I was simply skipping through the waste, Nit by me side, making our way down town. Walking fast as dead faces pass, and I'm could feel I'm home bound. I keep watching the sky, calling out warnings to Nit if one was going to come near. Having traveled in this area a multitude of times due to it being home, the path was of no problem to walk across, for either of us.¹ "To our left!" I sing out, flipping my vision to keep track of the magic Dryadali. He quickly comes closer to me as a strike happens to where I had previously predicted. His face a bit flushed from the constant movement of avoiding lightning strikes, I could hear heavy breaths coming from his person.

   I could only giggle as I say, "Split!" I move slightly to the left as he backs up fast. A lighting strike happens between us, splitting the ground. He quickly glances at the sky and walks up to me with his (unfairly) long legs. "You sadist, you're enjoying this trip, aren't you?" I tilt my head to him and give one of my innocent smiles as I stand still. "Right!" He ducks left as I nearly went into a full cackle as the strike hits the ground.

   This playful banter was nothing new and a constant for our travel to the Tempest Perch. Our home could be seen so many miles away, it quickly became a joke over if we were too adapted to storms or if the tree was just that magical. Our constant batter and playfulness quickly went away when we saw a figure approaching us from a distance.

---

1. Cat's Grace

NPC: Nitin Ashwood (Earth Domain Apprentice)

SPOILER: Click to show

Quest Name: Storm Rattled
Participants: Two or more
Location: Dragon's Cradle
Post Requirements: 7 post per person, 200 words per post
Reward: +1 Renown, +1 Feather, +1 Lightning Catalyst
Description: While there is normally a massive cloud of ash and soot above the Ash Lands, strange volcanic activity has caused this cloud to grow in size, now breaching the border between the dry wastes and the electrically charged Cradle. This intrusion of ash has disturbed one of the regions mightiest creatures, the Arcuila, a massive elemental bird similar to a phoenix. A pair of these have been wildly attacking and even killing travelers as they pass through the area. These are extremely powerful creatures and must be handled with caution, but if something is not done their rampage may harm more innocent people. Find a way to eliminate or subdue the creatures.

“Here comes Master Moonweaver,
Avasha’s Wrath trembles before their might,
Conquering beast and storm alike,
Saving the woeful villagers from their plight!”

The strumming of the lute was accentuated by a wave of giggles from the reptile-kin bard currently traipsing her way through the cracked earth, long skirts swaying in the wind. Morrigan Moonweaver - enchanter, diviner, storyteller, alchemist, and all around hack - turned to face her from the back of their dragon mount with an unimpressed stare. “No, no, not good enough! You need to embellish it more. Wax poetic about how I wrested command of the lightning to slay any enemy that crossed my path. How I… I don’t know, saved a village from a rampaging Angel Beast!”

“Except none of that never happened.”

“I know none of it ever happened! But we just have to make my adoring fans think it did.”

“Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.” The minstrel said with a coy wink. “I’ll have everyone from Skypeak Village to Thorock singing your praises come next morning.”

“Oh, Mariposa, my lady, you never let me down.”

Mariposa merely giggled and returned to strumming her lute wordlessly as the entourage made its slow way through the lightning storm.

The trip through Dragon’s Cradle had been otherwise uneventful. Morrigan had only come so far up north to make their usual rounds to Thorock for herbs, and couldn’t pass up the chance to bring their new followers along - Mariposa, the sharp-tongued bard currently walking by their side while Morrigan rode atop Bubbles, and Ceres Celestia, who was currently a few feet ahead on Sparkle Blossom, just out of earshot. Morrigan, at first, had not been sure what to make of the young academic hopeful entrusted to them by the Mage’s Guild. It seemed like a disaster in the making. But Ceres, the little elf, was young and naive, and more than willing to believe that Morrigan was this great mage who would take her power to new heights.

She was young, but had great promise. Morrigan could make good use of someone of her skills and naïveté.

The entourage - Morrigan, Mariposa, Ceres, and Concorde, hopping a bit behind them while dutifully carrying Morrigan’s things - made their way at a snail’s pace through the storm, narrowly avoiding lightning strikes and pressing through the howling wind. They had yet to see another soul on this path… at least until Ceres suddenly tugged on the reins of Sparkle Blossom, pulling the horse back to Morrigan and Mariposa.

