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Post by Shitakibo on Jun 2, 2024 21:03:49 GMT -5
Taki set out early in the day, headed for a nearby neighbor's home to enlist some assistance. Social unrest across the Isles was flaring up as the Crown's forces sought to root out any sources of rebellion or dissent. With the increased activities in Moonglade, the Ash Lands, and the movements of the Black Guard, many people were on edge. Grand Chancellor Lao had been doing all they could to reach out to residents and adventurers for help or information, and Taki wanted to help out the people who had accepted her. Strolling down a winding path, she tried to piece together what she might say to enlist the help of her nearest adventuring neighbor. Arriving about an hour after sunrise, Taki strolled down the familiar path to her first destination. After meeting in the spring and sharing a meal, Hanehiko would often come visit Rena and her family, spending the day playing with the little ones. The Celestial Manta had found another place of welcoming and fond memories, and she would do all she could to protect that. She approached their home, hoping someone might be outside as she called out. "Good day! Is anyone about?! I was hoping I might have a word with Rena!"
Quest Name: Howls of the Past
Participants: Two or more
Location: Crescent Isles
Post Requirements: 5 posts per person, 200 words per post
Reward: Ability to take on Part 2, +1 Renown
Description: The locals of Sunset Pass have started seeing apparitions and believe it to be the souls of deceased inhabitants who used to populate the area. Under order of the Crown and the Council of Travel and Trade, traffic has been diverted from this once populous travel hub, and the remaining locals have all but given up hope. They say that at night they can see shapes moving in the forests and near the old Mines. The Crown believes the Oniwanban are behind the disturbance and are using the mines as a base of operations; however the Oniwanban believe the exact same about the Crown. Grand Chancellor Lao is requesting that someone goes in and unveils whoever is behind these faux hauntings.
Your investigations reveal that neither group is behind the hauntings - rather, members of the Lunar Rebels, a group actively fighting against the crown in Moonglade, are behind the occurrences. It is believed that they are purposefully stirring up conflict between the Oniwanban and the Crown on purpose, as a war between the two only benefits their cause in Moonglade.
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Jun 2, 2024 21:42:27 GMT -5
The home itself is…somewhat strange. Not merely built into the side of the hill that lies within the clearing that the path had led Taki to, but instead seemingly built under the hill, more a burrow than a house, though the outside, at least, features a cozy little porch, complete with an overhanging roof - more of a ceiling, really - that holds back the hillside, complete with a rocking chair. There’s more evidence of this being the right place scattered about the clearing, even on the hill itself. Admittedly, the evidence in question is mostly the peculiar, twisting, sepulchral whisper across Taki’s hide that she’s thus far only experienced in proximity to Rena and the undead members of her little family…
…meanwhile, within the burrow, two skeletons and a specter sit around the living room, each engrossed in books they read by the lights of their own eyes…then Taki’s voice rings out, slightly muffled by distance and the front door. Bell glances up, tilting his head as he puts his book down, careful to slip a bookmark between the pages, before standing and moving to the front door, flanked by Loci and Wind, the little skeletons wide eyed and curious…
…Taki sees a pair of burning amber lights behind the window set in the door, like familiar eyes peering out at her for a long moment before the door opens, revealing a silhouette of smoldering embers and a subtly deeper, almost hazy darkness, the place where the head would be punctuated by a pair of burning amber orbs, aligned as though the figure’s head were tilted to one side…
…and then two little skeletal crows peer out from behind the silhouette, one with emerald eye lights, the other with rose gold. Both let out excited chirps - “Aunt Taki!!” - and then they’re barreling into the shaman, chirping and trilling rapidly as they practically vibrate with excitement…
…there’s a chuckle from the doorframe as the amber eyed shade trills his amusement, “...Eijh’anahr1, Shitakibo. I’ll go get Rena and the other ‘lort’yrlr2 s’no3…is there anything I can get you?”
1 - Ravenstongue - welcome/greetings/good tidings 2 - Ravenstongue - small/little/young 3 - Ravenstongue - one/singular, pluralized
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Post by Shitakibo on Jun 4, 2024 19:38:45 GMT -5
Chuckling softly with her arms full of excited younglings, she stood up from where she'd knelt to catch their exuberance. She shook her head for a moment, then made silly faces at the little ones before replying.
