Solum Reign discussion

Here one can venture into the heart of the cliff side of which the palace rest upon. An opening reveals a new world where a great statue of Luna pours the elixir of immortality. Only immortals can drink this to heal their wounds, if a mortal is granted permission to drink from this elixir fountain they will be granted immortality, should they do so without the blessing of the people they will be captured and tortured for all eternity.

Vivian entered the cave that held the Witches sacred Immortal water. She paid homage to the statue of Luna and prayed to her before she approached the pool. Taking the cup that was on the edge of the fountain. She lifted it and purified it, swirling it with her winds to prepare it. Then, Vivian dipped it into the fountain and set it on the ground beside her as she prepared to await the arrival of Himeko and Aeson.

Himeko nodded in understanding realising it was where they must go in order to learn of Vivian's visions. It worried her how much the girl had lost her composure acting like the very child she looked like. It was not lady like but to seal the spell she had to drink blessed water in one go. She looked over at Damian as she watched him go through withdrawal symptoms of having his power stripped. She had only seen it a handful of time but each time it never got any easier. "I'm sorry sweet boy." She whispered softly, thanking Aeson, placing her hand over the hand he had the vial gripped in. "Come we must speak with Vivian, do not worry over his cell. Once we leave the vicinity the cell will correct itself." She told him, walking with him to the Fountain of Immortality. Once arrived she couldn't see the priestess. "Vivian?" She called out.

Vivian opened her eyes when she heard her name being called. Gracefully, she rose from the ground beside the fountain, picking up the cup and taking it with her. Her eyes were bright and her composure regained as she walked out of the shadow that had hidden her from Himeko's sight. Slowly she approached her, the cup held delicately in her hands. She stopped in front in Himeko and Aeson far enough away that she would not hurt her neck looking up at them. "Himeko, you must drink the water from the fount to heal yourself and prevent the darkness that was within Damian from taking root in your power. Once you have done so, there is much I must tell you and Aeson." She stepped closer, offering the cup to Himeko. Once she had taken it, Vivian chanted till all the water had been drunk, sending her winds over the Kralitsa, making sure all darkness was gone.

Aeson watched curiously, "What is it that you must say, Patiri Vivian? We are in desperate need to know whatever it may be that you can tell us. War is closer than we believed and our armies have yet to prepare fully for battle, much less an attack." Aeson says having no time for ritual and security they needed to prepare the kingdom and fortify their structures and in the above outside world they needed units stationed to hold off whomever attempted to get into their underground sanctity.

Himeko gave a soft bow of respect to Vivian, taking the cup in hand as she closed her eyes saying a few prayers before drinking the water in one go. She managed to crush the cup as her veins turned black beneath her pale skin, the darkness writhing in pain as it wailed before black dust seeped from his skin to land at her feet. Panting softly she tapped the floor with her shoe and the dust got eaten by the earth. "Please go on priestess, we must know what you saw. I must prepare. We have so little time." She murmured softly, feeling drowsy.

Vivian turned her eyes on Aeson. "Patience, my lord. I will explain all that I have learned but you must be patient." She looked Himeko over, and announced, "The darkness has gone from you Himeko. You will need to drink more from the fount before you leave here so that you may recover your full strength." She took a step back from the pair so that she might look at them not as a child would, but as an equal. "The winds have shown me how your grandchild was begotten. He has two mothers, one whose blood he shares, and one who gave birth to him. It is a powerful spell, one the likes of which I have never seen before. The ring that Markus gave to Severity before they came to me holds the key. There are two other rings that belong with it. One for Markus, the other for the boy. Markus made the second ring, binding it so that when he lay with his consort, instead of becoming pregnant with her own child, she would become pregnant with Severity's. This was done without Severity's knowledge, that much I am sure of. She does not know of the true purpose of her engagement ring." Vivian watched them to see how they would react to this news. "Now, mother, child and father have been brought together for the first time, allowing me to see how this was done." She curled her hands into fists, her nails biting into her palms, her eyes bright with anger. "I wish to know how he learned such a spell to hide his child from me."

