[Interlude 3] Pathways of Jade

[Aethyrium]

Ocareena de Min Uet Foarist

S T O R Y T E L L E R
December 7rd, Early Evening (~7:20pm) | Johtan Wilderness
Next Post: 8.1.24 | Maria, Koko, Bri’elle, Hulta, Aurora, Dariaq
Ocareena's mission to the quaint village of Cordes sur-Ciel had exceeded all expectations. The tense and dramatic events at the Rishi Valley had left her attendants apprehensive, fearing it was a bad omen for their journey. However, Ocareena's steadfast faith remained unshaken, and it proved to be well-placed. Upon their arrival, they were warmly welcomed into the hidden elven village, where they were granted time to recuperate and appreciate the serene beauty that the elves had cultivated.

During a significant gathering, Ocareena revealed the purpose of her visit. She was there to extend an invitation from Tabor, calling the elves to reunite with their greater community. As the priestess of the Jade Summer, it was her duty to offer this opportunity for reunification. As she anticipated, some villagers were immediately enthusiastic about the idea, eager to return. However, many others were deeply rooted in the lives they had built in Cordes sur-Ciel and were reluctant to leave. Over the following days, Ocareena and her entourage engaged with the villagers, sharing stories and the vision of a united elven people. Gradually, hearts and minds began to change. The idea of returning to their homeland grew increasingly appealing. The sense of excitement and anticipation became contagious, and soon, a significant majority of the villagers expressed their desire to embark on the journey back. When the time came to depart, nearly all the residents were ready to leave Cordes sur-Ciel. Less than two dozen chose to stay behind, resolute in their decision to remain in the village they loved. Despite Ocareena's gentle urging and heartfelt pleas for them to reconsider, these few were steadfast in their choice.

Back in Onyx, the news spread quickly: a large group of nearly five hundred elves was on its way and would be arriving in the coming weeks. The journey was expected to be slow due to the size of the group, and they would be vulnerable to various threats along the way. In response, Hammer had agreed to send a team to escort them for the final stretch of their journey. Initially, this assignment was given to Absolve. However, at the last minute, and for reasons that remained unclear, Headmaster Blossom decided to reassign the mission to Swagger. This change was unexpected and unprepared for, but the mission itself was straightforward. The plan was to travel for approximately eighteen hours in total - eight hours to reach the rendezvous point with Ocareena’s group, and then another ten hours to guide them safely back to Onyx.

The journey from Onyx to the rendezvous point was largely uneventful, marked only by a single encounter with a lone Ursoc that had wandered into their path. Dispatching the creature proved to be a straightforward task for Swagger's experienced team. The Ursoc, a once formidable creature, was now dissipating into the wind. Most of the travel time was spent scouting the area, ensuring the route was safe for the large group they were about to escort. Swagger, always vigilant, took note of their surroundings and the general calmness of the terrain. Despite the ever-present possibility of danger, the path ahead seemed relatively peaceful. This observation brought a sense of cautious optimism to the team. Given the current state of the area, it appeared unlikely that they would encounter significant challenges on their return journey.

Finding Ocareena’s group was not hard. It really was a herd of elves. More elves in one spot than anyone other than Hulta had ever seen by multiple orders of magnitude. Along with them were wagons and more that had been brought with, carrying all of the supplies they had needed for their nearly twelve day journey from the village to here. Plus those things that they could carry and wished to bring with them into their new lives. It should have been an amazing sight to see, such a grand migration of people was next to unheard of. But it also meant that somewhere in their wake was yet another ghost village dotting Johtan. The enormous group did seem woefully underprotected - at a glance, if the people around the perimeter were what was to be gone off of, there were only maybe two or three dozen fighters spread around the entire group.

Yet somehow, for the length of their journey, they seemed strangely unharried by the Hollow.

As Swagger approached, Ocareena stepped further ahead of the vast crowd to greet them. She smiled and waved on approach, “Welcome my friends, it is good to see friendly faces.” She began to bow her head, but soft eyes fell to a familiar face and for a moment she looked shocked, “Hulta?” Ocareena questioned, eyes going wide with recognition and glee. Ocareena was nearly five years Hulta’s senior, and part of her own training had been teaching others elven histories. Hulta had been one of her pupils, both of them building one another for the time they worked together, “Hulta Elderfrond,” she gasped with excitement, pushing toward the redhead and opening her arms. Ocareena hadn’t known Hulta would be coming for her, but Hulta had known this was coming. A letter from her parents some weeks ago had told her that Ocareena would be coming to Onyx with elves from a small village. That very same letter had informed Hulta that they - her parents - would be coming to Onyx to escort those that Ocareena reclaimed back to Tabor. It would be a rare chance for them to see one another after Hulta had been sent to Hammer, and there was no telling when the next opportunity would come. “I had no idea that you would be coming,” she hugged her.

Bri’elle

Saint Valentine

December 3rd, AfternoonSaint had a knack for stealth, slipping into the shadows whenever he wished. Bri had only caught sight of him because he allowed it, and even then, it was just a fleeting glimpse from the corner of her eye. With a subtle gesture, he beckoned her to follow, trusting her to understand the need for discretion without saying a word. As Bri detached herself from the crowd and maneuvered through the dimly lit corridors, she eventually found Saint waiting for her. He stood casually against the wall, arms crossed, his presence commanding yet relaxed. He was clad in his usual plain black combat gear, the same outfit she had seen him in countless times before. She couldn't help but wonder if he owned anything else or if this attire was a permanent extension of his enigmatic persona. “Time for another test Ace,” he said with his trademarked smile. “Up for it?” Silly question, he knew what she’d say.

That was part of her appeal. She really was every bit as obedient as he desired her to be.

“Your team is going to be getting a mission soon. While you’re on it, I’ve got something for you to do.” Pushing off the wall, Saint produced a small rectangular case - six inches, by two and a half, and maybe one and a half deep. He clicked the latch on the side and opened it up, revealing a dozen small devices tucked into slots cut into a foam interior. He pulled one out and rolled it into his hand. It was no bigger than a nickel. “We’ve been working on these,” he held it out to her, “I’ll spare you the details, but we can use the communications tower network to track them, so long as there are enough of them in proximity to generate a signal.”

Once he had the device back he replaced it and snapped the case shut, handing it out to her, “Your team is going to be meeting some elves that are headed for Tabor, one of their hidden cities. Its location has eluded us for a long time, but this is an opportunity to crack that secret.” Saint nodded at the case, “When you meet them, I want you to plant them around. Not on people ideally, too easy to get lost. We need at least seven of them to make it to get any signal at all, but more is better. If everything goes according to plan they’ll all end up in Tabor, and you’ll have helped us solve one of the greatest mysteries since the great war.”

[Totoro]

Character Name: Maria Rex-Astra
Date | Time: December 7th | Early Evening
Location: Johtan Wilderness
Wearing: Combat Gear
Tagging | Mentioning: Ocareena, Swagger
Despite her uprbinging in high society Maria knew relatively little of elven culture. As she grew she came to suspect that some part of her mother felt she ought to have been born an elf. Sometimes that jealousy sparked attempts to ingratiate herself but for the most part it had manifested as a kind of cold indifference and Ameldia making more effort with humans. She was immediately intrigued when they were suddenly assigned to a mission like this and made it a point to speak to the elves on her team to better understand what she needed to.

