[center] [h2][color=ivory]Arya[/color] & [color=black]Orvus[/color] + Others & [color=yellow]Karamir[/color][/h2] In [/center] [hr] [h1]New Beginnings[/h1] [hr] It was early in the afternoon when the vessel arrived. It soared through the sky, its sleek metal hull shining brightly in the tropical sun. Some would be reminded of Shengshi’s ship; it had the same core structure, though it had wings, and lacked buildings at the top. It passed over the village, to the fear or wonder of its inhabitants, before landing in a large clearing just on the outskirts. It did not take long before Arya, wearing her large sun hat, descended upon the scene with a giddy smile on her face. She was amazed by the flying fortress, it reminded her so much of Ohannekeloi’s and Shengshi’s but was neither of them all the same. She could only imagine who it was, but she had a sneaking suspicion. She approached with little caution, and before long was able to see the figure behind the wheel. Karamir. She quickened her pace, and with outstretched arms, she flew in to give him a hug. Karamir’s arms wrapped around her as he returned the gesture. [color=yellow]“I hope I wasn’t gone too long,”[/color] he whispered into her ear. She pulled away and looked at him for a moment before exaggerating, [color=ivory]”Oh Karamir! How I’ve missed you so!”[/color] she brought her hand up to her forehead and pretended to feign distress before bursting out laughing. As she laughed, a knife appeared in her other hand, before vanishing just as quickly, and a look of relief crossed Karamir’s face. [color=yellow]“Well, I certainly missed you,”[/color] he said, stepping forward to embrace her once again. She embraced him back, growing quiet. After a moment she spoke. Her voice soft and peaceful. [color=ivory]”How have you been?”[/color] [color=yellow]“I’ve been great,”[/color]Karamir said. [color=yellow]“How have things been here?”[/color] She once again pulled away and smiled up at Karamir. [color=ivory]”Peaceful.”[/color] she started, [color=ivory]”I’ve begun to mend fences with the Mir, but I know in their hearts just how saddened they still are. The rest of the Nebulites… They want to learn how to fight, how to protect with more than just sticks and spears. Your mana has helped, and for that I am thankful.”[/color] she finished, and grabbed his hands with hers. [color=ivory]”You did not leave here with this.”[/color] she mused, looking around the deck. It was then that she noticed they were not the only two on the deck. A dark-haired Vallamir man clad in furs was ascending the stairs up to the helm, a spear in his hand and a sling at his belt. Karamir nodded. [color=yellow]“I spoke to Abanoc, and he taught me how to make this. Among other things. Chopstick Eyes wanted to call it the ‘Karamirific Megambulator’, or something like that.”[/color] Then the man had finished his ascent, and was standing nearby. [color=yellow]“This is Karlyn,”[/color] Karamir introduced the stranger, who gave Arya a respectful salute. Arya awkwardly saluted back at Karlyn. [color=ivory]”Nice to meet you.”[/color] she said with a friendly smile. She then looked back at Karamir and rose an eyebrow. [color=ivory]”So it was Abanoc, and here I thought you drew inspiration from uh… Ohannekeloi!”[/color] Karamir shook his head. [color=yellow]“I’ve never encountered Ohannakeloi, but I know quite a few gods made structures like this,”[/color] he said, before deciding to change the subject. [color=yellow]“It’s not the only thing I built. The settlement… it’s done.”[/color] Her eyes went wide. [color=ivory]”Truly? That’s… That’s wonderful Karamir!”[/color] she said excitedly. Nearby, Karlyn nodded. “Yes. I walked the streets myself, and I have to say, it’s quite possibly the most eerie place I’ve ever seen. It’s so empty,” he said with a frown, before twisting it into a smirk. “Which is why we ought to get some people there before the wolves move in instead.” [color=ivory]”Then now comes the hard part.”[/color] she sighed. [color=ivory]”Who will go, and who will stay? It seems, we are about to find out.”[/color] she mused. Karamir nodded. [color=yellow]“Yes,”[/color] he said quietly. [color=yellow]“Have you already spoken to anyone about this?”[/color] [Color=ivory]"Only a vague mention, here and there. I did not want to say more, for fear something would delay you."[/color] she said softly. [Color=ivory]"I'm sure most will be receptive, we'll just have to see."