Her words and presence were balm to a turmoil created by Marek attempting to 'thank' me for helping, with what I only had the barest idea.
My 'fear' being some kind of key to release him....I could not make it out, in truth, I kept my distance, despite allowing him to talk to me in relative public and in the presence of another sensate in the festhall. I was still wary from that last encounter in his Inn room. My fear had been a key? The man showed to me a sword that glowed with a holy purity and I near gasped...how can one such as he and what I know of him dare to think he has right or claim to such...it left foul taste in my mouth. A request for explanation just brought forth more confusing words. I must 'trust' him because I have been 'marked' and he attempts to give me forewarning of it and its meaning? Well a circular mark is obvious to anyone who looks upon my face. I should trust him as friend? ...he gives me no reason to trust him. Time and action so far have not led me to do that, those few meetings.....what I feel and have learnt to date...no. I raised my hand and said I need hear no more and before my composure was completely shot in his presence, I left.
The contrast between them vast. One...simple, practical, giving. The other confusing, speaking in riddles, explaining nothing yet 'telling' I should trust. Trust is earned, or sensed, instinctive.
Dear Kaite. She helped and we talked of our experiences of men. Hers more vast than my own, of my shame and failure. She touched my arm, soothed and I was not afraid and did not reject, calmed almost. I opened up a little more and yes...there was the beginnings of trust.
"The important thing is not to freeze, do not be afraid of your feelings do not let it hinder"
"Your actions...you must try a new way, a new experience, a new man...or you life will turn out very hollow"
"Everybody makes wrong choices, mistakes, that happens and will keep happening...but not trying is a worse option than walking on a spiked trap now and again."
"You could enclose yourself, never open up it might sound like the right thing but in the end it will lead to a boring and unsatisfying life"
"In the end, you are who you are, changing that would be like changing your very core."
I listened. I smiled. I held her gaze. I shared the taste of wine. I felt the touch of hand upon arm and I relaxed.
"Where Angels Dare"
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*Pashan01
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
He made me laugh, quite unintentionally I think. Friend he called me, on account of a few meets, an interest in him and his profession, being helpful and not trying to stab him in the back. I accepted the call to friendship on that basis gladly and spent some moments with him on his patrol quietly talking and asking him of somethings that concerned me.
I had just come away from a meeting in the Civic Festhall to join with the Society of Sensation, the sensory stones to my pocket and the memory of my task ahead. To record five sensations for the purposes of sharing with fellow members of the Society. This I can do. And hopefully it will then make me full namer of the faction.
Catrina, Kelth and a little halfling whose name I found out later via Cat who translated was called Otari (she speaks no common) were present also and Kelth made his interest known to join. Sensate Arali, a fire genasi ,greeted us and took us to Sensates Drinb, a pixie and half elf Cua'tha who began the initiation asking both Kelth and myself in turn of an experience then giving us the bag of sensory stones.
All three sensates were very open and 'touchy' I stayed polite but Cua'tha enquired as to why I denied the sense of touch. I merely stated politely that my reasons were my business and it was more a question of restricting than denying. I hoped this would not cause issue with my joining the society but it seemed not.
We spent a little time after the sensates left watching Catrina communicate with Otari, seemingly telling her in her own tongue of what the meeting was about. Otari seems to get by reasonably communicating by drawings, sweet little thing she is. Hopefully Cat will teach her some common to help her manage a little around the city.
I had just come away from a meeting in the Civic Festhall to join with the Society of Sensation, the sensory stones to my pocket and the memory of my task ahead. To record five sensations for the purposes of sharing with fellow members of the Society. This I can do. And hopefully it will then make me full namer of the faction.
Catrina, Kelth and a little halfling whose name I found out later via Cat who translated was called Otari (she speaks no common) were present also and Kelth made his interest known to join. Sensate Arali, a fire genasi ,greeted us and took us to Sensates Drinb, a pixie and half elf Cua'tha who began the initiation asking both Kelth and myself in turn of an experience then giving us the bag of sensory stones.
All three sensates were very open and 'touchy' I stayed polite but Cua'tha enquired as to why I denied the sense of touch. I merely stated politely that my reasons were my business and it was more a question of restricting than denying. I hoped this would not cause issue with my joining the society but it seemed not.
We spent a little time after the sensates left watching Catrina communicate with Otari, seemingly telling her in her own tongue of what the meeting was about. Otari seems to get by reasonably communicating by drawings, sweet little thing she is. Hopefully Cat will teach her some common to help her manage a little around the city.
-
*Pashan01
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
We made it together into the ice plane, defeating the salamander chief deep into that ice cave. Their magics near disrupting my powers of protections but we managed to hold our ground and together defeated their leader. With their chief dead, they were in some disarray but did not cease their attack. I held off two straggling lizardlike warriors while Kaite slipped to take the chief's treasures. We backed out of the cave slowly, managing to take rest again at the entrance before leaving the plane. Kaite was good enough to share the jink with me and with a smile to each other we continued on to find adventure in the Beastlands.
Though we are both tall, the long grasses almost came up to our hips in places. We strolled cautiously through the open plain and up the hills towards the glade and further, heading higher, my goal to show her the cave with the large shell and the waterfalls. We defended ourselves against a few of the unseelie dryads and treants who crossed our path, working nicely as a team, I, taking the brunt of their blows and magic, while Kaite hid in the grasses and attacked them from behind. Her technique is quite different from that of Kelth's or Karath'roks and yet still complimentary to my own. It was interesting to watch.
