Another Step Closer

Handing an immaculate stone basin to you Aeldra says, "Do fill it with the waters of this font and
drink. Then let us discuss what you see." With that she places the large basin into you hands.

Aeldra gives an immaculate stone basin to you.

Endless cascades of water and light flow into this luminous pool, enchanting in its celestial glow.

You think to yourself: "It will be good, to see these memories again, with a better grasp of my
Lady."

You fill an immaculate stone basin with water.

You take a long draught of water, hoping to quench your thirst.
The luminous, sparkling waters bring a calm clarity to your mind as you receive a vision of the Lady
Lantra:
"I envy you," you sigh to Rhapsody as the winged Goddess holds you in Her arms. "There are many
times I wish for your gift to uplift spirits with words alone. I... rarely know what to say to those
who despair." You shudder at the memories of the bodies on your healing mound, mangled beyond all
recognition by the Soulless. What comfort could you or anyone offer those left behind? As if sensing
your distress, Rhapsody draws closer to you and silences your doubts with a kiss. "You are the Light
of My Soul," She says with conviction. "You uplift Me every moment of each day. If I am able to lift
the hearts of others, Lantra, it is surely due in part to the love you bear Me! Do not doubt
yourself." Even now as She smiles at you, Rhapsody makes it appear so effortless, this genuine
outpouring of compassion that cannot be taught, no matter how diligently you study. You marvel at
Her, that such a selfless Goddess would love you.

Aeldra watches you, hovering in the air next to the basin, waiting quietly for your reaction, hands
folded.

You think to yourself: A bittersweet wrenching of his heart, the paired emotions of sorrow and joy
twisting at either side of his soul. "I think You underestimate Your ability to raise the spirits of
others with words, my Lady."

Lowering the basin, Avaris studies the Font for a time, his manner pensive. His
voice is yet subdued, the hue of his eyes still a deep, rich blue. "I...Did not realise the memories
would change." Turning to regard Aeldra, he asks, "Do you think the Lady still believes that She
cannot lift the hearts of others, as Her love once did?"

Aeldra taps her nose thoughtfully at you question, "I am uncertain, but I do think that She can see
that impact She has upon us mortals, Avaris." She nods to the basin, "As for the memories, yes, you
will see different things every time you drink. What insight were you gifted with?"

A gentle scraping sounds hisses forth as Avaris runs the edge of his plated thumb
along the rim of the basin, the motion slow. "A most poignant one, given what I have experienced
today. Our Lady in Her love's arms, being reassured."

Aeldra smiles softly at you and nods, "I am sure it has been a rather insightful memory." She points
at the font, asking "As this is the font of purity, would you draw any relation between the memory
and the tenet?"

Lapsing into silence for a brief span of time that is filled with mute
contemplation of the Font, Avaris studies the statue of the Empyreal, the crimson lines of his
antennae stirring faintly with life once more. "Naturally. There is the Purity of Their love for one
another, of course. The Purity of our Lady's desire to heal, to grant succour to others even in
matters of the heart. So, too, in the Lady Rhapsody's desire to do so for our Lady, and to cleanse
the doubt from Her. They both have such a strong, Pure intent to help others, to heal, in Their
way."

Aeldra nods softly at you, "Thank you for sharing your insight with me. Shall we proceed to the next
font, then?" she inquires, "Or do you wish to linger a bit?"

Avaris frees his lower left hand from where it supports the basin, gesturing gently
for Aeldra to continue. "I can return here after. Please, go on."

Aeldra nods at you, encouragingly "Please, do drink from the font of Purity as well, dear Avaris,
and tell me what you see." She flutters next to the font, "And how you feel it would result in
purity. It is always interesting to see what fresh eyes see in the memories shared with them."

The Font of Devotion.
The refined elegance of Lantra, the Blessed Mother is made manifest in this beautiful alabaster
font, the sculpture's eyes aglow with adoration as She stands upon a marble pedestal with hands
pressed to Her heart. Her gaze falls upon the Supernals of Celestia whom watch over these blessed
waters, each sculpted into the chamber's six surrounding columns. A shimmering aureole surrounds
Elohora, her hands extended upwards in a sign of benevolence to the Goddess while Shakiniel guards
her sister's left, her gold-embossed shield raised and sword in hand. To the right stands the noble
Methrenton, his armour imbued with a soft iridescence; Raziela follows, her slight form shown
singing beneath an arbour of yellow daisies. Japhiel emerges from the next pillar, his stern gaze
fixated upon the heavy gilt tome held in his hands. The final column resembles a faint masculine
figure, though its face is faded, as if lost to memory. Golden lotuses stand serenely at the base of
each pillar, illuminated with motes of starlight that cast luminous ripples across the room. Yvai,
the battle sheep dwells here, antler-bearing head raised proudly. Head bowed, an anointed urn-bearer
of water and light holds aloft the blessed vessel here with a reverent, stoic grace. She is
surrounded by a deflection bubble.
You see exits leading east, southwest, and northwest.

