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In this Discussion
A Prayer Answered [Varian comes to Duiran]
Background: During Rihrin's tenure as Voice, she sent a message to Varian to ask for help in fixing Dendara. He replied with a message that was decoded as saying: "Fret not child, your plea has been heard. I will send someone when I am able to." We finally had them arrive!
Warning: This is going to be long!
(Duiran): Eaku says, "Seems someone's yelling for the Voice and Speakers at the Core."
The massive core of the Great Oak.
Hovering nearby is the sight of a black and yellow honey bee. An ammolite buckler shield lies here. A massive hermit crab lingers here, protected by a thick white shell. A mule stands stubbornly, hooves planted solidly in the ground. There are 14 delicate flora samples here. One eye's gaze fixed on something beyond, Runecarver Rhydderch slouches here. Raest stands here, clasping a great spear in his right hand as he overlooks the primordial heart of the Great Oak. Humming with energy, a crystal aegis has been attuned to this location. Leather and steel, a suit of scale mail is here. There are 9 samples of fur and hide here. A valuable suit of steel chain mail is here. Fell green energy emanates from the pulsing core of the Great Oak, a massive pillar erupting from the earth to tower over the Heartwood. Positioned with solemn purpose, a large silver bell hangs here. A pale oneiromancer enjoys the shade of the forest. In a heap, an ivy embroidered summer cloak lies here. A silk-covered, woven swing hangs from a stand here. A large, blood-splattered totem has been erected here, formed of obsidian, ivory and red-wood. Facing outwards and surrounding the totem are a large ivory bear, an obsidian raven and a red-wood serpent. A majestic white stag occasionally tosses its antler-crowned head as it scans its surroundings with alert eyes. A Duiran novice chest sits here, resembling an overgrown stump. Resting on the ground is a cube-shaped silver sigil. A gentle pony grazes contentedly nearby. Antennae twitching at the slightest breeze, an oversized ant is here. There are 24 dirt samples here. A shining iron mace lies here. A sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground. Torrents of water twist and shift around the watery form of an undine aquacaster here, masterfully manipulating her element. Searching around to forage for its next meal, an arrogant lemming lingers here. A straight staff of almost pure white pine lies on the ground. There are 2 brilliant tulips here. A delicate grish flower has been strewn on the ground. A Maddelif flower grows here. A painted night sky parasol lies here. There are 2 fierce phoenix pipes here. A delicately painted tea-cup has been dropped here. There are 4 burly centaur crossbowmen here. There are 2 cloaked forestal wardens here. With a stoic expression, a Sentaari monk stands here. There are 2 barbaric Satyr shamans here. A small porcelain cup with a peach-blossom design has been left here. An ornate rapier lies here, twinkling brightly. Set up here is an expansive map table, holding maps aplenty within its storage. Upended and abandoned, a vicious-looking selkachoar lies here. A cluster of one hundred durdalis clacks about in haphazard formation, marked with green and brown paint. They wear the blessing of Haern. There are 3 wooden buckets here. Chiming notes ring out with the presence of a synthetic elemental abiding here. Appearing vastly taller than he is, Oskar Emerson lingers here. Like a bird-shaped hole in space, a dark raven spirit glides through the air. Of a pale and otherworldly form, a sylvan eland stands here in silence. A fairly large toad sits quietly here. Standing vigilant, a bespectacled ancestral simulacrum waits here. A hulking orgyuk stands nearby, pristine white fur marked with bold red ink. Esrytesh Sibatti dur Naya, the Seven-Eyed is here. She wields a thin split quarterstaff bearing shrunken heads in her hands. Aisling dur Naya is here. Valeria is here. She wields a cavalry shield in her left hand and a throwing axe in her right. Stine D. Emerson is here. He wields a pair of heavy wargauntlets in his hands. Jhura Gallant, the Imago's Violinist is here. She is riding on a capricious astral feline. She wields a shimmering chromatic selkachoar in her left hand and a chaotic buckler festooned with moths in her right. Pentarch Kalena Emerson is here. She wields a pair of heavy wargauntlets in her hands. Raest, Hunter of the Heartwood is a tutor. View HELP LEARNING for more information about learning skills. This area has been overgrown with a swathe of seething plantlife. A monstrous apparition looms menacingly from within the fog, surrounded by writhing tentacles. A nearby sign draws attention to the presence of a novice chest.
You see exits leading east, north, south, and west.
[HINT]: Oskar Emerson seems particularly alert.
Iesid arrives from the south.
"An emissary was promised. I am He." Oskar Emerson offers in response to the confused tangle of thoughts. "Dismiss those not of Duiran, and We shall speak." He states again, the weight of unfathomable Divine authority in His voice brooking no protest or refusal.
Sibatti just thought:
Oh, f---
Rihrin arrives from the east.
Aisling's brow furrows, attention turning towards Kalena, "Pray leave us, Pentarch. For the moment." She requests.
