Topic: The Final Days of Variel that was
[20:07] <SotDX> You are the garden of a Urielite Monastery
[20:08] <SotDX> You are in the garden of a Urielite Monastery
[20:08] <SotDX> alone
[20:08] <SotDX> The sun is behind the clouds
[20:08] <SotDX> the air is warm
[20:08] <SotDX> but there is a refreshing breeze
[20:09] <SotDX> there are trees around you
[20:09] <SotDX> You feel at peace
[20:09] <SotDX> Here in this garden sanctuary
[20:09] <SotDX> The rest of your Fellowship are here at the Monastery, but not with you in the garden
[20:09] <SotDX> as I said, you are alone
[20:09] <SotDX> You feel at home here
[20:10] <SotDX> the garden is tended, but still retains its primal quality
[20:10] * Variel closes her eyes letting the breeze play with her feathers and she touches the grasses around her.
[20:11] <SotDX> Your Fellowship has been here for two days
[20:11] <SotDX> there were reports of some strange Dreamseed in the western mountains
[20:11] <SotDX> Tarsiel has you all waiting here
[20:11] <SotDX> for further orders
[20:11] <SotDX> the Monks here were concerned
[20:11] <SotDX> they have heard reports from travelers of strange things in the sky
[20:12] <SotDX> beasts of large size
[20:12] <SotDX> unusual even for Dreamseed
[20:12] <SotDX> The look of tired despair in Tarsiel's eyes has grown great of late
[20:12] <SotDX> and it has not been helped by this news
[20:12] <SotDX> you worry for him
[20:12] <SotDX> Perhaps he has lost his faith, if only a little
[20:12] <SotDX> Surely he knows that you are Engel, and the Lord is always on your side
[20:14] * Variel sighs she has tried to reassure the Michaelite, but her words seem to have fallen on deaf ears of late.
[20:15] <Variel> t
[20:15] <SotDX> You are joined in the monastery by your sister Engel, Faliel
[20:15] <SotDX> The Ramielite smiles as she approaches you
[20:16] <Variel> opens her eyes at the sound of her approach
[20:16] <SotDX> "Enjoying the aphroditic pleasures of these floral delights?"
[20:17] <Variel> "aphroditic? Can you speak plain Latin?"
[20:17] <SotDX> "Plain Latin? Most curious interrogative, dear sibling."
[20:17] <Variel> "You know what I mean."
[20:17] <SotDX> "I do not think such a nebulous beast exists in our continuum."
[20:18] <Variel> "I feel like I am only understanding half of what you say."
[20:18] <SotDX> She grins up at you, not quite your height
[20:19] <SotDX> "I will endeavor in the future to confine my verbal ejaculations to a more simple vocabulary of speech."
[20:19] <SotDX> "In other words, I shall try to speak simple for you."
[20:19] <SotDX> She winks at you
[20:20] <Variel> "This poor uneducated Engel can't keep up with your cerebral thoughts."
[20:20] <SotDX> "Perhaps Spanish, or German? Maybe Hebrew would be better?"
[20:20] <Variel> "Latin is just fine, or even common."
[20:21] <Variel> "perhaps pictures."
[20:21] <SotDX> She nods.
[20:21] * Variel smiles
[20:21] <SotDX> "Forgive me sister. I only jest with you."
[20:21] <SotDX> She touches your arm.
[20:22] <Variel> "It is all right. We need some jest to keep our spirits light.”
[20:22] <SotDX> You can tell there is something Faliel is excited about and wants to tell you
[20:22] <Variel> "Well what brings you here. I can tell something has you all a flutter."
[20:23] <SotDX> She moves from foot to foot in a unconscious way
[20:23] <SotDX> "I have had a most wonderful dream!"
[20:23] * Variel nods
[20:23] <Variel> "Well what is it?"
[20:23] <SotDX> "We were back in Roma. We were before Peter's Cathedral... I believe."
[20:23] * Variel is used to her sister's excite over such things.
[20:24] <SotDX> "The Pontifex had called us before him...
[20:24] <SotDX> "We were being honored for our valor and skill.
[20:24] <SotDX> "The road was lined with cheering pilgrims!
[20:24] <SotDX> "And banners fell from the sky in a rain of white and lace!
[20:24] <SotDX> "It was so magnificent!"
[20:25] <Variel> "Do you know what they were cheering us for?"
[20:25] <SotDX> Faliel considered, and then said:
[20:25] <SotDX> "Why, I'm not sure to be certain. But it was something worth cheering about I'm sure."
[20:25] * Variel chuckles
[20:26] <Variel> "That is obvious."
[20:26] <SotDX> "We were all bedecked with votive clothes blessed by Petrus himself!"
[20:26] <SotDX> She grins, absorbed in the image in her head
[20:26] <Variel> "Do you think it was a dream of prophecy or fancy?"
[20:26] <SotDX> "Well, I have no way of ascertaining the validity of my prognostication... but I think perhaps..."
[20:27] <SotDX> And then you hear Jociel speak
[20:27] <SotDX> "Perhaps such dreams are only prideful fancy. Or hope."
[20:27] <SotDX> Jociel steps out of the shadows behind you
[20:28] <SotDX> Faliel starts at her interruption
[20:28] <SotDX> (what do you do? or say?)
