A Divine Brawl

Mistral

So this was amazing. Thanks @Lisaera and @Nocht for making this so much fun. If you want to skip past the lovers' quarrel and move right to the good stuff, jump to the next comment in the thead. And for the really good stuff, jump to the third.

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Kneeling humbly, you press your palms together before you and close your eyes momentarily as you pray devoutly to Nocht, the Silent, "Silent Lord, know that the recent events change nothing for me. There are fanatics throughout the Basin, including within the Wilde, who are not able to make the room in their souls to even question that there is Beauty beyond what their eyes can see, beyond what the light shows them. They speak when they should be Silent and listen. Guide me, my Lord, as I navigate these trials within the Wilde.".

---

Gabriella tells you, "Here I am. Now tell me?"

You tell Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope, "Come to the willow."

Willow by the water.

There is a light drizzle of rain. The babbling waters of Moon River run by the edge of this grassy clearing, bubbling about happily. At the edge of the riverbank, an ancient willow tree has planted itself, its drooping branches just dipping into the water. Although it has grown at a very precarious and dangerous level, it appears to be firmly planted into the mud along the bank. A mature oak tree stands proudly here. Reaching up as high as the eye can see looms the awesome presence of a living totem. Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope is here. She wields a mystic cudgel in her left hand.

You give Gabriella a peck on the cheek.

You say, "This is not going to be easy."

Gabriella gives you the once-over, eyeing you suspiciously.

You say, "Earlier this month, Lady Lisaera confronted me regarding something in front of the rest of the Wilde."

Gabriella raises an eyebrow questioningly.

You say, "Do you remember Daj?"

You say, "He was the Noyan prior to me."

Gabriella ponders the situation.

You say, "Several decades ago."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "Vaguely, yes."

The smell of wildflowers wafts past your nose.

You say, "He taught me some principles of combat that I held strong to. The most important of which was the necessity of compassion in combat."

You say, "To truly know your enemy - to understand them, you must love them."

Gabriella peers at you unscrupulously.

You say, "I tried to apply this to my role as Noyan."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "Ive never heard that saying before, but... go on."

You say, "It is not a saying so much as an application of compassion that I found important."

You say, "I decided that I would try to understand the Wyrd and what compels those of the souther forest."

Gabriella nods her head emphatically.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "Mother teaches us aspects of that as well."

You say, "In doing so, in my observations of the weird, I began to see something in it."

You say, "I recognized the Beauty in it."

You say, "And so I strove to learn more of it."

Cautiously, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "The... beauty, of the wyrd?"

You nod your head.

You say, "That is not to say that I saw the beauty of the Wyrd over the Wilde. But I saw the place in our reality for both to coexist."

You say, "Not a popular opinion, but one that resonated with me."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "Mmm. Love, what did She accuse you of?"

You say, "As I studied the Wyrd and my compassion for it grew, I began to also learn of --."

You say, "This will not be easy."

You say, "I began to inquire about the Silent Lord."

Gabriella stares implacably at you.

You say, "Over the course of a decade or so, I... I began to offer to Him."

Argent moonlight pierces the blue glow of the Flame of dae'Seren upon Gabriella, enshrouding her momentarily in a silver mantle.

Gabriella opens her mouth as if to say something to you, but pauses.

You have emoted: Mistral hesitates.

You say, "I am not a traitor."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "... Mistral, you DO know my history with the Silent, dont you?"

You say, "I do."

You say, "All too well."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "That He has terrorized me and my loved ones for over a century?"

You have emoted: Mistral pauses.

With his head lowered, you say, "I do."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "You are aware. and you OFFERED TO Him?!"

You say, "Gabriella, I need to be frank. I have not only offered substantial esteem to Him. I have asked to walk within His Shadow."

Gabriella stares implacably at you.

You open your mouth to say something, but speech fails you.

You say, "I knew how much this would hurt you and that is the last thing I wanted."

You say, "But it was made public to the Wilde earlier this month and I would not have you hear it from anyone else."

Slowly, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "Why is it... that I keep allowing myself to trust in people, and that every time I think I finally find happiness, this - this God, this place, takes it away from me?"

You say, "I am sorry that I am hurting you thus."

Gabriella Talnara just stares at you, her hand clutching her prayer beads.

You say, "Trust my heart, Gabriella Talnara. My love does not waver."

You say, "I am yours."

You say, "I do not betray the Wilde."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "That is funny. Hiriako said much the same to me, when he left for Glomdoring."

You say, "I have not left for Glomdoring and do not intend to."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "Also, when he made such decisions, knowing how I felt, without even asking my opinion."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "Are you His follower?!"

You say, "Bandrui was asked to read the bones on the purity of my heart. Lady Lisaera assisted in this."

You say, "I am not yet, though I seek to be."

You say, "I was pardoned by the bones."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "If you follow Him, you cannot remain in the Forest! You will be enemied, it is FORBIDDEN!"

You say, "Dealing with the interpretations of the Leaves is a separate issue. I am certain I will be tried before the Inner Circle."

You have emoted: Mistral's eyes fill with tears.

