flowers' erstwhile convictions nonetheless, dear friend."
Her amusement slipping as Her eyes harden with hidden thoughts, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says to
Maylea, "Was this...about what We discussed?"
The pointed tips of your ears twitch to hear an errant sound.
A rainbow gryphon with silken wings dusted with diamond talons the ground with a fierce shriek, her
wings spreading gloriously behind her.
Maylea returns Lisaera's smile with radiant warmth, before leaning to press a gentle kiss to
Barrin's forehead. "Indeed," She replies. "Though it would seem Mine also know little of the Maeve's
plight."
The howl of a distant wolf momentarily silences the crickets.
Barrin creases his brow in a frown.
Barrin says, "Have the lisae managed to create the amulet?"
You say, "Lleuke is leading the effort."
Lines of power flare up along Barrin's body, connected by shimmering points of light. For a brief
moment, his body becomes a canvas displaying the constellations of Lusternia before the light
flickers and fades away.
You shake your head at Barrin.
Barrin looks about himself, concern evident in his eyes.
Curiously, a lilt to Her voice, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "The amulets are meant to be from
your own make, child. A trinket or a bauble, a stone you admire, a petal from a fallen flower --
something you would not mind carrying with you, but that does not already hold value."
Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "We can only imbue objects with magic that do not already contain
a signature. Enchantment, even natural enchantment, requires a pure canvas and direct intent. It is
clever for you to all desire the same amulet, however, as it will help bind the spell faster."
The music of fae's laughter tickles at the edges of your senses.
The last vestiges of midnight shadows flee as Mother Night hides herself from the luminous arrival
of her shining mate as he chases her across the bowl of the sky.
You say, "That's what we are doing."
You say, "I think we've settled on something amber. So we will all carry it."
Exhaling softly, the sound like wind through the leaves, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "But I am
afraid Manteekan's foul and cursed presence is no longer so pressing as the Maeve's plight."
Lisaera looks at Maylea with a grimness in Her eyes before She turns to address the mortals.
Barrin says, "Maeve's plight... it seems she is unaware..."
You say, "Wait- Queen Maeve said she was well.."
A slight shudder shakes Maylea's shoulders at the mention of the Nightmare, and Her eyes narrow.
You narrow your eyes to thin slits.
Barrin says, "This is a very dangerous situation then."
You tilt your head and listen intently to Lisaera.
Barrin says to Lisaera, "May I ask what You know of this plight?"
With several beats of his wings, Barrin alights upon Aodhan, the blazing gryphon's shoulder.
Her lips curving downward into a maiden's frown, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "I know very
little. I was not present during the Maeve's branding at the creature Nifilhema's hands."
You sent the following message to Lleuke: We should get on with a design for an amulet for us all to
carry, Maylea and Lisaera came, I'll log it.
Lleuke would like you to know that: Sorry, if my tells are off I'm idling. Thanks for the message!
I'll get back to you as soon as I am able.
You say, "Is that what the marking of the amaranth is on her neck?"
You crease your brow in a frown.
A flash of the Crone's anger in Her voice, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "But I do know that the
Maeve is not herself. She has no memory of the events surrounding her current state, and her
behaviour when pressed... is erratic."
You say, "It bleeds. I was concerned, but did not ask her about it."
Lisaera nods Her head affirmatively at you.
With a sigh, Maylea, Bloom of Serenity says, "She would likely not be able to reply if you did, My
dear. The hold on her is strange indeed."
Fralunah arrives, following Ryves Yfae'dren.
A frost hag flows through the air before Ryves.
A centaur hunter says, "Hail, wildeling."
A centaur hunter says, "Hail, wildeling."
The Moonhart Mother Tree suddenly flares with pulsating energy as Ryves steps through.
Dedicant Fralunah, of the Hart says, "I'll give you that weird naked dream.."
Ryves bows respectfully to Maylea.
Ryves bows respectfully to Lisaera.
You give Fralunah a horrified gasp.
Dedicant Fralunah, of the Hart says, "Oh.."
Maylea's eyes sparkle with amusement at Fralunah.
Fralunah blushes furiously.
Ryves snickers softly to himself.
 (Yfae'dren Jewels): You say, "Wow."
Lisaera lifts a slender eyebrow and turns Her attention to Fralunah
 (Yfae'dren Jewels): Ryves says, "Hehehe. Right on time."
You clear your throat in an attempt to gain the attention of those around you.
A breeze of amusement passing through the storm of Her voice, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says to
Fralunah, "What a potent imagination, child."

