Name: Keturah Vyon'Neodin
Titles/Honorifics: Princess of Arydia
Gender: Female
Race: Aryite
Age: 45 years old.
Birth Date: Mid Summer
Birth Place: Arydia, Capital City
Sexual Orientation/Preferance: Heterosexual. Interested in strong Aryite Males.
Marital Status: Single
Height:6'9"
Weight: 257 pounds.
Eye Color: Gold
Hair Color: Brown
Hair Style/Length: Long and unbound
Fur color: Tan
Overall Personality: Keturah is a bit naive about how certain customs are as a whole. She is the youngest of Neodin's children and it shows with how she conducts negotiations and personal relationships. Too many times she will be more trusting and forgiving, leading to her getting hurt and or injured in the process. She is trusting and charming to a fault. But this does not bely her skills. She is an accomplished caster and an adept at martial combat.
Public Behavior: She carries herself with a less then royal air, much to the disappointment of her father and brother. She is a simple woman whom doesn't care much for the pleasantries and titles her people constantly call her by. She loves being on a first name basis with new people, especially potential allies.
Behavior with Friends: Friends are a necessity to conqueror the evils of Erebuz, the most hated enemy. But for her, good and evil are very muddled lines. Whether she is aided by an angel or a demon, she will call them friend.
Behavior with Family: Around her family, especially her uncle, she is quick to laugh. She loves jokes and especially engaging in stories that have been told throughout the centuries. She has a hunger to be close to her family and she cannot stand being seperated for long periods of time. Their pride is a very close knit one and she prefers the safety of her brother's embrace whenever possible.
Behavior with Lovers:N/A
Behavior with Enemies:For those whom are unfortunate to become her enemy, she will hunt them down with absolutely no mercy. She is a perfectionist, not satisfied until something is either completely cleansed or destroyed: including her enemies.
Likes: Fine Art, the company of friends and the study of magic.
Hobbies: Researching Arcane Magic
Interests: Magic: Either Divine or Arcane
Dislikes: TBA
Goals/Ambitions: To take over the Throne possibly and leading her people to an age of Prosperity and the end of Erebuz's constant Cycles.
Morals: While Keturah is a Good person along the lines of morality, she is Neutral Good, walking a line between Good and Evil as the constructs that they are. Her unusual skill in magic lends itself to the credence that things cannot be labeled as Good or Evil as they are things made by imperfect beings. Magic can be used to either harm or help depending on who uses it. Evil magic when used in the defense of people who need aid, in her book, is a worthwhile use of magic.
Divine Spark: Keturah's divine magic is fueled by this Spark. The Divine Spark is a spark of the Everburning Flame, a flame that is a direct link to Leolik's flame. This is a naturally powerful holy presence that can be felt by those who use magic. For her Necromancy and Divination spells, she uses this spark. This spark also is channeled through the Words of Creation that she knows.
Magic:
To discuss Keturah's use of magic is to divide her spells up by schools and special magical uses. For this purpose, we are going to go by the schools she uses
Necromancy (white)
Evocation
Conjuration
Divination
Illusion
Enchantment
Necromancy:
Cure- A healing spell that is a single target, drawing upon the Divine Spark within her body. This spell works to increase the victim's natural healing abilities and gets them back up onto their feet. It takes a single round to cast and no time for it's effects to kick in.
Rebuke Undead: This holy channel bursts outward in a radius that repels lesser to moderate undead though intelligent undead have a chance to push through this rebuke and continue towards her.
Consecration: By placing her palms on the ground, Keturah can consecrate a piece of land, purging corruption and rot from it and make it safe to tread. This zone can extend outwards of 30 ft and lasts for several rounds. In addition, it increases the healing done from Cure by a factor of 2 making it a swift action to cast.
Evocation: (These spells are self explanitory)
Fireball
Snowball
Burning Hands
Thunderstome
Ice Storm
Arcane Barrage
Magic Missile
Divination:
Scrying: A spell that is a staple of the Arcanist, Keturah can use magical sight to scry on a location. The person whom is higher then Moderate can sense this and can attempt to block her out or misdirect her vision. If she had the proper time, safety and a piece of his person, this is negated and she can see. Otherwise it would be negated with anti-scrying magic
Illusion: TBA
Enchantment TBA
Special Magic:
Keturah has a whole arsenal of magical abilities beyond the standard spellcaster. These ancient secrets are mysterious as she does not know how they came about. But these are completely foreign to her and even her own people do not know these exist. Or if they do, they are the stuff of Legend.
Black Speech
Words of Creation
Black Speech: The most foul and abhorrent words that could ever be spoken aloud. They shake the very foundations of Creation and when they are spoken, it is said that those whom are connected to the Void could hear these words from all across the Multiverse. The Black Speech is a twisted version the Words of Creation, words that are given form to the vilest of power. Keturah can use these words to devestating effect.
The use of these words can shatter mountains, rot entire forests from the ground up or even cause armies to disintegrate into ash. These words are Keturah's last line of defense since these words take a massive amount of energy to use. Unlike the Words of Creation, Keturah cannot draw upon the Divine Spark to power them. So she has to use her own life force to channel them and use them. Keturah at present point can effectively speak two sentences of the Black Speech before her body gives out to fatigue and exhaustion, rendering her unable to fight. These words are only used when no other option remains and death is imminent.
