Remnants of the Earth

Celeste giggled as she saw the request for her shop address before quickly obliging. A few quick voice commands and her com sent it off for her. She continued to tug and knead the honey and flour mixture in front of her like taffy, completely unfazed by the bits that stuck to her skin in a gloopy mess. There was no time to stop and clean herself off even with company on the way. This was already her fourth attempt at making these candies. But, no matter how hard she tried it still wasn't coming out right.

She was no where near ready to give up though. If anything the previous failures only challenged her to think outside of the box and change tactics. Celeste threw her shoulder more into the kneading as the mixture began to cool and harden too fast for her to keep up. She shook her head, her body swaying as it keeled slightly to the left before she was able to correct her balance. It was so easy for her to forget about the heavy antlers that constantly would get tangled in all manner of things.

Nervously, Celeste paused and leaned away from her baking counter to catch her reflection in the mirror over the sink. Her bangs were a frizzy mess with some of them sticking to her forehead in odd angles thanks to sweat and honey and her high ponytail had certainly seen better days. Working all morning in a hot kitchen was doing her no favors. She smiled all the same though and shrugged. Hopefully she wouldn't scare "Maximov" off too badly with her appearance. She was a working girl after all.

The chime of her door jingled signaling a potential customer. "Welcome to Confectionately Yours!" she called out, hurrying to free her hands of honey and wipe them on a towel. "Just give me a moment and I'll be right with you!"

The old-fashioned horsehair brush scrubbed vigorously across the black leather. The worn boots had accumulated a fine layer of dust in the three months of disuse they had sat in the disgraced soldier's close. Dashiell was determined to have his gear shining by the time he had to stand before the tribunal and determine the next phase of his future. It felt like an age since he had last donned his uniform. While it fit just as snugly and comfortably as always, he felt extremely out of place in it. After all, the last time he had worn it had been at the disciplinary hearing that had sentenced him with six months of community service and dismissed him from active duty in the meantime.

Everything had to be perfect. No wrinkles, no dirt, no smudges, or creases. His face was shaved, his visor cleaned, his jaw set in a firm and expressionless mask expected of the soldier he had been born and bred as. There was not a single line of Dashiell's body though that belied the acidic fear and anxiety boiling beneath the surface with no means to escape. He knew everything was on the line and while he could act like it didn't bother him, it terrified him to his core.

He had sat rigidly, patiently awaiting his turn to be heard, where every passing minute felt like the tightening of a noose about his neck. He had no way of knowing if this was the last time he would even wear his uniform. For all he knew, he would be deemed a lost cause and unfit to ever return to active duty. A dishonorable discharge was a far worse fate than execution and he knew it. It was a fact that had been drilled into his head since he was very small. He would not bring dishonor to his family name. He would not bring dishonor to his uniform. He would not bring dishonor to himself.

The Colonel had been a cold parent and had run the Feldspar household with an iron fist not dissimilar to the soldiers under military command. Little Dashiell had had little opportunity to act out in his youth. Back then he had relished the lifestyle though. He had loved the sense of superiority that came with being the son of a military official and from a long line of soldiers. He loved his country and his family's service to it. Only once he had gotten older had he slid from the pre-made path and begun to find a sense of individuality in the hands of one Reese Plantina. Colonel Feldspar had hated it. Dash could still see the look of utter loathing on the werewolf's face when he had brought his partner in career and life home.

In fact, it was not too different from the icy, golden stare he was receiving right now. He squared his shoulders and entered the tribunal chamber when summoned, refusing to allow the Colonel's gaze to deter him. He should have known of all the superior officers in all of Libra Station, Colonel Feldspar would be there to hear his case. This was the way things went and he was going to have to stand on his own two feet whichever way the world spun him. He couldn't expect his own flesh and blood to save him after all.

The trial was as long-winded and painfully stuffy as all court proceedings ever are. Military ones were only moreso suitably dreary and garrulous because of the additional need to squash and make an example of possible "rebellious loose ends." Dashiell's trial for all that was said and done resulted in a classic government decision: results were indeterminate and Dashiell would be required to serve out the remainder of his sentence before further judgement regarding his future could be made. He would have laughed had it not been for those amber eyes burning a hole into head with their ire.

