Solo or RP Format Counts as 5 RP growth Points Solo word minimum is 750, RP post minimum is 7
The fall always seems to be a somber time thanks to the transition of the cold. With less distractions from the chores required during the summer heat, you cannot help but think about those who are no longer there in your life. Maybe it was your mother and father, prominent figures in your life that you never imagined would be gone. Or maybe it was someone taken from your life too soon, like a friend or a sibling. Or maybe it was an animal, a familiar that you raised when you were a kid but passed away from old age.
How do you honor those you have lost? What goes through your mind this time as you celebrate their life and mourn for the loss? Take some time to reflect on the past, and how that impacted you and shaped you for the future. If you want, you can even roleplay with a friend to discuss each other's loss (but both character needs to speak of their own personal loss in order for it to count).
The dark evergreens didn't transition in colors here like some of the trees around the southern border did, but Zyphire felt the touch of autumn all the same. The breeze was bitter, a warning for him that the cold of winter was once again on its way, but the Shifter was more accustomed to the cold after years of living in Zena and had plenty of furs to keep him warm. And even better was the fact that while he was near the capital, the area of forest and hills was more to the southwest and away from the harsher areas of the brutal north that seemed to be perpetually encased in ice. The Sanctuary was a far better option for his own preferences of how to spend winter but it was here that there laid acres upon acres of untouched forest and land, the area desolate after a fire had destroyed the lavish estate of his Aunt around twenty years ago. Thankfully Talisia hadn't found the desire to touch the area for years and Kian had also allowed it sit with no desire to revisit the area of their childhood pain.
Ironically enough his cousins had eventually sent him to the capital to try and barter the estates with the council but after last winter's events the Shifter had opted to repurpose the area for a much better cause. Now instead of just plain wilderness the expanse of land was home to a bustling village, the survivors of the massacre relocating to a more habitable area only a couple of days walk from the capital, and thankfully construction had went well over the last nine months since Zyphire had opened the land to Sylvirah and her village. Stone and wooden buildings dotted the large clearing that had once donned a giant stone manor and Zyphire couldn't be happier to see the cabins and huts instead of the ruins. He had even convinced some of the hunters to consider raising roati for wool and milk instead to trade at market, the recent barn and wide area of fencing a product of his own sweat and tears as he worked alongside others to prepare for winter's return. It was good to keep busy, to build bonds with the icelings that meant so much to his lover and while Zyphire still felt a bit of pain at seeing the stone memorial they had carved in the village he was at least thankful that some lives had been spared. His own emotional ties to others may have not been there, but he had grown closer to the community and learned about the dead through the stories of the living.
It would be a good place for their family to grow. Just the very thought brought a smile to his lips as he placed a hand against the stone memorial, his fingers trailing over the names as he remembered those that he had also lost over the years. Maybe one day he would even tell his child...his future children about their shifter grandparents as well.
Painted Moose
Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2021 9:15 pm
Sabra Knight
The bite of a sharp, cold wind against her cheek felt like the loving embrace of death itself. As familiar as she was with the great spirit she always feared it's touch, more so now that she was a mother. It burned against her flesh, instantly bringing a touch of indigo to her otherwise pale azure skin and with a squint she turned toward the mountain. Somedays it felt like an eternity had passed since that incident, but little moments like this made it feel as if it was still happening. Her mind would replay the events like memories of frozen corpses in her youth and for a moment Sylvirah could only stare.
It wasn't until Ziya started to move that Sylvirah found herself jostled out of her thoughts. She looked down at the boy strapped tightly against her chest, smiling when she found he'd only shifted just enough to go back to sleep. He was the chunkiest baby she'd ever seen and despite concerns that he was too big so many others had told her this was what 'healthy' infants looked like. He was perfect, they said, and she couldn't have agreed more.
With one arm tucked underneath his little butt and the other wrapped around his back, the huntress gave her son a little squeeze before turning away from the mountain toward the Ild'vann. For the first time in her entire life she could see a future for them. They were thriving. Leaving was still so bitter sweet, but seeing how far they'd come in just a few months made her hopeful that the sacrifices made by the others weren't in vein.
She walked back through the growing village, spoke with a few people as she passed and still couldn't believe the changes. Gone were the gaunt, horrific faces that marked her childhood. A steady diet had put fat in their cheeks, smiles on their faces and a levity in their hearts that was marred only by the losses they'd suffered. Just thinking about it brought her back to the stone memorial and with a soft smile she noticed that she wasn't the only one there.
