[center][h1][b][u]A Healing Wound[/u][/b][/h1][/center] [hr] “Checkmate, Your Lordship,” He Bo said with a half-smirk. The snake frowned. This new game his master servant had made was most definitely rigged against anything divine. It had to be, for he dared not imagine the alternative. “... I thought you said the pawn could only attack diagonally.” “This servant did, indeed, Your Lordship,” He Bo replied dutifully as he began to pack up the board. The snake picked up one of the pieces and held it out. “Then answer me this - why did you take my queen earlier with a forward assault using this piece?” “Because that is a rook, Your Lordship. Those may move and attack in straight directions.” The snake eyed the piece closer and huffed. “I swear, you must have carved these so they resemble one another on purpose…” “If this servant’s skill in woodworking is insufficient, then it shall engage its every resource into improving it in the future, Your Lordship,” said the master servant politely as he put the lid on the wicker basket holding the pieces. The snake pursed his lips, lifted the lid and put the piece inside. “No, no, your skill is quite sufficient, worthy one…” There was a pause. “... But really, two steps forward and one to the side? What sort of cavalry move is that?” “It’s meant to simulate flanking, Your Lordship,” replied He Bo calmly. “[i]It is meant to simulate flanking, muh-muh...[/i]” the snake muttered sourly. He Bo snickered quietly. “Would there be anything else, Your Lordship, or should this servant bring His Lordship’s guzheng?” “No, that would be all. You may bring me my harp. I need to cool off a little.” “Right away, Your Lordship,” He Bo said with a deep bow before walking off with the basket of pieces. The snake sat grumbling to himself. “... Did I really just lose a game to a mortal? Is that even possible?” He looked up at the sky. “You left me unfinished, great lord Architect!” he muttered dramatically and sighed. “Beaten by a--” His nose caught scent - an odd scent; it was a scent of multiple layers: divine, mortal, bloody. It brought him to the railing of his veranda, where his divine eyes began to scan the surrounding clouds. “... What are you?” His gaze settled on a red dot in the distant sky, slowly but surely growing larger as it streaked toward his vessel at an alarming speed. The snake stared hard eyes at the incoming dot, trying to make sense of the visual and olfactory sensations to paint a picture of what exactly he was seeing. Then, just before it could crash into one of the towers, it came to a sudden stop. For half a second, a vaguely familiar Vallamir of brown-and-white hair dangled in the air, wearing a peculiar cloak crafted from red feathers, and beneath that a mundane grey robe. Those were not the most striking details, however. No, his eyes were closed, the cloak and his hands were stained with blood, and a Nebulite blade had been impaled through his back. A single drop of blood fell from the man, and splashed on Shengshi’s deck. Then, once again, he began to move - as if the cloak was dragging him. He maneuvered around the tower, and then once again sped off, continuing his course. The snake cocked his head to the side. He leaned down, dipped a finger in the blood on his deck and placed the finger on his two-tipped tongue. “Kalmarian essence…” He smacked his lips. “... With a slight Orvusian hint… Yet something is a little off about it.” There was a pause. “He Bo!” “Yes, Your Lordship?” said the master servant as if he had simply materialised out of thin air. “Have the ship follow that man,” the snake demanded. “His Lordship’s holy might steers the ship, Your Lordship,” He Bo reminded politely. The snake huffed. “I, I know that… It just sounds so much better when an order is given.” “So it does, Your Lordship.” With that, the Jiangzhou set off after Karamir’s unconscious flying body. [hr] Arya sat in her kitchen table, arms folded loosely in her lap. Her chair was in front of a low window, but she did not look outside. At least, she didn’t see what was going on. It was hard to tell on a Nebulite, but she was extremely drained. Her face expressed a profound emptiness, her body was slumped, and she was tired. So tired. Yet, she did not want to sleep. Because sleep was a temptation, and Paradise, even if she went there, could offer her no solutions that she hadn’t thought of herself. Her mind was a jumbled mess of thoughts, chiefly about Ashalla’s arrival. Her father had not abandoned them, or even if he had, he had been hurt. By who? Who could do such a thing to another? And why had