The Spiral

Lailani Surana

[zelihatheflight]

Lailani meant those questions about life as rhetorical, but Zeliha's gaze still went slightly far away as she searched for the answers in her head. She got as far as evolution, the innate desires and desperation of all living beings, and the will of the Gods before she reeled herself back into the point her elvhen friend was making. Then she pursed her lips and nodded, letting out a slow exhale through her nose. It took her a moment but she met Lailani's gaze again and smiled, her words finally sinking in fully. "And that is why you will always be one of the best of us," she murmured gratefully and nodded. "Yes, I believe that is the truth of who we are... who we should always be." Sensible wisdom that even Zeliha would know, but it was difficult to call on sensible wisdom when she was as restless, afraid and sad as she was.

Most elvhen did not ask to be seen as mentor or paternal/maternal figures to the faiman, but her elvhen parent had never been able to raise her. And when such elder elvhen made such pointed remarks to her, Zeliha still could not help but feel like a rightfully scolded child. She frowned, wringing her fingers together. She would never disrespect a body, even during study, but she had to admit to herself that she did not think of praying for them as she usually did. Even for the Witchers of Iskaldrik, if they were not actively running, she had always prayed over them. "... Of course. I don't know the Gods of the Kossith, but... all living things are children of the celestial and deserve a farewell." Her words were in slightly shamed mutters. "I just... I hope they had given our people as much consideration."

[spiralailani]

“I don’t know about all of that,” she says dryly, tilting her head in acknowledgement of the compliment with an air that lends to amusement rather than pride at Zeliha’s words. Lailani has never considered herself to be special in any way, shape or form. While she did believe each soul was unique, she did not strive for acknowledgment or mastery, just to ensure she lived her life offering as much kindness as she could, whether she could afford it or not. The world was far too dark as it is, and her hope was simply to leave it a bit brighter than she had left it. Perhaps others would see her goals as lofty, but to herself they only seemed like the next logical step on her journey. “I am simply doing what I believe it’s best, one day at a time. Just like you are, just like everyone is. Our opinions of what might be best might differ, but that is what makes life worth living.”

A sigh escapes Lailani’s lips as she reaches out and places a hand on Zeliha’s shoulder. Once there, she squeezes gently and offers her a gentle smile. 

“Forgive me, I am well aware of your character, I shouldn’t have reprimanded your curiosity,” she apologizes quietly as her hand leaves Zeliha’s shoulder. Her initial reaction had been her own, but she should have trusted Zeliha on how she would implement her research. She had worked with the other Nightingale for too long by mortal standards to jump to conclusions now. Her own concerns and her tension at the unknown fate of Nyla and the others were no excuse for her doubt. They needed to trust each other, especially in times like this. “I trust that your kind heart will guide you well.”

Lailani she goes to say more, but she stops, lips pressing into a bittersweet smile as she shrugs.

“We can hope they have,” she says, although privately she has her doubts. While Lailani always hoped for the best, she is also well aware that in this case, their hope seems to be less than factual. 

[xdeimosx]

Deimos was glad this person was no longer his problem, he felt like he'd done enough to save them from drowning, and the rest was going to be up to Lailani or if they woke up. Magic would do wonders for them, a potion or one or two, but Deimos had nothing. And he was tired, exhausted, and soaked to the bone. "And Aventia is retaken for the Queen, then?"

[spiralailani]

“That is correct, Aventia has been retaken by Lysara,” she says with a nod. She considers the man before her once more, head tilting to the side before wincing as she realizes she had been severely lacking in her hospitality. “Pardon me, you must be thirsty and hungry.” Reaching down into her bag, she takes out a canteen and offers it to the druid. “Would you like some water? I also have some rations, as well.”

[lotharx]

"That's similar to the runes, yes," Lothar nodded simply at that, "Whatever it is, whether it be a genuine symbol which brings great strength or bolsters protection or if it is simply something you like - personalize it to you. This weapon is an extension of you." When he died, for her was certain where such final death would take place, those who recovered him would know who he was -blood of the giants, wielder of the greataxe; his weapon would tell the story for him. "There are many - though this was my first," he pointed to the saying, ᚺᚨᛈᛈᛋᚲᛖᛃᛏᚱ, "my mentor in the guild, he often called me this. It means lucky shot and so I've carried this title with me ever since."

