Black Ice - Tumblr Posts

•3 cards of gods•

{{MAZU goddess of seafarers and the ocean}}

{{IESIS goddess of wisdom and knowledge}}

{{ERION god of mountains and war}}

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"Like words from the lips, I lead the quill on paper. E̲v̲e̲r̲y̲t̲h̲i̲n̲g̲ ̲w̲a̲s̲ ̲a̲b̲o̲u̲t̲ ̲t̲o̲ ̲c̲h̲a̲n̲g̲e̲, ̲b̲u̲t̲ ̲n̲o̲t̲ ̲t̲h̲e̲ ̲w̲a̲y̲ ̲I̲ ̲e̲x̲p̲e̲c̲t̲e̲d̲..."

. . .

New drawing!

- ko-fi | paypal | itch.io

Phew. Had this idea in my head for a long time now!

…

A comic strip based on the image I posted a while back (used it as the cover now). I’ve been planning on writing this story for ages now, and oh well, it’s always more fun to make art around the topic, than actually writing it xD

I love dragons btw :3

A  g l i m p s e  o f  f r e e d o m

—–

“Selfish?”She gave a small grin hiding even more behind sharp teeth.“I have not stolen this body to end my voidless life, nor am I hiding my true self. Not all Spirits are deceitful.”Her orange eyes snatched over, fixed  like a predator on it’s pray, “No, my dear, it was given to me willingly by someone very dear to me. That’s why I would fight you for it and I always intent to win.”

Hear the sirens covering distance in the night

by filopay

A  g l i m p s e  o f  t r u t h

–

“It is not that I see myself as the chosen one, there has never been one to chose me, not until…” Her eyes tired but true for the first time, meet yours.

“The mighty ones have to endure, so that they can protect the underneath. But I have feathers in my mouth, tingling all the way down to my stomach-”

Her words don’t make any sense. "Is that what you think you do? Protect them?!" 

All you see is uncertainty, for the first time she seemed conflicted in her belief and it scares you. Her eyes were pleading, searching. You wish you had answers for her.

“If I don’t, no one else will.”

Character Introduction: Nulburnad Thorne aka Lim

Their charms might fool you, but never underestimate the close advisor of the King. They’ve got the city tightly clutched into their clawed hands, the young King their marionette. Better keep your heart safely locked away, for they would steal it too.

Hear the sirens covering distance in the night

by filopay

Character Introduction: Nulburnad Thorne aka Lim

Their charms might fool you, but never underestimate the close advisor of the King. They’ve got the city tightly clutched into their clawed hands, the young King their marionette. Better keep your heart safely locked away, for they would steal it too.

ARN ARMUNDSON

sixteen | he/him | Human | Nord

Oh I'm not scared mother Can't you hear he calls my name Oh boy, the sky's not speaking And the wind will never learn your name Oh no you're wrong mother And the wind and I, I think we'll run away

— Finnegan Tui

[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] ~Hatred

"I know it's not ideal." 

She says that every time you both set up the small little camp built out of twigs and leaves somewhere in the woods. As if it would change the situation, make it more bearable.

"I still remember the first blanket I made you." Her smile was weak, but her eyes glistened with fondness, as she tried to cushion the floor beneath your shelter, "You were so small back then, it swallowed you whole, but eventually you grew into it. You could never fall asleep without it." 

Her smile dropped then, as if realising that everything you have ever owned, every story behind it, was lost.

"I remember." Perhaps a small condolence, but for a moment her strained smile returned.

She laid out her coat on the wet wooden floor beneath the makeshift shelter, she never asked you to take off yours for the both of you to lie in. You noticed everything she had ever done, she did for you. Even if it meant, leaving everything behind. She never hesitated.

Sometimes you wonder if she regrets her decision. If she regrets having you. When will she realise that you are a mere burden to her?

"That should do it. You go in first, munchkin." 

"Where are you going?" She always leaves to make sure you are both safe. You know she barely sleeps to keep an eye on you too, you can see it in the shadows beneath her eyes. 

So far she always returned to you, you always found each other even amidst the chaos, but what if she can't find you? What if one time, she does not return?

"Don't worry." She smiles and draws a warm hand over your cheek, as if sensing your worries, "Make yourself comfortable. It won't be like this forever. Soon we'll be back in a cozy and warm bed, behind the safety of the walls and there will be no need to run anymore. I promise."

"When?" You ask despite knowing the answer.

"When we manage to have you do the proper ritual. When the God of Mountains will accept you."

"I have to perform a great hunt for that. All I do is hide."

"All when the time is right. Sleep now. I will be back shortly."

That too was something you have heard her say a lot since you both had been forced to flee into the woods. You're no longer certain that there will ever be a right time. How can you prove yourself, when she won't let you?

“You always pretend like nothing is wrong, but they took our home from us and now want to kill us. You don’t even hate them for it. Like we deserved what happened.” You scoff, not understanding how she can remain so positive despite it all not being your fault.

She halts for a moment, the smile from before is replaced with worry. “Don’t- Arn, look at me.” You begrudgingly tilt your head to meet her gaze, “We did not deserve any of it, Fate was playing against us. The people had chosen, they are afraid and think that the new ways are giving them more security, but it's not the system that is wrong. Not only.”

“So you do hate the scholar too.” 

“It’s okay to be angry, but don’t let your heart darken from it. They won, fair and just. I agreed to the rules and we would be a bad loser if we do not respect their win. So, no, I do not hate them for it. I think it was the right time for a change.”

“Why would the people like them better than us? We have been ruling over the North for generations. The scholar just arrived a few weeks prior to my coronation. It is just not fair.”

