[center] [h1] Tears and Rain [/h1] [/center] [hr] She knelt in front of a puddle, staring down at her reflection. The person who gazed back up at her, was someone only vaguely familiar. She felt broken and lost and afraid. Leaving her children behind… Was like leaving a piece of her soul behind. They grounded her, they made her feel loved and she loved them so much… But for their own safety, she had to leave them. She had to. It was the only way, even if it felt wrong. She felt so tired. Even more so than ever before. She had flown for a day, crossing into the shrubland of the deserts edge, watching as the world around her came crashing down. She realized, after the meteors didn’t stop, that Abraxas was the culprit. Who else would it have been? No… He was trying to destroy the world. Yet she couldn’t find it in her to care about that. All she could do was run… Just like Arae had wanted. Arae. The family goddess, who tore families apart. It was ironic. But Arae was only one god who she was mad at. It all came back to Li’Kalla. Li’Kalla had opened the oldest wound she had, and because of that, she sought validation for everything after. It was not, she realized, her fault. But the Goddesses. Yet she still… She still wanted to be loved by her. She didn’t know why. And as she wandered through the shrubland, the sun beating down upon her, she thought of Li only and Silver. Hours passed. At noon, when the heliopolis was at its strongest, a lonely, pure white cloud passed overhead and shielded Laurien from the blinding, burning light. There, from a crack in the cloud, a figure erupted. Steam trailed behind it beautifully, turning into drops of water that reflected small rainbow halos each. The figure approached, flapping its great white wings gracefully. Laurien froze. As the figure landed a few meters in front of Laurien, there was no mistaking her. The beautiful Goddess Li’Kalla was there, looking at her with icy gray eyes. Slowly her expression went from anger to sadness as Laurien fell to her knees before the Goddess, exhausted as she was. She looked up at her with tears beginning to flow. [color=plum]”W-Why are you here…? I-I didn’t pray…”[/color] she said in a shaky voice. Li’Kalla looked at the cloudy sky above them, then back down at Laurien and sighed, closing her eyes. With her eyes still closed, the Goddess walked up to Laurien, knelt down in front of her and embraced her in a gentle hug. After a short moment, she patted the back of Laurien’s head and guided her face onto her shoulder. [color=steelblue]“There, there.”[/color] The sudden display of affection was something Laurien did not think would ever be possible, but she did not push the Goddess away, nor make any attempt to fight. She simply let herself be held as she cried. Eventually she asked, [color=plum]”A-Are you going to p-punish me too?”[/color] [color=steelblue]”Why would I, Laurien?”[/color] Li’Kalla asked softly. [color=plum]”Because I stabbed Orvus.”[/color] she whispered. [color=steelblue]”Ah,”[/color] Li’Kalla leaned back and broke the embrace, [color=steelblue]”Did he not kill your lover after sending you away from her?”[/color] [color=plum]”Yes.”[/color] she said softly, wiping away her tears. [color=plum]”Arae came… After ten years… And she cursed me and I had to leave my… My children.”[/color] Li’Kalla raised her eyebrows and tilted her head, [color=steelblue]”Children, huh? I thought you were- Nevermind,”[/color] The Goddess sighed again, [color=steelblue]”One would expect a Goddess of Families to try to keep families together. And to think I invited her to a sleepover... Oh well, would you like for us to go pick up your children?”[/color] [color=plum]”You… You would do that?”[/color] she said, her eyes misty again. [color=steelblue]”Of course, offspring are the most important thing in our lives. It is what gives us strength to move on. A mother should never have to unwillingly leave her children behind.”[/color] [color=plum]”Where would you take them?”[/color] she asked. [color=steelblue]”Them? I will be taking you and your children to the settlement my Faithful have been developing for the past ten years. You will find sanctuary there from the conceited, inefficient Gods of this world, and enjoy the chance to truly find who you are without a Divine telling you what to do at every turn.”