Love Made a Monster out of Me (Chain)

Content Warnin's:

A good boy being a pretty darn good emotional support puppy who need emotional support! Um.... A snowball fight happens! There is wiggles and wobbles here too. Um... Pretty clean though! Not too bad! WOW!

Thanks to ItsQuarters for writing Hackt in this chappy!

I am a monster. Not how I was previously though... Once I was a handsome Thresher, killing problematic Witches, destroying the forms of the Sun-blessed, and participating in slavery by another name.

Now though?

I'm the emotional support animal for a Skulk of Dolls that cares about me and each other, and we're working to change things. Make the difference I always wanted to make. And...

I'm happy. Even if I'm about to deal with the most awkward situation I can imagine.

[Rufus. Adze has finally given the signal. Gather up your Skulk and meet me at Elevar's Spire as soon as you're ready, please.] Xafra intones, causing me to drop from my meditative state.

The tail swings from Aralen and Nelara hit me in the chest, knocking me backwards into Hackt as Joan and Calix giggle.

Hackt’s sturdy frame absorbs the impact without a flinch, its mechanical voice rumbling low and steady as it steadies me with one massive gentle hand. “Have care, Master. This one hopes its Frame did not do any harm." It speaks softly, though rather hoarse and raspy. "Have you finished with the hugarró?"

"I'm fine, Hackt, thanks. No, actually Xafra just reached out. We can grab our bags and go through a Goreway to Wurzelbrecher Grove once we're all ready." I answer with a smile. "Will have to pick up the hugarró later tonight and finish settling my mind."

Such an odd meditation technique truthfully, but brilliant. the ability to lock away the Vigsáng behind a conditional trigger to maintain a veneer of calm. Everything with the Vigsáng just works differently than spellweaving, I don't even know if it really counts as magic.

It takes a deep breath in response before slowly rising to its feet, giving a little grunt. "Come then. We will make a presentation of ourselves." It pauses before looking down at me, its expression caught between want and amusement. "Shall this one carry you all? It would be very little burden."

How much a difference some handfuls of days can make. I swear, It could barely stand me at first.

“Apologies Master.” Aralen chuckles while she and her twin link a pair of hands and tails. Then Nelara adds as an almost echo to her twin’s words. “These two can walk, though. Thank you, Hackt.”

Calix hops his way over to me with Joan and pats me on the back. "Gotta get used to hearing voices like me. Heheh."

I look at him and feel that playful instinct take over. "Yes Hackt, we would adore being carried. Calix in particular would like to be carried by his ankles."

It takes Hackt all of the span of a half a dozen heartbeats to scoop those of us willing into its arms, while It has Calix's ankles trapped between two fingers, hanging upside down. It laughs at the antics, amused ever so. "Is everyone comfortable?"

Calix, Joan and I agree, and Hackt leads the way back inside the Sheared Spire to grab the bags we've had packed for almost the entire week now, then we head over to Elevar's Spire.

My lover breaks the tense silence about halfway there. Whispering quietly while still suspended upside down. "This one is... Nervous. Hasn't been to Wurzelbrecher in... almost 60 years. What if he needs to run and hide?"

"Trust your training and set the Vigsáng to the purpose of running. This one will protect, as is its purpose." Hackt rumbles in what is its best approximation of a soothing tone. Which is still fairly intimidating to anyone who hasn't just spent over a week with it. "Just remember, staying calm is of vital importance. This one has no doubt that there will be some malcontents that would take issue with our presence. There always is."

"This one thinks it would be a bad look if you had to protect him from his daughter. But thank you. Might need some cover as... Oracles have never been very common. Not something this one was open about with others when... Um… Before he became this." Calix responds.

And my heart aches for my love. His losses and struggles and fear at spending a week with a family I think still adores him. But… Just also delayed calling us four days past our agreed upon time.

"Honestly, from what I'm gathering, it's likely that the reception will be harshest towards myself being an ex-Thresher. Hackt's suggestion has merit, and don't forget that you can also channel the... uhhm. dontseeme glyphs through the connection with Joan." I reassure him with no small amount of embarrassment. "We really gotta figure out a name for that that isn't just cloaking or skulking. It comes off as unprofessional..."

Hackt was silent for a while, then rumbled inquisitively, "Felurúnar?"

"No. The Runes aren't hidden." Joan muses softly from her spot on Hackt's shoulder. "And neither are you all when channeling through the Glyphs our Master etched on this one’s Frame. And hidden implies... there are those searching. Which isn't good. Can mess up your focus and attract bad attention. Tapað is better, this one thinks? Keeps your focus clear to imply an escape from the Betwixt. Only lost, nothing more. Waiting for the correct person or Doll or... or otherwise to be found by."

"Makes sense to this one. Bartholomew is really excited to travel. Even has some deliveries to do for Sekrhús." Calix mentions as we arrive at Elevar's Spire.

My old friend is waiting just inside beside Xafra and... well, her other half in her new body. Sitting and talking softly while waiting for us to arrive, looks like.

Elevar looks at us first, smiles at our group. "Well aren't you an impressive gaggle?"

"Hmmm..." Lynette hums, those dull gray eyes that seem almost blind taking us in more sharply than even yesterday. "A pack, Elevar. They've earned the right to the word, I think."

"So they have." Elevar agrees, stands to step around the table. "But they already had a far better word for themselves. So I'll rephrase. How is the Skulk today? All prepared for this trip?"

"Pretty good. Think we're ready.” I reply, “Would recommend you all have a bit of a talk with Sekrhús while we're gone as a note."

Calix wriggles out of Hackt's grip and whistles for Bartholomew who flaps his way over from his gazebo, a little pack already set in place on his harness.

"Oh?" Lynette murmurs, eyebrow quirking in curiosity. "Has Calix and it been scheming behind our backs? Bear things it's decided not to share with the Blossom of these grounds?"

"Not scheming! This one was asked if Bartholomew would make some deliveries." Calix answers as he pets the bird. "She says she'll help him with the nest when we get back and he agreed. Mmhm!"

Xafra laughs. "Yeah, we do need to talk with her soon anyway. Please be safe, all of you. You're so important to us."

"This one will keep them safe. Woe upon those that endanger this one's charge." Hackt replies, a savage grin splitting its face.

"Also..." Elevar reaches around and pulls out two letters. One sealed in a wrapping of hardened sap with the symbol for the grounds in the centre, the other plain. "Gift this to the Matriarch of Wurzelbrecher, if you please. My official greetings and offerings of alliance if future... complications or conflicts arise. Alongside a list with most of the research and supplies we'd like to begin exchanging."

I take the letters and pack them into the rucksack on my back, responding with a grin. "Will do, my dear lady. I hope nothing that will cause problems with my future in-laws?"

"Not yet." Lynette matches my smile. "Simply a very traditional greetings to give to a Matriarch of a Grove. And from your hand avoids the subtle implications any of our words are tinted with expectations from Calix. In some ways you're acting as our Envoy to them, if you'd like to claim the role. But... you're all there to facilitate a calm and well-behaved reunion between that family. No official business. And..."

She glances to Elevar, who nods and looks to my love very pointedly. "And as for you, Calix. If you decide you'd like more time than a single week away. Feel free. Just signal for a brief chat and such so we can ensure all is well."

Calix giggles as Xafra hands over a small box. "Made you a little something as well to make Hackt and Joan's job easier. Bone-stud Cestus with my own bone of course. Tap the backs of them together, and I'll respond with a Goreway between them as soon as I am able."