Rihrin steps in without saying anything, but makes her way around to see what's going on.
Though she arrives later than most, the words catch Valorie's attention immediately, her gaze drifting to Kalena.
Jhura reaches over to gently squeeze Kalena's arm.
Sibatti just thought:
He will be safe.
Kalena hesitantly steps away from Stine, giving a look over Oskar Emerson before she slowly backs away.
Jakarn arrives from the east.
He is followed by a raven spirit.
Kalena leaves to the south.
She is followed by a bespectacled ancestral simulacrum.
Iesid just thought:
Fury sings in him.
With the departure, Sibatti turns her attention back to Oskar Emerson. "The floor is yours."
Aisling rolls her shoulders, sidestepping closer to Iesid, eye turning back towards Oskar and lingering there.
Streaks of lightning crackle across the floor as Eaku treads in from the west.
With the Pentarch's departure, Oskar Emerson turns His empty eyes on Sibatti. "We will go somewhere private. Lead." And He follows behind Sibatti, His motions laden with otherworldly grace and absent any of the immature comportment one might expect.
Oskar Emerson begins to follow Sibatti.
You begin to follow Sibatti.
(Duiran): Sibatti says, "Follow, if you are."
Oskar Emerson says, "Bring those whose mouths can remain shut."
Chambers of the Consulate.
A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. Lying flat on the ground is a key-shaped sigil. Resting on the ground is a cube-shaped silver sigil. A sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground. There are 2 raven spirits here. Appearing vastly taller than he is, Oskar Emerson lingers here. Of a pale and otherworldly form, a sylvan eland stands here in silence. A fairly large toad sits quietly here. Chiming notes ring out with the presence of a synthetic elemental abiding here. Esrytesh Sibatti dur Naya, the Seven-Eyed is here. Eaku Redwood is here. He wields a regal heartwood bow of the Hunt in his hands. Aisling dur Naya is here. Valeria is here. She wields a cavalry shield in her left hand and a throwing axe in her right. Shaman Jakarn Aresti is here. He wields An Ursine engraved, redwood staff in his hands. Lady Rihrin of Sapphire is here. She wields a buckler in her left hand. Stine D. Emerson is here. He wields a pair of heavy wargauntlets in his hands. Jhura Gallant, the Imago's Violinist is here. She is riding on a capricious astral feline. She wields a shimmering chromatic selkachoar in her left hand and a chaotic buckler festooned with moths in her right. Iesid Mulariad is here. He wields a broad-bladed venantium falchion in his left hand. This area has been overgrown with a swathe of seething plantlife. A monstrous apparition looms menacingly from within the fog, surrounded by writhing tentacles.
You see a single exit leading down (closed oak door).
The door to the down is opened from the other side.
Illikaal enters from the down, riding an immense, flowering toad.
The door to the down slams shut.
Oskar Emerson spares barely a moment to adequately absorb every detail of the surroundings, the lunar shimmers in His eyes reflecting the roots and chairs and furnishings. He manouevres Himself briskly in the direction of the councillor's chairs, sinking into one with all the august regality of a King. Those eyes are now for Rihrin alone, His voice sharp, and concise. "An emissary was promised, though you are Voice no longer, driven out by manipulation and strife." He leaves no space for reaction, not a moment's heartbeat to respond. "Nevertheless, I have sent a fragment of Myself to you. To offer aid."
Oskar Emerson just thought:
There is little of the child left in that mind now, crammed with every ounce of memory and knowledge that could fit without premature death.
Sibatti nods at Oskar Emerson, and then looks to Rihrin. "The interpretation was correct, then."
You think:
"Is this... a part of the Celestine?"
Eaku just thought:
And here we are.
Glancing at the crowd, Rihrin takes a moment before she steps forward and speaks carefully, her tone icy but selective, "I am thankful for Your time, truly. The world is in a dire position, not just Dendara - which is what I called upon You for." She exhales there a heavy breath, looking weary, "Ohslana approaches now, though I know You have come on my calling to help fix the Spiral so Dendara can recover."
Aisling just thought:
A ripple runs through her, up her spine, and it is quickly pushed down.
(Speakers of Duiran): Jakarn says, "What aide do we even ask of...this."
(Speakers of Duiran): Eaku says, "Whatever it can give, which will not harm."
"The question is thus," Oskar Emerson begins slowly. There is no strain of effort in His voice yet it carries, clear and crisp as a chiming bell. "You wish for Me to mend ailing, sick, wounded, dying, Dendara. What will you do for it?"
Valeria just thought:
Anything.
As the leaders of Duiran gather together, an otherwordly hush settles over the Hollow within which the heart of the Duiran Council resides as all the rest of rangers, guards, merchants and other councilors are muted to a stunned silence. A strange new Divine presence can be felt by the continent at large - that of Oskar Emerson.
(Speakers of Duiran): Eaku says, "I am a creature of pride, at times, and of Pride always, but what price is too much for Dendara? Let us see if one exists."
