Once we were...humans.
Note: whatever has been posted, has been posted - nothing beyond this point will be included in impressions, and I would love for you to post your decisions first, so I can set up the remainder of the round.

The morning reveals the assumption was wrong - or, for a moment it does. In a moment, or two, you manage to put the two and two together, and while it does result in a number four, it makes no difference in the big picture.

Sol, Diana wrote

What do you imagine when you think of dead silence?

Diana imagines it could be a moment like this, snow falling in a thick blanket, moon finding its way through the clouds, no stars in sight. The animals were silent.

She hears Sol breathing in the other corner of the room, as she sat in a large armchair in the corner of the room, the warmth fogging up the window. Sol slept - by chance, or drugs, or a spell, she did not know - and she tried, but the sleep did not reach her.

There are steps outside the door, she looks up, untucking her legs from under her, ready should something happen. Nothing - whoever walked, walked past the room - and her body releases the tension once more, she leans back.

By the time she decided to close her eyes for just a second, it was already daytime - Sol got up sometime before her, she looks at him, and at that moment, siblings hear a commotion from downstairs.

“Sol,” she gasped, realizing it was morning. -”Are you—?”

“Human?” he asks, nodding. -”I’ve been human for a while now, A,” he finished. -”Sit, let me tell you what happened before we go downstairs.”

Istok, Aurelius, Nastya, Sol wrote

Aurelius walked into the room, followed by Istok, and Nastya thinks nothing of it until she noticed the look on Aurelius.

“What happened?”

“A lot,” Istok replied, staring at the open door: two moments later, Sol enters the room.

“Did you see who it was?”

“Someone must have slipped me something,” Aurelius replied, as Istok closed the door and let himself out.

“At least you’ve had the decency to give me a notice,”

“Perhaps because I didn’t think it would actually work,” Aurelius chuckles - Nastya looks at both as if they have gone off their minds - and Sol gives it a little shrug.

“Iris was not as lucky, was she?”

“Iris,” Aurelius leans back, smirking. -”Poor Iris, she never stood a chance.”

“Shut the fuck up, both of you, this is not the final act of a drama!” Nastya slammed her book on the table. -”Now tell me what is happening?”

“I’m human,” Sol said. -”I’ve been human for a few weeks now,”

“Has it been that long?” Aurelius furrowed his brows, glancing at the blond man. Sol nodded. -”The time truly flies—”

“Aurelius!”

“I’m human too,” he responded to Nastya’s horrid look. -”Since not that long ago, but rather tonight, and by accident, or pure chance,”

“He had my soul,” Sol explained. -”So, when they came for it, they went to him, meaning they knew—”

“Well, they accidentally took mine—”

“They took both, but I believe you’ll not be needed, so I would not pray for a long life as a human,” Sol replied.

“Believe me, I would never wish for something like this,” Aurelius replied considering the aspect of mortality, for the first time in a very long time.

“You cursed us both,” Sol shrugged his shoulders. Aurelius didn’t listen but assumed Sol was not supportive at all.

“Don’t be dramatic,” Aurelius rolls his eyes, glancing at Nastya.

Nastya was silent, sitting, looking at them, wondering if eternal life ever truly promised to grow wiser too.

Meaning, you still don’t know who was the culprit - and they were getting closer to whatever the uniter legend was. Nastya decides to abandon the Synod, focusing on what seems to be the most important.

And it seems to be what the most are focusing on this time around as well.

The tensions are on the rise, everyone seems to be either suspicious, or a suspect, and the stories are getting devoured and re-read, in order to get the hang of what might come next.

There is a moment of silence - a rather short one - with everyone in the main house, cooped around the stories in the dining room, in the library, or some other room in the house until the speculations about the following story leave very little to be imagined.

Diana is found by Cedric in Sol’s room - he is in some kind of catatonic state, Diana cannot remember anything.

The night is falling, the snow seems to be restlessly covering everything, and there is another vote suggested by Thierry: he wants to leave and wants to know who wants to make it out with them.

Leaving Thierry, Uriel, Morgan, and Cedric decide to make a run for it.
Staying Minha. Kordelia. Kiriko. Aylin. Kiyo.
Aurelius does not give a fuck at this point, not enough to run. Diana sticks with Sol, who cannot run. Istok, Jackson, Simon, Rui, Viggo, River and Tyssa feel there is no point in getting into the storm. Nastya thinks leaving is not an option. Nico will basically give the incentive to get out but decides to leave instead. Lael will stay, too.

Given the majority of you will stay, I’d love to focus on this part mainly.
xx

In the early afternoon, when this small vote turns into “every man for themselves” type of situation - no one is bothering packing, not really, and the plan is to head out together. Sometime later in the day they do - those first steps are done in the human body, and soon after whoever might be looking can sense the energy shift through the storm as they started taking their real forms.

The house is dead silent, with most of you standing in the lobby to watch the ones deciding to go leave - their departure, mostly short - makes for a very dividing moment, and the one last attempt at asking them to stay comes from Lael, who thinks there is no point in running, insisting everyone should stay and try to figure out what happens when the Uniter prophecy or manual has played its course.

He’ll be in the library for a while, reading into the texts, while the rest of you will separate in groups. Comes nightfall, there’s a power shortage in the house, and everything goes black. With the generator not working, part of you will seek candles, while the others either stay locked in, look for food, or generally stay in groups.

Minha wrote

Minha is spending most of time around Nico, Aurelius and Istok, in a room where Aurelius set up after his turn. Nico is like a broken record, repeating and retelling stories, asking questions mostly to himself, and trying to figure out what he missed. At a point around 19, they realize they need more candles, and Nico wants to go look for them, but Istok won’t let him go alone, so Minha goes with him. They walk through the house - larger than both realized - and Nico takes his sweet time looking through rooms, pantry, kitchen, salon - passing by Kiriko and Simon in the dining hall, and on their way back to Aurelius’ room they run into River who is on his way to Sol’s room to try to help. The four of them are reunited post 20, in the room, Aurelius napping, Istok about to, and Nico still wide awake. Not much later, there are footsteps in the hallway, and before three of them react, Nico is already out, saying they need to stay back and stay silent. Moments after, all three decide to go find him, walking into the scene at the main entrance.

Kordelia wrote

Kordelia will be alone in the room, and around 18, Rui will come to pick her up and keep her company. Soon after, he’ll suggest they have a walk, go pick up some food and hopefully run into someone with good news. They will stop by the library, Nastya is alone there, so they will stick around for a while before the hunger kicks in again and they move towards the kitchen around 19, and spend a while there, getting what they can in the dark. The rooms are mainly silent, but they will encounter Minha and Nico looking for candles (they are there for a moment only). On their way back to the room, they will notice Lael on his way out of the house in the back, then will run into Kiyo and Jackson. They will spend time in the room before Uriel’s entrance causes the commotion around 21.

Kiriko wrote

Kiriko will spend time with Simon, in the dining hall, with Lael, studying the books. Lael is unsure of what might come next, especially since some stories are missing, and he will warn Kiriko that the story about the Wish Granter might be her story. Around 19, she will be left alone with Simon for a while, as Lael decides to go check up on Nastya on his own. Before 20, Kiriko and Simon will realize they are growing tired too quickly, and suddenly, they will not have enough energy to move, slipping into a slumber of a kind. Once she comes about, Simon is on the ground next to her, and she’s a human. The commotion Uriel causes coaxes them to the main level and towards the main entrance.

Aylin wrote

Around 18, Aylin will spend some time in the room with Viggo, Tyssa and River. While Viggo is not worried about the ones who left, Tyssa wonders if they got far, worrying if they will be able to return in time to miss the storm. River is mostly worried about Sol, who hasn’t woken up yet, and around 19, he will leave to go try to help him. Tyssa will not wait long before leaving to go find him. Shortly after 20, Viggo hears some commotion in the hallway and runs into the hall before Aylin can do much, returning a moment later to ask her help because Tyssa is behind the corner, on the ground. Once they both go there, not one is there, and for Aylin, everything goes black. Once she’s conscious again, she is human, no one but Viggo is around and comes what may, she should make her way to the main ground and towards the main entrance by the time Uriel lands in the house.

Kiyo wrote

Kiyo will spend time with newly-human Diana in the room where Sol is, and Jackson will join them under the excuse that they should not be alone. Around 19:00, there’s a knock on the door and while everyone tenses up a little, it turns out to be River, there to try and help Sol. He will spend considerable time doing it, both he and Diana focused on him, and Kiyo can keep Jackson company. He’ll ask Kiyo to accompany him to go to the kitchen around 20, look for some food since River is with Sol and Diana. On their way down, they will notice Lael walking towards the back of the house, alone, and on their way back, find an empty library. They will be back soon, and the trio is still there. Sometime near 21, the commotion outside will coax them out of the room and things will witness the Uriel entrance.

Everyone is at the main hall around 21, in time for the doors to swing open with a gust of wind, snow and cold. Uriel will fly in, carrying Morgan, half-frozen, both tumbling to the ground, as his wings feel as if they are frozen, tumbling into the stairs, barely breathing.

People come up to help - Istok picks him up, barely, as River goes towards Morgan, trying to help her. She’s unconscious and human, and Uriel picks himself up suddenly, as many ask what has happened. He explains the storm was nothing like he has ever seen - the cold snowstorm was more like the sand storm, changing direction, shifting pace, and whenever they thought they were close to getting to the border of the property. At a point, they separated, they could not see far in front, and he could only hear one scream in the whiteout. He found Morgan in the snow, and no one around, deciding to fly back to the house - the storm didn’t seem to mind. He is talking, and most are around them, coming from different directions.

Before more fingers are pointed in different directions, there’s another scream coming from the whiteness outside. There is nothing for a second, or two, and Uriel picks himself up, going towards the door, just in time to catch Thierry, falling into his arms.

No shock there, he is human. While he is trying to catch his breath, River goes to close the door, stopping the snow from coming in. He turns towards the rest, and it’s really not hard to realize not everyone is there.

Please end your story with the realization there are a few of you missing.

Missing Cedric. Lael. Nastya. Nico.

xx

Required
1. Name. Creature. FC. Interests (up to 3).
2. Decisions.
    A. Stay or go?
3. Story! Note: this round takes place within 1 day.
4. Outfits, if you wish.

Last edited by Zaralee (22/02/2022 at 15:48)

Kiriko

Kiriko will spend time with Simon, in the dining hall, with Lael, studying the books. Lael is unsure of what might come next, especially since some stories are missing, and he will warn Kiriko that the story about the Wish Granter might be her story. Around 19, she will be left alone with Simon for a while, as Lael decides to go check up on Nastya on his own. Before 20, Kiriko and Simon will realize they are growing tired too quickly, and suddenly, they will not have enough energy to move, slipping into a slumber of a kind. Once she comes about, Simon is on the ground next to her, and she’s a human. The commotion Uriel causes coaxes them to the main level and towards the main entrance.

While they haven’t had much chance to connect, Simon feels oddly trusting of the woman - perhaps in balance to her own distrust towards basically everyone. He’ll be curious to find out more about her, even in such times, but killing time with good conversation never seemed like a bad idea. Especially after Lael mentions she might be the Wish Granter from the story. Simon is willing to open up more and will keep forgetting the fact they are in a hot mess. While alone in the library, he might even be flirting, if she is up for it - a little bit of a distraction, if you may.

Uriel will talk to Kiriko before departing, saying he would come back to get her soon.

Minha

Minha is spending most of the time around Nico, Aurelius and Istok, in a room where Aurelius set up after his turning. Nico is like a broken record, repeating and retelling stories, asking questions mostly to himself, and trying to figure out what he missed. At a point around 19, they realize they need more candles, and Nico wants to go look for them, but Istok won’t let him go alone, so Minha goes with him. They walk through the house - larger than both realized - and Nico takes his sweet time looking through rooms, pantry, kitchen, salon - passing by Kiriko and Simon in the dining hall, and on their way back to Aurelius’ room they run into River who is on his way to Sol’s room to try to help. The four of them are reunited post 20, in the room, Aurelius napping, Istok about to, and Nico still wide awake. Not much later, there are footsteps in the hallway, and before three of them react, Nico is already out, saying they need to stay back and stay silent. Moments after, all three decide to go find him, walking into the scene at the main entrance. 

During the moments you two spend together alone (roaming through the house, or earlier in the day), Nico is in an endless loop of thinking, rethinking and inevitably, overthinking - everything feels like a part of the past coming to life again. He feels he is missing something or someone, and he cannot figure it out to help his life. The plot twist Aurelius brings to the game makes him tell and re-tell it even more, rather than offering any solution at all. Still, Nico is eager to get to the bottom of this, so before there are even ideas to leave, he’ll consider baiting out whoever is doing this with the following story - only Diana is gone before he can do it. Rather than advocating for everyone to stay, he’ll make a case out of railing everyone up to leave - until the moment comes, and he casually changes his mind, staying behind. Their little walk around the house will seem like an expedition rather than search for candles, and sort of keeping track of where is everyone. At one point, he’ll take some interest in River and his involvement in this, speaking from a point of him being someone new and at the same time knowing a lot of things. Whatever Minha might share - that she has not, before - might add into his decision to go chasing after whoever might be out during the last moment you all see him.

Aurelius is doing a fine job of gloating in the face of doom - perhaps a bit too much. While he is amazing at keeping up appearances, he’ll admit this is the closest he’s been to mortality ever, and while he might be playing it off as something rather vain - such as missing this particular body he has had so much fun in - he is actually keen wondering if he would ever be summoned to roam this real again. Should the two of them end up alone at a point, he’ll suggest a (perhaps) tempting deal to Minha: if he dies, she is to summon him as she is human and can, and once he is back, he can do whatever black magic can do to help her return to the ageless - perhaps not as a kumiho, but he finds anything above human to progress. The moment of vulnerability will vanish as soon as there is anywhere else around, and while he is not a demon anymore, he is certainly taking visitors. He’ll ask for some moments once he’s visited by Lael, and later on by Cedric and Nastya.

Istok - as stupid as it might seem at the moment - is rather taken aback by their night of hunting, and what happened later. It was a very unique experience and a memorable one. They’ve been friends for a while, and he’s been aware of her wild streak, but what happened felt like something different, or rather more than just fun. Yes, she is human, but he’s finding himself craving her company, seeking it out with or without reason and logic behind him. They will have a couple of moments alone during the day, and Istok will certainly aim to create them. He is worried about Minha, but he’d try not to go overboard with any overly protective antics. He’ll try to mirror her behaviour, but rather give up at a point, and should a very private moment happen, he’d state his opinion - well, emotions. He’s aware she might not be in the right place to hear it, so he’d try to communicate by keeping her emotional state in mind.

River is unsure how he managed to step out of line, but he is aware that he did - and given the recent turn of the events, he'll try to find a moment to communicate this towards her. Perhaps with words, perhaps with some food, perhaps with keeping her company for a moment.

