The Last Escalion

Female. She/Her. Centuries old.

[thelastescalion]

(One of) Verdania's Last

This is an RP blog for my Silksong OC, Histarte, the Last Escalion.

Believing herself to be the sole survivor of the massacre of Verdania, Histarte is a paranoid and quick-witted wanderer who is simply trying desperately to survive, knowing that once she dies, there's nothing of Verdania left.

She doesn't know about the Green Prince, believing him to be long dead. However, if she learns the truth... that'd change everything for her.

She despises the Citadel and all who inhabit it, though she can admit that she has a strong fascination with the machines within it.

Ask Rules.

Suggestive/NSFW asks are allowed, especially now that the user of this blog is 18! Please don't send explicit pornography, but feel free to flirt with my OC or ask her about her kinks, stuff like that, though she may not react very well.

Magic anons are totally welcome! Curses, forced scenarios, those sound fun so long as they're not taken to too big an extreme.

Angsty asks are welcome, too.

Roleplaying, be it roleplaying as one of the canon characters or as another OC, is perfectly welcome and deeply encouraged! And I'll try to always remember lore and whatnot, though I may have to make actual notes to do that (no offense, my memory is simply bad).

Please do storyline asks! I'd love that so much!

I don’t do well with vague or surprise-based RP prompts. If an ask involves hidden context or delayed reveals, please add a note like “this is meant to be ambiguous / a surprise may follow” so I can engage with it properly.

Tags

#ooc (for when I'm out of character)

#histarteanswers (for when I'm answering asks in character)

#histarteinteracts (for when I'm roleplaying with other characters)

#histartelore (for when I share little bits of lore about my OC)

#histarteart (I may make some art of Histarte... we'll see).

#histartewrites (for when I write a little bitty fanfic with Histarte)

#verdant fire (A ship/interaction tag for interactions with Forge Daughter)

#completed posts (For posts that are the last post in an interaction thread).

(If there's something else I need to add here, or that I should add here, PLEASE let me know).

Here is her combat card (minus the stuff from Twelfth Architect).

[thelastescalion]

Histarte.

[A deep voice sounded from behind. It was familiar, in a comforting way.]

We would like to talk with you about something.

—@forger-of-bells

Histarte turns around, confused.

It was almost... difficult to recognize Forge Daughter, just because this was not the context she usually saw her in.

But she recovered.

"Hi. Er. I did... not expect you to move from your post. Hello, Forge Daughter. What did you wish to speak with me about?"

[forger-of-bells]

Oh, ahem, We apologize if We startled you. We just thought this would be easier to say face-to-face.

[Forge Daughter exhaled. She was shaking. But She brought out pale white flowers in a bouquet from behind Her back. It wasn’t very neatly made, nor was it dressed up, but it was still beautiful.]

We brought you this. We settled for not picking any flowers from trees, as We didn’t know how you would feel about ending their lives early, so We got these after they dropped to the ground on their own.

It’s not perfect, but We hope you like it.

[She gave a wobbly smile, waiting for a response to allow Her continue.]

[thelastescalion]

Histarte smiled.

"Removing some of the flowers, but not all of them, from a tree specifically, does not tend to kill it, but I appreciate your throughtfulness. I do like it."

Histarte, gently, takes the bouquet, feeling her face heat as she does so. It really was a thoughtful gift, but she was... unsure why Forge Daughter would give it. Or maybe...?

... No. Foolish of her heart to think that would be it.

[forger-of-bells]

[Forge Daughter felt terrified. It was not as terrifying as the void, but it was definitely a close second. But She was here, and She was not going to run from it.]

Well, uhm. We’ve been… thinking, about some things. More specifically, you. Along with feelings We couldn’t name for a while. At first, We didn’t connect them to you. But it’s becoming increasingly harder to ignore.

[She chuckled and ran a hand down Her helmet in embarrassment.]

We’ve always been so good at acting normal and concealing Our thoughts, but lately We’ve fallen short in that department. Whether it’s the way you laugh and smile at Us, or the void, We need to say it out loud.

[Forge Daughter took a deep breath, every possible outcome rushing through Her head, but eventually She got the words out.]

We like you, Histarte. No, gods, We meant love. We love you. We don’t know how this happened, or how We even allowed for it to play out like this, but it’s true.

It’s oh so stupid, but it’s true.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte froze.

She... had not expected this. Not expected this at all.

She had no clue how to respond.

... She resolved to simply try.

"Oh. I... love you too. I'm not sure how it happened either... But I admire your persistence, your skill, and your kindness. And it broke my heart to see your sadness, to see how you began to fade in the deep darkness below."

[forger-of-bells]

[Forge Daughter practically lit up at Histarte’s words. A thousand emotions swirled in Her chest, but none of them were negative.]

Can… Can We.. hug you?

[thelastescalion]

Histarte tilted her head.

"... Of course. Attempt not to crush me," She joked.

[forger-of-bells]

We won’t, don’t worry.

[She scooped the smaller woman into Her arms and gently held her close.]

Thank you.

We’re glad to know you.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte felt her face heat up.

She... really liked the warmth, and being this close. It felt nice.

...

"I am glad to know you, as well."

[thelastescalion]

Histarte.

[A deep voice sounded from behind. It was familiar, in a comforting way.]

We would like to talk with you about something.

—@forger-of-bells

Histarte turns around, confused.

It was almost... difficult to recognize Forge Daughter, just because this was not the context she usually saw her in.

But she recovered.

"Hi. Er. I did... not expect you to move from your post. Hello, Forge Daughter. What did you wish to speak with me about?"

[forger-of-bells]

Oh, ahem, We apologize if We startled you. We just thought this would be easier to say face-to-face.

[Forge Daughter exhaled. She was shaking. But She brought out pale white flowers in a bouquet from behind Her back. It wasn’t very neatly made, nor was it dressed up, but it was still beautiful.]

We brought you this. We settled for not picking any flowers from trees, as We didn’t know how you would feel about ending their lives early, so We got these after they dropped to the ground on their own.

It’s not perfect, but We hope you like it.

[She gave a wobbly smile, waiting for a response to allow Her continue.]

[thelastescalion]

Histarte smiled.

"Removing some of the flowers, but not all of them, from a tree specifically, does not tend to kill it, but I appreciate your throughtfulness. I do like it."

Histarte, gently, takes the bouquet, feeling her face heat as she does so. It really was a thoughtful gift, but she was... unsure why Forge Daughter would give it. Or maybe...?

... No. Foolish of her heart to think that would be it.

[forger-of-bells]

[Forge Daughter felt terrified. It was not as terrifying as the void, but it was definitely a close second. But She was here, and She was not going to run from it.]

Well, uhm. We’ve been… thinking, about some things. More specifically, you. Along with feelings We couldn’t name for a while. At first, We didn’t connect them to you. But it’s becoming increasingly harder to ignore.

[She chuckled and ran a hand down Her helmet in embarrassment.]

We’ve always been so good at acting normal and concealing Our thoughts, but lately We’ve fallen short in that department. Whether it’s the way you laugh and smile at Us, or the void, We need to say it out loud.

[Forge Daughter took a deep breath, every possible outcome rushing through Her head, but eventually She got the words out.]

We like you, Histarte. No, gods, We meant love. We love you. We don’t know how this happened, or how We even allowed for it to play out like this, but it’s true.

It’s oh so stupid, but it’s true.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte froze.

She... had not expected this. Not expected this at all.

She had no clue how to respond.

... She resolved to simply try.

"Oh. I... love you too. I'm not sure how it happened either... But I admire your persistence, your skill, and your kindness. And it broke my heart to see your sadness, to see how you began to fade in the deep darkness below."

[forger-of-bells]

[Forge Daughter practically lit up at Histarte’s words. A thousand emotions swirled in Her chest, but none of them were negative.]

Can… Can We.. hug you?

[thelastescalion]

Histarte tilted her head.

"... Of course. Attempt not to crush me," She joked.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte.

[A deep voice sounded from behind. It was familiar, in a comforting way.]

We would like to talk with you about something.

—@forger-of-bells

Histarte turns around, confused.

It was almost... difficult to recognize Forge Daughter, just because this was not the context she usually saw her in.

But she recovered.

"Hi. Er. I did... not expect you to move from your post. Hello, Forge Daughter. What did you wish to speak with me about?"

[forger-of-bells]

Oh, ahem, We apologize if We startled you. We just thought this would be easier to say face-to-face.

[Forge Daughter exhaled. She was shaking. But She brought out pale white flowers in a bouquet from behind Her back. It wasn’t very neatly made, nor was it dressed up, but it was still beautiful.]

We brought you this. We settled for not picking any flowers from trees, as We didn’t know how you would feel about ending their lives early, so We got these after they dropped to the ground on their own.

It’s not perfect, but We hope you like it.

[She gave a wobbly smile, waiting for a response to allow Her continue.]

[thelastescalion]

Histarte smiled.

"Removing some of the flowers, but not all of them, from a tree specifically, does not tend to kill it, but I appreciate your throughtfulness. I do like it."

Histarte, gently, takes the bouquet, feeling her face heat as she does so. It really was a thoughtful gift, but she was... unsure why Forge Daughter would give it. Or maybe...?

... No. Foolish of her heart to think that would be it.

[forger-of-bells]

[Forge Daughter felt terrified. It was not as terrifying as the void, but it was definitely a close second. But She was here, and She was not going to run from it.]

Well, uhm. We’ve been… thinking, about some things. More specifically, you. Along with feelings We couldn’t name for a while. At first, We didn’t connect them to you. But it’s becoming increasingly harder to ignore.

[She chuckled and ran a hand down Her helmet in embarrassment.]

We’ve always been so good at acting normal and concealing Our thoughts, but lately We’ve fallen short in that department. Whether it’s the way you laugh and smile at Us, or the void, We need to say it out loud.

[Forge Daughter took a deep breath, every possible outcome rushing through Her head, but eventually She got the words out.]

We like you, Histarte. No, gods, We meant love. We love you. We don’t know how this happened, or how We even allowed for it to play out like this, but it’s true.

It’s oh so stupid, but it’s true.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte froze.

She... had not expected this. Not expected this at all.

She had no clue how to respond.

... She resolved to simply try.

"Oh. I... love you too. I'm not sure how it happened either... But I admire your persistence, your skill, and your kindness. And it broke my heart to see your sadness, to see how you began to fade in the deep darkness below."

[thelastescalion]

Histarte.

[A deep voice sounded from behind. It was familiar, in a comforting way.]

We would like to talk with you about something.

—@forger-of-bells

Histarte turns around, confused.

It was almost... difficult to recognize Forge Daughter, just because this was not the context she usually saw her in.

But she recovered.

"Hi. Er. I did... not expect you to move from your post. Hello, Forge Daughter. What did you wish to speak with me about?"

[forger-of-bells]

Oh, ahem, We apologize if We startled you. We just thought this would be easier to say face-to-face.

[Forge Daughter exhaled. She was shaking. But She brought out pale white flowers in a bouquet from behind Her back. It wasn’t very neatly made, nor was it dressed up, but it was still beautiful.]

We brought you this. We settled for not picking any flowers from trees, as We didn’t know how you would feel about ending their lives early, so We got these after they dropped to the ground on their own.

It’s not perfect, but We hope you like it.

[She gave a wobbly smile, waiting for a response to allow Her continue.]

[thelastescalion]

Histarte smiled.

"Removing some of the flowers, but not all of them, from a tree specifically, does not tend to kill it, but I appreciate your throughtfulness. I do like it."

Histarte, gently, takes the bouquet, feeling her face heat as she does so. It really was a thoughtful gift, but she was... unsure why Forge Daughter would give it. Or maybe...?

... No. Foolish of her heart to think that would be it.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte.

[A deep voice sounded from behind. It was familiar, in a comforting way.]

We would like to talk with you about something.

—@forger-of-bells

Histarte turns around, confused.

It was almost... difficult to recognize Forge Daughter, just because this was not the context she usually saw her in.

But she recovered.

"Hi. Er. I did... not expect you to move from your post. Hello, Forge Daughter. What did you wish to speak with me about?"

[thelastescalion]

*Without warning, a thick fog fills the room Histarte is in. It curls unnaturally, almost as if it was reaching out.

After a few moments of silence, the sound of skittering limbs can be heard from within. A faint glow seems to come with them.*

@misty-memento

Histarte stared at the fog forming in her little cave in Verdania.

She had seen... many strange, impossible things in her recent life. She had been to the Abyss itself.

But she had never seen anything like this.

"... Hello?" She asked as she heard the skittering. Her keen senses were... not helping her here...

She hefted three darts in one of her claws. Just in case.

[misty-memento]

*The fog seems to... pause, almost, as if it could hear her. After a few moments, the sound of skittering comes back, getting closer. It stops a fair bit away from her.

Two glowing eyes can be seen through the fog, the body that they were attached to remaining hidden. The voice that calls out is... echoed, almost, as if there was more than just words that were being said.*

Hello? I'm not intruding, am I?

*There is a faint outline of some kind of halo above their eyes, where the top of their head might be.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte tilted her head. Such a strange creature. Made of fog? Or perhaps hidden by it?

A halo...

"Hello," Histarte greeted back. Apparently this thing could speak.

"... No," Histarte said cautiouly. "You are not intruding."

Just barely. Histarte had to... perform certain bodily functions and so if this fog creature had shown up ten minutes earlier, it WOULD have been intruding. Very shamefully.

[misty-memento]

*The eyes close, though the glow can still faintly be seen. The being — seemingly female — sighs in what seems to be relief.*

Oh, good. I keep messing up my teleports and ending up the the wrong place... I was worried I had accidentally interrupted something.

*Something within the fog lets out an airy hiss, said fog thickening in response. Glowing lines can be seen for a moment as this happens before vanishing again.*

[thelastescalion]

... What is 'teleport'?

"It is fine... Where are my manners? I am Histarte. I am an escalion. One of the last of the Verdanians. You are?"

[misty-memento]

*The eyes move slightly higher, as if their owner had perked up. The glow slightly increases, too.*

Oh! I didn't say my name either...it's Cloud Waker! I've been trying to find my sister for a while now, but uh...

*She trails off.*

...yeah... I don't exactly have the best sense of direction... you'd think a being like me would be better with navigation, but I'm... pretty bad at it.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte gazed closely at Cloud Waker, wondering what was going on in the fog.

"Your sister? Is she... foggy as well?" Histarte asked, before looking a bit embarrassed and saying, "Sorry, not my place to ask.

"You say you're bad at navigation? I have an excellent sense of direction. I can help you, I think."

[misty-memento]

*The figure laughs lightly.*

It's fine, and no, she isn't "foggy" like me. We were both adopted by the same tribe, so we call each other sisters!

*From the movement of her eyes, it seems the being is tilting her head.*

...if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I wouldn't mind taking you up on that offer... though I think it may be best that I reveal my full form first...

*Her voice changes, slightly sadder now.*

Most end up trying to worship me, and I wouldn't want any misunderstandings to happen...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was a bit confused. She had half-assumed the fog was at least, to an extent, part of Cloud Waker's body, but Cloud Waker's words implied otherwise.

"You, of course, can reveal your... 'full form.' But you say bugs usually... worship you? Truly?" Histarte said.

[misty-memento]

*The being sighs.*

Yes... I don't want to be worshipped, but, well... most bugs see me and just — start! It's annoying, especially because I try my best not to fall to my instincts...

*With that said, the fog starts to thin until the room is once again clear, and Cloud Waker's full form is revealed.

She appears as a mix between a centipede and a butterfly, with a long body with many legs, the upper two sets acting as arms. A set of butterfly wings sit on her upper back, teal in colour with faintly glowing spots on them. The lines from before reveal themselves as glowing vents along her sides, still letting out a faint mist of fog.

Her eyes glow brightly, while a pair of glowing horn sit upon her head, almost fluffy in appearance, forming a halo. Her fangs glow, too, though they are slightly fainter. In between the previously mentioned horns are a set of antenna, with rounded, glowing tips.

The mass amount of glowing parts, as well as her faint blue colouration, betray exactly what she is:

Right in front of Histarte is a Pale Being, one seemingly in their prime.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte had only seen one Higher Being, Pale Being, before.

He was short. He had a crown built into his skull. And he was on a fucking shelf.

Also, he was glowing so brightly it was almost blinding.

Cloud Waker did not match those descriptions, and so Histarte had to genuinely just stare, for a few seconds, and really think about it, before she realized.

"Ahhhh. That... Mm. That does explain the 'worship' response."

[misty-memento]

*One of her uppermost limbs moves to rub at the back of her head awkwardly.*

Yeah, I learnt how to stop glowing as much to try and cut back on the number of bugs trying to worship me, and it worked!... kinda.

*She winces.*

Yeah, I've still got a light layer of fog around me to absorb some of the glow. It helps, but it took a while to get the trick down...

[thelastescalion]

The escalion nodded, taking in the information.

"I see," Histarte said. "Well, if it helps, I don't plan to worship you." She was lightly teasing.

"Where do you want to be guided to?" Histarte asked. "You said you were... looking for your sister?"

[misty-memento]

Ah, yes, I'm not too sure what kind of bug she is... one of those odd anonymous bugs said she was in a place called Bellhart, but I haven't been able to get there...

Her biological mother was... not good, and ended up having to be chased away, so we know very little about that side of her. She's quite tall, has a round, spherical head with six eyes, and would have four legs if she wasn't missing part of one due to a wound.

*She sighs to herself.*

It... doesn't really match up with any other species we know of back home, and while she might have figured it out over here, I still don't really know...

*Cloud Waker shakes her head.*

B-but I'm getting off track! As much as I'd like to head straight for her, I should probably get the guide situation permanently sorted out first...

I've heard that there's someone in the Citadel called the Twelfth Architect who might be able to help with that, since I don't want to take you away from your life or anything. Would it be possible to get guidance there?

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stiffened. Round head, six eyes... four legs didn't quite match up perfectly, but then again, they could just use their 'arms' as legs, couldn't they? Hm... And TALL. Hm.

... Actually, that could technically describe a Giraffe Weevil. She shouldn't assume. Except, what about the six eyes? Then again, those could've been gotten from the father...

"Hm. I can think of at least two species that COULD describe... And yes, I could guide you to the Twelfth Architect. I have been to them three times! They've even made me some weapons."

[misty-memento]

Ah, thank you so much!

*Cloud Waker's many lower legs start tapping in joy.*

My sister got washed away in a storm, you see, and since the tribe we were adopted by consists most of Grubs, no-one could go after her...

Either way, thank you!!

[thelastescalion]

Histarte nodded. "I see," she stated, though internally, she was wondering what in the gods' names a grub was.

"You are welcome! Are you ready to depart for the Citadel? I uh... Will be, hold on."

She started grabbing her various darts spread around the place.

[misty-memento]

Yeah, I'm all ready! Luckily, I don't need to carry much since food is optional, and my fog is my weapon.

*Cloud Waker watches as Histarte moves around.*

I'm good to go when you are.

[thelastescalion]

"Ah, yeah, that'd lighten your load."

Histarte finished packing up her stuff, and then said, "I'm ready now. Just follow me."

With that, she stepped out of her little cave and began walking towards the exit to Verdania.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker followed quietly, despite her size, looking around herself to take in the sights as they moved. Though there wasn't a lot to look at, she still tried her best to memorise it in case she ever needed to come back.*

[thelastescalion]

Soon enough, they made it out of Verdania and into Craw Lake, and Histarte continued on, working her way over to Bellhart.

"This is Greymoor," Histarte said informatively. "Maybe you knew that, maybe not. Sorry if you already knew that."

[misty-memento]

I haven't been here before, actually!

*She turns her head up, letting the rain wash over her face.*

My sister would love this place... she's always been good with water. Even managed to weave a few spells to help her swim!

[thelastescalion]

"Oh? Spells? I hope I meet her at some point. I could use some swimming spells myself... I'm bad at it," Histarte explains. She went further in Greymoor, and bells became visible. "And here, in a little bit, is Bellhart. I've been here a few times. Other, helpful bugs are here."

[misty-memento]

Huh... I think...

*Cloud Waker pauses in her stride, her eyes becoming unfocused for a moment before she comes back.*

Yeah, my sister is nearby! She's somewhere below us!

