Private Path of the Damned: Harbinger

[Eternal Rapture]

T H E . F I R S T . S T E P​

Pilgrim's Rest. From the Nether Gate created outside of Vureshakkairn Castle, Mandragora, members of the Confederacy, and authorized guests could pivot into the sanctuary once inhabited by Voph when he was trapped between life and eternal rest. One of its chief features was simply known as The Observatory. An island with the power to peer into the winding ways of the Nether realm. A powerful instrumental to exploring, researching, and benefiting from a deeper knowledge of the realm between the source of all life and the living. And one that itself lacked proper documentation or an experienced manipulator.​

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Women and men milled about the many areas of the The Rest, but as was often the case the Nightmother stood upon the isle and listened to those focused on understanding The Observatory. Here and The Map were of importance to her ambitions. While the majority of the Knights Obsidian focused on maintaining the Faction and dealing with the political mess of the living, the Mandragora could focus on the Land of the Dead. A part of existence they were best equipped to study. To do so blindly, however, was perilous. The Nether would sooner devour a careless soul as tolerate it ambling about as one might a large city in galactic society.​

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Others were welcome to come to The Rest, to study it, and perhaps learn more of a facet of the world once thought relegated to scaring children. Even those with no talent for the Force or Magick at all might find some benefit, and would be kept safe by both the protections of the safe haven and those now inhabiting it.​

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The Nightmother turned to greet another that had approached when a shout commanded her attention. Overhead the projection grew with intensity until it began to burn the eyes to look upon. "Out," the woman of Dathomir commanded as she waved for the researchers to flee. It was only a moment later before the light filled the Observatory and any in its embrace were swept away...​

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When the light faded from view, those swept away by the surge in energy found themselves standing on what appeared to be solid ground. A Blood Red moon was hung far above while black clouds drifted aimlessly in the sky. The soft creak and snap of dry, brittle wood could be heard to either side. And the soundless void would be found at their back; a chasm one could fall into by passing over the edge of the island of solid earth beneath their feet suspended in the abyss. Other, small islands lacking anything of note drifted in the distance. Not a creature or a soul could be seen loitering in wait to feast on the unexpected guests -- practically unheard of in the Nether.​

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Before she attempted to focus her thoughts on returning to The Rest, however, the Nightmother's green eyes began to glow and fell upon a mansion ahead of where they now stood. What had happened was an abnormality, she believed. An aboration drawn about by conflicting mystical powers, and it had brought them here. Wherever here was. A place with what appeared to be a homestead of some kind without the denizens of the dead world. It would be tempting to think it another safe haven but for the dark energy that radiated from the mansion.​

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"We came seeking to learn the mysteries of the Nether realm," the Nightmother spoke at last. "Here one sits waiting for us. Let us explore what it has to offer."​

Tag: Vytal Noctura | Taiia Locke | Shamira Karuto | Confederacy of Independent Systems

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[Shamira Karuto]

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E X P L O R E ​

It certainly was not often that Shamira felt the need to dive into the so called Nether. Even if she claimed many other things as part of the Mandrogora, there was little reason for her to explore in that place just yet. Her powers were no where near developed enough to make her feel as though she’d be safe in that horrifying place. There were still parts of her arsenal she’d like to create, develop, so that defending herself in this place was a much easier task. Still, when there was an abnormally large expodition into the place, rarely was it seen without the redheaded fireflower. While everyone else was off fighting the monsters, or creating the maps of the Nether, Shamira had taken the liberty of attempting to plant a few trees near the Pilgram’s Rest in the dark soil.

Today was a day of observing their grows, which was several times faster than anything that the trees planted around the castle had. The bark of the trees also seemingly had a set of black veins running through them, making them tougher and smoother to the touch. Very interesting indeed. Shamira was just about to take some of the bark back through the portal and to the laboratory back on Ryloth when things started going very, interestingly, wrong.

She hadn’t even noticed the overhead projection at first, so engrossed into her work that her eyes were glued to the workbench. It had been the Nightmother’s call that had drawn the redhead’s attention, making her turn to see the growing red rift across the sky. It glowed with such intensity that she had to shield her eyes from the sight, shutting them tight to not allow them to blind her. It barely worked, the painfully bright light filling the observatory and leaving Shamira to wonder what in the world would become of her.

