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[img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/682678547374145573/684596178205278220/heartflame.png[/img]
[h1][color=ed1c24][b][u]Evandra[/u][/b][/color][/h1]
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In a small human settlement all work had halted. The reason being the Goddess gracing them with her presence. Inside one of the huts Evandra was sitting on a pile of leaves with all the humans surrounding and worshiping her. In her hand lay a few Evening Bells, the remains of her gifts to these people. With her free hand she scooped one and brought it to her mouth, the warm and sweet taste filling her senses.

She did not allow the humans to touch her, but she did allow them to be near her. They basked in the warmth that emanated from the goddess, some even slept in it’s comfort. Eventually, however, Evandra stood up from her makeshift seat. [color=ed1c24]“I spent enough time here. I’ll be taking my leave.”[/color] Just like that the Goddess walked away from the humans.

“What?” One of the humans asked waking up from his daze.

“Wait, don’t leave us, Goddess!” Another pleaded with her.

Evandra paid them no mind as she left the hut. One of them rushed after her. “Goddess, please don’t leave-” He grabbed her legs and they caught on fire. “UWAAAAAAH!!!” He screamed in pain as he tried to put the flames off.

She looked back at the man in scorn. [color=ed1c24]“Such audacity. You don’t have the right the lay your hands upon me.”[/color]

Other humans followed after her, but kept their distance. [color=9e0b0f]“Goddess, please. If you must leave then at least grant your warmth.”[/color] The one in the front said on his knees.

[color=ed1c24]“And why should I grant you my gift of flames? Is my very presence not enough for you?”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“N-no, Goddess, we are all thankful for you having graced us. But at night the heat of the Sun cannot reach us. Your presence warms even where the light cannot reach. So please, lend us your fire as well. I will do anything you ask in return!”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Hmm. Anything you say?”[/color] Taking interest in the pleading man, Evandra walked back to him and past the man now cradling his burnt hands. [color=ed1c24]“Bold of you to wish to take on a request from me.”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“If it means that we can keep your heat in your absence then I’ll pay whatever price I must.”[/color]

The Goddess smiled and blushed at the proclamation. [color=ed1c24]“Stand.”[/color] The man stood on his feet at the command. [color=ed1c24]“Do you bear a name?”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“No, Goddess. None of us do.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Then you are henceforth named Enlil. Your bravery earned you this much. But for my fire you’ll need to accomplish a challenge. In the prairie to the East live mighty and glorious beasts called Leons. Taller than trees and rulers of the prairie. Bring me one and my fire will be yours as well.”[/color]

Enlil tensed up at the request. He didn’t know of Leons, but by that brief description alone he knew this to be a daunting quest. But he couldn’t afford to back down. Evandra had taken interest in him because of his bravery. If he relented now he’d lose the favor he had in her. [color=9e0b0f]“So be it. I’ll bring you the beast.”[/color]

The humans talked among themselves behind Enlil for a moment then one of them stood up. [color=0072bc]“I’ll go as well.”[/color]

[color=aba000]“Me too.”[/color] Said yet another also standing up. And they weren’t the only ones. A total of four humans volunteered to assist on the task.

Evandra watched them with interest. [color=ed1c24]“Good. Very good. I’ll reward your boldness as well.”[/color] From her hands she produced a rope and passed it to Enlil. [color=ed1c24]“This rope can expand when pulled. Tie their legs with this and even the mighty Leons should become helpless in its bonds. Now Go. Prove to me your worth. I’ll await your return in the meantime.”[/color]

And so, Enlil and the six brave men and women prepared for their test. They gathered food for a couple of days’ worth and weapons then departed East.

[hr]

It took them 2 days and 2 nights before the golden grassland came into view. The light from the Sun only made it look even more lush.

[color=0072bc]“We’re finally here.”[/color] Said the burly man.

[color=39b54a]“All this light hurts my eyes.”[/color] Complained another. [color=39b54a]“Where are these Leon things?”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“Let’s look for them. It should be easy to see a beast taller than a tree on this open field.”[/color] Enlil replied.