Sibatti just thought:
[ Danger ].
"Anything. Always." Rihrin says as she looks at Oskar Emerson steadily, her tone firm, "What would You ask of me, or of us, in this?"
(Speakers of Duiran): Sibatti says, "... is this really happening."
Oskar Emerson just thought:
There is genuine concern in Him, for the Lirathyar, an earnest desire to spare it from its death.
Eaku just thought:
Promising a lot of 'anythings' lately. We will soon be unable to walk without tripping over one oath or another.
You think:
[Conflict. She doesn't like His presence. Not at all.].
Iesid just thought:
It was hard not to focus on who this essence was ensconced in.
Rihrin just thought:
"I am of Astral, but Prime is my sphere as well. If Prime is to survive, Dendara must thrive."
(Speakers of Duiran): Iesid says, "It is He."
(Speakers of Duiran): Iesid says, "Only Yanai has ever..."
(The Shadowguard): Feirenz says, "...out of curiosity, just what was -that-?"
(The Shadowguard): Pentas says, "Oskar.."
(The Shadowguard): Lenoriel says, "Kalena..? Isn't that your.."
(The Shadowguard): Kalena says, "Yes."
Sibatti is mostly still, her eyes moving in response to unseen, unheard things. Her brow furrows.
Stine has eyes only for Oskar Emerson, his fiery gaze staring at the body of his son without tearing away for even a split second.
"The death of the Lirathyar would spell the end of all mortal life." Oskar Emerson speaks with the aged wisdom of the Creator, His steady tone shorn free of emotion in favour of simple fact. He sits upright in His claimed throne, His body too small for it. "I harbour no desire to see such devastating loss occur."
Rihrin just thought:
[Some sense of relief, but it is brief.].
Oskar Emerson just thought:
Memories stir of past Planes of Life that He has sown with the seeds of the recovered last. Renewal. The word radiates from Him like a tidal wave.
Aisling's mask shifts, the tight clench of her jaw before she speaks, each word measured, "Do You mean we would be bound to its maintenance? All of us are eager to be of service to Dendara, have forged contracts and promised all that we could." She rumbles.
Rihrin nods her head solemnly there, brow knitting downwards. Relief in her features, but replaced with a heavier concern.
You think:
"Don't think about what He has done already. Don't..."
You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.
Aisling dur Naya says, "What is it that would be required of us, should You aid it?"
Rihrin nods her head at Aisling.
Iesid just thought:
He would want loyalty against the Albedi, likely.
"So it would," Eaku agrees, easily. "And yet it is no easy task. So too I must ask - what is our price?"
"I stand here, in this borrowed form, as a mere flickering, ephemeral echo." Oskar Emerson maintains His blank, measured tone, every word carefully enunciated. "The perpetual struggle with My Counterpart prevents aught else."
Rihrin just thought:
"Oblivion.."
"Not Oblivion." The word seems to cast a flicker of momentary irritation over Oskar Emerson's lunar-lit visage. "The Eschaton."
Iesid just thought:
The figure within the moon, over the tundra's broken ice...
(The Shadowguard): Molotok says, "Her... what? What is this."
(The Shadowguard): Pentas says, "She and Stine were raising a little boy once upon a time, a sweet if rambunctious little thing. His name is Oskar. -That- Oskar."
(The Shadowguard): Molotok says, "Interesting."
(The Shadowguard): Kanivara says, "And... the child is now... a shell?"
(The Shadowguard): Xavin says, "...she is right here, you know."
"I'm thinking of..what we learned.." Rihrin lets out carefully as she grimaces a bit. Nonetheless, she carries on, "What could we mortals even do to help with that?"
Aisling bristles, though nothing comes but a shiver that spreads over her shoulders and eases away.
"The Eschaton struggles against Me as much as I against Him." Oskar Emerson responds, the moment of irritation seemingly forgotten. "If I am to help you, as I wish to, you will need to engineer a significant enough situation that He cannot ignore it, and will be forced to intervene." The God-child leaves no room for response or contemplation before pressing on. "This will give to Me the opportunity to act. Time, to carve the rot from the ailing Lirathyar and spare its healthy parts as seeds for another."
"Seeds for another?" Sibatti echoes.
You think:
"... a significant enough situation..."
Eaku pauses. "Did unintentionally starting a second War of Night not distract Him much, then?"
Valeria just thought:
We get to cause chaos?
Glancing to Sibatti, Rihrin nods her head and then there is another to Eaku, "I wonder on both of these points myself."
(Duiran): Sibatti says, "What would be a significant enough distraction?"
(Duiran): Rihrin says, "I have ideas."
(Duiran): Rihrin says, "But, I want to see what He says."
(Duiran): Stine says, "Last time it was Jox's release and subsequent destruction of the moon."
(Duiran): Jhura says, "If the threat of Ohlsana doesn't count as such, then I'm not sure."
