Legends foretold of Dust or Gold | Mandragora, CIS

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

It is time, It is time,, It is time.​

They had all conveyed the single unified message, one after the other as they had summoned the one they had chosen to a single spot for to come, only a single short sentence conveying the message. Time had come.

Katrine Van-Derveld Hawk had been born on a planet that belonged to Witches though she wasn’t born like any of them. She was a wolf in its purest form, her blood calling her to a moon so far away from the Witches with whom she had grown up with. Through the Force, another call had been whispered from the moment she had drawn her first breath but a unique gift she had been blessed with which had served as a key to an unknown future had been also caused by a malicious force arriving from the beyond to destroy what she was meant to be. The three spirits of Mandragora had always been waiting for her though, knowing full well she alone had the power over her destiny, a power to put herself back on the path she had been meant for.

Mandragora has been dormant for so long when it had been discovered, their grimoire had been found by another. One who had, ultimately, not been meant for the path yet many still did not comprehend the spirits, not truly. They were neither good nor evil, they neither punished nor rewarded. They were part of Ryloth, part of the Force, part of the magic and as such, they welcome all those who willingly chose to become their children, their chosen. Therefore, not even Mandragora itself was good or evil, it simply was a home for the lost, the enslaved, the ones seeking to be part of something and wished to be free and strong.

Defend what is Mine from the Shadows.
Defend what is Mine Physically.
Defend what is Mine through Knowledge, Influence or Power.​

The loving embrace of the spirits had welcome the first of the Hawks in centuries, their history prior to Dathomir forever lost to them yet the spirits had always known what would come yet they were not manipulative nor did they want to control every action of their chosen. Their connection to the Shaman worked a little differently, there was a possessiveness beyond what an average Witch would know yet Shaman held a sacred position within the order that it was near impossible to create such a bond but the Nightmother? She belonged to the spirits completely. She was theirs. Their first child, their first daughter, their representative, the connection to the physical word but for one to become so, she would have to be claimed. Witches would know this world for the personal definition of it and yet, not a spirit claiming had not been done in centuries, it had long since been forgotten. They would know now, again. A Nightmother would be claimed.

Days before her ceremony, Katrine would be sent into the wilderness of the nightlands. Though every single day since her marking on Rodia had been a test, a final one had been necessary. With their strength on the planet, they had sent beasts her way and demanded she fought them. They tested her as a Witch and as a Lupine for she was both of these things. She had faced Doashim, Lylek, and Jart; she had faced Gutkurr, Rycrit and Primate. She had bruised, she had been covered in her own and their blood; she had fed on the defeated.

Altar of Spirits

In the end, the spirits had summoned their chosen to their Altar. The Lupine ran fast towards it at their demand, speeding through her obstacles even through her bruised limbs. Still so young, she had much to understand of the duty she was about to commit herself but Katrine had heard the message she had received - she was born to do this.

Her strength had given out by the time she had reached the elevated ground, forcing her body to change into her human form as she dragged herself to the altar. Without her clothes, every bruise and scar was visible on her body as she climbed onto the center, willing herself to find the strength. She required healing, she required sleep yet neither would be given until she had completed all the spirits had planned for her.

Beyond the stone lay the Grimoire of the cult, though she carried little understanding to how it had gotten here. As she’d come to the altar, she’d screamed as the flesh on her back ripped… once, twice, thrice…. Each mark side by side, each different. Each bloodletting causing her to scream. In her pain, she didn’t even realize that the Jarts had gathered on the damaged stones around her, Lyleks were climbing from the depths or that the Doashims had come. The spirits had summoned the living manifestations upon this day.

In front of the altar itself, the grimoire sprung open, pages flipping under the command of the spirits as the blood from back dripped into the altar, drop by drop, the liquid vanishing within the liquid.

We are the power in everyone.
”We are the power in everyone.”
We are the dance of the Moon and Sun.
”We are the dance of the Moon and Sun.”
We are the hope that will not hide.
”We are the hope that will not hide.”​

We are the turning of the tide.​

”We are the turning of the tide.”​

Ancient chant told together, in realms of the spirits and the living, the blonde gasped as the passed through her, her vision momentarily blurring as each one of them did, allowing her glances into the realm from whence they came. She wasn’t alone, not there.