[spiralailani]

The relevance of the modifications click, finally, when he begins to explain that the carvings should personalize the weapon to their owner. With as many conflicts as they are seeing, bodies are beginning to pile, and after a while, they will all look the same. Magic can be used to recognize the corpses, but when that is not an option, something like a recognizable weapon is likely to go a long way. 

“Oh, I quite like that,” she admits after hearing the story behind his first carving. “It definitely will feel bolstering, to carry such a reminder with you into battle. I am beginning to understand the appeal.”

[rhysxvuldak]

Rhys put his chin in his hand, fixing Lailani with another smile. He was a bard, he was nosey, and this was the perfect chance to listen to what was going on around him. "Well, you have my attention. I have a bottle of wine, and lots of silence to fill, so tell me your story. The highlights, you know the ones." He didn't mean every single detail – but the way someone spoke about their story, what parts they wished to include, it was telling.

[spiralailani]

An amused snort escapes her at the encouragement, but she takes a step closer and takes a seat in the ground. There is not much else for her to do at this point, other than wait, so why not indulge in one of her favorite pastimes? 

“If you are looking for a great hero, I would recommend looking somewhere else,” she begins with a shrug and an easy smile. “I am the daughter of wanderers, who felt the need to wander outside the Moongate until I could no longer return home. There has been some excitement in my life, yes, but I am a simple merchant trying to keep the darkness at bay. I am sure your story is far more interesting.”

[dcminions]

ARSEMA THOMAS for VOGUE’S BEAUTY SECRETS.

[xdeimosx]

"Well that's bloody lovely, isn't it?" He'd known where he'd ended up, the shores of Lysara were familiar to the druid who'd always preferred the sea to anything else. Still, he looked at the woman, looking down at the witch he'd dragged off the boat. "I don't know them, but I made sure they didn't drown. Any idea if the Lysaran army is nearby to take care of them? An Olympian?" Now that Deimos had gotten them to shore – well – they were no longer his problem. He glanced over his shoulder, pieces of the ship floating towards the shore as well. "The ships are also gone. And Haven stands. The Kossith will go back, perhaps, but I don't think they'll be gone for good."

[spiralailani]

“I can take them to the nearest healer,” she offers, already mentally pulling up a map and routing the closest path to a nearby village. They have a hedgewitch good with medicine there, and that should help stabilize the witch. And if not that, well… “We are near where Aventia used to be, as well. So there are likely Olympians in the area, since I doubt that they will leave the place unguarded after the Kossith attack.” 

She pauses, and nods as a grimace crosses her face. 

“Yeah, I doubt it too. They have been quiet for centuries, now that they have decided to move… Well, they don’t seem like the sort to give up easily.”

[zelihatheflight]

Zeliha frowned despite herself, upset with the prospect that there would be much happening behind the scenes that even their organization did not know about. She could not find it in herself to disagree with Lailani... and there felt to be a lot missing. And while she did not appreciate that, but nor could she actually march straight into Avalon herself. Restless as the young faiman was, she resolved to put some pressure on their contacts within - high elve or dragon - to manage news. It was in her nature to never be satisfied, but Zel had long since decided that her nature could be put to good use and could not be contained.

"I don't like it. I don't like not knowing much about the Kossith either. Why do they have horns? Why were they being so helpful and then so terrible? Is this how everyone else feels like all the time? Clueless?" She muttered, and it sounded child-like in its reproach. "But you are right, of course, Lai... Patience is a virtue. Gods-willing, the answers will come to us." She pressed her hands together, entwining her fingers by the front and middle of her waist as they walked. "With a battlefield corpse, I can, at the very least, get some quick answers on some Kossith questions." It sounded rather blunt and cold, speaking of a body in such a mechanical way. Zeliha was known to place love and respect to any dead in her care - but she was also humanity. And humanity got very angry when close friends were kidnapped.

