A Change In Season

Log Info

• Title: A Change in Season
• Emitter: Cryosanthia
• Characters: Cryosanthia, Seyardu
• Place: A10: Temple of Daeus
• Time: Sunday, September 26, 2021, 2:20 PM
• Summary: Cryo is contemplating Aya's letter and her wish that she free herself and no longer feel constrained by Endless Winter. She should move to Spring. Appropriate as the season of new life might be, the whitescale does rather enjoy the cold and snow and isn't sure how well spring would fit her. Most of this goes unsaid, as she apologizes to Seyardu for teasing her regarding a different change. Lily, safely returned because of Aya's sacrifice, sleeps peacefully as the women chat. Cryo explains her desire for a nest, when she was a softscale there seemed like there would be endless seasons and opportunities and that it would make more sense to get established. Then, situations changed, and there is no good time for nesting. Life must be lived as it happens, she advises, there is no point where one is done with the problems and can concentrate on the pleasures. Problems will continually arise. She admits there are things she still hasn't told Seyardu, let alone her cihuaa, which can't be spoken of where she can be scryed. Seyardu attempts some healing, and explains how Cryo has helped her feel like she has a family and a connection to the People.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple of Daeus *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The temple of the Sun Lord glitters golden beneath the same. Rather than walls, the majority of the temple is composed of what appears at first blush to be a raised round platform made of one of the largest slabs of marble likely in existence. Columns rise into the air as if to hold some massive ceiling, though instead of a normal ceiling, one finds the deep blue sky, studded by a disconcertingly close canopy of bright stars. One should not worry, however, as the rain never falls, and the wind never blows on this particular temple, but for a gentle breeze, whatever the weather outside may be.

Despite the austerity of the columns, warmth suffuses the grounds. A grand, marble statue of the Shining Knight stands a the center, a hand outstretched in benediction. Beside Him, the statue of Althea, their hands clasped in love. The central position of the temple to the others gives view to all of their children, and the two look upon one another with the solemnity of love that has been the center of so many tales and legends.

Masterfully designed mana lamps provide further soft, golden lightning where needed, their pedestals carved in the form of the Dragons of Light, over which Daeus is said to have dominion in His form of Draco Solis. Majesty, justice, and welcome suffuse the temple grounds. Around the central temple are a series of smaller buildings, each with a simple function and form. One houses the sacred book depicting some of the earliest known translations of the Laws of Light, which pilgrims from near and far come to visit. Another houses the well-appointed quarters of the Sunguards, and among all the ground bristle the Sunblades.

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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Appearing, in Order  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Cryosanthia  7'2"     391 Lb     Dragon            Female    A sickly, white dragon with a crippled wing and tail.
Seyardu      5'6"     150 Lb     Sith-Makar        Female    A friendly silver sith-makar with a perpetual squint.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

Temple of Daeus Complex: Cryosanthia's recovery room.

A room that is a lot more cheerful. With Lily's return, unharmed and unaffected, spirits and the overall mood have raised. Concerns remain: Aya's fate, and Cryo's recovery. No further news regarding Lily's 'Aunty Nemesis' has reached the whitescale, and while she seems finally drained of mana this has come with a new complication. The dead areas on her tail and wing are spreading further up her body, shriveling more of her tail and part of her shoulder.

She's still got one good wing to cover her youngling with, so that's fine. Little Fang has been sleeping a lot, which is perhaps unintentional. She seems to be getting into Cryo's tea. At the moment, the whitescale is might be awake and the pinkscale isn't.

Seyardu had disappeared when Aryia had run off, and had not returned that night. But the next day she was back early to join the room, as another person to make sure was healthy meant more work. And of course, to make sure Cryosanthia did not over exert herself.

Seyardu returned to the room with some soup and roasted fish. it was set down on the bedside table, as she stopped to see if the small dragon was awake.

Cryosanthia rouses first with her nostrils, inhaling the scents of food and friend. Her eyes open, her voice is low and rumbly, "this one is awake. Little Fang sleeps. She was very talkative earlier."

"She remembers nothing. She is herself. We played."

She yawns, "Peace on your nest, Seyardu. Have you slept, did you find Aryia? What is the news outside the room?"

Seyardu was there, smelling relaxed and happy, whatever worry squashed for the time being. Though the seasonal scent remained as before.

"Peace on your nest, Cryosanthia, Lily." She greets, thumping her tail once against the floor quietly. "This is excellent news. This one is glad Lily is relaxed and happy."

"This one found Aryia. She is, struggling with what happened. This one was convinced to sleep at her inn, rather than returning to relieve Zeke. This one did not find Aya or Seldan afterwards."

"This one is too." Cryosanthia says, her voice soft, "this one... did not expect that of her. She has left me with a lot to think about. And what we must do."

