Arvid was left with only the taste of Opalia upon his lips as she broke off the embrace all too soon and charged up the slope leaving him grinning in her wake.

"Come, let us see our FRIENDS!"

"Yes," he agreed, a few moments more finding his feet. "Lets."

Picking his way along the stones, he paused beside the orc he had disarmed and offered his arm to help him up. "Ildiko kept us both. Take this life you have been given and do something good with it. Should we find each other upon the tundra, you are welcome at my fire."

With that he turned and hastened after Opalia.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:26, Wed 18 Jan 2023.

"I have to admit, giving the blade to Oori after all we've been through to get it and then to keep it really rusts my anvil," Fergus paused to look out over the staggering remnants of the battle laid out across the valley. Fallen bodies of friend and foe, man, dwarf, and even orc. But even more so, he looked to Sikuaq, still unsure of the depth of her own sacrifice. "But holding onto it exacts a frightening cost. We've done more than our part. It's time for them do theirs, may The Great Mountain guide them to do so wisely."

"Good," she answered Valaku, reaching out with a hand somewhat blindly.  "Thank you.  I need your touch."

And when it came the cool of Valaku's untainted purity rushed through her, strengthening her control for the time being.  A sigh of relief eased from her mouth and she was able to open her eyes and stand straighter, though she still held fire in her eyes and hair.  But the mannerisms were all Sikuaq, including her meagre smile for Opalia.

"I don't think snow will help, Opalia.  But thank you."

Her mien turned serious when talk turned to the Starbound Blade and its delivery to the Council.  Her eyebrows raised at Valaku's implied option.  She saw he had completely lost faith in the Council, and a strange sadness came over her upon that realization.  Another wound she was responsible for, another future altered at her whim.  She understood why he would feel that way - she did too, at least in part.  Perhaps some of that was the beast within talking, but she knew she'd been abandoned as well.  But what Valaku hinted at was too far.

"I will not countenance action against the Council or its members," she said firmly, sparks flickering from her hair as she shook her head.  "Nor do I wish anyone here to face added risk in pursuing such an agenda."  She looked to Cora, though she spoke to all.  "Fergus is right.  You have all done much more than your part.  A god is banished, a warlord slain, his armies scattered.  It is more than anyone could have hoped."

"Give the sword to the Council, lay down your arms, and rest.  Live."

Fergus could no longer tell who or what exactly Sikuaq was, but he sensed the wisdom of her words. At least for now, she was the anatka he had first met, who blessed the Stormbreakers with wise council. He nodded in silent approval, allowing his gaze to fall to his boots.

Convinced that the other Sikauq, the one possessed by some chaotic flame, was not presently an issue, he excused himself from his friends to lend what aid he could to those fallen on the field.

"Of course." Valaku, chastened, seemed to retreat inside himself. "I did not mean to suggest... I mean... I hope I did not... I overstepped my bounds, anatka. Please forgive me."

The ranger lowered his head and so was not prepared for the half-orc who approached from behind him to deliver three meaty slaps to the top of his back. "Cheer up, champ. We won!"

Keth Bentbone was all smiles despite multiple bleeding wounds, no doubt owing to the young dwarven woman following close behind him.

"I can't believe you would do something so reckless!" Farra scolded her father in imitation of the lectures he had often delivered to her. "What were you thinking? What would have happened to you if we hadn't arrived when we did?"

Meanwhile, in the valley below, Cavemother Raheera was delivering a lecture of a different sort to the defeated orcs as Midwife Brigha's floating stone head looked on.

"You have followed a false prophet. The one you called warchief mistook brutality for strength. This mistake has long been the weakness of our people. I offer those of you who survived this error the opportunity to learn from it. Swear me your fealty. Join my family. Show me the loyalty of a son, and you shall know the love of a mother. Betray me, and you shall know the wrath of a mother."

The face of Leif, the Kerit husband standing beside her, darkened as she said this. Apparently, he had known both. He hefted an axe already black with orcish blood and strode the ranks of surrendered warriors. They were reluctant to kneel at first, but the Northman struck the first standing one he passed in the gut with the hilt of the weapon. The orc grunted, briefly doubling over but then answering with a swing of its bare fist. Leif took it on the chin without flinching, then knocked the warrior out with a single punch of his own.

"Those who are loyal to me will know strength beyond imagining," Raheera continued, as more of her prisoners saw the wisdom in kneeling. "Only Luthic can nurture the blood of the ancient warriors which flows through your veins."

She looked away from the warriors as she said this, turning her head to look at Cora though she had not previously indicated any awareness of or concern for those who had actually faced Garduk himself, and the dark god before him.