“Um, Master Moonweaver?” She stammered, fiddling with the hood of her jade-green cloak. “I think I saw something ahead… ah! That is to say - not that I think it will pose any trouble for someone of your power, but…” The young woman nearly dropped her staff from the nerves.

“Young Ceres, please, how many times do I have to tell you to act around me as you would your professors?”

“Yes! My apologies.” She quickly corrected herself, waving her hand in the air. “Well, it’s just that… there’s someone up ahead.”

“What?” Morrigan narrowed their eyes, bringing their hand up over their face to shield themselves from the rain while they tried to get a better look in the horizon.

“… Two someones, actually.” Ceres squeaked, bashful at her teacher’s displeasure.

Morrigan hummed, wrinkling their nose. They didn’t really want to deal with any other travelers, especially given the nature of the raiders that roamed these lands… but if they were crossing paths, an encounter would be unavoidable. Friend or foe, Morrigan wasn’t sure. But they were about to find out, Morrigan supposed.

“Good work, Ceres. It’s likely another set of travelers, star-crossed with ourselves. We shall act with grace and manners befitting of powerful mages, is that understood?”

“Yes!” Ceres did her best to salute while Mariposa hid a snicker behind her hand.

“Now, onwards we go!” Morrigan urged Bubbles forward, the others following behind on their heels. As they got further down the road, Morrigan could indeed make out the two figures that Ceres had spotted. Cupping their hands over their mouth so they could be heard over the lightning and the thunder, Morrigan cried out,

“Hail and well-met!” The fellblood cried. “We are but simple travelers, attempting to navigate the Cradle. We mean you no harm!”

---

Bringing Minions
Mariposa (Warlord II)
Ceres Celestia, Witch in Training (Earth Domain Apprentice)

Bringing Pets
Bubbles (Adult Drake: counts against Pet Cap)
Sparkle Blossom (Horse: counts against pet cap)
Alfred (Scarecrow Squire: doesn’t count against pet cap)
Clawdius (Gargoyle Rook: doesn’t count against pet cap)
Luna Rose (Mephit - Beastmaster I: doesn’t count against pet cap)

   The loud voice could easily be drowned out by the thunder and storm, if not for us both being so used to it. I look at the sky and motion to Nit where we can stand safely for a long amount of time without having to play tag with lightning. He quickly walks there, grabbing my arm and raising me over his shoulders till I could sit nicely on top. As he looks at the multiple people coming our way, I fix my dress to a more appropriate placement than on top of his head. After some basic shifting I look at his ears to make sure nothing was covering them, noticing they had become red. I lay my doll between my stomach and his head as I lean to the left.

   "What's got you flustered now?~" I drawled the tease along with my voice. I felt him heave a grand sigh as he face palmed his head. Beneath his hand he spoke, "Remember that student that was so young but so close to apprenticeship I told you about?" My eyes perked to the group coming closer, noticing the young witch. "Yes...the one you had to help a lot in the library due to height difference?" He gave a small nod, the red becoming brighter on his face, as he grabbed my legs to keep me on top, "I may or may not have bragged about having a teacher ready before my apprenticeship even opened up...and may have said a few things personal about you..." he quietly squeaks the last part out.

    I kick the man beneath me lightly, "What do you mean by personal?" My tone slowly growing darker. He rubs the area as the words tremble out of his mouth, "Just stuff like looks, and teas, and simple stuff like that! I swear!" I straighten up as the group gets close enough for basic conversation, "Lets see if you tell the truth."

Morrigan was not as adept at seeing through the violent storms that rocked the Dragon’s Cradle. As such, they didn’t see the two approaching figures until the duo was close enough for Morrigan to make out a man and a woman - the latter who was perched on the former’s shoulders. Apparently, young Ceres saw them too.

“Oh!”

“Something the matter, my student?” They asked, keeping their voice low.

“Oh, no, it’s just….” Ceres bit her lip, unsure how much she should divulge. She certainly recognized the young man carrying the woman as someone she’d met in the academy, before Master Moonweaver became her sponsor. He was always kind, helping her grab books from the library he couldn’t reach. He also liked to talk about the teacher he was going to have before becoming eligible to have one… a friend of his who he definitely absolutely had feelings for. Also the type of books and tea she liked. Ceres remembered him because she thought his crush was kind of cute, and when he left the academy to study under his teacher, Ceres never thought she’d see him again. She never expected to run into him here.