[spiralailani]

There is a burst of fondness on her chest as she watches the younger faiman, but Lailani takes great pains to keep it hidden behind an understanding expression. She is aware that where their perspectives differ, they do so because of things such as her own age and experiences. The Nightingales are incredibly well-informed, yes, but they are not omnipotent. They rely on the little people, on the whispers and rumors that spread farther than people would think possible, and as helpful as those rumors are, they aren’t always accurate. And even beyond that, there are certain things said behind closed doors that they will never be privy to. They are here to help fight against the darkness, and their fight began in the smallest of scales. With one’s neighbors and friends. 

“Why do the elvhen have pointed ears? Why do drows have darker skin? Why are some humans witch while others aren’t? Why do people trade their souls for power? Why are those working with the Dark out of their own will? There is plenty about our people that we don’t know as well,” she reminds the other gently. “We might not know everything, we might not have all the answers, but even without knowing everything, we can still act in good faith. That is why we are here, is that not true?” She questions the younger faiman, wanting to see her side of things. Even then, she cannot stop her brow raising in surprise at the cold and clinical statement that followed. 

“I hope, at the very least, that you will give the body its proper rites after you are done,” she says mildly. She can understand the young faiman’s anger, understand where that clinical cruelty is coming from, but there is a shart disapproval on the twist of her lips. Lailani, herself, is struggling to justify her desire to fight against the Kossith, knowing that she will have to kill them to protect others, even as her oath tells her everyone is worthy of redemption. But she is struggling with it, trying to balance her anger and fear for Nyla with her morals. The Kossith had done truly terrible things, but she cannot believe that they are all like that as a species, or her vows would mean nothing. 

[nylathriasoulseer]

Nylatheria was only this annoyed with Lailani because she cared, if she was a stranger or someone she had only met recently, Nyla would be forgiving of the behaviour. But she had known Lailani longer than any living human. Not to mention the last time they talked, there had been tension surrounding the wheel. "Hmmm..." Nyla waited for her to say the rest because she agreed with Lailani's words. "This friend of yours could forgive you but if you take her to eat, drink or try and put her to bed she will scream."

[spiralailani]

Her shoulders fall in relief at the reassurance that she had not destroyed their friendship beyond repair. It would take some time to ensure her transgressions had been truly forbidden, but she is more than willing to put in the effort for Nyla. 

“Very well, I shall take my dearest friend’s advice and refrain from putting my foot in my mouth once more,” Lailani says. “Would this friend like to do anything aside from these forbidden actions? I happen to be very free at this time, and willing to do anything as long as it is with her.”

[rhysxvuldak]

"I guess everyone around here has that in common. I should've known that." Not many seemed to press forward of their own accord to join a fight that had little to do with them. The Kossith were here to eradicate the Blight, but that meant absorbing everyone they came across along the way. The Vuldak had been contemplative about it all, but the bard in him always had on a facade for those who approached. It was all part of the job, part of the line of work. "Not a lot of people would come running to Haven's aid, you know. Not even the other queens wish to send armies."

[spiralailani]

“No armies have arrived, no,” she agrees thoughtfully, eyes wandering away for a moment as she takes the empty streets, and the few people around them. Haven is far emptier than it had been, back when she had first arrived, but despite the loss in numbers, they are not entirely alone. There are still men, women, and more, mingling about. Weary, tense, and scared, but in Haven nonetheless. “But there is people. Not quite as many as one would hope, but times like these seem to reveal who is willing to help in dangerous times, and who is not. I am glad to count myself amongst the number of those who are willing to come to Haven to aid in any way I can.”

[zendayaimdb]

my god she is sooooo pretty

[cozyaliensuperstar7]

Arsema 👑

[lotharx]

"You should go to any true forge master; inscribing something onto the blade seems more your speed," she seemed sternly put together, one of pure discipline and practice who wouldn't settle for anything less meticulous than that. As such, when Lothar said this he was not insulting but offering a clear recommendation that would uphold her own values but emulate the true craft of the blade that was positioned onto her axe. "With something personal only to you," since Lothar did not truly know her beyond this interaction he awaited her to offer her own truths on the subject.

