[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/JYRdVZc.png[/img][/center] [center][h1][b][color=fdc68a]Radiance - Relief[/color][/b][/h1] [h3][i][color=f9ad81]Anath Homura & Family[/color][/i][/h3][/center] [hr] [b][i]“I believe… our new home requires further embellishment! Hence, I shall erect a series of sacred structures; many monuments and temples that will bring beauty and awe to Keltra!”[/i][/b] Anath Homura announced, and her ethereal voice echoed throughout the soaring city, calling upon all of her celestial servants - the angelic archai. The ancient goddess stood within the center of the citadel, and was accompanied by her various daughters, as they awaited whatever would come next. There were tremors beneath their feet before the floor beneath them began to ascend, rising higher and higher in the shape of a large pillar that swiftly reached up towards the open oculus above them. They passed through the opening in the ceiling and stood atop the towering citadel, as all of Keltra was laid afore them. The outer ring encircled the empty quadrants divided by the four bridges that served to connect the massive wall to the inner ring and the citadel, yet despite the tremendous size of these structures with their immaculate and ornate architecture, there was little else to see. The Creatrix held out her hand, as she channeled her immense power into bright rivers of a red substance that flowed forth from her appendage and out towards one of the empty quadrants. The summoned rivers curved along the way to their destination and swirled together, coalescing into a complex arrangement of intersecting circular paths that contain concentrated pools of the red substance within three immense rings. A resilient river remained between the three rings and Anath Homura, until the ancient goddess released her grasp. The end of the enduring river that she had held was set upon one of the walkways that joined the outer ring and accessed the citadel - before it began to transform. The river slowly solidified and became a bridge; a process which was spreading along its length until it reached the three rings which became solid as well, and the condensed substances within each ring swiftly shifted into a trio of exquisite edifices. The first was a tall and slender structure adorned with an abundance of azure filigree and latticework across its exterior, with many open and expansive windows that permitted a warm light and a gentle breeze to pass though its exposed interior. Numerous columns of celestial radiance manifested along the walls within, and changed into a vast collection of long and glittering curtains that gracefully danced with the wind above a large gathering of folded fabric and textiles placed beside a lonely loom. The second was a more morbid and stout structure that possessed a multitude of prominent protrusions across its bejeweled facade, like large antlers and twisting curved horns found upon a fierce creature conveying its capabilities of danger through a threatening display. There was only a single entrance into the strange edifice, and all of the light and color that dared to step inside seemed to be suppressed while within its confines, aside from an occasional azure pulse that originated from deep in its depths… The third was neither a stout nor slender structure, and shared a similar aesthetic to the second - though its protrusions resembled peaceful perches with much less curvature and points, and much more mainly horizontal elements in design. There was the primary entrance; an imposing doorway that led into the heart of the edifice, but there was also a number of open balconies with attached stairways that granted access to the upper levels. The function of the third and final building was the first to be explained as Anath Homura turned to face her daughters and spoke. [b][i]“The Temple of the Stars shall serve as the assigned residence for the archai, and act as the core of their operations. They will deliver my messages to those that dwell beyond the borders of my realm, but they serve you as well. Should you wish to communicate with far away friends, then speak with the archai that reside within the temple.”[/i][/b] The majority of the Sacred Septet answered with an automatic affirmative chorus, and then their mother gestured to the second structure seated between the third and first, as she continued her tour of the latest additions to Keltra. All of her daughters remained quiet, despite the fact that they already recognized and remembered the functions of the other two temples that had once existed in the old world. [b][i]“The Temple of Resurrection shall serve as a gateway between the material plane and the realm of souls, allowing those that have lost their bodies to interact with those that remain here. The Temple of the Tapestry shall serve as a source of supplies, providing all that you require for teaching yourselves the technique of weaving. Hmm… I know that you are all familiar with these temples.”[/i][/b] Anath Homura intoned, as she stroked her chin and contemplated the myriad of weird looks that she received from her family. “We’re still trying to wrap our heads around what happened, ya… There’s uh… a lot we don’t know, and you haven’t told us much of anything.” Courage said as she stepped closer, then she glanced at her sisters behind her, and then back at her mother with a mixture of hesitation. Her hands were restless; shaking slightly, and she struggled as she almost began pacing back and forth, but she resisted the urge and stayed mostly still. “And some of us were wondering why we were told not to ask you, Mother?” Curiosity inquired, despite the internal protesting from the rest of the Sacred Septet, as they all agreed to refrain from simply questioning their maker, and had instead chosen to find another way to attain the answers they sought. However, it seemed that Curiosity was quick to forget - and now half of her sisters exuded an aura of evident chagrin after her question was asked aloud. Kindness and Wanderer shared their vexation regarding the naivety of their sister through their connection, which led to Pride telepathically admonishing them as their mother replied. [b][i]“An immense amount of information would overwhelm you, so it has been decided that each of you shall receive a portion of the past, and work together towards comprehending it by combining your knowledge. Harmony and Desire shall oversee your education as they possess the answers you seek and have attained divinity.”