[Center] [h1][color=ivory] Arya [/color][/h1] & [h1][color=yellow]Karamir[/color][/h1] [/center] [hr] Things hadn't been the same on the island since the attack. Though no one saw the pigguts anymore, their presence had left its mark on the Vallamir and those that had gone to confront them. Though Arya had healed those with physical wounds, many mental problems haunted the survivors. Especially the Mir children who had lost parents and uncles and aunts. Families had been shattered and it was all because she had failed to address the problem sooner. Perhaps she could have met with them, tried to reason… Maybe it could have been prevented. Arya had withdrawn herself as of late, dwelling on her failure. She was supposed to protect people and be a beacon of hope and couldn't even do that without people dying. Orvus, Rowan… Even Lily and Ava had tried to console her but to no avail. Her guilt weighed her heart down like a lump of orvium, just like a year ago, before everything happened. Now she sat on a beach of black sand, a steady breeze ruffling her hair as it blew on that gloomy day. It reflected her feelings. The night kept playing over and over in her head, from the festival to the slaughter… It was so surreal. She, a being that was supposedly above mortalkind, failed in her duty. Just like she had failed to see Laurien’s actions, or to see that Orvus had been taken, or how she had failed to the Mir and the Dreamers. She did not cry on that beach, no, she was far past tears. She just felt numb, a feeling that was all too familiar. She pulled her knees in closer to her chest and sighed, listening as the waves crashed on the beach. This went on for some time, until suddenly the sounds of the sea were interrupted by the flapping of wings, and an all-too familiar bird landed on the sand nearby. She turned her head softly, and with sorrowful eyes gazed upon Arryn. She blinked before smiling softly, beckoning him to come closer. [color=ivory]”I was wondering when you might return, Arryn.”[/color] Something was different about him. It was not a visible change, but he seemed smaller, somehow, and the sense of power and confidence he once projected was now gone. As if he was just an unusually coloured bird. He stared at her, and hesitantly began to walk forward. [color=ivory]”Arryn?”[/color] she asked, with concern in her voice. She places her knees upon the sand, and crouched forward slowly, reaching out her hand flat. He stopped, looked down, and then stepped onto her palm. She brought him to her face, and with her other hand, began to lightly stroke his head. [color=ivory]”What’s wrong Arryn? Why aren’t you speaking?”[/color] He did not respond, and then she realized that he was shaking. He looked up at her, and she saw grief in his eyes. It was a grief she knew all too well and it broke her heart even more. [color=ivory]”Oh Arryn… You were alone when he… When he passed, weren’t you? You didn’t know… And now that his divinity is gone… You’re…”[/color] her voice broke as she sniffled back fresh tears. [color=ivory]”I’m so sorry Arryn. So, so sorry.”[/color] was all she managed to say as she pulled him in closer. The bird could only nod in response, and extend his wings around her. They stayed like that for a long time, bearing each others grief and pain. The sun finally set when Arya began the long trek back to her home, Arryn perched upon her shoulders. She spoke amidst the chorus of the jungle to him softly, [color=ivory]”This can be your new home now, with me, Arryn. You won’t be so lonely anymore.”[/color] Arryn looked down at her, then up at the sky, as if he was considering something. And then, once again, he nodded. She patted his head, and knew all would be well with him in time. In time. [hr] Not many days went by before the next arrivals. Two nebulite children, brought by a being of Arae. Her sister's children. The girl, Andromeda, had inky black skin, coated with white stars and light red swirls. Her hair started black, but faded to silver at the tips. She looked around Doron's age, perhaps slightly younger. Phoset, her little brother had deep purple, almost black skin. He had no stars upon his body and his hair was also the same, but glowed softly. Both of them were shy and hesitant to interact with her, but eventually Rowan and Orvus came and they began to warm up. Satisfied that they would be kept in good hands, the Dragon of Arae departed. A week went by as the two settled in, taking a liking to Doron, who was still reeling from the effects of that night. Though Doron had not been there, his two Mir friends had and their loss had been great. She blamed herself. Andromeda and Phoset also had terrible night terrors at first, but from the teachings of an old friend, Arya was able to give them refreshing sleep. Though it was worrying to know what her sister might have subjected them too. They missed her all the same though and she did not know how to tell them that she had no idea of knowing if she even lived anymore. And so time passed on, until the final visitor arrived. His presence was announced by a sharp knock at her door. The night had grown dark, but she seldom slept anymore in her tireless thoughts. She sat up from her chair and made her way to the door. She seldom expected anyone so late but it was her duty to see if she could help those that asked. To her great surprise, she opened the door to see Karamir standing before her. [color=yellow]”Arya,”[/color] he greeted her, with a nod and a somewhat uncertain smile. She stared for a moment, her face a mix of uncertainty before her expression faltered and her tears gave way to one word, [color=ivory]"Karamir…"[/color] before she pulled him into a hug. His arms wrapped around her, and he hugged her back. [color=yellow]“I… I heard about what happened,”[/color] he said quietly. [color=yellow]“I’m sorry.”[/color] She began to speak but could not as she broke down again in his arms. He continued to hold her, and rested a hand against the back of her head in reassurance. [Color=ivory]"I tried to-to save those I c-could."[/color] she murmured into his shoulder. [Color=ivory]"It was so awful."[/color] [color=yellow]”I know how that feels,”[/color] he nodded wearily. [color=yellow]”Let’s go inside.”[/color] She pulled herself away, wrapping her arms around herself as she nodded. She walked back inside, letting him shut the door. [Color=ivory]"I didn't think you would come back so soon."