Avaris dips his chin in a small nod, stepping forward to fill the basin from the
flowing waters of the Font.

You take a long draught of water, hoping to quench your thirst.
The luminous, sparkling waters bring a calm clarity to your mind as you receive a vision of the Lady
Lantra:
How long had it been you drifted upon clouds of white, watching as Mother drew Rhapsody into form?
How many aeons ago did you watch Her grow, small at first, calling you Elder, though you were so
young yourself? How long ago was it She departed Her creche, shedding off infant essence and form,
molting into a beautiful young Goddess? And when had She first begun to mimic Mother's song, and
learned to sing it so sweetly? All the other Keepers of Song have left Celestia, having failed to
restore the Supernals with their chorus of the Song of Creation. She alone has not abandoned you.
"Do not give up hope, Lantra," Rhapsody says, pressing a kiss upon your cheek. "I have faith in
you." The warmth of Her touch lingers long after.

You think to yourself: "Ah. I think there is much of Rhapsody in my Lady's tenets, and Her choosing
of them. She has coloured Your soul, and left an indelible mark upon Your heart, Lady, and for that
I am eternally grateful."

Aeldra tilts her head, quietly listening for your answer.

Kneeling before the statue, Avaris places all four of his hands around the
circumference of the basin, encapsulating the vessel in a barrier of gleaming white. "There is, as
in the other memory, layers to how it relates to the Font, I believe. Their Devotion to one another -
Our Lady, watching over Lady Rhapsody as She grew. Our Lady's Devotion to Her Mother's creations,
and Her own task of nurturing Them. Her Devotion to the Supernals. The Lady Rhapsody's Devotion to
Her, and to the task of restoring the Supernals. To each Other."

A hint of a smile passes over Aeldra's face as she listens to your words. "I do remember that memory
well. It is a lovely one, one that already reflects the bond that forms between the two of Them. It
gives one a lot of insight into the very depth as far as devotion may go." She nods quietly to the
basin in your hands. "If you're ready, let us continue."

Avaris nods readily, rising easily to his feet once again. "I am. Please, proceed."

The Font of Fortitude.
Cold, argent light filters through this chamber, which is upheld by stark white pillars illuminated
by starry torchlight. The frescoes painted upon this water-filled chamber are haunting in their
black-and-white shading as they depict the horrors of the Elder Wars. Here, countless Elder Gods
hold Their ground before the likes of Kethuru, Crazen and Zenos, held in proud formations perfected
by the Second Circle. Yet the wounded and dying have begun to pile up behind Them, and while many
faces which grace these walls seem familiar, far more are blurred, as if the memory of Them has
finally begun to fray. A statue of Lantra, the Lady Mediatrix looks upon all these images in
silence, surrounded by startlingly bright red lotuses which blossom at Her feet and crown Her regal
brow. A single crimson lotus blooms eternally in Her outstretched hands as water and light flows
forth from beneath its sanguine petals, as if stained with blood. Yvai, the battle sheep dwells
here, antler-bearing head raised proudly. Head bowed, an anointed urn-bearer of water and light
holds aloft the blessed vessel here with a reverent, stoic grace. She is surrounded by a deflection
bubble.
You see exits leading northeast, south, and northwest.

Aeldra flits over to the Font of Fortitude, landing on the ground next to it and looking up at the
tall kephera next to her. "You've gained a lot of insight into our Lady and Lady Rhapsody already
today, I am curious what memory the fonts will reveal to you now. Fortitude are often very important
but at times, also very grim memories from Her life."

Rather than look down upon Aeldra, Avaris turns his head slightly aside so that the
diminuitive figure remains within his field of view, his left antenna leaning down towards her. "I
have indeed. I will treasure the memories of my Lady's joy, even as I will cherish this glimpse into
who She is, even if it is dire."

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters says, "Yes, indeed and each of them gives us a glimpse both
more about who She is as wells about what She seeks to teach us."

You think to yourself: He will accept all the facets that make up the peerless jewel that is his
Lady - Even if they are sharp, or jagged.

"Drink," a calm, feminine voice echoes through the chamber, "and know of Hope, and that strength
which refuses to be extinguished by despair."

