Legend of Ransera

Posted: **Tue Jan 21, 2025 11:20 pm**

55 Frost, Year 124

[Closed - Paragon]

It was rare that both Hilana and Athalia had the same time off - Lia was usually busy with her work, and Hilana went back and forth between two jobs, and lessons at home and in Kalzasi... not to mention she was making sure Hayima'el was ready for the Derby next season. They had missed this year's, all things considered, with what had happened in Glade and happily volunteering to go to the border and treat with the Green Dragons. That had required a quarantine period when they had gotten home, and as such, no Derby. This year, she was competing again. Taking a year off couldn't be helped, but it wouldn't do to repeat it. They were going, and she was going to win.

The sisters had gone out into the desert to Hilana's favourite oasis so that she could practice Summoning peace and quiet, and hopefully not cause any sorts of horrible accidents within the city. It would have been her luck to do so, after all, and the last thing she needed was to catch serious hell about it. She was already quite familiar with the elements of the Expanse, but she was curious to see what nature spirits she could find out there. She knew that this was a bit risky, as she did not have Sivan with her, but the Vastiana would just have to be cautious. Lia had come along for the ride and to keep an eye on the proceedings, but like Hilana's snakes, she had left Kalor at home to be safe. She did not want her little darling to be at risk here.

Lia had made herself comfortable on a blanket draped over a seat fashioned from sand while Hilana pitched the sunshade for her. It would at least give them some protection from the sun and overhead predators, as it had been warded to help conceal those beneath it. Shadows that had gathered around Hilana as they usually did spread out now with the erected shade, and Hilana settled into a comfortable position in the sand, legs folded under her. She had an aetherite shard in her rucksack in case she needed it, but for now, it would stay there. While Hilana focused, Lia would watch, and keep an eye out for anything that might want to creep up on them. If all went well, there would be time for studying her Negation book while Hilana went swimming. If it didn't... well, she was prepared.

Hilana took a deep breath, and focused on her newest Rune on her left hand, Summoning. She knew that she wanted the Wild Sphere, even if she would later need experience in the others to be well-rounded like her foreign paedagogus. She didn't really have any names at present, but she was simply opening the portal to see who was around that might in fact be willing to step forward and converse with her. There was surely no shortage of fire and earth spirits here, and they could take any number of shapes. Considering they were by the oasis, there might even be something else. And that was just elementals - there were all kinds of wild spirits, though Hilana was only looking for lesser and minor ones for now. It would be smarter not to get too... ambitious and lose control.

With all of that in mind, she let her awareness open to the Aetherium, and spread her awareness of the local spirits that wandered upon the vast Sands.

Posted: **Sun Jan 26, 2025 12:26 am**

P A R A G O N

The desert warmth was less grueling that day. The heat of the sun was not as brazen. The vegetation around the oasis pool was vibrant and green, filled with a blooming sense of life that reached back to Hilana as she opened herself up to the essence of the wilds. All around her, the wilds of the oasis were abuzz with activity. The feeling of spirits gently ebbing and flowing was all around her but there was a quiet reverence to them. The spirits in the sands moved with greater care to make the swirls of the dunes more receptive to the elegant dance of the wind spirits. The resulting waltz between the two elements saw graceful designs brushed into the sands that seemed to sparkle more brightly beneath the light of the sun, almost as though they were being polished.

In the trees that swayed in those gentle breezes, the spirits of wood sang softly to the plants making them healthier, the wild fruits to be found would be sweeter, more flavorful, the flowers brighter with colors in their most beautiful hues. The spirits of fire and flame that took joy in the scorching heat of the desert were more careful with their often frenzied play. Even the spirits beneath the waters of the oasis pool worked more mindfully to tend to their duties with extra care and attention.

All around Hilana and Athalia, the elements, the spirits, even the aether in the air itself, behaved with a degree of care that could only be described as reverence. There was a soft hum of excitement behind that meticulous attention to their duties. A soft joy as though each of them were working extra hard to display the harmony that existed between the many forces that were at play to create life in abundance.