Words of Creation:
Words of Creation, the most holy of words can bend and shape reality to her whim and desire. The power to create is an immense power and Keturah knows how this can be best used. Words of Creation are the words spoken by Leolik when he first created everything to shape and bend the Multiverse to his wishes. These words lie within Keturah to an extent. She knows only two sentences total of this language since none live who know these words and would be willing to share them with Keturah.
Using her Divine Spark, Keturah draws upon the flame to push back the minions of Shadow and the Void from worlds by speaking the sentences she knows. To those who are Shadow or the Void, it means instant death if you are within the radius of effect. Those who are not cannot set foot within the space. Those that try are either repelled or turned to ash and dust.
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Keturah vyon'Neodin
"When you step into the world of the Light, what do you see? When you tread down the path of the Shadow, do you see comfort?"
0 · 76 views · located in 
The Undermarket
a character in “The Multiverse”, as played by Rougeshadow
Description
So begins...
Keturah vyon'Neodin's Story
- Seen 15 Times • Page 1 of 1
Fenrias Halvard leaned against the entrance to a darkened alley. He watched the happenings of the Undermarket with keen eyes from the shadows as he searched for a potential mark or client.
Remy "Gambit" LeBeau straightened his coat as he noticed several suspicious patrons entering the market. This place had sure become popular since it was confirmed to have existed... damn those pesky news reporters! Wing City had always been a place of change, but... his precious respite!
Finishing up his transaction with the final vendor he'd come here to see, Gambit then began to make his way back towards his age-old home.
Finishing up his transaction with the final vendor he'd come here to see, Gambit then began to make his way back towards his age-old home.
The setting changes from the-undermarket to New Ketajhi Meeting Hall
While the two elder's spoke and reminisced about times long passed, Keturah had not been idle. While construction of New Ketajhi had been recently completed, the woman had not been so fortunate in finding times to rest. Administrative duties, meetings, delegation and sleeping took most of her focus and time. She knew her father and uncle were present, but as much as she desired to speak with them, a sense of trepidation entered the furthest corners of her mind. Wondering what sorts of things were being worked on in the Meeting Hall. It was not her place to say. Keturah had taken much of a backseat in her family, predominantly keeping the city in operation.
Yet as dawn began to crest the horizon, Keturah began to tire. Setting down her papers onto a large oaken desk, she grabbed her staff and a bottle of fine imported wide and huffed. She took in a deep breath and exhaled through her nose and made her way into the Meeting Hall, finding Sheodin in the middle of his talk of prophecy and portents of the future. She bit her lower lip and took in a small breath further and waited patiently, not wishing to further disturb her father and uncle while both were engaged. It had been some time since she last saw them.
Yet as dawn began to crest the horizon, Keturah began to tire. Setting down her papers onto a large oaken desk, she grabbed her staff and a bottle of fine imported wide and huffed. She took in a deep breath and exhaled through her nose and made her way into the Meeting Hall, finding Sheodin in the middle of his talk of prophecy and portents of the future. She bit her lower lip and took in a small breath further and waited patiently, not wishing to further disturb her father and uncle while both were engaged. It had been some time since she last saw them.
“I see…” Sheodin leaned back in his chair and stroked his beard. “Then we must prepare. I will scry the Weave and confirm what you’ve seen. Leolik willing, we will be able to minimize the outside influence on this planet and allow these things to unfold. We still have time before the plan back home reaches the final stages. Two, three decades, give or take a year. I will make revisions to this treaty and distribute it to the messengers. First, I believe we must acknowledge our guest.”
Neodin turned to face the door. “Ah, Keturah. Come in. Sheodin and I were just discussing some business. I trust the colony is well? I’m sure the recent happenings put everyone on edge with the increased security, the storms, and all that nonsense. Still, nothing too abnormal outside regular Long Night protocols.”
Neodin turned to face the door. “Ah, Keturah. Come in. Sheodin and I were just discussing some business. I trust the colony is well? I’m sure the recent happenings put everyone on edge with the increased security, the storms, and all that nonsense. Still, nothing too abnormal outside regular Long Night protocols.”
The Princess stood silently, waiting for her father and uncle to take notice of her presence. They spoke of things she could somewhat understand but much of it was outside the bounds of her current understanding. But upon her being noticed, she put on a smile for her family and very gently bowed her head to the two elders. Taking bottle in hand, she approached them.
"Aside from Long Night, things run smoothly here. It is a quiet position which has been a great boon to my recovery and practice. Statecraft has taken to me and I to it. While the folk of this place are a trifle concerned about the increased security presence, a spoken word from me or the good Magistrate seems to settle their minds. Having one of the King's blood here does wonders to banish the Dark from their thoughts. Though much of my own mind still is wracked with questions. Quiet meditation on the Words has born little fruit. I'm afraid my tongue does not find purchase in either language. But, this is not a place to discuss it. You are here, after what seems like ages. Together again...so I thought we would try this wine I procured from a vendor in town. If you would enjoy sharing it?"
She waved a hand and invoked a word of summoning, calling forth simple glasses to her outstretched hand. She tossed them lightly in the air and blew on them softly, causing small vortexes of wind to bore them aloft while she poured the wine into each glass.