“That looks like one of my old classmates.” She squeaked once more, hiding under her hood.

Morrigan’s grin turned devilish. “Oh? Then I suppose it’s only polite we say hello, yes?” They approached on their dragonmount while the lady approached on her… human-mount, until they were close enough to speak to one another.

“Concorde!” Morrigan clapped their hands together, getting the squire’s attention. “My umbrella, if you please.”

The squire hopped up to Morrigan and retrieved an umbrella from his back that he held above Morrigan’s head while Morrigan flashed the newcomers a charming, extremely punchable smile. “Good afternoon, friends! Lovely weather we’re having, isn’t it?” They joked.

Crickets.

Oh, did people in Dragon’s Cradle even have a sense of humor? Morrigan cleared their throat, awkward, while Ceres waved quietly at the other apprentice from her horse. “The name is Morrigan Moonweaver - enchanter, diviner, storyteller, godslayer, champion of Zeinav, Sand Scorpion, creator of miracles and maker of elixirs most wonderful. My entourage and I are just passing through attempting to find shelter in the storm on our way back to Zeinav. Do you happen to know of any inns or settlements in the area we could stay in while the cruel tempest passes?”

   As the fell-blood left the mount, accompanied by an assistant and a umbrella, I almost laughed simply from the implications that they thought an umbrella would help with these storms. Feeling the chaos around us, I was able to remain calm at that passing thought, keeping us still. I could feel Nit watching he school friend as I listen to the apparent leader...Never mind, that right there is a walking ego with titles that are hard to earn. Best to not underestimate them, but a single title spoke to me. "You said you are a diviner?" I raise my hand up as if a student asking a question.

   I know few can get that title, and those that do are mainly in the space domain for magics. The puzzle pieces slowly come together as a simple fact is made. Morrigan was the teacher for the naive student, who has not said much about Nit. I knew that it could be left aside and I could calmly work with the situation. "Sorry for asking the question first and not introducing ourselves. I'm Keyke!" I raise my hands as lighting strikes behind us, doing little jazz hands. I lower them to lay on nit's head, "This is Nitin, I call him Nit, we were born and raised around here." He gives a head nod to Morrigan, turning his head back to the young apprentice,eyes pleading not to say anything.

   I tilt my head back to the clouds, noticing the pattern, and leaning slightly to the right. Nit get my hit and goes to the left, making way for a blast that would have knocked us down. I give a light smile, "Which town are you looking for? This never goes away around here."

There was one of Morrigan’s many prestigious and awe-inspiring titles that seemed to make the young woman perk up in interest, though not the one Morrigan expected. “Yes, a diviner - trained by the witch Madam Medb herself in the ways of fortune-telling.”

Not a lie, technically. Madam Medb was Morrigan’s teacher, though she was less what one might consider a witch and more a circus-charlatan. Yes, while Morrigan’s current business involved selling snake oil while masquerading as a wizard, their true origins had taken place in a dingy, purple circus tent, learning how to scam customers out of their money for tarot-card fortune telling. They felt no anxiety introducing themselves as such to the young woman. It was hardly the first time they had crossed paths with a true diviner, nor would it be the last.

And then the young woman raised her hands into the air, wiggling her fingers as lightning struck the ground around them. “Madam Keyke…” Morrigan dipped their head low in greeting. “And Master Nit. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Morrigan said with a teasing smirk that came off as smarmy, no doubt unintentionally terrifying the poor boy into thinking that Morrigan knew of their secret from Ceres Celestia. Morrigan knew no such things, of course, but they walked around with an air that they knew everything, so this was a common misunderstanding to make.

In response to Nit’s horrified look, Ceres Celestia merely nodded in response, signaling her agreement. She was not the type to go around spilling the secrets of others… her face was entirely beet red, though.

“And this is my entourage… Ceres Celestia, young witch in training, Mariposa, the Minstrel, Bubbles…” They patted the drake on the back, “And the young quire holding the umbrella is Concorde.”

The squire, of course, said nothing, because it was a scarecrow. But it did make a gesture with its hands, as if to convey that an umbrella was not going to protect them from the oncoming storm.