Aeson rubs his eyes and squeezes the bridge of his nose. "He did not hide this child from you. Your prophecy has come true. He foresaw darkness should the two procreate and even without Severity's blessing or knowledge they have done so. The gods will quake at their thrones as all of Solum falls under the reign of their son. I am not blind to what has happened. Markus was far too clever for us to think that it was even possible for the prophecy to come true in your visions had the two been separated. I fear for the worst now and I believe this will be the end of us all." He says holding Himeko's hand tightly in his own. "Some fates cannot be stopped, others can be averted. We were naive to believe that we could stop such a thing from happening. Some fates are already set." He explains. "This was meant to be the end and so it has come forth. The gods have been angered with our powers to stop the fate of so many occurring and so they have made it possible for a fate to never be halted."

Himeko listens carefully and realised what Markus had done. "I know this spell, it is a forbidden spell one no witch light or dark should ever know. It is from a long time ago, amongst the first and second generations. Fay a witch of light could not bare children and so the spell was created, though it had its repercussions of which I know one was being consumed by darkness unfortunately the rest is unknown, but I do know a child made of magic is dangerous not only to himself but to others, not only that but his life span is not like any others, mortal or immortal, it hangs in a delicate balance." She told them, looking to Aeson. "We knew this could never be halted, it was only a matter of time. We only did what we could to delay. I have made many preparations but it is time to instigate them. The gods are only with us to ensure we keep the balance and right now darkness is tipping the scales too far." She murmured. "We must go."

A look of revelation crossed Vivian's face as a memory of a story surface in her mind of a lesson she learned over a thousand years ago. "My lady, I now remember this story. There is one part of which you do not know, taught only to the priestesses," Vivian said catching Himeko's eye. "There is a way in which the child can be stopped but it is dangerous. If either the mother or the father is killed, the child will die. He is only kept alive by the blood that runs through his parents. If one ceases to exist, so will he.

Aeson frowns, "Well, there is no way we are able to get close enough to someone as powerful as Markus and we are not killing our daughter, Severity just to take down one of the two." He says frowning. "I will not sit back hoping one of them dies just to kill the boy. Jakub hasn't even amsteredhsi wpeors he is not a threat just yet." He says as no one knew the name of the boy and yet he did he was hoping neither caught on. "We need to simply take action my love. Do not let them reach our borders to attack us give us the advantage and meet them at the woodland boundaries that cross our lands with Vada and Xuin." he says as he continues in hopes to avert questioning.

Himeko took a deep breath as she straightened her stance, feeling more energetic after drinking the water. "I never would suggest such a thing and killing the child will be playing with fire as to which would fall after." She eyed Aeson. "We never mentioned the boys name, how would you know such fine details about his name and mastery of weapons?" She wondered, hoping to all gods Aeson hadn't been sucked in by the darkness as well. The fact he was pushing the idea of war was now becoming worrisome. It was almost as if he wanted such a thing to exercise power, not only that but to go to the woodlands would mean involving more people than she wanted, this was not the mortals fight to begin with. "Aeson what have you done?"

Vivian looked curiously at Aeson. She wished she could see more on the wind than what people's children will be like and blessing marriages. This thought shocked her. She'd never wished to be something different before. She loved her job as the Patiri Brak. "My lord, is something wrong?" She contemplated getting another cup of the Immortal Water and having him drink it so she could see if there was any darkness within him.

((gtg for a lil bit playing video games with my lil man.))

Aeson drank the immortal elixir and it only made him feel stronger. He looks to Himeko with sad eyes. "I have done nothing too great, but I keep eyes and ears on our enemies at all times. I have unfortunately known about Jakub from the moment of his birth. As illegal as it is for em to practice magic other than to perform duties I have been suing a number of my magics to keep tabs on Markus and the spell used I have known abotu and the child being born. I could have acted long ago and ended all of this, but unfortunately I am one to wait and see how things play before I strike forward. I am sorry I have not told you my love, but I thought perhaps the prophecy could have changed if Jakub remained a Witch perhaps it is because he senses a light inside himself that seems impossible for his father to experience or any of his siblings." Aeson explains. "My own family have always known me as useful and resourceful. However, males are unable to take on roles as powerful seers. I have been gifted by the gods and have hidden this from you." Aeson says plainly, "Your mind worries too much on smaller subjects I want the war to not exist as much as you, but I have been a general to our armies and I know how the enemy thinks given Markus too was a general to our armies."