The luminous, sparkling waters bring a calm clarity to your mind as you receive a vision of the Lady
Lantra:
Meridian's screams of anguish pierce the air as Eventru and Carsini stand transfixed, lost to the
spectacle of horror that is the slaughter of Their Circle. Amberle, the gentlest of the Firsts - no,
your First - has fallen. Everything slows as your body glides on pure instinct towards Meridian,
calling for the other Hamadhi to tend to Him at your side. Your leaders have gone. Like Aslarn, you
must ascend to Their place. As you reach for Meridian, you receive a glimpse into His link with
Amberle; with no healing mound, His raw pain is absorbed as your own. A primal terror fills you as
the Soulless's endless hunger flashes into your mind, vast and insatiable. Long after, you weep in
Rhapsody's arms, still unable to shake this infinite dread and sorrow that is not your own.

The fingers that grip the basin grow tense, Avaris squeezing down upon it in a
reflexive gesture even as his shoulders tauten, his posture turning rigid. A confusion of colour
whorls in the pools of his eyes - blue, dark as the depths of the oceans, blending and twisting with
threads of vivid red - of the same hue that burns in the glaring eyes of his wings, with an
intensity and brightness to rival the raging sun. The chitin of his fingers groans in protest at the
pressure it endures, the pointed tips screeching along the basin's surface as he struggles to master
himself. His breathing is harsh, and ragged - but with tangible effort, it grows steadier, smoothing
out in tandem with a dulling of the blazing sanguine light. At length, hands trembling faintly, he
lowers the basin and lifts his hands to press them to his face, silent.

Aeldra flits over to you, concern clearly visible in her eyes, as she alights gently on the
kephera's shoulder "Avaris?" she asks quietly, "What did you see that disturbed you so much?"

With that Aeldra she instinctively reaches out and wraps her arms gently around your neck for a
moment, before senses comes back to her, pulling back and instead watching you with worry.

You think to yourself: A flood of surging, overwhelming emotion - That of his Lady's, of what She
felt through the connection to the agonised Lord Meridian, and his own. The immensity of the
combination is fit to drown him, the sheer, infinite depth of the sorrow, the horror born of the
Soulless' hunger carving a deep groove into his heart. There is, of course, rage. A fury of vast and
terrible light, that She has suffered so much - Was Her own pain not enough, that She had to take
that of others within Herself?

Avaris's answering nod is a jerking, shaking motion, his shoulder shivering briefly
beneath Aeldra. His voice is a strange thing to hear - Not at all as smooth as normal, but formed
from ragged edges of lingering horror, jagged rage, and a straining note of sorrow. "I..I felt what
She felt. When..." He shudders again, curling his hands into fists. "Lord Meridian. The Soulless."

You think to yourself: A quelling of the maelstrom, a gradual restoration of balance as the foreign
emotions ebb away, leaving only his own to master. Aided by the concern of his dear friend, by the
strength he felt through the brief embrace, he grows quiescent within once more, applying his will
with the inexorable pressure of gravity.

Aeldra frowns and nods, "I knew what happened back then, Avaris, long before I've shared that memory
of Hers" she remains seated on your shoulder, still looking very worried. "And yet, it did not
prepare me to actually feel it through the eyes of our Lady." She shudders, "The first contact with
the soulless, the loss of Lady Amberle" she sighs, "It is a hard memory to bear, but also an
important one. It reminds us as to why we have the tasks we do have." She taps you shoulder lightly,
sympathy shining in her eyes "Remember that you share this memory with all of us and that we bear it
together dear, every one of us." Her voice grows a tad stronger, losing a bit of its softness "It is
no idle choice that She shows us this below Fortitude, for there is a lesson within, Avaris. What do
you take from having been gifted this memory?"

You think to yourself: He focuses upon the question, the purpose. Fortitude, in this, as in all
things.

Visibly steadying, the tremors that run sporadically through Avaris diminish until
he is as solid and unmoving as is his typical fashion. The light within his markings dims down to
faint embers of baleful red, while his eyes grow closer to their usual hue - losing all traces of
the invasive crimson as they glimmer with a few fitful sparks of light when he turns his head to
Aeldra. "It is harrowing. But we endure it, for Her. It is, no doubt, but a fraction of the burdens
She carries. I will not be undone by this." Exhaling softly, he considers the query for but a small
time, before responding, his voice smoother, calmer. "There are many displays of Fortitude within
this one. The Lady does not break, despite what She sees, what She is forced to feel. She does Her
duty, even in the grip of the horror of what unfolds. She has the Fortitude to act, and to take Lord
Meridian's agony, even as She carries Her own." A pause, and then there is a slight burgeoning of
light within his eyes, a handful of brighter motes joining those that dwell within the azure depths.
"And, of course, Lady Rhapsody displays Fortitude when She supports Her love. She is a pillar for
our Lady to lean upon, in Her time of need."