That cave..the hope of finding pearl within the shell makes me return there (one day perhaps something magical will happen and pearl will grow...silly I know) that hope and the presence of the vermin lord that makes my fingers itch upon the scythe shaft to slay. I told Kaite that should things go bad, she should run. This was my fight. She fought bravely against the great wolves but fell against the water creature before I could save and heal. "No!" I cried and brought the blade down slicing the hands off the vermin lord, preventing further casting then slashed at his neck, blood spilled, and he lay to the floor dead. The water creature was dealt with swiftly before I could reach Kaite, lay hands to her neck, let the divine power course through my body and bring her back. The dustmen would not have this one, not now..not here..not on my watch. Kaite, Kaite..friend..not her...I healed and revived her. We could not linger long, recovering slowly, I led her to see the beauty of the shell before helping her out of the cave and further up where she could rest more safely at the waterfalls.
Time is a hard one to predict in that plane. From the sky and the light, it seems like forever dusk or dawn. The light that falls across the waterfalls onto the colourful rocks there glow back to the sky and make it seem as if there is a permanent reddish pink sunset. Well that's my sense and perception of it. I could see she was awed by the sight. I took pleasure watching her see it the first time and told her that it felt like my old forest glade and pool back home, only larger, more magnificent. We paddled in the shallows and I felt so...at ease in her presence...that I felt it was time.
I slipped off the hood to see her reaction again. While she admired and wondered why I hide the beauty of the golden locks, she accepted my explanation and there again came that sense she could be trusted. For she herself, with her own pretty face and graceful body, hidden behind a long fringe and leather jerkin, had been chased and fell upon misfortune at the hands of men of the streets of the Cage so she told me. She knows...beauty can be a burden sometimes rather than gift. She understands....yet..not..quite. So I asked her "Can I trust you?" and holding her gaze I felt it. I removed the bindings then, slowly, easing the straps, groaning as the tightly bound wings saw their release and lifted them wide to stretch and ease the pain.
"You...you're..an angel!" she exclaimed her eyes wide and mouth agape.
"No..no..no...only half..Kaite..I am human too" my voice came out urging, pleading for her to see the me, look beyond the huge white wings outstretched, not be swayed by the revealing, the celestial aura or sheer glow that I know I can give out without even trying.
Don't make me have to cover up in your presence friend...not when I have found another to trust, to share, to allow me a little freedom I thought as I watched her reactions carefully ready to throw on my cloak once more.
But it was fine...just..fine. She gave me the promise not to tell others and there we spoke at length of simple things; I would get that sensory stone to her and show her how to use it for the experience she promised to give me, we joked, teased and enjoyed a giggle as only girls can do together but was so new for me and that feeling...was..so..so special.
***
"One day I will fight like this...properly balanced..." she made a sweeping motion pretending to wield scythe while it still lay on the ground with the cloak and bindings.
"I know you will..and that day will be soon...I'm sure of it.."
"And cut swathe through the devils and demons of the abyss....." Naya twirled around and made a pretense of slashing as if that scythe were to her hands.
"Is that all?" She said teasingly, grinning.
"All? What else would you have me slay?" Naya laughed.
"I can't imagine anything you couldn't slay...every man and woman will look upon you in awe and fear at the same time.." Kaite kept on with the tease.
Naya began to giggle then, her eyes opening wide watching Kaite, attempting to judge her manner, assessing her tease, realising what it was and joined in. With a dramatic gesture and taking her tone of voice deeper than usual
"Fear my divine wrath! she commanded loudly, her voice booming across the waters in competition with the noise of the falls then she burst into another bout of giggling and collapsed once more to the ground, wiping a tear of laughter from her eye.
Kaite continued the fun and with a dramatic voice and a hand to her forehead in her playacting "Oh no...I beg of you, divine creature...do not unleash your wrath on me..."
They both fell about laughing.
"Kaite...I've never had friend like you.....you do me..great honour..." her giggles slowed and she looked at Kaite with genuine warmth feeling it returned "..you really do...its..strange..but..rather nice"
Slowly, with a quiet sigh, Naya reached for her wing strappings and bindings once more and began the process of tying back those huge feathered appendages.
"I should..." she still watched Kaite a moment, lingering, holding that moment a little longer "..get back into these....time to head back I think..
Kaite nodded "Indeed...it is time."
***
Though we are both tall, the long grasses almost came up to our hips in places. We strolled cautiously through the open plain and up the hills towards the glade and further, heading higher, my goal to show her the cave with the large shell and the waterfalls. We defended ourselves against a few of the unseelie dryads and treants who crossed our path, working nicely as a team, I, taking the brunt of their blows and magic, while Kaite hid in the grasses and attacked them from behind. Her technique is quite different from that of Kelth's or Karath'roks and yet still complimentary to my own. It was interesting to watch.
That cave..the hope of finding pearl within the shell makes me return there (one day perhaps something magical will happen and pearl will grow...silly I know) that hope and the presence of the vermin lord that makes my fingers itch upon the scythe shaft to slay. I told Kaite that should things go bad, she should run. This was my fight. She fought bravely against the great wolves but fell against the water creature before I could save and heal. "No!" I cried and brought the blade down slicing the hands off the vermin lord, preventing further casting then slashed at his neck, blood spilled, and he lay to the floor dead. The water creature was dealt with swiftly before I could reach Kaite, lay hands to her neck, let the divine power course through my body and bring her back. The dustmen would not have this one, not now..not here..not on my watch. Kaite, Kaite..friend..not her...I healed and revived her. We could not linger long, recovering slowly, I led her to see the beauty of the shell before helping her out of the cave and further up where she could rest more safely at the waterfalls.
Time is a hard one to predict in that plane. From the sky and the light, it seems like forever dusk or dawn. The light that falls across the waterfalls onto the colourful rocks there glow back to the sky and make it seem as if there is a permanent reddish pink sunset. Well that's my sense and perception of it. I could see she was awed by the sight. I took pleasure watching her see it the first time and told her that it felt like my old forest glade and pool back home, only larger, more magnificent. We paddled in the shallows and I felt so...at ease in her presence...that I felt it was time.