[/color] Li’Kalla puffed out her chest a little in pure pride for her own words. [color=plum]”But my curse… I have to keep running. That’s what Arae demanded. I can never stay in one place for too long, else tragedy will strike. It’s why I left them behind…”[/color] she said sadly. At this, Li’Kalla cracked a smirk. [color=steelblue]”If the Goddess of Families is as efficient at placing curses as she is at protecting families, then finding a workaround should be no problem.”[/color] Relief washed over Laurien’s face as she began to cry again. [color=plum]”Thank you Li’Kalla… Thank you.”[/color] Li’Kalla looked at Laurien for a while, then nodded and stood up, offering the woman a hand. She took it graciously, dusting herself off after standing. She then stood a little straighter and composed herself before saying, [color=plum]”I know the way.”[/color] she said, beginning to float up. And soon they were soaring through the skies. The trip was mostly silent, so determined Laurien was to get to her children before some other Nebulite did. She hated herself for leaving them, when a solution had appeared so readily. She put them through so much in a span of weeks, how would they ever forgive her? The flight to the city was shorter, with how fast she flew. There was no stopping and in a matter of a half a day, they reached the outskirts. It was much the same as she had left it, but rather empty. There was barely anyone outside, and she soon realized why. Motes of white hovered over the city. She flew closer to one and inspected it, and instantly knew just how dangerous the thing was. She panicked and at once shouted. [color=plum]”No no no!”[/color] before flying towards the upper city. Li’Kalla followed in silence, deftly avoiding any mote. Laurien arrived at her home, just to see looters leaving through her doors. At the sight of her, they ran off into an alleyway, but Laurien did not care. She ran through the doors and screamed, [color=plum]”ANDROMEDA! PHOSET!”[/color] only to be met with silence. She ran up the stairs, yelling for them as she went, but was met with only quiet. She arrived on her balcony to see the guards bodies gone… and it was there she broke down again. [color=steelblue]”Arae must have taken them. Come on,”[/color] Li’Kalla said, [color=steelblue]”We will draw up a plan to get them back, but first we have to go to your new home.”[/color] As if in a daze, Laurien stood up and made her way to the door, following behind Li. Her heart was a mess… But if Arae had taken them… Then they would at least be safe, she hoped. [color=plum]”Where will we go…?”[/color] she said dejectedly. [color=steelblue]”As I said,”[/color] Li’Kalla cleared her throat and grabbed Laurien’s wrist, pulling her away from the empty building and taking flight. [color=steelblue]”Your new home. Though, there are some conditions and rules you must follow to stay there for a prolonged time.”[/color] She let herself be pulled. Eventually, as the city became small Laurien asked, [color=plum]"What are those?"[/color] [color=steelblue]”There is no need to discuss them now. We will do so when you’re settled and recovered.”[/color] And just like that, the city disappeared beyond the horizon and before they knew it, they found themselves over the vast oceans. Laurien said nothing during this time, far too lost in thought as she was and the newest loss hitting her hard. She had been so close, but it wasn't good enough. She looked at Li'Kalla from time to time, wondering what the Goddess was thinking, wondering why she was helping her. It didn't make sense… Or perhaps it did in a way. Perhaps... Eventually the pair saw land on the horizon, and in that land over a large plume of steam they circled, then swooped down and landed gracefully on a balcony on a large Manor on top of a hill. There was a lot of fog that day, and it was only thanks to Li’Kalla’s godly senses that they found their way so precisely. It wasn’t raining. Li’Kalla shook her wings and furled them against her back, then walked inside, followed by Laurien. As they walked through dimly lit hallways, the Goddess spoke for the first time in hours. [color=steelblue]”This is my home. You will choose a room to stay in. All the doors are locked, so the first door you try to open will unlock and become your room. Beware, this applies to recreation rooms so unless you enjoy sleeping on a billiard table you’d better stick to opening a door on the second floor, which is where we are right now.”