You say, "I am sorry, Gabi."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "Mistral, if you choose to follow Him, then you do not truly care what He has done, to me and mine own. You have NO idea what I have gone through - you will NEVER understand -."

You say, "I do care. I care immensely, Gabi."

You say, "This was not a sudden decision. It evolved over the course of many years into this."

You say, "Please trust me, Gabi. My heart does not waver."

Gabriella Talnara'd breath catches in her throat as she practically shouts at you. "Many YEARS?! And you never thought to discuss this with me? You ask for my trust and yet you sneak behind my back and do something like this?! Do you have any idea what He will try and do with your connections to me, to the Forest?!"

You say, "I knew how much it would hurt you. It would seem now that that was inevitable, but I never thought it would come to this."

You say, "Alas, it has. And I am incredibly sorry, my love."

You give a pained sigh.

Her eyes filling with angry tears, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "Why should I trust you when you dont even trust me? You dont even discuss it with me - you - I can't even BELIEVE you."

You crease your brow in a frown.

Gabriella Talnara angrily turns away from you.

The wind whistles eerily through the trees.

You say, "Please -- know my heart, my dear. You know my love. It is true."

You have emoted: Mistral Talnara puts a paw on Gabriella's shoulder.

You say, "I am so sorry, my love."

Gabriella Talnara jerks away from you.

You give a pained sigh.

You say, "Please find it in your heart to forgive me."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "I have given up so much for the spouses in my life. I am patient, I try to understand - and perhaps I could have understood. If you had talked to me. Curiosity, I understand, all too well. But to follow Him? To betray my trust? To forgive you and try to understand what you see in His darkness?"

Gabriella's jaw hardens, and she shakes her head, tears streaming down her cheeks, though she ignores them.

Her voice cracking, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "No. Absolutely not."

You shake your head.

You say, "I don't feel compelled to explain to anyone what I see in His Shadow. My role is not to convince them. But to you -- you know me. It is not evil, what I see. It is beautiful."

Her voice cold and sharp, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says to you, "To me, *especially*, you would owe explanation. I am your wife, and my Mother is His enemy. I, am His enemy. I played a direct role in *poisoning* Him, and He has never forgotten that."

You nod your head.

You say, "I know."

Gabriella's face pales as she flinches, her hand going to the scar at her temple, gaze flickering.

You open your mouth to say something, but speech fails you.

You say, "I know the history, my love."

Gabriella puts her hand to her temple as she pales, her gaze darting about.  "He - He has never forgotten.  And He  never will.  Even when he tricked me into betraying my Mother, and it caused physical harm to Her, it was not enough - ".

You tilt your head and listen intently to Gabriella.

Angrily, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says to you, "I will never betray Her again. Not - not over anything or... or anyone -."

You say, "I know."

Gabriella's fingers twitch as they caress the scar at her temple, impatiently dashing away tears from her face with her other hand.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "No! You don't!"

You purse your lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as you carefully gather your thoughts.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "You don't know, you don't understand, clearly, or you would have never done this!"

You say, "Isn't the fact that I do and I do understand and yet I still did it indicate how strongly I fell about this?"

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "It does not matter how strongly that you feel, Mistral, for you cannot seem to understand how strongly I have felt about such a thing. You cannot have truly understood that my trust was so fragile a thing, broken and twisted as it was, and yet I still held out Hope for you. I gave this kind of life another chance, for you, and you have no idea what that cost me."

Gabriella takes an unsteady breath.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "How could you possibly hope to remain a member of the Serenwilde Forest, when you hope to worship a God that is the exact opposite of all that we stand for in this world?"

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "How could you possibly hope to remain unenemied, a member, no matter what the bones read, when it's against our very Leaves? Do you truly think that the Inner Circle will allow this? My son loathes the Glomdoring, and anything to do with it - he despises the Silent Lord. I do not believe he will stand to have you in our home, feeling as you do."

Silvery strands of spider webbing weave like shadow across your form, haunting in their eerie luminescence.

Gabriella puts a hand to her chest, which heaves slightly from the force of her emotion, or perhaps from her need for breath, as the words come tumbling from her lips so quickly they almost run together.

Gabriella's gaze continues to roam nervously about the clearing, as though half-expecting something to leap from the shadows.

You say, "I cannot control his actions. But I can tell my story and seek compassion and understanding. I do not believe he will give it, but perhaps the Circle will."

You give a pained sigh.

Gabriella Talnara's face pales again, and she looks almost sick to her stomach as she clutches at her chest, purple eyes gone wide as she looks up at you.

You have emoted: Mistral Talnara reaches a paw out to touch Gabriella's hand.

Gabriella lurches, catching herself against the trunk of the closest tree, one hand still pressed to her chest as she takes an unsteady breath, closing her eyes tightly against something.

You say, "Love, what is happening?"

You have emoted: Mistral's ears stand up as he looks around.

Forcing the words through gritted teeth, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "N-nothing. I am... I am reeling, from - from this news."