[/i][/b] Her words washed around and through the Sacred Septet, invoking visions of themselves and the world beyond the barriers of secular sight, a reminder of what awaited them further upon the Sacred Path. Though much of their memories were obscured, and the old world remained a mystery, the daughters of Anath Homura were all inspired to continue their journeys towards becoming what they wanted to be, or what they were meant to be. Though their sentiments varied towards their fate, they found the resolve to go farther. “We have to become stronger then.” Kindness proclaimed before she stepped forward, and Courage placed a hand upon her shoulder as the brash champion gave an auspicious grin, fierce and invigorated. “It won’t be easy, ya.” Her sister added, and the two of them glanced at the others. Curiosity and Wanderer stepped forward as well, joining their sisters and adding another wave of levity to their assembly with their paradoxical presence - innocent enthusiasm that contrasted with reluctant reticence. Though the three deities were seemingly amused by the antics of their sisters considering they seemed content to watch, Fear and Pride lacked the same motivation and had yet to move. Their telepathic connection with their sisters was restricted tightly, as they had not forgotten what was lost… “Come on, Pipsqueak. Together - your brain and our brawn will make us invincible!” Courage coaxed her smallest sister with contagious excitement, as she almost jumped where she stood, brimming with thoughts of a thrilling future. She so clearly wanted to free herself from the shackles of sorrow, and that hopeful ambition was enough to prod Pride into approaching with a sigh of playful annoyance. Fear stared at her sisters with a mournful glimmer in her eyes, as mirth mingled with misery in her memories, and the timid champion found she could not move toward the sight of her sisters beckoning her towards them. She could hear them calling to her through their connection, and she sensed as Harmony shifted with discomfort undoubtedly due to her trepidation now - a discomfort Fear felt that she was to be blamed for. Wanderer spoke with her hands, as the mesmerizing motions caught the attention of Fear, and she asked whether the latter would prefer to be alone, or if she would prefer to join them. The combination of the sentiments shared through their connection, and the compassion conveyed through her graceful gesturing, convinced her emotionally confused sister to meet with the rest of them. Wanderer and Kindness both murmured encouragement and support as Fear stepped forward to stand beside them. “Time to be the best and learn, ya!” “I will not partake in any of your foolish nonsense, but I’m thinking this shall be enjoyable. Let’s endeavor to improve ourselves.” “Hmm… when do we begin? Now? I can’t wait!” Harmony held up her hand, silencing Courage, Pride, and Curiosity, before she walked around all of them, akin to a shepherd tending to their flock, then halted after ascertaining that she had garnered their attention. She lowered her hand, and let her keen gaze shift over each of her sisters as she let a stern silence linger for a time. None amongst the Sacred Septet could discern her intentions, incapable of overcoming her mental warding in their telepathic bond, but that did not prevent Desire and Courage from mischievously chucking all of a sudden, as though they had begun to conspire together. “Follow me.” The stoic goddess said, swiftly striding towards the edges of the citadel before conjuring a curling pathway that descended to the four walkways below, and away from Anath Homura. None of the champions disobeyed, and all hastily hurried after her, like a trail of children chasing their mother as she led them to the crossways, specifically the bridge that climbed upwards and joined the walkway atop the outer ring. Desire chose to ignore the improvised formation, and walked next to Harmony with an aura of endearing audacity as she smiled. “You’ve no idea how to help them. Oh, what could mother have meant by overseeing their education? Sister, are you meandering?” She whispered in a teasing tone, as their small group reached the outer ring and were greeted with a beautiful vista when they turned to look at what lay behind them. The entirety of their home was within view, and the splendor of Keltra shimmered as the sun descended below the horizon. Harmony shot a mote of annoyance at her sister, but did not bother to counter her claims as Desire was unfortunately correct. Her mother had delegated her duty to her, but Harmony could not determine whether she was being given freedom or if she was being given a trial. She was conflicted with choices, and she found herself suddenly floundering - first in her mind, and then in the sky when she realized her twin sister had shoved her off of the outer ring. Desire laughed as Harmony seemed content to simply fall farther and farther away, the lack of retribution evidently indicating that the latter would rather prefer to let the culprit do whatever she was going to do. The goddess with mismatched eyes smirked as she turned to face her other sisters, and casually shrugged. “She’s fine. However, who wants to join her? Come on, it’ll be fun.” Desire leaned in close to a few of them, and focused upon cajoling Courage to be the first to take her up on her offer. Such a clever strategy was a success, as Courage eagerly stepped forward. Like an appeased teacher, Desire