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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 19, 2021 18:43:57 GMT -5
"My love, my love,
My fearless love,
I will not say goodbye...
Sea my rise,
Sky may fall
My love will never die."
The sounds of waves crashing against the stone created a deep, thrumming bass that seemed to pulse with its own heartbeat. The cavern was dark, illuminated only by the pale moonlight flickering through the stone and cracks that arched upwards, forming an enclosed space. Rain and seawater dripped through the cracks, adding another layer of sound to the pounding of the sea. In the distance, thunder cracked and boomed.
At the center of the cavern, peering out into the raging sea, sat a small group of people. There were men and women, most about the same age, save for one. She was elderly, frame bent with age. One of the younger men was focused on something before him, carefully arranging small twigs and branches to form a shape fit for a small fire. Satisfied, he reached into a pouch at his waist, and withdrew flint and stone. He struck the instruments together several times, creating a few sparks. Several of the sparks landed on the fire pit, and a flame ignited to life. As the flame burst to life, the old woman opened her mouth, and spoke.
"In the beginning," she said, voice cracked and wavering. As she continued to speak, her tone grew stronger, and seemed to echo in the sea-side cavern, "all was covered with water. There was no land, no earth, no tree nor rock. There was only the sky above and the ocean below. For eons, there were no creatures in the sea, nor birds in the sky. Until the sky fell in love with the sea. From their pairing was born the First Ones: great beats who ruled over water and sky. It was these First Ones, who would later be called Dragons, that brought life to Ouros. It was the First Ones who created the land that we live upon, created the moon and the sun and the changing of tides. The First Ones sought to fill this world they had built with creatures of all shapes and sizes. They filled the ocean with fish of all colors, with the sharks and the dolphins and the whales. Upon the land they placed four-legged creatures like the mighty stag, the wolf, and the bear. Next, the First Ones made man, and gave to man the tools that he would need to survive and thrive on land and sea.
For ages, the First Ones watched their creations, and kept to their duty. For the Sky Father and Sea Mother had bestowed upon the First Ones a great responsibility: guard magic, the source of life upon Ouros. Over time, many of the First Ones grew weary, and disappeared into the oceans, never to be seen again. As their numbers grew smaller and smaller, the last of the First Ones met together to discuss how they would continue to guard magic and life. It was decided that they would create three more creatures. From the sea, they took the salt-air and shine of the sun on the calm sea and combined it with the intelligence and beauty of man, creating the Siren. Unto the Siren they charged the guardianship of the ocean, where the source of all magic rests. From the land, they took the ferocity of nature, and again combined it with the intelligence and loyalty of man, creating the Shifters. From the night, they took the brilliant cold of the stars, and the cunning of man to create the Vampires. Unto the Shifters and Vampires, the First Ones bestowed the duty of guarding the Sirens. With magic left guarded, the last of the First Ones disappeared into the ocean.
For many centuries, the Shifters and the Vampires guarded the Sirens faithfully as they protected magic. As time passed, however, the Vampires began to grow resentful of the Sirens, who could walk in the sun and sing to the ocean, stirring the hearts of the First Ones to replenish their magic. As this malcontent grew, the Vampires began to abandon their duties, hiding with the human settlements where they found prey aplenty. The Shifters continued their duty, guarding the Sirens as best they could. Despite their efforts, though, one Vampire saw an opportunity, and acted.
Killian, who was among the first of the Vampires, came across a Siren unguarded. In an instant, he'd attacked her, drinking her blood and stealing her life's magic. After he'd drank of the Siren's blood, he found that he could walk in the sun's light, at least for a time. It was this knowledge that caused a war between the Vampires and the Sirens, along with their Shifter guards, nearly driving all three races to extinction. The Vampires lost the war, and disappeared. No one has seen any since the time of the Great War, but there have been whispers of Vampires lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike again."
The old woman paused, taking a deep breath. "Since the First Ones created us, we, Shifters, have sought to guard and protect the Sirens. We know the Vampires are waiting and so we will continue our vigil, until our time on Ouros has ended and we have passed on to join the Sky Father." She met the gaze of each individual in the small group. "When the First Ones return, they will know that we have done our duty, for without the Sirens, magic will be lost."
