[NOTICE ] Takeko - Part Two (Teigra)

[Guardian_Iris]

An angry little Avalon fairy, with tiny bag and large rolled scroll, flew low to the ground as he approached Kekomura. "Stupid Steve .... stupid bet ..." he mumbled quietly to himself as he flew through the quiet hamlet. Upon finding his destination, he stopped to rest a bit before he tried to affix the scroll to the door of the village founder. Frustrated when he did try, he just dropped it and flew away.

Takeko would find a scroll with an odd pearlescent dusting, sealed with a little twine on her doorstep. It is addressed to her.

Quote:

Dearest Daughter of the Land

I hope this letter finds you and your family well and happy. I realize you are busy building and leading an important home for many of my childen, but I require your assistance. You are the only pae on the island that can not only perform this task, but that I trust to perform this task.

Meet me at the Western edge of the Fae Clearing, near the Rainbow Rock.

Love Always
~Mother

The goal for Takeko at this point is to simply go to the rock. Rainbow Rock is a strange formation - a stacking of many flat stones, in a rainbow pattern - that is new. It is on the most western point of the edge of the clearing, exactly between the most southern and northern points of the clearing.

Takeko has the option to refuse the call, without any repercussion.

Teigra

 

[Teigra]

Rolling her shoulders and resettling one of her wings against her back, the village matriarch was returning home early in the evening after a fairly productive day. Having made her rounds and dealt with some of the pending village issues earlier than she'd anticipated, Takeko was looking forward to rewarding herself with a quiet evening at home, perhaps a nice cup of tea in front of the fire...

The sight of the rolled parchment left on her front porch told her intuition that her peaceful, relaxing evening was not likely to be.

There was nothing in particular about the scroll that would cause dread. Once in a while, she did receive an order for some health tonics and potions in that manner. No, somehow, she knew it wasn't an request for her services. Taking a deep breath, she picked up the scroll (and blinked in confusion at the shimmery dust it left on her fingertips), then unrolled it to read. Well, it seemed she was partly wrong. It was a request for her services, just...not necessarily the medicine-making kind.

Not that the request was clear at all on what was expected of her.

The letter, short as it was, had sparked a number of thoughts and responses in the angel's mind. In sorting through them, there was some amusement in the one that floated to the surface first.

And I'd so been looking forward to that tea.

Takeko began re-reading the note somberly, paying note to some interesting details. Daughter of the Land? It was an interesting way to address her, and after a moment, she had to admit it was fitting in a way. It would have been easy to dismiss the letter as having been for someone else without her name, but it had been specifically delivered to her doorstep. One had to trek through the rest of the village for that and it could have been left anywhere else if not meant for her. No, it was not that easily dismissed.

It was clear that the letter meant her. After asking about her family's well-being, it went on referring to the village she'd helped cultivate, but there was something about the way it was said. '...an important home for many of my children...' Takeko's eyes flicked down to the bottom of the note to verify...yes, again signed by 'Mother'. The moniker meant no more to her now than it had the first time she'd received one of these such letters. Who was this 'Mother' that kept sending her these notes? She seemed familiar with Takeko and her family, but the angel could make no guesses to her identity.

Yet, despite this familiarity, she asked Takeko to come to the Fae Clearing. The mere mention of the Clearing created a phantom ache in the angel's chest. Clearly this 'Mother' person had no idea about Xiulan or what had happened to her. Takeko had been back many times since Xiulan was taken from her, but there were no signs or clues that led her back to her stolen daughter. The entire family had tried to help, searching the isle and asking others in their travels if they might have seen the girl, but still nothing. Every night, Takeko sent up prayers to the Guardians that wherever she may be now, that her little girl was safe and happy. It was all she had left that she could do.

But no, this letter wasn't connected to Xiulan. 'Mother' had never had any communication regarding her before. Takeko's memory traveled back to the first letter she'd received that had sent her to the Clearing on a task. With a tense expression, she thought of the roots she'd retrieved. She still had yet to find a way to separate the hazia root from the mandrakes. The dangerous things had been stored in an underground cellar at the back of her house where no one but Takeko was allowed to enter. She would go there sometimes with the little silver knife and the mysterious parchment with the scribbles on it. No matter how she stared or pondered though, enlightenment would not come to her as to what she was supposed to do.

She'd not even successfully finished the first task she'd been given and this stranger was trusting her with another? A task of monumental importance from the sound of it? She'd almost screwed up the first time! Someone could have been seriously hurt, aside from herself. She'd have never forgiven herself if someone had paid for her mistakes. The constant concern about the mandrakes in storage was wearying enough.