Kordelia

Kordelia will be alone in the room, and around 18, Rui will come to pick her up and keep her company. Soon after, he’ll suggest they have a walk, go pick up some food and hopefully run into someone with good news. They will stop by the library, Nastya is alone there, so they will stick around for a while before the hunger kicks in again and they move towards the kitchen around 19, and spend a while there, getting what they can in the dark. The rooms are mainly silent, but they will encounter Minha and Nico looking for candles (they are there for a moment only). On their way back to the room, they will notice Lael on his way out of the house in the back, then will run into Kiyo and Jackson. They will spend time in the room before Uriel’s entrance causes the commotion around 21.

Aurelius will run into her on his way to settle into one of the rooms on the floor - and he would playfully say hello to his neighbour. He’s not in a bad mood, actually being rather entertained and he’d even crack some jokes when he visits. Aurelius will admit he is very much enthusiastic about this human version of her, expressing his amusement with Kordelia - making a note she should have been a little less of an asshole during their last conversation, given he was offering her immortality again. Given it’s done - for now - he is still curious to know if she would have gotten through with it, after all.

Cedric decides to leave - but rather than simply deciding to leave - he’d actually share what drove him there. Their private chat will include some new information, including him saying he has to leave because a long time ago, he made a promise to Morgan and he has to honour it. While he is not too certain this will end well, Cedric leaves with an intention of returning as soon as he does what he has intended to do. Despite not saying much about it, he won’t be too happy about leaving her: despite having one intention on his arrival, his mindset about her has changed in the recent week.

Rui is still somewhat uncomfortable around her, but he will try to break out of this mould instead of just avoiding her. He’ll keep her company, they can talk and share, and he will offer to accompany her to the kitchen and hopefully check if there is something else happening in the house, suggesting they stop by Nastya. Even if he said he is not into running, as the hours pass and you believe that the departed crowd managed to get away, he will admit he now thinks they should have made a run for it.

Aylin

Around 18, Aylin will spend some time in the room with Viggo, Tyssa and River. While Viggo is not worried about the ones who left, Tyssa wonders if they got far, worrying if they will be able to return in time to miss the storm. River is mostly worried about Sol, who hasn’t woken up yet, and around 19, he will leave to go try to help him. Tyssa will not wait long before leaving to go find him. Shortly after 20, Viggo hears some commotion in the hallway and runs into the hall before Aylin can do much, returning a moment later to ask her help because Tyssa is behind the corner, on the ground. Once they both go there, not one is there, and for Aylin, everything goes black. Once she’s conscious again, she is human, no one but Viggo is around and comes what may, she should make her way to the main ground and towards the main entrance by the time Uriel lands in the house.

Viggo enjoyed their time together, coaxing another part of Aylin out, and as much as he enjoyed it, he really liked spending time with the Aylin he met, too. He’d be flirty while they are cooped up together, especially after they are left alone in the room. Normally, Viggo doesn’t worry, but this situation left him on the edge: he’s jumpy and rather restless when it comes to sitting still which is what is expected from them at this point. He’s focused on figuring out what is wrong with the photo happening - and with the entire moment of people leaving, he is really certain something is off. However, after she is turned to human - near him, out of all things - he is going to focus the most on that.

Uriel is going to ask Aylin to join him and tries to leave. He sees no point in them staying, especially her, as he believes she’s next. With her decision being very clear and definitive, he will not push, but will bid her stay safe and careful of the people around her, and who she puts her trust into. Uriel will say his goodbye, with high hopes they will reunite soon.

Sol is somewhat embarrassed and a little bit butt-hurt about the fact Aurelius was the one in charge of his soul. He’s not too interested in talking about it, but he would admit to Aylin that he did a lot to hide it from her. They won’t have too much time to have conversations, but Sol would not avoid it at any point.

Given she’d share some time with Tyssa and River, both of them are on the edge too. While River is genuinely just worried, and in his mind, trying to figure somethings out, Tyssa is just nervous and unhappy with the fact she is in a room for the majority of the day.

Kiyo

Kiyo will spend time with newly-human Diana in the room where Sol is, and Jackson will join them under the excuse that they should not be alone. Around 19:00, there’s a knock on the door and while everyone tenses up a little, it turns out to be River, there to try and help Sol. He will spend considerable time doing it, both he and Diana focused on him, and Kiyo can keep Jackson company. He’ll ask Kiyo to accompany him to go to the kitchen around 20, look for some food since River is with Sol and Diana. On their way down, they will notice Lael walking towards the back of the house, alone, and on their way back, find an empty library. They will be back soon, and the trio is still there. Sometime near 21, the commotion outside will coax them out of the room and things will witness the Uriel entrance.

Focused on her brother, Diana won't be of much help, especially after she's been turned into a human. Surprisingly to everyone, her rage is directed only towards the fact Sol is seriously hurt, and she manages to pretend this is the only thing wrong with the world right now. She's in need of support and gives you two are in the same mess, she might be inclined to accept it, or even offer it to Kiyo. She's also incredibly convinced River might be able to help, surprising to everyone since she did not meet him until quite recently.

Jackson is not oblivious to the change in behaviour she might have displayed, and the moment of distrust after turning human. Yet, he feels bad about it rather than simply deciding it's her fault. He'd be supportive, and quite okay with her humanity. Spending time together during the day will allow for a chance to see if her distrust was a good choice or not. When River arrives, he'd suggest going for some food, and possibly taking a detour to check on everyone around. He might, or might not mention he doesn't really believe everyone told everything they know about this prophecy, or whatever it is. How much she discloses with him is up to you.

Nastya will be supportive of Kiyo, and will do her best to make her feel safe from the moment she is turned, going forward. She'll try to reason with people intending to leave, and will be happy to see Kiyo wants to stay.  Nastya is last seen in the library, and you and Jackson are the ones noticing she is no longer there.

Cedric will be one of the first ones to pick up and leave, curious to see if she would have left had she remained a human. While their meetings might have been cut short, he really enjoyed her company. He’d let her know that part, too, and that he is keeping other priorities as he leaves.

Last edited by Zaralee (24/02/2022 at 15:19)

Form

Name: Kordelia Glaser

FC: Johanna Herrstedt

Age: 624 (born 1397 in Aachen)

Creature/species: Draco

Current place of residence: Innsbruck, Austria

Traits & Personality / Background

Originally born as Kunigunde into a wealthy middle class, she always felt like she was destined for more in her life... that there was something great waiting for her. Vain and spoiled to the core it was never enough for her whether it was attention, love or gifts. She is selfish, doesn't share and someone who only takes but never gives back. She could never get enough and once she had a goal, she wouldn’t let anything or anyone stop her from achieving it… nothing would get in her way. Kordelia is hard to satisfy and definitely not someone to hold back from voicing her opinion or displeasure. She is charming… someone who knows exactly what she wants in life and she has always been confident and determined enough to do everything to get it. Always has been ambitious and in combination with her pride and her wanting too much it would change everything. 18 years old and married to a baron's son and it was still not enough for Kordelia... she craved for more and didn't want to spend the rest of her life birthing children and playing the dutiful wife. Tinkering with black magic hoping to gain more power and more wealth backfired and instead of Kordelia gaining everything – and more – she had been hoping for, suddenly found herself slowly turning into a Draco. It was a painful transformation and her first year as a Draco was a bloody mess as she went on a killing spree and she found herself with powers she had no control over... her husband was one of her first victims. Turning back into her human form was equally painful but every second was worth it after realizing the powers and opportunities she had gained.
Uses her charms, smiles, and compliments like a weapon…she can be manipulative and knows how to persuade people to make them work in her favor. Secretive about herself and a liar by nature after being alive for over 600 years… she learned how to read people and tell them exactly what they want to hear. Passionate about things that she loves, which are money, sex, and power. She likes to be in control over everything, likes having the last word in every argument, and admitting that she did something wrong never happens. Not a team player and will try to avoid working with others at all costs unless it is absolutely necessary… she won’t bother hiding her disdain about this situation. She is impulsive, definitely an act quickly and think later person which had gotten her into trouble a few times. She is observant taking her time to gather valuable information before approaching someone she deems important… or worth her time. She cares little for the needs of humans only seeking the company of those who are successful and have big dreams and plans... feeding off of their energy and at least still part of her hunger.
Kordelia is flirty showing interest in both men and women. Since she had become a Draco she had been married four times purely for her own intentions and needs... has been mistress to many successful and ambitious people including rulers, politicians, and artists. Nowadays she prefers flings without any kind of attachment. Sex like her need for food and drinks is a hunger that is insatiable. Grows bored easily and often feels restless if she is staying longer in the same place… she had been in many different places during her life and yet there are a few she will often return to. Uncompassionate, unrepentant, Kordelia isn’t someone to look back on her decisions as she believes what is done is done.

Motivation and/or goal: You would like to keep things as they are: human life holds no particular interest, you are not worried about them, and you believe even if they vanish, your kind (ageless) will persevere

Is this your first Synod? No

Interests: Cedric, Aurelius, Rui

Decision: Kordelia will stay

Paint It Black

Spending time with Rui
Cred to MB

Chapter IV

XVIII

Knees pulled close against her chest Kordelia sat on the windowsill watching as the snowstorm raged on. It had been a strange and loud morning… the fact that Aurelius had lost his soul had caused quite a commotion. Not to mention that he had been in possession of Sol’s soul as well which was now lost too. The person responsible for this mess was still not caught and at this point, she started to wonder if they would ever find them… wonder how long it would be before everybody needed for the Legend of Uniter would be turned into a human.

“Maybe we will be all Humans soon…” Kordelia sighed out.

A knock on the door had her turning her head and a smile tugged on her lips as she spotted Cedric. She had always enjoyed his company but there was no denying that something had changed since the beginning of the Synod and the time they spent with each other. Kordelia couldn’t quite explain it though… but maybe it didn’t truly matter. She enjoyed his company and was glad for the support and comfort she had found in Cedric ever since she had been turned into a Human.
“Hey,” Kordelia greeted him, and she was about to slip off the windowsill when she noticed that he was dressed in a thick jacket and his gaze seemed to be more determined. “Is everything alright?” she furrowed her eyebrows together as she looked at him from head to toe.

“I’m leaving,” Cedric replied not beating around the bush.

She blinked a few times in surprise thinking for a moment that she had misheard him. Kordelia knew that some of the others had spoken about leaving thinking it would be safer, but she would have never considered that Cedric would be one of them.

You can’t leave. We need you… I need you.

These thoughts rushed through Kordelia’s mind, but she refused to let them slip past her lips. Not when it would mean more admitting that she was willing to. She pulled her lower lip between her teeth looking slightly unsure while she tried to calm down her nerves.

“But the snowstorm…” It was a weak protest coming from her lips after a few moments of silence had passed between them, “What if you don’t make it?”

Kordelia had never seen the full extent of his abilities, but she knew of his connection to nature… if someone could make it safely out of her, it could be him.

“It is a risk, but I can’t stay here, Kordelia.” Both his voice and his expression made it very clear that his mind was made up and there was nothing that she could do or say to change it.

“Did something happen?” she tilted her head to the side looking at him, “Did Lael manage to discover who might be next? Is it you?” The words kept tumbling past her lips before she had any chance to stop them.

Cedric shook his head before he reached over grabbing one of her hands, “It isn’t about Lael… or the Legend of Uniter. A long time ago, I made a promise to Morgan, and I have to honor it,” he explained. 

“Oh,” Kordelia breathed out. She knew that they had been lovers years ago before Cedric had gone off the grip. “What kind of promise? Are you in danger?

She almost wanted to ask if she could help him but what could she do in her position? She was Human… weak and her body wouldn’t last longer than a few minutes in this snowstorm. Kordelia couldn’t remember the last time she had felt this useless before.

“It is the most important thing I did in my life so far, and the most important promise.” He told her, “I’m not certain how it is going to end but I intend to return as soon as I have taken care of everything.”

Kordelia knew Cedric well enough that she didn’t bother to ask for more details… he would tell her once he wished to. 

“Okay,” she said licking over lips. A small part of her still didn’t like that he was going to leave but the bigger one – the one who saw the situation more rational – could understand that he had to go… that he wouldn’t leave if it wasn’t as important as he said it was. “Stay safe out there.” She added softly squeezing his fingers.

And please come back to me. But those words remained unspoken as well.

Instead, Kordelia got on her tiptoes closing the distance between them as she pressed her lips against it. Cedric growled slipping his free hand around her waist to keep her close. The kiss was softer and less passionate than every other kiss they had shared before but still enough to send a pleasant shiver down Kordelia’s spine.

“I will,” Cedric whispered, his forehead pressed against her, and she could see the determination flashing in his eyes.

XIX

“Hello neighbor,” Aurelius’ lips were curled up into a playful smile and there was the usual mischievous twinkle in his eyes, “How are you doing on this lovely day?”

“Lovely day?” she asked chuckling slightly, “If you consider that today is a lovely day, I’m not sure if I want to find out what is a bad day for you.”

“Who says that I have ever had a bad day before?” he teased, “I might not have expected to wake up as a Human today, but I certainly won’t let this ruin my mood.”

It had been a little over an hour since Cedric had left along with Morgan, Thierry, and Uriel… if she didn’t know that the Legend of Uniter still had some parts that were yet to decipher or to be found, she would worry that the culprit behind what was going on might have been among those who had left.

“Aren’t in you a good mood today?” Kordelia replied shaking her head.

“I’m always in a good mood.” Aurelius pointed out before he stepped further into her room sitting down in one of the armchairs across the bed.

“Mhm, I can see that.” Kordelia hummed, “Not sure though if I share your optimism though.” She tucked her legs under herself, “So, how does it feel to be Human?”

“It isn’t as bad as you made it sound like.” He crossed his legs keeping his eyes on her, “Was it that bad to be a Human all those centuries ago?”

“Being Human wasn’t the issue. And how could it be if I had no idea that the ageless kinds even existed… that I could turn into one of them.” Kordelia explained licking over her lips, “I wasn’t too happy with how my life was going. After living all those centuries as a Draco, it is just strange to have my humanity back… that my body is weaker and more vulnerable than I would like it to be.”

“And yet I’m very enthusiastic about this human version of you,” Aurelius admitted with a chuckle, “You seem more willing to talk about yourself… to speak what is truly on your mind.”

“Maybe I got tired of pretending.” Kordelia shrugged, “Or it could be that I got nothing left to lose.” She brushed a strand of her hair back, “Not sure if I can share your enthusiasm about my human side but I won’t deny that I have been enjoying your company quite a lot these days, Aurelius.”

“Of course, you did,” he pointed out sounding far too pleased with himself, “A little side note though… you should have been a little less of an asshole during the last time we spoke. After all, I just had handed you a chance of immortality on a golden plate.”

“Mhm, maybe.” Kordelia mused. It wasn’t an apology and there wasn’t going to be one… not now and not at any later point.

“Would you have done it?” Aurelius asked, the curiosity obvious in his voice, “I know that it doesn’t really matter anymore seeing as I have been turned into a Human as well.”