He knew what to expect the moment he exited the chamber and the other werewolf swung into view. Dash tensed, his gaze locked straight ahead as he saluted the Colonel. "Just what do you think you were doing in there?" the hardened soldier hissed. “Do you think this is a game, Dashiell? Do you think this is all one big joke? You were raised better than this. Do you think your actions are without consequences? Have you forgotten how this affects more than just you? I’m up for promotion and your actions reflect incredibly poorly upon my record. I can’t save you or your career. You need to get your act together and show some initiative if you don’t want to end up serving the next, what 20? 30? Years behind bars. Is that what you want? Because that’s what they do to rabid dogs like you.”

Dashiell’s nostrils flared as he stood and took the brunt of the Colonel’s anger. Years of control had trained him to stand in tense silence as opposed to bark back at this particular individual. He would only get an even bigger earful if he dared after all.

“-fighting with not one, not two, but three other soldiers. Two of which are your former Duo comrades. What were you thinking?”

“With all due respect, that was three months ago-”

“I don’t care if it was three hours ago, Dashiell,” the elder werewolf hissed back, completely cutting the man off. “Ever since you started messing with that harlot, you’ve toed this path of self-destruction. I won’t have it! You will get your act together and you will not disappoint me. Is that understood?”

“Yessir,” he responded firmly and without attitude.

The Colonel’s gaze softened and she reached up a hand to place on his unmarred cheek. The action caused him to flinch and look at her wide-eyed and tense. “I only do this because I want what is best for you, Dashiell. The least you could do is show some gratitude.”

“Yessir.”

“And come home for dinner once in a while. Your father misses you.”

“Yes, Mother,” he murmured back even more softly, his head dropping slightly as if defeated. “Thank you, Colonel for your attention in this entire affair.

“Mhm,” she replied dismissively as her son saluted her once more and she dismissed him from her grasp.

Dashiell was more than happy to fade back into the crowd. His mind felt overcrowded with buzzing thoughts and concerns. The uniform that he had worn every day for years felt hot and tight upon his body now and he longed to tear it off with the way his body felt engulfed by flames once more. Dealing with his mother was always an exercise in ultimate patience but that coupled with such indecision left him completely off-kilter. It was like being adrift in space with no thrust and he loathed it.

Every breath was becoming a bit harder to catch even as he fought to keep his composure and appear steady and stable. Dashiell just kept telling himself if he could just make it to a bathroom, or a closet, somewhere where he could be alone for a few moments then he could let the maelstrom of emotions loose. Telling himself that though did nothing to truly keep the devil gates of his heart sealed shut against the raging onslaught. He was just about to completely breakdown when his spinning head caught a glimmer of familiar gold.

His eyes locked onto theirs and in that moment it was as if he had just broke the water’s surface and could breathe again. Dashiell’s feet were moving without thought and his arms were crashing around them in a tight embrace. He didn’t even think about whether it was right or wrong because in that moment it was just so right. He didn't know why they were there and he didn't care. They were, and that was enough, more than enough actually. He sighed heavily, the tension finally leaving his body as he took in that blessed scent of clean linen and water.

This was home.

    Why the hell had she ever left Solarta? Better yet, why had she never saw fit to properly return until now? This was home. This is where she had been born and raised. This is where she belonged with all her greyneck faults and rough edges. She had been all around the country from dome to dome and yet this is where her roots still tethered her. What kind of fool was she to give it up? Should have stayed with Coy, should have begged him not to leave. Should have done a lot of things. How could she be so stupid?

    Blu’s head spun with thoughts as she blinked her eyes wearily under the oppressive glare of the fluorescent lights overhead. The cold tile wall of the bathroom felt good against her back as she just rested there for a few moments and tried to gain her bearings again. Everything felt sluggish like the sand at the top of the hourglass that didn’t know it was about to be sucked through a hungry abyss like the rest of its brethren. She was swimming through a fog, unable to break free but still breathing.