[20:29] <Variel> "I would like to think it is hopeful."
[20:29] <SotDX> Faliel nods. "I agree. If nothing but hope... then hope it should be."
[20:30] <SotDX> Jociel: "Yes. Do not take my words as offense. I only express concern that pride is a dangerous element."
[20:31] <Variel> "I do not think our sister meant it as pride, but as simply hope for the future."
[20:31] <SotDX> Faliel nods. But the she adds: "Though, it would be nice."
[20:31] <SotDX> Jociel laughs
[20:31] * Variel puts her arm around Faliel "It would indeed."
[20:32] <SotDX> Joc: "We three sisters know that to be true. How long has it been since we saw the beauty of Roma? Seen its white halls and glorious statues?"
[20:32] <SotDX> Jociel looks wistful.
[20:33] <Variel> "It has been too long. Though it is beautiful here."
[20:33] <SotDX> Both nod in agreement
[20:34] <SotDX> Faliel: "Though I wish they had a library here."
[20:34] <SotDX> A loud male voice intrudes
[20:34] <SotDX> "And why is that? So you could get lost in the stacks AGAIN?!"
[20:34] <SotDX> Brastiel lands beside the three of you, landing on a flower
[20:35] <Variel> "Greetings Brastiel the flower crusher."
[20:35] <SotDX> He looks at you confused
[20:35] <SotDX> Jociel laughs
[20:35] <SotDX> Faliel snorts
[20:35] <SotDX> Brast:"Flower what?"
[20:35] <Variel> "Look under your foot and you will find you have crushed one of the most beautiful of flowers. Thus you are the "Flower Crusher"
[20:36] * Variel shakes her head
[20:36] <SotDX> He lifts his bare foot and finds the crushed plant
[20:36] <SotDX> He gets a sheepish look
[20:36] <SotDX> Brastiel:"Well... I did not even see it. Sorry Variel."
[20:37] <Variel> "It is all right, I am sure the flower will forgive you."
[20:37] <SotDX> Again the others laugh (Faliel snorting)
[20:37] <SotDX> Brastiel smacks you on the arm in his own annoying way (leaving another bruise)
[20:38] <Variel> "Must you DO that EVERY time?"
[20:38] * Variel rubs her arm
[20:38] <SotDX> Again he grins with his sheepish look
[20:38] <Variel> "I need both arms for my bow"
[20:38] <SotDX> He steps around the garden, taking it in, being careful not to step on anything
[20:38] <SotDX> (but grass)
[20:39] * Variel picks the flower and fluffs the petals and places it her hair.
[20:40] <SotDX> Brastiel: "So what are you three doing out here? I figure you aren't planning new battle strategies."
[20:40] <SotDX> He grins
[20:40] <Variel> "Just talking."
[20:40] <SotDX> Faliel rolls her eyes
[20:40] <SotDX> Jociel: "We are sharing a moment of beauty together."
[20:40] <SotDX> Brastiel nods
[20:41] <Variel> "Tarsiel should be here; perhaps a little meditation on nature would lighten his mood."
[20:42] <SotDX> The others silently agree
[20:42] <SotDX> Jociel turns to Brastiel and asks him about his wings, and if he has an lingering pain from an earlier injury.
[20:42] <SotDX> The two step off away from you and Faliel
[20:42] <SotDX> Faliel leans closer to you
[20:43] <SotDX> Faliel:"I worry about Tarsiel also. He has seemed so forlorn of late."
[20:43] * Variel nods
[20:43] <Variel> "I have tried to speak with him, but he seems to talk less and less each evening."
[20:44] <Variel> "Has he said anything to you about his concerns?"
[20:44] <SotDX> Tarsiel: "Perhaps I speak less because I have nothing to say?"
[20:44] * Variel turns to Tarsiel
[20:44] <SotDX> Tarsiel now stands behind the two of you
[20:44] <SotDX> His face is somewhat grim
[20:45] <Variel> "Forgive me, but we all are concerned for you. You have not been yourself lately."
[20:45] <Variel> "Even Brastiel has noticed."
[20:45] <SotDX> Tarsiel purses his lips. "Who have I been then?"
[20:46] <Variel> "You just have not been your usual self is all."
[20:47] <Variel> "You have taken to walking alone often and have a grim look on your face all the time."
[20:48] <Variel> "You don't even seem to take pleasure in the little things anymore."
[20:48] <SotDX> Tarsiel's cold face does not change its expression
[20:48] <SotDX> "I see. And you say even ever observant Brastiel, the slayer of flowers, has noticed these things?"
[20:49] * Variel nods not sure if I have gone too far in speaking her mind with Faliel present.
[20:49] <SotDX> Faliel looks nervous
[20:49] <SotDX> Tarsiel touches his fingers to his lips in contemplation
[20:50] <SotDX> He turns and walks away from the two of you
[20:50] <SotDX> Then he turns around and faces you both
[20:50] <SotDX> "Well, that is a problem. A most serious problem."
[20:50] <SotDX> Faliel touches your hand
[20:51] <SotDX> Faliel: "Tarsiel... we mean no disrespect..."