They walked around in search of the beast. They encountered many new animals as they wandered around, but none of them were big enough to match the description. They were also followed around by a wolf like creature, observing them, but since it was alone it couldn’t find an opportunity to attack and left.

As they approached a hill to get a better view of the prairie, a herd of grey behemoths came running from it, passing not too far from them. The humans scrambled together as their sudden appearance startled them.

[color=f49ac2]“A-are those things Leons?”[/color] The meek girl asked as the tusked creatures ran further away from them.

[color=39b54a]“They sure are taller than a tree.”[/color]

[color=aba000]“What are we waiting for then? Let’s go after them!”[/color] The energetic woman ran after their target.

They all followed after the woman. The creatures were fast, but they were faster, and soon they almost caught up to them. Or so they would’ve if not for the other beast that outsped them. Something swooped over them and they stopped in their tracks to look above. Greater still than what they were chasing and covered in pure white fur, it descended upon the slowest behemoth and latched onto it with it’s claws and fangs. The humans watched on as the beast brought its prey to the ground and pinned it by the throat with its mouth. The struggling didn’t last more than a few seconds.

[color=9e0b0f]“It rules over the prairie…”[/color] Enlil said amazed by how swiftly the behemoth was felled.

[color=39b54a]“No way. We have to bring that thing back?”[/color] The annoyed man said in shock.

The Leon let go of its prey and let out a deafening roar, making the humans cower. Another one came flying and landed by the side of the downed prey. Yet another Leon jumped from the second’s back and it began to feast. One of the men tried to approach them, but the first Leon reared its head and growled loudly at his sight, sending the man back.

The humans regrouped. [color=f49ac2]“Can we even bring one of these things back?”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“No way, we’ll get killed as soon as we get near.”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“Then what do we do, give up and lose the Goddess’ fire?”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“And just how do you think we should capture one of those things? We can’t match a creature that big, let alone two.”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“The goddess only said we had to bring her a Leon. If we could get their cub instead...”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“And get outran and eaten? It’s impossible to do this.”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“Then you can return in shame. I said I’d do anything in return for her fire and I’ll do it.”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“Wha-”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“Anyone else is free to do as well. The Goddess ensured this task to me after all.”[/color]

The others stayed quiet, some looked at the annoyed man with uncertainty in their faces. [color=aba000]“I won’t run. I don’t want to lose her heat.”[/color]

[color=0072bc]“Me neither.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]“I don’t really know if we can do it, but…”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“...”[/color] The annoyed man looked to the side and tsked. [color=39b54a]“Fine, I’ll stay.”[/color]

Enlil huffed. [color=9e0b0f]“Good, then let’s calm down and make a plan.”[/color]

They looked back at the Leons. They had almost stripped the behemoth bare of its meat and were already wandering off.

[color=aba000]“We can’t lose sight of them. Maybe we should watch them from a distance for now?”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“We’ll do that.”[/color]

[color=0072bc]“And get the meat they left behind too. I’m getting hungry.”[/color]

They collected a few scraps of meat still left on the creature and started following the Leons. They watched as the beasts went on with their lives. They watched as they drank from a stream, hunted again and even lazed about.

As the Sun began to set, the Leons laid down to rest and by the time the Moon had come about, they had drifted to sleep. The Sun shaped insignia in their heads glowed almost as if to show where they were.