The spirits called on their chosen but their song, it called to those they wanted as well, as it often did. Louder now by their anchor in the human realm. And she, their anchor, was given a gown knitted form the spirits themselves.

They would come. They would come to know and they would come to be chosen. A new era of the Mandragora had already begun but now, it would grow stronger still.

Spoiler

[member="Fawn Alzi"] [member="Muad Dib"] [member="Rapax"] [member="Zephyr Carrick"] [member="Chikako Liona"] [member="Darth Metus"] [member="Daxton Bane"] [member="Kaiah Sixsipita"] [member="Kayla Wylen"] [member="Maple Harte"] [member="Paige Blossom"] [member="Scherezade deWinter"] [member="Srina Talon"] [member="Veronika Fleischer"] [member="Akabane"]

 

[Maple Harte]

Ryloth was a curious place.

As her Force Sense had begun to strengthen, she had begun to feel what Ryloth was, under the surface, when you peeled back the layer either by stretching your mind beyond your body and feeling its ethereal contours, the way light and darkness melded and pulled away around the planet, especially towards the place she was heading towards, bearing only her cortosis weave cane for protection from whatever was skulking around the wastelands. Cyborg Count Dooku had had her imprisoned deep within his "Evil Citadel" for life. She hated Cyborg Count Dooku, but hated the Mind-Binder more. Skip. Back on Ryloth. No more rat eating.

The other way to look at Ryloth was by listening to what one's insides were telling them.

And this place...called to her, somehow. She could not quite explain it. Maybe...maybe she just liked it. She drew away from its darkness by instinct, though. She was not a follower of the Dark Side, whatever else she would become as a Mandragora.

She sensed other things. Heard things. A song. A beautiful song. She followed it. Followed it to the nightlands.

The cliff where she heard, or rather felt, the song, drew her on and on, driven to find the source of the wonderful sound that called deep within from the Force. Until she came upon a great alter. She sensed something subtle, lined with great animals, including the Doashim. That creature had scared her from the first she laid eyes on it but they didn't seem to be out to kill. And she saw Katrine, wearing a magnificent gown. Maple saw tiredness in the girl's eyes, and yet...a strange elation as she hesitantly approached the alter, not sure what would happen.

She caught the gaze of the Doashim as she passed, watched as their eyes, all seemed to follow her as she passed by them. She didn't return the gaze, as all this was unsettling as is, the song and the Force dancing within in a way that she was not sure how to react to.

But she got past them, marveling a bit at the view of the night lands beyond, clad in her black biker leathers.

She stared at [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] and tried to think of something memorable to say. She decided against it.

Instead, what came up was a simple, "Wassup?

 

[Anya Malvern]

[member="Katrine Van-Derveld"]

The force was such a interesting that even anya knew little of

And on this night, while she laid asleep on the bed given, a song slowly drifted through her dreams...it caused her to suddenly open her eyes as she sat up. She looked around and it was all quiet. Nothing was here nor was anyone playing some music...then suddenly she heard it again! She used the force to pull her hover chair close and slowly slid into the chair panting as she got into it...she really couldn't wait until she got her limbs back...

Opening the door she peeked put, no guards or servants, she moved on out and quickly found a exit....she listened for that music and turned looking out into the distance...her eyes narrowed as she went forward into the wild lands, that song sounded tempting she had to figure it out...and the closer she got the more she could feel the force at work

She just couldn't escape that could she?

She stopped at a cliff side, looking upon two woman, she tilted her head as the music seemed to stop yet the force was so immense he she swear she could see jt...then she noticed the creatures around her and froze up a bit before she relaxed and then spoke

the force has called me to here through a song...would you two know why?

 

[Veronika Fleischer]

The summons were made.

Ryloth was certainly more interesting than she had expected. Twi'leks, Witches and now Nightlands.