[20:51] <SotDX> He approaches closer to you both
[20:51] <SotDX> (do you want to say anything more)
[20:52] <Variel> "Well, Tarsiel, what are you going to about it? Or is it up to us to change your mood?"
[20:53] <SotDX> Tarsiel's cold face changes into a cold smile (with a little warmth)
[20:53] <SotDX> "I'd say hearing of Faliel's dream did more to improve my mood than anything you could do, kind Variel."
[20:53] <SotDX> Faliel smiles, relieved
[20:54] <SotDX> Tarsiel"I do apologize for my tenses and severity.
[20:54] <SotDX> These past few months have left me with a weariness.
[20:54] <SotDX> I have seen our lives at the edge of danger so many times that...
[20:54] <SotDX> Well sometimes I let the fear of what might happen overwhelm the truth of what has happened."
[20:55] <SotDX> Tarsiel puts his arm around Faliel and smiles at her warmly
[20:56] <Variel> "I am glad to see you smile again."
[20:57] <SotDX> "Well, I have a reason to smile, Variel. It is a secret, but perhaps I can persuaded to share it with you."
[20:57] <Variel> "Well, great leader, now that you seem to be yourself again, what is this secret."
[21:00] <SotDX> "I have been told of late that our Fellowship is being called to Roma. Our many battles of late have been recognized. We are to be honored and brought before the Pontifex himself."
[21:04] * Variel is startled
[21:05] <Variel> "So you mean our little Ramielite's dream was prophecy after all? Or had she heard about it all ready?"
[21:05] <SotDX> Faliel shakes her head
[21:06] <SotDX> "No, I hadn't heard anything of it."
[21:06] <SotDX> Brastiel and Jociel approach
[21:06] <SotDX> Brastiel: "What is this? They are finally read to honor the warriors in our Fellowship?"
[21:06] <SotDX> Tarsiel sighs
[21:06] <SotDX> Tarsiel:"They are ready to honor all of us, as I understand it. For we are all together in our battles."
[21:07] <SotDX> Jociel looks at Faliel strangely
[21:07] <SotDX> Jociel: "Perhaps you have the gift of foresight!"
[21:07] <SotDX> Faliel merely smiles widely "It matters not to me. I am just pleased that we are going to Roma."
[21:08] * Variel smiles
[21:08] <Variel> "This is great cause for celebration."
[21:08] <SotDX> Tarsiel nods. "There is one catch.
[21:09] <SotDX> We are to wait here for another few days in case more Dreamseed are sighted before we can fly to Michael's Lands."
[21:09] <Variel> "If everything remains as quiet as it has been then we should not have any problem."
[21:10] <SotDX> Brastiel slaps his hands together. "That is fine with me. One last battle before rest sounds most pleasant!"
[21:10] * Variel rolls her eyes
[21:10] <Variel> "Can't you enjoy at least a little peace and quiet?"
[21:10] <SotDX> Brastiel looks at you uncomprehending, obviously he is hungry for battle
[21:10] * Variel shakes her head, She will never understand his battle lust.
[21:11] <SotDX> Brastiel: "Your sword can not grow dull if it is always finding its mark in the heart of the enemy!"
[21:11] <Variel> "I will give you some more flowers to kill if that will satisfy you."
[21:11] <Variel> "I swear you would go into a nest of sleeping Dreamseed."
[21:12] <SotDX> Faliel snorts: "Actually, the opposite is true. The more you hit things with your sword, the more likely it is for it to grow dull and need to be re sharpened."
[21:12] <Variel> "Just to bloody your sword"
[21:12] <SotDX> Brastiel shakes his head. "I will never understand you lot."
[21:12] <SotDX> He walks away
[21:12] <SotDX> Tarsiel calls him back
[21:12] <SotDX> Tarsiel:"Now, in case we do get called into action, I want to pass on some information I have been given.
[21:13] <SotDX> The Dreamseed sighted in the area are... in a word, unusual."
[21:13] * Variel is serious
[21:13] <Variel> "In what way unusual?"
[21:13] <SotDX> "The reports they have here in the Monastery are from a few merchants and pilgrims who were in the mountains when they saw great shadows pass over them.
[21:14] <SotDX> If these reports are credible... and they may not be... these things were enormous.
[21:14] <SotDX> They are something altogether more dangerous than a simple dragonfly."
[21:14] <SotDX> Jociel mutters :"There is nothing simple about a Tainter-Dragonfly... but I see what you mean."
[21:15] <SotDX> Tarsiel: "We must plan well what strategy would be best against a beast of such size."
[21:15] <SotDX> Tarsiel: "Faliel, I want you to consult your references and find anything of us against such a beast.
[21:16] <SotDX> Brastiel, consider our strengths, and give me your recommendations as to how best we could combat such girth.
[21:16] <SotDX> Jociel and Variel, I want you to speak with the monks further, and find out if there is anything else you can learn from them."
[21:16] <SotDX> Tarsiel crosses his arms behind his back
[21:16] * Variel nods "We will find out all we can."
[21:17] <SotDX> "I will consider our options. It is my hope this will not come to pass, and that if we are called to battle we will be augmented by at least another Fellowship."