On the day she was in her element for the initial journey, taking point and relying on her swiftness to fall back and let Bri take the brunt of any attacks while the rest cleared out the threat. Only one appeared, the Ursoc, and Maria felt pride in all but one of Swagger at the way they dealt with it. After the prison break she still hadn't found it in herself to see anything much good in Koko. At least not when it came to being a squire. Sure the girl was nice enough, or at least well-meaning, but she didn't belong here. The others all did.

Seeing the crowd Maria didn't smile. Instead, her features remained a stony mask because if she did not hide her gut reaction she would have looked crestfallen. This was not even half the guard they ought to have had. Absolve should have been here too, rather than sending Swagger instead. They did not have the numbers to cover this many people. Maria knew it but she didn't say it. That was only going to stress people. The best she could do was position Swagger to have the most awareness they could. The earlier they saw the threat coming the more easily they could move and adapt and protect.

Beyond a restrained smile Maria remained quiet, trusting Hulta and perhaps Dariaq to handle the social side for now. Quietly, she hoped Koko would have the modicum of wisdom it would take to keep quiet for once. Maria. eyed Swagger, then the guards, then the people. It was lucky that the trip had been quiet but that didn't mean the return would not be worse. Maria had never felt personally responsible for the safety of this many people before. Certainly not when they had faces she could see. They looked like a forest, each one melding together into a group. Maria silently wondered if she'd remember them if she lost any on the journey.

Swagger's leader was entirely lost in thought, focused on mapping out where she'd have the members of Swagger assigned. Bri up front with her, she knew that. Most likely Roar with Bri, to keep the pairing. That left Hulta and Dariaq to babysit Koko who, in truth, Maria wished wasn't there at all. For a second a vision of one of those ridiculous weapons of hers detonating in the crowd before her flashed through Maria's mind and she nearly winced but held it in. At least Hulta and Dariaq were both relatively quick and trustworthy. They could handle it.

[Lyrical]

Character Name: Bri'elle "Bri" Whitewater
Date | Time: 12.07 | Early Evening
Location: Johtan Wilderness
Wearing: new full kit, with new weapon (Giant Shield)
Tagging | Mentioning: SWAGGER, Koko | Roar (m), Maria (m), Farrah/Thessa (m)

Saint

Before the trip to escort the elves...

It was just like any other day, Bri was making her way between buildings on campus when she caught a glimpse of Saint...

That wasn't a mistake...

Bri quietly peeled off in that general direction. He was no where to be seen but that was the probably the most normal thing about this. She kept walking at her usual pace, stopped to look down a couple pathways then made a choice and took one. Then he was just there.

Bri greeted him, almost saying sir before she caught herself and smiled with a little blush on her cheek. "Saint," she said. Then as she listened to him, her head nodded. She took the package. Of course she was with him, he was right and this would be a good opportunity but how exactly was she going to accomplish this while staying on mission. She would have to find out when the time came. There was nothing but agreements from Bri, she would respond exactly like he anticipated with no questions asked only loyal obedience and dedication.

A couple of times, Bri tried to quietly object to Maria running ahead to scout, suggesting that Roar should be doing that and that if something happened to Maria the team would be leaderless but Maria seemed to be enjoying herself a great deal so Bri hand-waved it as a -whatever- sort of moment. Everyone could handle themselves and Bri needed to just chill out. Maybe it was the big-ass shield she was carrying around now, it was relatively new for her and she was still mentally trying to settle into her role with it. It was a defensive weapon that she was already very familiar with but it had been awhile since she used it as her primary. Most likely what was getting to her more than anything was this new found feeling of relying on her Soul far more than her blade. There was an underlying feeling like she had to brace herself for impact one hundred percent of the time or maybe that was just because in her training sessions with the much larger Farrah(Thessa) that was exactly what she had been doing. In fact her left shoulder was still a little sore from their last training session.

All in the trip was relatively smooth sailing with one episode where they ran into a minor issue that the whole of team SWAGGER dealt with very efficiently. At least Bri got to bash something with her shield and that was fun.

Coming up on the large group of Elves she held the same trepidation as Maria about the size of the group and the small numbers in their team. It was an interesting turn of events when it turned out that Ocareena and Hulta knew one another. Bri took her queue from Maria and held back, letting the acquaintances speak while she waited for orders from Maria to form up and move out again. Taking a moment, Bri excused herself to go for a walk around the caravan of Elves. The pretext for her departure was simple, she needed to squat and she wanted to do a perimeter check which would be fairly standard practice. Bri wondered around and introduced herself to the various guards and attempted to tighten a few straps or tie downs as she also introduced herself to casual people here and there. Where needed she explained to the guards what their next steps were and approximately how far away they were from Onyx.

As Bri did her perimeter check and talked to people she'd also stop to check in all the rest of her teammates where possible, making sure Roar was good to go and asking her to keep an eye out front while she was going to do that perimeter check. Of course Hulta and Dari would probably be busy with the Elves. Then Bri made a point of spending a moment with Koko who seemed to now have a very cold relationship with Maria. 

"Hey there," Bri said to Koko. "How you holding up? Lot of people here. Stay vigilant and we got this just like that Ursoc."

storyteller

Back when Bri had first been given her assignment by Saint, she went to the Hammer supply store and picked up a few things. Every school has novelty items, so she grabbed a couple of plushies and stuffed each one with a tracker. So now out in the Johtan Wilderness she made a point of given those plushies to a couple of the children in this caravan. Whoever she found that seemed like the most appropriate. This would also let her get closer and try to drop a track into seams of some luggage and up under a cart. Her window for getting this done was narrow so she did her best to be as careful as possible and hope she was able to place enough...

[Eye of Horus]

Character Name: Dariaq Syvanios
Date | Time: 7th December | Early evening
Location: Johtan wilderness
Content: Escort mission
Tagging | Mentioning: Ocareena, team Swagger
It was a cold evening, but Dari’s morale was high as the six squires paced along the frozen track, keeping regulation patrol spacing as they walked. They had left the green surrounding Onyx for the desolate, wind-blasted space between it and what remained of the western forests, and the work of the Hollow was everywhere they looked, but only one of the monsters had troubled them - their first monster, at least for Dari, but adrenaline had surged and training had kicked in just as surely as the reassuring buzz of his Soul, and they had defeated it. Bri’elle had stopped the creature dead on her new tower shield, allowing the rest of them to take it in flank. It had been a strange feeling, watching the Ursoc unravel into ribbons of ash that blew away on the winter wind. A small victory, but proof that Dari and his team could perform together, and that one by one they were meeting the Hollow and maybe - just maybe - pushing it back.

His team. Dari looked at them - Maria with her twin sabres slung across her shoulder, the weight of leadership evident in her stony expression; Bri’elle resplendent in red, all business now in contrast to the prankster he had met at Pour Decisions; Aurora with her quick laugh and even quicker fists; Koko uncharacteristically quiet, though perhaps that was just the focus of the mission; and Hulta, his fellow elf, patrol partner and bunkmate. There was the beginning of a camaraderie there, but sometimes there was still a reserve - how could there not be, when Dari now slept in the same bunk that had been Mugi’s until little more than two weeks ago. Every time Hulta looked at him, she probably saw her dead friend.

Dari focused his eyes and his mind ahead. For now, they just needed to rendezvous with the elves from Cordes-sur-Ciel.

