[center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/693456997844123747/704830526703534085/Oraelia_logo.png[/img][/center] [hr] Oraelia paced back and forth in her realm, an expression of deep thought upon her face mixed with concern and worry. There was much to do for her Oraeliari, much to teach them about the world and the Neiyari were still constantly on her mind. She knew not what to do with her sister’s wayward followers, only that their aspirations for war would consume them. They had to be dealt with, but not cruelly or forcefully. They had to be changed and change upon their own accord. Still, it would not be easy, and that was what haunted her heart. She finally stopped pacing, and beneath her solitary oak tree she sat down, shutting her eyes. She had come to the basics of what was needed to be done for her Oraeliari. Food and shelter, two necessities of life she had failed to give them, but no more. She would have to follow Gibbou’s example by being more proactive from now on. She stretched her mind out towards the Luminant, and then to her people around her Lake of Radiance. She was taken by surprise to find that many of her Oraeliari had arrived there, helping and learning from the humans who already called it home. That was what she had wanted, was it not? Shared culture, innovation and peace. There was a bit of a language barrier, but slowly and surely they were building a union and it was beautiful. Yet this did not mean she should leave the humans to teach them everything. Around the Lake, and then the Luminant she felt the minds of her Oraeliari and gave them the necessary knowledge to not only plant and cultivate their own crops, but to build their own homes out of wood in the Luminant. The humans had helped the best they could so far, but they were smaller and did not need to eat so much to sustain themselves. That would change in time. Satisfied, she began to withdraw her mind, but stopped when she felt the cold touch of a Neiyari. She was close to the lake, standing upon the opposite shore with scrutinizing eyes. Her mind was dark, twisted and reminded her of Neiya. Yet, this simple mortal had all the needs a god did not. Her belly was hungry and she grew awfully cold at night. Oraelia sighed, and felt pity for her and her kind. She could not leave them to suffer just because they were different. They didn’t have a choice in what they became but it would be through love, her love, that would make them choose again. She imparted upon that Neiyari the same knowledge that she gave to her Oraeliari, and then she spread that knowledge to others. There was an immediate reaction from the woman Neiyari, a sullen look of surprise, followed by a quick retreat deeper into the Luminant. Perhaps it would be a start, a catalyst for change, or perhaps not. Only time would tell. But Oraelia knew she could not leave it at that, and thus back to the Oraeliari she went, thinking about what else to give. Her people were far and few in between, but more and more were arriving at the Lake and she realized, if they were ever truly going to be successful, they needed the numbers. Thus, like she had done with the druids, Oraelia blessed her people with enhanced fertility. That way they could be plentiful and change the world one generation at a time. With that done, she departed at last and opened her eyes to gaze upon her realm again. There was much more to do for the Oraeliari, but for once, she didn’t know who she should ask. As such, she sank back into the tree and pondered it for a while. [hr] Back in the Luminant, Solus sat in watchful vigil. Nestled between two fallen trees, the giant leaned forward, hand upon his chin as Oraeliari around him mingled as they usually did. They did not bother Solus and he preferred it that way. His mere presence was enough for them, it brought comfort after the Great Betrayal. Even though he had been struck down, he had quickly rebounded due to the powers of healing. Now he thought upon his Mother's newest gift to the Oraeliari and before that, the Moon Mother's gift of protection. Generous gifts indeed, but they were still missing something. His thought was interrupted by the fluttering of wings and the small tremors he could feel, of feet fast approaching. "Soluri! Soluri! A group of Neiyari are coming! What do we do Soluri?" Asked a tall Oraeliari, his golden locks falling down to his shoulders as a look of exhaustion and fear bore into Solus'. The giant avatar did not stir for several moments as he pondered. Why would they attack so boldly if they knew he was here? Perhaps they didn't know? He looked around at the faces of the Oraeliari, all looking upon him for guidance and strength. He was their protector, but even he could not stay forever. They needed more… Gibbou had taught them how to protect themselves, Oraelia had taught them how to feed and shelter themselves and it was then that Solus knew what he needed to do. He would not teach them anything that they did not already know, but simply give what they needed most. He rose to his full height and then boomed, "Fight!" The faces of the Oraeliari seemed to pale slightly, many frowned for he knew in their hearts they despised fighting their kin, so alike they were yet so different all the same. "Have… Faith." He said again, softer. "Remember… You are… Oraeliari… Fight for… Peace!" Many began to nod, though he could sense the doubt in their hearts. That doubt would need to be alleviated, much like the sun rising. It always rose. The giant rose his hand and from the heavens came down a beam of light, causing many of the Oraeliairi to fall to their knees in awe, bowing in reverence. Others look bewildered and a few watched with waiting eyes. Solus threw down his arm and pointed at the spot the light faded from, revealing weapons of