“I would though my decision came too late.” She explained, “I woke in the morning only to hear the recent news about your change. Maybe I should have made up my mind sooner, but we will never know if it would have made a difference.”

“No, we won’t.” he agreed with a nod of his head, “Still a shame though… I was wondering if it would have worked.”

“Not only you, Aurelius… not only you.”

XX

Kordelia stood at the window peering outside where the snowstorm raged on – seemingly getting worse with each minute – as the darkness settled in. A sigh escaped her lips… she tried not to worry too much about Cedric who was somewhere out there, but it got harder and harder.

“Kordelia?” Rui’s voice came from the door.

“Yes?” She asked, the surprise visible on her face as she turned to look at him. Since their brief talk in the kitchen a few days ago she hadn’t seen much of him.

“Can I come in?”

“Of course,” Kordelia replied before settling down on the bed. In a way, she was glad for the company even if it was someone who had been trying to avoid her in the past few days.

“How are you holding up?” Rui asked still keeping his distance as he sat down on the windowsill across her.

“I have certainly had better days but I’m glad that I’m not out there.” She brought her knees against her chest.

“Would have left if you hadn’t been turned back into a human?”

“I don’t know.” Kordelia replied honestly, “If I had known that I might be one of the next to lose their immortal soul, I might have left but there is also a chance that I would have stayed to find out who is responsible.”

“Mhm, I see.” Rui hummed lips pressed together as he looked at her, “Any idea who might be responsible?”

A sigh slipped past her lips, “If I knew, I would have already acted… and I don’t mean that in a nice way. I might be Human and weaker than usual, but I don’t take kindly to stealing my immortal soul.” She took a deep breath, “I have never really paid a lot of attention to the Legend of Uniter… the thought that it might be more than just a story never occurred to me.”

“I think most of us regarded it as just a tale.” Rui pointed out with his arms crossed in front of his chest, “To hear that it was more and that someone is targeting those who fit the different stories, was quite unexpected… and to think that someone is walking among us with all the souls being a part of them.”

“It is strange that no one noticed something out of ordinary. Nastya said it herself no one would have been capable of leaving with the heavy burden of two souls and now even more souls have been taken.” Kordelia frowned shaking her head.

“Speaking about souls… have you ever thought what might be if your soul can’t be returned as easy as it was taken from you?” Rui asked the one question she had been dreading the most she woke up as a Human all those days ago.

“Don’t…” Kordelia’s first instinct was to snap biting into her lower lip as she glared at him.

Rui looked back at her, his dark eyes looking straight into the blue eyes of hers, but he said nothing… not even after moments and moments of silence passed between them.

She sighed again before tucking a strand of her hair back, “Honestly, I try not to think about it." Kordelia admitted in a low voice, “The thought of going back to somewhat of a normal life… of living among Humans again… being one of them. It is hard to imagine. But if there was no other way… maybe I would adapt, get used to it but it wouldn’t be the life I’m used to… the life I loved.”

“Living as Human doesn’t sound very thrilling, to be honest,” Rui said, “I don’t know if I could do it. Not after all those years of avoiding them… using them to still my own needs for power and hunger.”

“From my experience, I can tell you that it depends… people with money and success, those who I usually seek to feed on, they have an enjoyable life and nothing to worry about.” Kordelia explained, “But it is hard to forget that over 600 years have passed since I was last a Human. And a few days are certainly not enough time to get used to everything.” She shook her head, “Like the stupid hunger… I thought it would be easier but the food just tastes bland.”

“Speaking about food… I don’t know how much longer we might be stuck here while hoping that those who left found a way out of here. Should we try if we can find something in Nastya’s kitchen?” he offered, a slight smile tugging on his lips as he rose from the windowsill.

“Why not?” Kordelia shrugged as she stood up as well, “As long as it doesn’t require any cooking.”

XXI

The kitchen ended up not being their first stop as they ventured out of Kordelia’s room… it was Rui who spotted Nastya sitting in the library in front of a desk full of papers and books. It was obvious that she was still trying to make sense out of the Legend of Uniter and who might be the next.

Kordelia’s eyebrows were knitted together in a mix of confusion and concentration as read over one of the many notes scattered around the desk. But none of it truly made any sense to her and it didn’t help that not all part of the Legends had been found yet.

“I don’t get it,” she sighed out before she grabbed another piece of paper with more confusing notes.

“Me neither.” Nastya replied rubbing over her temples, “I still don’t understand how River was able to figure any of this out. Not that it helped us since Sol’s soul was still taking despite every possible precaution taken by us.”

“They clearly don’t want to be found.” Rui pointed out leaning against one of the desk arms crossed in front of his chest, “Everybody of us could be the next… except those who had left.”

“Let’s hope that they managed to make it out of here,” Nastya said with her lips pressed together in a thin line.

Kordelia’s and Rui’s stop to the kitchen was a brief one… spending just enough time to grab a quick bite. The house was dark, and the rooms were mainly silent and yet she spotted Minha in the company of Nico walking through the hallways. They were almost back at her room when Kordelia spotted Lael on his way out of the house in the back.

“What the…” she murmured but before she could tell Rui about what she had just seen, Lael had already slipped out of the house, “If that wasn’t strange.” She whispered shaking her head.

Kordelia settled down on her bed a bowl of fruit salad on her lap while Rui had taken the armchair across from her.

“Do you think that they managed to get away?” she wondered out loud.

“I do,” he replied, “I know I said that there is no point in leaving and getting into the storm outside but now I think maybe we should have made a run for it.”

“Mhm, maybe but a bit too late now, isn’t it?” Kordelia mused head tilted to the side.

“It is. We can only hope that they will return soon and bring good news.”

Silence filled the room again as she ate the fruit salad and Rui’s attention had drifted to the snowstorm raging outside. It was a pleasant silence though and after finishing her dinner she set the bowl to the side leaning back into the comfortable pillows. Kordelia could feel her eyes getting heavy while her body slowly started to relax.

It was Rui who heard the commotion coming from somewhere else in the house and he jumped onto his feet long before Kordelia’s mind had caught up with just happened.

“What was that?” she asked eyebrows knitted together as she looked at him.

“I don’t know but there is only one way to find out,” Rui said with a determined expression on his face before he pushed the door open.

The hallway was still dark and silent as she followed him outside staying as close as she could. It seemed that everybody who had stayed behind had gathered in the main hall and as she looked around, she spotted Uriel carrying Morgan in his arms.

It didn’t take long before people started whispering… asking questions to Uriel wanting to know what had happened out in the storm. Kordelia listened as he talked about the storm and heard a scream and that he had only found Morgan and thought it would be better to bring her back to the house.

She was startled slightly when she heard another scream watching in horror how Uriel reacted first just in time to catch Thierry falling into his arms… having turned into Human just like it had happened to Morgan.

It was River who finally closed the door, stopping the snow from coming in… it was then that Kordelia realized that not everybody was in the Main Hall. Her gaze moved around frantically, and her heart dropped when she noticed that Cedric was nowhere to be seen either.

Cedric… where are you? she thought trying to remain calm… tried to tell herself that there was a chance that he actually managed to get away from here.

Last edited by schoggettchen (26/02/2022 at 21:55)

Aylin will stay

Kiriko

Kiriko: origin Japan, meaning: girl of the mist
FC Deepika Padukone
Creature/species Djinn
Current place of residence Hong Kong 

Traits & Personality patient, conniving, forward planning, protective, vengeful
Motivation and/or goal wait for the humans to kill themselves

Inhuman

17
Kiriko kept eye contact with Uriel as he reached down grabbing the edge of his shirt and peeling it up and over his head.

She could feel the heat and energy radiating from his naked torso. Uriel folded the shirt in his hands, wafting a fresh burst of scent her way. Kiriko couldn’t help but inhale greedily as he turned, presenting his broad shoulders as he placed the shirt into his open bag and picking out a new shirt to wear.

“I want to wear this one while I travel.” His innocent tone was the exact opposite of the smug look on his face.

Uriel’s smiled dropped as he looked out the window towards the snow.
Face serious he turned back to Kiriko “I’ll come back for you. I promise. soon.”
———

18
Kiriko stilled. Everything surrounding the two also seemed to still in the wake of Lael’s words. The storm outside, the flipping of pages, it all came to a halt. Even Kiriko’s heart paused before kickstarting at a faster rate.  Lael eyes looked away, understanding Kiriko’s lack of response.
Finally she spoke “So I will be next”
———

19
Kiriko and Simon flipped through the books in silence. A comfortable silence that Kiriko loved. Most people felt the need to talk endlessly whereas she appreciated the quiet moments. It wasn’t until Simon cleared his throat that caused a break in their silence. “So tell me about yourself Kiriko, I feel like I know nothing about you.” Kiriko sighed before deciding to indulge in Simons questioning.

“There isn't much to tell. I am old, very very old. Neither good nor evil.” Kiriko continued speaking but instead of paying attention to Simon she instead watched Nico as he passed by the room they were in. Wondering if he would spare her …. once she was human.

———

20
Today was the day. Kiriko knew. To cast an illusion or to let things play out as they would. It was a hard decision to make. A decision she had to make today.

Last edited by J3zab3ll (25/02/2022 at 10:09)

Form

Name: Minha - but also Darae, Rey, Gyeong-min, and... 
Creature: Kumiho - Usually, their M.O. was that the victims had a smile on their face and a gaping hole on their chest.
FC: Rina Sawayama
Age: Time is just a constuct, and modern day humans are so anal about it (she might have no clue herself)
Place of residence: Jeju Island is what she calls home, though she's not showcasing the fact.
Traits: Playful, Free-spirited, Curious, Sly, Liar, Dualistic, Unpredictable, Slippery, Craven, Childish
Motivation: Seeks to remain hidden but gain more control over humanity
Is this your first Synod? No. She's not been a constant fixture but she's been around
Interests: Nico. Istok. Aurelius. (River)

Decision Staying - Had she still been immortal she would have been the first one out of there, but alas...

Throughout the day

XVIII. Lost souls

Despite his newfound humanity, or perhaps in light of it, Aurelius had this day truly ascended to become the king of not giving a fuck. And so, claimed his new throne room.

He lay outstretched on the covers of the king size bed, propped on pillows with hands behind his head, legs crossed at the ankles. Minha would guess the look was completed by a self-satisfied smile, but she couldn’t tell from her position. She lay on the bed next to him, staring at the ceiling. They had played cards at one point, but eh, meh.

Perhaps was it the proper night’s sleep which had had Minha wake up with enough wits to end her pity party, perhaps was it the fact that someone she found interesting enough had woken up with the same affliction. Seeking out his company, they were on equal level of incapacity compared to their old selves. Gossip about the antics of the unexpected turn of events had spread, but Minha had heard it straight out of the horse’s mouth, aka Aurelius himself.

Taking aim on his shin, the awkward position made it not much of a touch than the wanted kick, Minha tried again. The next one hit harder.

“What was that for? Don’t you know you shouldn’t wake a sleeping bear?”

She rolled over on her stomach to find his brow knitted. “You’re not the Devil himself, I’ll take my chances. I wanted to ask you something…”

“Ask and we’ll see if I have the desire to answer,” he drawled. 

“How did you do it?”

“Do what?”

“How did you take Sol’s soul?”

Any sign of irritation was transformed at the utterance of the words. He chuckled heartily and the flaunty grin was fixture once more. “What, are you going to scold me too?” 

“No,” Minha looked appalled by the suggestion, “why would I? Besides, I never much liked him … his…” strange gesturing accompanied a pondering expression, “his … face.” It was a very vague contempt.

“I never found the look of his face very offensive,” he disappeared into memory, “extremely smooth skin and insatiable…”

“So…?” She bumped his leg again with her toes, he came back and looked at her. “How?”

“First you should know, holding a human soul, it – it’s quite something,” he said it with a sigh of someone who missed the feeling very dearly, “there’s the rush, the thrill, the extasy of a very good high,” he nodded to her, confirming she knew, and she grinned back, “but more – and not ripped away from you.”

Strangely, she knew perhaps better than he could imagine. Often had she wondered what it was she feed on from her human partners. Up, in the thick of the relationship, she disliked the thought which sometimes intruded, but she knew she was a predator. Whether she loved them or not, was humans ever not her prey? Did she ever not kill them? It might be a slow draining, or other reasons of death claimed them before – perhaps it was not that at all but, the feeling, ah yes, she knew the feeling.

“Now imagine it being a divine soul,” the laugh in his voice reminiscing the feeling, “because I had. For centuries. And tried too…” He sighed.  “Humans are in comparison easy, I soon found that a divine soul could not be obtained through cheats, lies or manipulation, the spell-binding made from such bargains didn’t keep. They weren’t strong enough. But then,” he laughed again, satisfied with his own wit, “a bargain made honestly, a willing participant and it could work flawlessly. Given, Iris lost her life for the revelation, I never wanted that. She must have had a change of heart or mind or... Her soul got stuck in limbo, neither I nor she could get hold it.”

“But Sol was actually foolish enough to give you his soul on a platter?” If it was so, Minha could understand her dislike of the man better, being as stupid as that.

“Don’t you know that passion which consume everything in it’s wake? Manic, stupefying, prideful, and degrading, exhilarating – sensational intoxication in another. The best and worst in equal measure.” He almost moaned it out.

“Sounds lovely,” she said dryly.

“What? I never imagined you being a wholesome, boring, lover…”

“Yes, wholesome is the definite word. Boring,” she snorted and didn’t restrain the smile tugging at lips. “Either way, it worked?”

“I don’t know who was more surprised – him or me.”

“You never feared that the Greek clan might come after you for your hubris?”

“How would they know? Sol was too embarrassed to say and, I guess now – what does it matter?”

Minha hummed in agreement, pondering it all. “Do you keep it with in you? Waring souls to keep at bay?”

“Nothing as dramatic as that. The soul is snuggly contained within material bounds of sacred glass and amber, on a gold chain for convenience.”

The conversation halted as they both were lost in thought for a while.

“So, how did you do me?”

His brow worked in confusion. “What?”

“How did you take my soul?”

The brow grew smooth again, his smile almost sweet. “I’m afraid I can’t claim that I did.”

Minha threw herself on her back again, with an aspirated sigh. “I know, I was just checking. Because I don’t think you would be as inept to land yourself in the same mess.” She massaged her forehead with closed eyes, as if it could remove the headache that was her humanity. “But how do they go about it? Without informed consent. And how are they carrying six souls without growing mad under the weight and high?”

“Two very well-formed questions,” he agreed. “It would certainly be worth knowing for future use.”

Minha ignored the last remark, it was just who he was.

“It’s a shame though, I’ll miss this body. Never been this close to losing it before. It has served me dearly over the years. Such capacity for enjoyment.”

Minha opened her eyes again, straining her head backwards, she could see him upside down, admiring the back and the palm of his own hand before him. He shifted his eyes to meet hers.

“I’m afraid it might be too long before I’m summoned here again, if at all,” he sighed.