Indeed, it would not - for moments later, Nit and Keyke dodged to the left from an oncoming bolt of lightning so violent that it left a scorch mark on the ground where it struck. Morrigan gaped, staring at the spot with an incredulous expression on their face. But Keyke merely smiled as if this was no big deal.

“Uh.” Morrigan hummed, their tail swishing behind them as they tried to keep a confident expression on their face. “Well of course it doesn’t go away! Any settlement will do… my entourage and I have been out here for quite some time now, and would greatly appreciate a break from the cruel elements.”

As if to punctuate their assertion, Mariposa strummed her guitar, and thunder cracked through the air like a whip.

   A break from the elements, this simple wish can be done in three ways. But they chose the worst part to attempt to navigate. The lightning fields are some of the worst places to escape the weather.

   I would normally send her to Thorock if she was any other traveler, but she had a friend of Nit under her. I couldn't do that to someone close to my soul brother. That throws dropping them onto the criminal empire out of the window.

   I then think of Stormgale Village, a long travel time, but a place that these...whats a nice word for them? Boastful group of people. Mainly because it give shelter for travelers, has much for parties, and it gets them close to leaving the country if they so wished. But I look to Bubbles and the scarecrow, knowing neither would make it out if they stayed much longer without guidance.

    My final thought is taking them to Sky Village, where we came from. Peaceful and able to keep them from the clouds for a long time. A place that would appreciate the music and entertainment from the group...wait a moment. "Are any of you scared of heights or have trouble climbing? There is a place in that direction," I point the way we came, "That has a town in the mountains that will keep you from the storm while you recuperate. You have to climb a lot to get to it." I look to each of the group members, analyzing vertical ability for each of them. "Or may be not... um" I bite my lip as I tap Nit in the head, sending a message only he could hear, "Do you think they could last long enough to get to Stormgale without us?" He leaves his stupor, "No, even with Ceres, they are unable to travel without injuries. It's amazing how far they have come."

   My face brightens a bit as I smile at Morrigan, "I know just the place to fit your group! It's low to the ground, many people to run it, and even has a great area for entertainers!" I do a little snap, "One problem, it's the farthest town from here. So do tell me," I tilt my head to the side, keeping an innocent smile on my face, "Would you rather go there or to a closer town that's ran by criminals?"

---

1. Message (Underlined)

Yes, it was incredible indeed how Morrigan had managed to survive so long in this turbulent environment without any injuries to their person, nor any harm to their followers or drake. One might look at them and be struck with a stray spark of doubt that perhaps… Morrigan was stronger then they appeared. Surely there was something about them that was stronger than they appeared? Surely… they had some modicum of strength, enough to withstand the might of the Dragon’s Cradle Storms?

The answer was no. Morrigan had yet to be struck by lightning because of sheer, dumb luck.

Morrigan glanced around at their entourage as they considered the question. “None afraid of heights, though aside from myself on Bubbles, the rest of us might have a time of climbing…” Especially considering their enchanted squire didn’t even have the proper legs to walk, much less climb.”

Then, Miss Keyke’s eyes lit up while she snapped her fingers together, offering Morrigan a counter-proposal. Morrigan hummed, rubbing at their chin in deep thought. On one hand… they’d meant to find shelter from the storm. On the other, a town for entertainers? Perhaps Morrigan could peddle some snake oil there, put on a show. Even if it took longer, the dividends would be worth it. Especially knowing a capable young local would help them navigate the terrain.

“Fortune favors the bold, yes? Let us travel to the town you have in mind, Madam Keyke.” They dipped their head and waved their hand, indicating that they would follow her lead. “So long as we can attain shelter for the storm and find a few days to rest, then I’d prefer somewhere lively than the throes of Thorock.”

“… Um… Thank you for helping us…” Ceres spoke up, voice barely a nervous squeak as she attempted to express her gratitude.

“Yes, we are greatly appreciative for the help of a kind stranger. I assure you, that you will be rewarded handsomely for your service, Madam Keyke. There is no promise greater than that of a wizard’s.” And none as worthless as the word of a charlatan.

As the group set out down the path, Morrigan kept their eyes trained on the road ahead, Mariposa strumming her lute to accompany their travel with soft music (and over-exaggerated tales of Morrigan’s greatness), none of them noticed the soft, static crackling of electricity in the sky above. Not quite lightning, but the scent of ozone lingered in the air all the same.