"Dauðir hvíla rólega vegna þín." She let one hand slip away from Ziya's back and placed it on Zyphire's instead. "The dead rest easy because of you."
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2021 8:02 pm
Painted Moose
"That's one way to say it." Replied Zyphire almost too quietly, his usual humor flat despite the quip. There was still a hint of guilt, a feeling that he should have moved sooner rather than waiting for Gunnar to truly show his colors as he had last winter, but Zyphire did not know how to express that quite yet. All he could do was help build what he could while sharing the stories with the rest of the villagers, keeping memories alive so that all of those deaths were not in vain. Zyphire reached up to clasp his hand over Sylvirah's and he gave it a gentle squeeze. "It feels silly but having the stone seems to help others so that they can feel like their spirits are watching them." There was still so much about Zenan culture, especially the culture of this village, that he had to learn but at least they shared those ideas in common. The dead would always be nearby, watching over those that they loved and protecting them until they could be joined once more.
The Shifter closed his eyes before turning so that he could actually face Sylvirah. A soft smile crossed his lips as he looked between the mother and son, his hand reaching out to hold her cheek. "How are you feeling?" He asked quietly, his sincerity showing for a second before a tease escaped him. "I know it's hard taking things a bit slower instead of diving off of a chiavi into the wilderness but I do hope things are okay for you here." Despite his light-hearted tone there was some honesty to his words, he truly was hoping that the whole village was settling into the new area well. So much had changed over the last year, on top of little Ziya being born, and even Zyphire was still trying to wrap his mind around it all.
Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2021 10:42 am
Sabra Knight
Sylvirah sighed. With the events that of that winter still weighing heavily on them it was no wonder that seeing the memorial stone brought about painful visions. "I often wonder what would have happened if I had simply stayed. If I had then he never would have known we were still alive...." They would have stayed safe from outside forces, but the mountain itself would have claimed them all. In the end it seemed as if someone had to die for the strength of the Ild'vann to rise once more and that was something that Sylvirah still struggled with.
She took a half step closer to him and leaned against the shifter. For a moment the boy strapped to her chest shifted, but not once did he wake. "Grandmother told me that mistakes and regrets are for the living. We never had a chance to reflect on those we lost so worrying about 'what if's' just held us back." Looking at the stone, though... "At first, I thought this rock wouldn't help, but it does. It makes it feel like they're here." As if she were there...
There was a solemnness to Zyphire that Sylvirah was still adjusting too. If he wasn't tossing quips or baiting her with sarcasm he'd been as wild as fire itself. Not that he was contemplative it was as if she were seeing an entirely new man.
"I'm... not sure." Saying she was 'fine' wasn't really true and lying to him just felt wrong after all they've been through. "I'm grateful that your family gave us a fresh place to start and I'm truly blessed to spend so much time with our family-" She ghosted her fingers over Ziya's bundled head, "-but it feels strange. I keep waiting for the herds to leave, or a great storm to come through, but I think this is the fattest I've ever seen my people." Turning her gaze upward, Sylvirah looked into his eyes with a worried look. "How are you?"
Painted Moose
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Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2021 11:08 am
Painted Moose
"And the mountains would have been the stone for all of you instead of this one for some." Finished Zyphire with a somber expression. He could only dare to imagine the tangle of emotions that Sylvirah felt, but the Shifter was certain that she had done the best thing possible considering the overall situation back then. While he wished that he could have known more in the past, been more helpful instead of just dealing with Sylvirah every time their paths crossed in those strange fateful ways, all Zyphire could do now was offer her support in the present and for the future. Zyphire leaned against Sylvirah in turn and a small, sad smile crossed his lips about the stone. "It does indeed." he agreed quietly as his silver gaze swept towards the memorial.
"It is a drastic change, isn't it?" Zyphire wasn't offended by her words, but there was a bit of him that was saddened by them. In a way he could understand that strangeness. Even if they were safer here there was still those habits, the tangle of feelings that came about while fighting for survival. "I lived day by day, fighting for whatever scraps I could find at one point when growing up...no parents to fend for me and I refused to trust others." He admitted almost sheepishly, "It took years for me to adapt to living a more secure life with my cousins, but I still hungered for more thrills which led to traveling and getting into all sorts of trouble."