    An unsteady step had her keeling to the left slightly before she was able to grab ahold of the counter and right herself again. It took some effort to wave the sink into turning on but eventually she was able to get it on AND get the soap to dispense into the correct hand and not that tricky false one floating in the edge of her vision. It was habit to scrub them over and over again in a familiar pattern all the way up to her elbows. Every bit had to be clean. You didn’t want to make anyone sick with pesky little things like germs.

    Funny how it was always the smallest things that had the greatest impact. A germ could kill you. A baby could rock your world. In the end Blu had been the one to kill Petite though. She was good at that, murdering loved ones. Coy. Darrin. Jonsey. Koba. Worf. Petite. Dead by her hand or close to. She was really good at that it seemed.

    Blu dried her hands and caught sight of herself in the mirror. That was why she never came back home. Past the red-rimmed eyes and dark circles beneath them was the face of a woman who never quite fit in. Berry-wine stained as always, she was a pathetic sight to behold. She was weak. She was useless. She was a disgrace.

    “No man would wanna marry a clown like ya. You’re a freak!”

    She couldn’t even keep her own child alive. She lost everything and everyone to the point that even her own body betrayed her. What good was she? She failed as a wife. She failed as a doctor. She failed as a commander. She failed as a mother. That one fucking hurt. She hadn’t even meant to become one and then the gods cursed her the moment she fell in love with that unborn child.

    “Are you happy now?” she screamed, slamming her fists down onto the porcelain counter. “Gods both I did what you wanted! Are you laughing at me now? Have I not suffered enough for your amusement? How much more penance must I serve before you are satisfied with the blood I have shed for you? WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT OF ME?!” Blu howled, her whole body shaking with the fury she felt deep within as hot tears choked her and flooded her eyes once more.

    The door banged open seconds later as some scruffy blonde man poked his head into the bathroom. “Lady, you’re in th’ gents. Lemme call someone for ya, ya should really go on home now.”

    “Oh fuck you!” she barked back, slamming a wad of paper towels into the bin as she staggered past him and back into the dive bar. “I don’t need nobody,” she added with a quiet, raspy sniffle.

It had been a delightful day. The kind that was so simple and sweet and utterly domestic that looking back you could not help but smile softly in recollection and want to hold the memory close. For as long as she lived, Blu did not want to forget it.

Tuesdays were rather ordinary, but she had awoken feeling wonderful. No morning sickness, an almost full night’s sleep, and a happily squirming bundle of joy rolling about inside her. Life was such a precious thing and as the days continued to wind on and on, she could not help but marvel at the wonder of it all.

There was still a deep trepidation about the future, both hers and Plague’s. The baby at least would be well-loved whatever would come. She already loved that blessed tiny beating heart so much that it hurt to think she had considered never having children. Even if the worst happened, even if Blu had to be apart from her child’s life, she knew Yavul would do right by her. If he couldn’t take Petite in then he would find that little child a home and stick by them through thick and thin. That’s what family did.

Family.

Time was moving so quickly. Was it really almost half a year since she had formed the Angels and reconnected with old friends and new? Was it really only five, nearly six months since New Years Eve and its aftermath? SO much was happening - had happened - and in no time at all it seemed.

Today though would be the day Blu would remember not her fears and worries, but the sound of Petite’s beating heart on the monitor, the shape of that monochrome form wriggling about inside her on the screen, the moment she learned her sweet, precious little angel, was going to be born a beautiful, healthy, baby girl.

She cried when they told her, though she was sure she would have cried regardless of what gender they told her Petite was. Plague had been with her for the appointment though Sidney had hovered and tried to make excuses to walk by and pop in, much to her amusement. The enthusiasm of her loved ones and her squadron did nothing to dampen her mood. If anything it only served to brighten her days as they all shared in her unexpected joy.

