The Cocoon of the Hallowed Crone

Niina · November 2014

(Because it's too cool to not share!)

A handsome, amber stag with a fluffy white tail departs with a stately walk to the down.

With a wistful look on her face, @Enadonella touches a silver-touched cocoon.

Enadonella 's hands clench the skin of the cocoon as if she is going to rip into it, but then stops,

her expression steady and determined.

You say, "You look steady, and determined."

With as much suave confidence as you can muster, you bob your head knowingly and say, "True story."

Your mind burns with rage and wrath, and your vision fades to a grey scene of gossamer silk. You

feel warmth all around you and the budding of a storm brewing in your heart, and as your eyes open,

you see curious faces staring at you through a curtain. You open your mouth and scream, but no sound

comes out, and as the vision clears, you know in your heart that the time has come.

Enadonella smiles happily.

A handsome, amber stag with a fluffy white tail trots in from the down.

You give a short gasp of elation.

@Avurekhos cups his hands, and a silvery liquid light fills them. As he slowly draws his hands apart,

the light flows into the shape of a silver chalice swirled with emerald streaks, which then blazes

and fades.

You reach out and touch a silver-touched cocoon.

You know in your heart that a powerful storm builds just on the other side of this thin layer of

gossamer skin and you're overcome by the desire to rip it open with your own hands. Another, more

rational, sense of calm comes over you as you realize that the cocoon will break on its own, any

time now.

Shadows dance across the rocky walls, perpetually avoiding the available light.

With a wistful look on his face, Avurekhos touches a silver-touched cocoon.

Avurekhos 's hands clench the skin of the cocoon as if he is going to rip into it, but then stops,

his expression steady and determined.

Avurekhos ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."

@Arien Siar'luin raises her hands, tracing the outlines of the silver chalice, the graceful fingers

trembling as the dazzle of light passes.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

@Selenity blinks.

Avurekhos's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

Arien blinks.

A rainbow gryphon with silken wings dusted with diamond talons the ground with a fierce shriek, her

wings spreading gloriously behind her.

Gabriella nudges Arien suggestively.

A leprechaun bends over and picks up a bit of silvery essence.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

Arien leaves to the down, emanating an aura of immense power.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

Arien enters from the down, emanating an aura of immense power.

Arien looks about herself suspiciously.

@Emmaline arrives from the down.

@Gabriella urges her companions onwards.

Serenader Selenity Siar'luin says, "Three of them."

Arien drops a bit of silvery essence.

Arien looks about herself suspiciously.

With a wistful look on her face, Gabriella touches a silver mooncloak butterfly.

Arien picks up a bit of silvery essence.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope intones, "Perhaps they are here for another reason."

With a wistful look on her face, Selenity touches a silver mooncloak butterfly.

You flutter your eyelashes at a silver mooncloak butterfly.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

Heir Avurekhos Yfae'dren, of Winter's Dream says, "Aye, they are moving towards the cocoon."

Shadows dance across the rocky walls, perpetually avoiding the available light.

Arien nods her head emphatically.

You clap your hands together merrily.

Showing that he understands, Avurekhos nods his head slowly.

Hierophant Arien Siar'luin, Winter's Reaper says, "All gathering, perhaps waiting for the

transformation to come..."

Serenader Emmaline Talnara says, "Are more needed still?"

Serenader Emmaline Talnara says, "I found more..."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope intones, "In the Forest?"

Emmaline nods her head emphatically.

Arien gives a bit of silvery essence to Serenader Emmaline Talnara.

Heir Avurekhos Yfae'dren, of Winter's Dream says, "They did not require the essence blessed by Her

Daughters light."

Arien nods her head at Avurekhos.

Emmaline tilts her head curiously.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope intones, "Emmaline, go give that to the butterfly you saw in the

Forest."

With a flourish of her arm, Emmaline bows deeply.

Emmaline leaves to the down.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

softsmile

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

You smile softly.

Selenity squints through her telescope.

Gabriella Talnara moves in front of the cocoon, taking a seat upon the ground, lotus-style.

Selenity squints through her telescope.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope intones, "Come join me, my family."

A warm aura of serene happiness radiates from Avurekhos, the air about him briefly colouring with a

bright, sunny glow.

A rainbow gryphon with silken wings dusted with diamond talons the ground with a fierce shriek, her

wings spreading gloriously behind her.

Gabriella Talnara gestures to the ground around the cocoon.

Avurekhos settles to the ground in a cross-legged position, inhaling deeply. As he brings his hands

up to rest open-palmed at either side, he exhales, all tension leaving his body.

Arien Siar'luin strides across the cavern to Gabriella, settling at her side. Her hands reach,

almost without thought to the cocoon, exhaling with a soft sigh.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope intones, "Form a circle. Perhaps if we relax with it, it will be

more at its ease, and it may draw strength from us, should it require."

A majestic, light brown stag with a spotted tail trots in with head high, butting Arien gently with

his head.

Gabriella settles to the ground in a cross-legged position, inhaling deeply. As she brings her hands

up to rest open-palmed at either side, she exhales, all tension leaving her body.

Selenity moves to sit by her great grandmother and her grandfather, lifting her skirt before moving

to her knees.

Selenity ceases to wield a shield bordered in moonstones in her right hand.