She could feel it. The spirits were calling out for the gifted to join in. That was where she was going, on board a red speeder that she had rented from the city. The vehicle was one of the most expensive, but she wanted the speed and the thrill of driving it. No traffic lights, no set routes and certainly no police to hound her even if she was drink driving. Headlights cut through the darkness, her hair fluttering in the wind and club music blaring from the stereo. Not the latest hits, but her playlist was random the current song had a lovely beat.

We're always waiting for the night
Never lost, we can go where the light shines brightest
We’re always waiting for the night
So come with me and we can go where the light shines brightest

The red speeder drove on, the navigation map on the side showing her the general direction. She was driving based on instinct, on gut feeling, on guidance from the Force. If she was right, she would end up reaching a cliff of sorts. Along the way, she marvelled at the strange luminous plants growing in the darkness. Purple and tall, swaying in the wind. She could hear the Doashim howling in the distance.

Stay all night, runaway all night
Stay all night, runaway all night
We'll stay all night runaway all night
Stay all night, runaway all night

Veronika nodded her head to the beat, taking another drink from the bottle directly. She was close now, making out the shapes of Doashim which had gathered as the cliff loomed closer. Sounds of crawling under the ground, which she knew to be Lyleks. Feather creatures flying through the dark sky, the Jarts making their presence known as well. She stopped the speeder at the bottom of the cliff, making her way up the steps to the top.

[member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] was there already, appearing to be a little tired. She reckoned the lupine had undergone some sort of trials beforehand. Another mysterious lady was nearby, unfamiliar but went by the name of [member="Anya Malvern"]. Jart had whispered the name in her mind. The unknown lady seemed pretty confused by the whole event.

"Because you are gifted. In the Force."

Not a particularly helpful answer, but she was distraced by the presence of her favourite [member="Maple Harte"]. The blonde walked up to her lover and planted her lips against the brunette's briefly, accompanied by her alcoholic breath and sweet scent of perfume.

"Hello, darling. I hope you missed me. While we wait, I suppose the spirits won't mind us having a little drink?"

She waved the half open bottle of cognac and unscrewed the lid. No glasses around, so the only way was to drink from the bottle itself.

 

[Chikako Liona]

​The world of magic always seemed so alluring and mysterious to the young Echani, that strange powers that one could obtain from the art being the same yet so different from the basic powers that almost everyone knew about. Despite this Chikako had been rather stagnant in her lessons, finding it hard to acquire on of the more experienced Mandragora members to be her teacher political like just getting in the way of her purist of power. Though tonight, this night on Ryloth that seemed to be changing, spirts from below calling to the girl as she wandered around the wilderness as she often did while slowly reigning her memories.

​The spirits songs drawing her in further, dragging her body into the night lands, still adorned in a long white night gown, perhaps giving off the appearance of a ghostly figure, sleaves and dress gently blowing in the wind. In the distance a speeder could be heard, slowly getting louder before stopping, were there others? That would make sense if someone as inexperienced as her could hear the ghostly songs then others of more power would be able to as well.

​Drifting closer several women entered her sight, [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] standing out the most from the rest carrying much reputation, the others being unknown to the young woman. ([member="Anya Malvern"]) One had crimson red hair, flowing long past her shoulders, almost pale as an Echani, carrying a regal pois to her stance, that seeming of a noble of sorts. ([member="Maple Harte"]) Another was a brunette, very different from those gathered here, wearing a denim jacket, looking more like a smuggler or mercenary of sorts. ([member="Veronika Fleischer"]) The last was tall, blonde and very pretty looking, wearing tight black clothes, giving an aura of a spy, carrying some sort of drink, possible alcohol of some sort.

Despite these difference one thing was all in common, the force, surrounding them all, ​'this is no coincidence' .

 

[Muad Dib]

DAYS EARLIER ​

Standing on the promenade he watched the bustle of activity in their market below. The Space Station "Candy Mountain" was busting under his supervision. The shipyards around the station had brought in a flux of activity and job security for many with the Siskeen system. The station was home to many of the workers and below families wandered the marketplace. The constant traffic of ships coming in for repair or retrofit kept the station alive with credits and crews on leave.