[21:17] <SotDX> Brastiel sighs. "Better to face this thing alone, if you ask me."
[21:19] <Variel> "Brastiel, you are insane! Come on Jociel, lets see what more we can find about this creature."
[21:19] <SotDX> The two of you walk off to search for the monks
[21:20] <SotDX> Brastiel mutters under his breath incoherently
[21:20] <SotDX> and Faliel sits down with her books, eager to find something useful
[21:20] <SotDX> Tarsiel stands alone, arms still crossed behind his back, thinking... planning... despairing?
[21:21] <SotDX> You have only just begun to find a few Monachs to speak with when the bell starts ringing at the top of the Abbey
[21:21] <SotDX> You hear Tarsiel's voice in your head
[21:21] <SotDX> Tarsiel: "Fellowship, gather in the garden. The die of fate has been cast."
[21:22] * Variel flies to the garden
[21:22] <SotDX> Jociel flies with you
[21:22] <SotDX> Tarsiel stands with the others
[21:22] <SotDX> Faliel looks worried
[21:22] <SotDX> Brastiel looks eager
[21:23] <SotDX> Tarsiel: "Sisters, word has just reached the Abbey that the Dreamseed has attacked a group of pilgrims on the near cliffs of the Western Mountains. We must fly."
[21:23] <Variel> "Then let us go at once."
[21:24] <SotDX> "I am afraid there was not sufficient time to prepare any specific strategy. Am I correct?"
[21:24] <SotDX> He looks at each of you
[21:24] <Variel> (What were we able to find out form the monachs?)
[21:25] <SotDX> (you had just started to speak with them when the bell rang... nothing sadly)
[21:25] * Variel shakes her head sadly
[21:25] <SotDX> Faliel:"I have consulted my books in what time I had...
[21:26] <SotDX> I found only references to the great Dreamseed of the time of resurgence after the period of peace.
[21:26] <SotDX> There are mentions in the histories of great Dreamseed beasts that when smote on the mountains broke into many small creatures of great strength. This enemy seemed to spread in size even at great cost to those who fought it."
[21:26] <SotDX> Tarsiel nods, a pained look on his face
[21:27] <SotDX> Brastiel grins:"All the more to kill!"
[21:27] * Variel is grim, this does not sound good
[21:47] <Variel> "In other words when we bring this thing down, we have to bring it down lightly."
[21:47] * Variel smiles weakly
[21:47] <SotDX> Tarsiel frowns.: "What do you mean lightly?"
[21:48] <Variel> "I mean gently, so it doesn't "break open" on the mountain side"
[21:48] <SotDX> Brastiel shakes his head. "All that matters is we kill it... or kill them... either way they are dead!"
[21:48] <SotDX> Tarsiel: "Our options may be limited...
[21:49] <SotDX> "We will likely be fighting it over the range... with only rocks and the hard earth below."
[21:49] <Variel> "We have faced challenges before and made it out virtually unscathed."
[21:50] <SotDX> Faliel smiles at you. "And do not forget my dream. We shall walk the streets of Roma together when this is over!"
[21:50] <SotDX> Tarsiel's face seems dark, but he nods. "Yes. Let us fight with guile and cunning. Gather your weapons and wits."
[21:51] * Variel nods
[21:51] <SotDX> The five of you gather your weapons and take to the air
[21:51] <SotDX> the monks waving after you and shouting out their blessings for your safe return
[21:52] <SotDX> The five of you fly to the west...
[21:52] <SotDX> Over the lands that raise into the rocky slopes...
[21:53] <SotDX> (more)
[21:53] <SotDX> You rise into the air
[21:53] <SotDX> and the soft grass below ends as the hard rocky earthy takes over
[21:54] <SotDX> You hear Tarsiel's voice in your head
[21:54] <SotDX> "Be prepared for anything, brothers."
[21:54] * Variel scans the ground and sky ahead for any sign of the DS
[21:55] <SotDX> You do not see anything yet
[21:55] <SotDX> the clouds are thicker here
[21:55] <SotDX> the sun is still in the sky
[21:55] <SotDX> but in the thin air
[21:55] <SotDX> it is mostly blotted out
[21:55] <SotDX> the clouds seem almost to darken as you gain altitude
[21:56] * Variel in Tarsiel's head "Are the others going to meet us?"
[21:56] <SotDX> Faliel shouts to you over the wind: "The air is thinner up this high!"
[21:56] <SotDX> Tarsiel: "Not for some time... perhaps hours..."
[21:56] <SotDX> Brastiel shouts and points in the distance
[21:57] <SotDX> With your keen eyes you see the remains of a wagon on a distant hill
[21:57] <SotDX> it is only rubble and junk
[21:57] <SotDX> Tarsiel leads the group over to it
[21:57] <SotDX> flying on the strong winds
[21:57] <SotDX> Jociel:"Do you see any survivors?" (directed at you)
[21:58] * Variel scans the ground and looks for any sign of life or where anyone may have run. She shakes her head.
[21:58] <SotDX> You see the ground looks almost raked or disturbed some distance from the carriage rubble
[21:58] <SotDX> almost as something dragged along the ground
[21:58] <SotDX> for a good twenty feet?