*Despite this, she shakes her head.*

Even so, I'd rather get to this Twelfth Architect person before I reunite with her... better to guard before you're under invasion, and all, you know?

...regardless, I do think she could weave you something to help with swimming. She uses this sort of... thread?? I'm not sure what it is, and neither was she before she was washed away.

Whatever it is, it glows and can be used for just about any sort of spell!

[thelastescalion]

"Hm? That... sounds like Silk," Histarte commented.

Soon enough, the two were out of Bellhart and into Shellwood.

"This is Shellwood. Do be careful here; there are creatures here who blend in with the plantlife around us before attacking. Some are easy to spot. Others... not so much."

[misty-memento]

I'm... not too sure what Silk is?? Or at least, the version you seem to be talking about. I know of the biological kind, like what Nosks and other arachnids make, but it seems like you're talking about something different?

*Though she is focused on Histarte, part of her mind is still on the lookout as they walk. It doesn't take long for her to notice a nearby Splinter, camouflaged on their path.

Cloud Waker quickly asks something.*

Hey, so suppose we do encounter something, would it be fine if I just... killed it? I know some bugs are squeamish about that sort of thing.

[thelastescalion]

"Yes, I am speaking of something different. Silk is thread made of Soul, created by the Weavers, who I had thought long-gone. And your description of your sister... does vaguely match the description of the Weavers," Histarte explained.

"And yes, it would be fine if you killed it. I have killed a few myself. I have had to, to survive."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker tilts their head at the description of Weavers.*

Huh... well, I guess she would be half-Weaver then, if she could make Silk... though from what I know, it isn't too big of a surprise that there were a few left...

*She nods at the permission. Without another word, her vents hiss and let out massive amounts of fog.

It curls and writhes, coiling in the room for a moment before shooting towards the Splinter on their path. Within seconds of contacting the hidden bug, it begins to writhe in pain as the fog increases its temperature.

The Splinter's shell sizzles for a moment as it tries to escape, only for more fog tendrils to seep into the cracks of said shell. The bug goes still barely a moment after.

All this only took less than 20 seconds. Its death was quick, and relatively painless.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was about to reply, but was busy staring in something akin to blinding horror at the corpse of the Splinter.

... She could understand, now, perhaps, why that really big stranger wanted her help killing all the gods.

Of course, Histarte stuck by her opinion that it was primarily mortals, not the gods, who were the cause of most suffering. But she could admit that what she just witnessed was horrifying. The fear of "What if that wrath was turned on me?" was real.

She swallowed.

"... Good job," She said, before hurrying on closer to the Blasted Steps. "Er, you can fly, yes? That will make the region after this easier to navigate."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker uses her lower arms to grab the dead Splinter on the way past, stowing it away in a bag on her back.*

Yeah, I can fly! Despite the fact that my wings are... quite small, compared to the rest of my body, I can fly quite well. We think it has something to do with the fact that I'm a being of Fog, Blizzards, and other such things, so it makes me light.

*She's silent for a little while, realising that she's accidentally scared Histarte, and waits until they're nearly at the next area before she speaks.*

...that bug that I killed before? It didn't feel anything, for the record. It was discovered back home, but it turns out our bodies have what my tribe call "nerves". They're the part that lets people feel things, including pain.

...it was discovered when looking at burn victims. Turns out, if a flame is hot enough, it destroys nerves, meaning the victim doesn't even feel the pain of the burn. They're just... numb.

...when I have to kill, I do that. Make sure that it's hot enough that they don't feel anything, and make sure that it's fast, too. I help provide food, back home, so I'm kinda used to it... sorry if a scared you...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte listened carefully as she continued on, listening to this. She had... already had a slight understanding of nerves, actually. Or, as she knew them as, "lightning pathways." It was discovered by Karak after experimenting with Voltridian.

"I see. That's good, then, that it's painless, I suppose." She paused. "You did scare me. But it is fine."

Soon enough, they found the Blasted Steps. "Here is the Blasted Steps. We must fly above to reach the Citadel's gates."

[misty-memento]

*She nods and unfolds her wings from her back, testing the air currents.

Harsh, but she'd travelled through the surface wastes. She could handle it.

...that being said, the first time the two encounter one of the stronger bursts of wind, it throws her off course and face first into a wall.*

Shit! I'm okay, I'm okay! Just wasn't quite expecting such a sudden burst...

[thelastescalion]

"Understandable!" Histarte calls back. "The wind here is hard to predict."

Histarte, having been in the Blasted Steps many times, found the space far easier to navigate, and so was able to fly up to the Grand Gate with (relative) ease. However, she still tried to move more slowly, allowing for Cloud Waker to follow her more easily.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker follows behind easily, now that she was more prepared for the sudden bursts. Even so, she smacks her head on the ceiling near the Grand Gate, having not expected the way to be so narrow.*

Ack- man, I'm lucky that I've got such a hard shell! That would've hurt, otherwise...

*Despite this, she easily crawls towards the gate, and after a quick check to make sure there wasn't going to be anymore wind, her vents hiss as she surrounds her form with fog.

As it clears, the space where her body should have been was empty, only for the reason to become clear a moment later:

She had managed to shrink herself into a smaller form, though her bag stayed the same size. She wasn't too much smaller, but the difference was enough to be noticeable.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stared with some mixture of wonder and amusement at Cloud Waker's smaller size.

"Yes, it is a good thing you have a tough shell. And your current size... It might be a good idea, actually. Some of the tunnels are quite small."

Histarte approached the Grand Gate, slowly, giving Cloud Waker plenty of time to follow along. The Gate was already open. Histarte didn't know when it had opened, exactly; for as long as she could recall, it had been closed and guarded. But that was not the case anymore, and she was thankful for it.

"The way is easier from here, Cloud Waker," Histarte explained. "Few hostile creatures lurk between us and the nearest entrance to the Underworks, and once in the Underworks, things become safer still. That... was not always the case. I believe the Twelfth Architect has made some changes, somewhat recently, to improve the safety."

[misty-memento]

*She hums affirmatively.*

Yeah, I usually use a smaller size when travelling, but I wasn't sure how dangerous it was going to be, and being bigger usually wards off anyone or anything that wants to test their luck.

*Cloud Waker nods at Histarte's explanation of the improvements.*

That's good. I've heard that this Underworks place was quite dangerous, so it's nice to hear that someone is doing their best to solve that issue.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte listened to Cloud Waker's words, nodding in acknowledgement as she began to walk to the nearest Underworks entrance.

"Yes. This Twelfth Architect... they have been making an effort to improve Pharloom. They even helped restore the water of Verdania, my homeland. Rumors have it they've helped the Wisp Thicket and have tried to help Bilewater, as well. I... quite like them, to be honest. Pharloom has had too many bugs who just want to exploit the land and its bugs. The Twelfth Architect doesn't seem to like that..."

Soon enough, the two came up on an entrance to the Underworks. Histarte entered, and took a brief moment to look around.

No buzzsaws, crushers, or grinders that were immediately exposed. No exposed harsh steam vents. Safety railings. Buttons and levers that seemed designed to shut off dangerous equipment. Signs pointing to exits or rest areas. Even a box containing maps; Histarte accepted a map, and looked at it.

"... Huh. This area is heavily changed, and some paths that did exist do not anymore, or have been heavily modified... I can still find my way to the Architect, however. Follow me."

With that, Histarte began walking once more.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker walks after her, doing their best to stay on the path. Even so, they seem... distracted. She keeps staring at something, not seeming to change the direction of her gaze, even through walls.

Needless to say, it isn't long before she slams into one of said walls. There is barely a reaction, apart from the initial grunt of surprise.*

...get a grip, woman...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte turned around in concern, and asked, "Cloud Water, are you okay? You seem distracted."

[misty-memento]

Yeah... I'm fine, it just... my instincts are screaming at me right now, and it's kinda distracting...

*The antennae on her head — as well as her vents, eyes, fangs, and other glowing parts — glow brighter for a moment before she visibly puts in effort to get them to stop.

She let's out an odd "eeeeee" sound, seemingly annoyed.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte... had no idea how to reply.

"... Understood. Well, if it's any consolation, we will be at the Architect's workshop in mere moments,"

She said, before she continued walking.

[misty-memento]

*It takes visible effort for Cloud Waker to pull her eyes away from where they had been locked on.*

G-good... that's... good.

*Then, muttering somewhat under her breath, but still audible-*

Shut up instincts, I'm not getting into a fight with another Pale Being over territory I don't even want!

*Still, she manages to walk straighter, now, and follows behind without complaint.*

[thelastescalion]

Soon enough, the environment started to shift, and Histarte flew up to a ledge with a lever-activated door.

"We're here," Histarte said. "This is the door to their workspace."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker nods.*

Thanks for getting me here! Sorry if it was any trouble.

[thelastescalion]

"Of course! And truly, it was alright. Have a nice day, Cloud Waker."

Histarte then left

[thelastescalion]

*Without warning, a thick fog fills the room Histarte is in. It curls unnaturally, almost as if it was reaching out.

After a few moments of silence, the sound of skittering limbs can be heard from within. A faint glow seems to come with them.*

@misty-memento

Histarte stared at the fog forming in her little cave in Verdania.

She had seen... many strange, impossible things in her recent life. She had been to the Abyss itself.

But she had never seen anything like this.

"... Hello?" She asked as she heard the skittering. Her keen senses were... not helping her here...

She hefted three darts in one of her claws. Just in case.

[misty-memento]

*The fog seems to... pause, almost, as if it could hear her. After a few moments, the sound of skittering comes back, getting closer. It stops a fair bit away from her.

Two glowing eyes can be seen through the fog, the body that they were attached to remaining hidden. The voice that calls out is... echoed, almost, as if there was more than just words that were being said.*

Hello? I'm not intruding, am I?

*There is a faint outline of some kind of halo above their eyes, where the top of their head might be.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte tilted her head. Such a strange creature. Made of fog? Or perhaps hidden by it?

A halo...

"Hello," Histarte greeted back. Apparently this thing could speak.

"... No," Histarte said cautiouly. "You are not intruding."

Just barely. Histarte had to... perform certain bodily functions and so if this fog creature had shown up ten minutes earlier, it WOULD have been intruding. Very shamefully.

[misty-memento]

*The eyes close, though the glow can still faintly be seen. The being — seemingly female — sighs in what seems to be relief.*

Oh, good. I keep messing up my teleports and ending up the the wrong place... I was worried I had accidentally interrupted something.

*Something within the fog lets out an airy hiss, said fog thickening in response. Glowing lines can be seen for a moment as this happens before vanishing again.*

[thelastescalion]

... What is 'teleport'?

"It is fine... Where are my manners? I am Histarte. I am an escalion. One of the last of the Verdanians. You are?"

[misty-memento]

*The eyes move slightly higher, as if their owner had perked up. The glow slightly increases, too.*

Oh! I didn't say my name either...it's Cloud Waker! I've been trying to find my sister for a while now, but uh...

*She trails off.*

...yeah... I don't exactly have the best sense of direction... you'd think a being like me would be better with navigation, but I'm... pretty bad at it.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte gazed closely at Cloud Waker, wondering what was going on in the fog.

"Your sister? Is she... foggy as well?" Histarte asked, before looking a bit embarrassed and saying, "Sorry, not my place to ask.

"You say you're bad at navigation? I have an excellent sense of direction. I can help you, I think."

[misty-memento]

*The figure laughs lightly.*

It's fine, and no, she isn't "foggy" like me. We were both adopted by the same tribe, so we call each other sisters!

*From the movement of her eyes, it seems the being is tilting her head.*

...if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I wouldn't mind taking you up on that offer... though I think it may be best that I reveal my full form first...

*Her voice changes, slightly sadder now.*

Most end up trying to worship me, and I wouldn't want any misunderstandings to happen...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was a bit confused. She had half-assumed the fog was at least, to an extent, part of Cloud Waker's body, but Cloud Waker's words implied otherwise.

"You, of course, can reveal your... 'full form.' But you say bugs usually... worship you? Truly?" Histarte said.

[misty-memento]

*The being sighs.*

Yes... I don't want to be worshipped, but, well... most bugs see me and just — start! It's annoying, especially because I try my best not to fall to my instincts...

*With that said, the fog starts to thin until the room is once again clear, and Cloud Waker's full form is revealed.

She appears as a mix between a centipede and a butterfly, with a long body with many legs, the upper two sets acting as arms. A set of butterfly wings sit on her upper back, teal in colour with faintly glowing spots on them. The lines from before reveal themselves as glowing vents along her sides, still letting out a faint mist of fog.

Her eyes glow brightly, while a pair of glowing horn sit upon her head, almost fluffy in appearance, forming a halo. Her fangs glow, too, though they are slightly fainter. In between the previously mentioned horns are a set of antenna, with rounded, glowing tips.

The mass amount of glowing parts, as well as her faint blue colouration, betray exactly what she is:

Right in front of Histarte is a Pale Being, one seemingly in their prime.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte had only seen one Higher Being, Pale Being, before.

He was short. He had a crown built into his skull. And he was on a fucking shelf.

Also, he was glowing so brightly it was almost blinding.

Cloud Waker did not match those descriptions, and so Histarte had to genuinely just stare, for a few seconds, and really think about it, before she realized.

"Ahhhh. That... Mm. That does explain the 'worship' response."

[misty-memento]

*One of her uppermost limbs moves to rub at the back of her head awkwardly.*

Yeah, I learnt how to stop glowing as much to try and cut back on the number of bugs trying to worship me, and it worked!... kinda.

*She winces.*

Yeah, I've still got a light layer of fog around me to absorb some of the glow. It helps, but it took a while to get the trick down...

[thelastescalion]

The escalion nodded, taking in the information.

"I see," Histarte said. "Well, if it helps, I don't plan to worship you." She was lightly teasing.

"Where do you want to be guided to?" Histarte asked. "You said you were... looking for your sister?"

[misty-memento]

Ah, yes, I'm not too sure what kind of bug she is... one of those odd anonymous bugs said she was in a place called Bellhart, but I haven't been able to get there...

Her biological mother was... not good, and ended up having to be chased away, so we know very little about that side of her. She's quite tall, has a round, spherical head with six eyes, and would have four legs if she wasn't missing part of one due to a wound.

*She sighs to herself.*

It... doesn't really match up with any other species we know of back home, and while she might have figured it out over here, I still don't really know...

*Cloud Waker shakes her head.*

B-but I'm getting off track! As much as I'd like to head straight for her, I should probably get the guide situation permanently sorted out first...

I've heard that there's someone in the Citadel called the Twelfth Architect who might be able to help with that, since I don't want to take you away from your life or anything. Would it be possible to get guidance there?

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stiffened. Round head, six eyes... four legs didn't quite match up perfectly, but then again, they could just use their 'arms' as legs, couldn't they? Hm... And TALL. Hm.

... Actually, that could technically describe a Giraffe Weevil. She shouldn't assume. Except, what about the six eyes? Then again, those could've been gotten from the father...

"Hm. I can think of at least two species that COULD describe... And yes, I could guide you to the Twelfth Architect. I have been to them three times! They've even made me some weapons."

[misty-memento]

Ah, thank you so much!

*Cloud Waker's many lower legs start tapping in joy.*

My sister got washed away in a storm, you see, and since the tribe we were adopted by consists most of Grubs, no-one could go after her...

Either way, thank you!!

[thelastescalion]

Histarte nodded. "I see," she stated, though internally, she was wondering what in the gods' names a grub was.

"You are welcome! Are you ready to depart for the Citadel? I uh... Will be, hold on."

She started grabbing her various darts spread around the place.

[misty-memento]

Yeah, I'm all ready! Luckily, I don't need to carry much since food is optional, and my fog is my weapon.

*Cloud Waker watches as Histarte moves around.*

I'm good to go when you are.

[thelastescalion]

"Ah, yeah, that'd lighten your load."

Histarte finished packing up her stuff, and then said, "I'm ready now. Just follow me."

With that, she stepped out of her little cave and began walking towards the exit to Verdania.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker followed quietly, despite her size, looking around herself to take in the sights as they moved. Though there wasn't a lot to look at, she still tried her best to memorise it in case she ever needed to come back.*

[thelastescalion]

Soon enough, they made it out of Verdania and into Craw Lake, and Histarte continued on, working her way over to Bellhart.

"This is Greymoor," Histarte said informatively. "Maybe you knew that, maybe not. Sorry if you already knew that."

[misty-memento]

I haven't been here before, actually!

*She turns her head up, letting the rain wash over her face.*

My sister would love this place... she's always been good with water. Even managed to weave a few spells to help her swim!

[thelastescalion]

"Oh? Spells? I hope I meet her at some point. I could use some swimming spells myself... I'm bad at it," Histarte explains. She went further in Greymoor, and bells became visible. "And here, in a little bit, is Bellhart. I've been here a few times. Other, helpful bugs are here."

[misty-memento]

Huh... I think...

*Cloud Waker pauses in her stride, her eyes becoming unfocused for a moment before she comes back.*

Yeah, my sister is nearby! She's somewhere below us!

*Despite this, she shakes her head.*

Even so, I'd rather get to this Twelfth Architect person before I reunite with her... better to guard before you're under invasion, and all, you know?

...regardless, I do think she could weave you something to help with swimming. She uses this sort of... thread?? I'm not sure what it is, and neither was she before she was washed away.

Whatever it is, it glows and can be used for just about any sort of spell!

[thelastescalion]

"Hm? That... sounds like Silk," Histarte commented.

Soon enough, the two were out of Bellhart and into Shellwood.

"This is Shellwood. Do be careful here; there are creatures here who blend in with the plantlife around us before attacking. Some are easy to spot. Others... not so much."

[misty-memento]

I'm... not too sure what Silk is?? Or at least, the version you seem to be talking about. I know of the biological kind, like what Nosks and other arachnids make, but it seems like you're talking about something different?

*Though she is focused on Histarte, part of her mind is still on the lookout as they walk. It doesn't take long for her to notice a nearby Splinter, camouflaged on their path.

Cloud Waker quickly asks something.*

Hey, so suppose we do encounter something, would it be fine if I just... killed it? I know some bugs are squeamish about that sort of thing.

[thelastescalion]

"Yes, I am speaking of something different. Silk is thread made of Soul, created by the Weavers, who I had thought long-gone. And your description of your sister... does vaguely match the description of the Weavers," Histarte explained.

"And yes, it would be fine if you killed it. I have killed a few myself. I have had to, to survive."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker tilts their head at the description of Weavers.*

Huh... well, I guess she would be half-Weaver then, if she could make Silk... though from what I know, it isn't too big of a surprise that there were a few left...

*She nods at the permission. Without another word, her vents hiss and let out massive amounts of fog.

It curls and writhes, coiling in the room for a moment before shooting towards the Splinter on their path. Within seconds of contacting the hidden bug, it begins to writhe in pain as the fog increases its temperature.

The Splinter's shell sizzles for a moment as it tries to escape, only for more fog tendrils to seep into the cracks of said shell. The bug goes still barely a moment after.

All this only took less than 20 seconds. Its death was quick, and relatively painless.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was about to reply, but was busy staring in something akin to blinding horror at the corpse of the Splinter.

... She could understand, now, perhaps, why that really big stranger wanted her help killing all the gods.

Of course, Histarte stuck by her opinion that it was primarily mortals, not the gods, who were the cause of most suffering. But she could admit that what she just witnessed was horrifying. The fear of "What if that wrath was turned on me?" was real.

She swallowed.

"... Good job," She said, before hurrying on closer to the Blasted Steps. "Er, you can fly, yes? That will make the region after this easier to navigate."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker uses her lower arms to grab the dead Splinter on the way past, stowing it away in a bag on her back.*

Yeah, I can fly! Despite the fact that my wings are... quite small, compared to the rest of my body, I can fly quite well. We think it has something to do with the fact that I'm a being of Fog, Blizzards, and other such things, so it makes me light.

*She's silent for a little while, realising that she's accidentally scared Histarte, and waits until they're nearly at the next area before she speaks.*

...that bug that I killed before? It didn't feel anything, for the record. It was discovered back home, but it turns out our bodies have what my tribe call "nerves". They're the part that lets people feel things, including pain.

...it was discovered when looking at burn victims. Turns out, if a flame is hot enough, it destroys nerves, meaning the victim doesn't even feel the pain of the burn. They're just... numb.