She looked up at the ceiling again and chuckled. “If there is one thing I know about humanity it’s their talent for causing their own destruction, I’m sure they will find your name to summon again.”

“Too many ifs. Too long to wait. There are more secure ways – you are human,” he said it casually but the pause that followed was loaded.

She propped herself up on an elbow to look at him again, to confirm the assumption and very clearly, the look he gave her did. He continued before she could insert any negativity.

“You make the simple summon to get me back to this plan and I’ll have the black magic to call to make you ageless again, not a kumiho but still…” He did his best to hide the fact that he was waiting with bated breath for her response.

“Why do I doubt that it is as simple as that for a human to summon Asmodus himself? I’d supposed that there’d be a bargaining…” She kept back a laugh, but she couldn’t deny that it was an exciting idea.

“For you it would be, this would be our bargaining; you summon me, and I’ll make you ageless, in any way an improvement.”

She laughed and then let him sweat in silence for a while. But then she moved in closer, resting her arms and chin on his chest. He tried to hold back a premature smile.

“I don’t see why I should deny you a return, but I’m not sure I want the immortality, if I can’t be myself.” Like this, it was strange not being whole, but adding a whole other part? She believed she had been one thing for too long to be remoulded, or to want to.

“Don’t be tragic,” he said it in a somewhat loving tone, brushing a strand behind her ear. “You might not get back your fluffy ears,” his fingers brushed the back of it, coming round to pull at the lobe before continuing over the cheek bone, “your long, sensitive, snout,” she wrinkled her nose as he booped it, “nor the same sharp fangs,” she parted her lips slightly as he ran the thumb over them, “but perhaps the hunger, the strength and power. You could still have that. The endless life.” The chuckle was deeper in his chest now.

“I’ll think about it.”

“Please do.”

And she did, under silence, to her own surprise because the second half of the offer had not come of as a viable option at first. His fingers were still playing.

She wasn’t fooled, he was still working to assure her cooperation – but her body was responding to his touch, and she didn’t care to question why she was inclined to let it, to push into it. Like she pushed her crotch against his hip and her hand run to where skin peaked through his shirt. Perhaps she wanted to feel something which she had enjoyed before, to see if this body as to use at all.

“Just how boring would it be?” One of his hands had made its way to the small of her back.

“I’m afraid this one-dimensional body presents some restrictions.”

“I am as equally afflicted,” he reminded. “Though, humans seem to enjoy it too.”

“There is just the one way to find out.”

He was ready for her when she pulled herself up and pressed her lips to his. The kiss had the same flavour it had had just a few days – but also a lifetime – before. His first hand was joined by a second, both which ran lower and grabbed her backside. She pressed a knee in between his legs and was met with more intensity. And then a knock at the door interrupted them and lips broke apart. Frozen in the moment, they looked at each other then to the door.

“Come in,” Aurelius called out and his grip of her loosened as Lael stepped through the door. Minha slipped partly off him. There was a play at Lael’s eyebrows before they settled on sternness again.

“We need to speak.”

“You look as if someone died,” Aurelius spoke to Lael, then quieter to Minha, “darling, by the grave look on his face I think there is a serious conversation he plans to have with me. Might be best to leave and save yourself.”

She sighed and moved off him. “We wouldn’t have been as boring as you are about to be,” she quipped dryly. “But it’s nice to know arousal seem to work the same way.” She rolled off the bed.

“Always happy to help,” Aurelius grinned. “While you are out and about, couldn’t you track down some wine?”

She grinned. “I’m not running errands for you, ask him instead.” She nodded at Lael but when she caught his scowl, she threw her hands in the air. “I’m going, I’m going.” Moving towards the door she couldn’t help giving the god of war a mock bow, before hurrying through the door and closing it behind her.

XIX. Young-blood

Out in the hall it wasn’t as easy not to care about the circumstances as it was within the room where the ex-demon was holding court. Minha wondered what it was Lael wanted to wrangle out of Aurelius, and she wondered just how another had found a deceitful was of stealing souls when a prince of demons had not. Thoughts were a mountain to climb. Wine might not be a bad idea for later, to, if only a little, cushion the blow that the day was sure to bring.

“Hello,” she quipped finding River a bit down the hallway. “You’ve not woken up to being human this day I hope?”

“Hey, no, thankfully not. Only the one afflicted today, as far as I’ve heard.”

“Yes, and he’s not exactly bothered by it. What are you up to?”

“Nothing really, it’s unsure what one should do to help.”

“Yeah,” she could relate. “Apparently I’m fetching wine. But not because Aurelius told me to,” she added with a playful scowl. River looked sort of hesitant and she didn’t know why. “I’m sorry for barging in on you the other morning, I don’t plan on being as dramatic, or having something as dramatic happening to me, soon again.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he said but the look didn’t change.

“Then what? Oh, just spill it.”

“Before that, you got angry, I’m sorry but I’m not sure why.” 

“You’re still hung up on that? That was a funeral and a lifetime ago,” she said it with a shrug and a half smile. “And if I don’t remember, you shouldn’t care.”

He gave her one more searching glance before shrugging too. “Okay.”

“Do you know where Natsya stashes the wine in this place?”

He shrugged. “The place seems posh enough for a cellar.”

“Then help me go look for one?”

He nodded and they started.

“I might even get a couple of bottles. And keep one to smash over his head if his arrogance grows to nauseating.”

They chatted for a bit, as they moved down the stairs and through the house. She hadn’t forgotten about the snap at him. There had been insinuation, asking why they would want her company, asking why they would choose her company of their own free will. As if she’d influence them to. She wasn’t as powerful as that, not that she would have stooped so low, not under Synod, not for friendship – if so, she’d rather be alone. But then perhaps he had meant none of that, since he had been so surprised at the turnabout.

There was still one thing which perplexed her about him. Truthfully, there was more than one thing, but there was one thing she wanted to ask.

“At the meeting, about the tales, the path, prophesy – whatever you settled on calling it – how did you know so much? You claim you are young, but you could puzzle it together better than Nico.”

His answer didn’t come immediately. It was one of the strange things, she was never good at reading his face but she could guess he was looking for a way to respond – sincerely or not?

“Tyssa met me on the Canary Island,” he said, “I think I have mentioned that, and it was at the time the memories from Rehua started coming back to me, this current body. This body might be young, and also young in the aspect of regaining memories, but there are memories of life times…”

“Is that so?” Minha murmured, she wondered how that must be like, being born and growing up only to be reminded one is another – or at least something like that.

Suspicion was still itching her skin, she didn’t know why. There could be more he wasn’t telling him or perhaps there could be more he couldn’t tell him because he didn’t remember.

“Before coming here, I spent some time investigating everyone.”

Minha threw him a side eye. “I guess I’d not want to walk into a hornet’s nest blindly.”

“Yes, but Nakon was one of the first things I remembered. It was easy to figure out he was a god of war, it took longer to find Lael and research him.”

Lael seemed to be one that had an anger able to obliterate everything in its path. She didn’t say so out loud, but his scowl wasn’t unscary, no matter how she had greeted it earlier. Still, somehow, he felt to straightforward for this sort of warfare.

“Rumour has it he has killed other ageless, or have the power to…” she muttered. But soul snatching in the dark of night needed dexterity not full-on force.

XX. Feeding habits

Hours had passed and a lot had changed, a handful had packed up and left.

After the meeting her stomach had complained, and Minha had admitted to hunger. Istok had offered to fix something up and while she had wanted to drag Nico with them, he had slipped off to riffle through the books again.

That’s how she ended up sitting on a counter, once again banging her heels to a silent rhythm as aromas filled the kitchen.

“Why are you here?” She asked. He was doing his thing by the stove top. There had been peeling and chopping and cracking of eggs. She wasn’t much of a cook, he had said he’d whip something up, this seemed like more than whipping to her.

He looked at her with amused concern, as if she’d had indeed forgotten why they stood in the kitchen in the first place. “No, I mean still here here, why didn’t you leave with the others?”

“Why should I be leaving?” He was paying his attention to the stove again, stirring the pan. “And in this storm.”

“Because we are dropping like flies, becoming human – which you aren’t yet.”

“You’re still here,” he countered. Cracks sounded by the turning of the pepper grinder. Then he removed what he had been frying and into the bowl it went.

“I have nothing left to lose. You have, don’t waste it. And I imagine I’d be even deader out in that storm. So, either way I’m stuck here.”

“I only hope Uriel and the others will make it.” He salted the content of the bowl, before pouring it all back into the pan. “It doesn’t seem quite…” he paused with the bowl frozen in mid-air, “normal.” He continued the motion, put it down and turned down the flame on the range.

She hummed in agreement – there was something angry about it, but then, nature could also be angry. “With Nico staying, perhaps there is still hope of finding the bastard behind this.” If Nico had gone too, abandoning his obsessive behaviour of figuring it out, Minha would have deemed there be no hope left. There was still Aurelius’ offer, but she was still unsure of it. “Had I still been me, believe me, I’d been long gone from here.”

“You think you’d manage the storm better than them?”

“I would have left before it got so bad,” she said, then continued quieter to herself, “I should have left much earlier. I got distracted…” In hindsight she had wonder if she should have come at all, but it had been important at one point – now the thoughts of the rest of the world had dropped away and only here and now was crucial. What plans had this Uniter for the world? What would consummation of her soul among with the others?

Blinking, she found him watching her and she smiled instead, melancholy did nothing good – no use crying over spilled milk – or what was it humans used to say? But she was spilled milk and of no use in this place. Not even worth killing it seemed.

“You’re scared,” he said it plainly, arms folded over his chest. She met the statement with raised eyebrows. “I can smell it.”

“Lovely,” she said, sarcasm thick. “I guess it’s healthy, considering what is going on. Perhaps you should be too.”

Next step of the cooking stole his attention again, as he inverted the pan on a plate, before sliding what did look like an omelette back into the pan. Intricate manoeuvres, but he did it with ease of artistry. She spoke again when he was done, having not wanting to steel his focus.

“Keep your agelessness. Take it from me; you don’t want to be this broken.”

“You’re not broken. Your mind is still here, personality, we are talking like before, you are grumpy, but that is not much of a change from times, and have always been obnoxious, before and after,” he was lovingly teasing, and it did pull forth a smile.

“You could squash my brains in without making a sweat and I would have nothing to put up against you,” she said, not ready to surrender her point.

“I’ve never wanted to do that before you turned, so why would it make a difference now.”

“It makes all the difference!” Because she was so hopelessly powerless like this. “You really don’t understand.”

He didn’t answer but handed her a plate, it had a thick slice of tortilla on it, with a pile of arugula on the side, dressed with balsamic vinegar to cut through the richness. She took it and next he handed her a fork before getting himself a piece and at it leaning against the counter next to her.

They were consumed by the food for a minute. Minha was too preoccupied to comment on the excellence of it. It was deliciously hearty for her growling stomach.

“How long can you keep on this?” She asked before popping another bite into her mouth.

“Long enough.”

Hopefully the storm wouldn’t last long enough that feeding habits would become an issue.

“Well, I’m already dead,” she quipped, “if it should come to that, it would be my honour.”

“A joking matter, is it?” There was something in the glance he shot her.

“It’s true.”

“Didn’t you just say you still had hopes getting your soul back?”

“Well, yes –“

“So, which is it? Are you dead or still living?” 

“Let’s say I’m keeping my options open. And if human is all that I am for now on, I’m not one to romanticise this situation and believe that any last few years, in light of the thousands I’ve lived, will make much difference. I would have like to come home one last time, but alas.”

“If a day can change things, a week, of course years matter – they could be good years.”

She chewed and swallowed her last piece, then took a proper look at him, just as he was returning his own attention to the plate. “Istok…” she said hesitantly, putting her plate down on the counter.

When he looked at her again, she wondered how she could have missed it in the first place. He spoke over her heavy sigh.

“Once we get out of here, we could have very good years…”

“Don’t.”

“…why not?”

“Because it’s ridiculous.”

“What I’m feeling?”

“Yes!”

“Just listen –“ He placed a hand over hers, which was gripping the edge of the counter. The slightest of movement of fingers over the back of her hand – and yep, it was definitely confirmed this body was still feeling things.

“No.” She jumped down from the counter, moving out of reach and shaking her head. “It was lovely – but it was just that,” she laughed wryly, almost mocking. “And if that is not acceptable to you, then just do your best to forget it.” She took her plate and placed it in the sink. The look she gave him quite pitiful. “Come on, let’s pack up a piece and bring to Nico. He needs to eat.”

He could read her well enough not to push it, she was very much ready to leave without him if that was the case – but she could still see how his jaw tensed up in disagreement under the beard.

She was sure neither of them knew how absolute fun it was to watch a human life waste away and she wouldn’t let anyone claim that role of watcher over her own end.

XXI. The lack of lightbulbs

“Did you consider the little chat we had earlier?”

Minha flinched, finding Aurelius leaning in right by her ear. She had thought he was sleeping – he had been laying outstretched on the bed just before – or at least fifteen minutes ago? She hadn’t kept track, absently playing with a deck of cards by the window. This close to her face she could smell the wine on his breath.

Of the bottles she had brought, he’d had most of the glasses while they had been chatting earlier. She, Aurelius and Istok, who thankfully had let his foolish notions rest. One glass she had poured for herself, another she had poured for Nico, but he was sitting in his corner with his obsession and had been all evening. Earlier she had tried to be of help but found herself useless to his wandering mind and shot circuits. Istok had taken up his own armchair, now retired with a book, a single candle to accompany his half-drunk glass of wine, which he was savouring.

“Considered it? Yes.”

“And?”

She looked at him and have him the tiniest nod. A smile slit his face in two. She hadn’t decided for her own fate, but she guessed he was more concerned for his own, hers could still be in the making.

“Splendid.” He straightened and threw himself on the bed and she shook her head, chuckling. “Now is there anyway to shut that insane nagging so a man can sleep?”

Minha sighed, yes, it wasn’t healthy but neither did she want to disturb Nico and his incessant mumbling. Still, she rose and walked over to him. Kneeling before him, she grabbed his hand. “Honey,” she whispered, “hey,” he stopped his rambling for a moment and looked at her. “Nico, I love you, but you are making everyone go crazy.” She smiled tiredly, because she was, but she could only imagine how weary he might be.

He looked up examining the dim room. Aurelius looked, for all the world, like he was sleeping now, well that was quick. Istok had left the book open in his lap, he was watching them. Nico rested his head in his unoccupied hand for a moment – Minha wasn’t ready to the other one go yet – it looked like he had started with silent thinking before he spoke up again.

“We’ll need more candles if we are to come through this night,” with the words he stood quickly, taking a few steps towards the door.

“You’re not going out there alone,” Istok had closed the book, leaving it on the side table, he was ready to stand too.

“I’ll go with him,” Minha was relatively quick on her feet, gesturing to Istok to remain seated. She threw him a quick smile to for reassurance. “We’ll be back, and we’ll be fine.”