[/color] she said softly, glancing back. [color=yellow]“I would have liked to return sooner,”[/color] he revealed. [color=yellow]”But I had to give the news to my people. Some took it well, some didn’t… but most of them should know by now, and they can tell the rest. I met Roog, and Kalgrun’s guardians - the closest thing I have to siblings, I suppose - and they should be able to look after things in my absence.”[/color] [Color=ivory]"I'm glad."[/color] she said, leading him into the dark dining room. Not a candle was lit and the place didn't look like it had been cleaned in weeks, though there was hardly any major mess. She sat down at the table and looked at him. [Color=ivory]"I apologize for the mess… It's been hard to clean lately."[/color] [color=yellow]”I don’t mind,”[/color] Karamir said truthfully. [color=yellow]”I probably made it look a lot worse when you first brought me here, anyway.”[/color] She smirked slightly. [color=ivory]”Yeah. It’s good to see you better now.”[/color] He nodded, subconsciously touching his side. [color=yellow]”So… how have you been adapting to godhood?”[/color] She frowned, looking down at the table. [color=ivory]”Poorly.”[/color] she said at last. [color=yellow]“Oh… I see,”[/color] he said, looking down as well, before looking back up. [color=yellow]“Is there anything you need help with?”[/color] She looked up and tilted her head at him, eyes thoughtful. [color=ivory]”I… I don’t know.”[/color] she began, hugging herself again. [color=ivory]”I feel like I should be able to protect them all, that I should’ve been able to prevent such a tragedy from ever befalling. I feel weak. I don’t even know how to create things, not like the true gods. I feel like a child… Perhaps I am a child still…”[/color] her voice faded into the dark. [color=yellow]“No,”[/color] Karamir shook his head. [color=yellow]“Knowledge does not determine age, and age does not determine intelligence or wisdom. I’ve known Vallamir who came up with things I never even considered. And I’ve already met one goddess whose ideals seemed fundamentally broken. But you… you might be one of the wisest people I’ve met.”[/color] [color=ivory]”You… Think that? I don’t feel very wise.”[/color] she said with a slight chuckle. [color=yellow]”Neither do I,”[/color] Karamir admitted. [color=yellow]”But the Vallamir trust my judgement well enough. Most of them, anyway. I don’t think wisdom is something you are meant to feel…”[/color] She said nothing for a moment, her expression one of contemplation. [color=ivory]”I’m not sure if any trust me… Not after what happened. I failed your people, as well as mine. We have sticks and stones for protection and they had metal. And I knew that, didn’t I? We saw them arrive.”[/color] [color=yellow]“Then the failure is mine as well,”[/color] Karamir spoke softly. [color=yellow]“I knew, and I left you to deal with it… I’m sorry.”[/color] He looked out the window, and took a deep breath. [color=yellow]”But we can’t change the past,”[/color] he continued, before she could reply. [color=yellow]“What we can do is learn from it, and figure out how to avoid repeating it.”[/color] He looked back to her, and met her gaze. [color=yellow]”I will help you.”[/color] A smile grew upon her lips as she nodded before saying, [color=ivory]”I’d like that.”[/color] [hr] They stood up to their knees, in the stream where Arya had first ascended to godhood so long ago. [color=yellow]“Mana is in everything,”[/color] Karamir reminded her. [color=yellow] “You, me, the water, the ground, the air, the trees… everything.”[/color] He reached down into the water, and as he had done before, formed a gravity-defying ball in his palm. Then he dropped it, allowing it to fall with a gentle splash. [color=yellow]“Now it’s your turn,”[/color] he said. [color=yellow]“Try to focus on the mana within the water. Concentrate hard. But stay calm, and keep your movements loose.”[/color] With her hair up in a bun, and a fierce look of determination in her eyes, Arya concentrated on the water before her. She outstretched her palm, taking great care to focus and relax at the same time. She envisioned the water before, it’s ripples, the coolness, how it flowed in the current, and after a great amount of time, a small orb of water, no larger than a small rock, lifted up it’s normalcy and into the world of air. She smiled instantly, and her focus broke, sending the small orb back down. She turned to Karamir and said, [color=ivory]”This is harder than it looks.”[/color] Karamir smiled back, and nodded. [color=yellow]“As a mortal, it was weeks before I was able to do that, but I began to learn spells much faster after I... ascended.”[/color] [color=ivory]”Well,”[/color] she said with a laugh, [color=ivory]”I certainly hope so, God of Mana.”[/color] His smile faltered. [color=yellow]“It’s still strange to think of myself as a god,”[/color] he confided. She tilted her head as she looked at him. [color=ivory]”Isn’t it? To think we can control such power… Such knowledge… And I don’t feel the need to do anything with it, besides protecting those I care about. And even then I’ve been doing terrible.”[/color] she said light heartedly before sighing, [color=ivory]”I’m sure in time… It’ll become the norm.”[/color] [color=yellow]“I’m sure it will,”[/color] he nodded. [color=yellow]“It’s just that I have all this freedom and power, and I’m not sure what to do with it beyond show others how to access it. I want the Vallamir to do well… but the other species need aid too, and I can’t be everywhere at once.”[/color] She put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. [color=ivory]”Start small. I almost forgot, but the first thing I ever created… Was a comb. I gave it to… A Dreamer I hope will use it well. I guess what I’m trying to say is, it’s easier to build upon what we have first and help those that we can, when we can. If that makes any sense.”[/color] she said, dropping her hand and looking back at the water. He stroked his chin thoughtfully. [color=yellow]“Maybe…”[/color] he said slowly, an idea formulating in his head. [color=yellow]“I think I know what the problem is,”[/color] he said, a moment later. [color=yellow]“Galbar is too big. We’re all too spread out.”[/color] [color=ivory]”Well… Yes, Karamir. The world is a pretty big place, but who’s we?”[/color] she asked thoughtfully. [color=yellow]“You, me, mortals, gods, everyone. The Vallamir, the Jotnar, the Nebulites, the Dreamers, the Selka… how much do you think they could teach each other if they met? But they can’t… not unless we could somehow get them all into one place.”[/color] She looked back up at him. [color=ivory]”What are you suggesting?”