[color=0072bc]“They sleep then.”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“Of course they sleep, idiot. They’re beasts.”[/color]

[color=aba000]“This could be our chance though. What do you think, Enlil?”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“It’s as good a time as any.”[/color] He looked at the Leons and their surroundings to think of what to do next. Though they were close to each other, thankfully they weren’t sleeping packed together. [color=9e0b0f]“Look.”[/color] He pointed at a patch of tallgrass near the Leons. [color=9e0b0f]“We can hide in the tallgrass over there. If we can lure or bring the cub into it we can capture it.”[/color]

[color=aba000]“We’d need to wake up the cub before luring it, though. How do we that?”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“Do we still have some leftover meat?”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]“We still have a chunk, yes.”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“If we tie it with the rope and throw it near the cub it could get his attention.”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“But If the parents wake up we’re dead.”[/color]

[color=0072bc]“I’ll take care of it.”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“Wait, what?”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“What do you have in mind?”[/color]

[color=0072bc]“I’ll leave luring it away from its parents to you guys. When it's far enough I’ll choke it.”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“You’re crazy! What if you get killed?”[/color]

[color=0072bc]“If I die then I die, but you should be safe in the tallgrass.”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“How can you be so calm about that?!”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“But it could work. It was our boldness that earned us a chance at having the Goddess’ fire for ourselves. And it’ll be boldness that sees us through this test. Let’s go.”[/color]

They moved to the tallgrass and crouched beneath its surface. Slowly they towards the sleeping Leons, being careful not to make much noise with the rustling leaves. When they arrived at the edge closest to the beasts, they unpacked the leftover meat from the behemoth and tied it with the rope. They tested the knot and, when they were sure it was secure, tossed it towards the cub. It landed a few ways from it, but it remained undisturbed. They reeled the bait in and tried again. This time its ear twitched slightly.

At the third attempt the cub lifted its head still looking drowsy from just waking up. They tugged on the rope, the movement caught the cub’s attention. Another tug, it jerked up to its feet and chased after the bait.

It was almost close enough. [color=9e0b0f]“Get ready.”[/color] Enlil whispered.

The burly man got in position, taking long, deep breaths. Another tug of the rope and the cub was right next to them. The burly man sprung to action, taking the cub by the neck with his hand. Before it could retaliate, it was brought into a chokehold. The beast was just an infant, but it was almost as big as its human assailant. It meowled softly as it struggled to breathe and free itself, but the burly man’s grasp was too tight and, like the behemoth from earlier, it stopped struggling.

[color=9e0b0f]“Bring it here, hurry!”[/color] Enlil said as loud as he could without alerting the Leons.

The burly man brought the cub into the tallgrass, where it had its legs tied together. Enlil looked at the Leons, they were still fast asleep.

[color=39b54a]“I can’t believe this worked.”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“We don’t have time to commemorate though. We need to get as far away from here as we can before the parents wake up.”[/color]

And so they sneaked away from the slumbering beasts, Leon cub in tow. They went as far as their legs could carry them, and by the time they reached their limit they had already left the prairie. The Sun had just passed over the horizon and they were exhausted, but before they could rest, their luggage woke up and had to be calmed down. By the time they finished resting the Sun was past its midpoint.

[color=aba000]“The homestretch then. Are we resting some more or will we be going straight back?”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“That depends on our food. How’s our stock?”[/color] Enlil asked the meek girl.

[color=f49ac2]“Ah, we still have a few Evening Bells and other fruits. It should last us for another day.”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“We have more than I thought. We’ll only need to hunt or scavenge for food tomorrow then.”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“Wish we could’ve rested some more. Hey, give me a Bell.”[/color] The annoyed man said to the meek girl.

[color=f49ac2]“Here.”[/color] She passed him the berry.

[color=39b54a]“Are you okay? You look a bit pale.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]“I’m just tired too, don’t worry about it.”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“You better have a Bell too then. The big guy already has to carry the Leon, so it’d be bad if you collapsed.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]“Okay.”[/color] She took a berry as well and ate it.

[color=9e0b0f]“Alright, people, get ready to leave.”[/color]

[hr]

It took them another two whole days of travel to get back, and when they finally did arrive the other humans and Evandra herself was awaiting them with a satisfied smile and a blush on her face.

[color=ed1c24]“Welcome home, heroes. I must say, I wasn’t expecting you to be back so fast.”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“We got lucky.”[/color] Enlil replied.