“I know the timing makes it look even worse.” She says with a tired sigh and you realise only now, that she must have been trying to appear strong for you, hiding her own frustration well, “I can’t promise you that it will all get back to how it was, that we will reclaim the throne, I think our time is over, but I can promise you, that we will no longer need to hide. That we do not need to be afraid for our lives and hide in the trees. You will sleep in safety. I will promise you that.”

You drop your head with a heavy heart. “I still hate them.” They took your big day from you, they ruined it all. How can she so easily forgive?

She hums, a sad look in her eyes. “It is your right to do so. Yet, you should try to sleep. We will discuss our options tomorrow.”

You watch as she gets up with alert eyes before disappearing into the darkness to lead any pursuers astray. She didn't even take her coat with her.

You try to do as she said. You try to make yourself comfortable, but her absence and the fear riddled with the growing hatred within your heart was making it difficult. If only you could do something to help. Make a difference yourself. But you couldn’t. You were nothing but a burden to her and powerless in a world that was ruled by power. You were only a child in the eyes of the adults around you. How can you change that?

You close your eyes, try to quiet the voices in your head. That the coat was smelling of her sweet and calm scent did help a little and soon you found yourself slowly drifting off. Afterall, it had never been about the blanket she had made for you, it was about having something of your mother close.

Even if she herself, seldom was.

[ 967 words ]

Next Part ➜

SAEL

unknown | he/him | 195 cm | Saelethir | from the Stars

Visions of you Make the vision of me seem So in touch only to see Call from the mountaintop What you desire from me You never need, you never needed anyone

— Temples

[ 1 ] [ 2 ]

Prompt from: @oc-tober2023 [ I am not following the same order ]

~ Home

It is strange.

To walk this earth, when it no longer resembles his memory. The brightness of his surroundings has stolen his sight, along with the absence of the moon and stars. He feels lost in a world that once was his home.

Those were the most drastic changes he noticed and felt everyday. The smaller ones only occurred to him with time. For one, they seem to favour community. The more people, the better. They prefer being around others and even crave their attention and approval. This concept of needing others has never occurred to him before.

Furthermore, they can see and yet they are blind to the many things that he saw as essential. That one took him a lot of studying and listening in and it was the most difficult to understand. He still wasn’t quite sure, he completely gets it.

They don't touch him to understand him emotionally or mentally, because whenever he reaches for them, there's no response. It seems that talking is their preferred method of communication. And they do talk. A lot.

“Sael!” He heard one of them shout the name they had given him, “What are you doing moping around in the corner on your own. You can help us.”

Sael only knew who the one speaking was, because while his surroundings remained invisible to him, he could see their essence. Each one had a different colour, a different light within them. It was alive, it told Sael of their feelings too, but some shone brighter than others and the one speaking, had a weak one. He was almost certain, he called himself Ralof and his essence was a mix of red and orange.

“Come on. There is a lot to do.” The one called Ralof said and as he moved closer, Sael could see him a little better. They liked to give people names, Sael had noticed them call each other by it to get another's attention. As they now did with him too. Which is why he needed a name, they said.

It took him some getting used to. He had never been called before, there had never been a need for it. When this place was still his home, there had been only him and the lost souls of the dead. They searched him out on purpose, for the moon and the stars were connected with Sael and he was able to guide them back to them. They needed him and thus came to him willingly. He never needed to get their attention and they didn’t need to get his.

Sometimes he wonders if that is the reason why these people killed the moon and stars. They didn’t want him to guide them back – they wanted to stay down here at all cost. Sael wasn’t sure he approved of their method though and why they kept him around if there is nothing he can do for them.

When he looked for the one called Ralof, he was already gone and off to somewhere else. Sael did not see where he went, his essence too small to track. They were all moving around a lot, Sael had listened them for a moment. Sometimes they speak to each other, other times they argue. They seemed busy and at the same time, he did not know with what exactly.

Sael’s attention was grabbed when one of the brighter ones passed him by, a shining blue, it sometimes reminded him of the light of the stars. As the only clearly visible thing to him, he followed him instead. When he stopped, Sael attempted to reach out, until he remembered, that as usual, it would be a one sided conversation on his part. So instead, he put to use his many hours of observation.

“Aegon.” He called him by his name. A shout for attention, something that should work. It was strange, hearing the sound of his own voice, foreign and clumsy to his ears.

“Ah, sorry, didn’t see you there.” Aegon’s essence flickered for a moment – he was happy to see him.

“You’re just in time to witness how marvelously I can tie a net.” Sael heard him struggle with something, then a tiny snap, “Ah, never mind, it snapped. I guess we will never know. To be honest, I don’t know why Elora has us set up decorations this early. It’s still a few weeks away and she always puts me on the most boring of tasks.

Why don’t we try something else. Something more fun. Let me see.” Aegon seems to be thinking, looking at something Sael couldn’t see.

Then suddenly, he grabbed his wrist and Sael instinctively read his feelings - there was excitement, mixed with a certain focus. He was thinking about thousands of different things at once, but all were bright and warm like his hands. At first Sael thought he liked sharing his positive emotions with others, because he was very tactile and seldom in a sour mood, but since they don’t do it to communicate with him, he wasn’t so certain why he did it at all.

Yet it wasn’t entirely unwanted, since it gave Sael a short glimpse of what they try to tell him with their many words and with Aegon, it was always a pleasant experience. Like now, he knew whatever Aegon had spotted, he was excited to share with him.

“We can choose the hanging decorations. Usually that’s what Elora does, she has a set plan for what goes where, but she always needs a ladder.” He chuckles as he pulls Sael after him, “Don’t tell her I said that.”