Gabriella Talnara reaches out, touching Selenity's knee with one hand, Arien's with the other as she

inhales deeply, slowly.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

Selenity holds her lyre on her lap, glancing over to Gabriella, before looking to the cocoon once

more.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

You feel your skin grow warmer, fast becoming hot, as cold blue runes appear along your limbs,

emitting psionic vibrations before fading altogether.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

The gossamer skin of the cocoon becomes dull and grey, the glowing surface no longer pulsing with

power as if all of its energy were retreating inward.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

A majestic, light brown stag with a spotted tail paws the ground.

p cocoon

Shades of cobalt, midnight, and indigo tint the mesh-like layers of this cocoon, evocative of a

cloudless, nighttime sky. Flickers of moonlight spill out between the lines of weakness; motes of

gentle lambency filtering out with a gentle whisper before petering into nothingness. Wispy threads

of argent gossamer cling across the outmost layer of the casing, swaddling it in warmth and light.

Like a steady heartbeat, the cocoon pulses with a shimmer: something certainly growing deep within.

It weighs 1 ounce(s).

Gabriella Talnara's attention fixates on the cocoon.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

@Enadonella Eli'Silar sits down gracefully.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope intones, "Is its power being drawn out to another place, or..."

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

Gabriella narrows her eyes to thin slits.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

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

thoughts.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

A stirring breeze caresses your exposed skin, sending shivers through your body.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

The crone gasps softly, tilting her aged head in the direction of the cocoon, a toothless smile upon

her lips. The crone is utterly entranced.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

Enadonella kneels onto one knee, demonstrating her humility and respect.

Enadonella stands up and stretches her arms out wide.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

The butterflies begin to flit to the cocoon, one by one, alightning on its surface. Their tiny feet

touch the gossamer skin and begin ripping and tearing, their wings flapping hard to maintain balance.

The sound of a deep, ancient voice exhaling echoes from inside the cocoon, and you feel the first

wave of power releasing from within.

You beam broadly.

Avurekhos's eyes twinkle enchantingly.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

Selenity looks at the cocoon, watching with a look of awe.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

With a resounding crash, the skin of the cocoon rips wide, revealing a gaping hole. Immediately,

silver light explodes outward, revealing a dense cloud of energy that escapes into the air.

The mother glances upward with a warm smile and wanders towards the cocoon as if in a trance.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

A silver mooncloak butterfly is still grinning, her elderly mouth a gape of gums. Almost eager, she

motions toward the ripping cocoon, her gnarled hands rubbing together soothingly.

The crone is still grinning, her elderly mouth a gape of gums. Almost eager, she motions toward the

ripping cocoon, her gnarled hands rubbing together soothingly.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

Shades of cobalt, midnight, and indigo tint the mesh-like layers of this cocoon, evocative of a

cloudless, nighttime sky. Flickers of moonlight spill out between the lines of weakness; motes of

gentle lambency filtering out with a gentle whisper before petering into nothingness. Wispy threads

of argent gossamer cling across the outmost layer of the casing, swaddling it in warmth and light.

Like a steady heartbeat, the cocoon pulses with a shimmer: something certainly growing deep within.

It weighs 1 ounce(s).

(Serenwilde): Emmaline (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I truly do not enjoy dreaming."

Gabriella Talnara takes a deep breath, staring at the cocoon.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

Niina · November 2014

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

The energy falling from the cocoon builds until it bursts wide, like a storm cloud in the summer,

sending you falling backward into the cavern. You see the vague outline of a male spirit fly to the

northwest as the rest of the energy, piercingly silver and blinding to behold, escapes upward and

out of the cavern.

Utterly entranced, you emit a long "Ooooh."

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

thoughts.

l

A silverspun cavern.

Although forged from stone, the walls of this cavern were not created by the corrosive might of a

lake or a river. Instead, tiny gouge marks have worn a smooth texture into the surface of the cavern,

as if tiny insects spent their lives toiling away, transforming stone into work an expert craftsman

would envy. Deep silver striations run the length and breadth of the stone floor and wind their way

along the walls, injecting the space with a natural artwork that bears a vague resemblance to the

wings of a butterfly. A soft, rhythmic pulsing thrums through the cavern like a heartbeat, and a

gentle presence fills the area. Pulsing softly, a silvery cocoon lies spun in argent gossamer, its

surface ripped wide. With silken wings dusted with diamond unfurled, a rainbow gryphon is here,

surrounded by a halo of white light. A handsome, amber stag with a fluffy white tail wanders about

here, his head held regally. There are 3 silver mooncloak butterflies here. A majestic, light brown

stag with a spotted tail wanders about here, his head held regally. Hierophant Arien Siar'luin,

Winter's Reaper is here. She wields a mystic cudgel in her left hand and a frost-worn shield of

rusticated silver in her right. Gabriella sits here upon the ground, cross-legged and serene. She

wields an athame dagger in her left hand. Serenader Selenity Siar'luin is here, shrouded. She wields

an ethereal cordate lyre of the Serenwilde in her left hand. She is surrounded by one reflection of

herself. Heir Avurekhos Yfae'dren, of Winter's Dream is here. He wields a mystic cudgel in his left

hand and a war shield of the Killing Moon in his right. Lady Enadonella Eli'Silar, Nature's Grace is

here.

