[EVENT][February 17, 2018]

It was a few hours of venturing through the deep jungles of the southern territories, before they came upon the entrance to their destination. A small grove would funnel them towards what could only be assumed to be crack in the world.

The effects of the spiritualistic grounds were obvious-- the sky above shimmered darkly, between the crowns of the jungle, as if a green-purple ocean of stars were rolling gently to the tug of the tide. The moon wasn't even visible anymore, either.

The veil was thinned especially in this area, bringing with it the sensation of otherworldly wonder and adventure.

Curiously, a house was eastward, from which gentle humming could be heard. But no presence would show itself, for now.
(Narrator)

The sweet smell of forest and damp air mingled with the cool and gentle breeze brushing past Karma's hair, rustling her clothes and she had to hold an urge to cross her arms over her chest... well, it wasn't particularly cold, but she had been feeling such... way since the... well, incident.

Shaking her head, she'd finally come to a halt, taking a deep breath and glancing around the surroundings... and the darkness wasn't something she was fond of. A frown would soon find itself kissing her tanned features and Karma turned her head, glancing over to the house just east of them, blinking once, closing her eyes and then blinking once again.

"You think people actually live here...?" was all she murmured out, tagging at Hadwin.
(Karma Vindict)

The trek was long and tiring. It was definitely a good idea packing a few edibles to pass the hunger as Hadwin would be eating a quaint apple while walking through with his genderswapped chieftain (Which he still secretly can’t completely get over). This might be the only portion of peace and leisure he can derive out of this trip before paranormal things starts to happen.

Occasionally cracking a sarcastic joke to keep morale up, the Ezmaran bird enthusiast would still keep an eye out towards the foliage around them. That last thing he wanted was to get sneaked up on by a predator. As the sky dimmed in an unnatural manner, Hadwin would simply raise his awareness and alertness. However with that, the amount of light banter would lessen, probably to keep a low profile.

With that, an eerie hum does begin to reach the two’s ears. It is only made much more obvious once the chieftess points it out as Hadwin leers at the distant stone hut. “Hmm.” He looks to his bird, almost as if he was asking for its input, however a mere shrug was the only thing given to the Ezmaran. “I doubt it. I feel like it’s something that we SHOULDN’T disturb.” He grins. “How about we snoop silently and take a peek?”
(Hadwin Astrapia)


Karma Vindict asks, "Um... this is pretty far off and not really... close to any of the factions?"

Karma Vindict says, "Unsettling... kinda."

Karma Vindict says, "We can go take a peak, though..."

Hadwin Astrapia asks, "Hmm, how about we take a peek, if things go bad can you do that zip zap zoop thing and zoom us a few feet away?"

Karma Vindict asks, "<chuckles> Or just... beat up whatever comes out, yeah?"

Karma Vindict says, "Follow."

Hadwin Astrapia says, "I mean."

Hadwin Astrapia asks, "It might be something that'll attack when startled but might be friendly?"
Giggling softly, she'd just shake her head, taking slow steps in the house's direction. Frosted locks would bounce with ever step and Karma came to a halt right in front of the first window she could spot.

"Shh..." it's murmured out and she tip toes, hands placed upon the structure's walls and face pressed mere inches away from the window. "Can't... see anything, Hadwin-- it's just... bright and blue and..."

The voice trails off and she squints a little bit before glancing back at him. "Should we knock? Can't be anything that strong."
(Karma Vindict)

The humming had died out almost immediately upon their approach, as if sensing another presence outside. It was irony that when Karma had tried to sneak up on the window to peek inside, that she would find absolutely nothing.

Well, except the bearded, old man who sprang up from the other side, below where her sight could reach. "Boo!" The geezer exclaimed loudly, clearly trying to prompt a state of alert from the two. Regardless of their reactions, he would cling to the frame, in view, laughing and wheezing in pure entertainment.
(Narrator)

If it had been any other day, Karma would almost instinctively blast the old man alongside the entire house into oblivion at the poor prank. However, she was in good mood-- and most importantly, she was a she and had already too many things to worry about.

So instead, she'd hide a small grimace and just blink at the old man, quickly glancing at Hadwin then back at the geezer. Finally, the Chieftess' lips would part, soft, delicate words rolling.

"Uh... greetings?" she'd pause, tilting her head to the side... tanned skin... sage-esque clothes? "...Gehennan?"