Takeko's hands shook as she rolled the parchment back up. An unseen weight had settled on her shoulders and suddenly she felt unbelievably exhausted. She didn't need this. She had enough worries. Enough responsibilities. She was just one woman; one simple woman who wanted to live in peace. She wasn't looking for grand adventures, thanks. The angel dropped the parchment on the porch and went inside, closing the door behind her without a glance back.

*****

Drawing water from an urn, Takeko set the pot on the stove, then started looking for her flint to start a fire. There was that nice new herbal blend she'd attempted to make herself...but also the orange blossom she'd gotten on her last trip up to the City. Either tea might be nice this evening. In searching for the flint, she reached to move a green marble mortar and pestle aside and paused. She adopted a pensive look, then frowned pushing it out of the way to get the flint. Her hurried movement disrupted the cabinet contents and a couple of items tumbled out and onto the counter below. The leather pouch containing her finest instruments flopped onto the counter top, opening in the process. The silver knife, so fine and ornate, tumbled free and spun slowly on the counter before stopping, blade pointing towards the nearby angel.

Takeko froze, staring for a minute, then composed herself to start cleaning up the mess she'd made in her haste.

'You are the only Pae on the island that can not only perform this task...'

Grumbling uncharacteristically, Takeko repacked the pouch and shoved the little knife out of sight. Back into the cabinet it went and the door was shut.

'....but that I trust to perform this task.'

With a sigh, Takeko stared down at the flint in her hands, the water in the pot ready to boil for tea.

*****

The front door to Takeko's home opened and the angel emerged, bending to pick up the scroll and put it in the travel satchel at her side. It went into a separate pouch from the apple and pear she'd brought to eat on the way. If she wasn't getting a proper dinner first, or even tea, she was at least going to have something before this new adventure began.

What are you doing, you silly woman? she questioned herself again. You're not a young thing, ready to dart here and there about the isle on a whim, going on nothing other than a strange note from a stranger person. It was logical, really, she had other responsibilities. Who knew what this person really wanted anyway? It was foolish to run off with no idea what she was going into. Without taking someone with her. She'd left a note on the counter in the kitchen if any of her family came looking for her this evening, but it said nothing more than she was going out for the evening to the Clearing and would be back later.

At least, perhaps if something happened, someone would come looking for her. Eventually.

Cheery thought.

She couldn't ignore the summon any longer, despite how she tried. The implied serious nature of the problem, the fact that the letter said that only she could help...that she was the only one trusted to help...weighed heavily on Takeko's mind. She couldn't shake the weight of responsibility that had settled on her shoulders. If something was wrong, something that she could take action to prevent harm coming to another, and she chose inaction? She'd never forgive herself.

Guardians, let me be making the right decision. Protect this foolish old woman in her folly.

The silent prayer sent up, Takeko stepped away from her home and glanced around Kekomura. Seeing no one in the vicinity, she took to the skies.

*****

The Clearing neared below and Takeko circled the area before she started to descend. She hadn't understood the reference to Rainbow Rock in the letter, but she decided she could head to the western edge of the Clearing and figure it out from there. Was someone waiting to meet her? The letter had asked her to meet here. Would she finally discover who this mysterious 'Mother' was? Or was it someone else who would meet her here? For the first time, it occurred to her, perhaps the letter hadn't come from the same person...maybe there was no 'Mother', maybe this was all a trap...

...for what? An old lady? Takeko reprimanded herself for letting her imagination run away from her for a moment. Silly. Still, someone was wanting to meet her here. The Clearing below sparked a memory from her previous task, one she'd nearly forgotten.

A flash of leaves.

Silky green hair.

Brilliant deep blue eyes.

Who...who was that? No, that was part of the hallucination before...wasn't it? The memory was entwined with those of the shrieking mandrake babies, rigid cords wrapped around her arms, dragging her into the earth. None of it had been real. No, it had all been hallucinations caused by the hazia roots. Right?

Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, the angel angled her wings for descent, spiraling downwards, aiming for the western edge of the Clearing. She landed lightly, taking a few steps while staring ahead at the rocks.

That...was new.
 

[Guardian_Iris]

[ On each stacked rock there is obvious scratches and symbols with some sort of archaic letters. They're not decipherable by most pae.