You see a single exit leading down.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

Arien Siar'luin remains stoic, yet there is a faint sheen of wetness within her dark eyes.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

Arien kneels and stretches her spine backwards, flaring her arms out in suit. In an instance,

feathers dress her body, and you hold your breath to witness this regal, swan-like pose.

ot these in the temple?

The skies split wide with a blinding flash of silver moonfire that sizzles across the sky like a

bolt of lightning. The first low rumblings of thunder echo across the heavens, and as the storm

brews, moonlight coalesces in midair above the Serenwilde Forest, forming the vague outline of two

powerful women.

Another flash of moonfire lightning lights up the heavens, and when it fades, the two female

outlines pulse with life, becoming the radiant figures of the Ethereal Maiden and the Argent Mother,

Their eyes blackened with the brewing storm.

As one, the Women lift Their hands above them, causing the air around you to radiate with a tense

energy. They close Their eyes and begin to whisper words of power in the Divine tongue, each word

sending blasts of frigid air across the Basin of Life.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

A deathly cold wind sweeps through, causing your very breath to begin to freeze as Asmodea enters

from the down.

Icy winds whip wildly around you, heralding the arrival of a mighty ice dragon as a biting cold

envelops the area quickly.

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

Emmaline arrives from the down.

Raising her hand in greeting, Asmodea says "Hi!"

(Order): Emmaline says, "In the forest."

You greet Asmodea with a sincere smile.

With a flourish of her arm, Emmaline bows deeply.

Asmodea gives you a friendly cuddle.

You greet Emmaline with a sincere smile.

Another figure begins to coalesce next to the Maiden and the Mother, the bearing of this new effigy

forged of silver butterflies. A powerful blast of thunder booms from everywhere at once, and a

heartbeat later, the Crone stands above the Serenwilde Forest and clasps hands with the other

members of the Silver Trinity.

The Maiden and Mother, Their figures still shimmering with moonlight, smile at the Crone and then

bow Their heads. With another brilliant flash of silver flames, the Women become One - the Hallowed

Crone, Whose black eyes blaze with renewed power.

Avurekhos smiles softly.

Emmaline kneels onto one knee, demonstrating her humility and respect.

Asmodea hugs Avurekhos compassionately.

Appearing from the down in a glimmer of pale moonfire, a silver mooncloak butterfly flutters into

view.

genuflect

Selenity looks up from her kneeled position, sitting with her family, giving a wave 'hello' to

Asmodea, before redirecting her attention to the transformation.

You drop one knee to the ground, genuflecting in sheer reverence.

Asmodea raises her hand in greeting to Selenity and says "Hi!"

Gossamer winds whip around you suddenly as the voice of Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone reverberates,

"You are known to Me now, Dread Enchantress. Your hold over My power is at an end, and now You will

pay dearly for Your treachery."

The surrounding area dims as the brightly coloured silver mooncloak butterfly flutters away to the

down.

The Hallowed Crone lifts Her hands and closes Her eyes, the gesture manifesting a brilliant ball of

moonfire that She sends flying through the firmament.

Arien makes a beckoning motion to no-one in particular.

You begin to follow Arien.

Emmaline stands up and stretches her arms out wide.

Avurekhos's form bursts into a column of pure moonfire that blazes out to the down, the air

shimmering dangerously in his wake.

A handsome, amber stag with a fluffy white tail departs with a stately walk to the down.

You follow Hierophant Arien Siar'luin, Winter's Reaper down to a skylit gathering place.

You follow Hierophant Arien Siar'luin, Winter's Reaper north to beside a quiet mere.

An urn-bearing ice nymph says, "I was Awoken for Her purpose."

An urn-bearing ice nymph's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

Hierophant Arien Siar'luin, Winter's Reaper says, "I depart in peace, by the blessings of the Lady."

Arien is swept up by a silver wind and disappears in the wink of an eye.

You follow Hierophant Arien Siar'luin, Winter's Reaper to silver cavern behind a waterfall.

A silver breeze swirls up from the pool and deposits the form of Arien gently upon the ground.

You follow Hierophant Arien Siar'luin, Winter's Reaper to source of Moon River.

A rainbow trout swims in from the south.

You follow Hierophant Arien Siar'luin, Winter's Reaper to Halls of the Spirits.

You follow Hierophant Arien Siar'luin, Winter's Reaper down to the Moonhart Mother Tree.

A kephera nature warder touches his headdress in salute towards Arien.

A kephera nature warder exclaims, "Greetings, forest dweller!"

A red fox bats at a stray insect with its paw.

The air here pulses with the musical beat of deer hooves.

Selenity snorts and snuffles at the air through a ridiculous pig nose.

An ethereal wind wreathed with cold moonfire blazes in from the up, revealing Avurekhos amid the

pale flames.

A handsome, amber stag with a fluffy white tail trots in from the up.

The canopy of the Serenwilde Forest begins to shake and writhe violently as a flock of dark-winged

shapes explodes into the sky. With a piercing cry the nighthawks perform a graceful maneuver and

launch themselves at the Hallowed Crone.

You say, "Oh, my.."

As the nighthawks wing toward the Hallowed Crone, the Goddess shields Her face with a veil of

moonlight. With barely a moments pause, Lisaera claps Her hands together, igniting the birds of prey

with silver flames, several of which screech in pain before being engulfed in the conflagration. The

rest go winging into the sky and fade from view.