Aegon was also the most talkative, which was helpful, because Sael hadn't figured out how the rules of talking to each other worked yet. He was told however, that there are very strict rules to follow. Yet no one had explained to him those rules, but he doesn’t blame them. Afterall, he hadn’t told them that he mostly communicates through touch either.

“I think I will take this one, I always wanted to hang it up." He snickers as Sael hears something shuffling about in front of them, "Elora never hangs it up because it reflects the light and 'it could distract someone', but I like it."

"I like bright things."

He sees Aegon’s essence swell, glowing even brighter. "You get me." He's happy.

Not knowing what was lying there in front of him, Sael used his hands to feel about. It was a strange act in itself. Inanimate objects don’t have feelings or thoughts and yet he is touching them.

“Take the one that speaks to you the most. Whichever it is, we hang it up.” Aegon explains, “If you want me to describe them to you, let me know.”

Some were with sharp edges others were of a more fragile material, it crumbled when he touched them. Then he found one that was solid and smooth. It was thin and boney. It felt familiar. It felt like home.

He still remembers the lost souls that came to him with sorrow and grief. Anger and desperation. Their lives had ended, but their struggles followed them regardless and tied them to the ground. Touching them, it felt like the decoration in front of him. Even if the item had no feelings to get rid of, no need for him to guide it to the stars. It was familiar enough that he liked it.

“Ah, yes, that’s a classic. Good choice.” Aegon praises and with a bit more confidence, Sael draws it closer to him, “Now let’s see where we can hang it up…”

Sael took the object with him as he followed Aegon, blessed to have found a piece of home, despite it no longer resembling his memories. It seems that home was never really gone and he wonders then, where else he could find similarities. 

It made the drastic changes to this world, a little less overwhelming. [ 1.447 words ]

Next Part ➜

[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]

Prompt from:@oc-tober2023

[ I am not following the same order ]

CW: A little creepy chase, something stinks of death, all in the fashion of halloween I suppose (I am very bad at summarising CWs, I’m so sorry.)

~Saviour

You woke up with a start.

Something that months of running for your life did to you, is being attentive to any kind of noise around you - even when you sleep.

You did not dare make any hasty movements, if whatever is making those noises is human or animal, it might not see you, if it's not… you don't know what else to do but run.

The trees rustled ahead, it was dark. You realised, you were alone. She did not return. Why did she not return?!

A sudden stomp right next to your shelter made you snap out of the sudden panic. It was close, right next to you behind the twigs and leaves built to hide you beneath. 

You held your breath. Another step, slower this time, as if it was searching. You heard it moan and creak like bending a bark. Not human!

The Underfolk can see you. It can see through the leaves and twigs, you knew you should run, but something was rooting you to the spot. You couldn't move.

You heard it bend forward, its close, confused by the barrier it cannot see. Clumsy hands started to pat around your shelter. It won't hold. What are you doing! Why can't you move!

Your heart beat rapidly, you think you forgot to breathe entirely. Another stomp and it blocks the entrance now. You stare at the cold and dark legs, like the pitch black night itself, it looked boney and … dead.

Just then, its smell reached you. Rotten and foul, you had to stop yourself from gagging by slapping a hand over your mouth to not make a sound. It's no use, it can see you anyway - your mind tried to tell you as you stared at its legs to see the exact moment, it lost its patience. You need to run! Why won't your legs move! It will break through easily.

Then, a sudden tickle runs up your arms and legs, as you look down you see the shadow of something crawling up your limbs. A bug!

Suddenly your legs work! You sprint to your feet, break through the roof of your shelter and without further ado, turn and run. You hear the creature scream surprised, a voiceless, breathless shout. They no longer have a voice.

You don't wait to hear what it tried to say.

Stomp, stomp, stomp. 

It was quicker than you, you knew that from experience. Your mother always slowed it down with the power of her god. You had no god. Only your legs.

So you ran around trees, stumbled through the darkness, over hatches and moss. Your breath was cold but your hands were warm when you held onto the cold bark of a big tree. The Underfolk was on you in a second, so you slid behind the tree, knowing from experience that it can't see its surroundings very well.

It somehow always sees you however. 

You heard its gaze snap towards you in an instant, a painful crack of its stiffened neck. Then it ran and that fast, you slid down the tree, closing your eyes, waiting for the impact. It didn't take long and you felt the shattering of the creature hitting the tree. It wailed, a quiet scream - then you heard it stumble disoriented, boney legs slipping over wet leaves.

Then it shuffled away and you heard it run back into the forest. Only then you allowed yourself to breathe. It was gone for now, but it found you once, it can find you again. Your mind instantly shifts back to your mother still out there.

What if it finds her?

You sat there for a moment longer, knowing its not wise, but you needed a moment to calm down. The leaves of the trees above rustled with the wind and you felt a small breeze pass you by. Then suddenly a tickle up your arm. Looking down, you saw a small beetle, it was crawling up towards your hand and this time you lift it up and look at it with relief.

"Thank you for waking me out of my stupor." You say to the little thing, "You are my saviour. Without you I would have probably been dead or well, sick with the Rot by now. So, thank you."

You gently place your hand down onto the forest floor so it could scurry away, but somehow, it remained. 

"You don't want to leave?" You can't help a little smile, everyone always leaves you behind, how stupid to expect a bug to stick around. "I'm sure you have better places to be than stick with me."

You try again, placing your hand onto the ground, but the very moment your hand touches the ground, a bright light pops up in front of you and you have to shield your eyes.

It is not by my choice, just to make that clear.

An ethereal voice spoke to you and slowly you lower your arm from your face. There in front of you, was a bright light, floating and blinding. 

Bramble chose to help you.

"Bramble?" You did not know who or what was speaking to you, but it sounded annoyed.