Her eyes still tightly closed, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "The Circle will never allow this. Lady Lisaera will not stand for it, nor will Lord Hoaracle, and Mother, as understanding and compassionate that She can be, I do not believe She would stand for such a thing, either. Not with Him, as He is now."

You say, "I suspect you're right..."

You say, "But I must wait to see that that is truly the case."

You are compelled to wonder if Lord Nocht will be beautiful when His hands rip open Gabriella's chest and squeeze her heart until it no longer beats.

Her voice barely above a whisper, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "And if they find that they cannot accept it, and you, as you wish it to be?"

You say, "I do not know."

You wonder if it will be beautiful when the Glomdoring feeds her body to their spiders, leaving only her head intact on a pike.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "That is a lie. You must know, in your heart, or you would not have gone this far. There is no true way that you could not have thought this through!"

You give a pained sigh.

Gabriella Talnara opens her eyes, her face still pale as she gazes up at you, pushing herself away from the tree with a shaky hand.

You say, "I have known it was a possibility."

Sharply, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "And?"

You say, "I will accept my fate. I cannot control the fanaticism of those in the Wilde that cannot see beauty beyond what lies directly in front of their eyes."

You say, "I do not ask them to try and understand what I see and feel."

You say, "But I do ask them to know that I serve the Wilde. I am not a traitor."

You say, "I do ask them to try to understand that, just because I do not see the world in the black and white which they do, that I still serve the Wilde and love the Wilde."

Gabriella closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.

You say, "Please, my love. All I can do is try to convince them."

You say, "I have already attempted to make the case for religious freedoms as far as the Leaves are concerned."

You say, "And I know that that is only a small part of this..."

You say, "But the dialog was already started quite some time ago."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "I am not the Wilde, though, my husband. Why - *why* - did you not speak to me about this? WHY? This - this - delusion, that you are under -."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "I of all people, understand that Beauty is something that is in the eye of the Beholder, but these people - this God - His ways -."

Standing up tall, you say, "I am not under a delusion."

Gabriella takes another shallow, unsteady breath. "The delusion that people see only in black in white, Mistral."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "You did not trust me enough to speak to me, you did not value me enough to ask my thoughts on this, just like every other that has betrayed me to that place, to that Divine. That is the biggest transgression here."

You say, "When someone tells me that there is only one way and it is the way of the Last Forest, that is as black and white as it gets for me."

You say, "I do trust you, my love. And I know you. I know your history."

You say, "What understanding would you have shown me?"

Mistral

Continuation

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Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "And what will you do when they come raiding, these new brothers and sisters of yours? Would you not defend against them? What about when they raid the realms of our Gods? This is not religious freedom, Mistral, it is the very loyalty to our lands! Those Leaves are in place to protect our *home*, our people, all we stand for - and these Divine, come to harm us!"

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says to you, "I have wandered in His realm, I have explored His fulcrux, in my body and dreamwoven one - I understand the *curiousity*, the need to know, and understand these people, these Gods. I have even had a very strange friendship with one that followed Him. But you, to outright disregard me - that..."

You shake your head.

You give a pained sigh.

Gabriella Talnara shakes her headslowly, her gaze shaky and somewhat indirect as she looks as you, as though seeing something beyond you.

Frustrated, you say, "What would you have me say, my dear? That I am sorry and I have changed my mind. I do not seek to follow Him?"

With finality, you say, "I will not do that."

Softly, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says to you, "He is more important to you, than anything else?"

You say, "Than anything else with one exception."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "And what is that one exception?"

You have emoted: Mistral Talnara raises his gaze to meet Gabriella's.

Softly, you say, "It is you, my love."

Gabriella Talnara shakes her head sadly at you. "No, my husband. That cannot be true," she whispers. "For you just told me not a moment ago that even if I were to ask you to not follow Him, that would not happen. That you would do it regardless. So how can I be more?"

Her gaze slightly unfocused, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "I can see it. See you, as you might be, if you were -."

Gabriella shudders violently.

You say, "Your importance to me does not map to my willingness to do as you wish."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says to you, "What if your God that you wish to follow, orders you to harm me? What if He says that you cannot follow Him, unless you do something against me, or to leave me, or the Forest?"

You say, "I will not harm you."

Gabriella takes another breath. "You cannot have both."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "He would never allow it."

You give a pained sigh.

You say, "I will not harm you."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "Nor would Glomdoring. They pushed and pressed for my divorce with Hiriako, when I refused to join them. Do you truly think they'd allow you to worship Him, being as you are now?"

You say, "That remains to be seen. I have taken the appropriate measures as best I am able."

You have emoted: Mistral slowly walks to the willow and sits down beneath it, leaning his fur-covered body against its trunk.

Gabriella covers her face with her hands.  "I see things," she mutters shakily, rubbing at her eyes with her fingers.

You have emoted: Mistral's ears perk up.

You say, "What do you see?"

Bleakly, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "Death. My death. You, dancing the Penumbra, what you might look like - my head on a pike, the Silent ripping my heart out - just small things."

You say, "Those are visions intended to scare you. They are not real. They will not become real."