But for what?

The answer came soon enough.

A hush fell over the wilds.

He emerged from the waters of the oasis pool, water cascading off of ebony skin. Broad hands ran through pitch black hair that fell down to his powerful shoulders. The muscles of a strong chest rippled and flexed as he drew in a satisfied breath. He extended his arms, fingers brushing over the surface of the oasis pool, emitting a deep hum.

This man, this individual, was whom every spirit and elemental in the area danced for. The waters upon his bare torso captured the light more keenly, sparkling like gemstones glittering in the sun. The spirits of fire and flame drew closer to him, warming him with a sense of joy as though it were a privilege to do so. The winds took care not to chill him and the sands seemed eager to embrace him should he wade his way out of the pool. It was a moment before he noticed Hilana and Athalia. He tilted his head in their direction as though he had heard them. The man opened his eyes.

Pools of molten gold stared at Hilana and Athalia. His eyes were filled with a heat that rivaled the fires of Mount Sorokyn, tempered with an inner peace that bespoke deep wisdom.

“Ah, forgive me. I did not realize I had an audience.” He spoke in fluent Vastian. He smiled, flashing white teeth. His voice was deep like the rumbling of the earth but held a gentleness to it that seemed foreign coming from a man of his stature. “Please, a moment to make myself decent.”

He dove back into the waters, swimming to the opposite side of the oasis. He emerged, showcasing a broad, well defined backside before walking behind a tree and bushes. When he came back out, he was wearing a pair of leather pants and knee high boots, a cloth was draped over his shoulders that he was in the process of using to dry himself. He approached the two women remaining at a respectful distance.

“Apologies, I mean not to intrude. Are you ladies averse to company?”

Posted: **Sun Jan 26, 2025 11:20 pm**

Hilana was used to the elements being friendly to Lia and herself - it was a family Rune, though Lia had more experience than she did. She had practised with it for half of her life now, while Hilana was only a few years into her journey of Elementalism. But today, all of the usual exuberance that was the Atraxian Expanse was subdued in a way that she was not used to. Even in Frost, where the temperatures were considerably less than the height of Searing, the sun in the sky blazed down on them, but not today. Whatever it was… it had somehow led to every spirit in the region smoothing themselves and everything out. Hilana had never seen it this way before - not that she was complaining, because this was a fascinating phenomena.

But when she inquired of the wood spirits, they were a bit too busy with making sure that everything in the oasis was just so. They were completely focused on their task of foliage and fruit, and so she left them to it. Lia was curious, but didn't interrupt her little sister while she was focused on the act of Summoning and speaking with the spirits. The fire and flame was quite excited, eager, and wanted everything to be just so. Why? Because he was here. Hilana and Lia looked at each other. Who was 'he'? The younger of the two was only getting more curious with each passing moment, and there was no dearth of spirits looking to join this Plane in this place in this moment. So for the nonce, she let go of the portal, closing it, and instead focused on the spirits that were around them.

'He' was revealed soon enough, emerging from the water and it took every ounce of self control that Hilana had to keep her jaw where it was. Her big brown eyes that made her look younger than she was were enormous, and she was staring. So, too, was Lia... who was quietly wondering to herself if Hilana had somehow managed to summon this man, and if so... she was going to need her to do it again. Whatever he was, whoever he was, the spirits and aether around them seemed to worship him. They were careful around him, as precise as wild spirits could be. And it wasn't just the spirits, either - they noticed far more wildlife than one expected to see in the desert, even at an oasis as nice as this one. Birds, reptiles of all kind, even the great scimitar-horned oryx were gathering, whole herds of them. Jackals, caracals, foxes... and they weren't after each other, or the assembled assortment of prey animals, from jumping mice to hare to deer... they were simply trying to be present, and apparently, it was for this ebony-skinned stranger.