They heard them before they saw them - the creak of wagon wheels against rutted tracks, and the hum of arcanite suspensors. Elvish voices lilted through the mix, speaking low to avoid attracting the Hollow. As the column of elves began to appear over the rise of the next hillock, Dari and Hulta looked at each other. Then back at the elves. Then back at each other again. At the same time, they both broke into a sprint. Dari had the longer legs, but Hulta was nimble, and she also wasn’t afraid to cheat - Dari was sure he felt a rush of air catch his ankle and almost throw him off balance, so that he narrowly avoided sprawling into the loose rocks beside the track.

As the two squires puffed to a halt, they were met by a stately female elf who was leading the column; tawny-skinned, with blue-black hair that curled down over her shoulders and across an elegant travelling cloak that was embroidered with fine gold thread. She wore the symbol of the Jade Summer priesthood on her earrings, and on the brooch that pinned her cloak. The priestess smiled and waved in greeting, but it was when her pale brown eyes fell on Hulta that her face lit up.

“Hulta? Hulta Elderfond!” she gasped with excitement, pushing toward the redhead and opening her arms. “I had no idea that you would be coming!” She hugged her.

Dari gaped at Hulta, but all he could see was her curls of red hair as the priestess enveloped her. Not to be upstaged in spite of prior acquaintances, Dari turned to the next elf in the column and hitched up his smile.

“Well met, on behalf of Hammer Academy and the city of Onyx Prairie.” he said in formal Common, before switching to his native tongue. “I’m Dariaq.” he held the back of his hand towards the other elf. “De Syvanios, you might have heard of them?”

The other elf looped his arm around Dari’s so that they were palm to palm, but stopped short of touching them to his forehead. “Sorry,” he admitted, blonde eyebrows knitting together, “I’m afraid I haven’t?”

“Huh.” said Dari, and pouted.

[TheFluffyOne]

Character Name: Hulta Elderfond
Date | Time: | 7th December | Early evening
Location: Johtan wilderness
Wearing: Pictured.Combat green trousers, boots and dark green holsters
Tagging | Mentioning: Ocareena, Team Swagger
The letters had said she would be here. Hulta had reread them all three times over. A large group of elves would be travelling to Tabor with Ocareena leading the way. Hulta had managed to contain her squeal of excitement when reading the letter but there would not be a single person alive who could stop her squeal of excitement when she finally saw Ocareena again. Excitement radiated off her, she hadn’t felt this happy since before Mugi. It was difficult to feel truly happy without that small voice in her mind reminding her that Mugi was missing this. All because of her. It had taken a few weeks, but she was actually starting to feel like herself again.

Having Swagger all in one place helped. They all clicked fluidly back into their formation when that Ursoc appeared. Hulta had found herself relying more on her new roommate, Dariaq, than she thought she would. It was nice to have someone who understood when nerves reverted her to calling out in her mother tongue. It was nice to have someone who understood the weight on their shoulders, to prove themselves and make a name for themselves. The undercurrent of faint voices felt like a buzz of arcanite through her blood.

Hulta felt like she was fit to float off the ground with the intense level of excitement in her veins. When the first tallest elves appeared, she glanced at Dari. Then back to the elves. Then him again. There was a beat before both started to sprint to the group. He was taller and had longer legs. With a wicked look, she flicked her fingers towards him. Curling a ribbon of air around his leg, not enough to topple him but enough to make him falter in one step. Allowing her to nab the inches to make her the winner.

She skidded to a stop and a cheek splitting smile greeted the elves at the front of the procession. Ocareena de Min Uet Foarist. She was the first familiar face Hulta had seen since leaving home. A soft squeal of excitement left her lips when the woman called her name. Hulta stumbled forward and landed within Ocareena’s open arms. Crushing her face against the woman’s shoulder and just breathing her in. The faint smell of sweet lilies and worn parchment. She smelt like home. “I knew.” She murmured her words into the fabric of Ocareena’s dress. “Father wrote me and told me you would be coming.” Hulta squeezed the woman tightly before pulling back.

“This is my squad. Swagger.” Hulta swung her arm back and nearly clipped Dari. “That’s Koko.” She pointed to the blonde who seemed to be drifting towards Bri. “Bri’elle.” She pinged a two-finger salute to the short soldier. “Aurora” She nodded towards the red head who was surveying the area for threats. “Dari. Newbie.” She said as she tapped the opposite shoulder for Dari so that he would spin the wrong way. “And Maria. Our squad leader.” Hulta let her fingers wrap around Ocareena’s arm as she tugged the elf forward. “Maria! This is Ocareena de Min Uet Foarist” She gave her full name, a sign of respect. Hulta let go of Ocareena’s arm and let her hands hang lightly by her side as she bounced on her heels.

[Rainbae]

Character Name: Koko Gero
Date | Time: 12.07 | ~Early Evening
Location: Johtan Wilderness
Wearing: Red Overalls, White Blouse, Faded Blue Leather Trench Coat, Goggles, Heavy Work Boots
Tagging | Mentioning: Bri'elle | Team SWAGger
Note: Quiet
Koko barely said a word as they traveled through the Johtan wilderness just outside Onyx. That had been the norm for her as of late. Koko had barely interacted with her squad since the events on the night of Azkhaban’s breakout. Oddly enough she’d spent more time with their new member than any of her friends. Not that most of them hadn’t tried to talk to her, barring Maria of course. She knew they wanted to help her but their sympathy just felt like knives stabbing her in the back. She hated pushing them away. All she had ever wanted for such a long time was this exact thing. To have friends that cared enough to reach out to her. Yet now that she had let them down she didn’t know how to interact. Every time one of them approached her for even just a casual conversation she could see her failure in their eyes. At a certain point she had started to even maybe believe Maria that she shouldn’t be here. Without Mir in her ear this whole time helping her she probably would’ve folded to that pressure too. His presence was really what had kept her from going too far off the deep end.

The work the pair had done together for her new weapon was coming along. Mir’s insights and general level of knowledge had certainly been their crutch when building them but Koko had wanted it that way. She didn’t want her chaotic influence to taint them too much. She refused to let that side of her take over anymore. Still, despite how well they seemed to pair together, in more ways than one, her weapons still weren’t complete. As such Koko strutted through the forest with a standard issue OES rifle. The weapon was as stock standard as they come. Very normal gunmetal gray paint job and default everything to the sights, grips, etc. Her aim and effectiveness with it was more than adequate but for Koko it was a stark departure from her usual combat style. She looked more like a regular OES soldier than ‘Loco Koko’.

As the squad made their way through the wilderness her movements were incredibly basic. Being the only ranged combatant that SWAGger had she kept her position in the center of their formation. She stayed vigilant and avoided being a burden on the team. But it was all just so…normal. She didn’t try to set any traps. No ridiculously overcomplicated use of Arcanite. She hadn’t even attempted a combo move with a teammate since she’d abandoned her gloves. Notably in their place Koko wore tight elastic wrist bracers. They weren’t designed for any combat purpose but they just helped her with her pain. Another sign of Koko’s normalcy was her lack of need to hide such a thing now. And this streak continued as when the Ursoc ambushed them she simply stayed back and took accurate, sterile shots at the beast. She chipped it down and provided covering fire for her teammates but nothing more. Not an explosive was in sight.

When the Elven convoy met up with them Koko remained tucked away in the back. She had enough foresight to realize that her solemn face wasn’t exactly the most welcoming sight to the elven refugees who had come a very long way. The general air around her was just one that no person would want to be around after a long and arduous trek. She had opinions about the state of the caravan but as was becoming common for her she kept them to herself. It wasn’t until Bri came upon her that Koko uttered her first words in the past few hours.