[/color] After the long flight, Laurien's mood had barely improved and she had no idea what a recreation room or a billiards table was, but nodded and said, [Color=plum]"Second floor, got it."[/color] [color=steelblue]”This Manor is like my own body, in a way, and I consider any and all uninvited entrances a violation of my trust. Therefore, do try to keep guests to a minimum, and give me notice when you intend to bring someone here. Otherwise, make yourself at home as my first true guest since I’ve recovered my body. You can find sustenance in the kitchen, as I’ve recently seen to it that the chiller be stocked with local flavours and ingredients. If you require complex meals, report to me and I shall get our best cook here. Do try to be self-sufficient, however...”[/color] Li’Kalla kept talking and laying down rules and guidance about her home as she led Laurien down a set of ornate stairs and into the main hall. A modest door to the side had light spilling out from underneath it. [color=steelblue]”That’s the kitchen. Are you feeling hunger right now, Laurien?”[/color] Though she barely had an appetite, her stomach grumbled slightly. [Color=plum]"I could eat."[/color] she put simply. Li’Kalla nodded and the door opened of its own accord, revealing a kitchen filled with strange, sleek appliances. The Goddess led Laurien to a stool on a counter and then moved over to the kitchen. She opened the fridge and pulled out two eggs and washed them in her sink before setting them to the side. She then went to the hob, pulled a pan and salt and pepper from a cabinet next to it and placed the pan on the hob. With a turn of one of the four knobs on the hob, fire was created under the pan. Li’Kalla couldn’t hide her smile and the little bouncing of her heels, and then when the pan had heated enough, she cracked the eggs and poured them into the pan. They sizzled immediately, and she quickly added salt and pepper, then covered the pan with a lid. A minute or two later, she opened the lid and the scent of fresh fried egg flooded the room. Satisfied with her handiwork, she turned off the flame and moved the eggs from the pan to a plate she’d prepared for Laurien, grimacing a little as a small piece of the eggs stuck to the pan. She then took the plate, along with a fork, to Laurien and set it down in front of her, then sat down herself opposite to Laurien on the counter, glaring at her intently. Laurien looked down at the food before and began to eat peckishly. After she chewed and swallowed she gave Li a small smile and said, [color=plum]"This is very good. Um… What is… All of this?"[/color] she asked looking around at all the oddities before taking another bite of the eggs. [color=steelblue]”My home. Bits and pieces I remember that I’ve chosen to recreate here. I remember watching a maid cook two fried eggs for me as breakfast one day. I took the eggs out of the chiller, washed them in the sink, and cooked them on a pan on the hob. I added salt and pepper and then moved them to a plate. I am quite proud of my culinary achievement. I’m glad you find the eggs satisfactory. Do not burn your tongue, Laurien.”[/color] She nodded with a mouthful, blinking at Li. Did the Goddess… Did she only know how to cook eggs? She mulled it over before swallowing. [color=plum]”You should be very proud, they are very good and hit the spot.”[/color] she said again with a smile, which after having raised her eyebrows, Li’Kalla returned as she leaned forward over the counter, resting her arms on the surface. [color=steelblue]”Thank you, Laurien. I also know how to cook some vegetables, like boiled carrots. What about you?”[/color] She twirled her fork on the now empty plate and said, [color=plum]”I learned some things, here and there when I stayed with the Dreamers. But nothing like what you have here.”[/color] [color=steelblue]”I suppose these are all leftover pieces of technology from where I come from. I cannot remember the name anymore, but there were knights, I was royalty, and I wanted to be married to a strong, beautiful person. Well, since I’m here now I suppose that never happened.”[/color] [color=plum]”Silver spoke of knights once…”[/color] Laurien said quietly, before looking at Li. [color=plum]”I… I’m sorry. I don’t know what I’d do without you, and your hospitality, but I have to ask… Is she really gone?”