sunlight. Swords, maces and axes all to fit within their hands. "Take. Use." He stated simply. There was hesitance among the Oraeliari before the same messenger stepped forth and picked up a sword. He held it high and gazed upon it with wonder. Two Oraeliari who donned halos stepped forth and took from the pile as well. Others followed and before long the Oraeliari were armed while their hearts were heavy. To take life was unthinkable to many but the circumstances dictated that they defend themselves and protect life as a whole. The Neiyari would not stop in their assault unless they were shown a better way… But such ways could easily be lost all the same. "Come." Solus said, as he and his host ventured into the forest. [hr] The Oraeliari let the Neiyari come to them. And through the branches of glowing trees and upon the grounds of plush grass, they came. Led by a Neiyari man with pitch black wings, black hair and the impassive face of the betrayers. Several wayward kin followed him, some wielding impressive sticks and the same vile expressions, or lack of expressions, save perhaps an ounce of fear. For truly, it hung in the air, thick and palpable, gripping even the hearts of the Oraeliari. Just one look at the black winged leader was enough to put terror into their hearts. The plan had been to attack when they had crossed the no point of return mark, one Solus himself had given, but a few Oraeliari had broken from their hiding spots, fleeing in fear. This ruined the ambush, and the Neiyari halted, suspecting a trap. With the plan thwarted, the brave messenger Oraeliari pushed forward with a mighty yell, sword hanging high in the air and went right towards their leader. A frantic melee began, as the Neiyari dodged his swings, jabbing at his kin with mighty fists. All seemed lost for the messenger, who had fallen low at a blow to his ribs, when his kin finally rushed to his aid. The black betrayer had a look of surprise upon his face, seeing the Oraeliari charge forth with weapons. It was enough for the messenger to tackle his legs out from under him. A brawl ensued henceforth, as they rolled on the ground, flattening grasses and flowers as each fought for the upper hand. Some of the other Neiyari, seeing the newcomers with gear, took hesitant steps backwards before a few fled back from whence they came. The others went on the defensive, fighting with what they could as the Oraeliari took to the offensive. With the battle begun, Solus at last emerged, having waited until the right moment, for fear of a further trick. He was wary of Aveira and the scar upon his chest was proof of that. Seeing Solus join in, the Neiyari who could still flee did so in earnest, not willing to risk a fight with the avatar alone. Those that remained were beaten and bloody, even a few Oraeliari who had fallen to the floor after well placed strikes. The two that remained fighting, was the messenger and the Neiyari leader, who had gotten the upper hand and was beating down upon the golden haired man. Solus was quick to reach them, and the Neiyari barely had time to register what was happening before Solus punched him in the face. Not hard enough to kill him, but he would not awake for a time. There was then a scream and the giant whipped around to see another Neiyari take the life of an Oraeliari woman, using her own sword against her heart. He tried to flee, but he was too slow. The closest Oraeliari caught him, and began to viciously beat him as others tried to heal their broken comrade. The solar giant was beside the stabbed woman in seconds, but even he could not save her from the clutches of death. She was gone. His attention thus turned to the men and women who beat the killer. “Enough!” he commanded, walking over to them. The Oraeliari hesitantly obeyed, looking to the ground as they clutched their fists. Solus looked down upon the Neiyari, whose face was beaten into a bloody pulp, his wings were torn and his right arm was mangled. He listened to the shallow breathing of the mortal, knowing he did not have long. Perhaps it was pity that took him, but Solus reached down towards the Neiyari and held his hand over his heart. His mother would have healed him, but he was not his mother. A beam of light pierced the man’s chest, ending his suffering within a few fleeting breaths. Solus raised his hand to his side, and stood straighter, eyeing the Oraelari. “You must be… Better than them. No suffering… Take life only when… Necessary. Compassion… Pity… Learn them. A life… For a life.” he said to them, many nodded, a few did not meet his gaze. “You are Oraeliari. Never forget.” His gaze then fell upon their prisoners. Three Neiyari and their leader had been captured, only one Neiyari was conscious and she eyed them with daggers. But the swords at her neck kept her from trying anything. Solus wandered back over to the black winged man and took a closer look at him. The fear the others felt came from him, and upon placing a finger upon his head, Solus knew why. Aveira had granted a few of them darker powers and Solus rebounded in disgust. It seemed the Oraeliari were not the only ones who had received gifts. “Bah!” he let out, frustrated as he stood like a statue looking down upon him. There was always something else, something more unseen by his eyes. He would have to remedy that but first… Something needed to be done with the Neiyari. “Bring her.” he said, pointing to the one awake. After a brief shove, the lone woman, her hair brunette- impure, came before him. Try as she might to remain impassive, her fear cracked through in her stance, the corners of her mouth twitching and her eyes, the greatest give away. Such fear, the same they caused like poison. Did they even understand what they did? It mattered not. Solus grabbed her around the waist in an instant and the