[center] [img]https://i.imgur.com/fTD5yRH.png[/img] & [h1][color=plum]Laurien[/color][/h1] [/center] [hr] Orvus cleared the trees as he quickly approached the black beach, where long ago Katharsos had landed. Much like before, Laurien was there too. The tall woman wore tight fitting clothes of white, that drifted in the slight breeze as she watched him approach with a blank face. Her hair was undone and also drifting in the slight, salty breeze. Orvus landed in front of her a few feet away, his impact silent as always. [color=plum]”Hello father.”[/color] Laurien spoke, her voice calm and collected. [color=plum]”Thank you for coming. I know it probably wasn’t an easy decision after bringing the Dragonborn here.”[/color] His eyes frowned. [color=black]”Likewise daughter, thank you for wanting to speak with me. I know… Things haven’t been easy ever since-”[/color] Laurien held up a hand. [color=plum]”I’d rather not talk about [i]her[/i], if you wouldn’t mind.”[/color] she said coldly. [color=black]”I… Of course, Laurien. What’s this about then? How did you know the Dragonborn were here?”[/color] he asked, folding his arms in anticipation. Her tone did not go unnoticed by the god. [color=plum]”The Nebulites like to tell me things, they find me easier to talk to than most. As for why we’re here…”[/color] she breathed in deeply before exhaling. [color=plum]”I’ve made a deal with Shengshi, and I’ll be going with him when he comes to pick up some Nebulites. Those at the tree specifically.”[/color] Orvus took a step forward but stopped when Laurien began to back away. [color=plum]”I’m sorry father, but I can’t live here anymore.”[/color] [color=black]”Laurien… Why would you even want to go with my brother? What did he promise you? Is life here not good enough?”[/color] Orvus asked, his voice slightly raised. [color=plum]”Life is fine here… But many share the same thoughts as I do, we were meant for more than this simple farming life.”[/color] she crossed her arms and shifted her weight around. [color=plum]”His Holiness offers luxury and a place to stay while a deal is drawn out and made. He promised us nothing, because it was the Nebulites idea. They want this, his Lordship is only entertaining the idea.”[/color] [color=black]”The Nebulites idea? Laurien, who told them about Shengshi? Who told them about his supposed luxury? Was it you, or Arya?”[/color] Orvus shook his head, [color=black]”I am sorry, but this is about Li’Kalla and Silver isn’t it? Whether you want to talk about it or not. This discussion is long overdue.”[/color] An angry expression flashed across her face for an instant before returning to her impassive look. [color=plum]”Fine, I won’t lie. It was I who told them about his Lordship and my time aboard his River Palace. As brief as it was, it left an impression. I didn’t think they would want to leave, but the idea sounds nice. It’s far better than here!”[/color] she turned her head away from Orvus as she breathed in through her nose. [color=black]”Listen to yourself! This is your home, you were born here. You would leave it behind for what Shengshi has to offer?”[/color] Orvus inquired. She looked back at him with tears welling up in her eyes. [color=plum]”I can’t… I can’t stay here. There’s too many memories. Can’t you understand that? I can barely sleep in my own bed after [i]she[/i] came. It’s all so surreal.”[/color] [color=black]”I do understand. I lost my friend, remember? But seeing what she became, sickened me. Do you think I wanted that? For either of us?”[/color] the god sighed. [color=plum]”You should never have killed her.”[/color] Laurien blurted, pointing angrily. [color=plum]”Better yet, you should have went with her and helped! Maybe then [i]that thing[/i] wouldn’t have taken her name.”[/color] [color=black]”Silver didn’t want me to go with! And I didn’t have a choice in her death! It was either me or K’nell! I wish it didn’t have to be that way, but it was, and it happened. I thought we had already gotten over this, Laurien. Why are having this conversation again? I told you my reasoning, and I told you how sorry I was.”[/color] The god said, his eyes narrowing. [color=plum]”Why? Why! Because it’s still relevant, that’s why! I once said I thought about forgiving you but… How can I? You murdered her, without even telling me, or letting me say goodbye. Then [i]she[/i] came and I thought… The fool in me thought she would want me… But I was wrong. Now the only thing I can think about is her words to me and I don’t want to be here. I want to leave this place of memories, before they get ruined even further.”[/color] she cried out as tears began to fall. Orvus’ expression softened in that moment and he began to walk closer to her. [color=black]”Laurien… I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry. Do you think I wanted this to happen to you? How could I have ever thought… No… You are right. I was selfish, believing that I was the only one who needed to say goodbye to Silver. I wronged you my child, and it seems I keep wronging you. But still… That doesn’t mean you can go behind my back and speak to my brother without consulting me first. There are many Nebulites here, and I would have listened to this proposal and I most likely would have agreed to it. But now, I have no choice and I will not take yours away, or theirs. If your mind's made up, then I give you my blessing to leave.”