dev 13 - guidance of the stars

"...We've got a few things going for ourselves here." A gentle pause is given, followed by nothing more than an idle hum. "There's the bit that's happening with Theria…" She glances elsewhere for the moment, her hands folding carefully behind her back. "And then there's the odd silence in Myllenoris that's happening as well." To which, she remains somewhat...Curious about. After all, whatever Asta could be planning cannot be too good. But to digress...

"And then we have this place." She adds while easing carefully, placing herself down upon the grasses as she continues speaking. "We've got a lot of things to go for...But I think that at this moment, I'm still kind of unhappy." There was something that she could try. Experimentation and things like that revolving around her star. But first, she needed to gather more strength. She'd need to push the envelope to ever think about blessing those with what she has..

"Why do you think that is?" She adds while easing herself down into the grass. "I..." Feel as if I can be so much more. But what's stopping her? Is it fear of the unknown or punishment for going after her dreams and aspirations?
(Mars)

"Oh, I know that there's a bit happening within Theria. All around Esshar, for that matter.." Although, as far as he's concerned, it has been getting a bit quiet as of late- if only due to the fact that many have retreated in order to commit back to their schemes.. or perhaps, in their planning, to construct something entirely new. After all, there's no reason to believe that they're not up to anything.

"Asta was trying to get to the gate within the depths of Ilburg, Mars."

"We're uncertain how to operate the technology related to spirits, and it seems to be closely related to crystals as well - the gate must be activated in order to let the spirits of Rhoynish pass into afterlife peacefully and rejoin Njorun."

"Or else, they become Nethradin and Wraiths on their way through." To that end, his lips idly purse.. if only to add..

"That means.. if this isn't fixed and I die?"

"I would become that myself."

A fate most unfortunate to him. No doubt, it would be something tragic for him - for he's meant to be a defender against the things so dark and vile.. but to become that?

It has to be fixed before anything else happens.

"I think you're unhappy because you might feel that you've grow complacent."

At least, that's what his star speaks. For it often speaks of charisma, one that drives others forward.. one that inspires them, too.

"Maybe you feel like you're not doing enough?"
(Basil)

"..." She goes silent for the moment, her gaze drifting elsewhere in consideration of Asta's actions. Is this her way for atoning for the crimes that she had against Ilburg's people...? Or is this simply the woman doing her job as a means to secure the world before the Nethradin wreak havoc and run amok? Either way, the girl finds herself beginning to sigh softly. "There are hidden artifacts down there that should not be disturbed." She starts off. "There is no guarantee that Asta..Or anybody else would not take them after the Nethradin threat is over." But at this moment, she nods silently...

"Activating the gate should take both cosmic and crystal users. I imagine...Getting in contact with our stars as a means of purifying the souls to go to the past life would be better. Crystals...They can only do so much." But at this particular moment, she just shakes her head from left to right.

"Assuming that you're going to die. I don't know why you even think of such a thing when it's not going to happen. You're...too good to die." She shouldn't smile. But in the end, she cannot help but to tilt her head upwards...Her smile widening.

"Besides...If you turn into a Nethradin then, guess what? I guess I'll just have to summon you and mess everything up then." A mere joke, of course. Either way though, a gentle wave of the hand is given as she nods. "I'm not...But that's because I know I've got all this potential. In...Any case, I suppose I should start with trying to get into contact with my star again. Perhaps...Doing it the only way I know how." Through sacrifice, truly.
(Mars)

"There is no guarantee that Asta won't try to take it."

"Quite on the contrary, I don't trust her at all - which is why I don't intend to bring too many Teraphim to that place. I simply don't trust her at all to not do anything wrong." She's done that before already, so why would they trust her ever again?

It would be tragedy for the Rhoynish to not learn their lesson; to not hear the woes and cries of the fallen spirits as they were abused by Caleb Pelleaux, as their spirits and bodies were tormented in life and afterlife alike, and soon to be turned into unfortunate spirits cursed to roam that realm forever.

Into Nethradin..
Or Wraiths.

The fate that is most despicable to the Rhoynish, no doubt. "It is something that I fear, too, because I know that she can try and pull it off."

"And after combat? We might be weakened to stop her."