[/color] Karamir placed a hand on Arya’s shoulder and gently squeezed. [color=yellow]“Let’s go, then,”[/color] he said, before levitating off the ship and onto the ground, while Karlyn descended the stairs and approached the ladder. She watched for a moment, hesitant but eventually followed after Karamir. Heart weighing heavy with anticipation. [hr] The denizens of the Eye were assembled in the village center later that evening, once they had finished their work in the fields as well as other activities. The Vallamir had been astonished to see one of their race who was a stranger to them, dressed in the pelts of an animal from another continent, and rumours had already begun to spread about his presence here. [color=yellow]“I understand I haven’t known you all very long,”[/color] Karamir began, addressing them from atop a roof, [color=yellow]“but I have an announcement to make. I know you’ve heard rumours, and it’s time to put them to rest.”[/color] [color=yellow]“I told you all of the existence of mana, and then I left without explanation. While I was away, I consulted Abanoc, the God of Recording, who gave me new knowledge. Using that and my own judgement, I journeyed to the north, to my homeland of Kalgrun. There, with the aid of Ashalla the Ocean Goddess, she and I built a settlement far larger than this one. It has strong walls to keep out foes, powerful guardians to help protect it, and vast lands to explore and grow food in. There is enough space for all of you, and more.”[/color] He pulled raw mana from the air, condensing it so that all could see, and then shaped it into a golden image of what he had built - with its walls and its tower and its temple, and a building Arya might find vaguely familiar overlooking it all. After a few moments passed he carefully dispersed it. [color=yellow]“I can offer a place for all of you there, if you want it. Not only will you be protected, but you will meet new people - not just Vallamir, but the rest of the peaceful races too - who you can build a community with, exchange knowledge and ideas, and work to support each other in times of need. I know it’s a lot to ask, for you to leave what you’ve built here behind, but your children and your children’s children will be better off for it.”[/color] [color=yellow]“So…”[/color] he concluded, allowing his words to sink in, [color=yellow]“who is in favour?”[/color] Arya gave him a side glance and stepped forward. [Color=ivory]"What Karamir means to say, is that no one needs to make a decision right now. Take your time this day to think it over and the day after next, those that want to leave, will go. I am in favor of this decision and I will be accompanying Karamir there as well. This does not mean I will be abandoning Nebulan, however. I will have to ensure this place is protected, for those that want to stay."[/color] she said, stepping back. The crowd immediately began to talk and questions were answered to the best of their ability. All in all the sun began to set when the last Nebulites strolled away. Many seemed interested in going from what they could gather, but some did it show any interest at all. They would have to see who joined them. Once it was over, Karamir turned to face Arya, appearing somewhat dejected. [color=yellow]“You were right,”[/color] he said quietly. [color=yellow]“I couldn’t sway all of them.”[/color] She smiled softly. [Color=ivory]"It's okay. This place… It's where they were born. Some never want to leave their homes to go out into the unknown, but those that do, risk everything for a chance at something new. Something better. Do not be sad, be happy that you tried. Some will go, I know it."[/color] she said. Karamir returned the smile, and took her hands in his own. [hr] The next day Arya ventured to the home of her father, leaving Karamir to his own devices on his ship. So far, all the Mir had gathered their belongings, and had chosen to leave Nebulan. She knew they would not be the only ones, but first, she needed to see what her family was planning. Orvus had built this place, most of it, from his bare hands ages ago and it would not surprise her in any way if he wanted to remain behind. But she needed to see what he would say, anyways. She walked up the steps of the old porch, and without knocking, opened the door. She was greeted by Ellowyn, now a toddler, who came running up giggling as children do when they are in a good mood that was. She smiled and picked up the small Nebulite child, a feeling of warm entering her chest as the small girl cooed softly. She walked into the dining room a moment later, to see the others sitting about. Rowan, Orvus, Ava, Lily and Ciellion sat around the dining table, while Doron, Phoset and Andromeda sat on the floor, mingling with themselves. All of them were in their human forms, save the children. She was happy with Phoset and Andromeda’s progress, they had come a long way from when they first arrived, scared out of their minds. They still displayed some worrying personality issues, but that was to be expected as well. They would still not tell anyone what they had seen at her sister’s hands, but perhaps one day. She gave Ellowyn to Ava with a smile, who immediately squirmed her way to the floor and ran off to the other children. Rowan was the first to speak to her as she sat down. [color=sienna]”Arya, welcome dear, can I get you anything?”