And a gust of wind carried ash through the air…

   At the nod to help, I quickly hop off of Nit and start running, the footsteps behind me indicating Nit was chasing after me. I kept the fun up while keeping with the caravan. Nit started to practice magic as we ran, making notch holes that allowed him to boost himself to meet up with me.^1. While the traveling, Mariposa was playing songs of great deeds about Morrigan, only solidifying the fact that their ego was huge and is well fed.

   The trip was going very smoothly, at least until a small piece of ash caught my attention. Now it's not rare for ash to form, mainly do to the lightning strikes making fire. I started to sniff the air, hoping for a chance to figure out where to avoid. The thing was, no fire sent was nearby. I started watching the ground closely, seeing the random notches we had made and a single feather. I slow down and try to pick it up, but a streak of lighting surrounded it. I jump out of the way, realizing just what is happening. "Nit! Be ready! We have a shedding Arcuila on our hands!" I could hear his exclamation of frustration paired with worry as he readied his spells, "Shoot!"

   I look to the sky, and rather than having to watch the storm, the bird starts to dive down to us.

---

1. Mold Earth

The journey was progressing just fine, with both Miss Keyke and Nit dancing around the fields in some kind of game of tag, utterly nonchalant about the storm raging around them. It made sense, given their familiarity with the region. It was only when they spotted the beginnings of ash falling from the sky that Morrigan finally paused and looked up at the sky.

Ash?

Could have been from the lightning as Miss Keyke was thinking, but Morrigan had visited Darkveil in the past. Gone to the volcano itself in collection of Ash Roses. They knew this ash, the smell of it, the way it crumbled under their fingertips.

Something was horribly wrong.

“Erm, Madam Keyke…” Morrigan hummed, wiping their hand on a handkerchief to clean off the soot. “How far are we from Mount Drakolt?”

They did not get an answer for their question, as a feather floated from the ground, and all hell broke loose in a burst of lightning and static.

Morrigan whirled around as the giant bird descended, a storm of feathers and thunderous cries. What the hell was that? Some sort of demented lightning chicken? Morrigan shrieked, glancing behind them at the road - they needed to run! But then Madam Keyke was gearing up for battle with the damn thing. What was she doing? Was she insane?

Shit. Morrigan was thus presented with a conundrum - everything was telling them that they had to run here. They weren’t equipped to fight that fucking thing! But then they would look a coward in front of Madam Keyke! They needed to protect their image!

Putting on an air of false bravado, Morrigan puffed their chest out.

“Ha! The great Wizard of the Wastes never runs from a challenge!”

Dear Ginma, that thing is going to kill me!

“Mariposa!” Morrigan clapped their hands together, catching the bard’s attention. “My battle music! Double tempo!”

Mariposa nodded, understanding the cue. This was time to cut the shit and be serious. The air seemed to shimmer around her until she had formed a complete mirror image of herself next to her.^[1] With two Mariposas, one strummed at the lute, and the other started a battle chant while Morrigan nudged Bubbles into the air.

The strumming of the lute spurned them on, Morrigan flying into the air with a look of determination on their face that hid the fear. The Wizard never ran from battle, but Morrigan - to no one’s surprise - was actually a coward, no matter how much bravado they put on.

“Let’s go, Bubbles!” They pat the drake on the side as the two flew up to intercept the arcuila, the dragon’s lips parting with a mighty roar to rival the bird’s. The air around Morrigan simmered with heat as Bubbles opened his mouth, fire pouring out with a vengeance.^[2]

“Come on beast, have at you!”

Down below, Ceres Celestia was growing nervous on her mount. The anxious young girl held up her overly-large staff with both hands, shaking as she attempted to point it at the bird. She had to help Master Moonweaver! They were giving it their all up there! With a little cry that was about as mighty as a mouse, the young woman let out a bolt of fire from her staff far bigger than anyone might have expected of someone her stature.^[3]

The attacks managed to land - a small victory. For while the group was focused on the first arcuila, a second had begun to descend from the clouds, unbeknownst to them all.