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 19, 2021 18:44:29 GMT -5
Welcome to the world of Ouros, where magic is as common as the very air we breathe. Along with the humans who dot the landscape, reigning in their kingdoms and cities, there are those whose very nature is deeply entwined with magic. Shifters, who are both man and beast, able to change between forms at will. Sirens, whose voice weaves a spell around those who hear it, and who are deeply rooted in the sea. Vampires, whose entire existence is cloaked in the darkness of night, and who hunt in the shadows to claim a Siren's blood, which allows them to walk in the sun temporarily.
Most of the human population is not aware of the existence of the Shifters, Sirens or Vampires. Only a few have knowledge of these races, and often form together in brotherhoods to hunt and kill supernatural beings. Most Sirens and Shifters are able to live amongst humans easily, as they appear wholly humans. Vampires are only able to venture out when the sun is down, and while they appear mostly human, often times their black pupils can give them away to hunters. Sirens are always surrounded by at least two Shifters, as it is the duty of the Shifters to guard Sirens at all costs. '
The humans of Ouros are similar to those of Earth in that they appear the same, and have generally the same societal structure and religious hierarchy. There are dozens of religions, some monotheistic and others polytheistic, as well as numerous different languages and dialects. Because the world consists mostly of islands, sea travel is deeply important to the economic health of any nation. There is no kingdom or nation that does not border the sea. Each nation has its own navy, and among the most popular professions involve ship-building, fishing or maritime lifestyles.
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 19, 2021 18:45:58 GMT -5
Sirens, in many ways, are what ties magic to those living on Ouros. Created by the First Ones before the other supernatural races, Sirens were given the task of guarding the ocean, where the source of Ouros' magic lies. Sirens were born from the pairing of the ocean and man, and so they have two forms, similar to Shifters. While on dry land, Sirens appear as human as an other, with no remarkable features. When in the ocean, however, their form shifts: their human legs are replaced by a shimmering tail similar to that of a fish or shark, covered in prismatic scales. Along their edges of their arms are fin-like appendages, allowing them to glide effortlessly through the ocean. They are able to breathe both water and air in either form.
Sirens can be either male or female, but only female Sirens gain the ability to use their voice to enchant others. Male Sirens are able to shift when in water, and still gain the use of a gift that is unique to them. When they reach maturity, usually between 16 and twenty-two, Sirens travel to an island off the coast of Quelosia to meet with the Matriarch, who is able to help the young Siren determine what their unique gift will be. Gifts sometimes run in families - a mother and daughter might share the gift of foresight, for example - but this is not always the case. A Siren's gift will depend on their own inherent level of power and potential.
Sirens tend to live amongst human communities, and while they often live near the coast some chose to live inward. Doing so does hamper their magic a bit, and makes their own unique gifts weaker. Most Sirens are surrounded by Shifters at all times, who serve as their guard, as Sirens are often hunted by Vampires due to the unique qualities of their blood. Consuming a Siren's blood grants a Vampire the ability to walk in the daylight and forgo their day-time sleep, although temporarily. As a result, some Sirens have been kidnapped and held hostage by the Vampires.
Like Shifters, Sirens have fated mates who are said to be the other half of their soul. It is not required, however, that a Siren settle or marry their fated mate. Many believe in fated mates, but do not necessarily believe their fate lies with them. A Siren's fated mate may be a Shifter, Siren or Vampire. Sirens tend to age like humans, until their unique gift is unlocked. Once this happens, they age slowly until they reach around thirty-five years, before their aging stops. At some point, Sirens will begin aging again, although the rate is slower even than a Shifter's.
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 19, 2021 18:46:33 GMT -5
After the Sirens were created, the First Ones then crafted the Shifters, merging beast with man. There are dozens of different kinds of shifters, from wolves to bears to falcons. Each shifter has the ability to take on their animal form, within which they retain their human intelligence and cunning, and are sometimes able to communicate telepathically with each other. Wolves, for example, have a pack sense that allows them to speak with members of their pack when shifted. Others, like those who take the form of a bear, tend to not have these mental connections, although it is not unheard of. All Shifters are able to communicate mentally with the Sirens they are guarding when shifted, due in large part to the fact that the Sirens are the source of a Shifter's inherent transformation magic, seeing as Sirens guard magic in general.