[/color] the god said, now standing before his daughter. He placed a hand upon her shoulder and Laurien tensed up, before relaxing slightly. [color=plum]”I know I’ve said this before, but… It means a lot to me, hearing what you’ve said, Orvus.”[/color] she said. [color=plum]”I apologize for going behind your back, for not speaking to you, for not speaking with Arya… I just needed distance and time to clear my head. And during that time, I made my decision to leave, among others.”[/color] she said softly, wiping away a tear. [color=black]”All is forgiven, my child.”[/color] Orvus said, giving her a hug. Laurien returned it, if slowly. Orvus then pulled away, feeling better about the situation. [color=black]”If you are leaving… Then you will need something to protect our people. A promise, long since unfulfilled.”[/color] he said, backing away. Laurien looked at him with a faint smile. Orvus shut his eyes, and tilted his head forward. His strength had long since returned and it was time to bring forth a new blade. One of equal power to Wreanon. He outstretched his hand, and from it, he poured forth his strength into the sand below. There was a crackling sound, and the air began to taste metallic. Black sand began to flow towards a shape rising from the sand, which grew taller in form and stature. Black lightning began to arc from the blade, as the raw power accumulated together. The sword rose further, each particle of orvium coming together for a new, greater purpose. Orvus grasped the ebony hilt, a gem of black crystal sat upon the pommel, and the twisting hilt rose to meet an exquisite guard. The blade was long, stained black by the orvium and razor sharp on either side as it ran to meet the pointed tip. It was long, far longer than Wreanon as it floated to meet Laurien. Orvus felt drained from the endeavor, far more than he had before when creating Wreanon. Then the sword spoke, it’s disembodied voice was harsh and grating. “Who am I to be bonded with, creator? This fleshy thing?” The sword spun as if looking at Laurien. [color=plum]”Fleshy thing?”[/color] she said. [color=black]”Laurien, pay no mention to that. This is Aaldir, and he is to be bonded with you. Grasp it, and be worthy.”[/color] Orvus said. Laurien did so without hesitation, even a little enthusiastically as she grasped the handle. A flash of all consuming darkness enveloped Laurien, before coalescing itself around her in the form of armor. It was form fitting like Arya’s, but Aaldir’s armor did not glow. Instead, it seemed to absorb light, and reflected nothing, not even sunlight. A helmet of jagged horns encased Laurien’s head as well, before it vanished to reveal the smiling face of his daughter. [color=black]”How does it feel?”[/color] Orvus asked, inspecting her. [color=plum]”Marvelous! So this is what Arya felt! Truly, I feel wonderful, better than I have in such a long time.”[/color] she said laughing. Orvus cocked his head, her laughter seemed off somehow but he shrugged it off towards excitement. It was good to see her smile again. Laurien held Aaldir high above her head and looked it over, then at her armored hand. She then looked back at Orvus and let the sword float as she opened her arms in an embrace. She held him tightly for a moment before whispering, [color=plum]”Thank you Orvus, for everything you’ve done. I’ll always remember you.”[/color] The last part caught Orvus off guard and why had she called him by his name? [color=black]”You’re welcome Laurien, but what do you me-”[/color] but before he could finish his sentence, he froze. He felt a presence on his stomach. When had Laurien moved her hand there? Laurien then pulled away, but left her right hand upon his shoulder. He looked down to see Aaldir, halfway embedded in his stomach. His eyes went wide as he looked back to see Laurien’s face, contorted in anger and pain. [color=plum]”For Silver.”[/color] she gritted through her teeth, before plunging Aaldir’s blade all the way through. [hr] She had done it, Orvus had believed every word she had said to him. Every lie, but was it all a lie? It no longer mattered. As Orvus began to fall backwards, she let Aaldir slip out on his own. It had been far easier than she thought it would be. And the final hug, there was no other time to strike. Having learned from Arya, she had commanded the sword to enter her hand, and it had done so. The sword was less than happy with her, but his whispers for ichor did not leave her mind. She felt powerful, far more powerful than she had ever been. She walked over to the side of the god, as he stared up at her. [color=plum]”It’s painful, isn’t it? Like your heart being ripped to pieces, but I guess in your case, your stomach.”