After all, he had to belong to a certain nation... right?
(Karma Vindict)

With his guard up and the air tense, he is momentarily startled. Though he does not make a sound, he jerks a step back as he holds his staff up in a defensive state. However the bird on his shoulder makes a different reaction. Rapidly flapping its wings, it does not leave Hadwin’s shoulder, but it does make a single piercing caw. And this, THIS is what startles Hadwin as the Ezmarans lets out a slight ‘GAK’.

“Don’t. Do that.” Hadwin calls out, but it seems much more inclined towards the bird on his shoulder that is currently now deeply panting and catching its dusty breath. Recomposing himself, he laxly waltz to Karma’s side as he peers at the hermit with sleepy eyes and a friendly smile partnered with a chuckle akin to ‘you got me’.

He looks at the old man, however he does try to keep an eye on the interior of the building from what he can see from the window. Maybe looking for something of interest in there. “Yeah, what’s a geezer like you doing out here huh?” He asks.
(Hadwin Astrapia)

The grin on the old man's face spoke all too well of his amusement. For the first few seconds, he said nothing, eyes scanning the three over for just a moment before he whirled into motion again, like clockwork wound up. "Gehennan. Sarradian. Valmasian. Jianghese. I'm whatever you need me to be, Son of Storms. Or should I say daughter?" His grin grew at that, his hand rising to wave dismissively.

"Ah, where's my manners. Come, come. Into my home." The inside seemed almost barren. There was a fair bit of nature, but beyond that, nothing that could be gleaned. It looked most of all as if he'd let it fall to dissaray. "You're both here for a reason, no? The rift sensed as much."

He moved from the frame of the window, into where the corner didn't permit their sight, unless they leaned through the entire hole.

The door creaked open, too. Spooky.
(Narrator)

There's a faint widening of eyes at the old man's words and Karma's grip slightly tightens around her katana but she doesn't move an inch. Instead, she'd just carefully watch his every movement until he was no longer in sight.

The sound of doors creaking open echoed outside.

"...he's..." the voice trails off and the Chieftess slowly takes a couple steps in the door's direction, inhaling a soft breath. "...no idea who--- what he is, Hadwin--- but be careful, and on guard."

Were the only words of warning to escape her lips and Karma finds herself entering the residence.
(Karma Vindict)

Back to his lax, composed self, Hadwin would find nothing of interest from his vantage point. However the monition of a ‘rift’ does pull up his interests. “Huh, mixed breed hm?” He says with a chuckle to the old man as the geezer mentioned whatever he was. As the old man retreats back into his home, Hadwin gives Karma a nudge. “He said rift. I think this is it. I think. Hold on.”

The Ezmaran takes a quick jog back to the path they were on, taking a quick look at the road that was supposedly ahead. However if he does end up finding nothing he’ll simply jog back to the hermit’s lawn.

Hadwin looked at Karma, as he gives a thumbs up at her as his grin goes bigger. “I like this guy.” Not much weight was put into it making him not entirely serious, but the guy does seem chill enough. Giving his bird a comforting pat, he pushes the door open for the ‘lady’, because ladies first, as the two enters.
(Hadwin Astrapia)

Hadwin found a path ahead indeed. It had appeared to him as a green-blue tear in the wall, flowing with stars of a distant plane. No doubts something strange was beyond it. But whether he wanted to enter later, was entirely up to him, of course.

Inside, the hermit had settled his old body against the tree growing in the middle of his house. A strange decoration, but he didn't seem to mind. A branch had bent in the ways of a makeshift seat, anyway.

Before them was a strange circle of power, made from lines of glowing moss. The nature of it was peculiar, clearly something potent, but not quite within reach without close study. "Ah yes. Son of Storms. Son of Earth. I've been waiting a while for your arrival." He spoke, a hand clawing through his beard.

"Tell me, why do you seek what lies beyond?"
(Narrator)

The frown never once left her features and Karma could only feel her eyes narrow yet once again... she'd glance down at her-- Storm's wrath flaring as brightly as ever but...

The thought trails off and yellow hues finds themselves focused onto Hadwin... and there was certainly no hint of "Earth" magic. Regardless, shaking her head, she'd glance back at the geezer in question.

If Hadwin had answers, she'd let him speak first--- the words that escaped her lips could only form a question in return. By this point, the frown was replaced by a soft, confident and yet almost amused curl of lips.

"...you know too much--- what exactly are you, old man?"
(Karma Vindict)

As the two entered, Hadwin immediately looks around in a very nonchalant manner. Fishing out a nut from his pocket brand of Gehennan trail mix, he begins to lightly chew on it as he scratches the side of his cheek. With an alternative path ahead of them, he figured he might as well give the old guy a chance. That is until this is all a trap, but he has his guard up as the staff is low-key clenched tightly around his right fist.

