Saber Lily

Oh I actually have an entire plotline for Eclaire planned up north A MAN MUST BE PREPARED.

Sounds like a sequel!

Yeah. Honestly that's the best bet and where behind the scenes it'll all happen. But really, the basic idea of food and how we won't deplete the Overworld and cause famine due to 5 million people relocated there at once is one that's hard to figure out.

noms cupcake Thanks, Elrandir. As for Thetis...well, it'd be fun! Which shore would she be near, east or west?

The Order - City of Hunter Most of the Icarian people hadn't slept in days. Having taken in as many refugees as possible, many a park and church was full, homes filled with those needed shelter and succor. Healers had been flown in from the Four Angel Cities to assist, with the Dominion leading the charge, led by Dominus Hozinel. The Ithurians alighted and stalked down the street, each carrying on their shoulders deer and game, taking it to the slaughterhouse. They had hunted near and far, being careful to not deplete the wild game nor the farms. Many people would need food, and frantic hunting and slaughtering would only deplete it in a time of crisis. Around the Table sat the Convocation...or what was able. With one dead and the other mourning, Raz, Shar'aia, and Jeremy sat with Xion, who had been inducted following the Demise of the World Below. "We will be good for a while." Shar leaned forward. "I am directing my Valkyries north, to hunt the caribou along the border." Xion lazily raised a hand. "My lieutenants have gone towards the seas, to parley with the Merfolk for fish. If we can form a trade route, we can focus on feeding with that and lighten our hunting parties. The Overworld will have need of the deer and game." "True, Xion." Raz meshed his fingers before him, leaning on his elbows. the Demise weighed heavily on the Archangel, for he had been unable to save as many as he believed. Shar could see it in his eyes, clear as the sun did shine. "We must focus on the now, Prince." She sternly said to her liege. "We have thousands upon this rock, and millions across this world. We must talk with the Regent and further coordinate." "I don't like him." Jeremy finally spoke. "His eyes do not shine as Jynn's own. There is a dullness I see. I see him only as a leader...not as a King." Jeremy stood. "I shall head to Kilkis Sees, and find audience with the Prince. And yes. I will inquire about Eclaire." The Icarus turned, ruffling his wings loose. "Raz. Watch over my city." And he was away, leaving Raz to sigh. "He of course is our superior diplomat-" "Prince Ask'raziel!" Through the door came forth an Icarian, wild and panting. "Part of your Guard has traded words with the humans! The crowd is growing angry and desperate!" Outside Raz alighted down upon the street. A crowd of humans roared anger at a unit of Archangels, whom had one underfoot. "YOU SCUM. YOU MURDERED MY SISTER WHENCE THE BARRIER WAS ERECTED! I HAVE BUT A MIND TO TAKE VENGEANCE!" His sword raised high, eyes aflame. The crowd suddenly panciked, as the Archangel began chanting. "Enough." Raz spoke firmly, clearly, and without remorse. He strode forward as the crowd parted in fear. His station, his authority was clear. "In times of antiquity, did we not serve as stalwart protectors, sentinels against the night? When man and mer were not separate by barrier or by heart, did we angels not choose to be noble? Now today, what are we? We isolate, we wage a war based on ancestral sin. Not sin of the now but of the far dlung past. Before the barrier, before Alexander, before the first Eidolon walked." Now before his guard, he lashed out, grabbing the leader and hauling him off the human. "WE WERE GUARDIANS. We stood as beacons of light! Now what are we? We stared so long at an abyss we wished vanquished we created a disease! We have held hatred for so long the sin breeds in ourselves! How dare you call yourself Archangels and act as such!" He threw the man aside with little effort. "we were meant to protect. To guide. We were once guardians." He knelt, and extended a hand to the human. "Let us return whence we came from. The Light of mercy, compassion. Forgiveness. The light many do not wish to return to...for is vengeance not easier to feed and grow then love?" The man looked up fearfully. Raz did not falter. "We chose to fly at Yevgeni's call. We saved scores of humans, despite your hatred. When time came you chose to be what our Creator deigned. If you truly wanted to hold onto such hate...then why did you take wing?" Icarian guards soon arrived, dispelling the crowd. Raz dismissed his guards at once, as Shar and Xion approached. The man had taken his hand, and was being tended to. "Hatred has festered for time unknown. A single speech will not placate." Raz turned to face his friends. "Hatred will only breed more hatred. To vanquished such a for, one must cultivate and feed the love in ones heart. A single speech needs not slay the beast, but plant the seed of compassion, mercy, and forgiveness." "You're and idealistic son of a bitch." Xion said, crossing her arms. "But. Doesn't mean you're wrong." She turned away. "I have things to do. Tell me if Eclaire is located." RHAEDYN THANE, MAN IF IRON To Mikhail, Earlier: "I accept." Now: Thane had disappeared. To hunt, one must blend. A massive metal man did not blend. As such, he faded away with only a message for Mikhail. I will be watching.