[spiralailani]

“Such as a symbol of protection? Or perhaps a prayer to my gods?” She suggests thoughtfully, even as her mind comes with another suggestion to keep to herself. Perhaps a bird in flight, subtle enough to seem like another decoration, but there for all other Nightingales to notice if they look closely enough. It is always a good thing for them to know who to ask for help. Eyes moving to his axe, she eyes his own modifications with an interested look. “Might I ask for an explanation for your modifications?”

[nylathriasoulseer]

If there was one thing Nyla hated, it was feeling like a burden, that she had drawn someone away from their normal activity, and made them worry. She would hide how she felt if it meant they had less to worry about, keep to herself if it meant others were more comfortable. Lailani had already seen her at a low but now Nyla knew just how deep that pit went. And while she was currently in it she knew that it was possible to fall further down. She could blame the ring but wasn’t it only influencing her to act on her dark thoughts? They were still her thoughts, no? “Let me guess the wheel brought you to this door?” Perhaps it was uncalled for but Nyla had been through so much since her friend last graced her with her presence.

[spiralailani]

There is no hiding the flinch that goes through Lailani as her oldest and dearest friend all but rejects. Her hands drop from where she was reaching from a hug, and she clasps them behind her back, her smile still in place even as a flash of hurt appears on her eyes. She doesn’t react beyond that. Nyla had been captured for months, gone through Mythal knows what horrors, and had returned alive despite it all. It isn’t a surprise that she is angry, not after all of that, and Lailani knows her friend, and she is willing to stay even through this. 

“I came out of my own accord, looking for a friend that I have been disappointing for months,” she informs her kindly. “I have been quite lacking as a friend recently, and I want to apologize for that.”

[spiralailani]

who? @nylathriasoulseer where? The Cabin, Haven when? Post plot drop and Nyla’s reunion with Agnes

Agnes had gone off to talk with one of her acquaintances for a moment, a man who looked like he would feel out of place if he took off his rather odd armor, and Lailani had promised her she would keep watch while she was away. She was sitting by the entrance of the cabin, humming under her breath as she wove some of the flowers she had gotten earlier into a flower crown, when she heard the cabin’s door open. Turning around, she sent Nyla a smile full of relief, settling the partially woven crown to the side and standing up. 

“Hi Nyla,” she says, stepping closer and slowly, wanting to bring her closer for a hug, but not knowing if she would feel comfortable after everything. “I am so glad you are here.”

[agnesisolda]

Agnes analyzed them intently, and rather obviously, eyes panning over the elvhen with clear wariness. She wasn't often a people person, and it'd only been in recent months that Agnes had genuinely connected with others outside of any primal beasts, animals, or monstrosities. "She's resting as well as one can," given the ordeal with the Kossith, the ship imploding and leaving many wounded and stranded, Agnes preferred to let Nyla have her peace and quiet, no matter who this stranger truly was to the soul seer.

They'd talked in depth the last they'd had tea, and Agnes couldn't recall any description of this one being mentioned in the slightest. Agnes tamed herself on the exterior just based on the reminder that when they had talked, they ventured towards beliefs, chatted about the darkness which stained them; friends hadn't exactly come up in great detail.

"Why don't you help me grab some firewood...." Agnes raised a brow, an expectant look on her face for the other to introduce herself. Despite this look, Agnes inevitably brushed past the elvhen, signaling her to follow.

[spiralailani]

Tension leaves her shoulders as the stranger speaks, a look of relief settling over her features as she considers her options. Bothering Nyla right now it’s out of the question. Her friend needs the rest, now more than ever. She can’t even begin to imagine what her friend had endured at the hands of the Kossith, but whatever horrors she had been subjected to, she would need time to recover from them. A good night of sleep was the first step of a long journey. 