I slipped off the hood to see her reaction again. While she admired and wondered why I hide the beauty of the golden locks, she accepted my explanation and there again came that sense she could be trusted. For she herself, with her own pretty face and graceful body, hidden behind a long fringe and leather jerkin, had been chased and fell upon misfortune at the hands of men of the streets of the Cage so she told me. She knows...beauty can be a burden sometimes rather than gift. She understands....yet..not..quite. So I asked her "Can I trust you?" and holding her gaze I felt it. I removed the bindings then, slowly, easing the straps, groaning as the tightly bound wings saw their release and lifted them wide to stretch and ease the pain.
"You...you're..an angel!" she exclaimed her eyes wide and mouth agape.
"No..no..no...only half..Kaite..I am human too" my voice came out urging, pleading for her to see the me, look beyond the huge white wings outstretched, not be swayed by the revealing, the celestial aura or sheer glow that I know I can give out without even trying.
Don't make me have to cover up in your presence friend...not when I have found another to trust, to share, to allow me a little freedom I thought as I watched her reactions carefully ready to throw on my cloak once more.
But it was fine...just..fine. She gave me the promise not to tell others and there we spoke at length of simple things; I would get that sensory stone to her and show her how to use it for the experience she promised to give me, we joked, teased and enjoyed a giggle as only girls can do together but was so new for me and that feeling...was..so..so special.
***
"One day I will fight like this...properly balanced..." she made a sweeping motion pretending to wield scythe while it still lay on the ground with the cloak and bindings.
"I know you will..and that day will be soon...I'm sure of it.."
"And cut swathe through the devils and demons of the abyss....." Naya twirled around and made a pretense of slashing as if that scythe were to her hands.
"Is that all?" She said teasingly, grinning.
"All? What else would you have me slay?" Naya laughed.
"I can't imagine anything you couldn't slay...every man and woman will look upon you in awe and fear at the same time.." Kaite kept on with the tease.
Naya began to giggle then, her eyes opening wide watching Kaite, attempting to judge her manner, assessing her tease, realising what it was and joined in. With a dramatic gesture and taking her tone of voice deeper than usual
"Fear my divine wrath! she commanded loudly, her voice booming across the waters in competition with the noise of the falls then she burst into another bout of giggling and collapsed once more to the ground, wiping a tear of laughter from her eye.
Kaite continued the fun and with a dramatic voice and a hand to her forehead in her playacting "Oh no...I beg of you, divine creature...do not unleash your wrath on me..."
They both fell about laughing.
"Kaite...I've never had friend like you.....you do me..great honour..." her giggles slowed and she looked at Kaite with genuine warmth feeling it returned "..you really do...its..strange..but..rather nice"
Slowly, with a quiet sigh, Naya reached for her wing strappings and bindings once more and began the process of tying back those huge feathered appendages.
"I should..." she still watched Kaite a moment, lingering, holding that moment a little longer "..get back into these....time to head back I think..
Kaite nodded "Indeed...it is time."
***
-
*Pashan01
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
The weather in Elysium was beautiful as always as Naya walked alone on the beach. Looking up she saw something in the distance, high up in the sky. The bright sun was momentarily blocked to her view by a silhouette. She raised her head, her hand reaching up to shade her eyes, her hood slipping to her shoulders. Naya's hair was like polished gold in the glare of the sun to someone seeing the beach from high up it must look like the gleam of a gold coin. Another shadow passed in front of the sun. She scanned the skies catching now the large shape as it flew around in wide swooping arcs closer and closer yet still too far away for her to make it out. With the glare of the sun behind it, it was hard to make out clearly whether it was bird...but the shape was at least the size of a man. She followed its path in the sky as it makes swooping run at the beach. Naya could now make out silver wings and the swooping approach downwards seemed like a predator bird. Eyes wide, mouth agape, she backed a pace or two, nearly tripping over her long cloak then reached for her scythe as the creature, silver wings beating strongly, the sun a glare behind its shadowy form, the flight slowing to hover some thirty metres away, began to fly towards her on the beach. As it closed in, she could feel and hear the powerful beating of its wings, the sun was like a halo around the being's head and she could make out that the form was most definately humanoid, human if it were not for those wings. Closer still, her scythe raised she hurried some prayers of protection, questionning the safety and wards of this plane as the figure drew nearer, its head still shrouded by the sun behind it, completely. The shine of silver armour and a large sword to it's belt, the winged creature landed, touching softly down at the sea's edge two metres from where she stood, transfixed.
The solar walked towards her out of the shallow water and Naya finally recognised it for what it was, a version of herself, smiling widely at her and full of love.
"Naya'il" it spoke, saying her name in a voice that sounded like it came from a long distance away and yet very close, strange harmonics played in the voice like an echo though there is no echo there.
"Y..You know my name? Who..*she made her voice firmer* Who are you?
"Do you not recognise me child? I am Sorath...your father" his tone was like a judgement passed by the sternest judge but still managing to sound full of love and understanding.
Naya's eyes roam over the solar with intense curiosity, his smile and the sense of love emanating from him cause her to lower her guard "Father..?" she repeats studying the wings.
Yes my child... And you are my child and though you hide your wings I know it is you..have no fear. Spread your wings little bird"
"How can I be sure..you are the..angel that sired me?" she was hesitant, yet her scythe slipped from one hand to relax to the ground.
The Solar pointed then to her cheek "There..on your cheek..the mark of the Radiant One" he lifted both his hands, palms forward. On the inside of his palms there were two circular marks looking exactly like the one on her cheek. "That is the mark of Pelor, the Sun Father. I am one of his Servants, among many others"
"Long ago I fell in love with a mortal...your mother. We shared a bond that seemed unbreakable..but as such things go, I eventually had to leave for my duties in the endless war against Evil."
She kept her lavender gaze upon him, searching his golden eyes for the truth, a myriad of expressions passing her face as she listened, awe, puzzlement and others less discernable.