nodded with approval, and then glanced at the nearest empty quadrant before she nodded once again. “Then let’s play a game!” She proclaimed, and then pulsed with otherworldly power, as she unleashed an amber wave of divine energy that flowed in all directions and washed over the entirety of Keltra. The wave continued to spread beyond the boundaries of the flying fortress, but began to disperse soon afterwards, and it seemed as though the world was not changed at all, aside from some accumulating confusion amongst six champions that stared at their capricious sister. “That was really nice!” Curiosity exclaimed, overcoming her bemusement with enthusiasm which also earned her a gesture of approval from Desire, while the rest of her sisters became more apprehensive - especially when the sacred signs of the Gnosis were slowly manifesting upon the goddess as she completed the casting of her spell. Desire adopted a dramatic pose as another sorcerous pulse occurred, and she conjured multiple objects at once. A large and colorful star-shaped structure appeared in the air, hovering close to them as it hummed softly, fulfilling its intended purpose of revealing the numerous rushing rivers of liquid light that had suddenly spread throughout half of Keltra. The rivers defied the weight of the world, and were interwoven with each other, though they continually changed their course without any indication of when such would happen, often creating an unpredictable journey whenever they would be traversed. In her hands, Desire held onto a scepter that shared a similar color scheme and starry aesthetic as the large levitating structure nearby. In the hands of most of her surprised sisters, were a collection of long and narrow boards that shone with a bright glitter, resembling the texture and coloration of the conjured celestial rivers, though there was some variation amongst them that Desire thought was appropriate. Aside from an irked Pride who did not possess a board, a content Kindness, and a forlorn Fear, the remainder of the Sacred Septet were elated - ready for what would come next. “Allow me to demonstrate!” Desire declared, before she leapt high into the air and alighted upon one of the luminous rivers, easily summoning another shimmering board beneath her feet. The currents carried her, and she slid forward at a swift rate along the stretching length of the river as she surfed all around the area across merging streams and long solitary sections. Her cheerful laughter reached the six champions that watched her, it beckoned them to join her, and she further enticed her sisters by commanding a river of light to remain close beside them. Courage could not resist when she noticed Pride was attempting to retreat, so she lifted the smallest of the Sacred Septet, and then leapt - carrying the childlike champion that had begun screaming and flailing with her. Wanderer turned her gaze to Fear, but before she could suggest surfing together as well, she was pulled away by Curiosity and the two of them were gone. Instead, it was Kindness that gently asked, and she was surprised by the resolute smile Fear responded with, before she was also pulled along by the usually meekest amongst them. Though there was much fumbling between all of them, they adjusted themselves accordingly and had already shown some degree of skill while surfing the usually unseen sea of light in the sky that was called the Stria. There were those that possessed more aptitude than others, and Desire had to consider the current handicap placed upon some individuals and their poor choice of partners, as she watched with amusement when Pride punched Courage in the face and almost caused the two of them to tumble off of their shimmer-board. Desire was cruising above all of them upon her own special shimmer-board that she had named Sunset Orange, and she had yet to activate its aura that would hide her from sight. She still held the scepter she had created in her hands, which allowed her to commune with the Stria within the immediate vicinity, and she listened as the waves whispered into her ear and told her of that which her mother had kept hidden. The veil had begun to disperse, and with an amused smile, Desire directed the currents of the Stria so that it would bring her innocent sisters and an unexpected visitor together. [hider=Summary] Anath Homura announces her intentions to bring beauty to Keltra, then she creates three temples within the soaring city. The Sacred Septet seek their own ways to adjust and adorn their home. Desire and Harmony decide to have fun with their sisters, and create a sport for them to play: Surfing the Stria is created. [/hider] [hider=Might] [b]Desire[/b] Spends 4 AP to change the Landscape; [i]the Stria.[/i] (A sea of “liquid light” that hangs high in the sky, and allows those with shimmer-boards to sail/surf its continual currents which become visible only during Stria Surfing, and is otherwise invisible to the naked-eye.) Spends 1 MP to create a set of Shimmer-boards for her family. Spends 2 MP to create the Monument; [i]the Stria Shifter.[/i] (This monument allows the currents of the Stria within its vicinity to become visible for prolonged periods of time even without being surfed/sailed upon, as well allows the one that wields the Stria Scepter to control those currents; to change their shape and direction.) Spends 2 MP to create the Artifact; [i]the Stria Scepter.[/i] (This artifact is attuned to the Stria Shifter; refer to the monument for its intended function, and also allows its wielder to closely perceive interactions with the Stria within a medium proximity with keen precision.) Spends 1 AP to create the Artifact; [i]Sunset Orange.[/i] (A special Shimmer-board, capable of generating a field of invisibility around itself and its rider.) 0/5 MP & 0/5 AP remaining. [/hider] [hider=Spirit] Courage, Kindness, Fear, Curiosity, Wanderer, Pride gain 3 Spirit. [/hider] [hider=Prestige] The Sacred Septet gains 2 Prestige. [/hider]