“That is good,” she sighs out softly, glancing one last time at the door before her focus turns to the woman that had taken care of her friend. Lailani hates to admit it, but she has no idea who she is, and it is entirely her fault. She had spent less time with Nyla than she liked, going off on her own to try and follow the Wheel as she deigned. She had forgotten that her time with her friend is limited, and she needs to ensure she has no regrets when her time runs out. 

“Lailani, I am an old friend of Nyla’s,” she offers softly as she moves to follow, willing to do anything to help the kind soul that so very clearly cared about her friend.

[lotharx]

"That's….. methodical of you," was that the correct word - It didn't necessarily matter to Lothar, the barbarian was the worst conversationalist around and this person just so happened to decide to strike one up. Sure, he'd spoken first, but he'd just been stating common fact and wondering if they were to stay around for the battle; anything else after that fact was mere white noise in Lothar's brain. The fact she had an axe, however, was a plus and helped her stand out in his simple mind, "I didn't mean it had to be covered with the blood of your enemies," though he grinned mildly at that. "But anybody can wield your weapon, it holds no truth to you." She didn't have to carve hers with runes or brand it with her name, but it felt too clean that went beyond mere polishing.

[spiralailani]

There is a moment of consideration as she takes in his words, head tilted in thought as a hum sits on her throat. Lailani is always willing to sit down and have a dialogue with others, to try to understand where they are coming from and even attempt to walk a mile in their shoes. Still, she has to admit that she has always seen weapons as merely tools to an end, without sparing more than a second thought to the weapon itself as long as it proved useful to her. It’s an odd concept, to see a weapon as an extension to herself, and one she doesn’t quite know if she feels comfortable with the concept as a whole… And yet…

“And how would you suggest one goes about making a weapon truth to themselves?” She ends up asking, curiosity winning in the end.

[zelihatheflight]

"You know, I am well aware our kind - or, half of my kind and all of your's - is rather peaceful... Most of the time," Zeliha begins, her voice low as she steers Lailani into a slow walk. She'd lead her towards the center of the village, where she knew her friend would be of much help before preparations finished.

In the meantime, there was information to gather for the both of them. "But is it true Queen Titania has not called for an army or- or much of a fighting force at all to gather against the Kossith? Her only son and heir is taken... Prince Ikaros is one of the gentlest souls I've met, forget his status," she lamented, "and that is not even to mention the other elves, nobility and common alike, that might be lost if nothing is done of the Kossith." Zeliha had always been a staunch supporter of the elvhen monarchy, but she was always careful to be impartial and questioning of them as much as she was of anyone. And she feared personally, feared for Titania's emotional state and elvhen resources. A war was a horrible prospect, but the quietness of the elves could mean more than just their peaceful nature - and that worried her.

"With all that is happening within the Moongate, is it possible the elves simply cannot stretch themselves thin? Even for something such as this?" She worried much. An evil God within the Laurelin was certainly a good reason to not mobilize military.

[spiralailani]

Lailani walks next to Zeliha, hands clasped behind her back as she waits patiently for the faiman to gather her thoughts. There is clearly a mountain of worries weighing on her shoulders, and while the silver elve doesn’t know if she has the capacity to assuage any of her worries, or at all, she has never avoided the difficult conversations. She would do the best to help in any way she could, just as she planned to do in Haven, but there is a part of her that is beyond aware that she is only one individual. There is only so much she can do. 

“I don’t presume to understand Queen Titania’s decision, nor what is happening within the Moongate for my choices has closed that door for me,” Lailani begins to say quietly, voice considering as her gaze sweeps around them and she considers the people walking around them. Haven is emptier than she had expected, but she is altogether not that surprised. “And frankly, I expect that there is far more going behind the scenes than even we are aware.”

Despite being a Nightingale, Lailani had rarely thought upon the actions of royalty. The information she held and shared could change the world, but she herself could only make changes on a small scale. There was no stopping those who played politics like it was a game, so all she could do was act around them. 

“It is odd to not have heard anything,” she finally agrees with a sigh. “But worrying about what we don’t know won’t be helpful against what we do know. We can look for rumors of what is happening within Avalon later, and perhaps even find an answer that will satisfy us both.”