"I did not know she was carrying you when I left, only later did I find out when I was looking out for her to see if she was in good health..by then, you were born...but I could not return..and did not want to intrude into your mother's new life that she had forged with a simple farmer."
"The duties of a Solar are many and fraught with great danger..and I would never risk taking your mother with me..and of course, she had found new love..so I decided I would do my duty as your guardian from the shadows."
There was something that Naya had never understood, despite her mother attempting to explain to her and as she tried to absorb she had to ask
"You said you loved her..I do not comprehend how you could have left her..and what of that now?" she was answered with a sigh
"Love is the greatest of all Mysteries..Yes I loved her..and I think because she loved me..she knew I could not stay with her. I am Pelor the Shining One's Servant, first and always. I could not leave his service without becoming something else alogether. These duties are, as I said, always highly dangerous..your mother knew very well how important these duties are...I think..this knowledge already led her to break away from me.."
He spoke further of her mother but then she picked up on another part of his words."You talk of playing guardian?"
"Being your guardian was always my duty..how can a father foresake his child? I had to follow my God's duty to planes far and wide but whenever I could I travelled to Toril to see how you grew up into a lovely little girl and then young woman. And..when I was not on Toril at al, I left the watching to a good friend of mine" he smiled knowingly "I wonder if you can guess who, my child?"
She continued to study him as he spoke, looking up to him, his face, his golden eyes, his great wings so much bigger and powerful than her own. She did not know..telling that she had seen no celestial but then it came to her.
"The imp!? her voice higher, surprised.
He smiled and chuckled "Now now...you know Piri never liked it when you call her an 'imp'. A 'pixie' is what she is..one of the fey folk." That comment brought wry smile to her lips.
"If you heard of all the pranks she pulled on me...you'd call her 'imp' too."
"Ah..the fey are a flighty bunch..but I would trust Piri with the light of my life...Is she not here?"
"No..there are so many distractions in the Cage and the planes to amuse her more than I these days."
He looked down at her, into her eyes, his own were glowing golden orbs, his expression serene and loving. "Ah..but you have become a warrior in your own right..and do not need constant supervision anymore as a child would." she blinked up at him, caught in the hold of his eyes and powerful aura as he continued and touched the tip of her blade with a long finger"The scythe..it is the Lady Chauntea's favoured weapon..a good weapon, mighty indeed. Pelor is not a god of Toril...but as you are my child Chauntea agreed to watch over you on her world.
"You are his favoured then..this..Pelor?" she asked.
"Pelor, the Sun Father, the Shining One. He is the deity of all that is light on Greyhawk, the crystal sphere were he is a god. He reigns over the aspects that on Toril the deity Lathander controls."
"Piri said something once......that I have three fathers..."
"Yes, as Pelor is my Lord, he is also yours...such as your Godfather. I was created to be one of his Servants and so everything that I do is also part of his own work....That includes your birth...my daughter."
"So..if I am to understand you..this..Pelor...works through me also?" she queried and he responded with a simple nod.
"You were under the watch of Chauntea as long as you were living with your mother in Toril...he is the source of your powers that you undoubtedly know you can manifest."
she rubbed her nose, pushing a golden lock from her cheek, exhaling slowly, seemingly lost in some understanding.
"Then...I have been praying to the wrong deity all this time." he raised a hand and moved a finger across Naya's golden hair and laughed.
"As the sun it shines so golden....no child, you were right to pray to Lady Chauntea, it was she that gave you power as you were on Toril. Pelor may not interfere on Toril so is the law of the multiverse. The celestials help each other, unlike the vile demons and devils..but we can not go against the fundamentals of existence. Think of Chauntea..as your Godmother. I believe her influence makes you particularly expert at using this weapon."
She chuckled "Long may it continue for my hands are unused to any other kind....Sorath?...father?...how..must I then continue..if I am to serve well and properly this Sun Father who grants me my powers..here?"
"You are not a slave Naya'il. You must find your own way. But if you are truly my child, you will do your utmost to smite Evil where you find it and destroy the abominations of undeath that are Pelor's most hated foe. Unlike me, you are not purely celestial but a mortal with heavenly heritage..other rules apply to you than to me."
she kept her gaze locked with his, a subtle glint came to her eyes, the lavender colour deepening, the hint of her growing fervour against those he mentioned. "I make start already".
"Sorath?" she asked again, still full of question." Piri told me my destiny was..no longer in Toril..encouraged me here..was that your influence..your doing?"
He gave a soft sigh "I did tell Piri that she should slowly try and introduce you to the reality of the vastness of the planes..I did not foresee she would lead you to Sigil as her first act...it..may have been a mistake to leave this to a flighty fey..but what is done is done...I suppose Piri may have been...getting bored a bit in your farmstead home. Piri...has no true obligation to me..she is a friend as are her kin..if she did not truly enjoy her duty she would have left long ago, I think. She is your 'friend'..I do not think she will leave you..she has stayed with you this long and will remain at your side I have no doubt."
"Perhaps she is...and that is up to her, I would not bind her to me if she wishes her space." Naya chuckled
"And you Sorath? What now ..for you? will we meet again?"
And he told her of his mission, his journey, that would take him far away again, to dangerous lands and planes, that he could tell her no more, that she should not try to find out where for if she knew, it would place her in danger. But that he would return and meet her again when the time was right. He gave her something then, a gift, a symbol of his love for her and her mother, something that had been made in the forges of Heaven, as an apology for not being there more for her. She offered her own apology for her lack of understanding and faith in him and his reasons for absence in her life.
Before he took his leave, he asked her to show him her wings, telling her not to bind them, to practice or how else would she fly. They said their farewells, his open arms, his presence radiating goodwill, called her to move into them to receive his comforting and loving embrace. Stepping back, he pumped his great wings, soaring into the air, higher and higher, until he was merely a glinting speck in the sky that suddenly vanished.