Riley wedges himself further into a niche at the base of the Moonhart, peeking just one ear out to

attend to the happenings above.

Gossamer winds whip around you suddenly as the voice of Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone reverberates, "I

sense - I sense Myself still inside these creatures! You dare to steal My essence, Traitor? Have you

learned nothing from the past?"

The Hallowed Crone lifts Her hands, preparing another blazing pillar of moonfire.

You throw your hands into the air and give a loud, "WOO!"

Avurekhos's eyes sparkle with amusement.

A kephera nature warder blinks and shuffles about impatiently.

Gossamer winds whip around you suddenly as the voice of Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone reverberates,

"No. This is enough. I pity You, Drocilla. You Who are so beautiful, Whose existence has been

distorted beyond recognition - it is You Who will fail in the end. Your own twisted desires will

consume You utterly, and I will be there to scatter Your essence on the winds."

Icy winds whip wildly around you, heralding the arrival of a mighty ice dragon as a biting cold

envelops the area quickly.

A centaur hunter says, "Hail, wildeling."

The looming figure of the Hallowed Crones burns brightly before erupting in a blaze of moonfire,

which falls like rain onto the canopy of the Serenwilde Forest.

Birds fill your ears with serenades of happiness and love.

Gabriella tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.

The air wavers as Drocilla leans Her head back and laughs openly, the sweet sound vibrating in your

ears.

Selenity tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.

A kephera nature warder blinks and shuffles about impatiently.

Emmaline shudders violently.

Selenity claps her hands over her ears.

A frost hag says, "Hail, fae-tender."

As the Enchantress' visage evanesces till naught but wisps of indigo outline Her silhouette across

the firmament, a whisper can be heard upon the keening wind, "You are the only Traitor here. History

shall yet be rewritten."

Avurekhos furrows his brow in thought.

Enadonella begins to wield an athame dagger in her left hand.

Enadonella begins to wield a white blossom shield in her right hand.

The sun reaches the zenith of the firmament, pausing in his quest to allow the land to bask in his

shining golden rays.

Arien Siar'luin hisses under her breath, her eyes burning with a blaze of verdant grey.

A far-off crash of thunder sounds as the Hallowed Crone appears amidst a fast-brewing storm, Her

arrival impregnating the air with the weight of power.

The chilling cry of a

Niina · November 2014

redatory beast fills the air with tension as a dark shadow swoops overhead.

A shaft of silvery light falls across Asmodea's face, who bows her head in reverence.

Avurekhos humbly drops one knee to the ground before Lisaera, genuflecting reverently in Her

presence.

Gabriella Talnara's gaze flits to the canopy.

You humbly drop one knee to the ground before Lisaera, genuflecting reverently in Her presence.

Gabriella narrows her eyes and stares upwards.

Asmodea kneels before Lisaera, swearing her allegiance to Her.

Emmaline kneels before Lisaera, swearing her allegiance to Her.

Arien kneels before Lisaera, swearing her allegiance to Her.

Selenity lowers her head respectfully before Lisaera.

Enadonella humbly drops one knee to the ground before Lisaera, genuflecting reverently in Her

presence.

Gabriella curtseys gracefully before Lisaera.

A grey, portly pony with grey wings trots in with head high, butting Enadonella gently with her head.

Her storm-black eyes burning with the wrath of nature, Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone says, "My

children. My Serenwilde."

Arien stands up and stretches her arms out wide.

Emmaline stands up and stretches her arms out wide.

Asmodea stands up and stretches her arms out wide.

In awe, tears threatening to course in the corners of her eyes, Hierophant Arien Siar'luin, Winter's

Reaper whispers, "My Beloved."

Asmodea gives Arien a friendly squeeze.

You say, "Hail, Hallowed Crone."

Her lips curving upward into a small smile, lightning blazing dangerously in Her eyes, Lisaera, the

Hallowed Crone says, "You have done well to protect Me. You watched over My vulnerability and served

Me well."

A grey, portly pony with grey wings begins to follow Enadonella obediently.

Turning Her gaze to the south, Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone says, "And now we know Who the enemy

truly is."

Eyes down, Serenader Emmaline Talnara says, "My life for my Lady."

The smell of wildflowers wafts past your nose.

A kephera nature warder says, "Farewell, forest dweller."

A kephera nature warder exclaims, "Greetings, forest dweller!"

Gabriella climbs onto a wiccan broom.

With a sudden jolt, Gabriella soars upwards riding a wiccan broom.

You build upon your stratagem, adding action one as: SCENT.

You execute your stratagem.

You snort and snuffle at the air, sensing through a freckled, sun-kissed nose upon your face the

faint traces of others in the surrounding area.

You make out the scent of Arien coming from the Moonhart Mother Tree.

You make out the scent of Isluna coming from a leafy alcove.

You make out the scent of Asmodea coming from the Moonhart Mother Tree.

You make out the scent of Selenity coming from the Moonhart Mother Tree.

You make out the scent of Davrick coming from a leafy alcove.

You make out the scent of Gabriella coming from the Moonhart Mother Tree.

You make out the scent of Enadonella coming from the Moonhart Mother Tree.