Turning away he slowly walked along lost in thought. But he was not long for solitary refection. The scar upon his back, the marking of the Doashim, burned lightly as the Patron spoke within, It is time . A slight frown crossed his face at the statement. It wasn't a command, the Patron and the man had finally come to an understanding about that, yet it was said forcefully that have the words enough weight for the Mad Man to understand the significance.

Crossing the catwalk he sent a message on the comlink to ready the shuttle, Devil's Flame. Passing by his quarters he grabbed his duffel and tossed it over his shoulder, the beskad raised from the pack, and headed for the ship to depart for Ryloth.

A DAY EARLIER ​

Watching from the mountain the glowing eyes viewed the woman in the desert. Trials had left their mark upon the young woman and as she continued her trek across the wastelands towards the altar he nodded silently. The stars in the heavens shone their light upon the landscape illuminating the scene. Packs of Doashim had thrown themselves at the blonde, and every time she proved her might and ferocity. The Patron and the man grunted their begrudging respect at her tenacity.

"Nothing worth having is ever easy. Fight Blondie."

We have chosen well. The Nightmother become. Nodding silently at the statement of insight from the Patron, Muad watched to ensure for himself that she truly was worthy of being Nightmother and the conduit of the Spirits.

NOW ​

The Jart and Lylek pacts watched as Katrine moved to the altar, her flesh marring from the claiming of the Patrons. The Doashim watched from ledges upon the cliff. Crouching upon one such ledge the Shaman observed the events with his own eyes.

A song moved through the Jart, a chanting that flowed with the musical lilt came from Lylek. Muad slammed the palm of his hand against stone. A single beat. But upon the second beat dozens of hands echoed the tempo from the cliff as Doashim joined in. The song, chants, and tempo melded together in a symphony of the Mandragora as even more felt the call of the Patrons to cross the sands and stars to attend the summons that pulled at each and every one of them.

[member="Chikako Liona"] [member="Veronika Fleischer"] [member="Anya Malvern"] [member="Maple Harte"] [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"]

 

[Maple Harte]

Maple barely managed not to shiver at her kiss, smelled the cognac, didn't care. There were quite literally a million other things happening between flying critters, demon critters, Katrine in a dress, Darth Vader challenging her to a dance-off for control of the Hoth system, (She respectfully declined.) that kiss, all the animals starting to do this weird but beautiful singing pulling at her soul, really, it was just utter chaos. She took a sip to calm her nerves. "Oh, believe me, I did."

She turned to Katrine. "Er...soooooo...how's this all work? Those uh, Doashim were making...eyeballs."

She then remembered others were present. "Oh, uh, hi everyone."

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Of course she was on Ryloth. Scherezade's traveling around the 'verse depending wholly, for the moment, on [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"]. Where one was, the other one as well, at least in terms of planets.

But what Scherezade had felt through the Force was not a calling of the Spirits. Not a direct one, anyway. She knew something was up, and she knew by the prickle of the damaged Jart tattoo on her back that it had to do with the Mandragora. The rest was easier to piece together after she let her sense absorb into her surroundings. Everyone was going to a specific location, and common sense dictated that she would to.

Upon arrival, the girl took on the role of a wallflower. It was obvious that people were hearing, reacting, to things that were not privy to her at the moment. But it was fine. Looking at Katrine, Scherezade knew she was at the right place at the right time, despite whatever hiccups could and would happen.

There was beauty to a lot of Ryloth. The decaying vibe that took over most places that were relevant held a humbling magnificence to the girl, who stared at a moss covered rock on the ground, and wished she had something to drink.

 

[Ravenfire]

[member="Scherezade deWinter"] [member="Maple Harte"] [member="Muad Dib"] [member="Chikako Liona"] [member="Veronika Fleischer"] [member="Veronika Fleischer"] [member="Anya Malvern"] [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"]
Being on Ryloth finishing off the final touches to the Aqua Droids, Rex began to hear singing in the force. Last time I heard the force like this was when I collected my crystals. Boarding a shuttle, Rex heads towards the sound in the force. Finding himself with many others drawn here, he recongises all of them as members of the CIS. Why are we here, He though why this place. The singing continued on, but he waited for the leader to speak, it felt right to wait.

