[h1]Chapter 1 - Clashing Paths[/h1][b][color=darkred]Part 2A - Alnaera, the Nameless Savant[/color][/b]
[@SilverPaw][hr]
[color=darkred]"So very characteristic of you, Master. Always seeking answer, even when there are none.."[/color] Vassa replied to your queries. It was faint, but you certainly felt a tinge of nostalgia within their otherwise flat and lifeless tone.
[color=darkred]"I am what you need me to be. Sometimes a servant, sometimes an informant, and yes.. Sometimes I am the one who taught you how to walk as well,"[/color] they continued with evenly paced pronunciation.

With that said, Vassa's scriptures began to fizz out into sparks of ember, and coalesced at the crystal at the tip of your staff. A familiar sensation flowed from the crystal into the palm of your hand. Power, raw and untamed; and wisdom to direct and contain them. The two contrasting essence filled your very being. For the first time since you opened your eyes in this void, you felt complete.

Before you could celebrate, however, you felt a ripple in the void. Something else had awaken. Something [i]powerful[/i].

[color=darkred]"Master.. I cannot express how much I would love to stay and catch up with you, but we have something to do. Urgently."[/color]

Somehow, some way, you knew what Vassa was referring to. The Mad Goddess. You were here to stop her.

With a nod, you acknowledged Vassa's prompt. "Lead me to her."

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[b][color=darkred]Part 2B - Gael, the Puppet of Bow[/color][/b]
[@PigeonOfAstora][hr]
Gael swore she saw Olas's eyes grew tearful for a split moment when she asked the King on how she looked. They hide it well, however, and Gael did not want to pursue the matter.

[color=darkred]"Yes, of course Master. You look perfect,"[/color] Olas said with a spirited voice, as if to match Gael's enthusiasm. [i][color=darkred]"You looked exactly like you were,"[/color][/i] The King continued inwardly.

[color=darkred]"I'm sorry, where were we? Oh right, the test. Let's see,"[/color] said Olas as they cleared their throat.
[color=darkred]"Deeper inside the forest, there is a lost puppy. A big bad mother wolf had found it, and having lost her child recently, she wanted to make the puppy hers,"[/color] The King recited as if telling a story to a dear child.
[color=darkred]"But the puppy does not belong to her. It had a family waiting for it back home. I want you to save this puppy from the mother wolf."[/color]

The test sounded straightforward enough, Gael thought to herself. And thus, eager to proof herself, she stretched and ran towards the deeper end of the forest.

Behind her, Olas prayed for her safe return. And as the prayer reached its end, a gust of wind flew towards the string of Gael's bow and lingered there.

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To be Continued to Ammokkx's Update
In the meantime, you two can continue to finish your CSes :)
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