Casting Stones (Blade)
Content Warning:
N/A? Pretty clean? Wiggles?
The morning of the vote, I wake up slowly with my tail wrapped around Infection, one of Krahe's wrapped around my waist, Adaline curled in my arms and my head on my Mate's stomach. Nearly perfect but... reaching out with my Ousia senses, I find Schatzi upstairs in the kitchen with... "Witchling, my mother is in the kitchen."
Elevar rouses slowly, avoids moving more than just fingers shifting to dance through my hair. "Hmm? I assume nothing urgent since she's not pestered us to..."
She pauses, leans up a bit to look about and count the Pack Sisters around us.
And... that's when I hear a soft giggle and water muffled words come from the shower chambers just a room over. Takes me half a heartbeat to recognize the tone as belonging to Sikkina's new sister.
"Uhhhhhh. Why is someone in your shower, Elevar?" Adaline asks in confusion as she untangles herself.
"It's Lynette's Doll... but she shouldn't be able to use the showers?" I clarify, tossing on a pair of pants and a half robe.
Elevar follows, Brow furrowed in confusion. "Schatzi's above, yes? With Jezrial. Could be focusing her Physis to help the little one but..."
She jerks to a halt, just for a second. Tendrils clicking soft quiet warning. Before she pulls a robe to herself with a quick effort of Physis while rolling forward towards the space.
[There is an Ousia signature in there besides the little one. Stupidly small but... I hate it. It feels wrong.]
I focus on it and immediately reach out to Augusta, intoning rapidly. [I don't have time to be stubborn, Are you doing anything in Elevar's Spire because there's an extreme concentration of Miasma around a soul in the shower room.]
"No, but I'm here to support you." Her voice comes from the other side of the bed and I nearly jump out of my skin as I watch her step out of Adaline's Frame without disturbing it.
"Gross. scary and gross and I can make reality bleed." I insist.
"Cracked and Riven-" Elevar hisses, frozen stiff where I jerked. But... Then my Mistress takes a breath, lets it out, and offers my sister an honest smile. "Good morning, Augusta. Apologies for... this. Whatever this is. Thank you for arriving quicker than a heartbeat. That... is a wonderful trick. Despite your sister's and my acute reactions."
"My apologies, I didn't realize I could do it either. I felt the need to be here and then... I was able to step through Gebetshure and Adaline." She responds softly.
"Okay. Let's go slowly and see what's going on. No aggressive actions or anything." I insist, feeling my role in the Pack settle properly as I thrum out an alert.
As we enter the space, we see two figures within my Mistress' shower. Surrounded by a few piles of still rinsing away muck and mud amidst a downpour of warm steaming water. The first, as expected, is the snek Doll.
Her ears seem... relaxed. Neither alert or pressed back in fear. Fur very wet. Eyes closed. Tail curled up beneath herself and the second one here. On the edge of full sleep.
The other sits against the wall, arms wrapped loosely about the snek Doll. With long dark hair and pale skin. Wearing tattered rags of clothes. Eyes closed. The Miasma I sense... seems to stop at her skin's edge? The Ousia Core still small and almost crushed by the pressure of the Miasma about. But... still, a tendril of Physis is solidly hooked up to weave this shower into Function.
The second our first footfalls touch the floor of the room, and before anyone speaks, an ear of the snek Doll perks up. Then two of her three eyes flitter open and she turns to regard us. Waves once with a tired hand.
"I... Little one? Are you alright?" Elevar murmurs very gently, tendrils within her hair sounding off her raw confusion. [I've no idea what to make of this. I've tried to ask Lynette but... she's not responding to me.]
But the snek Doll only looks confused now too. Nods and tilts head. Ears now both standing fully up.
"Sekrhús, is that you come up to visit?" I ask casually.
[this is either our niece's doing or a side effect of Augusta's ascension, considering the amount of Miasma present.] I intone to Elevar and Augusta then relay to the rest through Quill-song what I see and think.
Sikkina's sister stares at us while this second figure doesn't move. Then she turns and pokes her shoulder. When she doesn't move, Lynette's Doll takes to shaking her a bit. Then more than a bit.
Before just... fully taking to patting this sleeping figure on the face. Not hard but... incessantly. Whispering little chants of, "Wake up, Mistress, wake up, wake up, wake up."
And with a sputtering surprised jerk, she wakes up. "Wh- What? Little One why...?"
"Mrs. Xafra and Miss Elevar and Miss Augusta and Miss Tails and Miss Adaline and Miss Wiggles have questions about Sekrhús." The snek Doll supplies, then huddles back into resting against her.
The figure freezes, dull and grey eyes pass over us like one seeing but... with great difficulty. Half blind. "Moonshite. I..."
[...Did not expect to fall asleep as easily as all that.] Lynette picks up and intones through our bond to myself and Elevar. [Was planning to be awake and...]
"...Above. Talking with your mother before anyone else woke up." She finishes through that body's lips. Struggling to rise with her Doll still in arms.
"Ah. All good. We'll meet you up there when you're ready. Sorry for disturbing you." I answer, and lead the group out.
Elevar waits behind and I hear her gently asking Lynette aloud if she wants help with anything. Openly concerned but... keeping questions to herself while moving to help her twin organize herself this morning.
And above we find My Pack Sister standing next to Jezrial's new Doll while she fusses over a steaming pot.
"But... Why not just add some now?" Presephona is asking Schatzi. "The sweetness will like... melt into it all faster, right? And the cream too? Don't we do that before pouring any cups?"
I carefully ignore the impending disaster knowing how bad I was at making tea initially and sit down at the table beside my mother. "Hey Mom, You're coming with us for the last talks before the vote, right?"
Krahe slips behind Presephona, and when her attention turns, she dips the very tip of a tail into the pot and hops to sit atop the table. Happily licking the flavored limb clean while Presephona tries to understand what just happened.
"Honestly I'd... rather avoid it all but Lynette insisted I come along." My mother answers, pushing the journal toward me. "It's messy, filled with holes, and hard to verify. But... A treatment for Moonwaste poison, even a messy one, will turn heads. Just want you to give my records on it a read over before offering this."
I don't respond to this other impending disaster either as I quickly flip through the journal that details the surgery I performed on Elevar, the philosophy behind it, and possible methods for improvement. "This is a brilliant idea mom, and also... A smidge embarrassing."
"I'm also planning on coming. But I will arrive from the other direction, to give... a bit of a different impression. If necessary, I can play the role of Dark Lord Snurgle to drive them conveniently into your arms... And give Envoy Adze a piece of my mind." Augusta says with a smile.
Adaline whispers "Dark Lady Snurgette" to herself as Schatzi explains to Presephona how making tea is more of an art or ritual than just cooking, and doing the steps in order is in part about the image one projects, and I feel... at home.
"Please be careful, Augusta dear. This is a decent idea but dangerous." I finally state, looking at my sister closely. "We still need to talk and like... You know, spend time together? Build a relationship as a family? Find the rest of our siblings? Figure out how you made magic weird?"
Augusta looks ... surprised, like she expected something different and replies. "Of course. I'll head out now to give that overworked Captain time to try and boss me around before you all arrive."