Plague had taken her to lunch afterwards to celebrate. His own amber eyes danced with as much joy as she felt within herself. There were so many words they could not speak aloud about it, but there was no doubt about how much they both were excited and wanted this child. They ate quietly while playfully passing names back and forth. Blu swore she would absolutely not curse her child with another Kulshedra name and made him promise that if she wasn’t coherent enough after the birth to do so herself, to at least spell the baby’s name right.

It was all so normal and sweet that Blu had kept wondering throughout the day when she would wake up and find it all just a dream. Because that’s what it felt like. All she had ever wanted since she was a young girl was to have a family, a partner, a couple kids, and a place to call home. She had thought Coy would be the one to give her that. She had wished that Darry had been able to give her that. But now there was Plague and all the puzzle pieces of her life had been shaken and scattered so that while they fit together the picture was mix-matched and out of place.

Blu had alway admired him, had always found him attractive both intellectually and physically. His eyes just seemed to always have a way to see right into her to the very rawest parts of her and read her like an open book. Her heart still skipped a beat whenever he walked by or she caught a whiff of his cologne. She hadn’t meant for this to happen when she had asked him to be her second in command. She had not meant to pay him more mind than was necessary as a colleague. Yet, one thing had lead to another and along came Petite.

She knew she should stop what they were doing, should break things off and pretend nothing happened. But, the past is not erasable. Blu saw herself as selfish. She had fallen in love with her little unborn daughter but that was not the only one who had wormed their way into her heart. She cared deeply for Plague and that thought terrified her. Blu did not know what to do about all that either. She knew she needed to let him go and yet she could not bring herself to stop. Every time they were together she swore both to herself and aloud it would be their last. Each time Plague would smile that cursed little smirk of his and Blu knew they both would end up back to where they were in no time at all.

But, altogether it was not a dream. She really was pregnant and head over heels in love with the thought of having this little one of her own. A little girl, a precious new life with a massive future ahead of her that Blu could not wait to show her. She rubbed her palm over her swollen middle and smiled to feel the answering kick.

“Maman loves you so much,” Blu murmured aloud as she stood alone in her kitchen. “Maman can’t wait to meet you and hug you and love on you and show you all that this world can be. I will never stop loving you Mon Petite Amor.”

She gave her stomach one last pat before waddling back to her bedroom and crawling into bed for the night. It was early yet, perhaps only just past eight in the evening but it had been a full day and she was exhausted. It was best to get sleep in when she could. Between work and Petite’s endless squirming she would likely be up and about in a couple hours anyway.

With a smile on her face, Blu quickly dozed off, the sound of her daughter’s heartbeat ringing in her mind. Her dreams were strange though. That tiny drum grew louder and louder still until it was deafening. She was standing in the middle of a red desert, a gun in hand and a low brimmed hat upon her head. She was surrounded by faceless shadows that kept reaching towards her but would back down the moment she trained her firearm on them.

The shadows morphed into faces and suddenly there was Coy spewing obscenities at her while cursing her unborn child. “Dinae want children my ass! Spread yer legs fer every man that so much as glances at ya but couldn’t stand yer wifely duties t’ me! Godsdamn useless whore!” The dream version of Coy howled as his clawed hands swiped at her. Blu found herself stumbling backwards into one of the other figures. A broad, strong chest met her back and she nearly wept to feel his arms around her again.

“Aw Bells look at ya now! Why you’re positively glowing brighter than a sunny day on Fleurivale!” She turned in those arms and felt her heart cease painfully to see Darrin restored to his former self. The scene around them shifted and changed so that she was standing back in Solarta in their old camping spot from their childhood.

“I’ve missed you,” she breathed, leaning heavily into him even as pain gently throbbed in her breast.

He smiled back at her and kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m always wit ya Bells. I ain’t, going nowhere.”

“We all are, amigato.”

Blu gasped then, her breath rattling hoarsely as she spun to face that grizzled face with its bastard grin. “Grisham,” she croaked with tears in her eyes. The pain in her chest was becoming unbearable now, spreading throughout her being as she felt Petite kick within her in protest. This man’s loss was too fresh, too new and painful.