You make out the scent of Cis coming from the Serenwilde Post Office.

You make out the scent of Avurekhos coming from the Moonhart Mother Tree.

You make out the scent of Riley coming from the Moonhart Mother Tree.

You make out the scent of Emmaline coming from the Moonhart Mother Tree.

l

The Moonhart Mother Tree.

Silvery moonlight sparkles in the air. The variety of trees that crowd around the Moonhart Mother

Tree goes beyond count, elms and alders, beech and cherry, hawthorn and hazel, evergreen and oak,

all dwarfed by the magnificence and majesty of the mother tree herself. The grasses and shrubs that

grow in the surrounding forest become scarce as they approach the tree, replaced by tiny wildflowers

of amethyst-purple and marble-white. The veil to the ethereal plane is particularly thin, and the

laughter of pixies and other creatures of the fae tinkle down from the treetops and tickle the ears

of those below. The atmosphere itself, although benign and welcoming, also vibrates with a palpable

power, sending shivers up the skin. Towering high above is the Moonhart Mother Tree, stretching her

enormous branches heavenwards. Reaching up as high as the eye can see looms the awesome presence of

a living totem. There are 3 small screech owls here. Hovering over a raised dais are two silver

arrows, their long shafts crossed with the points aimed skywards. An illustrated canvas hangs in the

air here, supported by silvery ribbons. There are 20 kephera nature warders here. There are 10

centaur hunters here. There are 2 armoured vixens here. Watching you warily, a silver-furred vixen

sniffs the air. There are 4 armoured owls here. There are 2 fierce timberwolves here. There are 10

frost hags here. There are 2 red foxes here. Singing a hauntingly beautiful melody, Miakoda, Maiden

of the Moonhart, stands here. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. A mature

hornbeam tree stands proudly here. A striped badger is here, licking its paws. A platinum eye sigil

is here. An elfen guard strolls here, alert and vigilant. There are 17 buckets here. Covered in bone

armour, a red fox stands here, cautiously listening to the surroundings. There are 4 corpses of a

lumbering red weevil here. There are 2 corpses of a large wood weevil here. There are 3 corpses of a

giant red weevil here. With silken wings dusted with diamond unfurled, a rainbow gryphon is here,

surrounded by a halo of white light. A handsome, amber stag with a fluffy white tail wanders about

here, his head held regally. Frost forms and distorts the ground underneath a mighty ice dragon

resting here, gazing about its surroundings with icy blue eyes. Hierophant Arien Siar'luin, Winter's

Reaper is here. She wields a mystic cudgel in her left hand and a frost-worn shield of rusticated

silver in her right. Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone stands before you, Her very presence filling the

air with the pressure of a storm about to break. She wields a gnarled cudgel of living wood in Her

left hand. Lady Asmodea Kamau, Aria of the Winter Moon stands here amidst a cloud of deathly cold

mist. She wields the Icy Lyre of Winter's Fury in her left hand and a moon-blessed kriss dagger in

her right. Serenader Selenity Siar'luin is here, shrouded. She wields an ethereal cordate lyre of

the Serenwilde in her left hand. She is surrounded by one reflection of herself. Seeker of the Moon,

Cis is here. He wields a steel claymore with both hands. Fullbloom Ecologist Riley is here, sprawled

on the ground. He wields a wooden lute in his left hand and a pink carnation in his right. Serenader

Emmaline Talnara is here. She wields a viola of silver birch in her left hand. Heir Avurekhos

Yfae'dren, of Winter's Dream is here. He wields a mystic cudgel in his left hand and a war shield of

the Killing Moon in his right.

You see exits leading north, south, and through a vined stairway.

An elfen guard says, "Let me know if you need anything at all, Gabriella."

An elfen guard winks conspiratorially at Gabriella.

Gabriella descends from above.

Arm outstretched, Gabriella calls out and a broom flies into her hand.

Lisaera allows a small smile to lift Her features as She returns Her attention to the gathering.

Asmodea strokes Xischa, the mighty ice dragon tenderly.

Uttering a low guttural groan, Xischa leans gently into Asmodea, nuzzling her massive head softly

against her.

Enadonella raises an athame dagger up and makes a circle in the air. A radiant torc forms from the

ether and settles around her neck.

Gabriella raises an athame dagger up and makes a circle in the air. A radiant torc forms from the

ether and settles around her neck.

The trees themselves bend low, their branches nearly touching the ground as they pay homage to the

Goddess.

Emmaline takes a drink from an amethyst vial.

Cis arrives from the north.

Arien Siar'luin nods slowly, rising from her kneel as she clasps her hands behind her back. "But my

Lady, the enemy still wavers above the forest's reach," she intones softly.

Avurekhos narrows his eyes and stares upwards.

Eyes shifting, Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope intones, "I saw nothing up there, but I sense the

predator all the same."

With a flourish of his arm, Cis bows deeply.

Softly, Her black eyes burning with the storm, Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone says, "They will not harm

us here. They are nothing to Me now."

Enadonella greets Cis with a sincere smile.

You greet Cis with a sincere smile.

Emmaline reaches over and ruffles Cis's hair fondly.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope intones, "Forgive me, my Lady, but did You not say You still

sensed Yourself within them?"

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope intones, "Is there not much they could do with such a bond to

You?"