...when I have to kill, I do that. Make sure that it's hot enough that they don't feel anything, and make sure that it's fast, too. I help provide food, back home, so I'm kinda used to it... sorry if a scared you...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte listened carefully as she continued on, listening to this. She had... already had a slight understanding of nerves, actually. Or, as she knew them as, "lightning pathways." It was discovered by Karak after experimenting with Voltridian.

"I see. That's good, then, that it's painless, I suppose." She paused. "You did scare me. But it is fine."

Soon enough, they found the Blasted Steps. "Here is the Blasted Steps. We must fly above to reach the Citadel's gates."

[misty-memento]

*She nods and unfolds her wings from her back, testing the air currents.

Harsh, but she'd travelled through the surface wastes. She could handle it.

...that being said, the first time the two encounter one of the stronger bursts of wind, it throws her off course and face first into a wall.*

Shit! I'm okay, I'm okay! Just wasn't quite expecting such a sudden burst...

[thelastescalion]

"Understandable!" Histarte calls back. "The wind here is hard to predict."

Histarte, having been in the Blasted Steps many times, found the space far easier to navigate, and so was able to fly up to the Grand Gate with (relative) ease. However, she still tried to move more slowly, allowing for Cloud Waker to follow her more easily.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker follows behind easily, now that she was more prepared for the sudden bursts. Even so, she smacks her head on the ceiling near the Grand Gate, having not expected the way to be so narrow.*

Ack- man, I'm lucky that I've got such a hard shell! That would've hurt, otherwise...

*Despite this, she easily crawls towards the gate, and after a quick check to make sure there wasn't going to be anymore wind, her vents hiss as she surrounds her form with fog.

As it clears, the space where her body should have been was empty, only for the reason to become clear a moment later:

She had managed to shrink herself into a smaller form, though her bag stayed the same size. She wasn't too much smaller, but the difference was enough to be noticeable.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stared with some mixture of wonder and amusement at Cloud Waker's smaller size.

"Yes, it is a good thing you have a tough shell. And your current size... It might be a good idea, actually. Some of the tunnels are quite small."

Histarte approached the Grand Gate, slowly, giving Cloud Waker plenty of time to follow along. The Gate was already open. Histarte didn't know when it had opened, exactly; for as long as she could recall, it had been closed and guarded. But that was not the case anymore, and she was thankful for it.

"The way is easier from here, Cloud Waker," Histarte explained. "Few hostile creatures lurk between us and the nearest entrance to the Underworks, and once in the Underworks, things become safer still. That... was not always the case. I believe the Twelfth Architect has made some changes, somewhat recently, to improve the safety."

[misty-memento]

*She hums affirmatively.*

Yeah, I usually use a smaller size when travelling, but I wasn't sure how dangerous it was going to be, and being bigger usually wards off anyone or anything that wants to test their luck.

*Cloud Waker nods at Histarte's explanation of the improvements.*

That's good. I've heard that this Underworks place was quite dangerous, so it's nice to hear that someone is doing their best to solve that issue.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte listened to Cloud Waker's words, nodding in acknowledgement as she began to walk to the nearest Underworks entrance.

"Yes. This Twelfth Architect... they have been making an effort to improve Pharloom. They even helped restore the water of Verdania, my homeland. Rumors have it they've helped the Wisp Thicket and have tried to help Bilewater, as well. I... quite like them, to be honest. Pharloom has had too many bugs who just want to exploit the land and its bugs. The Twelfth Architect doesn't seem to like that..."

Soon enough, the two came up on an entrance to the Underworks. Histarte entered, and took a brief moment to look around.

No buzzsaws, crushers, or grinders that were immediately exposed. No exposed harsh steam vents. Safety railings. Buttons and levers that seemed designed to shut off dangerous equipment. Signs pointing to exits or rest areas. Even a box containing maps; Histarte accepted a map, and looked at it.

"... Huh. This area is heavily changed, and some paths that did exist do not anymore, or have been heavily modified... I can still find my way to the Architect, however. Follow me."

With that, Histarte began walking once more.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker walks after her, doing their best to stay on the path. Even so, they seem... distracted. She keeps staring at something, not seeming to change the direction of her gaze, even through walls.

Needless to say, it isn't long before she slams into one of said walls. There is barely a reaction, apart from the initial grunt of surprise.*

...get a grip, woman...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte turned around in concern, and asked, "Cloud Water, are you okay? You seem distracted."

[misty-memento]

Yeah... I'm fine, it just... my instincts are screaming at me right now, and it's kinda distracting...

*The antennae on her head — as well as her vents, eyes, fangs, and other glowing parts — glow brighter for a moment before she visibly puts in effort to get them to stop.

She let's out an odd "eeeeee" sound, seemingly annoyed.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte... had no idea how to reply.

"... Understood. Well, if it's any consolation, we will be at the Architect's workshop in mere moments,"

She said, before she continued walking.

[misty-memento]

*It takes visible effort for Cloud Waker to pull her eyes away from where they had been locked on.*

G-good... that's... good.

*Then, muttering somewhat under her breath, but still audible-*

Shut up instincts, I'm not getting into a fight with another Pale Being over territory I don't even want!

*Still, she manages to walk straighter, now, and follows behind without complaint.*

[thelastescalion]

Soon enough, the environment started to shift, and Histarte flew up to a ledge with a lever-activated door.

"We're here," Histarte said. "This is the door to their workspace."

[thelastescalion]

*Without warning, a thick fog fills the room Histarte is in. It curls unnaturally, almost as if it was reaching out.

After a few moments of silence, the sound of skittering limbs can be heard from within. A faint glow seems to come with them.*

@misty-memento

Histarte stared at the fog forming in her little cave in Verdania.

She had seen... many strange, impossible things in her recent life. She had been to the Abyss itself.

But she had never seen anything like this.

"... Hello?" She asked as she heard the skittering. Her keen senses were... not helping her here...

She hefted three darts in one of her claws. Just in case.

[misty-memento]

*The fog seems to... pause, almost, as if it could hear her. After a few moments, the sound of skittering comes back, getting closer. It stops a fair bit away from her.

Two glowing eyes can be seen through the fog, the body that they were attached to remaining hidden. The voice that calls out is... echoed, almost, as if there was more than just words that were being said.*

Hello? I'm not intruding, am I?

*There is a faint outline of some kind of halo above their eyes, where the top of their head might be.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte tilted her head. Such a strange creature. Made of fog? Or perhaps hidden by it?

A halo...

"Hello," Histarte greeted back. Apparently this thing could speak.

"... No," Histarte said cautiouly. "You are not intruding."

Just barely. Histarte had to... perform certain bodily functions and so if this fog creature had shown up ten minutes earlier, it WOULD have been intruding. Very shamefully.

[misty-memento]

*The eyes close, though the glow can still faintly be seen. The being — seemingly female — sighs in what seems to be relief.*

Oh, good. I keep messing up my teleports and ending up the the wrong place... I was worried I had accidentally interrupted something.

*Something within the fog lets out an airy hiss, said fog thickening in response. Glowing lines can be seen for a moment as this happens before vanishing again.*

[thelastescalion]

... What is 'teleport'?

"It is fine... Where are my manners? I am Histarte. I am an escalion. One of the last of the Verdanians. You are?"

[misty-memento]

*The eyes move slightly higher, as if their owner had perked up. The glow slightly increases, too.*

Oh! I didn't say my name either...it's Cloud Waker! I've been trying to find my sister for a while now, but uh...

*She trails off.*

...yeah... I don't exactly have the best sense of direction... you'd think a being like me would be better with navigation, but I'm... pretty bad at it.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte gazed closely at Cloud Waker, wondering what was going on in the fog.

"Your sister? Is she... foggy as well?" Histarte asked, before looking a bit embarrassed and saying, "Sorry, not my place to ask.

"You say you're bad at navigation? I have an excellent sense of direction. I can help you, I think."

[misty-memento]

*The figure laughs lightly.*

It's fine, and no, she isn't "foggy" like me. We were both adopted by the same tribe, so we call each other sisters!

*From the movement of her eyes, it seems the being is tilting her head.*

...if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I wouldn't mind taking you up on that offer... though I think it may be best that I reveal my full form first...

*Her voice changes, slightly sadder now.*

Most end up trying to worship me, and I wouldn't want any misunderstandings to happen...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was a bit confused. She had half-assumed the fog was at least, to an extent, part of Cloud Waker's body, but Cloud Waker's words implied otherwise.

"You, of course, can reveal your... 'full form.' But you say bugs usually... worship you? Truly?" Histarte said.

[misty-memento]

*The being sighs.*

Yes... I don't want to be worshipped, but, well... most bugs see me and just — start! It's annoying, especially because I try my best not to fall to my instincts...

*With that said, the fog starts to thin until the room is once again clear, and Cloud Waker's full form is revealed.

She appears as a mix between a centipede and a butterfly, with a long body with many legs, the upper two sets acting as arms. A set of butterfly wings sit on her upper back, teal in colour with faintly glowing spots on them. The lines from before reveal themselves as glowing vents along her sides, still letting out a faint mist of fog.

Her eyes glow brightly, while a pair of glowing horn sit upon her head, almost fluffy in appearance, forming a halo. Her fangs glow, too, though they are slightly fainter. In between the previously mentioned horns are a set of antenna, with rounded, glowing tips.

The mass amount of glowing parts, as well as her faint blue colouration, betray exactly what she is:

Right in front of Histarte is a Pale Being, one seemingly in their prime.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte had only seen one Higher Being, Pale Being, before.

He was short. He had a crown built into his skull. And he was on a fucking shelf.

Also, he was glowing so brightly it was almost blinding.

Cloud Waker did not match those descriptions, and so Histarte had to genuinely just stare, for a few seconds, and really think about it, before she realized.

"Ahhhh. That... Mm. That does explain the 'worship' response."

[misty-memento]

*One of her uppermost limbs moves to rub at the back of her head awkwardly.*

Yeah, I learnt how to stop glowing as much to try and cut back on the number of bugs trying to worship me, and it worked!... kinda.

*She winces.*

Yeah, I've still got a light layer of fog around me to absorb some of the glow. It helps, but it took a while to get the trick down...

[thelastescalion]

The escalion nodded, taking in the information.

"I see," Histarte said. "Well, if it helps, I don't plan to worship you." She was lightly teasing.

"Where do you want to be guided to?" Histarte asked. "You said you were... looking for your sister?"

[misty-memento]

Ah, yes, I'm not too sure what kind of bug she is... one of those odd anonymous bugs said she was in a place called Bellhart, but I haven't been able to get there...

Her biological mother was... not good, and ended up having to be chased away, so we know very little about that side of her. She's quite tall, has a round, spherical head with six eyes, and would have four legs if she wasn't missing part of one due to a wound.

*She sighs to herself.*

It... doesn't really match up with any other species we know of back home, and while she might have figured it out over here, I still don't really know...

*Cloud Waker shakes her head.*

B-but I'm getting off track! As much as I'd like to head straight for her, I should probably get the guide situation permanently sorted out first...

I've heard that there's someone in the Citadel called the Twelfth Architect who might be able to help with that, since I don't want to take you away from your life or anything. Would it be possible to get guidance there?

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stiffened. Round head, six eyes... four legs didn't quite match up perfectly, but then again, they could just use their 'arms' as legs, couldn't they? Hm... And TALL. Hm.

... Actually, that could technically describe a Giraffe Weevil. She shouldn't assume. Except, what about the six eyes? Then again, those could've been gotten from the father...

"Hm. I can think of at least two species that COULD describe... And yes, I could guide you to the Twelfth Architect. I have been to them three times! They've even made me some weapons."

[misty-memento]

Ah, thank you so much!

*Cloud Waker's many lower legs start tapping in joy.*

My sister got washed away in a storm, you see, and since the tribe we were adopted by consists most of Grubs, no-one could go after her...

Either way, thank you!!

[thelastescalion]

Histarte nodded. "I see," she stated, though internally, she was wondering what in the gods' names a grub was.

"You are welcome! Are you ready to depart for the Citadel? I uh... Will be, hold on."

She started grabbing her various darts spread around the place.

[misty-memento]

Yeah, I'm all ready! Luckily, I don't need to carry much since food is optional, and my fog is my weapon.

*Cloud Waker watches as Histarte moves around.*

I'm good to go when you are.

[thelastescalion]

"Ah, yeah, that'd lighten your load."

Histarte finished packing up her stuff, and then said, "I'm ready now. Just follow me."

With that, she stepped out of her little cave and began walking towards the exit to Verdania.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker followed quietly, despite her size, looking around herself to take in the sights as they moved. Though there wasn't a lot to look at, she still tried her best to memorise it in case she ever needed to come back.*

[thelastescalion]

Soon enough, they made it out of Verdania and into Craw Lake, and Histarte continued on, working her way over to Bellhart.

"This is Greymoor," Histarte said informatively. "Maybe you knew that, maybe not. Sorry if you already knew that."

[misty-memento]

I haven't been here before, actually!

*She turns her head up, letting the rain wash over her face.*

My sister would love this place... she's always been good with water. Even managed to weave a few spells to help her swim!

[thelastescalion]

"Oh? Spells? I hope I meet her at some point. I could use some swimming spells myself... I'm bad at it," Histarte explains. She went further in Greymoor, and bells became visible. "And here, in a little bit, is Bellhart. I've been here a few times. Other, helpful bugs are here."

[misty-memento]

Huh... I think...

*Cloud Waker pauses in her stride, her eyes becoming unfocused for a moment before she comes back.*

Yeah, my sister is nearby! She's somewhere below us!

*Despite this, she shakes her head.*

Even so, I'd rather get to this Twelfth Architect person before I reunite with her... better to guard before you're under invasion, and all, you know?

...regardless, I do think she could weave you something to help with swimming. She uses this sort of... thread?? I'm not sure what it is, and neither was she before she was washed away.

Whatever it is, it glows and can be used for just about any sort of spell!

[thelastescalion]

"Hm? That... sounds like Silk," Histarte commented.

Soon enough, the two were out of Bellhart and into Shellwood.

"This is Shellwood. Do be careful here; there are creatures here who blend in with the plantlife around us before attacking. Some are easy to spot. Others... not so much."

[misty-memento]

I'm... not too sure what Silk is?? Or at least, the version you seem to be talking about. I know of the biological kind, like what Nosks and other arachnids make, but it seems like you're talking about something different?

*Though she is focused on Histarte, part of her mind is still on the lookout as they walk. It doesn't take long for her to notice a nearby Splinter, camouflaged on their path.

Cloud Waker quickly asks something.*

Hey, so suppose we do encounter something, would it be fine if I just... killed it? I know some bugs are squeamish about that sort of thing.

[thelastescalion]

"Yes, I am speaking of something different. Silk is thread made of Soul, created by the Weavers, who I had thought long-gone. And your description of your sister... does vaguely match the description of the Weavers," Histarte explained.

"And yes, it would be fine if you killed it. I have killed a few myself. I have had to, to survive."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker tilts their head at the description of Weavers.*

Huh... well, I guess she would be half-Weaver then, if she could make Silk... though from what I know, it isn't too big of a surprise that there were a few left...

*She nods at the permission. Without another word, her vents hiss and let out massive amounts of fog.

It curls and writhes, coiling in the room for a moment before shooting towards the Splinter on their path. Within seconds of contacting the hidden bug, it begins to writhe in pain as the fog increases its temperature.

The Splinter's shell sizzles for a moment as it tries to escape, only for more fog tendrils to seep into the cracks of said shell. The bug goes still barely a moment after.

All this only took less than 20 seconds. Its death was quick, and relatively painless.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was about to reply, but was busy staring in something akin to blinding horror at the corpse of the Splinter.

... She could understand, now, perhaps, why that really big stranger wanted her help killing all the gods.

Of course, Histarte stuck by her opinion that it was primarily mortals, not the gods, who were the cause of most suffering. But she could admit that what she just witnessed was horrifying. The fear of "What if that wrath was turned on me?" was real.

She swallowed.

"... Good job," She said, before hurrying on closer to the Blasted Steps. "Er, you can fly, yes? That will make the region after this easier to navigate."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker uses her lower arms to grab the dead Splinter on the way past, stowing it away in a bag on her back.*

Yeah, I can fly! Despite the fact that my wings are... quite small, compared to the rest of my body, I can fly quite well. We think it has something to do with the fact that I'm a being of Fog, Blizzards, and other such things, so it makes me light.

*She's silent for a little while, realising that she's accidentally scared Histarte, and waits until they're nearly at the next area before she speaks.*

...that bug that I killed before? It didn't feel anything, for the record. It was discovered back home, but it turns out our bodies have what my tribe call "nerves". They're the part that lets people feel things, including pain.

...it was discovered when looking at burn victims. Turns out, if a flame is hot enough, it destroys nerves, meaning the victim doesn't even feel the pain of the burn. They're just... numb.

...when I have to kill, I do that. Make sure that it's hot enough that they don't feel anything, and make sure that it's fast, too. I help provide food, back home, so I'm kinda used to it... sorry if a scared you...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte listened carefully as she continued on, listening to this. She had... already had a slight understanding of nerves, actually. Or, as she knew them as, "lightning pathways." It was discovered by Karak after experimenting with Voltridian.

"I see. That's good, then, that it's painless, I suppose." She paused. "You did scare me. But it is fine."

Soon enough, they found the Blasted Steps. "Here is the Blasted Steps. We must fly above to reach the Citadel's gates."

[misty-memento]

*She nods and unfolds her wings from her back, testing the air currents.

Harsh, but she'd travelled through the surface wastes. She could handle it.

...that being said, the first time the two encounter one of the stronger bursts of wind, it throws her off course and face first into a wall.*

Shit! I'm okay, I'm okay! Just wasn't quite expecting such a sudden burst...

[thelastescalion]

"Understandable!" Histarte calls back. "The wind here is hard to predict."

Histarte, having been in the Blasted Steps many times, found the space far easier to navigate, and so was able to fly up to the Grand Gate with (relative) ease. However, she still tried to move more slowly, allowing for Cloud Waker to follow her more easily.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker follows behind easily, now that she was more prepared for the sudden bursts. Even so, she smacks her head on the ceiling near the Grand Gate, having not expected the way to be so narrow.*

Ack- man, I'm lucky that I've got such a hard shell! That would've hurt, otherwise...

*Despite this, she easily crawls towards the gate, and after a quick check to make sure there wasn't going to be anymore wind, her vents hiss as she surrounds her form with fog.

As it clears, the space where her body should have been was empty, only for the reason to become clear a moment later:

She had managed to shrink herself into a smaller form, though her bag stayed the same size. She wasn't too much smaller, but the difference was enough to be noticeable.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stared with some mixture of wonder and amusement at Cloud Waker's smaller size.

"Yes, it is a good thing you have a tough shell. And your current size... It might be a good idea, actually. Some of the tunnels are quite small."

Histarte approached the Grand Gate, slowly, giving Cloud Waker plenty of time to follow along. The Gate was already open. Histarte didn't know when it had opened, exactly; for as long as she could recall, it had been closed and guarded. But that was not the case anymore, and she was thankful for it.

"The way is easier from here, Cloud Waker," Histarte explained. "Few hostile creatures lurk between us and the nearest entrance to the Underworks, and once in the Underworks, things become safer still. That... was not always the case. I believe the Twelfth Architect has made some changes, somewhat recently, to improve the safety."

[misty-memento]

*She hums affirmatively.*

Yeah, I usually use a smaller size when travelling, but I wasn't sure how dangerous it was going to be, and being bigger usually wards off anyone or anything that wants to test their luck.

*Cloud Waker nods at Histarte's explanation of the improvements.*

That's good. I've heard that this Underworks place was quite dangerous, so it's nice to hear that someone is doing their best to solve that issue.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte listened to Cloud Waker's words, nodding in acknowledgement as she began to walk to the nearest Underworks entrance.

"Yes. This Twelfth Architect... they have been making an effort to improve Pharloom. They even helped restore the water of Verdania, my homeland. Rumors have it they've helped the Wisp Thicket and have tried to help Bilewater, as well. I... quite like them, to be honest. Pharloom has had too many bugs who just want to exploit the land and its bugs. The Twelfth Architect doesn't seem to like that..."