There are also a few key items nicely arranged on the edge of the purple rock at the bottom. There is a poncho woven with natural fibers, but fibers that might not be recognizable to the flora expert. There is a pattern woven into the poncho. Maybe it is a familiar setting. A lilac tree with silver leaves and butterflies fluttering away to scatter across the entire poncho. On the back, with arms raised towards the butterflies is a small depiction of a pae. Not a particularly elaborate pae, just one with green hair and leaves scattering across the bottom. Someone had spent a lot of time weaving such a beautiful fabric.

On top of the folded poncho is a set of fur-lined mittens.

Set next to the poncho is a pair of ordinary fur-lined boots.

As the North Wind had retreated back up the mountain, the island is warming up. Most snow has melted and the island has felt comfortable temperatures. ]

Teigra

(( [ If the angel gets close enough to the rainbow pillar, a signal will be sent, picked up by only two pae. ]))

Irish Night Fox

For now, only alerted so you can pay attention to key details.

Antidia

For now, only alerted so you can pay attention to key details.

 

[Teigra]

Tearing her eyes away from the rainbow rocks, Takeko checked her surroundings once more. She didn't see anyone waiting to meet her. Then again, the summons had been a letter left on her doorstep. Who knew how long it had been there? Perhaps they'd gotten tired of waiting and left? Maybe they weren't here yet? Hard to say.

She'd come all this way; she could wait a while and see if anyone showed up. In the meantime, she stepped nearer to the rainbow rocks, circling to look at them on all sides. She'd never noticed these here before. Could someone have put them here recently? If so, why? What was it supposed to be? As she got closer, she noticed each of the rocks had some sorts of designs scratched in them. Words? No...at least not any sort of words she'd seen before. As she returned to the side closest to the Clearing, her attention was drawn to the warm-weather gear lying on the purple stone at the bottom of the pile. Who would have left their clothes...? Granted, it was a bit warm here for such things, she'd imagine. But why leave them here?

She looked around again, still not seeing anyone. Perhaps they had been here and left already...but if they had left their boots and things, then maybe that meant they were coming back to try again. Guess she'd just wait in that case.

Takeko set her travel satchel down in the grass and knelt to take a seat next to the pile of rocks. For a bit, she scanned the area, but while lovely scenery, there didn't seem to be much activity aside from herself. If only to preoccupy herself, she glanced towards the neatly folded garment nearby, noting hints of a fascinating pattern spread across the cloth. What was that? Curiosity taking hold, she gently set the mittens to the side so she could get a better look. Hopefully the owner wouldn't mind her just taking a glance.

Holding the poncho at the edges so that it unfolded and she could see the design on the front, Takeko had to admire the craftsmanship of the garment, though she was unsure exactly what it was made of. The tree sparked a feeling of familiarity and Takeko's eyes followed the butterfly pattern, intrigued to see that it traveled around the back of the garment as well. Turning it around, she nearly dropped the poncho with a sharp inhale of breath. It wasn't a detailed image, but the green-haired Pae'il-like figure with leaves swirled about the bottom struck a cord in her memory.

Silken hair...swirling leaves...panic and fear giving way to calming whispers...

Takeko shook her head, dissipating the remembered hallucinations. What...what did it mean? Suddenly feeling self-conscious as if about to be caught doing something she ought not do, she hurriedly, but carefully, re-folded the poncho to return it to the stone alongside the boots and mittens. Returning her hands to herself, she clutched one knee and resumed her sentry duty as it were.

Now she knew what it was. Those trees...they reminded her of the little saplings she'd found here the first time 'Mother' had sent her on a mission. She'd always meant to come back and study them further, but so many things had happened. Could it be related? What ever had happened to those saplings? The thoughts served well to keep her mind occupied while she kept watch for 'Mother'.
 

[Guardian_Iris]

A chilly wind flowed up from the south, whispering 'Takeko' softly in the breeze.

~~MEANWHILE~~

As Vanya, the Seer, and member of the Inner Circle of the Faun, retires for the night, she will feel a slight tug in the back of her mind, like her subconscious is trying to recall a thought.

And there it is. "Please protect my babies."

A small knock on her door follows, and the sound of a young female faun on the other side says, "Miss Vanya, I have a letter for you."

Teigra

And now Vanya becomes involved bwahahaha

 

[Teigra]

Her attention having waned for a moment, Takeko jumped at hearing her name from the south. The wind picked up and the chill sent shivers down her spine, causing her to ruffle her feathered wings for warmth. She turned to look, but there was no one there. She hesitated for a moment, then decided she might as well call out; it wasn't as if she was sneaking around or hiding out here.