Barrin says to Fralunah, "Dont worry, we are not here to judge."
You open your mouth but say nothing.

With a flourish of her arm, Fralunah bows deeply.
You wave your hand dismissively.

The musky scent of loam and leaves fills you with vibrancy.
The musky scent of roses surrounds Maylea as She fails to conceal Her amusement.

An armoured badger snuffles about the area curiously.
You say, "What can we do to remove the mark on the fae Queen?"

Lisaera smiles a maiden's smile and idly weaves Her braid into place.


Ryves blinks.
You say, "Surely this is not the first time it has happened."

Ryves growls menacingly.

Ryves Yfae'dren says, "They're really doing it?"

The trees around you sway in time to a guiding force beneath the earth.
You say to Ryves, "There is a bleeding amaranth on her neck."
The Ethereal Realm twists as the Silver Goddess frowns. The sky darkens visibly and black clouds
pool overhead.

Ryves mutters discontentedly.

Sunlight billows across the realm, revealing the full glory of the majestic sun's luminous presence
as he climbs higher into the sky.

Ryves Yfae'dren says, "Will slaughtering the Demon Lords and Lady help? We can do that."
The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.

Her storm-coloured eyes billowing with black clouds, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "There are
few powerful enough to touch a creation that required the careful and precise work of several Elders
to Awaken. I do not know the distinct origins of this brand, but I do know it has only been done
once -- and will never be done again."

Ryves Yfae'dren says, "Done... By who?"
  say It's a Magnagoran mark. I feel like I've seen it before.
You say, "It's a Magnagoran mark. I feel like I've seen it before."

Maylea folds Her hands before Her and sighs deeply. "The amaranth itself is by its very nature
associated with the Queen of Insufferable Cruelty," She explains, in a low voice. "It is in essence,
her flower - for it was made in her image."

Comprehension flashes across Urdnot's face.

Ryves ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."
  say They were asking for peace. I supposed they've given up on that
You say, "They were asking for peace. I supposed they've given up on that."

Urdnot thanks Maylea profusely.
Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

With a mother's gentleness, despite the roiling storm above and within Her countenance, Lisaera, the
Silver Goddess says, "The transfer of Nifilhema's power into the Maeve must have been enacted
through ritual. The shards of this land still hold fractions of power within them, and if enough of
you uncover the secrets that few Elders are privy to, then you can command the flow of energy that
clings to this realm by the grace of Dynara."

In a swirl of blue fire, a gentle spirit stag leaps out of the Flame of dae'Seren upon you and
prances in a slow circle before fading.

Maylea nods Her head at Lisaera.

Your shroud dissipates and you return to the realm of perception.
  (evoke yesod)
Muttering the secret names of Yesod, you trace a glowing circle in front of you. You step into the
circle of energy, coming out of it cloaked in invisibility.
Ryves Yfae'dren says, "What do they look like?"
You say to Ryves, "Who?"

In a swirl of blue fire, a gentle spirit stag leaps out of the Flame of dae'Seren upon Barrin and
prances in a slow circle before fading.


Waving Her hand as if to dismiss the point, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "You call this power
High Magic and Low Magic, Wicca and Aeromancy -- these little spells and weavings that allow you to
manifest strength. The ritual spellcraft that I perform, with help from My Lisae, is more what
occurred centuries ago to afflict the Maeve."