Soon enough, the two came up on an entrance to the Underworks. Histarte entered, and took a brief moment to look around.

No buzzsaws, crushers, or grinders that were immediately exposed. No exposed harsh steam vents. Safety railings. Buttons and levers that seemed designed to shut off dangerous equipment. Signs pointing to exits or rest areas. Even a box containing maps; Histarte accepted a map, and looked at it.

"... Huh. This area is heavily changed, and some paths that did exist do not anymore, or have been heavily modified... I can still find my way to the Architect, however. Follow me."

With that, Histarte began walking once more.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker walks after her, doing their best to stay on the path. Even so, they seem... distracted. She keeps staring at something, not seeming to change the direction of her gaze, even through walls.

Needless to say, it isn't long before she slams into one of said walls. There is barely a reaction, apart from the initial grunt of surprise.*

...get a grip, woman...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte turned around in concern, and asked, "Cloud Water, are you okay? You seem distracted."

[misty-memento]

Yeah... I'm fine, it just... my instincts are screaming at me right now, and it's kinda distracting...

*The antennae on her head — as well as her vents, eyes, fangs, and other glowing parts — glow brighter for a moment before she visibly puts in effort to get them to stop.

She let's out an odd "eeeeee" sound, seemingly annoyed.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte... had no idea how to reply.

"... Understood. Well, if it's any consolation, we will be at the Architect's workshop in mere moments,"

She said, before she continued walking.

[thelastescalion]

*Without warning, a thick fog fills the room Histarte is in. It curls unnaturally, almost as if it was reaching out.

After a few moments of silence, the sound of skittering limbs can be heard from within. A faint glow seems to come with them.*

@misty-memento

Histarte stared at the fog forming in her little cave in Verdania.

She had seen... many strange, impossible things in her recent life. She had been to the Abyss itself.

But she had never seen anything like this.

"... Hello?" She asked as she heard the skittering. Her keen senses were... not helping her here...

She hefted three darts in one of her claws. Just in case.

[misty-memento]

*The fog seems to... pause, almost, as if it could hear her. After a few moments, the sound of skittering comes back, getting closer. It stops a fair bit away from her.

Two glowing eyes can be seen through the fog, the body that they were attached to remaining hidden. The voice that calls out is... echoed, almost, as if there was more than just words that were being said.*

Hello? I'm not intruding, am I?

*There is a faint outline of some kind of halo above their eyes, where the top of their head might be.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte tilted her head. Such a strange creature. Made of fog? Or perhaps hidden by it?

A halo...

"Hello," Histarte greeted back. Apparently this thing could speak.

"... No," Histarte said cautiouly. "You are not intruding."

Just barely. Histarte had to... perform certain bodily functions and so if this fog creature had shown up ten minutes earlier, it WOULD have been intruding. Very shamefully.

[misty-memento]

*The eyes close, though the glow can still faintly be seen. The being — seemingly female — sighs in what seems to be relief.*

Oh, good. I keep messing up my teleports and ending up the the wrong place... I was worried I had accidentally interrupted something.

*Something within the fog lets out an airy hiss, said fog thickening in response. Glowing lines can be seen for a moment as this happens before vanishing again.*

[thelastescalion]

... What is 'teleport'?

"It is fine... Where are my manners? I am Histarte. I am an escalion. One of the last of the Verdanians. You are?"

[misty-memento]

*The eyes move slightly higher, as if their owner had perked up. The glow slightly increases, too.*

Oh! I didn't say my name either...it's Cloud Waker! I've been trying to find my sister for a while now, but uh...

*She trails off.*

...yeah... I don't exactly have the best sense of direction... you'd think a being like me would be better with navigation, but I'm... pretty bad at it.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte gazed closely at Cloud Waker, wondering what was going on in the fog.

"Your sister? Is she... foggy as well?" Histarte asked, before looking a bit embarrassed and saying, "Sorry, not my place to ask.

"You say you're bad at navigation? I have an excellent sense of direction. I can help you, I think."

[misty-memento]

*The figure laughs lightly.*

It's fine, and no, she isn't "foggy" like me. We were both adopted by the same tribe, so we call each other sisters!

*From the movement of her eyes, it seems the being is tilting her head.*

...if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I wouldn't mind taking you up on that offer... though I think it may be best that I reveal my full form first...

*Her voice changes, slightly sadder now.*

Most end up trying to worship me, and I wouldn't want any misunderstandings to happen...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was a bit confused. She had half-assumed the fog was at least, to an extent, part of Cloud Waker's body, but Cloud Waker's words implied otherwise.

"You, of course, can reveal your... 'full form.' But you say bugs usually... worship you? Truly?" Histarte said.

[misty-memento]

*The being sighs.*

Yes... I don't want to be worshipped, but, well... most bugs see me and just — start! It's annoying, especially because I try my best not to fall to my instincts...

*With that said, the fog starts to thin until the room is once again clear, and Cloud Waker's full form is revealed.

She appears as a mix between a centipede and a butterfly, with a long body with many legs, the upper two sets acting as arms. A set of butterfly wings sit on her upper back, teal in colour with faintly glowing spots on them. The lines from before reveal themselves as glowing vents along her sides, still letting out a faint mist of fog.

Her eyes glow brightly, while a pair of glowing horn sit upon her head, almost fluffy in appearance, forming a halo. Her fangs glow, too, though they are slightly fainter. In between the previously mentioned horns are a set of antenna, with rounded, glowing tips.

The mass amount of glowing parts, as well as her faint blue colouration, betray exactly what she is:

Right in front of Histarte is a Pale Being, one seemingly in their prime.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte had only seen one Higher Being, Pale Being, before.

He was short. He had a crown built into his skull. And he was on a fucking shelf.

Also, he was glowing so brightly it was almost blinding.

Cloud Waker did not match those descriptions, and so Histarte had to genuinely just stare, for a few seconds, and really think about it, before she realized.

"Ahhhh. That... Mm. That does explain the 'worship' response."

[misty-memento]

*One of her uppermost limbs moves to rub at the back of her head awkwardly.*

Yeah, I learnt how to stop glowing as much to try and cut back on the number of bugs trying to worship me, and it worked!... kinda.

*She winces.*

Yeah, I've still got a light layer of fog around me to absorb some of the glow. It helps, but it took a while to get the trick down...

[thelastescalion]

The escalion nodded, taking in the information.

"I see," Histarte said. "Well, if it helps, I don't plan to worship you." She was lightly teasing.

"Where do you want to be guided to?" Histarte asked. "You said you were... looking for your sister?"

[misty-memento]

Ah, yes, I'm not too sure what kind of bug she is... one of those odd anonymous bugs said she was in a place called Bellhart, but I haven't been able to get there...

Her biological mother was... not good, and ended up having to be chased away, so we know very little about that side of her. She's quite tall, has a round, spherical head with six eyes, and would have four legs if she wasn't missing part of one due to a wound.

*She sighs to herself.*

It... doesn't really match up with any other species we know of back home, and while she might have figured it out over here, I still don't really know...

*Cloud Waker shakes her head.*

B-but I'm getting off track! As much as I'd like to head straight for her, I should probably get the guide situation permanently sorted out first...

I've heard that there's someone in the Citadel called the Twelfth Architect who might be able to help with that, since I don't want to take you away from your life or anything. Would it be possible to get guidance there?

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stiffened. Round head, six eyes... four legs didn't quite match up perfectly, but then again, they could just use their 'arms' as legs, couldn't they? Hm... And TALL. Hm.

... Actually, that could technically describe a Giraffe Weevil. She shouldn't assume. Except, what about the six eyes? Then again, those could've been gotten from the father...

"Hm. I can think of at least two species that COULD describe... And yes, I could guide you to the Twelfth Architect. I have been to them three times! They've even made me some weapons."

[misty-memento]

Ah, thank you so much!

*Cloud Waker's many lower legs start tapping in joy.*

My sister got washed away in a storm, you see, and since the tribe we were adopted by consists most of Grubs, no-one could go after her...

Either way, thank you!!

[thelastescalion]

Histarte nodded. "I see," she stated, though internally, she was wondering what in the gods' names a grub was.

"You are welcome! Are you ready to depart for the Citadel? I uh... Will be, hold on."

She started grabbing her various darts spread around the place.

[misty-memento]

Yeah, I'm all ready! Luckily, I don't need to carry much since food is optional, and my fog is my weapon.

*Cloud Waker watches as Histarte moves around.*

I'm good to go when you are.

[thelastescalion]

"Ah, yeah, that'd lighten your load."

Histarte finished packing up her stuff, and then said, "I'm ready now. Just follow me."

With that, she stepped out of her little cave and began walking towards the exit to Verdania.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker followed quietly, despite her size, looking around herself to take in the sights as they moved. Though there wasn't a lot to look at, she still tried her best to memorise it in case she ever needed to come back.*

[thelastescalion]

Soon enough, they made it out of Verdania and into Craw Lake, and Histarte continued on, working her way over to Bellhart.

"This is Greymoor," Histarte said informatively. "Maybe you knew that, maybe not. Sorry if you already knew that."

[misty-memento]

I haven't been here before, actually!

*She turns her head up, letting the rain wash over her face.*

My sister would love this place... she's always been good with water. Even managed to weave a few spells to help her swim!

[thelastescalion]

"Oh? Spells? I hope I meet her at some point. I could use some swimming spells myself... I'm bad at it," Histarte explains. She went further in Greymoor, and bells became visible. "And here, in a little bit, is Bellhart. I've been here a few times. Other, helpful bugs are here."

[misty-memento]

Huh... I think...

*Cloud Waker pauses in her stride, her eyes becoming unfocused for a moment before she comes back.*

Yeah, my sister is nearby! She's somewhere below us!

*Despite this, she shakes her head.*

Even so, I'd rather get to this Twelfth Architect person before I reunite with her... better to guard before you're under invasion, and all, you know?

...regardless, I do think she could weave you something to help with swimming. She uses this sort of... thread?? I'm not sure what it is, and neither was she before she was washed away.

Whatever it is, it glows and can be used for just about any sort of spell!

[thelastescalion]

"Hm? That... sounds like Silk," Histarte commented.

Soon enough, the two were out of Bellhart and into Shellwood.

"This is Shellwood. Do be careful here; there are creatures here who blend in with the plantlife around us before attacking. Some are easy to spot. Others... not so much."

[misty-memento]

I'm... not too sure what Silk is?? Or at least, the version you seem to be talking about. I know of the biological kind, like what Nosks and other arachnids make, but it seems like you're talking about something different?

*Though she is focused on Histarte, part of her mind is still on the lookout as they walk. It doesn't take long for her to notice a nearby Splinter, camouflaged on their path.

Cloud Waker quickly asks something.*

Hey, so suppose we do encounter something, would it be fine if I just... killed it? I know some bugs are squeamish about that sort of thing.

[thelastescalion]

"Yes, I am speaking of something different. Silk is thread made of Soul, created by the Weavers, who I had thought long-gone. And your description of your sister... does vaguely match the description of the Weavers," Histarte explained.

"And yes, it would be fine if you killed it. I have killed a few myself. I have had to, to survive."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker tilts their head at the description of Weavers.*

Huh... well, I guess she would be half-Weaver then, if she could make Silk... though from what I know, it isn't too big of a surprise that there were a few left...

*She nods at the permission. Without another word, her vents hiss and let out massive amounts of fog.

It curls and writhes, coiling in the room for a moment before shooting towards the Splinter on their path. Within seconds of contacting the hidden bug, it begins to writhe in pain as the fog increases its temperature.

The Splinter's shell sizzles for a moment as it tries to escape, only for more fog tendrils to seep into the cracks of said shell. The bug goes still barely a moment after.

All this only took less than 20 seconds. Its death was quick, and relatively painless.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was about to reply, but was busy staring in something akin to blinding horror at the corpse of the Splinter.

... She could understand, now, perhaps, why that really big stranger wanted her help killing all the gods.

Of course, Histarte stuck by her opinion that it was primarily mortals, not the gods, who were the cause of most suffering. But she could admit that what she just witnessed was horrifying. The fear of "What if that wrath was turned on me?" was real.

She swallowed.

"... Good job," She said, before hurrying on closer to the Blasted Steps. "Er, you can fly, yes? That will make the region after this easier to navigate."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker uses her lower arms to grab the dead Splinter on the way past, stowing it away in a bag on her back.*

Yeah, I can fly! Despite the fact that my wings are... quite small, compared to the rest of my body, I can fly quite well. We think it has something to do with the fact that I'm a being of Fog, Blizzards, and other such things, so it makes me light.

*She's silent for a little while, realising that she's accidentally scared Histarte, and waits until they're nearly at the next area before she speaks.*

...that bug that I killed before? It didn't feel anything, for the record. It was discovered back home, but it turns out our bodies have what my tribe call "nerves". They're the part that lets people feel things, including pain.

...it was discovered when looking at burn victims. Turns out, if a flame is hot enough, it destroys nerves, meaning the victim doesn't even feel the pain of the burn. They're just... numb.

...when I have to kill, I do that. Make sure that it's hot enough that they don't feel anything, and make sure that it's fast, too. I help provide food, back home, so I'm kinda used to it... sorry if a scared you...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte listened carefully as she continued on, listening to this. She had... already had a slight understanding of nerves, actually. Or, as she knew them as, "lightning pathways." It was discovered by Karak after experimenting with Voltridian.

"I see. That's good, then, that it's painless, I suppose." She paused. "You did scare me. But it is fine."

Soon enough, they found the Blasted Steps. "Here is the Blasted Steps. We must fly above to reach the Citadel's gates."

[misty-memento]

*She nods and unfolds her wings from her back, testing the air currents.

Harsh, but she'd travelled through the surface wastes. She could handle it.

...that being said, the first time the two encounter one of the stronger bursts of wind, it throws her off course and face first into a wall.*

Shit! I'm okay, I'm okay! Just wasn't quite expecting such a sudden burst...

[thelastescalion]

"Understandable!" Histarte calls back. "The wind here is hard to predict."

Histarte, having been in the Blasted Steps many times, found the space far easier to navigate, and so was able to fly up to the Grand Gate with (relative) ease. However, she still tried to move more slowly, allowing for Cloud Waker to follow her more easily.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker follows behind easily, now that she was more prepared for the sudden bursts. Even so, she smacks her head on the ceiling near the Grand Gate, having not expected the way to be so narrow.*

Ack- man, I'm lucky that I've got such a hard shell! That would've hurt, otherwise...

*Despite this, she easily crawls towards the gate, and after a quick check to make sure there wasn't going to be anymore wind, her vents hiss as she surrounds her form with fog.

As it clears, the space where her body should have been was empty, only for the reason to become clear a moment later:

She had managed to shrink herself into a smaller form, though her bag stayed the same size. She wasn't too much smaller, but the difference was enough to be noticeable.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stared with some mixture of wonder and amusement at Cloud Waker's smaller size.

"Yes, it is a good thing you have a tough shell. And your current size... It might be a good idea, actually. Some of the tunnels are quite small."

Histarte approached the Grand Gate, slowly, giving Cloud Waker plenty of time to follow along. The Gate was already open. Histarte didn't know when it had opened, exactly; for as long as she could recall, it had been closed and guarded. But that was not the case anymore, and she was thankful for it.

"The way is easier from here, Cloud Waker," Histarte explained. "Few hostile creatures lurk between us and the nearest entrance to the Underworks, and once in the Underworks, things become safer still. That... was not always the case. I believe the Twelfth Architect has made some changes, somewhat recently, to improve the safety."

[misty-memento]

*She hums affirmatively.*

Yeah, I usually use a smaller size when travelling, but I wasn't sure how dangerous it was going to be, and being bigger usually wards off anyone or anything that wants to test their luck.

*Cloud Waker nods at Histarte's explanation of the improvements.*

That's good. I've heard that this Underworks place was quite dangerous, so it's nice to hear that someone is doing their best to solve that issue.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte listened to Cloud Waker's words, nodding in acknowledgement as she began to walk to the nearest Underworks entrance.

"Yes. This Twelfth Architect... they have been making an effort to improve Pharloom. They even helped restore the water of Verdania, my homeland. Rumors have it they've helped the Wisp Thicket and have tried to help Bilewater, as well. I... quite like them, to be honest. Pharloom has had too many bugs who just want to exploit the land and its bugs. The Twelfth Architect doesn't seem to like that..."

Soon enough, the two came up on an entrance to the Underworks. Histarte entered, and took a brief moment to look around.

No buzzsaws, crushers, or grinders that were immediately exposed. No exposed harsh steam vents. Safety railings. Buttons and levers that seemed designed to shut off dangerous equipment. Signs pointing to exits or rest areas. Even a box containing maps; Histarte accepted a map, and looked at it.

"... Huh. This area is heavily changed, and some paths that did exist do not anymore, or have been heavily modified... I can still find my way to the Architect, however. Follow me."

With that, Histarte began walking once more.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker walks after her, doing their best to stay on the path. Even so, they seem... distracted. She keeps staring at something, not seeming to change the direction of her gaze, even through walls.

Needless to say, it isn't long before she slams into one of said walls. There is barely a reaction, apart from the initial grunt of surprise.*

...get a grip, woman...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte turned around in concern, and asked, "Cloud Water, are you okay? You seem distracted."

[thelastescalion]

*Without warning, a thick fog fills the room Histarte is in. It curls unnaturally, almost as if it was reaching out.

After a few moments of silence, the sound of skittering limbs can be heard from within. A faint glow seems to come with them.*

@misty-memento

Histarte stared at the fog forming in her little cave in Verdania.

She had seen... many strange, impossible things in her recent life. She had been to the Abyss itself.

But she had never seen anything like this.

"... Hello?" She asked as she heard the skittering. Her keen senses were... not helping her here...

She hefted three darts in one of her claws. Just in case.

[misty-memento]

*The fog seems to... pause, almost, as if it could hear her. After a few moments, the sound of skittering comes back, getting closer. It stops a fair bit away from her.

Two glowing eyes can be seen through the fog, the body that they were attached to remaining hidden. The voice that calls out is... echoed, almost, as if there was more than just words that were being said.*

Hello? I'm not intruding, am I?

*There is a faint outline of some kind of halo above their eyes, where the top of their head might be.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte tilted her head. Such a strange creature. Made of fog? Or perhaps hidden by it?

A halo...

"Hello," Histarte greeted back. Apparently this thing could speak.

"... No," Histarte said cautiouly. "You are not intruding."

Just barely. Histarte had to... perform certain bodily functions and so if this fog creature had shown up ten minutes earlier, it WOULD have been intruding. Very shamefully.

[misty-memento]

*The eyes close, though the glow can still faintly be seen. The being — seemingly female — sighs in what seems to be relief.*

Oh, good. I keep messing up my teleports and ending up the the wrong place... I was worried I had accidentally interrupted something.

*Something within the fog lets out an airy hiss, said fog thickening in response. Glowing lines can be seen for a moment as this happens before vanishing again.*

[thelastescalion]

... What is 'teleport'?

"It is fine... Where are my manners? I am Histarte. I am an escalion. One of the last of the Verdanians. You are?"

[misty-memento]

*The eyes move slightly higher, as if their owner had perked up. The glow slightly increases, too.*

Oh! I didn't say my name either...it's Cloud Waker! I've been trying to find my sister for a while now, but uh...

*She trails off.*

...yeah... I don't exactly have the best sense of direction... you'd think a being like me would be better with navigation, but I'm... pretty bad at it.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte gazed closely at Cloud Waker, wondering what was going on in the fog.

"Your sister? Is she... foggy as well?" Histarte asked, before looking a bit embarrassed and saying, "Sorry, not my place to ask.

"You say you're bad at navigation? I have an excellent sense of direction. I can help you, I think."

[misty-memento]

*The figure laughs lightly.*

It's fine, and no, she isn't "foggy" like me. We were both adopted by the same tribe, so we call each other sisters!

*From the movement of her eyes, it seems the being is tilting her head.*

...if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I wouldn't mind taking you up on that offer... though I think it may be best that I reveal my full form first...

*Her voice changes, slightly sadder now.*

Most end up trying to worship me, and I wouldn't want any misunderstandings to happen...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was a bit confused. She had half-assumed the fog was at least, to an extent, part of Cloud Waker's body, but Cloud Waker's words implied otherwise.