[/color] she crouched down, looking as his ichor began to pool underneath him. The sight was sickening to say the least, and a part of herself hated what she had done, but that side was quickly fleeting. [color=plum]”You know, I didn’t want to do this. I didn’t, but you left me no choice. You killed Silver, and I had to avenge her. You took her from me, so I’m taking you, from everyone. That seems fair, doesn’t it.”[/color] she said, crying. [color=black]”L-Laurien…”[/color] the god said weakly. [color=plum]”Why’d you make me do it!”[/color] she screamed at him, suddenly standing up. [color=plum]”You were my father, and I loved you! I did! But you loved Arya, Silver, Rowan and the twins so much more than me! Why? Why wasn’t I good enough? I was just your errand girl! You only saved me from Vrog so I could go and find Arya, for you! You were too cowardly to even do that, and you didn’t even kill that monster! If it had attacked Arya, would you have killed it then? Huh?”[/color] she said angrily, waiting for an answer. [color=plum]”Answer me!”[/color] The god began to shake slightly as he looked to the side and away from Laurien, before looking back up at her. [color=black]”L-Laurien…”[/color] he repeated. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to gain some amount of composure. A thousand different things were going on in her mind, and it was so hard to focus on any one of them besides what lay before her. It was time to finish it. She grasped Aaldir with both hands and held the sword, pointing down, over Orvus’ heart. [color=plum]”I’m sorry, but this is the only way I can get what I want.”[/color] she said in a shakey voice, before taking a deep breath and closing her eyes. [color=black]”N-no.”[/color] the god said, prompting Laurien to open her eyes. Below her, Orvus’ body shaking faster and faster. And then he stopped, and then he exploded. The blast sent her flying backwards in the air. She barely had time to stop herself from spinning before she crashed into a tree. The blow surprisingly, didn’t hurt in the slightest, but it did not the wind out of her. She sat up, leaning herself against a tree as she looked down to where Orvus was. Her eyes went wide with horror. She watched as an arm of shadow erupt from the wound, its clawed hand latching itself onto the beach as it pulled. Another hand erupted adjacent to the first, and planted itself on the other side of Orvus. Both worked simultaneously, pulling itself out from the wound as the god convulsed quietly. There was a terrible ripping sound that shattered the air, prompting Laurien to cover her ears as she watched the [url=https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/000/175/787/20140821161647/smaller_square/tibor-bedats-ess5-virus-boss-concept-3mages-copy02.jpg?1408655807]thing[/url] emerge fully. Then it grew in size, dwarfing even her height. It’s shadowy amass then rippled with scarlet as the life around it wilted and died. The thing began to make noise, a deep huffing sound at first, before she began to understand that it was [i]laughing[/i]. It spoke then, it’s voice filling the air and somehow turning everything empty, soulless. [color=dimgray]”You forgot your purpose.”[/color] the thing said, lifting Orvus up and slamming him on the ground, over and over again until there was a crater. Laurien flinched each and every time as the thing laughed. When the sand at last settled, she saw the thing with a limp Orvus in it’s hand and the voice continued, [color=dimgray]”So many mistakes to correct, Orvus. Mistakes that should never have been made. First, I think I’ll start with your pretend family.”[/color] it’s hollow laugh rang out again, sending shivers down Laurien’s spine. Orvus flung his fists weakly at the creature, but didn’t connect with anything. [color=dimgray]”That was the moment it all went wrong.”[/color] it said again. Laurien felt her heart skip a beat and began to stand up, she couldn’t let that thing hurt others. That was out of the question. [color=dimgray]”Ah, and then there’s you.”[/color] the voice said, snapping it’s attention to her as it discarded Orvus like a ragdoll over its shoulder. It then made its way to her, in large steps, stopping a short distance away. Before her, a line of plants died but spread no further. [color=dimgray]”Is it you I have to thank for freeing me from that torment?”[/color] the thing said, leaning in closer. She instantly felt sick and took a step back as more plants died in front of her. [color=dimgray]”Ah, of course it was. I smell it on you, the greed, the [i]desire[/i]. You wanted this, didn’t you? Now you have it. I am Abraxas, girl, the personification of what Orvus forgot and I have you to thank. I shall grant you three requests, as a worthy reward. I am anything but generous.”[/color] Laurien stiffened, for even though the smoky face in front of her was indecipherable, she had a feeling Abraxas was smiling. Laurien took a deep breath and tightened her grip on Aaldir. [color=plum]”And they can be anything?”[/color] [color=dimgray]”Yes.”