Reincarnation

Leca'fi Amdamu, the Castle on the Edge of Waking, early evening -- maybe.

The deed is done. With all the concern of passing along a drink order, the Lord Archmage Telamon Lupecyll-Atlon turned over the black-as-sin gemstone containing the essence of one Akimitsu Sori, into the hands of the Unseelie Queen herself. His words were short, almost lacking in poetry, but there is something to be said for brevity.

"He's all yours, Your Majesty."

Now, the group is ensconced in a parlor in the dream-empowered castle. It's a cozy place, with books of poetry and stageplays on the shelves, a fire burning in the fireplace (even though it's unnecessary), plates of snacks and good drinks for those needing refreshment, and even some pale-furred moon dog pups curled around one's feet -- evidently the moon dog packs have taken Telamon up on his invitation to use the Castle as a safe den.

"A grim end," Telamon admits, holding a cup of tea in his hands. "But one which was needed. Just as there can be consequences for doing good, there are also consequences for doing evil." He shrugs lightly. "Her Majesty was kind, in the end. There are things which can be done with a trapped soul that do not bear thinking about."

Karasu is sitting close to Cor'ethil, looking perhaps the most relaxed that he ever has. He has a cup of tea in hand which he is quite enjoying, and though he has had nothing to eat it is merely because he has no hunger to quell. "I am glad to see him gone." Karasu remarks to no one's surprise. "To know that he will never harm another as he harmed me... and Wuya."

Wuya for a change of pace has been let loose on the snacks, eating pastries and whatever his little raven heart desires. He is frankly gorging himself not unlike a certain white raven is wont to do. One can hardly blame him however. Karasu is not often one to allow him such luxury. He eyes Karasu for a moment and then offers quietly. "I never got a chance to thank you all for killing the man who killed me."

The young male voice that comes from the raven might be a surprise to those that don't know that Wuya can talk, but Karasu trusts those who are here to keep the information to themselves. "So... thank you."

Roved out to trap one soul, and free many.

Carver's expressive green motes shift to a surprising 4th voice, considering the crow with this new insight. No, it would seem she was not aware that another soulbound was amongst them. The fire flickers off her trinkets, of small treasures won in battle or harvested from monsters, her reinforced white-oaked bow leaning against the chair upon she sits.

"Mm. I consider it a great honor to play a small part in that fiend's downfall."

She seems earnest in that statement.

"At least I know that Mother will give him a swift execution," Corey murmurs, eyeing the moon dog pups with some desire to pet them. They are adorable, and Corey has a soft spot for all animals, even the foxes who try to steal eggs from the chickens that Karasu and Corey keep. (Much to Karasu's exasperation, Corey leaves a couple of eggs outside of the coops at times, hoping that the foxes will take them and leave without bothering the 'ladies'. Much to Karasu's exasperation... sometimes this works.) He instead looks at Wuya and smiles, making sure the raven gets plenty to eat. (Much to Karasu's other exasperation, Corey babies Wuya.)

He sighs a little. "Although... Knowing what I know about Mother, she would have preferred a slightly slower execution method, but Mortal Dread's use is necessary for Sori." So Corey reaches over and places a hand on Karasu's arm gently, smiling. "We're free of him now..."

And he looks at Carver and Telamon. "So I'll say 'thank you', too. Much as Mother would chastise me for using those exact words. Thankfully, I'm not the fae one between myself and Mother."

Telamon reaches down to gather up one of the moon dog pups into his lap, stroking its fur. It makes a soft murmuring sound before settling down there. "It's for the best. As much as one might wish to torment Akimitsu Sori... it's not good for -your- soul to do so. Better to send him on to the Harpist for judgement, and be done with it -- for good this time."

He gives Carver a smile. "Indeed. Even a small part is still a part, and I'm glad you were with us, Carver. A victory over evil is something to take pride in -- carry it with you, in your heart if nothing else."

His gaze shifts to Karasu and Wuya, and he nods. "I am sorry it could not be done sooner. But I take solace in the fact he will ruin no more lives." Telamon scritches behind the puppy's ears, eliciting a happy squeak from the moon dog. "I guess now the question is, what will you do, Karasu? There is, of course, your marriage, and hopefully peace to find with Corey. I think that might be a good place to start -- you have endured enough."