Nico had picked up a light and waited for her at the door and together they headed into the corridor. They managed to get a few steps in silence before he started up again. “There’s something… lost in translation? or simply lost… the past coming back… a serpent biting its own tail…” and then his word barely bore and semblance of sentences anymore. She sighed and followed. The windows presented only cloudy whiteness – there was no telling what was up and down out there.

He led the way forward, far from keeping the fastest route, it was more like combing through the house. He looked ahead and she kept a wary look over their shoulders’. Her hearing was lousy, but she could at least try to be on top of anyone coming up behind them. Candles were obtained but the route back was as ineffective. The kitchen was empty, a quick exchanged with Kiriko and Simon in the dining room before they passed on.

“What was you and Aurelius whispering about?” Nico asked as the passed the empty salon. “He twisted it…” he added, more to himself.

“He wants to abandon this body and have me summon him forth again,” she said honestly.

“And will you?”

“I’m tempted to find a little girl for him to inhabit – it would be fitting… yet horrifying.” She glanced at him, hoping for a smile or a hint of one, but it was all simply filed away as potentially useful information.

The rambling started up again, up the stairs, they were finally heading back, but stopped abruptly, both steps and words.

“River, what are you doing out here? And all alone.”

Minha looked around him see that they had indeed come across River.

“Hiya,” she waved.

“Hey.” Only part of his face was visible in his one light. “I’m heading to Sol’s, to see if I can help.”

Minha nodded but Nico simply watched him with a frown.

“Hope it works,” Minha said, then to Nico, “let’s go.”

They parted ways and Nico stayed quiet until they were out of earshot.

“How can he know what he does –“

“He’s young, yes I know,” Minha cut him off. “I asked him earlier.”

Nico stops and she almost walk into his back but stops just in time, finding him looking at her as if it was the most outrageous thing to do. Then quietly: “What did he say?”

As good as she can remember she recites the conversation word for word, at Nico’s demand. Then is met with a simple “Huh.” Before he goes on again and another turn and they returned through the door, finding both Aurelius and Istok inside.

Istok shot of from his chair, blinking as he had been about to nod off. “You’re back. Are you okay?”

“We’re safe and not perhaps exactly sound,” she said, glancing at Nico who started go round replacing candles which were about to go out. Aurelius doesn’t so much as flicker at their arrival, sleeping and all but snoring. Istok settle in again, rubbing his eyes.

“Nothing happened when we where gone?” Minha asked, sitting down on the other side of the bed. She too felt tired.

“All was quiet.”

What happened, she reacted as much to Nico heading to the door as the to the sound of footsteps beyond it.

“You stay here, and silent.” The he was out though the door, her head whipped around just as the handle pulled into place.

“Nico, stop,” she hissed after him, but it was too late. “We need to go after him,” she whispered to Istok instead.

“He knows what he’s doing.”

“Does he?!”

For a moment they listened to the silence. “You’re right let’s go.”

Minha pinched Aurelius awake – to heavy grumbling – but with very little patience for his nonsense she soon has him awake and begrudgingly following. Istok took the lead, but they found the hallway outside empty.

The sound of commotion soon reached them and pulled them down the stairs, towards the entrance where they found that hell had broken loose. Not exactly hell perhaps, because there was an angel flying through the doors, with a human Morgan in his arms. And everything seemed to have happened at once.

But as the dust settled, Nico was still missing, and he wasn’t the only one.

Done

Last edited by tricole (26/02/2022 at 21:17)

Holding.

Once we were...here.

As some started heading back up, there’s a familiar voice coming from the other room - a very loud one, too - and in a short moment, Nico appears from the dark hallway. He looks different - slightly older, somewhat misplaced in this timeline, dark eyes shining through the darkness of the rooms.

“I think it’s too late to separate now,” he calls out for them. -”Perhaps a cosy salon to wait for the final blow?”

The steps all moved forward, he vanished into the hallway, but everyone seems to follow without much saying. Istok helps with Thierry, while Jackson picked up Morgan, carrying her behind everyone.

The fire is lit in the room, crackling slowly in the giant fireplace, and in a moment or two, everyone is gathered there, in small groups on the large furniture, sitting, standing, just waiting. The doors behind you close.

“The stories you wrote,” Nico approaches River, who tries his best to keep his calmness, but it might be quite obvious he is not indifferent about the fact Nico approached him. -”Do you remember all of it now?”

“No,” River shook his head. -”I don’t recall writing—”

“Writing them, yes,” Nico nodded. -”Rehua usually remembers once he is older, more mature, grow—”

“I hate to break that bubble, but I am a grown-up in this body,” he complained.

“Exactly,” Nico shrugged. -”So, you should remember, no?”

River stayed silent, glancing across the room, unable to find Tyssa, looking back to Nico instead, unsure of what to say. Nico looked around the room.

“I should have remembered it long ago,” he mused, and Nico nodded.

“Where is your guardian?” he asked, turning back to River, who shrugged, and doors open almost on a theatrical cue, with Tyssa stepping into the room.

“It took you a fucking long time,” she speaks, but the voice is somewhat distorted, different, and she closes the door behind her, with Nico taking a step back.

“I reckon you’ve found Lael?”

“The resident god of war is no longer with us,” Tyssa replied. -”It was such a pain to get him here, oh lower one, but alas—” small shrug, followed by a smile.

“It’s been a long time,” she says to Nico.

“We could have gone a bit more,” he smiles back. -”But Hecate, of all people?”

“I had no choice of pick,” she replied, shrugging. -”A blessing, still, to have a human body again, and to be able to keep the Witch for last,” thin fingers pull the golden chain from under the dress, dangling an amber locket before the rest. Before anyone moved there, she makes her way to Aurelius, her hand on his chest, a smile on her lips, and she lays a kiss on his cheek. -”Thank you for wearing yours so proudly, so openly, I would have had to wait for a long time after if it wasn’t for you,”

Aurelius - confused - glanced at Nico, and Tyssa does the same.

“That’s why no one sensed Tyssa was gone,” Nico scoffed, almost amused. -”She was not really gone, has she?”

“But you, old friend—” there’s a kindness in her voice, and she takes a step forward - Nico raised his hand, and there’s a short commotion in the room. -”Do you even remember me?”

He sends a burst of energy into her, but she’s untouched.

“Oh, you do!” she smiled, turning into a burst of short laughter.

(You can move, try to escape, try to attack, with all the attempts being diverted, through Tyssa’s magic.)

“I should be next, then?” Nico asked.

“You are next, yes,” she replied. -”The Lower One, then the Witch, and a special bonus,” Tyssa turns around the room to find River, she gives a huge smile as she does, almost endeared by the fact he sat in his spot, frozen. -”The boy who could remember the past, but not just quite.”

“You need him? That’s why you kept him?”

“I need a better choice of the body to hold all this power in,” she replied. -”This one has to turn human with the Witch, and Rehua—” Tyssa shrugged.

“How did you keep him—”

“This isn’t a reveal from a mystery novel, Kherty,” she seems annoyed. -”You don’t get to ask questions, you don’t get to—”

“Spells,” River turns to Nico. -”Hecate is powerful enough, even without... who are you?”

“Aqen,” Nico responded before Tyssa - or Aqen - has the chance to do so, standing there, looking at the exchange. -”The Dark One, the one who has attempted this before, but has been killed—”

“Banished!”

“Banished,” Nico continues. -”Tyssa found you?”

“You give her too much credit,” she replied with a chuckle. -”She ventured into the beyond a bit too far,” Aqen replied. -”Poor, poor girl, so old, yet so frightened, so trusting.”

“Trusting your own divine kind in a realm of the gods—”

“Don’t,” Aqen replied to Nico. -”She was foolish, she was vain and she went in too deep, she walked through the storm you kept me in there—”

“She walked right into your prison,” Nico seems genuinely saddened by the words.

“And she never walked out,” Aqen replied. -”Not really, or completely, her poor mind shattered a little, such a shame—”

“You could have—”

“Would you?” brows knit, and her expression is somewhat disgusted. -”Would you hold back, would you wait another eternity, sitting in the eye of a hurricane, would you?”

“Don’t compare us,” Nico rolled his eyes, unbothered by the story. -”You got there on your—”

“Wait,” Aqen says. -”Lael is about to die,” she turns towards someone. -”Go fetch his body from the cold.”

“There’s still time to stop—”

“And do what? Go back into my storm? Long gone, friend, long past that time—”

Before that sentence comes to a halt, there’s a strike coming towards Aqen, but he turns just in time, and the burst of energy knocks down parts of the wall, allowing you to attempt to run away - except for Aqen, Nico and River, sitting frozen, as well as Morgan and Thierry (unconscious and human).

Bits of solo/group work comes here. The end of this part is in the impressions.


The majority of you manage to get out during the moment energy bounces - and while there is a moment you push into different directions.

Minha wrote

Minha manages to push into the direction where both Istok and Aurelius went - Aurelius manages to break his arm (confirmed only a moment later, when he tries to move it and cannot do it). While in the hallway, you’ll hear signs of fighting from the inside of the room, managing to figure out you have moments to try to get out.

The problem is, the storm is still going, and instead of stepping out, Aurelius suggests you try to find Nastya, hoping she’ll save the day because, in his mind, she might be the only one who actually might, if she’s still around. So, instead of heading out, you head to the attic because this seems to be the only location neither of you went to during these days. At first, it just seems like there is no one there, but upon closer inspection, you’ll find a room there, sealed with wax and blood. Istok tries touching it but gets thrown to the other side of the room, and Aurelius seems to be unsurprised, saying the spell on the seal might actually hurt them if they decide to open it. While Istok is unsure, Aurelius will check with Minha - and with her confirmation, he’ll shortly ask her, playfully, to summon him after this is done, before smashing into the seal, falling to the ground instantly. Nastya is inside, breaking out the second the magic is lifted, in her full fury.

Kiriko wrote

Kiriko manages to push into the direction where both Uriel and Simon went, being the only human in the mix. While in the hallway, you’ll hear signs of fighting from the inside of the room, managing to figure out you have moments to try to get out.

Given you now know Lael must have fallen human, you decide to come to look for him, just in case his human body is in physical danger. You decide to split up to cover more ground, each taking one direction. While Kiriko is unsure what she should do should she find him, she does end up being the one stumbling into Lael, bloodied and in the snow. She yells, calling out, and finally, Uriel comes to her aid, suggesting River might be able to save his body, saving him from dying.

Kordelia wrote

Kordelia manages to push into the direction where both Rui and Viggo went, being the only human in the mix. While in the hallway, you’ll hear signs of fighting from the inside of the room, managing to figure out you have moments to try to get out.

Rui will suggest going after Cedric, in the hope he is alive and possibly able to help Nico since Morgan is useless, there’s no way of knowing if Lael is even alive anymore and Nastya is not around. While Viggo suggests separating to cover more ground, Kordelia asks them to stay together - Rui agrees this might be the better version since she is human. Both of them are ready to go, trying to figure out if they could find another direction or head in the same direction he was seen heading - Kordelia decides on the latter. As they are about to step out, Rui turns to her, asking her to stay inside in hopes you don’t die. Should she agree with it, they will be gone for what seems an eternity (in reality, fifteen minutes or so) - and she’ll hear a voice coming from another direction.

Moments later, she’ll catch a glimpse of a human figure through the snow, and see Cedric show up there, momentarily falling down into the snow, and she has to try to pull him to the house herself. Kordelia will manage, for the most part, before Viggo shows up, doing the rest, pulling Cedric inside. Rui joins you too, and all three of you are trying to figure out how to help him.

While Kordelia and Kiriko are focused on Cedric and Lael, Nastya descends from the top of the house - the salon is hectic - Tyssa, well, Aqen pulled the essence from Nico and is about to break the pendant to do the same with Tyssa.

Before it happens, Nastya is down there, before him, hand on the neck, and within a second, the light shines out of Tyssa's body, blinding everyone who is there to witness it, burning her physical body to dust. The outline of energy leaves a very visible human image there, for a second, before they burst into dust too.

The burst of energy leftover from Aqen pushes through the house, bringing everyone back to their true form.

Wherever you are, you will be brought back to yourself again. The storm falls down like it was stopped in a moment, gravity turned back on again.

You take a moment to recuperate before the aftermath is clear to all.

Nastya makes sure Nico is alright, after which she does the same for River and Morgan.

Sadly enough, you'll hear Diana weep over Sol's dead body upstairs, deeming her brother dead for good.

Cedric manages to push through, but Lael doesn't make it in the end. Same as Aurelius, whose body could not handle it without the demonic essence.

Rui, Istok, Viggo, Jackson, Simon, Uriel and Thierry are all accounted for, and well.

xx

The morning comes slow, but the rays of sunshine light the shambles the house is left in, as things become more clear, and you piece together what has happened.

Aqen, an ancient deity, known as the dark one, or the mouth of time, has always been power-hungry and has been banished into the other realm prison many, many centuries ago. Tyssa - always keen on finding a way to push her powers to the rim - managed to find her way deep into the realm, stumbling into his prison. Before she realized who he was (if she ever did), Aqen took the control of her soul, walking out of the real with two souls: his own, and Hecate's soul, which he trapped in the necklace. This causes him not to really have all her memories, but he manages (mostly).

One of the first things he encounters after his way back is the legend of the Uniter. Given TyssaAqen knows the language, they recognize the potential and spend quite some time trying to track down the rest of the texts. They destroyed some, knowing Lael is on the right track to figure out and possibly be suspicious at one point, making sure Diana grows more and more anxious and annoyed by this growing obsession of Lael.

Back at the Synod of 1941, TyssaAqen planned the attempt, but many of the players did not show up (meaning, nothing could have been done), so this time, they left nothing to chance. The invites are planned, precise, the location is a risk: Nastya might be dangerous, but the risk was worth it.

River shows up too, following Lael, and while TyssaAqen believed Rehua might have been the last ageless that has to be slain to gain the power of the Uniter, TyssaAqen soon realizes that River could have been the one to stop them.

Tyssa was not suspicious in the beginning, even setting up protection spells, and in the last round, she was not accounted for as she claimed to have been looking for River.

In the end, Nastya was able to come through, by the right choices made, and the majority is saved, restored, and the Synod is going to be closed.

some clues

TyssaAqen found River, looking for the last bit of the puzzle, thinking he is the key to the Uniter path, but the reality was he could have been the only one to actually see through TyssaAqen's plan. TyssaAqen systematically poisoned him to keep his memories from coming back, which is why TyssaAqen seemed overprotective of River.

TyssaAqen had some slips through her time: not remembering correct facts (with a few different people), she calls Nico "the lower one" which is not something known to many, she drinks a very "old-fashioned" drink. She also mentions her/his own name (the dark one), notices Aurelius' necklace and realizes it's Sol.

Some things pointed to the Egyptian deity, (but some were never shared in the stories for all to see), such as the storm is more like a sand storm.

I did push some people into the spotlight.

For example, Thierry was suspicious since he changed his identity a few times during his history, plus being closest to Dvina when she was turned. Nico has been a bit off too, a couple of you flagged him as the suspect. Lael and River also had more than a handful of answers on them, pushing them into the limelight. And, of course, let's not forget Cedric who was connected to more than one of the people turned human, even waking up next to one.