Until it wasn’t.

Slowly, her eyes began to open and allow the nature light to stream back to them. It took a few blinks, but her vision began to return to the point of being able to make out shapes. “What..in the kark..was that..?” She mused to herself, rising from the workbench to approach the viewport windows, standing next to the tall and pale skinned witch. Outside, a mansion stood. Certainly not something that she had ever expected to see in this dark and foreboding place.

Even less expected was the Nightmother proclaiming this a mystery to explore. While the mansion certainly fit this description, actually subjecting herself to the exploration of such a place seemed quite the dangerous errand. “What..do you expect to find in there, Nightmother?” Pale blue eyes glanced up at Vytal, hoping for an answer before they dived into something very, very unnerving. That was the least she could ask for, yes?

| Vytal Noctura | Viana Morreth | Taiia Locke | Julra Repraj |

 

[Julra Repraj]

Julra didn’t particularly like the Nether, there were many things there that were dangerous, being a rather new witch she didn’t have much experience with these things yet so she was quite skittish still, but even through she decided to tag along at the behest of the Nightmother and Shamira both, when the young woman finally relented she brought a long a book to read to keep her mind learning, much like a certain redheaded Jedi? Nope, Witch? Kind of but no. She glanced over at Taiia momentarily she wasn’t sure what Taiia was anymore, she shrugged to herself and flipped the page on the book. Continuing to read while Shamira tended to her plants near her.

All was well in here world until she heard the Nightmother say out a very confused Julra looked up toward the Nightmothers direction just in time for the blinding light to wash over her, she dropped the book and covered her eyes quickly, but as swiftly as the light came it was gone, to her left Shamira said something then she turned back to the Nightmother who spoke again as her eyes fell on the creepy mansion outside. Of course, she can’t just read her book, we have to go explore the creepy place but it was no use arguing at this point.

Tag: Shamira Karuto Vytal Noctura

 

[Taiia Locke]

Taiia had been standing off to one side when she felt a ripple in the force, her senses were at times sharper here and at times more dull. It was now they were sharper, she felt something dark an ominous change approaching immediately she moved to the Nightmothers side just as she uttered the words Out, too late whatever it was was already here before she could even get the words out the words out a blinding light washed over all in the room, she heard a loud noise and attempted to locate the source, once her vision had cleared she simply smiled, Julra had dropped a book she turned to look back at the Nightmother and froze looking at the mansion.

She shot a sideways glance at Vytal, knowing before she even said the words that they were going. The young redhead smiled a bit, another chance to explore and grow assuming nothing went horribly wrong, which it usually tended to do.

Tag: Shamira Karuto Vytal Noctura

 

[Viana Morreth]

Tags: Vytal Noctura | Shamira Karuto | Julra Repraj | Taiia Locke

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By all extents and purposes, Viana had absolutely no idea whats he was doing here. The agreement she had with this coven of particularly magical lovelies was very simple. She helped out where she was needed, that kept her safe (in most regards), and the current deal that was on the table? She was tasked with helping to broaden Shamira's horizons; to take the witchling and make her much less naive to the ways of the galaxy. Fine, easier said than done - or so it had proved - but still something Vi could do regardless.

So why she was here, stood in this place while the redheaded witch played with plants was completely beyond Viana. The white haired witch had wanted to leave the moment talks of the Nether had come up. Vi had, had her own personal issues with all things considered dark and mysterious over her years, and she was in no hurry to visit any sort of source, pit, bowels, or anything even remotely related to the title 'dark and mysterious'. To say that Shamira owed her big time was a vast understatement.

A fact in which the sassy witch had very nearly spoken up about, but it seemed fate (was there something more sinister than fate?) had other plans. The blinding light caused Vi to not only shield her eyes, but turn her head and ultimately her back as well, though even that did little to mute the brightness that penetrated the lids over her eyes. Even after the light faded, Vi had remained still, brow creased, eyes still closed and shielded, and very, very confused.