"You, of course, can reveal your... 'full form.' But you say bugs usually... worship you? Truly?" Histarte said.

[misty-memento]

*The being sighs.*

Yes... I don't want to be worshipped, but, well... most bugs see me and just — start! It's annoying, especially because I try my best not to fall to my instincts...

*With that said, the fog starts to thin until the room is once again clear, and Cloud Waker's full form is revealed.

She appears as a mix between a centipede and a butterfly, with a long body with many legs, the upper two sets acting as arms. A set of butterfly wings sit on her upper back, teal in colour with faintly glowing spots on them. The lines from before reveal themselves as glowing vents along her sides, still letting out a faint mist of fog.

Her eyes glow brightly, while a pair of glowing horn sit upon her head, almost fluffy in appearance, forming a halo. Her fangs glow, too, though they are slightly fainter. In between the previously mentioned horns are a set of antenna, with rounded, glowing tips.

The mass amount of glowing parts, as well as her faint blue colouration, betray exactly what she is:

Right in front of Histarte is a Pale Being, one seemingly in their prime.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte had only seen one Higher Being, Pale Being, before.

He was short. He had a crown built into his skull. And he was on a fucking shelf.

Also, he was glowing so brightly it was almost blinding.

Cloud Waker did not match those descriptions, and so Histarte had to genuinely just stare, for a few seconds, and really think about it, before she realized.

"Ahhhh. That... Mm. That does explain the 'worship' response."

[misty-memento]

*One of her uppermost limbs moves to rub at the back of her head awkwardly.*

Yeah, I learnt how to stop glowing as much to try and cut back on the number of bugs trying to worship me, and it worked!... kinda.

*She winces.*

Yeah, I've still got a light layer of fog around me to absorb some of the glow. It helps, but it took a while to get the trick down...

[thelastescalion]

The escalion nodded, taking in the information.

"I see," Histarte said. "Well, if it helps, I don't plan to worship you." She was lightly teasing.

"Where do you want to be guided to?" Histarte asked. "You said you were... looking for your sister?"

[misty-memento]

Ah, yes, I'm not too sure what kind of bug she is... one of those odd anonymous bugs said she was in a place called Bellhart, but I haven't been able to get there...

Her biological mother was... not good, and ended up having to be chased away, so we know very little about that side of her. She's quite tall, has a round, spherical head with six eyes, and would have four legs if she wasn't missing part of one due to a wound.

*She sighs to herself.*

It... doesn't really match up with any other species we know of back home, and while she might have figured it out over here, I still don't really know...

*Cloud Waker shakes her head.*

B-but I'm getting off track! As much as I'd like to head straight for her, I should probably get the guide situation permanently sorted out first...

I've heard that there's someone in the Citadel called the Twelfth Architect who might be able to help with that, since I don't want to take you away from your life or anything. Would it be possible to get guidance there?

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stiffened. Round head, six eyes... four legs didn't quite match up perfectly, but then again, they could just use their 'arms' as legs, couldn't they? Hm... And TALL. Hm.

... Actually, that could technically describe a Giraffe Weevil. She shouldn't assume. Except, what about the six eyes? Then again, those could've been gotten from the father...

"Hm. I can think of at least two species that COULD describe... And yes, I could guide you to the Twelfth Architect. I have been to them three times! They've even made me some weapons."

[misty-memento]

Ah, thank you so much!

*Cloud Waker's many lower legs start tapping in joy.*

My sister got washed away in a storm, you see, and since the tribe we were adopted by consists most of Grubs, no-one could go after her...

Either way, thank you!!

[thelastescalion]

Histarte nodded. "I see," she stated, though internally, she was wondering what in the gods' names a grub was.

"You are welcome! Are you ready to depart for the Citadel? I uh... Will be, hold on."

She started grabbing her various darts spread around the place.

[misty-memento]

Yeah, I'm all ready! Luckily, I don't need to carry much since food is optional, and my fog is my weapon.

*Cloud Waker watches as Histarte moves around.*

I'm good to go when you are.

[thelastescalion]

"Ah, yeah, that'd lighten your load."

Histarte finished packing up her stuff, and then said, "I'm ready now. Just follow me."

With that, she stepped out of her little cave and began walking towards the exit to Verdania.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker followed quietly, despite her size, looking around herself to take in the sights as they moved. Though there wasn't a lot to look at, she still tried her best to memorise it in case she ever needed to come back.*

[thelastescalion]

Soon enough, they made it out of Verdania and into Craw Lake, and Histarte continued on, working her way over to Bellhart.

"This is Greymoor," Histarte said informatively. "Maybe you knew that, maybe not. Sorry if you already knew that."

[misty-memento]

I haven't been here before, actually!

*She turns her head up, letting the rain wash over her face.*

My sister would love this place... she's always been good with water. Even managed to weave a few spells to help her swim!

[thelastescalion]

"Oh? Spells? I hope I meet her at some point. I could use some swimming spells myself... I'm bad at it," Histarte explains. She went further in Greymoor, and bells became visible. "And here, in a little bit, is Bellhart. I've been here a few times. Other, helpful bugs are here."

[misty-memento]

Huh... I think...

*Cloud Waker pauses in her stride, her eyes becoming unfocused for a moment before she comes back.*

Yeah, my sister is nearby! She's somewhere below us!

*Despite this, she shakes her head.*

Even so, I'd rather get to this Twelfth Architect person before I reunite with her... better to guard before you're under invasion, and all, you know?

...regardless, I do think she could weave you something to help with swimming. She uses this sort of... thread?? I'm not sure what it is, and neither was she before she was washed away.

Whatever it is, it glows and can be used for just about any sort of spell!

[thelastescalion]

"Hm? That... sounds like Silk," Histarte commented.

Soon enough, the two were out of Bellhart and into Shellwood.

"This is Shellwood. Do be careful here; there are creatures here who blend in with the plantlife around us before attacking. Some are easy to spot. Others... not so much."

[misty-memento]

I'm... not too sure what Silk is?? Or at least, the version you seem to be talking about. I know of the biological kind, like what Nosks and other arachnids make, but it seems like you're talking about something different?

*Though she is focused on Histarte, part of her mind is still on the lookout as they walk. It doesn't take long for her to notice a nearby Splinter, camouflaged on their path.

Cloud Waker quickly asks something.*

Hey, so suppose we do encounter something, would it be fine if I just... killed it? I know some bugs are squeamish about that sort of thing.

[thelastescalion]

"Yes, I am speaking of something different. Silk is thread made of Soul, created by the Weavers, who I had thought long-gone. And your description of your sister... does vaguely match the description of the Weavers," Histarte explained.

"And yes, it would be fine if you killed it. I have killed a few myself. I have had to, to survive."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker tilts their head at the description of Weavers.*

Huh... well, I guess she would be half-Weaver then, if she could make Silk... though from what I know, it isn't too big of a surprise that there were a few left...

*She nods at the permission. Without another word, her vents hiss and let out massive amounts of fog.

It curls and writhes, coiling in the room for a moment before shooting towards the Splinter on their path. Within seconds of contacting the hidden bug, it begins to writhe in pain as the fog increases its temperature.

The Splinter's shell sizzles for a moment as it tries to escape, only for more fog tendrils to seep into the cracks of said shell. The bug goes still barely a moment after.

All this only took less than 20 seconds. Its death was quick, and relatively painless.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was about to reply, but was busy staring in something akin to blinding horror at the corpse of the Splinter.

... She could understand, now, perhaps, why that really big stranger wanted her help killing all the gods.

Of course, Histarte stuck by her opinion that it was primarily mortals, not the gods, who were the cause of most suffering. But she could admit that what she just witnessed was horrifying. The fear of "What if that wrath was turned on me?" was real.

She swallowed.

"... Good job," She said, before hurrying on closer to the Blasted Steps. "Er, you can fly, yes? That will make the region after this easier to navigate."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker uses her lower arms to grab the dead Splinter on the way past, stowing it away in a bag on her back.*

Yeah, I can fly! Despite the fact that my wings are... quite small, compared to the rest of my body, I can fly quite well. We think it has something to do with the fact that I'm a being of Fog, Blizzards, and other such things, so it makes me light.

*She's silent for a little while, realising that she's accidentally scared Histarte, and waits until they're nearly at the next area before she speaks.*

...that bug that I killed before? It didn't feel anything, for the record. It was discovered back home, but it turns out our bodies have what my tribe call "nerves". They're the part that lets people feel things, including pain.

...it was discovered when looking at burn victims. Turns out, if a flame is hot enough, it destroys nerves, meaning the victim doesn't even feel the pain of the burn. They're just... numb.

...when I have to kill, I do that. Make sure that it's hot enough that they don't feel anything, and make sure that it's fast, too. I help provide food, back home, so I'm kinda used to it... sorry if a scared you...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte listened carefully as she continued on, listening to this. She had... already had a slight understanding of nerves, actually. Or, as she knew them as, "lightning pathways." It was discovered by Karak after experimenting with Voltridian.

"I see. That's good, then, that it's painless, I suppose." She paused. "You did scare me. But it is fine."

Soon enough, they found the Blasted Steps. "Here is the Blasted Steps. We must fly above to reach the Citadel's gates."

[misty-memento]

*She nods and unfolds her wings from her back, testing the air currents.

Harsh, but she'd travelled through the surface wastes. She could handle it.

...that being said, the first time the two encounter one of the stronger bursts of wind, it throws her off course and face first into a wall.*

Shit! I'm okay, I'm okay! Just wasn't quite expecting such a sudden burst...

[thelastescalion]

"Understandable!" Histarte calls back. "The wind here is hard to predict."

Histarte, having been in the Blasted Steps many times, found the space far easier to navigate, and so was able to fly up to the Grand Gate with (relative) ease. However, she still tried to move more slowly, allowing for Cloud Waker to follow her more easily.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker follows behind easily, now that she was more prepared for the sudden bursts. Even so, she smacks her head on the ceiling near the Grand Gate, having not expected the way to be so narrow.*

Ack- man, I'm lucky that I've got such a hard shell! That would've hurt, otherwise...

*Despite this, she easily crawls towards the gate, and after a quick check to make sure there wasn't going to be anymore wind, her vents hiss as she surrounds her form with fog.

As it clears, the space where her body should have been was empty, only for the reason to become clear a moment later:

She had managed to shrink herself into a smaller form, though her bag stayed the same size. She wasn't too much smaller, but the difference was enough to be noticeable.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stared with some mixture of wonder and amusement at Cloud Waker's smaller size.

"Yes, it is a good thing you have a tough shell. And your current size... It might be a good idea, actually. Some of the tunnels are quite small."

Histarte approached the Grand Gate, slowly, giving Cloud Waker plenty of time to follow along. The Gate was already open. Histarte didn't know when it had opened, exactly; for as long as she could recall, it had been closed and guarded. But that was not the case anymore, and she was thankful for it.

"The way is easier from here, Cloud Waker," Histarte explained. "Few hostile creatures lurk between us and the nearest entrance to the Underworks, and once in the Underworks, things become safer still. That... was not always the case. I believe the Twelfth Architect has made some changes, somewhat recently, to improve the safety."

[misty-memento]

*She hums affirmatively.*

Yeah, I usually use a smaller size when travelling, but I wasn't sure how dangerous it was going to be, and being bigger usually wards off anyone or anything that wants to test their luck.

*Cloud Waker nods at Histarte's explanation of the improvements.*

That's good. I've heard that this Underworks place was quite dangerous, so it's nice to hear that someone is doing their best to solve that issue.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte listened to Cloud Waker's words, nodding in acknowledgement as she began to walk to the nearest Underworks entrance.

"Yes. This Twelfth Architect... they have been making an effort to improve Pharloom. They even helped restore the water of Verdania, my homeland. Rumors have it they've helped the Wisp Thicket and have tried to help Bilewater, as well. I... quite like them, to be honest. Pharloom has had too many bugs who just want to exploit the land and its bugs. The Twelfth Architect doesn't seem to like that..."

Soon enough, the two came up on an entrance to the Underworks. Histarte entered, and took a brief moment to look around.

No buzzsaws, crushers, or grinders that were immediately exposed. No exposed harsh steam vents. Safety railings. Buttons and levers that seemed designed to shut off dangerous equipment. Signs pointing to exits or rest areas. Even a box containing maps; Histarte accepted a map, and looked at it.

"... Huh. This area is heavily changed, and some paths that did exist do not anymore, or have been heavily modified... I can still find my way to the Architect, however. Follow me."

With that, Histarte began walking once more.

[thelastescalion]

*Without warning, a thick fog fills the room Histarte is in. It curls unnaturally, almost as if it was reaching out.

After a few moments of silence, the sound of skittering limbs can be heard from within. A faint glow seems to come with them.*

@misty-memento

Histarte stared at the fog forming in her little cave in Verdania.

She had seen... many strange, impossible things in her recent life. She had been to the Abyss itself.

But she had never seen anything like this.

"... Hello?" She asked as she heard the skittering. Her keen senses were... not helping her here...

She hefted three darts in one of her claws. Just in case.

[misty-memento]

*The fog seems to... pause, almost, as if it could hear her. After a few moments, the sound of skittering comes back, getting closer. It stops a fair bit away from her.

Two glowing eyes can be seen through the fog, the body that they were attached to remaining hidden. The voice that calls out is... echoed, almost, as if there was more than just words that were being said.*

Hello? I'm not intruding, am I?

*There is a faint outline of some kind of halo above their eyes, where the top of their head might be.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte tilted her head. Such a strange creature. Made of fog? Or perhaps hidden by it?

A halo...

"Hello," Histarte greeted back. Apparently this thing could speak.

"... No," Histarte said cautiouly. "You are not intruding."

Just barely. Histarte had to... perform certain bodily functions and so if this fog creature had shown up ten minutes earlier, it WOULD have been intruding. Very shamefully.

[misty-memento]

*The eyes close, though the glow can still faintly be seen. The being — seemingly female — sighs in what seems to be relief.*

Oh, good. I keep messing up my teleports and ending up the the wrong place... I was worried I had accidentally interrupted something.

*Something within the fog lets out an airy hiss, said fog thickening in response. Glowing lines can be seen for a moment as this happens before vanishing again.*

[thelastescalion]

... What is 'teleport'?

"It is fine... Where are my manners? I am Histarte. I am an escalion. One of the last of the Verdanians. You are?"

[misty-memento]

*The eyes move slightly higher, as if their owner had perked up. The glow slightly increases, too.*

Oh! I didn't say my name either...it's Cloud Waker! I've been trying to find my sister for a while now, but uh...

*She trails off.*

...yeah... I don't exactly have the best sense of direction... you'd think a being like me would be better with navigation, but I'm... pretty bad at it.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte gazed closely at Cloud Waker, wondering what was going on in the fog.

"Your sister? Is she... foggy as well?" Histarte asked, before looking a bit embarrassed and saying, "Sorry, not my place to ask.

"You say you're bad at navigation? I have an excellent sense of direction. I can help you, I think."

[misty-memento]

*The figure laughs lightly.*

It's fine, and no, she isn't "foggy" like me. We were both adopted by the same tribe, so we call each other sisters!

*From the movement of her eyes, it seems the being is tilting her head.*

...if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I wouldn't mind taking you up on that offer... though I think it may be best that I reveal my full form first...

*Her voice changes, slightly sadder now.*

Most end up trying to worship me, and I wouldn't want any misunderstandings to happen...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was a bit confused. She had half-assumed the fog was at least, to an extent, part of Cloud Waker's body, but Cloud Waker's words implied otherwise.

"You, of course, can reveal your... 'full form.' But you say bugs usually... worship you? Truly?" Histarte said.

[misty-memento]

*The being sighs.*

Yes... I don't want to be worshipped, but, well... most bugs see me and just — start! It's annoying, especially because I try my best not to fall to my instincts...

*With that said, the fog starts to thin until the room is once again clear, and Cloud Waker's full form is revealed.

She appears as a mix between a centipede and a butterfly, with a long body with many legs, the upper two sets acting as arms. A set of butterfly wings sit on her upper back, teal in colour with faintly glowing spots on them. The lines from before reveal themselves as glowing vents along her sides, still letting out a faint mist of fog.

Her eyes glow brightly, while a pair of glowing horn sit upon her head, almost fluffy in appearance, forming a halo. Her fangs glow, too, though they are slightly fainter. In between the previously mentioned horns are a set of antenna, with rounded, glowing tips.

The mass amount of glowing parts, as well as her faint blue colouration, betray exactly what she is:

Right in front of Histarte is a Pale Being, one seemingly in their prime.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte had only seen one Higher Being, Pale Being, before.

He was short. He had a crown built into his skull. And he was on a fucking shelf.

Also, he was glowing so brightly it was almost blinding.

Cloud Waker did not match those descriptions, and so Histarte had to genuinely just stare, for a few seconds, and really think about it, before she realized.

"Ahhhh. That... Mm. That does explain the 'worship' response."

[misty-memento]

*One of her uppermost limbs moves to rub at the back of her head awkwardly.*

Yeah, I learnt how to stop glowing as much to try and cut back on the number of bugs trying to worship me, and it worked!... kinda.

*She winces.*

Yeah, I've still got a light layer of fog around me to absorb some of the glow. It helps, but it took a while to get the trick down...

[thelastescalion]

The escalion nodded, taking in the information.

"I see," Histarte said. "Well, if it helps, I don't plan to worship you." She was lightly teasing.

"Where do you want to be guided to?" Histarte asked. "You said you were... looking for your sister?"

[misty-memento]

Ah, yes, I'm not too sure what kind of bug she is... one of those odd anonymous bugs said she was in a place called Bellhart, but I haven't been able to get there...

Her biological mother was... not good, and ended up having to be chased away, so we know very little about that side of her. She's quite tall, has a round, spherical head with six eyes, and would have four legs if she wasn't missing part of one due to a wound.

*She sighs to herself.*

It... doesn't really match up with any other species we know of back home, and while she might have figured it out over here, I still don't really know...

*Cloud Waker shakes her head.*

B-but I'm getting off track! As much as I'd like to head straight for her, I should probably get the guide situation permanently sorted out first...

I've heard that there's someone in the Citadel called the Twelfth Architect who might be able to help with that, since I don't want to take you away from your life or anything. Would it be possible to get guidance there?

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stiffened. Round head, six eyes... four legs didn't quite match up perfectly, but then again, they could just use their 'arms' as legs, couldn't they? Hm... And TALL. Hm.

... Actually, that could technically describe a Giraffe Weevil. She shouldn't assume. Except, what about the six eyes? Then again, those could've been gotten from the father...

"Hm. I can think of at least two species that COULD describe... And yes, I could guide you to the Twelfth Architect. I have been to them three times! They've even made me some weapons."

[misty-memento]

Ah, thank you so much!

*Cloud Waker's many lower legs start tapping in joy.*

My sister got washed away in a storm, you see, and since the tribe we were adopted by consists most of Grubs, no-one could go after her...

Either way, thank you!!

[thelastescalion]

Histarte nodded. "I see," she stated, though internally, she was wondering what in the gods' names a grub was.

"You are welcome! Are you ready to depart for the Citadel? I uh... Will be, hold on."

She started grabbing her various darts spread around the place.

[misty-memento]

Yeah, I'm all ready! Luckily, I don't need to carry much since food is optional, and my fog is my weapon.

*Cloud Waker watches as Histarte moves around.*

I'm good to go when you are.

[thelastescalion]

"Ah, yeah, that'd lighten your load."

Histarte finished packing up her stuff, and then said, "I'm ready now. Just follow me."

With that, she stepped out of her little cave and began walking towards the exit to Verdania.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker followed quietly, despite her size, looking around herself to take in the sights as they moved. Though there wasn't a lot to look at, she still tried her best to memorise it in case she ever needed to come back.*

[thelastescalion]

Soon enough, they made it out of Verdania and into Craw Lake, and Histarte continued on, working her way over to Bellhart.

"This is Greymoor," Histarte said informatively. "Maybe you knew that, maybe not. Sorry if you already knew that."

[misty-memento]

I haven't been here before, actually!

*She turns her head up, letting the rain wash over her face.*

My sister would love this place... she's always been good with water. Even managed to weave a few spells to help her swim!