Thankfully, she takes the door to leave instead of her new technique, likely heading to her suite to get dressed for the day before going.
"...Hey Mom, you're like.... Also Augusta's mom too now, right?" I ask mischievously.
"Not how that works." She replies, but then shrugs. "But... sure. Why not? I'll adopt another. She's gonna need a more... present mother if her little sister is anyone to go by.
"In defense of our birth mother, she is dead at the moment... Thank you though." I reach over and hug her tightly.
"Welcome girl. And... yeah. Yeah. Still trying to process that bit. Hits me every time I look up at night though." Jezrial embraces me back, only letting go when Presephona and Schatzi and even Krahe are passing out steaming cups. Asks. "Alright, where's your Mistress? Lynette told me she'd have a piece to add to this when I pestered her early this morning. And while this is all well and good, she seemed to expect a lot of people to not take this seriously. But... seemed pretty certain she could give us something to mitigate that. Possibly many somethings."
"I'm trying not to worry about the fact that she suddenly has a body that's almost entirely superdense Miasma, though she should be up soon." I offer, taking up a cup.
"Mistress Lynette will be fine with our support." Schatzi reassures me.
My mom raises her eyebrow. "That's... I was gonna say impossible, but I'm going to mark that down as concerning. She said she was working on something important. Guessing... that would count."
"Miasma has been different since Augusta returned ascendant, not sure if you've been looking that closely but everyone who has Ousia has miasma building up at a miniscule amount inside their bodies. Even me. Don't know what the effects are going to be but it's certainly concerning." I pause to take a sip, remembering something. "While I'm offering bizarre medical revelations, you might be interested to know that they figured out a method of preventing an Oracle from becoming a Cursestorm... That allows them to keep their sight. It's quite brutal but efficient." I pull the stone spikes out of my satchel and set them down on the table, choosing to ignore how badly the tea turned out.
My mom tilts her head and reaches out to take up a spike, starts to examine it. Only murmurs to me after a long pause. "Huh. Sets up a counter circulation to the normal patterns? Like... the old dams they built to slow the rivers down. But... yeah. Would work. Specially with how the modern healing focuses so much on balancing the internals with insistent weaves. Honestly... with their modern methods the eye removal seems kinder than this. The pain will never go away. Get worse when resting. Without some good healers near this'll just kill, and even with that I'd hate the amount of risk needed. Stone makes a good grounding tool too. Will resist most Ousia workings and almost all Physis weaves."
"It's... even worse than that. The spikes don't affect Oracle sight either. It essentially makes them useful and unable to fight back." I say with disgust. "I got these from a newly awakened Oracle that self-inflicted them before offering himself to us in exchange for my dear Calix's freedom."
"Ah. Seems a pattern of things, don't it?" She sighs and gently sets the spike aside. Tastes her tea. Spits it back in the cup and looks to Presephona after a little cough. "No. Terrible. Not even a good first try, I'd say. I can just make the tea, girl. You don't need to–"
"Be quiet." Presephona almost growls, her anger only flaring at those last words. Then she takes Jezrial's cup, turns back to the pot and such. Hefts it up, dumps the muck down the nearby drain, and seems to start anew.
Jezrial holds up her hands in surrender and turns back to me. "After today's mess is done I suppose I could..."
But she trails off as footsteps echo up the steps. Soon followed by both my Mistresses. Elevar half-dressed in more regal attire she'd talked about needing to present well, Lynette in... fairly plain and loose fitting leggings, shirt, and blouse.
Both come to sit next to me.
"Apologies, Jezrial." Lynette offers tiredly as she reaches for a cup. "Wasn't aware this... form, could dredge me into sleep."
Lynette takes a drink of the tea then and just... stops. Blinks. Then looks up and actually seems to take in who's tending to the tea in the kitchen.
"Ah." She sighs and pushes the cup away. "Yes. Of course. Almost forgot. As poor as if I were to try my hand at brewing a pot."
"Significantly better than my first pot, truthfully. I thought that using dried leaves was stupid and put an entire flower, roots and dirt included, into the pot." I mention in commiseration.
Elevar snorts at that while my mother chuckles fully.
"This is why we let the gerl who's cultivated that skill tend to the task." Lynette agrees while reaching out and setting a small cradle on the table between us. One roughly the size of her palm. "Speaking of. Jezrial, here is the last piece needed for your part today. A bone with trace amounts of Moonwaste within. Soaked in toxin that causes the marrow to curdle in the same spots. Bisected. Then encased in resin. Awaiting our Xafra to seal it with glass. A perfect little display to illustrate how the shite settles and infects without killing."
I open up the Cradle, looking at the bone and not commenting on the fact that I can tell it's one of the cast offs from their body that I didn't use in the Grakler Frame, and manifest my Doll form so I can produce the molten glass needed. A quick weave around it, and another in the glass as I apply it to the bone and I set the enclosed display back in the box, cool to the touch.
"Perfect, and now that's another piece set in place." Lynette nods, reaching out to take up the journal. Flips through to blank pages near the back to start using a small weaving of Physis to add her writing to the work. "Safe to handle, simple enough for any even moderately versed in the Healing Arts to understand the logic of, and elegantly displayed."
"Yeah, that'll make this pretty compelling." My mother asks. "What toxin did you use?"
"Something from a fairly common fruit from these jungles. Simple enough to find and verify its use on any Lunargent shards. Alongside... something a little more rare, if those we gift this to have the good sense to use it." She explains. "A few brews to dilute the Moonwaste for safe disposal or such."
Fruit juice soaked bone marrow. gosh that sounds delicious. the rest of her words draw my attention. "Sorry, there's brews to dilute moonwaste? That opens up a lot more options going forwards than I believed viable."
"Hmm? Yes." Lynette answers without looking up. "Apparently amidst the toxic nonsense Nettle has cooked for you all, she wanted more variety. And I got curious. Have a chamber below dedicated to growing quite the gaggle of odd and dangerous things from the jungles. Offered the gerl her choice from the seeds of the sable and safe plants. But... amidst that I found some rare growths that actually can be used for this. Still quite toxic. But not nearly as much."
"Neat. Alright... Anything else we need to talk about before we head out? I expect that they'll all be quite thoroughly unsettled by the time we arrive." I chuckle.
"I probably should have asked before she stepped out but... What exactly is Augusta planning on doing?" Elevar asks carefully while rising.
"DARK LADY SNURGETTE!... If necessary.” Adaline ethuses and wiggles, drinking the tea without a care. “She's a billion percent going to show up as an embodied Divine."
"Cracked and Riven Moon." My Mistress chuckles. "Of course. So kind of her to grant this Pack the chance to seem reasonable and polite. I simply... Hope she doesn't overplay things. But..." She looks about us, smiles. "Who here bears the mantle of Pack Lead this day?"
"I do. To see if I can put into practice the things I've learned so far." I reply.
Elevar nods, moves to stand before me. "And... Who within the Pack will attend us, and who will remain behind?"
I think about that for a moment before my thoughts move to a different idea. "Mother, do you think Presephona would be well behaved if she comes with us?"
Presephona freezes in her work, jerks to stare at us all. Expression stiff, eyes wide in confusion.