Aeldra smiles at your words, her emerald eyes sparkling brightly as she sees resolve grow within
him, "Yes, indeed. I can wholeheartedly agree with you on this, Avaris." She nods, tapping your
shoulder lightly before lifting up to over in front of you. "This is one of the memories that will
linger with you the most, but it'll also remind you why we walk the path, we as an order, we as a
city, we as a people." She points down to the font and then, with a wide gesture back to you "And
with you, we have gained one more member who understands, who knows, who feels, why it is important
to hold on, to carry out our duties, to move forward and ensure something like this may never happen
again." She clasps a glass ampoule of bottled starlight around her neck, "And in thus, to cleanse
and heal those that have suffered like our Lady does, to provide reprieve and mending from the
suffering the Soulless and those corrupted them have caused."

You think to yourself: A quiet ripple of the heart. He has depthless admiration for healers, such as
his Lady, and Lady Aeldra before him, but he knows, in his soul, that he is not one. The best he can
manage, in his eyes, is to excise the corrupted flesh before it infects the whole. To burn away the
rot, purge the sickness and bring purity with the clean, sharp edge of a blade. He is not a healer.
He is a sword - But swords can protect, even as they cut.

Unfurling to reveal their starry hearts, radiant lotuses bloom upon these waters with a stoic grace.

Avaris listens with acute attention to Aeldra's words, his reinvigorated antennae
leaning in Aeldra's direction as he watches intently. He nods, though the gesture is a slow one. "I
will do what I can, Aeldra. I do not think that I can mend, or bring succour, as you or our Lady do,
but I will serve Her however I can." He extends his upper right hand, the motion gentle, and lays
the tips of his fingers upon Aeldra's arm - his touch cool, but not cold, and hard. The kindly
contact of a marble statue. "Thank you, Aeldra. I did not miss your gesture, even in the grasp of
the memory. You are very kind to me."

Aeldra smiles softly, resting her hand briefly on top of your saying "maybe you can not, Avaris, but
my friend, you are still doing a lot. Your very presence inspires the people around you." Her eyes
grow a little distant as she continues speaking, "It is often that those that suffer or struggle
seek comfort in those who stand unmoved and stern against the tides that crash against the shore.
Those that would stand in the fields of battle, may they be of physical struggle, of faith or mental
nature." She turns her eyes upon you, letting go of your hand "You have this strength Avaris, by
your demeanor and your very presence."

You think to yourself: "Ah, Aeldra. You see what I yearn to be, I think, not what I am. It is my
very dear wish to be as you describe, someday. I fear I sinpire very little, as I am now."

A brief, scintillating scattering of motes glimmer to life within Avaris's eyes,
though there is a note of something faintly sad in the melody of his voice. "Thank you, Aeldra. That
is very kind of you to say. I will aspire to be worthy that." Lifting his hand from her, he lifts it
to run the sharp tips of his fingers through the feathers of his right antenna, the gesture
distracted. "Shall we move on?"

Aeldra nods softly at you, "I have no doubt you will. Let us do so, then."

Aeldra alights on the rim of the font of Wisdom, saying to you "And last, but not least, we arrive
on the Font of Wisdom, Avaris." she nods towards its waters, "I am sure what you shall find revealed
will be equally enlightening."

A bright, almost starkly white figure in the shadowed alcove, Avaris steps forward,
nodding to Aeldra before he fills the basin with the waters of the font.

The statue of Lantra, the Empyreal shines with muted light as an immaculate stone basin slowly fills
with luminous waters from the Font of Wisdom.

"Drink," a calm, feminine voice echoes through the chamber, "and know of Truth, and that which
pursues knowledge with humility."

As the waters quiet, an immaculate stone basin vanishes in a flash of blessed light, returning once
more to your hands.

You take a long draught of water, hoping to quench your thirst.
The luminous, sparkling waters bring a calm clarity to your mind as you receive a vision of the Lady
Lantra:
"Compromised." That was the word that Meridian had used. Your heart stills; you didn't intend to
eavesdrop upon the Exalted's conversion, but you cannot unhear what has been spoken. And you cannot
bear to leave. Eventru's warm, golden voice murmurs, "We do not share your concerns, Meridian. We
believe that Lantra would be an asset to such a gathering." There is a deep sigh. "They are not My
concerns, Eventru," Meridian says at length. "But it is Lisaera's wish. You are the only member of
the Hamadhi She trusts. There have been too many... miracles." Once more, Eventru invokes your name,
stubborn and unyielding. And once more, Meridian denies Him. "We both know Lantra has changed since
Rhapsody's death," Meridian says quietly. "And Lisaera will not take any risk." You do not chase
after Meridian for an explanation, nor do you follow the Lord Exalted to ask what He knows. When the
tears come, you only ask yourself what you could have done differently.