The bird on his shoulder now recomposes itself as it watches the old man curiously. Slowly the bird’s dark eyes shift to the circle of power. Hadwin takes a notice to his familiar’s interests as he gives the bird a faint whisper. “You sense anything buddy?” He asks the bird as he turns his attention back to the old man in the room. If the earth spirit within the bird does sense something, perhaps it’ll do something.

Nevertheless, Karma had questions, the old man had questions, it was probably right to answer one of them. “You know why we’re here.” The Ezmaran blurts out. “If you know us that well then you don’t need answer to that question.” He leans forward, with a head tilted. “You do know us that well right?” It must be rather confusing by now with all these questions thrown amok.
(Hadwin Astrapia)

"So tense." A raspy chuckle parted the old man as he leaned back in his seat, crossing one leg over the other to get more comfortable. "I already told you, I'm exactly what you need me to be." A hand extended outwards, rolling in the air.

"Many before you ventured through the rift in search of a great deal of things: Power. Vision. Resolve. I'm the one who greets those who try." His tone was friendly, perhaps a tad too giddy, even, but never was it maliciously placed. For all they knew, he was just an old coot in a shed.

"I know who you are. I know why you're here. And I know what you'll do, regardless of my words here." He started, eyes shifting from Karma, to Hadwin, to the bird on his shoulder. "But do you? This is your journey, after all. Do you have the answers, to your own questions?"

The spirit in the bird knew the old man-- of course it did. Whether it would tell Hadwin it, was entirely up for debate. He hadn't told a lie yet.
(Narrator)

The Chieftess' hand slowly lets go of the hilt, dropping back to her side and Karma sighs softly, smiling all the while.

"Guess any further questions would only lead to more and more riddles, huh, old man?" it's spoken in a rather cheery tone, almost amused. Pausing, she'd briefly shake her head and Storm's wrath flared brighter--- yet there was little to no hint of hostility.

"As for your question, well..." trailing off, she'd lift a hand to her chin, tapping a couple times. "I'm here just to aid my subordinate over here--- although if I had to pick, I'd say... knowledge? Other than that--- I have dreams of my own which you probably already know of, right? I'd like to maybe meet this certain guest who keeps stealing my sleep away; for he must be waiting if he tries so hard, hrm?"

There's a pause and she only giggles.

"Power- I have plenty. The vision I have is more than clear and so is my resolve--- but my knowledge is, of course, null."
(Karma Vindict)

“Oh boy I wish I do.” He says as an answer to the old man’s last question. This was one of those times seeking for the right answer is a must to proceed. Usually he’d just let the world go by to answer the questions that people need answering, but this time it was him that needed them, which was a weird sensation for the typically sloth-like Gehennan.

As a complete opposite to Hadwin comes his brown-feathered companion. As it leers at the old man, it quickly realizes the person it spoke to. It lets out another caw. Not as loud as the last one, but this one has the piercing shrill of a bird’s vocal chords bouncing off of the stone walls. Another ‘GAK’ comes out of Hadwin. It doesn’t really help that the source was literally centimeters away from his ear. He sighs, but he does get a sense of why the bird would call out at such an enclosed space and almost deafen its master for a second time.

“But if we’re answering that question. . .” The Ezmaran slowly strokes his chin ashis eye wanders in his train of thought. The bird’s reaction only cemented that this was probably the real deal and not a trap. Probably. “Then I’m here for answers. Which, by the way, not really getting answers.” He says with a chuckle. “You know why I’m here, I know why I’m here, this bird knows why I’m here. I just want to know what is it that’s here that draws me in.” He shrugs. “So I guess this falls under knowledge too if you wanted an answer like that.”
(Hadwin Astrapia)

Throughout their answers, a hand kept stroking his shell-decorated beard, a look of approval upon his face. "The nagging feeling in your chest, is it? That something more awaits you, just out of reach. Ah, Son of Earth, such a contrast." Another chuckle parted him, as he stood once more, a pained jerk to his steps as he approached. One of his legs were ailed, but it hardly hindered the spiffy hermit.

"Yes, it calls. They say the same, all who comes. It reminds me of when I was younger, ahaha! Tell me, have you the will to part the veil of the world? To step into your hearts? Misery and doom have found many who attempted such. What makes you different? Can you shoulder the consequences?" His head tilted to the side, as he paused a few, respectful feet from the both of them.

