Purrs of the Kitten Goddess

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October 20, 2003

Going Home to Norlondar

The night is a deep one, the stars taking the night off to regenerate leaving the sky a dark inky hue. The glow of the torches only works to make the already ever-present shadows appear even more ominous. There is a charge in the air; somewhere someone is working with some strong arcana and it permeates the air with intensity. The sounds coming from the tavern are happy sounds, people drinking and debating and enjoying each other's company. A few members of The Den sit outside the tavern in the shadows, waiting for the right inebriated patron to stagger out of the bar and into their waiting hands. A figure walks by; slow and confident, face hidden away under a hood. Long shapely legs betray the figure is a female one, causing The Den members to stop their planning and look over with interest. As one starts to move from the shadow to approach and perhaps accost the stranger, the figure turns and stars deep into the shadows, finding her mark in seconds and conveying to him a powerful message. Recognition sets in amongst the others and the figure is left in peace to her business.

A flutter of wings and from the sky comes a golden-brown hawk, landing flawlessly upon the figure's shoulder, squawking a few notes. Chuckling in response, the figure pulls the hood from over her head and takes a deep breath of the crisp night air. "I know, Rutger. Good to know the Den of Iniquity remains solid in its commitment to defile every stranger it sees and yes, a bit of appreciative whistling at the state of my legs does indeed boost my ego, what of it?" Bantering back in forth in human-speak and hawk-squawk, the figure passes through the western gate of Norlondar and heads towards the Sacred Caves.

"It's been far too long, hawk. I've turned my back for too long on the goings-on in Kjeldoran and it's time to open my eyes. Damn Darkstar and his foolish notions, what in the name of Morakai himself was he thinking when he attempted to use Norlondarian Magicks to restore the life of a common whore? Chaos has become the strongest force in the lands and those who should be fighting have instead turned into fatcats admiring their attire or strength while reclining in the bar or their halls. Loyalties are betrayed for a price and those who control the light are losing the battle badly."

As the caves come into sight, there appear from the shadows two Tabernacle high priests. Warm hugs are exchanged and even the hawk seems pleased to see these two. "Nikola, Mandolus, how good it is to see you both! And I thank you for bringing my robes and trinkets, I might have to spend more time in the caves than I intended and I'll need all I have. Come, let us sit by the fire pit for a few moments and you can tell me what the Lore Trackers have uncovered and what I have missed." Nodding in agreement, the priests follow the Kitten Goddess to the fire pit, bringing her up to date on all the actions of the Tabernacle, Dominion contracts fulfilled and the murmurings of the commoners about the events in Kjeldoran.

"Just as I feared, word has spread as far as Rystia of the troubles in Kjeldoran. And I suppose there is much whispering about Darkstar's little soiree this weekend. No, I won't interfere, I'll watch from a distance and if need be, the strength of Morakai will be felt. I won't stop him, let the Den take Alfred for a few days to make my point, that will do." Looking into the mouth of the cave, she feels an involuntary shiver run from her toes to her head. "You would think by now I wouldn't feel the apprehension entering into His caves yet I do. He trusted me with the fate of the lands, I'm not succeeding as I should be and I know he's aware of this." Nods of agreement and a moment of silence betray the gravity of the situation and the tenuous position she finds herself in.

"What was that, Nikola? I intend to cast the runes and gain a clearer perspective of what's really afoot in Kjeldoran. I intend to cast the circle and perform the 11th Rite...." Now it was the priest's turn to shiver, he had suspected she was planning the 11th Rite but until he actually heard her say it, he held hope. "I know what you're thinking, my friend. It's been a long long time since the 11th Rite was performed and if I saw another way I would take it but there is no other way, it's that bad there."

Not giving the doubting priest any more time to worry, she rises and takes the shoulder bags full of what she will need to perform one of the most sacred, powerful and potentially destructive rituals in Morakaiian Arcana. If done correctly, the ritual would provide to her all the answers on what to do with Kjeldoran and the problems. If even the slightest detail is off, the possibility for a lasting state of dementia is a strong one. To a Witch of Morakai, not having complete control over your own mind is akin to not being alive. Dementia is a death sentence for a Witch of Morakai.

"Let me waste no more of your or my time. I could easily sit here by the fire pit all night and listen to your words of wisdom but the fate of Kjeldoran and its citizens is something that must be resolved. I don't intend to go insane, I intend to do all as it is meant to be and emerge with some answers. Dominion will be watching the caves, I won't be disturbed. Come, Rutger. The time is upon us." A kiss on the forehead of both priests and she walks slowly into the Sacred Caves of Morakai, followed by the hawk. Her determination filling her aura as the darkness of the caves seems to consume her and she is no longer in the eye range of the priests. Nodding to the Dominion members they knew were watching, the priests say a few prayers and scatter some herbs before the cave entrance. Making the sign of the Tabernacle, they chant softly for the Favourite Daughter of Norlondar and wish her strength and clarity and a smooth time with the 11th Rite. Together they turn and walk away from the caves, sombre and ready to return to the Tabernacle and report the events to the Lore Trackers. Whether the outcome be good or bad, it will nonetheless alter the shape of the lands and must be recorded.

The night is a deep one, the stars taking the night off to regenerate leaving the sky a dark inky hue. Strange sounds are heard in the thick darkness, Dominion signals to make their presence known. Inside the Sacred Caves, the Kitten Goddess prepares to dive head first into the strongest of Morakai's magicks to seek answers and strength. The situation in Kjeldoran has prompted this, its gravity finally hitting her like a sledgehammer. Back outside the Caves, a Dominion Seneschal snaps to attention, blade appearing as though an extension of his hand, only to realise what he hears is chanting in the Olde tongue of Norlondar.

It has begun.

Posted by Strega at October 20, 2003 05:58 AM

Comments

Posted by: Kaiko at October 19, 2003 12:59 AM

Posted by: Crimson at November 19, 2003 07:28 PM