(Serenwilde): Selskia says, "Uhm. There's a Nighthawk. In Caoimhe Dell."

Riley pokes his head out of his niche, his muzzle resting flat against the ground, and trains his

ears attentively on each voice in turn.

Gabriella blinks.

Pressing her hands together before her, Arien bows her head and a golden glow suffuses the area

around her solar plexus.

Lady Enadonella Eli'Silar, Nature's Grace asks, "Want me to go?"

Avurekhos ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope intones, "I will go."

Gabriella searches the air in front of her, then tugs upon an invisible strand of force.

Shaking Her head, Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone says, "On the contrary, little one. What little

essence remains locked within those nighthawks is trivial in comparison."

A grey, portly pony with grey wings trundles off to the ether.

You smile softly.

Hierophant Arien Siar'luin, Winter's Reaper says, "A spirit rose from the cocoon with the aspect of

the Crone, my Lady...I entreat You most humbly, who was this?"

Lisaera lifts Her gaze to the horizon, curiosity in Her expression.

A rainbow gryphon with silken wings dusted with diamond talons the ground with a fierce shriek, her

wings spreading gloriously behind her.

(Serenwilde): Selskia says, "There is one more nighthawk in Caoimhe Dell."

Smiling slightly, Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone says, "Let us see."

Lisaera makes a beckoning motion to no-one in particular.

You begin to follow Lisaera.

You have recovered balance on all limbs. (1.754s)

You nod your head emphatically.

A small screech owl soars into the sky and flies around in a few circles.

You hear a faint, ethereal melody, laden in the surrounding air.

Continuing the hunt for his dark mate, Father Sun presses forward in his journey, lowering himself

in the sky yet still casting even, full light upon the land.

Sparkling motes of bright light surround the Moonhart Mother Tree.

Avurekhos nods his head affirmatively.

Emmaline takes a long drag off her pipe.

look lis

She is a radiant immortal and stands tall, Her very bearing and stature indicative of a long, hard

life of work and power. She possesses the thin-lipped features and narrowed eyes of a woman who has

long ago foresworn the trappings of youthful beauty, yet She maintains the ageless grace of the

elfen race in the effortless way She moves. Although the deep thrum of ancient energy exudes from

Her, marking Her as one of the oldest Elder Gods, no wrinkles or lines mar Her complexion, which

glows faintly with a silver light. Long, raven hair, plaited into a strict braid, falls down Her

back, its tied-off ends mingling with the ever-shifting storm that clings to Her form. She is

wearing fluidic armour of ethereal magic, a glimmering necklace of pale moonfire, a torc of

shimmering silver, a vine-wreathed crown of frozen moonlight, an emerald rose, a meditation shawl of

the moon and a midnight black rose streaked with silver.

You follow Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone to a silverspun cavern.

You suddenly perceive the vague outline of an aura of rebounding around Emmaline.

Her eyes narrowed as She regards the cocoon, Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone says, "It was very dark.

Very quiet."

A stirring breeze caresses your exposed skin, sending shivers through your body.

Gabriella suddenly appears, looking bewildered.

Gabriella puts some gold sovereigns in a tawdry satchel.

Shaking Her head, Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone says, "But it was by My design. This cocoon, however -

this vehicle through which I was healed..."

Arien Siar'luin inclines her head faintly, peering around to examine the cocoon with an astute

expression from where it was torn nearly in twain.

Argent moonlight pierces the blue glow of the Flame of dae'Seren upon Asmodea, enshrouding her

momentarily in a silver mantle.

Arien jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.

Selenity looks from Lisaera to the cocoon, and back at Lisaera again. Her ears give subtle twitches

as she listens to the Goddess speak.

Among the sparkling motes of light, a translucent figure appears in the air and then quickly

solidifies as Selskia comes into view.

A handsome, light brown stag with white wings trots in from the ether.

Dripping water echoes enchantingly in the distance.

Selskia bows respectfully to Lisaera.

"Heh heh heh" Emmaline chuckles.

Striking wood notes accented with a bright, fresh fragrance drift on the breeze away from Selskia.

A smile in Her storm-black eyes, Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone says, "My essence had assistance from

an unexpected friend. A shard whose cycle had ended, but whose purpose lingered."

Enadonella, riding a grey, portly pony with grey wings, arrives from the down.

A grey, portly pony with grey wings trundles in from the down.

A majestic, light brown stag with a spotted tail tilts his antlers back curiously.

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

thoughts.

Enadonella steps down off of a grey, portly pony with grey wings.

A grey, portly pony with grey wings begins to follow Enadonella obediently.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Lisaera.

Serenader Emmaline Talnara murmurs, "The one in the dream, perhaps..."

Enadonella tells you, "So you all followed Her back here?"

Rising up, Xischa beats her massive wings, frigid winds swirling around you as a flurry of

snowflakes stirs up.

Gabriella Talnara, Blossoming Hope intones, "The one whose essence flew somewhere to the northwest."

Enadonella tells you, "Aye Gabriella and I were there with Selskia."

You say to Lisaera, "We are grateful for His help."

You nod your head emphatically.

Niina · November 2014

In a swirl of blue fire, a gentle spirit stag leaps out of the Flame of dae'Seren upon Avurekhos and

prances in a slow circle before fading.