Jezrial pauses for a heartbeat while gathering up journal and cradle, then replies. "Hmmm... Depends. And 'Well-Behaved' is like any Chart. Too many variables to track well. And many out there have a good chance of recognizing her. Why risk it, kid?"
"Honestly, to give her the opportunity to slip a message to someone and settle affairs as well as provide some insight into the other envoys... I don't really like the idea of prisoners, and I want her to be trusted eventually. Up to you and Elevar if you think it's too early though." As I speak, Adaline nudges me and taps the badge on my chest.
"Oh right, also here." I pull the cerulean fang pendant I prepared for Presephona out of my satchel and offer it to her directly.
Presephona just... stares for a long heartbeat. Face showing a flicker of anger before settling back into something ridged. Then... she takes a step back. Doesn't touch the pendant. "This one knows little of the other Envoys, and knew there was more than a half chance the Matron of Dollcraft would die when she returned to this place. Affairs are settled. The Matriarch of Vesper cared nothing for this place, thought it a backwater waste of her time. Flatter whichever fool she sent in my stead, offer them gifts. They'll vote in your favor."
I shrug and hand the pendant to Jezrial, explaining for Presephona's benefit. "It's hers when she wants it, so she can communicate with the other Dolls and most of the other residents at will."
"This one will have a decent pot brewed for your return, Curanos Jezrial." Presephona snaps, then turns and leaves.
After she's gone my mother lets out a sigh, pockets the pendant. "I think she'll come around soon enough. Old girl has some... unique takes on a few things. Kind of you to ask and offer this though."
"Makes sense. I don't blame her for being... less than cordial to the one who overturned her life. As to your question, Mistress Elevar, my thought is Schatzi, Adaline, and Warden, with Warden staying in your sheath unless you determine otherwise. Both Krahe and Infection are too... organic looking to avoid the Threshers causing a fit, and the other two have been with us each time so consistency should be maintained."
"Seems a well considered choice. Especially since your sister will be about." Lynette chimes in. Still sitting, shifting chin to lay on her palm. "And if Adze softened up the Thorn Envoy a touch... This should go well. With Calla, Sinrest, and Wurzelbrecher as near guaranteed votes in our favor. With only Salzernte the hard against. Thorn as a maybe. With even the Thresher Captain as considering us stable enough to manage this place. And if Presephona's understanding of Vesper's next Envoy is even half reliable…"
"This is going to go well." Schatzi declares as she rinses out the teapot and cups.
"Yes, I think we can make sure it does." Elevar agrees immediately.
"Or I expect we'll have get creative." Lynette adds with a smirk, then looks to Infection and Krahe. "And you two? You both are going to keep an eye on this body while I tend to some tasks above, alright? If I have to spring to the front in Elevar's flesh for this it might go a bit... strange. Not dangerous. But feel free to pin it to something till things calm. Alright?"
"Yes Mistress." They chime together. Then... pause. Take in her full words.
I cut off the impending questions immediately as I Manifest my Endzeit form. "Not now. We'll talk specifics later, when Mistress Lynette is ready and we're not about to face a whole mess of Envoys."
She grins at that, tilts her head in approval to me. "Lead us on then, Pack Lead."
** ** **
As we approach the meeting place, it's plain to see that the Threshers are definitely preoccupied as only Captain Klevik is present, along with the Thorn Envoy, Ithidrii from Sinrest, and who I can only assume is the new Vesper Grove Envoy. They... have an almost familiar appearance once I get past the bright blue skin and yellow horn jutting from the center of their hairline. If I wasn't wearing the mask it would be hard to hide how surprised I am that Vesper of all places sent someone clearly flesh-crafted.
"Well well, it seems someone found us an Envoy from Grove Vesper. Unless I'm mistaken." My Mistress greets kindly while moving to sit, already weaving a cup from the Root table before this new guest. Tendrils tittering gently. "I am Blossom Elevar of the Sekrhús Estate. And... Apologies for the sudden and long journey you just endured. If there is anything I can offer to help you settle well, don't hesitate to ask."
They turn to us and blink a second set of translucent eyelids, responding in a soft voice, "Thank you. We are Envoy Dregden Craw from Vesper, as you correctly deduced. Our needs are met currently, though we are interested in learning more about you and Sekrhús Estate, as we are... New to this role and would prefer to make an informed judgement."
There's something off about them. A unity that shouldn't be present in a singular mind, as one is alone not united. But… I keep my silence and wait for my Mate to introduce myself and my mother.
"Of course, That's all I ask." Elevar agrees, turning to motion to us behind. "With me today is my Warlord Endzeit accompanied by our Estate's Curanos, Jezrial. Alongside our guardians for today's talks, Adaline and Schatzi."
Adaline thrums lightly, asking permission to be a blunt instrument, and I relay the request to Elevar after sending her and my mother my observations.
[We've all day to correct any bruised egos.] Elevar intones to me with a chuckle. [And she's already well known here to have quite the... reputation. Go ahead.]
After relaying permission to Adaline, she steps forward and offers a perfunctory curtsy to the guests. "Captain Klevik, this one must convey surprise on behalf of the Mistress and ask if the Threshers are perhaps not as unbiased as they claim to be if an Envoy as clearly... Modified as Dregden Craw is accepted without mention when this one's Mistress was treated much less politely."
The Captain eyes Adaline, and when an expectant heartbeat passes speaks up. "Never claimed to be unbiased. Dregden was within... acceptable ranges of nonsense. Checked and verified she'd not be a danger to this gathering myself. And Envoy's bear the mark of a Grove Matriarch. Not gonna crack this meeting over her sending someone with a bit more bite after her last girl seemed to drop off the Root Ways."
The Envoy in question laughs uproariously. "Captain, you and us both know we were sent because the Matriarch considers us disposable and worth less than any attendants she could have sent with us. Warlord Endzeit, we could relieve your Doll's concern if Blossom Elevar assures us that we are under guestright?"
My Mistress motions to the cup as Schatzi steps forward to fill it. "Drink of that, and you have my promise. To speak, and eventually leave, in peace. So long as you don't strike at me and mine."
They pick up the cup and drink it slowly, a dissonance building in their soul.
"Captain, We would greatly appreciate not being skewered, so we're letting you know that we are dismissing our Einwandfrei now." Envoy dregden says in a level tone.
"Just... ensure it doesn't even play at biting anyone." Klevik sighs, rubbing at the bridge of her nose.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
The Envoy of Thorn stiffens. "Are we truly allowing this? Here? Of all places to entertain this nonsense?"
"You are more than welcome to try and stop them, Envoy Beryl." Klevik shrugs.
The Envoy of Thorn glares between them, but does not say more.
With a smile, the Envoy from Vesper melts downwards like a fast burning candle as the blue and the horn and some height and weight are all shed from them... no, shed from her I understand as I watch the single unified soul become two and an odd quadrupedal creature form with large blue overlapping scales, a massive yellow horn on its nose, wideset paws designed for digging and a broad tail like a clawed fan.
"You heard what the captain said Zagan, play nice or I'll get in trouble." she coos to the beast.
