[center][h1][b][i]Interweavings[/i][/b][/h1][/center] [center][h2][i]The Holy Quintet & The Order of the Phoenix[/i][/h2][/center] [hr] Without comprehending the nature of time, it was ever difficult to discern whether waiting was arduous or quite easy because a living being only possessed their own thoughts and memories to track the number of events that occurred in the world. Those that dwelled within Keltra relied upon the transition from day into night, as the imperious sun continued along the celestial path which had become a cycle for those that chose to heed such things on the Galbar. However, the presence of those whom shaped reality with their will and wielding tremendous power caused an incredibly potent ripple effect that distorted and divided this shared system, creating defiant lonely isles, like Keltra, with treacherous seas between them - and so mortals risked their limited time whenever they traversed this untamed landscape without the aid offered by the Divine. Wanderer was wise and immortal, gifted by the divine with the knowledge and tools that allowed her to navigate the world without too much hindrance. She sailed through the open sky upon Skydancer after returning the last of the Recusant to the Garden of Hevel, directing the sacred vessel that had been gifted to the champions of Homura by Chailiss back towards the immense column of celestial light that still blazed beside the shores of Kel-mera. She could safely gaze upon the radiant pillar’s glittering reflection in the shimmering ruby sea, and not be blinded by it despite her close proximity which provided her with the necessary understanding of her surroundings to easily fly. The lingering existence of the Umati’s aura caused Wanderer to consider the relationship between the shelter of the faithful that was Keltra, and the rest of the world outside it. How many days and nights had passed for those that watched from afar? How long would Keltra seem consumed by cosmic fire to those that had not seen the light disperse from within? Upon soaring through the luminous barrier, Wanderer swiftly steered Skydancer into the massive keep where her sisters had awaited her return. Their thoughts had conveyed their readiness to perform the ritual that would officially initiate Courage and herself as members among the Order of the Phoenix, granting them the power to access and call upon the aura of Charis. It was a strange boon, as Wanderer remained reluctant to capitulate when Courage or Curiosity would tease her about being frightened by the six-winged spirit, especially when Courage herself was refusing to admit she was afraid as well. Kindness and Pride were able to withhold their opinions regarding the newest gigantic denizen in the keep. Skydancer alighted near the Eternal Fire, this particular area having become the standard landing site, it seemed. Her sisters all stood close by, welcoming her with friendly words through their bond as Wanderer jumped from the stern onto the smooth scarlet floor to join them - quickly summoning the shifting symbols of the Gnosis as she did. Now all within the keep, aside from the little Rowan and the sleeping vessels, were sorcerers that wielded otherworldly power and progressed onward upon the Sacred Path. Her sisters and Charis were all adorned with the enigmatic and esoteric glyphs which embodied the weaving of the tapestry imbued by meaning, and now with Wanderer present, all of the elements for the ritual had been gathered, so they could [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJfYCbGnLjA&ab_channel=Belle-Topic]begin:[/url] The vast hall that was always occupied with the ever ethereal ambient music changed as the subtle melody became focused and adapted to the situation, offering some assistance in their understanding of their graceful motions and true purpose. It was a new dance, a new song, a new aspect of creation that altered the world and added to its beauty. From the colossal spirit, came large crimson feathers that fell akin to dreamlike rain, fading into shadows upon reaching the floor. Wanderer was hesitant, letting uncertainty trap her limbs until Courage and Kindness took hold of her hands and gave her an assuring smile. Their expressions promised peace and joy, so she surrendered herself to them. Charis began to leisurely fly in circles above, the occasional powerful swoosh of her wings repeatedly suppressing the tune, until it was incorporated into it, akin to a rhythmic beat which was followed with a unified clap accompanied by chiming and rattling unseen instruments from below among all the other orchestral elements. The Holy Quintet twirled and leapt, bending and balancing atop and around invisible threads which they wove with their hands and feet into an intricate spiritual design. Throughout their dance, their five shapes would mingle and combine, passing through each other and flowing into and out of the same step as one. In those times when they were separated, two feathers fell upon and seeped into Courage and Wanderer. Then Charis came to a halt and the music became quiet as the dancers added their voices to the song: [center][i][b]Gales of song, guide me through the storm...[/b][/i][/center] [center][i][b]On the wings of a small, simple melody Words take flight and soar, they carry me A world we’ll see[/b][/i][/center] [center][i][b]Looking for a farewell, I pull the threads A life without you I cannot accept I can’t tell that lie, I can’t let go[/b][/i][/center] [center][i][b]But now that you’re gone, I have to move on Seems like everyone, just smile staring at the sun But what about me? Tell me how I will know where I should go? Oh gales, you sing and guide me![/b][/i][/center] [center][i][b]I walk alone. There’s more to life I have to know It’s just me, lost so far away from home, alone I Shut myself in. Still the wind howl, they call And their voices lead me, gales of song, guide me through the storm Let the melody lift me high, I’ll be me.