She stayed there for a long while, alone, watching the sky...just in case.
The solar walked towards her out of the shallow water and Naya finally recognised it for what it was, a version of herself, smiling widely at her and full of love.
"Naya'il" it spoke, saying her name in a voice that sounded like it came from a long distance away and yet very close, strange harmonics played in the voice like an echo though there is no echo there.
"Y..You know my name? Who..*she made her voice firmer* Who are you?
"Do you not recognise me child? I am Sorath...your father" his tone was like a judgement passed by the sternest judge but still managing to sound full of love and understanding.
Naya's eyes roam over the solar with intense curiosity, his smile and the sense of love emanating from him cause her to lower her guard "Father..?" she repeats studying the wings.
Yes my child... And you are my child and though you hide your wings I know it is you..have no fear. Spread your wings little bird"
"How can I be sure..you are the..angel that sired me?" she was hesitant, yet her scythe slipped from one hand to relax to the ground.
The Solar pointed then to her cheek "There..on your cheek..the mark of the Radiant One" he lifted both his hands, palms forward. On the inside of his palms there were two circular marks looking exactly like the one on her cheek. "That is the mark of Pelor, the Sun Father. I am one of his Servants, among many others"
"Long ago I fell in love with a mortal...your mother. We shared a bond that seemed unbreakable..but as such things go, I eventually had to leave for my duties in the endless war against Evil."
She kept her lavender gaze upon him, searching his golden eyes for the truth, a myriad of expressions passing her face as she listened, awe, puzzlement and others less discernable.
"I did not know she was carrying you when I left, only later did I find out when I was looking out for her to see if she was in good health..by then, you were born...but I could not return..and did not want to intrude into your mother's new life that she had forged with a simple farmer."
"The duties of a Solar are many and fraught with great danger..and I would never risk taking your mother with me..and of course, she had found new love..so I decided I would do my duty as your guardian from the shadows."
There was something that Naya had never understood, despite her mother attempting to explain to her and as she tried to absorb she had to ask
"You said you loved her..I do not comprehend how you could have left her..and what of that now?" she was answered with a sigh
"Love is the greatest of all Mysteries..Yes I loved her..and I think because she loved me..she knew I could not stay with her. I am Pelor the Shining One's Servant, first and always. I could not leave his service without becoming something else alogether. These duties are, as I said, always highly dangerous..your mother knew very well how important these duties are...I think..this knowledge already led her to break away from me.."
He spoke further of her mother but then she picked up on another part of his words."You talk of playing guardian?"
"Being your guardian was always my duty..how can a father foresake his child? I had to follow my God's duty to planes far and wide but whenever I could I travelled to Toril to see how you grew up into a lovely little girl and then young woman. And..when I was not on Toril at al, I left the watching to a good friend of mine" he smiled knowingly "I wonder if you can guess who, my child?"
She continued to study him as he spoke, looking up to him, his face, his golden eyes, his great wings so much bigger and powerful than her own. She did not know..telling that she had seen no celestial but then it came to her.
"The imp!? her voice higher, surprised.
He smiled and chuckled "Now now...you know Piri never liked it when you call her an 'imp'. A 'pixie' is what she is..one of the fey folk." That comment brought wry smile to her lips.
"If you heard of all the pranks she pulled on me...you'd call her 'imp' too."
"Ah..the fey are a flighty bunch..but I would trust Piri with the light of my life...Is she not here?"
"No..there are so many distractions in the Cage and the planes to amuse her more than I these days."
He looked down at her, into her eyes, his own were glowing golden orbs, his expression serene and loving. "Ah..but you have become a warrior in your own right..and do not need constant supervision anymore as a child would." she blinked up at him, caught in the hold of his eyes and powerful aura as he continued and touched the tip of her blade with a long finger"The scythe..it is the Lady Chauntea's favoured weapon..a good weapon, mighty indeed. Pelor is not a god of Toril...but as you are my child Chauntea agreed to watch over you on her world.
"You are his favoured then..this..Pelor?" she asked.
"Pelor, the Sun Father, the Shining One. He is the deity of all that is light on Greyhawk, the crystal sphere were he is a god. He reigns over the aspects that on Toril the deity Lathander controls."
"Piri said something once......that I have three fathers..."
"Yes, as Pelor is my Lord, he is also yours...such as your Godfather. I was created to be one of his Servants and so everything that I do is also part of his own work....That includes your birth...my daughter."
"So..if I am to understand you..this..Pelor...works through me also?" she queried and he responded with a simple nod.
"You were under the watch of Chauntea as long as you were living with your mother in Toril...he is the source of your powers that you undoubtedly know you can manifest."
she rubbed her nose, pushing a golden lock from her cheek, exhaling slowly, seemingly lost in some understanding.
"Then...I have been praying to the wrong deity all this time." he raised a hand and moved a finger across Naya's golden hair and laughed.
"As the sun it shines so golden....no child, you were right to pray to Lady Chauntea, it was she that gave you power as you were on Toril. Pelor may not interfere on Toril so is the law of the multiverse. The celestials help each other, unlike the vile demons and devils..but we can not go against the fundamentals of existence. Think of Chauntea..as your Godmother. I believe her influence makes you particularly expert at using this weapon."
She chuckled "Long may it continue for my hands are unused to any other kind....Sorath?...father?...how..must I then continue..if I am to serve well and properly this Sun Father who grants me my powers..here?"
"You are not a slave Naya'il. You must find your own way. But if you are truly my child, you will do your utmost to smite Evil where you find it and destroy the abominations of undeath that are Pelor's most hated foe. Unlike me, you are not purely celestial but a mortal with heavenly heritage..other rules apply to you than to me."
she kept her gaze locked with his, a subtle glint came to her eyes, the lavender colour deepening, the hint of her growing fervour against those he mentioned. "I make start already".