"A Whippen? And... such a gorgeous one at that." Elevar murmurs, cerulean iris settling from their close examination as the weaving untangles. Tendrils clicking open interest and excitement. "Alongside an Einwandfrei to facilitate a full merger. That's... honestly, delightful. If after these talks you both find the prospect of returning to your Grove less than enticing, I'd love to offer you a stay here. Brief or... more than that."
I start to say something when Schatzi starts trilling intense desire and joy, turning to Elevar and myself with a pleading look. "Mistress... Can this one play with Zagan?"
"Only if our guests are comfortable with that." Elevar replies, fighting to hold back a grin. "Honestly, today is going to be a lot of drudgery, if we're lucky. I don't mind our Doll and your companion finding softer ways to pass the time together."
"It is fine with me, and while your offer is tempting I would be remiss in my duties if I let it sway my decision on behalf of my home Grove. I need to know more about the Estate and yourself of course. The information I've been given is... contradictory and unreliable at best. I've barely had a chance to even speak with Envoy Thorn or Envoy Ithidrii before we were bundled this way due to some sort of disturbance in the Threshers camp." Envoy Dregden explains.
At the information, Adaline looks at Captain Klevik in fury. "A literal child is the Vesper Envoy? There best be a Thresher escort to ensure she gets home safely afterwards. It's the least you can do."
While I look at Adaline in confusion, Schatzi slowly moves around the table and crouches down to pet Zagan the whippen, quietly praising it. "Who's the bestest little digger ever? Is it you? This one thinks it's you!"
Klevik shakes head in impatience. "Dispersion of this mess of Envoy's isn't my concern right now, Doll."
"Even if her appearance was truthful to her age, The girl walked here just fine. With deadly magic ready to use and in good health. She's a woman grown just for that." Thorn Envoy Beryl scoffs. "To consider otherwise is naïve and stupid."
My mom steps up to sit to the side of my mate, and when she talks it's... Like she would do when patients would be about to shout or fight. Tone firm, trying to redirect focus away from the subject. "Honestly, I'd not want to walk the Root Ways alone, myself. If the Threshers can't manage things, or you'd prefer different company, I'm sure we can see that you get home safe."
"I appreciate the kind offer, and my appearance is mostly accurate to my age as far as I'm aware? I'm 17. Anyway, that can be discussed afterwards. Now that the concern about my appearance is hopefully dealt with we can move on to why Vesper Grove should support Blossom Elevar in her position?" Envoy Dregden requests.
"Of course." Elevar agrees. "To catch you up, we're looking to see about purchasing many if not all of the aged Dolls within the Groves. To take care of them. Alongside sharing the fruits of this place's research. We've a new method of Fleshcrafting that only takes a touch of Physis and lacks almost all pain. Alongside some quite... fascinating breakthroughs for the Healing Arts. We've discovered what causes the Seelenfäule, otherwise called the Soul Rot. Alongside cured an individual of the illness."
That causes quite the variety of reactions.
Ithidrii perks up from her silence. Pointed interest of a huntress sniffing a rare prey. Probably curious as to the ways such a cure could be bought and sold, no doubt.
Beryl narrows eyes in suspicion and open disbelief. But... hesitates before speaking.
Klevik though... She stiffens. Doesn't even look up from a well concealed grimace of some kind.
"You know, if my Matriarch were here, she'd attempt to strike you down and burn your Estate simply for the practical harm such a cure would do to Vesper Grove's finances. Adaline there being the proof of concept that you can Dollify one so afflicted was enough to completely revitalize the industry. But... I think if someone is going to become a Doll, it should be because they want that, not due to a lack of alternatives." Envoy Dregden gestures towards captain Klevik. "The captain sees similar issues, I presume. Nonetheless, I'm very interested in learning more about this."
I chuckle and finally speak. "That's the other thing they didn't tell you yet. The cost of attempting to harm my Mistress is much higher than most would be willing to pay." I duplicate my previous feat and drop one of my coins through a Goreway under the table to right in front of Envoy Dregden.
Klevik's grimace grows into a scowl as she turns up to glare at me. "You're a lot more deft with that trick than before. And... No, Infested Gulls, that's not a compliment. It's gonna spark someone to do something stupid one of these days."
My Mistress grins and lays a hand on my shoulder, and I feel Lynette bubble up to add with Elevar. "Stop flexing in front of our dear captain, love. You'll make this or another Thresher feel insecure in their abilities."
At that moment, a procession arrives from the Thresher camp, Augusta leading the lot flanked by eight of them and followed by the other envoys. "My fault, truthfully. It seems that kids these days don't have faith anymore, even when a Goddess walks up and asks to join their little meeting."
"Well... So few walk the Root Ways and meddle in our affairs." Elevar replies, then smiles at my sister. "I trust you were nothing but polite company to our guests?"
Augusta offers a tight bow and takes a seat, the wary Threshers staying close to her with hands on their weapons. "As much as possible. A few had rather inconvenient wardrobe malfunctions when they started getting aggressive and the young man that decapitated me is in a cocoon made of his clothing. Really... What kind of Death Goddess would I be if I couldn't just put my head back on…"
My Mistress' grin widens with every word as Klevik's expression darkens.
"You... You know this one?" The Thresher captain growls as the other Envoys sit.
"Not as much as I'd like." Elevar muses, "But... that's being tended to with every passing day. She really is a delight, the..."
She trails off and pauses, considering something. Looks about the table, eyes taking in the gathered group.
"You freed her?" Klevik demands into the silence. "From the Murk?"
"No, she slipped free and returned on her own; wants to help make things better." Elevar murmurs, then moves to stand. "And I think It's important to... offer some truths. To this gathering."
Then looks to me while offering a hand. [Unveiling it is then, Love? I didn't expect us to have two Divines at my back for this but... I think we've the leverage to demand instead of beg their acceptance to our inclusion within things. If... you'd agree to reveal yourself too?]
I take her hand and thrum at the Pack.
I giggle and shift into my divine form, keeping my head at the same height as my feet leave the ground and my wings flare out behind me. "Be not afraid, unless you're planning on starting a fight with two Divines simultaneously. Then be very afraid."
Envoy Dregden looks back and forth wide eyed with a large smile while Envoy Adze looks like he's swallowed a rock. Envoy Ithidrii's grin pauses, but doesn't drop away. Envoy Beryl goes stiff, frozen like some small mouse getting spotted by a looming birb. Envoy Rokals giggles. Envoy Hastle though, he pales. Quite a fair amount.
"As I said, some truths. The dear Goddess of Death is a delight, the same as her sister. My love and mate and blade." Elevar continues. "We're... hoping to find peace here. But please do not make the mistake of thinking this comes from a place of weakness, or fear. Vote today as you think best. And know that all who drank from our cups, and their companions, will not be harmed or kept from leaving."
Klevik's glare remains dark but... she doesn't move. Looks like she'd like very much to snarl and strike. And all the other Threshers look to her for commands.
But she offers none. Only glances to the other Envoys.
Rokals shrugs and drinks the offered tea. "So… I overheard something about a cure for the Seelenfäule?"
My mom pushes the journal and cradle gently to Rokals. "Moonwaste in the bones is hard to dig free, but they did it. Got all the notes here alongside a sample that can prove it. Alongside some initial studies on treatments to mitigate things while a more reasonable method of removal is offered."