Shakily, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "I have seen visions like this before that have come true. Why should that be any different now, even if they are hallucinations being forced upon me?"

You say, "I cannot answer that in a rational way. All I can insist is that I will not let them become reality."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "You may not have a choice about that."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Gabriella closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.

You say, "I may not."

Gabriella Talnara sinks down to her knees next to you where you sits, lowering her hands to her lap. Her face is stony, and unreadable.

You wonder how beautiful the Glomdoring will be when it is strewn with the corpses of your children, their mangled bodies broken and lifeless. You see their people laughing as the blood soaks their roots.

You have emoted: Mistral shudders.

You have emoted: Mistral touches the dirt and moss on the roots of the willow.

Looking to the sky, you say, "That will not happen."

Gabriella takes another unsteady breath, as if trying to regain composure, pressing her hands firmly to the ground.  She murmurs a word, green light flashing as the plants beneath her hands twitches, twining about her fingers.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "These are but night terrors, though they may hold grains of truth."

You say, "That they are. But true they are not."

The wind whistles eerily through the trees.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "By the Bloom, I will not give in to this. By Mother Maylea, by the Hope I hold dear, that I am, I will not. You cannot frighten me, even with strands of Fate and truth."

You tilt your head curiously at Gabriella.

You see a vision of the Serenwilde burning, its inhabitants crying out for salvation as it's delicate leaves and branches ignite. You see the Silver Goddess in the distance, but She does nothing, too wrapped up in Her grief and blinded by Her obsession for purity to lift a hand.

You crease your brow in a frown.

Gabriella digs her fingers deep into the rich earth beneath the grass, as though trying to hold steady and fast.  Her eyes flicker, focused on nothing in particular.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "That will not happen. We will save ourselves, as we always have."

You have emoted: Mistral Talnara reaches a paw to touch Gabriella's knee.

You say, "Be strong, my love."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "We will always have Hope, no matter - " Her voice breaks slightly and her gaze flickers to Mistral. "No matter the betrayals... and sacrifices, that we have to make. We will always break free. We will grow anew."

You blink.

You say, "I do not understand what you are saying, my love."

You tilt your head curiously.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "I am not... speaking to you, exactly."

The vision shifts violently and you see the Silver Goddess opening Her arms wide to embrace the burning forest, not caring if the fires rip at Her flesh. In the distance, you see the Silent Lord staring onward, a wide grin crossing His features. He laughs a deep, throaty laugh that sends fear tingling along your spine, and throughout the tumult, the Silver Goddess strains to protect what is Hers.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "I am speaking to the one that seeks to fill our minds with these terrors and fears."

You see a vision of the Glomdoring. The both of you together beneath boughs of the blackthorn, protected in the cool shadows. You smile and rest your head against your love's chest, enjoying the silent moment together. Protected by the sturdy branches above.

You smile softly.

Gabriella Talnara takes another steadying breath, ripples of her druidic magic pulsing green around her knees and hands that connect with the earth. She gazes up at you, shaking her head, silently mouthing denial.

You whisper, "Be strong, Gabriella Talnara."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "I would never go there, no matter what beckons. I would never leave my Mother. I will not betray Her, or myself."

The vision brightens and the shadows burn away, revealing the forest floor for what it truly is -- a field of decay covered in the bones of senseless sacrifice and dark magic. You look up in the vision toward the canopy, and see only a swarm of spiders crawling along dead branches, their bulbous, hungry bodies doing their part to block out the Moon's silver light.

You say, "I know that, more than anyone. Perhaps They do not, but I do."

You say, "I would not ask that of you, know that."

Gabriella Talnara smiles at you through unshed tears that gleam in her eyes, despite her anger with you. She rakes her fingers through the earth, removing her hands from the grass to reach out, grasping your paw.

You have emoted: Mistral Talnara squeezes Gabriella's hand firmly.

The vision is brushed away and a foreign thought enters your mind to dismiss it as lies. A new panorama opens up high atop a platform in the Silent Lord's realm. You feel a warmth in your hand, and look to the right to see Gabriella, a soft smile on her face. You exhale softly, an excitement running through you as you can finally embrace what you truly are. No more guilt. No more fear. No more shame. True freedom and safety under His care.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "Mother Maylea has taught me to see many things in my life, to understand how Beauty is different to each person. There is more Truth in life, than there are lies, though you must strain and strive to see them. I have walked in treachery and shadows, and strife and fear, in the Dreaming and in the corporeal world. I see what others do not, but I am not swayed by it."

You nod your head.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "I always have Hope. I am what She named me. I am the Beacon in the dark, I am the light that cuts through the shadows and wakens you from the nightmare. I fear not the Silence."

Gabriella closes her eyes, taking a deep breath.

You have emoted: Mistral Talnara smiles warmly as he squeezes Gabriella's hand even firmer in his paw.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers to you, "I do not forgive you. I do not know if I ever will. But I love you. I will be your Hope, and I will brighten your Darkness, even if you feel drawn to the Silence. I do not know what will come, but I have betrayed before, and been betrayed. Life... goes on."