[/color] [color=yellow]“Kalgrun is a huge place, and it’s full of life, but only a fraction of it is inhabited by intelligent mortals. It can be home to more than just the Vallamir and the Jotnar, if only we had some way to move them, and could convince them to come. With everyone so close together it would be easier for them to protect and communicate with each other.”[/color] He was speaking faster, now, almost excitedly. Arya could not help but smile. [color=ivory]”Jot-Jotnar?”[/color] she said slowly, going over the word. [color=ivory]”I can’t recall every being told about them. But yes! It would be a wonderful thing, but the question is how, after all.”[/color] she brought her hand up to her chin. [color=ivory]”Perhap a floating city? Like Ohannakeloi? Or his Lordship?”[/color] Karamir squinted. [color=yellow]“Whose Lordship?”[/color] he asked, a mild note of confusion in his voice. [color=ivory]”Shengshi?”[/color] she asked. At the mention of the River God’s name, Karamir’s expression suddenly darkened. [color=yellow]“No,”[/color] he said dully. [color=ivory]”It was just a suggestion.”[/color] she said softly, before focusing back on the water. Anger briefly flashed in his eyes. [color=yellow]“He-”[/color] Karamir began, but then he stopped himself, and took a deep breath. “Nevermind. I’ll uh… I’ll probably go to Abanoc. Chopstick Eyes might have an idea or two as well…”[/color] He spoke quietly, his enthusiasm suddenly gone. [color=ivory]”What did he do this time?”[/color] she suddenly asked, a sad note in her voice. [color=yellow]“I… don’t want to talk about it,”[/color] he said. [color=yellow]“I’ll tell you about it some other time, but for now… please don’t mention him again, and please don’t talk to him about this either…”[/color] She said nothing for a moment, the flow of the stream the only noise between the two, until her voice broke through. [color=ivory]”Sure thing.”[/color] she put simply, summoning a slightly larger orb of water, before breaking it into several tendrils that began to wrap around her fingers, until they faltered and fell back into the stream. They fell into an awkward silence after that. Karamir was brooding, uncertain. Many times he opened his mouth to speak, as if attempting to diffuse it, but he simply couldn’t think of anything that might work. Until, finally, he pointed a finger at the river, raised another small ball into the air, and with a sudden smirk he flicked it at Arya’s face. She blinked as the water hit her face. With wide eyes of shock she turned to Karamir and placed her hands on her hips and huffed. Her face was a mix of anger and confusion and it stayed like that for several tense moments, before she began to laugh and in her laughter, she flicked her wrist, sending several tendrils of water at Karamir. Karamir’s eyes widened slightly at the display - even as a deity, he had not expected her to reach that level so quickly - and he stood still as the tendrils splashed against his tunic. Then his smile returned. Placing his left hand behind his back, he conjured another ball of water, this one almost as large as his fist, and threw it up into the air, only to catch it in his right hand as it came back down and throw it up again. His eyes did not leave Arya’s, and as he caught it a second time he brought his arm back for a sudden throw… only to let the ball dissipate, and pour back into the river. [Color=ivory]"Show off."[/color] she said joyfully. She then jumped up and landed on top of the water. She put her hands behind her back and smiled playfully. [Color=ivory]"Bet you can't hit me."[/color] Karamir’s smile widened. [color=yellow]“Showing off was my goal,”[/color] he said, stepping backward, and just then a wave splashed into her from behind. She laughed. [Color=ivory]"No fair! I wasn't looking behind."[/color] [color=yellow]“That is the point of a distraction, yes,”[/color] he chuckled, before looking back behind his own shoulder. He saw nothing but the moment he turned his head back, he was splashed again. Arya giggled. [color=yellow]“Well,”[/color] Karamir said, wiping water from his eyes. [color=yellow]“I think you’ve more than proven yourself. Think I should start teaching the rest of your people?”[/color] [Color=ivory]"I think they'd like that."[/color] she mused. [color=yellow]“I uh... haven’t actually spoken to any of them yet,”[/color] Karamir admitted, scratching the back of his head as he suddenly grew uncomfortable. [color=yellow]“The last time I did was… you know.”[/color] Concern spread across her face and she floated over to him, gingerly taking one of his hands within her own. She smiled warmly. [Color=ivory]"It's okay. You won't be alone in this endeavor, not again."[/color] He looked down at her hand, then floated up to her level and pulled her in for another hug. She let out a small, relieved gasp and shut her eyes in his embrace, hugging him back. They stayed like that for a while, before eventually letting go. It was time to go to the village. [hr] And so, they went to the village. Karamir began looking for capable students. His encounter with Laurien was still fresh on his mind, but it soon became clear they were not like the ones he had met in the desert. Arya’s influence, most likely. After the first few conversations his wariness had faded. It had been a fairly straightforward process to identify those who could wield it; Karamir could sense them almost at a glance, and it was simply a matter of he and Arya approaching them to explain the concept. Some were skeptical, but after the first of Karamir’s students became capable of minor spells, there was no denying it was true. Soon, entire crowds of Nebulites began to approach him directly, asking if they too were capable, but most were disappointed. He had to explain to them that mana was a skill like any other; that mastering it would take years, and that if everyone focused on learning it, they would have no time to do other vital tasks like farming or hunting. Some were satisfied by this explanation, while others were gloomy or envious. A few went so far as to request or even demand that he use his powers as a god to give it to everybody anyway, only for him to sigh and tell them such an act was not within his power at the time. Thankfully, nobody pushed the issue any further. As he had with the Vallamir, he focused primarily on introducing them to the concept, teaching them the basic principles, then observing their practice and offering corrections. The majority of it would be learned on their own, through practice. He also gave them a number of warnings, such as the dangers of directly manipulating raw mana, or how it was important to always practice where nobody would be in danger if something went wrong. He had met the Vallamir of the Eye was well. Myra and a number of others had assailed him with questions, which he did his best to answer. Unfortunately, less than a handful of the Vallamir present were capable of wielding mana. Myra was not one of them, and most were actually children. He internally debated whether or not it would be a good idea for children to learn mana at such a young age, and ultimately decided they would have to wait until they were older. Speaking of which… [color=yellow]“Arya,”[/color] Karamir had said, approaching her outside of her house one week later. [color=yellow]“I’ve been meaning to ask you, if you don’t mind… what’s the story behind those two children? Andromeda and Phoset, I think.”