Uhm, whoever picked up on the fact Morgan, Nastya and Cedric vanished during the same time for a period around 20 years (in reality, 18), might have suspected there was something else happening: children (more on this if we ever revisit this universe, perhaps in another point in time).

This is by no means an excuse since I feel you got to the right track, but there has been some information that was privy to people who dropped out, and it would have been quite "clumsy" pushing clues that did not belong to your stories (and obvious, I believe).

Aftermath!
General things, as many depend on your stories.

Nico and Nastya will spend a while checking on others trapped in the realms between this one and the one truly beyond, checking they are all accounted for and still locked up.

Morgan and Cedric will head out on their own agenda, leaving almost immediately after the events that take place. They're gone for a while, keeping in touch with some people occasionally (see Kordelia for Cedric).

Diana will have two losses to mourn: Sol & Lael, eventually leaving to rejoin her cousin, Eris. She'll keep in touch with her friends.

Jackson and Simon go back to their regular lives, same as Rui.
Viggo returns home, whereas Thierry leaves in an undisclosed direction.

River will head out to Gran Canaria, to pick up Lael's research, making sure he did not forget something in all of this mess, altho Nastya feels he has another agenda on his mind.

Uriel returns home, perhaps alone, perhaps not.

More on Istok, in Minha's story, but one thing he will be keen on doing is getting a human (with an amazing body) that would summon Aurelius back to this realm.

Requirements:
1. Name. Interests. Who do you think did it?
2. Story about the reveal, and story about the aftermath. Perhaps a glimpse into the future, too, 6 months from now, maybe.
3. Outfits, if you want.

Last edited by Zaralee (28/02/2022 at 22:21)

Minha

He didn’t think he’d be upset, but it turns out he really cared about Aurelius far more than he was led to believe, so Istok will be hurt by his friend’s death. And as much as he is mourning Aurelius, he is happy to see Minha is back, happy to see her returned to her normal life, restored to her true nature. Ignoring the last chat they’ve had, he’d show her he is happy to have her back. The resolution of the situation - meaning Aurelius’ death - left a sense of mortality in him, and he is not going to be okay with simply going back to how everything used to be. Istok is not shy to admit his emotions or express he wishes to spend more time with Minha.

Aurelius will be playful before his death, and he knows about Aqen by reputation only - he would not take it lightly as he did before, finally showing signs of worry, which will, in the end, prompt him to sacrifice this body in order to free Nastya.

River will try to vanish after the events (hours later, once they make sense of who survived and help those injured), ashamed of his own misreading of the situation and he will beat himself up for fucking up. Nevertheless, he will come to say goodbye to Minha, or try to, if he finds her alone. He’s grown to care about her, but he is overwhelmed by the fact he feels he hurt her more than he helped her.

Nico is happy to see her back - he is also happy to see himself back - and he will spend quite some time beating himself up for not being able to figure out Aqen has escaped the other realm. He’ll be somewhat surprised about Aurelius’ willingness to die to save them, but mostly because he knows how much Aurelius enjoyed this particular physical form of his, and the fact he was unwilling to let it go before is...surprising.

Kiriko

Kordelia

Cedric will be in a rough shape upon his return, yet very happy to see her, and very grateful she worked hard on bringing him back. He's happy she found her way back into her true form and thrilled to see her happy about it too. He's in mourning for his friend, helping Diana with the burial the next day, and soon after, he'd seek out Kordelia to tell her he is leaving. He'll explain he has to, the promise he and Morgan made did not vanish. He'll tell her he realizes she is not the type to wait around, and given that he is very much the same, he won't make any promises, nor ask her to do the same thing. The departure will be bittersweet, but inevitable, to say the least.

Rui is going to come to say goodbye before he departs the following day, hoping to see her before he leaves. He'll tell her to visit, and make sure to tell her she should not wait for another century before reaching out - and he won't do it either, that much is for sure. She can actually expect that call in the following weeks/months after the Synod.

Last edited by Zaralee (28/02/2022 at 22:19)

Form

Name: Kordelia Glaser

FC: Johanna Herrstedt

Age: 624 (born 1397 in Aachen)

Creature/species: Draco

Current place of residence: Innsbruck, Austria

Traits & Personality / Background

Originally born as Kunigunde into a wealthy middle class, she always felt like she was destined for more in her life... that there was something great waiting for her. Vain and spoiled to the core it was never enough for her whether it was attention, love or gifts. She is selfish, doesn't share and someone who only takes but never gives back. She could never get enough and once she had a goal, she wouldn’t let anything or anyone stop her from achieving it… nothing would get in her way. Kordelia is hard to satisfy and definitely not someone to hold back from voicing her opinion or displeasure. She is charming… someone who knows exactly what she wants in life and she has always been confident and determined enough to do everything to get it. Always has been ambitious and in combination with her pride and her wanting too much it would change everything. 18 years old and married to a baron's son and it was still not enough for Kordelia... she craved for more and didn't want to spend the rest of her life birthing children and playing the dutiful wife. Tinkering with black magic hoping to gain more power and more wealth backfired and instead of Kordelia gaining everything – and more – she had been hoping for, suddenly found herself slowly turning into a Draco. It was a painful transformation and her first year as a Draco was a bloody mess as she went on a killing spree and she found herself with powers she had no control over... her husband was one of her first victims. Turning back into her human form was equally painful but every second was worth it after realizing the powers and opportunities she had gained.
Uses her charms, smiles, and compliments like a weapon…she can be manipulative and knows how to persuade people to make them work in her favor. Secretive about herself and a liar by nature after being alive for over 600 years… she learned how to read people and tell them exactly what they want to hear. Passionate about things that she loves, which are money, sex, and power. She likes to be in control over everything, likes having the last word in every argument, and admitting that she did something wrong never happens. Not a team player and will try to avoid working with others at all costs unless it is absolutely necessary… she won’t bother hiding her disdain about this situation. She is impulsive, definitely an act quickly and think later person which had gotten her into trouble a few times. She is observant taking her time to gather valuable information before approaching someone she deems important… or worth her time. She cares little for the needs of humans only seeking the company of those who are successful and have big dreams and plans... feeding off of their energy and at least still part of her hunger.
Kordelia is flirty showing interest in both men and women. Since she had become a Draco she had been married four times purely for her own intentions and needs... has been mistress to many successful and ambitious people including rulers, politicians, and artists. Nowadays she prefers flings without any kind of attachment. Sex like her need for food and drinks is a hunger that is insatiable. Grows bored easily and often feels restless if she is staying longer in the same place… she had been in many different places during her life and yet there are a few she will often return to. Uncompassionate, unrepentant, Kordelia isn’t someone to look back on her decisions as she believes what is done is done.

Motivation and/or goal: You would like to keep things as they are: human life holds no particular interest, you are not worried about them, and you believe even if they vanish, your kind (ageless) will persevere

Is this your first Synod? No

Interests: Cedric, Aurelius, Rui

Who do you think did it? Tyssa Proud of myself that I was actually right

Paint It Black

San Francisco with RuiCred to Nina & MB

Chapter V

XXII

Kordelia was torn between anger and fear, and she thought she would feel somewhat relieved knowing who had been stealing the immortal souls while hiding among them. But hearing the truth… learning that it was Aqen who had been banished all those years and had taken control over Tyssa’s body, certainly didn’t make things easier. She had lost track of who was still in their possession of their immortal soul, not to mention that a few of the ageless seemed to have disappeared during the evening.

The strike was meant for Aqen but missed and tore down one of the walls. Kordelia didn’t hesitate a second before she moved… in all the chaos that had broken out, she soon found herself in the company of Rui and Viggo. All while signs of a fight could be heard coming from the room.

“We should go and look for Cedric,” Rui suggested with a serious expression etched on his face, “We can hope that he is still alive. Because let’s be honest… Morgan is human and useless right now. We don’t know if Lael is still alive and Nastya is missing.”

“I’m sure he is still alive.” Kordelia protested with a steady voice. She refused to believe that he had died out there in that storm… even if now she knew that it wasn’t a normal storm.

“He could be anywhere out there.” Viggo said, his lips pressed together in a thin line as he pointed outside into the raging storm, “It has been hours since he has left. I say that we split up to cover more ground.”

“And risk getting lost as well?” she asked with one of her eyebrows arched up as she turned away from the storm and towards him, “We are already low in numbers. I know it might not be the quickest, but I say that we should stay together.”

“Agreed,” Rui nodded, “Kordelia is still human. You and I might be able to stand our ground in the storm, but she can’t… and we have come this close to get all the souls back.”

For a moment, it seemed like Viggo was going to protest again but then he nodded as well, “Okay. Any idea where exactly we should be looking for Cedric?”

“We could either go in the direction he was seen heading out or we go in a completely different direction,” Rui suggested with a shrug, “I don’t know how far he could have gotten in that storm.”

“I say we go in the same direction as Cedric did. It might be our best chance to find him… there is a possibility that he didn’t get very far in that storm outside.” Kordelia proposed determinate.

“Okay, then let’s head out,” Viggo said before he pushed the door open letting the snow and cold back inside the safety of the house.

He was the first one to step outside but before Kordelia had a chance to follow him, Rui grabbed one of her hands holding her back.

“You should stay here. I know that you want to find Cedric, but you are human… you could die out there.” Rui said looking straight into her eyes.

Part of her wanted to protest… tell him that she could handle it and that she wanted to help but the rational part of her mind knew that he was right. She wouldn’t survive out there as long as her immortal soul was still part of Aqen.

“Okay,” Kordelia breathed out.

“We will find him.” His voice sounded determined before Rui let go of her hand and followed Viggo into the storm.

It wasn’t long after they had disappeared that Kordelia started pacing up and down, occasionally glancing outside in the hope of spotting them return with Cedric but all she saw was snow and a dark sky.

“Where are you?” she murmured under her breath arms crossed in front of her chest as she looked yet again out of the window. It felt like an eternity since Rui and Viggo had left… the rational part tried to tell her that it couldn’t have been more than a few minutes.

Kordelia breathed out in frustration when all of a sudden, she heard a voice coming from another direction. She stopped in her tracks before pulling the door open… snow was blowing in her face, and she wrapped her arms around herself in a vain attempt to keep herself warm.

“Is that?” she asked, eyebrows knitted together after she caught glimpse of a human figure through the snow, “Cedric!” Kordelia called out. A smile tugged on her lips upon recognizing that it was him.

The moment of happiness didn’t last long though as in one second, he was still trying to move forwards through the snow, and in the next one, he was falling down into the snow.

“Fuck!” she cursed stepping outside without really thinking about it… she sank knee-deep into the snow, but Kordelia was determined as she moved forward as fast as she could. “Cedric!” she shouted before hooking her arms under his trying to pull him back into the house. “Urgh, why are so fucking heavy? Stupid muscles…” she groaned.

Her progress was slow… too slow and she could already feel the cold in her bones and muscles. But Kordelia was determined and too stubborn to give up just like that. “You could at least try and help me.” She said through clenched teeth, but as expected Cedric remained speechless.

“Kordelia!” She looked up seeing Viggo making his way out of the forest and towards her and Cedric. With ease, he grabbed Cedric from her arms before pulling him finally inside the safety of the house.

“Thank you,” she breathed out brushing a loose strand of her hair back.

Viggo, did you…” Rui’s sentence remained unfinished as he spotted him, Kordelia, and Cedric in the entrance hall of the house, “How did you?”

“He must have been on his way back to the house… he was almost there but took a fall just before he could make it,” Kordelia explained as she brushed one of her hands over Cedric’s cheeks. The skin felt ice-cold under her touch, and she knew in this state he wasn’t going to be any help against Aqen.

“What do we do now?” Viggo asked voicing what all of them must have been thinking at this moment.

Before either Kordelia or Rui could reply there was a shift in the air… an electrical buzz moving around and as she turned her attention away from Cedric only to see Nastya descending from the top of the house.

Kordelia can’t see or hear what is happening in the salon… can’t tell if Nastya’s appearance might have changed the situation in their favor. Her attention focused on Cedric who was still unconscious while he was breathing slowly and even.

The burst of energy came unexpectedly and for a brief moment, Kordelia expected the worst that Aqen had taken the last immortal soul needed for his wicked plan. Instead, she felt the familiar presence of her Draco Soul returning to her body… there was no pain, just warmth moving through her body and for a brief second, her eyes flashed bright blue.

“Was that?” Rui asked, eyebrows knitted together as he looked at her.

“I think so,” Kordelia replied with a small smile tugging on her lips.

The moment of happiness was unfortunately quickly replaced by the truth of the aftermath… Diana’s weeping could be heard from upstairs and Kordelia sadly realized that Sol hadn’t made it… neither did Lael nor Aurelius.


After the events of last night, sleep hadn’t come easy, and with Cedric still unconscious she had found it even harder to allow herself to rest and relax. Part of her that she was being silly… that Cedric was strong enough to pull through and yet she had taken over watching him.

Knees pulled close against her chest, she sat on the windowsill enjoying the scenery outside. With Aqen gone, the storm had vanished as well leaving behind a peaceful night with a sky full of stars and snowy grounds.

“Hey,” Cedric’s voice sounded hoarse.

“Hey yourself. How are you feeling?” Kordelia turned her head in his direction looking at him with a soft smile playing on her lips.

“I had better days.” He replied as he slowly sat up, “Thank you for bringing me back.” He offered her a small smile, “What happened?”

“Anytime, Cedric.” She pressed her lips together taking a deep breath, “Well, last night wasn’t pretty. Aqen found a way to return after he took over Tyssa’s body… I don’t know how she managed to stumble upon him.”

“Is she gone?”

“Yes. From what I have heard, Tyssa was lost the moment she found Aqen… she never stood a chance.” Kordelia sighed out sadly, “Lael, Sol, and Aurelius didn’t make it either.”

“Damn!” Cedric cursed dragging a hand through his hair.

“I know,” Another sigh slipped past her lips. It was hard not to wonder if things might have been prevented… if there was anything that they had been missing all the time.

“Your soul is back.” Cedric’s statement brought her back to reality.

“It is.” Kordelia tucked a strand of her hair back, “I don’t know exactly what happened between Nastya and Aqen, but it was enough to get my Draco soul back… as did all the others that had been turned human over the past few days.” She licked over her lips, “I think I’m only just realizing how much I had actually missed my immortal soul.

“I can see that.” He smiled.

XXIII

With her immortal soul back, Aqen now being gone for good, and the whole business around the Synod concluded there was no reason for Kordelia to stay any longer. She wanted to put as much distance as possible between her and this place but the mess she had caused in her rage days ago was finally catching up with her. She grumbled and cursed under her breath as she kept up picking up pieces of clothes that were scattered all around the room.

“Kordelia, have you got a moment?” Cedric asked after he knocked on the open door.

“Sure.” She turned to look at him taking in the serious expression on his face… the whole situation felt familiar.