Frowning slightly, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "The passing of Elostian is painful, as His was
a knowledge of the mysteries outside the natural realm. If He were here, He might have been able to
assist Us in this."

Ryves ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."

Fralunah closes her eyes, curls up into a ball and falls asleep.

Fralunah opens her eyes and yawns mightily.

Fralunah stands up and stretches her arms out wide.

Fralunah presses the tips of her fingers against her temples.
You whisper soothing words to Aodhan, the blazing gryphon.
  clt1 damn your gryphon
(Octave of the Spirits): You say, "Damn your gryphon."

The sun reaches the zenith of the firmament, pausing in his quest to allow the land to bask in his
shining golden rays.
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, , Ryves Yfae'dren says, "Wonder if something was left behind..."

With a mother's gentleness, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says to you, "Do not think this brand is
fresh, child. It has seared into the Maeve's neck for centuries now. While it was created in the
modern era, it has been left unchecked for an entire lifetime already."

Birds fill your ears with serenades of happiness and love.
You say, "Then let it be left unchecked no longer."

You say, "There must be a way to protect her."

Barrin says, "My memory is hazy regarding that passing. I think we had ... forgotten the danger...
or unaware of what is happening now."

The musky scent of loam and leaves fills you with vibrancy.

Nodding in agreement, the building storm in Her eyes reflecting in the sky above, Lisaera, the
Silver Goddess says, "The Maeve will soon be free of this half life. But make no mistake, My
children -- there can be no war. This is a delicate thing, and we must be wise. Going to war will
only delay us."

Maylea's eyes flicker to Lisaera, a shadow of pain flickering across Her face. "My...First, would
have known more," She says after a moment, letting the words hang in the air before shaking Her head.
 "But there is no purpose in regretting what We may not do."

Reflecting, you say, "No war.."

Urdnot gives the world a smart salute.

Urdnot grows still and his lips begin to move silently.

You wave goodbye at Urdnot.

Urdnot is enveloped in translucent fire for a moment and is gone, his soul safe until he returns to
Lusternia.

Barrin nods his head emphatically.

Frowning, Her expression a mask of emotion, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says to Maylea, "I would
wonder about the shadows. They touch more than We, and He was present at Maeve's birth..."

A squirrel skitters through the treetops somewhere above.



You open your mouth but say nothing.

You say, "He was?"

Turning to face the mortals again, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "Make no mistake, Serenwilde.
The taint is foul and will pay, but for the moment, we mustn't derail our efforts with blind
savagery. We must learn what they know of this brand before they fall."

Lifting a slender eyebrow, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "Do you not know of the Maeve's
creation, little ones?"

You say to Lisaera, "Were there others?"

You shake your head.

Fralunah shakes her head.

Continuing the hunt for his dark mate, Father Sun presses forward in his journey, lowering himself
in the sky yet still casting even, full light upon the land.

For an almost imperceptible moment, Maylea goes entirely still. "I am sure He would." Her reply is
soft - too soft - but after a moment She returns Her attention fully to the conversation. "Perhaps
the singing of the Maeve is a story that should be told to all of the Serenwilde."

Exhaling softly, as if in preparation for a tale, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "Then watch well,
 My children. I will weave the story of Maeve's beginnings."

Lisaera nods Her head at Maylea.

Fralunah sits herself down.

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

Ryves sits himself down.

In a swift, fluid motion, Ryves springs up from his hands to land crouched on his feet.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Maylea's lips.

Ryves blinks.

Ryves shifts his eyes suspiciously from side to side.
You settle to the ground in a cross-legged position, inhaling deeply. As you bring your hands up to
rest open-palmed at either side, you exhale, clearing your mind.

You beam broadly at Lisaera.

(Serenwilde): Barrin says, "We are gathering at Ethermother, listening to the singing of the Maeve.
Please gather if you wish to listen."

Barrin says, "If I may, allow me to find others."
You nod your head emphatically.