"I'm quite alright, but thank you. I see you're all in good spirits today. I hope the humid warmth here isn't too much a hindrance, though from the looks of your home, I'd say you've got a leg up on a lot folks."
Taki was familiar with burrows and other homes built into or under the earth. While ventilation could be a concern for places where a fire was needed, it otherwise offered a myriad of benefits. As she walked up to the front door, Wind and Loci buzzing with excitement and chirping laughter, she could sense the layout through the ground. She teased at the pair with her tail, gently tapping one or the other before it slipped away out of sight again. She couldn't hide the sly and teasing smirk on her scaled face.
"I hope you two rascals aren't giving your parents too much hassle, otherwise I'll talk Hanehiko into tickling you any chance she gets."
Their squealing, giggling excitement was something she would help protect, and it hadn't taken long for the shaman to bond with the little ones. It was definitely helped along by having to fetch a certain cheeky Celestial Manta when she couldn't be found for days on end, but Taki wouldn't do anything to take away the joy and fondness they shared.
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Jun 4, 2024 20:55:09 GMT -5
The two little skeletons let out joyful chirps and giggles, Loci snickering each time Taki’s tail slips away from Wind’s sight, and Wind doing the same when it evades Loci.
Bell bobs his head in acknowledgment before turning to head back inside, the specter already moving to let his wife and their two living children know about the welcome - though unexpected - guest. It’s easy enough, with Rena having been roused by the surge of excitement from her two undead children, the silver eyed crow already donning a dress in her signature style, already beginning to meticulously preen through the feathers that had been disturbed or damaged over the course of the night, already tying back in the smattering of ribbons and tokens and other such items she uses to adorn her feathers. It goes faster with her husband’s help - it always does - and soon enough she’s fully dressed and armed, walking with unnaturally silent steps as she makes her way through the comfortably furnished burrow - more of a barrow, really - to meet with Taki.
Whistle and Wind, meanwhile, let out sleepy trills as they exit their rooms, their eyes dim and glazed with lingering sleep as they head for the little kitchen nook to sort out their breakfasts. They don’t seem to notice Taki, at least not initially, though little golden eyed Wind chirps a sleepy greeting - “...mornin’, Aunt Taki…” - and then he and Whistle whip around, eyes brightening and startled chirps as they finally register their adoptive aunt’s presence.
Rena lets out an amused trill, then a soft yawn as she smiles at the shaman, "...Eijh'anahr, Taki...what brings you to our little corner of the isle?" those silver eyes sharpen as she tilts her head, "...is this about the grand chancellor's missive?"
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Post by Shitakibo on Jun 5, 2024 0:46:24 GMT -5
She sets the little ones down gently as she hears the sounds of the others stirring. Squatting near the entryway, she waved inside as the trio of sleepy crows walked by. While there probably was room for the shaman to enter, she worried about smacking into the furniture with her many appendages. It also would probably unsettle the little ones to see Aunt Taki crawling up the walls and along the roof like some overgrown spider... no, she would keep that trick for a more appropriate setting, and not cause such a ruckus.
"Good morning everyone, I hope your rest was pleasant. That is quite the intuitive query, and an accurate one. The stirrings in Sunset Pass have me a bit worried, as the place is often seen as a spiritually calm one. If the spirits are stirring, then something is very wrong... if not, then someone is trying to make it appear as such."
She did her best to keep the worry from her tone, but Taki had been to nearly every city, port and township in the Isles, knew at least one person or family in each one. These disturbances would strain an already tense and volatile situation further, and could lead to greater conflicts in the future.
"I know it's quite out of the blue, but would you like to investigate this matter together?"
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Jun 5, 2024 1:18:27 GMT -5
Rena tilts her head the other way, then bobs it, letting out a series of chirps and trills - “Whistle, Wind, go get your supplies after you eat. Seems we’ve got a fresh job…” - before speaking normally, “...we’ll head out once the lort’yrlr s’no1 and I have eaten and packed, I think. Should only be a few minutes…” those silver eyes blink once, twice, and again, “...is there anything you’d like to eat? Some fruit, perhaps?”