“Fine.” Koko's voice was stale and stagnant. “Sure is. Just hopin’ we make it home nary a Hollow in sight.” Her twangy accent was there but her usual animated speech pattern was mostly absent. “I ain’t need no babysitting though Bri. I’ll be just fine, aight?” Her cadence and tone was stern and to the point. She hated how it seemed the rest of her squad wanted to coddle her. She knew she was a liability but she was working on it. Once more it just felt like their love for her was like a punch to the gut. Feeling that way just made her even more depressed. She didn’t know how to accept their feelings, so instead she just internalized it. She turned away from Bri after her comment, not allowing the conversation to continue. She cut it off physically with her body as she moved away and kept watch on the tree line behind them for any more threats that might emerge.

[CurvyKitten]

Character Name:  Aurora "Roar" Torvoe
Date | Time: 12.07 | ~Early Evening
Location: Johtan Wilderness
Wearing: combat gear
Tagging | Mentioning: Bri'elle | Team SWAGger
Roar leaned against the wall staying hidden out of sight but still within protective distance. The shadows protecting them from any sight that would lead to questions about the wounds that were stil healing. Alein had beaten them to a blood pulp, and though their soul had recovered quickly their body was a bit sower to catch up.  Not that Roar complained or protested getting into the action. Only a soft sound of reflecticted pain spilled free but they did their best to keep any discomfort from showing.

The sheer fact that they were sent there on a diplomatic escort mission was laughable. They were just a bunch of ass wholes trying to make it in this world and maybe make it a little bit better. Roar themselves was there to become strong enough protect the homes that her families built. To protect their families loved ones, and. To protect those that felt the same. But being some of diplomat swashbuckling way out of their pays grade. 

So instead Roar did what they did best, they got to work. Taking the high ground as best they could as they got closer to the gathering point. They remained hidden and out of sight, ever the watchful protective eye. The champion that would protect all, that would give all of themselves and maybe find themselves in the process as well. 

[Aethyrium]

Ocareena de Min Uet Foarist

S T O R Y T E L L E R
December 7rd, Early Evening (~7:20pm) | Johtan Wilderness
Next Post: 8.7.24 | Maria, Koko, Bri’elle, Hulta, Aurora, Dariaq
Travel was something that Ocareena loved. It was, perhaps, her favorite part of being part of the Jade Summer. While there were risks involved they were outweighed by the opportunity to meet so many people. That was second only to the joy to be had in bringing people home. The reunification of the elves was of unrivaled importance to her. It was a project, a purpose, that she felt deeper than anything else. Yet seeing Hulta there, a familiar and friendly face certainly came close. It had been months now, more than half a year, since she’d left Tabor. And though it had been longer since she had stopped being a tutor and mentor to the younger woman, she remembered those times fondly and as if they were much more recent. Meeting new friends was wonderful, but being reunited with old friends was even better. “Then you know he is coming, your mother too, to Onyx?” Ocareena offered excitedly, “They are to take,” She gestured slightly, as she finally pulled away from the warm embrace, back toward the forest of elves, “These reclaimed people back to our home.”

One arm wrapped around Hulta’s, joyous to be linked to her, Ocareena peered at each of the team as they were introduced. Dariaq seemed to need no introduction, as he gave his own. The pout he wore tugged a smile to her face, “Pero tengo,” Ocareena’s gentle lavender eyes met his, and she slightly inclined toward him, “Debes ser hijo de Ivleen.” The families traced to Johtan were her speciality so of course she had heard of them. “Es un placer conocerte Dariaq,” Ocareena was soft spoken, but not in a timid way, rather a conservative and thoughtful one, “Espero poder hablar con usted. Me gustaría mucho saber de tu familia.”

Her attention drifted to the other introductions. She offered Bri’elle, Koko, and Aurora each a small greeting before they broke off. Curiosity of where Bri’elle and Koko were off to only claimed her for a second, but she had no concerns as they walked toward the main body of the group. Which brought her back to Maria. Ocareena offered her hand, “You have my thanks for coming to our aid, Maria. It’s a pleasure to meet another one of Hammer’s prestigious teams. I recently had the opportunity to meet the teams Gravity and Mockery. It was their bravery that allowed us to get this far, it feels fitting that another would be here to help us finish this journey.”

Elsewhere, one of the small children in the caravan reached up to Bri’elle when she approached. The little girl couldn’t have been more than ten. “You're a Champion,” she cooed, a little awestruck. There was wonder in her little blue eyes that, strangely, literally twinkled. Little motes inside her irises that seemed brighter than the rest, giving her eyes a starry appearance. But it wasn’t the physical light that was most captivating, it was what she saw when their eyes locked. It was like they were magnetic, and looking away from them was hard. The longer Bri looked, the darker everything around her became. Like she was entering a tunnel. Her peripheral vision sank until there was only the blue lights at the end of the tunnel. And then other images started to flit in the corner of her eyes. It was hard to map a specific thing. It was like several movies playing with no edges, in a strange cone. In one she saw herself. In another she was sure she saw Saint, and a glimpse past him she saw a bed. There were other images, one with her father that drew her attention. But as soon as she yanked her head to the side to focus on it, all of it vanished and she was looking once more at the real world. “Is that for me?” The little girl asked, tugging on Bri’s wrist with the bear she’d meant to offer.

Koko (Perception)

After turning away from Bri’elle, she slips into the crowd. While being idly, Koko catches a glimpse of Bri’elle acting a little strange as she weirdly reaches into a wagon with some supplies with no one else immediately present. She fidgets for a second, then pulls back, seemingly not having taken anything, and then moves on. Just for a moment, she catches her behaving a bit shady.

It was, undoubtedly, the girl’s Shimmer - though what exactly it was remained a mystery. It was, however, a cue to remember where she was. Elves were known for unlocking their shimmers early. This wasn’t like Onyx where one in ten or so. She was in a sea of likely five hundred Shimmers all around her, all unknowns. Giving the bear, Bri managed to slip easily among the rest of the elves with that knowledge in mind. She began to move to places and finding opportunities to deposit her devices. People greeted her, slowed her down, but everyone was thankful to have her and her team among them - they were trusting. It made slipping them where they needed to go a bit easier. She still had about two thirds to go, but at this rate, she’d get there.

“You look distracted,” Ocareena continued, talking to Maria, but her attention seemed split on the three that remained there with her. “It’s incredible, isn’t it?” She glanced at the people before turning, reaching across herself to lightly pat Hulta’s held arm, “We’ve had successes before, drawing our people home, but this will be the largest pilgrimage since the Great War. Four hundred lost, displaced elves, finally being reunited with the rest of their people, and their home.” Ocareena swelled with pride and joy. “I only wish the journey had not been so tiresome,” a small frown brought down her features, “Tandaleon has never had to sustain so many guardians for so long, I fear for him. He refused to rest until you arrived to take over, I fear he’s stretched himself too far.”

[Totoro]

Character Name: Maria Rex-Astra
Date | Time: December 7th | Early Evening
Location: Johtan Wilderness
Wearing: Combat Gear
Tagging | Mentioning: Ocareena, Swagger
Still she stayed back, quiet and observant, focused on the conversation of the elves in front of her while half drifting into thoughts of a solid plan. At least the relations were warm and Maria met Ocareena's hand, shaking it and nodding. "We'll do everything we can to make that happen safely," She said firmly, a small smile on her features. It was the best she could manage these days but while she might have been tense she didn't look displeased.