Most Shifters are much larger than their natural counterpart when shifted. A wolf might be the size of a small pony, whereas a bear might be the size of a large stallion. This drastic change in size puts a strain on a Shifter's magic. As a result, Shifters tend to consume a large amount of calories during the day, to feed the magic that allows them to shift. All Shifters, save those whose beastly half is a dragon, are able to shift between forms at will. The Moon-caller and Sun-caller are able to help Shifters when they get stuck in either form, although their abilities are stronger with dragon shifters.
Dragon shifters are inherently rare. No one knows exactly when they appeared as it is generally believed that the First Ones did not merge man and dragon. Unlike other Shifters, a dragon Shifter's ability to shift is hampered largely due to the disappearance of the First Ones. Many dragon Shifters are not able to shift any part of their body, while some are able to sprout wings or grow talons. Often, however, they are stuck in this form unless a Siren with a particular gift is able to sing them back to their other shape.
Because dragon Shifters are even more closely tied to Sirens, they are the only Shifters allowed to witness the testing that reveals a Siren's unique gift. Dragon Shifters are able to determine who has the ability to call to the First Ones, as well as the ability to assist them in shifting between their forms.
Like Sirens, Shifters have fated mates. Unlike Sirens, most Shifters will wait until their find their fated mate to settle down. It is said that one's fated mate is recognized through scent. Mates are able to communicate to each other telepathically regardless of whether they are shifted or not. A Shifter's fated mate may be a Shifter, Siren or Vampire. Shifters age like humans until they reach maturity, general around 20-30, where their aging slows to a dramatically slow rate, practically rendering them immortal. Shifters do eventually die of old age, however if they do not die in battle. Shifters are always born, and cannot be made by anyone save the First Ones. The Shifter gene is dominant, so a child born from one Shifter and a human will still be a Shifter. The type of animal a Shifter becomes is generally hereditary.
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 19, 2021 18:47:53 GMT -5
The Vampires were the last of the supernatural races created by the First Ones. Vampires were created by blending the cold brilliance of the night stars with man, resulting in a creature that is human in appearance, but has superior speed, strength and agility to any other supernatural race. Shifters are a close second in terms of strength and speed, but a Vampire will always be faster and stronger. In the beginning, Vampires worked with Shifters to guard Sirens, but over time they began to grow resentful of the fact that they were not able to walk in the sun's light and were forced into a death-like sleep during the day. One Vampire named Killian discovered that drinking the blood of a Siren gave him the ability to walk in the day, at least temporarily.
Vampires do not inherently need to drink blood to survive, as they are able to draw all the energy they need from their inherent magic, which is replenished during the day, but drinking another's blood gives a Vampire's personal magic reserves a boost. Drinking blood quickly becomes addictive, however. As a Vampire continues to consume blood, the way they replenish their inherent magic becomes increasingly tied to consuming more and more blood. Eventually, a Vampire is forced to drink blood, or they will wither away.
In terms of appearance, Vampires are nearly identical to humans. The only difference is in their eyes; a Vampire's eyes are always black, taking on an eerie glow, usually red or copper in color, when drawing on their magic reserves to utilize their speed, strength and agility. The more blood a Vampire consumes, the more this glow fades away as their inherent magic is continuously fueled by blood. Eventually, a Vampire's eyes will be black if they drink enough blood, extinguishing the magic the First Ones gave them all together.
If a Vampire drinks the blood of a Siren, they are able to walk in the sunlight and forego their day-time sleep. As a result of this, many Vampires have taken to hunting and kidnapping Sirens to keep them captive, drinking their blood on a regular basis. Some Vampires have continued their duty of guarding the Sirens, but their numbers are low.