“I’m leaving.”

“I figured,” Kordelia replied with a soft smile, “Is it about the promise to Morgan?”

“Yes, it didn’t vanish. The storm caused by Aqen made it impossible to leave… I tried but it seemed the more I fought the harder it was to move forward. Which is why I walked back to the house figuring that the others would do the same.” Cedric told her, “There is something I have realized over the past few days. You aren’t the type to wait around and neither I am.”

“One of the few things we seem to have in common.” She pointed out with a chuckle before tucking a strand of her hair back.

Kordelia hadn’t forgotten that the last time they had parted ways that Cedric spoke that he would return once he had honored his word and how she had been willing to wait. But the truth was that he was right… she wouldn’t wait forever. She had always been too impatient… too stubborn and wanted things now and not later.

“I won’t make any promises about when I will return and I’m asking you that you do the same, Kordelia.” Cedric reached for one of her hands.

“I won’t.”

Saying goodbye for the second time in just two days was bittersweet and inevitable... and while she wouldn't make any promises or keeping waiting for Cedric's return, it didn't mean that she couldn't hope that one day they would see each other again.

XXIV

"Seems like I'm not the only one to leave today." Rui said, arms crossed in front of his chest as he looked at the neatly packed suitcases, "Where are you off to?"

"Mhm, it does," Kordelia replied with a smile, "You are lucky that you still found me... if it weren't for the mess I had caused after becoming human, I would have already left hours ago. For now, I'm back to Innsbruck but not sure how long I will actually stay."

"Guess I got lucky then." Rui laughed, "Already planning your next move?"

"I have been toying around with the idea for a few months now. Being Human put a few things into a new perspective and I realized that there are a lot of other places I haven't seen yet. What about yourself?"

"I'm going back to San Francisco... and my clients." Rui told her, "You are welcome to visit me whenever you want. Or you can call... hopefully you won't be waiting for another century to pass before reaching out to me."

"Oh, I will certainly get back to that offer. San Francisco is one of those places I haven't been to yet." She chuckled, "I always plan of traveling more instead of constantly returning to places I know better than anyone else and yet I never do."

"Creature of habit, I would say." Rui pointed out with a playful smile.

"Mhm, that is one way to put it." Kordelia shrugged.

There were quite a few places that she felt connected with and it had indeed become bit of a habit to return whenever it was possible. Strangely, Aachen has never been one of those places... maybe it was time to change that.

"Well, I better be going. I have a long journey ahead of me." Rui said before he closed the distance pulling her into a soft hug, "I meant it, Kordelia... call or visit. Just don't be a stranger."

"I won't," she replied, a smile tugging on her lips as he let go off her, "Same goes for you, Rui... well, once I know what my next stop will be."

"I'm sure you will figure it out soon."

XXV

Kordelia hadn't been in Aachen in over 600 years... hadn't set a foot in the city she had turned into a Draco. But now she was back and she was torn between feeling anxious and feeling excited.

Rationally, she knew that the city was the complete opposite of the place she had lived in all those years ago. That it had changed over the last centuries and that no one who had known her once was still alive. But it brought back memories... those she had thought would have been long erased from her mind.

As Kordelia wandered down a small narrow street she knew that she wasn't going to return to Aachen. The connection was lost and wouldn't be rebuild no matter how many times she did return. The city was no longer her home... it was the grave of her family, her husband, and her old self Kunigunde.

The house she had rented was a bit outside the city... old, worn down but it had charm. Kordelia had only told a handful of people about her trip to Aachen, Rui being one of them and she checked the mailbox more out of habit than actually expecting a letter. And yet there was one and the handwriting was without any doubts Cedric.

There was no sender, just a postmark from somewhere in the USA. She wanted to be surprised that he knew where to find her but Cedric always had his ways of gaining important information.

Kordelia,

I hope this letter reaches you before you leave Aachen and set off to the next stop along your journey. Honestly, I wasn't sure whether I should write or not... but I wanted you to know that I'm doing fine given the circumstances ever since the Synod. And I was glad to know that you are doing great as well and that you have settled back into your normal life. I was quite surprised to hear that you are visiting Aachen after all those years... I hope it hasn't brought back any bad memories for you.

Stay safe out there.

Cedric

"Oh, Cedric," Kordelia chuckled shaking her head, "Don't worry, I'm staying safe... I hope you are as well."

XXVI

There was a bright smile on Kordelia's lips as she spotted Rui standing outside her hotel. It had been six month since the Synod and true to his words he hadn't been a stranger... and neither was she.

The first call had come a month after they had parted ways. Kordelia had travelled to the Maldives enjoying the sunny and warm weather
which was quite the contrast to all the snow and storms. She was glad to hear from Rui... to catch up with him. And soon it became a little ritual to call or write message whenever time would allow it.

Rui had often reminded her about his outstanding invitation and in a spontaneous moment Kordelia had booked a flight and hotel room.

"Hey," she greeted him with a kiss on the cheek and a hug, "It is good to see you."

"Likewise, Kordelia," Rui replied, a smile tugging on his lips as he looked at her from head to toe, "Still going for the whole black attire."

"Well, it has always been my color." Kordelia chuckled before she hooked her arm with his, "So, seeing as this is your territory... where are we heading to?"

"Territory? That is an interesting but not unpleasant way to put it." Rui laughed, "We can do the whole tourism program... you know Golden Gate Bridge, driving around in one of the old trams and visit other famous spots around the city which are usually full people."

"And what is the other option?" She asked with a wink.

"Or I could show you my favourite places around San Francisco. A few of them are a bit more secluded and we would only encounter a few humans along the way but it certainly would be a pleasant and exciting experience." Rui suggested, his lips curled up into a smirk.

"Oh, would it?" Kordelia replied. She still could remember what happened the last time they venture out into the woods... the thrill of the hunt that had got her blood pumping, "In that case lead the way."

"Gladly."

Short and rushed but I'm down with an annoying flu and coughing

Last edited by schoggettchen (03/03/2022 at 20:29)

Form

Name: Minha - but also Darae, Rey, Gyeong-min, and... 
Creature: Kumiho - Usually, their M.O. was that the victims had a smile on their face and a gaping hole on their chest.
FC: Rina Sawayama
Age: Time is just a constuct, and modern day humans are so anal about it (she might have no clue herself)
Place of residence: Jeju Island is what she calls home, though she's not showcasing the fact.
Traits: Playful, Free-spirited, Curious, Sly, Liar, Dualistic, Unpredictable, Slippery, Craven, Childish
Motivation: Seeks to remain hidden but gain more control over humanity
Is this your first Synod? No. She's not been a constant fixture but she's been around
Interests: Nico. Istok. Aurelius. (River)

Leaving / Home - Reunion

XXII. Shock wave

The wave pushed through her with force to knock her off her feet and the air from her lungs. It was with sharpness it washed through and then she could breathe again – inhaling equal amounts of air and dust which had stirred up as she crashed into old forgotten things. It had all happened so quickly, with barely time to register, Aurelius had turned his smirking face to he seal and smashed it with his one still good hand, Natsya emerging as his body hit the ground, with fury she ventured down to whatever scene was still being played out below, then the shock wave, then the quiet all around –

Minha was coughing incessantly but as the dust settled around her, the coughs were broken up by laughter, then laughter took over and there was tears in her eyes, from the struggle for air, from the dust which settled in to them and because she was crying – the relief at feeling whole again, she was right there at her fingertips to call forth another shape, another power, and there was the familiar hunger churning in her gut, it was all her again and it wet her eyes. Soon the laughter subsided into a few sniffles, and she could finally hear Istok’s repeated question.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” she sniffled one last time and dried her eyes, “I’m excellent.” She smiled as she looked over at him, but the rush of joy faltered, no it was obliterated, as she saw him sitting by Aurelius crumpled body. And it became very clear what broken looked like.

XXIII. Meat palace

They had made it. Most of them at least, once the dust settled downstairs, everyone – dead or alive – accounted for, Minha did her best to get out of ear shot from Diana’s wails of weeping, somehow, they disturbed her most of all.

Istok had carried Aurelius’ body down himself. And seemed unwilling to leave its presence as the hours of night ticked on. She had touched base with Nico, who’s pride might have been wounded but other than that he was okay, and she was okay. They were okay.

Of course, it wasn’t all okay. But in the moments when she was alone, she felt light as a feather, not walking but flying or dancing, then the reality of the aftermath weighed her down again and she wanted nothing than to run four legged off the grounds. Soon.

She found Istok in the same position as she had left him, elbow on the armrest and chin in hand, staring at the body laid out – looking all too peaceful – on the table. Minha sat down by his feet, that way she couldn’t see it properly. Now, someone had closed the eyes, it creeped her out less but, still.

“Why are you sitting in here? It’s no use.” 

“It’s strange that he is gone.” His voice was hoarse.

“I told you he’s not, we are getting him back.”

“He adored that body –

“So? I adored that body too, but without its life I don’t. It is just a meat palace. It was his holy temple, but we revered the deity inside, and we’ll build him a new one.” She had lost the metaphor from the start and her own face scrunched up as she heard her own words. The cringe was real, “and you must promise me you’ll never ever tell him I said that.” She was trying to convince him as much as herself, because she did know it was simply flesh and therefore had no idea why it disturbed her so.

She glanced up at him, he was glancing back – no longer staring at the corpse – and there was a hint of a smile on his lips, it was still sad looking though. “He knew what he was doing – it was his choice, the plan of coming back already in motion,” she added.

“What should be done about it?” He nodded towards the body again and Minha refrained from looking. He had picked up a strand of her hair and ran it through his fingers.

She considered it for a moment, resting her head against his knee, before answering. “Burn it. Collect the ashes, give it to him when he gets back. I think he’d appreciate the sentiment.” Then added muttering under her breath. “Either that or consider taxidermy.” Creepy, creepy, thought.

“I’m glad that you are here. And that you are back to yourself, I’m not sure I told you, but I am.” There was that love in his voice that she almost felt bad about uttering her next words.

“Then enjoy it while it lasts, because I’m leaving.”

“This minute?” It was hesitation in it now.

“No but soon. I can’t stay here.”

“What about summoning Aurelius?”

“I’m still on for it, I just need some time.”

There was a pause.

“What about us? I thought you’d be less stubborn now that you are reunited with your soul and immortality.”

“What about us?” She echoed.

“We seem to equally crave each other’s company, but as soon as I state it as that you start to avoid it.”

“I haven’t avoided you.” And he had been more articulate than that when he had stated things.

“But you have avoided talking about it, why?”

“Because it’s silly.”

Because was so honest. Because he was too vulnerable too soon.  Because she had wanted to explore him, and them, without the pressure. Because this place kept her hackles up at the same time as she had not been able to protect herself. This stupid place.

“Because it’s stupid – as many of your notions this Synod have been.” She tried for something lighter. “But any of your stupidity has yet to keep me from wanting your company – but neither will it keep me in this place.” With a hand on his knee, she pushed to her feet. She came around the back of his chair and pressed her lips to the top of his head for a moment. “Don’t just sit here,” she said before avoiding looking at the body one last time, then leaving to pack.

XXIV. Humility and honesty

“Minha?”

“Hey,” she stopped at the look of him, he was in his outwear, bags packed. “I thought I might be the first to leave, but I you are taking the price.”

“Yeah,” he looked a bit sheepish, “I thought I’d dodge, considering I brought this shit down on you all.”

She blinked, slightly confused.

“I’m sorry for everything, that my screw up caused it, should I have just read the situation better – I could have avoided that.”

“Slow down, why is it all your fault?”

“For all the reasons –“ he looked like he was about to listen so she interrupted him again.

“Weren’t you a victim like all of us? Or even more, groomed and mind… warped or whatever you’d call it.”

“But I should have known. I wrote them.”

“Because you are so much smarter than the rest of us? Hell, should I blame anyone it would be Nico, but even he couldn’t figure it out.”

“And now I’m pissing you off again, I never meant that,” he shook his head.

“I’m not pissed exactly, it’s been a weird day, week, it’s all nice and cute that you want to claim responsibility, believe me, in this bunch humility is thinly stretched, which is why they don’t own up to the fact that we all fucked up. Except perhaps me, I’m all an innocent bystander.” She rolled her eyes.

“People died. Your friend died, Aurelius.”

She drew in a deep breath. “I know it may sound ineloquent and terrible, but of all was the one we could spare, we’ll have him back. Istok may not have realised that yet, but he will.” The last sentence she added perhaps more for herself.

“Still, I’m sorry I managed to hurt you more than I managed to help.”

She shrugged. “You know, it wasn’t a pleasure – but… I back and that’s pretty awesome, kiddo.”

There was a pause. “Age wise, I’m not sure I’m that much of a kid compared to you, now when all is coming back, not only bits and pieces.”

“Then stop acting like one.” She was definitely not one to talk.

“I really enjoyed meeting you.”

“I’m nice to meet at times,” she quipped, “and likewise.” She narrowed her eyes at him, because she had enjoyed meeting him, at the same time he had a knack pulling honesty out of her, more than she liked. “Still, I don’t think I came to know you very well.”

“Perhaps that can be remedied…”

“Something to look forward to in the future then, now that I once again have a long one.

XXV. Leaving

“Istok is finding a body and then we’ll have him summoned back,” Minha said as she walked next to Nico, pulling her bag higher up on her shoulder. It had been morning for a few hours, and she was leaving, now that she could – the desperation to do so had gradually increased until the need was frantic. To the level that she was prepared to gnaw off her own leg should she walk and get trapped again. 

“On the look out for little girls, will he be?” Nico said, the amusement returning to him slowly. A fact which made Minha beam, she wanted to return to it herself.

“I still claim it could have been an interesting turn of events, but I think Istok takes the responsibility more seriously,” she grinned, potential freedom already lifting her spirits.

“Still, it was quite the sacrifice…”

“Yes, taking it upon himself to be the hero of the hour, it wasn’t what anyone expected.”

Istok stood by the door and she buried her hands deep into her pockets.

“Good luck,” Nico told Istok with a smirk.

“With what?”

“It’s a valiant to task yourself with finding him a replacement.”

“Valiant? I doubt that.” He chuckled, he looked determined before he turned to Minha to seek confirmation. “Once I find the one, how do I contact you?” The simplicity of the question, she hadn’t even considered it. Prior to Synod, it was long since she had run at another person’s schedule. “Do I call?”

“Oh, you are in for a treat if you if think she’s as tech savvy as technological as that.” Nico piped up with a chuckle. “A homing pigeon perhaps?”

“Aren’t you a funny one today,” she said, then elbowed him in the side. “Would you come visit, when you and Natsya are done?” She asked, he gave a small nod in return, waiting for whatever it was she was really asking for. She nodded.  “Give my love and gratitude to her,” she drew in a deep breath, “and bring him along with you when you visit.” She kissed his cheek where beard gave away to smooth skin.

“Why? Do you think you’ll need a chaperone?” He whispered when she was leaned in close – a comment she blatantly ignored.