"It isn't up to me, not entirely. But I hear your wisdom, and I will live if I can. But know that by the end of today, if I cannot give up the sword, I may . . . "

Cora swallowed hard

"I may be in need of friends. You might not countenance action against the council, but our list of options would be a dagger's edge. I tried to banish the sword once before and it didn't listen simply to move into the ether, I wonder if that means it is easier or harder to relinquish entirely? I delivered the Starbound Blade into Gruumsh Orc-King's hand by binding, I need to now see what the Orc-King wants in return for handing it into his mortal enemies' hands. I will need an hour, either here or when we are before the Council."

Keth, Brigha, Farra. The people who'd pushed each step forward to claiming the blade. She would need to remember these lives in the minutes and hours to come.

"If Oori wants to kill me in the meantime for the blade, she can try. I'll try to get results as soon as I'm able."

Sikuaq had not realized that Cora might struggle with relinquishing the sword, through no fault of her own.  That was a wrinkle that could be quite troublesome.  After a moment's consideration, she nodded to Cora.

"You should attempt your ritual while surrounded by friends, and before you stand before the Council," she recommended.  "We want any interaction with the Council to be brief and to proceed smoothly.  If this turns difficult, let it be with the privacy provided by your circle of friends."

The former anatka stood firmly still, ready to shelter Cora until the ritual was complete.

Fergus sensed a tension in the air back where he had left Cora and Sikuaq and did an immediate about face to rejoin them. The tension was not necessarily between the two, but surrounding them. As he got closer, he realized it was about the Starbound Blade, specifically about relinquishing it. He put his arm around Cora to comfort her. "We're here for you, Little Mossflower. Let that give you strength."

Blood - orcish blood, her own orcish blood - pounded in Cora's ears. At first she saw only crimson-tinted darkness, as she always did with the rituals. At first she heard the familiar, distant whispers, as she always did when her mind went to this dark place.

Perhaps it was the closeness of her friends, or her recent triumph over the orcish army, or her recent triumph over the dark god of storms, but for some reason the scene grew lighter, the whispers nearer and more intelligible.

Daughter of Baghtru. You hold in your clawed hand a weapon that is an envy of all the races, just as our strength is the envy of all the races. They would kill - they have killed - for it. They would and have died for it. And you intend to give it away? To an elf?

The figure was still shrouded in darkness, but Cora could make out the hulking profile of an orc. The tone in which it spoke was not harsh or angry. Indeed, it seemed almost to be laughing. Whether with or at her was harder to say.

"Yes."

The word was short, clipped, almost shrinking. Cora held the blade in her hand true, an aurora contained in material form. She looked back and forth from it to the figure before her, understanding this day truths that eluded her all the days before

"This is the price for the elves' cooperation with our victory. This is the juga that I pay to them, for its power is just a paltry thing before the power of the orc. The song of this blade is not written yet, not fully, and I will not finish it in my lifetime. But the next champion who rises will know where it lies, and woe and grief to the elf or orc that stops her."

She looked up at the figure, smiling in kind with the laughing figure

"The elf woman might have used magic to bind me, but I can as a proud orc be true to my word and true to my power. The blade was safest in her peoples' care, and should Hrom and his vile wretches rise again, it will need to be safe to be used. Now is the time for our people to grow fat and happy, to work and to build if we can, in all the North. The hungry orc might fight hard, but she will not fight long."

Planting the blade in the ground at her feet on this ethereal plane, Cora drew a cord from her belt pouch, tying back her hair as she had in the days of the war, pulling the hair back from the ruin that was once her left ear, cut off by the torturer Midwife in the honeycomb warrens of Amez Heza, no longer hiding the painful scars on that side.

Letting go of the Starbound Blade in her heart, Cora fixed her eye on the figure's, the red eye that allowed her to see in deep darkness burning again, but feeling different this time. No longer a searing fire, it was more a warming hearth, a reassuring hand.

"The Starbound Blade sits before you, and with it I have given up the last of my weapons. What will you do now?"

Opalia was sad that she couldn't help Sikuaq's overheating with snow, but it seemed that she had mastered the fire-spirit within her for now.  That was good.

The giantess did rounds to congratulate her little friends with typical boisterous cheer and crushing hugs for those healthy enough to receive them.  The triumphant Skykeeper came to Farra and Keth and looked upon them with admiration.  She clapped Keth on the shoulder and said, "Little KETH has come far since OPALIA did free him from KING-MANS and jump us off a bridge!"  Had Keth ever told Farra about that?  Well, she knew about it now!  Opalia hugged both Keth and Farra and added with earnest gratitude, "Had you not come, we might not live to see this GREATEST VICTORY."