"Makes sense, Matron Lynette, thank you. Xafra... You're so very weird, but I appreciate you a lot." I respond with a smile.

Xafra opens a Goreway large enough for all of us and with a smirk whispers to me "I'm the one that made the food bowl you eat from, Rufus. We're about even on the weird scale."

Hackt laughs loudly, loose items rattling on nearby tables. "Truly this is a carnival of oddities. This one would not have it any other way." It falls silent then looks between Elevar and Lynette. "This one has a request. When this one returns, can it be made aware of the whereabouts of the one known as Verbess? This one would much like a conversation about the protection it received when it came to the Estate."

Elevar quirks her head at that, seeming confused for a few heartbeats, but nods. "I... Of course. I'll let it know to find you when this Skulk returns."

"You are most Gracious." Hackt bows, then looks at everyone. "This one shall go first to ensure there is nothing treacherous ahead."

Calix and Joan follow quickly, then Nelara and Aralen and I walk through the horrific rend in space behind them, crossing the distance to Wurzelbrecher Grove in a matter of seconds and bloody boots.

Behind us, the Goreway is pulled closed with a precise weave from Xafra, stitching closed the wound in reality with Ousia as easily as her mother does with flesh. Ahead, Adze stands at attention with four heavily armed and armoured adjuncts in a line, guarding against the biting winds that howl through the entrance to the cavern we find ourselves in.

"It is good to see you again." Adze states then, noticing a few confused looks from our Skulk, explains. "We're currently just outside the Grove. I determined it would be best to permit a proper escorted entrance to Wurzelbrecher instead of sneaking you all in and causing an uproar regarding security."

A slight tremor from Calix and I take the lead, walking towards Adze. "Sounds good to me. May I ask what caused the delay? We have been expecting your summons for a few days now."

He shrugs casually before saying something… honestly terrifying. "Been losing control of my weaving. Needed to figure out a short term solution before it was reasonable to risk bringing you all over."

Calix nods and tugs the rest forward. "Sounds about right. If you promise not to be weird about it, Th– I'll ask Adaline to make you a modified collar that will help with that." A brief pause and he continues. "To clarify… Adze, you are not allowed to sleep with my Mistress or any of her Pack, as well as any of the Skulk. It would make things way too complicated."

Hackt can't help the rumbling cackle that escapes its lips at Calix's words, covering its mouth with a hand. The Twins snicker and work a bit harder to suppress their amusement at my love’s words.

Adze simply shakes his head. "Wasn't planning on it, but I appreciate the warning. I'm still fending off Rokals' attempts to get me to do a threesome with her and Captain Klevik. If Adaline can help with the weaving issues, it would be greatly appreciated." He turns and begins leading the way out of the cavern, all four of his adjuncts falling in line behind him as he uses a Physis weave to blast the snow clear of the path ahead to the Grove.

As we walk out of the stone and woven root cavern I get my first glimpse at Wurzelbrecher, the only Grove I never visited in my years as a Thresher. We look down at it from our place higher on the mountain, and see the cascade of gigantic willow trees that encircle the grove carved into the body of the mountain. The only Grove not part of the jungles north of us.

What must it be like to live on the southern mainland, away from the Groves and jungles?

As we see the buildings woven from root and rock nestled along the inside edge of the trees, Calix takes a deep shuddering breath to speak. "It was dubbed Wurzelbrecher, Root Breaker, when the Grove was first planted because of the stone. A place that the spores and encroaching flora can't take over. Solid ground. Real dirt, not just duff enveloping more roots as deep as you can dig. The cold is seasonal, it warms up plenty but never to the same extent of course. Takes inspiration from the mundanes that focused their attention on learning about the world after the Rivening instead of trying to force the world to comply with their demands. The Grove grows slowly outwards as the trees dig into the surrounding stone over generations, and we dig down into the mountain for shelter, agriculture, and building materials. It is a hard land that teaches the importance of trust and community. None in Wurzelbrecher is enough alone, only together can they persevere." He laughs bitterly. "This one's family legacy is here, as well as the primary legacy of Fleshcrafting, as before Yselda the Art was primarily taught here as a thing only of necessity and beauty, since the fall of the Flesh Empress and the founding of the Groves."

"Was tempted to burn it all. Didn't.” Adze admits as we reach the entrance to the Grove and its towering stone entry arch. “Liv's predecessor kept the collection from reaching Yselda out of spite and started training up replacements to oust her from her stolen position, but none were up to the task... Killed most of them myself. They didn't respect the Art, or the sacrifice involved, keeping their own flesh pristine while subjecting others to half considered horrors. I... I'm sorry father. I couldn't be both a Crafter and the Anvil for Liv to shatter our enemies against."

"There's still time." Hackt rumbles out, definitely not being the voice of reason. There was a distant stare in its eyes, craning its head as if to listen— And in the next moment its face goes slack, forcing itself to not obey the Call.

The four adjuncts pull small whistles hanging around their necks out from under their clothes and softly blow on them and... my mind blanks for a moment like when I use my galgahlif. Instead, the Call of the Vigsáng settles, and I can see the entire Skulk as well as our escorts relax.

Hackt stands to its full height suddenly, towering over us all. It's unlike it to be so agitated, even if it is doing its best to hide such. Still, it seemed to calm like the rest of us when the whistle keened. "This one has a question, if it would be permitted to ask of our hosts."

Adze responds quickly. "Go ahead."

"When this one was flesh and bone, it lived here. Was born here. It served in a martial group called the Þrumukallar. Are...is this group still present within the Grove?"

Adze chuckles as the warriors escorting him fan out and bow to Hackt with a hand over their hearts. "Yes, the Thundercallers are now one of the primary Arms of Wurzelbrecher Grove since they aided in our takeover. My Hand this week is from Þrumukallar, as their display shows. I will get one of them to teach you Thundersign, the sign language they have developed over the last few decades with assistance from the broader mundane deaf and mute communities, as it is your right to know it." He flares his Ousia Aura in a complicated pattern towards the two women with bladed needles guarding the far side of the arched entry, and they step aside.

Hackt gives a strange, choking gasp before it forces itself to show no emotion. "I- This one thanks you. It will endeavour to learn. It has been some time since this one has stepped foot here." It turns to me, kneeling down to be somewhat eye level. "Master, may this one be excused?"

"Of course. Remember to be polite and reach out through the pendant if you need anything." I tell it, letting it have the time it needs to process.

Hackt pauses and leans in, pressing its forehead against mine, resting there in comfortable silence. For a moment it looked like it might have done something else afterwards, but a quick glance to Calix presumably banished whatever thoughts it was thinking. Hackt stands and moves to the nearest Þhrumukaller, eagerly waiting.

Adze signs something to the Thundercallers and with Hackt in tow, they depart deeper into the Grove, travelling down a road of gravel and resin that has a strange amount of give.

"Hackt actually introduced the Vigsáng to Wurzelbrecher, back when it was human." Calix explains, taking mine and Joan's hands and leading the way down a different road deeper into the Grove. "This was before you were born, Adze. The Þhrumukaller were initially an entirely mundane group of ascetics that worked with Wurzelbrecher to defend the Grove and provide support to the neighbouring communities. Hackt changed that. It went... Mad, for a period of time, until we were able to find a Curanos that understood what was wrong with it, and was able to help bring the Vigsáng under its control. This one embraced the Vigsáng after being introduced to it by Hackt's twin sisters, Tamarynn and Tessrynn. The three of them brought the Þhrumukaller great honour, reforming them into an Order similar to Warlords yet without any need for Fleshcrafting or Weaving. Unfortunately, when its sisters died against a titanic Sun-blessed, it left Wurzelbrecher and this one didn't see it again until after Yselda acquired it."

