Tea with a Serpent (19&26/8/20)
Sept 1, 2020 21:18:45 GMT
Ser Baine Cinderwood 🔥🌼, Igrainne (RETIRED), and 2 more like this
Post by BB on Sept 1, 2020 21:18:45 GMT
Egle steps back, letting go of BB arms but leaving one hand outstretched before her. The ethereal fey dragons now floating around the throne in wide lazy circles, their green eyes watching them both.
“Let me grant this wish for you Wildflower. Join me”
There’s a brief pause from BB as she considers, takes in that this is really happening. She has found her answers, and not only that, she now has the chance to stop being a liability to those she cares about. A dangerous liability at that. Something that was such a mystery for so many years is all suddenly so clear, BB cannot help the smile of relief that crosses her face as she reaches out with both hands to Egle’s outstretched one.
“I’ll join you. I accept.”
Egle places her other hand on top of BB’s as the surrounding fey dragons are drawn towards her, a surge of powerful magic exploding out from Egle, unlike anything BB has seen or felt before.
Egle gives a small smile of renewed understanding as she looks upon BB, both of them in the centre of this gathering magic.
“Ah, that is my divine nature. It’s that spark inside of you Wildflower, it was there all along.”
Then suddenly a blinding light bursts out from the two of them, washing over BB’s friends gathered nearby, the whole world almost seeming to go quiet for just a moment.
A few days previous, 18th Elesias.
Since the sun has risen that morning BB has been doing some last minute gardening in the flower field, constructing simple but varied bouquets as she goes, Blue flying in lazy circles nearby. At some point Blue chirrups down to BB and she nods back in understanding.
It’s time, Taffeta Baine and Sheryl are already here. I’m sure Jasper will keep them company for some time, but it feels rude to keep them waiting when I know what I’m asking of them.
She scoops up the bouquets and strides over to her tent at the other end of the field, from the slight hill she’s on she can already see the others gathered on the various wooden chairs outside the tent’s entrance. Jasper seems to be engaging Sheryl in animated conversation, while Baine keeps an eye on Frankie from sniffing anything he shouldn't, and Taffeta patiently sits and watches.
As I thought, Jasper might be small but he certainly has quite the large personality. Actually, talking of large personalities, is that Mace I see approaching in the distance?
Sure enough, as BB reaches the tent Mace comes strolling onto the flower field, making his presence known to everyone else as he declares his enthusiasm to help a dear friend.
Interesting. I will never refuse some extra help, and anyway, it’s been a while since we’ve caught up last.
Once everyone is comfortable, bouquets and mugs of steaming tea handed out, BB sighs deeply as she unleashes her anxious spiel of the events leading to this very moment. Of the trip to the desert leading to her unwise decision to release the One Serpent, it’s unexpected failure then leading to a different trip to the Astral Plane and the yuan-ti tribe’s temple there. The voice she heard, but only vaguely recognised, as they all left that place and the tattoos of the winged serpents that appeared on her wrists at the same time. She even tells them that this magic is the reason she had to leave home all those years ago.
At some point Frankie, happily receiving head scritches at Baine’s side, pads over to be a reassuring presence at BB’s side.
Ah, I guess my nerves are showing more than I expected. But I need them all to know as much I know. I owe them that much.
The others have questions understandably, especially of what BB is expecting when they finally confront Egle.
“I just want to talk to them. I want answers about my magic. I don’t know if Egle even is the reason why I have this magic, but If they did give it to me I want to know why.”
Baine reiterates his warning on not liking these answers, Mace suggests she might even need to bargain to get them. But it’s Sheryl’s question that really sticks with BB.
“Do you want to keep your magic?”
A wave of conflicting emotions cross BB’s face as she falters before answering in a small voice.
“Now that’s a big question.”
A heavy tension sets upon the group, which is thankfully broken by Baine exasperatingly ranting about how he really doesn’t like the Feywild. Frankie headbutts BB’s leg slightly as this is happening and she happily obliges to some head scritches. But her anxious thoughts don’t budge.