"And now? I have that strange feeling that this is almost unreal at times, but it isn't unpleasant...just a bit cold perhaps." Zyphire teased with a chuckle. "I never expected to be a parent or help a village out like this after all. I'm just thankful that I can actually be helpful to you and your people." Even if it was only for a small amount of time before he traveled again with the changing weather.
Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2021 7:55 pm
Sabra Knight
"It's a big one." In a way she resented it, but she couldn't figure out why. It wasn't the newfound security that she questioned anymore than it was the comfort of knowing her family would be there come morning's light. Rather a part of Sylvirah's soul missed the danger even though she knew in her head that this was better. This life would see her become an old woman where as the alternatives would have had her freeze to death before she'd even matured. It was a lot to take in, but at least she wasn't doing it alone.
"It feels wrong to miss it, doesn't it? The danger?" Her smile was a little edged, but at least in this she had a partner. She didn't know much about Zyphire's own home life before his cousins so hearing about it now showed her just how much this whole thing was getting to him. "I can't imagine growing up like that. Every time I lost someone I had the village to fall back on, but you didn't." Eventually he fell in with his cousins, but for the most vulnerable years in his life Zyphire was truly alone. "This entire village would fend for you now, even if you told them not too. Even if you chose to leave to them you're Ild'vann." Regardless of what happened to them in the future Zyphire would be cared for by her people. He'd stood up for them for no other reason than they were innocent people and for that he'd earned their trust.
"They're your people. Even when you leave they'll still be here for you when you need them." She slipped her arm around his waist and gave it a squeeze. "And so will I."
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Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2021 10:44 am
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Zyphire pursed his lips as he took a moment to answer Sylvirah's question. Did it feel wrong to miss the danger? He supposed it did seem a bit reckless to dive into danger after finally being offered something more reliable, a comfort instead of fighting day after day for survival. Yet, it did not seem completely unnatural that they were attracted to the thrill of the hunt, the adrenaline rush that he felt while fighting for his life or outplaying someone in the markets. "I think everyone has different instincts...ours just happen to be a bit more on the edge. No wonder we matched so well." He offered finally with a small smile before giving a small shrug at the reference to his childhood. "Honestly I never worried about it. Everything fell apart when my mother passed away and surviving took precedence over mourning. At least this exists to give everyone a chance to remember their loved ones." Maybe he would finally take the time to burn some incense for his parents again, but once again he was focused on living. It was important to survive so that their deaths would not be a waste.
Admittedly his eyes did burn at the sudden declaration and Zyphire found himself glancing away. "I suppose that's something to keep in mind. I should probably start acting better, hmm? Less mischievous antics perhaps before they changed their mind about adopting me like this." He found himself joking before giving Sylvirah a slight squeeze in return. "I'm sure you'll grow tired of it eventually." Zyphired teased as he nuzzled her hair. "But before then make certain you tell me everything you want accomplished so that I can try to help. Should we consider a hunting trip before winter if you need to stretch your legs?"
Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2021 1:41 pm
Sabra Knight
They were born hunters through and through. His prey may have differed from her own but his skills ran parallel with those taught by the Ild'vann. With every soul lost on that mountain another had grown stronger by their teachings and now they had a chance to really build something great with all that knowledge.
"What sort of woman was she?" It was an innocent question and hopefully one that wouldn't prod too much. Still, she wouldn't blame him if he chose not to talk about it. Family matters could be painful and that she knew all too well.
Rolling her eyes, the iceling simply gave his side a squeeze. "Don't start acting stern now. They'll think you're sick." Every time one of his quips or jabs were brought up around Sylvirah's grandfather the man admittedly gave her a look that questioned his granddaughter's sanity. He respected Zyphire, that much she knew, and he loved him like a member of the family even if he wouldn't say it, but the man just wasn't used to his personality yet.
Still, she couldn't help perking up at the possibility of a hunting trip. There was nothing that could bring a spark to Sylvirah's eyes like the thought of a frenzied hunt and a fresh kill in her hands. Still..."What about Ziya? He hasn't been weaned yet and we don't have any other nursing mothers."
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Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2021 3:46 pm
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"Beautiful and gentle." Replied Zyphire without hesitation at the question. "She was kinder than most, but strong when it counted. I think you would have liked her." The Shifter closed his eyes as he visualized the lovely woman who had left his world all too soon. A songstress, a dancer and everything that could claim a another's heart within a few seconds of meeting her. He didn't even doubt that she would have won over Sylvirah and even her grandfather. Just thinking about her brought an ache to his chest, but Zyphire found himself chuckling as Sylvirah chastised him.