The burly man who was carrying the cub placed it gently on the ground. It had stopped resisting ever since realizing it couldn’t break free no matter how much it struggled. Evandra approached it and undid its bindings. The cub, upon noticing its legs were free, moved them around and tried to stand up, but being in an uncomfortable position for two days made him lose his balance, but the Goddess caught it before it could fall then laid him back down calmly with a “Shh.” She groomed its fur with her hands, her warm touch turning the Leon’s hopeless look into a calm one and sending it to sleep.

Evandra stood and faced the heroes. [color=ed1c24]“You did well, Enlil. Bringing a cub instead of an adult was a smart solution. But I suppose you wouldn’t have completed this task if not for the others that accompanied you. You all deserve names as well”[/color]

She turned to the burly man. [color=ed1c24]“You bear great strength.”[/color] She said laying a hand over his chest and looking up to his face. He looked back into her eyes. [color=ed1c24]“I can see you are fearless. I name you Marduk. Don’t ever bend your knee unless it is your will to do so.”[/color]

Next was the annoyed man. [color=ed1c24]“You on the other hand lack your friend’s traits.”[/color] He looked away in shame, but Evandra cupped his chin and turned his head to face hers. [color=ed1c24]“But I can see that you care for their wellbeing. Keep them safe, Nergal.”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“Okay…”[/color] He replied a little embarrassed.

Then came the energetic woman’s turn. She looked back the Goddess with confidence. [color=ed1c24]“You had fun in this little adventure, didn’t you?”[/color]

The woman giggled. [color=aba000]“I sure did. Exploring new lands, seeing and hunting new animals… It was short, but it was fun.”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“Speak for yourself”[/color] Said Nergal in annoyance.

[color=ed1c24]“You have heart. As long as you don’t lose it you’ll have many more adventures like this one, Inanna.”[/color]

Lastly came the meek girl who had a hand over her stomach. She shrunk like a Mimosa as Evandra approached. [color=ed1c24]“What are you afraid of, girl? You should hold your head up high after returning.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]“I… I’m sorry, Goddess, but I didn’t do anything in your test. It wouldn’t have made a difference if I hadn’t accompanied them.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Really now? You look a bit hungry though.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]“Eh? N-no I’m not.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Don’t try to lie to me. I can tell you’re malnourished.”[/color]

[color=aba000]“What?”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“She was in charge of carrying our food. Did she...”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“You didn’t eat your share so that we could have enough…”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]“Yes… I thought that if I couldn’t help in the test then I should at least be as less of a burden as I could.”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Sacrifice is a great act of compassion, girl. But you should make sure you’re sated before sharing with others. Okay, Irkalla?”[/color] Irkalla smiled softly and nodded. [color=ed1c24]“Good. Then make sure to eat plenty after we’re done here.”[/color]

She stood in front of the five once again. [color=ed1c24]“You have all made great use of the blessings the Evening Bells bring and in doing so you accomplished a daunting task. Now, come forth.”[/color] She extended her hands to them and a fire sparked to life over it. [color=ed1c24]“Claim your reward. Take within you this fire that you so desire.”[/color]

Marduk was the first to hold his hand to the fire, soon followed by Enlil. It spread through their arms and then to their chests. It was hot, but didn’t burn, and as if being absorbed into their flesh, it disappeared from their bodies.

Enlil concentrated on his hand and it was engulfed in flame. [color=9e0b0f]“It doesn’t hurt.”[/color] With a thought the fire died out.

[color=ed1c24]“You three too, don’t be shy.”[/color] Nergal, Inanna and Irkalla did as the other too and took the fire as well. With the last of the five claiming its power, the fire in Evandra’s hand dissipated. [color=ed1c24]“Just as I am fire, now so are you. Make with it as your hearts desire.”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“Thank you...Evandra.”[/color] Enlil said with a smile.

“Thank you, Goddess!” one of the humans knelt down in reverence. The others followed suit one by one.