The Rose Chafer in your hand calls himself Bramble, because he likes it so much. Why he likes you, I cannot understand.

You blink, looking down at the back of your hand, where the small green shimmering beetle was still crawling merryly over your hand, wiggling its antenna.

He misses the warmth of the sun. He said you are as warm as its shine. The voice scoffed, but you could not hear any real malice behind it. 

"You know what he says?" You pull the small beetle closer to you, trying to inspect it, and see its tiny antenna wiggle in delight as you do.

"What did he say now?" You wonder, fascinated by the little thing.

You hear the voice mumble something under its breath, you only catch single words like 'humans', 'annoying', 'ungrateful'.

When you look up towards the light, you see it shift from left to right, almost like it was pacing.

He says I should help you and listen to your concerns, despite him knowing that I do not converse with humans.

You blink, looking closer at the shining light, floating in front of you.

Are you talking to a god?

[ 1.059 words ]

Next Part?➜

[ 1 ] [ 2 ]

[ new image at the end to avoid spoilers ] Prompt from: @oc-tober2023 [ I am not following the same order ]

~Choice

“No.

This is unacceptable.”

After Sael had figured out how to hang things up with the help of Aegon, the yellow glowing one came over, essence flaring.

“I told you to place the nets around the room, Aegon. The hanging decorations come last, because they each have a set place. You have to consider the angle, the size and where the chairs or standing positions are about to be, so no one gets distracted or walks right through them. How is anyone supposed to enter the room with that thing right in the doorway?”

“Sael and I chose them. It’s his first Halloween, I’m sure you can let it slide.” Sael heard Aegon rustle next to him, not quite sure what he was doing, “Besides, I did place the nets.”

He heard the yellow one groan, he vaguely remembers she called herself Elora. “I didn’t mean you should cover yourself in them.”

“Well, they are kinda sticky.” He heard Aegon move around next to him, apparently struggling with something, “Wait, Sael, can you hold that for a moment?”

Still not used to being addressed through words, Sael did not immediately react or understand what Aegon wanted from him, but luckily there was no need for it. Aegon took his hand for a split second, Aegon’s irritation and confusion rushing through Sael at the short touch, but then he already let go again and what remains was a weird and sticky texture lying in his hands. It was rather unpleasant.

“Can you pull at it? Maybe then it gets off of me.”

Sael was uncertain how to operate further, trying to get rid of that weird thing in his hands, but no matter how he turned his hand, it stuck to him. He slowly starts to understand where Aegon’s irritation was coming from – he too felt it now.

“Now you are covering him in it too. I can’t even watch. Aegon, stop spinning.”

He heard Aegon make unpleasant noises. “Ugh, I think it’s in my mouth.”

“Because you won’t stop turning, would you just-”

“Is it someone's birthday?” They get interrupted as another member joins in on their conversation and Sael sees a purple essence floating about merrily.

“This is not the set decoration, Lorna, so don’t get attached to it.” Elora explains, a sigh somewhere hidden behind her words.

“Oh, we will keep it.” Aegon counters.

“This one is blocking the entrance and you are hanging up birthday decorations, Aegon.” Elora says, “We are not throwing a birthday party in case you forgot.”

“Well, I like them both the way they are.”

It seems eventually everyone was gathering closer and Sael had difficulty to keep them apart when they stand so close to another. There was the other brighter one among them, he saw the pink essence shine brightest among the gathered. It was easy to focus on them.

“The Seeress is right. We’re the ones having to look at it until the end of the month.”

“That’s news to me.” Lorna snorted, “Didn’t know you live here, your highness.”

“I don’t want to be the one asked all night, who’s birthday it is.” The pink one explains, “Blocking the entrance however, good choice.”

“Oh, because they have to walk through it like a haunted house. See how many dare to do so.” Ralof said, he was the red one Sael remembers.

“I was about to say it keeps the number of attendees to a good minimum, but your point makes the same statement, so I agree.”

“That means more booze for me, so I’m fine with that.” Lorna says.

“Oh, what no. We want people to come, don’t we? We put so much effort into it.” Ralof says.

“Well, some of us did, other’s just stood around looking pretty.” Lorna complains. “Even Sael picked something up and he can’t even see. What’s your excuse?”

“I arranged the celebration for the whole city. I have chosen enough decorations.”

“Show-off.”

After that, their voices mixed as did all of their essence as they moved closer. The volume was at the highest, the arguments starting again. It seems to be a common occurrence and Sael wonders why they favoured closeness if that is the outcome. Perhaps it was part of this celebration they keep mentioning.

“Hey, don’t worry about them.” Aegon says, stepping next to him, “It’s a celebration for everyone, isn’t it? I think it’s important that each of us sets up something of their own.

I mean you do want to celebrate it with us, right? It’s not a must, there are other things we could do too. I’m sure Nul has prepared some events throughout the city that are interesting too.”

It was a question, perhaps directed at Sael, perhaps not. He wasn’t certain about questions yet. Only that it made Aegon stop talking and awaiting for Sael to do so instead. He wanted him to speak – to answer.

“You-?” He wasn’t even sure how to ask back, what it was, that Aegon wanted from him. Which words, he wanted to hear.

He could see Aegons essence nudge to one side in confusion.

Letting out a frustrated breath, Sael wrecked his brain for anything else he had observed that would help him communicate with him better. He remembers that one of them, often used many and other times very few words. The yellow one, yes, Elora. Sometimes she speaks a lot, other times, she just says one word. That seems to satisfy and stop further questions almost always. Perhaps that could help.

Sael cleared his throat, trying to familiarise himself with using his voice. Then he spoke: “No.”

Aegon’s essence quirk up surprised for a moment and it made Sael wonder if that one word might only work for Elora.