(Duiran): Stine says, "Not..not exactly a desired repeat, there."
(Duiran): Jakarn says, "Can't we just like...send Iesid out in the world?"
(Duiran): Valeria says, "Iesid's already out in the world, don't think that'll be enough."
(Duiran): Iesid says, "I appreciate your confidence in mine ability to vex Creators."
(Duiran): Rihrin says, "You vex everyone, Iesid."
(Duiran): Jhura says, "Well, you do have plenty of experience."
(Duiran): Jakarn says, "I will never lose faith in you."
Eaku grunts noncommittally.
The door to the down is opened from the other side.
Sekeres arrives from the down.
The door to the down slams shut.
"Seeds for another." Oskar Emerson replies to Sibatti's enquiry in confirmation. "I cannot fix both Dendara and the cracked Spiral that allows rot to consume it. Not in the time that will be available." There is a faint frown of regret at these words, but He quells it without a moment's hesitation. "Taking healthy cuttings in order to foster regrowth, and rebirth, is the basis of how worlds were made."
Oskar Emerson lifts His silver eyes to Eaku. "Fundamental Darkness is of the Eschaton's design. He does not care."
Aisling dur Naya says, "If You would do only one, would the Spiral not be best? Wouldn't the places left just be taken by rot in future?"
(Speakers of Duiran): Sibatti says, "What exactly is He saying here?"
You nod your head at Aisling, showing your acceptance.
Rihrin seems to think for a moment before nodding slowly.
Quietly, Iesid Mulariad asks, "So we must threaten something dear to Him?"
Eaku grunts at that, eyes widening just enough in surprise that the scars around his right twist. "That is... not reassuring, really," he says, dryly. "If repairing the Spiral instead is not an option, and we must ask You to create anew - what then happens to the Guardians that live now?"
Rihrin just thought:
"We could not do anything with the Fundamentals..but the elemental.." She's thinking.
You think:
[Drops of Godly essence hissing as they drip into a fire. An Oath sworn mere weeks ago. Is this really the option they have left...?].
Rihrin just thought:
"Or..the Helm..but that's more difficult.."
Her entrance a quiet one, Sekeres slinks into the group gathered by Oskar Emerson - listening.
"The rot extant in Dendara would kill all life regardless." Oskar Emerson states, His expression as He stares at Eaku contorting into something akin to how one might regard a particularly ignorant child. "A fresh Lirathyar will preserve your Guardians, and all that remains healthy within Dendara."
(Speakers of Duiran): Iesid says, "We must."
(Speakers of Duiran): Aisling says, "We must tear pieces of Dendara apart on the word of a known deceiver by attacking Gods we cannot reach?"
Oskar Emerson adds, eyes panning now to Aisling. "The spiral is a far greater and more difficult concern. There is no time to mend the wounds in every Plane of existence."
(Speakers of Duiran): Iesid says, "His ego would not allow its decay. This is His creation, lest you forget."
(Speakers of Duiran): Aisling says, "Is it."
(Speakers of Duiran): Iesid says, "I will do this, if none of you will."
(Speakers of Duiran): You say, "I... I am with you. Speaker Iesid."
(Speakers of Duiran): Jakarn says, "What He says...makes sense."
You ask, "What would stop this new Lirathyar from falling to rot again, over time?"
Valeria seems to think for a moment before nodding slowly at you.
Rihrin nods her head at you.
Lady Rihrin of Sapphire says, "That would be my concern as well. I understand it'll heal some, but it'll be back to the same Cycle due to the Spiral."
Sibatti just thought:
You can just..... make a new one?
Eaku frowns, as would a particularly ignorant child. "I am no planar scholar. Nor scholar in general. When You say preserve, you mean as they are? No tricks, hidden truths, mere recreations of who they are now?"
Iesid just thought:
"Created anew, it would not be placed in the same way within the Spiral," he guesses.
"Answering that would require a significant understanding of planar cosmology. A new Plane is not subject to wounds that already exist." Oskar Emerson turns again to regard Eaku. "Correct. This is My Creation, I am not invested in its downfall."
Iesid just thought:
.. if that was possible?
Eaku nods his head emphatically.
Lady Rihrin of Sapphire says, "I ask what was thought, then. What of a new one? Could we move the Guardians to it, and leave the other to fall?"
Eaku just thought:
Then that is one oath, at least, we will not have to weigh.
<<Order>>: Sibatti says, "Boss?"
Aisling watches the lunar-blessed child, nose pinching in distaste, though she does swallow it, shakes her head and settles into a semblance of neutrality. She falls silent.
Rihrin just thought:
"It's a hard thought, but..if the Guardians remain, it is still Dendara."
Impatiently, Oskar Emerson says to Rihrin, "I have already answered this. Your Guardians will not suffer. Nor shall anything that yet lives healthily."
<<Order>>: Haern says, "Aye, lass?"
Lady Rihrin of Sapphire says to Oskar Emerson, "This is if You were to heal the current one. We ask of a new one? Unless You mean one in the same."