Even as their mother speaks, Whistle and Wind are turning back to the task of breakfast, the ruby eyed fledgling rummaging around in the icebox for the fruit and meat that comprises their usual morning repast. Wind would be helping if he were allowed, but he’s not. Not after the first time.
Bell trills softly, stepping past Taki with a, “pardon me,” and heads over to open a compartment hidden in the earth next to his forge. He pulls out a slender, mid sized sword that appears to be forged in the same style as the blades his soul had been trapped in - a slender, gently curved blade with a single edge and a handle attached by a metal bar that’s bent at two opposing right angles. It’s a bayonet, and it was forged with metal taken from those same blades that housed the soul of the one who forged them. And it is his wife’s newest weapon.
The specter holds the soulbound bayonet carefully, giving it a few slow swings to test the balance, gently flicking the side of its blade to listen to the resonance, and putting it through a couple more tests, much as he’s done every morning for the past month. Only today is he satisfied. Only today is the blade not melted down to be forged anew. It’s fitting, at least as far as Tolling Bell supposes…today is the anniversary of his and Rena’s marriage. It’s also the anniversary of his death. So it is that the specter lets out a sharp whistle that carries across the clearing and through the open door, prompting Rena to cast a spell. It’s a simple spell, and one of the first that she’d learned. Starry night bleeds from her talons, spreading through the air like ink through water and forming the rough silhouette of the bayonet in her husband’s hands…and then it disperses into nothing. And when it does, the Soulbound Bayonet is in her hand.
Rena lets out a pleased chirp, taking a moment to examine her her husband’s anchor before sliding it into the sheath on her back, next to that of her Rose Urumi. For the first time in just over a month, she feels whole again.
1 - Ravenstongue - small/little/young one/singular pluralized
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Post by Shitakibo on Jun 5, 2024 2:13:27 GMT -5
"I'm quite alright, but thank you. I ate this morning while tending to the horde's breakfast and the gardens. They're all fed and stocked, and should keep each other entertained while I'm away."
She steps aside for Bell as he approaches the door, bowing politely as she wrangles her limbs out of the way. Many hands did indeed make light work, but no one tells you about how much room they take up, or just how in the way they get in confined places sometimes. She wouldn't trade it for anything though, the changes were a part of her spiritual connection. While the family prepared and finished their breakfast, Taki sat outside meditating and pondering the task ahead. She felt the tug of Rena's magic, but by the time the shaman looked towards it's source, she only saw a satisfied Bell standing by his forge. Another of life's many mysteries, but then she did not pry into others' magics unless invited. In the adventuring world, one's strengths and habits were just as important as one's weaknesses, as was who besides you was aware of them. Some would argue that such thinking is what creates such a dangerous dynamic, but the simple truth was not everyone wanted to work together towards a goal.
This whole situation with the Crown, the Blackguard, Oniwanban... There were too many conveniences that didn't add up with the situation, but that didn't stop people from getting hurt. So Taki would go, root out the cause of this disturbance, and lend her voice to telling the Crown to see to it's own affairs instead of everyone else's. She hoped things would calm down, and that she could keep the little ones from harm if they were coming along. Not that she doubted their skills, or Rena's, but the situation could go sideways in a big way. Still, she was there to watch over them, and her own Spirit Guardians were ready to help out whenever they might be needed.
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Jun 5, 2024 3:26:34 GMT -5
Rena bobs her head once again, an avian smile in the ruffling around her beak as she moves to quickly consume a relatively light breakfast of fruit and meat, then heads to gather her supplies and help the fledglings pack their own. This job promises to be a long one just by how far off the site is, so they’ll likely hunt and forage on the way, which makes food less of an issue, but it’s still better to be prepared - snow, frost, cold, hungry hungry h̸̘̑u̴̠͖͒̕n̵̤͗͜g̸̟̈́r̴͖̀͜y̸͕̐̒ - the bag drops from her hands, the clattering of its contents startling her out of the unexpected memory as she takes a slow, deep breath, exhaling a thick cloud of frozen fog as she shakes her head to clear it. Another slow breath. Another cloud of fog. Silver eyes open, refocusing as she sighs, “...’course ye cannae leave me t’ my happiness…” then she flinches as a pair of small, skeletal arms wrap around her waist, a soft chirp and a gentle pulse down the necromantic link letting her identify it as Loci.