"There are... other melodies here. In the Vigsáng." Joan murmurs to me and Calix while we walk. "Reminds this one of the way the Quill Song changed when Miss Xafra started singing with Verbess. The silent scream shifting and clarifying. Got soft parts that make the edges sharper. But also broke harder when things fell out of tune. But this is different. Is more... like glasswork being shattered and re-melted together then broken again."

"Yes. This one was trained in a different Order formed after the Thundercallers, using the concepts in a different direction. Sífrerahvöt, Permafrost Urge. It is one more about patience and outlasting all adversaries. Synergizes very well with Fleshcrafting to... Remove problems without direct conflict." Calix withdraws after speaking, his posture shrinking defensively inwards as he moves to hide behind and between the twins Nelara and Aralen.

I turn and lock eyes with Adze, grab him roughly by the collar and pull him into a nearby alleyway, whispering furiously at him. "You need to reassure your father that you didn't murder his entire bloody order, you rustcrazed bastard."

I barely dodge the toe of his axe as he rapidly swings it up and out of the sheath. "Do not ever put your hands on me unless you wish to lose them."

There's a subvocal scream under the steady toneless words, the impressions of isolation, of being lost, of the ground cracking and giving way below, and I take a step back, emotionally thrown from the Call of the Vigsáng.

A pair of tails wend up my form and tug at me before I can decide between a second step back, movement forward, or stillness. Then I'm tumbling into the steady embrace of Nelara and Aralen while their tails return to hold Calix tight.

But in the motion I see Joan slip past and between us. Tapað Glyphs humming as she steps forward to deftly and easily pluck the axe from Adze hands.

Lost to the sight of any but the Skulk within a few thrumming heartbeats of the act of disarming Adze. Still standing between and ready to act but... eyes locked on me.

"Master. Stop being a bad guest." She demands, long braid's end spitting and sputtering and... dribbling something? Like a bleeding wound from a severed limb... "Especially without Hackt here to help you do that well."

Before I can reply, Joan looks back to Adze, brow furrowed in confusion and rising annoyance. As Calix's father seems… off, staring at his empty hand and not moving. Not even breathing. Then Joan slips forward once more and slides the axe into his holster before pulling away and back to us.

"This one hates this." She hisses under her breath, "Hates this hates this hates this HATES THIS. Now this one has to be lost for a week. Or more. Else they all remember it and we attract attention we promised not to find. Can’t just be a stupid normal Doll like it was promised it could be during this trip."

[I don't think that will be a problem dear. Become perceptible again, and I'll resolve it.] I intone to her as I shrug off the twins and return to Adze, placing the weapon into his hand.

A child's woodcutting Axe? Why would that be so important to him? I... Doesn't matter, I shouldn't have grabbed him.

"I am sorry, Adze. You’re right I… That was really disrespectful of me." I state as I sense his heart rate rising back to baseline and his breathing resume.

Calix comes out of his own quiet daze and looks around, befuddled.

Joan growls something intelligible, in languages I only know parts of, and moves to lean into the shoulder of one of the twins while they continue to hold Calix. Even letting their tails find her ankle and wrist.

But… Still doesn't let herself be perceptible to anyone besides the Skulk.

Adze looks up and frowns. "It is forgiven if you keep personal space in mind going forward. But… Something changed. Am I... No, it's too soon. I'll figure it out later. Let's get to Liv." He takes the lead once more, speaking over his shoulder. "In answer to your question and my father's concern, the Sífrerahvöt is not destroyed. They took Liv and myself in, and we both learned from them. We would not betray kith like that. They are the other primary Arm of Wurzelbrecher."

Well that's reassuring.

Drat I really did screw up.

Adze leads us to the lowest level of the grove, deepest into the mountain, to the Matriarch's manor. It's… not what I expected of a Matriarchs abode, but makes sense as I consider what I've learned.

A large but unadorned edifice of rock, roots, and bone, the manor clearly serves as a memorial as much as a home. Walking through the quiet hallways, there are countless tapestries woven to depict the struggles of Wurzelbrecher once Liv and Adze took over. Alongside shrines with bones of slain foes, everburning torches and other offerings left to those that died in service.

Calix murmurs a quiet worry that his children's home is a lonely place. But soon enough we hear the sounds of life and enter a wing filled with it, Adze's posture relaxing with every step forward.

We pass a room with a half dozen children playing, watched by an elderly man and a woman who stop Adze and embrace him tightly before he lets them know he has visitors to see his sister. We pass by a few similar rooms, some with children some without, but all friendly and only curious about our presence.

Adze guides us down a staircase to a lower suite of chambers that radiate warmth from the walls and floor like a hot summer day.

Must be the Grove Heart. Can’t be certain though as I've never been anywhere near one before.

He knocks on a door with an irregular pattern, calling out "Matriarch Sannur Klakii, Instrument Adze reporting with esteemed visitors." His formality clearly being a precaution in case the Matriarch is currently in communication with another.

Before even a heartbeat passes, A charge of Physis thrums through the air and the door folds away into the Roots around. Like an inverted flower, but with wards thicker than I've seen anywhere but in some of the other Burrows.

Or Sekrhús Estate.

Inside the room at a desk piled high with stacks of tomes and scrolls sits a woman who looks battered and honed by the years that have passed her by. Her hair is long turned silver, then dulled to grey. But tightly tied into an immaculate braid. She's well built, imposing, and fierce looking. An ancient plum tree, jutting through chest deep snow. She's wrapped in a thick quilt and seeming to work away at the stack of tomes before her. She is also bearing many scars. Of all kinds. All over. Most notably will be her right arm. Which is withered and wrapped in thrumming bandages. Charms that thrum with what must be Sífrerahvöt Runes. Things that sing of Bitter Cold stagnation to the limb beneath. Likely still usable, but thin and slowed. Near her on the table sits a long handled war pick with a glowing white sapphire tip that coats the desk around it with a not so thin layer of frost.

As we enter, she turns, her eyes finding and locking on Calix immediately. Such a grin taking over her face as her eyes meet those of her father's. Ignoring all else for a few heartbeats while rising from her seat. She takes slightly unsteady strides around the thrumming Heart of the Grove.

It's as wide as any trunk I've ever seen in the jungles. reaching up and down with long thick roots coated with vibrant leaves, bristling fur, and even budding fruits from within nestled flowers. Incredible.

After five heavy paces she's reached us, stopping before her father. She speaks with the kind of voice I'd expect. Weathered, quiet, but rough as well worn stone. Soft though, matches her confident smile well. "Hey old man. It's... Really good to see you again."

My love smiles. "Yeah... Th- I've missed you, so very much. I... Um. May this one... provide a balm to your aches and pain?"

"Calix..." She replies, speaking the name easily. But also carefully. Raises her good hand in offering to him. "Tell you what, don't try to change how you talk for me. And I'll let you take a crack at that. Dämmerung knows our house's Curanos could use a break from fussing over me."

"Deal." He pauses for a beat then starts to cackle. "True Ice, oh my Goddess, that's perfect. You both are just as goofy with names as her."

I stare at him in horror as he spins, grabs my hands, and clacks the Cestus together.

"Calix! You... Oh I'm going to get in so much trouble." In a rush, I drop my rucksack and withdraw the letters, offering them out to Liv as I drop myself to my knees, carefully keeping both hands before me.