Lisaera stands upright and tall and closes Her eyes briefly. After a few short breaths, She reaches
out for Maylea's hand and opens Her eyes

Barrin places his hands on the Moonhart Mother Tree and disappears in a fountain of pulsating energy.
A centaur hunter taps his forehead with his spear as Barrin leaves.
A kephera nature warder says, "Farewell, forest dweller."
Aohdan, the regal gryphon, prowls in from the ether, casting light about his surroundings.
A kephera nature warder touches his headdress in salute towards Barrin.
The Moonhart Mother Tree suddenly flares with pulsating energy as Barrin steps through.

In a quiet tone, Barrin says, "It seems they are... resting."

A squirrel skitters through the treetops somewhere above.

Dedicant Fralunah, of the Hart says, "Sleeping?"

Barrin says, "You could say that."

Your enhanced sense of music fades from your mind as quickly as it came.
The corners of Fralunah's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.
Ryves shakes his head at Fralunah.

Barrin says to you, "Perhaps you could get your scribe to write it down."

Ryves Yfae'dren says to Fralunah, "Far from your reach."
You say, "I will."

Dedicant Fralunah, of the Hart says, "Awh.."

With a quick beat of his wings Barrin rises to circle slowly around Aodhan, the blazing gryphon,
studying him curiously.

With several beats of his wings, Barrin alights upon Aodhan, the blazing gryphon's shoulder.

Holding Maylea's hand lightly in Her own, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "Are we gathered?"
You nod your head sagely.

The musky scent of loam and leaves fills you with vibrancy.

You hear a faint, ethereal melody, laden in the surrounding air.

As the sun passes below the horizon's edge, Mother Night unveils her terrible, shadowy beauty,
spreading darkness across the land.

Nodding once, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "Then let us begin."

Maylea smiles softly at Lisaera.

Lisaera squeezes Maylea's hand and takes a deep breath, Her face a war of emotions and memories.

Fralunah stands up and stretches her arms out wide.

A soft shaft of moonlight beams down on Fralunah.

Fralunah sits herself down.

The canopy begins to close at Lisaera's command, stitching together to form a dome that blocks out
the celestial lights. A pure darkness falls across the gathering that is only lit by the prismatic
hues of the two Elder Goddesses.

(Yfae'dren Jewels): Ryves says, "This is soo cool."

The Moonhart Mother Tree suddenly flares with pulsating energy as Jaamil steps through.

Lisaera gestures vaguely and manifests a ball of moonfire that hangs suspended in midair. She
exhales the breath She held into its centre and nods to it, commanding the ball of fire to ripple
outward.

An owl hoots off in the distance.
  emo watches in awe.
You have emoted: Niina watches in awe.
You have recovered balance on all limbs. (1.199s)

Staring intently at the flames, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "Eons ago, before the Basin of
Life became a land of fractured peace and mortal wars, there were only Elder Gods."

Across the heavens, the stars and moon challenge night's dark reign, revealing familiar
constellations that tell the tales of myth and legend.

The howl of a distant wolf momentarily silences the crickets.

The flames dance wildly and then shift completely, becoming a reflection of the Silver Lady's words.
A vision of powerful entities dancing across the skies, trailing motes of light and energy, replace
the cities and villages of the Basin. Gargantuan trees spread across the world, and all around, more
spring up, summoned by the will of these enigmatic figures. You hear laughter and singing,
expressions of joy and love, and a feeling of resolute peace fills your very core.

(Yfae'dren Jewels): Ryves says, "Gah. Have to go! Scribe!"

Smiling at the image, Her storm-coloured eyes still fixed on the flames, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess
says, "There was only Us. Only peace."
  clt5 I got it
(Yfae'dren Jewels): You say, "I got it."

Ryves places his hands on the Moonhart Mother Tree and disappears in a fountain of pulsating energy.
  clt5 see if there's anyone on prime


The aura surrounding Maylea turns briefly indigo, a brilliant shade that glimmers like the soft
petals of bluebells.