[21:59] * Variel follows the trail
[21:59] <SotDX> You fly off from the others a short distance
[21:59] <SotDX> Do you land?
[21:59] * Variel lands examining the tracks
[21:59] <SotDX> Its strange looking
[22:00] <SotDX> almost as if some great wide rake has come down and dragged the ground for a good twenty feet?
[22:00] <SotDX> You see a buckle on the ground to the right of you
[22:00] * Variel picks up the buckle
[22:00] <SotDX> Tarsiel (in your head):"Did you find anything?"
[22:00] <SotDX> The buckle glints in the faint sunlight
[22:01] <Variel> (in Tarsiel's head) no, just these odd tracks, whatever made them is huge.
[22:01] <SotDX> Then a shadow falls over the hill 100 feet ahead of you
[22:01] <Variel> Perhaps the tracks are made by large claws?
[22:01] <SotDX> a LARGE shadow
[22:01] * Variel looks up
[22:02] <SotDX> You see something in the clouds above
[22:02] <SotDX> a shadow of a long bulk
[22:02] <SotDX> with long wings at its sides
[22:02] * Variel shouts "Look above you"
[22:02] <SotDX> Tarsiel (in your head):"Did you say something? Hard to hear you over the wind!"
[22:02] * Variel takes to the air and make her bow ready
[22:03] <Variel> (in his head) Look above you to the top of the hill!
[22:03] <SotDX> The large bulk seems to move slowly in the clouds
[22:03] <SotDX> ![[Tarsiel]](/classic/img/moin-inter.png){kind=small}
(head)"I see it!"
[22:04] <SotDX> The bulk seems to stop moving
[22:04] <SotDX> as if hanging in the clouds
[22:04] <SotDX> just a shadow of a beast
[22:04] <SotDX> what do you do?
[22:04] * Variel waits bow taught and ready for Tarsiel's orders
[22:05] <SotDX> Tarsiel: (head) "Gather together in formation, fly to Variel's side"
[22:05] <SotDX> How far off the ground are you?
[22:05] <Variel> (About 75 feet but gaining in altitude)
[22:06] <SotDX> At once the winged thing breaks the clouds and starts to descend at a speed that makes it but a blur
[22:06] <SotDX> before it did not move
[22:06] <SotDX> now it moves as a thing of pure speed
[22:06] <SotDX> it descends
[22:06] <SotDX> directly at you
[22:06] <SotDX> its mouth and endless array of teeth
[22:06] * Variel tries to dodge out of the way
[22:07] <SotDX> You move out of its way, but are buffeted by the incredible winds as it passes
[22:07] <SotDX> and are nearly thrown to the ground
[22:07] <SotDX> blasted out of the sky
[22:07] <SotDX> you land on the rocks breaking your fall with the strength of your wings
[22:07] <SotDX> what now?
[22:08] * Variel regathers herself and takes to the air again (Has it gone further downslope since I imagine it passed me?)
[22:08] <SotDX> So you fly before you look around?
[22:08] * Variel looks around first to see where it is.
[22:09] <SotDX> You are turned around at first, finding yourself looking in the wrong direction
[22:09] <SotDX> you were blown out of the sky with such great force you had gotten confused
[22:09] <SotDX> you see it now
[22:09] <SotDX> it is in the air
[22:09] <SotDX> to the east
[22:09] <SotDX> it is massive
[22:09] <SotDX> the length of it
[22:10] <SotDX> it must be 100 feet long!
[22:10] <SotDX> the wings spread out so incredibly far
[22:10] <SotDX> and the others...
[22:10] <SotDX> you can see the flaming sword of Brastiel
[22:10] <SotDX> and the white wings of your other brothers
[22:10] <SotDX> You see Jociel on the ground
[22:10] <SotDX> and the beast turns
[22:10] <SotDX> and before your eyes descends at her
[22:10] <SotDX> its mouth raking the ground before it
[22:11] <SotDX> it devours her
[22:11] <SotDX> and takes back into the air
[22:11] * Variel flies at the beast
[22:11] <SotDX> You, like an insect before its great size
[22:11] <SotDX> fly toward it
[22:11] <SotDX> dwarfed before it
[22:12] * Variel lets lose an arrow at it
[22:12] <SotDX> where did you aim?
[22:13] <Variel> (near the head if possible)
[22:13] <SotDX> The air flies forth with the reassuring thum of your bow
[22:13] <SotDX> but the realization that Jociel is absent from her last perch is numbing you
[22:13] <SotDX> there is only freshly raked earth where she had stood
[22:14] * Variel knocks another arrow in her bow trying to get the image of Jociel out of her head.
[22:14] <SotDX> Tarsiel:"Do not let it take another of us! Fight!"
[22:14] * Variel tries to aim for an eye or other tender bit.
[22:14] <SotDX> You aim at it but it is moving fast, even for its size
[22:15] <SotDX> the bulk of it crashing through the air
[22:15] <SotDX> One massive wing hits Faliel and she falls from the sky
[22:15] * Variel lets loose the arrow and tries to go after Faliel
[22:16] <SotDX> You hear a massive roar above you as you descend, trying to find Faliel and catch her before she hits hard earth
[22:16] <SotDX> The roar stings your ears!