It was only Ocareena mentioning that she seemed distracted that brought Maria blinking back into the moment. "I'm focused," Maria asserted, firmly. She was distracted from socialising but laser focused on the job that mattered right now and that was keeping people safe. Eyeing the crowd, incredible wasn't the word she'd have used. Concerning was the first thing that came to mind. If this went wrong she'd have a lot on her conscience and right now Maria felt more responsible than anyone else to make sure they didn't lose one of the crowd ahead.

As Ocareena waxed lyrical all Maria could muster was a wish that this could be done some other way. They needed a safer way to move a group like this. Her mother could have engineered one, if she cared more about safety than money. Perhaps there was wealth in it. Maybe Maria would remember to mention it. Tiresome was another word that prickled Maria, making her cock her head slightly. Tired didn't mean much next to dead, and that was the only thing Maria could think about.

"I'm afraid there won't be much time to rest until we're there. It's not safe out here. We'll help guide the Guardians, if needed, and he can rest his mind but we cannot linger out in the wilderness. We've already met one Hollow today and I won't see one endanger your people unnecessarily," Maria said, bluntly asserting how things were going to go. No amount of exhaustion was worse than losing any of the people here and every minute in danger was another minute she could be responsible for the loss of an innocent life.

Eyeing the masses, Maria grimaced slightly. It wasn't easy to get this many people moving, nor to keep them moving at the pace she wanted. More stress. She sighed a little. "How fast can we get moving?" Maria asked Ocareena, feeling more impatient with every minute she spent standing idle. All she could do was hope that the rest of Swagger, the guardians and Ocareena herself would be on-board for making the dangerous time as short as possible.

[Lyrical]

Character Name: Bri'elle "Bri" Whitewater
Date | Time: 12.07 | Early Evening
Location: Johtan Wilderness
Wearing: new full kit, with new weapon (Giant Shield)
Tagging | Mentioning: SWAGGER, | Koko (m), Hulta (m)
The interaction with Koko was cold. Bri had nodded and given her the space that she wanted. All she could do was offer words of encouragement and make her presence known, it was up to Koko if she wanted to talk or hang out or whatever it is that Koko wanted. Bri wasn't good at reading people in that sort of way, she knew what to do from a technical aspect when it came to leading, motivation, and all that but getting into the human connection side of it, those things got messy and muddy for her. From there she just went out doing her business rather than dwelling on the interaction.

Hulta had pointed Bri out to the leader of the Elves with a fast two finger salute. Bri gave a quick nod in a response as she moved around.

This one child that Bri came across as she looked around had mesmerizing eyes that sparkled and Bri nearly became lost in whatever this young ones shimmer was. Bri was smiling warmly at the girl who recognized the plushie was for her. Handing it over, she gently touched the child's hands as she took the plushie.

"Yes, this is for you. Keep it safe and she will be your friend and traveling companion." Bri said. She truly wanted this little one to be safe, for all of them to be safe. She knew that she had a duty to Onyx but it was to these people as well. She continued about her business checking in all around on the people and children. Shimmers all around, so many Elves, it occurred to Bri that she had never seen so many all in one place before. The world would be stronger by helping these people and that's what being a Champion was all about in Bri's estimation. Bri was dedicated in her purpose. And like Maria was saying ((don't know if she can actually hear her)), they needed to get going as soon as it looked like everything was done here.

[Rainbae]

Character Name: Koko Gero
Date | Time: 12.07 | ~Early Evening
Location: Johtan Wilderness
Wearing: Red Overalls, White Blouse, Faded Blue Leather Trench Coat, Goggles, Heavy Work Boots
Tagging | Mentioning: SWAGger | None
Koko scanned the treeline for any kind of movement or signs of threats. She had her goggles but they were only being used as actual goggles today. None of the extra addons to them would work without her gloves present. And of course those were in some trash heap by now assuredly. She cringed as she thought about them. The memory of her and Maria being scorched with her own rockets came to mind. She quickly shook her head from side to side as she tried to get rid of the thoughts. A heavy sigh came out of her mouth as she hung her head a bit. She really needed to finish her project with Mir, and soon.

Turning back she noticed a few of the elves in the convoy had seen her downturned expression and exhale. They looked worried and concerned. She understood that seeing the people who were supposed to protect you looking saddened probably wasn’t a great idea for morale so she offered a small smile. “Yall excited to be in your new home soon!? Pretty soon you’ll be kicking back sipping sangrias on the porch whistlin’ the day away, don’t you worry ‘bout that.” She gave a child nearby a wink and a smirk before moving off towards the back of the pack. She'd had to force the smugness out but if it helped keep a kid or two happy and less scared as they traveled she was fine with telling a little white lie. 

Koko really wasn’t in the mood for much more socializing so she decided to be useful instead. Kicking off the ground she activated her shimmer and floated up slowly until she was about 100ft or so above the gathering of elves. She took a visual scan of the area. No computer module to take a reading of what was around them unfortunately so she relied on her senses instead. She looked for any signs of issue or potential hazard that might stop or delay the procession as they continued back towards Onyx. If she saw something dire she’d whistled out loudly with both hands. Either way she spent her time in the air instead of where more people could bother her.

[TheFluffyOne]

Character Name: Hulta Elderfond
Date | Time: | 7th December | Early evening
Location: Johtan wilderness
Wearing: Pictured.Combat green trousers, boots and dark green holsters
Tagging | Mentioning: Ocareena, Team Swagger
She shook her head so violently that multiple curls left the nest on her head. Her parents were coming. They were going to be here soon. She was ecstatic. She had so many things to show them. So many people to introduce them to. Part of her wanted to leave with them, protect these people back to their home. But she knew that she still had so much to learn. Hulta grinned as she introduced Maria to Ocareena. Her mentor. Her friend. Someone that she knew that was incredibly important.

Ocareena was way laid by Dari’s comments and Hulta let her head lol towards him. It was something else to hear her native tongue spoken in the same way. The melodic words that danced through the wind. With a small stick out of her tongue, Hulta managed to drag Ocareena to Maria. Letting her hand slip from the older elf’s, Hulta let the two speak. This was important, Maria was their leader after all. With a glance around the rest of her squad, she took in their general locations. Aurora was taking the high ground and surveying. Bri was speaking to some of the children in the group and Koko was…up in the sky.

Hulta leaned back and watched Koko as she drifted skyward to look around. Searching for threats. Hulta knew that she should be on high alert. This was an incredibly important task but being surrounded by her kin made her feel overwhelmed with joy. Home needed more people. They were a community crying out for others. For their lost souls to be returned to them. She knew how much her parents would want this. The journey for them was not as difficult as this one but it had its own perils. “Tandaleon is here!” She declared with a beaming smile. Hulta slipped away from Ocareena and gripped Dari’s forearm.

Dragging him with ease behind her. “Cmon. You are going to combust at this, Darito!” Hulta started to wander through the crowd. Greeting everyone that she passed with a small nod of her head. Bri’elle was up ahead conversing with some of the children and Hulta let out a soft hum. Sending multiple ribbons of air dancing ahead of them, picking up the children’s hair as they giggled. “Mind how I told you about Ser Luran and you near fainted?” She sent the words behind her to Dari, even as her hand remained on him. “Wait till you see who is watching this group?” She ducked around another cart and her gaze turned erratic. Searching for the older elf in amongst the crowd. Hulta had almost reverted to her youth. Bouncing with every step, eager to see yet another familiar face!