Aeldra watches you with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

Again, red. Again, the markings within his wings burgeon with light - but this time
it is a slow, gradual seeping of roiling, dark crimson that flows and throbs through the glaring
eyes that adorn Avaris's wings. Again, the basin is subjected to terrible pressures as his grip
contracts with the inexorable, unhurried force of a coldly burning star. The texture of his
displeasure is much different, as he appears very much to be in control of himself - this is
obviously not the reflexive, primal reaction of the previous font, but a deliberate, dreadful anger
born of intelligence, of awareness. His voice is as cool and perilous as icy water, flat and hard as
a blade - a judge, damning someone to the gallows with a single, uncompromising word. "Faithless."

Aeldra's eyes shine with sympathy as she nods in understanding. "You've seen one of those where She
is just discarded, locked out, out of mistrust, is it not?" she asks, her voice dark and rich with
anger, "I do remember those well and they are hard to bear." She looks up at you, "Or ... it could
be that you've seen the ones that ... I hope not, not yet." She tilts her head sideways, "What did
you see, Avaris?"

You think to yourself: How dare They judge Her? How /dare/ They suspect Her, when She has done
nothing but give all that She is in the name of others? Spineless, faithless wretches, abandoning
Her so easily, when She has shown unwavering Devotion, an unending charity of spirit.

You think to yourself: A note of concern flicks within the dread star of cold anger, pulling his
attention aside. "What memories await that she would speak so?" How much has his Lady suffered?

Endless cascades of water and light flow into this luminous pool, enchanting in its celestial glow.

You have emoted: The fell quality of his voice remains, as empty of understanding as the Void is of
light, of warmth. Avaris's grip upon the bowl eases, if only marginally, as he answers, "You
inferred correctly. They shunned Her." He studies Aeldra for a time in silence, the quality of his
voice softening a shade, "Do the memories grow more terrible still, Aeldra? Is there no end to what
pain She has endured?"

Aeldra nods softly at your "You have yet only glimpsed the terrors of what the Elders' endured and
why the Twelve of them are so shunned and why it is so horrifying that They have aligned themselves
with Magnagora and ... Glomdoring." She taps her nose thoughtfully, "I am unsure how deep your
knowledge of the annals of Mugwumpois go, that tell of the Elder Wars?" She inquires from you, her
eyes still fierce and determined "Some of the memories here tell of the tale of a Healer that
betrayed Her art, witnessed from our Lady's very own eyes, Their name Malmydia."

You think to yourself: The abrupt, clear image of a statue, the figure thin, slashed and stabbed in
the grip of a terrible anger. "Ah. I see it, now."

Shaking his head fractionally, Avaris responds, "I have been distracted from
reading through them, with the matters of the Wyrd." He frees a hand, the upper left, and uses it to
indicate in the direction of the Isles. "The sunken building. The statue that has been marred.
Malmydia?"

Aeldra says to you, "My dear friend, I have to leave you here for a bit, as much as I would wish to
hear what you have to say of this. I have sworn duty to the city and there are things to tend to, as
a time quake has manifested itself. Let us finish this as soon as I am free, yes? I will tell you
about Malmydia then."

Avaris dips his head in a curt nod, lowering his hand again. "Of course. Do not let
me keep you, Aeldra. Fight well, and see clear. I will be here."

Luminous waters dance about Aeldra and carry her away in a stream of light, taking with them a
glissade of water lilies which drift along to the west.
Falling into a light trot, Yvai, the battle sheep trots out to the west.

Luminous star lotuses brighten the flowing waters of the Font of Wisdom as a calm, feminine voice
emanates from the statue of Lantra, the Empyreal, "I wonder. What Wisdom do you find in such a
vision as this?"

The sanguine curves of Avaris's feathered antennae snap to attention at the sound
of the voice, and he immediately lowers himself to one knee before the statue. "My Lady. I..." He
grows silent, the straight lines of his antennae curving forward and down. "This is a difficult one
to derive Wisdom from, my Lady. There are, I believe, many ways one could interpret it."

Luminous star lotuses brighten the flowing waters of the Font of Wisdom as a calm, feminine voice
emanates from the statue of Lantra, the Empyreal, "Perhaps. And yet you need only express one."

The rounded bottom of Avaris's smooth face dips down in a nod, brushing against the
dense white of his fur. "I think that, of all that I could take from this, my Lady, I feel that it
conveys that no matter how much of yourself you give to others, no matter how hard you work, how
good you are...People can always spurn you. But that does not matter - It is the good that you do
that matters, not the recognition, not the love or praise you might get. Even if it hurts."