It wasn't until she was aware of movement that she dared to uncover her eyes, and it seemed that whatever had happened had not left her alone and stranded somewhere. Bonus points to fate - maybe. She huffed out a breath and rubbed both of her eyes aggressively, though even that didn't completely clear them. "What the hell just happened?" she called out, and honestly didn't care who answered. This was not within the boundaries of her agreement! Weird, blinding cosmic lights were beyond taking care of naive witches!

Oh yes, Shamira owed her doubly now, most definitely.

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Location: Outside the Mansion
Tag: Taiia Locke | Shamira Karuto | Viana Morreth | Confederacy of Independent Systems

Vytal paused and turned to look back at the women that had accompanied her -- despite having no choice in the matter. Each were equally perplexed with what had happened as they were with why the Nightmother was interested in getting closer to its source. Adorable. They were like young Nightsisters being forcibly introduced to the Wilds by their Mother. Fitting, and it even loosened some of the tension that had developed in the Witch's shoulders.

"Answers." That wouldn't be enough, of course. "Pilgrim's Rest is a bubble within the Nether. It is impenetrable by almost anything that is not meant to exist within it. Angry, hungry, and even playful spirits cannot harass you there. So, how is it then by attempting to peer out into the Nether to map its ever-changing ways, and to locate something worth exploring, we have been pulled from the Rest to this place?" Vytal did not attempt to ignore their concerns nor forge ahead on her own. For the time being there was no immediate threat. Now was an opportune time for instruction, even if she would not wish to lingering too long. Perhaps their safety was only because their abrupt arrival had scared off the spirits for a short spell.

A lone finger pointed to the mansion. "Someone or something has created this place. I know not such a building, and the means of our arrival are suspect and may jeopardize our Sisters and Brothers if we do not understand it. Come, and if you wish to remain just inside it may prove safer than being seen by what prowls the Deep." She would wait a moment to guage their reactions. They were young, but then even young Nightsisters were faced with great terror eventually -- no one was ever truly prepared.

 

[Shamira Karuto]

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E X P L O R E ​

Ohhhhh no. This wasn’t going to be good. This wasn’t going to be good at all.

Vi was going to be so, so angry at her for dragging her into this mess. Learning that they had been pulled from the safety of the Rest to this place made sense, now that she thought of it. Heck, her trees weren’t even around anymore. Thankfully they weren’t, well, destroyed, but to find out that they had been pulled from practically the only safe place in the entire nether wouldn’t make the white haired witch, whom Shamira had dragged along to help with her research, very joyful upon hearing this. Shamira turned to Vi, offering a quick, sorrowful smile, before taking a deep breath and focusing on the task at hand.

She had been saving a new trick for something just like this. Purple robes bent around her as she knelt down, reaching into her knapsack as she did so, ruffling around until she came across just what she was looking for. A small, brown bag. Simple and leather. She loosened the leather tie at the time, reaching in to grab a liberal amount of tiny seeds. A mutated concoction she had come up with herself. Spreading them around on her forearms, and dusting the palms of her hands as well led to the final step. A deep breath, then a whispered combination of enchanting words produced something that she had been working on for quite a while.

The seeds rapidly began to grow and spread, their roots interconnecting around her skin, continuing to grow as she did so. More and more they covered her arms, until the entirety of her forearms were covered by a thin layer of roots. The color then began to change as the roots expanded and strengthen, slowly beginning to form a protective layer of green vines. In certain places, the growing didn’t stop there, as a dark brown bark began to make itself seen. This growing continued until her forearms were covered with this protective armor, save for her fingertips, allowing her to create more spells if need be. Her eyes watched, a proud smile coming over her face, as the vines stretched and moved with the gripping over hands, as if they were leather gloves.

Even with the help of the seeds mutations, the conjuring and rapid acceleration of their growth did take a moment for Shamira to recover from. She hoped to eventually be able to do this without the use of the seeds, but for now, this was the best she got. Sky blue eyes looked up and around the camp, smiling lighly as she held up the seed bag. “Got enough for everyone to have some armor, if so desired. You’ll have to do the spell yourself though..” A little laugh followed. “I’m a bit tapped. Happy to teach it quickly though!”