[/color] [color=ivory]”No, but thank you.”[/color] she said kindly, offering a smile. Rowan nodded as silence came over the table, with only the occasional whispers of the children being heard. She sighed and looked at Orvus. [color=ivory]”I didn’t say anything about what Karamir planned, because I did not know when he would return, or if he would do it.”[/color] she waited for a response, but when none came except stares, she continued. [color=ivory]”So, I know it’s a lot to ask suddenly, but… Will you join us?”[/color] Ava and Lily shared looks, and Ciellon stared at the table. Only Rowan offered a small smile. Then Orvus spoke. [color=black]”We’ve been discussing what to do since last night, my dear. I believe we’ve all come to the same understanding. The same conclusion, I might add.”[/color] he paused. [color=black]”We will go.”[/color] he said at last. Arya sat a little straighter as she blinked. She had not been expecting it to be that easy. [color=ivory]”I… You will?”[/color] [color=black]”Yes. This place, it is a home, our home. Birthplace of the Nebulite people, my safe heaven for eons, but it is no longer so safe as it once was. It is only a matter of time before a new threat comes, and even you, cannot be in two places at once, unless you create an Avatar that is. But what’s to say, if Laurien returns and you are not here? I fear for my family, for my people Arya. There is safety in numbers, my dear, and if what Karamir has promised is true, we will be much safer there.”[/color] he looked to the children. [color=black]”I do not know what I would do, what I would become, if something happened to them.”[/color] he said, voice soft. Rowan put a hand on his, and he looked to his wife and smiled before looking back at Arya again. [color=black]”Besides, it might be nice to see another part of the world. I was banned from Kalgrun, you know, but I think my new existence will allow me to fit in more naturally and I promised an old friend that I wouldn’t sit around here forever.”[/color] he said with a chuckle. Arya couldn’t help but smile as she looked to the twins. [color=ivory]”Are you sure?”[/color] she asked. Lily shrugged as Ava nodded. Lily then said, “Well you know, like what dad said, change of scenery and all that.” “I think it will be wonderful, an entire new world practically!” Ava said excitedly, before squeezing Ciellon’s hand. He looked up with a small smile before looking at Arya with determination in his eyes. [color=sienna]”I know this might sound silly…”[/color] Rowan began, [color=sienna]”But as long as we are all together… That’s home enough for me.”[/color] she said with a beaming smile. Arya clasped her hands together over her heart and her heart was full. [hr] In the end, what remained of the Nebulite people upon Nebulan, decided to embark upon the journey to Kalgrun. Only a few dozen would stay behind. Their reasons ranged from fear of the unknown, to being unable to leave behind the homes they built. They would stand the test of time, or they would falter and fail. They were gifted with everything Nebulan had to offer, or what would remain behind. Upon the day of departure, Arya stood with Orvus on the deck, overlooking the Marble Star and the homes he had built so long ago. He did not shed a tear, nor did he say a word, but after a long moment of thought, he patted Arya on the shoulder. A look of pride in his eyes, and he made his way off. It left her feeling good, the problems they faced in the past now almost a distant memory. Karamir nudged his way through the crowded deck, sparing only a moment to glance out toward a colossal black griffin in the distance. He had ordered Shynir to follow him here, and to only reveal herself on the day after his announcement. His ship was not large enough to carry all the Nebulites; only a few hundred at a time. Thus, multiple trips were needed, which meant those who remained behind would need a protector. Shynir had not been happy about it. She possessed no love for Orvus or his creations. Yet she had been created by Kalmar, Kalmar and Orvus had reconciled, and Kalmar’s heir had made the request, so she grudgingly obeyed. Of all Karamir’s animalistic siblings, only Gorm had been receptive toward the idea, but Karamir believed the other two would come around. He climbed the stairs up to the helm, and took his place at the wheel, with Karlyn standing nonchalantly by his side. They exchanged a knowing look - Karlyn had, after all, helped him come up with the speech he used to convince the Nebulite people. Once more Karamir’s eyes scanned across the deck, finding Arya’s, and then he beckoned for her to come join him. She strolled over with curious eyes, and came to a stop before him. [color=ivory]”Yesss?”[/color] she said with a smirk. Karamir returned the smirk and pulled her in for a short, light kiss. [color=yellow]“Is everyone ready to set out?”