“None of that, Bluhana. You’ve shed enough tears. No need to waste any on me,” the green-haired man said. He offered her a lopsided grin before glancing behind her again and nodding with a wink. “Time to wake up though, amigato.”

“Time to wake up,” the voices of the men she had loved and lost rang out in overlapping unison around her in a growing cacophony of sound that threatened to drown her. The scene shifted again and she was drowning in a deep, dark ocean, alone and without breath. Pain wracked her body in wave after wave after wave as she struggled and failed to drag herself back up to the surface. The shadowed hands had returned to claw at her limbs and drag her back down into the painful depths once more. The drumbeat had resumed in her head too but it was softer and growing slower and slower as the dream bled to black.

Blu Moon awoke with a start, her cheeks wet with tears. She sat up quickly, gasping for breath as if she were still drowning beneath those icy waves. Her nightclothes clung stickly to her frame and she shivered as the running ceiling fan began to give her a chill.

“Some dream eh, Petite?” Blu dragged herself from her bed, wincing as her back twinged painfully. “Maybe a shower would be better,” she muttered to herself before shuffling in that direction. She made it as far as the doorway when the next squeezing pain struck her. It was stronger than the last one, forcing her to catch her breath and grip the moulding.

Blu grit her teeth against the pain but stayed put even as it ended. “Alright that definitely felt like a contraction. Okay Blu girl it’s all good. Go have a seat and it will pass. These are normal this far along. Just...yeah, have a seat. Wait for them to pass,” she coached herself as she eased down onto the edge of the tub. Another bolt of pain had her slamming her closed fist down onto her thigh as she tried to grit through it.

The pain only continued to get worse though as she panted and tensed with each new wave of cramps. It was when Blu moved to stand and turn the tub on that she realised just how bad the situation was becoming. A small pool of red was dripping down the edge of the tub where she had been sitting. She yanked down her pajama bottoms and kicked them off, horrified to see the amount of blood that had soaked through them.

Panic flooded her system then as her knees went weak and she sank to the floor. Without thought her mind instantly slammed into that mental space where she kept her telepathic connections to her squad. She slammed against the figurative door of Plague’s mind, too terrified and in pain to be concerned with her usual amount of propriety.

“Raphael! her mind screeched into his. The pain was excruciating now and refusing to lessen. Sobs wracked her weak form as she clenched her hands into tight fits and clung fiercely to the floor mat. She did not know whether she spoke the words aloud or in her head or even a combination of the two as she begged anyone who would listen for help. “Help, please...pas Mon Petite Amor...mes dieux, sitoplé. Hurry…”

Seeing her mother always brought a lightness to her heart. It never mattered the distance nor the time apart, the moment she remembered her mother, she was home again. Being a Pilot had made things difficult over the years to always make it home, to be there for holidays or times when it mattered most but, days like today she was always grateful for the chance to go home. Her mother had smiled so brightly at breakfast. It was as if that smile alone powered the lights in the entire room it was so bright and warm.

The food was a rare treat, a trip out to eat instead of at home, but the family was together and happy. This was how it was every year. Mummyji would tell the stories of her pregnancies, the failed ones and the blessings. She would recount how the eldest son had been such a little warrior boy, always wanting to look out for his parents and friends. But, also how lazy a little boy he could be as he would fall asleep at the drop of a hat and always in the most peculiar places. The memories never got old and always held a special place in all their hearts.

She would laugh with them and smile, her head bobbing slightly as the warm tones of her family’s voices washed over her. She missed this more and more with each passing year. Being away was always so hard but coming home was bittersweet. Seeing Mummyji, Papaji, and Lee always made her miss them that much more.

Today was a good day though. It was routine and everyone was happy. As the meal wound down, Jain quietly excused herself, catching her mother’s glance and smile before returning it with a smile of her own. After making her way to the front of the restaurant, she quietly pointed out her family to the manager and asked to cover their tab. No muss, no fuss. This is what she did every year, one of the few gifts she felt she could give them without causing trouble.