[color=ed1c24]“If anyone here is worthy of thanks is your five heroes. It was their mettle that earned you my favor.”[/color] She returned to the Leon’s side and brought it back to its feet. [color=ed1c24]“I’ll be leaving now. For good this time.”[/color] She walked away with the Leon following after her.

[color=aba000]“What will you do with the cub?”[/color] Inanna asked the Goddess as she passed by them.

[color=ed1c24]“I’ll return it to its family. It doesn’t belong with humans.”[/color]

[color=39b54a]“You’ll just bring it back like it’s nothing? Why did we have to bring it here then?”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“I wanted to see a Leon up close for a while now. That’s what I was going to do before Enlil here asked for my fire.”[/color] She turned back at them and looked at the man in question. [color=ed1c24]“It would’ve been faster for me if ignored him, but me and Cadien went through the trouble of giving you humans spirit. Me indulging your show of courage was the least I could.”[/color] She turned to leave again and started walking.

[color=39b54a]“What about your rope?”[/color]

[color=ed1c24]“Keep it, I have no need for it.”[/color] She said over her shoulder as she left.


[hider=Summary]
Evandra is lazing about in a human settlement while the humans gather around her and bask in her heat. Eventually she starts to leave, and some of the humans to beg her to stay with one even going as far as trying to hold her in place, which results in him having his hands catch on fire.

Another human implores her to at least leave her fire with them if she must leave and says he'll do anything in return for it. This gets Evandra's attention and names the man Enlil as a reward for his boldness. She agrees to give him her fire if he can bring her a Leon from the Prairie of Sol. Enlil almost walks his claim back by the Leon's description alone, but stands his ground and agrees. Four other humans volunteer to help, which prompts Evandra to reward them with a rope to tie the Leon with, but not names for the volunteers. The rope is an Artifact that'll be explained on the MP Summary. With that Evandra sets then off on their journey.

After two days of travel they reach the Prairie of Sol and start looking for a Leon. Along the way the meet animals native to the region, including elephants, which they mistake for Leons since Eva gave them a very unclear description. Oops. They chase after the elephants, but an actual Leon overtakes them and kills one of the pachyderms as the humans watch in shock. The Leon calls its mate, who brings a cub on her back so they can feast on it. The humans gather around to plan out how to capture a Leon and Enlil and another man bicker about whether or not they are able to do this. Enlil then tells him that he and anyone else are free to leave, but when nobody backs down the man begrudgingly agrees to stay. They get some of the leftover meat on the elephant and follow after the family of Leons.

At night, when the Leons go to sleep, the humans mount an ambush for the cub. Using the rope and some of the remaining elephant meat, they lure the cub to a patch of tallgrass where they knock it out and have its legs tied up. To their fortune the parents don't wake up and the humans dab away with the cub. They run until they can't anymore and rest up just as the Sun starts to rise, but not before having to calm the cub down. When they wake up they head straight back home.

Evandra's there to welcome them back when they arrive and give them praise for completing the task. She sets the cub free and names the other four humans as well as commenting on the traits they [s]barely[/s] showed through the journey. Their names being Marduk, Nergal, Inanna and Irkalla. Evandra then produces a fire that the five humans take into themselves. With that done Evandra turns to leave along with the cub to return it to its parents. I feel bad about it, okay? She also leaves the rope with them.

[hider=Mission Passed]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lsdJDiJ0QE[/youtube]
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[hider=MP Summary]
[b]Beginning MP:[/b] 4
[b]Beginning DP:[/b] 5
-2 MP to make a rope Artifact
-1 DP to make a Holy Order of pyromancers
[b]Ending MP:[/b] 2
[b]Ending DP:[/b] 4

Rope of Stretching (placeholder name [maybe])
Stretching I - The rope is only 1 meter long, but when pulled it can stretch as much as 20 meters.
Tight Bonds I - Knots made on this rope by someone are extremely difficult to undo by anyone else unless they're a God or have divinity of some level. Varying levels of divinity apply, so a god has no trouble at all, but an Avatar would have some difficulty while a Hero would struggle.
[/hider]