Answers are what I’m expecting to come out of this. But to be free of this magic? I didn’t consider the possibility, didn’t want to get my hopes up. Could I really have my biggest wish?
Soon after discussion begins about how they’re to get to the pond and portal to the feywild rumoured in a folk tale to be where to find Egle. Instructions which only give a general idea of somewhere far north of the Angelbark woods. Taffeta then informs them all of a place called Rowan’s Glade, a place near the northern edge of the woods, and of Rowan themselves. A protector of the woods, someone who certainly knows the area well, and someone who might have some knowledge of this pond. Luckily Aurelia knows how to teleport them all there, and it would certainly cut down the journey, so they all go to Daring to ask her to do just that.
Once at the glade there is some milling about as Taffeta remembers how she got the rope bridge back across the cavern that surrounds the glade. After some leaping and teleporting the bridge is reformed, and no sooner than that happens Rowan themself appears from the trees of the glade. Taffeta and Rowan converse on some matters, BB and the others patiently waiting until Rowan is okay with them all approaching the glade. It is obviously an important place that she doesn’t want just anyone walking into.
Luckily it seems Rowan does know of this pond in the folklore song, not only that, she knows how they could get there. But some warning is given, there are areas to avoid in these woods and attacks from devilish sorts are on the rise.
A warning most appreciated. This journey will take days, and who knows what’ll happen when we even reach our destination.
Taffeta and BB give their thanks to Rowan before the group leaves, BB producing some trumpet flowers to show her gratitude. A gift that Rowan happily takes before she must go back to their duties of protecting the forest.
The first day of travel through the Angelbark goes smoothly, the group making sure to stay alert the whole time. Rowan’s warnings about what is to be found among the trees was not taken lightly. Especially at night time extra precautions are taken, with Sheryl creating a safe magical hut for them all. And much like during the day, no incidents occur that night, apart from the tossing and turning of BB on her bedroll.
“Child. You are far from home, should I be hopeful?”
In her dream state BB inwardly flinches at the all too familiar voice of the High Priest of the yuan-ti tribe.
Hopeful for what? I thought you were dead if I’m honest.
“We are being hunted and we’re about to die. We cannot transcend. You know of the god that does not want to join us. When I sensed you had gone far from the brazier I was hopeful you were on your way to find them. Convince them to join the One Serpent.”
There is a twinge of guilt from BB, will she really be the one responsible for these people’s deaths. But then she remembers their lies to her, the way they threatened the safety of New Hillborrow to get what they wanted. She cannot forget that.
That wasn’t my intention. If she doesn’t want to join you, then she doesn’t need to. I can’t persuade her. Rather than relying on gods and goddesses from above, perhaps you should just find another way, get away from all of it. I don't know. Good luck with that if you do but... life can send you in strange directions you know, maybe you'll end up somewhere you weren't expecting, that may not be a bad thing. I can somewhat speak from experience. But can't help you, I'm not willing to help you. I can’t forget how you lied to me and used me, I don't think I'll ever forget that.
There’s no reply from the High Priest, whether the magical connection was lost or if he had finally given up, BB might never know. But eventually a deep sleep comes to her.
Even the next day goes by without incident, and into the afternoon BB starts to think they might even get the whole way like this. But before the thought fully forms in her head Baine starts to make an inordinate amount of noise, which can only mean one thing. Something has found them.
Will this devil just not give up already?
A thought that seems to pesistantly pop into BB’s head as their group unleashes the full extent of their attacks upon Te’Zeer and the creatures that accompany him during the fight.
At some point, between the arrows and spells flying across the clearing they’ve found themselves in, Sheryl and Astra disappear off across the trees at rapid speed. For a moment a deep dread sets in the pit of BB’s stomach at the thought that something really terrible has taken Sheryl. And it’s in this distracted moment that Te’Zeer chooses to target BB’s mind, his words speaking to her like he’s just behind her shoulder.
“Where’s your destination?”
What?