"It is good to see you both. I have yearned for both of your company while this place was under construction. My home so far away. You spoke of Tigris earlier dealing with an engagement with these...Taiyou fellows? Will my brother join us? Leolik willing it would be nice to have the entire family back together under one roof. If only for a short while. Time marches ever onward"
With the wine poured, she gently pushed her hand out, letting the cups float delicately towards Sheodin and Neodin while she took her own glass in hand. Her left hand held her staff tight, barely even needing to focus on such a simple spellwork. She brought the cup to her lips and took a small sip, tasting the wonderful flavors and the potent and primal magic within the wine.
It was certainly elvish and a rare vintage at that.
"Aside from Long Night, things run smoothly here. It is a quiet position which has been a great boon to my recovery and practice. Statecraft has taken to me and I to it. While the folk of this place are a trifle concerned about the increased security presence, a spoken word from me or the good Magistrate seems to settle their minds. Having one of the King's blood here does wonders to banish the Dark from their thoughts. Though much of my own mind still is wracked with questions. Quiet meditation on the Words has born little fruit. I'm afraid my tongue does not find purchase in either language. But, this is not a place to discuss it. You are here, after what seems like ages. Together again...so I thought we would try this wine I procured from a vendor in town. If you would enjoy sharing it?"
She waved a hand and invoked a word of summoning, calling forth simple glasses to her outstretched hand. She tossed them lightly in the air and blew on them softly, causing small vortexes of wind to bore them aloft while she poured the wine into each glass.
"It is good to see you both. I have yearned for both of your company while this place was under construction. My home so far away. You spoke of Tigris earlier dealing with an engagement with these...Taiyou fellows? Will my brother join us? Leolik willing it would be nice to have the entire family back together under one roof. If only for a short while. Time marches ever onward"
With the wine poured, she gently pushed her hand out, letting the cups float delicately towards Sheodin and Neodin while she took her own glass in hand. Her left hand held her staff tight, barely even needing to focus on such a simple spellwork. She brought the cup to her lips and took a small sip, tasting the wonderful flavors and the potent and primal magic within the wine.
It was certainly elvish and a rare vintage at that.
“I’m sure once the situation de-escalates we will be able to convince him to spare a few hours.” Sheodin replied, taking the glass with a nod. “The Taiyou are a very influential trans-galactic power, and their active military force dwarfs our entire population several times over. From what we’ve gathered, there was a diplomatic incident between them and a tribe of natives here that resulted in bloodshed and a hostage situation. Naturally, they’re not taking it well and sent a small fleet to retaliate in the form of scorched earth bombardment.”
“We will not allow it.” Neodin stated. “Your brother is up there with several frigates and one of our new warships. His… charming personality is holding them at bay for the moment while a strike team is extracting the hostages and investigating the situation further. Ideally, it will be resolved amicably, but the Inquisitor has been authorized to use what measures he deems fit in order to ensure justice is done.”
“As you can imagine,” Sheodin continued. “An armed conflict with the Taiyou would jeopardize our own interests on Gaia, so your father and I have been coming up with a plan to politically quarantine it from any other extraterrestrial influences.”
“We will not allow it.” Neodin stated. “Your brother is up there with several frigates and one of our new warships. His… charming personality is holding them at bay for the moment while a strike team is extracting the hostages and investigating the situation further. Ideally, it will be resolved amicably, but the Inquisitor has been authorized to use what measures he deems fit in order to ensure justice is done.”
“As you can imagine,” Sheodin continued. “An armed conflict with the Taiyou would jeopardize our own interests on Gaia, so your father and I have been coming up with a plan to politically quarantine it from any other extraterrestrial influences.”
"If I know my brother's charm and wit, the Taiyou will be up there in orbit for months bashing their heads into the bulkheads" Keturah chuckled softly and moved to take a seat with her kin. She picked up a chair and brought it over next to them.
"Still I am concerned about these Taiyou. I have heard stories from off world about how ruthless and barbaric they are. To think they would bombard a peaceful planet over some hostages. Utterly savage... would He even allow such an act to befall those poor souls out there?"
Keturah's gaze went out towards the window while she took a sip of her wine.
"It's a shame that we do not have the numbers to match theirs. Our forces would sweep away these poor heathens from the void. Perhaps Leolik's grand design might be fulfilled. The Dark is coming for us all...yet all they care about is their false idol. I do hope we do not entertain them here in these holy lands. I know not if my temper would rise"
The Princess sighed curtly, her tail swaying back and forth in an irritable manner before snorting once.
"My views aside, how goes your travels Uncle? You haven't been back for lessons in ages. I can only go so far with the tomes you provided. They do not instruct me upon the Words as I need. I can only become as strong as I can with more fragments of Words. I have not spoken them and their syllables are like honey on my tongue"
The irritation on her voice and in her body language seemed to shift, taking on more anticipation as the woman sipped more of her wine.
"Still I am concerned about these Taiyou. I have heard stories from off world about how ruthless and barbaric they are. To think they would bombard a peaceful planet over some hostages. Utterly savage... would He even allow such an act to befall those poor souls out there?"
Keturah's gaze went out towards the window while she took a sip of her wine.
"It's a shame that we do not have the numbers to match theirs. Our forces would sweep away these poor heathens from the void. Perhaps Leolik's grand design might be fulfilled. The Dark is coming for us all...yet all they care about is their false idol. I do hope we do not entertain them here in these holy lands. I know not if my temper would rise"
The Princess sighed curtly, her tail swaying back and forth in an irritable manner before snorting once.