"Fair enough. I wouldn't want them to worry over me, right?" Zyphire quipped back in turn before glancing about with a frown. "Ah, yes. I keep forgetting about the limits of parenting. How long does it take to wean a baby? Or should I offer to carry him in piles of furs with us like we're a nomadic family for a bit instead?" Zyphire found himself studying the baby and despite his playful words there was a tenderness in his gaze. Truly the shifter would not want to harm their son, but he did wish there was a way to allow them to do both things.
Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2021 4:58 pm
Sabra Knight
"She sounds like an amazing woman." Mothers were a special breed that Sylvirah could only experience through others. The closest she'd ever gotten to having one of her own had been her grandmother but even she had kept the roles separate. Memories of her daughter were alive in Sylvirah so stories had been a nightly routine. What would it have been like to have one and then lose her? As hard as it had been without a mother Sylvirah preferred her situation. At least that way she was spared an ounce of heartache.
"I'm not really sure. I've only ever seen a handful of babies and that was all when I was younger." Sylvirah thought over it. How did mothers get anything done with a child hanging off them? "We could do that or maybe we can see if he'll take to roati milk? So long as it's for a few nights it shouldn't hurt." There was always the risk that it would upset the infant's stomach or that he wouldn't take to it, but she didn't like the idea of going on a hunt with a babe, no matter how well protected he would be.
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Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2021 5:56 pm
Painted Moose
Zyphire nodded. "She truly was." He let out a soft sigh before moving so that his face was burrowed into Sylvirah's hair, his cheek pressed against the crook of her neck. "I suppose there's still a lot to learn about one another. I don't know anything about your family as well minus your grandfather of course." Zyphire's eyes closed again as he took in the familiarity of Sylvirah's scent and warmth for comfort.
"That's a good suggestion." Mumbled Zyphire into Sylvirah's shoulder. "We can always see how he takes to it a couple of days beforehand and then if he seems okay....why not?" It did seem like a rather good idea and eventually they would have to wean him so why not start soon?
Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2021 8:59 am
Sabra Knight
6/7
Sylvirah brought her arm up from around his wait to cup his head head instead. While Ziya was perfectly tucked away against her it she still couldn't bring herself to let go of him even if she wanted to bring Zyphire as close as possible. She brushed her fingers through his hair, languidly massaging his scalp as she went and gently detangling any snags.
"My grandmother would have spoiled you both." The pain her heart at the woman's loss was still so fresh that at times it took her breath and Sylvirah didn't think she'd ever really get over it. "We struggled a lot, but she always did her best to make us forget. Clothes left behind by the dead were repurposed into a new coat, and orphaned chiavi chicks were lessons on how to care for something. It was bad, but she had a way of making us smile."
Torval would never be the same without her there by his side. Building a new village for his people was giving the older iceling purpose, but that would only occupy his mind for so long. Eventually he would have to deal with the grief and Sylvirah knew it would eat at him...
"If we have a daughter I'd like to name her after my grandmother."
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Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2021 9:42 pm
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A small, sad smile crossed Zyphire's lips. "Then maybe in another life they'll meet up." He mused before shaking his head. "I think I would have loved her." It still broke his heart to think about what had happened and there was a part of himself that felt guilty for not acting sooner, for not gutting that rotten b*****d earlier before any of that disaster happened. But then again things may not have played out the way that they had and that thought also worried Zyphire. All he could do now was honor those who had passed by doing his best in the present to care for those left behind.
The sudden suggestion caught him by surprise and the Shifter found himself blinking before slowing nodding. "I think that would be great. Maybe if we have another one after that I'll name her after someone else..." He pondered before smiling, a hint of playfulness emerging despite their more somber conversation, "Though I suppose we'll have to work on the first daughter before then."
Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2021 11:08 am
Sabra Knight
FIN
The concept of reincarnation was one she'd heard tossed around a few times since coming off the mountain, but Sylvirah wasn't so sure how much of it she actually believed. They'd always been raised to believe that once you died you became food for the plants and the cycle continued on. It was certainly a more bleak way of thinking of things, but that didn't mean she needed to spout it off to Zyphire. If thinking of existence beyond death comforted him, even in the way of spiritual reincarnation, made him happy then why take it away?
"We'll make a tribe of our own, and honor them all." Sylvirah gave him another squeeze before just relishing in the somber moment. With the rush of activity around them it was nice just to take the time to properly grieve.