You think to yourself: "Especially if it hurts. Being good, and kind, is not always easy. And there
is the Wisdom of why You are so guarded, now, my Lady. Ah, how You have been wounded, time and time
again. You did not deserve any of this."

Caressing your ear, the voice of Aeldra whispers, "I think this won't take too long till we can
continue this."

Luminous star lotuses brighten the flowing waters of the Font of Wisdom as a calm, feminine voice
emanates from the statue of Lantra, the Empyreal, "It is a pity that what is right and what is easy
rarely align, is it not?"

You tell Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters, "Take your time, Aeldra. Our Lady speaks to me. I do
not lack for company."

White water lilies glide in from the west upon a flowing stream, their gentle procession heralding
the entrance of Aeldra in a burst of water and light.

Avaris's voice is firm, but not cool, or unkind. "It is, my Lady. If they did, the
world would be a much brighter place. One of the greatest advantages that evil possesses, is how
easy it is to fall within its grip. The choice to be good, to do the hard thing, is not one made
often enough."

Aeldra exhales, as she flits in, panting "Uh... Am sorry Avaris. Forgive me for having to leave you
so suddenly." she says as she catches her breath.

Luminous star lotuses brighten the flowing waters of the Font of Wisdom as a calm, feminine voice
emanates from the statue of Lantra, the Empyreal, "Forgive Me, My Immaculate, for continuing in your
absence."

Aeldra smiles softly and shakes her head slightly, "Nothing to forgive, my Lady. For after all,
these are the things You taught me and You have a lot of insights to share that I can only hope to
still learn." She curtseys gracefully.

From where he kneels in reverence before the statue, Avaris's antenna flicks in
Aeldra's direction - though he does not turn to face her. "You have nothing to apologise for,
Aeldra. I would be content to wait, even if our Lady was not present."

Luminous star lotuses brighten the flowing waters of the Font of Wisdom as a calm, feminine voice
emanates from the statue of Lantra, the Empyreal, "On the contrary, it is My Avaris whose insights
have been shared. Tell My Immaculate what you have told Me, child."

Aeldra turns fully to you, curiosity plainly on her face as she quietly listens for your words.

Avaris bows his head in immediate and unhesitant acquiescence. "Yes, my Lady."
Shifting the angle of his head so that Aeldra can see his profile, he does as he is bidden, and
speaks, "In essence, that acting in a good and right manner is rarely easy. It does not always bring
friendship, or trust, or faith - but that does not matter, in truth. It is the good that you do that
matters, whether those you help laud you for it or damn you." He lifts his lower left hand, turning
it to encapsulate both Aeldra and the statue of their Lady. "No matter how it hurts, we must endure.
We must do good, no matter the cost to ourselves."

Aeldra nods solemnly to you, "yes, the right path is seldom the one that is the easiest to walk."
She shakes her head slightly, "I would say that this is, in part, why the people within the basin
look so strangely upon us. Not that I can say that all our decisions are right, but that is another
decision entirely." She flutters a little higher bringing herself onto the same height as you, "You
however have shown from your first steps after the portal that you have the conviction to do what
you know is just and right, despite the costs in popularity it may bring you."

You think to yourself: "Popularity means little to me, my friend. The warmth and love of others is a
good and fine thing - But it is nothing, if the cost is permitting goodness to fade, or the Light to
grow corrupted. I would become the most reviled creature in all of creation, for the right cause."

Luminous star lotuses brighten the flowing waters of the Font of Wisdom as a calm, feminine voice
emanates from the statue of Lantra, the Empyreal, "You well know that it is a lonely path to walk,
indeed. And yet you do not walk alone, do you, My Avaris? For you walk in the radiance of the Light,
and among Mine."

Aeldra nods softly in agreement with the Goddess' words, "We do stand with him, yes."

Lowering his head in quiet acceptance of Aeldra's words, Avaris returns his
attention fully to his Lady as She speaks, placing both pairs of his hands upon the natural armour
of his chest. "I do not, my Lady. I have the Light with me to guide my way. I have those of Yours
that see clear and true. I am grateful for it."

You think to yourself: "And I have You, my Lady."

Luminous star lotuses brighten the flowing waters of the Font of Wisdom as a calm, feminine voice
emanates from the statue of Lantra, the Empyreal, "I look forward to seeing where this path leads
you, My Blessed Avaris."

The voice echoing in the Font of Wisdom quiets, until all that can be heard in the stillness is the
susurrus of running water.

