[center][h1][b][u]Kalmar's Chosen[/u][/b][/h1][/center]

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"Chosen! Quick! Into the Temple!"

"No! What if it collapses? It will kill us all!"

"We should scatter into the woods!"

"Are you mad? Think of the children!"

The Chosen were in panic. While some stood yelling and arguing about the correct choice of action, others ran back and forth across the temple grounds, looking for friends, family members, or possessions. Some did indeed run into the temple. Others had already made their decision to abandon the place entirely, fleeing into the woods. All the while, desolation in its purest form rained from the sky. Somehow they had invoked the wrath of a mad god, and it was determined to doom them all.

Valys knew she had to take control of the situation, lest the group would break and fracture. "Chosen!" She shouted again, causing most to stop and look to her. The rest slowed their movements when they realized what the others were doing, and listened.

"Kalmar entrusted us to guard this place. We will not abandon it. The Temple will protect us, as we protect it, so everyone get inside. Quickly now!" She commanded.

At least half of the Vallamir complied immediately, filing into the large stone structures. Others stood and gaped with uncertainly, with a few gradually snapping out of it and moving to obey as well.

"Come now," Karlyn's voice rang out as he stepped beside Valys. "You think Kalmar didn't know something like this might happen? You think His Holy Site can't withstand a few falling rocks?" He shook his head in disapproval at the Vallamir who had not obeyed Valys's command. "I don't know about you, but I think our Creator is both smarter and stronger than that!" he declared confidently. His words had shamed some, and reassured others; now, all were moving to obey. Karlyn nodded to Valys, and the two followed the group inside.

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Time passed. Day gave way to night. The Chosen were all in the Temple - those who hadn't abandoned it, anyway. Most sat on the cold stone floor, huddling with husbands, wives, friends, and children, as they whispered amongst each other. A lucky few had somehow already managed to fall asleep. Karlyn leaned against a wall, eyes closed, lips moving in silent prayer. Valys walked from group to group, asking about their mood and offering reassurances. 

At some point Ewen returned with his team of hunters, carrying one of their own who had fallen victim to some unknown affliction which discoloured her skin. There was nothing the healer could do; none knew of any treatment that might save her. His husband stood by her, clutching her hand. Lena was nearby, assuring them both that she would be alright. Myla watched the door. Every now and then, someone new would arrive - they weren't part of the Chosen, but Valys ordered her not to turn anyone away.

Every now and then they would hear the crash of a fallen meteor; some of them alarmingly close. There was nothing anyone could do but hope that the meteors wouldn't hit, or that the temple would endure if one did.

Never before had any of them felt so helpless or uncertain. It was as if the world was ending.

Eventually, new arrivals stopped appearing, and most had succumbed to the Call of the Palace. Not Valys. She remained awake. She needed to be ready, in case anything changed. Karlyn and Lena had fallen asleep now, which they could not be faulted for - everyone, even Valys herself would need to sleep eventually - but Ewen and Myla were awake and vigilant.

The hours continued to slip by. And at some point, the wrath of the heavens seemed to relent. The crashes seemed to be less violent, more violent, and with greater periods of time between them. Perhaps it was wishful thinking. But it wasn't. Because at some point, the crashes had stopped entirely. And when Valys emerged blinking to the rising sun, she realized it was true: the meteors had stopped. The Cataclym was over. They were safe.

Thank Kalmar.

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[hider=Post Summary]
Kalmar's Chosen is in panic at the falling meteors, unsure of what to do. Some flee into the woods, abandoning the temple entirely. Valys and Karlyn rally the rest and get them to bunker down in the Temple. They wait out the crisis, with everyone in various states of concern and fear. Then it ends. Valys is relieved.
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[hider=Prestige Summary]
[u]Kalmar's Chosen[/u]
[b]Beginning Prestige:[/b] 6
+1 for minor role.
+1 for major role.
[b]Ending Prestige:[/b] 8
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