"Hello? Is someone there?"

She tried not to let her voice sound as nervous as she felt.

*****

The evening meal sitting pleasantly on her stomach, the Faun Seer had retired to her quarters for the night. Her quarters this time, not the Sanctuary. Baby steps, Vanya. Baby steps. You got this.

Currently, she was engaged in some basic meditation before bed. Helped to wind down the mind and aid in getting to sleep without certain aids. She'd gotten too reliant on those methods and was seeking alternatives with mixed success. The meditation also served to calm her nerves, set on edge from attending the community meal. She was proud of herself, she'd made it through the meal without attempting to hurry or at least actively deterring anyone from interacting with her. She'd not said much, granted, mostly listened, but that was fine. Progress was progress.

She still felt some lingering anxiety, however, just at the back of her mind. It wasn't like the usual panic though, it was...something nagging, like she'd forgotten something. What was it? Clear your mind, Vanya, it will come to you. The meditation was helping and after a moment, she felt the thought rise to the surface.

"Please protect my babies."

Wait, what? That had sounded....felt like...

Vanya lost her train of thought when someone knocked on her door. Who would that be at this time of night? Not that she wasn't supposed to be available whenever someone might require help, but it was a little odd. Ah well, she was trying to get back to some sense of normalcy. If that meant helping some poor Faun late in the evening, well, so be it.

"Miss Vanya, I have a letter for you."

Oh...or it could be that. Also odd, but perhaps something simple that wouldn't disrupt her routine in prepping for bed too much. Standing, the Seer crossed to the door. She paused, taking a deep breath and opened it while adopting a pleasant smile, her focus on the calm, glowing green aura of the young faun on the other side. "Thank you, dear. I suppose you'll have to read it to me though. Please, come in."

Guardian_Iris

Omg what is even happening

 

[Guardian_Iris]

~~ We Will Return to Takeko Later~~

The little faun girl unfolded the letter, expecting some sort of silly Hearts and Hooves invitation because that was coming up soon.

"*Ahem* it says, "Dearest Daughter of the Earth, I need your help. Just follow my light."" the little faun continued on, "It's signed Mother"

The little faun girl looked around for someone with a torch or lightning bug. This was a weird letter. But then again, the Seer can be weird.

[ Vanya will "see" a light hovering around that will lead her to the edge of the fae clearing, near the south-western outer edge. How she interprets this or if she even goes, is up to her. ]

Teigra

 

[Teigra]

Whatever Vanya had been expecting, it hadn't been what the young lady read aloud. She looked as puzzled as the girl must have for a moment, then frowned to herself. Follow a light? How? Did someone have no idea who they just sent this letter to? And besides, who was 'Mother'?

Wait...Mother? Could it be? Earthmoth--

Before she could complete the thought, the girl's aura was joined by a smaller, brilliant light that darted into the Seer's 'view' and towards her face. In alarm, Vanya leaned back, fixated on a point that the girl could not see. She assumed it was the girl's Mellon, but...it wasn't quite right for that...

Meanwhile, the girl's aura rippled with a myriad of colors; a reaction Vanya had learned to associate with confusion. Not her Mellon then...? After a few moments of awkward silence, she realized the girl had nothing else to offer and was likely wondering what in the Tree the blind Seer was 'staring' at. Vanya cleared her throat and replied, "Oh. Well, um...thank you, dear. If that's all, you're free to go. Enjoy your evening." She sounded distracted, her attention fixated on the strange light that continued to bounce and dart about before her face. Apparently, her assumption was true, as the messenger bid her a good evening in return and the sound of retreating hooves accompanied the fading of the aura back down the ramp towards the ground floor.

Biting her lip gently, Vanya stepped back and moved to shut the door, attempting to catch the light on the other side. No such luck. The light zipped into the room with her and continued to flit about in front of her face. Sighing, Vanya said aloud, "Veryan?"

Having heard his name, her Mellon looked up at his bonded from his reclined position on a high shelf. "Yes?"

"Tell me, what exactly is this buzzing about in my face?" Vanya was barely resisting the urge to reach up and attempt to grab...whatever it was.

There was a long silence before Veryan answered. "...what is...what?"

More silence.

The Mellon spoke again. "Is it a bug? I mean, we can catch it and toss it out if it's bothering you, but it must be a little one, cause I don't see anything."