"Yes, my Lady. Thank You." Avaris responds, maintaining his kneeling posture for a
time even after the stillness descends - both within the chamber, and upon the kephera himself.

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters graciously grants you entrance into the the Divine Order of
Lantra, the Empyreal. Congratulations, and may you serve your God well.
In a flash of Divine power, a glass ampoule of bottled starlight appears in your hands, marking you
a member of the Divine Order of Lantra, the Empyreal.

(The Avowing): Aeldra says, "Welcome Avaris within the Avowed of the order of our Lady Lantra."

(The Avowing): Faragan (from a temporal rift) says, "Be welcome young one."

(The Avowing): You say, "Thank you, both. It is beyond an honour, sincerely."

Stirring at the light that leaves the ampoule within his upper left hand, Avaris
turns the long, chitinous appendage over and unfurls the cage of his fingers so that he can study
the glass with fascinated wonder.

The translucent glass of this fragile ampoule has been blown into a small, spherical vial, its
delicate shape fitting perfectly into the palm of one's hand. Within the glass vessel, a luminous
swirl of argent light and mystic waters coalesces to form bottled starlight in an effervescent and
sparkling elixir. At the apex of the vial is a platinum seal wrought into the likeness of a sacred
star lotus, its immaculate petals gleaming as the flower unfurls above a fine chain of enough length
to secure the vial loosely about the neck. Cradling the vial protectively is a round celadon
receptacle, the smooth jade jewelled with the image of two pearlescent koi fish, one a stark white
and the other a dark ebony, encircling the ampoule in a graceful dance of duality. A celestial light
suffuses the glass ampoule with a soothing glow, emanating a sense of inner peace and calm.

Aeldra smiles softly at you, "I left you with a lot of questions, Avaris. When you're ready, I'm
most certainly willing to answer them."

Lifting the bottled starlight, Avaris presses it against the cool, unyielding
surface of his carapace, just over his heart. He holds it there for a long moment, then rises,
turning to Aeldra with a nod. "If you would not mind, Aeldra, I would greatly appreciate that."

Aeldra nods at you, "Of course. Maybe lets change scenery though? There are many places within this
tower."

Avaris nods decisively, falling into step beside Aeldra.

A balcony overlooking the Vanishing Isles.
The vast panorama of the Vanishing Isles stretches before this balcony in a limitless expanse of sea
and mist. Only a delicate balustrade of marble and glass protects against the steep fall from the
ivory tower to the world below, which seems at once beautiful and insignificant from these heights.
The water gardens of the Isle of Polaris sparkle enchantingly beneath the ever-present starlight of
this place, as does the bruised ocean, which shimmers like black glass under its quiet light. Every
so often, a distant island can be made out as the veil of mist parts to reveal gold and silver sands
on the horizon, beckoning beyond the temple's safe confines. Head bowed, an anointed urn-bearer of
water and light holds aloft the blessed vessel here with a reverent, stoic grace. She is surrounded
by a deflection bubble.
You see a single exit leading south.


Aeldra turns to you as she enters, looking up to the kephera beside her. "How about here, what do
you think?"

Each step giving rise to a click-clack of hard chitin and talons impacting upon
marble, Avaris makes his way over to the balustrade, the breeze stirring the thick fluff of his mane
like dense, tufted cotton. Placing his upper pair of hands upon the barrier, he gazes out over the
expanse that spreads out below them, and nods slightly, his tone warm and peaceful. "Perfection. I
come here, sometimes, to meditate."

Aeldra flutters up and sits herself on the the edge of the balustrade as she begins to speak "Do you
know, anything at all, about the Elder Wars, or would it be better if I would give you a general
overview, Avaris?"

"I know quite a bit, in broad strokes, but if you wish to set the scene, by all
means." Avaris shifts his lower set of hands, bringing the left to the flaring chitin that guards
his hip. Pressing the point of his index finger above where it has been pierced through to secure
the loops of his scabbards, he stabs the sharp digit into the gleaming surface, puncturing it with
no small amount of effort. Wiping the modest flow of blood from the hole, he takes the fine chain of
the ampoule and loops it through with great care, cinching it tight. After checking that the glass
does not have sufficient freedom to bounce against him with enough force to shatter, he settles it
reverently back into place, and listens.

You slip into a glass ampoule of bottled starlight.
Celestial light pours forth from a glass ampoule to anoint you in the name of the Empyreal Goddess,
dancing about you in rivulets of mystic water and rays of argent white. As divine energy ripples
about you, a soothing calm purges all doubts as you receive the sacred blessing of Her Anointed.