Laurien left? Did she know? Was she sworn to secrecy? Was she threatened? None of it was adding up. After Ashalla left, she immediately called out for Orvus, but the only thing she recieved was silence. And it was that silence that crushed her spirits. It all came crashing down, a wave of emptiness. Her sword was corrupting her, her father had been injured or worse, Laurien was gone, those she felt comfortable with asking for help, were dead. They were [i]dead[/i]. And she couldn’t tell them anything, there was no point. Those she could tell, could also do nothing about it. She wanted to go find Laurien, she did, but then who would watch over the Eye? Who would make it safe? Her Knights were only equipped with stones. They could do nothing to those that she was beginning to fear most. Ashalla had frightened her. Never before had she met such a being who casually saw her as little more than nothing. How could she show such little compassion? Then there was the fact that the other gods were trying to figure out an alternative to the Pyres and she sat with the key. How could K’nell do that? It just made her sad. And so she did not leave her house, even when her family came to check on her. She had to lie, say she felt ill, that she needed to be left alone. It broke her further, but she did not feel like doing anything about it. What was the point? Why drag anyone else into it? Why bring them sadness, when she could keep it, and try to get over it herself? A single black tear fell down her face, landing on hand, before rolling into her gown. There was a sudden movement in the window at the corner of her eye. The fluttering of wings, and a light scraping against wood. She turned her head slowly to the noise, expecting nothing more than a stray gardener that hit the window. It was not a stray, it was not a gardener, and it had not hit the window. But it was a bird… and it was familiar. Arryn stared back at her, and wordlessly inclined his head. She stared at Arryn for what felt like forever, before remembering that she had been told by Myra that the avatar was on his way. And now, he was right there. Perched on the window sill. She felt something stir inside her, a warmth blossoming from her chest. A flood of tears began to pour down her face as she got up, falling to her knees as she opened the window. Without saying anything she gently snatched the bird up into her arms and turned around to lean up against the wall as she cried and stroked his head. [color=ivory]”O-Oh Arry.”[/color] she choked out. There was a time when Arryn would have resisted such an embrace. He would have swiftly fought his way free, and then replied with a glare, or a stern reprimand. Instead, his own eyes began to shimmer, and his wings extended to wrap around her. [color=ivory]”I-I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.”[/color] she said over and over again, her voice small, reminiscent of her youth. As she continued to hug him and stroked his head, he said nothing, but his wings tightened and he pressed his head harder against her. [color=ivory]”I missed you. I missed you so much. But I was afraid you hated me. I’m so sorry Arryn. I should have tried to see you sooner. I should have-”[/color] she broke down again, her voice failing. There were no words that could truly explain what she felt. [color=brown][i]I…[/i][/color] Arryn tried to begin, his own voice, even telepathically, in no better shape. [color=brown][i]Me too…[/i][/color] was all he could say. The two held each other for a very long time, saying nothing but living in the moment as they reunited. Arya’s tears became less and less as she calmed down. It had been forever since she had seen her first friend, and she never wanted to feel so sad again. She then said in a raw voice, [color=ivory]”I’m glad you’re here, Arryn.”[/color] [color=brown][i]I am glad too,[/i][/color] the bird said, having calmed down as well. [color=brown][i]I… please don’t tell anybody I acted like this. Not even Kalmar,[/i][/color] he requested, a mild treachery. Arya chuckled softly, [color=ivory]”Arryn… You shouldn’t be ashamed of your emotions… But okay, I won’t tell anyone.”[color] she cooed. [color=brown][i]You’ve changed,[/i][/color] the bird noted. [color=brown][i]It has been a long time…[/i][/color] [color=ivory]”I… I grew up Arry. You didn’t think I’d remain a child forever did you?”[/color] she smiled warmly. [color=brown][i]All creatures do change over time, it’s true…[/i][/color] Arryn conceded. [color=brown][i]What happened to you since…[/i][/color] his voice trailed off. [color=ivory]”It’s… It’s a long story…”[/color] Arya said sadly. [color=ivory]”But after you left… I learned from Shengshi.”