Once this was done, and everyone seemed satisfied, Shamira stuffed the leather pouch back into her bag. As she stood, she retrieved a wooden handle, intricately carved, though lacking any sort of dangerous attachment, and clipped it to her belt. With a grin, she was the first of the group to surge forward toward the mansion, intent to exploring just what this dark place had awaiting for her.

| Vytal Noctura | Viana Morreth | Taiia Locke | Julra Repraj |

 

[Julra Repraj]

He attention still on the Nightmother, Julra stood and started her way toward her part of her did want to remain here but a part of her did not especially not alone which she knew she would be and then what would happen if something happened to all them she would be stranded in the Nether all by herself not a good place to be at all so she had rather quickly, and surely to the Nightmother's surprise decided she would go.

“I really think the nether just likes messing with us” Julra folded her arms indignantly and shrugged not much to be done about it now however, they were going, and they would find out. And then out of the corner of her eye she saw Shamira was up to something watching with rapt attention and fascination the plant seemingly to be growing not from her skin but over it, it was intriguing yet kind of creepy but still interesting enough to where she watched curiously almost wanting to try it but just short of asking as Shamira lead the way out she shrugged and followed knowing the Nightmother would not be far behind.

TAG: Vytal Noctura | Viana Morreth | Taiia Locke | Julra Repraj | Shamira Karuto

 

[Taiia Locke]

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Taiia turned to the Nightmother as she began her explanation of what has happened and listened there was no doubt in her mind she was already committed to going as she was sure the Nightmother expected, she turned her head to Julra as she surprisingly marched up to them ready to face the nether. She simply nodded to her and smiled. “Glad your coming along Julra” she winked at her and turned her attention to Vi and Shamira awaiting to see what they decided but Shamira was the one who acted first.

She regarded her a moment as Shamira rummaged around in a bag and then pulled out seeds. Right plants were her thing, along with fire seemed a bad combination to her but whatever. Then she watched as the seeds began to intertwine and wrap around her body as a second skin almost she folded her arms as she watched glancing over to the Nightmother to gauge her own reaction before looking back to Shamira, as she suddenly declared she had plenty for everyone.

“Thank you Shamira, I think I will pass for now” then Shamira headed for the exit and Taiia would simply turn and follow her and Julra into the unknown of the Nether, what would await them none of them truly knew but they would find out and they would work together to solve it and if it was any danger to the Confederacy or the Mandragora It would be dealt with most severely.

Tags: Vytal Noctura | Viana Morreth | Julra Repraj | Shamira Karuto |

 

[Viana Morreth]

Tags: Vytal Noctura | Shamira Karuto | Julra Repraj | Taiia Locke

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There was a deep, body shifting sort of sigh that parted Viana's lips for a lengthy amount of time. The explanation received about this whole mess from the Nightmother did not settle the nerves in the pit of the white haired witch's stomach one bit. Granted, the fact that they weren't in immediate danger did of course keep her from going off on some tangent about how she wasn't even supposed to be here, but that was the extent of her calm for the time being - on the inside at least. Outwardly, Viana possessed the same void, almost bored-like appearance she always had in any given situation.

She did however express interest when Shamira had worked her spell. Vi watched the nature-life grow and spread across the redhead, with her own head tipped just a tad to the side and her brows lofted. "Not bad, flower. Very impressive indeed." she let out with a smirk, though had raised a hand to politely decline the offer to use the spell to protect herself as well.

Instead, Vi brought her index and middle fingers together and touched the opposite wrist with them both. She whispered her own set of incantations, all while drawing her fingers slowly up her arm to her shoulder, then across her clavicle to the center before she switched hands so that she could repeat the process down the other arm. There was no impressive magical work other than the occasional shimmer against the skin on Vi's body that could be seen. When she had finished with both arms, she glanced around at the other women, "Ladies, shall we?" she let out, then stepped off after Shamira to follow her out of the safe zone - so to speak.

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Location: Outside the Mansion
Tag: Taiia Locke | Shamira Karuto | Viana Morreth | Confederacy of Independent Systems

Vytal watched as Shamira prompted rapid growth of a few seeds into a localized, but seemingly hardy organic armor. A smile crept across black lips at the sight. That none of the other women present seemed particular taken by the idea only kept the pale Witch's mood buoyant. "Well done, Shamira." Curious, she stepped forward to examine the seeds the young Witch offered. "I see your studies have begun to sprout." A little well-deserved recognition.