“Wait, you- you don’t want to celebrate with us?” Then he let out a nervous laugh, “I mean of course you don’t have to. I was just surprised. I just thought- ah, never mind.”

“See, even Sael doesn’t want to come any more.” It was Ralof that spoke, “We should stop arguing about whoever is coming inside or not, because I say, everyone currently present, is certainly invited.”

“I can’t.” It was Nul and everyone seems to turn towards them, “I have to oversee the festivities in the city. You’d be surprised at how many go up in flames.”

“Ask the Commander to do that for you. We need you!” Ralof tried to convince them.

“I won’t miss them.” Lorna says.

“It’s Sael’s very first celebration ever. And-” It was Aegon talking into the room, but then he seems to address Sael directly, “We’d love to have you celebrate it with us. If you want to keep it small, we can do that, if you like it big or go all out and about in town, just let us know and we do that instead. However you like to celebrate it, we’re with you. If you have us.”

There seems to be a murmur of agreement going through the group and Sael was slowly but surely understanding what they were asking of him. They wanted to be with him and everyone else to a set time and event. A promise, a choice. They wanted him to make it. To choose to be with them.

How very strange these people behave. Sael was certain he would never stop learning about them.

So a choice he made, trying himself at another short word that he had picked up on the go, that best conveys the feelings he would usually share directly:

“Neat.”

[ ~ 1250 words ]

Prompt from:@oc-tober2023 [ I am not following the same order ]

~ Education

Sael is teaching the others about stars. (Only an Image for a change)

LORNA TINKLEWALD

twenty-three | she/her | 146 cm | Dwarf | Brandurag

I cannot be bothered to be friendly And why'd you keep on calling me your baby? You ain't doing nothing to impress me So now is not the time for you to test me — Cher Loyd

[ 1 ] [ 2 ]

Prompt from: @oc-tober2023 ' [ I am not following the same order ]

~ Foreigner

"The Queen has lost!"

All conversation instantly stopped the moment the young dwarf had stormed into the Bulky Mule. Then murmurs arose and there was uncertainty in their gazes. It had been a change that they had wanted, but was it a good change?

Lorna placed the mug down she was currently drying and raised her voice above the whispers. 

"Who took her place?"

It was not difficult for her to be heard, she always had a certain confidence. With her words, the murmurs stopped around the filled tavern, everyone wanted to hear the answer.

The young dwarf by then had walked towards a table and taken one of the filled mugs to drown it in one go.

He dried his mouth with a swipe of his sleeve, before looking into the round. "Some foreigner. From the east, I believe."

"Is that a good omen?" "What if it's a dwarf!" "More likely a dragon."

"There is nothing to worry about." Lorna quiets the many questions going around, "It is a change, that's more of a chance for us than we ever hoped. We will find out more about this foreigner and see if we can get our voices heard. We need to start early however, the sooner the better, before once more it becomes common to ignore us. Show this new ruler that we are not easily silenced and don't even give the chance for us to be forgotten."

There were nods and some 'hear, hear!' The overall worries seemed to be eased and that is when Lorna waved the young dwarf that had spoken over.

One of the barmaids addressed him and escorted the confused dwarf inconspicuous through the tavern and into the back room. Lorna was already uncovering the map that was hidden beneath a simple tablecloth. It showed the whole of northern Aestricca, the north with the fortress they reside in right now, below that the harbour city, their neighbour and far in the west divided by water, lay on another land. Their once home.

Lorna however, only uncovered the eastern part, beyond pointy mountains and the vast forest of Rania, lie Bullmar. On the map, indicated by an empty region. 

Not much was known of the east that even the map was incomplete. It was always described as harsh and unwelcoming, but then again, that's what they said about the north as well. She didn't give much about rumours.

"You said this foreigner comes from the east." She points to the empty spots on the map, "We need to find out what their aim is. Why leave the east to become a ruler of the north."

Her hand drew back over to the west. "So we can finally reclaim our home and no longer be foreigners ourselves." [ words ~461 ]

LORNA TINKLEWALD

[ 1 ] [ 2 ]

Prompt from: @oc-tober2023

[ I am not following the same order ]

~Food

With a wide stride Lorna walked down the street. Wherever she went, she got greeted by the others and she greeted them back.

It wasn't difficult to walk with your nose high when surrounded by the people you know and love. And Lorna loved her people, even when she didn't know any of them before circumastances forced them to flee their country together.

Many different cities and cultures mixed together under the same threat, perhaps it was the shared misery that had glued them tighter together then ever. If nothing, that was one good thing that came out it.

It was never enough to even out the negatives however. She grabbed the bag in her firm grip a little tighter, her heavy steps not once slowing down when she approached a young dwarven woman.

"Oh, bless you. I don't know what we would do without you, Lorna." The dwarven woman took the offered bag from Lornas hands, her cheeks had fallen in, her clothes were rugged and old. The people were starving and there was always something to do about it.

"It's not much, just the leftovers from the tavern, if not you, Gael would have eaten it and you know he's got way then enough on his ribs."

The young woman laughed, something that she did way too little.

"We would be off way worse without you. You have my support don't forget that."

Lorna stands just a little straighter, "It's not just food I will be giving you in the future. It's going to be freedom, a way to earn a living for yourself. A chance to live a long and happy life without a fear for the Rot."

The woman smiles, clutching the bag of food closer to her person. "Is the meeting still held tonight? I fear Derem is feeling very low again as of late, he could use some hope. Your speeches always manage to lift him up."

"It's not just words. We will force the city to listen to us, if need be. You are a capable fighter, if you want to join us, the offer still stands."

"I really want to support you, but I can't let Derem alone. I fear for him. What if it happens when I'm gone, what if the sickness has taken him?" She lets her head hang low, "I couldn't life with myself knowing I couldn't say goodbye."