[/b][/i][/center] [center][i][b]Gales of song, please stay by my side Winds of love, breathe into my life...[/b][/i][/center] The music receded and the ritual came to its conclusion, as the Holy Quintet stepped back and felt the addition of another fire burning beside their own. All five of them were connected to the power of Charis, now capable of wielding a fraction of her power for healing. “Yet we remain blind… It seems that the primordial aspects of our bodies were poorly designed, hmm interwoven, by our Mother. She never intended for us to sustain damage after all - our bodies even lack instincts for what to do upon being harmed.” Pride had remarked with a frustrated sigh, as Courage and Wanderer bowed before the Phoenix in order to express their gratitude. “Our Maker originally intended to prepare for war instead of peace. Evidently our creation came prematurely according to any previously arranged timeline. Humanity awoke in a violent and cruel world where we could so easily perish, as opposed to awaking in paradise.” Kindness answered, imitating the demeanor and tone of Homura to an uncanny degree which elicited an unexpected shivering from Curiosity. All of the champions could recall when the red goddess demanded that they remain in Keltra, and only after a long and arduous fight followed by a horrifying vision, were they permitted their freedom. [i]“Patience, little ones… Should Mother perish before returning, I promise I shall find a cure to your ailments before I fade away. I am studying a spell that will allow me to change my shape and understand the precise nature of your affliction. It will take time though…”[/i] The discordant melodious paradoxical voice of the six-winged spirit sang from above, her assuring words washed over all of them, and alleviated the lingering tension they felt, vehemently banishing the unease with her overwhelming aura. Wanderer allowed her calmed mind to contemplate the benefits and detriments of her forcefully quelled distress, and came to the conclusion that in these strenuous circumstances it would be better to ignore or placate her frantic emotions. Her sisters were all in agreement as well; after all, they quite often utilized the Eternal Fire for the same effect to a lesser extent. Wanderer realized she had just been frightened by the fact that Charis had this ability as well, and could maneuver it with a much greater force, almost akin to their Maker. The mute champion wished she didn’t feel so insignificant in the presence of the colossal spirit, but the difference in their size and strength was so vast that it felt like overcoming this particular thought would be an infeasible task. “Um… Wander, would you help me with something?” Curiosity asked, bringing Wanderer out of her cogitation. Her inquisitive sister still held onto Rowan, having earlier announced through their bond that she would be responsible for the infant, and was now looking at her with a thoughtful expression with hints of hope and excitement poorly veiled behind false trepidation. Wanderer merely nodded, knowing that Curiosity would either continue asking while they waited, or would begin pouting which might invite the ire of Courage and Pride. “I wanted to make something comfortable for Ro to wear, like the garb we gave to Lore!” Curiosity chimed, and Wanderer conceded that her sister’s suggestion was appropriate considering the baby would remain naked otherwise. She nodded again, before walking a few steps behind her sister as they moved to their little area of the keep dedicated to themselves. “I think we should include more colors this time, oh, and what about it being asymmetrical, like, there being no sleeve on the left side, hmm? We can make footwear later because he doesn’t know how to walk yet. I wonder why he is so small, I still don’t get why smaller people come out of larger people…” Curiosity chattered, Wanderer repeatedly nodding or shaking her head in response, occasionally offering a one word answer while they prepared the Incantation of Making. The spell was much easier to cast, despite requiring more spiritual energy because there were only two of them, as they could share thoughts and ideas efficiently through their shared connection, providing them with a unified sense of the desired outcome. The shifting symbols of the Gnosis manifested on their skin, shimmering and humming with sacred power as a red substance suddenly emerged from nothingness between the duo. The sorcerers internally evoked the words of creations, shaping reality in accordance to their will imposed upon the tapestry, and as a result something new was added to the world. The red substance rippled and contorted, until it became a flattened sheet which opened along three sides. The transformation ended with a flash of brilliant light, and the artifact was completed. Levitating between them was an elegant dress properly sized for an infant, woven from primarily white glittering thread, and layered with exquisite blue silk beneath golden folds and frills decoratively sewn into the edges. The dress was asymmetrical, lacking a sleeve for the left side, but otherwise appeared similar in shape to their previous work with more subtle scarlet patterns and designs, and enchanted with the same spell that prevented it from being stained. Wanderer was assigned to assist Rowan with donning the dress while Curiosity held him, and when they were both finished, she and her sister stepped back to admire the fruit of their labor. Rowan was gently placed upon a large cushion that was surrounded by a sea of soft blankets, the baby’s simplistic