[/color] he asked as he pulled away. She nodded with a slight giggle. [Color=ivory]"All who are aboard are ready to embark this round."[/color] [color=yellow]“Good,”[/color] he said, and then turned to address those still on deck. [color=yellow]“We’re going to depart now. I’ve modified this ship so that no matter what speed or angle we’re travelling at, you’ll always keep your footing, even if we’re upside down.”[/color] “You’ll still fall if you jump over the railing though, so don’t do that,” Karlyn added cheerfully. Arya heard Myra laugh from somewhere on deck. And on that note, Karamir gripped the wheel, and the ship slowly began to rise up into the air. Once it was above the treeline, he turned it northward, toward Kalgrun. And then suddenly it jolted forward, the ground beneath them becoming a blur. Despite the intense speed, those on deck would barely feel any momentum at all. [hr] They had passed ocean, tropics, temperate forest, and grassy fields. It was the first time Arya had been to Kalgrun, ever since she first departed it with Arryn, all those years ago. Arryn himself was perched on the rail, staring at the landscape as it passed by. The familiar sights had raised his spirits greatly. Scars from the Catacylsm and the Gate Lord’s attack still remained, but had mostly healed - not that the mortals onboard would have been able to notice anyway, given how fast they were travelling. The vessel’s flight had received mixed reactions - some were excited, while others were terrified, or had been shocked into a numb sort of silence. Karlyn spent most of his time walking the deck and engaging with the latter two, assuring them that he was just an ordinary mortal like them, and had made this trip before. At some point Myra had decided to follow him, to hope that the presence of a familiar face would make Karlyn’s words more reassuring. After nearly two days of travel, Karamir’s vessel began to slow down, before eventually coming to a halt. Karamir turned the wheel, pointing the vessel westward. [color=yellow]“If you look to the right, you’ll see our destination,”[/color] Karamir said with a smile. Those on deck quickly made their way to the right hand side of the ship. There, far off in the distance and on the other side of a vast river, was the city he had spoken of. It was surrounded by a tall stone wall, and within that wall were hundreds of buildings - the most prominent of which were a massive stone tower, a temple in the sea, and a large white palace overlooking it all from atop the city’s largest and only hill. There were many exciting states and long sights of exasperation. Arya herself stared awed at the sight, along with the rest of her immediate kin. She floated over to Karamir and with glee in her voice said, [color=ivory]"It's beautiful Karamir. It's hard to believe that you were able to build something in such a small amount of time!"[/color] [color=yellow]“Ashalla did most of the work,”[/color] Karamir admitted, his cheeks reddening slightly. [color=yellow]“And the knowledge Abanoc gave me helped too. But I was the one who planned the layout. I built the wall and the three largest buildings. The first two took a few hours, but that one,”[/color] he pointed to the palace atop the hill, and his voice took up a note of pride, [color=yellow]“took much longer. I had to gather the right materials together and I wanted it to be perfect.”[/color] Her brow raised slightly before she followed his gaze. [Color=ivory]"What for?"[/color] she asked. [color=yellow]“For you,”[/color] he answered, before his cheeks reddened further. She looked back at him with wide eyes. [Color=ivory]"You didn't…"[/color] she started, her expression changing to that of joy. [Color=ivory]"You didn't!"[/color] she laughed, playfully pushing him. [Color=ivory]"You built that palace for me?"[/color] she gushed, whispering slightly. [color=yellow]“I-I did,”[/color] he stammered. [color=yellow]“I thought you’d like it.”[/color] She took one of his hands within both of hers and said, [color=ivory]"I do, Karamir. It is not often I am given gifts. But before I can really say anymore, I have to see it up close."[/color] she said smiling. Karamir blinked, then seemed to snap out of his nervousness. [color=yellow]“Of course. I didn’t build it just so we can stare at it from afar.”[/color] And with those words, he resumed his place at the wheel, and the ship began its approach toward their new home. [Hider=Summary] Karamir arrives back at The Eye on his new ship. He tells her he built a city and the time is now to go to it. After a speech and a conversation with Orvus and the rest of her family, Arya and most of the Nebulites decide to go with. Karamir also built Arya a palace to live in. [/hider] [hider=Might Summary] [u]Karamir[/u] [b]Beginning MP:[/b] 8 [b]Beginning FP:[/b] 8 -1MP to modify his ship so that mortals will not be affected by its momentum while in flight. [b]Ending MP:[/b] 7 [b]Ending FP:[/b] 8 [/hider]