"Aye, we'll be fighting for his cure as well." Lorna nods, "You support us enough for showing up to the meetings. Yours and Derems input help us alot."

"I'm glad to be of help and thank you for the food. He always looks forward to it." She smiles warmly, her eyes sunken, marred by the strain this sickness has left on so many of them.

It was time for a change and Lorna would be able to do more for these people than just bring them food. Just a few more days, and the first part of the plan, can be set into motion.

[]

ELORA ESKILDOTTIR

thirty looking | she/her | 153 cm | Elf | Nord

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Many times you were spared, oh, I did my best Every night you would call for me with your steps I was trying to sleep I was trying to sleep for you Under perfection I woke As you protected your home Oh, I just kept getting stronger I did my best to control The growing unrest in my soul — Wolfie's Just Fine

Prompt from:@oc-tober2023 [ I am not following the same order ]

CW: Drug use

~ Flashback

In a dusty corner, the sparse light barely makes the woman visible, buried beneath scrolls and books.

She slams another book closed, frustration eating at her every bone, while dark circles beneath her eyes seem to grow by the hour.

"Another dead end." She lets herself fall back into the chair, eying the scattered information in front of her. Nothing of value was found.

If only she would find an answer to her many questions, find a good lead to know how to continue. When frustration makes its way through, she starts to doubt her own decision. She chose this very topic of research, but perhaps it was never meant to be brought into the light. An answer never to be found.

She lifts her hand, pushing her sleeve up to reveal blackened veins running down towards her hand. It had been there ever since she was a child, she had read in the many books, that it was supposed to grow until it covers the whole of her body, but it had never changed. Not for her.

If only she could remember that day she got the black veins - but it was so long gone and she had been but a child.

Then by chance, her eyes landed on a detailed illustration in a book to her right. A mushroom, dried, used to clear one's mind. If she couldn't remember, perhaps that could force her memories.

"I need something very specific." Elora interrupted the cook. Her red flaming hair as passionate as her request.

"Don't you always." The cook didn't even look up from her work,"Found something interesting in your books?"

"It's research. Everything has the potential to be interesting, but only worth the goddesses' time, until I tested and studied it."

"What you need?"

"Dried mushrooms."

The cook lifted a skeptical eyebrow. "Just any mushroom or a specific one?"

"The one that will give me answers about my own mind." The woman explains, dark circles beneath her eyes.

"By the gods, you better be careful with stuff like that. It can smoke your brains out, I tell you." Then the cook sighed, "There is no stopping you, however. I know what you need. Follow my instructions and you might be fine."

"I'll take the risk."

"You Heralds are crazy."

The smoke made her face heat up, cold sweat trickling down her neck as slowly her mind started to swim.

She didn't notice it kicking in, or so she thought, but as she started to stand up, everything was spinning and she was smiling.

"How could you do this to us!"

She knew that voice.

"You only ever think about yourself, so selfish and unruly. Is it my fault you turned out to be such an ungrateful daughter?!"

She remembers that memory. It was the fifth pursuer her mother had send after her and Elora had refused his advances bluntly so. Again.

"I will miss you, Élie'rel." 

Her sister. She could never forget her voice.

"Don't ever change, no matter what anyone says. You will find your answers and surprise everyone. I am proud of you."

It was the last time she had seen her, had it already been too long to remember? 

She shook her head. Focus. She was here for answers, not to feel guilty.

Back then Eyrier Lay, the white Valley, was prosperous and lively. The grand elven city En'ayn Mun stood proud and beautiful, the eye piece of the whole area. Lush forests and fields covered the valley. It were merry times.

She remembers the smell of the baked goods sold in the streets, the softness of her bedsheets, the warm sun on her skin when she drank her favourite tea atop the balconies.

She could feel it now. Her mother was smiling at her, her face younger, carefree. Elora can't remember a time her mother had ever smiled in her life. It was a foreign sight.

Everything around her was bright, she couldn't make out the details, but she felt her mother take her hand, they started walking down a copple stone street. Then suddenly, the light vanished, it was suddenly utter cold, the sky was black and she thought that black snowflakes were falling from the sky. Ash?

Then screams, her mother grabbed her small frame, hefted her up into her arms. Elora didn't see them coming, but she knew they were there.

Her mother only stopped when they reached their home. She locked the door, before asking Elora questions, she couldn't make out anymore. Perhaps even back then, she didn't understand them.

Then suddenly her mother was ripped from her view, she looked around, but her house was foggy, she couldn't clearly see. It was like a dream, no a nightmare.

"Mother!" She shouted, her small heart beating wildly in her chest. Then something gripped her wrist, tightly, she cried out by the pain, it was painfully cold, it was freezing her arm solid.

Then it let go and everything went dark, as she sunk to the ground of the library.

ELORA ESKILDOTTIR

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Prompt from @oc-tober2023

[ I am not following the same order ]

~ Promise

"My Lady?"

Elora groaned, the voice an unpleasant disturbance. She kept her eyes closed, not willing to wake just yet.

"My Lady, Herald? The All-Seeing wants to speak to you."

That snapped her awake in an instant. Blue eyes now wide awake as she sat up from the floor. Why was she lying on the floor?

The Library Assistant flinched back, looking at Elora with hesitant eyes. She was one of the lower devotees. Granted a glimpse at a few pages of Iesis grand library, when she did her duties well. Elora barely ever talks to the others living and working in the tower. Iesis does not tolerate distractions. Thus she never learned their names.

It was clear that the Assistant wanted to leave as soon as possible.

Elora pressed her fingers against her temples, a thick headache starting to take root. "I will be there, you are dismissed."