[/color] He had only seen them a few times, and had barely interacted with them, so busy was he with his teachings. Yet he knew they lived with Rowan and Orvus, and he had seen or heard nothing of them the first time he had been on the Eye, so naturally he was curious as to where they came from. She sat in her porch, sun hat on head. She smiled at Karamir briefly before frowning slightly. [Color=ivory]"They are Laurien's children, Karamir. Arae took them after she cursed my sister to wander endlessly, unable to stay in one place for too long. They've been here ever since."[/color] [color=yellow]“I see,”[/color] Karamir frowned thoughtfully, before taking a breath. His hand fell to his side, where he had been stabbed only a few months ago. [color=yellow]“Are they anything like Laurien?”[/color] She shook her head. [Color=ivory]"They're only children Karamir. They've been scarred horribly and only now are beginning to heal. Andromeda is… boisterous, an attention seeker. Whether that's just who she is or because of her trauma, I do not know. Phoset is soft spoken, questions everything and has a hard time interacting with others. They will grow up here, safe and cared for, I know this."[/color] she said. Karamir was quiet as Arya spoke. [color=yellow]“Children don’t need to be defined by their parents, it’s true,”[/color] he said at last, his hand drifting away from his side. [color=yellow]“And if you think you can set them on the right path… I believe you.”[/color] [Color=ivory]"Well… Thank you Karamir. So what's on today's agenda?"[/color] she asked, getting up. [color=yellow]”Well,”[/color] Karamir said. [color=yellow]”I came here to tell you that they are both capable of wielding mana.”[/color] [Color=ivory]"Hmm I see. Aren't they a bit young though? I know you won't teach the other Vallamir children."[/color] she said with a smirk. [color=yellow]“I don’t intend to teach them. I’m just letting you know, for the future.”[/color] [Color=ivory]"I'm sure they'll love to be taught. It will give Phoset something to do and work on. He gets very bored or so I'm told."[/color] she smiled. [color=yellow]“When they are ready to be taught can be left up to you,”[/color] Karamir told her with a shrug. [color=yellow]“I’m just worried… there’s no telling what effect that power might have on a child’s mind, and even if they do have good intentions, they might lack the discipline or the control to use it safely.”[/color] [Color=ivory]"Very true, which is why when they are mature enough, I will teach them how to wield it safely."[/color] she said proudly. Karamir nodded approvingly. [color=yellow]“One more thing,”[/color] he added. [color=yellow]“Your other siblings… they have it too. I think being the direct offspring of a god might have had something to do with that.”[/color] [Color=ivory]"I figured as much… Still that must mean Andromeda and Phoset are lucky then. Still, I'mI glad! It can be a family bonding experience."[/color] she said clasping her hands together. [color=yellow]“I’ll go talk to them about it, then,”[/color] Karamir said. [color=yellow]“Do you want to come with me?”[/color] [Color=ivory]"Oh no, I promised Myra I'd check in on her. Go on ahead, I'll catch up later."[/color] [hr] Karamir took a deep breath. He stood before the house of Orvus. Kalmar had warned him of Orvus once; a god bent on destroying the world. Yet Arya had told him differently, and in the one time he had seen Orvus, it had been when Kalmar was present, and there had not been any ill-will between the two. Having gone through both a change of heart and a loss in power, the former god was not that much more dangerous than anyone else. Yet even still, Orvus had once been a god; he had been present for the world’s creation, and no doubt contained a great deal of knowledge and secrets. Karamir’s thoughts suddenly turned to more personal matters. He recalled Li’Kalla’s suggestion, and immediately dismissed it with a shake of his head. He wasn’t going to validate those beliefs. His fingers rapped against the door. There was a muffled shout and then a moment later, the door opened to reveal Rowan, hair down and wearing an old dress. She greeted him with a warm smile. [Color=sienna]"Hello Karamir, what brings you by?"[/color] she asked, opening the door fully. [color=yellow]“Is Orvus here?”[/color] Karamir asked. [color=yellow]“I need to speak with you both.”[/color] She beckoned him inside. [Color=sienna]"Come on in, dear. We're just inside."[/color] she said as she led him inside the illuminated home. Down a hallway and to the left they entered a large sized room. Orvus was there in human form, sleeping with a nebulite toddler to his side. The small girl had light purple skin, with darker purple swirls and freckles of starlight on her cheeks. Her hair was a vivid pink, a stark contrast to everything else in the room. They looked quiet peaceful. Rowan went over to Orvus and gently shook him awake. He smiled up at her before his gaze fell upon Karamir and he sat up, careful not to wake the child. [Color=black]"I was wondering when you might show up."[/color] he said, handing the girl to Rowan, who walked back over to Karamir and asked, [color=sienna]"Can I get you anything? A drink or food perhaps?"[/color] Karamir shook his head. [color=yellow]“There isn’t much point in me eating any more,”[/color] he told them with a small shake of his head. [color=yellow]“I assume you’re aware of what I’ve been teaching the rest of the Nebulites?”[/color] Rowan nodded warily and left the room. Orvus then spoke again. [Color=black]"Sit down if you like. But yes, I am aware and for that I am thankful. Whatever happened to Ikarus is a shame, but you are fulfilling, perhaps even expanding, the capabilities of Mana."[/color] [color=yellow]“I never met Ikarus, though I would have liked to,”[/color] Karamir said sympathetically. [color=yellow]“Anyway, I came here to tell you this: your entire family is capable of manipulating mana too.”