Tasks, Present and Future

Ilistala emerges from the shadows, curiously looking around.
Sauntering in languorously, a puffball enters from the east, revealing itself to be a ragdoll kitten
with bright cerulean eyes.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head curiously at you.

A poofy, seal point ragdoll kitten languidly lounges here, lazing contentedly as she does her best
to resemble a fluffy rug.

Rhalkyr turns from his intense scrutiny of the bookshelves, pausing as he takes in
the sight of Ilistala, an enormous leopard, and then staring, quite obviously fascinated, at a
poofy, seal point ragdoll kitten.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares at the kitten as it distracts you from herself, and reaches out
a large paw to knock the kitten off to the side, between some shelves.

A poofy, seal point ragdoll kitten languidly lounges here, lazing contentedly as she does her best
to resemble a fluffy rug.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares implacably at a poofy, seal point ragdoll kitten.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard bats at the returning kitten once more, sending her rolling in the
other direction.

Rhalkyr drops into a crouch before the kitten, leaning forward as he stares
intently at it. He reaches a hand out slowly, as if to offer it to the kitten, only for the small
creature to be batted away like a fluffy toy. Grunting in surprise, he shoots Ilistala, an enormous
leopard a reproachful look. "Why?"

Ilistala, an enormous leopard presses her head against the outstretched hand instead.

An abrupt, chuffing cough of a lough bursts forth from Rhalkyr's mask, swiftly
followed by a long, pulsing series of far-spaced rumbles. Immediately, he runs the back of his
mountainous knuckles along Ilistala, an enormous leopard's head, uttering a low, "Jealous, mighty
beast, of puffball. Is fitting. Assert, prominence."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard purrs softly against your knuckles, her large body vibrating.

Rhalkyr nods in a sagacious manner, turning his hand to smooth the thick, calloused
fingers through Ilistala, an enormous leopard's fur, before rubbing a great, velvety ear between
forefinger and thumb. "Question. Origin, of Greev."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I did have you watch the play of the
Greeving, did I not?"

Rhalkyr nods easily, replying, "Yes. Would know, all. Task set, by Beautous One."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Then the origin of the greev is the
origin of the Glomdoring, for they are the same entity. Inseparable."

Rhalkyr cocks his head at this, considering for a time as he lavishes affection
upon Ilistala, an enormous leopard. "Yes. Think, this answer, satisfactory, for Blackpetal?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It depends on the purpose of the task. If
you were set to learn more of the greev- not simply its origins, but its purpose- then no."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "If you are set to learn of simply its
origins, then you would instead want to learn more of the Glomdoring itself."

In a voice that is a startlingly accurate rendition of a woman's, though distinctly
not similar to the Lady of Thorns Rhalkyr says, "Your first task for Me will be to discover the
origins of the Greev."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I see."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "One thing to know about Her is
that She is very rarely... direct. There are often layers upon layers to Her actions."

The ominous booming of the shadowbeat echoes faintly from a three-finger ring bearing an amethyst
scythe on Xenthos's hand, and his eyes flicker with wyrden flames.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "So I would think carefully to the context
in which that was stated."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And see if you can discern more of what
She seeks of you."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist smiles and says, "Because I strongly doubt that
that little will fulfill what She expects from you."

Rhalkyr dips his head in slow, consecutive nods, his eyes thinning slightly. "Yes.
Expected this. Is why, not satisfied, with just play." Flicking a glance at Xenthos, he asks, "Have
done, tasks, for Her?"

The heady scent of roses and congealing blood resonates from Xenthos, carried on a light wind.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Indeed I have. I am of Her Brother's
Pack. And Her words are of great import to us - He would have us do whatever She requests."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist smiles and says, "Nor was I expecting you to be
satisfied with the play, but I wished to ensure we had at least that starting point to work from."

Rhalkyr grunts, in a manner that conveys this is what he expected. "Yes. Values,
loyalty. Read, His book."

Rhalkyr tilts his chin towards Xenthos, though he does not turn his face towards
him. "Free, to tell, of tasks?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I believe that such are between the Pack
and Her - and Her Order."

Xenthos raises an eyebrow slightly, questioningly.

Rhalkyr utters a contemplative rumble, the sound shivering throughout the area.
"Will respect. Have, ideas, where should look? What, should ask? Of, who?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I think the best place to start is with
me. Perhaps you can tell me now what you know of the greev, what its purpose is, and what you can
speculate about it."