(( okie dokie ))

Himeko listened to Aeson calmly and with as much understanding as she could fathom. "You should have told me of your power and your findings Aeson. Not only that but you underestimate my understanding of war and how one plays out. Markus has not been our only general since my reign." She told him, shaken by this revelation. It wouldn't surprise her if he told her he had been schooling their army on the skills to fight for a long while. "We will fight in the woodlands. It is the middle ground in which no boarders cross and no authority reins over and only there will we begin to triumph. From there the vampires will see us coming from the south. I have plans there. But it will be no ordinary fight." She told him, sighing deeply. "If you had told me we could have acted faster. We must hope that boy has a shred of light in him because right now he seems our only hope of turning things around." She closed her eyes. "However, we know now and for that we will have to make due and deal with what we have at hand."

Vivian watched their exchange. "I will go and pray to the goddess. Perhaps she can give us some wisdom as to how we may come out triumphant." She raised her hands and placed them on both of their foreheads. "Go, be safe and wise in the decisions you make," she told them before going around them and back to the temple to pray, the winds playing with her hair and dress, stirring the ground behind her.

(( I'm editing my post above one moment ))

(( ok edited ))

Aeson watched as Vivian left, "My love I am sorry to keep such things from you, but I feared them to be taken from me should anyone know as I am a male. With your strict laws set in I foresaw darkness to come form within as even greater unbalancing took place should you have decided to take all the powers of male Witches. I did not want to seem a threat to you." He says slightly pained and in hopes that this did not create the future he foresaw. "Our ties with one another and the gods will be stronger if you lift the laws on males, Kralista Himeko. You have the power to order such and to take away male bonds to women. Let such a thing take place and a new form of balance may outweigh the darkness. the male soldiers are the only ones free and yet they had to ask permission from the women in their families just to enlist for such freedom. Lift your laws on us and make us free. Then you will see a mighty army called upon from the West and East to rally with the Southern army we send forth into battle. So many have left because such laws...so many more will return with such laws lifted." He says promising her such as if he already had plans on the side should she lift such strict laws. No man understood her reasoning, but Aeson never complained once. He was desperate to save his kingdom for whatever the cost may be even if it meant losing his love.

Himeko thanked Vivian quietly watching the girl leave before pinning her gaze on Aeson's. "I am hurt you would think so lowly of me. Already you talk as if I am not myself and have buried myself in darkness. I would not dare strip anyone of power without deep reason, hence why my dear Damian is lying in echoing agony as I stand here racked with guilt for doing so to my own flesh and blood despite his treasonous act." She whispered. "For the years you have known me you don't yet seem to truly know me." She didn't think lifting the law was healthy right now and from Aeson's talk he already had plans if she did. Men's hearts and minds were fickle things when it came to power and war. It might do them more good but it might cause them more harm in the long run. Facing away from him for a moment she needed to think and absorb, in fact she needed to talk to her son soon. "Are you hiding anything else I need to know about. You must tell me now or forever hold your peace."

Aeson ndos, "My love, Himeko. I know you better than any that walk this earth and I love you and am more devoted than any. I only fear for you and hide such truths in such fear. I have foreseen that our dear Severity may turn against us in hopes to save us. I have also foreseen that no matter what happens a new darkness will always rise even in the brightest of moments. I have have seen plans of others. Jakub himself plans to overthrow Markus and the other two leaders. I only knew to be there when Damian attacked you because I saw it to come. I only hope for the best even when I know the truth. My visions give me a very set sight and when not set it shows me the paths of which can and would be taken. I prepare for the worst and I pray for the best I only desire your safety in the end." He informs her. "Now you have heard all that I can offer you for now should fate turn winds and more information be provided I swear upon Luna that I will not keep such secrets form you my love. For now what secrets I do hold are for your safety and the protection of unguided fate." He says as a small tear slide from his eye. "Forgive me for hurting you my love...Perhaps we wait to speak with Damian until tomorrow's dawn when darkness is weakest." He suggest hoping she would take his advice but knowing she desired to speak to Damian as soon as possible.