You have emoted: Mistral's eyes tear up but he blinks hard to hold them back.

Gabriella's lower lip begins to tremble as her eyes fill with heavy tears.

You whisper, "I will not betray you my love."

You say, "Let me follow my heart, to walk within His Shadow. You will always be my beacon."

Gabriella shakes her head angrily, addressing the air, the figures that taunt them.  "I do not pretend that the world has not changed!  I see the world for what it is, despite how I wish it were not so!  You do not scare me, and it will not come to pass, this fate with me and my husband that you weave.  Even if he were to go to that forest, that Wyrden Woods, I will not follow - and you will not win me to that fate!"

You whisper, "I ask you to hold on to this piece, however, for as long as you can. You do not need to give it away. My love is for you and always will be."

You have emoted: Mistral Talnara looks at Gabriella with a broad smile across his face.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "You cannot have my mind, you cannot have my faith, for Maylea and Maylea alone holds these! I am loyal and true to Lisaera, Hoaracle, and Charune, and I will *never* leave this Forest, not if it burns down around my very ears! Only my Mother could ever sway my mind even a bit- and I do not believe She would ever do so!"

Gabriella frowns and shakes her fist angrily.

A silver light rips through the gloom like a sword, giving space and air to the surrounding like the sweet breath you take after emerging from from underwater. The vision shimmers and fades, revealing a cloud of the taint engulfing the First World. You see men and women fleeing from the dread contagion, running for their brick homes and solid hovels, while the Last Forest, the Serenwilde, looks on bravely. You see fierce druids and powerful wiccans raising their power to help collect those who have fled from other lands and you look on in agony as the once beautiful Gloriana melts and fades, becoming the twisted wasteland of Glomdoring. In all the world, you see only one land that has remained pure -- the gleaming leaves of the Serenwilde, its people, and its ancient secrets.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "We are not without our faults. We all have them - even the Gods. I do not pretend that this is not so. But we hold true to what we are, at the base of it all. As long as we always have Hope and strive to be what we are, even if we stumble, or sleep in winter's grasp, the cycle goes ever onward. We shelter those within us."

Gabriella Talnara continues to hold your paw in one hand, releasing her prayer beads to press her palm flat to the ground once more. Green light dances around her fingertips as she connects to the very earth of the Forest, drawing strength from it, even as she gives it back. She takes another deep, steadying breath as the light travels up her arm, twitching at your own furred fingertips.

Mistral

Continuation

-----------------

A sudden chill creeps down your spine as soft voices whisper sweetly in your ear, bidding you to stand.

Wisps of shadow suddenly materialize in the air, swirling slowly around Mistral.

You have emoted: Mistral Talnara squeezes Gabriella's hand once more before he stands to his feet, looking at the sky.

You have emoted: Mistral inhales deeply.

A brief spasms rocks your body as you feel a foreign presence begin to cause it to move.

A silver wind manifests around Gabriella, holding her protectively in its embrace.

You have emoted: Mistral shakes for a moment, before suddenly going slack, an icy grin spreading across his face.

Gabriella Talnara releases your hand and her hold upon the earth, green light fading as she rises to her feet, watching her husband with a wary gaze.

You say, "My love --."

In a voice not quite his own, you say, "You are blind, Lisaera! You spin lies for the poor children of your Serenwilde."

Gabriella closes her eyes and blinks rapidly before lolling her head to the side. When she straightens, her eyes are as black as the storm.

Thunder rolling overhead with each syllable, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "You trap My children in Your treachery, lead them to Your cage, and then watch them rot away from nature!"

You have emoted: Mistral sneers, his body moving in sharp jerking motions as he points a finger accusingly at Gabriella.

Nearly spitting with rage, her eyes black with the storm, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "I warn You. Each time I let You leave this place unscathed, the closer I come to tearing Your essence apart."

In a voice not quite his own, you say, "You are no different, dearest Lisaera. I know what I am, though. You tell Yourself lies. Over and over for millenia. You hurt them for it, and they will perish for it."

In a voice not quite his own, you say, "You -let- Me, leave? Dearest Lisaera, you grossly overestimate Your ability."

Gabriella Talnara lifts a hand high and manifests a blazing sphere of silver flames, which she points at you menacingly.

You have emoted: Mistral grins as the shadows around him dig into the earth, draining the surrounding area of its vibrancy.

Darkly, her voice deep and low, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "By My word, Nocht. You will rue this day. You will feel pain unlike You have ever felt before, and I will cherish watching You become nothing."

Gabriella waves a dismissive hand, casting the shadows aside with a blaze of silver flames.

You have emoted: Mistral simply smiles, opening his arms wide.

Gabriella Talnara lifts a hand and summons the blazing flames again, and this time, she points them at you with dark intention. They fly forward, engulfing the mortal in their light.

With storm-blackened eyes, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "When Maeve is healed, Nocht, I will show You what power is. Take as many of My children as You wish. I will watch You burn."

Her voice cascading in waves around the Serenwilde, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "My faithful will remain with Me."