Vanya frowned as the light lowered, almost landing on her nose. "You don't see anything? Nothing? It's practically on my face."

Veryan started to look worried. "You feeling okay, Vanya? I told you those apples were a little far gone to--"

The Seer was about to snap at her Mellon when the light started making a high-pitched jingling sound as it resumed bouncing in the air, almost as if someone were shaking a bell vigorously. Her ears laid back reflexively and she groaned. "Oh, wonderful, it makes noise too. Let me guess, you don't hear it either?"

The Mellon had put his hands over his ears and appeared greatly alarmed. "I can't see it, but I can certainly hear it! What the heck is it?"

"I have no idea." Frowning again, Vanya followed her earlier urge and reached up to attempt to touch the light. Nothing. It was light and sound alone, it seemed. Well, a light only visible by the blind Seer. Was it a spirit? But, they weren't in the spirit realm right now, so how...?

"What was that about at the door? Someone needs your help? This thing is connected I guess? If you do what it wants, will it shut up?" The Mellon was clearly not in the best mood with the noisy thing moving in.

Not fully understanding the odd situation put Vanya at odds. She was duty bound to help the Tree's residents when they needed it. However, this was a highly unorthodox way of asking for help. She wasn't even sure how this was being done! Taking a seat, she took a deep breath and reclined against Laisidhiel's wall. She'd just been settling in for the night, trying to relax and wind down, preparing for sleep...

"Please protect my babies."

The earlier thought returned with urgency. She bolted upright, then frowned and twisted to place her hand against the wall. Laisidhiel? Had that been...?

"I need your help."

The jingling noise had stopped just as the high-pitched voice seemed to join the conversation. "And it speaks. Lovely." Of course it did. Why not? Vanya sighed, feeling weary. "Can this not wait?"

"I need your help. Just follow my light."

Could the light only repeat lines from the letter? Still frowning, Vanya turned the facts over in her head. Why would someone send a message in this fashion unless...they couldn't come themselves? Could someone be hurt? If so, why send for the Seer in this manner and not someone else? Yes, she also oversaw the healers of the Tree, but typically the patients were brought to her by others first. The light was jingling again, darting quickly back and forth from Vanya, to the door, then back again. Even if she tried to ignore it, Vanya realized the light wasn't going to give up until she followed it to 'Mother'. Again, the name struck a chord. She had no mother, aside from Laisidhiel, but Emalyn still hadn't been found since the attack on the Tree. Could it be a shortening of her title? Was she in trouble and perhaps this had been the best way to send a message?

Her imagination running wild, Vanya tried to take a deep breath to calm herself while standing back up on her hooves. She retrieved her staff and then replied, "Fine, lead on." The light seemed all too happy to do so, dancing away on the air, leading the Seer out the door and down the ramp outside.

It wasn't until Vanya realized the light was leading her towards Laisidhiel's sole entrance and exit did her hooves falter. She wasn't worried about the guards questioning her so close to sunset. The Seer simply...didn't go outside much these days. Her trips before had been to gather herbs and to visit nearby friends, however, since her traumatic experience in Thalas' memories, she'd not left the Tree. Vanya's grip on her staff tightened and she halted. Veryan sensed his bonded's distress and flew over to alight on her shoulder. "Vanya? Are you alright?"

"No." A deep breath. Okay, perhaps she just needed to step outside, not far. Just outside the Tree, but still safely beneath its branches. Honestly, she wanted to turn right around and send someone else out to find what the light was leading her to...but she knew no one else could see it. Only her. Was she mad? The letter though, and the fierce insistence she felt at the back of her mind, pushing her forward. Spirits, she didn't want to, but she felt compelled to go. Laisidhiel's plea? Was she imagining that? But...of course, she'd sworn to help the Faun, Laisidhiel's children. Wasn't that what she did? Could she ignore that plea?

And what of Mother? If there was just the slightest possibility that the message had come from Emalyn, there was no way she could ignore it. She swallowed hard against the lump in her throat. You've got this, Vanya. You've been training. You've been making strides. It's just going outside the Tree. You can do this.

Passing the guards, she nodded briefly, looking more composed than she felt. She said something about 'Circle business' and felt their attention leave her. She descended the entrance way to the grass and soil below, strange to feel under her hooves after all this time. See? Not so bad. She could do this.