Her green eyes swept back to the other women present. "Not every Witch is talented in every form of magick, but in dire situations even an unpolished spell may save your life." Vytal did not expect them all to learn every spell they came across, but opportunities should not be too casually brushed aside. Even Viana, with her own form of armor, might benefit from learning Shamira's skill -- and vice versa. Not every enemy was held at bay by the same spell.

"Come. The sooner we discover how this happened, the sooner we return."

Wearing her red armor with its gauntlets and boots, the Nightmother crossed the broken courtyard to the front door. While there was a dark presence felt within the mansion, she felt no danger from the door knob itself as her fingers took hold of it. It resisted, but with a sharp twist of her wrist and a soft pop, the door began to creak open under its own weight.

 

[Eternal Rapture]

Location: Foyer of the Mansion
Tag: Vytal Noctura | Taiia Locke | Shamira Karuto | Viana Morreth | Confederacy of Independent Systems​

On the other side of that door existed a room lit only by the diffuse, pale light cast through windows that flanked the door and by those above it. Every surface was engulfed by shadows that seemed to move in the corner of your eye. The chandelier overhead swung lazily as the light switch -- a strange contraption not native to most civilization societies -- was found nearby, lifeless and devoid of purpose regardless of how many times it was flipped.

More importantly, however, was the figure that stood betwixt two swept staircase that led to the second floor.

The woman's red eyes pierced the darkness and watched as the woman filed their way inside. Dressed in a form fitting outfit adorned by several rubies that seemed to glow with a light of their own, the woman made no move toward them. "Welcome," a raspy voice intoned as a smile pulled at the woman's near-black lips. "You should not be here. But," she turned and craned her head to the right for a moment, "neither should this place. I wonder, then, if you will have the courage to walk The Path? Few that do survive. Fewer still return as they once were."

A throaty hum followed her words before she slowly moved toward them. "Tell me why you are worthy. Be mindful," she and the Nightmother faced off a foot apart then. The glowing red eyes peered about the Witch toward the young ones with her. "There is no going back without crossing the First Seal, but you will not survive that long if you do not speak for yourselves."

Current, Known Layout of the Mansion

 

[Shamira Karuto]

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E X P L O R E ​

Of all the things that Shamira expected to see in this horrifying mansion, a woman with pointy ears, ready to meet them, was certainly not at the top of the list. She wasn’t even sure it would make the top ten of weird things that she thought she might see going through those doors. Though, looking back at it, a mansion appearing out of no where in a sea of darkness, sealing off their only route home certainly wasn’t anything normal. Perhaps it was high time to start expecting the unexpected and, in turn, expecting the dangerous. For no matter how pretty this woman looked, there was absolutely nothing that could get Shamira to trust her in any way.

Questions immediately started popping up in the young witches mind the moment the mysterious figure started to speak. If this place wasn’t supposed to be here, was the figure as confused as them? Or did she belong to this place, and went wherever it was transported? Was she some sort of guardian of the mansion? Obviously she wasn’t defending the place in the traditional sense. If that was the case, more than likely the witches would already be engaged in combat with her. Assuming fighting this..thing was even possible, that is.

She wasn’t sure if t was this woman that meant them harm, or the house itself. Still, the redhead felt compelled to speak up, even if Vi was more than likely behind her, desperately wishing she’d keep quiet at this point. “I am worthy.” Shamira said, taking a step toward the figure. “I am worthy because of the combined strength of my sisters.” Her biologically armored hand made a motion toward the other witches, giving each a nod, before her sky blue eyes turned to look back toward the figure. Her eyes seemed as though they were fires of lava, flowing with an emotion that Shamira could not decipher just yet.