She hugs her arm tighter against Lily, who makes a small squeak but remains asleep. "Did she share the letter?"

Her head raises, "This one is worried about Seldan now too. What happened when you last saw him? What was said?"

"Seldan, there was nothing said." Seyardu sighs. "This one ran into them at the fountain, when Aya appeared. They were likely drawn by the yelling."

"This one, did not wish to take chances with how Aya was acting. Not with the rumors of a fiend taking his appearance recently. This one... threatened him, and ran off, before he could speak, but heard reunion wondering what happened as I left."

She looks to the wing, and sighed. "The wing needs to be dealt with, but I have magic that may help until then. Aryia did share the letter. It spoke of how Aryia gave her the courage to face things she did not want to risk. How she was better for knowing them."

"The fiend does not have Reunion, so you threatened the Silverguard." Cryosanthia says, nodding slowly, "perhaps that should be the future test, to speak to Fallia or Kainen or one of his other ancestors in the blade."

"What was the yelling about?" She adjusts herself on the bed, "it sounds much like mine, then. A thanks and a farewell."

Her right talon-hand closes around two promises in the form of jewelry. "This one apologizes."

"This one was worried they did." Seyardu says, hanging her head and smelling saddened by the explanation. "But this one, was panicked. Aya did not explain what she was planning. Just, showed up yelling near the fountain. My name."

The silverscale sighs again, and glances to the hand, to the whitescales face. Her head tilts.

"What are you apologizing for, Cryosanthia?" She asks.

The whitescale sniffs the air, meaningfully, followed by a long look at the silverscale. "For teasing you about your season, in front of this one's clutch-mates."

"It comes longer and longer apart, the older you are. Years can pass between, and have for this one. She should not imagine her urgency onto you. A first nest is easier, when you are younger. It is expected. The community does not wonder."

She adjusts her hold on Little Fang, "It is easier to cope if there are problems. You are not entangled with things you can't escape. Stability does not come with more years."

"In any case, the males know and wait for the females to make the selection, or they can be oblivious too. If they are inexperienced enough." Cryo bobs her head, "This one should not have pushed her clutch-mates to the fore, even if they are wonderful. You may have other plans, or none, that this one should not interfere with."

Seyardu keeps her head tilted as Cryosanthia sniffs at the air. Then the explanation comes, and the embarrassment flares again. The silverscale sighs, and pulls a seat next to the bed.

"This one was wondering why you were being like that, Cryosanthia." She says slowly. "This one, is not used to it. None told this one about what to expect."

She shakes her head, looking about the room. "This one was worried being so close. The wishes that felt so forceful."

"This one, it is alright, Cryosanthia. This one has no plans at the moment. There is much else to do."

"It is fine. Softskins are in season all the time as this one understands, yet they manage it. With distraction or bawdy stories. Once you understand why the curiosity, it is easier to quell." Cryo says, sounding experienced on the topic.

"This one lost many seasons to Endless Winter. Expect stronger instincts, a desire for attention, male presences to be comfortable and desired."

She curls her neck, to gaze down at Little Fang, "this one's first foundling was a male human. His name was Menel. This one took him as her own in the Tower, I was so desperate, he was so much in need."

Her head lifts, "that is... not a common occurrence. A sign of great stress." She looks at Zeke's bed, "We had agreed we would not give her nestlings to experiment upon."

"It was a difficult stoicism."

"This is why you read the stories?" Seyardu asks, a brow raised slightly. She listens, and nods her head once. "This one, that sounds nice. Even if caused by such a need. Stress or not, it is a kindness. This one, always wished there was someone. A nest mother that never came."

She looks to Cryosanthia, and reaches to hold a hand.

"The embarrassment, it was due to not minding the teasing. Not minding the attention. This one desired the presence and attention, but a nest would be too much, with everything going on."

"Yes. Though this one finds them amusing out of season, this one has written a few." Cryosanthia smiles slightly, "The common features are amusing, the protagonist who does not know her own skill or beauty, the safe male who is uninteresting, the dangerous male she must tame. The inappropriate intimacies, the fanciful mechanics."

She waves a talon-hand around in the air, "It is culturally informative, and at times satisfying."

The whitescale exhales, "there are things going on this one has not told you, nor her cihuaa. This one has concluded, there is no good time for a nest, so she will have one now if it is possible."

"It may not matter, I may be consumed by my wing and tail. What I did in the Sea of Mana may have ruined me." She noses Lily, reassuring herself she is there, "I have hope again, with Little Fang."

"You have written them? This one has written a few books, but, nothing such as that." Seyardu asks, one brow raised again, with a hint of amusement. "You are a good speaker caste, so this one is not surprised by your understanding to do so."

Then, she squeezes the hand. "This one, if you do not wish to tell, will understand. But you will not be consumed, you will not be ruined. Lily is back. Things will be better."