[/color] Li’Kalla furrowed her brow and sighed, [color=steelblue]”Who knows? I don’t think so, at least. It depends on your definition of ‘gone’, I imagine.”[/color] Laurien sat up straighter, her gaze more intent upon the Goddess. There was desperation in her voice now, [color=plum]”Could you… Could you bring her back? She’s a part of you, isn’t she?”[/color] [color=steelblue]”I’m afraid I haven’t-”[/color] Li’Kalla pursed her lips, then continued, [color=steelblue]”I suppose she is.”[/color] [color=plum]”Please.”[/color] Laurien said, getting up from her seat and going over to Li, she got on her knees. [color=plum]”Please. I d-don’t have my kids… I-I don’t have a home… Silver could… I just wanted to say goodbye. Just… Just let me say goodbye. Please.”[/color] she said her voice breaking as she began to cry again. Li’Kalla’s face twisted and she teared up. Turning away, she said, [color=steelblue]”I-I thought we could...”[/color] She fell silent for a moment, and then turned to glare at Laurien with icy eyes, [color=steelblue]”... Have it your way.”[/color] Li’Kalla’s skin seemed to crumble away and the cracks in her skin widened. From those cracks a bright light suddenly started seeping out, and Li’Kalla’s eyes rolled into the back of her head and the ends of her hair turned a reddish hue. Li’Kalla’s body shivered as it changed form, turning from the beautiful, refined, delicate Li’Kalla to the somewhat athletic body of Silver along with her rough hands and scarred arms. It was then that the bright white gaze settled on Laurien, and tears began to well up in her eyes. [color=plum]”S-Silver…?”[/color] Laurien cried, planting her head in the woman’s stomach as she wrapped her arms around her. [color=plum]”I’m s-sorry. I’m so sorry. I should n-never have l-left.”[/color] she mumbled into her dress. “Laurien…? What happened? Where am I? It’s been so long, I’ve missed you so much...” Silver asked, tears falling freely from her eyes as she gently and slowly caressed her fingers through Laurien’s hair. She looked up at Silver. [color=plum]”I’ve missed you too. So, so much.”[/color] she cried softly. [color=plum]”I never got to say goodbye, chickadee. You… You died, remember? But now, now you live on again, in Li’Kalla! You got put back together… but…”[/color] her voice broke. “Oh, right, I died, huh? I guess I hurt you by hitching a ride with the grim reaper’s carriage. It all seems so far away and still… I guess we made it? We took back the body and drove out the beast? Laurie…” Silver gasped, the white pupil-less eyes widening as she looked down and saw Laurien’s face nuzzle up against her stomach, “Laurie…! Laurie! You’re back! You’re back!” Silver repeated breathily, “I did it, you know! I stayed up late every night waiting for you to come home, no matter how hard the day was. Sometimes I thought you’d abandoned me, you know, maybe I wasn’t a good enough lover or you’d just forgotten about the lonely girl you met at your father’s farm, but here you are! You came back!” Her face was a wash of emotion, a deep hurt broke across her face as she realized the sheer amount of sadness she cause Silver. [color=plum]”N-No… I’d never abandon you. I was… I was just kept away and then Orvus told me… He killed you and I… I never forgot about you. I even… I even tried to avenge you. But you’re here now… And I can finally see you again.”[/color] Silver’s tears dripped off her chin and nose onto Laurien. The red-haired girl sniffled and shook her head, “You make me feel so loved, Laurie… Reacting like this to not having seen me for just around one year. I-I thought for sure I was going to be the one bawling all over you.” She said with a shaky chuckle as she hugged Laurien’s head close. [color=plum]”S-Silver… I-It’s been decades.”[/color] Laurien said. There was a stunned note in her voice, as she was surprised that Silver had no idea. To her… It probably felt like waking up for the first time, in a long time. She squeezed her a bit harder. “Has it? Huh... “ Silver fell silent, absent-mindedly holding Laurien tighter. Laurien pulled her head away to look up at her again. [color=plum]”So many things have happened… I-I don’t even know where to begin…”[/color] Silver’s skin took on a grey hue, and after Laurien pulled away, she wrapped her arms around herself, shivering as the cracks in her skin widened and at point, made it seem like her limbs would fall off. She doubled over, gagging and coughing, the white eyes growing dim and brightening randomly. Her form twisted and tried to change, and the veins beneath her crumbling skin seemed ready to burst with god blood. “Uuggh…” She grunted lowly. In a split moment, she shifted on her seat and the stool tumbled and she fell to the ground where she began convulsing. Laurien stumbled to her, placing her hands on her back in comfort. [color=plum]”Silver! Silver! Listen to me.”