*****

She had made it as far as the bridge to the mainland before stopping again. Where was this light leading her? She could feel Veryan's growing concern feeding her own worry. The Mellon was trying to keep an eye on his bonded's hooves, warning her of any holes or obstacles of the land. The light lead her on a reasonably safe path, but the Seer's Sight wasn't nearly as strong out here as it was inside Laisidhiel and she was struggling nearly as much as any other blind Pae would in this state. She had just enough power left to sense that she was leaving the safety of Laisidhiel's great canopy behind.

"...really? Must we? Are you sure we have to go to the isle?" She was desperately hoping that the light had made a mistake. That they'd made a wrong turn and her questioning would cause the light to realize its mistake and turn back.

"Daughter of the Earth, follow my light!"

The light was insistent, but also pleading with her. Desperate. Dammit. Her stomach felt like it'd taken a dive off the cliffs. Palms sweating, the Seer took a couple steps towards the bridge and hesitated again. No, she couldn't stop here. What if it was just on the other side? What if Emalyn was there, desperately needing her help? That urge in the back of her mind had been constant, helping push her onward this far. It was her duty to help, to protect, to heal. Pushing the sickness in her stomach down, the Seer began crossing the bridge, much to the light's apparent glee.

In the back of her mind, she couldn't help thinking, though it wouldn't gain her sight, if something bad happened on the other side, perhaps she'd fare better as a rock golem than a mere faunness. If not for the memory of how that had not ended as well for her past life, she may have already transformed by now.

*****

Hooves dragged wearily through the underbrush of the forest, lacking the normal grace Faun were known for. Vanya couldn't recall any time in her life when she'd walked so far without proper rest. Restricting herself to the Tree limited the sort of exercise a Faun would get out in a proper forest; she was used to a different sort of exhausting work. Leaning heavily on her staff, the Seer paused as the light seemed to slow. Where were they? A forest, clearly, which was at least on an instinctual level reassuring, but it was a strange forest to Vanya. Thick, full of vines and underbrush that snagged the hooves. No, it was more than a forest. More like a jungle...but she could recall no such place from her personal memory.

The prospect of going back now was daunting at best. She'd come this far...she wasn't sure she was capable of just turning around and making it home at this point. Besides, she'd have to rely on Veryan to lead her and even the Mellon seemed weary and in need of a rest. They were at the mercy of the light now.

Speaking of which, their guide had slowed, then stopped finally. The faunness was glad for the chance to halt, but frowned in bewilderment. "Now what? Is this it? I really hope it's not much further, if not..." she trailed off, grumbling a bit. She was going to need to soak her hooves for days when she got home from this adventure. Maybe those spa faunies could make her an appointment...
 

[Guardian_Iris]

~~ We will return to Vanya shortly. She needs to rest. ~~

---MEANWHILE---

The Queen of the Flutters, Belwen, and the Elder Sentinel, Lissian receive a signal that someone has triggered their border alarm.

The tree is still sealed up from the winter, but the snow has retreated and the weather has warmed up. But the tree still protects her inhabitants. Queen Belwen and Lisian must find a way out to investigate who is threatening their land.

In addition to the signal of the intruder, Belwen has also felt distress from Harn Sheedhiel that must be investigated.

Irish Night Fox

Lisian can choose to find a way out of the tree, and to investigate the alarm.

'Antidia"

Belwen must find a way to get out of the tree and investigate the signal. She must also find a way to Harn Sheedhiel.

Teigra

you get to rest for a lil bit before s**t hits the fan

 

[Irish Night Fox]

What an odd season. Never before had Lisian ever felt something so cold. Thankfully it wasn't long after the cold had settled around their little clearing that the tree shut itself up with its small inhabitants inside.

They were all feeling the affect. The tree's residences had become so sluggish they hardly saw anything of one another. It seemed like all they did was sleep, drag their tired bodies around in a haze and the occasional need to get up to tend to any one's duties. Even the Sentinel was finding it hard to keep his eyes open as he made his rounds through the tree. Didn't help everything was just so cozy and quiet.

Being shut in was something definitely new to the dark flutter. Lisian loved the nature around them, the ability to get out and stretch his wings, and the crisp air in his lungs. To ask him to remain inside even in his constant drowsy state was hard. It was even more difficult when it felt like the male flutter couldn't perform his duties. Was he doing a well enough job within the tree in order to protect the slow going group? If they couldn't get out, then perhaps they were safe knowing no one could get in.

He'd made it back to his room after doing his walk around. He'd hardly seen anyone and the few he greeted seemed half hearted in their response. He didn't blame them, he'd almost get excited when he wouldn't see anyone. He could use what little energy he had to focused on his work. Now, though, it was time to sleep it off again the best he could. At least until his stomach, bladder, or the next needed rounds got him up.