Evette reaches over and ruffles Ilistala, an enormous leopard's hair fondly.
A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against Evette.

Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge asks, "Pardon, am I interrupting?"

Continuing in his idle provisioning of affection towards Ilistala, an enormous
leopard, albeit in a slower, more distracted manner, Rhalkyr is slow in responding. "Is self-
defense, made manifest. The Glomdoring, itself, manifest. To rip out, the weak, the sickness. As
wildfire, burns away, to make room, for new growth. Stronger. Healthier." His eyes glitter as he
stares off into nothingness for a time, and then, "Desperation. Mad snapping, of dying animal.
Senseless. Lacking, direction." Flicking a glance at Evette, he twitches his head aside in the
negative. "No. Questions, answers."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Mm- we are discussing the greev, at the
moment."

Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge smiles and says, "One of my favorite subjects."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Perhaps we can call it "Questions,
discussion" instead. As I believe that the point of this task is not for us to give you answers, but
for us to instead give you the direction to discovery of your own answers."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist smiles with a wink and says, "She does not wish
a parrot, after all."

Rhalkyr's attention fastens upon Evette intently at this, vividly green eyes
gleaming. At Xenthos's words, however, they slip away, and he utters a wryly amused grunt. "Yes.
Sharpening new tool, expect. No need, for dull mind."

A poofy, seal point ragdoll kitten stares at a fixed point with her cerulean eyes then suddenly
pounces at a moving shadow.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard moves over towards Evette, settling down next to Evette as she closes
her eyes, tail curled around herself.

Evette brushes a few stray pieces of fur from Ilistala, an enormous leopard's face as she remains
silent, absorbing the idle conversation.

Rhalkyr gestures at Evette with his free hand, the motion a sharp, sideways flick,
simultaneously twisting his head aside in an interrogative tilt. "Thoughts, on greev?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "So let us consider this some more.
What is the point of a manifestation that would kill even its own self?"

Rhalkyr settles back onto his haunches, balancing upon his toes, and begins to rock
back and forth with small, swaying motions. Draping his huge forearms over his thickly muscled
thighs, he allows his hands to dangle freely as he does as is bidden, and considers.

The slightest hint of emotion plays behind her eyes for a moment before she responds to Rhalkyr,
Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge says, "I was asleep when the Greev took hold. It was
needed, however painful it must have been to behold."

You say to Xenthos, "Many, possibilities. Gesture, of sheer, defiance. Clear ground, for rebirth.
Deterrent - Either, to enemies, to show killing, too great a cost. Or, for forest, to dissuade, from
stagnation, rot, ruin."

Rhalkyr dips his chin towards Evette, acknowledging Evette's words silently.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And perhaps yet more - perhaps there is
no reason at all, as one example. Entirely unintentional, a matter of the tester being so far above
that which it sought to test. Another- perhaps when it woke, something disturbed its original
intentions - for it did attempt to assault the Master Ravenwood directly, an attack upon its own
life. A third - perhaps it was all planned to turn out exactly as it did, and the Glomdoring knew
precisely what to do to achieve the outcome it desired."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Or, perhaps, a combination of many of
these possibilities."
Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Does one of your theories hold sway in
your mind?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Is there one that calls to you,
enticingly, as being the 'truth'?"

A tenebrous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to you.

Rhalkyr contemplates Xenthos's words at length, the fingers of his right hand
drumming a slow beat upon the flat, hard plane of his shin. "Impossible, to know, purpose. Origin,
perhaps, not so." A soft, throbbing judder of rumbling amusement, dry as a withered root. "Truth,
elusive. Interpretation, inclined, towards mechanism, gone awry. Combined, with most, suggestions."
Lifting his left hand, curled into a fist, he unfurls the fingers and wiggles each individually.
"One tool. Many purposes." With a shrug, he lowers his hand and amends, "Is what, think likely."

Xenthos nods slowly as you speaks. "Indeed. So then let us consider further. What might the greev
-be-? Not so much what it is, but -how- it is?"

A tenebrous leopard idly twitches her tail behind herself, studying you as the question settles into
the air.

Rhalkyr cocks his head first to one side, then other, in a distinctly animalistic
gesture. "Failure."