[/color] she said quickly. [color=plum]”I love you, so so much. Okay? I want you to know that. I-I…”[/color] her voice broke. And just like that, Silver was still. She exhaled, and closed her eyes. A blinding, suffocating light flashed in the room, and when the pure white light subsided, the body in front of Laurien was returning to its original form, that of the pure Goddess Li’Kalla. [color=plum]”Li’Kalla! A-Are you alright?”[/color] Laurien asked. Li’Kalla’s eyes shot open and she immediately took in a large breath and started gasping for air, her nails digging into the wooden floor and her wings spazzing out. That is, until she saw Laurien. At that point, she froze and composed herself. The cracks in her skin went back to normal, and she relaxed and stood up. [color=steelblue]”Huh, did you manage to say goodbye?”[/color] Li’kalla said, picking up the stool and sitting on it again as if nothing had happened. But the almost imperceivable twitching of her right leg was hard to miss. Laurien bowed her head before the Goddess. [color=plum]”I… Did. At least… I tried too. T-Thank you for doing that your grace. It meant a lot to me.”[/color] Li’Kalla shook her head, [color=steelblue]”I will not do this again, it takes a great mental toll to awaken slumbering shards like Silver. I only did this because...”[/color] Li’Kalla’s eyes glazed over for a moment, before she perked up and raised an eyebrow, [color=steelblue]”Yes, I only did this because you appreciated my cooking. It is natural that I would return the compliment with a selfless action, isn’t it?”[/color] [color=plum]”Yes, it was very kind.”[/color] Laurien said, looking up at her. [color=plum]”I-I think I’ll go pick out a room, with your permission of course.”[/color] [color=steelblue]”Yes, go ahead. Remember the rules, Laurie...n.”[/color] The girl blinked and a small smile fell on her lips, before she nodded and said, [color=plum]”Thank you, Li’Kalla.”[/color] before taking her leave from the Goddess, who remained sitting alone in the kitchen. After a few minutes of lonely reflection, Li’Kalla walked to the window and looked at the bright falling star trailing across the sky. It was too close and luminous to be a part of Veradax, and the Goddess watched it closely. Eventually, she huffed and walked away deeper into her Manor. [hider=Summary] Laurien uh, is pretty sad man. She wanders around for a day or so, and thinks about what led her to that place. It’s Li’Kalla, who then shows up because yeah, story. Laurien opens up to her, because she actually likes Li’Kalla deep down. Li’Kalla is like ‘Yo, you can come live with me, bring ur kids’ and Laurien is like ‘Fuck I left my kids’ so they go back to Laurienna only to find out that they are gone, probably taken by Arae. Li and La then hurry along to Li’s manor, long journey made short through the magical editing of text. At the manor, Li shows Laurie the ropes and tells her to pick a room, because unlike some Goddesses, Li cares about rehabilitation. Eventually they go to the kitchen because Laurien is hungry and Li makes her some eggs which she eats. Knights then get brought up and Laurien is like, ‘wow is Silver, like, alive?’ and li is like, ‘eh, probably bro’ and then Laurien asks to get closure. Li is like, ‘Alright ugh’ and Laurien and Silver get to see eachother again. I teared up tbh. But yeah, then Silver went away and Li came back and Laurien was super greatful. The hero then goes to pick out a room, and the goddess looks out the window to see a shooting star, not a meteor, before wandering off. Dun dunn dunnn. [/hider] [hider=Might Summary] Li’Kalla MP 11 FP 16 Used 2 MP to awaken the Silver Shard temporarily in order for Laurien to be able to say goodbye to her. Remaining MP 9 FP 16 [/hider] [hider=Prestige] Laurien; Lady of Laurienna, Warrior. +12 Prestige Starting +1 Prestige for Minor Role +1 Prestige for Major Role +1 Prestige for Jolly Collaboration = +15 Prestige Ending [/hider]