Eclaire: Anguish. She was displaced but can now return home, while the refugees cannot. Utterly heartbroken, she wants to do all she can for those who survived...as much as she can. The Order: They would have assisted in the evacuation. Saving people is what they do. The impact of it would hit extremely hard, and all of them would be frantically trying to settle and help the refugees...though during that they would be worried about their own people revolting amidst anti-human sentiment, thanks to Alderon. This includes all my Angels and Xion. Hi I'm a terrible person. I've already PMd Mystics, but I'd like to apologize to everyone else as well. I...I finally admit to myself I had hyperfocus issues, and it causes me to neglect many things. I promise I will do better and post a lot more. I'll be posting shortly after this, once I get a good stopping point at work, and another once Mystics replies. I'm sorry again. I'll do better. I promise.

SENDING FREEDOM HUGS

peeks in. posts. runs away.

Rhaedyn Thane - With Mikhail The man merely had followed. There was a time to talk, but this...this was a time to follow. Jeremy of Hunter - Accidentally fell asleep Waking up, he realize he passed out a bit. Yawning, he got up and winged his way to Kilkis Seres, staggering a bit before landing in the camp. He sauntered up to Jyn and company. "It's ok to wake me up." he yawned. "Preferably not with pain or cold water. A few pokes works." Eclaire Oathkeeper - Above the Castle The woman who took upon herself the name Oathkeeper, who wielded the silver sword she named after her fallen love, now circled amongst the clouds. She both knew she had to go down, but she was now a bit apprehensive. She...really should have asked Jyn before taking the sword...the spear.......aaaand now she just had to get it over with. Taking a breath, she tucked her wings in and entered a controlled dive, before flaring out and gliding over the camp. "Where is he..." She mused, looking around, tail wrapped around a leg since it was...weird. "...why a tail Mother. The ears I could survive, but a tail?."

"Hey Sabre, why did you randomly magic Eclaire into a catgirl?" Because in FFXIV I made Eclaire a Miqo'te and now I can use her to model outfits. I'm smart. https://i.imgur.com/QqqV3HBh.png Here is new best girl. Now with 100% less faceclaim!