((Don't forget about Gabriel and Kayne's sex scene in PM))

Himeko listened to Aeson carefully as she thanked the earth for gifting her with more energy. Turning to face him her face was etched in weariness. "Well.... there is no need for such fears. In the eyes of the law and myself you seem to picture yourself as not being on equal terms, yet you should know by now that we are equal. I have never seen you as anything less." She told him. "You will not keep vital information from me, we are partners not acquaintances." She told him, taking a deep breath. "From what you have told me so far we can use such information to our advantage, create back up plans in need be." She took a step towards him brushing his tear away. "I forgive you." She pressed a kiss to his lips. "But do not hurt me again, there is only so much my heart can take and I cannot lose you to the darkness as well." She began leaving. "At the first ray of light I will talk to Damian." She told him. "When the sun is at its highest I will make an announcement to my people."

(( I know it was your post so I was waiting on you to PM ))

((I did like yesterday or so....))

(( I just got it no notification.)

Aeson frowned as he did not like the sound of her making an announcement to the people. It worried him even more. "My love what is it that you wish to announce to the kingdom? You must know that few will be there to listen to your words. So many have pushed outward expanding the limits of our power and stretching us thin as they build villages within our kingdom's forest." He says frowning, "What of the safety of those smaller villages those Witches are farmers and metal workers they know nothing of war and battle they only live one day to the next we cannot simply grant such darkness to their minds so quickly without warning." He explains worried more about what may become of this kingdom in the end. "The Vadan king already feels so threatened by Xuin's power that they waver in their choice of sides as we speak. Even more so without our ambassador their to strengthen our ties."

Himeko stopped in her tracks as she glanced at him over her shoulder. "I know my people have become wary of me, become idle in their peaceful lives but I also know they have fight in their hearts and that is more than enough. I will send announcements out to the far reaches and gather my people to the centre. The Vada king has been tainted already and therefore puts his own people in danger because of his own selfish act. But I shall correct this soon enough." She turned to face Aeson. "Then and only then will I make a formal announcement.... to lift the law of suppression upon men as you see it and follow in a proud fight." She told him. "Unless that is not your wish?" She wondered.

Aeson nods, "My wish is for your safety and happiness. I just desire equality in our own kingdom that seems so perfect to the outsiders who have never fully ventured into our home. I will stand by your side no matter what laws you make or break. I am yours and you mine and I will never separate from your heart and loyalty." he swears making an odd symbol over his heart as if marking his promise as an oath never allowed to be broken. "I love you Himeko and I want to see peace once more. I will send word out to have the kingdom gather here in our palaces sanctuary and ensure you have your audience." He says with a kindness that only a devoted love can share.

Himeko was surprised by how tame his words were and could only gather a hint of a smile. "Then please do, go, go send out word for people to arrive at the palace. If they are more scattered there is less chance we have of saving them." She turned and began walking. "Come we have work to do, the night is still young." She told him, wondering if she was making the right choice to allow men their freedom back. In the meantime she had preparations to make and people to talk to. It was going to be a busy few days.

Aeson nodded in agreement and walked past her after leaving a soft kiss pressed to her cheek. "Take care my love and I shall see you in a half a fortnight." He promises knowing that they had to have preparations completed within that time and he was going to do everything in his power to do so and make sure their kingdom was secured and armies would follow them into battle. He raced off for the stables to have a group of troops carry out the messages that needed to be carried off. Many will answer the call to learn that their freedom will be delivered back to them.

{End of Scene}