Things were taken care of without ceremony, a scan of her chip and the woman was moving to slip out the door. There was no need for goodbyes. That would just complicate things and today was supposed to be a good and happy day. She had only been able to get the four days off and two of those were primarily dedicated to travel. There was no need to upset her family with her parting. She could already imagine the number of hugs and tears her mother would offer up, each one getting hard to walk away from. No, it was better this way.

A shout dragged her abruptly from her thoughts as a moment later a tall man pulled into view. “Miss!” he declared, holding out a length of cloth to her. “You left your scarf. I wanted to catch you before you missed it. It’s really cute,” he continued with a wink, “kinda like you.”

Jain smiled softly, her eyes a bit sad as she pressed her palms together and dipped her head “Namaste, and thank you. I had indeed forgotten it.” She glanced back to the restaurant, seeing her parents staring back at her and smiling as they spoke to each other before looking back to the man with mismatched eyes and a lopsided smile.

“It’s Mother’s Day. Keep it, a gift for your Mummyji. It’s not really my style anyway.” Jain smiled and nodded to her parents even as she turned once more and walked away. Behind her Lee sputtered a thank you and returned to their parents. A scarf with small, blue five-petaled flowers on it soon rested around Mummyji Dau’s neck and the family went about their day, thankful to the stranger for her gift but more focused on their own family unit’s plans.

Jain was no longer part of that family. She was a stranger who had drifted away, faded from memory, lonely and forgotten. She would not forget any of it though, the way her brother had cracked his usual stupid jokes, the way Papaji had held her mother close, or the smile Mummyji had unknowingly sent her daughter the moment their eyes met.

She knew that they still loved her, or would if they knew she was theirs. Because, when somebody loved you, everything was beautiful. Every moment spent together was special to Jain and she carried each precious one within her heart. Moments like today made it feel like when her mother loved her dearly, and for that Jain would be forever grateful.

“Happy Mother’s Day, Mummyji. I love you too,” she spoke aloud to no one. Her voice was just another lonely whisper in the wind.

Inquisitor Talbot Henning-Rook, Pilot Noble:

I understand that in light of recent events across the domes our Inquiry departments are under more stress than usual and personnel are currently stretched thin. As I am unable to lend more help both personally and from my own unit I would like to volunteer the efforts of another in my place.

While out of typical protocol procedures, if awarded the proper temporary clearances, Pilot Noble Seth Tinston may be of some assistance to you and yours. He is a fourth tier psychic specializing in psychometry as the head lab assistant in Research & Development. While he lacks in investigative work I have no doubt that he could lend a fresh perspective in addition to a willingness to follow set tasks without trouble.

I also wish to state for the record that I understand my suggestion is toeing the line of orthodox and will forthwith stand by your decision whatever that may be. Thank you in advance for your consideration. If there is anything else I can do to aid in your own investigations, I am at your disposal to the best of my ability.

Kind regards,

Inquisitor Kielen Derriere, Pilot Echo.

A certains Heather Bannister and Aspen Brookes have recently lost comm connections and the search for their missing persons is on! Something is going on in Aedolis and the recent loss of Commander Grisham Alberich along with the shift of higher level personnel has created the perfect environment for some seedy individuals to get cocky.

We're looking for members interested in their Pilots also going missing and nearly without a trace. If you're interested, please shoot me a DM on discord or a PM here for further details (including what to expect to have happen to your character). In the interest of keeping things fun, not all will be revealed to you. There is a purpose to the disappearances though and characters WILL be found in the end...unless you don't want them to .

Requirements for this plot:

• Pilots cannot be stationed in Adstreia when they go missing. That area is too security hot right now and would be too risky to grab from.
• It is preferred that Pilots be young, newer, and inexperienced to explain why heavily trained specialized military professionals are going missing.
• They have to be individuals that can be grabbed in lower levels, crowded areas, dark places. There are cameras galore in Aedolis and while some of these can be made to go blind drawing attention is the last thing this group wants while they're dragging off people

Pilot Echo K'k'kthuluxtl,

This letter is to inform you of the impending termination of your position as Acting Commander of the Ryun Ravens. At the time of your termination you will be instated as the Squadron Leader of the aforementioned Squadron. Termination is effective immediately at which time the new Commander will assume command.