Vampires can either be born or made. A Vampire can be made when someone is drained of their blood to near-death, and then fed the blood of a Vampire, creating a magical connection between sire and offspring. Turned Vampires will stop aging as soon as they are magically bound. Born Vampires tend to age like humans until their mid-twenties to thirties, when they cease aging all together.
Like Shifters and Sirens, Vampires have fated mates, although most do not believe in this concept. A Vampire's fated mate may be a Vampire, Shifter or Siren.
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 19, 2021 18:50:15 GMT -5
The First One: the last of the known dragons, whose location remains unknown and whose existence is uncertain. 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊
Dragonsong: the Siren able to sing to and connect with the First One. Born during a super blue blood moon. Open.
Moon-caller: the Siren able to sing to the both halves of shifters, helping them to shift partially or shift between forms. Born during the winter eclipse. ℊℓоω
Dragonguard: the lead Shifter assigned to guarding the Dragonsong and Moon-caller. Hushabye
Honorguard #1-X: Shifters assigned to guard the Dragonsong and Moon-caller. Led by the Dragonguard. Open.
The Matriarch: head of the Sirens, leads the testing that reveal a Siren's unique gift. 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊
The Master: head of the Vampires. Personally hunts the Dragonsong and Moon-caller. Open.
Above you will find the slots for the characters that will be central to this role-play, although these will not be the only characters. There will be several side characters as well, so feel free to make as many as you would like!
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 19, 2021 18:50:53 GMT -5
The basic plot of this role-play will center around a small group of Sirens and Shifters as they travel to the Heart of Ouros, a small island at the center of their world. Three of the Sirens have unique gifts. One is able to commune with the dragon half of a dragon shifter and help them partially shift. One is able to commune with the human half of a dragon shifter and help them revert back to their human form. The last Siren is able to communicate with the First Ones and sing them out of their slumber. As they make for the Heart of Ouros, they are beset by hunters, Vampires and numerous other dangers. Relationships will develop and break, as the very fabric of the world is threatened. For if the Sirens cannot reach the Heart and call to the First Ones again, then magic itself is doomed.
Members
Relationships
- Nadira and Tao are in a romantic relationship.
- Cyri is Tao's adopted sister.
- xx
It is currently mid-winter. Much of the northern ocean is packed with ice and glaciers, making navigation difficult.
Disclaimer: All rights to the original artwork featured in this role-play belong to and are held by their respective owners.
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 19, 2021 19:54:43 GMT -5
[ save ]
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 19, 2021 19:55:05 GMT -5
[ Open! ]
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 20, 2021 6:59:08 GMT -5
( woo )
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Post by Hushabye on Sept 20, 2021 18:49:36 GMT -5
[ Hello again~! Would it be possible for me to claim the Dragonguard? ^^ ]
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 20, 2021 19:02:45 GMT -5
( yep! Welcome )
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Post by Hushabye on Sept 21, 2021 1:35:56 GMT -5
[ Hi(times 3!) Haha~ Seems we're both drawn to magic! ]
[ Thanks! Is the Dragonguard meant to be a dragon shifter? And can I make a vampire too? ]
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 21, 2021 7:36:10 GMT -5
( nope, they can be whatever kind of shifter you want )
( and yes (: it will probably be around Thursday that I am able to get a starter up )
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Post by Hushabye on Sept 21, 2021 18:22:03 GMT -5
[ Great, thanks! ]
[ Right now I'm just debating on which character to use for the Dragonguard role, and what kind of vampire I want to create. ^^
I think I'll know more after the starter. ]
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 21, 2021 19:40:23 GMT -5
( no worries! I’m stupid busy with work tomorrow so the starter will be Thursday or Friday night )
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 23, 2021 15:52:15 GMT -5
Tao
The Sky Father was angry tonight.
Rain came pouring down in sheets thick enough to obscure even a Shifter’s vision, blocking out the light of the stars and moon above. The sound of the rain was almost loud enough to swallow the roaring of the ocean as it thrashed about in storming rage. Aside from the deep blackness of midnight, the world was furthered darkened by the roiling storm-clouds above.