The chirping of crickets surrounds you in a medley of night-time music.

You feel your skin grow warmer, fast becoming hot, as cold blue runes appear along your limbs,
emitting psionic vibrations before fading altogether.

The image darkens visibly and twists. Where blue skies streaked with sunsets and sunrises loomed
overhead, only plumes of smoke remained. Trees fell in droves, creating enormous gaps in the
sprawling canopy of the Basin of Life, and all around you, the enigmatic figures that were the
Elders fell from the skies, broken and bloodied. Misery replaced joy, and expressions of love became
cries of pain and suffering.

Staring blankly at the flames, silver tears falling down Her cheeks, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess
says, "The world was not Ours any longer when the Soulless came."

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 9th of Vestian, 414 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Maylea takes a graceful step towards Lisaera, supporting Her with the gentle strength of a guarding
friend, even as Her own brow dips in memory.

The wind whistles eerily through the trees.

The image sharpens, revealing what appears to be a burned and broken reflection of the Ethereal
Realm. A small coterie of Elders stand in a circle, staring at one another with more questions than
answers written on Their faces. "The one called Zenos will doom Us if We do not act quickly. The
Basin of Life is already sundered -- We cannot allow the forests to burn." A murmur of agreement
erupted from within the gathering.

Two slender figures holding hands walked steadily into the centre of the circle and announced that
Their Moon would help fight. A shadowy figure, hidden by His own darkness, announced that His Night
would also help. The gathering nodded in assent of the plan, when a voice of reason cut across the
din, "It will not be enough. These spirits are great, but if we cannot stand and fight against the
Soulless, how can they?"

Dedicant Fralunah, of the Hart, a newbie in the Free Collective of Serenwilde, has entered Lusternia.
The body of Dedicant Fralunah, of the Hart appears in a flash and her soul descends to fill it,
causing the previously expressionless face to fill with emotion.

Fralunah blinks.

Still staring at the flames, Her eyes a mirror of the images, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "We
debated Our options. Would the spirits stand and fight separately? Could they? My Moon and Nocht's
Night, Sun, Bear, River... all of the Awakened Spirits offered to stand with Us, but they would fall
faster than We."
Gesturing vaguely again, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "Separately, they were weak. The natural
world held more mysteries and spiritual potential than any other in the Basin, and so it was that We
decided to unite them together in a desperate attempt to defend our world."

The image shifts again, becoming instead a silver sapling that bursts upward from the soil.

A soft shaft of moonlight beams down on Barrin.
Dedicant Fralunah, of the Hart says, "Excuse me.. Sorry."

Fralunah stands up and stretches her arms out wide.

The image expands to reveal the same darkened Ethereal Realm, shrouded in plumes of smoke and
falling leaves engulfed in flames. A large circle of Elders stand around the struggling sapling,
Their eyes closed, Their every muscle focused on Their work. The air bends and warps under Their
combined energy as They, together, search for the common thread of the natural world.

Fralunah leaves to the west.

Fralunah arrives from the west.

Fralunah leaves to the east.
A centaur hunter taps his forehead with his spear as Fralunah leaves.

An owl hoots off in the distance.

Slowly, the lesser spirits of the fae walk forward from nowhere in particular, their eyes staring
upward at their creators. The Elders slowly emerge from Their trance and take notice of the fae,
Their awakened creations, and instead focus on guiding them into their weaving.

Lines of power flare up along Barrin's body, connected by shimmering points of light. For a brief
moment, his body becomes a canvas displaying the constellations of Lusternia before the light
flickers and fades away.
  happysmile
You smile happily.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Maylea's lips.
The last vestiges of midnight shadows flee as Mother Night hides herself from the luminous arrival
of her shining mate as he chases her across the bowl of the sky.

Memories like flares of light behind Her eyes, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "We saw the fae
answer Our call, realizing then that the true root of all nature lies with them. They are, after all,
 awakened from the natural world itself -- a sigh of the wind became the banshee, a falling leaf
became the pigwidgeon, and so on."
  flutter
You flutter your eyelashes charmingly.