woman opened her mouth to scream but nothing came out. She tried to wiggle free, but Solus applied steady pressure. Her face began to grow red, so close, so clo- “Stop!” an Oraelia man shouted, the one with a halo. “Stop this Soluri! This is cruelty!” Solus snapped his head to look upon the man, long golden hair, a striking face with a powerful build. He looked back at the Neiyari in his hand and released her to the ground, disgusted at himself for losing himself to dark thoughts. The woman gasped for breath, lying face up as a coughing fit took her. “Soluri, this is not the way. Like you said, we must be better and fight them both with sword and compassion, less we become like them in spirit.” the man spoke again, coming to his side. He was right of course. Humbled by a mortal, Solus hung his head in shame before his words struck a chord within him. Become like them… Was it possible? He outstretched his hand toward the Neiyari and shut his eyes. He felt her mind, then the deepest parts of her soul, and through the corruption he found the smallest glimmer of purity. Like an island within an ocean of black, Solus realized in that moment, even the worst Neiyari could be changed- which also meant the inverse. A dark secret, part of the Aiviri race as a whole. He pushed the island further, letting flow into it kindness, warmth, and perhaps most importantly- love. Slowly the island expanded, piercing the black corruption and destroying it. It grew and grew until finally- He heard a gasp and his eyes snapped open to see the Neiyari woman burst into golden light, a wisp of dark fading away above her. When the glow subsided, before them lay a shivering Oraeliari, with golden hair and bright blue eyes. She looked at them before bursting into tears. The rest of the Oraeliari were hesitant to approach, but not the man with the halo. He walked over to her, and knelt down beside her, embracing the woman. Solus quickly turned to the other Neiyari and did the same to them, finding within them faint traces of light, guiding them to precious freedom. Where once they were Neiyari, they became Oraeliari once more. He finally stopped before the black winged one and like before, ventured in. This time it was different, his island of purity was nothing more then the size of a seed, so consumed by the corruption of Neiya. Yet Solus would not relent, and after what felt like an eternity, even he was freed from her taint. His corruption removed itself from him forcibly, and flew off into the sky before dissipating, leaving an unconscious Oraeliari behind. He took a step back to see mingling and a lot of tears between the newcomers and old. The man with a halo eventually came over to him and said nothing for a while as they both watched the scene before them. Eventually he said, “Thank you Soluri. I’m not sure what you did, but this is… A miracle.” he said with awe in his voice. “No.” Solus said, turning to the man and pointing at his chest. “This exists… Within you. What can be changed… Can change again.” he said as a warning and the man nodded after a few seconds, his face going grim. “I must… Leave.” he said again, softer. “What? No! You cannot leave us Soluri, what if she comes? Who will protect us from her?” The man asked. “She will leave… In time.” Solus began, “Protectors… You shall be.” he snapped his fingers, and a gust of wind wrapped around the man, turning his wings a golden hue. His halo radiated intensity and he breathed with knowingness. The same happened with the woman in the clearing and she looked over to them from where she stood, giving a nod. “My Cardinals…” he looked at the man again. “Thank you.” “For what Soluri?” the man asked, puzzled. The giant said nothing and before long, left. [hider=Summary] Oraelia gives her Oraeliari some stuff but has a conscience so gives some of her teachings to the Neiyari too. We then go to Solus, who is still in the Luminant. He gets told some Neiyari are coming and so helps out his Oraeliari pals. They meet a black winged Neiyari who Solus KO’s and then learns about what Aveira did. He then renews some Neiyari to Oraeliari and makes a holy order. [/hider] [hider=MP] Oraelia 5MP/5DP -1MP Teach the Aiviri how to sow seed and do agriculture. -1MP Teach the Aiviri how to make Aiviri sized houses using wood. -1DP (Towards Fertility Port) To Bless the Oraeliari with enhanced fertility. -1MP (Discounted to 0 by sunlight port) To give a one time gift of solar weapons to some Oraeliari (These are basically what they can already make and there is nothing special about them) Holy Order Consecration The Cardinals of Tranquility - A Holy Order mirroring the false image of the Sainthood, created by Solus to be leaders of the Oraeliari race. Like the Sainthood, Cardinals always have a fixed number and replenish their fallen brethren through prayer to Oraeliara. In order for an Oraeliari to be eligible, they must have a Halo as proof of their worthiness. Their divine mission is to combat the Neiyari, the Sainthood, and protect those who cannot do so themselves, all in the name of restoring their race to peace. -2MP Courageous Hearts II - The hearts and minds of those swayed by fear, can be resisted through this courage-emboldening ability, so that calmer minds might prevail upon the fields of battle. -1DP (Plus 2 free Sunlight titles) Solar Armaments III - Cardinals are capable of producing solar weaponry on a whim, while other constructs would take longer. -2DP (Towards Compassion Port) Empathetic Aura I - Cardinals have a constant aura of compassion around their persons. This usually bestows kindness and sympathy upon those they come into contact with. 1MP/1DP remaining ⅗ For Fertility Port 5/5 For Compassion Port [/hider] [hider=Prestige] The Cardinals of Tranquility Starting = 0 17k chars = 5 Prestige Ending = 5 [/hider]