 

[Garza]

It seems like recently I have been called to various places. First to a meeting, secondly to this.

A witch gathering. While I supported them, and was even marked as one of them, I practiced no actual arts of magics. I barely the use of a bloodtrail. That way I could keep track of my new saber. My old one had been lost after my leaving of the Crusades. Only now have I really been able to do anything other than wandering the galaxy with nothing better to do than to drink and practice my skills within the force. Yet the call still came for me. I as one of their Shamans should show support. The change for who is leading this group is here and now.

Or at least it seemed that way.

Showing up in my exiled armor, I simply stood by while others spoke. Their need and desire for companionship, comrade, and friendship was trivial to me. I desired none of it. Just get this ceremony over with so I can go back to my rest or to doing.... something.

[member="Rex Taff"], [member="Scherezade deWinter"], [member="Maple Harte"], [member="Muad Dib"], [member="Chikako Liona"], [member="Veronika Fleischer"], [member="Anya Malvern"], [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"],

 

[Daxton Bane]

It was rare to see the Harbringer sans his battle armor, so those present would be surprised to see Daxton arrive, wearing a brown robe over a simple creme suit. In his arms he carried a dark brown handwoven basket, unremarkable save for the fact who was carrying it.

As he approached the altar, head bowed slightly in respect, a mouth watering aroma could be smelled wafting from his direction. Opening the basket he withdrew a dozen freshly baked rice cakes he made just a few minutes ago, the crisp outer shell just cracking to reveal sweet butter and melted cheese waiting to ooze out unti hungry lips. A crystal clear decanter filled with an amber alcohol followed a hand stiched pouch filled with quality tobacco and several long tapered green candles that he lit in rapid succession.

While Daxton knew the spirits neither needed food or other worldly things, he hoped they would appreciate the intent by which he had offered a simple sacrifice.

 

[Chikako Liona]

---

Chikako slowly walked towards the alter, the spirits and song surrounding the land almost pulling her in a physical sense, coming closer and closer, her presence now unmistakable to the other present, a number that was slowly increasing. The Echani teenager raising a lazy hand at [member="Maple Harte"], returning a small wave to the energetic and casual woman, "salutations and good evening to you... what are we to be doing here"? Out of the mist another approached a Chiss, one that was muddled with the force a grey that looks almost as confused as herself on what was to be happening this night, herself continuing the wave to the boy, but not uttering any words.

In addition, two other familiar faces became present, the dreaded [member="Daxton Bane"], acting rather odd, bringing some... rice balls? It was an odd thing for the usual battle harden Sith how could destroy a star ship with a flick of the hand, following at the same time [member="Scherezade deWinter"], moving over the soft green colored moss that lined the damp rocks. Just the mere presence of these people making the force shudder, their power and social stature making her feel somewhat overwhelmed, but at the same eager to see what this ritual offered it's participants.

[member="Zephyr Carrick"] I [member="Muad Dib"] I [member="Maple Harte"] I [member="Muad Dib"] I [member="Veronika Fleischer"] I [member="Anya Malvern"] I [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"]

---

 

[Rapax]

The moment he heard the summon he knew better then too ignore it, When the spirits themselves are calling it is best to answer them rather then ignore them as it is rare and ,normally quite important for the spirits to call upon other then the mother so he traveled to the Alter of spirits to see what was going on. He wore his standard leather outfit and brought the staff that was recently made for him, He doesn't take it with him as much unless its for meetings like theses for formality sake when he arrived he noticed that Katrine had already been through a great deal no doubt the trials the spirits tasked for her to do before there song was sung. He took note of those who were present even the Doashim shaman decided to tag along for once which was enlightening, He simply walked over to where Katrine was and stopped before speaking in his normal deep tone. I answered the spirits song,May I ask what it is the spirits are asking us for?

[member="Scherezade deWinter"] [member="Chikako Liona"] [member="Daxton Bane"] [member="Zephyr Carrick"] [member="Rex Taff"] [member="Maple Harte"] [member="Muad Dib"] [member="Veronika Fleischer"] [member="Anya Malvern"] [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"]

 

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

They had come. Far and wide, they had heard the song the spirits had sung. She heard but she had already been here, held and marked, feeling the spirits as they'd passed through her, the skin on her back damaged, her body filled with fresh scars and bruises. On the outside.