He was incredible. Hilana's usual ability to talk nonstop was for once quiet, and all she could do was watch. She probably shouldn't have, and should have given the strapping man some privacy by looking away, but she definitely felt some flush to her cheeks... and elsewhere. As he looked at them and their eyes met, she felt like a lightning bolt struck her spine. The way he spoke with that deep, rumbly voice drew attention and held it like he could in one of those big hands. Decent, schmecent... if it wasn't for Lia, who tended to be a trifle more conservative, certainly in how she dressed and behaved, Hilana might well have volunteered to strip herself buck naked so that he didn't feel awkward.

"Of course," she said instead, smiling. The view from the back was just as delightful as the front, and Lia nudged her lightly with the wind. 'Stop staring,' the gesture urged her, and so Hilana, while he was behind the greenery getting some clothes on - oh, what a pity - smoothed her red, gold, and white skirts. The shadows were quite eager, especially as the dark-skinned man approached them. "You are most welcome," Hilana offered, extending a hand to invite him into the extra shade. The spirits were enamoured, and she was fascinated. The Rite of Hospitality of the Nomadic Vastii was offered to all, excepting Orks, of course, and while they had no fire going at the moment, if need be, they could make one. She didn't know if he would like a chair like Lia had fashioned, or if he might prefer to sit in the sands the way she was. The spirits would certainly be eager to ensure his comfort, one could bank on that.

"I am Hilana, and this is Lia," she introduced herself and her sister, who inclined her head. The book on Negation was closed on her lap now that they had company. "I am sorry that we interrupted you, we did not know that another was here when we set up." Glories of the Founders, up close... the man was like something a sculptor that had only practised their craft for centuries could make. That deep fire in his eyes reminded her of Mount Sorokyn, and of Mount Kaladon. There was strength and wisdom in there, and it only encouraged her curiosity. "What brings you out here? The spirits are rather excited today."

Posted: **Mon Jan 27, 2025 7:30 am**

P A R A G O N

He dipped his head in thanks, a smile on his lips as he seated himself next to the two women. His movements were fluid, graceful, possessing a measure of intent that said every movement was done with purpose.

“Koraellon, but you may call me Kor.” A shiver sighed through the collective elements and spirits gathered around them. Even the wildlife perked up as he spoke his name. A fennec fox inched its way forward, slowly climbing into his lap. Kor brushed a hand over the fox's spine causing it to arch into his touch. The fox then flopped over, exposing its belly to him. He gently brushed his fingers over its stomach, indulging the fox who seemed perfectly content.

“Please, you interrupted nothing. I was merely washing up after a long journey to this glorious realm.” Those molten gold eyes sparkled.

“I am searching for someone. There are mages here of great power, said to be able to discern the nature of the heavens themselves. It is said they are able to stare into a soul and know its measure down to the finest detail.” He looked between the two of them.

“I could not help but sense a stirring of aether. Do I sit in the presence of such magi?” A pair of birds fluttered over and perched on his broad shoulders. Without even looking away from the both of them, he reached up one hand to gently tickle the stomach of one of the birds with his fingers. Like the fox in his lap, the bird leaned into his touch, chirping happily, feathers plumping in a show of happiness.

“As for the spirits, I tell them not to make such a fuss but they insist.” He gave a mock glare to the shadows that were humming around Hilana.

Posted: **Mon Jan 27, 2025 3:39 pm**

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kor," Lia inclined her head to him, smiling. "It is rare to meet one that is so in-tuned with our environment, especially when they come from abroad." In many ways, Frost was the easiest season for one to come and visit Solunarium, or perhaps even Glade, but Searing was devastating on those who were not used to it. But there was an aridity to the desert that sapped many of their ability to think, much less function. But when the sun went down, the cold winds would sweep the sands, and if you were not protected, the cold turned bitter. It was still warmer than the northern continent; but the warmth provided by the sun was often greatly underestimated.