pale face and features were complemented by the very ornate and vibrant decor that all peacefully guided the eye back towards the baby’s round cheeks, big eyes, and innocent expression. Wanderer and Curiosity could barely contain their delight, overcome with affection as the latter repeatedly described the sight before them as, “So cute!” and after searing the memory into their minds, Curiosity proceeded to lift Rowan, promising to take him on a pleasant stroll around the fortress. “Remember to stay within Keltra. Do not stray too far.” Pride called out, reminding them of the poison inside Curiosity and the others. The Keeper of Keltra then preoccupied herself with monitoring her environment and the nearby lands with the Incantation of Seeing, sending relevant information and observations to all of their minds so that they would be prepared should something happen suddenly. The effort involved meant that Wanderer and the rest of her sisters were also dividing a section of their mind to the task, navigating not just the current local events, but also events in the past and future. It was fortunate that their stamina and will was constantly replenished by the presence of the Eternal Fire and Charis. Curiosity casually departed with Rowan to go cheerfully roam the ethereal landscape outside the keep, leaving Wanderer behind. The silent champion then glanced around the interior of the keep, noticing Kindness and Courage quietly converse with each other. It seemed the latter was being dismissed with much disappointment, and Wanderer wondered why Courage could not see that her words were hurting her sister… She saw that Kindness had created a simple satchel to carry the shards of Fear when she was away, and Wanderer remembered the words her grieving sister had spoken before that departure upon Skydancer. “Allow me to meditate in solitude for a time, as I believe I can ascertain a way of aiding Fear in her exile…” Wanderer had chosen not to interfere or peer into the interaction between her sisters, considering their privilege of privacy, but then Courage came charging towards her with purpose and poorly concealed aggravation in her mind and stride. “Hey Wander, are you free for a bit?” Courage called out telepathically, and then her thoughts came and began washing over Wanderer like waves lapping against the shore, then the brash champion’s reason for approaching became clear. Courage was concerned for those outside the fortress that were innocent witnesses to the earlier events that had transpired, but left in ignorance of what truly happened and what would come next, so her sister was tasking her with assuring the denizens of Kel-Phelena that all was well. The remaining members of the Holy Quintet had been so preoccupied with discovering the locations of Fear and Homura that it seemed as though they had forgotten their other kin outside the walls. Wanderer felt relieved that Courage could be so considerate despite her commonly casual and reckless attitude, and swiftly subdued the hint of shame that she had allowed that thought to be shared through their bond. Her sister simply ignored these opinions, and spoke aloud her request for the sake of formality, as she did not wish to become too reliant on their telepathy during conversations with others that lacked their connection. While Wanderer did not ever wish to return to a world where she would have to primarily communicate with her sisters in a verbal manner, she understood the predisposition of others towards it. Wanderer gave a nod, noting that she hardly spoke in most situations anyway, but still conceding to Courage’s want - the result was both immediate and appropriately animated for the most audacious of the champions, as Courage grinned and proceeded to playfully punch her sister in the shoulder. “Thanks sis! Let’s all be heroes, ya.” She had said, before she turned her attention to Pride with a mischievous smirk and left Wanderer to her assigned task at hand. Perhaps their little sister would be more welcoming of Courage’s antics, as the lack of cheer coming from the Keeper of Keltra was evidence enough that she thought the search for their Maker was becoming a more and more futile prospect. Wanderer hoped Courage could provide some hope for all of them, to help stave off the insidious doubts in all of their minds. Without further words, all within Keltra were striving towards their goals, whatever those were, and so Wanderer silently departed upon Skydancer to begin her flight around the lands close to Keltra to spread assurance of no danger and the eventual return to normalcy, whatever that was. On and on, throughout the day and night, she flew and spoke to the forest in an attempt to alleviate the dark cloud of unease that hung above the land. When they were ready, the Order of the Phoenix would come and banish the blight that had been afflicted some time ago. [hider=Summary]-Wanderer flies back to Keltra after returning the Recusant to the Garden of Hevel. -Courage and her participate in a ritual that marks their joining of the Order of the Phoenix. -Wanderer and Curiosity make enchanted clothing for Rowan. -Courage asks Wanderer to inform the locals outside Keltra that everything is relatively fine.[/hider] [hider=Spirit]Wanderer gains 3 Spirit. (+1 minimum, +1 main character, +1 medium) Courage, Kindness, Curiosity, Pride, and Charis gain 2 Spirit. (+1 minimum, +1 medium) Curiosity and Wanderer each spend 3 Spirit to create Rowan’s cleaning clothing (6 Spirit total). This outfit keeps itself free from stains and from fraying apart easily. Kindness and Wanderer set a personal quest for themselves: Finding/helping Fear in her exile.[/hider] [hider=Prestige]The Holy Quintet gains 1 Prestige. The Order of the Phoenix gains 1 Prestige.[/hider]