The Envoy takes up the book, flips through and reads quickly as all wait to hear her assessments.
"Tough luck, Itdidrii, that seems hard to profit off of, but... Oh that's fascinating... There's some toxins that they're experimenting with that bond with Moonwaste to have it leech out of the body." Rokals muses aloud as she skims through. "And you almost made the surgery not sound like the most debauched sex thing I've ever read. Impressive."
"It was actually pretty horrific, honestly, considering I had to grow the replacements inside myself first and have them removed. Easier now, but that was before my ascension." I respond with a slight shudder.
Elevar chuckles, albeit a touch unsteadily, returning to sit "It wasn't so bad, and your subject enjoyed it almost as much as she enjoyed being cured of the Rot. And if a Matriarch or Matron or anyone with wealth catches this they'll pay a stupid amount to be cured. This is also not mentioning how there are at least three dozen growths within the deeper jungles worth quite a lot that these grounds can supply for easy distribution. The Matron of the Healing Arts may despise Half-Knits, but even she'd strangle each of you dead to get a steady supply of what we can offer."
"Oh! Yes, actually." Ithidrii replies, shaking from her hesitations. "That is actually probably better. A cure is a single use, treatments not so much. And I can agree with that last comment, that Matron is always demanding Sinrest send her most of our merchant's stock. Alongside all other Curanos everyone. Fresh and unspoiled raw ingredients of worth from the jungles are in short supply."
"Mmmm. I feel that I should clarify my Mistresses words a bit more. Hastle, you can leave whenever you like without harm as long as you don't strike out before or while doing so. Same with the Threshers. This isn't a hostage situation or a desire to strongarm you all into making deals with us. We will treat fairly with those who wish to do so." I state, attempting to reassure Klevik and Envoy Beryl.
"No, just a few Half-Knits showing that they'll drink deep of old poisons for just a taste of power." Envoy Hastle replies, rising and reaching to unhitch one of his cufflinks. "I've seen enough. Consider my vote cast to you, Captain Klevik."
Then he pricks his thumb, and tosses the blooded silver token to clink before Captain Klevik. Turns to storm out with twinned guardian Dolls close behind.
Klevik lets out a growl of a sigh, glare moving to lock on the trinket left by the Salzernte Envoy as she mutters. "Infested Moonshited Gulls."
[Oh, isn't that interesting? Hastle ceded his vote to the judgement of the Threshers here.] Elevar intones. [She only needed to voice an official choice if there is a tie. But now... she'll have to make a very pointed statement for or against us. And Salzernte gets to mitigate their ties to either decision. Can claim all sorts of less than kind things.]
But before the Envoy steps out my sister reaches out with a gesture, bones ripping through the earth and binding Hastle and his Dolls tightly before jerking them back. "A bit of a word before you go, since you're clearly too stupid to be trusted to understand. This is a Doll Frame, I'm not using Ousia or Physis, and if you ever try to use Half-Knit as an insult, especially in regards to my sister and her mate, I'll dissolve your bones without killing you. That's all. You can go now."
"Blood and ashes, Augusta!" I roar as she casually turns back to the rest of us after releasing the encasement of vertebrae and phalanges.
"Manners are important, and I didn't hurt him. This time." Augusta responds with a shrug.
"I'm so sorry for her, she was recently dead and it seems to have affected her sense of propriety." I explain to the others.
Silence grips the room as Envoy Hastle stumbles free of the bindings, wide eyes locked on Augusta as he makes a much less dignified exit.
"Augusta, Dear One." Elevar states into the silence, fighting to hide a smirk and amused tittering of tendrils. "Your impatience for the flippant rudeness of bandits at our table will always be a welcome delight, only... don't make a liar out of your sister, if you please. Your restraint thus far has been apt, but the melting of any of this remaining gaggle's bones or othersuch while they are under my protections will lead us to be quite cross with you."
"Of course dear, I'd do it in their own Grove if needed, but I assume none of the rest will encourage such a minor effort." She answers and I have to suppress the desire to yell at her again.
"Alright.” Adze snaps harshly, looking irate. “Enough of this nonsense. Let us move onto final deliberations and questions before the vote that's at this point symbolic at best. Envoy Thorn, why don't you start. What information or concessions are you looking for?"
Elevar tilts her head in agreement, then looks to the others.
"You are correct about the vote. We cannot bind this Blossom like they did Yselda. This is... a thing of tradition. Not practicality, now." The Envoy of Grove Thorn replies carefully, pulling a bladed knitting needle from her satchel to lay on the table. "We must now treat this Estate and her Blossom as a well armed or othersuch entity. Thorn will negotiate for peace. Even if the Threshers deem you a grave threat. But I stand by what Thorn won't allow. Fleshcrafting will not be abided within our Grove. And you'll find our Matriarch quite opposed to selling you a stock of Dolls you might twist into dangerous tools for violence against us. But we will trade for medical supplies and otherwise. Agree to avoid open hostilities against you and yours. What else can we do but risk war with grounds filled to bursting with horrors you've demonstrated a willingness to unleash against us?"
"Reasonably spoken. Calla Grove wants access to future magical developments those of Sekrhús Estate make in non-combat fields. We will pay or trade for such of course. " Envoy Rokals requests.
"This is certainly more significant than my Matriarch expected. The cure was one thing, but Divinity..." Envoy Dregden looks around to everyone present. "For Vesper Grove, I want whatever information about all the Divines that the residents of Sekrhús Estate is willing to provide, including information on you Augusta, and you, Endzeit. My apologies for the lack of titles... I've never addressed Divinity before."
Envoy Ithidrii's grin has returned as she adds happily, "And Sinrest will be ever so happy to help facilitate and organize all the wonderful commerce I expect might flow through our Grove. Magics, supplies, knowledge, Dolls... all sorts and shapes."
"Captain Klevik. You're the last then, as I'm satisfied with the tentative agreements made already, though we would like the same as Envoy Dregden in regards to information about Divinity. Make your concerns known." Adze suggests.
The Captain has been staring at the bloody trinket left by Envoy Hastle. Only just now takes it up and looks about the table. "Caught between the tides and a charging Denizen here. But... Alright. I'll agree to let the Groves work this out between yourselves. Not sure the other Captains will like it much, but they can come deal with you lot the next time a Blossom sprouts. Just... turn over those records you mentioned. Catalogs to the Thresher journals Yselda hoarded alongside the rest, and that just might settle my order to not overturn and drown things."
Elevar agrees with a nod. "All of your requests seem quite reasonable to me. But, you'll not have Blood Oaths or such from me. As much as I find Envoy Rokals' work nothing but trustworthy. My word and actions as Blossom to these grounds will suffice now, I think."
Envoy Adze waves to one of his attendants who brings out a large bowl and a bag, setting them on the table. He digs in the bag and takes a white stone, tossing it into the bowl. "Same as always in these proceedings. White for support, Grey for abstain, and Black for condemn. Captain Klevik, tradition is you need to cast for Salzernte at minimum as the proxy, but you are entitled to cast for the Threshers as well, if you'd like to do that to appease the others."