You feel a soothing divine energy strengthening you and healing your wounds.

You have emoted: Mistral shudders as violet flames ignite around him, knitting back together wounds and healing burned flesh.

You have emoted: Mistral suddenly opens his eyes wide and with a flick of his wrists, the violent flames shoot out, seeking to engulf Gabriella and the surrounding woodland.

Gabriella reels backward as the flames take her in the chest. Eyes blazing silver now, she stands, waves a hand across her face, and heals the char marks with a thought.

Gabriella Talnara lifts off from the ground and whispers sharply to the sky. The canopy bends together at her command and whips forward, taking you in the middle. With another gesture, vines shoot upward from the ground and pull his body tight, his arms spread akimbo.

Gabriella Talnara hovers for a moment in front of you, hatred in her eyes. Then with a gesture like a claw raking through the air, she tears at your midsection with a blast of energy.

You have emoted: Mistral Talnara suddenly looks frightened and glances down at Gabriella as tears stream down his face.

You say, "Would you kill me for Her, Gabriella!?"

A flash of violet sparks across Mistrals midsection, knitting back together the grievous damage.

Cruelly, her voice still a thunder that booms far away, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "Look, Mistral. This is your new Lord. One Who would use you as a puppet to harm your beloved."

Shaking her head, her feet lowering to the earth below, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "I will not do the same. These are My children. My fight is with You."

You have emoted: Mistral grins, eyes rolling back in his head as darkness creeps into the vines that hold him aloft. Finally, they release him and his body plummets back to the ground.

Gabriella falls to the ground as if she were struck by something unseen, her eyes dazed. The silver light escapes from her body and shoots into the sky like a meteor falling backward.

A voice whispers in your ear, "We will help your love see yet, My little one."

You have emoted: Mistral finally collapses, a dark cloud exiting his form and shooting skywards.

Gabriella Talnara gasps for breath, coughing as the Divine light blazes away from her prone form. She struggles slowly to her knees, despite her weakness, and crawls to your side, pressing her face against your chest, gasping still for air.

The heavens ignite with silver flames that roil and burn above the Serenwilde Forest, like a storm cloud of fire building in intensity.

You have emoted: Mistral Talnara clutches Gabriella in his fur-covered arms, eyes wide as they look to the sky.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope shrieks, "I will never give in to You, Lord Nocht! The Serenwilde never will give in, and I will trust Lady Lisaera just as my Mother Maylea, until my very last, dying breath!"

Kethaera has entered the area.

You say, "She is a hypocrite!"

Gabriella Talnara pants in your embrace, slumping against you, having used her last small store of strength utterying that defiance as she leans against you.

A soft, hollow laugh echoes through the Basin of Life as the form of Nocht, the Silent materializes high above, circling the Silver Goddess slowly.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "Kethaera draws near."

You tell Kethaera An'Ryshe, "Be cautious. What are you doing in the forest?"

You say, "I sensed that as well."

Kethaera tells you, "Curiosity!"

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "She would be your sister in arms, for this religious warfare."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "I wonder, where my Mother is, in all of this."

Gabriella Talnara stares up at the sky, clutching weakly at your fur.

Avurekhos has entered the area.

You tell Kethaera An'Ryshe, "Avurekhos comes."

You tell Kethaera An'Ryshe, "Be safe."

You have emoted: Mistral inhales sharply.

Gabriella Talnara turns, startled, to look at you.

Kethaera tells you, "Thank you."

You say, "For Her to say such things ---."

You have emoted: Mistral Talnara looks at Gabriella.

You say, "Are you injured at all?"

Gabriella Talnara lifts a hand to your lips at your first statement. "They both have Their points... and Their hypocrisies. I am no Divine's plaything, not even the Lady's. Let us be thankful that They chose to release us from Their battle."

Shakily, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "I do not know."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Gabriella looks down at herself, weakly lifting her hand to press against her chest where the injury fell. "Are you?"

You say, "I am not --."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "She healed me, as He did to you, I think. I am only - I feel very weak. Wrung out like a piece of well-washed laundry."

Looking at the ground, you say, "Though I remember the pain of it."

The Silent Lord raises His arms in defense before vanishing amidst the silver flames which fade to leave nothing behind. Only a moment passes before a fireball of wyrden flame erupts from a nearby cloud towards the Maiden. Simultaneously, the figure of the Silent Lord streaks in from above, slamming violently into the Goddess.

Gabriella Talnara flinches, grasping at you as she keeps part of her gaze upon the skies. "As do I," she gasps.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "And I remember the power."

You have emoted: Mistral rubs his chest with his paw.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You say, "Aye."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "The very raw, seething power."

Taking a breath, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "I do not know if that has ever happened in my time, possession - like - like that."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "I did not even know it was possible - though we are weakened shards of They."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "Them."

You say, "Not that I have heard of, but who am I to know."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers to you, "I fear for us, Mistral. I do not know what will become of us. Even as this war wages through us and above us - I cannot know."

You give a pained sigh.

You say, "I as well. We cannot know."