“This first seal,” that Spanish tinged accent echoed through the room as she stared once again. It had sounded like the most important part of the figure’s speech earlier, outside of the path. Though one could only assume that The Path lead to the seal, yes? “Where is this seal? How do we cross it?” Shamira didn’t honestly expect that the woman would answer, and even if she did, it certainly might not be truthful whatsoever. Still, every lie had a kernel of truth, and if the witches could find this kernel, they would be much closer to leaving this place. If they worked together, strength combined, a simple spooky mansion couldn’t stop them.

| Vytal Noctura | Viana Morreth | Taiia Locke | Julra Repraj |

 

[Taiia Locke]

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Taiia came to a stop shortly behind Shamira as soon as she looked ahead she quickly saw what the holdup was, figure was the best way to describe this person she looked human bit with a pale purple skin and red eyes a bit unsettling to be sure yet here they were, in a mansion that should not be in a realm called the Nether that no Jedi had ever entered into at least in her knowledge. For now, she was content to let Shamira speak except for the fact that this being expected them to give an account of why they are worthy.

“What is this path you speak of, and perhaps a better question is where will it lead?” Taiia met the being’s eyes with her own, no longer content to leave the questions to Shamira. Again, she remembered the words she just smiled a bit “Asking if we are worthy is subjective is it not? Unless you simply want us to decide for ourselves if we are worthy.” She queried but mainly she was thinking out loud then she responded “If the latter then yes I am worthy also, because not only do I trust in my strength but that of my sisters” she nodded firmly before looking to and giving a slight nod to Shamira.

Tags: Vytal Noctura | Viana Morreth | Julra Repraj | Shamira Karuto

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Location: Foyer, 1st Floor
Tag: Taiia Locke | Shamira Karuto | Viana Morreth | Confederacy of Independent Systems

The Nightmother watched the strange woman carefully even as it addressed the rest of the group. They should not be here, and neither should the mansion. Was she part of the mansion or the thing that spawned it, a spirit swept up as they had been, or some form of... response by the Nether? Her words suggested she knew more of the place than she had revealed. Her knowledge of this Path and of a Seal seemed to indicate a connection between her and this place.

Shamira and Taiia spoke for themselves, both desiring further knowledge, but calling upon their collective strength as their means of braving this Path. Vytal did not smile, but she was proud of their succinct and bold declarations before this specter. As she turned her head to look over one shoulder, the pale Witch then noted Julra's absence. With the women in the Foyer before this unknown entity, however, Vytal could not storm back outside to see what had become of her just yet.

"We are worthy because we are here when so many others have perished," the Nightmother responded for herself. She believed in their unified strength as well, but would not echo what was seemed self-evident especially in light of Shamira and Taiia's decrees. Countless souls -- willingly or otherwise -- had sought to claim the Nether's secrets; few ever survived the attempt. They had not only survived setting foot in this realm, however, but hours of exposure to its perilous nature to their kind. They had arrived here, before this woman, where few others had tread. Worth? Their very being was all the worth Vytal felt was needed.

 

[Eternal Rapture]

Location: Foyer of the Mansion
Tag: Vytal Noctura | Taiia Locke | Shamira Karuto | Viana Morreth | Confederacy of Independent Systems]​

The woman's red eyes slid from one woman to the next as they spoke. Slowly, the dark skinned creature moved among them. Her head stretched forth as she seemed to inhale their scent and deep into their eyes. "Subjective." A soft purr followed the word. "You will find everything is subjective. Many of your kind believes oxygen is a life sustaining substance, unconcerned with how deadly it is to others. You prostrate yourselves to a thing called 'The Force,' without even understanding what it is or what it desires."

After a pause in her words, the creature turned from Viana and addressed Taiia directly, "You think it the source of life. It is all subjective. Even what you consider beauty," the edge of a long, sharp nail slowly brushed along the Witch's jawline. "But if you believe yourselves able to survive certain death, then it is your Path to walk."

She strode back to the front of the group and turned as she stood between the sweeping staircases that flanked her once more. "You will know the Seal when you see it. You will cross it when you understand it, or you will fall prey to it as it consumes you." A smile curled her dark lips upward for a moment before her gaze fell to the brightly lit green eyes of the pale Witch. "Fear not, for the Path is one you have walked before. One you may walk again. To find a new purpose. A better one. May its wisdom illuminate the Path before you; may you be worthy of its gaze."