Although, when she speaks of him being too good to die, and that he'd be summoned for her to 'mess him up', should he ever turn.. it brings about both assurance and a smile on his face, followed by tiny laughter.

"Okay.. I'm counting on you."

"And besides.. yeah, I'm too good to die."

Is it hubris? By no means.. it is the subtle pride that he holds for himself and her own body, for they've come rather far, truthfully, but to digress..

"Do you wish to do that now?"

"Your connection to the star."
(Basil)

"Is that so?" She questions while beginning to tilt her head briefly, her smile widening ever so slightly. The truth of the matter is that while everyone else might be rather 'frightened' or incapable of taking down Asta...Mars, on the other hand, most certainly believes that she possesses more than enough of what it takes to pressurize this little piece of coal into an actual diamond. "You understand that this is why you're bringing me, yes?" she says while beginning to nod once, twice.

"I can take it. The hoardes of Nethradin...The Teraphim. Any of the enemies that come up against you, I can promise that I'll be able to take them all." Or so, she believes. Regardless though, "If you all are too weakened by combat to stop her, then let me the one to do so." She's serious about thematter. Because while she has nothing against Asta, she will not allow her to just take something. Because she intends on becoming this keeper. The one that protects not just Leonaus' knowledge..

But all knowledge.

Nevertheless though, the Felinae nods. "And yes...I'd like to do that now. To create more of a connection-...You think you can guide me through?"
(Mars)

"It is.. and I'm glad that I'm actually bringing you along - or rather, that you're willing to tag along."

It's her in decision, in the end, and she should know better that he would not be forcing her to actually enter any sort of a challenge or faceoff against the Nethradin; it is her decision, because he knows that the horrors associated with these horrible spirits are something to run away from..

Or die to for.

"I believe in you, though. I believe that you'll be able to stop her."

Although, when she remarks that she would like to proceed with it.. he merely extends his hands out to her, carefully grasping onto them; here, he takes a seat, if only to briefly adjusts her to sit right infront of him. He imagines that this endeavour may take a while, but thankfully, they have time.

"Let's get started, then."

In such manner, there's already a spark of rosegold.. the familiar tint in which he finds himself calling upon the star once more - for it served to be something that he used in order to reach out to something higher.

Something that could guide him through the darkest hour.

"The stars are full of understanding."

"And you know... the church isn't wrong about one thing - when you find yourself lost, lose yourself in prayer, and you'll find the answers in the stars." But did it have to be the prayer, though?

"Except.. it doesn't have to be the prayer itself, per se. Listening to them is enough - but they don't speak in voices, they speak in signs, gestures and other images that may pass through your mind."

"Tell me, when was the last time that you reached out to your star for this?"
(Basil)

Is she frightened? As frightened as anyone else that would be attending such a dangerous thing- after all, the chances of actually leaving something of this magnitude unscathed are slim to none...And considering the path of the magics that she has chosen, she doubts that she'll simply be able to get away with the things that she wishes. But to digress...The girl would simply nod. "It won't be so hard. I've been fighting Nethradin for years.." she says while beginning to smile, her hands moving into his own as she adjusts herself..

"Of course." Getting started- what is much different than what she could've imagined, would be the gold that flutters within his palm. The way the magic calls unto him particularly easily...As if it were a natural occurance. Nevertheless though, the girl nods once, twice...

"The stars are all knowing-...I imagine that with the knowledge that they have, they could be more than that.." Omnipotent? Considering the fact that they also judge...It wouldn't be so farfetched. But in the end though, the girl nods slightly..

"...Perhaps, I should find myself in the stars more often than naught." she says while beginning to close her eyes...Shaking her head from left to right. "The last time that I've dared to even call upon my star was in the last war. Other than that...I don't pray too often. I-...Have to omany voices. Too many thoughts." But in such moments, she does nod..

"I suppose I should try more often, hmm?"
(Mars)

He could understand why she's frightened- for while the Nethradin and the battle against them was in his blood, he knew just how dangerous these tormented spirits could be. Besides, with them... death is actually mercy - and it is often the ones that get torn apart in the most brutal, gory way, they're the lucky ones.