[/color] He gave a sly smile. [Color=black]"I would hope so. Ikarus did come from me after all. It would only make sense I think."[/color] [color=yellow]“If you created Ikarus, does that mean you know where mana comes from?”[/color] Karamir asked, tilting his head. He shrugged. [Color=black]"He came into the world through my ichor, and could see it wrapped around everything and anything. If I were to guess, it arrived with him or us, at the beginning of creation."[/color] [color=yellow]“Hmm… anyway, I was also going to ask if anyone in your family wants to learn how to wield it.”[/color] [Color=black]"No one has expressed any major interest in it right now, far as I know. And it isn't much to be honest with you. I'm sure if they want to learn, they'll find the means to do so, Karamir."[/color] [color=yellow]“Do they know they are capable of using it, though?”[/color] Karamir asked. [color=yellow]“Their interest might change, once they are told.”[/color] [Color=black]"Who knows. Ava and Lily might be your only suitable candidates right now. I know Rowan has no desire to learn and Arya is already one of your students. The rest are young. Simply tell the twins and you'll have your answer."[/color] Orvus mused. [color=yellow]“Very well then,”[/color] Karamir said, and then looked as if he was about to leave, but then he turned back to Orvus. “Although… there is one more thing I need to talk to you about.”[/color] [Color=black]"Ask away. There's no rush here."[/color] he said. [color=yellow]“It’s about Laurien.”[/color] He sighed, his expression changing to sadness. [Color=black]"There are many questions about Laurien, I am sure. Not all of them have answers that are fulfilling."[/color] [color=yellow]“The day she tried to kill you… what happened, exactly?”[/color] [Color=black]"I know not what she was thinking or what she truly felt, only that she was in pain. She rationalized my death to be the only solution to her grief. So she attempted to avenge her beloved Silver. So she turned my gift into her weapon and she stabbed me and from that came him and even more pain and suffering. I should have seen it coming, but I didn't and for that, I am sorry."[/color] he said sadly. Karamir blinked. [color=yellow]“Wait… did you say Silver?”[/color] He raised an eyebrow. [Color=black]"Yes… A fragment of Li'Kalla and my friend. Do you know of her?"[/color] [color=yellow]“I… met someone named Silver on Li’Kalla’s island, only a few weeks ago. And Li’Kalla acted strangely when I mentioned her.”[/color] He gave a small smile at this. [Color=black]"Then perhaps she found life again. One can hope, at least."[/color] Karamir frowned bitterly. [color=yellow]“So Laurien tried to kill you to avenge someone who wasn’t even dead… then she tried to kill me because she was afraid I might find out she tried to kill you.”[/color] [Color=black]"Do not be mistaken. Silver was dead, I killed her myself in the hopes that Li'Kalla would be reborn. It's what she wanted in the end. Decades went by before I even knew Li'Kalla had been born anew, and it was not the Li I knew, nor the one Laurien knew. Yes, her attempts at keeping my demise a secret were illogical considering there are two deities that make it their business to know everything. But she was successful for a decade all the same. Perhaps she thought the secret could be kept indefinitely, that no one would find out, it was her undoing and now she's been kicked from both of her homes, cursed to wander Galbar eternally. I know some would have liked to kill her outright but I think of myself and my own actions and how deserving I was of death. In the end I redeemed, perhaps she can still do the same. I hope so, anyways."[/color] Orvus said with a cool voice. [color=yellow]“And if she won’t be redeemed?”[/color] [Color=black]"Since imprisonment is out of the question, and if her heart has become as blackened as mine had been, then for the good of Galbar, the Pyres should take her."[/color] he said solemnly. So there it was. Even her own father would advocate death, if the circumstances absolutely called for it. Laurien was alone in the world, and Karamir had to wonder how long she would last. He recalled the stories of the Rot on Li’Kalla’s island, how some of the Vallamir, driven mad by grief and starvation, began to murder or even cannibalize other tribes. It seemed to him that desperate people became more dangerous, not less. He frowned, then made his way to the door, only to stop once again. He looked over his shoulder. [color=yellow]“If any of your other children do decide they want to learn mana, my offer to teach them still stands.”[/color] Without another word, he left the room. [hr] The weeks went on. Karamir continued to teach and direct the Nebulites, and he made the name he had come up with earlier - wizards - into an official term for those who practiced magic. He recalled the word from a conversation in the Palace of Dreams - a distant memory now. One of Orvus’s daughters, Lily, had joined a training group, and Karamir did his best to help her catch up to the rest. And when he wasn’t teaching, he found other ways to keep himself occupied. Mostly by spending time with Arya, or the Vallamir. He taught them some of the Kalgrunnic customs, which a few chose to adopt, even if it meant getting strange looks from their Nebulite neighbours. Sometimes, he also took the time to help with more mundane tasks. He built up a rapport with those he interacted with, and earned their respect. But eventually, it was time to move on. [color=yellow]“Arya,”[/color] he said to her one evening, in the tone he often used when he wished to discuss something other than pleasantries, [color=yellow]“Do you want to go for a walk? Just down to the creek?”[/color] [color=ivory]”Why not?”[/color] she said cheerfully, getting up from the porch where they sat. As they walked, Karamir tentatively reached out one of his hands to hold her own. She returned the gesture, interlocking her fingers with his own. A small smile formed on her lips, as well as her face blushing pink. They continued down to the river in silence. When they arrived, Karamir let go of her hand. He removed his cloak and spread it across the ground, before sitting down, and gesturing for Arya to sit next to him. She did so, sitting down with her feet laying sideways, hands on her lap. She looked all around and then blushed slightly. Karamir took a deep breath, and then turned to face her. [color=yellow]“Remember what we discussed one month ago? I think it’s time for me to talk to Abanoc about it.”