Argent moonlight pierces the blue glow of the Flame of dae'Seren upon you, enshrouding you

momentarily in a silver mantle.

Smiling wider, the ancient weight of Her voice bearing joy, Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone says, "He

had a kind heart when he lived. When My energy waned and sought refuge, it must have...bumped into

him somehow. His spirit acknowledged Mine, and in a way, he reminded Me that My transformation was

incomplete. It was then that the tiny creatures, the vessels that bore my power, were brought to

bear upon this event."

Lisaera walks slowly to the northwestern side of the cavern, a single hand outstretched.

Arien Siar'luin tilts her head curiously, her nose wrinkling in slight inquiry.

In a swirl of blue fire, a gentle spirit stag leaps out of the Flame of dae'Seren upon Gabriella and

prances in a slow circle before fading.

Lifting Her hand to touch the side of the cavern, Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone says, "I wonder if My

power was great enough..."

Erebos arrives from the down.

Smiling softly, Serenader Emmaline Talnara asks, "To bring Him back?"

A handsome, amber stag with a fluffy white tail tilts his antlers back curiously.

cwho

*********************[ THE FREE COLLECTIVE OF SERENWILDE ]*********************

Commune Member Rank Position CT

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

Selskia hartstone Forest Warden Commune Aide On

Enadonella moondancer Forest Warden On

Gabriella moondancer Forest Warden On

Asmodeaspiritsinger(h) Forest Warden Commune Aide On

Selenity spiritsinger Woodswoman Commune Aide On

Niina spiritsinger(h) Forest Warden Commune Aide On

Avurekhos hartstone(h) Forest Warden Commune Aide On

Erebos shofangi Gardener On

Arien hartstone Guardian of the Seren Moonhart Circle On

Emmaline spiritsinger Woodswoman On

*******************************************************************************

3 hartstones, 2 moondancers, 1 shofangi and 4 spiritsingers present, of those 3 are

demigods/ascendants.

Currently, there are 10 Commune Members on this Plane and 7 on other Planes.

Avurekhos pets a handsome, amber stag with a fluffy white tail ingratiatingly.

A handsome, amber stag with a fluffy white tail ponders Avurekhos thoughtfully, looking him up and

down.

Hierophant Arien Siar'luin, Winter's Reaper says, "One could only hope we could have the substance

to raise both You and He to wellness again..."

The Hallowed Crone pulls back the hand that touches the cavern wall and manifests a bolt of silver

moonfire, which She throws hard against the rock. With a resounding crash, the cavern crumbles,

revealing another cavern beyond.

You follow Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone northwest to Hollow of Transformation.

Utterly entranced, you emit a long "Ooooh."

A grey, portly pony with grey wings trundles in from the southeast.

Avurekhos blinks.

Elthadean Lunseer bows low, his eyes watering with fresh tears.

Hollow of Transformation.

A thick copse of moonhart trees encircles a silver pillar, an effigy of strength that stands alone

in this forest clearing. Although its height is immeasurable, the top of which surpasses the

seemingly infinite ceiling of this section of the cavern, the pillar is fallible in make, and the

earliest signs of age and decay wend their way along its length in thick vines and deep cracks. The

different seasons are clearly evident in four distinct quadrants of the Hollow, the power of

transformation represented in the variations of leaves between spring, summer, fall, and winter, and

the palpable thrum of change pools in the storm clouds that cling to the canopy like tufts of grey

cotton. A tall, slender man garbed in mooncloak butterflies stands here, a silver haze in his eyes.

A handsome, light brown stag with white wings wanders about here, his head held regally. Frost forms

and distorts the ground underneath a mighty ice dragon resting here, gazing about its surroundings

with icy blue eyes. With silken wings dusted with diamond unfurled, a rainbow gryphon is here,

surrounded by a halo of white light. A handsome, amber stag with a fluffy white tail wanders about

here, his head held regally. A grey, portly pony with grey wings stands here quietly. Keeper Selskia

Talnara-Mes'ard, Her Bluebell is here. She wields a mystic cudgel in her left hand. Lady Enadonella

Eli'Silar, Nature's Grace is here, shrouded. She wields an athame dagger in her left hand and a

white blossom shield in her right. Hierophant Arien Siar'luin, Winter's Reaper is here. She wields a

mystic cudgel in her left hand and a frost-worn shield of rusticated silver in her right. Gabriella

Talnara, Blossoming Hope is here, shrouded. She wields an athame dagger in her left hand. Lady

Asmodea Kamau, Aria of the Winter Moon stands here amidst a cloud of deathly cold mist. She wields

the Icy Lyre of Winter's Fury in her left hand and a moon-blessed kriss dagger in her right. Heir

Avurekhos Yfae'dren, of Winter's Dream is here. He wields a mystic cudgel in his left hand and a war

shield of the Killing Moon in his right. Serenader Selenity Siar'luin is here, shrouded. She wields

an ethereal cordate lyre of the Serenwilde in her left hand. She is surrounded by one reflection of

herself. Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone stands before you, Her very presence filling the air with the

pressure of a storm about to break. She wields a gnarled cudgel of living wood in Her left hand.

Serenader Emmaline Talnara is here. She wields a viola of silver birch in her left hand.

You see a single exit leading southeast.

Avurekhos inclines his head politely to those around him.