[Eye of Horus]

Character Name: Dariaq Syvanios
Date | Time: 7th December | Early evening
Location: Johtan wilderness
Content: Escort mission
Tagging | Mentioning: Ocareena, team Swagger
Ocareena was soft spoken, but not in a timid way, rather a conservative and thoughtful one, “Espero poder hablar con usted. Me gustaría mucho saber de tu familia.”

Dari gave the blonde elf his hand back, immediately perking up at Ocareena’s words.

“I see you’re as learned as you are beautiful, mamzel priestess.” he said, executing a deep bow with arms held wide. “We’ll see you and your people safe back to Onyx, and I’d be happy to.”

Behind the priestess, Hulta flicked her tongue out at him. He rose with the intention of returning the favour, but she was already grabbing his arm and pulling him down the long, straggling line of carts and wagons.

“Woah, ma biche.” he tried to rein her in, “What gives?”

“Mind how I told you about Ser Luran and you near fainted?” She sent the words behind her to Dari, even as her hand remained on him. “Wait till you see who is watching this group?”

“Wait,” Dari said as she pranced along, his eyes widening, “When she said Tandaleon…she meant the Tandaleon?”

Tandaleon of Tabor was, rather like his mother, a champion in all but name - though one who wandered rather than stayed bound to defend one enclave. Dari had no idea that he had leant his sword to the Jade Summer, though if he had, the priestess could ask for no better protector. Except, he thought, and grinned quietly to himself, for perhaps Tandaleon and Dariaq Syvanios.

There was a spring in his step to match Hulta’s as they made their way down the column. Maria’s plan had been to place herself, Bri and Aurora up front, with Dari, Hulta and Koko forming a rearguard. All the same, they had made it this far with only one Hollow and bad weather to contend with, so he could not see what might trouble them as they simply retraced their steps back to Onyx.

He looked up and saw Koko hovering above the column, taking lookout position. It made tactical sense, though it also felt a little like removing herself from the group. Maria hadn’t been quiet in her opinions that Koko - for all her energy and enthusiasm - wasn’t a good team player, and while Dari had held his peace to avoid corroding Swagger’s morale any further, he had begun to wonder if she was right.

[Aethyrium]

Tandaleon Khur

Ocareena de Min Uet Foarist

S T O R Y T E L L E R
December 7th, Early Evening (~7:20pm) | Johtan Wilderness
Next Post: 8.15.24 | Maria, Koko, Bri’elle, Hulta, Aurora, Dariaq
Ocareena grinned softly, eyes following Hulta and Dari as they disappeared into the throng of elves. The wagon carrying Tandaleon would not be difficult to find. As soon as they vanished, without orders, Ocareena turned back to Maria. Clearly this team leader and her team were not on the same page. “I’m sure you are,” the priestess said, stepping in beside Maria and eyeballing the gathering of elves. “But it’s quite possible to be very focused, and still distracted.” She didn’t know what was on Maria’s mind, but she could tell that she wasn’t here with them. The curiosity of her next statement made Ocareena turn her head to her, “He’ll be resting more than his mind. If he could continue, I wouldn’t have needed to request Hammer assistance for the rest of the journey. I have complete faith in your team to protect us the rest of the way. As you say, you’ve only encountered one Hollow.” Ocareena folded her hands in front of herself and started walking forward to the group, “If you’re inclined to lead,” she said over her shoulder, “You’re welcome to start ahead. The people are eager to continue.” If Maria wanted to converse more details, she’d need to follow her into the crowd.

Already the guardians spread around the grouping were heading back in, rejoining the caravan, ready to take their rest now that Swagger had arrived. On the other hand, with the arrival, word was already spreading and people were already picking up and getting ready to go. They really were eager to be done with this journey.

Finding the wagon that housed Tandaleon was not hard. Stationed near the front center of the cluster of elves, it was notable because it housed all eight of Ocareena’s attendants. Elves chosen to serve her on her great pilgrimage, assistants, all low ranking members of the Jade Summer. Her flock, so to speak. Laying in the back of the wagon was Tandaleon, an elf of growing years. His dark hair had just started to fade into a coal-gray. The back was tied up and into a high, thick ponytail, while heavy bangs framed his face. Eyes of moonlight silver that looked dulled with stress peered at the pair of Hulta and Dariaq as they approached.

He was just sitting up when they arrived. There was a thick bandage wrapped around his left forearm, stained with dried blood seeping up from beneath it. The famous pair of twin khopeshes sat at his side. Recognition flashed in his eyes, “Elderfrond,” he greeted, nodding softly at her. His movements were stiff. He looked unusually pale - the kind of pale that came with being low on blood. “You’re a long way from home, twig.” He coughed and pushed, scooting toward the edge of the wagon, letting his legs dangle off the edge. He spent a second studying Dariaq, giving him a small nod. His eyes drifting up to see Koko in the air, he squinted, “You must be the help from Hammer,” he sighed heavily, losing some of the tension in his shoulders, “Good. Don’t know that I’ve got much left in me.” He swayed where he sat, weaker than he even looked. Not like the last time Hulta had seen him.

One of the guardians from the edge, a twenty-something, heading for Tandaleon’s wagon paused as he passed Bri. He had short cropped hair, spiky and blond. His eyes stood out because they looked blood red, except it was like the red was being broken through and beneath there was a dull blue starting to come back to the surface. “Hey,” he said, slightly growling, and reaching out, grabbing Bri’elle’s arm as she just finished putting another one of the trackers in some luggage. “What are you doing? Who are you?” He interrogated, squinting and trying to see what she was reaching for. His little outburst started to draw more eyes from around them to the situation.

[Totoro]

Character Name: Maria Rex-Astra
Date | Time: December 7th | Early Evening
Location: Johtan Wilderness
Wearing: Combat Gear
Tagging | Mentioning: Ocareena, Swagger
Maria tried not to let her frustration show. She wasn't happy that her team were treating this like a fun social outing when they had a responsibility to keep these people safe, not make friends with them. There was no point in being well-liked by a corpse. Her focus managed to return to Ocareena and she stiffly nodded. It was a fair point and Maria had no space to deny it. "There is a lot to think about," Maria said, simply.

Frowning, Maria realised she'd perhaps not been entirely clear. "I only meant that we mustn't linger. I don't need him leading, or fighting. Only moving with the group, for his own safety," She clarified. It was her turn to find Ocareena rude as the elf walked away. Maria didn't understand why her desire to keep everyone as safe as possible was met with this reaction. She was trying to do her job to the best of her ability and right now that meant not letting Ocareena's own people die. At least she knew she was doing everything she could.

Following on, despite herself, as she had more to say Maria strode until she was in step with Ocareena. "I wouldn't want to leave anyone behind. I know little of these caravans, or this group. Could you please tell me how soon we could all be ready to leave, together?" Maria clarified, doubling down on her last question but layering it with an admission of her own lacking knowledge, and a little more politeness than she had offered before.

