[center][h1] When the World Shakes [/h1][/center]

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“I still don’t understand how it works.” Ida confided. 

“Works of the gods are seldom understood, Ida.” Ayre said. 

The two watched the syllianth as they worked with forge acolytes, mainly the sturdy and stocky dwarves but there were a few elves, goblins and some beastfolk. The two sisters leaned against one of the rock pillars, simply content to watch. For a very specific reason, Ayre knew, Ida always liked to watch around noon every few days. 

It hadn’t taken her long to find out why. It was one of the few times that nothing was expected of them. Ida was often busy with father, helping him pick fruit, forage, and consult with other elves. That or she was left to her own devices, to wander and, unfortunately, fall into the hands of those that did not like her. Ayre knew her sister never willingly went to find those elflings but they were drawn to her and they always struck when she wasn’t around. For Ayre had her own schedule to keep. Perhaps it was favoritism on their father’s part or perhaps he sought to shield Ida from the worst of Arbor, despite its perfect pretenses. Ayre didn’t know but she only really saw her sister, in the last few years as they aged, in the mornings, in the afternoon and for evening meals. Ayre was off being taught by the older adults, learning and taking care of shrines. She talked to many other species that way, and most of the time, she had the feeling she was being groomed for some greater purpose. Yet her heart told her she should stay by Ida’s side. Like when they were smaller elflings. 

She let out a sigh and looked at her sister, whose gaze was wholly focused on- Ayre blinked and did a double take. She was looking at a syllianth whose shirt was fully off, exposing his muscular green torso. His hand had become a hammer and he worked on a piece of metal. Was that what Ida was staring at, what he was working on? Ayre looked her sister up and down, noticing the intensity of her gaze. Oh, oh by the gods. 

Ayre nudged Ida and her sister blinked before looking at her. “Hmm, what?” she asked.

“Really Ida?” Ayre crossed her arms, a smile blooming on her lips. “Is that why we’ve come here all this time? And here I thought you wanted to spend some quality time with your older sister.”

The blush on Ida’s cheeks went scarlet and her white legs began to fidget. “That’s not… I wouldn’t…” She began to stammer but Ayre collapsed her shoulder. 

“Oh it’s alright, Ida. You could have told me though.” Ayre gave a squeeze. 

“Well I don’t- What’s there to say? I’ve never even spoken to him. I just watch.” she said. 

“What’s stopping you?” Ayre asked in a soft voice. 

Ida looked around and then settled on the syllianth. “I am unsure. The syllianth are different. They have a purpose and…” her voice trailed off. 

“Ida.” Ayre cupped her sister’s cheek and turned her so their eyes locked. “You are the wisest person I have ever met. When you set your mind to something you are always certain. Don’t let your mind talk you out of what your heart wants. Now go and say hello.” She began to nudge Ida forward. 

Her sister began to protest but her shoulders at last drooped and she turned, giving Ayre a quick hug and a whisper of thanks. 

Ayre then watched Ida walk across the forge, almost tripping with her black hooves, as she made her way to that syllianth. When she was nearly there, he looked up and Ayre swore he stared at her with the same intensity. Oh he had seen her before, this was perfect! 

“Ayre?” A voice made her jump from where she watched from behind the pillar. She turned around to see their father. His regal posture and warm eyes looking at her with eyebrows raised. Then he looked past her to see his other daughter and, surprisingly, a small smile formed on his lips. 

“Shall we be having a guest for the evening soon, you think?” he asked, beckoning her to follow. 

Ayre did so and stepped into his pace at his side. “I uhm, I do not know father.” Honestly, she thought her father would disapprove of such a pairing. But maybe she was too hasty in judgment? Her father said nothing in return as they began to ascend the great Tree. Many people seemed to be in a hurry. 

“You and I have always wanted one thing for Ida, you know?” he said, voice just audible above the fray. Ayre looked up at him and found he was looking at her with misty eyes, “You may think me many things, daughter, but I have always wanted Ida to find happiness. Your mother,” he blinked away a tear, “That’s what she would have wanted. For both of you.” he took Ayre’s hand, his grip cool against her warm skin and he dragged her into a brief hug. A display so rare that Ayre had no idea what to think of it. When he let go, he touched her shoulders and looked at her, misty eyes gone. 

“The Goddess has left the Tree, Ayre. Something dangerous has entered our world and she went to stop it from coming here. Any moment now-” His voice cut off as a voice flooded into her mind, drowning out all sound. A God’s voice, one so distantly familiar, with a warning unlike any other. When it ended, if there hadn’t been panic before, there was now. 

“Ida!” Ayre gasped, but her father’s grip was secure and she looked up at him again, anxiety welling in her heart. 

“Ayre, listen to me. Your sister will be fine, we still have time to prepare and she is safer below with the Syllianth. If I know anything, it’s that they will protect her. That one she was talking to, he will protect her.”

“How can you be so sure?” she asked, voice trembling. Why couldn’t she go and get her? Why was her father acting so strangely? What was this threat in the south?

“You must trust me. Now come, we are needed up above. To secure our works in case the tree is attacked. Come now, everything will be alright Ayre.” Her father said, pulling at her to come. 

Reluctantly, looking behind her every few steps, Ayre began to follow. She sent out a prayer to any God or Goddess; Protect my sister. 

[hider=Summary]
We see the twin sister’s once again, Love is in the air for Ida and Ayre just wants her to by happy. So does their father but then comes the message from El about bronze age collapse and everything is thrown into a panic.
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