The Assistant bowed once, before departing with hasty steps.

It didn't take long and the all familiar voice echoed through Eloras mind.

"You are slacking." It chided, "I have been calling you for awhile now. You did not react. Come to the secret library. I am waiting there for you."

She seems dissapointed.

Elora got up right away, albeit slower as her mind started spinning. The memories still fresh in her mind, as she pulled up her sleeve, the black veins running down her arm were still visible. What did it all mean?

She hasted up the steps of the winding tower towards the secret library of her goddess. It was locked behind a magical door, only those who were granted the key by the goddess herself, could enter. As Elora stood before the golden gates, they opened upon her approach.

The room was bright. The curved roof was built of glass, expensive and skillfull work. A craft lost with the last elves. The All-Seeing goddess created it out of memories that Elora had provided and whenever she entered the secret library it overwhelned her with a longing for a time long lost.

"Don't make me wait again, Herald. When I call you, you are to answer immedietly." 

Elora's attention was quickly on the figure standing at the end of the library, her back turned towards her reealed her owl wings sticking out of her back. If not for the wings, her height was a good indication for her not being human. Her tall body wrapped in scriptures, pages stuck to her body, with scribbled texts and sigils that only herself can decipher. Where the pages end, the text continues on her skin.

Pages were floating around her freely while she read in a thick and dusty book, long elegant fingers turning the pages.

Elora bend one knee, averting her gaze.

"I am at your service All-Seeing." She greets, hearing the goddess smack her tongue.

"You are one of the last of your kind. Are you not?"

"Yes." Elora saw no need to lie, it was a known fact.

"You promised me knowledge long lost and forgotten, valuable insight into your peoples culture. It had entertained me for awhile, but it seems others are eager to take your place."

Elora frowns, she knew for a fact that she was the only elven follower Iesis has, most of the elves preferred hiding, blending in. She had never been good at sitting idle.

She flinched, as the heavy book fell to the ground in front of her. The heavy cover breaking in half.

There were drawings of architecture and furniture. Elven furniture. Her interest piped Elora scooted closer turning the pages, these were things long forgotten. Memorial places, the crafts of building them. Where has this come from?

"Lando or should I say Tin'avel used to be a craftsmen of your people. He has been most forthcoming that I am considering him as my Herald."

Elora swallows. He could have the means to replace her.

Suddenly the pages dissapear in front of her, they start to dissipate and looking up she saw the goddess towering over her, her one eye all that her face posessed inhaling the contents of the book.

It then snapped towards her, unblinking, attentive and all seeing. It was not an easy gaze to hold.

"I have watched your progress on your new topic of interest. I like your dedication, your thirst for answers."

Elora averts her gaze again, nodding. "I am on the right path, I can feel it. There is more to the dark creatures that attacked my home. I just need a bit more time."

"No." The goddess voice was harsh, almost making Elora look up again, "Time will not get you what you need. The knowledge you seek is not hidden in my library, if so, I wouldn't need you looking through it. I have read each book you find on these shelves, I know every content inside of it. What you seek lies elsewhere."

"Where?"

"The northern Kingdom of En-Ar."

En-Ar. The land of Kings. Once her homeland.

"Travel to the fortress Skaeld in my dear brother's domain, the god of mountains. Be wary of him, all he knows is the mindless instincts of an animal. There will be no reasoning with him. He will prevent you from entering the city, should you be discovered as my Herald."

The last standing fortress of En-Ar. "Win'av El. The never falling refuge." Now occupied by humans, who rebuild the ruins of her people. She always wantesld to see it. If she could spot the changes done to it - find familiarities. Answers.

"It is time for you to return to your roots and fulfill your promise to me. There you will find out more on the creatures of the night, how they came to be and how to defeat them."

"Defeat?" She thought she was there for knowledge alone.

"Ulgrim's followers are Warriors. They prefer raw violance over reason. Don't expect a warm welcome there. My brother can be quite unreasonable, but I know he hides valuable knowledge from me. You are to bring it to me without raising his suspicion. Can I count on you, Herald?"

"Always." Elora nods, dipping her head lower in respect.

She thought to hear her goddess smile.

"You will leave at the break of dawn, I will bless you with the swift wings of my owls. And remember that I will be watching you, Herald. I know the sight of a new city can be tempting, but you shall not fall for its allure. Don't break your promise to me or you will regret it." 

[ ~ 1083 words ]

Prompt from:@oc-tober2023

[ I am not following the same order ]

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~ Mask

"Can I count on you, Herald?"

"Always." Elora nods, dipping her head lower in respect.

She thought to hear her goddess smile.

Iesis or Uwila | the goddess of wisdom, knowledge and healing | Animal: The Owl | Symbol: Open Eye

Sometimes she appears as a fair maiden, with long white hair and owl wings on her back. On her forehead a giant eye. Othertimes she is dark skinned, wrapped entirely in scrolls scribbled texts on body and paper. Owl wings and one giant eye for a face. Its usually her I- can't- be- bothered- to- dress- up look. She changes her look fairly often, based on whatever new powerful knowledge she consumes. The eye and the owl wings the only prominent feature that stay. Thus they became what people associate with her.

RALOF REILIFSON

Thirty | he/him | 182 cm | Human | Nord

The self is not so weightless, nor whole and unbroken Remember the pact of our youth Where you go, I'm going, so jump and I'm jumping Since there is no me without you — Gang of Youths

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Prompt from:@oc-tober2023 [ I am not following the same order ]

~ Found Family

Chirp, chirp.