[22:16] <SotDX> it seems the very rock reflects up the horrible bellow of the beast
[22:16] <SotDX> You search for Faliel
[22:16] <SotDX> and you find her
[22:16] <SotDX> plummeting
[22:17] <SotDX> she is falling unconscious and bloody
[22:17] <SotDX> to the hard rock below
[22:17] <SotDX> she is so far below you already
[22:17] * Variel free falls trying to catch up
[ with her
[22:17] <SotDX> You recall the first day of flying
[22:17] <SotDX> can you save another today from the same fate?
[22:17] <SotDX> You fix your sight on Faliel
[22:17] <SotDX> focusing on reaching her
[22:18] <SotDX> before she reaches the approaching rock
[22:18] <SotDX> if you do not reach her
[22:18] <SotDX> she will surely die in the impact
[22:18] <SotDX> You reach out
[22:18] <SotDX> stretching
[22:18] <SotDX> and grab hold of her tunic
[22:18] <SotDX> you reached her!
[22:18] <SotDX> Do you fly up?
[22:19] * Variel unfurls her wings and swoops up with Falliel
[22:19] <SotDX> Faliel looks at you, her face bloody... "Var..."
[22:19] * Variel smiles down at Faliel "Yeah I got you."
[22:20] <SotDX> Then you hear the warning (to late): Tarsiel: "VARIEL!!! ABOVE YOU!"
[22:20] <SotDX> But as you look up
[22:20] <SotDX> it is too late
[22:20] <SotDX> the beast has rounded on you
[22:20] <SotDX> you who wounded it
[22:20] <SotDX> with an arrow in its face
[22:20] <SotDX> it opens it massive mouth
[22:20] <SotDX> and the many fangs bear down on you
[22:20] <SotDX> the teeth like massive stones
[22:20] <SotDX> the mouth a hole into another world of pure horror
[22:20] * Variel tries to dodge clumsily out of the way
[22:21] <SotDX> You do not go into its mouth
[22:21] <SotDX> That fate is not yours
[22:21] <SotDX> but you do not miss the fate of sharp teeth
[22:21] <SotDX> you feel a terrible agony as one of the outer row of sharp terrors rip you in two
[22:21] <SotDX> slicing you from bottom to top at such speed that it happens without even a sound
[22:22] <SotDX> the agony blinds you
[22:22] <SotDX> and it is only a moment later as you start to fall, unable to move your wings
[22:22] <SotDX> that you realize that Faliel is no longer in your hands
[22:22] <SotDX> she is gone
[22:22] <SotDX> taken from you
[22:22] <SotDX> in the gullet of the beast
[22:22] <SotDX> you fall
[22:22] <SotDX> screaming
[22:23] <SotDX> all goes black
[22:23] <SotDX> in the world of pain you have entered
[22:23] <SotDX> the world spinning
[22:23] <SotDX> the strange wet warmth all over you
[22:23] <SotDX> the cold in your heart
[22:23] <SotDX> Somewhere, very far away
[22:23] <SotDX> you hear voices that concern you, but only distantly
[22:23] <SotDX> You might have known them once
[22:23] <SotDX> they might have been the voices of your Fellowship
[22:24] <SotDX> But not now
[22:24] <SotDX> now they are strangers
[22:24] <SotDX> A man's voice shouting in fury
[22:24] <SotDX> Another in despair
[22:24] <SotDX> The sound of death and destruction coming to those who courted lives of danger
[22:24] <SotDX> The invincible have fallen
[22:24] <SotDX> You open your eyes for a moment
[22:25] <SotDX> and see red everywhere
[22:25] <SotDX> the snow is crimson
[22:25] <SotDX> you are open
[22:25] <SotDX> the secrets of your body on display to the unfeeling sky
[22:25] <SotDX> The shadow flies over you
[22:25] <SotDX> its work all but done
[22:25] <SotDX> you are what is left
[22:25] <SotDX> You are the only still breathing
[22:25] <SotDX> but does it descend?
[22:25] <SotDX> Does it’s maw open one last time to drink in a final meal?
[22:25] <SotDX> No...
[22:25] <SotDX> it turns,
[22:26] <SotDX> and flies
[22:26] <SotDX> giving you one final roar
[22:26] <SotDX> that sends the world spinning again
[22:26] <SotDX> as you choke in your own fluids
[22:26] <SotDX> the blackness comes
[22:26] <SotDX> to replace the red
[22:27] <SotDX> You are in a quiet place
[22:27] <SotDX> a place of green
[22:27] <SotDX> and white
[22:27] <SotDX> and blue
[22:27] <SotDX> There are birds in the sky
[22:27] <SotDX> the trees are blossoming
[22:27] <SotDX> there is a white fluff in the air
[22:27] <SotDX> its speaks of spring
[22:28] <SotDX> and the times of fresh life to come
[22:28] <SotDX> You are alive and vital
[22:28] <SotDX> There are stones
[22:28] <SotDX> strange standing stones
[22:28] <SotDX> the rise as if fingers
[22:28] <SotDX> of a hand buried in the earth
[22:28] <SotDX> A voice speaks in the rustle of the branches
[22:28] <SotDX> A light of forgotten hope
[22:29] <SotDX> The presence of an Archangel remembered
[22:29] <SotDX> Uriel speaks to you
[22:29] <SotDX> and you listen
[22:29] <SotDX> Words flow as a river in the sky
[22:29] <SotDX> "Child of mine
[22:29] <SotDX> Engel of my cause
[22:29] <SotDX> Warrior of my banner
[22:29] <SotDX> You will travel across the seas
[22:29] <SotDX> You will seek answers in these trees
[22:30] <SotDX> You must find the rocks that bleed
[22:30] <SotDX> They will entrust you with a sacred mission
[22:30] <SotDX> It may end you
[22:30] <SotDX> But you will have to choose a path
[22:30] <SotDX> When you are there
[22:30] <SotDX> You will know the answers
[22:30] <SotDX> Seek the wisdom of Teshia
[22:31] <SotDX> And hold strong to your faith
[22:31] <SotDX> The Handmaidens are wise,
[22:31] <SotDX> but even in great wisdom there can be lies.