A slight turn of her head and a cock of an eyebrow followed. "The mansion is yours. You will find little else here." With her arms spread out to either side, it seemed their 'guide' gave them leave to do as they will. At least until they found the first Seal. Would it be on the first floor with a bedroom flanking them, and a bathroom straight ahead? Or up the stands upon a landing that stretched left or right? Only one door, to the far left, upstairs had a door knob that would turn.

 

[Julra Repraj]

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The timeless child​

Spoiler: Mood Music

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Julra stood in another part of the Mansion, separate from everyone else no sign of them anywhere someone or something had separated them, she knew not why but knew this was a very bad thing for her to be by herself. Finding herself slowly starting to panic she calmed down and tried to actually remember her training. Calming herself she quickly cast a simple tracking spell which promptly fizzled, she fretted a moment looking around the room she found herself in, it was similar to where her sisters had found themselves however there was nobody there to guide her. In this case she could only trust in the spirits to get her back to where her friends were.​

She spoke quietly a tinge of fear in her voice as if she dared not wake something “Winged Goddess, Fanged God whoever is feeling merciful please guide me back to my sisters” it was a request that would be granted but not in the way the young witch would be happy about, she felt a pull toward a door at the top of a grand staircase. She swallowed hard and walked up the staircase cautiously, as she ascended she felt cold over her back and neck as if pushing her forward as if she was not moving quickly enough, a malice growing behind in a threatening way with her own sense of preservation making her hasten through the door as quickly as possible. The moment she passed through the doorway nobody not even the Nightmother would be able to locate her, she would pass from sight and sense and where she once was there was merely a void in the force an incomprehensible thing to occur as even in death a being would return to the force.​

What Julra would find next would shock her, she found herself in the past, the very distant past she walked forward her boots crunching under red dirt. Confused she looked down and took very hard look. “Dathomir….” From before her she saw a cluster of witches that she was certain she had not seen before, that were not there even a moment ago. “Um hello? Can you help me get back to my sisters? I am lost” the next words she heard would chill her to the bone, an ancient powerful Witch not unlike her Nightmother but far darker and less gentle spoke as she turned “Child, how right you are, you are very lost. I will see to it your find your way but no you are not yet ready to return to your friends… Not yet, you are a child of Dathomir, but you act as a lamb. I will show you what it is to be a Witch of Dathomir.”​

She froze and took a step away from the hooded figure, shrouded only by a crimson cloak “Who are you?” she barely resisted the urge to run away the hooded figure slowly withdrew the hood showing the face of none other than Mother Talzin. She smiled wickedly as Julra shook in her presence “You see even now you cower, come closer child your education begins now.”​

TAG: Vytal Noctura Shamira Karuto Viana Morreth

 

[Viana Morreth]

Tags: Vytal Noctura | Shamira Karuto | Taiia Locke

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Thus far, this whole experience was not at all helping convince Viana to join up completely with this coven. Now yes, having these women around in a pickle would prove to be adequate and more than likely save her tuckus if ever she found herself with her back against the wall. However, so far all she's experienced is things she couldn't possibly begin to explain if she attempted to. Hence, she would never attempt to, but that was beside the point. While the saying was something about 'safety in numbers', this very predicament was why the white haired witch had remained a recluse - or at least a big contributing factor as to why.

Regardless, she was in waist deep now with nowhere to go but forward, so she had done exactly that. She had filed into this mystery estate with the others, and found herself perplexed by not only the set up, but by their host - hostess as well. Vi had stood with her hands against her hips, feet apart, one brow loft and her lips pursed into a thin, nearly invisible line. There had been utter silence from her, with no sign that she would speak up any time soon. It seemed the others had the speaking bits down, and honestly? "Being worthy is a matter of opinion. Depending on what it is you're supposedly worthy of..." There were quite a few things Viana considered herself worthy for, but how was she to know for certain until she faced whatever it was she was supposed to?

Either way, she had shifted about when the grouping was apparently left to their own devices, and she frowned at her favorite redhead even if Shamira wasn't currently near by her. "Why is it that we never end up anywhere nice?" she quipped, then huffed out a sigh before finally letting her gaze wander around this little slice of not-exactly-paradise.