-Rhaedyn Thane, with Mikhail- Soon enough, the forest edge was upon the duo. "This way." He spoke, striding deeper. "Deeper still we must go. I can feel the weight of such hatred already...how vile our assassin must be." -Jeremy, with Jynn- He stopped, then turned and headed back, shrugging. Staying quiet and leaning against the wall, he just listened to Typhon and Jynn's conversation. As Jynn went inside, Jeremy followed. "...I'll stick around, I guess." He shrugged. "Can't let you get hurt. Bad for alliances." his mouth quirked a bit, and he leaned against the wall. He liked leaning against walls, it was an alternative to sitting when he didn't feel like it. "And bad for the world in general." -Eclaire Oathkeeper, Shiva's Former House- She groaned and sat up. The Rite of Naming had sucked from her magic power, and now she got up. rubbing her face with the back of her hands, she looked for something to wipe away the blood...before looking down at them. They were clean...healed. Not even a scar. But no Rite had ever ended as such. Confused, she flicked her ears...wait. Wait. Her hands shot to her head. Perched atop them were. two cat ears. She groaned and dispelled her Lionness' Roar regalia, slumping. She looked like a cat girl. How si...si... "...What the frakk." She screeched, hands back to her head. The ears were still there! The tail! Why were they still there! "I see they've been a bit mean." Eclaire was up in a flash, her silver sword leveled at the door. Silhouetted by the waning light, was Takao. She relaxed, sword loosely held at her side, tilting her head. "A-Aunt Takao? Wh...how did you find me? And what do you mean, they?" She frowned, looking upon the small Succubus with confusion. Takao took a few steps inside, looking around. She seemed unperturbed. "When Xion and I fled Luxuria, I was gravely wounded by a small faction who sought our deaths. These fanatics wanted to slaughter anyone with Consumption...and we were infected." She looked at Eclaire. "While I survived, the damage was done. Consumption found a great foothold, and I was being consumed by the virus itself. When we arrived at the temple, I was slowly dying. I kept this from Xion...because I couldn't see her cry. But we didn't end up there by mistake...we were led." She smiled. "I became a Conduit. I would channel the Goddess of Light so she may interact in what limited fashion I could...but mostly, because she was worried...you see, she didn't start as a Goddess. She ascended due to her deeds and great love for all, and was a beacon of light within the encroaching dark. And as I withered, she gave me time. I got to spend it with Xion, a little longer...but away from the temple, I began to die once more. But it's ok, Eclaire. Don't." She took a step back as the girl nearly rushed forwards. "You see, I wanted to come here. I have a little light left, to give my patron the one thing she desperately wanted. I know Xion will be mad...but one day she can have her revenge...for now, Eclaire..." She closed her eyes. "...she wishes to speak." Engulfed in a tornado of golden feathers, where the small Takao once stood, was now a tall girl of maybe nineteen, with slightly tanned skin and a mane of golden hair that flowed with the energy that emanated from her. Two golden angel wings slowly came out as she moved closer, hugging Eclaire, arms, wings, everything. "It's been so long, Clary..." "M...mom?" She whispered. "Y...you're here?" The goddess nodded. "I barely can connect to this world, dear. But Takao let me use her. I....it will consume her body, but she would rather go out in a warm light then be consumed. She deserved so much more time...now Clary...oh Clary...I watched your journey for so long...I watched as you struggled, and stumbled...but I always knew you'd find your light. I only wish I could have saved her." She looked...sad. "Clary...know, that I am proud...I love you...and that you have become a wonderful woman." She kissed Eclaire's forehead. "Mom...don't go...?" She asked, burying her face in the god's shoulder. "We can be a family again...I...I've just wanted those days to return..." "Shh..." She gently stroked Eclaire's hair. "We can't change the past. Nor can I stay. All I can offer is my love, and my support." She gently petted Eclaire's new ears. "...and, well...I sort of lied. Altriana disagreed, unlike Izanami...but I decided that, well..." She giggled. "I did want a cat of sorts - joking! Joking!" Tightening her hug, she leaned in closer. "I give you a new beginning, Clary. A new day. The strength to move fast, the balance to never lose to yourself in either blood. Is that not why you sought the Lionness' Roar?" "Y-Yeah..." The goddess pulled away, looking her over. "I have to go...please...tell Xion, that I miss her...and uh, tell her Takao is sorry." She looked sad. "I couldn't save her...but none of us could. Now go, Eclaire Oathkeeper. You have promises to keep, and a sword to uplift. And remember...even after the darkest of night?" "...dawn still comes." With one last smile, the goddess shattered into shards of light, leaving Eclaire alone once more. She slowly stepped outside, to find Reborn, Takao's sword, stabbed before the doorway. But it was not named Reborn any longer...no, the script on it's side bore the true name of the unleashed blade. "Lightbringer...a fitting name...mom." She took it up, and stored it in her magic armory. Sheathing Shiva, she began to walk. Ambrosia Forest, Pond She came upon a pond, smooth as glass. The light twinkled on it, and she knelt down. Her eyes were red, for she had barely stopped crying. She looked at her reflection...then slid the knife out again. Holding her hair tight, she sheared off great lengths of it, letting her pink hair to fall and ripple the pond. Iroh'ku had taught her that in his culture, the cutting of one's hair could mean many things...but the most important, was it symbolizing a new beginning. As she brushed her hair away, she stood up. "...I am no longer just Eclaire." She whispered. "...some say they aren't that scared little girl...but no...I am." She looked up. "I'll always be the scared girl who wandered for so long...but now...I won't let that fear control me...I won't keep running. Because I have things to protect now...right...Mom?" Smiling up at the waning sun, she turned and headed out of the forest, the wind blowing past her. A new day would soon be dawning, and she had a promise to keep. Extending her wings, she took flight. She felt...lighter. Much lighter. Even with the weight of the war and the sorrow of Shiva's death, and now Takao's passing...she could feel the weight of her past...gone. She flapped and gained altitude. She would mourn Shiva, and Takao, soon. But people needed her, and she, them.