Quietly, Iesid Mulariad says, "I do not even know where I would begin to start such a distraction."
Warning: This is going to be long!
(Duiran): Eaku says, "Seems someone's yelling for the Voice and Speakers at the Core."
The massive core of the Great Oak.
Hovering nearby is the sight of a black and yellow honey bee. An ammolite buckler shield lies here. A massive hermit crab lingers here, protected by a thick white shell. A mule stands stubbornly, hooves planted solidly in the ground. There are 14 delicate flora samples here. One eye's gaze fixed on something beyond, Runecarver Rhydderch slouches here. Raest stands here, clasping a great spear in his right hand as he overlooks the primordial heart of the Great Oak. Humming with energy, a crystal aegis has been attuned to this location. Leather and steel, a suit of scale mail is here. There are 9 samples of fur and hide here. A valuable suit of steel chain mail is here. Fell green energy emanates from the pulsing core of the Great Oak, a massive pillar erupting from the earth to tower over the Heartwood. Positioned with solemn purpose, a large silver bell hangs here. A pale oneiromancer enjoys the shade of the forest. In a heap, an ivy embroidered summer cloak lies here. A silk-covered, woven swing hangs from a stand here. A large, blood-splattered totem has been erected here, formed of obsidian, ivory and red-wood. Facing outwards and surrounding the totem are a large ivory bear, an obsidian raven and a red-wood serpent. A majestic white stag occasionally tosses its antler-crowned head as it scans its surroundings with alert eyes. A Duiran novice chest sits here, resembling an overgrown stump. Resting on the ground is a cube-shaped silver sigil. A gentle pony grazes contentedly nearby. Antennae twitching at the slightest breeze, an oversized ant is here. There are 24 dirt samples here. A shining iron mace lies here. A sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground. Torrents of water twist and shift around the watery form of an undine aquacaster here, masterfully manipulating her element. Searching around to forage for its next meal, an arrogant lemming lingers here. A straight staff of almost pure white pine lies on the ground. There are 2 brilliant tulips here. A delicate grish flower has been strewn on the ground. A Maddelif flower grows here. A painted night sky parasol lies here. There are 2 fierce phoenix pipes here. A delicately painted tea-cup has been dropped here. There are 4 burly centaur crossbowmen here. There are 2 cloaked forestal wardens here. With a stoic expression, a Sentaari monk stands here. There are 2 barbaric Satyr shamans here. A small porcelain cup with a peach-blossom design has been left here. An ornate rapier lies here, twinkling brightly. Set up here is an expansive map table, holding maps aplenty within its storage. Upended and abandoned, a vicious-looking selkachoar lies here. A cluster of one hundred durdalis clacks about in haphazard formation, marked with green and brown paint. They wear the blessing of Haern. There are 3 wooden buckets here. Chiming notes ring out with the presence of a synthetic elemental abiding here. Appearing vastly taller than he is, Oskar Emerson lingers here. Like a bird-shaped hole in space, a dark raven spirit glides through the air. Of a pale and otherworldly form, a sylvan eland stands here in silence. A fairly large toad sits quietly here. Standing vigilant, a bespectacled ancestral simulacrum waits here. A hulking orgyuk stands nearby, pristine white fur marked with bold red ink. Esrytesh Sibatti dur Naya, the Seven-Eyed is here. She wields a thin split quarterstaff bearing shrunken heads in her hands. Aisling dur Naya is here. Valeria is here. She wields a cavalry shield in her left hand and a throwing axe in her right. Stine D. Emerson is here. He wields a pair of heavy wargauntlets in his hands. Jhura Gallant, the Imago's Violinist is here. She is riding on a capricious astral feline. She wields a shimmering chromatic selkachoar in her left hand and a chaotic buckler festooned with moths in her right. Pentarch Kalena Emerson is here. She wields a pair of heavy wargauntlets in her hands. Raest, Hunter of the Heartwood is a tutor. View HELP LEARNING for more information about learning skills. This area has been overgrown with a swathe of seething plantlife. A monstrous apparition looms menacingly from within the fog, surrounded by writhing tentacles. A nearby sign draws attention to the presence of a novice chest.
You see exits leading east, north, south, and west.
[HINT]: Oskar Emerson seems particularly alert.
Iesid arrives from the south.
"An emissary was promised. I am He." Oskar Emerson offers in response to the confused tangle of thoughts. "Dismiss those not of Duiran, and We shall speak." He states again, the weight of unfathomable Divine authority in His voice brooking no protest or refusal.
Sibatti just thought:
Oh, f---
Rihrin arrives from the east.
Aisling's brow furrows, attention turning towards Kalena, "Pray leave us, Pentarch. For the moment." She requests.
Rihrin steps in without saying anything, but makes her way around to see what's going on.
Though she arrives later than most, the words catch Valorie's attention immediately, her gaze drifting to Kalena.