Please find attached the necessary documentation and list of duties that come with your new role. To accept your new responsibilities, all paperwork must be fully and completely filled out and submitted no later than...

The small figure set down the official paperwork, her small hands smoothing it out as the news sank in. It was certainly not unexpected. Things had been exceedingly difficult and tumultuous for several months. It was only a matter time before the dragons made their choice and found someone more suitable for the role of command.

Ren had left for vacation, followed immediately by medical leave. While she had never pried, Chu still did not know why and worried deeply for him. He had been a constant friend and companion for over a century. Over the years there had been many Ravens, but Nym, Ren, and Chu had all been there since the beginning. They had always been side by side and had known to a point the things that made each other tick. To then not know what was wrong with Ren, to not be told much of anything for that matter, to be shut out and later snapped at when addressed with concern, had cut her deeply.

Not once did Chu press it though. It was obviously very private and none of her business. It was not her place nor in her nature to push beyond that. She could not help but wonder very briefly at times if she had not been as close to him though as she had originally thought. Blessedly those thoughts were fleeting and few and far between. There just was no time to dwell long on it while trying to keep up with Nym and her new squad duties.

Nym.

That was another can of worms to make her head spin. It was therefore almost a relief when she was placed in command of the Ravens in his place. The elf had only become worse since Ren had left to the point that his neuroticism was impossible for her to temper. The others had taken it in stride and at least on the outside so had Chu.

Inside was a different matter entirely. Her heart ached with each reminder that she had in some way failed the people she had cared for the longest. Her squad was her K'k'k-al'chi, her Collection, her family. Now all she had was Obi and Pol and it was so hard to tell how they were even feeling about it all. She could only hope they still trusted her. But then, she had thought Ren had trusted her once…

A heavy sigh squeezed from her frame as she placed her head in her hands and her feelers drooped. A new commander would be good for them. The Ravens needed structure and stability. They needed an air of sanity from their leader and someone stronger than she could be for them. Chu could only hope it would be enough, that the damage done was not irreparable at this point.

She could console herself with the thought at least that the two newest recruits had not had to suffer the consequences of the former Commander’s lead, only his absence’s aftermath. They had both seemed like good editions based on their files. Sevastian had served for several years now as a stealth-based CO and had worked with the squad before on a few occasions. Chu had complete faith in his cohesion into their group. Dekval was still fresh-faced and new. Time would tell but, she had admired his enthusiasm. It was time for some change. The stagnation of winter had come to an end. It was time for the fruits of spring to rise up. Chu could only hope that their new Commander felt the same now that it was her time to step down.

It was not a far step either, all things considered. The missive had promoted her to the role of Squadron Leader and while it was something to be proud of, Chu felt a bittersweetness about it. Ren would not be returning after all it seemed. A pity really. He was a favorite among the squad and one that they all could rally behind with ease. She had some enormously large shoes to fill now.

Chu nodded her head firmly, sitting up straight again with determination. There was no sense letting her emotions control her. She was above all that. The mind was far superior to the heart. Those softer parts of her were best left at home where they belonged. There was work to be done here. As she slid her desk drawer open to collect a pen, a single black feather gleamed ominously back up at her.

Mirror Mirror on the wall, which of us is next to fall?

Apr 18      posted: just now

CAT PALOOZA BY FABULOUS FELINES

A pair (2) cats for SALE! Kitten one is male with darling green eyes and a plush ginger coat. Absolute lovebug and plays well with others! Kitty-cat number two is female, blue-eyed, and slinky with her shiny black coat. She's loud, and likes to let you know JUST how much she loves you. You will nOT be disappointed!

Both cats come chipped, vaccinated, declawed, and fully housebroken.

Start calling between 20:50-24:00 to discuss payment and ensure these sweet babies are all yours!!!!