"Are answers the only prize you seek? Nothing, comes from nothing, my friends."
(Narrator)

Another chuckle joins in the air. “Maybe an adventure? That’s probably already a given though.” Hadwin wasn’t really seeking out anything else, nor was he actively thinking of craving for something else. The bird remains flustered, but that’s as much as Hadwin could tell at this point. He hasn’t seen his familiar this giddy during the entire time he’s been with it. How odd.

“But yes, I’m willing to see what lies beyond this. . . ‘veil’.” He wasn’t really sure about all the mystique and allusions the geezer was giving the two. It was like being spoon fed but only the tip of the spoon is given to you and the rest is pulled away. It was mildly irking.

“Oh, before I forget. Old fella, do you have a name at least?” He shoots out another question. “Or at least a nickname so that we don’t have to keep calling you old man.”
(Hadwin Astrapia)

There's a pause and Karma shifts her weight from one feet to another, watching the old man inch closer to them, her smile never once parting ways with her features.

And as the geezer showers them with questions after questions--- ones which were more riddles than anything else, Karma takes a moment longer to process each and every word and when he was finally done, she'd let the silence linger for yet another moment before her lips parted.

"Worst that could happen is I'd die," the words are mumbled out and then there's pause. She'd only cock her head to the side, a soft, lighthearted burst of laughter escaping. The amusement laced voice to follow has a certain casual confidence in it.

"Which won't happen. But regardless, yes, I'd like to go along with it-- I'd learn something new, yeah?' with that, she'd briefly lean closer, her face a couple inches away from the old man's and the curl of lips slowly finds itself twisting into a smirk. "When you were younger, ahn? How many centuries ago was it?"
(Karma Vindict)

Nothing surprised the hermit, but then, how could it? He'd already spoken his truths. If he'd been bluffing all along, it had been a masterful degree of conversational manipulation. "Then I only need to show you the way, children." He straightened a tad, before circling around them, towards the door, eyes on Hadwin still as he replied to his questions.

"My name? Heh, they call me the Guide, for that's all I can do for you-- guide you, to where you want to go." He placed a hand against the door, before pausing, a laughter rippling through his dry throat as he in turn replied to Karma. "Too many! And my back's all the worse for it, ahaha!"

And with that, he was out the door. "Come along now! It's rude to keep them waiting!"
(Narrator)

He would lead the two, towards where the cliffs would funnel them through, anyway, pausing some distance away from it.

'It' was a large, green-blue rift, filled with stars. It held a dim glow in the night, shining and shimmering like the cosmos itself. What was beyond it, was impossible to see, but no doubts the spiritual feeling was no less than potent from the doorway.

"This is the path to the answers you seek. I cannot tell you the answers, those, you'll have to find for yourself." His hand gestured towards it, as he in kind peered towards the two. "Make your choices wisely."
(Narrator)

Tilting her head to the side and smiling all the while, Karma would take slow steps forward in the direction of rift, only briefly pausing once she was right next to the old man.

"So, mister Guide?" it's spoken in a teasing manner and she turns her head to the side, eyebrows raised. "I suppose you'll not be coming in there with us, hrm?"

She doesn't really waits for the answer, honestly, but just continues taking slow, careful steps forward until she was right in front of the entrance and that's where she pauses, waiting for his words before she'd enter.

"That we will, yes."
(Karma Vindict)

“Well let’s hope it’s a linear path then.” He says as he eyes to cosmic wall before him. “It was nice meeting you Guide man.” He say as he begins to bid farewell. “I’ll give you a good ring to anyone hoping to go through here as well.”

He wasn’t really suspicious of the old man, at least not as much as before. A small barrier of trust has been built. It wasn’t big enough that Hadwin would be willing to tell him everything he knows, but he’s probably trusting enough of him to believe most of the guide’s words.

Hadwin nods as he walks slowly to the blue-green rift, making sure to stand only nearby and not to actually go through it immediately. He inspects it, with the knowledge he has on the cosmos, the silver-haired fellow attempts to see if he could derive anything from the veil as he allows the guide and Karma to make any finishing statements.
(Hadwin Astrapia)

Skepticism was healthy. Especially when it came to old coots in the middle of the jungles, where no man or woman should have lived in the first place. "Please, Son of Storms, I've got all the answers I need on this side of the veil." A shake of his head was made, but the Chieftess' antics did seem to spark mild entertainment.

"Tell friends and family of your accomplishments, good or bad, friends! The wisdom of defeat is as valuable as the wisdom of victory." He'd wave the two off, a grin hidden behind his beard.
(Narrator)

The air turned dry and warm, as the two ventured through the rift. They found themselves among shimmering light and stars, as the world around them blurred in and out. Their bodies felt light, yet their spirits strong as they passed through to what appeared to be a desert.