 

[Shamira Karuto]

​

E X P L O R E ​

“A whole mansion to explore..how fun.” The redheaded witch’s mouth pulled into a tight, thin smile as she began to push her way past the very odd looking figure. Better to lead the way for exploration, then, if she had been so confident. Or at least acted like it. No telling what the is being would do if she could tell how nervous shamira really was. There was no telling, in fact, that she already didn’t know that. And the more she thought over it, the more likely the possibility came to mind that whatever wall she had tried to put up to protect herself from this being was seen through with ease.

Still, Shamira could at least act like she had some confidence. If she acted a certain way, there was always the chance that she would start to believe it herself. Hearing Viana’s voice, she turned to look slightly over her shoulder with that normal mischievous grin. “If all you and I went to were nice places, that would be exceptionally boring. Isn’t this a bit more..exciting?” With a wiggle of her eyebrows, and once last glance to the towering being, Shamira began to make her way into what looked like a normal looking staircase, intent on opening up the one door to discover just what laid in wait on the other side.

This place was scary enough. But some doors not having doorknobs? That wasn’t very nice. Shamira supposed that just breaking down doors wouldn’t be exactly the best decision she could make. The keeper of this house probably wouldn’t like that very much. Instead, with a deep breath and a bit lip, the redhead trudged toward the door with a handle, reaching out to grip it tightly. The knob felt cold in her hand, colder than anything she had ever experienced. It was deep cold, as if it emanated from within the knob itself. However, if she removed her hand, the cold was gone in an instant, as if the connection had been suddenly severed.

She should have turned back right there. Gone back downstairs and instead have explored the nice little bathroom or bedroom. But instead, with a shakey breath, she reached forward, grasped the knob for only a moment, and turned it suddenly. The hallway behind it loomed. Long, darker than what the rest of the house had looked like so far. Shamira proceeded to take another shakey breath, light a small fire in the middle of her palm, then proceed into the hallway, with the door slamming shut behind her.

| Vytal Noctura | Viana Morreth | Taiia Locke | Julra Repraj |

 

[Eternal Rapture]

Location: The Mansion
Tag: Vytal Noctura | Taiia Locke | Shamira Karuto | Viana Morreth | Confederacy of Independent Systems]​

The long, dark hallway was lined by windows on either side. Through them cast a pale, lifeless glow that scarcely assured those that tread this way that there was in fact an end to such an abysmal existence. Another door sat at the far enough. Through those windows from which came the light of the damned swirled the fathomless depths of the the Nether. Currents of energy twisted and churned in the dark emptiment while a chill hung in the air, which clung to exposed flesh from a world bereft of life. No land could be seen ahead, below, or behind when one looked out the windows. The mansion itself did not seem to exist, and yet there the hallway stood. Solid, yet empty.

Once passed through the adjourning door, a large room would open itself before the traveler. The floor was covered in oiled wood while a crystal chandelier lay limp at its center. A welcome contrast to the dead light of the hallway, this room was brightly lit, but cast in a light blue hue. The source of light and color was unmistakable, and only required the traveler to tilt their head up toward the ceiling.

Ten feet overhead and inset into that ceiling was a seven foot deep pool. The surface slowly waved overhead as it might under a gentle breeze. Curious as it may be that the water did not immediately fall out of the upside down vessel, it was not what would draw the eye. Perhaps it would be easy to miss at first, as you stood at the doorway. As you slowly moved deeper, however, the bodies would become visible as they were suspended within the water. Lifeless corpses whose hands were bound behind them, and their feet shackled to the bottom. If it were not for the silent contortions of the death throes on their faces, perhaps they might have even been mistaken as slumbering souls. Clothing and skin alike were unspoiled as though they'd died only seconds ago.

If you could tear your eyes from the sight, opposite of the door one entered sat a pair of doors. On them were inscribed the words, "The Worthy are marked for The Path, and purge the Vain from their Ranks." No means be it sheer strength or conjured spell caused the twin doors to so much as bow or rattle in their frame.

Even the way one had come was shut; the door that led to the hallway would not budge. Even opened by another, egress would remain barred to those that had entered.