• do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers

post id: 6560558808      posted: just now      email to friend ♥ best of [?]

__________________QUICK STATS
Name Keinara Trin
Alias Kelly Trinity
Age Ancient in some regards and a newborn in others. Appears about 15 years old.
DOB Her first birth was in the days before time was so heavily regulated by humans. Her second on 3/26
Gender Female
Species Black Dragon
Ethnicity Adelan
Height 5'7"
Occupation
Residence The Trinity facility, a massive lunar, subterranean base, about a mile beneath the moon's surface.
Voice Claim Coming Soon


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Physical Description

Keinara has a slender, waif-like figure with a heart-shaped face and large gold eyes. Her jet-black hair is thick and straight, cut to reach just past her shoulders with her bangs falling in line with her cheekbones. Her mouth is small always seeming to look like it's pouting when she isn't smiling brightly at you.

Her preferred clothing usually involves loose tunic blouses with long shawls and little flats or ankle boots. Most of her attire is dark in color, but always features accents of pastels or flower elements. Both her ears are pierced with gold ball studs that she never takes out.

Personality

Keinara always has been and continues to be a benevolent soul. She is kind and caring to all regardless of the wrongs they may have done to her. There is an innocence and purity to her soul very much akin to that of a young child. She is however, rather wise for her age. Keinara seems to always know what to say to cheer someone up or set them on the right path. Due to her appearance and maturity though she is often believed to be quite foolish and easily beguiled. While innocent and pure of heart, she is not quite so naive and easily duped.

Furthermore, Keinara has a strong moral compass. She is a firm believer in compromise and balance. She disdains arguing and believes there is always a right and wrong in a situation but that there is also always multiple sides to a story. She would much rather hear everything out than make a rash decision with only some of the facts.

Currently as she attempts to find herself as a person again she is shy and reserved around new people. There is a thirst for knowledge though that drives her ever onward and forward. She wants to know more, more, more and is hungry to understand all the why's and how's of things.

Things

• Suffering from a form of amnesia but slowly gaining back her memories of her life before her untimely death.
• Hasn't quite got the hang of technology yet and makes a lot of mistakes.
• Favorite scent is rosemary.

Magic/Abilities

Divine Magic: Keinara is one of the original dragons, and as such magic is intrinsic to her very being. There is much she is still trying to relearn and remember about herself but she is a powerful creature and not to be tested should her long fuse finally be sparked.

• Shifter: She is capable of shifting into the form of a large black dragon with shining scales and flashing golden eyes.
• Healer: Keinara is also able to heal not only herself but others as well. She is not talented enough to regenerate limbs or restart someone's heart but she can fix regular bumps and bruises without breaking a sweat. Other things are more physically taxing on her but bit by bit she is growing stronger in this record.
• Light Magic: The strongest of her abilities, Keinara is able to create and manipulate light. This goes beyond illumokinesis as she is able to generate light even in dark places where it is absent. One day she will be able to do powerful things with it such as bend it into a weapon but for now she is content with making dancing fairy lights on her walls or playing with illusions.

Relationships

Parents: DECEASED
Marakai: Her middle brother: The Protector and The Missing
Kranath: Her eldest brother: The Destroyer and The Resurrector

History

Keinara was born thousands and thousands of years ago when the world was a very different place. She's still trying to remember what that was like but she dreams of days when she was a dragon that soared across the skies free and full of life.

There is darkness too in her past. A shadow that she cannot see haunts her memories as dreams turn to nightmares and she is reminded of screams and blood. Unbeknownst to her, her brother Kranath became possessed by a great evil and killed not only her parents and their village, but her as well. It was her brother Marakai that was the one to stop him but it was not enough.

Only recently has she been reawakened and brought back to life. The very man that stole millennia from her, returned breath to her body and her soul with it. Keinara suffers from amnesia but bit by bit is recovering her past. As far as she knows though the world is a new and exciting place and she is so grateful and happy to have her beloved by her side to help her adjust once more.

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