I merely don't have much to do, and jave waited for everyone to arrive at school. Go ahead and use my chars. I'm sure you can figure out where theyd lean towards, I'm pretty predictable

^_^ Did you like my music choice, once you...finally...got there?

I'm going to double-post, because I just spent, I kid you not, maybe 3-4 hours writing that entire damn post, setting this straight, fleshing stuff out, ensuring my references are not terrible, naming swords, naming teachers, naming noble phantasms special attacks I probably will never use but it's nice, and spending my time ensuring the flow of the post matches the music when appropriate. God have mercy why did I say "i'm doing this" "Sabre why did you do all of this." "RULE OF COOL MY DUDES. RULE. OF. COOL."

-Rhaedyn Thane, with Geralt Mikhail, the Witcher- "Let us go then, Witcher. Enough time has passed. Justice shall be delivered." The man turned and headed for the exit, cape swishing in a way that was way too cool to just be done naturally. -Jeremy of Hunter, with Jyn- "..." he glanced around. "Damn, that actually worked. Found you." he looked utterly pleased. "Okay so, man to man. Week's been crap. But right now, some guy named Yevgarry...no...Yevgreg...Yengaruda...Yev-Something-With-A-G has called himself Acting Regent, he's already marshalling, yada yada. Because you're here." Jeremy paused. "I get it...I know. I lost my mother a long time ago. The pain will never go away. I'm not going to sugar coat and force feed you such crap. That wound won't heal, Jynn. But I want to let you know something. I'm here, the Order and the angels? Why do you think we're here?" He smiled a bit. "We saw the sides...we heard the messages. Most stood aside...but we chose a side. Because we saw Shiva. We saw a queen who wanted her people safe. Who put everything she had, worrying about those who trusted her. We saw a ruler who put her people before herself. She made mistakes, yes. But do you think she died for nothing? She died believing in a few things. Kilkis Seres...and you." He patted his shoulder. "You need time to grieve. But you have to decide something, Heir to the Throne: is the time to grieve now, while your Kingdom is at war...or should you put aside your feelings and, briefly, be the King your mother would have wanted. I know what it's like, leading. I lead my people, a people destined to fail at everything. And we have flourished. So, Jynn." He turned away. "Don't be consumed by grief. Remember the good, don't fear failure. And always remember...your mother loved you. So don't let her down by hiding away for too long, and letting Yevgerry take over." He began heading away. "And before you ask, I did my utmost to not find you." he waved over his shoulder. "Work with what you go." -Eclaire- Eclaire followed Fiona through the castle. The mood had been as somber as the day Raiden had returned the fallen queen to her domain, and currently her body rested in her mausoleum, awaiting the final ceremony...but she would be less a single article of burial that had been left at her side. The sword, some calling it Sapphique due to the brilliant sapphire in the hilt, others calling it Silverlight by the sheen, but known by most as the rumored Dragonbane, the Sword that Slays Dragons with a single touch. To Eclaire, though, it had always been Shiva's sword. And now, as they approached the guards, Eclaire turned to Fiona. "Please go and send messages to Shar'aia of Mare Luxerion, residing upon the Wandering City of Hunter, and my Mother, Xion Izanami, Regent of Mare Luxuria, also in Hunter." "What do you wish to convey?" Eclaire looked away. "Dearest friend, dearest Mother. I, Eclaire, Bloodline of the Queen of Valkyries and Queen of Succubi, request at once a Sphere of Altriana, and a Sphere of Izanami." Fiona looked confused. "What are they...?" "...within the Valkyrie and Succubi cultures, we do not name swords as callously as humans. You may inscribe the name Backbiter, name it after legendary blades such as Sol Katti, Raijinto, Widow's Wail...but for us, we have a ritual. We consecrate the name of a blade so it may be such legend. These spheres I ask for, are imbued with essence of the First Valkyrie, and First Succubi. They are passed down, and through them we ask the Firsts for their blessing. Some say it is but a ritual, and there is but light. Others have claimed Altriana stood before them, and handed them their sword. Succubi have sworn Izanami herself kissed them, feeding them essence for their blade." She turned to the