Jhura reaches over to gently squeeze Kalena's arm.
Sibatti just thought:
He will be safe.
Kalena hesitantly steps away from Stine, giving a look over Oskar Emerson before she slowly backs away.
Jakarn arrives from the east.
He is followed by a raven spirit.
Kalena leaves to the south.
She is followed by a bespectacled ancestral simulacrum.
Iesid just thought:
Fury sings in him.
With the departure, Sibatti turns her attention back to Oskar Emerson. "The floor is yours."
Aisling rolls her shoulders, sidestepping closer to Iesid, eye turning back towards Oskar and lingering there.
Streaks of lightning crackle across the floor as Eaku treads in from the west.
With the Pentarch's departure, Oskar Emerson turns His empty eyes on Sibatti. "We will go somewhere private. Lead." And He follows behind Sibatti, His motions laden with otherworldly grace and absent any of the immature comportment one might expect.
Oskar Emerson begins to follow Sibatti.
You begin to follow Sibatti.
(Duiran): Sibatti says, "Follow, if you are."
Oskar Emerson says, "Bring those whose mouths can remain shut."
Chambers of the Consulate.
A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. Lying flat on the ground is a key-shaped sigil. Resting on the ground is a cube-shaped silver sigil. A sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground. There are 2 raven spirits here. Appearing vastly taller than he is, Oskar Emerson lingers here. Of a pale and otherworldly form, a sylvan eland stands here in silence. A fairly large toad sits quietly here. Chiming notes ring out with the presence of a synthetic elemental abiding here. Esrytesh Sibatti dur Naya, the Seven-Eyed is here. Eaku Redwood is here. He wields a regal heartwood bow of the Hunt in his hands. Aisling dur Naya is here. Valeria is here. She wields a cavalry shield in her left hand and a throwing axe in her right. Shaman Jakarn Aresti is here. He wields An Ursine engraved, redwood staff in his hands. Lady Rihrin of Sapphire is here. She wields a buckler in her left hand. Stine D. Emerson is here. He wields a pair of heavy wargauntlets in his hands. Jhura Gallant, the Imago's Violinist is here. She is riding on a capricious astral feline. She wields a shimmering chromatic selkachoar in her left hand and a chaotic buckler festooned with moths in her right. Iesid Mulariad is here. He wields a broad-bladed venantium falchion in his left hand. This area has been overgrown with a swathe of seething plantlife. A monstrous apparition looms menacingly from within the fog, surrounded by writhing tentacles.
You see a single exit leading down (closed oak door).
The door to the down is opened from the other side.
Illikaal enters from the down, riding an immense, flowering toad.
The door to the down slams shut.
Oskar Emerson spares barely a moment to adequately absorb every detail of the surroundings, the lunar shimmers in His eyes reflecting the roots and chairs and furnishings. He manouevres Himself briskly in the direction of the councillor's chairs, sinking into one with all the august regality of a King. Those eyes are now for Rihrin alone, His voice sharp, and concise. "An emissary was promised, though you are Voice no longer, driven out by manipulation and strife." He leaves no space for reaction, not a moment's heartbeat to respond. "Nevertheless, I have sent a fragment of Myself to you. To offer aid."
Oskar Emerson just thought:
There is little of the child left in that mind now, crammed with every ounce of memory and knowledge that could fit without premature death.
Sibatti nods at Oskar Emerson, and then looks to Rihrin. "The interpretation was correct, then."
You think:
"Is this... a part of the Celestine?"
Eaku just thought:
And here we are.
Glancing at the crowd, Rihrin takes a moment before she steps forward and speaks carefully, her tone icy but selective, "I am thankful for Your time, truly. The world is in a dire position, not just Dendara - which is what I called upon You for." She exhales there a heavy breath, looking weary, "Ohslana approaches now, though I know You have come on my calling to help fix the Spiral so Dendara can recover."
Aisling just thought:
A ripple runs through her, up her spine, and it is quickly pushed down.
(Speakers of Duiran): Jakarn says, "What aide do we even ask of...this."
(Speakers of Duiran): Eaku says, "Whatever it can give, which will not harm."
"The question is thus," Oskar Emerson begins slowly. There is no strain of effort in His voice yet it carries, clear and crisp as a chiming bell. "You wish for Me to mend ailing, sick, wounded, dying, Dendara. What will you do for it?"
Valeria just thought:
Anything.
As the leaders of Duiran gather together, an otherwordly hush settles over the Hollow within which the heart of the Duiran Council resides as all the rest of rangers, guards, merchants and other councilors are muted to a stunned silence. A strange new Divine presence can be felt by the continent at large - that of Oskar Emerson.
(Speakers of Duiran): Eaku says, "I am a creature of pride, at times, and of Pride always, but what price is too much for Dendara? Let us see if one exists."
Sibatti just thought:
[ Danger ].
"Anything. Always." Rihrin says as she looks at Oskar Emerson steadily, her tone firm, "What would You ask of me, or of us, in this?"