"My views aside, how goes your travels Uncle? You haven't been back for lessons in ages. I can only go so far with the tomes you provided. They do not instruct me upon the Words as I need. I can only become as strong as I can with more fragments of Words. I have not spoken them and their syllables are like honey on my tongue"
The irritation on her voice and in her body language seemed to shift, taking on more anticipation as the woman sipped more of her wine.
“It would be little different than defending against a Erebari blitz.” King Neodin replied. “Our people are accustomed to fighting against superior numbers. We are often blessed with sharper swords, stronger shields, and the everlasting flame in our hearts. As long as we march to Leolik’s will, our enemies will be little more than grains of sand blowing against a castle wall.”
“Indeed.” Archmage Sheodin nodded. “I have ensured that the power of this world will ally with us if the need is great. As for my travels… I have communed with the elemental forces of this planet and reached an agreement. Stormquake has tapped into the beating heart of Gaia, but the union has left it… altered. To what extent, I cannot say at this time, but I drew upon powerful magic in order to strike down one of Gaia’s enemies - a great titan of stone whose head broke the clouds.
“I fear I must take a sabbatical in order to recover. In the meantime, I can assist you in your studies and you can help me finalize the proposal we will be sending out to the other nations on Gaia. Perhaps everything will be finalized in time for Deliverance Day, and we can invite a few ambassadors to join the festivities.”
“Indeed.” Archmage Sheodin nodded. “I have ensured that the power of this world will ally with us if the need is great. As for my travels… I have communed with the elemental forces of this planet and reached an agreement. Stormquake has tapped into the beating heart of Gaia, but the union has left it… altered. To what extent, I cannot say at this time, but I drew upon powerful magic in order to strike down one of Gaia’s enemies - a great titan of stone whose head broke the clouds.
“I fear I must take a sabbatical in order to recover. In the meantime, I can assist you in your studies and you can help me finalize the proposal we will be sending out to the other nations on Gaia. Perhaps everything will be finalized in time for Deliverance Day, and we can invite a few ambassadors to join the festivities.”
"Still Father...it would be nice to put both the Erebari and these Taiyou in their place. I don't care much for their quickness for violence nor their false God King"
Keturah snorted once but did perk up at the mention of Sheodin's exploits and hearing that he was taking a sabbatical from any sort of conflict. Hearing the news of a large conflict with this Stormquake entity did put her on slight edge, but she knew her Uncle. He would have prevailed even without the use of so much magic.
"I would greatly enjoy that Uncle! Honestly, a chance to spend time with all of my family would be not only appreciated, but sorely needed. I cannot remember the last time we all were together as a family. Maybe with the exception of my awakening from my coma. I could call a celebration, just for us. Perhaps have the chef make a meal for us"
Keturah's eyes turned towards her father, reaching out a hand to place on his shoulder and one towards her Uncle. With a wave of her hand, she brought the two brother's closer with some slight displacement magic so she could bring them in for a hug.
"The Neodin line, sitting at a table and discussing everything and anything! I could show the three of you what progress I've made on the Words of Creation. I've gained a few bits and pieces over this time in study on Gaia. I found the world brimming with secrets. I've been trying to suss out more from Leolik Himself, when I can actually feel His presence. It's not often that I feel His fervor but when I do, I try to gain more knowledge from the encounter. Though I do worry He might be a bit sore with me"
After all, while she may have been looking for more information about the Words of Power, she also had been seeking knowledge upon a forbidden language. Sheodin would know her desire to seek out, learn and understand the Black Speech, the weapon of Erebuz.
Keturah snorted once but did perk up at the mention of Sheodin's exploits and hearing that he was taking a sabbatical from any sort of conflict. Hearing the news of a large conflict with this Stormquake entity did put her on slight edge, but she knew her Uncle. He would have prevailed even without the use of so much magic.
"I would greatly enjoy that Uncle! Honestly, a chance to spend time with all of my family would be not only appreciated, but sorely needed. I cannot remember the last time we all were together as a family. Maybe with the exception of my awakening from my coma. I could call a celebration, just for us. Perhaps have the chef make a meal for us"
Keturah's eyes turned towards her father, reaching out a hand to place on his shoulder and one towards her Uncle. With a wave of her hand, she brought the two brother's closer with some slight displacement magic so she could bring them in for a hug.
"The Neodin line, sitting at a table and discussing everything and anything! I could show the three of you what progress I've made on the Words of Creation. I've gained a few bits and pieces over this time in study on Gaia. I found the world brimming with secrets. I've been trying to suss out more from Leolik Himself, when I can actually feel His presence. It's not often that I feel His fervor but when I do, I try to gain more knowledge from the encounter. Though I do worry He might be a bit sore with me"
After all, while she may have been looking for more information about the Words of Power, she also had been seeking knowledge upon a forbidden language. Sheodin would know her desire to seek out, learn and understand the Black Speech, the weapon of Erebuz.
“The Words of Creation are accessible to all who carry the breath of life, Keturah.” Sheodin said. “For all who carry the breath of life are made in the image of He who first spoke them. For most, this ability is long dormant - like a muscle left to atrophy from birth. There are some who manage to uncover and revive this forgotten part of their spirit, but these are few and far between.