[/color] She raised her eyebrows. [Color=ivory]"The one about having all races connected?"[/color] He nodded. [color=yellow]”Yes. If we can get them all on Kalgrun - the ones who want to come, of course - then everything will be so much easier. I was wondering… do you think your own people would want to come?”[/color] She nodded slowly. [Color=ivory]"Perhaps some… This place is their ancestral home, but many cannot deny wanting to see other parts of the world. We'll just have to ask."[/color] He nodded again. [color=yellow]“Would you be willing to come?”[/color] [Color=ivory]"I don't know."[/color] she said, [color=ivory]"I'm connected to the people that live here, and I cannot leave those that want to stay behind without protection. How could I?"[/color] He looked away, and sighed. [color=yellow]“We’ll need to find a way to convince them all, then. If they were all on Kalgrun… they’d have more land, more protection… and you wouldn’t have to watch over them alone anymore. We could do it together.”[/color] She grabbed his hands and said, [Color=ivory]"Not everyone is so open to change, Karamir. Even if most wanted to come, there's always going to be those who won't. I'm sure my father is one of them."[/color] [color=yellow]“I understand… we’ll just have to see what happens…”[/color] He fell silent once again. [color=yellow]“Sorry… it seems I’ve ruined the mood.”[/color] [Color=ivory]"No, not at all. You're just excited about helping others and saddened when you are unable to do such a thing. I've felt the same way. Don't even worry about it."[/color] she said with a reassuring smile. He smiled back, and then pulled her in for a hug. [color=yellow]“This is why I like you.”[/color] [Color=ivory]"I like you too."[/color] she said sweetly. His cheeks reddened, and he pulled away. He looked her in the eyes, a hesitant expression once again crossing his face. Then he leaned forward, and went to press his lips against hers. She leaned into it as well, a little too much actually and ended up bopping him in the nose with her own. She pulled back with a horrified expression on her face. [Color=ivory]"I'm sorry! Are you hurt?"[/color] she said with large eyes. He squinted, rubbed his abused nose in mild discomfort, and then he smirked. [color=yellow]“I’m alright,”[/color] he said. [color=yellow]“I suppose this means we’ll have to try again. You lean to your left, and I’ll lean to mine.”[/color] She nodded and did as asked. This time their lips connected and a short kiss was shared between them. Pleasant and sweet, followed by many more. Then, once again, Karamir pulled away, although this time there was a satisfied look on his face. [color=yellow]“How far do you want this to go?”[/color] he whispered. A puzzled look came over her face. [Color=ivory]"What do you mean?"[/color] she asked innocently. He found himself blushing once again. [color=yellow]“W-well, sometimes mortal couples… um… I mean, only if you want to… and it’s fine if you don’t… uh… sorry, I s-shouldn’t have mentioned it.”[/color] he stammered. She began to giggle. [Color=ivory]"I'm just messing with you. I know how babies are made, duh. But uh maybe we just take is slow first, yeah?"[/color] A look of relief crossed his face. [color=yellow]“Y-yeah, of course.”[/color] He took another breath, and then regained his composure. [Color=ivory]"Oh I almost forgot! I have a gift for you, I left it at the house, i'll be right back. Don't go anywhere!"[/color] she said excitedly, before running off. Occasionally looking behind at Karamir with a joyous smile before she disappeared into the trees. Karamir watched her leave with a smile of his own, and once she was gone he looked out toward the river. As he waited for her to return, he began picking up nearby rocks and throwing them, trying to see how many times he could make them skip across the water’s surface. She returned, perhaps a little too quickly, wearing a different dress. One of blood red. There was a smile on her face as she walked up to him. "I hope I wasn't gone too long." She said playfully. [color=yellow]“You were actually much quicker than I expected,”[/color] he said, rising to his feet and walking toward her. "Well I am a God aren't I?" She said embracing him in a hug again. "Are you ready for your gift?" [color=yellow]“I am,”[/color] he said, [color=yellow]“Though you don’t seem to be carrying any… wait, is that the dress you wore in the Palace?”[/color] "Uh… Yes actually! I'm surprised you remembered. As for your gift, I decided…" she leaned into his ear, "I decided to change my mind." She then pulled him into a deep, passionate kiss, unlike any of their previous kisses. He leaned into it, his arms wrapped around her. But something seemed… off. [color=yellow]“What brought this on?”[/color] he asked, pulling away. She grabbed his hands in her own, breathing heavily. Her breath sweet. “I love you Karamir, isn’t this what you [i]desire?[/i] To be kissed, to be loved… To make love?” she smiled seductively. “Don’t tell me you don’t want this?” She then put her hands behind his head and kissed him again. This time she was forceful, grinding her body into his as the moment intensified. He attempted to push her away - this wasn’t right. [color=ivory]”...And I think you’ll really love this!”[/color] came Arya’s excited voice as another Arya, this one wearing the same clothing, cleared the last of the trees carrying a small box in her hands. She froze when she saw herself kissing Karamir. Eyes wide, and a horrified expression on her face. The Arya that was kissing him turned her head to look at the other one, then back at Karamir with a devilish smile. “Can I tell you a [i]secret?[/i]” Karamir glanced between the two, his expression one of bewilderment. Then, realization dawned, and his face became as hard as flint. He rounded his gaze on the Arya in red, anger blazing in his eyes. He knew not who she was, but she was an imposter. His cloak flew back to his shoulders. [color=yellow]“Who are you?”[/color] he demanded. [color=yellow]“Why are you doing this? And give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill you…”[/color], his hand fell to the hilt of the multi-weapon, and golden energy swirled around his offhand. Arya was still frozen, her gaze unwavering as she looked at her doppelganger. The one in red laughed, as she put her hands behind her back. “Oh come now, Karamir. Is that anyway to treat an old friend? Especially one as close as I? I mean… I did try to kill you.” [color=yellow][i]“Laurien,”[/i][/color] he growled venomously, in a voice that sounded almost nothing like his own. In a flash his dagger was out, the blade extending into a sword. Two things happened at the sound of her name. One, an object came flying out of the trees and she caught it behind her back, as she reverted into her original form. The one they knew her by. She began to laugh as she placed a crown atop her head with one hand, brandishing Aaldir in the other. [color=plum]”Hello Karamir.”