guards. "I care not what story is trues. But I am done running. I am done fearing...and for what I wish to do, I shall accept both halves of myself. The Valkyrie who wishes to protect...and the Succubus, who wishes to consume." Fiona bowed. "As you wish." She said, before hurrying off to send messenger owls. For Eclaire, she stepped forward. "Stand aside. I, Eclaire, Retainer of Shiva, demand entrance." Her voice was clear, crisp, and not a waver. No...her fear would return, but not now. She stood straight and tall, her eyes piercing the guards. They took her in, then turned to face each other, and entered an At Ease state. "Yes, My Lady!" They spoke in unison. Their spears glowed, and the mausoluem opened. Eclaire bowed to them. "Thank you." She said, and stepped inside. Light filtered in through a single stained window, all colors playing across the room. Awaiting her final ceremony was Shiva. The sheet covering her hid the greivous wounds, and clasped over her chest in her hands was what Eclaire came for. Still sheathed, Eclaire walked forward, and stood over the body of the woman she loved. Her heart beat painfully, her eyes grew tearful...then she saw the Lance of Eidolith, and took it up did she, storing it within her Magic Armor. Eclaire then knelt before her Queen's body, and bowed her head. "I swear upon thy sword, I will see your legacy uplifted, your life avenged...but above all, on thy silver sword, Queen of Kilkis Seres, I swear to protect Jynn with my life. I, Eclaire, who holds no name, who holds but one title - Retainer of the Queen - swear upon all I am." She took in a breath, and stood. She gently removed the silver sword of Shiva from it's resting place, and placed it on her back. It would not be held within her Magical Armory. It would remain out, for all to see. And...she then leaned down, and kissed Shiva's cold forehead. "...I am sorry...I wish...I wish, I could have told you my feelings in person...not in spirit." She straightened up, then bowed. "I will never fail you." She turned away from the body and stepped out. "Thank you." The guards merely nodded, sealing Shiva away once more as Eclaire left them, heading once more up the gilded stairs, where she would find Fiona waiting outside her room. "The owls are sent." She curtsied. "What shall I -" Fiona was cut off as Eclaire took her in her arms and began kissing her. Fiona's eyes wide, she panicked briefly before feeling tired...so tired... Eclaire carried her inside, and laid her down. "That will be all, Fiona." Shes said softly. "I am sorry for being so greedy and rude...but time is of the essence." She knelt, and bowed her head. "You are the only person in this castle I can call friend. I pray that you rest, and forgive me for my rudeness." "I...idiot." Fiona managed to say. "J...just....ask..." "..." Eclaire merely chuckled. "You are sworn to my service...but not as food. You are a maid, but also a friend. I won't take life from you so callously -" and Fiona passed out. Eclaire sighed. Bit too much...took a few minutes for sure. She gently brushed her hand against Fiona's forehead, then closed the door behind her, before leaving the Castle once more. The Floating City of Hunter Eclaire alighted down upon the cracked flagstones of the Wandering City. Before her stood Shar'aia, Fensalir on her back, and Xion, who looked as if she should be freezing but did not even flinch. Eclaire knelt before them both, a child of two worlds. "Regent of Luxerion, Regent of Luxuria. I come requesting a Sphere of both Kingdoms. I am not Valkyrie, nor Succubus, but both. I wish to name my blade under the eyes of Altriana and Izanami." Shar'aia opened her mouth, about to speak...but Xion cut her off with a single action - by extending a small chest adorned with Succubi Script. "Take it, Eclaire, Heir of Izanami." She said. "I offer it without question nor apprehension, I offer it not as Regent but as your mother. I will never be able to earn forgiveness for what I did to you, Eclaire. But I can try." She looked away, her eyes filled with shame, her body limp...but Shar'aia stepped forward and rested a hand on her shoulder, and offered an identical chest, this one with Valkyric Script. She smiled. "Take it, Eclaire. And know, that no matter what home you find yourself in - the Mares of Light and Lust will forever have a place for you." She gently pushed Xion forward, who again looked at her daughter...and then hugged her. "...I...am so proud." She whispered. "You did not give up...you kept going...and now, you're the