He was interesting - he spoke their tongue perfectly, and he had traveled here, so perhaps he was native and had been away... but the question about mages made that possible theory uncertain. She ruminated on that, but put it in the back of her mind to poke and prod. The heat of his gaze reminded her of Arvaelyn's paternal family members in some ways. Maybe...?

"If you've been traveling a while, you must be hungry?" Hilana reached for her bag, setting aside the aetherite within the rucksack and retrieving a bag of spiced, roasted chickpeas and extending the sack to Kor. She also found some naans that were wrapped in a linen cloth that had been treated with beeswax to help keep them sealed up. Those, too, were also offered to the stranger. He had just gone swimming, so perhaps he did not need water just yet, but they could make tea, depending on how long they stayed out. She also found a sack of dates in the rucksack, and set those up on it for later. Their flavour might go down better for dessert.

"You would find mages that could do that in the cities, especially the capital," the Vastiana was thoughtful. "My Semblance is not so great as to be able to do that, I don't think, but I know a few Grandmasters that might be able to help in that regard." She was wondering what magics this stunning gentleman sitting with them possessed that brought wild fennec foxes up like this - Mesmer, possibly: Finn often carried this sort of charisma with creatures large and small, but she had never seen the spirits themselves react that way to him. Summoning, possibly; Sivan's were quite friendly. Elementalism was also an option. "The aether you felt earlier was my practicing Summoning. I was just seeing what spirits were around and who might be open to me," she added. He was able to commune with them, and perhaps, just perhaps, she might have found another teacher out here. "Lia and I are both Elementalists, however."

"They are all quite pleased to be around you, elemental, flora, and fauna alike," Lia nodded at the wildlife that was coming close, smiling at the birds that perched on his shoulders. "That is a powerful magic that you possess."

Posted: **Wed Feb 12, 2025 4:12 am**

P A R A G O N

“Thank you. That is most kind.” Koraellon accepted the sack of chickpeas with a bow of his head, he politely declined the naan. As soon as he stopped petting the fox in his lap, the little fennec raised its head to sniff at the sack in his hand. Kor picked up the fox in one hand giving the fox a gentle nuzzle before setting it on the ground with a nudge to run along. The fox trotted over to another fox obediently where it sat down. He listened as Hilana explained the presence of several mages that would be able to perform the feat that he asked.

“Excellent. I shall endeavor to seek them out. In the meanwhile, an afternoon in the presence of brilliance is most welcome.” His eyes lingered on Hilana for a moment before he popped a chickpea into his mouth. He chewed thoughtfully as the sisters explained some of their magical aptitudes. As he listened, one of the birds on his shoulder began to run its beak through his dread-locked hair. At Lia's mention of the fascination he received from all around him, Kor reached up and pet the tummy of the bird that was clearly grooming his hair.

“Just as I am pleased to be around them.” He held his hand steady and the bird hopped onto his fingers. He brought it close to his mouth, whispering something to it. Its feathers fluffed up in a clear display of delight before it chirped and took flight. Kor watched it soar, flying off into the skies with a smile on his face.

“May I assist? I know a thing or two about magic, elemental and the art of summoning.” He popped another chickpea into his mouth, clearly enjoying them. After a moment he blinked, and suddenly looked embarrassed. “Ah, I probably should not hog these to myself.”

Posted: **Wed Feb 12, 2025 3:05 pm**

When he was able to hold the fennec fox in one hand, Hilana found her mind wandering ever so slightly. Big hands, big feet, big... But there was a gentleness there to him in the way that the wildlife and spirits around them were received, and she found that quite impressive. Despite that deep voice and the fire in his eyes and strength there... his touch was light and experienced in a way that almost seemed at odds with the physical power contained within. The fennec may have trotted away a short distance, but it did not want to go far, apparently.

Neither of the women could blame him.