"Sorath?" she asked again, still full of question." Piri told me my destiny was..no longer in Toril..encouraged me here..was that your influence..your doing?"
He gave a soft sigh "I did tell Piri that she should slowly try and introduce you to the reality of the vastness of the planes..I did not foresee she would lead you to Sigil as her first act...it..may have been a mistake to leave this to a flighty fey..but what is done is done...I suppose Piri may have been...getting bored a bit in your farmstead home. Piri...has no true obligation to me..she is a friend as are her kin..if she did not truly enjoy her duty she would have left long ago, I think. She is your 'friend'..I do not think she will leave you..she has stayed with you this long and will remain at your side I have no doubt."
"Perhaps she is...and that is up to her, I would not bind her to me if she wishes her space." Naya chuckled
"And you Sorath? What now ..for you? will we meet again?"
And he told her of his mission, his journey, that would take him far away again, to dangerous lands and planes, that he could tell her no more, that she should not try to find out where for if she knew, it would place her in danger. But that he would return and meet her again when the time was right. He gave her something then, a gift, a symbol of his love for her and her mother, something that had been made in the forges of Heaven, as an apology for not being there more for her. She offered her own apology for her lack of understanding and faith in him and his reasons for absence in her life.
Before he took his leave, he asked her to show him her wings, telling her not to bind them, to practice or how else would she fly. They said their farewells, his open arms, his presence radiating goodwill, called her to move into them to receive his comforting and loving embrace. Stepping back, he pumped his great wings, soaring into the air, higher and higher, until he was merely a glinting speck in the sky that suddenly vanished.
She stayed there for a long while, alone, watching the sky...just in case.
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*Pashan01
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
By the Light of Pelor.....
I smiled to myself with increased confidence, back in the cave of the Abyss, where the circular mark I had carved before in the stone ground still stood, resting after having helped slay balor, hellish pitfiend and hundreds of evil spawn, carrying the word of faith from my goddess...no...gods, Pelor and Chauntea combined...doubly blessing my efforts and those of my friends...yes friends. I wiped sweat off my brow, pulled off that hot helm, releasing golden locks from their confinement without pause or worry, shaking tresses free in the infernal heat of that cave, while watched over by Kelth with his warmth and understanding and receiving an arched brow and quiet regard from Karath'rok who had not seen me without hood or helm before.
The battle had been fierce, the treasures found had been few; the real reward...the exhilaration of the fight, the teamwork, the spirit of character demonstated by all and the ultimate survival of this mission.
You will do your utmost to smite Evil where you find it and destroy the abominations of undeath that are Pelor's most hated foe
And so it begins.
I smiled to myself with increased confidence, back in the cave of the Abyss, where the circular mark I had carved before in the stone ground still stood, resting after having helped slay balor, hellish pitfiend and hundreds of evil spawn, carrying the word of faith from my goddess...no...gods, Pelor and Chauntea combined...doubly blessing my efforts and those of my friends...yes friends. I wiped sweat off my brow, pulled off that hot helm, releasing golden locks from their confinement without pause or worry, shaking tresses free in the infernal heat of that cave, while watched over by Kelth with his warmth and understanding and receiving an arched brow and quiet regard from Karath'rok who had not seen me without hood or helm before.
The battle had been fierce, the treasures found had been few; the real reward...the exhilaration of the fight, the teamwork, the spirit of character demonstated by all and the ultimate survival of this mission.
You will do your utmost to smite Evil where you find it and destroy the abominations of undeath that are Pelor's most hated foe
And so it begins.
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*Pashan01
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
The feather bobbed in front of Piri, catching her focus....teasing her as it waved about, perched on a smart hat, atop the head of a male elf with a dark face...drow? She couldn't be sure, but even if drow, not one of those obvious spider-kisser-types. She'd met one of those afew days ago...a female one, a dominant one, one whose spider pet had looked at her buzzing around as if it was planning on eating her. But..she wasn't 'that' tiny and she promised herself, that if it got its mandibles into her wings she'd slice its legs with her trusty little axe, hateful thing.
Well the elf was after her soul...had approached the cute pretty-faced Mister Boddo and herself one time attempting to make a trade. He'd promised to look after her soul carefully...myeah..like she believed that. Unca Theo had warned her of soul-snatchers...though...this elf did speak of having a lot of nice stuffies in his bag... Well, she knew his name...if she said it three times and chucked some pixie dust to ward herself and her own name, maybe her soul would be safe...hmm...it was tempting to consider it...if only for the few moments that it held her attention.
With thoughts of dancing feathers, souls and gloves of ogreses forgotten, she flitted off with her partner, mister Firtraad and her boss, mister Karath'rok, to go play in 'Bubbie-land.'..or as many called that plane...the Beastlands.
Well the elf was after her soul...had approached the cute pretty-faced Mister Boddo and herself one time attempting to make a trade. He'd promised to look after her soul carefully...myeah..like she believed that. Unca Theo had warned her of soul-snatchers...though...this elf did speak of having a lot of nice stuffies in his bag... Well, she knew his name...if she said it three times and chucked some pixie dust to ward herself and her own name, maybe her soul would be safe...hmm...it was tempting to consider it...if only for the few moments that it held her attention.
With thoughts of dancing feathers, souls and gloves of ogreses forgotten, she flitted off with her partner, mister Firtraad and her boss, mister Karath'rok, to go play in 'Bubbie-land.'..or as many called that plane...the Beastlands.
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*Pashan01
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Her first wand made. It was a gift to her 'duty', a gift of...apology..for not being around so often anymore. Naya was a big girl though and she had bigger more powerful friends than Piri these days.