"You're one to talk, taking that name. And not even from your Grove's preferred old tongue. Almost like our father passed on his silliest tendencies." She smirks and looks at me and my offering. "And you must be Rufus, yes? With official writs even. Who are these from?"

"Uhm Yes! I'm Rufus Chain. These are from Matron Elevar of Sekrhús Estate, and your father just summoned a portal to her and our goddess. I'm… so sorry."

Adze shrugs. "What's done is done."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

The Matriarch huffs with a shake of her head. Then she opens and unfolds the parchment. Reads over the letters quickly while tilting head side to side. "All slushed snowdrifts, but clear enough." Raises gaze to eye her father, smile not gone but... melted a little. "Did Adze tell you that I stopped him from hunting this girl down about... a decade or more ago? Was three steps out the door before I tugged him back and thawed him to good sense. Tell me dad, was that a mistake? Would we have been able to get you back sooner if I'd let him drag Elevar here and crack answers from her?"

"...This one would be dead if you had. Was in long term storage after Yselda died and all her Garrotes snapped. Xafra would still be buried. Sekrhús would have gotten grumpy-wumpy and snapped her way free, killing this one and the rest of the Dolls in the process..." Calix explains, in a hollow voice.

"Then I'm really glad we didn't." Sannur Klakii nods, rolling up the letters and grips them in her withered arm while raising a careful hand up to lightly rest on Calix's shoulder. Looks between us with a returned smirk and glint of amusement in her eyes. "You two seem quite the pair. How'd my father catch himself a stray like you from that Estate? I'm told you both were hopelessly entangled before even the first Envoy arrived?"

"I uhhhhm... went there to kill Elevar and thoroughly got my ass handed to me by a spellcasting Doll." I admit with embarrassment. "Then Calix was kind enough to help me see the error of my ways and uhm... Claimed me."

"Ain't that the best way to start things off, and... Bitter Rimes doesn't that just sound like you, dad." She lets out an easy chuckle at my answer. "C'mon, both of you. Let's get next to the Hearth. Warm up old bones and Frames while someone upstairs remembers to bring down something half-hot enough to eat and drink."

She leads us to the nearly opposite side of the room. To a cluster of lower tables with softer chairs. One with less clutter and closer to the radiating warmth of the Grove's Heart.

I move carefully over, keeping my hands spread before me, and as I reach the table, it happens.

As if tree roots decided to grow through the air yet also had budding teeth and horrific fleshy bits between all wrapping about and inside the Goreway that forms between my palms.

With a cheer, Calix rams his hand through the Goreway and flaps his other hand towards his daughter. "This one needs your hand for a moment."

His daughter eyes this with an amused quirk of her eyebrow, then asks. "The Rime wrapped one? I'm guessing?"

"Oh, uhhhh. Probably not? But this one could ask if Xafra's mom is willing to come visit and take a look?" Calix offers.

"Huh. Something to worry about later, then." She nods, stepping up and offering him her good arm. "Anything else?"

As I watch, a tendril of Ousia travels from the Goreway along Calix's body to Liv's hand, stopping at the boundary of her wards. "Just let that through so Xafra can top you up... Same thing this one said to your brother. You aren't allowed to sleep with Xafra or her Pack. It would be really awkward." he states.

"Wouldn't dream of it. Even if any of them sounded my sort." She chuckles. "Top me up? With Ousia. I... alright. If the ice is gonna crack now's the time it would." It takes her a few heartbeats of careful focus. But then she nods. "Should be good. Tell her to go ahead then."

The Ousia goes from a tendril to a flood, streaming across Calix and into the Matriarch at a terrifying rate.

She goes stiff, struggles to breath for a few heartbeats. Like someone, or honestly a few someone's, kicked her in the belly. Needs to reach out and steady herself against Calix's shoulder with the opposite withered arm near the end.

Hissing a sharp "Shitgod's frozen arse." As the final bits of Ousia settle.

"Ah… heck, now Elevar is gonna start using that swear too." Calix pulls his hand out of the Goreway and it closes once more. "Okay okay okay! That should help a fair bit, this one hopes. We can chat and stuff now."

"That..." Liv huffs, steadies. Stands straighter without releasing her father with her good hand. Cracks shoulder and neck, then finishes. "Changes so much. I... Heh. So many people are going to be so upset when they find out the cold bitch running this Grove just got a second kick of life in her. Thank you."

"Mmhm! You're very welcome. Now um... One more thing to do before the others can go, and we can catch up, if that's preferable?" Calix mentions, taking a seat between his children as I stand up awkwardly, still uncertain how to act.

"As long as they don't stir up too much trouble, I guess they can wander about." Liv replies, looking between us.

And it's then that I notice that Joan has slipped over to walk all about and around the room. Has even stopped to look over a few stacks of books on the Matriarch's table.

"Joan, Get over here and stop making this one's son question his sanity." Calix orders with a frosty tone.

I wince anticipating the fallout.

"What?" Adze exclaims with a start, palpable relief warring with confusion on his face.

Joan flinches, then turns to regard him. Vibrant jade eyes seeming to twist in those sockets in annoyance. "One or the other is within Good Function. So... This one will stop making noises close enough to bother your son's crimeless thoughts. Can instead go make sure Hackt isn't breaking anyone important."

Then she turns and moves toward the door to leave. Braided tangle of thorn laced hair unfurling to dangle more like a tail. Still dribbling odd Ousia and Physis.

Calix's daughter looks between him and her brother in open confusion and worry. But... more focused on Adze. Calix's words not at all making sense to her.

"Joan. This one is not asking. You are causing harm due to his Oracle sight. He knows that something is missing. Even if you leave now the issue will remain." Calix explains as the room grows cold around him.

She freezes in place, long braid the only part of her to still move while she hesitates just at the exit. Twisting in worried patterns as she asks carefully and slowly. "Wouldn't you rather match the gift you gave his sister and teach him to track and hunt and protect from sneaks like this one during this week? He'd enjoy that, this one thinks. Learning how to manage the pain of the thing you both struggle under by finding its gifts like you did."

Over the next three heartbeats I feel my love’s cold anger rising. About to snap and lash out.

"I think there is a bit of a disconnect here. Give us a moment?" I ask our hosts before switching to intonation. [Joan, Calix is furious because he already had a grasp on his abilities before being exposed to or affected by the Betwixt and this could act as a wedge in Adze's psyche. Calix, Joan is not trying to be dismissive, but is concerned that everyone who saw her on the way in before she went Betwixt will realize that she vanished from their memories and it could cause a problem. Can we come to a compromise?]

[Is this one needed to enforce a penance, Master? By the thundering skies, This one swears you all could not be left alone for even a moment.] Comes Hackt's grinding mental voice, canting worry and promises of punishment alike over the bond all of the Skulk can hear.

[No, Hackt dear, just a misunderstanding.] I reply to it.

"Oh. Calix... made finding and talking to this one seem easy for one with his Sight." Joan murmurs aloud, risks a glance back to him. [This one thought distance was the answer between. The path to least harm. Didn't want any l̴̻̆ŭ̸͂r̴̒̒ḱ̵͘e̶͛̀r̸̡͊s̴̐̚ to catch scent of this one and prowl here with only two able to see Betwixt fully. Would be lost for weeks and weeks to keep this Skulk safe.]

[Is it viable to include Calix's children in those that can perceive you? That should be sufficient, right Calix?] I offer.

[Yes, if Master thinks it is a good idea. Absolutely.] Joan agrees immediately. [It... could also let Calix and his son balance themselves against each other? Share perceptions and otherwise? Make sure no more wedges slip between his son's thoughts?]