As the Maiden is struck, the Mother and Crone cringe as One, Their hands outstretched to Their Sister. A heartbeat later, They are One and whole, and She twists out of reach from the shadows. As She turns, She lifts both arms high, summoning a hurricane that She heaves first backward, bending Her back at a terrible angle, and then hurls forward toward the Silent Lord. The black cloud engulfs the sky completely and silver lightning blazes as it goes streaking across the First World.

With hesitance in his voice, you say, "When His healing washed through me... there was great comfort in it, Gabi."

Gabriella takes another breath, flinching instinctively as she watches the blazing light, the Silver Lady being harmed, as though she can feel it too.

Icy breaths stream across reality, the sound of rattling bone echoing closely behind, as Manteekan, the Nightmare whispers, "Dearest Nocht, perhaps You could return with a souvenir as well. The Wyrd can surely not have too many hands assisting it."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "No!"

With a wistful look on her face, Gabriella touches a translucent crystal bindi.

You tilt your head curiously at Gabriella.

The Silent Lord emerges from the cloud, His form tumbling violently through the sky as He is blown back before He finally regains His balance.

You whisper to Gabriella, "This has only strengthened my resolve, my dear... I know that hurts you to hear..."

You crease your brow in a frown.

Her voice hardening as some of her strength returns to her, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says to you, "I... I do not want to hear about His comfort, Mistral. Whatever good He may be to you, He has harmed me more, and I cannot think well of Him."

You nod your head.

You say, "I understand."

You say, "I am sorry my love."

Sadly, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "You do not. But that is what... it is."

Gabriella Talnara reaches out and shakily strokes your cheek with her fingers.

You have emoted: Mistral holds back tears in his eyes.

You have emoted: Mistral Talnara takes Gabriella's hand in his paws and raises it to his lips, placing a small kiss upon it.

The form of Nocht launches once more towards the Silver Goddess, a streak of shadow. The dark blur suddenly splits once, then twice, and continues until a dozen tendrils are swirling towards Lisaera in dizzying patterns. They close in from every side, violet flames trailing through the air behind them.

You say, "I believe I will have to face your son soon."

Gabriella Talnara shudders, a gleam of faint silver rolling over her skin as her gaze turns to the skies. Her gaze blazes with emotion as she stares up at the Lady Lisaera, her hand still clutching your paw tightly within her own.

Gabriella reaches her other hand up to the skies, fingers splayed wide, as though she would offer more, if she could.

Mist rises from within the dark boughs of the Glomdoring, coalescing above the Wyrden wood to form an icy throne which hovers overhead. Descending from the Havens, Manteekan rests Himself upon the seat and leans His head against the hand of the Forest Dreamer as His gaze turns northward.

As if distracted by something, the Silver Goddess pauses, Her eyes turned down toward the Serenwilde Forest. In that split second, She is engulfed by the violet flames, which wrap around Her like hungry mouths. She cries out in shock and confusion before rolling Herself into a violent spin. The flames swirl around Her like a cocoon as She spins faster and faster, until She Herself has become a tornado that billows across the sky. Suddenly, the funnel whips forward like a lasso and where there were violet flames before, silver fire blossoms along the cloud.

Gabriella Talnara gives a small shriek of denial, pushing herself away from you as she digs her hand into the earth, green light pulsing around her fingertips as her druidic bond sinks once more into the earth, seeking comfort from Nature as she gazes with wide eyes at the skies.

You whisper, "I understand."

The Silver Goddess emerges from the vortex, which She sends winging across the heavens toward the Silent Lord. Panting, She lifts Her arms again and prepares a gleaming spear of silver fire.

Tears streaming down her face, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "I understand."

The Silent God lurches back, trying to put distance between Himself and the Goddess. He extends His arms, orbs of violet flame bursting into existence around Him.

You have emoted: Mistral inhales deeply, shuddering as he begins to slowly walk.

Gabriella Talnara's gaze flickers, her concentration strained as she looks to you. "Wh-where are you going?"

Thunder booms across the Basin of Life as Lisaera charges forward, the spear of silver flames held in Her arms.

Attempting to control his voice, you say, "I must tend to this as best as my mortal self is able."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "Attend to what! This battle? Or your dealings with my son?"

You say, "Your son, my love. It is clear that we will not be able to sway this battle, a bear and an elven lady."

You say, "And it is clear that we would not sway it the same direction were we able."

You tell Seneschal Avurekhos Yfae'dren, Wrath of the Silver Trinity, "I suppose we should have a chat."

Nocht, the Silent simply holds His position, the violet orbs of wyrden flame growing ever brighter.

Gabriella Talnara relaxes the smallest fraction of an inch, though her eyes remain wide and blazing with emotions as she stares at you. Softly, she whispers to you, "If you were to sway it in His direction, and the Lady fell, then I would have fallen as well. That would cause harm to all you claim to hold dear, my husband."

You say, "It would. But we may not sway it."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "I may not be bound to Her in the way I am to my Mother, but She is of my home. Your home."

Avurekhos tells you, "Should we?"

Gabriella takes an unsteady breath.