[/color] she said again, telling him her entire life story. They did not move from where they sat, and as the sun began to set, Arya still continued on, telling Arryn of her travels, and the people she met, and of Tendlepog and everything else in between. [color=ivory]”...And that leads us to now.”[/color] she said as the chorus of night filtered in through the window. [color=ivory]”You came when I needed you most.”[/color] [color=brown][i]I see why you were sad,[/i][/color] Arryn said, after listening to it all. [color=brown][i]I’m supposed to seek out the Vallamir here, but… is there anything I can do to help?[/i][/color] [color=ivory]”This doesn’t seem right to ask, only just getting you back… But I need to know where my father went and you, are one of the only ones that I know that could track him.”[/color] she said softly. [color=brown][i]I…[/i][/color] he began, but then seemed to hesitate. [color=brown][i]I can try,[/i][/color] he offered. [color=brown][i]But first I need to complete my task. I have to speak to the Vallamir. After that, I can help.[/i][/color] [color=ivory]”Of course Arryn. Seeing them is your first priority, but… Tomorrow. They’ll be sleeping now.”[/color] she said with a smile. Arryn nodded. [color=brown][i]Very well,[/i][/color] he said. [hr] Morning came, and Arryn had decided to commandeer Arya’s house for the meeting with Vallamir. There, he told them of Kalmar, what would be expected of them should they agree to come, and what they would find on the continent itself - both its dangers, and its bounties. The majority had already left, deciding they would prefer to stay on the Eye. Only four remained, Myra among them, shifting with uncertainty. They asked their questions, while Arya waited outside, occasionally overhearing snippets. Stories of large beasts, lush forests, a temple, some sort of weapon called a sling, and frost giants. Whatever her own thoughts were, they were soon interrupted by a light [i]wumph![/i] as a figure landed on the ground in front of her. He lay on his side, his back to her, all except his unkempt brown hair obscured obscured by a cloak of red feathers. She jumped in her chair screaming from the fright as she looked at the body of the man suddenly before her. When he did not move, Arya’s brow furrowed and she rushed to the side of him. She fell to her knees behind him, noticing the sword that was embedded in his flesh. The hilt was… strangely reminiscent of herself, so was the blade. She peered over his side, using on of her hands, she brought his head up and moved his hair away from his face with her other hand. Her eyes went wide as she realized that the familiar face was… Karamir? He was taller than she remembered, and part of his hair was now white, but there was no mistaking him. His eyes were closed, his clothes were ragged. His front, back, and both of his hands were stained with red and white blood. [color=yellow]”Di… Diana…”[/color] he murmured. The door to the house flew open, and out came the four remaining Vallamir, Arryn among them. He landed on the grass in front of Karamir, took one look at the man, and then up at Arya. [color=brown][i]What happened?[/i][/color] he demanded. She looked up at Arryn and was bewildered. [color=ivory]”I have no idea, he just landed here like this. He’s got a sword embedded in him, the likes of which I’ve never seen before. He needs help Arryn.”[/color] Arya said quickly, checking Karamir’s forehead. He was burning up. [color=brown][i]He’s dying,[/i][/color] came Arryn’s immediate diagnosis. [color=brown][i]Get him inside, cover and put pressure on his wounds, and leave that sword in - it might be all that is holding his guts together. Move![/i][/color] This last word was directed at the motionless Vallamir who stood between Arya and her house. They quickly moved out of the way, and Myra went to the end of his body so that she could lift up his feet while Arya carried the shoulders. They went quickly, placing him on the kitchen table exactly how he was, on his side. Arya began ripping her dress in strips and applying them around the sword as she put pressure on them. [color=ivory]”Arryn, what do we do. I-I’ve never dealt with this sort of injury before.”[/color] Arya said flustered. Myra was wrapping a cloth around Karamir’s sliced hand. Arryn, perched on the edge of the table, walked forward and stopped just before the blade. He extended his wings, and a look of deep concentration passed over him for a few moments… then he nearly collapsed. [color=brown][i]I lack the power to save him…[/i][/color] the bird conceded reluctantly. [color=brown][i]Keep applying pressure. I’m going to find out what happened.