She stands up, reaching into her vest beneath the armor to pull out the blood stained holy symbol. "This one will do what they can to delay the spread, until it can be treated. Every day, if need be. You are okay to receive magics now, yes?"

"Yes," The whitescale nods, "this one no longer feels the mana burning, does not glow, spells do not cause further pain."

Her scales have halted their consumption, still not clean and a clear white, but closer to it. Her highlight scales, the seeming cracks all across her body, no longer pulse with energy.

She squeezes Seyardu's hand in return, "Thanks."

Then, "Tell, about what? In the Sea I channeled it, like Merek, like Cesran. This is not an advised thing. This is very much an 'in emergency' and 'can't think of anything else', thing."

"This is good. When the wing and tail are fully healed, which this one expects, you will be fine. Your scales are even returning to their white. At least, I believe they are." Seyardu chuckles quietly. She closes her eyes, quietly chanting. "Celestial mother, by your power and my hands, stave the progression of this affliction on your child. Grant the guidance to aid, so she may share in her own nest." They chant quietly, before they place a hand on the withered wing, channeling energy into the limb, staving off the spread, hopefully.

"This one meant, what is going on you have not told." She explains.

Cryosanthia closes her eyes as the spell lands on her. The sensations in her wing increase, an unsettling itching, phantom pains that are all too real. Her breath catches, her claws tighten against the bed.

It feels almost as if the spell was sucked away, some resistance which turned into a draining once it was overcome.

"Ah! Ah. That did something." The whitescale exhales, and shakes her head slightly. "You have too much to worry about, too much you fight against already. This one will not add burdens."

"I cannot speak where I can be scryed in any case." Her attention goes to Zeke's bed, empty, he's at prayers once more, which is good. "This one must warn you, and her cihuaa, do not be like the Seer and throw yourself at everything. He is a good friend but... he unravels himself, believing he can save every one and every thing."

Seyardu was watching for a response, and keeping an eye for any reaction, should she need to pull the kobold away. But Cryosanthia relaxed, and so did the silverscale, with relief. And a bit more happiness.

"This one is glad to hear that, Cryosanthia. And this is excellent news." She says, thumping her tail against the ground once before she sat back down. "The magic, it should last for a day, but knowing that magic for treating diseases may help, we can do more."

She simmers on the words for a moment, and at the mention of scrying, she nods. "This one, understands that, better. This one needs time to relax, to be happy, just as much as they need to help. But, I would still do what I can, within reason."

"This one... may have to go on a trip. Soon." Cryosanthia says reluctantly, "A Speaker-Caste task, diplomatic. It should be only talking."

"This one will not leave Lily, is not sure it is safe to take her. This one will face that decision when it arrives."

"Relax, when you can. This one has found there is no time when things are over, it is necessary to live your life, not put things off. You will have more seasons, but not an endless number, remember that." The whitescale smiles, "Thank you for the spell. It is appreciated."

"You will go on a trip soon?" Seyardu asks, immediately sitting up a bit straighter. "This one wishes you the blessing I can offer for such business. Whatever your decision will be, this one knows it will be made with great care."

At the reaffirmation of the importance, Seyardu smiles slightly as well, her tail thumping once against the ground. "This one, yes, needs to relax more, and live." She agrees. Then she pauses to tilt her head, yet again. "This one, does not scent anything off of you. Yet, when you were with Zeke, you were still teasing him."

"We are cihuaa. We have had intimate opportunities, they have been taken." Cryosanthia says, in a matter of fact way, although there are some scents of embarrassment. "This one, was hopeful."

"This one is not sure how her current 'costume' has affected things." She admits, "I had stuff, I was wearing clothes. I'm not sure where they went."

"Some of the magic still seems in effect, I can stick to walls, some doesn't." She shrugs a little, "I have no idea what it means, and this one has always teased Zeke. It is a thing we do."

Seyardu chuffs once, nodding to Cryosanthia. "This one feels they may understand somewhat. This one thinks when you are recovered, there will be more. This one admires your confidence, Cryosanthia."

The silverscale ponders for a moment, thinking, and looking over her friend. "This one does not know, but other than the wings, you seem in good health. Perhaps something with the transformation, or perhaps gone from it. You can, stick to walls?" She notes curiously.

She sighs after. "This one was, not sure. Even if it was teasing, it was kind of you to look out for this one as you did, in some way. This one, was surprised you would suggest Vath or Rocky as you did."

"This one does not see weakness in lost limbs, or having died. They are great difficulties to overcome. Those that have, are stronger for it." Cryosanthia says, firm and confidently, "Zeke is so handsome, his inner strength manifests in the treasures that are his arm and leg. This one saw it, all those years ago. Salina did not break him, she injured me because she knew that would hurt him most."