Barrin closes eyes, a faint smile upon his face.

You see the circle of Elders stand back as the silver sapling grows upward and outward, slowly
coalescing into a shimmering figure. As one, the voices of the fae echo, "We answer your call. We
are here. We are Maeve." All around you, the fae begin to chant "Maeve!" as one voice, their cries
drowning out the echoes of the soulless gods' destruction.
  l

Suddenly, the shimmering figure takes on the curves of a woman and the bearing of a powerful entity.
She stands tall and proud, and although her birth was seconds before, she takes on the semblance of
a commanding guardian force. "We are Maeve. We will help You." A cry of relief and joy erupts from
the throats of the exhausted Elders, and murmurs of surprise emanate from the other Elders who stood
back to watch. "You did it!" came a voice from the other circles. One of the Awakeners smiled
lightly and whispered, with the Crone's thunder, "She will need guidance. My Moon will help teach
her." Another steps forward from the circle and says, "My Sun will help, as well." Nocht replies,
having found His voice again, "And so will My Night." At that, the image fades altogether, and the
blazing fire becomes naught but a wisp of silver smoke.

Lisaera corrects the canopy with a wave, bidding it to open wide once more.

A squirrel skitters through the treetops somewhere above.
Your eyes widen in disbelief as you softly exclaim, "Whoa."

Maylea's eyes flutter to the ground as the image of the Silent Lord speaks, and She leans closer to
Lisaera.

Lisaera takes Maylea into Her arms lightly in a friendly embrace.
u see a deer wander through a clearing in the distance.
You say, "Amazing."
You say to Lisaera, "Thank You for sharing that with us."

Lightly, Her voice filled with emotion, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "The Maeve warred with the
soulless god Zenos. And she won, more or less. She managed to preserve the forests of the Basin of
Life singlehandedly, where so many of Us failed."
You nod your head slowly in understanding.

With Lisaera's support, Maylea's faint smile slowly returns, and She nods Her head in agreement.

Harmonies resonate at the edge of hearing, recalling a martial melody.

Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "She is owed a great debt. Although We created her, We owe her our
gratitude, for she began as a weapon and became so much more. Her power is truly immense."

Birds fill your ears with serenades of happiness and love.

The body of Serenguard Urdnot Starleaf appears in a flash and his soul descends to fill it, causing
the previously expressionless face to fill with emotion.

Darkly, the storm returning to Her eyes, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "And you understand why
it is imperative that she be freed from this tainted magic."

Urdnot gives the world a smart salute.

Showing that he understands, Barrin nods his head slowly.

Sunlight billows across the realm, revealing the full glory of the majestic sun's luminous presence
as he climbs higher into the sky.
  say yes, my Lady
You say, "Yes, my Lady."
  yes
You nod your head affirmatively.

In a quiet tone, Barrin says, "Do we then seek the Awakener, Nocht?"
  askance bar
You glance askance at Barrin.

Lisaera spares a glance toward Maylea
  help nocht
11.1.20 NOCHT, THE SILENT

200 years after the Coming of Estarra, the Great Night cried out under
the fiery onslaught of the Sun. It was the cries of His greatest
creation that hastened the return of the Silent Lord to the First World.

Known as an extremely shy, soft spoken member of the Sixth Circle, Nocht
was often overlooked by those around Him, and thus became known as
Silent Nocht. However, for those who did know Him, He was extremely
skilled at manipulating raw spirit and equipped with a sharp intellect.
Among the first to be forced to flee at the time of the diaspora, when
so many Elders fled the Soulless, Nocht was separated from the other
gods, swept into the darkest corners of the Void.