“...’s okay mom…the ice won’t leave me ‘n Wind alone either…” the little skeleton’s voice is soft, and he only releases his mother once she relaxes…
“...that’s not very comforting, y’know…” Rena chuckles, letting out a soft, sad trill as she turns to pull her eldest son into her arms, “...wish you and your siblings had never died in the first place…” she chirps softly, crouching down to retrieve the bag before heading out, carrying Loci on her hip and letting the bag dangle from her free hand as she exits the barrow. Whistle and Wind are already out, the murder as a whole waiting for Rena and Loci with concerned eyes…
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Post by Shitakibo on Jun 5, 2024 5:21:08 GMT -5
A chill washes over the shaman as she waits just outside the door, looking about for Yukina overhead. It takes a moment for her to realize the chill didn't come from above, but behind. For a moment, she considered dashing in to check on them, but feeling their footfalls approaching shortly after stopped her. Whatever might be happening, Taki would not wish to disrupt a family moment over an unknown chill. She notes the concern on some of their faces as Rena and Loci join the group, unsure if she should interject or if it was a sore subject.
"While it might not be as joyous as Hanehiko's rides, I can at least ease the burden of our travel."
Taki stepped away from the house and into a more open area, hissing ever so softly to the air spirits as she moved. A swirling, fluffy mass of white collected in the middle of the clearing. Hovering about like a bizarre mid morning fog, she smiled as she sat down atop the pillowy cloud with her legs crossed and her tail dangling off.
"What better way to be amongst the clouds than carried there by the clouds themselves?"
While she posed the question, it was also an exercise in keeping her mind and spirit sharp. She often would consider riddles and other conundrums for the sake of exploring her own state of mind, and this was among her favorites.
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Jun 5, 2024 7:48:47 GMT -5
Whistle and Wind trill happily as they clamber onto the spirit-conjured cloud, each taking a moment to settle in their own little spots, Wind idly nibbling on another piece of fruit as he nestles against his adoptive aunt’s side and glances with curious eyes of gold back toward the porch, where his mother softly chuckles as she hefts Wind onto her shoulder opposite Loci on her hip.
Rena’s feeling better already. Sure, she can still feel the frost in her bones - the shards of ice working their way into her heart like the cracking tendrils that strive to escape her skull - but that’s not something she’s ever been able to get away from. Not since she made that deal with the Hag - not since she betrayed the one she'd sworn to protect over all others - but that’s…not something she can change - even if she could change the past, it still wouldn't change what she's become - so she just has to live with it…regardless, she rallies under the minimal weight of her two undead children - three. it should be three. every moment the last remain unhatched is a moment she's failed them both - and carries them away from the barrow and onto the clouds, her spectral husband following close behind...
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Post by Shitakibo on Jun 6, 2024 7:46:58 GMT -5
Once everyone's settled in and comfortable, the cloud ascends above the trees. From above the canopy, several farmhouses and other buildings could be seen. While Taki couldn't see it herself, she knew behind them was her home nestled beside the river. Beyond that was the tall, jade green stalks of the Bamboo Forest. Ahead was the rest of this particular island, then a brief jaunt over the channel to the next. From there, they would turn north and head deeper inland until they started to see streets covered in large, ornate Torii.
It would take the better part of the morning, so Taki relaxed with Wind at her side. It wasn't exactly easy to hold conversations as the winds rushed by, but she sincerly hoped Rena, Bell and the other little ones were at least content. No matter how many times Taki saw the world from above, it still captivated her. She watched the scenery ahead and to either side, communing with the air spirits as they were carried along. Taki tapped her adopted nephew and pointed at his sister with a silly smirk, her tail sliding slowly over to Whistle just out of sight. Wind watched excitedly as the shaman waited for just the right moment and lightly tapped her shoulder.