---

1. Clone Self (Mariposa)
2. Fire Breath Weapon (Bubbles)
3. Fire Bolt (Ceres Celestia)

   As it the others attacked the Arcuila, I noticed something similar. I pulled a little treat I happened to get a while back and ate a Vanilla Bean Bonbon chocolate.¹ I could feel the enchantment start it's race inside my body, the feeling with air surging around me in a different matter than what a storm usually would. It felt clean and precise yet dangerous and powerful. Unable to hold it for long, I started to run, I directed this power in front of me, hoping it to be of help to getting the Arcuila down. Without noticing the changing air pressure around me.² I release the enchantment, causing a huge tornado to clash into the fire spells, combining into a fire inferno in the air. "Oops."

   Shock was all that could be stated, not realizing what those bonbon chocolates held, as it was my first one used. My natural instinct was to run, in what ever direction by to the fight. In auto flight instinct, I jumped sideways in my run, feeling a familiar tingle of electric charge from a near by standing point.³ I turned and looked at the Arcuila that had landed just by me, the one I had barely dodged. In a quick fashion, Nit send a spark of fire at it⁴, missing it, but drawing it's attention else where.

   It worked, catching the grass a flame. I ran out of the way while he ran forward, sending out a whip of vines⁵ to grab it and entangle around it. He rolls the angered beast to the ground as I come forward to the beak. I snap the beak shut and force a pure pulse of magic to filter through it's system.⁶ Quickly the bird stops fighting, calming in an instant. "Why it hurt so much?"⁷ I pause at that question, "Why does what hurt?"

---

1. Vanilla Bean bonbon(Storm Chocolate)

2. Call Tornado(from Bonbon)

3. Cat's Grace

4. Fire Bolt(Nitin Ashwood)

5. Thorn Whip(Nitin Ashwood)

6. Calm Emotion

7. Necklace of Animal Speech

“Whoa!”

Before Bubbles’s and Ceres’s flames could strike the arcuila, a powerful burst of wind came from seemingly nowhere, the howling gale of the storm absorbing the flames as it began to funnel out, forming a flaming, circular pattern in the sky.

No. Not just a maelstrom - a tornado.

Morrigan tugged sharply on Bubbles’s reins and dug their heels into his flank, pulling the dragon into the air away from the flaming tornado of death! “Bubbles, up!” They screeched, their voice lost to the wind roaring in their ears and the sound of booming thunder, a cacophony of noises. On the other side of the tornado, the Arcuila flapped its wings, desperately trying to escape the pull of the wind - their battle, temporarily halted by their mutual need to escape the tornado’s might.

On the ground below, Mariposa’s strumming picked up the pace while the wind threatened to knock her off her feet.

“Miss Mariposa!” The tiny sylvan elf gripped to Sparkle Blossom to prevent from being thrown off the mount, waving her magic staff at the earth around the minstrel and herself.^[1] The craggy rocks rumbled and shifted around them, jutting from the ground to form a protective barrier between the two followers and the storm.

They were safe, but Morrigan wasn’t.

Bubbles wasn’t going to make it.

The drake flapped his wings, letting out a fearful screech that mimicked Morrigan’s own. “Bubbles, come on! You can do this!”

A bold lie, given the losing battle they were currently waging against the wind, but it was lucky Bubbles always implicitly trusted what Morrigan said. The young dragon couldn’t hear the fear wavering in the charlatan’s voice.

On their hand, the ring resting on Morrigan’s finger began to pulse with a familiar warmth.^[2]

The wall of pure, brilliant light that burst from the ground between Bubbles and the tornado was not from Morrigan themselves. There was a brief moment where Morrigan thought - hoped - this had been their own doing, that their latent magic had finally kicked in, but no. This was no more their doing than the magical tornado. And they would recognize the kind, gentle warmth of the sun from the wall anywhere.

Kvasir.

Even when he was not here, he was still saving Morrigan from their own stupidity… somehow. They supposed the how of it all didn’t matter, not when they could still feel his presence lingering in the air.

They twisted the ring on their finger, thoughtful. It was still warm.

The break in the storm’s intensity from the protection of the wall was slight, but it was just enough for the drake to flap his wings and break away from the tornado’s pull. “Bubbles, let’s go!”