On the inside, Katrine Van-Derveld felt near complete, fed and safe. She was home, she was claimed. A Witch could not be claimed, a Witch claimed and yet the spirits could claim a Witch they chose. Their child, their daughter, their voice and face in the physical realm. All this she was born to be and all this she had come.

Sapphire eyes opened, though she didn't see the living, she saw the spirits that were there, between the living and the animals. She saw the Mandragora of old, the Mandragora that had been waiting. They had come. The ascension had been completed. Her vision began to clear, see through the veil between the living and the gone until she'd seen [member="Maple Harte"]. Then, her gaze had moved to [member="Anya Malvern"] and [member="Veronika Fleischer"], with the second already answering the first one's question. Indeed, it had been the answers - because she was gifted. "You both are," Katrine and the spirits spoke as she walked over the altar, to its edge. She could still feel the spirits as they gently passed over her wounded flesh, healing some of the damage enough that it didn't cause her harm as she moved.

The fire at the three pillars offered light, the flames dancing as she stepped off the stone now, looking through them. Still, the spirit guided her. This was their time, their moment. Her attention turned to [member="Chikako Liona"] as she had smiled.

Eyes shifted back to Maple as she'd asked. "Touch on the Grimoire. You shall belong to me.", her mouth had moved and the words had come out yet her voice sounded like both her at of Doashim as the demon growled from the side, staring at the brunette for a few moments before she noticed [member="Rex Taff"]. "Chosen. Come, claim your place among our other children," the voices of the spirits still echoed in every word spoken.

One by one, the shamans came at the summon, each spirit watching each shaman through the eyes of their animals. Before they would address them, [member="Daxton Bane"] approached, catching their interest as he brought a basket. Scents reached her as they'd watched the basket put in front of the altar. "We thank you for what you have given us. Our children will be fed." They were the protectors of Ryloth, they looked after all their children, whether they were human, alien or animals. They were all under their care. The offering of the Elder would not be in vain, they'd decided already.

The shaman of Jart approached, [member="Rapax"] addressing her and them as he did. "We ask that you guide our children," he was instructed. The shamans had a responsibility as no chosen of theirs had. The Mandragora had risen, it had formed, it had been released and the spirits had reclaimed their rightful place on their planet. Now was the time.

Her voice cleared as she looked at the present. "Mandragora, new and old. Now is the time to rebuild and grow, time to strengthen and learn," her eyes moved from [member="Rapax"] to [member="Muad Dib"] to [member="Zephyr Carrick"]. "Sons of the spirits, we need you for this task. Teach our chosen, guide them in their journey." Such was their task, such was their mission. From the side, the fire danced a little brighter as she finished speak their brief message. Now, the new ones would, as the old ones had, touch upon the Grimoire and be claimed. ,

Spoiler

If you haven't seen yet, the original thread can give you an idea of how the claiming works. One post is enough, it can be done in a single post.

 

[Ravenfire]

Hearing [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] speak, Rex feels the singing increase and shape into three voices. It was weird as the three spoke Rex felt more compelled to listen to one above the others. As he walked toward the Grimoire, he reaches out to touch it. Finally touching it, energy starts to spiral around him and the voices can finally be heard.

He is intelligent​

He is cunning​

He is stealthy​

Still listening waiting for something to happen, not speaking. Looking directly forward three shapes appear before him. One is Doashim the predator as the mandragora called them. One is the Jart the mastermind as the mandragora called them. and finally the Lylek the shadow as the mandragora called them. Watching the three talk to him, he felt more drawn to the Lylek more than the others.

He is not strong enough.​

He underestimates his opponents to much.​

He is brave and He is mine.​

As the Lylek moves towards him, Rex reaches out his Left hand the one not touching the Grimoire and touches the spirit.Feeling the energy goes up his arm and turn into a scarification. He hears the voices one last time.