Carver took the job without expectation of payment or favor, a lending of strength knowing that it was a deed worth doing. That they would brighten the world a little with the vanquishing of Sori. That a town would be free and maybe a certain dessert saleslady in a remote town could finally have her husband returned to her. Not as a fiendish imitation. To leverage her skills against a storied foe as well. Whatever else she might be, she was also Dranei.

So when the generous offer is given, there is a flicker of cynicism. There are things of use or desires she could express. Karasu's skills could be useful in resolving a fiendish monster of her own. Then she glances at Core'thil, and more importantly, the linked hands. They deserve their happiness. Not lose it to pay back a debt that was never expected. The selfish thoughts burn to smoldering embers as her gaze goes back to the fire.

"My name is Asana. The last of seven sisters who swore to cut our way across this world. If'n I should die, take Deathless to the lands of the first world, to run free and wild for as long as the roots of Yggsdrassil lend life to all things. That is my only request."

Cor'ethil smiles a soft and warm smile at Carver's request, gently squeezing Karasu's hand. "I think we can happily do that," he says. "I'm sure Mother would take her in, but... Deathless strikes me as a horse who would enjoy her freedom."

He looks at Wuya then, and then... He looks between Telamon and Karasu for a moment. "Raiden... Would you like to be a boy again?" he asks, addressing the raven. "I imagine that the Archmage can help us make that happen, if desired." It's a gentle question.

Telamon regards Carver with that calm gaze, sipping from his cup. "I can make arrangements if necessary." He leaves it at that. The idea of any friend falling, and not being returned, well... he doesn't like to dwell on it.

The moon dog pup in his lap glomps his hand, breaking that line of thought, and he looks down, startled. Then he smiles, rolling the pup onto its back for a belly rub, before raising his gaze to Corey.

"It would require certain... cooperation. I admit I'm still bemused at how Wuya became a familiar, though I presume it was through the intercession of the Harpist. We may need to seek counsel before we proceed." He lets that sink it. "That being said... we sit in Leca'fi Amdamu, and I am an archmage. There is very little beyond my grasp, if Wuya -- Raiden -- wishes it."

Karasu notes the cynicism in Carver's gaze. The flicker of eyes to their held hands. He knows then there is something that she needs but will not say, but it isn't in his nature to pry. "If you think of anything more, let us know. We would be happy to help."

Then Cor'ethil says the words that he speaks to Wuya, and the raven blinks at Corey. "But... If I'm a boy, I can't be his familiar any more."

Sorrow washes over Karasu's face like watching blood drain away and he leans forward. "Raiden... I would rather you alive and able to have love, a family some day if you want one... than to keep you as my familiar. Surely I could find another if Vardama wishes me to remain in her service."

Wuya - Who of course is actually his brother Raiden - seems to think about it. Then, like any child he asks a child's question. "Would you really want me around... if I was a boy instead?"

"Of course I would. We both would." Karasu says, his eyes shining. "This is your choice, but... I have always wanted nothing more than for you to live."

Raiden looks at the group gathered one at a time and then nods to Telamon. "Then... if you wish to try... I would like to live again... as myself."

Cor'ethil smiles gently at Wuya, or rather, Raiden. "We have room in the house for you, bird or boy," he tells Raiden. "You're part of our family... Which is really just Karasu and I, and his kitsune ancestor." Every time Corey alludes to Kiku-no-Musoku, his nose wrinkles just a little. A paladin of Gilead is always a little wary of any servant of Tarien, yet they are often one of the first to come to the defense of a Tarienite in aid. No one can mess with one's brother besides them, after all.

He looks at Karasu and smiles. "Vardama could always send another raven, I'm sure."

"Would this be similar to a reincarnation?" Carver asks. Never really been around too many events such as this, only a handful of times where someone reached across the coldness of death and entreated a soul back to its body. This felt different. Grander certainly. Timely definitely. The end of an era and beginning a new one.

"Is there anything I can or need to do?"

"I only know the shaman's chants, and the basic of druidcrafts." The thrill to kill seems poorly suited for what they are about to try here.

Telamon gently lifts the moon dog puppy off his lap, setting it to the floor before folding his hands and closing his eyes. Thinking. Perhaps even communing, in a way. He does not have the personal connection that his sister does; for him, it is much more business, an arm's-length interaction.