Pouff! She zapped the spell against the bone wand afew sparkles shot out from the sides and the wand was formed. In her eagerness to get it to Naya she bumped into the big guy at the Inn and asked him favour of getting the gift to its destination....heh...that meant she could shoot off and play. He sent her a few frowns but she didn't feel guilty... the wand would make up for her absence, the summon would take her place some in guarding Naya, she nodded to herself and scooted off with a cheeky grin and a 'Toodles!' thrown over her shoulder to big guy.
Naya came upon Kelth at the Inn shortly after Piri had made her escape and he gave her the wand. She had never used one before and she waved it to see what would happen, flicked her wrist and out from the tip shot a ball of bright golden light at great speed, flew across the nearby table where another customer was sitting to come to rest hovering above the chair to the side of the man. Kelth warned Naya that she should not use the wand in the town and seeing the man's surprise she agreed.
She tried the wand again in Minauros and realised that the glowing creature was a light archon. Dear Piri...sweet gift...the rascal..though she did miss her chatter sometimes ..the company of the light archon was divine....she recognised the gift for what it was and smiled.
Pouff! She zapped the spell against the bone wand afew sparkles shot out from the sides and the wand was formed. In her eagerness to get it to Naya she bumped into the big guy at the Inn and asked him favour of getting the gift to its destination....heh...that meant she could shoot off and play. He sent her a few frowns but she didn't feel guilty... the wand would make up for her absence, the summon would take her place some in guarding Naya, she nodded to herself and scooted off with a cheeky grin and a 'Toodles!' thrown over her shoulder to big guy.
Naya came upon Kelth at the Inn shortly after Piri had made her escape and he gave her the wand. She had never used one before and she waved it to see what would happen, flicked her wrist and out from the tip shot a ball of bright golden light at great speed, flew across the nearby table where another customer was sitting to come to rest hovering above the chair to the side of the man. Kelth warned Naya that she should not use the wand in the town and seeing the man's surprise she agreed.
She tried the wand again in Minauros and realised that the glowing creature was a light archon. Dear Piri...sweet gift...the rascal..though she did miss her chatter sometimes ..the company of the light archon was divine....she recognised the gift for what it was and smiled.
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*Pashan01
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
She lies to her bed, wings spread and wrapped around her body, softly hugging herself in her happiness and current state of contentment. Only thought of one person, one brush off, one emotional outburst and rejection of comfort leaves her momentarily frowning in puzzlement as to the 'whys' of her reactions. The rest brings her to smile with pleasure, the experiences of late rewarding and enjoyable.
I spent time with Karath'rok learning how to use two new scythes that I had him craft for me to best effect in the Abyss. With appropriate spell, the right choice of which depending on the foe before me, a firm grip and steady hand, the damage I could do against devil and demon alike was.....spectacular.
Another time I kept Kelth company in that same plane. We had a purpose, tried to push through but there were too many, more than usual and far too fierce. He was not one to give in but one time I saw that great warrior fall was one time too many. Attempt to speak of things after I had dragged him away just...ah...no..best leave it for now, let it be...
Somewhat easier can I think of my growing friendship with Kaite. We've exchanged correspondence even though I have not seen her around Sigil that much and I was relieved to know she keeps well. She reminded me of her promise to share and record a particular experience for me and wished to meet up after she had taken care of some business. And we did....oh my we did...and I blush now thinking back on that time and the way things went...
It had taken all her grooming skills to get all the sand out of her feathers, shaking and preening until the grains loosened and fell. She would sweep the floor of her Inn room in the morning, for now she was tired, limbs feeling like jelly but so totally relaxed. She pondered over the truths of just what it was that Kaite had shown her, helped her to feel....that the touch of a girl in trusting friendship was so much different to that of an oafish brute of a man who had lied and caused pain, the softness of the kisses somehow sweeter, knowing......
At first she'd kept her control, simply seeking to copy the movements, a contrast to the eager and instantly passionate actions of her friend. After her initial stumbling request for help, her mind was clear and unafraid to explore, but she had soon lost herself to those new feelings and the pleasurable bliss of release that followed.
I spent time with Karath'rok learning how to use two new scythes that I had him craft for me to best effect in the Abyss. With appropriate spell, the right choice of which depending on the foe before me, a firm grip and steady hand, the damage I could do against devil and demon alike was.....spectacular.
Another time I kept Kelth company in that same plane. We had a purpose, tried to push through but there were too many, more than usual and far too fierce. He was not one to give in but one time I saw that great warrior fall was one time too many. Attempt to speak of things after I had dragged him away just...ah...no..best leave it for now, let it be...
Somewhat easier can I think of my growing friendship with Kaite. We've exchanged correspondence even though I have not seen her around Sigil that much and I was relieved to know she keeps well. She reminded me of her promise to share and record a particular experience for me and wished to meet up after she had taken care of some business. And we did....oh my we did...and I blush now thinking back on that time and the way things went...
It had taken all her grooming skills to get all the sand out of her feathers, shaking and preening until the grains loosened and fell. She would sweep the floor of her Inn room in the morning, for now she was tired, limbs feeling like jelly but so totally relaxed. She pondered over the truths of just what it was that Kaite had shown her, helped her to feel....that the touch of a girl in trusting friendship was so much different to that of an oafish brute of a man who had lied and caused pain, the softness of the kisses somehow sweeter, knowing......
At first she'd kept her control, simply seeking to copy the movements, a contrast to the eager and instantly passionate actions of her friend. After her initial stumbling request for help, her mind was clear and unafraid to explore, but she had soon lost herself to those new feelings and the pleasurable bliss of release that followed.
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*Pashan01
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
The demonstration did not last long. A few feet off the ground was all I could manage. Its harder to get the time and space to exercise as I should. The improvement I make each week now is miniscule. "Spread your wings, little bird" Sorath had told me. But after years of constraint, I fear their form is not all it should be to really be able to fly strongly like my father can and I am at a loss as to know quite what to do.