[/color] she then turned to Arya, [color=plum]”Hello sister. Did you miss me?”[/color] Arya dropped the box as both of her hands covered her mouth, angry tears welling up in her eyes. [color=yellow][i]“Why are you here?”[/i][/color] Karamir demanded. [color=plum]”A girl can’t visit home? My birth place, might I add?”[/color] she said, twirling her blade. [color=ivory]”T-This isn’t your home anymore.”[/color] Arya said, quickly flying over to Karamir. Laurien frowned. [color=plum]”Well if you must know, Li’Kalla kicked me out. Who would have guessed that she didn’t like cheaters? So I was nearby, though I’d drop by to see what’s new. And oh my, did I find something interesting.”[/color] she said, looking at the two of them. [color=yellow]“Silver is alive, you know,”[/color] Karamir informed her blunty. [color=yellow]“So you tried to kill Orvus for nothing. A secret which, by the way, was already known even before you attacked me. So you tried to kill me for nothing. When does it end?”[/color] She smirked. [Color=plum]"I am well aware that Silver lives. And when I found her I realized that my idealization of her was flawed. As for the secret, I realized, it was always going to be revealed. And Arae came to punish me accordingly. The Mother Goddess. A fool and a hypocrite. Luckily, I've outgrown her chain."[/color] [color=yellow][i]“Why. Are. You. Here?”[/i][/color] Karamir spoke through clenched teeth. [Color=plum]"I told you already… I'm just stopping by. Saying hello to family, catching up with my sister. Speaking of which, Arya, when were you going to tell me that the Tendlepog and the Dreamers had left existence? Was I not their daughter as well?"[/color] she asked, looking to Arya with smug look. Arya's fists clenched tightly. [Color=ivory]"They would be ashamed of you, sister. You're lucky K'nell is gone from this world, or he would have made you see the error of your ways!"[/color] [Color=plum]"So he is gone."[/color] she hissed excitedly. Arya seemed to pale. [color=yellow]“K’nell is hardly the only one who can make you answer for your actions,”[/color] Karamir spoke acidly. [Color=plum]"We shall see Karamir. Oh you poor thing. Did I upset you that greatly when I broke your soul? Or was it perhaps my kisses? Delightful weren't they. Dripping with ecstasy. Delicious."[/color] she said with a selfish grin. Karamir did not rise to her mockery. [color=yellow]“Laurien,”[/color] he stated firmly, struggling to suppress his fury. [color=yellow]“It’s not too late to change your course.”[/color] [Color=ivory]"Please Laurien."[/color] Arya affirmed. [Color=ivory]"Let us help you."[/color] Laurien's face went blank as she looked at the two of them. There was a split second where she looked full of remorse and guilt but then she shook her head. [Color=plum]"I don't need to change course and I certainly don't need your help. I've become what I was always meant to be. I am Desire and soon enough, I'll be even more."[/color] she said with a wicked smile. [color=yellow]“What you were meant to be?”[/color] Karamir asked. [color=yellow]“Nobody is meant to ‘be’ anything. Whoever whispered into your ear, whatever conclusions you reached… that isn’t the way it has to be.”[/color] [Color=plum]"But it does matter. It's always mattered."[/color] she retorted. [Color=ivory]"Laurien stop this madness. You aren't acting like yourself!"[/color] Arya said, raising her voice. [Color=plum]"Madness? No sister, I was mortal then. That's the Laurien you remember. The one who was used like a dog by her father who was too afraid to face his failures, sent to find you when you didn't need to be found. I lived with you on Tendlepog for decades and you could never see that I was treated more like a guest then someone who fit in and I did it for you. So forgive me if I can't be who I truly want to be."[/color] she spat. [Color=ivory]"Laurien…"[/color] Arya said heartbroken. [color=yellow]“And what do you want to be?”[/color] Karamir snapped. [color=yellow]“Someone who tries to kill those who only want to help her? Someone who is alone, hated, and feared? Because at this rate, that’s all you’re ever going to be.”[/color] She looked unamused as she turned her head to Karamir. [color=plum]”Oh my dear Karamir, I am only two of those things and I am quickly on trek to erase the third, forever.”[/color] she said, walking back and forth. His eyes narrowed. [color=yellow]“What do you mean?”[/color] [color=plum]”Always with the questions. Doesn’t that drive you mad, sister?”[/color] she said, looking to Arya. [color=ivory]”No! He’s just inquisitive! Lik-”[/color] Laurien cut her off, [color=plum]”Like a child?”[/color] she laughed, [color=plum]”You always did love children best. So like yourself, or perhaps who you always wanted to be at heart. I know how greatly it pained you, watching the Dreamers grow old. Frail. And where are they now? You probably know, don’t you. K’nell would not have left this world, without telling his ward that secret. He loved you like a daughter so, and yet when the time came, they abandoned you. Our mothers, abandoned you. Our siblings, abandoned you. And for what? How much did you want to scream when they left you? To beg them to stay? Oh knowing K’nell… You never got the chance, did you?”[/color] she said, watching Arya as she fell to her knees, crying. [color=ivory]”S-Stop…”[/color] she whispered, looking a the ground. [color=yellow]”And you call me a child…”[/color] Karamir whispered furiously. [color=yellow]“Look at you. Here you are, pretending to be other people, mocking and insulting someone who once cared for you. Out of what? Envy? Spite? Is this all you have left? You’re pathetic. Let me tell you this: I will never abandon her, and if you do anything to harm her, I will do everything in my power to see you destroyed.”[/color] As the anger in his voice rose, the mana which swirled around his hand seemed to glow and brighten tenfold, becoming increasingly unstable. [color=yellow]”Now go,”[/color] he commanded, [color=yellow]“and never return.”[/color] Whether or not she seemed to notice the mana around his hand, Laurien shrugged, crossing her arms. She then gave a final laugh, [color=plum]”We’re all a bunch of hypocrites, in the end.”