A vast, endless desert, lit by the purple-esque stars above. Everything was clearly visible, despite the gloom, the sands below them a brilliant, golden hue. Hadwin in particular felt like he'd been here before, but memories of such eluded him-- like a strange sensation of deja vu.

His bird, however, would lift from his shoulders, flapping further into the desert, before it touched down in the sands, peering over its shoulders. It didn't caw, but regarded the two with what could only be described as a regal stare.
(Narrator)

Karma's mouth instantly went ajar and a soft breath escapes. Wordlessly, she'd just let her eyes wander around, taking in each and every detail this realm had to offer and... gosh was it majestic. With lavender sparkles above and softest of sands below, she could only hold her breath before glancing back over to Hadwin, watching the bird fly away.

Raising her eyebrows, she'd inch closer, tugging at the white-maned one.

"...guess your weird pet is trying to say something?" a pause, "It has been acting weird ever since we got here, honestly. Think it's related?"
(Karma Vindict)

“Huh.” He says as he slowly takes a few steps forward. “Weird. . .” The Spirit Realm was still far from his knowledge, however he has an irking feeling that this place is the place that the dryad Camox has found from appraising Terus years prior to now.

With his bird flapping away from his shoulder, he instinctively reaches out for it as it quickly flies out of Hadwin’s grasp. He was quite used to knowing where or when his familiar flew off. Consider it intuition. He’d typically run off to trail the bird, yet before he could even begin to sprint on the sand, which is probably a bad idea, the bird stops. It watches the two, yet Hadwin could feel its stare straight at him.

“I mean spirit world, spirit, I was anticipating weird stuff like this.” He’d reply to Karma as he squints at Terus. The dim light didn’t help, however it did provide the much needed light that made the scene quite good. “So yeah, preeeetty sure it’s related.”

The Ezmaran watches the bird, but he does let his gaze wander. The large expanse of the desert was huge. Hopefully if any dangerous looking figures were to appear, he’d easily get a glimpse of them a mile away. But other than that, Hadwin does begin to slowly make his way to the bird. Slow was the only way, he himself should know running in the sand is a good way to drain you of all the energy you have.
(Hadwin Astrapia)

Karma blinks once and then shrugs, following after him--- almost carefully.
(Karma Vindict)

Spirit world indeed. But even so, it didn't seem quite right. The closeser thing was probably more akin to a mixture of the real world and world beyond.

The bird stood for a moment, shuffling its claws into the sands, before said sand gradually began to flow and shift around all three, as if the very worlds were reacting to the presence of threee new souls.

At once, the bird was swallowed in the tide of soil, only to be replaced by a growing pillar, expanding and contorting, growing more and more... Bird-esque by the second.

Oh boy.
(Narrator)

Neutrality.

That's what embraces Karma's features as she merely watches the soil swallow the bird alive. No movements, no grimace--- just plain, blank neutrality. Even when a pillar finds itself growing, shaping into what could only be perceived as a beast, Karma remained silent, watching and not blinking even once.

Finally, a hand would slowly reach out to hover above the hilt of her katana and she pauses, wordlessly glancing over to Hadwin then back at the creature. And yet despite her position, there was zero hint of alarm.

Instead, she'd just wait for things to go their way---- would it be hostile? Would there be more questions to answer? More choices?

Ah... only time could tell.
(Karma Vindict)

As he drew closer to the bird’s small figure, he would slowly quicken his pace. He wanted answers, but he didn’t want to lose the bird. “C’mon, Terus, what’s up?” He’d ask, curious of the bird’s odd behavior as the bird is quickly engulfed into the wave of sand.

As a reaction to the sudden outburst of the pillar of sand, Hadwin instinctively raises his arms up to his face as a steady force of wind would act as a shield to keep the sand away from his eyes. His coat fluttering to the wind that is pushing him back as he strains to wince his eyes open.

The shape of an avian is the first thing to attract his attention. A proud smile and worried eyes littered his expression as Hadwin receives a weird mix between joy and fear. Both were minimal of course. “Well shit.”
(Hadwin Astrapia)

Sand would solidify, as feathers grew in aviary wings, bursting from the flowing sand like monolithic constructs. They wer animate, despite being made of no less than solid rocks, the colours blending together in dirty browns.

The sandy veil faded, revealing a massive bird that towered over the both of them, wings resting against the dunes as it shifted closer, particularly towards Hadwin himself. The only thing that wasn't brown, was its burning red eyes.