Tao tipped his head back, peering into the blinding rain. He paced back and forth, just outside what appeared to be a sea-side cavern. Its maw opened wide, yawning in greeting to those who would enter, but just beyond the entrance there was a turn that led deeper into the cave, making it impossible to tell the depth of the cave from outside. He wasn’t alone, but those who were standing guard with him were dispersed further down the beach. As he walked, the sand caked between the pads of his paws, clinging to his claws as he moved. He paused again, swinging his head around to pull in the scents of his environment. Satisfied that there was no immediate threat, he went back to his duty, guarding the entrance to the cavern.
As a Shifter, it was his duty – his honor – to stand guard over the Sirens of Ouros. Sirens had been the first super-naturals created by the First Ones, if you believed the old stories, and had been given the duty to guard magic and keep it safe and thriving. While Tao was doubtful that the First Ones existed – why would they have abandoned their creations, if they were real? – he did believe that Sirens were vital to the health of magic. And since Tao was a Shifter himself, a creature made of magic, his continued existence depended on the survival of the Sirens. And the Sirens themselves were constantly in danger.
If they weren’t being hunted by the Vampires, who hungered after the blood that ran in their veins, then Sirens were being threatened by the groups of humans who fancied themselves hunters, and set out to slay anything that seemed remotely non-human. Tao snorted to himself, and glanced back towards the cavern. He was desperately curious to know what was going on inside, but he was not a Dragon Shifter. He was a wolf, and all but the Dragon Shifters themselves were forbidden from entering the cavern. Only Sirens were permitted.
Thunder cracked above, drawing Tao’s attention. Surprisingly, the rain began to ease off a bit. With a snort, the pony-sized wolf gave his dark coat a shake, and went to lay down just in front of the cavern. He rested his head on his paws, and settled himself to wait.
Rather suddenly, the rain stopped; the darkness of the storm-clouds was chased away, replaced by the bright, blinding shine of the full moon, casting the world below in an ethereal glow. He tipped his head to the moon and let out a soft howl.
The ceremony had begun.
Cyanea, the Matriarch
Deep in the heart of the cavern, a fire was roaring, casting dancing shadows across the rocky walls that surrounded it. Cyanea, the Matriarch of the Sirens, sat on one end of the fire, while the Sirens who had come to her island for testing sat across the others. They had finally reached maturity, and it was time for their gifts to be unlocked. She could feel their power dance across her skin, brimming just beneath the surface, desperate to be released. When everyone was settled, the Matriarch stood. She could feel that it was time – the moon was at its highest, and was showing its full, brilliant face.
“Since the time of the First Ones,” she began, voice echoing in the cavern and ringing with an ancient strength, “we Sirens have ventured here, to face what fate has in store for them. To face the magic of the First Ones, and embrace their true potential. To step into their full power, and unlock their gifts.” She strode around the fire, moving closer to the small group. So few young ones here today, she thought to herself. Their numbers were dwindling. She grieved the loss of so many.
“Every Siren before you has faced this challenge, and found themselves. And now it is your turn. As Matriarch, it is my duty to guide you through this quest, but only you can determine the outcome.” She moved to a small rocky ledge that served as a make-shift altar. On it was an old worn bowl, filled to the brim with seawater. As she waved her hand over it and summoned her own gift, the water began to glow with a brilliant light, as pure and clear as the moon. “As the moon holds sway over the tides, so to does it hold sway over us. As the light of the moon fills you, you will find what your gift is. I cannot say what your vision will show, nor what your gift will be. That is between you and the First Ones.” She cast a warm smile over her pupils. “May the First Ones light your way. Let us begin.”
The first Siren in line – a young man – let out a heavy sigh and stepped forward. Cyanea smiled at him kindly. She dipped her first two fingers into the glowing water and traced the outline of a crescent moon along his forehead. As she did so, she reached deep within herself, where her own power rested, and stoked it to life. Her magic flowed outward, invisible to all but Cyanea, and engulfed the young man. His eyes grew distant and glazed, and she knew that he was in his own vision. A few seconds later, he blinked several times and gave her a wide grin. She smiled back. While he had only be unaware for a few seconds, she knew he would find that his vision seemed timeless.