His compliment about brilliance got some flushed cheeks from Hilana, and Lia inclined her head to him with a smile. "That's kind of you, thank you. Whereabouts have you been traveling from?" Neither of them thought of themselves as particularly brilliant; they may have had their moments and tactically could make smarter choices than some, but brilliant was stretching. Of course, that all depended on how one looked at it - if a fish was judged by its ability to tap dance, well... they were going to fall short. But they had their own skills, passions, and interests, and considering their ages, perhaps in another place they would have been considered brilliant by the standards beyond Solunarium's.

"I'd like that very much, please," Hilana was delighted, and Lia nodded in agreement. The elder of the two removed her auralyth lenses from the inside pocket of her sleeve and put them on, apparently intent on seeing where and how the aether was applied and worked, and perhaps to understand this mysterious guest and his capabilities a bit more. Both sisters were always eager to learn, and Lia had learned from her sister's wide-reaching appeal that they could learn quite a bit from those who were not from their homeland, and they shouldn't be discounted for it. "You're not hogging them, please eat. We've plenty more at home, I just packed some for a snack," the younger sister encouraged Kor to continue with the chickpeas. "I've got dates here as well, and there's some cheese, if you fancy that."

"Hilana cooks for multitudes. The kitchens are quite full of prepared goods, especially when she gets on a different recipe kick," Lia agreed with a smile of her own. "One friend who rarely ever takes food from her decided he liked her roasted chickpeas... so she made seven or eight different spice blends to try with them, and that meant we were all taste-testing," she teased her sister, but her smile was kind as Hilana crossed her eyes at her, grinning. She liked to cook, and she liked it when people enjoyed her food. In a place where resources could be scarce, it was a way of kindness and building relationships and bridges.

But Hilana exhaled, giving her fingers a wiggle to dispel and lingering tingles that were creeping up on her before resting her palms facing up on her knees, revealing the two very different Runes that were on each palm - a floral sun that seemed to be outlined in molten gold covered the palm of her right hand and on the left, there was a more silvery, stylized iris. The Rune on the left hand began to glow as Hilana threaded her aether through it, and she focused on the Wild Sphere out here in the great Expanse. Kor's presence had brought about a great many spirits, and perhaps as she opened the portal between the Sphere, there might be plenty more interested in the man's magnetic, enigmatic presence that they may be swarmed further.

Posted: **Wed Mar 26, 2025 1:31 pm**

P A R A G O N

“Too many places to count. Most recently the Republic of Cathena. Their climate is not too dissimilar from Atraxia.” At the invitation to enjoy more of the chickpeas he inclined his head in gratitude, helping himself to more of them happily.

“Such simple acts of kindness often make the greatest impact. The weary traveler in need of a hot meal and a warm shelter. The friend too tired to cook for themselves. The sick and injured in need of nourishment. The stranger looking to find new friends in a foreign land.” He smiled at the both of them before rising to his feet, gently dislodging several of the wildlife that had crept closer to him. He walked over to sit directly in front of Hilana as she adopted her meditative pose.

He watched her carefully as she opened herself up to the aether that flowed around them. There was a heavy presence of a great many spirits gathered in this area but none of them seemed interested in responding to Hilana’s call. Time passed and the unresponsive silence stretched on. After a while, Kor reached out, gently touching one of his hands to Hilana’s. It was large enough to completely engulf hers but his touch remained light and measured. Just enough to break her concentration.

“You are not one to normally sit still, are you?” There was a mirthful glint to his eyes and the slightest of smiles tugging at the corners of his mouth when he said this.

Posted: **Fri Mar 28, 2025 9:54 pm**

“Oh, Cathena. I’ve heard about it, they’re a regular trading partner with the merchants of Tertium. We’ve never been, though.” Hilana nodded. It was on her list of places to explore, there were just never enough hours in the day to do so. But Aurin was familiar, and apparently so too was Kor. Perhaps one day they would get to go and visit. The Vastiana had been interested in seeing it, considering the number of guests from there her father had hosted at the family estate in Tertium, but the opportunity had never come up. But sometimes… you had to make those opportunities happen yourself.