"So you come at last, young one." Boomed a voice, very much so not from the vocalchords of any creature. It was telepathy, echoing in their heads. "Behold, my sanctuary-- my heart."
(Narrator)

"Good grief..."

The words are hushed out and Karma drops his arm back to the side, yet another soft, amused smile spreading onto her tanned features. She'd just stand there, curious eyes wordlessly drifting over to Hadwin.

No more words were offered and Karma remained silent, just shifting her weight slightly and faintly smiling all the while... well, let's see where this one goes.

So this was Hadwin's...
(Karma Vindict)

A voice was never associated with Terus before, so this was all fairly new. Left with a nob-less staff and a severed connection with the spirit he usually channels his spells through, Hadwin was left standing with an awestruck expression. He mouths out the words ‘wow’ as he eyes the grander features of the large bird that was before him.

“Dang, all this time. . .” He says with a chuckle. “I had a small, cute bird, but a grander beast lied within. Man, oh man.” He was definitely happy. With so little on what he knew of the bird when it was gifted to him by his father before departing to Agartha, it was all making sense as to why it was given to him in the first place. This whole scene was proof enough of what his father had in mind.

Putting his free hand to his hips, he exhales. “This. . . This is just magnificent.” He was rather short on words right now, but he did have a surplus of new questions. “You were always like this huh?”
(Hadwin Astrapia)

"Was it so difficult to believe? You knew, before I revealed myself." A granite beak approached the white-haired man, stopping as it came within arm's reach of him. A warm, damp breath left its nostrils, which blew the sand around them both in small whirls. Sand which never seemed to cease falling along its back and wings, from between its feathers.

"I have always watched you, young one. Is it not the duty of the ancestors, to watch hatchlings grow and aspire?"
(Narrator)

Bird terms.

With the smile never leaving her features, she'd only reach out to brush her coat clean of sand before glancing back over to the bird, taking her time as yellow hues wandered all over it--- taking in every detail.

Majestic, to say the least.

"...so, an elemental, huh?" were the hushed words that escaped his lips... he had assumed it to be more composed of... well, elements--- but guess the Valmasian book Hadwin showed him wasn't completely true.
(Karma Vindict)

He shakes his head. “Not really, no.” He plasters a comforting smile at the bird. With the wording on his last statement, he wasn’t surprised that anyone would think that. “But you know, your typical Ezmaran, if they want to prove something, seeking out proof is the best thing to do.” He raises his arms to gesture towards Terus. “And here we are.”

Slowly Hadwin would close the gap further as his eyes remain trained on the features of the giant avian. The once small feathers he groomed were now as big as him. The beak that he fed daily now seemed like it could easily gobble him up. The talons that dug in to his shoulder hourly were now big enough to de-root an entire tree in one swift motion. Again, still can’t grasp that all this was happening, it was exciting.

As the second statement of the bird is given, Hadwin replies: “Woah. . . That’s pretty cool man, well, bird.” It was comforting to hear all this from Terus. Was his name still Terus? Hadwin wasn’t all too sure about all this right now, but he was all too giddy to really think and ponder about that at the moment.
(Hadwin Astrapia)

Wings whose beats could shake entire forests, a shell so hard no arrow could pierce it. The earthern spirit was impressive, no doubts, a real force be reckoned with. 'Terus', was in all, terrifying in all likelihood, to those who didn't know him.

"Ease yourself, Hadwin. Do not let habits run your head, past your mouth." Words of wisdom-- words he'd probably heard, or felt before. The beak closed in, trying to push lightly against the man's chest, almost playfully.

"Well? What have you to say. Surely you did not brave the worlds, solely to stand without purpose now."
(Narrator)

Here it is. The moment of truth.

“Alright then. First thing’s first. . .” A large pool of questions began to form in his mind, it was only the manner of which is asked first that needed to happen. “What are you? Spirit? Elemental? Elemental spirit? I’m not really keen on the differences.”

“Next, who are you? I remember talking to one of the dryads about you.” He looks down to the sand below him as a hint of confusion was in his eyes before he reconnects eye contact. “He said you’re an old ancestor or something.”

“Then there’s our connection.” Hadwin once again drifts his attention down, however this time he looks to his open palm. Bits of sand granules has fallen into place as they create small yellow specs on his palm. “My abilities, they seem to be connected with you. I feel like I can send forth huge earth slides with you flying by guiding me. Why is that? Not that I’m complaining or anything. . .”
(Hadwin Astrapia)

"Permit me to preface your quetions with a statement of my own. Not all answers are simply given-- some are earned, young hatchling. Some have costs." The bird spoke gravely, of one of the few truths in the world. Nothing was for free.

