Watching the embers die [open]

[Leo Varniak]

The 5th day of Spring, 512 AV - mid-morning The figure stepped out on a rock terrace, a good vantage point somewhere in Wind Reach's upper levels. His raven hair had grown considerably since he'd last been seen entering the Underground Forest. His eyes had a haunted quality to them now, as if they could see things beyond the surface of common reality. He stood quietly, gazing down upon the destruction that had befallen the settlement. He hadn't met anyone so far. Perhaps that was for the best. He needed to gauge the destruction for himself first. The figure sat down on the rock, back against the mountain wall, hugging his knees. He cast his gaze down and out, taking notice of the volcanic eruptions in the distance. The world was ash and heat and release. He felt the aftermath of the wave of destruction on Semele's own skin. All the death and devastation, here and in every corner of the world, bore the name of Leo Zaital. The bizarre irony of it all struck him. He, who had spent his life judging others and telling the righteous from the wicked, from now on would be judged and hated countless times. He would see the hatred in the eyes of the bereaved who confronted him. He would bleed from the gleam in their blades. He would step into ruins of his own making, burying their ghosts with his bloodstained hands. He was sick and tired of all the killing now. After being one with the rock, with the flame, with the water, with the sky, this human skin seemed petty and insignificant. Yet he knew that the battle had barely just begun, that there was no rest for him but, eventually, the quiet of Dira. He was no longer a man, but a force. Forces did not stop just because they wanted to. He was to go on a pilgrimage through this world, doing what must be done. In Kalea, the mighty Isur cried for their lost king. Elsewhere, a dark and terrible goddess existed, the likes of which the world had never seen. And Rhysol's strength mounted with each passing day. Leo gazed across Wind Reach with the special eyes that the fallen god Xhyvas had offered him as a token of gratitude for facilitating his resurrection. He saw the possibilities hidden within the present, and knew that Mizahar would be reborn from its ashes once again, stronger than ever. Resting his head upon the backs of his hands, Leo felt with absolute certainty that his fire would be needed again. Whether people realized it or not.

[Kisa [Intrind]]

Kisa heard steps near her from where she sat on the rocks. She was still blind from the storm, her leg and waist wrapped and aching. The storm had taken it's tole on her and she feverishly wished for a return of control in her life. Intrind, her eagle was no where to be found and she still hadn't heard word of her sister. Everything was in chaos, but, almost luckily Kisa remained unseeing to it all. The world was just darkness and chatter.

Having lived her entire like in Wind Reach, Kisa had managed to get up here away from everyone although it had taken her awhile. But she now knew she had company. The world was still being ravaged, she feel it and hear it. Having lost her abilities as a stormwarden during the storm, she was still afraid to one again manipulate the breezes around her.

"Who's there," Kisa called out, her fiery hair trailing in the wind. Her gold eyes blankly stared out, trying to see what surrounded her.

In all the damage around her these past few days, it was a miracle that Wind Reach was still functioning. Kisa was barely alive herself and she knew not if her friends and family were alright. It was hard to locate people when you could barely move and couldn't see.

[Taln]

Quiet footfalls sank heavily into the earth with each stride and Taln/Inferno saw more than he ever dreamed possible. For fifty-six seasons he'd been a half-blind, subservient Dek, beaten daily and starved to the brink of death. Now he walked with the dignity and confidence beyond the mien of any Endal that would ever live in Wind Reach. Taln's inhuman, gold glowing eyes viewed the world with startling clarity, belying his soot blackened skin. Despite the searing heat, he didn't sweat, or even seem to notice the severe temperature. Tattered gray rags didn't quite cover what needed modesty and his bare feet walked the smoking ground with ease. His coppery hair had grown out long and shaggy and his tired expression was similar to that of his journey companion, Leo. The tall, red haired man stopped at the underground entrance, watching Leo's demeanor. The folded, hunched over posture and ragged careless breathing evidenced the countless seasons he himself had felt deep regret and shame for his actions. The awe inspiring volcanic eruptions baked the air to a shimmering pitch and bathed Taln in its fiery breath, soothing him immensely. He leaned against the hot rocks, not yet ready to disturb Leo from his reverie. Mass destruction had crumbled all the familiar landmarks of his once beloved Wind Reach. The blackened rubble, pulverized debris and mangled bodies littered the once exquisitely beautiful city. The physical devastation of Wind Reach was a lot to take in and Taln needed time to think. Who could form words when so much had happened topside in his and Leo's long absence? The ex Dek slid down to the smoldering earth to sit in silent contemplation. He could've celebrated his freedom had not the earth been shattered and broken. Just getting over the eons of life as earth, water, fire and air had taken more time than he could guess. His eerie golden gaze latched onto Leo once again, recognizing that taking the time to think and let it all sink in was the best idea. Taln had once been a man of fervent feeling and instant reaction, but things were so different now. The Velispar within cautiously urged the man to a more pensive nature and use observation before any vestige of action should be taken. Considering the circumstances, he was inclined to agree.