[thelastescalion]

"Oh? Spells? I hope I meet her at some point. I could use some swimming spells myself... I'm bad at it," Histarte explains. She went further in Greymoor, and bells became visible. "And here, in a little bit, is Bellhart. I've been here a few times. Other, helpful bugs are here."

[misty-memento]

Huh... I think...

*Cloud Waker pauses in her stride, her eyes becoming unfocused for a moment before she comes back.*

Yeah, my sister is nearby! She's somewhere below us!

*Despite this, she shakes her head.*

Even so, I'd rather get to this Twelfth Architect person before I reunite with her... better to guard before you're under invasion, and all, you know?

...regardless, I do think she could weave you something to help with swimming. She uses this sort of... thread?? I'm not sure what it is, and neither was she before she was washed away.

Whatever it is, it glows and can be used for just about any sort of spell!

[thelastescalion]

"Hm? That... sounds like Silk," Histarte commented.

Soon enough, the two were out of Bellhart and into Shellwood.

"This is Shellwood. Do be careful here; there are creatures here who blend in with the plantlife around us before attacking. Some are easy to spot. Others... not so much."

[misty-memento]

I'm... not too sure what Silk is?? Or at least, the version you seem to be talking about. I know of the biological kind, like what Nosks and other arachnids make, but it seems like you're talking about something different?

*Though she is focused on Histarte, part of her mind is still on the lookout as they walk. It doesn't take long for her to notice a nearby Splinter, camouflaged on their path.

Cloud Waker quickly asks something.*

Hey, so suppose we do encounter something, would it be fine if I just... killed it? I know some bugs are squeamish about that sort of thing.

[thelastescalion]

"Yes, I am speaking of something different. Silk is thread made of Soul, created by the Weavers, who I had thought long-gone. And your description of your sister... does vaguely match the description of the Weavers," Histarte explained.

"And yes, it would be fine if you killed it. I have killed a few myself. I have had to, to survive."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker tilts their head at the description of Weavers.*

Huh... well, I guess she would be half-Weaver then, if she could make Silk... though from what I know, it isn't too big of a surprise that there were a few left...

*She nods at the permission. Without another word, her vents hiss and let out massive amounts of fog.

It curls and writhes, coiling in the room for a moment before shooting towards the Splinter on their path. Within seconds of contacting the hidden bug, it begins to writhe in pain as the fog increases its temperature.

The Splinter's shell sizzles for a moment as it tries to escape, only for more fog tendrils to seep into the cracks of said shell. The bug goes still barely a moment after.

All this only took less than 20 seconds. Its death was quick, and relatively painless.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was about to reply, but was busy staring in something akin to blinding horror at the corpse of the Splinter.

... She could understand, now, perhaps, why that really big stranger wanted her help killing all the gods.

Of course, Histarte stuck by her opinion that it was primarily mortals, not the gods, who were the cause of most suffering. But she could admit that what she just witnessed was horrifying. The fear of "What if that wrath was turned on me?" was real.

She swallowed.

"... Good job," She said, before hurrying on closer to the Blasted Steps. "Er, you can fly, yes? That will make the region after this easier to navigate."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker uses her lower arms to grab the dead Splinter on the way past, stowing it away in a bag on her back.*

Yeah, I can fly! Despite the fact that my wings are... quite small, compared to the rest of my body, I can fly quite well. We think it has something to do with the fact that I'm a being of Fog, Blizzards, and other such things, so it makes me light.

*She's silent for a little while, realising that she's accidentally scared Histarte, and waits until they're nearly at the next area before she speaks.*

...that bug that I killed before? It didn't feel anything, for the record. It was discovered back home, but it turns out our bodies have what my tribe call "nerves". They're the part that lets people feel things, including pain.

...it was discovered when looking at burn victims. Turns out, if a flame is hot enough, it destroys nerves, meaning the victim doesn't even feel the pain of the burn. They're just... numb.

...when I have to kill, I do that. Make sure that it's hot enough that they don't feel anything, and make sure that it's fast, too. I help provide food, back home, so I'm kinda used to it... sorry if a scared you...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte listened carefully as she continued on, listening to this. She had... already had a slight understanding of nerves, actually. Or, as she knew them as, "lightning pathways." It was discovered by Karak after experimenting with Voltridian.

"I see. That's good, then, that it's painless, I suppose." She paused. "You did scare me. But it is fine."

Soon enough, they found the Blasted Steps. "Here is the Blasted Steps. We must fly above to reach the Citadel's gates."

[misty-memento]

*She nods and unfolds her wings from her back, testing the air currents.

Harsh, but she'd travelled through the surface wastes. She could handle it.

...that being said, the first time the two encounter one of the stronger bursts of wind, it throws her off course and face first into a wall.*

Shit! I'm okay, I'm okay! Just wasn't quite expecting such a sudden burst...

[thelastescalion]

"Understandable!" Histarte calls back. "The wind here is hard to predict."

Histarte, having been in the Blasted Steps many times, found the space far easier to navigate, and so was able to fly up to the Grand Gate with (relative) ease. However, she still tried to move more slowly, allowing for Cloud Waker to follow her more easily.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker follows behind easily, now that she was more prepared for the sudden bursts. Even so, she smacks her head on the ceiling near the Grand Gate, having not expected the way to be so narrow.*

Ack- man, I'm lucky that I've got such a hard shell! That would've hurt, otherwise...

*Despite this, she easily crawls towards the gate, and after a quick check to make sure there wasn't going to be anymore wind, her vents hiss as she surrounds her form with fog.

As it clears, the space where her body should have been was empty, only for the reason to become clear a moment later:

She had managed to shrink herself into a smaller form, though her bag stayed the same size. She wasn't too much smaller, but the difference was enough to be noticeable.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stared with some mixture of wonder and amusement at Cloud Waker's smaller size.

"Yes, it is a good thing you have a tough shell. And your current size... It might be a good idea, actually. Some of the tunnels are quite small."

Histarte approached the Grand Gate, slowly, giving Cloud Waker plenty of time to follow along. The Gate was already open. Histarte didn't know when it had opened, exactly; for as long as she could recall, it had been closed and guarded. But that was not the case anymore, and she was thankful for it.

"The way is easier from here, Cloud Waker," Histarte explained. "Few hostile creatures lurk between us and the nearest entrance to the Underworks, and once in the Underworks, things become safer still. That... was not always the case. I believe the Twelfth Architect has made some changes, somewhat recently, to improve the safety."

[thelastescalion]

*Without warning, a thick fog fills the room Histarte is in. It curls unnaturally, almost as if it was reaching out.

After a few moments of silence, the sound of skittering limbs can be heard from within. A faint glow seems to come with them.*

@misty-memento

Histarte stared at the fog forming in her little cave in Verdania.

She had seen... many strange, impossible things in her recent life. She had been to the Abyss itself.

But she had never seen anything like this.

"... Hello?" She asked as she heard the skittering. Her keen senses were... not helping her here...

She hefted three darts in one of her claws. Just in case.

[misty-memento]

*The fog seems to... pause, almost, as if it could hear her. After a few moments, the sound of skittering comes back, getting closer. It stops a fair bit away from her.

Two glowing eyes can be seen through the fog, the body that they were attached to remaining hidden. The voice that calls out is... echoed, almost, as if there was more than just words that were being said.*

Hello? I'm not intruding, am I?

*There is a faint outline of some kind of halo above their eyes, where the top of their head might be.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte tilted her head. Such a strange creature. Made of fog? Or perhaps hidden by it?

A halo...

"Hello," Histarte greeted back. Apparently this thing could speak.

"... No," Histarte said cautiouly. "You are not intruding."

Just barely. Histarte had to... perform certain bodily functions and so if this fog creature had shown up ten minutes earlier, it WOULD have been intruding. Very shamefully.

[misty-memento]

*The eyes close, though the glow can still faintly be seen. The being — seemingly female — sighs in what seems to be relief.*

Oh, good. I keep messing up my teleports and ending up the the wrong place... I was worried I had accidentally interrupted something.

*Something within the fog lets out an airy hiss, said fog thickening in response. Glowing lines can be seen for a moment as this happens before vanishing again.*

[thelastescalion]

... What is 'teleport'?

"It is fine... Where are my manners? I am Histarte. I am an escalion. One of the last of the Verdanians. You are?"

[misty-memento]

*The eyes move slightly higher, as if their owner had perked up. The glow slightly increases, too.*

Oh! I didn't say my name either...it's Cloud Waker! I've been trying to find my sister for a while now, but uh...

*She trails off.*

...yeah... I don't exactly have the best sense of direction... you'd think a being like me would be better with navigation, but I'm... pretty bad at it.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte gazed closely at Cloud Waker, wondering what was going on in the fog.

"Your sister? Is she... foggy as well?" Histarte asked, before looking a bit embarrassed and saying, "Sorry, not my place to ask.

"You say you're bad at navigation? I have an excellent sense of direction. I can help you, I think."

[misty-memento]

*The figure laughs lightly.*

It's fine, and no, she isn't "foggy" like me. We were both adopted by the same tribe, so we call each other sisters!

*From the movement of her eyes, it seems the being is tilting her head.*

...if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I wouldn't mind taking you up on that offer... though I think it may be best that I reveal my full form first...

*Her voice changes, slightly sadder now.*

Most end up trying to worship me, and I wouldn't want any misunderstandings to happen...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was a bit confused. She had half-assumed the fog was at least, to an extent, part of Cloud Waker's body, but Cloud Waker's words implied otherwise.

"You, of course, can reveal your... 'full form.' But you say bugs usually... worship you? Truly?" Histarte said.

[misty-memento]

*The being sighs.*

Yes... I don't want to be worshipped, but, well... most bugs see me and just — start! It's annoying, especially because I try my best not to fall to my instincts...

*With that said, the fog starts to thin until the room is once again clear, and Cloud Waker's full form is revealed.

She appears as a mix between a centipede and a butterfly, with a long body with many legs, the upper two sets acting as arms. A set of butterfly wings sit on her upper back, teal in colour with faintly glowing spots on them. The lines from before reveal themselves as glowing vents along her sides, still letting out a faint mist of fog.

Her eyes glow brightly, while a pair of glowing horn sit upon her head, almost fluffy in appearance, forming a halo. Her fangs glow, too, though they are slightly fainter. In between the previously mentioned horns are a set of antenna, with rounded, glowing tips.

The mass amount of glowing parts, as well as her faint blue colouration, betray exactly what she is:

Right in front of Histarte is a Pale Being, one seemingly in their prime.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte had only seen one Higher Being, Pale Being, before.

He was short. He had a crown built into his skull. And he was on a fucking shelf.

Also, he was glowing so brightly it was almost blinding.

Cloud Waker did not match those descriptions, and so Histarte had to genuinely just stare, for a few seconds, and really think about it, before she realized.

"Ahhhh. That... Mm. That does explain the 'worship' response."

[misty-memento]

*One of her uppermost limbs moves to rub at the back of her head awkwardly.*

Yeah, I learnt how to stop glowing as much to try and cut back on the number of bugs trying to worship me, and it worked!... kinda.

*She winces.*

Yeah, I've still got a light layer of fog around me to absorb some of the glow. It helps, but it took a while to get the trick down...

[thelastescalion]

The escalion nodded, taking in the information.

"I see," Histarte said. "Well, if it helps, I don't plan to worship you." She was lightly teasing.

"Where do you want to be guided to?" Histarte asked. "You said you were... looking for your sister?"

[misty-memento]

Ah, yes, I'm not too sure what kind of bug she is... one of those odd anonymous bugs said she was in a place called Bellhart, but I haven't been able to get there...

Her biological mother was... not good, and ended up having to be chased away, so we know very little about that side of her. She's quite tall, has a round, spherical head with six eyes, and would have four legs if she wasn't missing part of one due to a wound.

*She sighs to herself.*

It... doesn't really match up with any other species we know of back home, and while she might have figured it out over here, I still don't really know...

*Cloud Waker shakes her head.*

B-but I'm getting off track! As much as I'd like to head straight for her, I should probably get the guide situation permanently sorted out first...

I've heard that there's someone in the Citadel called the Twelfth Architect who might be able to help with that, since I don't want to take you away from your life or anything. Would it be possible to get guidance there?

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stiffened. Round head, six eyes... four legs didn't quite match up perfectly, but then again, they could just use their 'arms' as legs, couldn't they? Hm... And TALL. Hm.

... Actually, that could technically describe a Giraffe Weevil. She shouldn't assume. Except, what about the six eyes? Then again, those could've been gotten from the father...

"Hm. I can think of at least two species that COULD describe... And yes, I could guide you to the Twelfth Architect. I have been to them three times! They've even made me some weapons."

[misty-memento]

Ah, thank you so much!

*Cloud Waker's many lower legs start tapping in joy.*

My sister got washed away in a storm, you see, and since the tribe we were adopted by consists most of Grubs, no-one could go after her...

Either way, thank you!!

[thelastescalion]

Histarte nodded. "I see," she stated, though internally, she was wondering what in the gods' names a grub was.

"You are welcome! Are you ready to depart for the Citadel? I uh... Will be, hold on."

She started grabbing her various darts spread around the place.

[misty-memento]

Yeah, I'm all ready! Luckily, I don't need to carry much since food is optional, and my fog is my weapon.

*Cloud Waker watches as Histarte moves around.*

I'm good to go when you are.

[thelastescalion]

"Ah, yeah, that'd lighten your load."

Histarte finished packing up her stuff, and then said, "I'm ready now. Just follow me."

With that, she stepped out of her little cave and began walking towards the exit to Verdania.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker followed quietly, despite her size, looking around herself to take in the sights as they moved. Though there wasn't a lot to look at, she still tried her best to memorise it in case she ever needed to come back.*

[thelastescalion]

Soon enough, they made it out of Verdania and into Craw Lake, and Histarte continued on, working her way over to Bellhart.

"This is Greymoor," Histarte said informatively. "Maybe you knew that, maybe not. Sorry if you already knew that."

[misty-memento]

I haven't been here before, actually!

*She turns her head up, letting the rain wash over her face.*

My sister would love this place... she's always been good with water. Even managed to weave a few spells to help her swim!

[thelastescalion]

"Oh? Spells? I hope I meet her at some point. I could use some swimming spells myself... I'm bad at it," Histarte explains. She went further in Greymoor, and bells became visible. "And here, in a little bit, is Bellhart. I've been here a few times. Other, helpful bugs are here."

[misty-memento]

Huh... I think...

*Cloud Waker pauses in her stride, her eyes becoming unfocused for a moment before she comes back.*

Yeah, my sister is nearby! She's somewhere below us!

*Despite this, she shakes her head.*

Even so, I'd rather get to this Twelfth Architect person before I reunite with her... better to guard before you're under invasion, and all, you know?

...regardless, I do think she could weave you something to help with swimming. She uses this sort of... thread?? I'm not sure what it is, and neither was she before she was washed away.

Whatever it is, it glows and can be used for just about any sort of spell!

[thelastescalion]

"Hm? That... sounds like Silk," Histarte commented.

Soon enough, the two were out of Bellhart and into Shellwood.

"This is Shellwood. Do be careful here; there are creatures here who blend in with the plantlife around us before attacking. Some are easy to spot. Others... not so much."

[misty-memento]

I'm... not too sure what Silk is?? Or at least, the version you seem to be talking about. I know of the biological kind, like what Nosks and other arachnids make, but it seems like you're talking about something different?

*Though she is focused on Histarte, part of her mind is still on the lookout as they walk. It doesn't take long for her to notice a nearby Splinter, camouflaged on their path.

Cloud Waker quickly asks something.*

Hey, so suppose we do encounter something, would it be fine if I just... killed it? I know some bugs are squeamish about that sort of thing.

[thelastescalion]

"Yes, I am speaking of something different. Silk is thread made of Soul, created by the Weavers, who I had thought long-gone. And your description of your sister... does vaguely match the description of the Weavers," Histarte explained.

"And yes, it would be fine if you killed it. I have killed a few myself. I have had to, to survive."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker tilts their head at the description of Weavers.*

Huh... well, I guess she would be half-Weaver then, if she could make Silk... though from what I know, it isn't too big of a surprise that there were a few left...

*She nods at the permission. Without another word, her vents hiss and let out massive amounts of fog.

It curls and writhes, coiling in the room for a moment before shooting towards the Splinter on their path. Within seconds of contacting the hidden bug, it begins to writhe in pain as the fog increases its temperature.

The Splinter's shell sizzles for a moment as it tries to escape, only for more fog tendrils to seep into the cracks of said shell. The bug goes still barely a moment after.

All this only took less than 20 seconds. Its death was quick, and relatively painless.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was about to reply, but was busy staring in something akin to blinding horror at the corpse of the Splinter.

... She could understand, now, perhaps, why that really big stranger wanted her help killing all the gods.

Of course, Histarte stuck by her opinion that it was primarily mortals, not the gods, who were the cause of most suffering. But she could admit that what she just witnessed was horrifying. The fear of "What if that wrath was turned on me?" was real.

She swallowed.

"... Good job," She said, before hurrying on closer to the Blasted Steps. "Er, you can fly, yes? That will make the region after this easier to navigate."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker uses her lower arms to grab the dead Splinter on the way past, stowing it away in a bag on her back.*

Yeah, I can fly! Despite the fact that my wings are... quite small, compared to the rest of my body, I can fly quite well. We think it has something to do with the fact that I'm a being of Fog, Blizzards, and other such things, so it makes me light.

*She's silent for a little while, realising that she's accidentally scared Histarte, and waits until they're nearly at the next area before she speaks.*

...that bug that I killed before? It didn't feel anything, for the record. It was discovered back home, but it turns out our bodies have what my tribe call "nerves". They're the part that lets people feel things, including pain.

...it was discovered when looking at burn victims. Turns out, if a flame is hot enough, it destroys nerves, meaning the victim doesn't even feel the pain of the burn. They're just... numb.

...when I have to kill, I do that. Make sure that it's hot enough that they don't feel anything, and make sure that it's fast, too. I help provide food, back home, so I'm kinda used to it... sorry if a scared you...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte listened carefully as she continued on, listening to this. She had... already had a slight understanding of nerves, actually. Or, as she knew them as, "lightning pathways." It was discovered by Karak after experimenting with Voltridian.

"I see. That's good, then, that it's painless, I suppose." She paused. "You did scare me. But it is fine."

Soon enough, they found the Blasted Steps. "Here is the Blasted Steps. We must fly above to reach the Citadel's gates."

[misty-memento]

*She nods and unfolds her wings from her back, testing the air currents.

Harsh, but she'd travelled through the surface wastes. She could handle it.

...that being said, the first time the two encounter one of the stronger bursts of wind, it throws her off course and face first into a wall.*

Shit! I'm okay, I'm okay! Just wasn't quite expecting such a sudden burst...

[thelastescalion]

"Understandable!" Histarte calls back. "The wind here is hard to predict."

Histarte, having been in the Blasted Steps many times, found the space far easier to navigate, and so was able to fly up to the Grand Gate with (relative) ease. However, she still tried to move more slowly, allowing for Cloud Waker to follow her more easily.

[thelastescalion]

*Without warning, a thick fog fills the room Histarte is in. It curls unnaturally, almost as if it was reaching out.

After a few moments of silence, the sound of skittering limbs can be heard from within. A faint glow seems to come with them.*

@misty-memento

Histarte stared at the fog forming in her little cave in Verdania.

She had seen... many strange, impossible things in her recent life. She had been to the Abyss itself.

But she had never seen anything like this.

"... Hello?" She asked as she heard the skittering. Her keen senses were... not helping her here...

She hefted three darts in one of her claws. Just in case.

[misty-memento]

*The fog seems to... pause, almost, as if it could hear her. After a few moments, the sound of skittering comes back, getting closer. It stops a fair bit away from her.

Two glowing eyes can be seen through the fog, the body that they were attached to remaining hidden. The voice that calls out is... echoed, almost, as if there was more than just words that were being said.*

Hello? I'm not intruding, am I?

*There is a faint outline of some kind of halo above their eyes, where the top of their head might be.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte tilted her head. Such a strange creature. Made of fog? Or perhaps hidden by it?

A halo...