"But, I am a spirit of old, aligned with the earth of nature-- the soil you stand on. The Child of Storms pertains to the great Stormchaser, whilst you-- My powers are yours and vice versa, all connected past the veils of the worlds." Its great head shifted, to face Karma now, burning eyes bright, yet without hostility of any kind.

"Do not view me as a source of power, however, for you, yourself, is the only one who can bend the earth to your will. Look to me, as a guiding hand, for what you can already do."
(Narrator)

He looks back down to his palms. It might be true that the bird has only offered guidance, but what is strength if it wasn’t pointed exactly at where it is supposed to land. Perhaps it was simply being humble as to believe that he was weakened if his connection with his familiar was severed. However one thing does ring in his ears and remain fogged up in the back of his head: They didn’t come here for short answers like this. That’s a waste of good resources and time!

“Nothing is free, that is true.” He mutters as his head slowly tilts upwards back to the bird. His face was neutral, however it slowly shifted to a grin. A slight chuckle going off of his lips. “Well you know we went all the way here for answers. So we’re going to have to get answers.” He tells the bird with a straight and friendly face.
(Hadwin Astrapia)

"The Child of Storms?" the puzzled words are murmured out-- merely a whisper and Karma slowly tilts her head to the side. She'd remain silent for a moment or two before her lips parted yet once again, soft words rolling off her tongue.

"Spirit bound to summons, hrm?" a pause and her lips curl yet once again, "Are there more of your kind residing here? In this place...? You seem to know a little bit about me--- say? Are you familiar with the one who haunts my dream? The one who brings about Storms in my mind as I sleep? One just like you are but..."

The voice trails off and Karma simply goes silent. He didn't expect a yes as its answer, to be honest--- but it was worth a shot.
(Karma Vindict)

Strength was many things. And the elemental sensed the pondered question as true as it sensed itself. "Then do tell me the questions, young one, for where the sands shift underneath the winds, so does it fall within the glass of time-measuring constructs." A strangely convoluted way of saying time was of the essence, but hopefully the point came across.

"All here is connected. It is irony that you would be denied of the weather spirit you seek, Chieftain of Gehenna. But perhaps soon enough, you shall meet. He has called for you. He shakes the earth and skies in anticipation." Cryptic, but it conformed the presence of something, at least. Something even the Roc was respectful of.

"Which answers do you truly seek, mortals?"
(Narrator)

Hadwin Astrapia says, "You still haven't answered one of the pivotal questions I asked."

Hadwin Astrapia asks, "Are you my ancestor?"

"Did he?" the words have a certain hint of amusement to them and Karma takes a slow step forward, yellow hues focused onto the towering beast before him.

"Answers... quite a lot of them--- for our knowledge is practically null compared to yours, yeah? But I suppose the one at the moment would be..." the voice trails off and then there's a pause, a hand lifting to her nose, tapping it a couple times. "Well, for me at least--- you say he calls for me, hrm? Then is there a way I can meet him, or--- or that's something I'll figure out on my own with time, hrm?"

With that she'd go silent once again, just standing there and smiling all the same.
(Karma Vindict)

Its massive head slowly shifted back to Hadwin, well within reach. It was practically staring him down, whether or not that was the intention of it. "Perhaps once, I was of flesh and blood-- of your line. But no longer. The world has tempered me. Given me purpose to see your-- our line, succeed. Will you make it so, Hadwin, child of the soil?" It was a direct question. But perhaps not one it expected him to answer immediately. Who in their right mind, could?

"I said everything here was connected. This world-- the next. His domain. My domain. And a million other domains. One might find passage to the Pale City, should one truly desire such path."font>
(Narrator)

He nods. A tang of anxiety was there, but pride was also thrown in the mix. “With you guiding me, I think our line’s going to remain as strong as my father hoped it would.” A clenched fist would be raised to shoulder length as determination pretty much emanated off from Hadwin’s voice and tone.

“You are going to keep guiding me right?” He follows up. “I know you think I’m able, but hearing you speak so knowing of all this, are you going to join us back? And are you going to remain with such a form?” He asks pointing to the hulking large form of the avian.
(Hadwin Astrapia)

Karma Vindict asks, "...curious. Why didn't you take this form in past if you were... always there?"

Karma Vindict asks, "Why... here? Can you not do so while outside?"

"My domain supplies me with energy to manifest. Your world, does not. I may anchor myself to another-- your companion. And serve through that, but my true form is not without limitations in your world." Nothing for free, after all. And no doubts the cost would be hefty, for such summoning. Both spiritual and physical.