Ages later upon His return, the Silent Lord aligned Himself with the
Glomdoring Commune, the worshipers of His beloved Night. Preferring to
walk amongst the shadows and act indirectly from a distance, little is
known of how Nocht's solitude in the Void has altered Him. He takes
special interest in mortals, often walking amongst them and observing
their habits, motives and deeds, and His interest in them is second only
to His love for the Night. Indeed, it is not uncommon for a mortal to
feel the icy chill of His presence, and hear the muffled whispers that
follow Him as He wanders the shadows of the Basin.

His symbol is a seven-pointed star emblazoned on an orb of pitch black.


Frowning, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says to Maylea, "I think We may have need of His strength,
dear friend."

Her voice crackling slightly with emotion, Maylea, Bloom of Serenity says, "We...must ensure the
Maeve is safe." She exhales, slowly, and Her voice regains some of its strength. "It may pain m- us
to do so, but that does not mean it should not be done. As You say - we owe her more than can be
said."
  slownod
You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Maylea looks away, too late to hide the telltale gleam of unshed tears.

Barrin clutches Aodhan'r fur.

In a swirl of blue fire, a gentle spirit stag leaps out of the Flame of dae'Seren upon you and
prances in a slow circle before fading.

Aodhan, the blazing gryphon yelps in pain.

Barrin whispers soothing words to Aodhan, the blazing gryphon.

Lisaera nods, a hollowness in Her eyes as She considers this.

[OOC]: Time to vote! We only need 3 votes to move to #14. Thanks! http://www.lusternia.com/vote

Argent moonlight pierces the blue glow of the Flame of dae'Seren upon Barrin, enshrouding him
momentarily in a silver mantle.

Looking each mortal in the eye, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "Find your amulets quickly, then,
if We must send you into the shadows."
  inhale
You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.
  exhale
You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.
  yes
You nod your head affirmatively.
  message lleuke I need to speak with you.
You sent the following message to Lleuke: I need to speak with you.
Lleuke would like you to know that: Sorry, if my tells are off I'm idling. Thanks for the message!
I'll get back to you as soon as I am able.
5500h|100%, 6300m|100%, 6300e|100%, 10p, [Target: Nothing | 5.94m | xlr]
You have recovered equilibrium. (1.146s)
  say it will be done
You say, "It will be done."

Waving a hand dismissively, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "Carry My daughter's light in your
heart, and do not be fearful of the wyrd. You are stronger than it, and you are in command of its
effects over you."

You hear a faint, ethereal melody, laden in the surrounding air.
A rainbow gryphon with silken wings dusted with diamond talons the ground with a fierce shriek, her
wings spreading gloriously behind her.

The musky scent of loam and leaves fills you with vibrancy.

The sun reaches the zenith of the firmament, pausing in his quest to allow the land to bask in his
shining golden rays.

Nodding slightly in agreement, Maylea, Bloom of Serenity says, "When there is fear in your heart,
draw strength from those around you, and from your ancestry. You are the Serenwilde; you are never
alone, and you are ever unyielding in the face of destruction."


You see a deer wander through a clearing in the distance.

Jaamil nods his head emphatically.

Nodding solemnly, Lisaera, the Silver Goddess says, "Learn what you can and remember who you are. Be
well, My children."
  elfenpride
You raise your nose slightly in the air, assured of your own superiority.

Aodhan, the blazing gryphon inches bashfully over to Maylea and nuzzles Her tenderly.

Aodhan, the blazing gryphon inches bashfully over to Lisaera and nuzzles Her tenderly.

Jaamil places his hands on the Moonhart Mother Tree and disappears in a fountain of pulsating energy.
A moon maiden flashes Jaamil a joyous smile.
A kephera nature warder says, "Farewell, forest brother."
  say we will stand strong against whatever evil
You say, "We will stand strong against whatever evil."

Lisaera shuffles over to Maylea and shyly takes Her hand in Her own.

Urdnot nods his head emphatically.

Maylea leaves, following Lisaera, the Silver Goddess.
The silhouette of the Silver Goddess ignites with shimmering moonfire, Her presence wholly consumed
by the cold blaze that winks out of existence like motes of burning starlight.