Calix follows up as his demeanour warms. [Yes yes. Thank you. Sorry. This one... Was scared.]

[Not your fault.] Joan replies, letting the thorn tail wind up to wrap back about the shoulders of her dark scarlet Frame. [This one... Can count on one hand the number of times it has seen you truly angry. And never like that. But... thinks it is Good Function to be protective of your little ones. Let this one be regretful instead? For only having a single answer to every problem. It needs to do better at working with this Skulk.]

She still looks like she means to turn and leave, despite being still as ice once her tail settles. But then Nelara and Aralen, quiet and watchful this entire time, catch her wrists with their tails.

[Stop being a bad guest.] One intones. [Especially without Hackt here to help you do that well.] The second echoes, before they finish together. [No running off.]

[Please, Joan. Introduce yourself, say hello, and we can leave Calix to spend some time with his children while we find someone annoying to trip while they can't see us.] I promise her mischief in hopes of swaying her.

"Okay. That... Sounds like Good Function." She chuckles and nods, letting the twins tug her forward to stand beside me. "Wind them into you working, Master. This one will introduce itself properly."

I turn back to the rather absurdly patient siblings and apologize. "I'm so very sorry about the delay, one of our Skulk members is a bit... shy, shall we say and subject to the Betwixt. Might I have permission to include you in my weave so she can introduce herself without causing further issues?"

"So you weren't just aimlessly staring at each other for the last few minutes then. Wonderful. With my Matriarch's permission, I will go first." Adze states in a frustrated voice.

"All sorts of odd magic's already bought me at least a few more decades and then some." Liv replies, worries settling as her father’s concern does. Leaving her with just a confused smirk. "No idea what this... Betwixt is. Sounds like some kind of shroud magic?"

"It is... MMM. Alright, a quick divergence into magical theory. There are three cornerstones that hold up the totality of everything. Reality, Dream, and Void. We exist in Reality, our minds rest in Dream, and our Ousia decays into Miasma that returns to the Void. Betwixt is... The space between the trinity. Equidistant from all. It is... best understood as the Labyrinth." I explain to the best of my abilities after weeks of studying with Gebetshure, Joan, Adaline, and Valthirii.

"That makes... more sense than I'd like it to." The Matriarch murmurs. "And I've taken a crack at understanding my old man's journals that ramble on about Fleshcrafting needing to align with dream things. Never understood that either. But I could tell it all settled as solidly as the Grove we're in."

"Oh, This one can show you the Driftdream later. It's very neato and that's where Mistress Xafra's real body is now." Calix mentions with excitement, already getting distracted.

"That... Should probably wait. Liv, are you good with me proceeding?" Adze asks with exasperation.

"Yeah, go ahead." She agrees, leaning back to watch while her smile settles to something devoid of worry and just... openly curious.

"Okay, this is easiest to do by starting with a Glyph. Adze, may I touch your wrist?" I very deliberately ask, remembering the immense hostility of his reaction.

Adze pulls up his sleeve and offers his right arm, making an uncomfortable amount of eye contact that I immediately break to place the glyph. A moment later and he's within the weave though not the wider Skulk bond.

"Did it work?" The Matriarch asks. "See anyone or anything interesting?"

He looks around the room and launches himself backwards with a start, swearing up a storm as he knocks his chair over and tumbles against the Grove Heart. "Gods among Us. Yes, it bloody worked. Dämmerung's ruddy pits, it definitely worked. Gahh."

Our suddenly visible Doll winces, "Apologies, Instrument Adze. For startling, and... and any distress caused by its absence from your perceptions. This one is called Joan."

As Adze climbs to his feet he laughs, "No no, it's alright. The hallucinations shattered around you and that's what startled me, truthfully. It is good to meet you Joan, I don't doubt you are a significantly positive influence on my father's mental health." He retakes his seat and gestures to his sister. "Should be much easier for you, Icecream."

"Icecream. Ohhhhh that's so goooooood!" Calix cackles.

Once again, Hackt's voice breaks through. [Master, when you are finished with your business, and we are done for the day, This one has a gift it must impart.]

"Isn't it?" Liv chuckles with them, offering her good arm to me absently. Already distracted from the why. "Figured I'd rather be known to the little ones as sweet and best to get to know before she melts away than some cold rock bitch."

[We do have a full week here Hackt, but I'll be done here in a few minutes if you'd like to meet up right away, or in a few hours if you'd like more time with your old Order.] I intone to my protective Doll as I trace the glyph on the Matriarch's wrist. "All done."

Hackt takes a while to answer back, but does so. [This one would be grateful for the extra time. Apparently there hasn't been another Grandmaster of the order since me. That... This one's heart aches to hear that. This one is filled with a longing it cannot name.]

The Matriarch's eyes find Joan quickly, and she settles back in her seat while staring her up and down. Reaction smothered to quiet thoughtful focus while she murmurs. "Huh. Not as bad as you Ivarr but... yeah. That's not comforting. Don't like the feeling of remembering something another made me miss and forget." Then she looks to me, holding up her Glyphed arm. States firmly but not unkindly. "Mr. Chain. Before the mess of this week is over I'd like a write-up about this Betwixt magic. I'm gonna have one of mine try and etch out some wards we can use to deal with any others who might try this same trick to slip into our home."

I answer hesitantly. "I'll... have to ask permission first. Augusta, the Goddess of Death, told me that there was a solid possibility of collapsing my brain into a bite sized piece when I first mirrored my Einwandfrei to counter the Betwixt enough to claim Joan. Other ward forms could go... poorly." I consider more, then continue. "I can offer my Einwandfrei for perception enhancement? It allows one to see shallowly into the Betwixt. Could be useful for your guards, and uses only Physis."

She listens to all my words, looking back to Joan then to me again. Nods as I finish. "That would be appreciated. And we can work out the details of counter motions after you've given us what you can. Just like to invest in understanding new and dangerous magic when the opportunity arises. Especially with new Divines sprouting from the dirt like hungry predators at winter's end."

"Technically one returned after dying from the Void, and the other anchored herself in Dream, so neither sprouted from dirt." Calix corrects his daughter with a grin. "This one will get his pet to do the write-up for you tomorrow, for now they should go explore and we can catch up. It's been far too long."

"It really has." Liv agrees, relaxing back again and waving to me and the Dolls. "You all enjoy Wurzelbrecher."

I give Calix a quick hug, and we set out, backtracking rapidly through the halls until we get clear of the manor.

Once outside I stop and flop onto the ground. "I'm sorry Joan. That whole situation was a mess. I really need to do better by you all and gauge your needs more accurately. Nelara, Aralen, how are you both doing?"

"This family is like a flock of old grobbling birbs. Love each other bunches but tumble all about when the web shakes." Aralen murmurs and shuffles to sit next to me while Nelara moves to the opposite side. Tails still grip Joan, but each spare a hand to place on my back and start rubbing soft supporting circles as they answer.

"But we think you're all doing okay." Nelara offers. "As for us... The cold was something we hated but can't feel now. Frames don't care how chilly the winds are."

"Which is nice." Aralen agrees.

"Stupid nice." Her twin nods. "We might actually enjoy playing in the snow too."

"Oooooh. Yes yes yes." Aralen coos. "Don't need to breathe now either. Can tunnel through it like those fuzzy rock bugs did."

"But... that's us. Master. We've mostly been ignoring the conversations. Family talks are... not fun. For us. Especially when everyone is really tense and worried and might bite each other." Nelara offers.

Aralen sighs. "We hoped that us being quiet and only helping when beaks came out was okay? Not sure we'd know what to say to like... help in most places?"