He couldn't have been asleep long when a slight tugging started in his mind. He brushed it off, reaching his mind out to the dreams that fought with it. What was it? He didn't need worry to stir up while he was sleeping. Nothing was wrong, he'd just made sure of it. They were all still sealed in tight-

His muscles tensed and he sprung into action. It didn't take a single thought for his body to already know what it needed to do in response to the sound his ears had picked up. He rolled to the side of his bed and jumped off, a splash of rainbow colors drenching his bed. He blinked at it for a moment, his mind trying to process what had just happened. He looked down at his arm and noticed some did, in fact, managed to get him. Dang, even if being physically sluggish was his excuse that was no excuse. Had it been anyone other than his Queen... Speaking of, when had the Queen been in his room...?

The tug! The realization slapped him in the face. It was all too familiar and when it clicked it felt like he was waking up from a long slumber. No more messing around, this was serious. Well, now he can't blame his Queen for placing the back up alarm in his room. Had she somehow known or was it a perfect coincidence? Either way, he had to act right now!

Lisian darted through the winding halls as fast as his wings could take him. It felt as though his heart would leap right out of his chest and it took everything he had to keep it under control. They weren't sure what it was just yet, there was no reason to let worry get to him. The last few times the alarm got tripped had turned out for the best, this couldn't be any different, could it? Or was he just hanging onto blissful hope?

Yet, as he continued that mantra in his head he couldn't fully believe it. Could it be that this frost keeping them inside was twisting up his nerves? Or was it the odd frost itself a bad omen of some kind? He kept the prayers running as he made his way towards his Queen's office. She always had answers, and that in itself was comfort enough for him.

He had to halt himself from barging into her space. He gave a strong knock and waited by the door for her summon to grant him entrance. He took this moment to clear his thoughts and take deep breaths. Thanks to his morning ritual of meditation it worked like a charm for him. He didn't know what he'd do without his mind calming trick. No one could survive this position long if they rushed things and jumped to conclusions. He even knew he wasn't impenetrable to such things. So instead he'd give the burden of worry to his trust in his Queen and their tree's guidance. It always came through for them.

Would she hear it though? He was sure if it hadn't been for the Queen rigging his room he probably wouldn't have woken up for much. He couldn't imagine right out barging in on her though. He grit his teeth and chided himself. He'd do what he must, this could turn into an emergency if he wasn't quick about it.

“My Queen.” he announced himself to her after a moment, “I'm sorry, but I am coming in.” he hesitated a moment for her before pushing in.

“We have a problem.”  

[Antidia]

Who knew winter had such an effect on the flutters? But their nature-made little bodies weren't suited for winter weather. The were too delicate to survive on their own. As a defense mechanism, both trees sealed up to keep the little flutters warm and alive. This separated the two colonies in a drastic way. Belwen couldn't check on their safety.

But that wasn't the only reason the Queen of Forn Sheedhiel couldn't check on Harn. She'd entered an odd sleep. Many flutters tried to wake her, but failed. Whispers and murmurs supposed she might be sick.

In her slumber, she felt the tug. It came through in her dreams, as a visible tug pulling her out of the tree. Her mind had been so locked up within the tree, the jolt caused a pain in her head. The regular alarm did not have this affect on her, this was new. But the weather and everything that came with it was new.

It still wasn't enough to fully wake Belwen. She was covered in the same rainbow goo, a side effect of her mind's jolt.

"We have a problem."

The words floated in her mind like a ghost. She reached towards them and her heavy-lidded eyes opened a sliver. She expected to catch a ghost, but she caught a Lisian.

It took a moment for her mind to catch up to her body. She peaked through her lids to see her Sentinel. Not a very familiar expression on him. "We have a problem," she whispered, repeating those mysterious words.  

[Irish Night Fox]

Lisian stopped in his tracks. He had not been expecting what he saw before him. He'd been hearing the rumors, but thought that was all it had been, just Flutters talking. He didn't blame his Queen for not getting up at their summons, he himself had felt the heavy eye lids and the weary body. He had supposed it was just how his Queen was handling it.

Instead he found her like this. His mind started to race with the words of the other flutters- sick!? In an instant he was at her side looking over the rainbow goop that was covering her, “Belwen...” he spoke her name softly, his eyes searching her face with worry. “Are you feeling alright? Do you need me to call someone?” All thoughts of the tug were pushed to the back of his mind as he focused solely on her. What was this?