“You appear to have a natural affinity to them, for whatever plan Leolik is preparing you for. He will reveal it in His timing. For now, your job is to wait, study, and be productive. As Alphanius said in his memoirs, we must put all of our strength into whatever our hands find to do.
“Here is a truth, Keturah.” Sheodin continued. “The Words of Creation and the Black Speech are one in the same, their difference being application and intent. The former speaks life into the universe. It is what formed the heavens, the earth, and all living things that sprout forth from them… But the latter brings death, chaos, and entropy. A wizard must bend, convince, and force the Weave into place in order to perform their spellcraft, but the Words of Power bypass all the jerryrigging us mere mortals have built to interface with Creation. You speak, and the universe obeys. It is a simple fact of your faith and authority rewriting the very nature of existence down to its foundation. Leolik used this power to speak all of Creation into existence, to build the dwelling place of His children - of His home - but the Unweaver uses them to kill, steal, and destroy. He is The Enemy, the only true enemy of everything that ever was, is, and could be; and his only desire is destruction and death.
“You appear to have a natural affinity to them, for whatever plan Leolik is preparing you for. He will reveal it in His timing. For now, your job is to wait, study, and be productive. As Alphanius said in his memoirs, we must put all of our strength into whatever our hands find to do.
“Here is a truth, Keturah.” Sheodin continued. “The Words of Creation and the Black Speech are one in the same, their difference being application and intent. The former speaks life into the universe. It is what formed the heavens, the earth, and all living things that sprout forth from them… But the latter brings death, chaos, and entropy. A wizard must bend, convince, and force the Weave into place in order to perform their spellcraft, but the Words of Power bypass all the jerryrigging us mere mortals have built to interface with Creation. You speak, and the universe obeys. It is a simple fact of your faith and authority rewriting the very nature of existence down to its foundation. Leolik used this power to speak all of Creation into existence, to build the dwelling place of His children - of His home - but the Unweaver uses them to kill, steal, and destroy. He is The Enemy, the only true enemy of everything that ever was, is, and could be; and his only desire is destruction and death.
Keturah listened to her Uncle's words, taking them all in and drinking as deeply as she could from the knowledge he provided. Yet there were so many questions yet left in her mind. Where were more of the Words? Surely the muscle may be there but the language needed more study and learning. She doubted Leolik, in all of His glory left a tome of all the words ever put to tongue and transcribed onto vellum.
"Yet one question lingers in my mind Uncle: Why do I know more of the Black Speech? Surely if He in all of his wisdom, foresight and guidance thought to give me more of the Words then the Black Speech of the Destroyer. Yet could these words created by the hateful Enemy be yet turned on him? Our voice upon the winds, driving back his darkness and turning his foul spawn back into the endless abyss they spawned from. Surely if He ordained my knowing of these words, surely they must fit into His plan somehow?"
She gave a sort of worried look towards her father, a small amount of fear on her face. Her curiosity raged behind her eyes, her tone ravenous for knowledge. Questions, always more questions dwelled within the woman. Ever since her awakening, it's all she ever seemed to have. Her magics seemed different then those of her ken, her use of the Words of Creation and the Black Speech. By Leolik himself, even her thoughts seemed to convey this notion. No Aryite alive would dare speak about the use of the Black Speech in such a bold manner infront of the King himself!
"I know the Speech causes me harm and consumes my life force, as well as the life of everything around me, but if it could serve the people by driving back the forces baying for our blood every single day why not use it? Even if in the most dire of circumstances? When our very walls lay breached and our ken are being savaged by the relentless enemy? The hated being, a thousand thousand curses upon his unholy name. Why not use them against Erebuz himself? Make him buckle to our might and force him to the fore and out in the open? He hides behind endless hosts and hordes of his insane worshipers. Surely the very weapon of the enemy, with humility, grace and foresight could utilize this weapons."
Her words seemed to ring with passion, a bite of venom for the Darkness. Yet she felt her determination and resolution towards pursuit of this further. If only to have her Uncle either validate or shun the very notion itself. At least she could trust Sheodin to speak frankly...not that she doubted her father's judgement. But she knew he would absolutely never approve.
"Yet one question lingers in my mind Uncle: Why do I know more of the Black Speech? Surely if He in all of his wisdom, foresight and guidance thought to give me more of the Words then the Black Speech of the Destroyer. Yet could these words created by the hateful Enemy be yet turned on him? Our voice upon the winds, driving back his darkness and turning his foul spawn back into the endless abyss they spawned from. Surely if He ordained my knowing of these words, surely they must fit into His plan somehow?"
She gave a sort of worried look towards her father, a small amount of fear on her face. Her curiosity raged behind her eyes, her tone ravenous for knowledge. Questions, always more questions dwelled within the woman. Ever since her awakening, it's all she ever seemed to have. Her magics seemed different then those of her ken, her use of the Words of Creation and the Black Speech. By Leolik himself, even her thoughts seemed to convey this notion. No Aryite alive would dare speak about the use of the Black Speech in such a bold manner infront of the King himself!
"I know the Speech causes me harm and consumes my life force, as well as the life of everything around me, but if it could serve the people by driving back the forces baying for our blood every single day why not use it? Even if in the most dire of circumstances? When our very walls lay breached and our ken are being savaged by the relentless enemy? The hated being, a thousand thousand curses upon his unholy name. Why not use them against Erebuz himself? Make him buckle to our might and force him to the fore and out in the open? He hides behind endless hosts and hordes of his insane worshipers. Surely the very weapon of the enemy, with humility, grace and foresight could utilize this weapons."