Aeldra nods gladly "I am glad that you have a general idea as to what has happened. But then, Alarin
did decide to take you under their wing, the y wouldn't have let of off to anywhere without a broad
idea of history." She nods firmly, her expression darkening. "The particular incidents we're
referring is about Lord Krokano and... about the one of the traitors that is now known as the
Machine." she pauses for a moment, "Both are names familiar to you, Avaris?" She dangles her legs
over the edge of the balustrade, watching the scenery below.

A faint note of humour slips through Avaris's words as he says, "This was
unprompted, as it happens. I am inclined towards arming myself with knowledge by nature, and more so
now than ever - The pursuit of Wisdom. You understand." The subtle levity fades in its entirely, his
mien growing sober as he dips his head in a nod. "They are."

Aeldra turns to look at you, her expression turning lighter for a moment "You know, Alarin is my
father in law and the only father I have left, even if by extension. I'm very used to his, well,
particular way of approaching things." She winks, before turning more serious again, straightening
her posture as she begins to summarize "In short, Avaris, Malmydia is the one that twisted the art
of healing, using the accursed Elixir that the Masque and His accomplices devised from the essence
of the soulless Nemach to 'cure' and 'strengthen' the Elders from the Soulless assault. She used
this twisted, accursed thing to treat the wound of Lord Krokano's eye, resulting in immense
suffering to Him and in that twisted eye His shards now bear." Her left hand clutches her right,
around the ankles, the white on her knuckles coming forth for a moment, before she forcefully
relaxes. "And she molded the remains of the god the Machine used to be into the traitorous thing He
now obviously is, that has earned Him this name."

You think to yourself: A throb of anger as the memory of a spear being buried into Her brushes
against his mind, summoned by the talk of the Machine. "I hope His twisted prison pains Him, for all
that He has done, for hurting Her. It is the least He deserves."

The stylised depictions of eyes that flood Avaris's wings, as well as adorning his
brow and either shoulder, fill with a low, sullen light - not a blazing fire, but the quiet heat of
embers that burn on and on. "That explains much. I have no doubt that turning the healing arts
towards such abhorrent ends is anathema to our Lady, and to you."

Aeldra nods seriously at you "Many memories you'll see, Avaris, will reveal to you parts of this
foul corruption of the healing arts. Some of it is visible from the beginning too."

Avaris lowers his head in a somber nod of his own. "I am certain that they will
bring much Wisdom, though I feel that there will be much pain in them, for our Lady. What...Happened
to Malmydia, Aeldra? I have not read that far, I confess."

Aeldra gazes out over the balustrade, speaking in a muted tone "They were rounded up and condemned.
There were twelve all and all. They were judged by three of the third circle, chosen to speak
judgement over them. Lord Hoaracle, Lord and Lady Mysrai and Lady Jadice were chosen to speak their
judgement. The twelve were rounded up and sent for the void beyond the first world." A hinge of
sadness seeps into her words, "Eventually, that was a fate that would befall all elders, though not
in punishment, but in desperation. Those that did not splinter left for the void beyond our world."
She looks back now at you, turning her body to better see you as she sits on the edge of the
balustrade "There are memories of how it was for Her to be in the void, those are memories that will
give you a new understanding of nothingness my friend."

You think to yourself: He strives to imagine what that might be like - Suspended in an endless
/absence/. No heat, no light, no sound. Nothing at all. She would have been alone, would She not?
"How terrible it must have been." Never again, would She be so bereft, so alone. Not so long as he
remained.

Tilting his face up towards the firmament, Avaris gazes upwards for a time, a hand
drifting upwards to brush at the dense fluff of his mane. "Is Malmydia still within the Void, do you
think? Might She return sometime, or has She been devoured?"

Aeldra shrugs softly to the question, saying "I do not know, Avaris. I doubt that even the Elders
know."

Avaris's fingers curl slowly about the balustrade, gripping tightly. There is an
edge to his voice, a touch of cold steel in his words, as he replies, "We must remain vigilant,
then. She will no doubt seek to harm our Lady, if the wretch ever does return."

Aeldra nods seriously at you "And we'll be there to aid and defend Her, however way we can." She
nods seriously at you. "For now, however, I need to seek rest. I am pleased that I was able to teach
you about the song of Lady Rhapsody and guide you into the order proper. I'll see you soon, my
friend."

Freeing the railing from being subjected to the pressure of his grasp, Avaris turns
to offer Aeldra a bow, tucking his right pair of arms against his abdomen, while settling the left
set against the small of his back. "Thank you, Aeldra. I deeply appreciate the Wisdom you have
shared with me. Rest well."

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters smiles and says, "It has been my pleasure, Avaris."

Rising slowly from his bow, Avaris returns his gaze to the vista that spreads out
before him, his manner serious.