Xenthos nods once in understanding, before pursing his lips thoughtfully. "This is not something
that I think has been discussed, much. Generally, it is left at 'the greev is the Glomdoring." But
it is an interesting question, is it not?

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "We have seen physical
manifestations of natural things many, many times, however. The fae are an excellent example of
this. They are a physical reflection of trees, of flowers. Mother Night Herself was Awakened."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "So one might reasonably ask- is the greev
a fae?"
-
Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The fae of the Glomdoring itself?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And if so... how? The Fae required the
efforts of the Divine to Awaken them - or, as in the case of Brother Crow, to Create the creature
which formed its own consciousness."

 Rhalkyr ripples his fingers through the air in a flowing, downward motion. "May,
be. Possible, also, manifestation, of Wyrd itself. Also, may be, fragment, of Blackpetal's will. Or,
remnant, of Gloriana, vestige of hated, for what, has become."
-
Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Mm. I would strongly, strongly advise not
repeating that name where She might hear."
-
Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist smiles and says, "I believe you were awake when
She chided me for such, a year or two past."

[[I was not around!]]

Rhalkyr jerks his head down in a sharp nod. "Will not. Gratitude, elder."

You tilt your head curiously.

Rhalkyr shakes his head in a quick negative. "No. Have only heard, Her voice, first time, this month."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "For the time being at least, it is best
not to speak of anything but the Glomdoring."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "If a manifestation of the Wyrd, the same
question would apply. How did it take physical form? Did it do so of its own power, or was it
Awakened in some manner? Has it Awakened itself?"

Rhalkyr lifts a hand to absently rub at his throat, callouses rasping over the
bronzed skin. "Possible, to Awaken, without Divine? Sliver of Divinity, itself?"
-
Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "To my knowledge, it is not possible."
-
Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And yet- do you know what the word 'wyrd'
means, in its original language, that of the fae?"

Rhalkyr nods curtly. "Yes. Significant, occurrence, divert flow, of Fates. Think,
it possible, wyrd warped, necessity, for Divine?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "It seems unlikely, to me. And yet,
there is always the possibility. The Glomdoring has a way of defying expectations."

Rhalkyr expels a short burst of breath, the sound oddly modulated by the mask he
wears. "Lady enjoys, setting tasks, of little possibility, yes?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I believe She likes to see how we
struggle to meet Her expectations. And we do so strive, for we are Hers. Forever."

Rhalkyr's answer is immediate, his eyes shining with a zeal that teeters on the
brink of madness. "Yes. Always."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Perhaps I can set another task of you -
one attainable, yet perhaps part of Her design. She wishes you to learn of the greev - and to learn
of the Glomdoring. Your advancement within the Thornwatch will guide you towards such. Towards our
history, our past. Snippets lost here and there might be of use. I would see you grow within us, as
well."

Xenthos's turns, as if observing the Forest beyond the walls of the tower with his one eye. "Because
something stirs within the Glomdoring, Rhalkyr. Something is coming."

The ominous booming of the shadowbeat echoes faintly from a three-finger ring bearing an amethyst
scythe on Xenthos's hand, and his eyes flicker with wyrden flames.

Shadows swirl around Evette's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around her
hand.

Xenthos turns back towards you, the burning orb of his eye swirling as he stares intently. "And we
shall be prepared. We cannot be otherwise."

Rhalkyr jerks his head down in instant assent, lifting a hand to place it over his
heart, where he thumps it precisely twice in short, sharp slaps. "Yes, elder." At the ensuing
comment, however, he grows still, gaze tracking the path that Xenthos's travels, eyes growing
calculating, speculative. Meeting Xenthos's regard, mortal eyes of glittering, vivid green fix upon
the sole, effulgent eye of crimson for the first time, and hold there. "Will be, prepared, elder.
Will make, it so. Together."

Xenthos returns your gaze, holding it as the words linger in the air, before he nods once. "Nothing
matters but Glomdoring," he states. Simple words, yet firm, and full of his own conviction.

The conviction is mirrored in the youth's own, torn voice, the ragged chords filled
with unbending, implacable determination, as Rhalkyr says, "Glory be, to the Glomdoring."

Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge whispers, "Glory be to the Glomdoring."

[[Bonus silliness]]

A stuffed loaf of garlic bread comes lofting in to you from the in, and you catch it nimbly.