[/i][/color] And with those words the bird stalked over to Karamir’s head. A pit formed in her stomach. Arryn couldn’t save him? How were they going to…? She tried to think if there was anyway, or anything that she knew of that could help Karamir and her mind came up with nothing. She didn’t have the skills of a healer, and she grew angry at the fact she couldn’t just fix him. She barely even knew Karamir outside of their dream, and yet, seeing him like this… [color=brown][i]His soul has been partly decayed…[/i][/color] Arryn observed, sounding shocked. [color=brown][i]By an unnatural force. His memories are in chaos.[/i][/color] The bird then began to recite what he could make out, almost as if the images were flashing through his mind as he spoke. [color=brown][i]He found a settlement in a desert… he accepted a drink from their leader… she attacked him... he fought some Nebulites… their leader waved a hand… then he felt pain, and emptiness…[/i][/color] Arryn shook his head. [color=brown][i]That is all I can see. Does any of this mean something to you?[/i][/color] he asked Arya. There would only be Nebulites in a desert if… Her heart began to sink. She didn’t want it to be true, it couldn’t be… But she had to know. [color=ivory]”Arryn… What did the leader look like?”[/color] she asked forlornly. [color=yellow]”Reee… in…”[/color] Karamir suddenly breathed as Arryn went back into his memories. [color=brown][i]Tall, black skin, shining hair, black armour, and a sword not too different from your own.[/i][/color] Arryn observed. [color=brown][i]Is that your sister?[/i][/color] [color=ivory]”No no no!” That’s not… That’s not Laurien. That’s not her. She couldn’t. She wouldn’t do that…”[/color] Arya cried out. How could Laurien do such a thing? What prompted her to hurt Karamir? She felt her heart break again, but she breathed in and then out. This was not the time. Karamir needed their help and she wasn’t going to let those thoughts consume her. [color=ivory]”Arryn. We need to do something here!”[/color] Arya said sternly, applying more pressure. [color=brown][i]There is a Selka Tribe on Atokhekwoi,[/i][/color] Arryn revealed, [color=brown][i]Who know how to infuse water with magic, and use that to heal injuries. I will go there. I do not know how long it will take, but if you can keep him alive until I bring one of them back, there might be a chance.[/i][/color] She gritted her teeth and reluctantly nodded her head, [color=ivory]”Go! Fly fast! I’ll… I’ll pray to Kalmar. Maybe he can help.”[/color] Arya said quickly. Arryn had already flown out the window. She began to speak out loud, [color=ivory]”Kalmar! Karamir needs you, he’s been hurt. Please!”[/color] [hr] The snake sneered at the growing blot in the sea that he knew was the Eye. He clicked his forked tongue disapprovingly in the way one does when seeking attention and as usual, He Bo was right beside him. “His Lordship was not hoping to return to the Eye?” The snake shook his head. “Two encounters with the Nebulite sodomites has been quite enough. I loathe the thought of a third.” “With all due respect, Your Lordship, this servant is confident that the worst of the sodomites came along for the odyssey to Asteria.” The snake hummed disapprovingly. “To think I took the worst of such a kind and put them on my precious land… What was I thinking?” “His Lordship is gracious and generous, and in His generosity chose to take pity upon even the ungrateful sinners that now populate the Foot. It is in His Lordship’s nature to be selfless like so.” The snake gave the master servant a smile. “You always know what to say, He Bo.” The ship landed neatly in the sea and the snake slithered down the staircase of water formed by the freshwater river that had carried the ship through the sky. He went alone this time, for another scent had joined the one he followed. “I suppose we would meet again sooner or later.” The snake dusted himself off, smoothed over his hair and beard and slithered towards Arya’s house. As he got closer, his divine senses could taste the blood in the air and the frantic talking of people coming from inside the house. [Color=sienna]"Arya you need rest! Let Ava take over."[/color] came a stern, but motherly voice. [Color=ivory]"No! I'm not tired, I can still do this, take Myra's spot."