[ For Auld Lang Syne ]

[tenias]

 

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A P O T H E O S I S

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In Winter's harsh cold, the sound of snow crushed under foot was repeated many times, glistening was the metal that reflected the Sun's light in even the most ardous of journeys. Upon many shoulders were cloaks, insulating the bite of wicked cold as they slowly approached their destination: A towering wall that laid to separate the outside from the city beyond.

Another group awaited them at the wall's gate

Warriors oh so many, these terrains were in their advantage, they knew far too well the feeling of frostbite underneath their skin. Blackened banners rose high and yet their gazes met with the robed figures with nary a thought for conflict; Instead, the one in the middle strided forward unperturbed.

Taking that as a sign, one from the robed figures moved forward-- The same familiarity of the terrain as expressed by the warriors. His hand rose to drop the hood that covered his features, a youthful Ursidae coming into the view of all as two pairs of gazes made contact.

In the distance, their mouths moved but no sound could be heard...

Just like that, they both turned to return to their respective sides... And then departed, the blackened banners lowered just as the group began to affix tents and camps off a nearby location. Their goal was achieved, now they only awaited to see it through.

In the coming times, a single announcement came from both Salvation and Vdalion.

Folkmoot's grounds raised in activity, an age old tradition revisited in special circumstances. The whispering began and so the information spread towards all who lended their ear, the coming event was a mark of changing times... Just what did the future hold in store for Meranthe?

There was only one way to find out.

 
「 LYDIA DOMINIC VS MIKHAIL 」

 
 An Honor Duel under the eyes of Jokul Folhammar
Friday, 6 PM EST
Folkmoot, Vdalion

[Milly]

D I S A P P O I N T M E N T

It comes as neither an explosive announcement, nor a mystery. As Mikhail awaits the appointed day and appointed hour, things grow somberly quiet within Vdalion.
And yet, from the innate decay and destruction caused by the settling of a Death Magi... Things begin to grow once more upon the mountain.
It comes slow, at first. Things that people may not realize. Dead trees which have lost their bark suddenly begin to heal, and the
smallest inkling of winter-based flowers and grasses spring up from beneath the snow in a struggle against the more natural order of life itself.

It's only when rumors persist that Lydia Dominic has not been seen upon the mountain shortly after her run in with Aphrosian forces does the truth 
truly come to light.

She's disappeared. Her apartment sits idle, even if a bit dusty.
The shrine to Athelios remains, remenants of dried blood and old candles still present.
A spider curls down from a rafter upon a silken thread, hanging there menacingly as spiders often do.
Perhaps it's Homer, Lydia's prized pet.

The more one spends within the humble abode of the Death Magi, the more they realize...

She's gone and she isn't coming back.


Should Old Acquaintance be forgot,

and never thought upon;

The flames of Love extinguished,

and fully past and gone:

Is thy sweet Heart now grown so cold,

that loving Breast of thine;

That thou canst never once reflect

On old long syne.

[tenias]

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In The Eyes of The Benevolent

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Things were somber, a crescendo that slowly dissipated into a calm
The day approached, and then it was gone before he knew it
Greaves waded through hefty sand before approaching the empty abode
Enough time has passed that bits of dust collected
A shrine to Athelios
A spider's web

What was this feeling?
Relief
Clarity
And then...
A subsequent anger.

The Death Magi, Lydia Dominic, had disappeared from Vdalion
Her equipment with her, but her home behind her
Voluntary
Involuntary
Who could know but the Death Magi herself?

The shrine still stood there... until it did not
A single cut through the air broke apart the altar
Pure cerulean hues grew violent
But it left as fast as it came

In a few hours' passing,

Salvation's small force turned to look at each other
Confusion among them, but it was clear that their business here was over
The group walked off into the distance

Mikhail's words were said underneath his breath,

"Lydia Dominic, you cannot stave off the consequences forever."

The Ursidae smiled
Salvation's forces moved towards Aphros

"Judgement comes for all in the eyes of the Benevolent."
 
 
[ TO BE CONTINUED ]

On old long syne my Jo,
On old long syne,
That thou canst never once reflect,
On old long syne.