“Acarus,” she said, announcing him to the others, “has been given the gift of telekinesis. May the First Ones bless his path. Welcome, Acarus, to the Sirens.” He bowed to her, and moved to the side, allowing the next candidate to step forward.
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ℊℓоω
ɴᴏ ᴀᴅᴍɪᴛᴛᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴇxᴄᴇᴘᴛ ᴏɴ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ ʙᴜsɪɴᴇss
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Post by ℊℓоω on Sept 23, 2021 16:40:28 GMT -5
Nadira
Nadira stared into the dancing flames. The warmth was welcome as the water had been cold on the journey to the island. Her fingertips, clutched in the folds of her robe, still held a stiff chill. A shiver threatened to ripple through her body. She staved it off, not wanting to look nervous in front of the other sirens. Even still, she felt her mother’s hand land on her waist, pulling her closer as if she were still a child.
The young siren glanced at her mother, smiling silently. She was aware of how alike they looked now that she had grown to maturity. Kelsa was older, yes, but her siren’s blood prevented her from aging as a human woman might. They looked like sisters now, with the same delicate features and dark green eyes. The only thing that hinted at Kelsa’s age was that her hair was growing paler. Once a deep red like her daughter’s, it was now a soft copper hue. When they had arrived, sirens Kelsa had known for many years remarked at how alike her daughter was to her.
Now they sat in a circle around the flame. It was time for all the other young ones to learn of the powers which until now had lived dormant within them. It was a ritual Nadira had looked forward to for many years with curiosity and a hint of fear. Her mother had insisted she held ancient magic even from the time she was a little girl. While Nadira wanted to believe her, there was always the lingering fear that they were merely the words of a doting parent.
The first of the Young Ones received his gift and then took his place in the circle once more. Nadira felt her pulse quicken as they awaited Cyanea’s next selection. She almost expected to hear her own name called, but another siren was called forward, and her anticipation was delayed a bit longer.
She found herself looking around the room, first at the sirens gathered in the light of the fire. There were few she recognized but many more were strangers.
Standing apart from the circle were a couple of men she knew to be dragon shapeshifters, though now they were in their human forms. According to her mother, dragon shifters rarely took their reptilian forms these days. Without the Sun-caller, it was too difficult for them to return once transformed. It was much simpler for shifters of different varieties to alternate between the two. Like the wolf shifter she had spotted when they entered the cavern. She could still remember his lupine eyes. Frankly she found the beings to be quite intimidating. While most sirens were guarded by shifters, she and her mother had lived safely away from society in their lighthouse. Shifters were foreign entities to her, as were most people besides her own family and those from the small fishing town near her home.
Another of the young ones was blessed by the Matriarch, and the next was called forward. Nadira fought her instinct to grow nervous. There is no use worrying over it, she told herself. You’re the same person no matter what magic you possess.
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Post by Hushabye on Sept 28, 2021 22:42:16 GMT -5
-- Ekaitza Sevard
-- Dragonguard, Dragon
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Ekaitza had greeted- cursed- the morning with a splitting headache; the unfiltered sun searing straight through to his brain, and a hastily hand-drawn map creasing the side of his face. Truly, a promising start to the next phase of his life.
The most important one, if his absurdly spiritual family is to be believed- but that remains to be seen. It will be what he makes of it. A position glorified and lauded by virtue of Ekaitza Sevard being the one to occupy it. Success is only guaranteed because he wills it.
These were lofty thoughts for one so hungover he could not recall why he was sleeping on the roof of an inn rather than in the bed he had purchased, but of course his situation failed to affect his ego. In fact, the lackluster start to the latter half of his journey only served to put the Shifter in a better mood. And so it followed that he had skirted dangerously close to missing the beginning of the Sirens' ceremony due to a detour into the bed of a fisherman's daughter who had been impressed by the weapons he carried.
Ekaitza was still adjusting his fur-lined collar when he trotted past a patrolling wolf, using his other hand to give the Shifter a lazy wave before he was swallowed up by the yawning cavern. The map that he'd obtained from an earlier...encounter with a Siren had proved useful in the end, though he struggled to make sense of landmarks that were based in the sea. Still, Kai congratulated himself on his excellent timing, as he came upon the crowded portion of the cave just as one of the wolves howled to announce the ceremony.