Avurekhos has left the area.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says, "This is not the first time She has protected me from Him."

Gabriella's gaze flickers to the sky once more.

Avurekhos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

You nod your head at Gabriella.

You bow respectfully to Avurekhos.

A shrill cry rings throughout the Basin of Life as the Maeve's voice is heard weeping above the din of the battling Gods. The whimpering sound floods through the natural world, and the very trees begin to rustle with sorrow.

You have emoted: Mistral's ears perk up.

Gabriella shudders, feeling the emotions run strong through her bond to the very earth.  She rips her hands from the soil, the green glow fading. "The Maeve!"

The Silver Goddess turns sharply just as She is about to strike the Silent Lord. She sends the spear of flames winging into the heavens and looks at Nocht, Her expression aghast.

(Serenwilde): Gabriella says, "Check the Maeve!"

You tell Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope, "Come."

Gossamer winds whip around you suddenly as the voice of Lisaera, Hallowed Crone reverberates, "Nocht, no -- did You hear? We must stop this!"

---

Serenwilde and Glomdoring go to tend to the Maeve

Shortly afterwards...

---

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope says to you, "Remember, that I will be your Beacon."

Gabriella reaches out to tenderly cup your cheek in her hand.

You nod your head.

You say, "Always."

You hug Gabriella compassionately.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope whispers, "I do hope that you will remember. I will return, soon."

Gabriella closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.

You nod your head.

Gabriella brushes her lips against yours.

Gabriella grows still and her lips begin to move silently.

Mistral

Continuation

-----------------

---

Shortly after, at a shrine of Nocht

---

Beneath ancient relics.

The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. An ancient archway of cracked stone sits here, overrun with wyrden growth. The heady scent of Wyrden foliage surrounds a shrine of pitch black crystal that stands here.

Your karma rises in response to your deeds.

You offer up a figurine of Methrenton, Crusader of the Holy Flame to Nocht, the Silent.

A soft voice whispers, "Hello, little one."

You say, "Hello, Your Silence."

You drop to one knee, demonstrating your humility and respect.

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "Still a member of that forest? They have not cast you out?"

The surrounding shadows wane, falling back in despondent melancholy as the form of Nocht, the Silent dissolves into wisps of shadow.

The surrounding shadows convulse, grasping outwards in joyous anticipation as Nocht, the Silent suddenly materializes from the aether.

You say, "Not yet, my Lord."

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Nocht's lips.

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "How curious..."

You say, "The Bandrui read a full pardon... which should hold them off for a bit, maybe."

You say, "Avurekhos will not be so willing to consider that verdict, however."

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "I am familiar with that one..."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Nocht ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

You say, "I wish so dearly to walk within Your Shadow, my Lord."

You say, "Is that a but a pipe dream while I reside within the Wilde?"

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "You did not once utter a denial of Me when confronted, little one..."

You say, "And I shall not."

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "Oh, indeed. You can never truly walk with Me while you live under the searing light of the Moon."

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Nocht's lips as He glances at you.

You give a pained sigh.

You say, "I understand."

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "We shall speak again once you have found out your true fate within the Serenwilde, little one. I will be watching."

Nocht inclines His head politely to those around Him.

You drop to one knee, demonstrating your humility and respect.

You say, "Thank You."

Gabriella

Yes, this truly was an amazing rp session. I always have loads of fun with @Nocht haunting me, and @Lisaera is more wonderful than I could have hoped for.

If anyone is interested in what Gabby was seeing when she was being all twitchy (the visions where we're wondering what I'll look like with my head on a pike, yay!) - I'll be happy to post them. I have small parts of the log since I wasn't at home at the time of the fun, but I'm glad @Mistral got the log of this.

Kethaera

What a jerk that @Mistral is to @Gabriella. Nice log, though.

Gabriella

Kethaera said:

What a jerk that @Mistral is to @Gabriella. Nice log, though.

Sarcasm? Or Serious? The world may never know!

But I luffs him all the same.

:x

Kethaera

Gabriella said:

Kethaera said:

What a jerk that @Mistral is to @Gabriella. Nice log, though.

Sarcasm? Or Serious? The world may never know!

Hey, hey, I was serious! About both! 

Gabriella

Kethaera said:

Gabriella said:

Kethaera said:

What a jerk that @Mistral is to @Gabriella. Nice log, though.

Sarcasm? Or Serious? The world may never know!

Hey, hey, I was serious! About both! 

Just checking!

Rancoura

Amazing. Just for context, when did this happen, exactly?

Mistral

This past Sunday. Shortly after Lisaera had exposed Mistral's ways to Serenwilde. An IG month or two before Serenwilde decided to kick him out and he joined Glom.

Shaddus

Holy crap, that was utterly amazing. Well done to all that were involved.

Shaddus

Mist rises from within the dark boughs of the Glomdoring, coalescing above the Wyrden wood to form an icy throne which hovers overhead. Descending from the Havens, Manteekan rests Himself upon the seat and leans His head against the hand of the Forest Dreamer as His gaze turns northward.



Best part of the whole log.