"Of course. Wanted to make sure you didn't feel excluded or anything. I've mostly been terrified of offending a Matriarch or doing something equally foolish."

"Right?!? And we're still struggling to remember that Calix is their father, not their son." Nelara exclaims. "He looks so young and even Adze looks olderish and... and..."

Aralen giggles. "He has good dad energy. But... Calix is too goofy and silly to have kids that old. It's... Like we'd be a giggling mess if it weren't all so... sad. Stupid sad."

Both their soft scrutches at my back slow as the mood drops.

"Hate her for this too now." Nelara grumbles, moving to huddle knees close to her chest. "A whole bunch. For... for doing this to him. Taking him away from kids who love him no matter what. Even now."

"Old first Mistress was a stupid. Mean. Bitch." Aralen agrees, pulling legs up to mimic her twin.

"I think... For Calix, he chooses to be goofy and silly. My dad was like that, you know? Had a lot of heartache and pain of his own but did his best to keep a spark of playfulness near the surface at all times, like a beacon so we knew he was safe and trustworthy. I did a bit of poking around while we were waiting for Adze to contact us. Learned what I could about Wurzelbrecher and who Calix was before and... He's much kinder now. The title Bitter Ocean is one earned for drowning an entire village. Used ice to manipulate the tide flow and wash it off the map. Never told anyone why apparently, just walked out of Wurzelbrecher Grove one morning and returned two moons later with it done. I don't think our Calix would do that." I shake the dreary thoughts from my head. "But we cannot change the past, only strive for a better future."

"Oh." Nelara whispers, voice so quiet. Almost scared.

Aralen shakes her head. "Doesn't matter. No one deserves the Old Cunt. You're right. And... and he's going to be a good dad."

"We'll make sure of that too!" Nelara growls in agreement. "Will throw snowballs at him when he messes up. Or get Hackt to do that. Since we can only lift smaller ones."

"Agreed. Now, to quote one of the scariest women I know… Let's cause problems on purpose." I giggle.

** ** **

An hour later, and I've been convinced of the benefits of impromptu defensive perception training utilizing seasonal natural resources. Or to put it more straightforwardly, after gaining permission from the Matriarch through Calix, we left the Grove proper, made a deep snow fort just outside the boundary, and equipped ourselves with armfuls of snowballs to throw at the unsuspecting guards… as well as members of both the Thundercallers and the Permafrost Urge.

Utilizing our resonance with Joan, we manage to pelt both guards at the entrance with a handful each before they call for back-up and get informed of the training. After that, they begin experimenting with different ways of detecting the snowballs before they contact them, working together in amused relief. Once they get to the point of deflecting one in three snowballs by extending out a Physis weave for temperature, I become visible once more and let them know we're moving on and that we'll give a good report about their innovative solution.

Following the guards, we restock on ammunition and head to the Permafrost Urge lodge.

"Um..." Aralen murmurs as we walk, looking to her twin then between us.

"Should we warn them?" Nelara finishes. "Like... This group hears the spooky wrestling songs, right? Getting pelted with a cold blop of slush could like... Make them upset. Right?"

"Just make sure not to lose focus on the Tapað, and you'll be fine." Joan teases them. "Else... Well, you two are fast. I'm sure they won't be able to catch you."

The twins let out a united 'meep' in open worry. Tails tightening around each others. Then Aralen looks to me and stammers. "You're... She's... "

"Joking." Nelara picks up.

"R- right?" Aralen finished. "We're going to warn them like we did the guards at the gate?"

"Yeah I... hmmm. Lemme try something." I feel for the Call, letting the Vigsáng pulse through me like a second heartbeat, tasting how it differs from when it's just the Skulk in the vicinity. It's still and silent with rumbles in the distance, yet already feeling warm from my own focus on the Call. The Vigsáng can't be used to communicate the same way that the bond can but... "I bet if we all amplify the Vigsáng together, it will be noticed by Permafrost Urge and seen as a challenge, Does that sound like fun?"

"Ooooh. Yes." The twins chime together. "Yes. Yes."

Joan considers me for a heartbeat, then nods. "Seems a good idea, Master. Lead us in this."

I focus my thoughts on the Call, on the Vigsáng in general, and most importantly on my Skulk, this absurd and diverse group of Dolls that chose to effectively adopt me as one of them. It makes me smile and laugh and laugh, and before long the others join in, and we infuse the Vigsáng with a playful manic desire to win, prove ourselves superior, and never get caught.

There is a silence as the Vigsáng goes sotto, quieting but never going silent. Before it rushes back, cold musical tones laced with playful stings that accept this challenge with amusement.

The song becoming tangible music, now.

I shout to the Skulk, knowing that only they can hear me. "Okay, snowball time now. Everyone with the icy Vigsáng is a valid target. Go wild and try not to get caught. Ah ah Awooooo!"

Joan smirks while her thorn wrapped brain of vines uncurl and move to sway and tilt, darting away to scale up a nearby wall to get to a sloped rooftop. Kneeling and gripping a trio of snowballs tight as her hair already begins gathering up nearby snow and slush to craft more. Her Glyphs... actually lessening their weight a bit. Else her actions and attacks will be perceived as her allied Skulk members. Which…

The twins close their eyes and focus for a few long seconds. Only falling into the echoes we use to slip Betwixt as the first of our foes begin to arrive. Hidden, but... only so long as they keep their focus. Then the pair moves to hunch behind a nearby corner of guardrails. Clutching half a dozen snowballs between them and preparing to throw them like they did outside the city.

The lodge sits quiet. And… oddly covered with snowfall and slush unlike the rest of the Grove. And a pretty good amount at that.

And in response to our call, a wind does whip up the powder that's already fallen. No windstorm gale, but the snow has been kicked up enough to catch onto our clothes. It would seem that those of the Permafrost Urge have their own methods for such buffoonery as ours.

People start moving off from the area, apparently things like this happening enough that they know to get away from the 'combat' zone. Members of the Permafrost Urge swarm into the area, erecting snow banks that form out of the powder floating in the air. "Outlanders! We of the Permafrost Urge wish to lay terms of engagement, will you parlay?"

Aralen pokes her head up while murmuring, “What did they sa–“

Only to get belted by a barrage of snowballs from three separate sources. To which Joan follows up by returning the entire cluster she was holding at each of the attackers.

And just like that, it’s on. Tightly packed white missiles being launched to and from each side of these makeshift embattlements, mirth from both our sides. The members of the Permafrost Urge, to their credit, used the little preparatory magic they had set up to their advantage, and managed to even hit me a few times. Though I would see Joan have snowballs certainly lobbed in her direction, I can't say if she actually got hit or not.

The contest lasts longer than expected, the challenge and fun something that my Dolls clearly needed... Something I needed as well, truthfully.

I finally surrender after the Permafrost Urge team manages to roll a massive sphere of snow right on top of me, pinning me to the ground and causing me to lose focus on the Tapað, becoming visible once more. "Alright! You win. Blood and ashes, that was impressive."

Members of the Permafrost Urge make themselves known, several people and dolls that have faces that would be severe if not for the varying displays of amusement on their faces. Some bore broad, toothy grins whole other's only have the faintest hint of a smirk. "That was a good contest, outlander. You and yours should compete every season with us and The Þrumukallar." The leader of this bunch says to me, a person of unapparent gender presentation, bald or perhaps shaved head. They look younger than me, though the scars on their face and scalp may be helping with this. "I am Glacier Kahl. It is a pleasure."