Ralof was awake even before the birds had sung their first tune. The floorboards creaked as he quickly reached the end of his small room, throwing a simple shirt and trousers on. The bed groaned as he sat back down to squeeze his feet into his way too small shoes. It was a simple life, but he did not mind, because looking up, hanging on the loose nail opposite of him, was his leather armour.

Reaching for it, he drew a tentative hand over the fabric, it too wasn't much, worn and a little too small for his broad frame, but it was his and he is going to wear it with pride.

Running down the stairs, he was now fully dressed, passing by the kitchen, he already saw his father prepare some breakfast.

"Morning, dad. You're early." He noticed, as he pressed himself next to his father to steal a stale slice of bread, biting into it.

"You won't leave the house without a proper breakfast." His father chastises, making Ralof halt in his quick escape, "And you need to take something with you for lunch."

He held out a small package, the breakfast he had been preparing all wrapped up in a clean cotton cloth.

"You got up this early to make me these?" Ralof was touched, usually his dad was more than grumpy about his sleep.

"I was awake anyway. Couldn't sleep. So I made use of my time." He deflects and it draws a smile on Ralofs lips.

"I couldn't sleep either, so I thought I will get there early." He gently takes the package from his fathers outstretched hand.

"Thank you." He leans forward to give his father a kiss on the cheek. "I'll tell you everything tonight."

"May Fate favour you today."

Ralof was out of the door with a light skip to his step. The air was stuffy and it had recently rained, making the path muddy and dirty but he did not mind. It was his home and he liked it here very much.

"Good morning, Ralof." He looked up, seeing his elderly neighbour throw the night pot out the window, "You're early today."

"It's the first day at my new job!" He shouted back so she would hear him.

"A new job? I thought you would take over your father's smithy. How strange."

"As of today, I am a recruit guarding the outer Walls, so if you have any concerns regarding your safety, I can be of help." He pushes his chest forward, presenting his new leather armour.

"Oh, my door has been giving me troubles lately. I fear it will fall off its hinges soon. You father had crafted them for me when he was learning under your grandfather. If you could take a look before it falls open? I am afraid of having to life without a door in these dark times."

He could surely spare the time.

"I can take a look, no problem."

She smiles brightly. "You are a darling. Thank you, Ralof."

It turned out, the hinges were just slightly loose and he walked back home to get the right tool to fix it. Then she invited him for a small cup of tea, when she took out the baked loaves, he declined and instead took them with him as she insisted on repaying him.

Now, no longer as early as he was, he resumed his walk towards the outer walls of the fortress, his little lunch package, a little fuller.

His path had him walk straight through the daily market. He liked the market very much, so many different foods and items to look at and people that came from all around Aestricca just to sell their things here. The stories he had heard them tell, always captivated him, but at the end of the day, he was still glad to be where he was.

"Ooh, look at you all dressed up." He stopped at the sound of the familiar voice. Turning around he saw a young woman with a headband wrapped around her head, standing behind a small stall selling vegetables. She was the daughter of one of the farmers living outside the walls.

He instantly stood a little taller, showing off his new armour. "I am on my way to my very first day."

"Never thought you would be the one joining the other side. Be careful not to forget us little folk here when it gets to your head." She quips, pushing her chin out.

"It's only a trial today, but I'm sure I will be taken in as a recruit. I do it because I want to help us here afterall. If there are any concerns for your safety, you can let me know. It's my job now."

She chuckles. "Careful not to say that too loud while wearing that armour. Someme might take it you feel the fortress is not a safe place to be."

He frowns. "But thats why we have the guards, to make it safe."

"All I'm saying is, that this armour gives you authority. All kinds of people will turn to you just because of ehat you wear. Use that power wisely. Saying the wrong thing to the wrong person can get you easily killed and not all take kindly to the guards."

Ralof was quiet for a moment, stunned she would think so. He had never been very good at reading situations, at least that's what he'd been told. His father always said, he better stay away from jobs that require smarts. Politics make too much troubles, and do something with his hands. He was no longer a blacksmith apprentice but is being a guard so different?

"I didn't mean to scare you. Just wanted to give you a proper warning, in case no one did. I'm sure you do fine though, you've always been enganging with the community anyway, if anyone, you will give the position a better name. You're one of the good ones, Ralof."

"I dont think there are bad guards." He shakes his head, "They follow a code, you know. I had to learn it too, the preservation of the community comes first. We need to act for the greater good. That's what I intend to do. Help people."

She gave him a weak smile. "Sure you will do great."

He nods, no doubt he will, he wasnt sure why she was so worried. Why everyone seems to want to warn him. First his dad, now her too. Then he gets it. They were afraid he'd be too busy for them. "I will still be able to help you out with setting up the stall. Don't fret, I might be more busy than usual, but I will be here if you have to carry a prized pumpkin again."

She laughs at that, "You almost dropped it last year insisting on carrying it all on your own. I'm not sure I will entrust my prized pumpkin to you again." She winks at him.

"But I will be training harder than ever now. So give me the biggest pumpkin you have and you'll see I will carry it for you with ease." He grins and she matches it easily.

"I will hold you up to that. Now I think you should be on your way. The sun is already rising above the walls." She points into the distance, where the high stone walls of the fortress loom over them all. "Dont think you want to be late to your first day."

"By the gods! I forgot the time. Let me know about the pumpkin!" He shouted the last words, already jogging down the street, dodging shoppers and merchants alike as he easily navigates through the masses of people.

A few more greet him, call him by name, but he excused himself, not having the time to stop and chat this time. He liked this city. Many speak bad about the lower district of Skaeld but he wouldn't be anywhere else. It's where he grew up, it's where everyone knew him, everyone was family to him, if blood or not. Here he would always stay and being a guard won't change that.

He had found his home, his family and choose to keep and support it as one should.

[ ~ 1.387 words ]