[/color] came the familiar voice of Arya, but richer and perhaps sadder. He slithered through the front door to see a strange sight. Across from him was several Nebulites and another species. Arya was the only one he knew by name and she had grown. No longer was she the small mouthless girl he had once known, she had become a woman. They all stood around a table, on it there was a man with a sword embedded in his back. Several heads turned to see who the newest visitor was and all gaped in awe, save Arya. The girl smiles briefly before seeming to remember what she was doing. Her face took on a grim expression. [Color=ivory]"Your Holiness! We need a healer, please!"[/color] she said with desperation in her voice. The snake blinked and gave the man on the table a frown. "If he needed a healer so desperately, he should have just stopped when he passed my ship. Stand aside." The snake pushed his way over to Karamir and hummed. "Bring me fire and water - make the water fresh." The Nebulites quickly scrambled for what the God needed. Arya stayed behind and went closer to Karamir and whispered, [color=ivory]"You're going to be okay. Stay strong."[/color] she then looked up at his Lordship and said, [color=ivory]"It's good to see you, your Lordship. It's been… Too long. I just wish the circumstances were a bit better."[/color] "They will improve once this man is nursed back to health, my dear. For now, though, it is good to see you, too. I am sorry I did not come to visit on my last trip here. I was preoccupied, unfortunately." [Color=ivory]"Yes… We'll need to talk about that."[/color] Arya said knowingly. It was then that the Nebulites came back, carrying torches of fire and pots full of water. “Indeed, we must, but for now…” The snake took a torch and a pot of water. “... The spawn of Kalmar must be healed.” The snake held out one of his claws and put it into the fire of the torch. It was coated in soot, then began to glow a dark red. A simple alteration of the heat around his claw made it warmer than it should be, and made it so it kept warm even as he removed it from the fire. With simple, controlled prods, the snake seared shut the smaller cuts on Karamir’s skin, and then deftly lurked out the blade before burning closed that wound, as well. Working quickly, he took the water in the pot and had it spread to every cauterised wound. The brown, or at times black, crisps of skin flaked off under the water to reveal fresh, new skin underneath. The stab wound started from the centre, the punctured, now-recovering organs within filling up the space before new skin spin itself together at the surface, leaving a pale scar. While Karamir was nowhere near full recovery, he was at the very least not bleeding anymore. Arya watched with disbelief as the wounds healed. So too did everyone else that was inside, with quiet murmurs and praise for the River Lord. At last, Karamir was able to be on his back and Arya did so gently. Rowan then spread a blanket across him and placed a pillow under his head. [Color=ivory]"Thank you, your Lordship."[/color] Arya said misty eyed. She then went over and tentatively plucked the sword from where it lay. She looked at it with curious eyes. The snake wiped his hands off with a handkerchief he materialised out one of the unused bandages. “It was nothing. This mortal did not deserve to die - at least not before he identifies his attacker.” His nose wrinkled again and he gave a quiet hiss. “... There is something odd about him, though. His presence feels… Lacking. Even for a mortal.” Arya sighed, giving the sword to Myra, who studied it with a curious gaze of her own. Arya then looked up at Shengshi and said, [color=ivory]"His attacker was… Laurien. Arryn said as much before he left to find a healer in the Selka. I don't know why she did this… But I know what afflicts him. She decayed his soul."[/color] Arya said sadly. “Decayed his soul, you say?” The snake cupped his chin in his hand. “That is unfortunate - I have not the power to reverse that. If his spirit is rotting, then there is nothing I can do.” His expression darkened. “... To think I just saw Laurien the other day - was this Polyastera’s order, the cretin? Or…” There was a droning hum. [Color=ivory]"My father could reverse it if he was… Here. Your Holiness, what did Laurien tell you ten years ago about my father? Surely you must have wondered where he was and asked?"[/color] Arya asked, rubbing her chin. “He was absent, if recall. I chose not to pry - I would rather not have disturbed him in case he was busy. I reckon, then, that something had happened to him.” [Color=ivory]"His ichor was spilled upon a beach, Ashalla said as much, but it was faint, old even. I fear my sister is keeping a secret your holiness. One I don't want to believe."