"Four condemns needed for action, right?" Envoy Dregden confirms before grabbing and tossing in a grey stone. "No offense meant, but Vesper can't fully support such a powerful unknown on my authority."
"None taken." Elevar replies easily. "It's a wise decision."
Ithidrii happily tosses in a white stone while chiming. "To a prosperous future."
The Envoy of Grove Thorn reaches out and wordlessly places a grey stone into the bowl.
Klevik sighs and picks up two grey stones and drops them in alongside the trinket Hastle left. "There. Let the stupid gull mewl all he likes if he doesn't like how I tossed his vote."
Rokals smiles as she tosses in a white stone. "Three support to four abstain. Blossom Elevar, you are officially recognised as a Matron and entitled to unobstructed passage through the Rootways and grove-allied cities, but not through the Groves proper without prior permission from their Matriarch. Do you understand and accept this pronouncement?"
"We do." My Mistresses reply together, voice laden with aimless Witch Tone and the weight of the Estate gifted Voice. "And, we mean to open our grounds to most who'd like to visit or get off these Root Ways. Both before departing, but also after."
"I'll bring Adze and we'll stop by again for a short visit before we depart for our home Groves. get the agreements in writing for our Matriarchs." Rokals comments as she stands. "I'm going to grab a few things first, perhaps see if that cute Thresher lad will escort me."
"That sounds perfect." Elevar agrees while rising, looks to Captain Klevik. "Let us know if any other things will need tending to as Envoys move to depart."
She nods, "Yeah, probably will. But this settles most things. Might... have a small Cadre stationed here after we leave, just on the Root Ways near here, if you wouldn't take offence."
"Hmmm... I could be persuaded to indulge that." Elevar considers, tip tapping root table as tendrils titter thoughtfully. "Might even agree to let the group in and out of the grounds if they are very polite sorts. Won't endure a gaggle that even thinks to speak ill words toward the Dolls here. I may stand insults with good grace but get much more fierce when it's my charges being wounded."
"I'll make sure they have a good temperament for this post." Klevik agrees.
** ** **
An hour later, mom has headed home and the rest of us are hanging out on the patio with Adze, Rokals, Ahelheid, and Dregden while a whole mass of the Dolls come out to see and play with Zagan. The Whippen prances around followed by a chain of Dolls that giggle and wiggle and invariably collapse into a piles of joy before starting again. Even Adaline joined in after quickly dashing away to check on Valthirii's cocoon, bringing Primrose and Nettle back with her.
"I think that all went wonderfully. Even if you still haven't told our guests your actual name, sister." Augusta comments, watching the Dolls as Gebetshure serves drinks since Schatzi is rather distracted.
"...I knew I forgot something. Ah me. Now everyone is going to be calling me the apocalypse goddess and you the doll goddess, and that's absurd." I groan.
“I pointedly did tell them that Augusta was the Goddess of death. There should be no confusion there." Elevar offers. "You’ll be the goddess of something else amidst spreading rumors. No idea what. But I doubt anyone will be so dramatic as to consider you that way. And you’ve the chance to ensure the correct titles and names get spread now.”
"What is your name then, and.... Domain? If that's the right word?" Envoy Dregden asks.
"Right, right. I'm Xafra, and I'm the Goddess of Strife. Which doesn't sound very reassuring I know." I answer self-consciously.
"If we consider that our Divines are not the source of their Domains, but those offered the responsibility to manage those within them, it's very reassuring. Especially as you come to understand these two." My Mistress adds gently. "Both are kind, and don't like to see others suffering. And those within Strife and Death could always benefit from a kind one to aid them."
"Normally, I would be either fascinated or furious but I don't care in the slightest. I want to see Calix. Please." Envoy Adze says with frustration.
Elevar looks to me, "Is he ready? I know you mentioned Calix wanted to finish up something before either joining us or Adze being brought to him...?"
"Yeah. He should be heading this way now. Rufus was able to discourage him from arriving on his glider thankfully." I answer with a smile. "Just... Be kind Adze. He's had a rough go of it."
Adze has the decency to look embarrassed and leans over to Adelheid, "Who's this Rufus fellow?"
"Eh... Lad in my Cadre. Or... formerly so? Not sure if he'll rejoin" Adelheid replies. "Apparently is old friends with Matron Elevar. Him and Calix are really sweet on each other."
Adze seems disgruntled at that and I start getting angry before he states "He can do better than a Thresher."
"Well, it's a wonderful thing my oldest friend left that life behind him. His skills and kind nature were wasted amidst the Threshers, as are many who tumble into that life." Elevar points a finger at Adze, looking back to watching the Dolls chase and play with Zagan. "And, I'll have you know, Calix chose him. Pointedly. Has adored the fool boy from the second they met. Also, Rufus... was the only one here able to spot a wound the old cunt laid deep in your father's Frame and see that it got tended to."
Something inside Adze breaks at her words and I realize… that we hadn't told him what happened to Calix. That Yselda Dollified him.
"He... Okay. But he's happy? Not suffering?" Adze asks so quietly.
"I'd like to think so." Elevar replies, eyes still locked on the gaggle of delighted Dolls and new little friend. Tendrils stilling to total silence. "He's fighting for it, Adze. So much. Every day. They all are. And you... finding him. Being here. Will mean all the World and Her Dreams to him. Please... Find pride in what your father has accomplished with so little love gifted these past years."
Adze nods, and Calix picks that time to arrive. His standard sleeveless green coveralls have been traded out for a dark red tunic edged with black angular embroidery and black slacks. His forearms covered with black leather bracers styled after Bartholomew's wings, and his kyanite hair buffed and polished to a mirror finish.
Rufus alongside him wears a similar outfit but more subdued, the red tunic slightly lighter and full-sleeved, with a large satchel strapped over top. His ears twitch at the sounds of the Dolls and he meets my gaze with a smile as they head towards us.
Calix though, the second his gaze finds that of his son the boy immediately rushes over to Adze, grabbing his head and looking over his eyes, "Oh kiddo, you really messed those up, didn't you? Sorry this– I wasn't there to help. Transplant for the right one it looks like, Eh? Not a bad idea for diffusing the sight, assuming you got the idea from the journals?"
Adze seems stunned and through the bond I can feel that Elevar is close to tears as she carefully avoids looking at the men. And before I can decide where to move… Rufus sets over and puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Yeah. Um... Used the old one for a ritual and Liv got pissed, insisted I get a functional replacement, then even hunted down a massive snek herself and bullied me into using one of its eyes." Adze finally says.
The laugh from Calix is a short bark of amusement, "Miss Jezrial's complaints make more sense now. Did you ever tell Liv that you used a forbidden pathforging ritual on her? Not like you could have used it on yourself... Oh! Oh drat. Kiddo, have you met Rufus yet?" Calix cups his mouth with a hand and loudly whispers "He's this one's pet, but you can talk to him normally."
Elevar nearly snorts, tendrils jerking to sudden messy clicks while she reaches up to pat Rufus' hand in thanks and support for him to step over and meet Calix's dad.