He crept around the outer edges of the seated Sirens so as not to disturb them but couldn't help greeting his fellow Dragon Shifters directly. They appeared so stoic, reptilian gazes tracking his progress as he took up a position closest to the fire.
Cyanea begins her theatrics and Kai settles in for yet another uneventful night. He'd attended a few such ceremonies in the past and knows what to expect. Only the Sirens are privy to the magic of the moment; the Shifters are mere decorative blades lining the walls until the night's end. Ekaitza muffles a yawn with a fist and casts his gaze out over the enraptured audience before discreetly flapping a sleeve at the fire. He'd strategically chosen the spot nearest to the flames despite his new rank and was trying to dry the damp parts of his garments. Unfortunately, the fabric is already ruined and stiff with sea salt. This realization is the one to finally make him frown, but his expression changes swiftly when a redhead who had been studying the assembled Shifters catches his eye. Or rather, they catch each other's.
She had been watching them with something like awe and trepidation, so Kai favored her with a small smile and flicker of a wave.
[ Sorry! I haven't been feeling well for a while so this is all I have! ^^;; ]
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 29, 2021 7:16:22 GMT -5
( no worries  it’s awesome. I’ll get another post up today or tomorrow ) |
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Sept 30, 2021 13:23:46 GMT -5
Cyanea, the Matriarch
The excitement roiling through the cavern was intoxicating. Cyanea chuckled softly to herself as Acarus moved to the side, joy and determination flickering in his eyes. The next candidate, a young female Siren, stepped forward. She was nervous, Cya knew. And who wouldn’t be? Much of a Siren’s future was determined in this testing. Many Sirens integrated into the Siren hierarchy based on their powers, although a strong gift wasn’t required. Those with weaker gifts – although ‘weak’ was relative, in Cya’s opinion – tended more towards living amongst humans. In Cya’s view, every Siren’s gift was beautiful, and was one to be celebrated.
She dipped her fingers into the glowing water again, and then drew a crescent moon on the young Siren’s forehead. Again, she coaxed her magic to life. It moved forward to wrap the Siren in a soft, glowing cocoon. The young Siren’s gaze grew distant for a moment, before she returned to awareness. Cya’s gift whispered to her, letting her know what the new Siren’s power was. Cya smiled at the young woman. “Tessa,” she said, casting her voice louder again, “has been given the gift of botanokinesis. May the First Ones bless her path. Welcome, Tessa, to the Sirens.” Tessa bowed to her and stepped aside, and the ritual began again.
After a time, Cya lost count, although she knew the group here numbered no more than thirty. As each person’s gift was revealed, Cya welcome them into the Sirens’ society fully, and asked the First Ones for their blessing. Finally, there were only two Sirens left to be tested. Cya smiled and waved the next one in line – a young woman named Nadira, if she remembered correctly – to step forward. She could sense the young woman’s anticipation and excitement as if it danced across her skin. “Don’t be afraid,” she told Nadira, voice audible only to the woman before her. She drew the crescent moon across Nadira’s forehead, and let her magic wash across the young Siren, pulling her into a spiritual vision. Each Siren’s vision quest was unique; Cya still remembered hers, although it had been many, many moons ago.
A few moments later, her magic returned, whispering to Cya. Her eyes widened in shock as her magic whispered what Nadira’s gift was. It couldn't be. Her gift had to be mistaken. Doubt flickered within her heart as she studied the young Siren before her. Her gift had never been wrong before, but what it was telling her was impossible. The Moon-caller gift was dead. Gone. Legend. Her gaze shot to the dragon Shifters gathered on the other side of the cavern. No other Shifters were present; only those whose beastly half was a dragon were permitted to attend the ceremony, and that was only because they were able to sense the presence of those gifted with the Moon-caller and Sun-caller powers, and the one who was gifted with the powers of the Dragonsong. It had been so long that someone had been revealed to have those powers that Cya figured they’d passed into legend. She allowed the dragon Shifters to attend as a matter of tradition, rather than necessity. She watched as the dragon Shifters began to shift on their feet restlessly, no doubt sensing Nadira’s gift. She could call to their beastly or human side, helping them to shift between forms. Her gaze met that of the Dragonguard, Ekaitza Sevard. He was the leader of the Shifters gathered here – even those who stood guard outside.