(Speakers of Duiran): Sibatti says, "... is this really happening."
Oskar Emerson just thought:
There is genuine concern in Him, for the Lirathyar, an earnest desire to spare it from its death.
Eaku just thought:
Promising a lot of 'anythings' lately. We will soon be unable to walk without tripping over one oath or another.
You think:
[Conflict. She doesn't like His presence. Not at all.].
Iesid just thought:
It was hard not to focus on who this essence was ensconced in.
Rihrin just thought:
"I am of Astral, but Prime is my sphere as well. If Prime is to survive, Dendara must thrive."
(Speakers of Duiran): Iesid says, "It is He."
(Speakers of Duiran): Iesid says, "Only Yanai has ever..."
(The Shadowguard): Feirenz says, "...out of curiosity, just what was -that-?"
(The Shadowguard): Pentas says, "Oskar.."
(The Shadowguard): Lenoriel says, "Kalena..? Isn't that your.."
(The Shadowguard): Kalena says, "Yes."
Sibatti is mostly still, her eyes moving in response to unseen, unheard things. Her brow furrows.
Stine has eyes only for Oskar Emerson, his fiery gaze staring at the body of his son without tearing away for even a split second.
"The death of the Lirathyar would spell the end of all mortal life." Oskar Emerson speaks with the aged wisdom of the Creator, His steady tone shorn free of emotion in favour of simple fact. He sits upright in His claimed throne, His body too small for it. "I harbour no desire to see such devastating loss occur."
Rihrin just thought:
[Some sense of relief, but it is brief.].
Oskar Emerson just thought:
Memories stir of past Planes of Life that He has sown with the seeds of the recovered last. Renewal. The word radiates from Him like a tidal wave.
Aisling's mask shifts, the tight clench of her jaw before she speaks, each word measured, "Do You mean we would be bound to its maintenance? All of us are eager to be of service to Dendara, have forged contracts and promised all that we could." She rumbles.
Rihrin nods her head solemnly there, brow knitting downwards. Relief in her features, but replaced with a heavier concern.
You think:
"Don't think about what He has done already. Don't..."
You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.
Aisling dur Naya says, "What is it that would be required of us, should You aid it?"
Rihrin nods her head at Aisling.
Iesid just thought:
He would want loyalty against the Albedi, likely.
"So it would," Eaku agrees, easily. "And yet it is no easy task. So too I must ask - what is our price?"
"I stand here, in this borrowed form, as a mere flickering, ephemeral echo." Oskar Emerson maintains His blank, measured tone, every word carefully enunciated. "The perpetual struggle with My Counterpart prevents aught else."
Rihrin just thought:
"Oblivion.."
"Not Oblivion." The word seems to cast a flicker of momentary irritation over Oskar Emerson's lunar-lit visage. "The Eschaton."
Iesid just thought:
The figure within the moon, over the tundra's broken ice...
(The Shadowguard): Molotok says, "Her... what? What is this."
(The Shadowguard): Pentas says, "She and Stine were raising a little boy once upon a time, a sweet if rambunctious little thing. His name is Oskar. -That- Oskar."
(The Shadowguard): Molotok says, "Interesting."
(The Shadowguard): Kanivara says, "And... the child is now... a shell?"
(The Shadowguard): Xavin says, "...she is right here, you know."
"I'm thinking of..what we learned.." Rihrin lets out carefully as she grimaces a bit. Nonetheless, she carries on, "What could we mortals even do to help with that?"
Aisling bristles, though nothing comes but a shiver that spreads over her shoulders and eases away.
"The Eschaton struggles against Me as much as I against Him." Oskar Emerson responds, the moment of irritation seemingly forgotten. "If I am to help you, as I wish to, you will need to engineer a significant enough situation that He cannot ignore it, and will be forced to intervene." The God-child leaves no room for response or contemplation before pressing on. "This will give to Me the opportunity to act. Time, to carve the rot from the ailing Lirathyar and spare its healthy parts as seeds for another."
"Seeds for another?" Sibatti echoes.
You think:
"... a significant enough situation..."
Eaku pauses. "Did unintentionally starting a second War of Night not distract Him much, then?"
Valeria just thought:
We get to cause chaos?
Glancing to Sibatti, Rihrin nods her head and then there is another to Eaku, "I wonder on both of these points myself."
(Duiran): Sibatti says, "What would be a significant enough distraction?"
(Duiran): Rihrin says, "I have ideas."
(Duiran): Rihrin says, "But, I want to see what He says."
(Duiran): Stine says, "Last time it was Jox's release and subsequent destruction of the moon."
(Duiran): Jhura says, "If the threat of Ohlsana doesn't count as such, then I'm not sure."
(Duiran): Stine says, "Not..not exactly a desired repeat, there."
(Duiran): Jakarn says, "Can't we just like...send Iesid out in the world?"