Rhalkyr snatches the bread out of the air on apparent reflex, only turning and
scowling, quite visibly despite the mask, once the loaf is secured. In a decidedly baffled manner,
he asks, to nobody in particular, "Why, always, strangers, feeding?"

Hey eyes sparkling with mild amusement, Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge says, "I've often
wondered the same."
-
Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist looks skeptical and says, "It is a good
question."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "One for which I have no answer."

 Slowly, Rhalkyr shakes his head in wonderment, though he offers the loaf up to the
air between the other two. "Want?"

Xenthos holds up a matching loaf, similarly untouched, and says nothing.

Evette shakes her head slightly, declining the invitation.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard nods eagerly at you, perking up from Evette's side. Her tail lashes
once.

Mystified, Rhalkyr stares at the identical loaf for some time, then his hand drifts
back earthward, as if of its own volition. At Ilistala, an enormous leopard's interest, he casts a
dubious look at the bread, then to Xenthos. "Safe, for great hunter? Do not, wish, to sicken."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard does not wait for an answer, darting forward to snatch the loaf from
your hand and continuing onwards with it clutched in her mouth before she disappears behind a stack
of books. Loud gulping sounds can be heard.

Shrugging slightly, helplessly, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "She has
eaten worse, I suppose."

A tenebrous leopard wrinkles her nose as Ilistala, an enormous leopard wanders off.

The sudden rush elicits a flinch from Rhalkyr , though he makes no aggressive
motion towards Ilistala, an enormous leopard, nor does he strive to flee - though every muscle
visible upon his hulking frame spasms in a twitching array of minor convulsions, born of suppressed
violence. Watching Ilistala, an enormous leopard abscond with her prize, he breathes a heavy sigh,
shaking his head resignedly. "Hope, will not, sicken."

You ask Xenthos, "Preferred, food, for? Also, name?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist looks skeptical and says, "Centaur is her
favourite, I would say- and mine, as well. Fish or meat of any kind will generally attract her
attention. These loaves are stuffed with some meat, I believe, so perhaps she is smelling that."
-
Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And she is Ilistala."

A tenebrous leopard perks her ears up in attention as Ilistala's name is mentioned.

Rhalkyr grunts thoughtfully, rocking back and forth as he angles his head sideways,
eyes drifting skyward. "Where, centaur?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "They live in the Hifarae Hills, an
encampment in the northeast side."

Making a deep, tearing sound of indistinct sentiment, Rhalkyr flicks a glance at a
tenebrous leopard, swiftly followed by a small jerk of his chin in a tenebrous leopard's direction.
"What, of quiet, still one?"

Xenthos pats a tenebrous leopard in a friendly manner.
A tenebrous leopard rubs up against Xenthos affectionately.

Xenthos tilts his head curiously at Evette.

Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge says to you, "This is Liah."

A tenebrous leopard idly twitches her tail behind her.

Falling forward, Rhalkyr supports himself upon all fours, in a manner that is
uncannily natural upon the brutal youth. Moving forward in a rolling, feline gait, huge shoulders
rising and falling in liquid motion, he approaches a tenebrous leopard in a wide, circuitous
ellipse. "Will suffer, touch?"

A tenebrous leopard stiffens her muscles, settling into a predatory crouch as you approaches her.

Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge says, "Perhaps it best if you let her get to know you
first."

Rhalkyr very pointedly avoids locking gazes with a tenebrous leopard, his head
angled askew, though he does not let a tenebrous leopard move out of his field of vision as he moves
back and forth. Eventually, he flops down onto his side, huge arm curled loosely up and over his
head as he studies a tenebrous leopard intently. "Will wait. How, both, won loyalty, of great
hunters?"

A tenebrous leopard slowly resumes twitching her tail behind herself as you ceases his approach.

Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge says, "Carefully, with her."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Mm. We met in the mountains, a very, very
long time ago. More than three and a half centuries ago."

Rhalkyr blinks slowly at Evette, before his eyes drift shut. "Would hear, story, of
meeting, sometime."

Tilting her head curiously towards Rhalkyr, Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge says, "When
we're both ready for it to be told."

Rhalkyr's sole response is a languid rumble as he stretches out his toes, utterly
relaxed. "Will have, companion, of own, someday."

Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge says, "The best companions find you, not you them."