She shot Istok a grin and a nod before she turned her back on the house of horror and hurried away.

XXVI. Welcome home

Spring was a marvellous thing. A force of life through the ground, the flora of the land sprouting green and the fauna springing back into vigour after a winter of solemn slumber. Then summer trickled in, and her forest was prospering, and she’d had a conversation with a deer. At least a conversation of sorts – not everyone would recognise what had passed between them as conversation. The talk had been cut short as a strange scent had reached her, strange to this place, not to her but with peaked ears she had run to catch it closer.

He was walking along the small path, admiring the foliage and sound of bird twitter around. She kept herself unseen, unheard – just out of sight but still he seemed somehow aware of a watcher, scanning between the trees, looking over his shoulder. At least he wasn’t completely unperceptive.

And then a fox sat there on a rock just ahead, tails wrapped around her paws. His face lit up.

“There you are,” he smiled. He looked as good as she remembered. He waited for a response of some sort, other than the blinking eyes and the cock of the head he got. “I missed you,” he continued taking a step closer. She sat still as he came even closer, intently holding his gaze. “You are just going to sit there, are you?”

He got close enough to touch, soft fur at his fingertips when she leapt past him and darted back the trail he had taken to get there.

With swiftness she was back at the house, two jumps up the stairs to the porch where she found Nico sitting, patiently waiting.

The wooden cabin was not the same, but it was situated in the same spot a house she’d called home had stood for centuries now, the porch may have gotten bigger, but all in all it was kept in reminder of its humble beginnings – if she wanted gaudy there was always the apartment in Seoul, and a few others scattered around the globe.

“I told him he should have waited for you to come back,” he mused, running his hand from head to tails as she came by asking for a pet greeting, before she darted into the house.

She came out only a minute later, human and clothed. “It’s lovely to see you, had I known it would be this soon I’d have restocked.” She sat down.

“I know, we brought supplies,” he smiled. “I see you even have running water now.”

“And plumbing and electricity,” she added.

“When did that happen?”

“Last decade? A little bird friend of mine told me it was the 21st century after all.” She laughed. “So, everything is in order on the other side?”

He looked at ease. “No immediate threat at our necks.”

“Why doesn’t that sound too reassuring?”

But serious talk ceased as Istok came treading back the same path.

“Well, look who’s this handsome stranger some to join us,” she called out with a laugh. She was truly over joyed by the fact that they were both here.


**
“Is this where the two of you first met?” Istok asked as he placed the wine glass back on the table.

“Who’s being nosy now? How did the two of you even meet? No one have told me that.”  Minha tore of a piece of bread and dipped it into the left-over sauce at her otherwise empty plate.

Istok had prepared the dinner, seeming that he was the one among them who gave it care enough to make it good.

“Have you ever asked?” He said with raised eyebrows. “I think you mentioned it once, in passing, Nico finding you, leaving out any possible detail.”

“I’m not sure if I like the phrasing him ‘finding me’. I wasn’t simply waiting here to be discovered.” 

“It was,” Nico answered instead, lounging in his chair, “and she was only a wide-eyed pup, with – what? – three tails at the time?”

“At least six,” she huffed. But she hadn’t come across too many ageless foreigners at the time. “He came here to speak to mountains, I believe I was simply an annoying acquaintance made at the time, though proven useful in the end,” she retorted.

“The spirit of the mountain,” he clarified, ignoring the snark, knowing very well it was only love.

“Oh, we should visit Hallasan Sansin tomorrow,” she leaned to touch Nico’s arm, showing her swift turn to eagerness. “I was by just the other day, and sometimes I can feel him stir even.”

“Tomorrow would work, but how long are you planning to stay here before the two of you set out on your adventure?”

“Wait, how do you speak to mountains?” Istok interrupted with a puzzled smile.

Minha looked at Nico with raised eyebrows and he gave her leave to take the reins of the story, with a half smirk and a nod.

“In tradition the Sansin calls for the highest of sacrifice – that of a virgin – and so did also truth in this place, but then it’s also easier to speak with someone when they have a tongue to articulate the words…”

She delved into the old memories and the story with playful grace, with plenty of interruptions and ‘corrections’ from Nico. When you live for thousands of years so much happened whither to the wear and tear or time. Coal pulverized to dust by the pressure, but then there are the moments which compress into diamonds, and always keeping their clarity.

Meeting Nico was one such moment, sharing her body with even part of a mountain another, as she, once they had caught the interest of Sansin, had offered up her tongue to for the conversation. The feeling of possessing even only a part of a mountain remained with her, it had been – mountainous, a feeling of the deep roots of the earth, up the slopes and the tender connection to the sky, with an impossibly vast range.

It turned into a night of stories and reminiscing, and perhaps another diamond for the collection.
**
As plates had stood untouched for hours, before hastily being dumped into the sink, glasses continued to get refills, to wet throats for conversation. In other words, time passed, and night grew later. Minha had stared to comb through her hair with her fingers, withdrawing just a bit from the conversation. Then she found herself loosely plating it, adding only a sentence here and there to the mix, before reaching the end of the braid and tying it off. She yawned widely.

“I need sleep,” she said as eyes started closing by themselves.

“At this early hour?” Nico teased.

“I was up before dawn.” She uncurled herself from the chair and stood. “We’ll deal with this tomorrow,” she gestured at the table, “or you just do it tonight, but I won’t.

“The sofa bed is the same as last,” she said to Nico, “you should know where things are.”

“Lovely, the one that get a crink in my back for half a decade last time I was by.”

“Only proof what you are getting old,” she teased and bent down to kiss the ridge of his cheekbone. “Good night.”

She ran a hand through Istok’s hair as she passed by and then retreated to the sole bedroom.
**
It took too long. She only had one foot left in the waking world when the door cracked open. The soft light showed his contour in the half open frame when she glanced over her own shoulder.

“Nico refuses to share the pull out,” Istok spoke slowly.

“I’m insulted if you are suggesting you’d prefer to share his bed over mine,” she mumbled and burrowed her head into the pillow again. “Just come here.”

There was shuffling of feet and sound of discarding clothing before the cool air of the room hit her back as he lifted the covers, but he was soon there to heat the space. He embraced her, resting a hand over her abdomen. “You could just have asked me.”

“What is the fun in that? It’s not my fault that I overestimated your intelligence and thought you’d come sooner. Now I’m sleepy. I’m not sure if I’m awake or not.”

“So, this is what you’ve dreamt of while keeping me at arm’s length?” He whispered. She let a muffled chuckle slip, then wiggled her back into him. He tried suffocating the grunt.

Another pleased chuckle escaped her. “You’re not a teenage boy, control yourself.”

“Do you want me to?” He breathed and ran his lips from her nape to the shoulder, exposed where the cover had slipped. Her drowsiness focused in on the thought of – how could his beard be so unreasonably soft? She turned round to put a hand over his cheek, the motion revealing the whole of her torso to him. 

“No.” The answer came, almost inaudible. With the sharp eyes of a predator, she could still see him in the blackness of the room, and with the eyes of a midnight hunter he could watch her with equal clarity.

A gentle shove to her shoulder, he pushed her back into the bedding and bowed to take one nipple into his mouth, causing a hitch to her breathing, before he moved to the other.

Then he was moving lower, planting kisses over her ribs but with a whine and a hand under his chin, she coaxed him up to her lips instead. She opened herself wide to him, body and heart. Well, whether she would admit it or not, her heart was working its way there. They sighed in unison. She wasn’t sure if she had woken up or fallen deeper into dream, but there seemed to be too many hands between them. Dream or not, she was tranced by his touch – together transfixed – too much outcome of their coming together.
**
“Good morning,” Minha stretched as she closed the bedroom door behind her and entered the open kitchen living room situation of the cabin. It was a very good morning. Nico sat at the kitchen table with a steaming cup in front of him, staring out through doors out to the porch, which he already had opened wide. She found the coffee pot brewed full and reached for cup.

“You should thank me for your good morning, he was ready to sleep on the floor before I had to spell it out for him.”

The bedroom door opened again and Istok came through with his head lost in the t-shirt he was pulling on.

Minha snickered as she poured the coffee. “He’ll get it, or he’ll go away, either is fine by me.” He’d have to start listen to what she did, not what she said. But between the two options, she knew which she would prefer, though.

“Are the two of you mocking me?” Istok asked as he emerged with his head.

“Yes.”

“No.”

He came over to her, mumbling “good morning” through a silly smile, which she realised must have been the exact one she had sported herself. She handed him the poured cup and reached once again after one for herself.

“I think I’m on a good way to figure her out,” he said after taking a first sip. She raised her eyebrows at him.

“Ha!” Nico snorted.

“Well, how’s your back, grandpa?” She tossed at him. “Perhaps the floor would have been better for you.”

“I’ll live through another night,” he said, “but it depends on how long the plan is to stay.”

“I promise I’ll get a new one for your next visit,” she said, coming up to hug him one-armed from behind before seating herself by the table, pulling up one leg to rest her chin on.

“Hmh,” he smiled at her before grabbing his cup by the ear and walking out with it to the porch.

She followed him with her gaze, then took another sip of the cup. Istok came to stand by her chair.

“He thinks it will be a disaster,” he stated, him too looking after Nico.

“You are the only one who thinks it won’t be,” she said, staining her neck to beam up at him.

“Are you backing out?” His brow furrowed, his hand had found its way behind her curtain of hair, rubbing her neck. He took another sip of coffee.

“Absolutely not, will most likely be a beautiful disaster and I’ll not miss it for the world, but I wonder how you can’t see just how disappointed he’ll be with any body lesser than his old.”   

“You both say, and you have yet to see it!” He exclaimed. “You are both too distrusting in my abilities, once you see this body…” he chuckled, content.

It was his enthusiasm which pulled most at her curiosity, he mentioned the human with equal vigour last night. She didn’t doubt his abilities, but rather the fickle nature of Aurelius.

“This place is quite something,” he said, eyes having wandered from his friend to the nature beyond, “I can see why you love it so.”

She put her cup on the table, then took his one from his fingers and did with it the same, before standing up claiming him into her arms, then lips and tongue as well – with lingering flavour of coffee.

“You are coming hunting with me tonight,” she whispered into his ear as he seemed reluctant to let her go form the embrace.

“Is that so?”

Rushed and inconsistent but done...

Last edited by tricole (03/03/2022 at 22:03)

Kiriko

Kiriko: origin Japan, meaning: girl of the mist
FC Deepika Padukone
Creature/species Djinn
Current place of residence Hong Kong 

Traits & Personality patient, conniving, forward planning, protective, vengeful
Motivation and/or goal wait for the humans to kill themselves

Hi! I apologize for not closing last night, I will make sure everything is posted within hours!

Thank you for joining this lovely journey! ❤️

Hi girls! The contest is now officially closed.

Thank you for following me all the way to the end. I've enjoyed your stories so much - and I'm super sorry we could not have had a couple of more rounds, that would have been just amazing!

Banners are uploaded on Notion, whereas I have one more thing to add to this storyline: a short epilogue, hidden in the spoiler below.

Epilogue

I. Minha
He didn’t think this will take him this long this time - and on another hand, he didn’t think this will take them this long to convince a mere mortal to summon him. Aurelius got up from the ground, approaching the mirror.

“Not bad,” he replied. The accent was British, and he grins to his own - new - reflection, mischievous smirk glimmering in his eyes. -”How delightfully pretentious.”

There’s a short moment when he walks around the room, considering the implications of the new body, pulling a wallet from the back pocket, deciding he can never bother being called anything other than Aurelius, throwing the ID aside, before slipping out of the clothes - very tacky, if he might say, so many brands very visibly shown. It was a pretentious thing to say, but he thinks it fitting: money speaks wealth whispers.

Aurelius cannot figure out if this body was taller or shorter than the other one, trying to figure it out - the strange thing was, he could not, even though he recognized the mirror. It belonged to him for a long time, just like this basement. It was hot inside, so he ends up shedding the rest of the clothes off his back, carefully glancing at the image in the mirror, flickering candle lights drawing shapes on the body. He noticed a very long scar alongside the right side of the right calf, but the rest seemed to be rather intact - and nicely sized wherever it mattered. He smiles. He liked it.

Instead of making himself known by making much noise, he finds his way out of the basement, and into the large living room. It was dark outside, it was dark inside, too, but he soon hears a sound on the deck, and he walks outside.

Four glasses are set on the small porch table - three for them, and one of his.

II. Kordelia
The harsh winter winds were now replaced by the soft spring scents - nature woke up in the most beautiful ways as per usual. He didn’t want to cause too much commotion upon his arrival, so he decided it would be quite good if he arrived human. The motorbike seemed to be the easiest choice, feeling the wind on his skin as well as driving on the Austrian roads alongside the Tirol scenery was an experience of its own.

It’s been a while since he’d seen Kordelia - or anyone but his family, for that matter - and he did end up missing her. Beyond the physical, beyond the intellectual: he missed having her around.

It wasn’t hard locating the apartment, the drive there was pleasant. The roaring motorcycle stops in front of an old building, in the middle of a very busy street, and Cedric steps off his bike, pulling the helmet down. Before he gets the chance to even check the last name on the front door, he notices a familiar face in the crowd, carrying flowers and checking something on her phone, very much invested into that and nothing else.

She looked up before he got the chance to say something, and instead of saying anything else, he smiled, walking into a very welcoming and extremely loving embrace.

Thank you, once again, for the stories. Thank you for joining me. Thank you for the lovely moments.

Hope you've had fun, hope it was as lovely for you as it was for me.
Hope to see you explore this universe with me again in the future!

Last edited by Zaralee (03/03/2022 at 23:17)

I don't even know where to start... I love this contest. I love the universe you have created and the people that were part of it... especially Cedric. I love how his relationship with Kordelia changed over the contest and now after reading the Epilogue... I'm falling in love all over again. ❤️

Writing Kordelia was an amazing experience... exploring different sides about her and how she handled her return to humanity. I'm glad that I managed to pull through - sorry if some parts felt a bit rushed - but her story deserved to be written and your contest deserved to be finished as well... I did mention a few times how much I love it.  ❤️

I hope that we will indeed return to this wonderful universe one day. I feel that there is still a lot to discover and uncover... stories that still deserve to be written. ❤️

I also want to thank Nella... for listening, for offering ideas and advice and just being there when I needed someone. I already told you via messenger but just let me say it one more time... I absolutely adored Minha.❤️

Banner... I forgot to thank you for the pretty banner ❤️

Of course, I would forget a few things

Last edited by schoggettchen (04/03/2022 at 06:34)

Thank you for this contest and this month of writing, and thank you for indulging both mine and Minha's childish ways. I wish I could've finished stronger but I might have exhausted myself as usual… but still, it has been absolutely delightful! And of course there's a world for these characters vaster than the bounds Natsya's property.

And Schogo, thank you! It's always more fun with a partner in crime and Kordelia was lovely to follow. And you did the world a favour, to not let the lovely FC of Cavill go to waste.