[/color] it said with rumbling anger. Laurien suddenly felt very small, but she stood tall. [color=plum]”Then for my first request, I forbid you from harming anyone upon the Eye of Desolation.”[/color] she said cooly. The Avatar stiffened, and rumbled loudly. Then with a burst of frightening speed Abraxas shot towards her, and went to hit her, but before he did, he stopped but a fraction away from her face. Wind rushed behind her as she froze. Then the avatar began to laugh again. [color=dimgray]”Very well. Anything else?”[/color] Laurien took a quick breath, and gulped as she backed away, clearing from the aura. [color=plum]”Keep what happened here, and my involvement a secret.”[/color] [color=dimgray]”A secret? Is the little hero afraid she might be found out?”[/color] the avatar laughed again. [color=dimgray]”Very well, I shall keep your secret. Your last request?”[/color] Abraxas whispered. [color=plum]”I… I don’t have another right now.”[/color] she said. [color=dimgray]”Good. Until we next meet, little hero.”[/color] Abraxas began to turn away, but Laurien stepped forward and blurted, [color=plum]”What are you going to do with Orvus?”[/color] [color=dimgray]”Not to worry about your creator. I shall keep him, very, very quiet. It is what you wanted after all.”[/color] the thing said without looking at her. It then flew across the ground like fog and arrived where Orvus had been discarded. It picked up the unconscious god and without looking back, took off, straight up into the sky with frightening speed. Laurien then fell to her knees and began to cry again. That was not what she had planned, not at all. Orvus was supposed to die, she was supposed to become a god. Instead, something far worse than Orvus had been let into the world. And it was her fault. One, she realized, she would have to live with. She took a deep breath, and composed herself. She had to tell the others that Orvus had left. Another lie, but she was good at lying, wasn’t she? [hr] There was a splitting pain in his chest, no, his entire body. He burned, and ached, and he was so tired. Through his daze he knew two things. One, he was being dragged somewhere, and two, Laurien had stabbed him. Why had she done that? Had he failed her so specaturaly that her only course of action was… Was to kill him? He tried to move anything, but all he could do was open his eyes. He blinked as they focused and Orvus did not like what he saw. He was in the valley of the Mar Tree. How did he- the avatar. The thought brought him panic. How could he spawn such a hateful thing? He had felt it grow in strength the moment Laurien had removed Aaldir. It had burst from his wound, free at last. It was everything he had buried and now it was free. The valley walls became more and more open as they neared the Tree. He fought sleep, he had to escape or cry out or do anything, but his strength was depleted. He was suddenly dropped, and then a large, crushing hand lifted him up. It brought him to it’s massive face of smoke and scarlet, the aura of desolation kissing his flesh. [color=dimgray]”The Tree will bloom again, but first…”[/color] the thing whispered vehemently. Orvus then felt his body explode in more pain as he was thrust backwards. His head flopped down and he was able to see several branches sticking out from his divine flesh, more of his ichor beginning to flow. He wanted to scream, he wanted to speak, but he was far to weak for any of those things. He could hardly keep his head up. [color=dimgray]”There we are… Here is where you will rot for a time, constantly drained of the substance that keeps you alive. A prison of your own making. Sleep now, and know that Galbar shall be placed into my hands. Sleep.”[/color] the avatar said, before his laughter droned on into the silence of nothing. [hider=Summary] Orvus and Laurien meet at last, in the same location that once upon a time, they met Katharsos. They have a heart to heart, and Orvus gives Laurien a sword, before she betrays him. Orvus is severely crippled by the blow, but before Laurien can kill him outright, something unexpected occurs- An avatar is born. This avatar, Abraxas, beats Orvus some more and then gives Laurien three requests for freeing him. Request one, Abraxas cannot harm anyone upon the eye. Request two, he has to keep what happened there a secret and Laurien’s involvement. Request number three will be filled at a later date. Abraxas then takes Orvus away, leaving Laurien in a mix of emotions. Later we find Orvus on Veradax, being dragged to the Mar Tree. Abraxas then adds Orvus to the tree in a violent manner. Orvus then enters a coma. [/hider] [hider=MP Expenditure] Started with: 5MP & 8FP -5FP (Enhanced with Desolation Portfolio. 2.5MP towards Sword Portfolio.) To create the sword, Aaldir. -2MP to make Laurien a Hero. -2MP to create an Avatar, Abraxas. Ended With: 1MP & 3FP Portfolios: 10/10FP Towards Asteroids Unlock > Not Purchased 5/5MP Towards Sword Portfolio Unlock > Not Purchased [/hider] [hider=Prestige] Laurien; +0 Prestige starting +1 Prestige for Minor role +1 Prestige for Major role = +2 Prestige ending. [/hider]