"Hello," Histarte greeted back. Apparently this thing could speak.

"... No," Histarte said cautiouly. "You are not intruding."

Just barely. Histarte had to... perform certain bodily functions and so if this fog creature had shown up ten minutes earlier, it WOULD have been intruding. Very shamefully.

[misty-memento]

*The eyes close, though the glow can still faintly be seen. The being — seemingly female — sighs in what seems to be relief.*

Oh, good. I keep messing up my teleports and ending up the the wrong place... I was worried I had accidentally interrupted something.

*Something within the fog lets out an airy hiss, said fog thickening in response. Glowing lines can be seen for a moment as this happens before vanishing again.*

[thelastescalion]

... What is 'teleport'?

"It is fine... Where are my manners? I am Histarte. I am an escalion. One of the last of the Verdanians. You are?"

[misty-memento]

*The eyes move slightly higher, as if their owner had perked up. The glow slightly increases, too.*

Oh! I didn't say my name either...it's Cloud Waker! I've been trying to find my sister for a while now, but uh...

*She trails off.*

...yeah... I don't exactly have the best sense of direction... you'd think a being like me would be better with navigation, but I'm... pretty bad at it.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte gazed closely at Cloud Waker, wondering what was going on in the fog.

"Your sister? Is she... foggy as well?" Histarte asked, before looking a bit embarrassed and saying, "Sorry, not my place to ask.

"You say you're bad at navigation? I have an excellent sense of direction. I can help you, I think."

[misty-memento]

*The figure laughs lightly.*

It's fine, and no, she isn't "foggy" like me. We were both adopted by the same tribe, so we call each other sisters!

*From the movement of her eyes, it seems the being is tilting her head.*

...if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I wouldn't mind taking you up on that offer... though I think it may be best that I reveal my full form first...

*Her voice changes, slightly sadder now.*

Most end up trying to worship me, and I wouldn't want any misunderstandings to happen...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was a bit confused. She had half-assumed the fog was at least, to an extent, part of Cloud Waker's body, but Cloud Waker's words implied otherwise.

"You, of course, can reveal your... 'full form.' But you say bugs usually... worship you? Truly?" Histarte said.

[misty-memento]

*The being sighs.*

Yes... I don't want to be worshipped, but, well... most bugs see me and just — start! It's annoying, especially because I try my best not to fall to my instincts...

*With that said, the fog starts to thin until the room is once again clear, and Cloud Waker's full form is revealed.

She appears as a mix between a centipede and a butterfly, with a long body with many legs, the upper two sets acting as arms. A set of butterfly wings sit on her upper back, teal in colour with faintly glowing spots on them. The lines from before reveal themselves as glowing vents along her sides, still letting out a faint mist of fog.

Her eyes glow brightly, while a pair of glowing horn sit upon her head, almost fluffy in appearance, forming a halo. Her fangs glow, too, though they are slightly fainter. In between the previously mentioned horns are a set of antenna, with rounded, glowing tips.

The mass amount of glowing parts, as well as her faint blue colouration, betray exactly what she is:

Right in front of Histarte is a Pale Being, one seemingly in their prime.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte had only seen one Higher Being, Pale Being, before.

He was short. He had a crown built into his skull. And he was on a fucking shelf.

Also, he was glowing so brightly it was almost blinding.

Cloud Waker did not match those descriptions, and so Histarte had to genuinely just stare, for a few seconds, and really think about it, before she realized.

"Ahhhh. That... Mm. That does explain the 'worship' response."

[misty-memento]

*One of her uppermost limbs moves to rub at the back of her head awkwardly.*

Yeah, I learnt how to stop glowing as much to try and cut back on the number of bugs trying to worship me, and it worked!... kinda.

*She winces.*

Yeah, I've still got a light layer of fog around me to absorb some of the glow. It helps, but it took a while to get the trick down...

[thelastescalion]

The escalion nodded, taking in the information.

"I see," Histarte said. "Well, if it helps, I don't plan to worship you." She was lightly teasing.

"Where do you want to be guided to?" Histarte asked. "You said you were... looking for your sister?"

[misty-memento]

Ah, yes, I'm not too sure what kind of bug she is... one of those odd anonymous bugs said she was in a place called Bellhart, but I haven't been able to get there...

Her biological mother was... not good, and ended up having to be chased away, so we know very little about that side of her. She's quite tall, has a round, spherical head with six eyes, and would have four legs if she wasn't missing part of one due to a wound.

*She sighs to herself.*

It... doesn't really match up with any other species we know of back home, and while she might have figured it out over here, I still don't really know...

*Cloud Waker shakes her head.*

B-but I'm getting off track! As much as I'd like to head straight for her, I should probably get the guide situation permanently sorted out first...

I've heard that there's someone in the Citadel called the Twelfth Architect who might be able to help with that, since I don't want to take you away from your life or anything. Would it be possible to get guidance there?

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stiffened. Round head, six eyes... four legs didn't quite match up perfectly, but then again, they could just use their 'arms' as legs, couldn't they? Hm... And TALL. Hm.

... Actually, that could technically describe a Giraffe Weevil. She shouldn't assume. Except, what about the six eyes? Then again, those could've been gotten from the father...

"Hm. I can think of at least two species that COULD describe... And yes, I could guide you to the Twelfth Architect. I have been to them three times! They've even made me some weapons."

[misty-memento]

Ah, thank you so much!

*Cloud Waker's many lower legs start tapping in joy.*

My sister got washed away in a storm, you see, and since the tribe we were adopted by consists most of Grubs, no-one could go after her...

Either way, thank you!!

[thelastescalion]

Histarte nodded. "I see," she stated, though internally, she was wondering what in the gods' names a grub was.

"You are welcome! Are you ready to depart for the Citadel? I uh... Will be, hold on."

She started grabbing her various darts spread around the place.

[misty-memento]

Yeah, I'm all ready! Luckily, I don't need to carry much since food is optional, and my fog is my weapon.

*Cloud Waker watches as Histarte moves around.*

I'm good to go when you are.

[thelastescalion]

"Ah, yeah, that'd lighten your load."

Histarte finished packing up her stuff, and then said, "I'm ready now. Just follow me."

With that, she stepped out of her little cave and began walking towards the exit to Verdania.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker followed quietly, despite her size, looking around herself to take in the sights as they moved. Though there wasn't a lot to look at, she still tried her best to memorise it in case she ever needed to come back.*

[thelastescalion]

Soon enough, they made it out of Verdania and into Craw Lake, and Histarte continued on, working her way over to Bellhart.

"This is Greymoor," Histarte said informatively. "Maybe you knew that, maybe not. Sorry if you already knew that."

[misty-memento]

I haven't been here before, actually!

*She turns her head up, letting the rain wash over her face.*

My sister would love this place... she's always been good with water. Even managed to weave a few spells to help her swim!

[thelastescalion]

"Oh? Spells? I hope I meet her at some point. I could use some swimming spells myself... I'm bad at it," Histarte explains. She went further in Greymoor, and bells became visible. "And here, in a little bit, is Bellhart. I've been here a few times. Other, helpful bugs are here."

[misty-memento]

Huh... I think...

*Cloud Waker pauses in her stride, her eyes becoming unfocused for a moment before she comes back.*

Yeah, my sister is nearby! She's somewhere below us!

*Despite this, she shakes her head.*

Even so, I'd rather get to this Twelfth Architect person before I reunite with her... better to guard before you're under invasion, and all, you know?

...regardless, I do think she could weave you something to help with swimming. She uses this sort of... thread?? I'm not sure what it is, and neither was she before she was washed away.

Whatever it is, it glows and can be used for just about any sort of spell!

[thelastescalion]

"Hm? That... sounds like Silk," Histarte commented.

Soon enough, the two were out of Bellhart and into Shellwood.

"This is Shellwood. Do be careful here; there are creatures here who blend in with the plantlife around us before attacking. Some are easy to spot. Others... not so much."

[misty-memento]

I'm... not too sure what Silk is?? Or at least, the version you seem to be talking about. I know of the biological kind, like what Nosks and other arachnids make, but it seems like you're talking about something different?

*Though she is focused on Histarte, part of her mind is still on the lookout as they walk. It doesn't take long for her to notice a nearby Splinter, camouflaged on their path.

Cloud Waker quickly asks something.*

Hey, so suppose we do encounter something, would it be fine if I just... killed it? I know some bugs are squeamish about that sort of thing.

[thelastescalion]

"Yes, I am speaking of something different. Silk is thread made of Soul, created by the Weavers, who I had thought long-gone. And your description of your sister... does vaguely match the description of the Weavers," Histarte explained.

"And yes, it would be fine if you killed it. I have killed a few myself. I have had to, to survive."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker tilts their head at the description of Weavers.*

Huh... well, I guess she would be half-Weaver then, if she could make Silk... though from what I know, it isn't too big of a surprise that there were a few left...

*She nods at the permission. Without another word, her vents hiss and let out massive amounts of fog.

It curls and writhes, coiling in the room for a moment before shooting towards the Splinter on their path. Within seconds of contacting the hidden bug, it begins to writhe in pain as the fog increases its temperature.

The Splinter's shell sizzles for a moment as it tries to escape, only for more fog tendrils to seep into the cracks of said shell. The bug goes still barely a moment after.

All this only took less than 20 seconds. Its death was quick, and relatively painless.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was about to reply, but was busy staring in something akin to blinding horror at the corpse of the Splinter.

... She could understand, now, perhaps, why that really big stranger wanted her help killing all the gods.

Of course, Histarte stuck by her opinion that it was primarily mortals, not the gods, who were the cause of most suffering. But she could admit that what she just witnessed was horrifying. The fear of "What if that wrath was turned on me?" was real.

She swallowed.

"... Good job," She said, before hurrying on closer to the Blasted Steps. "Er, you can fly, yes? That will make the region after this easier to navigate."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker uses her lower arms to grab the dead Splinter on the way past, stowing it away in a bag on her back.*

Yeah, I can fly! Despite the fact that my wings are... quite small, compared to the rest of my body, I can fly quite well. We think it has something to do with the fact that I'm a being of Fog, Blizzards, and other such things, so it makes me light.

*She's silent for a little while, realising that she's accidentally scared Histarte, and waits until they're nearly at the next area before she speaks.*

...that bug that I killed before? It didn't feel anything, for the record. It was discovered back home, but it turns out our bodies have what my tribe call "nerves". They're the part that lets people feel things, including pain.

...it was discovered when looking at burn victims. Turns out, if a flame is hot enough, it destroys nerves, meaning the victim doesn't even feel the pain of the burn. They're just... numb.

...when I have to kill, I do that. Make sure that it's hot enough that they don't feel anything, and make sure that it's fast, too. I help provide food, back home, so I'm kinda used to it... sorry if a scared you...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte listened carefully as she continued on, listening to this. She had... already had a slight understanding of nerves, actually. Or, as she knew them as, "lightning pathways." It was discovered by Karak after experimenting with Voltridian.

"I see. That's good, then, that it's painless, I suppose." She paused. "You did scare me. But it is fine."

Soon enough, they found the Blasted Steps. "Here is the Blasted Steps. We must fly above to reach the Citadel's gates."

[thelastescalion]

*Without warning, a thick fog fills the room Histarte is in. It curls unnaturally, almost as if it was reaching out.

After a few moments of silence, the sound of skittering limbs can be heard from within. A faint glow seems to come with them.*

@misty-memento

Histarte stared at the fog forming in her little cave in Verdania.

She had seen... many strange, impossible things in her recent life. She had been to the Abyss itself.

But she had never seen anything like this.

"... Hello?" She asked as she heard the skittering. Her keen senses were... not helping her here...

She hefted three darts in one of her claws. Just in case.

[misty-memento]

*The fog seems to... pause, almost, as if it could hear her. After a few moments, the sound of skittering comes back, getting closer. It stops a fair bit away from her.

Two glowing eyes can be seen through the fog, the body that they were attached to remaining hidden. The voice that calls out is... echoed, almost, as if there was more than just words that were being said.*

Hello? I'm not intruding, am I?

*There is a faint outline of some kind of halo above their eyes, where the top of their head might be.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte tilted her head. Such a strange creature. Made of fog? Or perhaps hidden by it?

A halo...

"Hello," Histarte greeted back. Apparently this thing could speak.

"... No," Histarte said cautiouly. "You are not intruding."

Just barely. Histarte had to... perform certain bodily functions and so if this fog creature had shown up ten minutes earlier, it WOULD have been intruding. Very shamefully.

[misty-memento]

*The eyes close, though the glow can still faintly be seen. The being — seemingly female — sighs in what seems to be relief.*

Oh, good. I keep messing up my teleports and ending up the the wrong place... I was worried I had accidentally interrupted something.

*Something within the fog lets out an airy hiss, said fog thickening in response. Glowing lines can be seen for a moment as this happens before vanishing again.*

[thelastescalion]

... What is 'teleport'?

"It is fine... Where are my manners? I am Histarte. I am an escalion. One of the last of the Verdanians. You are?"

[misty-memento]

*The eyes move slightly higher, as if their owner had perked up. The glow slightly increases, too.*

Oh! I didn't say my name either...it's Cloud Waker! I've been trying to find my sister for a while now, but uh...

*She trails off.*

...yeah... I don't exactly have the best sense of direction... you'd think a being like me would be better with navigation, but I'm... pretty bad at it.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte gazed closely at Cloud Waker, wondering what was going on in the fog.

"Your sister? Is she... foggy as well?" Histarte asked, before looking a bit embarrassed and saying, "Sorry, not my place to ask.

"You say you're bad at navigation? I have an excellent sense of direction. I can help you, I think."

[misty-memento]

*The figure laughs lightly.*

It's fine, and no, she isn't "foggy" like me. We were both adopted by the same tribe, so we call each other sisters!

*From the movement of her eyes, it seems the being is tilting her head.*

...if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I wouldn't mind taking you up on that offer... though I think it may be best that I reveal my full form first...

*Her voice changes, slightly sadder now.*

Most end up trying to worship me, and I wouldn't want any misunderstandings to happen...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was a bit confused. She had half-assumed the fog was at least, to an extent, part of Cloud Waker's body, but Cloud Waker's words implied otherwise.

"You, of course, can reveal your... 'full form.' But you say bugs usually... worship you? Truly?" Histarte said.

[misty-memento]

*The being sighs.*

Yes... I don't want to be worshipped, but, well... most bugs see me and just — start! It's annoying, especially because I try my best not to fall to my instincts...

*With that said, the fog starts to thin until the room is once again clear, and Cloud Waker's full form is revealed.

She appears as a mix between a centipede and a butterfly, with a long body with many legs, the upper two sets acting as arms. A set of butterfly wings sit on her upper back, teal in colour with faintly glowing spots on them. The lines from before reveal themselves as glowing vents along her sides, still letting out a faint mist of fog.

Her eyes glow brightly, while a pair of glowing horn sit upon her head, almost fluffy in appearance, forming a halo. Her fangs glow, too, though they are slightly fainter. In between the previously mentioned horns are a set of antenna, with rounded, glowing tips.

The mass amount of glowing parts, as well as her faint blue colouration, betray exactly what she is:

Right in front of Histarte is a Pale Being, one seemingly in their prime.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte had only seen one Higher Being, Pale Being, before.

He was short. He had a crown built into his skull. And he was on a fucking shelf.

Also, he was glowing so brightly it was almost blinding.

Cloud Waker did not match those descriptions, and so Histarte had to genuinely just stare, for a few seconds, and really think about it, before she realized.

"Ahhhh. That... Mm. That does explain the 'worship' response."

[misty-memento]

*One of her uppermost limbs moves to rub at the back of her head awkwardly.*

Yeah, I learnt how to stop glowing as much to try and cut back on the number of bugs trying to worship me, and it worked!... kinda.

*She winces.*

Yeah, I've still got a light layer of fog around me to absorb some of the glow. It helps, but it took a while to get the trick down...

[thelastescalion]

The escalion nodded, taking in the information.

"I see," Histarte said. "Well, if it helps, I don't plan to worship you." She was lightly teasing.

"Where do you want to be guided to?" Histarte asked. "You said you were... looking for your sister?"

[misty-memento]

Ah, yes, I'm not too sure what kind of bug she is... one of those odd anonymous bugs said she was in a place called Bellhart, but I haven't been able to get there...

Her biological mother was... not good, and ended up having to be chased away, so we know very little about that side of her. She's quite tall, has a round, spherical head with six eyes, and would have four legs if she wasn't missing part of one due to a wound.

*She sighs to herself.*

It... doesn't really match up with any other species we know of back home, and while she might have figured it out over here, I still don't really know...

*Cloud Waker shakes her head.*

B-but I'm getting off track! As much as I'd like to head straight for her, I should probably get the guide situation permanently sorted out first...

I've heard that there's someone in the Citadel called the Twelfth Architect who might be able to help with that, since I don't want to take you away from your life or anything. Would it be possible to get guidance there?

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stiffened. Round head, six eyes... four legs didn't quite match up perfectly, but then again, they could just use their 'arms' as legs, couldn't they? Hm... And TALL. Hm.

... Actually, that could technically describe a Giraffe Weevil. She shouldn't assume. Except, what about the six eyes? Then again, those could've been gotten from the father...

"Hm. I can think of at least two species that COULD describe... And yes, I could guide you to the Twelfth Architect. I have been to them three times! They've even made me some weapons."

[misty-memento]

Ah, thank you so much!

*Cloud Waker's many lower legs start tapping in joy.*

My sister got washed away in a storm, you see, and since the tribe we were adopted by consists most of Grubs, no-one could go after her...

Either way, thank you!!

[thelastescalion]

Histarte nodded. "I see," she stated, though internally, she was wondering what in the gods' names a grub was.

"You are welcome! Are you ready to depart for the Citadel? I uh... Will be, hold on."

She started grabbing her various darts spread around the place.

[misty-memento]

Yeah, I'm all ready! Luckily, I don't need to carry much since food is optional, and my fog is my weapon.

*Cloud Waker watches as Histarte moves around.*

I'm good to go when you are.

[thelastescalion]

"Ah, yeah, that'd lighten your load."

Histarte finished packing up her stuff, and then said, "I'm ready now. Just follow me."

With that, she stepped out of her little cave and began walking towards the exit to Verdania.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker followed quietly, despite her size, looking around herself to take in the sights as they moved. Though there wasn't a lot to look at, she still tried her best to memorise it in case she ever needed to come back.*

[thelastescalion]

Soon enough, they made it out of Verdania and into Craw Lake, and Histarte continued on, working her way over to Bellhart.

"This is Greymoor," Histarte said informatively. "Maybe you knew that, maybe not. Sorry if you already knew that."

[misty-memento]

I haven't been here before, actually!

*She turns her head up, letting the rain wash over her face.*

My sister would love this place... she's always been good with water. Even managed to weave a few spells to help her swim!

[thelastescalion]

"Oh? Spells? I hope I meet her at some point. I could use some swimming spells myself... I'm bad at it," Histarte explains. She went further in Greymoor, and bells became visible. "And here, in a little bit, is Bellhart. I've been here a few times. Other, helpful bugs are here."

[misty-memento]

Huh... I think...

*Cloud Waker pauses in her stride, her eyes becoming unfocused for a moment before she comes back.*

Yeah, my sister is nearby! She's somewhere below us!

*Despite this, she shakes her head.*

Even so, I'd rather get to this Twelfth Architect person before I reunite with her... better to guard before you're under invasion, and all, you know?

...regardless, I do think she could weave you something to help with swimming. She uses this sort of... thread?? I'm not sure what it is, and neither was she before she was washed away.

Whatever it is, it glows and can be used for just about any sort of spell!

[thelastescalion]

"Hm? That... sounds like Silk," Histarte commented.

Soon enough, the two were out of Bellhart and into Shellwood.

"This is Shellwood. Do be careful here; there are creatures here who blend in with the plantlife around us before attacking. Some are easy to spot. Others... not so much."

[misty-memento]

I'm... not too sure what Silk is?? Or at least, the version you seem to be talking about. I know of the biological kind, like what Nosks and other arachnids make, but it seems like you're talking about something different?

*Though she is focused on Histarte, part of her mind is still on the lookout as they walk. It doesn't take long for her to notice a nearby Splinter, camouflaged on their path.