Because others receive torment until their very final hour.

"You'll handle them. I have faith in you."

As a Felinae, she was exceedingly impressive.. far more than anyone else could imagine; far more than anyone else could think. He was there to observe that growth, and he was there to see just how far she's come in order to become something more - an endeavour which he admired like no other.

"But let us proceed.."

For now, when she asks of the stars.. he merely ponders on the question for a bit, before answering.

"You should. The stars always watch, and as much as I'm bound to my ancestors, I've also learned to draw wisdom from them as well." After all, there's one creed that he began to follow.

"If you draw wisdom only from one source, it becomes rigid and stale. It is why it's important to broaden your views, and as much as you may draw wisdom from around yourself, you should do so with the stars too."

If anything, he knows that this is an endeavour in which he fades rather often, to ensure that his understanding of this world never fade.

"Like this.."

Already, there is brilliance. And the rosegold shine of the Alph, the Star of Judgment, one that promotes charisma shines through- but where such shining descends upon him, the subtle images and fluttering visages pass through the stardust, akin to the 'instruction' one could say, but..

Perhaps, it is merely a display of their bond.

"It speaks to me. It has spoken years ago what I must do - ever since, it hasn't changed much. I should work on restoring the culture of my people. But.." His hand tightens over hers.

"Reach out. Try to grasp upon your star.. and call out to it. Call out time and time again."

"Until you hear the faintest whisper."
(Basil)

"You said this before, you know.." They were wise words- when Asta had first visited their humble little area and claimed to be capable of divination. But the truth of the matter is that the spirits and the stars do not misguide the people- it is those who are not willing to listen to the full extent of their word. And in all honesty, she had been moving so fast...That she was incapable of truly understanding what Basil had meant when he said it, until now..

Perhaps, that is why she has discovered patience to a strange degree. For while there is all the power in the world out there, there are simply some things that give her the motivation to simply....Wait. To stay calm and collected and seize it at the right moment, much, as she might do with her own star. Regardless though, she watches for the moment...Her lips pursing, her gaze trailing elsewhere as the light would flourish within his hands..

"...I see."

Is she shaken? Could he, perhaps, feel the slight tremble within her body? After all...What is it that the sun could possibly want from her in times such as this? Action...Or more recognition? Regardless....Her eyes would close once again...And this time, she calls to it...

'Are you here'? Nothing is given for the moment, until the offering is brought forth within the spill of mana. Where the soul allows itself to be revealed through the opening of the castle...And the gentle, flecks of crimson light would shower upon her being. Slow...Careful...

It is intensely warm to the point of where it is uncomfortable. Like a single eye watching over her...And yet, there were no words. "...I don't...Hear the whisper. What am I supposed to ask for?" It is grasped upon, but already, could she feel the attention slipping from the tips of her fingers...

Like sand sifting through her fingers.
(Mars)

"I know that I did."

"But there's no less wisdom from this, is there?" That is something that he believed that the stars enlightened him with- something that he believed to be an endeavour in which he could become more.. for drawing wisdom from a single source, be it the Rhoynish, be it the Lorekeeper Spirit that he encountered, or really anything else..

It would grow stale.
False, rigid.

And that much is true about everyone else; perhaps, it is the reason that he learned how to tame his rage more - how to ensure that he does not become the wreck which he constantly pursues in the wreck direction. After all, even now, he's still rather young - and there's a long way to go before he could properly form himself into a leader that he envisions himself to be.

Someone to cast down judgment upon others.
Someone to restore their culture.

"Don't see."

"Listen."

Could she not feel it? The subtle hum.. one that is a tremble within the halls of vast knowledge, locked from her with the particles of stardust that may shift through her hands- for while there's a tint of rosegold upon her hands, merely due to the grasp he has upon her, it is not oppressive.

It allows for her own to shine.

"Listen to my words.."

"Hear the sound of the waterfall, of the water's brilliance passing through us - and sink yourself in the hall of thousand fountains."

"The bristle of the leaf with the silent breeze.." The grasp upon her hand squeezes.

"Now..."
"Stretch out."

The deeper meaning to it all. The deeper insight.. for the stars were not meant to speak in words alone- but the signs and signature images, ones that a user must be accustomed with.