[/color] Arya said again, looking at Karamir. “A rather obvious one, once the pieces are put together,” the snake said with a dark frown. “... Deicide and patricide… Even the thought of such crimes is a gruesome sin, let alone the attempt. The sister you once knew, Arya, has committed a most heinous crime. Her motivation, I do not know, but it surprises me not that she would not hesitate to harm a mortal if her blade has tasted godly blood.” He looked down at Karamir. “... If this man is half as bent on getting involved with others’ affairs as his creator is, I can see a possible reason behind his wounding, too.” She felt numb, hearing what her thoughts had led her too, now said by another. She looked over to Rowan, the woman stood in front of a window looking out. Then she looked at Lily, who sat in a chair with a blank look. Arya gripped the table in front of her, looking down to see her shaking hands, before asking, [color=ivory]"And what would that reason be?"[/color] in a small voice. “Is it not obvious? This man asked the exact questions he was not supposed to ask, and pried the topics he should not have pried. His thirst for knowledge was met with a pint of his own blood - or a few more. He must have lost quite a bit on the way here.” The snake gave Karamir a quick look-over with a pair of hard eyes. [Color=ivory]"Yeah…"[/color] she said absentmindedly. The snake shot her glance. “What will you do now?” [Color=ivory]"I don't know. Find my father… Find Laurien… Fix this mess and find out why she did it. Orvus isn't dead… I would have felt it. No, he's somewhere, and I can only guess where she would have taken him."[/color] Arya said hollowly, looking down at her hands. The snake slithered over and placed a clawed hand on her shoulder. “No, Orvus is not dead. It takes more than a well-armed mortal to kill a god - you can trust me on that. However, her crime still stands.” The snake gave her a stern look. “You know she cannot go unpunished after what she has done.” [Color=ivory]"I… I know…"[/color] her black tears falling again for what seemed like the hundredth time in the last day. “Good,” said the snake and let go of her shoulder. He slithered over to a chair, touched it and watched as it became a beautifully adorned leanchair with silk-upholstered pillows. He sat down and propped his cheek on a fist. Not even a minute later, muffled voices were heard outside, and Shengshi felt an all-too familiar presence. “TEN THOUSAND YEARS TO-” [color=orange]”Quiet!”[/color] an equally familiar gruff, angry voice barked, and then mere moments later Kalmar burst through the door. He was different. His ears were pointed, he had a beard in place of a moustache, and his clothes were more refined. He did a quick scan of the room, his gaze shifting from Karamir, to Arya, and then finally to Shengshi. [color=orange]”What happened?”[/color] he asked through grit teeth. “Nice to see you, too,” the snake said dryly. Kalmar scowled, then he looked back to Karamir, and his expression softened. He stepped closer to the table, saw the bloodstains, noted that the wound was healed, but then used his finer senses and realized that the decay Arryn told him of still remained. [color=orange]”Who did this?”[/color] he asked, looking up at Arya. Arya smiled faintly at Kalmar then frowned. [Color=ivory]"It was my sister…"[/color] she said with regret. Kalmar then looked to Shengshi, his expression carefully neutral. [color=orange]”Did you heal him?”[/color] he asked. “I did.” The snake shifted in his bejeweled chair. “Consider it an olive branch on my part. He soared by my ship and I could tell he was wounded. I followed him here and the rest is history. I am glad I did, too, as it helped me get some answers I have been wondering about.” [color=orange]”Well… thank you for that,”[/color] the Hunter said grudgingly, the words sounding stiff and awkward, before looking back down at the table. [color=orange]”There is still his soul to fix. Any idea on how to do that?”[/color] The snake shrugged. “Arya proposes Orvus can fix that, buuut… Well, he is not here.” [color=orange]”I know. Arryn told me he has been missing for ten years,”[/color] Kalmar frowned, before once again turning to Arya. [color=orange]”Arae told me he gave up on the path of destruction. Azura told me he returned to it. Which one is true?”[/color] Arya shrugged. [Color=ivory]"When and why did Azura say that?"