Rufus blushes and walks over as Calix finally releases his son's face. "Hello sir. I'm Rufus Chain. Gosh this is awkward, considering you're almost a third older than me…"
Adze shrugs. "My father was your age when he went missing, and considering his... State, it makes sense that you both would get along."
Envoy Dregden, finally catching up gasps and flails, "Oh,I get it! This Doll is the parent of the Wurzelbrecher Matriarch who changed how the Grove operates, and he was forcibly made into a Doll by Yselda, who was the previous blossom of the Estate, and Adaline was made by the missing Matron of Dollcraft who worked with Yselda on occasion, and Adaline seems really close to both of these goddesses, and... Oh. You're Lynette, aren't you?"
My Mistress finally lets her gaze move. Shifts cerulean triple iris to take in this young Envoy for a long few heartbeats before sighing and turning to watch the Dolls again. "Not for a very long time. No."
"Sorry, that was rude. Um... Please don't kidnap me unless you promise to be nice to Zagan. Erm... I'm mostly happy with my body, and I'm sure being a Doll is great, but I haven't even kissed a girl yet, you know?" Envoy Dregden babbles.
Augusta cracks a grin at that, sweeping Gebetshure into her arms as they come around refilling drinks. "No worries, little one. Kidnapping is reserved for genuine threats and those that want it... Do you want to be kidnapped?"
Gebetshure giggles happily and nuzzles into Augusta's arms, leaving the pitcher unattended on the table between everyone, and Envoy Dregden immediately bolts towards her companion Zagan, their weave snapping into place as the reunified pair begin to dig down into the dirt of the Estate.
"Stop teasing the gerl." Elevar chortles at my sister, then calls out to the young Envoy as it becomes clear that they can only dig about a foot or two deep. The tightly twisted vines of the Estate blocking any real effort. "Your safety and freedom are not in danger, regardless of what truths you think you observe. But... you'll find this place well tuned to resist hasty exits without my permissions. Make sure to ask me, or my sister if you meet her, and we'll open an escape."
With an embarrassed look on their face, Dregden craw returns to the table and brushes the dirt and plants off their clothes as Petrichor, the glass flower doll, leads the effort in patching the ground back up. "Sorry Matron Elevar. We got a bit flustered."
"No apologies needed for being adorable." Elevar replies. "And thank you for letting so many enjoy your Zagan's company. You've inspired me to see if there are creatures in these jungles that would enjoy being adopted by the Dolls here."
"Pets." Adze says shaking his head with a smile. "I'm more interested in your Einwandfrei and its potential application for Warlords and other hedgemages. It is an honourable method, regardless of what Beryl or your own Matriarch thinks."
Calix quirks his head at Adze. "So you don't want a pretty birb like Bartholomew? He's almost old enough to molt and start weaving his web to attract a mate you know. We could ensure you get one of the first hatchlings."
"I… Well, I wouldn't go that far. I'm just... Dad, don't embarrass me in front of the Goddesses. Yes, I want a bird like Bartholomew." Adze grumbles.
"Don't worry about them Adze. Mistress Xafra is really nice and silly and Miss Augusta is good to talk too and helps keep us Dolls stable." Calix reassures him.
"The Divines really are just as messy as the rest of us." Elevar agrees, then moves to rise. Glancing between Calix, myself, and Adze quite pointedly. "I'm going to ensure all is well with my twin and the two Pack sisters that should be keeping her from trouble. Also, if he is up to it, perhaps we can gift Envoy Adze an experience a little more... in line, with his views on things? I'm sure my sister could be persuaded to let him visit the communion chamber below if he asks her nicely."
"Not a bad idea, but I think that should wait a while. I have something to hand each of these Envoys if they're willing to accommodate my ability to create goreways." I mention, taking a small wooden box out of my satchel and presenting a series of bone rings. "My ability works best with my own flesh as a beacon, you see."
"And what would you like us to do with these?" Rokals demands with a stern look.
"Rokals, you can keep yours with you or present it to your Matriarch. Same with you Dregden, since you'll have to report back anyway, this can offer you a quick way here once more if you'd like. Adze, I have a task for you, if you're willing." I answer, taking Elevar's arm to keep her from leaving just yet.
"What sort of task? I have to return with news of Calix quite soon and then I have to investigate the new structure in the floodplains." he responds hesitantly.
"Precisely that, actually. I'd like to join you, as I'm pretty certain I know what it is. When you arrive outside it, tap the ring thrice then once then twice, and I'll hone in on your location and make a Goreway to step through. Same sequence for the other two of you by the way... Please don't lead me into a trap, it would really ruin my day." I comment, hoping I can trust them.
Out of the three, Rokals speaks first. "I'll present this to the Matriarch. It is likely she'll keep it in a sealed vault to prevent you from utilizing it as an invasion point, but I cannot guarantee her behaviour."
"I'll um... Yeah, I'll use it to come back, if you'll have me? After I bring the information on Divinity to my Grove. It's important that they're prepared for everything to change, even if they're... Not exactly fond of me." Dregden says quietly.
"Hmmmm. I want a concession first." Adze states firmly. "Calix, Rufus, and at most four others, to visit Wurzelbrecher Grove, without Elevar, her twin, whoever that is, or either of the goddesses here. One week. If that's acceptable then I'll do what you ask."
"Honestly, if Calix asked for thrice that he could have it. Without any hesitations from me." Elevar agrees. "Same with Rufus, though he'll have to promise me a few things first."
Rufus immediately agrees, "Of course. I'll come see you later to get that set, and get our... Calix, what did you decide our group was to be called?"
"A skulk because we have the sneaky sneaks!" Calix answers with a giggle, as Elevar smiles and heads out.
"Get our Skulk ready to leave once you get to Wurzelbrecher and give Xafra the signal to open the Goreway." Rufus finishes.
I look over to the hoard of dolls that have congregated into large piles after fixing up the ground and ask "Is anyone willing to work with Tiffany to get the information scribed into tomes for the Envoys before they leave? I think we should give each Envoy and even Captain Klevik a copy of the information about the moonwaste, the Divines, and the few permanent Warforms I know. Also is there any other suggestions?"
"I'd recommend blueprints for Calix's Thaumeter as well if he's willing as it could help a lot of young Witches perfect their Einwandfrei without depleting their wellsprings." Adaline mentions as she disentangles herself. "In the meantime, I'm going to head back to Valthirii and keep an eye on her progress."
Of the cuties from my Shelf, six volunteer and rush up to help. Zelma and Selene first, with Riana tugging Garami into things. Followed soon by Thistle and Milna.
"Gebetshure, would you lead this little troop of scribes to our suite and ask Warden to assist Tiffany?" Augusta asks, smoothly picking up where I left off.
"Yes Madam." They agree.
They depart and I turn to Adelheid. "I don't suppose I could nudge you into taking a ring as well? It would be useful to be able to start with a... relatively progressive Burrow to enact the changes I want."
He gives me and one of the rings a side eye, "I mean... I could. Yeah? But Captain Klevik seems to like the idea of leaving my Cadre here to watch things and wait for our 'missing member' to catch up. Wouldn't head back that way till we get rotated out. And... We're also not sure which Captain is gonna even be responsible for watching this area."