woman I always wanted to be." She didn't let go. "...I love you, Clary. You will forever be my Light." Eclaire felt her eyes welling with tears. Her arms encircled Xion, holding her tightly. "You made mistakes...but we are not infallible...none of us are." She whispered. "Just knowing how much you love me...just knowing how much..." She squeezed her. "I forgive you, mother." Eclaire gently pulled away, and her wings flared to existence. On her right, the white-gold wing of a Valkyrie...and to her left, the purple-black dragon wing of a Succubus. She looked at the two, and bowed a single time. "Until the dawn rises." "Until the dawn rises." Shar'aia said with a smile. "Go. And remember...no one's been as crazy as you, so uh...no telling if you'll hallucinate like others or just lose your mind. Good luck!" And so, Eclaire took to the skies, and banked, heading once more, for the Ambrosia Forest. Shiva's Home, Ambrosia Forest The door creaked open before Eclaire, illuminating the dark interior. It seemed eons ago that she had come forth to this place for refuge, to live out a meager existence and die quietly, fearful of dying yet fearful of life...but now, as she once more entered this quiet home, did Eclaire see life in a new way. Pushing anything out of her way, she created a massive open area in the middle of the floor. She could remember exactly where she stood within the room...where Shiva was. And now, with steele in hand, she began inscribing the first of the Circles needed for the ceremony...and as she inscribed it, she did not merely use Succubi Script, nor Valkyric script. Eclaire intertwined the twin languages, creating circles that were a marriage of both bloods...and as she began with the first central symbol, her mind wandered. She guessed she was around two thousand years old... Flashback: Jian Dao The Circle was almost done. But for every blade, there must be emotion. What emotions drove her to name this ancient sword, who may or may not be named? "...Conviction." She wrote this down, then sat back on her heels. She would name this sword, and wield it, with conviction. Crawling, she approached the next spot, connecting the circle to the next spot with a line...and so she began the Second Circle in her Naming Ritual. Flashback: Zifus Merlain Done. The second circle. She looked upon it...and wrote the answer for the question Zifus Merlain had given her in his final moments. She grimaced, sitting back on her ankles. Her back hurt. breathing, she switched her clothes to the lighter Lioness' Roar, as she thought of it. They were cooler, thankfully, though she wondered why it always gave her those cat ears. Shaking her head of the weirdness of magic clothing, she drew a new line to the third and final outer circle, and began once more inscribing in both languages. Flashback: Iroh'ku The outer circle was complete...and in it she wrote the final answer. She had to pause...the memories of each of the three teachers, the three who knew each other, passed on their knowledge, and their trust, to her. As she drew the last lines and began the final circle, the central circle, she could feel the magic already flowing. This spot...this spot would remain in her heart forever. And as she finished the script, as she closed the lines, she wrote a single word as the central catalyst. Flashback: Shiva "Until we meet again." Eclaire whispered, before standing. The preparations were almost complete. She breathed, and unsheathed the silver sword she had on her back. Over each circle flared to life her Magic Armory - over the Circle of Jian Dao, the Necklace she had kept safe. Over the Circle of Zifus Merlain, In Paradisum, and over Iroh'ku, was Kusanagi. She then removed both of the Spheres and set them in their places. Finally, she set the tip of the silver sword in the final spot and held it there telekinetically...before removing a knife from her armory...and proceeding to, painfully, cut Xs into her palms. She tossed the knife back in, and pressed her bleeding hands to each side of the sword. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epr7eGXw5qM&t=908s ((For best effect, read slow so the upbeat around 3:10 hits around 12 lines in)) "I, Eclaire, Heir to Luxerion and Luxuria, Light and Lust, do call upon the First Valkyrie and First Succubus. I call upon you for a Rite of Naming. I call upon you to guide and bless thy choice of name, not for a new blade but a blade reborn. I call forth both as I am of the Blood of Zion and Blood of Xion, the Former Queen and Current Queen. I, a product of both worlds, choose to ask for both." There was silence. Her blood ran down the silver blade, her hands just above the hilt. She breathed. The spheres rose to eye level, and lit up like the brightest dawn. To her right stood an armored woman with dark blue hair and a gilded spear. To her left, a woman of the most lustrous clothing and darkest hair. "I, First Valkyrie..." "And I, First Succubus..." "Will hear your name and judge." They said in unison...and the other circles burst to life. The entire room was engulfed. To her left now stood Jian Dao. "Do you wield that blade for yourself? Do you wield it for your own selfishness?" He thundered, his ghostly form towering. "Do you take up this naming ceremony in the name of yourself, or the name of a greater cause? Do you, Eclaire, Take it up with conviction?" "I do!" she roared. "I, Eclaire, shall not just name this sword, but I shall give myself a true surname! I shall take upon myself the name Oathkeeper! I shall wield this sword with love, kindness, and conviction! I believe in the ideals of Shiva, and I will uphold them! This is my oath, and I shall keep it until final breath!" Jian Dao nodded, and to her right did Zifus Merlain appear. "What is the answer to my question, Eclaire?" He asked, his eyes twinkling brighter than the very light that created him. "What is your answer?" "No." She once more roared. "I will not change myself! I have chosen to live my life as I was born. I will not run, I will not fear. I no longer wish to change myself, but to become the best version of myself! This is my vow; this is my oath!" Zifus cackled, and before her faded into existence Iroh'ku. "Young one, you left me so little ago. Tell me, Eclaire, she who takes up the name Oathkeeper, binding herself to the oath she gave the Queen...what is your answer? What do you wish to accomplish?" "Happiness." she said, almost whispering. "Happiness! For I am not a mistake!" her voice did not waver; it did not falter. "I will accomplish happiness! I wish to pursue the happiness I wanted, even if Shiva is gone. I will pursue love, and joy. I will not ever call myself a mistake again! If the Queen can believe in me, then anyone can! I will not fear, for it is not blood that defines me, not birth, but what I do with my life! I will name this sword to never forget, and to never falter. For I am not a mistake!" He nodded with approval, and stood aside, besides Jian Dao to the left. And finally...she appeared. Before her was Shiva, and all the Queen did was smile. Eclaire's hands went up, gripping the handle as the blood-soaked sword sat there. And Eclaire smiled, a beautiful smile of pure joy. "Always." The four stepped back, as once more the First stepped forward. "I, Altriana, request the name." "I, Izanami,, request the name." Eclaire set the point on the ground, as magic swirled. "I name this sword in honor of the first person to say, without hesitation, that I was not a mistake. The first person to know and love me unconditionally. Despite our time being brief, I name this sword in her honor. I carry her life within me. I, Eclaire Oathkeeper, choose upon the site I first met her, the name I shall bestow. I name this silver sword..." She took a breath. Her body did not tremble...no, she felt warm. A beautiful warmth. And so she said the name. The two looked upon her. "I accept the name, and allow my blessings. The name of thy sword is that who you swore to protect, yet failed...yet in failure you refuse to give up, and wish to protect what remains. I, Altriana, bless thy sword." "I, Izanami, find that which you lusted, then truly loved, appropriate. Thy sword shall have the blessing of your bloodline, my progeny. I, Izanami, bless thy sword." The spheres began to spin around her, gold and red mingling with the blue. Soon she felt arms around her, and golden wings engulfing her...M...mother?" "I am proud, too." Everything shattered. She stood there as the light faded, as the sword glowed. Where her blood had soaked near the hilt was the intermingling script of both Valkyrie and Succubus were there. And they said the same, singlular word, that now bore the new name of the Sword of the Queen, as the woman stood there, tail slightly curling. Shiva. ((Flashback: Shiva is just posts between Mystics and I earlier in the RP, color-coded to denote who wrote what. They are a bit disjointed, sorry. I didn't want to edit them beyond cutting out things that didn't fit with the kiss. And uh...sorry not sorry for this wall of goddamn text.))