(Duiran): Valeria says, "Iesid's already out in the world, don't think that'll be enough."
(Duiran): Iesid says, "I appreciate your confidence in mine ability to vex Creators."
(Duiran): Rihrin says, "You vex everyone, Iesid."
(Duiran): Jhura says, "Well, you do have plenty of experience."
(Duiran): Jakarn says, "I will never lose faith in you."
Eaku grunts noncommittally.
The door to the down is opened from the other side.
Sekeres arrives from the down.
The door to the down slams shut.
"Seeds for another." Oskar Emerson replies to Sibatti's enquiry in confirmation. "I cannot fix both Dendara and the cracked Spiral that allows rot to consume it. Not in the time that will be available." There is a faint frown of regret at these words, but He quells it without a moment's hesitation. "Taking healthy cuttings in order to foster regrowth, and rebirth, is the basis of how worlds were made."
Oskar Emerson lifts His silver eyes to Eaku. "Fundamental Darkness is of the Eschaton's design. He does not care."
Aisling dur Naya says, "If You would do only one, would the Spiral not be best? Wouldn't the places left just be taken by rot in future?"
(Speakers of Duiran): Sibatti says, "What exactly is He saying here?"
You nod your head at Aisling, showing your acceptance.
Rihrin seems to think for a moment before nodding slowly.
Quietly, Iesid Mulariad asks, "So we must threaten something dear to Him?"
Eaku grunts at that, eyes widening just enough in surprise that the scars around his right twist. "That is... not reassuring, really," he says, dryly. "If repairing the Spiral instead is not an option, and we must ask You to create anew - what then happens to the Guardians that live now?"
Rihrin just thought:
"We could not do anything with the Fundamentals..but the elemental.." She's thinking.
You think:
[Drops of Godly essence hissing as they drip into a fire. An Oath sworn mere weeks ago. Is this really the option they have left...?].
Rihrin just thought:
"Or..the Helm..but that's more difficult.."
Her entrance a quiet one, Sekeres slinks into the group gathered by Oskar Emerson - listening.
"The rot extant in Dendara would kill all life regardless." Oskar Emerson states, His expression as He stares at Eaku contorting into something akin to how one might regard a particularly ignorant child. "A fresh Lirathyar will preserve your Guardians, and all that remains healthy within Dendara."
(Speakers of Duiran): Iesid says, "We must."
(Speakers of Duiran): Aisling says, "We must tear pieces of Dendara apart on the word of a known deceiver by attacking Gods we cannot reach?"
Oskar Emerson adds, eyes panning now to Aisling. "The spiral is a far greater and more difficult concern. There is no time to mend the wounds in every Plane of existence."
(Speakers of Duiran): Iesid says, "His ego would not allow its decay. This is His creation, lest you forget."
(Speakers of Duiran): Aisling says, "Is it."
(Speakers of Duiran): Iesid says, "I will do this, if none of you will."
(Speakers of Duiran): You say, "I... I am with you. Speaker Iesid."
(Speakers of Duiran): Jakarn says, "What He says...makes sense."
You ask, "What would stop this new Lirathyar from falling to rot again, over time?"
Valeria seems to think for a moment before nodding slowly at you.
Rihrin nods her head at you.
Lady Rihrin of Sapphire says, "That would be my concern as well. I understand it'll heal some, but it'll be back to the same Cycle due to the Spiral."
Sibatti just thought:
You can just..... make a new one?
Eaku frowns, as would a particularly ignorant child. "I am no planar scholar. Nor scholar in general. When You say preserve, you mean as they are? No tricks, hidden truths, mere recreations of who they are now?"
Iesid just thought:
"Created anew, it would not be placed in the same way within the Spiral," he guesses.
"Answering that would require a significant understanding of planar cosmology. A new Plane is not subject to wounds that already exist." Oskar Emerson turns again to regard Eaku. "Correct. This is My Creation, I am not invested in its downfall."
Iesid just thought:
.. if that was possible?
Eaku nods his head emphatically.
Lady Rihrin of Sapphire says, "I ask what was thought, then. What of a new one? Could we move the Guardians to it, and leave the other to fall?"
Eaku just thought:
Then that is one oath, at least, we will not have to weigh.
<<Order>>: Sibatti says, "Boss?"
Aisling watches the lunar-blessed child, nose pinching in distaste, though she does swallow it, shakes her head and settles into a semblance of neutrality. She falls silent.
Rihrin just thought:
"It's a hard thought, but..if the Guardians remain, it is still Dendara."
Impatiently, Oskar Emerson says to Rihrin, "I have already answered this. Your Guardians will not suffer. Nor shall anything that yet lives healthily."
<<Order>>: Haern says, "Aye, lass?"
Lady Rihrin of Sapphire says to Oskar Emerson, "This is if You were to heal the current one. We ask of a new one? Unless You mean one in the same."
Quietly, Iesid Mulariad says, "I do not even know where I would begin to start such a distraction."