[22:31] <SotDX> You will have to learn for yourself...
[22:31] <SotDX> Who is the savage?
[22:31] <SotDX> "
[22:31] <SotDX> The light begins to fade
[22:31] <SotDX> and the birds scatter to the air
[22:32] <SotDX> And an image of destruction intrudes on the peace
[22:32] <SotDX> You see towers of burning destruction
[22:32] <SotDX> Infernos long forestalled
[22:32] <SotDX> they come
[22:32] <SotDX> Dreamseed spurned
[22:32] <SotDX> spurned no longer
[22:32] <SotDX> The tides of that which was held back
[22:33] <SotDX> Free to loose their rage on man
[22:33] <SotDX> and woman
[22:33] <SotDX> Then the blue
[22:33] <SotDX> and green
[22:33] <SotDX> and white
[22:33] <SotDX> begins to fade
[22:33] <SotDX> the stones run red
[22:33] <SotDX> crimson replacing the peace
[22:33] <SotDX> of a stolen dream of beauty
[22:33] <SotDX> in a distant land
[22:34] <SotDX> Would you undo the beauty of a place protected by man?
[22:34] <SotDX> And then at last
[22:34] <SotDX> you open your eyes
[22:34] <SotDX> it is cold
[22:34] <SotDX> so cold
[22:34] <SotDX> and you hurt
[22:34] <SotDX> you ache
[22:34] <SotDX> you would scream but you can not
[22:34] <SotDX> A face hangs over you
[22:34] <SotDX> with worried eyes
[22:34] <SotDX> blood stains his robes
[22:34] <SotDX> but he is not wounded
[22:34] <SotDX> the blood is yours
[22:35] <SotDX> and the blood of all you once was
[22:35] <SotDX> "Do not move. I am Nosfriel. I will help you. Do not try to speak."
[22:35] <SotDX> He smiles, but there is pain in his eyes.
[22:35] <SotDX> The pain is for you... and all that you have lost in these mountains of sorrow.
[22:35] <SotDX> Then, again, you fall unconscious
[22:36] <SotDX> wishing for death
[22:36] <SotDX> as the pain overtakes you
[22:38] <SotDX> You open your eyes
[22:38] <SotDX> there is a bright light overhead
[22:38] <SotDX> it hurts
[22:38] <SotDX> you close your eyes in reaction
[22:38] <SotDX> you are in a bed
[22:38] <SotDX> in...
[22:38] <SotDX> you think a Himmel?
[22:38] <SotDX> You are confused?
[22:38] <SotDX> What has happened?
[22:38] <SotDX> Where are you Fellows?
[22:39] <SotDX> (you have no memory of what happened... yet)
[22:39] <SotDX> what do you do?
[22:39] * Variel tries to open her eyes again
[22:39] <SotDX> You are definitely in a Himmel
[22:39] <SotDX> in a Hospital ward
[22:39] <SotDX> other Engel are around you in beds
[22:39] <SotDX> some wounded
[22:39] <SotDX> You hurt
[22:39] <SotDX> your chest is very sore
[22:40] <SotDX> what happened?
[22:40] * Variel tries to sit up
[22:40] <SotDX> There is a great pain that flares up in your torso and abdomen
[22:40] <SotDX> You grimace and groan
[22:40] <SotDX> A voice to the right of you shouts out
[22:40] <SotDX> "I wouldn't do that if I were you."
[22:41] * Variel lays back down and looks in the direction of the voice
[22:41] <SotDX> A Michaelite that looks familiar is sitting up in his bed with his arm somewhat bandaged.
[22:41] <SotDX> "You were pretty messed up when they brought you in."
[22:42] * Variel is trying to recall where she had seen the Michaelite before, she is a bit foggy headed
[22:42] <SotDX> "Do you not remember me?"
[22:42] <SotDX> He seems amused a little, but also pretty somber
[22:42] * Variel closes her eyes and tries to remember
[22:43] <SotDX> His name comes to you... Ambriel... but more importantly, you want to know whether your brothers are!
[22:43] <SotDX> Ambriel rubs at his arm dejectedly.
[22:44] <Variel> "You are Ambriel... I remember that, but I can't remember...where are my brothers-Brastiel, Faliel, Jociel,
[22:44] <Variel> ... Tarsiel"
[22:44] <SotDX> Ambriel's face grows dark.