[/color] she said blankly. [color=orange]”Twelve years ago, when I met her at her Vault. Some time before that, Orvus tried to decay the souls contained within,”[/color] Kalmar answered. [color=orange]”This would have been before his disappearance.”[/color] The girl frowned and sighed. [Color=ivory]"I don't know what my father does when he isn't on the Eye Kalmar. I don't really know anything anymore, it feels like."[/color] [color=orange]”Then one way or another, we need to find him.”[/color] Kalmar decided. [Color=ivory]"I agree. He's our first priority. Laurien comes second."[/color] she said. [color=orange]”I will set out soon. Arya, I’m going to need you to stay here, in case Karamir wakes up. He might remember something, or…”[/color] Kalmar paused. [color=orange]”Orvus once intended to destroy all life, simply because his soul was frayed. If something similar happened to Karamir, there is no telling how his mind was affected. Someone needs to keep an eye on him.”[/color] Arya nodded. [Color=ivory]"I can do tha-"[/color] she began to say but was interrupted by a golden skinned child bursting through the door. "MOM!" He shouted. Rowan turned around to see Doron, tears stained her cheeks but she wore a confused look on her face. "Not now Doron." She said sternly. "But the skies falling!" He blurted anyways. Arya frowned and ran over to the door, Doron stepping towards Rowan. As soon as she looked up, she saw Veradax and from it, thousands of meteors descending. [Color=ivory]"Oh no."[/color] Kalmar appeared beside her. His eyes widened, and once again his expression hardened. [color=orange]”We were wondering what Orvus has been up to for the past decade,”[/color] he growled, [color=orange]”And this might be our answer.”[/color] She breathed, [color=ivory]"No… He wouldn't…"[/color] [color=orange]”You said it yourself, you don’t know what he does when he’s not on the Eye,”[/color] Kalmar frowned. [color=orange]”I’m going to Veradax,”[/color] he announced, in a tone that brook no argument. “Now do not be so rash, brother,” the snake’s deep, oily voice hissed gently as he slithered over. He stuck a head out the door as well. “Oh, my, that -is- a predicament… Regardless, Orvus may be an oddball, but he would not be foolish enough to do this - not over some surly stabbing, anyway. He knows all too well that the gods have things they love on this world now, and to threaten them would certainly mean his own destruction.” He frowned at the sky. “Another piece may have taken control of the board…” [color=orange]”Whether Orvus is involved or not, his sphere is the cause of this new threat,”[/color] Kalmar insisted. [color=orange]”Someone must go there and fight the problem at its source. I’m going.”[/color] “In that case, will you grant me permission to cross onto Kalgrun soil in case one of those larger rocks should approach just a little too close, then? I promise, I will not be a bother.” Kalmar seemed genuinely taken aback by that, and for a moment wondered if he had heard the River God correctly. Then he spoke, his voice soft. [color=orange]”As thanks for healing Karamir, and making this offer,”[/color] he said, little louder than a whisper. [color=orange]”Your banishment from Kalgrun is lifted.”[/color] The snake bowed his head. “I thank you, Kalmar. I have been hoping to make amends for my…” He strained himself a little. “... Unfortunate episode all those years ago. Consider this a start.” [color=orange]”I didn’t handle myself very well back then either,”[/color] Kalmar admitted. And with those words, he was gone, rushing eastward. The snake nodded with a half-smile before turning to Arya. “Well, I suppose I ought to do something about those incoming rocks, hmm?” [Color=ivory]"That would be lovely, your Holiness."[/color] she said, still watching the meteors. The snake nodded and made his way back to the ship. He climbed onto the deck and turned to the servants. “I would advice everyone to head below deck. This can be quite a bumpy ride.” The servants blinked at one another and hurried into the palace. The snake looked to the sky once more - a number of larger rocks were heading towards the islands. “He Bo - please secure everything precious below deck.” “Right away, Your Lordship!” He Bo yelled before closing the palace gates behind him. The water gathered below the great vessel and lifted it to the heavens. As it climbed, it gained more and more speed, the snake standing at the very head of the dragon with a vicious grin on his face. The vessel was rocketing straight towards the largest rock, and at this point, the ship wasn’t as much sailing on the river as it was being pushed by a jet of water. As the metres between the bow and the