The Choice was made.​

The Choice was made.​

You have been chosen and accepted.​

Taking his hand off the Grimoire. Rex feels changed somehow, not sure quite yet as he steps back into the small grouping. As he does so he can feel the mark on his left shoulder. He would leave now but there was something else keeping here for now, he needed to witness the rest of them. It felt like the correct thing to do. The correct thing to do He mused. The correct thing to do Then he heard the voice again.

Never forget you are mine now, Rex and I am yours ... Stealthy Lylek.​

[member="Rapax"] , [member="Chikako Liona"] , [member="Daxton Bane"] , [member="Zephyr Carrick"] , [member="Scherezade deWinter"] , [member="Maple Harte"] , [member="Muad Dib"] , [member="Veronika Fleischer"]

 

[Maple Harte]

Maple heard Katrine's instructions, swooned from the power she was emitting, the voice that did not seem quite her own. From the corner of her eye, she saw the pack of Doashim staring at her still. Felt the singing draw her to the book.

"I'll be back, Veronika." Maple said to the blonde, stepping forward tentatively, feeling the power from the book. She reached out and touched it. Not sure what it contained, only that it might be enough to help her kill the Mind-Binder. Even if it meant making a deal.

She touched it, and she wasn't in the world anymore. It felt like one of her delusions. Except far more...distant.

As she walked in the darkness she spotted memories. Fractured, fragmented. Pieces of people, places, objects, floating around her in the darkness, flickering in and out.

Your mind is...fractured.

A voice, deep and ancient. An old power. An old way of doing things.

Maple walked forward.

"Comes with the territory." She said to the darkness.

You are haunted. Beset by something.

"I seek the death of the Mind-Binder."

Ah, yes. Your witch. I can see it in you, you know. Past the madness, past the fear...there is a hunter. A tracker of prey. You will find your prey, girl. But I will give you the strength to destroy her.

"My head is...messy. Very messy. Fair warning, you might not like being in there. I certainly don't."

You are 'not' the first person with madness I have claimed girl. A tad messier, perhaps. But I am Doashim. And you, girl, are mine. As I am yours.

The form of the desert creature stepped forward, and Maple stared into crimson eyes.

I sense great potential. You were once skilled in destruction. You will be so again.

"I never took pleasure in what I did." Maple answered back, stepping forward boldly, eliciting a chuckle from Doashim, though the mouth gave no movement.

But you 'are' a killer, no? the spirit asked.

"Oh yeah." Maple admitted without hesitation, holding out her hand for the spirit to take. "But I only admit that because I get the feeling you are a professional, whatever else you are. You are right though."

The Doashim gave a great rumble of laughter. I like you, Little Shadow. We shall do great things together.

The spirit reached out with its monstrous hand, clasping hers. She winced as she felt a searing burning on her right wrist, feeling the spirit join and entwine itself with her. Felt her soul and mind heat up as soon as it entered her mind.

Awake, Uri Doashim rumbled in her mind.

Maple blinked open her eyes. She saw Doashim's brand on the bottom of her right wrist, still searing, but subsiding.

She stepped away from the book. "Doashy's got a good sense of humor, I'll give him that much," she said woozily to [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"].

 

[Garza]

Standing there as Katrine began the ceremony, I watched simply as the spirits were summoned. Their forms coming to me for a second time. The first was when I was marked what seemed ages ago. Having the Tattoo of it planted upon my left forearm. The soft skin began to heat up slightly in their presence. Almost as though my body was trying to tell me what I saw was real. In truth, I knew these beings to be powerful. I believed in their skills, power, and knowledge. They were a set of beings that gave me much since my return. As they came forward, I bowed my head when they told us to teach them and guide them.

"As you wish."

My only reply as I stood there. Their beings were powerful within the force. I could feel the ebbing and flowing. Much like my power was a stream, theirs was a river that would never be contained or domesticated. Breathing in deeply, I turned to the other Shamans that were currently here. I took the first step forward to the tome. Taking off my left glove, I gently pressed my flesh upon it. Feeling the surge of the force force it's way into my head.