"Rufus Chain, formerly of the Endlose Arme Burrow, but now in service to the three Goddesses: Xafra, Goddess of Strife, Augusta, Goddess of Death, and Sín, Goddess of Love. It would be our pleasure to visit again when time permits. We are here to accompany the father of Instrument Adze on his visit." I introduce myself after my Dolls assist me in getting free.

"Three Goddesses, you say. Well, Maybe in these future visits you could tell me more. The Permafrost Urge is no stranger to Strife or Death. Perhaps new worship could be established." They say, putting a hand to their chin in thought.

"It would be my pleasure if Xafra and Augusta will it to be so. I have another stop to make today but would adore the opportunity to spend some time learning at your lodge with my companions if that would be permitted?"

Kahl goes silent as they regard me, truly taking me in, before their head cocks to the side, their ear facing the open sky. "Mmh. The Song has enticing verses when listening around you. Come visit at your earliest convenience, and we shall see what you could be taught."

"Thank you. I'll be back in the morning then. I've got to visit the Thundercallers now and see if we can win against them." I giggle and wave the others over to greet Kahl before we leave.

Aralen and Nelara tumble over after giggling and moving to regather a collection of fresh slushy weapons for our next battle.

"Thank you for letting us throw cold snow into your faces!" The first twin chimes.

"We really enjoyed this." The second agrees.

Then they look to Joan as she slips close behind and holds the big lump she never got to blop on anyone this time. Grinning but... also with that braid dancing in anticipation of our next battle.

"Our sister says hello and thank you very much too." Aralen adds just before her twin finishes. "But she doesn't want to stop hiding. So we'll tell you for her."

Kahl nods to us and gives an odd salute, a hand dragging up their sternum before flipping when it reaches the solar plexus, palm facing up as if making a presentation or offering of their heart. Odd.

"Be careful. If you challenge the Thundercallers, you'll likely have to face the Giant we saw walking amongst them. The Song echoing off its Frame is...ancient."

"Oh! That's just Hackt." Nelara explains.

"Big softie. No problem. We'll win against them all for sure!" Aralen agrees.

"Hackt is totally gonna cheat by telling them where we are, but we can get around that!" I enthuse.

"Of course. This one or Master can be very distracting." Joan agrees. Passing that big blob of snow into the care of her tail while leaning down to begin crafting another of even greater size.

After that, we make our way to the Thundercallers and I intone to Hackt on the way to see if it’s up for the game. [Just got trounced by the Permafrost Urge in a snowball fight. Would you grant me a chance to repair my reputation by accepting a challenge with your order?]

[Give this one a moment to relay the challenge.] Hackt rumbles back to me. After a few moments, there is a rhythmic pounding that for a moment I thought was the Vigsáng acting up, but soon enough I realize it is drums. War drums. If the Permafrost Urge were intense, the Thundercallers throw themselves wholeheartedly into whatever they do. The Vigsáng confirms this.

"Okay. They're ready for us. Here's my thought. I believe that just like how we can use my gifted Einwandfrei as a means of seeing into the Betwixt through Joan, which is... kind of the inverse of that it is designed to do, I think I can mirror my perception Einwandfrei the same way to make us harder to notice." I suggest.

"That..." Joan thinks for a few seconds, taloned fingers tip-tapping the biggest of her gripped snowballs. Then nods. "Should actually work. And help wash away signs of our passing from notice. Shouldn't leave the wrongways traces marking a l̴̻̆ŭ̸͂r̴̒̒ḱ̵͘e̶͛̀r̸̡͊ might sense and come searching after. You should try this Master. But carefully at first. In case this one is very wrong."

Hackt is the first to leave the building housing the Thundercallers, and it's flanked by an equal number of Thundercallers to us. For a moment I'm concerned that we're to be outnumbered, but much to the Thundercallers surprise, Hackt vanishes from their sight with a laugh. Tapping into Joan’s Glyphs.

Next thing both of our groups know we're both being pelted by snowballs the size of our heads. Mirth and a challenge to both of our groups echoes through the Song, challenging us to win against the other while surviving the Doll's ambushes.

I giggle in delight, and run as I try to modify an Einwandfrei crafted over the course of years to do the inverse. it... doesn't work. After the third attempt to weave is interrupted by a snowball to the back of the head, I decide that my time would be better spent focusing on the fight. [Dolls, form up on Joan, let's see if we can manage a steady moving barrage]

[Yes Master!] The twins chime together before promptly bumbling up into my side. Aralen hefts an armful of slushy snowballs while Nelara plucks them free for throwing. Both giggling and seeming completely unbothered by the mess of frost caking them and more than occasional impact larger and larger snowballs.

Joan though, she's darting about faster than any Art or Labour Doll should. Sneklike braid of thorns twisting out and about as a full extra appendage. Snatching snowballs from the air and ground and even arms of our opponents to either throw or slam back into their faces. Totally hidden with the Betwixt from perceptions of all but our Skulk... and Hackt.

But she's using that to keep its focus on her. Never letting Hackt afford even a heartbeat of distraction upon us without punishing that with a deft snowball strike to the face. And often with one of the most mushy creations. Things that dribble and force any she hits to take at least a little time to clear their vision.

The Snowball Battle between the three of us lasts for a little while longer than against the Permafrost Urge. The members of the Thundercallers can't wield the ice against us like they could, but their own weavings of the Song cause their bodies to move faster than normal. Where we throw one snowball, they throw three, and where they throw three, Hackt pelts both our groups with four snowballs the size of my head.

It's not really fair that it is used to both our tactics, but I guess it has to make its own fun somehow?

The battle ends when Joan manages to spot the big beast of a doll and smacks its ass with a snowball, causing it to whirl around in indignant embarrassment. Again, and I can't stress this enough, I have never seen Hackt embarrassed. It's kind of nice to see it so expressive. I think this place is good for it.

"Good fight!" I holler out, and wave my Dolls to gather around. "This was wonderful."

Nelara and Aralen let their arsenal of cold slushy weapons drop to the ground as they giggle and return to having their tails wind about each others. Starting to help each other clear the remaining ice from their Frames while bumbling up to my side.

Joan does the same, but letting her braided tangle return to a single long twitching limb while stepping close.

Hackt gives a satisfied sigh at the end of the snowball fight, approaching me and kneeling, and then subsequently curling up to be as close to eye level with me as possible. "Master, Will you come to meet with this one and the new Grandmaster of the Thundercallers? This one has a...gift prepared for you."

"Of course." I reply immediately. "Would you like this to be private?"

"It does not have to be. As a matter of fact, This one was of a mind to invite the Permafrost Urge to bear witness."

"Then let's do that. They are good sports, and thoroughly trounced me in the snowball fight we had before this." I respond with a smile.

"Haha. This one won't let you forget the loss any time soon." It smiles at me, but doesn't needle me about the lesson in humility, standing up to its full height and leading us to the home of the Thundercallers. Further still, past hallways and rooms until we come to a large training courtyard. Hackt is silent for the span of a dozen or so heartbeats before Kahl and other members of the Permafrost Urge show up forming a circle around us.

No...wait. Around me?

"Hackt... What's uhm... What's the plan here?" I ask with trepidation.

"Yes, I would like to know that as well. It's not every day our rivals invite us to their home." Kahl speaks, curiosity in their voice.

The doll offers me a smile before speaking. "This one will explain. It will tell its story." It pauses for a moment, its eyes closing. When it reopens them, the pain is plain to see. "This one was born as Emmasynn, the Voice of Fury. This-No. I was the first in this Grove to ever hear the Vigsáng. I taught the tones and verses of the song to my order, The Þrumukallar. This was almost two hundred years ago. The Permafrost Urge did not exist then, and judging by how the song works around them, I can only assume they came after I exiled myself."