Then the attentions of the Stormbreakers turned toward the Starbound Blade wielded by Cora, and little friends spoke many wise words about what was to be done with it now.  Opalia was conflicted about the fate of the legendary weapon, but nonetheless offered unconditional support to Cora for any and all dangers that may come from what happened next.  The giantess looked on warily as Cora performed a ritual of relinquishment, communing with the mighty orcish powers that fueled her magics.  The orcess's side of the conversation could be heard, and Opalia nodded at her wisdom.  Quietly to Arvid and whoever else may be near she remarked, "Little CORA is worthiest wielder of this blade, but to give it to allies is good of spirit for STARBOUND FRIENDS.  Perhaps all ORCS and all ELFS can be friends!"

Opalia waited with the others to see the results of Cora's entreaty...

"I don't know about all," Arvid replied in similarly hushed tones as he watched Cora. "But hopefully enough. And I pray the memory of this battle and what it represents in our time outlives us all so that in a thousand years when explorers chance upon a monument to this moment it will not be as mysterious to them as the monument to the first starbound alliance was to us."

The hulking silhouette in Cora's mind was silent a long time after she spoke, and though she could not see its face, she sensed it was contemplating. That was good. If it was conflicted now, well, that was the better the scornful certainty with which it had first addressed her.

Spoken with the wisdom of Luthic herself. You have learned a few things from the Midwife, I see. Very well. You may lay down your blade. You may have no further need of a weapon, but I do, and you are still bound to me. You may surrender the sword to the elves. But you shall remain my weapon.

The pounding in Cora's ears quieted. The blood in her vision dripped away, and the silhouette faded until she could no longer say whether the dark spot she saw was a lingering memory or a hovering shadow.

When Cora opened her eyes, she saw that Midwife Brigha had joined them, along with Leif and Cavemother Raheera. "Where will you go, after this last task is complete?" asked the orc with the braided hair. "We have many strong orcs in Guthluthic."

"Northmen as well!" Leif interjected, but his wife ignored him.

"But they are in need of training. We could use a warrior of your caliber. Warriors of your caliber," she corrected expanding her gaze to encompass Opalia as well. "Luca would be pleased to see you again."

Fergus winced at the thought of Cora returning to Guthluthic, but he realized her world was bigger now, and her decisions her own. He knew it was foolish to expect his Little Mossflower to return to Knutsdir as if nothing had happened, but he couldn't help but hope.

"Do you believe this, Darna? They're trying to steal our Cora. A month ago they wanted her killed and now this! Do you believe it?"

"Fergus Glowforge, you blind old fool! Cora was never ours to steal, so quit your moping. She's adult enough to make her own choice. Kann knows I trust her with decisions a far lot more than I do you! So be there for her, whatever she decides."

Fergus tried to give Cora a supportive look, but his wrinkled nose betrayed a little bit of a Why-not-just-come-back-to-Knutsdir-and-help-out-at-the-forge? kind of bias.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:18, Mon 13 Feb 2023.

"I apologize, but after this last task is completed, there is a job I have left undone for too long. Jawbreaker's needs me, and my people in Lawton's Glen need me. Some day perhaps I will visit Guthluthic, and I'd be glad to help in any way I can. But I need to make sure I've done what I can for the people who got me this far."

Cora looked back at Fergus and at Caell, sparing a look for Keth

Fergus fought off (barely) the urge to cheer at the top of his lungs when he heard Cora's reply to Raheera. He swatted Caell on the elbow with a jovial tap. "How about that, Caell? She's coming back to Lawton's Glen. And it's a good thing for Jawbreaker's. She's the best cook they have!"

"Fergus Glowforge, stop gloating and wipe that ridiculous grin off your face."

"I'm sorry, Darna. Can't do it. I'm trying, but this ridiculous grin is just stuck there right now."

Caell had been quiet for a while, as he often were. The initial excitement for their victory had been replaced by worrying for the injured and grief for the dead. Fortunately, his close friends lived, but all the other loss of life was a tragedy nonetheless. His healing powers were limited, so there was only so much he could do with his spells depleted.

Afer a while, his attention had been caught by Cora's ritual and he edged closer, quietly observing and ready to give his support should the situation require it. When she opened her eyes and spoke up, the quinichiat gave a little smile. It widened with Fergus' display of happiness. Caell turned his head and gave the old dwarf a nod.

"Caell's old life in Lawton's Glen was not good." said Caell, softly. "Other than Cora and Fergus... always kind to me. But the town is not to blame. Only me. Maybe I will go there too. See if life is different in town now I have changed."

Cora smiled at Fergus' praise and blushed a little

"Maybe once I've trained an adequate replacement cook, I can see about traveling again. But I'm tired and I've left so many things undone while adventuring."

She turned to Caell and beckoned him for a hug, heedless of Raheera still being right there

"And we can make good memories for you in Lawton's Glen, if we can."