"Vath, and Rocky, this one knows just as well. We grew up together, we were the golden clutch. It... feels like this one's youngling days when they are around." Cryo faces Seyardu, "this one knows you did not know peace as a youngling, wished they might bring it to you."

Then, very carefully she rises away from Lily and puts her feet on the nearby wall, and stands horizontal on it, "this one has magic leg bindings, to help me leap and levitate. The magic still functions though they have vanished... to somewhere. This one has meant to ask Mikilos about it."

"This one does not, either." Seyardu nods slowly, smiling again. "They are just, aspects of life. And it would be poor taste to judge, regardless."

"It is good to see how they make you happy, how Lily does. This one cares, and to see you hurt so, hurt myself as well. Yet also, it made this one realize, how lonely they have been. When you were gone, there were so few this one was comfortable to talk to. This one can, understand your intentions, and thanks you, for trying to help this one find more comfort and peace."

She did sound happy, and she leans a bit to watch, scooping the slumbering kobold off the bed, just in case.

"This one, knew a few shaman back in Mictlan. Druids, and some had magical artifacts that would meld into their form when they shifted into beasts. Perhaps it is similar?"

"Yes. This one has been meaning to speak to Un'eth. She has told this one remarkable things." Cryo says, demonstrating her levitation boots by stepping into the air and then slowly sinking down to the bed. She minds her feet when she lands. "It's safe to put Little Fang back. This one will not roll or step on her."

She'd likely break something before allowing that to happen.

"Thank you for your presence, Seyardu. This one has missed the company of the People. I..." she glances at Zeke, "we have been away so long. He spoke of Seldan, and how he does not trust. They are kin, alike in mind. You have been unexpectedly kind, and a comfort. It is appreciated."

"Of course, Cryosanthia. This one just wished to be careful, as I still do not know the entirety of your magics." Seyardu replies with a light smile as she gives the slumbering child a hug before setting her back down next to the whitescale on the bed. The comment brings the smile wider, and she thumps her tail once against the ground. She reaches into her satchel to pull out a small bag that is set down on the nearby table, smelling of strawberries. "This one, when this one was lost, confused, and lonely, you brought comfort, and reassurance. This one would return the favor." She says with a puff of air. "Your presence has meant much."

"This one is coming to appreciate her role." Cryo says, settling and holding Lily protectively. Her thoughts going back to her battle with herself. Her instinctive move when Merek attacked her.

"Aya is correct, as are you. This one is not a softscale afraid of mages and shadows. This one is not inexperienced, this one is not alone, and this one is not responsible for everything that has gone wrong."

"This one has needed everyone she knows, and not appreciated what she does for others. This one did not think my actions of consequence, most times, but see that they are."

She looks at Seyardu, "Thank you for those words, for letting me help you. This one will be there."

"This, this is true. This one has seen it, but should have known you needed to see it, as well. Thank you, for letting this one help you, as well." Seyardu nods. "This one, looks up to you. Your confidence, your presence, all the wisdom and knowledge you have shared about these lands. And, when you called me a friend, at the river, this one did not believe it addressed to myself, at first. Realizing it, has meant so much."

It was hard for her to say. There was sadness and worry, there. But also happiness. "This one was so worried, at the Tarrace. That they may have lost you. It was terrifying, after losing so many."

"This one was not at her best." Cryosanthia says, turning her head away. She stares at the wall, "This one has asked much of Braelnoir."

"She should be informed regarding Lily. Faran also. This one wants to see them."

She scratches at the bed, smiling wanely, "this one enjoys sharing information. That was no burden."

"This one is still understanding, there are friends and there are fellow adventurers, and some persons are both, but not all are." She looks over at Seyardu, "This one has risked her life with Baz, but he does not know this one. He asked if Lily was my lunch, and this one did not know he had daughters."

"So you are a friend, even if we have not adventured together. There are truths that come out in that but they can and have been shared outside the tasks."

"If you wish to speak to her, then this one is sure that Braelnoir would hear from you. This one can let her know to seek you out, otherwise." The silverscale suggests. "And Faran, if this one sees her around, she will let you know."

The silver tail swishes once behind her, and a second time. They spend a moment with the breastplate they were wearing, undoing straps until it could be removed and stowed in the satchel at her side. So she could lean into the bed, and offer a hug.

"This one is, pleased to call you their friend, Cryosanthia. This one has so few, but it would be difficult to ask for ones such as yourself and Aryia." They speak, slowly, the joy creeping even more into scent.

Cryo embraces Seyardu, carefully. She's gotten more used to her own strength, but her scales are still like armour and are coming off less and less these days. She breathes in the joyful scents. Her own are similar, accented like a dragon's. The room smells very lizardly, which is a comfort for the lizards there-in.