Morrigan tugged at the reins, pulling themselves behind the earth wall, where Mariposa and Ceres Celestia were hiding. To safety. The drake landed with a THUD, too tired to land properly. Morrigan hopped off the drake, nearly tripping on the ground and landing flat on their face, before roots gathered around their boots and cemented them firmly to the ground.^[3]

That was one problem solved. Now how to deal with the lightning chicken… not to mention the tornado itself?

---

1. Mold Earth (Ceres Celestia)
2. Kvasir’s Eternity Ring - Wall of Light
3. Rooted Boots

   I was focusing on the Arcuila, keeping him calm and still listening to it's pleads. "It hurts! The cloud once ours is hurting us!" That in and of itself is so troubling, for me as a person, and as the Arcana of the Storm. It causes problems with business and as the adopted child of the Dryadali, the sylvian elves of this season-less region. I turn to Nit, searching for anything he could have been hiding. I see none, so I could only focus once more on the bird.

   "What part of cloud is hurting?" I keep my power flowing softly in them, feeling more drained then normal.¹ I still push on to listen to what I was wanting, I could see the story of sky till ash covered them.² I shifted to touching the feathers, vibrating the calm magic through my fingers at a higher concentrate. The electric field in them decreased, but a few had over charge. Nit quickly saw what I was doing and carefully plucked the overcharged feathers off. An easy enough feat for feathers forcefully being shed already. As two people who were raised around the storm riders, we know how to care for these creatures and many mannerisms they hold. We knew that shedding was caused by pain, the pain gained more often than not caused madness, causing reckless attacks.

   As soon as the rest of the feathers were removed, I canceled all of my magic. No more calming, no more reveal, and I felt something else just click off. Never did I notice the tornado drain my magic power, nor did I ever notice it was being fueled by me.

---

1. Calm Emotion

2. Reveal Truth

Through the chaos of the storm and the wind still buffeting them, Morrigan almost missed that Miss Keyke was doing something. There was a second bird, pinned to the ground - she’d subdued it, somehow, but rather than killing it, she was… plucking its feathers?

“Now is not the time to gather things for your collection, Miss Keyke!” Morrigan shouted, their voice lost over the wind. She made no move to reply, and for a moment, Morrigan wondered if she’d heard them at all. But then, she straightened, and -

Silence.

It took Morrigan a moment to figure out exactly what had happened - the roar of the tornado, the bird’s frantic cries - it all fell silent at once. Morrigan blinked, no longer being buffeted by the wind…

The tornado had stopped. Somehow.

Now they were back to only normal levels of crisis. Morrigan allowed their rooted sandals to release them so that they were no longer stuck to one spot. Ceres Celestia released her grip on the earthen wall she’d made to protect them, too exhausted to protect them any longer.

“You’ve done well, my apprentice.” Morrigan called out to her. “Mariposa! Get her out of here! It’s my turn, now!”

The minstrel fixed Morrigan with a grave nod - her clone disappeared as she hopped onto the horse, maneuvering herself and Ceres out of the direct line of battle before Ceres fell unconscious and was knocked off her horse. There was only one bird left to deal with, and even if Madam Keyke wasn’t going to kill them, Morrigan would still hold the violent creature off from maiming themselves and their underlings. As the creature let out a screech, lightning crackling around its feathers, Morrigan reached into their bag of wonders and pulled out the first thing their hand landed on.^[1]

---

1. Jolly Bag of Tricks (1/2)

pf6CrJYJ

   I turned to Morrigan, who was battling the other bird. I respect her selflessness for her companions, the fact that they are taking on the bird says a lot more than what they may believe. I could tell that there was a confutation in their stature that quickly melted away, making way for instinctive attacking. When they reach into a bag on their side, I could only grin at what it produced, a candle. Acknowledging that it might have some magical effect, I stay away from the interlocking fight. Rather than directly fighting, I narrow my eyes on the fierce bird and lock onto it as a target. I reach, using what I can to force it down, grabbing the beak and pushing it away from Morrigan. Leaving it in an open and vulnerable shape with the biggest target to hit.¹

   As I do this, Nit quickly goes to the others and checks upon each of them, making sure none are harmed and all are ready for a momentary retreat if things get nasty. His worry for his close school friend was immense, he knew I would be fine, I have proven time and time again that pushing your mind was a simple task. Hos worry was never unfounded, though, as seen with Ceres, many of times those pushing for detailed items lead to a collapse from exhaustion.

---

1.Telekinesis