Hackt paused only long enough for Kahl to nod their head in affirmation.

"My birth-sisters died, Master. I could not live with the grief. Ah, I'm getting off topic. For all those years, the Þrumukallar had neither leader nor candidate, not until I'd returned. Now, thanks to my being owned by you - of my own will, I will add to those sensitive to such things - I have finally named my successor." It turns to face me.

"Which brings me to my gift. Rufus of Grove Thorn and Endlose Arme, I have invited you into the home of my heart, and have given you all the hospitality and protections therein. You, who are trained in the ways of the Vigsáng, of all the arts therein that I and others know, I name you Patron of the Song. Who dissents‽" It shouts, the ground rumbling under its fury, daring someone to speak up.

No one is foolish enough.

"Good. Now, I will gift you the last, and newest art of the Vigsáng."

Then it sings. Aloud and with the same tone of the Song, and for a moment I prepare myself for the blind rage that usually comes with hearing the Song aloud, but it never comes. No, what happens is more...personal to Hackt.

The song is led into a frenzy, and one that tells a story about Hackt. I can hear the rage and regret over what happens to its siblings. I can feel the pain of forcing itself to serve undeserving masters for centuries. Then my doll shifts. In a flurry of cracking noises and blood, Hackt stands yet taller and is covered in dark grey fur. Massive paws as big as my chest where its hands were with claws as long as a shortblade. A combination of ursine and human features, I can feel the power coursing through its body as it settles into the new form.

The twins take a careful step back, almost a small hop at the transformation. Can swear I hear a soft 'meep' from Nelara as the changes settle across Hackt's form. While the passive curious sway of Joan's braid goes still, her eyes seem to take in all of the scene and none of it. Like some snek spotting something dangerous below and wondering if relocation to a new branch is a good idea.

I breathe deep and descend into the song, letting the Vigsáng flow through me in pathways laid by my Resheathing and my study of Fleshcraft and Warlord Arts. Before I let myself slip deeper, I intone to the rest of the Skulk [Myself and Hackt are going to go for a run. Meet us in the snow fort later tonight.]

[Yes Master.] The three reply immediately and head off.

A giggle from Calix comes through. [Have fun! This one is so glad we were able to visit.]

[We won't be too long, but perhaps some lodging for a nap will do.] Hackt tones to the Skulk at large, waving everyone off.

I let go, feeling the way that Hackt has crafted this technique and how it is an expression of its deepest instincts. I can't just copy that, I must make it my own, claim that which lies buried within and bring it to the surface.

Who am I? I was once a sad little girl destined for greatness and resenting every moment of it, but no more. I was once an exile from my home searching for control over my life, but no more. I was once... A monster subjecting those like me to torments in exchange for comfort, but... I'm still a monster. Not the same, never the same again. A monster in form now, not essence anymore. I am Rufus Chain, and I will be better.

With a howl I drop to my hands and knees as my body rips itself apart, bones shattering and reforming longer, more bestial. My clothing shredded by the press of new muscle straining against its confines and a scream gets muffled in my throat as I fling my pendant away. This desperately blocks the bond from letting the rest of the Skulk know the agony I'm experiencing.

As the transfiguration rips through me, I can feel myself being cradled by the strong arms of my Teacher and Doll. It begins to hum a tune, gently holding me as the pain grows. "It hurts, I know, master. The pain has not left me yet either. But it is also wholesome in its way. Don't fight it."

I nod and embrace the transformation further, feeling the horrific gush of wetness as my skin splits open just as my clothing did and instinctively shaking the fluids off of my fur. I stretch out my paws and hindquarters as I realize that unlike Hackt, I'm fully quadrupedal now. [Oh this is definitely Xafra's fault.] I intone to the Skulk, Canting ::Amusement:: as I take a few bounding strides before rolling in clean snow to get the last of the effluvium off.

[This is the second time This one has changed. It is gratifying to know that your transformation is as messy as mine was. The Dýrahamr is the last of the arts this one has and will comprise. That honour now falls to you, master.] Hackt's features shift in what I assume can only be a bear-person's best attempt at a grin. The snout doesn't quite allow for such facial movements, but I can feel its mirth.

I pant in excitement and thump my head against it. [I guess my main question is uhhm. Can I change back after and is it going to be this messy every time?]

[Merely allowing the Song to run its natural course instead of singing your truth of self to it will allow you to change back. As for the mess... Well, this one thinks that if battle is going so poorly as to necessitate its use, a little gore of the self won't matter to the incoming viscera. Perhaps it could be altered for a gentler shift though. You ARE the Patron of these arts now.] It rumbles after intoning this, a sound akin to a Grakkler's purrs but...deeper, a sound that shakes my core.

[Mmmm. Thank you. I will do my best to be worthy of this honour, and rely on you all to keep me on the right path.] I answer solemnly. We rest together there for a short while, long enough for me to get accustomed to my new form, then with a vigorously wagging tail I bark at Hackt and dash out of the Grove and onto the frigid mountainside.

I can hear the rumbling thuds of the Arkthrope running after me when I run off, its eager playfulness evident. Hackt must weigh close to double her already substantial weight judging by the intensity of the thuds.

I push myself, racing as fast as I can, loping between the trees and under snowdrifts with Hackt close on my tail.

Meanwhile, Hackt is... less graceful. It does its best to jump and duck what could be avoided by its new and immense frame, but I can feel it revelling in its newfound form when it just... runs into, and through a tree!

Bloody Riven Goddess, what strength!

I tumble out of the way of the first playful swipe that uproots another tree, and bound vertically up the next tree in my path, hoping that the falling lumber will give me some extra distance.

Hackt is still playing along, I suppose, as it fells the tree I'm on with another swipe of its hand-paw-thing, still chasing me, but not actually trying to catch me, I notice. It must be curious as to what we're doing.

I round the bend of a short overhang rapidly, and scrabble up it, leaping back the way I came onto Hackt [Got you!] I intone with delight.

Hackt gives a little grunt as it catches me, flopping back onto a snow embankment before giving a little laugh and scritching behind my ear which, if I may say so, is a delightful sensation. [You did. Here I thought you were merely wanting to be chased, but it was tag this whole time‽]

[I have No Idea! It's just so exciting and weird and scrunkly to be four legged and I'm just having so much fuuun.] I ramble back, wagging my tail fiercely.

[Must be your new instincts. Calix was onto something when he started calling you puppy.] It cants to me, thoughtfulness evident in its voice, even though I know it's just giving me shit. Hackt pulls me up. [Speaking of Calix...] And suddenly we're running again.

This time I follow Hackt's lead, practicing the new strength of the form to swipe small chunks out of trees as I pass.

[Calix, be warned. We are coming up on the group now and... well, you may be surprised.] It said as it came through the treeline and over to them, where it sets me down like a puppy.

Calix dashes over and leaps at me, barreling me into yet another snowdrift with a giggle. "You look adorable! Vury furry, vurry scurry!" He teases.

I bark happily and start herding my Skulk into the snow and ice fort, pausing for a moment before I enter myself to look up at our dearly riven moon goddess. what... are those? I wonder at the dots of light clustered across from the Moon like a swarm of sparkbugs. Doesn't matter right now. Tomorrow's problem at the earliest... alongside clothing. heheh.

Together, myself and all the dolls curl up into a cozy snugglepile to sleep.

The happiest I've been in a very long time.