"That's fine. long term plans. The threshers as an organization need to either change or be obliterated. I'm... tired of resorting to violence and force first. Would rather do my best to convince others of the benefits of change."
"Okay. I... Yeah. I can agree to half of that." He nods. "You seem too strong to stop. And nicer than most of the Threshers I'm supposed to think of as my siblings. I'll be the birb to show you a back tunnel to get in if it comes to that."
"No, no subterfuge. I want to negotiate with your burrow leader, whatever they're called, and see if we can apply some external pressure to change the way you do things. Tip one to my way of thinking at a time, hopefully with a minimum of bloodshed. I just... cannot abide by how the Threshers use up others as fuel." I explain.
"It's blasphemous slavery, and if I had my druthers I'd have gone on the warpath against the lot of you years ago." Adze states.
Adelheid gives him a slow look, replies icily. "Great, You could've been the ones to deal with the Gull swarms my Cadre tracks and kills, or those big tick things that tore up three dozen people last spring, or help those Root villages on the coast buckle-down their homes for the Summer."
"What under the furious Blazes do you think Wurzelbrecher Grove does? I lead the devotees myself to deal with horrors and abominations in our territory. Without wanton waste of the Divine's Ousia or unwilling lives. If you wish for us to show your cadre how we handle the issues, I can arrange that." Adze counters.
"That's enough. Please." Rufus interjects, "Adelheid, you know we agree with him, even if he's a bastard with how he says it. It's the only reason I worked with you under Captain Uthroy, why you're part of Burrow Endlose Arme. Because compared to the rest of the Burrows, they recognize the inherent atrocities and do their best to mitigate it. but... My dear Calix here told me something recently. You should never get comfortable choosing the lesser evil, because in the end you're still choosing evil."
"Right. Course. Cuz I've been so comfortable these past nine years." Adelheid growls while looking away from them, back to me. "Wurzelbrecher may have driven out and founded a replacement Cadre, but the other Groves don't care enough about the outsiders to do that. So... We're what's here. But you give Captain Uthroy the tools to be better? She could help you pressure the Burrows to change. The other Captains would never admit it, but Arme handles most of their supply routes and deliveries. Guessing they'd be right drowned within a year or two if Uthroy wanted 'em that way."
"Why don't we move onto better topics? Adelheid, you were interested in the resheathing process that Rufus went through, yes? And Adze, if you witness it you can judge its merits for yourself. Mistress Xafra, is it alright if this one takes them to Adaline and gets her to start the process?" Calix offers, clearly distressed by the arguments.
“Captain Klevik cleared me to test this, so long as Envoy Rokals writes up a report for her.” He agrees, standing.
"Oh fun. Yes, I'll definitely tag along. Adze, since it's a bit of a secret, I know you're not aware yet but this is an ancient ritual passed down from Dämmerung themself." Rokals mentions enticingly.
"What." Adze's response is flat, not unaccepting but baffled as he looks over Rufus again for evidence of Divine intervention.
"Right. None of you know that Xafra is from before the Rivening. That Warform of hers she was using? It's sixteen thousand years old, attributed to a Warlord Endzeit. She didn't even use a different name." Rokals says casually as she stands and nudges at Adze.
"I... Huh." Adelheid replies, looks to me. "Really? That's a long time to strut the Root Ways without anyone knowing who you are."
I blanch at the memories of my imprisonment. "I was... only active for about thirty years before i was buried... I was freed by Elevar just a few moons ago."
The Thresher tilts his head at me, then looks at Augusta. "Was it the same for you? Buried and Dug up by Matron Elevar? Are there more Divines just... buried around you all are gonna be looking for?"
"Nah. Well... maybe. Xafra was a special case. Got ripped from the womb and sealed in an implement to be used by mortal witches. Honestly the fact that my eldest sister is even somewhat mentally stable is the kind of luck you only get once. I simply took the slow and steady route, more recently accelerated by family drama. Not entirely sure where three of our other siblings are..." Augusta gossips.
"Hope they're as... steady, as you two. If you know what I mean. A rogue Witch is already a handful to deal with and they have Ousia we can watch and work around." Adelheid considers, rising. "Alright. Let's... get this done. Rufus said this Resheathing is a mess but not as rough as the Fleshcrafting shite I've tried to figure out. Involves mud? Which I guess makes sense?"
As they walk away I gently chide him, "It's alchemic fluid, it just has purified mud as the main ingredient."
"This has all been a lot, and you both are as terrifying as you are attractive." Dregden says to us quietly. "We think we're going to head back to the camp and wait for those documents. Need some time to process all of this."
They leave rather quickly after I signal Elevar, and Schatzi kindly disperses the dolls so my sister and I can finally talk alone. "So. I'm trying to decide if I should hug you or slap you first, Augusta."
"I definitely deserve the slap, but what's the hug for?" She responds with a frown.
I let loose my feelings. "This is the thing! The exact bloody thing. Maybe it's me though, because you're so unmistakably inhuman. Never were, don't have memories of being one let alone dozens. And... We're family. Mother's Grace, that means something to me, It means that you don't ever have to worry about being enough. I'd rather know you and celebrate you, and if it so happens that you fall or if whatever happened to our brother happens to you, I'll mourn you. I need you to be... you. If the cryptic nonsense is who you are then that's fine, but if it's a mask you're putting on to protect yourself or me or whoever... Let me in. Let me be your sister."
"Okay. I messed up. badly. Sekrhús got to me, completely and utterly. Got under my skin to such a point I annihilated my Frame and made it a part of me without even realizing that I had done it. Xafra... I didn't think I was coming back, continuing, or doing anything other than turning myself into a poison to spite our niece and then ceasing to exist. because I was scared. I was for the first time scared of losing someone important to me and decided that the only way to handle the feeling was to be a poor imitation of a weapon and throw myself at what threatened them. Between you, Adaline, and Gebetshure, I..." She stops, closes her eyes and puts a hand up for me to give her a moment.
"I've been thinking about our divine abilities, and what they say about us. Your first one was your goreways. letting your loved ones always reach you through a door you can open with your flesh. Mine was... Emptiness. A Void form that can't be touched. What does that even say about me? Xafra, I... Feel absolutely revolted by my own existence now because my abilities tell me that Gebetshure and Adaline are dead. That they're merely corpses and I can travel through them because of that fact. I infected every living being on the bloody planet, Xafra! I made a joke about being the dark lord because it was easier than thinking through that I probably am." By the time she stops, she's crying and I'm crying and I've pulled her into my arms.
"Augusta love... No. That's not how this works. Your intentions matter. Whatever happens, we can handle it together. Find ways of mitigating issues to protect our loved ones and be true to ourselves. I don't know why you'd ever think I'd do otherwise. I'm... kinda dumb but I pay attention. I remember the story you told during my ascension and I already know it's about Sikkina. I'll never love her any less. I'll never love you any less. If corpses start getting up and walking around, it just means we need to get better funeral rites. If the dolls respond in an uncomfortable way to your domain, it just means we need to change the rules of dollhood. Have to do that anyway for Girra. And if you become a dark lord, it just means we need to hire you a stylist, because your formal look is more… dark prince soon to succumb to the temptations of being a woman than anything else."