"But I shall always watch over you, young one, worry not. Who would keep you from harm, when you boldly charge ahead? Who would reign you in? Such task is my duty and mine alone." It was both a nudge to the man's nature and a commitment to its function, its beak once more trying to nudge against Hadwin's chest. It was proud.

"Perhaps one day, you may grant me the opportunity to take my true form. Until then, I clad myself in the heart of flesh and feathers."
(Narrator)

Patting the beak the nudges him back, Hadwin has already reached the end of his questions. It was really, really nice to hear all this from the elemental themselves. As the mention of manifesting its true form outside of the border of the spirit realm, Hadwin raises a curious an eyebrow as another chuckle is brought up. “Is that a challenge?”

With his attempts, the pep talk from Terus, and the book that he’s read pertaining to previous instances of this, he was fairly sure he was going to do such. “Because trust me, that’s going to be my goal.” He say nodding.
(Hadwin Astrapia)

And echoing laughter rolled through their heads, as Hadwin showed his spirit. "Then honour me. Bring forth my might in your world-- of the toiling sands and unbreakable stone." The Roc shifted backwards at that, dragging long lines in the sands from the tips of its solid feathers. The very sands appeared to shift with each step as well, making the humans' footing unsteady and slippery.

"Show your resolve and able mind. Give your father something to be proud of." Cracks were starting to form along the construct's frame, probably signifying that time was slipping up.
(Narrator)

There's a raise in eyebrows and yet Karma says nothing, just stands there with a smile embracing her features and eyes darting back and forth between the two figures... perhaps the first real "meeting," but the bond was certainly clear.

A brief glance behind at the rift and yellow hues would once again find themselves lingering over Hadwin's figure.
(Karma Vindict)

The laugher would only be mimicked by Hadwin’s own laugher. Joy has filled him from the encounter as most of his questions has allowed him to witness a different side, the side he was always been yearning to see, to his familiar. It is true that he was nearing the capabilities to do such, but with this fateful meeting with Terus, it has only made the trek to bring forth the elemental’s true form closer. With that, a new sense of unification between the two has been forged.

As a response to such shifts in the sand, Hadwin himself forces the sand below his feet to pitter and sway along. With the two in-sync, the forces of the earth reverberates around them, creating a symphony of shifting sands as Hadwin embraces the newfound connection with the elemental Terus. His arms remain open as the bird’s form slowly shifts, the time it has in this form is indeed at the end of its rope.
(Hadwin Astrapia)

From the soil it came. And to the soil it would return. Rock bled with sand as the elemental slowly fell apart, to sink to the bottom of the desert lake they stood upon. But beore it could completely break apart, its eyes shifted upon Karma, a gnarly crack erupting along its head. "Disciple of Stormchaser. Heed his call if you wish-- advance beyond. But the storm is fickle. Tread carefully, if you do."

And with the words of warning, the remains blew to dust, to join the grains in the vast expanse.

Of course, a familiar bird appeared where the larger one had just been, covered in grime and dust. Terus would flap his wings, to fly back to his companion to rest, puffs of dirt appearing with each flap.
(Narrator)

Karma's smile only widened at the offer and she took a couple, slow steps forward, only pausing to glance over at Hadwin, amusement-laced voice resonating his ears.

"Mmh... you heard what your spirit said, Hadwin--- looks like I'll be going a little bit deeper, yeah?" a pause and she only giggled, turning her head and facing the front yet once again--- yellow hues focused onto the entrance up ahead.

"Feel free to return, I'll catch up soon--- or maybe wait outside--- or tag along. Whatever you wish, Hadwin. Don't worry about me, though. I'll be okay."
(Karma Vindict)

He blinks a few times as his gazes upon his newly returned companion. He scratches its neck as a means of appeasing the more ‘pet-centric’ likings of the bird as he slowly turns to the form of Karma with a big grin. “Well that went well!” He exclaims.

“I got to have a chat with this fella and you got to learn about that thing in your dreams.” A perplex and concerned look is plastered on his face as he is asked to return. He himself was fairly drained both from the encounter and the burst of energy he set forth towards the end. “Well if you’re sure Karma. . . I’ll let you do your business, but I’m not leaving this jungle without you okay?”

Slowly Hadwin begins to back up back into the entrance of the cave as he begins to depart to outside the veil. He wasn’t going to get in the way of Karma, but concern was definitely riddled in his face as the two momentarily parted way.
(Hadwin Astrapia)

Karma Vindict asks, "Mmh. Just wait outside--- I'll be there before you know it, okay?"

Karma Vindict says, "Don't worry too much."