"Hear the rumble of the earth beneath, as the water falls upon it, the hum of the air as it gently passes over you."

"Ignore distractions, and focus on my voice."

The brilliance in which one could find themselves lost, if they sink far enough, and yet..

"The breathing of us both as we sit here in the dark. Now, listen deeper.."

"Listen past the breathing.."

Could she feel it yet?
(Basil)

The truth of the matter is allowing one's self to be submerged into the deep red isn't something that she could imagine. Giving up and giving in when her star calls for it- when she claims to have heard this rhythmical singing before within her most heated moments. When love and ferocity nearly parallel one another in the art of love and war. Regardless though, it would be the first time that she would be able to hear the whisper- low and careful within her ear yet again.


'Submit to me.'


Come get down on one knee. The sun is pretentious in every right. Her glow is what brings life to this world- and when she sets, she even commands the moon to light the night sky with the reflection of her light. All things falter at her presence...All things must bow..

"I hear it.." It is a song within her ears. Where the promise of everything comes at the price of this careful, yet brief exchange. 'I'm your savior and I'll give you everything that you need'.

It takes a moment for her to finall submerge. But when she listens to his words...She falters into the fountain and allows herself to get lost within the impossible, impeccable embrace of the sun. "Ah..." The warmth feels good...

This power that floods through her body, even moreso. Regardless, as he tells her to stretch- mana coils ease carefully and leylines pulse and throb upon her features. Red and brilliant...She ignores everything around her and allows her senses to attune to all things...

"I have it...I have it." Excitement. Anticipation. Could he seen the way she glimmers within the sun's light? Can he feel how her presence becomes nearly overbearing to all things around?

"...But...How do I keep it forever, like Del and Osiris?" She listens. Listens past the breathing. But still, dares to say that this is sleeping away, even as she advances. For while she shines bright, it is more akin to a dying star...Than it is to one that is healthy and opulent.
(Mars)

It is difficult to reach out first.

It is most certainly difficult to reach out in the manner such as this, but he believed in Mars; after all, she was talented, and she was Felinae.. which could only mean that her affinity for the stars is something that could allow for it to be prominent throughout entire life, once she actually manages to master it.

Where such connection is established, there's a smile.. for he knows that this would be something that could only be honed further, to the point that she manages to hold it down.

Yet.. she needed guidance, did she not?

"To make it permanent, you need to learn how to shut out any other distractions - and establish the better bond between you and the star." It should be obvious.. isn't it? And yet..

"Perhaps, to meditate upon it, to call upon it more often - and to learn to submerge yourself within the strength it may offer."

For as much as he imagines this strength could be denied.. it is a foolish notion.

"To deny a strength that isn't your own - it's a lesson on your own, but.."

"To truly grasp it - you must understand that this is your natural strength, albeit honed to better extent, if you intend to grasp it better." Could she not tell? After all, the moment that she listened to this, it has become something which is far too prominent, far too difficult to ignore.

Just a bit more..
And perhaps she could always hear it.

"It must become a part of you."

"From now on and always."
(Basil)

"I see." There were lasting words within her mind. That promise refuge within the embrace in exchange of leniency and attention. When she wishes to attain more power and more of a connection with her star...The thought of losing herself in such a bliss remains to be seen. For even now, she remains somewhat perplexed and befuddled altogether... "Hmm." A soft sound, a gentle smile..

"I suppose that I will.." She adds while carefully pulling upon Basil's own hand. "I'll call upon it more...Make a better, lasting relationship than before." She'll do so the best way that she knows how. To rely upon the unclaimed power...And to always prove that she has what it takes to stand..

"Come on...We've got to go meet with the others."
(Mars)

"Of course."

He knows that she would be able to handle it. Moreover, he knows that she would be able to do something entirely more about this.. something that could prove itself to be an endeavour in which she becomes something more - but isn't the purpose the same with him? After all..

His own journey to betterment is still ongoing.
Even now, with teaching her this.

"You should, it'll pay off."

Although, when she speaks of that, he knows what exactly she's talking about; there's only a nod, and whereas he comes to a rise..

"Come. Let us get going."
(Basil)