Elrik...I saw his astonishment at seeing 'what' I was but I am glad we had that time, that sharing. I studied the signet on his chain that he hides and he confirmed to me what I had sensed already. His 'calling' not so very far from my own but I believe it has been harder for him having grown up in this City without the familial support that I have had.
It was very pleasant, relaxing and I felt quite at ease in his company, no longer feeling the need to be reserved around him. Whether that was his calm company or simply that I find myself more contented and freer with things in general I am not sure...the latter I think. Once more, I was pleased to be able to call another 'friend' and know it to be true.
Elrik...I saw his astonishment at seeing 'what' I was but I am glad we had that time, that sharing. I studied the signet on his chain that he hides and he confirmed to me what I had sensed already. His 'calling' not so very far from my own but I believe it has been harder for him having grown up in this City without the familial support that I have had.
It was very pleasant, relaxing and I felt quite at ease in his company, no longer feeling the need to be reserved around him. Whether that was his calm company or simply that I find myself more contented and freer with things in general I am not sure...the latter I think. Once more, I was pleased to be able to call another 'friend' and know it to be true.
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*Pashan01
- Posts: 304
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
It was not the most pleasant form of dying, she taken multiple hits from the Erinyes and Dogai and had been left for dead, pretty much face down in a pool of swampy mud and water when Kelth happened upon her. Unconscious, but still breathing....barely. He'd cleared the area then lifted her and brought her back to the city, revived her, supported, allowing her recovery.
She stank. She was in her new armour as well, had been testing it out, the one that Kaille had made her just that afternoon...and it was in danger of being ruined.
She had things to tell him, ask him and proposed that they go somewhere private to talk. She could sense he had things to tell her too by his expression.
"How private? Elysium or Inn room" he asked. "Private" she responded firmly and they headed towards the Inn.
He paid for them to use a different room to the Inn and dared Gundul with a raised brow and a few choice words to make anything of it. The room was one with a bath to allow her to bathe properly and while she got rid of the muck, he sat on the bed and cleaned up her armour and they talked through the screen.
Of his matters there were two...both upsetting. She provided comfort in her words best she could..felt sadness for him and his disappointments of the first, shock at what he was proposing for the second but...he was trying to help others, other friends and she could not advise him otherwise...for she needed his help greatly herself.
Completing her bath, she dried off and found simple tunic in a drawer of the bathroom, slipped it on to join him where he sat still tending to her armour. She was determined, now clean, to convince him of what she wanted.
I asked him about his skills at healing on the battle fields, whether he had tended many a wounded warrior in battle, set bone and splinter to aid broken bones. I then asked him whether he had ever come across an animal or bird, mended paw or set broken wing. His words gave me hope. He had experience with nature and healing.
If one is to grow and become stronger, sometimes one must first bear much hurt and pain for this to happen, yes? He agreed with my point saying something of the same in his own style. Then I held him to an earlier promise to help me grow stronger and explained to him my need. I saw tears in his eyes and heard my name on his lips with such...pain himself at what I asked him to do, but I persisted, doggedly, to persuade him that this was what I wanted, needed..to be all that I could be...to keep a promise I had once made to him also...and I showed him the precious gem on my palm whose magicks a skilled crafter such as he might use to bring hammer to...to reform and make new that which was 'broken'.
We spoke of the 'who' and the 'how' and I got his agreement in the end on one condition. That for safety sake, while weak and recuperating, I would stay quietly hidden by friends. I agreed.
His last request before I left the room to return to my own would seem simple to many...and yet it was not so simple for me for various reasons, some of which he knew...but for all he has done, will do...I bent my rules and provided him, I hope, a little of what he needed at that moment....the comforting embrace of a friend.
She stank. She was in her new armour as well, had been testing it out, the one that Kaille had made her just that afternoon...and it was in danger of being ruined.
She had things to tell him, ask him and proposed that they go somewhere private to talk. She could sense he had things to tell her too by his expression.
"How private? Elysium or Inn room" he asked. "Private" she responded firmly and they headed towards the Inn.
He paid for them to use a different room to the Inn and dared Gundul with a raised brow and a few choice words to make anything of it. The room was one with a bath to allow her to bathe properly and while she got rid of the muck, he sat on the bed and cleaned up her armour and they talked through the screen.
Of his matters there were two...both upsetting. She provided comfort in her words best she could..felt sadness for him and his disappointments of the first, shock at what he was proposing for the second but...he was trying to help others, other friends and she could not advise him otherwise...for she needed his help greatly herself.
Completing her bath, she dried off and found simple tunic in a drawer of the bathroom, slipped it on to join him where he sat still tending to her armour. She was determined, now clean, to convince him of what she wanted.
I asked him about his skills at healing on the battle fields, whether he had tended many a wounded warrior in battle, set bone and splinter to aid broken bones. I then asked him whether he had ever come across an animal or bird, mended paw or set broken wing. His words gave me hope. He had experience with nature and healing.
If one is to grow and become stronger, sometimes one must first bear much hurt and pain for this to happen, yes? He agreed with my point saying something of the same in his own style. Then I held him to an earlier promise to help me grow stronger and explained to him my need. I saw tears in his eyes and heard my name on his lips with such...pain himself at what I asked him to do, but I persisted, doggedly, to persuade him that this was what I wanted, needed..to be all that I could be...to keep a promise I had once made to him also...and I showed him the precious gem on my palm whose magicks a skilled crafter such as he might use to bring hammer to...to reform and make new that which was 'broken'.
We spoke of the 'who' and the 'how' and I got his agreement in the end on one condition. That for safety sake, while weak and recuperating, I would stay quietly hidden by friends. I agreed.
His last request before I left the room to return to my own would seem simple to many...and yet it was not so simple for me for various reasons, some of which he knew...but for all he has done, will do...I bent my rules and provided him, I hope, a little of what he needed at that moment....the comforting embrace of a friend.