Walking through it, Maria only felt more tense. She was dismayed by the size of the crowd, not enamored with it. If even a Hispo lunged in it could kill people before any of them could stop it. All of Ocareena's faith in them just felt like a burden. She believed they could keep her safe but couldn't see the fallibility that Maria had witnessed first hand in so many squires so recently. It didn't feel like she was meant to admit that she was scared of being responsible for losing one of these elves on this journey. Champions, even squires, were surely meant to be above making such mistakes.

Once Ocareena and Maria had a little space, Maria stopped and sighed. "I have never felt directly responsible for so many lives. You must feel the weight of it too. How do you get used to it?" Maria said, admitting her own burden while wondering if Ocareena might have anything to share. Up until now Maria had mostly saved faceless people she knew were out there. Slaying hollow, bringing down Momotsu and Yukiku, trying to fight back against the Red Fang she'd never been standing between innocents and their attackers so directly, especially not without Robyn present. This was different, now they had faces and names and families.

[CurvyKitten]

Character Name:  Aurora "Roar" Torvoe
Date | Time: 12.07 | ~Early Evening
Location: Johtan Wilderness
Wearing: combat gear
Tagging | Mentioning: Bri'elle | Team SWAGger

Roar wasn’t one to overcomplicate a thing or a mission for that matter. And this one was no different. Straightforward escort and protect, worst kinds of missions sure. Because half of it relied on someone who was most likely not trained for whatever situation you found yourselves in. And there was just something about this mission. The last-minute change didn't sit well with Roar. They held back and stuck to the high ground and shadows. Roar watched the large traveling group of elves, slow-moving as they were it was a wonder to see—a whole city of people migrating to reunite their people. Bringing histories together and forging a new future. It was all amazing if you sat down and thought about it long enough. Not that Roar was taking that time at the moment. 

No, at the moment Roar was all business, all focus. Their form moves from one shadow to the next. Easily keeping pace with the large group of elves. They watch anyone wandering off, anyone acting off, or having trouble keeping up. Honestly, they look for that other shoe that is going to drop. That edge of paranoia added creating that spider sense they relied on so well. 

[Lyrical]

Character Name: Bri'elle "Bri" Whitewater
Date | Time: 12.07 | Early Evening
Location: Johtan Wilderness
Wearing: new full kit, with new weapon (Giant Shield)
Tagging | Mentioning: SWAGGER
Continuing about her work, Bri checked in on people, made small talk and spread the word that the Hammer Academy team was here to escort them the rest of the way. In fact, she was practically done with the things that she was trying to accomplish and had completed more than what was was required. That's when one of the guards caught her in the middle of it.

The man grabbed Bri's arm, which he would soon find to be like a bar of steel when he did so. He was just a guard, she was a student of Hammer. Her eyes narrowed and looked quickly from his hands to his eyes. Then she quickly softened but made no move to ease her tensed arm. She was the one in control here, not this man, still she let him continue to hold on if he was insistent on it.

Bri said, "My name is Bri'elle Whitewater, Hammer Academy Squire and I'm here to ensure you are all ready for the rest of the journey and to escort you back to safety." She glanced down at his arm then slowly back up to him. "Please release me so that I may get my job done and we can get moving along." Then she sighed, knowing that this guy was probably on edge and trying to do his job. "I didn't mean to startle you. I'm sure it's been a long journey. We are almost there now." She took it as an opportunity to try to distract him with information. "We only ran into one Hollow creature on the way. So as long as we make good time, I suspect we'll be just fine."

[TheFluffyOne]

Character Name: Hulta Elderfond
Date | Time: | 7th December | Early evening
Location: Johtan wilderness
Wearing: Pictured.Combat green trousers, boots and dark green holsters
Tagging | Mentioning: Ocareena, Tandaleon, Team Swagger
“Yes. THE Tandaleon” Hulta said back to Dari, almost indignantly. They would not send just anyone with Ocareena. She was a priestess of Jade Summer. She needed the best. Which is why they were sent as replacements, of course. Her fingers remained wrapped around his wrist as she expertly slunk through the crowd. She skipped past a few of the trundling carts and made a beeline for the large wagon that seemed to reek of Ocareena.

Hulta stopped at the back and dropped Dari’s hand as she appeared before the regal elf. She looked like the one ready to combust. If Ocareena was the sweet treat, then Tandaleon was the cherry on top. Her feet came slamming together as she stood upright and gave him a half bow. “Ser Khur” She said with all the respect deserving of such a great elf. Only when he called her that name did she burst into a childlike grin. Twig. She couldn't remember when or why he gave her the name but it had stuck. “We are here to help!”

The younger red headed elf took two broad steps forward towards Tandaleon. Her hands were warm as they rested against his forearms, “You need to rest. You have been pushing yourself too far….We are here. We are here to help.” She told him sweetly with all the innocence of a young eager elf. She spoke to him like one would an uncle, respectful but with an undercurrent of familiarity. “T.This is Dari. My partner.” Hulta told the older elf while her hands still rested on him, holding him up.

A teeny part of her was upset that Ser Luran was not with the group but she knew better than to expect it. Perhaps he would join her parents as their guard. Hulta expected Dari to half faint when he realised who was before them, what weapons lay by Hulta’s side the legend that Hulta was casually propping up like a mannequin threatening to fall under heavy clothes.

A voice broke through the happiness that coated Hulta like a fine silk scarf. “What are you doing? Who are you?” Her attention was dragged to the back of a guardian who seemed to be snarling at Bri. Her forehead creased. “Bri is one of my squad mates…Why has your guardian snapped at her?” She asked Tandaleon as she dropped one hand from the older elf and let her fingers curl around the bottom of one of her staffs. Yes, she adored these people and would want them all safe to her home…But Bri was her family now as well.

[Aethyrium]

Tandaleon Khur

Ocareena de Min Uet Foarist

S T O R Y T E L L E R
December 7th, Early Evening (~7:20pm) | Johtan Wilderness
Next Post: 8.21.24 | Maria, Koko, Bri’elle, Hulta, Aurora, Dariaq
It was beyond strange that Maria was talking about lingering when no one had suggested that they do that. Ocareena was certainly in no hurry to stay here. But it was equally confounding why she was repeating a question that had already been answered - if she took the lead, the people were eager to get going again. No one wanted to stay here. All if it spoke to a distraction that she denied, and in another circumstance Ocareena would have offered counsel on it. As it was though, she had an entire mass of people to direct and get going. As she moved into the crowd, Ocareena made gestures and quick comments. The word of movement spread like wildfire rippling out from her, spurring the sea of travelers into motion. “We’ll be on the move in minutes,” she reassured Maria. Certainly the silenus was the least put together of the team leaders she had met thus far, but she supposed that it took time to grow into that role. “We would never leave anyone behind.”

Ocareena stopped in front of two men who were crouched down around a small pit of embers they had been heating food on while awaiting the arrival of Swagger. “Go to the rear, and call in Tandaleon’s guardians from the perimeter. We’re ready to move again.” The men nodded and quickly headed off, heading in different directions.

The space around them opened up. People around them were already on their feet where they hadn’t been before, and gathering their things. The sigh drew Ocareena’s attention back to the woman, and her head tilted. Her features softened at the question, and she nodded. “It’s heavy, isn’t it?” Her gaze swept past the silenus to the crowd, “I don’t know that I have gotten used to it, or that I want to.” Gentle lavender hues found Maria again, and the elf stepped nearer, “We bear it, so they don’t have to.” That was the whole key to her particular wisdom, “It’s not about me, or you, it’s about them,” she smiled, “So we draw strength from the opportunity to be part of something greater than ourselves, and we use that strength to give them the peace we do not have.” Ocareena glanced back the way that Hulta and Dariaq had gone, “It is cold and dark in the shadow of fear of the worst that might come to pass. And It is easy to get lost in the dark.” She offered, giving Maria her full attention, “Instead, embrace the warm glow of hope for the best that might come. When we do that, even when things are bad, we can still see a way.”