He got up and looked around her space. He grabbed one of her many blankets and brought it back to her. He kneeled by her side and began to press the cloth to her face, trying to clear up what he could from there. Would she be against him touching her? He didn't know medicine, but he at least knew what a fever should feel like. He cleared what he could from her forehead and pressed the back of his hand to it.

He saw a hair line of her eyes peek up at him and his heart leapt with hope, “My Queen... It's Lisian.” She'd heard his words and understood him! Alright this was a start... He kept his voice soft in an attempt to not alarm her, “Yes, we do, but don't worry about that. Tell me, are you feeling well? I can call one of the others just tell me who.”  

[Antidia]

The queen let go of Lisian, but remained groggy. "What's going on? Was that our perimeter alarm?" She stretched her arms up over head and yawned. "How did I sleep so hard?" After another big, loud yawn, she blinked herself fully awake. "Lisian, I don't remember much. Forn has been worried, though. We need to see what's going."

Belwen had been hibernating, meditating and communicating with the tree. The cold was a phenomena that Forn hadn't experienced. Harn either, but one of the tasks Belwen had while in her slumber was locating Harn. She wasn't successful. Her heart suddenly fell as the thought came to her about not knowing how Harn is taking this weather. Are they doing okay without their queen?

"We have to go to Harn. After we find out what's triggered the alarm."

Belwen stood, her legs a little wobbly from lack of for so many weeks. She stretched her wings out, fluttering to lift herself. "Let's go."

The main entrance was still sealed shut. Most of the side emergency entrances, including the one in her nook were closed too. In the search for a way out, Belwen noticed how her flutters were behaving. They were sluggish and had no energy. "Lisian, is everyone eating ok?" She didn't know it was lethargy from being sealed up and having no sunshine.

There was one last exit to try. It was in the roots and provided an escape hole for those flutters out working the crops. It was small, but the small flutters were able to use it.

The snow was gone, and the weather was slightly chilly. The wind from the south had a particular cold sting. "Try to stay warm as best you can." Belwen instructed her sentinel. Enlarging to her pae-sized self warmed her up near instantly.

Still mostly colored with dried rainbow goo that she forgot about, the queen flew with the best security the colonies have. They headed towards the Rainbow Rock, so named because obviously the color of the rocks, but also because Code Rainbow was the alarm system they used to track outsiders. These rock pillars were scattered all around the edge of the Clearing, as well as the surrounding jungle.  

[Guardian_Iris]

We now bring you back to Takeko!

Approaching from the North-East, A flying rainbow mess and dark being approach.

Teigra

Belwen and Lisian encounter an enemy from the past at the West pillar.

Belwen's call from Harn strengthens.

Irish Night Fox

Antidia

 

[Teigra]

Takeko rubbed her arms, still staring to the south where she'd heard the voice. At first, the wind had seemed lightly chilled, but as it continued, it started to bite, stinging her eyes and skin. She was straining her eyes to see anyone, but to no avail. "Hello? Who's there?" she called once more, but still no one answered.

She'd begun looking at the cold-weather gear with more and more temptation as the wind picked up. It had been fairly temperate earlier, but now...the extra protection would have been nice. Still, proper decorum kept her from reaching out for them. Those things belonged to someone else; she couldn't just take them for her own use.

Takeko squinted against the wind before another gust caused her to turn her head and shield her face from the biting cold. It was getting too cold out here, it was getting late...perhaps she should go. In turning away from the wind, she glanced northward and a flash of movement caught her eye. A colorful shape...as she focused, she could just discern a second darker form beside the first. Was that...? It seemed to be some Pae coming from the north. Was this the mysterious 'Mother?' But then, who was the second figure?

Frowning, Takeko began climbing to her feet, both to get her circulation flowing again in hope to warm herself as well as not wishing to greet anyone while sitting on the ground. She rubbed her arms to generate warmth, then fluffed the feathers in her wings before folding them down around her like a buffer against the cold wind. It would work for a while.

The angel was feeling wary watching the figures approach. She had believed she was meeting a single individual here, so who was the second figure? For that matter, was she sure either of them were the party she'd been summoned to meet? Perhaps they were unrelated completely to why she was here. Squinting, she raised one hand to shield her eyes and try to make out the figures clearer. Either way, they seemed to be heading straight for her.

Hmm...that was telling in itself, wasn't it?