He was not wrong that it was the little acts that could have considerable influence - Hilana had found the same. Some of her best friends had been made that way; Finn, for example… had been found with sunstroke in the mastic grove that she was harvesting from. She had been raised with the nomadic principles of her maternal family, where survival of all was valued more highly than enriching one’s self and letting those around them suffer. The lone wolf died, but the pack survived, Asher always reminded them when she was growing up. The strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.

But she focused on her Rune of Summoning. She didn’t mind that no one in particular wanted to answer her call - she knew from talking to Sivan and Sviras that it would take time to build up a reputation and let the spirit world get used to her aetheric signature - in time, there might well be plenty of spirits eager to visit with her, but for now, she was a novice. Just like in Elementalism, it was about the conversation, the going back and forth. Some might not be keen to come so easily, and considering the concentration of spirits here, those that might be more solitary might have been discouraged from reaching out.

Even though he had taken a seat before her, Hilana had focused on the channeling to the wild sphere, staying focused on the Craft. Despite the lack of response and interest, the young woman didn’t seem to be put out by it. They may have been more interested in Kor, they may have just been too wild and not willing just yet. But for whatever reason, they just weren’t keen today. Perhaps it was better to have no takers than the wrong sort, too. But when Kor’s large hand touched hers, her skin tingled from the warmth of his palm and her eyes rose to his. They were as wide as they had been when the Vastii had first laid sight on the stranger, and her Wildness sang in her veins. Her nerves hummed and she could have sworn she felt sparks underneath her skin… “I’m really not, no,” she admitted. “Is it that obvious?” Hilana seemed to be amused by this - she had that self-awareness, at least, to know that she was a perpetually busy young woman that was frequently in motion. If she was still, it was because she needed to be for work or for lessons or for socializing. She was happiest when she was moving, and that was the next step of her meditation practice with Athalia. Perhaps that was what she needed to do here to catch their attention…

Posted: **Tue Apr 15, 2025 9:36 pm**

P A R A G O N

“Then don't.” Very gently, Koraellon pulled Hilana to her feet. He turned her in the circle of his arms, gently extending hers until he softly urged open the fingers of her left hand to run a thumb over the molten silver stylized iris that was her Rune of Summoning. As he did so, he leaned forward to speak softly into her ear.

“Spirits are drawn to those that shine brightest to them, those that call to them. Not with word, with action. So act. Those ancient rites in days of old? Ceremonies with believers singing in exultant praise? There is magic to be found in the movement of our lives.” Carefully, Kor began moving Hilana. He swayed and as he did so, he supported Hilana's weight, subtly urging her to follow his movement. He kept one hand very steadily on her waist. The other hand remained gently entwined with her rune-marked palm.

“If movement is what calls to you, move. Let yourself be moved to the rhythm of what is inside of you, and when you find the song that is music to your soul, listen to it. For that music will resonate with the spirit most drawn to you." He slid his thumb lightly over the rune on Hilana's palm once more, sparks of green and gold flowing from his fingers to wind around them. As they did so, the various pathways of aether in the world around them came into view. Streams of green and gold came into focus, rivers of life and power that as a Sembler, Hilana would know were ever present but merely invisible to the common person.

There was something different about them in that moment however. They glowed more vibrantly, flushed with power and brimming with life. The ghostly silhouette of various spirits began taking form, swirling around the rivers of power, glittering and transluscent.

"Sing and be sung to. Listen and be heard. Move and be moved." Kor continued moving and swaying with Hilana in a very light and easy motion. He brought them to a halt only when they were surrounded by a web of green and gold with dozens of spirits dancing around those currents of power.

“Now, Hilana--" He raised her palm and extended it outward slowly to the currents all around them. “—find your music.”

Legend of Ransera

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