Emmaline bows respectfully to Elthadean Lunseer.

Enadonella curtseys gracefully before Elthadean Lunseer.

You curtsey gracefully before Elthadean Lunseer.

Lisaera reaches out a hand and gently lifts Elthadean to his feet.

Selenity lowers her head to Elthadean Lunseer for a moment, before looking back up at him.

Gabriella curtseys gracefully before Elthadean Lunseer.

Erebos arrives from the southeast.

look elthadean

Mooncloak wings flutter to life as wisps of ethereal light around the figure of this tall, slender

man. Motes of glimmering moonfire hover close to him like protective fae guardians, their orbit

mirroring the natural dance of moonlight reflecting in a placid river. Although his build is slim

and his stature speaks of the scholarly arts, a thrum of ancient energy wreathes him like a shield,

creating a foil of immense strength despite his frailty. Silver eyes look upon the world with a

quiet wisdom, and although he is of kind and placid make, an absentminded nervousness causes him to

run his hands through his fall of silver hair at regular intervals, revealing pointed elfen ears.

Elthadean Lunseer has an air of extreme strength.

Softly, Her storm-black eyes kind and motherly, Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone says, "Rise, my friend,

and be welcome. It is because of your mind and heart that My essence survived, aided by the Lisae

and the Serenwilde."

Serenader Emmaline Talnara murmurs, "So beautiful here..."

l

Arien Siar'luin strides around to view the strange form of Elthaedean Lunseer, her smile plaintive,

but odd, as if she cannot quite remember what brought it upon her face.

Striking wood notes accented with a bright, fresh fragrance drift on the breeze away from Selskia.

His voice trembling, his eyes fixed on the ground, Elthadean Lunseer says, "Thank You, great Lady.

Thank you. You...You kept Your promise to me."

Lisaera laughs with the Crone's thundering voice, the sound like the echoing peal of a growing storm

sundering the heavens.

Enadonella smiles softly.

Avurekhos's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

Asmodea flashes Elthadean Lunseer a joyous smile.

Erebos steps into the hollow, and shifts to the side, remaining silent and out of the way. His eyes

flicker from one person to the next, and linger upon Lisaera for a brief moment.

Softly, Her deep, ancient voice motherly and kind, Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone says, "I did indeed,

friend. Tell Me - what will you do now, with your cycle renewed?"

A rainbow gryphon with silken wings dusted with diamond talons the ground with a fierce shriek, her

wings spreading gloriously behind her.

Selenity's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

Serenader Emmaline Talnara smiles impishly and says to Arien, "He makes you smile, and the Lady

laugh. He must be good."

Enadonella tilts her head and listens intently to Elthadean Lunseer.

Finally lifting his gaze, his eyes filled with silver tears, Elthadean Lunseer says, "I will serve

You, if You will have me."

Avurekhos smiles softly at Elthadean Lunseer.

You beam broadly at Elthadean Lunseer.

Seeker of the Moon, Cis, a newbie in the Free Collective of Serenwilde, has left Lusternia.

Emmaline flashes Elthadean Lunseer a joyous smile.

Hierophant Arien Siar'luin, Winter's Reaper murmurs, "He is familiar. I feel gladness in my heart

that he is present, and with us."

Heir Avurekhos Yfae'dren, of Winter's Dream says, "Very familiar, if I may add."

Emmaline smiles softly.

Serenader Emmaline Talnara murmurs, "I know that feeling."

A smile in Her storm-black eyes, Lisaera, the Hallowed Crone says, "I will have you serve Me as a

guardian of transformation. You will be a symbol to My faithful of what hard, strength of heart, and

kindness means to those who are unwell and frail. You are now My Priest, and so shall the Lisae

welcome you home."

Lisaera bows respectfully to Elthadean Lunseer.

bow elthadean

You bow respectfully to Elthadean Lunseer.

Emmaline bows respectfully to Elthadean Lunseer.

You cup your hands before you, and a silvery liquid light fills them. You bring your cupped hands

toward Elthadean Lunseer, and the light springs up to wreath around him, taking the form of silvery

ethereal vines before fading with a gentle glow.

Emmaline cups her hands, and a silvery liquid light fills them. She brings her cupped hands toward

Elthadean Lunseer, and the light springs up to wreath around him, taking the form of silvery

ethereal vines before fading with a gentle glow.

Enadonella embraces Elthadean Lunseer with great ardour.

You say to Elthadean Lunseer, "Welcome, Elthadean."

Hierophant Arien Siar'luin, Winter's Reaper says to Elthadean Lunseer, "You bless us with your

presence, thank you, for returning our Lady to us, for guiding Her spirit with the likeness of your

own."

Startled, his eyes wide with shock, Elthadean Lunseer says, "I - I praise You, my Lady. This is an

honour I will treasure forever."

Elthadean Lunseer looks around, his face flushing red at the sight of everyone bowing.

The corners of Emmaline's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

Your mouth turns up as your face breaks into a smile.

Lisaera chuckles softly, the sound rumbling like thunder in Her chest.

Erebos shifts slightly, he visage plagued by uncertainty.

A brownie blinks and shuffles about impatiently.

Selenity offers Elthadean Lunseer a cheery, warm smile.

Arien Siar'luin strides toward her son Erebos, linking her arm quietly upon his fore.