Her words seemed to ring with passion, a bite of venom for the Darkness. Yet she felt her determination and resolution towards pursuit of this further. If only to have her Uncle either validate or shun the very notion itself. At least she could trust Sheodin to speak frankly...not that she doubted her father's judgement. But she knew he would absolutely never approve.
“I know not why Leolik chose to gift you this knowledge, my child.” King Neodin shook his head. “But perhaps it is as we all have a… predisposition to certain types of transgressions. Your brother is plagued with envy and anger, and your uncle shed jealousy for pride. I, myself, have my own struggles. Perhaps this, the lure of easy power - treading the edge of darkness for the sake of light - is yours. Be wary, my daughter, for who can deceive the Father of Lies? Who can raise a sword against the master of destruction himself? There were many, long ago, who made similar proposals during the Shadows of Dawn. ‘Let us use their dark magic against them!’ they cried, ignoring the warnings of Alphanius before being twisted into the very creatures they tried to fight against.”
“He wants you to use the Black Speech.” Neodin continued. “Though the power itself comes from Leolik, like all things - yes, even him - the spirit behind the words comes from the Unweaver.”
“... Do you know who is the most knowledgeable mage on Khroniktus regarding the theory and knowledge of dark magic, Keturah?” Sheodin said after a long period of silence. “The Regent of the Erebon Empire is the most powerful, simply by merit of the bargains he’s struck with the Unweaver over the eons of his reign. The high priest of the Akbromi comes a close second, but he lacks a certain capacity for growth because of his self-inflicted curse.
“... It is me, child. I, the mighty Archmage of Arydia, the Headmaster of the University of Alphaniat, have the most in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of the dark arts compared to anyone else on our world. It is a burden I bear with great restraint for the greater good of our people. I study so I can know our enemy and be able to counter them effectively, but I always must hold myself in check - lest I look too long into the abyss and fall into it. Tell me… From what little you have seen of my power, can you comprehend the kind of destruction and death I could bring if I slip into the madness brought on by the all consuming darkness? The Unweaver would love nothing more than have me as a cursed pawn for his own ends. It would be armaggedon.”
“He wants you to use the Black Speech.” Neodin continued. “Though the power itself comes from Leolik, like all things - yes, even him - the spirit behind the words comes from the Unweaver.”
“... Do you know who is the most knowledgeable mage on Khroniktus regarding the theory and knowledge of dark magic, Keturah?” Sheodin said after a long period of silence. “The Regent of the Erebon Empire is the most powerful, simply by merit of the bargains he’s struck with the Unweaver over the eons of his reign. The high priest of the Akbromi comes a close second, but he lacks a certain capacity for growth because of his self-inflicted curse.
“... It is me, child. I, the mighty Archmage of Arydia, the Headmaster of the University of Alphaniat, have the most in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of the dark arts compared to anyone else on our world. It is a burden I bear with great restraint for the greater good of our people. I study so I can know our enemy and be able to counter them effectively, but I always must hold myself in check - lest I look too long into the abyss and fall into it. Tell me… From what little you have seen of my power, can you comprehend the kind of destruction and death I could bring if I slip into the madness brought on by the all consuming darkness? The Unweaver would love nothing more than have me as a cursed pawn for his own ends. It would be armaggedon.”
Keturah sat back, tuning out the entirety of the world, save for the voices and visages of her beloved father and uncle. Each syllable were swallowed in her mind, taking in each and every point they made. They spoke sense, truth and understanding. Yet Sheodin's words rocked her to her very core. He knew about the Black Speech...he knew what she sought to learn. Yet instead of fixating on it, she drank deeply from his words.
After a long minute's worth of silence, Keturah smiled. Warmth radiated from her smile, eyes glowing with the light of the Spark buried deep within her soul. She stood up and went to her Uncle, wrapping her arms around his neck in a great hug. She didn't say a word for the longest pause until she spoke.
"I understand Uncle. I hear your words Father. Perhaps it is because of my naivety that I seek to use the Words of the Unweaver. I never would take them for granted. Part of me wonders why I know that I could use them to some effect. I feel that in some ways, I've been fooled by the Unweaver once before. How I feel this way, I cannot rightly say. Instinct tells me such...yet one thing eludes you Uncle"
She moved back slightly and held out a hand, focusing on her palm and spoke one simple Word.
Ŝ̵͎̼̥̦̎͊̔̈́̈͛̍̀̔̆̈́̊͠ư̶̧̢̼̼̻͖͇͌̇̌͂͒̌̒̄͑́͘͝ǹ̵̩͈̙͎̎̇̏͊͠l̴͙̦̉͊̄̉͗͂͜į̵̢͍̳̙͓͔̩͉̍̅́̾̀̈͜ͅg̵̛̫͙̗͓̽̋͘ḩ̷͚̪̦̟͍̅͆͛̄ț̴̿̾̊̽̐̿̒̀̄̾͜
From her palm sprang a small sun, a beacon of golden light that radiated the Light of Creation's first act. She held it in her palm, pressing it close to his chest so his fur would be warmed by the tiny celestial body in her hand.