stone disappeared rapidly, the snake hummed to himself. “I should have written a poem about this - oh well, later I suppose.” Then the Jiangzhou slammed into the great meteor. Often in cases such as these, the wooden ship would have been reduced to sawdust and splinters, leaving Shengshi as a sole survivor; however, the sacred planks, oiled with divine blessings, could withstand any strike not made by a god - stone was no challenge. The meteor with its great mass and speed wasn’t broken apart by this lighter vessel, yes, but it was slowed down considerably and sent off its course, settling instead for the much less terrestrially populated ocean. The snake’s ship repeated the process for all the other meteors heading for the island, scooping the smallest ones he could reach up with cold river water. Many of them cracked apart from the cold shock and became dust. Arya was amazed at the display of the Jiangzhou but had little time to watch as her mind kicked into gear. A following had began to arrive around her, asking what to do and Arya looked to the Marble Star and yelled, [color=ivory]"Everyone get to the Marble Star! Pass the word around, gather food and valuables then go!"[/color] and the crowd scurried in every direction as Arya went back inside her house. It had felt like the end times had come, but she still had people to protect. [hr] [hider=Post Summary] Shengshi is on his boat playing Chess with a Servant, and gets rekt hard. Then a wild Karamir appears and passes by, and Shengshi is like: “Let’s follow him.” Meanwhile on the EoD, Arya is sad. Sad because Orvus was gone, Ashalla was mean, K’nell and Hermes are DED. Then Arryn appears and she is happy. They hug and talk about stuff, with Arryn offering to help locate Orvus, but first he has to speak to the Vallamir on the Eye to see if any of them actually want to go to Kalgrun. The next morning, Arryn is having a meeting with them while Arya waits outside. A wounded Karamir lands at her feet, the cloak having carried him to Arryn’s location. They put him on the table. Arryn realizes that he is dying and his soul has decayed. He reaches into Karamir’s memories and reveals what happened. Based on his description, Arya realizes Laurien was behind it. She is super bummed out by this. Arryn then decides to head over to the Ubbo Tribe, and see if they have a healer. It’s a long journey so Arya has to stay and keep Karamir alive. Some time later, Snek catches up. He heals Karamir using a new method he has devised, and then talks to Arya about what happened. He finds out that Laurien caused this, that Orvus’s disappearance was around the same time as Laurien’s departure, and that Orvus’s bloodstain was recently found. The snek puts these events together and correctly deduces that Laurien stabbed Orvus, and then had Karamir stabbed for being too nosy. They talk some more, with Shengshi trying to assure Arya that Orvus is probably still alive. Then Kalmar shows up, and asks some questions of his own. He decides to go find Orvus, while Arya stays behind to look after Karamir. They are interrupted when Chicken Little bursts in and declares that the sky is falling. They look outside to see Veradax’s meteor shower. Kalmar instantly concludes that Orvus is responsible, and decides to go to Veradax to sort the issue out in person. Shengshi cautions to him that Orvus might not be the reason for this, but Kalmar still insists on going because Veradax is the source of this trouble. Shengshi offers to protect Kalgrun from meteor strikes if any happen to head that way, and Kalmar accepts, lifting his banishment in the process. They sort-of make amends, then Kalmar leaves for the Maelstrom. The snek hops in his boat and smashes up some meteors. Arya takes charge of the Nebulites and tries to get them to safety. [/hider] [hider=Might Usage!] Snake: 1MP/3FP start 1MP Claim ability: "From the Ashes" Having witnessed his jungle burn and having explored the theories of slash and burn agriculture, Shengshi applies this concept to healing - what has been burned grows back stronger, so if he burns a patch of damaged skin, he can use river water to 'cultivate' it and make it grow back stronger, effectively healing it. Snake: 0MP/3FP [/hider] [hider=Prestige] Arya: The Learner, The Martial Dancer, The Compassionate, The Wanderer, The Teacher, The Sailor, Last of the Zhengwu, Swordmaster, Lady of the Eye +5 Prestige Starting +1 For Major Role +1 For Minor Role +1 For Jolly Collaboration = +8 Prestige Ending [u]Karamir[/u] [b]Beginning Prestige:[/b] 16 +1 for collab. [b]Ending Prestige:[/b] 17 [/hider]