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Jun 6, 2024 17:49:18 GMT -5
Wind’s golden eyes widen, then the little fledgling lets out a soft giggle as his elder sister glances over in the direction of the tap and lets out a questioning trill…her ruby eyes blink slowly, head tilted in confusion as she sees…nothing. Shrugging, the ruby eyed fledgling turns back ahead, savoring the feeling of the cool wind running through her feathers as she scans the receding ground beneath, letting out an exuberant chirp that’s quickly carried away by the whistling wind. It’s not the first time she’s been flying - her mom has held her and each of her in turn siblings while soaring through the air, to say nothing of the times Hanehiko has taken each of the fledglings up, both in groups and one on one - but it is the first time that either her or any of her siblings have been so high or gone so fast…and she, for one, adores it. The wind whipping through her feathers, the sun shining down from above, the feeling of freedom. It is, in this moment, that Whistle is truly envious of her mother, for the simple fact that the silver eyed crow was blessed enough to have the skies at her wingtips - to have wings at all! - since she was old enough to use those wings.
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Post by Shitakibo on Jun 11, 2024 11:36:16 GMT -5
Taki chuckled softly at Whistle's reaction, considering trying again for a moment. Then the look of joyous wonder took over and the shaman couldn't bring herself to upset such emotion. What lay ahead in the city, she could only imagine. If they could at least uncover those responsible for the recent stirrings, things might calm down between the Isles and the Crown. She doubted it, as they were making moves all over the continent that had noble and commoner alike on edge.
On the horizon, amongst the streaking colors and rising sun, was a long row of similar objects cutting a winding path through the trees. Taki smiled, it would be a good half hour or so before they were near the city, but seeing the familiar landmark meant they hadn't drifted or taken a wrong turn. Tapping both Wind and Whistle, the shaman pointed the feature out to the little ones. While this might not be their familial homes, the many culturual features of the Isles were worth sharing. Much as someone had shared them, over time, with her, the shaman wanted Rena and her family to feel welcome.
They would be on the ground soon, but for the moment, they all could enjoy the peaceful trip. There was no one to complain up here, or tell you what you could or could not do.
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Jun 11, 2024 13:23:00 GMT -5
Rena smiles a little, her stolen wings spread a little to catch the breeze - and then she extends one of those massive appendages to gently pull her eldest daughter close and into a hug, a contented trill escaping her throat as she savors the wind in her feathers. she’s getting closer to having all her children with her, ever closer to that seemingly impossible goal - “...I cannae wait to see all their little faces…” - silver eyes snap open, and the crow glances around for an unheard voice, unaware of the lone tear that trails down her feathered cheek, and she shivers a little at a cold spot that passes over her cheek as though trying to brush that tear away - ”...don’t cry, love…it’s not your fault…not your fault in the slightest…”
Bell glances over toward his wife and their partner, those amber eyes confused as the specter blinks the wraith of ink and stardust the dark shape from his vision, “...could’ve sworn…” he lets out a dissatisfied trill, settling a little more firmly upon the clouds he and his family are sitting upon…
The fledglings glance between their parents, confused and a little concerned, though Wind and Loci are more confused than their living siblings, given the strange splotch of inky black that keeps appearing next to Bell or Rena - "too much to hope for, that you'd have even those fragments of recollection..."
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Post by Shitakibo on Jun 12, 2024 10:39:26 GMT -5
The shaman takes notice of the phenomenon happening again, a knowing smirk to one side as she looks out over the Isles. Bonds that strong could break even the strongest seals, but it took time. Adventuring life had taught Taki a great deal over the last year and some change, and she was glad she got to be a part of these little moments. For a moment, she pondered what the spirits of the Oasis might react to this family. Perhaps someday they would go, in the future.
As the Torii came into view, Taki directed their pillowy conveyance down towards the beginning of their vigil over the road. There were travelers moving about, though not as many as the shaman had seen on her last visit to the area. Waiting for a few moments, the path cleared of traffic and the group landed.
The road before them was well maintained, but not much different from any other in the Isles. What towered over the wide stone pathway was something unique to the area though. Large stone foundations supported two massive columns that rose up, holding between them a pair of large beams. The top was covered with worked stone tiles, and painted in a vibrant red hue. They stretched up the road towards Sunset Pass at regular interval, marking one's arrival to the town steeped in the spiritual history of the Isles.
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