[/color] With a smug smile, she looked at both of them. [color=plum]”Farewell for now, sister. Karamir. I do hope we meet again, your taste is quite… pleasant.”[/color] she then took off into the air and before long became a blink that quickly faded into nothingness. It left the two of them alone. Karamir pointed his hand skyward and unleashed the mana he had gathered. It flew upward in several scattered beams, wild and unfocused, which hit nothing except air. He was fuming. Yet when he looked down at Arya, his anger suddenly faded. He fell to one knee, and placed a hand on her shoulder. After several painful moments of silence she spoke in perhaps the smallest voice he had ever heard. [color=ivory]”I don’t think I’ve ever really been a child. That’s why I always hold them so dear…”[/color] she took a breath, [color=ivory]”Even when I was born… No… Created… I was thrown into a world that I did not know, and I had to learn quickly. There was no time for playing when I was learning from Kalmar, training under Shengshi, and adventuring with Split. Until I met… K’nell and and Hermes and Xiaoli. I was happy then, until I was gone and when I went back, I had grown and new babies had come. Then they left me… And even when I see them in my dreams… They’re in paradise… Why would I ruin paradise with my failings… And the others… They’re gone because I told them to go… The pigguts came and I barely got to see them… Now my sister is a monster, and my people think I can’t protect them... Is my life just one big cruel joke?”[/color] she said, looking at Karamir, face stained with tears. [color=ivory]”Is it?”[/color] [color=yellow]“I used to think so,”[/color] Karamir said, his own voice small. [color=yellow]“I used to think that life had no meaning. That we existed for no reason other than to suffer. That any victory would be fleeting. I already told you… there were times when I thought it would be better if I just didn’t exist…”[/color] he sighed, as he began to feel tears of his own. “But then I met you. You showed me there was more to life than loneliness and suffering. So, I kept going. I learned new things, met new people… I was happy. Then, when Laurien tried to kill me, and I was once again at my lowest… you saved me again.”[/color] He reached under her chin and gently pulled her up to face him, then wiped away one of her tears. [color=yellow]“I don’t know what to tell you about K’nell, or the Dreamers,”[/color] he said truthfully. [color=yellow]“I didn’t know them that well, and the few interactions I’ve had with them have given me mixed feelings at best. But… they aren’t the only people who care about you. You have Orvus, and Rowan. Ava, Lily, and Doran. The other people you met in your travels. And you have me. I love you, Arya, and whatever happens… whatever comes next… I will always be there for you.”[/color] Even through the tears, she began to smile and then she kissed him. And as the two fell onto the grass, she knew through all the pain and sadness, through the depression and loneliness, somehow, everything was going to be alright. And they were happy. [hr] [hider=Summary] Arya is practicing her favourite hobby: being sad on a beach. Then Arryn shows up. It quickly becomes apparent that Arryn can no longer talk. But he can still understand other creatures, and he wordlessly agrees to stay with her. Anyway, a few days later, Arae comes to drop off Andromeda and Phoset offscreen, and Arya does her best to get them settled in. Then Karamir shows up. They talk a bit about what has happened since they last met, and he tries to console her after all the drama she went through. He then decides to teach them mana, to give them another tool to defend themselves. The first person he teaches is Arya herself, who picks it up quickly because she is a goddess. He then goes on to identify the rest of the Nebulites who are capable of learning it, and gets them started as well, but decides not to teach children… because that’s basically like giving a toddler a machine gun. This goes on for a month or so. He has a conversation with Orvus, where he reveals that all of Orvus’s kids have mana, and also about Laurien, where Orvus expresses a hope that she can be redeemed… but admits death may be necessary if she can’t. Karamir is like: ‘damn.’ Anyway, Lily joins Karamir’s horde of apprentice wizards. Oh yeah, Karamir also pitched a rather ambitious idea to Arya: they bring as many species as they can to Kalgrun, so that it will be easier to protect them all from troublemakers, and technology will progress faster because they can all share their ideas. Naturally, he decides to consult Abanoc, and since Abanoc’s gateway is literally on the other side of the world, that would mean leaving the Eye of Desolation. So he takes Arya out to the river, to confirm that she is on board with the idea and tell her he is going to need to leave. She is unsure, however, and they talk back and forth about the difficulties of the idea, which leaves Karamir a bit bummed out. Arya is like: “Nah it’s fine, you only want to help.” Then they kiss, but Arya accidentally bumps into his nose, driving it into his brain and killing him instantly. Okay no, it didn’t happen exactly like that. Anyway, they try to kiss a second time, and it works. Karamir awkwardly inquires as to how far they want to take this, and the answer is to take it slow, which Karamir is fine with. Arya then runs back to the house to go get a gift for him. She comes back, wearing a different outfit, but no gift, and is all: “we’ll bang okay?” She starts acting very lewd, and Karamir is confused, then the real Arya returns with the actual gift, and the fake Arya turns out to be Laurien. Wild stuff. Karamir is pissed. Karamir and Arya then proceed to call her out on most of the bad things she has done, while Laurien calls Arya out on her things. Eventually Laurien finds a soft spot - the dreamers’ departure - and proceeds to bring the hammer down, until Arya breaks down. Karamir intervenes, making a vow to never abandon Arya, and then threatens to kill Laurien. Laurien leaves, but not before promising to see them again. Karamir is livid, but manages to calm himself enough to comfort Arya. Once more she goes on about how difficult the Dreamers’ departure has been, and how every time she has something nice, it is immediately ruined. Karamir reminds her that there are still many people who care about her, including himself, and reaffirms his vow to never leave her. They then engage in some wholesome PG-13 implied fade-to-black banging. [/hider]