“Nadira,” she called, a slight waver of shock in her voice. She paused for a moment to seemingly gather herself, before continuing, “has been given the gift of the Moon-caller. May the First Ones bless her path. Welcome, Nadira, to the Sirens.”
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Oct 2, 2021 20:16:36 GMT -5
[ bump ]
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Oct 2, 2021 20:26:46 GMT -5
[ okie dokie ^^ ]
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ℊℓоω
ɴᴏ ᴀᴅᴍɪᴛᴛᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴇxᴄᴇᴘᴛ ᴏɴ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ ʙᴜsɪɴᴇss
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Post by ℊℓоω on Oct 4, 2021 0:06:33 GMT -5
Nadira
𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 Hushabye
When at last she was called forward, Nadira did as she was bade and stepped toward the Matriarch. She did as the others had done and knelt before the older siren. The gazes of the others burned as warmly as the light of the fire, but she was comforted in knowing her own mother was among them.
She smiled up at Cyanea, nerves having mostly passed in favor of excitement. Then she felt the cool touch of the matriarch’s fingers on her forehead. It was like a spark cast onto kindling. Instantly, magic enveloped her and blinded her vision from within with a flash of light.
She could see a green clearing under a canopy of trees. There was a clear, babbling creek. The air was humid and fresh. Spindly beams of sunlight dangled in the air, and fluttering between them was a blue bird. It twirled and twisted. At first it seemed like dancing, but Nadira was struck with a pang of sympathy as she realized it was in pain. Its wings flapped violently, and then suddenly stopped. The small body plummeted down. Before it hit the ground, it transformed into a leaping deer. The small blue form was replaced by a large mammalian body, all legs and gleaming golden hide. Its hooves struck the grass and then it was running straight toward her. She put her hands up instinctively, but before it hit her it changed again, this time into a brown trout that fell harmlessly flapping onto the grass. She stepped toward it, watching its gills shudder as it tried to breathe. Its eyes were fearful and wild.
Before she could reach it, the vision vanished.
The green clearing was gone, as was the gasping fish. She found herself once again in the cavern with the Matriarch standing before her. When Nadira met her eyes, she could see that they were wide with disbelief.
When Cyanea spoke, her voice wavered slightly. “Nadira has been given the gift of the Moon-caller. May the First Ones bless her path. Welcome, Nadira, to the Sirens.”
Nadira's heart seized. The Moon-caller? It was a name she had heard many times from her mother’s mouth, but only when tempered by the sad reminder that none had existed for many generations. It was myth—legend which had populated stories but never quite seemed real. A person capable of calling to the animal form of shapeshifters, powerful enough to change them with or even against their will. It was a power Nadira had dreamed of, but never dared to assume she would possess. She was too stunned to speak.
As she stood, she could feel the curiosity and shock radiating from the other sirens. Her mother’s face was pale but she smiled as she met her daughter’s gaze. “I told you so,” her eyes seemed to say.
Behind Kelsa and the other sirens, Nadira once again cast her attention toward the shapeshifters. Now that her powers were released, she looked at the shifters with fresh eyes. Now she could see the magic around them like a glinting aura. Her throat tightened as a song lodged there. It was not the time to sing it, and it took all her self control not to open her mouth and test it. She could see the man with the white hair flex his jaw. He sensed it too. Her gaze brushed past the raven-haired one who had smiled at her earlier, but she avoided his eyes.
Sensing she was interrupting the ritual, she found her way back to her seat inside the circle. There was one more yet for Cyanea to unlock.
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Post by 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖒𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖊 on Oct 4, 2021 4:42:20 GMT -5
( gonna give Hushabye a chance to reply first (: ) |
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it’s awesome. I’ll get another post up today or tomorrow )