"Little LUCAGASH!  It would be much-good to see this bold friend again, and GUTHLUTHIC too.  I would show orcs GOOD-FIGHTING, yet I do hope that warriors will be less needed in future days."  Opalia glanced to Arvid and said, "First we must go to GLEN of LAWTON to speak to COUNCIL!  A long time past we did promise to tell of dangers from RED FIST and GARDUK.  Now we can tell that dangers are DONE.  Good news to them!  After that..."

The giantess pondered, rumbling in the back of her throat.  She then concluded, "A return to northerlands, OPALIA does think.  A return in triumph and, perhaps, in PEACE."

"I respect your bravery," Valaku told Cora. "And your commitment to your oath."

The sentiment was genuine, yet it was plain from the ranger's voice he was not convinced his friend was making the right decision.

"Anatka... I do not think it wise for us to join her." He did not elaborate, for he was deeply uncomfortable offering Sikuaq his unsolicited advice. Instead, he began to muse aloud.

"There may be help in Lawton's Glen. The man with the golden mask, their high priest - he is no doubt knowledgeable about curses. But whether he would help us... and at what price... I was not impressed with him, on our last meeting."

"I agree, Valaku.  The task of returning the blade to the Council must happen without me.  My presence will enrage Oori at best, and perhaps lead to the sort of confrontation none of us wants."  She looked to her companions.  "You will do well before them.  Simply hand over the sword, and refuse to be drawn into further schemes.  Be gone as quickly as you may."

Sikuaq coughed lightly, sending more sparks swirling into the crisp air.  "I will not seek the human priest's aid either," she answered Valaku's other suggestion.  "After what transpired at the burial site, I am certain he harbours nothing but ill will toward me.  And now in my condition...he will have his forces strike me down without remorse."  Her lips trembled as she took a long breath.  "And rightly so.  I have become a monster, Valaku."

"I will go to Inniqimiq," she declared, naming the long-dead volcanic mountain on the northern edges of the territories roamed by the Quinichiat, famed in heroic tales and oft-repeated histories of The People, "and commune there with the spirits of the Land.  Perhaps there I will be able to recover myself and drive the Other away.  Or perhaps not.  But at least I will be safely removed from the peoples of the Qopol Qalak if I fail."

She reached out and laid a gentle hand upon Valaku's, letting it linger a moment before saying her last.  "I would ask that you guide the others to the Council and see them through that, then come find me as you are able.  But be wary when you approach, for I know not what you will find."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:58, Mon 27 Feb 2023.

"We will go to Inniqimiq," Valaku corrected his anatka. "Our companions - our friends - will not require my assistance. Anatka Oori wants to be found, after all."

He turned to the others then, speaking to them rather than about them. "You have been true friends and allies. You stood with us even in our moments of weakness. You supported Caell when he needed it most... When I should have been there for him, you were." He smiled with gratitude at Cora and even Fergus, then more sadly at Caell, as if asking his forgiveness.

"I allowed the Druidic Council's priorities to become my own. They were never worthy of such loyalty, and I am sorry you have become embroiled in their ambitions. As anat- as Sikuaq says, I am sure you will do well before them. You have proven yourselves honorable and steadfast."

"I do not know what will become of Sikuaq and myself. The being who has closed his fist around her is an ancient and powerful one. It may take several of your lifetimes before she is free of him. But I will see her free of them. And though we will not be with you, our thoughts will be. The Druidic Council may have abandoned the Starbound Alliance, but the Quinichiat have not."

Valaku lowered his head and raised one of the flat, barbed obsidian blades that was the signature weapon of the Quinichiat ranger. "Urjiileen si ha qajeelchan, Korri taraanfi ke suta qedhu maashaalee miila keetii haa cimsu. May the stars guide you, and may the snows that slow your step also strengthen the muscles of your legs."

Arvid held Valaku's gaze and then stepped in to embrace him, wrapping the warder up in his arms. "It has been my privilege to count you among my village and my thoughts will be with you as well. IF your trials take less time then you fear, you are always welcome at my fire," he said, releasing Valaku and turning to Sikuaq next.

"And should it take a multitude of our lifetimes, know that I will be there among the stars lighting your path."

"We will not breath a word to the Druid council of your whereabouts. I will remember you with fondness until we meet again, in this life or the next. Ildiko watch over you both," he finished, releasing Sikuaq and stepping aside to permit his other companions their farewells.

"Farewell, good friends." Fergus fought off a twitch in his lower lip as he continued. "May the Great Mountain guide you both in the journey ahead." He wanted to say more, but there were really no words to express the depth of his gratitude for their companionship since that fateful night in Lawton's Glen. It seemed like a lifetime ago.

"Every one of you was a companion through some crazy times. Whatever we need to do next, we're heroes, and we'll overcome more than this it's time to lay down."

Cora gripped the sword, the small orcish embellishments turning to ash and snow blowing away, the little details that were hers fading so the blade was once again itself, no longer tied to her pact

"And I need to hand off a sword to a druid, I think."