But finally, the archmage's eyes open, full of stars. Smoothly, he rises to his feet, as one of the servants brings him his haversack. "Come here, Raiden," he says gently, gesturing for the raven to sit before the sorcerer. The moon dog puppies all make a circle around the raven, seated and watching. As if bearing witness. Telamon offers Carver a smile. "Pray. I have confidence in my power, but I take any help I can get."

Deliberately, Telamon draws forth another diamond, a glimmer of starlight already gathering in its depths. "I have a Wish," he says softly. "It is my intent to set one more thing right. A life cut short by foul intent -- I will weave the strands back together. It is my Will that Raiden, brother of Karasu, be restored to life and his true form, to live out his days as granted by the gods. If it please Ni'essa and the Harpist to restore this lad, let my Will be done." The diamond flares in all the colors of the rainbow...

GAME: Telamon casts Wish. Caster Level: 20 DC: 30

There's a sharp rainbow of light from the diamond, a blinding light that pierces all. Every eye turns away from it. Shutters against it.

When the light fades there is an seven-year-old boy, small for his age, with short black hair and black eyes who resembles Karasu greatly though he is very much younger. He is wearing black clothes that somehow give a faint resemblance to the feathers that he had worn before. Glimmering blue-black cloth that frames him and he looks at his hands in surprise before turning toward Karasu.

Karasu who is holding his head in pain, but looking at his brother with eyes that hold a weight of tears he could never shed. He stands, letting his hands fall away from his head and moves toward the young boy. "You have not aged a day." He murmurs, reaching out and touching the young lad on the head as though not believing he could be real. Raiden smiles up at him as though he's done this a thousand times, and hugs his brother tightly.

For a moment Karasu doesn't know what to do, but then he remembers, and hugs the boy in return.

The boy is formed before them, and Cor'ethil only lets out a breath that he's been holding (unconsciously so) when he watches Raiden hug Karasu. He smiles brightly, and he comes closer to Karasu and Raiden, reaching out to hug them both. "Praise Ni'essa. Praise the Harpist," Cor'ethil breathes, before he looks at Telamon with a warm and resplendent smile. There's little tears in the paladin's eyes.

"Praise to the Archmage, Telamon Lupecyll-Atlon. May your name reverberate across all places as a portent of the good that can be done in this world forever." Cor'ethil ever-briefly gestures for Telamon and yes, even Carver, to come join them if desired. This is an occasion that calls for a group hug. Life has been torn away from death. A boy can live and be a boy, one day a man, once again.

Carver does not really pray. Or have much run with the gods. Any of them. She worked under a blessing of Dana's Green Word, but not in prayer. She had hunted many times by moonlight, but danced not with Selune's blessing. No tricks or treats of Tarien, nor even the lingering war cries of Kor coming out of the Iron Fortress are remembered with any clarity.

So she awkwardly wrings her hand as the first of glistening starlight gather in the precious gem. It refracts endlessly to blinding light that no mortal could stare in or through, and she is forced to shield her eyes not with one hand but two.

Sparkling stars as the brilliance fades, that linger.

Warpaint runs for once with something other than sweat and blood. Carver's tears spill free at seeing this, surprising even herself, hastily trying to scrub the pools of her eyes as the brilliant sunrise pigments stain cheeks in smeared crass patterns. If she joins, EVERYONE's attire is going to be ruined.

Telamon shudders a little at the intensity of the spell, the energies lifting him onto his tiptoes, his hair floating around his head. The moon dog pups all give a high-pitched bay, but there's no fear or unhappiness in it. It's like they're calling -- calling a soul back home.

And when the deed is done and Raiden is a boy once more, the puppies yip and gambol away, careful to stay out from underfoot, especially as Corey and Karasu rush to embrace the lad. Telamon smiles, perhaps a touch wearily, but proudly. To the hells with the titles; this is reward enough. Seeing Carver's surprise, he immediately fishes a handkerchief from his tunic, and offers it to her. "Don't worry if it gets stained," he says cheerfully. "I get them in bulk from a friend." And then the half-elf moves into the embrace of friends, because in the end... that's all that really matters.

-End