"Even in that endless Abyss, Light yet still remains. No matter how deep the Dark goes, at the end of that road Light persists. I want to learn more Uncle. About the Light and the Dark, I can learn no more about matters of the Arcane. The Weave has yet to push me further in that path as of yet. You need not walk both sides alone. Right Father?"
She turned her head to look at Neodin, holding out a hand for him as she tossed the sun lightly and let it hold itself above her head, it's Light pulsing to the beating heart of the creator.
After a long minute's worth of silence, Keturah smiled. Warmth radiated from her smile, eyes glowing with the light of the Spark buried deep within her soul. She stood up and went to her Uncle, wrapping her arms around his neck in a great hug. She didn't say a word for the longest pause until she spoke.
"I understand Uncle. I hear your words Father. Perhaps it is because of my naivety that I seek to use the Words of the Unweaver. I never would take them for granted. Part of me wonders why I know that I could use them to some effect. I feel that in some ways, I've been fooled by the Unweaver once before. How I feel this way, I cannot rightly say. Instinct tells me such...yet one thing eludes you Uncle"
She moved back slightly and held out a hand, focusing on her palm and spoke one simple Word.
Ŝ̵͎̼̥̦̎͊̔̈́̈͛̍̀̔̆̈́̊͠ư̶̧̢̼̼̻͖͇͌̇̌͂͒̌̒̄͑́͘͝ǹ̵̩͈̙͎̎̇̏͊͠l̴͙̦̉͊̄̉͗͂͜į̵̢͍̳̙͓͔̩͉̍̅́̾̀̈͜ͅg̵̛̫͙̗͓̽̋͘ḩ̷͚̪̦̟͍̅͆͛̄ț̴̿̾̊̽̐̿̒̀̄̾͜
From her palm sprang a small sun, a beacon of golden light that radiated the Light of Creation's first act. She held it in her palm, pressing it close to his chest so his fur would be warmed by the tiny celestial body in her hand.
"Even in that endless Abyss, Light yet still remains. No matter how deep the Dark goes, at the end of that road Light persists. I want to learn more Uncle. About the Light and the Dark, I can learn no more about matters of the Arcane. The Weave has yet to push me further in that path as of yet. You need not walk both sides alone. Right Father?"
She turned her head to look at Neodin, holding out a hand for him as she tossed the sun lightly and let it hold itself above her head, it's Light pulsing to the beating heart of the creator.
Sheodin looked to his brother and kept silent. This was a matter between father and child, and not for a well-meaning uncle to say his piece. The archmage leaned back into his chair and stapled his fingers.
“It is true…” Neodin said after a long moment in thought. “You have a certain predisposition to the words of power, including the darker nature of them. In all my years, I have seen and learned a great many things. One of which is that when an individual struggles with a particular vice, it is often so that they can conquer it and become a light to others who struggle with the same internal battle.
“You, ultimately, must make the decision. As your father, I am biased towards your own safety and good fortune. I have trouble looking passed the memory of a frightened and fragile little cub that clung to my robes as we bid her mother good-bye as she fell asleep in Leolik’s embrace. Perhaps it is the fear of an old man remembering darker times… A bygone era when balefire scorched our lands, hordes of undead ransacked our villages, and fiendish monsters born of abominable rituals were trying to scale our walls. Dark magic has left a terrible scar upon our people that has persisted for generations. It hardened us, unified us, and burned away a cancer we never knew was there.
“If you choose to study the enemy, then you must take every precaution. Do not allow the polluting sickness of the All Consuming Darkness to enter your heart, for it is in direct opposition with Leolik’s Everlasting Flame. Fan and feed the flame exponentially more than your delving into the dark. Descend one step, and ascend ten more. Always take care, because even the most skillful snake charmer gets bitten one day.”
“It is true…” Neodin said after a long moment in thought. “You have a certain predisposition to the words of power, including the darker nature of them. In all my years, I have seen and learned a great many things. One of which is that when an individual struggles with a particular vice, it is often so that they can conquer it and become a light to others who struggle with the same internal battle.
“You, ultimately, must make the decision. As your father, I am biased towards your own safety and good fortune. I have trouble looking passed the memory of a frightened and fragile little cub that clung to my robes as we bid her mother good-bye as she fell asleep in Leolik’s embrace. Perhaps it is the fear of an old man remembering darker times… A bygone era when balefire scorched our lands, hordes of undead ransacked our villages, and fiendish monsters born of abominable rituals were trying to scale our walls. Dark magic has left a terrible scar upon our people that has persisted for generations. It hardened us, unified us, and burned away a cancer we never knew was there.
“If you choose to study the enemy, then you must take every precaution. Do not allow the polluting sickness of the All Consuming Darkness to enter your heart, for it is in direct opposition with Leolik’s Everlasting Flame. Fan and feed the flame exponentially more than your delving into the dark. Descend one step, and ascend ten more. Always take care, because even the most skillful snake charmer gets bitten one day.”
Keturah seems somewhat surprised by her father's response, eyes slightly wider then normal as she looked down towards her tail. The orb above her head pulsed with a steady thrum of Light and Power. Yet she held firm to the control over such a seed of Life, as if not even thinking of it's existence. Slowly, she walked towards her father and sat down at his feet, choosing in that moment to take such a position with a smile on her face.
"Perhaps this may be true. I know what the Maw can truly be. Perhaps it is my lack of memory which has hardened my resolve. I try to remember seeing mother enter His embrace yet even to this day, fog obscures my sight. I guess from my exposure thus far I could say my perception has been altered. Yet there is such a thing that I would have made a note of in my limited studies"
She continued, looking up at the sun above her head.