The feeling was so different than last time. I expected it I guess. Kind of like taking drugs. The first time you touch the tome, it's power surges through you in a way that can't be described. The second time, you still feel it, but less so. Purely because you expect it to happen, and prepare yourself for the surge. The massive flood of unadulterated power and knowledge. Removing my hand from the book, I took a step back while replacing my glove to my right hand.

"Your wills be done."

[member="Katrine Van-Derveld"],

 

[Anya Malvern]

She looked around, she had seen visions in the force and mastered the force...yet around her this was...was beyond anything she had seen! She took a breath and watched as one by one they approached some sort of book. Anya felt it's draw and couldn't help but go forward as well her chair hovering close until it was within reach

She looked to her only available hand, would they even choose something as damged as she Was? She closed it into a fist and without any more delay she laid her hand upon the book. Her eyes widened as she could hear the whispering slowly become louder

this one has seen many battles
She has a good battle mind but not enough
certainly not stealthy at all

The three appeared before her eyes, anya couldn't believe what she was seeing! The other two left leaving the doashim behind staring into her eyes

your a warrior and a survivor by birth, war has been in your life forever...hasn't it young one?

She was speechless, she collected herself and cleared her throat

yes old one....I have seen war since I could first remember...i have fought in countless battles...

The doashim moved towards her, examining her broken bodybfor a minute before looking back into her eyes

even with your body broken you still wish to fight? You still yearn for the glory and hunt of your enemy? Yes, you will do perfectly...

It reached its hand out and tapped a finger on her forehead, reality came back as she felt a burning pain and looked to her shoulder...seeing the marking she now had as a voice whispered

I can't wait to see...how much of a warrior you can be...anya Malvern

She moved back from the book stunned, she looked to everyone else and then moved away. She needed to collect her thoughts on what just happened

[member="Maple Harte"] [member="Rex Taff"] [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] [member="Rapax"] [member="Chikako Liona"] [member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Chikako Liona]

---

The young Ehcnai idly stood by as [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] her rousing speech of power and the future of the Witches that served the CIS, it was an exciting event, her body tingling, eager for her own turn, but would allow other more older people to go first. Those that came before here was the rather new Chiss, seeming to be everywhere at once and be apart of every branch of the CIS, how someone kept to such a crazy schedule she was unsure, maybe the man was just bored. Following him was another man, dark in aura a fighter by the looks of it, [member="Zephyr Carrick"] their induction being rather quick compared to the last, not that it mattered, the spirits moved differently for each person.

Next came [member="Anya Malvern"] and the odd mercenary woman [member="Maple Harte"], each of their being more conversation with the spirits that chose them, each also having the same stunned epxression upon letting go from the alter, but Chikako not sensing anything bad from the two, "I guess it is my turn then". Walking forward a bit the book came within reach, her delicate but not in anyway dainty hand laying against it cover, eye closing as whispers of those from beyond invaded her mind.

"This one is strong, but untrained"​

"I come from noble blood tis to be expected"​

"You seek power, great aspirations linger in your mind"​

"I have plans yes, many years to bring about, but I am determined"​

"Crafty you are, many not realizing your true goals, or personality"​

"It is a skill that I put to good use"​

"You are interesting with mysterious nature, your memories of past are missing, but I sense you have already dabbled with magic and spirits"​

"I lost many memories on myself, magic helps me regain them, soo I will know myself once again"​

"You are young but smart Echani with much to do, I look forward to seeing where your 'master' plans end you up, we accept, now open your eyes and breath once more 'Wise Child' Chikako".​

​

The young girl suddenly gasped, silver eye opening, a small burning pain on her upper inside arm, a mark from the spirit, showing she had been expected, her own soul feeling muddle but, alive, more so then usual. Coming back to reality the she stepped back, allowing someone else to be claimed.

[member="Rapax"] [member="Veronika Fleischer"]

​

---

 

[Daxton Bane]

Daxton allowed the others to preceed him, for he was in no apparent rush, seemingly content to nod and observe in silence. While he did not actively seek anyone out specifically, he would welcome any interaction that came his way. He was also listening to soft murmur of voices around them, trying to grab snatches of useful information as they passed from mouth to mouth.