You'll need to give me a couple hours. Either I'm going to kill myself with this post or kill it at this post. Let's us find out!

If you know me, you know my answer. Lightning.

*mirror glances back*

Thane responded to Mikhail. Let's go find us a queenslayer. And GODDAMMIT MYSTICS. THAT SONG. THOSE WORDS. MY. HEART. IS. SHATTERED. That final word. "Always." God, that just gets me in the feels. 10/10 would cry again.

-Eclaire: Final Moments with Shiva- She slowly stood. The words echoed in her mind, and despite it all, she manages a smile...a sad, tearfilled smile born from such a sorrowful battle. She reached out for the spot that Shiva had been, breathed in the perfume that still yet lingered. She closed her eyes and stood there quietly, feeling for the spark of life that was inside her...and such a spark it was. She could not sit here and mourn anymore. Shiva had asked, with her final moments, to watch after Jynn...to protect him. She had trusted her with her own son...her love. "Always." She whispered, echoing the final word Shiva had said. She wiped the tears from her eyes, her face...but she could feel them, as if they were etched on her very skin. Eclaire shakily breathed in...she could not cry anymore. She had to see Shiva's final wishes through...she had to bring the peace Shiva wanted. For the one person who looked at her and said... "You are not a mistake." "Miss...?" Her sorrowful reverie was broken. Fiona was standing at the door now, looking upon the ruffled mess that was Eclaire. Clothes hastily thrown on, barely fitted and fixed. Fiona smiled kindly, and walked over to take her hands. "Let us get you cleaned up, Miss." She said softly. "I believe there is something you wish to have...that you wish to take up." The maid gently pulled the woman's hands to her chest. "The Queen entrusted your care to me. So come. You are the Retainer of the Queen. Let us ensure no one questions that." -Jeremy of Hunter: Jynn's Door- The pain in the ass known as Jeremy of Hunter pounded on the Prince's door. "Oi. Kid. If you're in there, open up." He called. "Need to talk to you. Man to man." The Icarus sighed. The kid was going through a lot. But he had to known...he couldn't mourn forever. And Jeremy would be damned, he swore, if he let someone fall into despair. At least...not alone. -Rhaedyn Thane, with Mikhail- "There is a forest that Shiva was traced to. If we follow the signs of the Queen, we shall find the site of the deed." The Iron Lord paused,weighing his words. "I know little of how the body was returned. All I know is that there was magic. Ancient...magic. Not of the likes of the normal folk. Magic of regents...Kings...and demons. Within the grove shall be our first clue - the magic that was present when the Queen was struck down. And, if we find Regent in Standing, we might learn more. Yet...His eyes show nothing. I do not trust this...Yevgeni." Thane turned his back to Mikhail, the cloak plastered with the Tree of Ithuriel, or the Ithurian Tree. "Let us go. Justice shall come on the swiftest wings."

This is...advanced slowness.

It happens! I'm not worried! So you're....Slowking? I don't think many, if anyone, were waiting, so it's ok.

I'm waiting on Mystics, so I can post for everyone. Sorry to keep you and Mikhail waiitng :c

I kik'd you, and I should go down to your town and kick you!