The Decision ::

Congratulations to Hototo and Tingal! Decision Roll [Note: Kelec was #11. I rolled before I typed in his name.]

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Symphony in Sea

On and on the symphony rings out, drawing Helovian's from near and far to rejoice in the sounds of creation. A welcoming smile appears on his bearded muzzle as Tingal and Solace draw close, commenting on the melodies resonating through and from the earth itself. He nods in response, a sparkle in his charismatic and kind eyes, as he continues to internally conduct the world around him. The next to arrive wordlessly is Africa. The God feels a pang of sadness at the sight of her one-winged form. He had heard of how she had lost a wing - his brother the Sun had mentioned it one day when deciding whether or not to make her Oracle. He had thought it had made her stronger, and the Earth could now see why. Many in her position might have lost hope, turned inwards or perhaps abandoned life all together. And yet, without prodding her mind too much, the God could tell that was not the case.

Were the God to not have seen his son approach, he certainly would have felt it. It was as if an entire section of the orchestra, biding their time until their cue, had suddenly and beautifully began to play. The melody took on a new strain as Hototo's harp and voice melded into the sound. The God was well pleased with his son, and he infused that pride and admiration into the song swaying through the grasses.

More and more come, and although the God would have been content to continue until the Sun sank into the sea heralding the night, he would not leave his guests to stand in silence. In a crashing crescendo of sound, waves rose high - threatened to engulf the cliff upon which they stood. Foaming crests slammed together in perfect rhythm, as the entirety of creation seemed to come to life for this final flurry of sound. All at once, at the height of the cadence, the earth fell silent, save for Hototo's childlike humming. The sound, so innocent and pure, would be the end of the melody.

With a smile, the God turned to face the gathered group, towering over them all, but regarding each with care. He folded his earthen wings to his sides with a beaming grin. "Thank you all for listening." He began warmly, his gaze moving to each and every one, companions included. "And to my guest musician." He rumbled to Hototo. The pride and love in his gaze was obvious, and he beamed down at the boy who was slowly growing into his large body, both mentally and physically.

Next, his gaze roams to Cera, who has tucked his head underneath his wing. With a furrowed brow, the God extends his wing to lightly brush against the painted child. "I would never go away for long, Cera. He offered reassuringly, his voice warm and rustic sounding. He sensed a sort of...conflict, within the young boy. Although he was usually so forthcoming, the God decided not to pry. He would hear the child's worries, should he wish to share them.

Looking to Kahlua, the warmth of his gaze did not recede. "You have been busy, crafter. Perhaps you might....share some of your knowledge with Solace here - You might find he has a similar ability..." The God's voice trailed off, as a soft breeze stirred and began to swirl at the stallion's hooves. He had seen the working of a craftsman within him, but also that of a warrior. The God had been conflicted about bestowing the magic of a craftsman upon the stallion, but if this was how his heart wished to serve, so be it.

Emerald eyes fell upon Torleik for a moment - a stallion who had done something to spurn his brother. That of course, was an easy offence to commit, and the earthen figure was not at all put off by the reports of his kin. "You as well, child of the snow. And you - " He concluded, indicating towards the young companion accompanying the unicorn.

Finally, he looked to Aurelia, the golden child hovering by Africa's side. With a warm exhale, the injuries that she spoke of were instantly healed - as were the tired muscles and worries of all who were present. "May you all go in peace and in good health. Carry this music with you for as long as your souls remember it. Although - " He paused, his gaze falling on Tingal and Hototo "- I would speak with you two." Moving to stand closer to his son, the great God sighed with affection and paternal approval. Still, if his son was to follow in his hoof prints, he would have to become bolder, more sure of himself.

"Hototo. There are many things in this world that are worth being fearful of, but cowardice and avoidance must never be the answer, just as surely as rashness of action and violence are not. I ask that you do two things for me. You must spend time with one who inspires fright and unease in you. You must learn about them, and they must learn about you. You must also complete a trial to prove the strength of your soul...You will know it, when the time comes. With a wink of encouragement, he turned to the hybrid.

"You wish to be able to defend?" He asks, gently lurking in the mind of the half-tiger. His dark tail swishes against his hocks as he thoughtfully contemplates the contents of Tingal's mind. "Protection is about more than physical barriers, for there are acts of violence that can permeate through the Earth. If you are to gain the magic of the trees, you must first be able to provide defences to these other aspects as well. Spar with one who has the dark ability to instal fear in your mind, whether through sorcery or through mind-control. Then, meet two more who can either conjure hallucinations, or who can alter your mental state."

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Congratulations! Aurelia's wounds have healed, and everyone is left feeling restored and happy. Solace has been gifted with the abilities of the Mason of the Foothills!

Hototo: Must have three separate threads with the same character - that character must be one who inspires fright/unease in him (interpretable however you like). Hototo must open up to them, and they have to open up to him. For his 'trial' merely tag the RE once you would like to begin. Others can join the thread, or he can do it alone.

Tingal: Must spar with someone who has the magical ability to project fear, or who has mind-control abilities. Then he must meet two others who can either create hallucinations/shapes, or who can alter his mental state.