"When I see the Light, I see the flame of purity. I feel it's love and warmth upon my fur and in my heart. This fire represents the life of our people. It is our guiding principle and our gift from He who fathers us all"
She raised a hand and gazed up to the orb. She opened her mouth to spreak, and what came out was Agony.
Ņ̵̢̡͎̗͉͎̯̪͇̱̖̳̞̺̙̘͎͓̭̥̙͈̮̱̌́̽̋́͂̈́͊̾̅͂͜͝ͅö̷̥͕́̐͒͐͂̂̽̃̈͌͛̓̀̎͐̑͋͝ẍ̴̢̡̝͕̟̣͔͚͍̹̪̙̫͕̘̻́̍̔̿̓́͑́̅̽̂̓̐̏͂̚
Pain wracked the Weave around the three as the Orb was subsumed, Keturah herself winced as if she was in distress. The orb that once was a brilliant sun now hung above her head was a Void, a hole of Night and Nothingness that caused a visible distortion around the edges. It was as if they were staring into the heart of the Abyss.
"Yet the inverse must be true. The Abyss is cold, dark and hostile towards the Light. It craves and years for dominance, not realizing that the two must be in harmony for the Multiverse to maintain cohesion. To be fearful of what lies in the cavernous maw is natural as mortal creatures. We know not what dwells within the vestige of the Dark. But knowing what lay within it, we become closer to knowing Truth. That Truth is what I seek. What lays in the heart of the Abyss? What dwells within the heart of Erebuz? What machinations drive him towards endless destruction and oblivion? Is it a mindless obsession? Or is it more? If we could be saved, why not he?"
The void above her head grew in small centimeters until Keturah waved it free with a hand. The Void then shrank away into naught but a pinprick then vanished in a crack. Keturah herself looked like she had lost around ten pounds in weight yet her smile remained.
"I know you worry about me father. I worry about myself as well. Yet I shan't be delving into the Abyss alone. I will have Uncle with me to delve the depths of the Abyss, and I will have Leolik to guide me. I know both of them will not lead me astray. I am not timid, nor am I cowardly. Erebuz has absolutely nothing to tempt me with. No power he could ever offer could turn me from my path."
She got up a little wobbily from her position and embraced her father tightly, resting her head on his shoulder "I love you father. So much that it might cause me to burst" She giggled until her stomach growled at her in protest rather loud.
"Sorry Father...mind if I call for food? I'm starving!"
"Perhaps this may be true. I know what the Maw can truly be. Perhaps it is my lack of memory which has hardened my resolve. I try to remember seeing mother enter His embrace yet even to this day, fog obscures my sight. I guess from my exposure thus far I could say my perception has been altered. Yet there is such a thing that I would have made a note of in my limited studies"
She continued, looking up at the sun above her head.
"When I see the Light, I see the flame of purity. I feel it's love and warmth upon my fur and in my heart. This fire represents the life of our people. It is our guiding principle and our gift from He who fathers us all"
She raised a hand and gazed up to the orb. She opened her mouth to spreak, and what came out was Agony.
Ņ̵̢̡͎̗͉͎̯̪͇̱̖̳̞̺̙̘͎͓̭̥̙͈̮̱̌́̽̋́͂̈́͊̾̅͂͜͝ͅö̷̥͕́̐͒͐͂̂̽̃̈͌͛̓̀̎͐̑͋͝ẍ̴̢̡̝͕̟̣͔͚͍̹̪̙̫͕̘̻́̍̔̿̓́͑́̅̽̂̓̐̏͂̚
Pain wracked the Weave around the three as the Orb was subsumed, Keturah herself winced as if she was in distress. The orb that once was a brilliant sun now hung above her head was a Void, a hole of Night and Nothingness that caused a visible distortion around the edges. It was as if they were staring into the heart of the Abyss.
"Yet the inverse must be true. The Abyss is cold, dark and hostile towards the Light. It craves and years for dominance, not realizing that the two must be in harmony for the Multiverse to maintain cohesion. To be fearful of what lies in the cavernous maw is natural as mortal creatures. We know not what dwells within the vestige of the Dark. But knowing what lay within it, we become closer to knowing Truth. That Truth is what I seek. What lays in the heart of the Abyss? What dwells within the heart of Erebuz? What machinations drive him towards endless destruction and oblivion? Is it a mindless obsession? Or is it more? If we could be saved, why not he?"
The void above her head grew in small centimeters until Keturah waved it free with a hand. The Void then shrank away into naught but a pinprick then vanished in a crack. Keturah herself looked like she had lost around ten pounds in weight yet her smile remained.
"I know you worry about me father. I worry about myself as well. Yet I shan't be delving into the Abyss alone. I will have Uncle with me to delve the depths of the Abyss, and I will have Leolik to guide me. I know both of them will not lead me astray. I am not timid, nor am I cowardly. Erebuz has absolutely nothing to tempt me with. No power he could ever offer could turn me from my path."
She got up a little wobbily from her position and embraced her father tightly, resting her head on his shoulder "I love you father. So much that it might cause me to burst" She giggled until her stomach growled at her in protest rather loud.
"Sorry Father...mind if I call for food? I'm starving!"
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