The warrior smiled. Tandaleon appreciated the show of respect, it was a nicety often lost on those away from home. “You’re here to help me huh?” The thought of it prompted a well intentioned, quiet chuckle. “Ser Luran would be proud,” Hulta’s soft touch and urge for him to relax was actually met with more relief. “You might be right,” her concerns were the same that Ocareena had expressed. But when they were traveling with farmers across such a vast stretch of land, what choice had there been really? “It’s incredible that Cordes sur-Ciel lasted as long as it did,” he glanced around that the people moving, “Not a true fighter among them.”

Which explained his exhaustion. Hulta had learned once that Tandaleon’s Shimmer was the ability to pass his own skill and power to others - Blood Transference. To drink his life was to adopt it for a time, to know his skill and make use of it. The guardians of the convoy had been chosen for their potential aptitude, and then fueled repeatedly by Tandaleon’s very essence to keep the gathering safe. He looked at her partner, offering a tired nod of acknowledgment, “Bien conocido, Dari,” he said, reaching a hand to grip in a more formal elven greeting - a version of a handshake. “Your aid is very welcome, thank you.” His gaze flickered to Hulta, “Both of you.”

Like them, Tandaleon’s attention was drawn to the commotion. His eyes narrowed slightly. “I don’t know,” he said, taking that prompting to push himself out of the wagon, “Let’s find out.” Tandaleon led them both toward the disturbance.

On a normal day, Bri’s assumption about the difference between herself and the elven fighter would have been right. Even in another thirty minutes or so. But infused with Tandaleon’s blood, there was every likelihood that he was just as capable as she was. And the strength of his grip certainly indicated he was no average soldier. There was tension there, even as Bri spoke. He was suspicious. His eyes kept darting to where she had been, “And what part of your job involves going through our belongings?” Her understanding did seem to have some desired effect though, he softened. The firmness of his grip loosened slightly.

“Araleo,” Tandaleon said as he, Hulta, and Dari approached from behind Bri’elle. He glanced around the situation, trying to get a read on it, before tilting his head, “What’s going on?”

The elven guardian released Bri’s arm, “This human,” the word rolled off his tongue with no small hint of displeasure, “She was—”

“Trying to assist us.” Tandalaeon cut him off. He too held no love for humans, but Champions - and those who would be Champions - were not the average. They deserved a level of respect that he might not have afforded others. And he was in no position to jeopardize their assistance right now, “Go and get your things,” he looked at the crowds moving around them preparing for departure, “We’ll be moving soon.”

Meeting Tandaleon’s gaze, the elf grumbled under his breath before looking back at Bri. He gave another nod, and then silently stalked away.

“I am sorry about that,” Tandaleon offered Bri, Hulta, and Dari all. “The effects of my blood can draw things out of people. And many of these elves have never met a human before, all they have are stories of a past they didn’t live. Are you alright?”

[Lyrical]

Character Name: Bri'elle "Bri" Whitewater
Date | Time: 12.07 | Early Evening
Location: Johtan Wilderness
Wearing: new full kit, with new weapon (Giant Shield)
Tagging | Mentioning: Hulta, Tandaleon, Dari,  |  Maria, Roar
The guard that held Bri was impressively strong under the circumstances and his questions held responses that Bri was reluctant to give. Saving grace was found in the presence of Hulta and Dari along with Tandaleon. Not for the first time, Bri really questioned her abilities to do this sort of work, it was her generally stoic, non-reactive expression, that was her only qualification in this situation. She could be warm and or understanding of expression without being outwardly bothered by the challenges and stress of the circumstance. Lucky for her that Tandaleon dismissed the guard.

"Thank you," Bri said to Hulta, Dari, and Tandaleon. "I didn't mean to startle your guard and I was perhaps a bit overzealous in my desire to ensure that everything was secured and nothing was going to surprise us. I'm still not accustomed to either escorting such a large group or seeing so many elves all on the same place. It feels like the world is somehow changing." She really hoped that last hook might change the conversation off topic so she could play the part of fascinated young squire then find an opening to excuse herself to get back to her work.

Once, Bri established that everything was okay she continued on her trek around the convoy only she didn't make any more attempts at her other assignment as it might put the whole thing in jeopardy. It was getting later anyways and she needed to return to the head of the convoy. She was sure to let Hulta and Dari both know that she was returning to the head.

Once back to the head of the convoy she was sure to link up with Roar and Maria so they could get back into formation.

[Aethyrium]

Tandaleon Khur

Ocareena de Min Uet Foarist

S T O R Y T E L L E R
December 7th, Early Evening (~7:20pm) | Johtan Wilderness
Next Post: - | Maria, Koko, Bri’elle, Hulta, Aurora, Dariaq
Tandaleon nodded, seeming to understand the position that Bri’elle was in. His gaze did flicker to the cart that she’d been in, but only in a moment of passing acknowledgment. The sentiment of her words made sense, but Tandaleon was trained to see shadows - that was how he kept people safe. Still, he was in no position to change things right now. “Of course,” he remarked with a small nod, “Everyone is just on edge, I wouldn’t worry about it.” The elder elf looked back after the way the guardian had gone, “Araleo has also never been responsible for this sort of thing. He’s just on edge.” He explained it away, offering Bri a smile, “I truly hope the world is changing. We could all use a little change.”

When Bri’elle departed, Tandaleon looked over to Hulta, “Dijiste que se llamaba Bri? Qué más puedes contarme sobre ella? Y el resto de tu equipo. Estoy ansioso por saber lo que has estado haciendo.” The weight of standing there started to weigh on him, and Tandaleon wobbled, catching support from Dari, “Perhaps back at Ocareena’s wagon,” he requested, allowing himself to be led back that way.

Ocareena requested Maria’s help in getting a few of the last minute preparations completed, and by the time Bri’elle got to them to help finish up they were just about ready to go. “I’ll walk ahead with you, if you don’t mind. I’m not much of a fighter, but I’m told that I’m pleasant company.” As interested as she was in reuniting with Hulta, and hearing Dari’s story, those were for private times, and they’d have plenty of opportunity.

The trip back to Onyx was longer than anticipated - ten hours turned closer to twelve. The unfortunate nature of such a large group moving at the pace of the slowest. Ocareen kept Maria, Bri’elle, and Aurora company in the front, talking about their trip from the Rishi Valley - about the Hammer teams Mockery and Gravity that had assisted them in the crossing. And then the journey to Cordes sur-Ciel, and their time there. Equally, she was curious about each of them. Though she was tired, Ocareena maintained an energetic presence the entire time. Tandaleon, on the other hand, was curious about Swagger and its members - and he was particularly focused on Bri’elle. He wanted to hear of Hulta’s journey so far, and even found it in himself to share some anecdotes of his time with Dari - inspiration for his own greatness to be sure.

And thankfully, though slower than desired, the trip back to Onyx was uneventful. And when they arrived they were greeted by, surprisingly, Ettinus and a group of elves - volunteers all ready to help these travelers until they could depart.