[22:44] <SotDX> "You do not remember what happened to you."
[22:45] * Variel shakes her head, but her head starts to ache "No"
[22:45] <SotDX> Ambriel nods, and swallows.
[22:45] <SotDX> "You were pretty badly hurt. If that Raphaelite over there... Nosfriel I think his name is... if he hadn't found you and been so gifted at healing...
[22:46] <SotDX> Well, you wouldn't be hear talking right now."
[22:46] <Variel> "Where am I...what happened to my brothers?"
[22:46] <SotDX> Ambriel nods, and stands up. He approaches closer and places his hand on your shoulder to calm you.
[22:47] <SotDX> "Shhh. Its ok. Just take it easy. I will tell you what happened."
[22:47] <SotDX> He looks left and right, thinking, and then continues.
[22:47] <SotDX> "I believe you were in a rough fight with a powerful Dreamseed. From what I understand your Fellowship tried its best to fight the beast out of the sky.
[22:48] <SotDX> Still, it was something of more power than any of you expected. You were alone...
[22:48] <SotDX> And...
[22:48] <SotDX> "
[22:48] <SotDX> (then it all comes back to you)
[22:48] <SotDX> (the images of your brothers and sisters)
[22:48] <SotDX> (crimson)
[22:48] <SotDX> (the roar of the beast)
[22:48] <SotDX> (the empty places in your heart where they once lived next to you)
[22:48] <SotDX> (A Fellowship shattered)
[22:48] * Variel closes her eyes "no...no they can't be..."
[22:49] <SotDX> You realize Ambriel is now holding both your shoulders trying to calm you
[22:49] <SotDX> Nosfriel approaches as well
[22:49] <SotDX> Nosfriel:"Variel, you need to rest."
[22:49] * Variel is crying, but not trying to show it
[22:50] <SotDX> Nosfriel leans close to you
[22:50] <SotDX> Nos:"Sister, you did your best. You fought bravely. It was a dark day there on the mountains, but they died as they lived."
[22:50] <SotDX> His voice is like a soft comfort
[22:50] <SotDX> Warm, and embracing
[22:50] <SotDX> He smells of sunshine and warmth
[22:51] * Variel sits up and screams "No they can't be gone...not all of them."
[22:52] <SotDX> Engel around the room turn
[22:52] <SotDX> feeling the pain in your cries
[22:52] <SotDX> crimson spreads across your tunic
[22:52] <SotDX> wounds reopened in your cries
[22:52] <SotDX> Nos pushes you back down "Quiet, now... you are tearing yourself back open..."
[22:52] * Variel ignores the pain for it does not equal what is in her heart
[22:53] <SotDX> Ambriel steps away, the pain too familiar
[22:53] <SotDX> Nosfriel holds you close, rocking you back and forth in his arms
[22:53] <SotDX> "I know... child... I know..."
[22:53] * Variel is too exhausted to struggle to fight
[22:53] <SotDX> You lose yourself in the agony and the loss
[22:54] <SotDX> your heart aching worse than your wounds
[22:54] <SotDX> it is not only blood that spills from your reopened wounds
[22:54] * Variel "Oh Tarsiel you were right... you saw it coming"
[22:54] <SotDX> but the heart’s blood of your fallen brothers
[22:54] <SotDX> It is not in one day that you relearn to stand
[22:54] <SotDX> but in many
[22:54] <SotDX> with Nosfriel at your side
[22:55] <SotDX> actually standing is nothing before the pain you have to overcome inside
[22:55] <SotDX> of the loss
[22:55] <SotDX> the destruction
[22:55] <SotDX> the desolation
[22:55] <SotDX> But slowly,
[22:55] <SotDX> with his warmth
[22:55] <SotDX> for he has not only saved you on a mountain top
[22:55] <SotDX> he helps you
[22:55] <SotDX> the weeks pass
[22:55] <SotDX> and you find yourself in Roma after all
[22:56] <SotDX> taken all the way here to Michael's lands
[22:56] <SotDX> little Faliel was right after all
[22:56] <SotDX> just only you made it
[22:56] <SotDX> alone
[22:56] <SotDX> but not alone
[22:56] <SotDX> Nosfriel helps you to learn that they live on
[22:56] <SotDX> in you
[22:56] <SotDX> in your memory
[22:56] <SotDX> and in your actions
[22:56] <SotDX> It is not easy to learn to live
[22:57] <SotDX> but when the dark comes
[22:57] <SotDX> and you despair
[22:57] <SotDX> you remember the words of an Archangel
[22:57] <SotDX> of the answers in the trees
[22:57] <SotDX> and the stones that bleed
[22:57] <SotDX> Finally...
[22:57] <SotDX> it is the fact that you are strong
[22:57] <SotDX> you are Variel of the Wind
[22:57] <SotDX> You will not be bested by this
[22:57] <SotDX> you will not let yourself give in to despair
[22:58] <SotDX> In the memory of those who have fallen
[22:58] <SotDX> you will walk
[22:58] <SotDX> fly
[22:58] <SotDX> and fight
[22:58] <SotDX>