Cloud Waker quickly asks something.*

Hey, so suppose we do encounter something, would it be fine if I just... killed it? I know some bugs are squeamish about that sort of thing.

[thelastescalion]

"Yes, I am speaking of something different. Silk is thread made of Soul, created by the Weavers, who I had thought long-gone. And your description of your sister... does vaguely match the description of the Weavers," Histarte explained.

"And yes, it would be fine if you killed it. I have killed a few myself. I have had to, to survive."

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker tilts their head at the description of Weavers.*

Huh... well, I guess she would be half-Weaver then, if she could make Silk... though from what I know, it isn't too big of a surprise that there were a few left...

*She nods at the permission. Without another word, her vents hiss and let out massive amounts of fog.

It curls and writhes, coiling in the room for a moment before shooting towards the Splinter on their path. Within seconds of contacting the hidden bug, it begins to writhe in pain as the fog increases its temperature.

The Splinter's shell sizzles for a moment as it tries to escape, only for more fog tendrils to seep into the cracks of said shell. The bug goes still barely a moment after.

All this only took less than 20 seconds. Its death was quick, and relatively painless.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was about to reply, but was busy staring in something akin to blinding horror at the corpse of the Splinter.

... She could understand, now, perhaps, why that really big stranger wanted her help killing all the gods.

Of course, Histarte stuck by her opinion that it was primarily mortals, not the gods, who were the cause of most suffering. But she could admit that what she just witnessed was horrifying. The fear of "What if that wrath was turned on me?" was real.

She swallowed.

"... Good job," She said, before hurrying on closer to the Blasted Steps. "Er, you can fly, yes? That will make the region after this easier to navigate."

[thelastescalion]

*Without warning, a thick fog fills the room Histarte is in. It curls unnaturally, almost as if it was reaching out.

After a few moments of silence, the sound of skittering limbs can be heard from within. A faint glow seems to come with them.*

@misty-memento

Histarte stared at the fog forming in her little cave in Verdania.

She had seen... many strange, impossible things in her recent life. She had been to the Abyss itself.

But she had never seen anything like this.

"... Hello?" She asked as she heard the skittering. Her keen senses were... not helping her here...

She hefted three darts in one of her claws. Just in case.

[misty-memento]

*The fog seems to... pause, almost, as if it could hear her. After a few moments, the sound of skittering comes back, getting closer. It stops a fair bit away from her.

Two glowing eyes can be seen through the fog, the body that they were attached to remaining hidden. The voice that calls out is... echoed, almost, as if there was more than just words that were being said.*

Hello? I'm not intruding, am I?

*There is a faint outline of some kind of halo above their eyes, where the top of their head might be.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte tilted her head. Such a strange creature. Made of fog? Or perhaps hidden by it?

A halo...

"Hello," Histarte greeted back. Apparently this thing could speak.

"... No," Histarte said cautiouly. "You are not intruding."

Just barely. Histarte had to... perform certain bodily functions and so if this fog creature had shown up ten minutes earlier, it WOULD have been intruding. Very shamefully.

[misty-memento]

*The eyes close, though the glow can still faintly be seen. The being — seemingly female — sighs in what seems to be relief.*

Oh, good. I keep messing up my teleports and ending up the the wrong place... I was worried I had accidentally interrupted something.

*Something within the fog lets out an airy hiss, said fog thickening in response. Glowing lines can be seen for a moment as this happens before vanishing again.*

[thelastescalion]

... What is 'teleport'?

"It is fine... Where are my manners? I am Histarte. I am an escalion. One of the last of the Verdanians. You are?"

[misty-memento]

*The eyes move slightly higher, as if their owner had perked up. The glow slightly increases, too.*

Oh! I didn't say my name either...it's Cloud Waker! I've been trying to find my sister for a while now, but uh...

*She trails off.*

...yeah... I don't exactly have the best sense of direction... you'd think a being like me would be better with navigation, but I'm... pretty bad at it.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte gazed closely at Cloud Waker, wondering what was going on in the fog.

"Your sister? Is she... foggy as well?" Histarte asked, before looking a bit embarrassed and saying, "Sorry, not my place to ask.

"You say you're bad at navigation? I have an excellent sense of direction. I can help you, I think."

[misty-memento]

*The figure laughs lightly.*

It's fine, and no, she isn't "foggy" like me. We were both adopted by the same tribe, so we call each other sisters!

*From the movement of her eyes, it seems the being is tilting her head.*

...if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I wouldn't mind taking you up on that offer... though I think it may be best that I reveal my full form first...

*Her voice changes, slightly sadder now.*

Most end up trying to worship me, and I wouldn't want any misunderstandings to happen...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was a bit confused. She had half-assumed the fog was at least, to an extent, part of Cloud Waker's body, but Cloud Waker's words implied otherwise.

"You, of course, can reveal your... 'full form.' But you say bugs usually... worship you? Truly?" Histarte said.

[misty-memento]

*The being sighs.*

Yes... I don't want to be worshipped, but, well... most bugs see me and just — start! It's annoying, especially because I try my best not to fall to my instincts...

*With that said, the fog starts to thin until the room is once again clear, and Cloud Waker's full form is revealed.

She appears as a mix between a centipede and a butterfly, with a long body with many legs, the upper two sets acting as arms. A set of butterfly wings sit on her upper back, teal in colour with faintly glowing spots on them. The lines from before reveal themselves as glowing vents along her sides, still letting out a faint mist of fog.

Her eyes glow brightly, while a pair of glowing horn sit upon her head, almost fluffy in appearance, forming a halo. Her fangs glow, too, though they are slightly fainter. In between the previously mentioned horns are a set of antenna, with rounded, glowing tips.

The mass amount of glowing parts, as well as her faint blue colouration, betray exactly what she is:

Right in front of Histarte is a Pale Being, one seemingly in their prime.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte had only seen one Higher Being, Pale Being, before.

He was short. He had a crown built into his skull. And he was on a fucking shelf.

Also, he was glowing so brightly it was almost blinding.

Cloud Waker did not match those descriptions, and so Histarte had to genuinely just stare, for a few seconds, and really think about it, before she realized.

"Ahhhh. That... Mm. That does explain the 'worship' response."

[misty-memento]

*One of her uppermost limbs moves to rub at the back of her head awkwardly.*

Yeah, I learnt how to stop glowing as much to try and cut back on the number of bugs trying to worship me, and it worked!... kinda.

*She winces.*

Yeah, I've still got a light layer of fog around me to absorb some of the glow. It helps, but it took a while to get the trick down...

[thelastescalion]

The escalion nodded, taking in the information.

"I see," Histarte said. "Well, if it helps, I don't plan to worship you." She was lightly teasing.

"Where do you want to be guided to?" Histarte asked. "You said you were... looking for your sister?"

[misty-memento]

Ah, yes, I'm not too sure what kind of bug she is... one of those odd anonymous bugs said she was in a place called Bellhart, but I haven't been able to get there...

Her biological mother was... not good, and ended up having to be chased away, so we know very little about that side of her. She's quite tall, has a round, spherical head with six eyes, and would have four legs if she wasn't missing part of one due to a wound.

*She sighs to herself.*

It... doesn't really match up with any other species we know of back home, and while she might have figured it out over here, I still don't really know...

*Cloud Waker shakes her head.*

B-but I'm getting off track! As much as I'd like to head straight for her, I should probably get the guide situation permanently sorted out first...

I've heard that there's someone in the Citadel called the Twelfth Architect who might be able to help with that, since I don't want to take you away from your life or anything. Would it be possible to get guidance there?

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stiffened. Round head, six eyes... four legs didn't quite match up perfectly, but then again, they could just use their 'arms' as legs, couldn't they? Hm... And TALL. Hm.

... Actually, that could technically describe a Giraffe Weevil. She shouldn't assume. Except, what about the six eyes? Then again, those could've been gotten from the father...

"Hm. I can think of at least two species that COULD describe... And yes, I could guide you to the Twelfth Architect. I have been to them three times! They've even made me some weapons."

[misty-memento]

Ah, thank you so much!

*Cloud Waker's many lower legs start tapping in joy.*

My sister got washed away in a storm, you see, and since the tribe we were adopted by consists most of Grubs, no-one could go after her...

Either way, thank you!!

[thelastescalion]

Histarte nodded. "I see," she stated, though internally, she was wondering what in the gods' names a grub was.

"You are welcome! Are you ready to depart for the Citadel? I uh... Will be, hold on."

She started grabbing her various darts spread around the place.

[misty-memento]

Yeah, I'm all ready! Luckily, I don't need to carry much since food is optional, and my fog is my weapon.

*Cloud Waker watches as Histarte moves around.*

I'm good to go when you are.

[thelastescalion]

"Ah, yeah, that'd lighten your load."

Histarte finished packing up her stuff, and then said, "I'm ready now. Just follow me."

With that, she stepped out of her little cave and began walking towards the exit to Verdania.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker followed quietly, despite her size, looking around herself to take in the sights as they moved. Though there wasn't a lot to look at, she still tried her best to memorise it in case she ever needed to come back.*

[thelastescalion]

Soon enough, they made it out of Verdania and into Craw Lake, and Histarte continued on, working her way over to Bellhart.

"This is Greymoor," Histarte said informatively. "Maybe you knew that, maybe not. Sorry if you already knew that."

[misty-memento]

I haven't been here before, actually!

*She turns her head up, letting the rain wash over her face.*

My sister would love this place... she's always been good with water. Even managed to weave a few spells to help her swim!

[thelastescalion]

"Oh? Spells? I hope I meet her at some point. I could use some swimming spells myself... I'm bad at it," Histarte explains. She went further in Greymoor, and bells became visible. "And here, in a little bit, is Bellhart. I've been here a few times. Other, helpful bugs are here."

[misty-memento]

Huh... I think...

*Cloud Waker pauses in her stride, her eyes becoming unfocused for a moment before she comes back.*

Yeah, my sister is nearby! She's somewhere below us!

*Despite this, she shakes her head.*

Even so, I'd rather get to this Twelfth Architect person before I reunite with her... better to guard before you're under invasion, and all, you know?

...regardless, I do think she could weave you something to help with swimming. She uses this sort of... thread?? I'm not sure what it is, and neither was she before she was washed away.

Whatever it is, it glows and can be used for just about any sort of spell!

[thelastescalion]

"Hm? That... sounds like Silk," Histarte commented.

Soon enough, the two were out of Bellhart and into Shellwood.

"This is Shellwood. Do be careful here; there are creatures here who blend in with the plantlife around us before attacking. Some are easy to spot. Others... not so much."

[misty-memento]

I'm... not too sure what Silk is?? Or at least, the version you seem to be talking about. I know of the biological kind, like what Nosks and other arachnids make, but it seems like you're talking about something different?

*Though she is focused on Histarte, part of her mind is still on the lookout as they walk. It doesn't take long for her to notice a nearby Splinter, camouflaged on their path.

Cloud Waker quickly asks something.*

Hey, so suppose we do encounter something, would it be fine if I just... killed it? I know some bugs are squeamish about that sort of thing.

[thelastescalion]

"Yes, I am speaking of something different. Silk is thread made of Soul, created by the Weavers, who I had thought long-gone. And your description of your sister... does vaguely match the description of the Weavers," Histarte explained.

"And yes, it would be fine if you killed it. I have killed a few myself. I have had to, to survive."

[thelastescalion]

*Without warning, a thick fog fills the room Histarte is in. It curls unnaturally, almost as if it was reaching out.

After a few moments of silence, the sound of skittering limbs can be heard from within. A faint glow seems to come with them.*

@misty-memento

Histarte stared at the fog forming in her little cave in Verdania.

She had seen... many strange, impossible things in her recent life. She had been to the Abyss itself.

But she had never seen anything like this.

"... Hello?" She asked as she heard the skittering. Her keen senses were... not helping her here...

She hefted three darts in one of her claws. Just in case.

[misty-memento]

*The fog seems to... pause, almost, as if it could hear her. After a few moments, the sound of skittering comes back, getting closer. It stops a fair bit away from her.

Two glowing eyes can be seen through the fog, the body that they were attached to remaining hidden. The voice that calls out is... echoed, almost, as if there was more than just words that were being said.*

Hello? I'm not intruding, am I?

*There is a faint outline of some kind of halo above their eyes, where the top of their head might be.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte tilted her head. Such a strange creature. Made of fog? Or perhaps hidden by it?

A halo...

"Hello," Histarte greeted back. Apparently this thing could speak.

"... No," Histarte said cautiouly. "You are not intruding."

Just barely. Histarte had to... perform certain bodily functions and so if this fog creature had shown up ten minutes earlier, it WOULD have been intruding. Very shamefully.

[misty-memento]

*The eyes close, though the glow can still faintly be seen. The being — seemingly female — sighs in what seems to be relief.*

Oh, good. I keep messing up my teleports and ending up the the wrong place... I was worried I had accidentally interrupted something.

*Something within the fog lets out an airy hiss, said fog thickening in response. Glowing lines can be seen for a moment as this happens before vanishing again.*

[thelastescalion]

... What is 'teleport'?

"It is fine... Where are my manners? I am Histarte. I am an escalion. One of the last of the Verdanians. You are?"

[misty-memento]

*The eyes move slightly higher, as if their owner had perked up. The glow slightly increases, too.*

Oh! I didn't say my name either...it's Cloud Waker! I've been trying to find my sister for a while now, but uh...

*She trails off.*

...yeah... I don't exactly have the best sense of direction... you'd think a being like me would be better with navigation, but I'm... pretty bad at it.

[thelastescalion]

Histarte gazed closely at Cloud Waker, wondering what was going on in the fog.

"Your sister? Is she... foggy as well?" Histarte asked, before looking a bit embarrassed and saying, "Sorry, not my place to ask.

"You say you're bad at navigation? I have an excellent sense of direction. I can help you, I think."

[misty-memento]

*The figure laughs lightly.*

It's fine, and no, she isn't "foggy" like me. We were both adopted by the same tribe, so we call each other sisters!

*From the movement of her eyes, it seems the being is tilting her head.*

...if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I wouldn't mind taking you up on that offer... though I think it may be best that I reveal my full form first...

*Her voice changes, slightly sadder now.*

Most end up trying to worship me, and I wouldn't want any misunderstandings to happen...

[thelastescalion]

Histarte was a bit confused. She had half-assumed the fog was at least, to an extent, part of Cloud Waker's body, but Cloud Waker's words implied otherwise.

"You, of course, can reveal your... 'full form.' But you say bugs usually... worship you? Truly?" Histarte said.

[misty-memento]

*The being sighs.*

Yes... I don't want to be worshipped, but, well... most bugs see me and just — start! It's annoying, especially because I try my best not to fall to my instincts...

*With that said, the fog starts to thin until the room is once again clear, and Cloud Waker's full form is revealed.

She appears as a mix between a centipede and a butterfly, with a long body with many legs, the upper two sets acting as arms. A set of butterfly wings sit on her upper back, teal in colour with faintly glowing spots on them. The lines from before reveal themselves as glowing vents along her sides, still letting out a faint mist of fog.

Her eyes glow brightly, while a pair of glowing horn sit upon her head, almost fluffy in appearance, forming a halo. Her fangs glow, too, though they are slightly fainter. In between the previously mentioned horns are a set of antenna, with rounded, glowing tips.

The mass amount of glowing parts, as well as her faint blue colouration, betray exactly what she is:

Right in front of Histarte is a Pale Being, one seemingly in their prime.*

[thelastescalion]

Histarte had only seen one Higher Being, Pale Being, before.

He was short. He had a crown built into his skull. And he was on a fucking shelf.

Also, he was glowing so brightly it was almost blinding.

Cloud Waker did not match those descriptions, and so Histarte had to genuinely just stare, for a few seconds, and really think about it, before she realized.

"Ahhhh. That... Mm. That does explain the 'worship' response."

[misty-memento]

*One of her uppermost limbs moves to rub at the back of her head awkwardly.*

Yeah, I learnt how to stop glowing as much to try and cut back on the number of bugs trying to worship me, and it worked!... kinda.

*She winces.*

Yeah, I've still got a light layer of fog around me to absorb some of the glow. It helps, but it took a while to get the trick down...

[thelastescalion]

The escalion nodded, taking in the information.

"I see," Histarte said. "Well, if it helps, I don't plan to worship you." She was lightly teasing.

"Where do you want to be guided to?" Histarte asked. "You said you were... looking for your sister?"

[misty-memento]

Ah, yes, I'm not too sure what kind of bug she is... one of those odd anonymous bugs said she was in a place called Bellhart, but I haven't been able to get there...

Her biological mother was... not good, and ended up having to be chased away, so we know very little about that side of her. She's quite tall, has a round, spherical head with six eyes, and would have four legs if she wasn't missing part of one due to a wound.

*She sighs to herself.*

It... doesn't really match up with any other species we know of back home, and while she might have figured it out over here, I still don't really know...

*Cloud Waker shakes her head.*

B-but I'm getting off track! As much as I'd like to head straight for her, I should probably get the guide situation permanently sorted out first...

I've heard that there's someone in the Citadel called the Twelfth Architect who might be able to help with that, since I don't want to take you away from your life or anything. Would it be possible to get guidance there?

[thelastescalion]

Histarte stiffened. Round head, six eyes... four legs didn't quite match up perfectly, but then again, they could just use their 'arms' as legs, couldn't they? Hm... And TALL. Hm.

... Actually, that could technically describe a Giraffe Weevil. She shouldn't assume. Except, what about the six eyes? Then again, those could've been gotten from the father...

"Hm. I can think of at least two species that COULD describe... And yes, I could guide you to the Twelfth Architect. I have been to them three times! They've even made me some weapons."

[misty-memento]

Ah, thank you so much!

*Cloud Waker's many lower legs start tapping in joy.*

My sister got washed away in a storm, you see, and since the tribe we were adopted by consists most of Grubs, no-one could go after her...

Either way, thank you!!

[thelastescalion]

Histarte nodded. "I see," she stated, though internally, she was wondering what in the gods' names a grub was.

"You are welcome! Are you ready to depart for the Citadel? I uh... Will be, hold on."

She started grabbing her various darts spread around the place.

[misty-memento]

Yeah, I'm all ready! Luckily, I don't need to carry much since food is optional, and my fog is my weapon.

*Cloud Waker watches as Histarte moves around.*

I'm good to go when you are.

[thelastescalion]

"Ah, yeah, that'd lighten your load."

Histarte finished packing up her stuff, and then said, "I'm ready now. Just follow me."

With that, she stepped out of her little cave and began walking towards the exit to Verdania.

[misty-memento]

*Cloud Waker followed quietly, despite her size, looking around herself to take in the sights as they moved. Though there wasn't a lot to look at, she still tried her best to memorise it in case she ever needed to come back.*

[thelastescalion]

Soon enough, they made it out of Verdania and into Craw Lake, and Histarte continued on, working her way over to Bellhart.

"This is Greymoor," Histarte said informatively. "Maybe you knew that, maybe not. Sorry if you already knew that."

[misty-memento]

I haven't been here before, actually!

*She turns her head up, letting the rain wash over her face.*

My sister would love this place... she's always been good with water. Even managed to weave a few spells to help her swim!

[thelastescalion]

"Oh? Spells? I hope I meet her at some point. I could use some swimming spells myself... I'm bad at it," Histarte explains. She went further in Greymoor, and bells became visible. "And here, in a little bit, is Bellhart. I've been here a few times. Other, helpful bugs are here."

[misty-memento]

Huh... I think...

*Cloud Waker pauses in her stride, her eyes becoming unfocused for a moment before she comes back.*

Yeah, my sister is nearby! She's somewhere below us!

*Despite this, she shakes her head.*

Even so, I'd rather get to this Twelfth Architect person before I reunite with her... better to guard before you're under invasion, and all, you know?

...regardless, I do think she could weave you something to help with swimming. She uses this sort of... thread?? I'm not sure what it is, and neither was she before she was washed away.

Whatever it is, it glows and can be used for just about any sort of spell!

[thelastescalion]

"Hm? That... sounds like Silk," Histarte commented.

Soon enough, the two were out of Bellhart and into Shellwood.

"This is Shellwood. Do be careful here; there are creatures here who blend in with the plantlife around us before attacking. Some are easy to spot. Others... not so much."