Through her confusion at his sudden presence, Te’Zeer manages to probe through her mental defenses, trying to find some sort of information. Though she doesn’t know exactly what it is that he's looking for, BB can make a pretty good guess.
I will not let you get in the way at the very last hurdle of this journey.
She looks out now to the fallen tree trunk that Te’Zeer and the Erinyes are using as cover, near where Baine is making pulp out of the Boneclaw that shambled towards him at the beginning of this fight. BB scoops out a glob of something bright green from her component pouch and slaps it between her hands as she mutters words of the arcane, an green orb appears between Te’Zeer and the Erinyes for a brief second before it violently expands, covering the two of them in acid.
Whether it’s the residual dread of whatever Te’Zeer is doing to her, or the general anxiety that’s been gathering for the past couple of days, BB’s control slips once again as her magic surges back onto her. Something suddenly grows out from her scalp, and whatever it is feels heavy, but she hasn’t got time to worry about that now.
At this point the others have managed to take down the Boneclaw and converge their attacks onto Te’Zeer and the Erinyes. Te’Zeer in his panic attempts to teleport from the danger and that bit closer to BB. Again his voice whispers to her, seemingly from just behind her shoulder.
“I'll kill that god of yours, don't worry. I'll make sure the snakes don't have a chance.”
I really don’t think it’s the snakes you should be concerning yourself with right now.
BB glances over to where Mace and Baine are both rapidly approaching Te’Zeer, Mace managing to get Te’Zeer to the ground in a fit of laughs with his own magics before he speaks out towards Baine.
“Baine, dearest of all my acquaintances, do you still have those shackles I sold you?”
Baine, already with his hands upon the chains in question, doesn’t slow his gait as he responds.
“Way ahead of you.”
Ah yes, I have something that should make it even harder for Te’Zeer to try squirm away from us again.
BB reaches once again into her component pouch, this time taking out a large pinch of iron filings that she slowly grinds between the palms of her hands. Focusing on the friction it creates, the way it Slows her hands slightly, she reaches out towards the Weave once again. But almost sensing her shaken confidence, not only does Te’Zeer resist the magics, the Weave itself surges right back at her again. But this time it explodes into searing flames right at her feet.
The rest of what happens is white noise as she slowly sinks to sit in the stream she was standing in, letting the water splash over the flames and silent tears.
At some point she hears Sheryl approach on Astra, and looking up she sees Te’Zeer being strapped to the back of Baine’s horse before her field of view is filled with Sheryl’s concerned face.
“Are you okay BB?”
BB looks down to her scorched clothes, the weight of whatever is now growing out of her head making the movement feel weird.
“I guess so.”
Sheryl offers her hand, and BB graciously takes it, now reaching up to investigate just what exactly is on her head. Feeling something smooth, solid, and definitely pointy.
“I guess it’s a pretty horrible reminder of why I'm here in the first place. At least I got crystals this time, I think? They're very pointy.”
A quick flash of memories, some of flames from the distant past, and of the question Sheryl asked before.
“Do you want to keep your magic?”
Sheryl manages to snap her out of it as she asks her,
“Do you want me to remove those?”
“Yes, if you could, I feel like sleeping with these might be quite difficult.”
And so Sheryl asks BB to lower her head, BB doing so without complaint, as she reaches out to sprinkle some glittering dust over the crown of crystals. Then leaning forward she gives BB a delicate kiss on the forward, the crystals instantly vanishing. BB lifts her head to face Sheryl and gives her a slightly singed smile and her thanks. Between the two of them they manage to use magics to wash away the burn marks and lessen the smell of burning with that of sweet lavender.
It’s at this point that Baine has finished securing Te’Zeer and makes a beeline over to Sheryl and BB, promptly placing a reassuring hand on BB’s shoulder.
“Are you okay?”
BB once again looks down at herself and the cleaned up remnants of the magical mess she created. Her demeanor still a little shaken but certainly better than what it was before.
“Yeah. Now I am.”
Baine gives a reassuring smile as BB feels the warmth of his magic seep through her shoulder, helping to heal the aches and burn marks. It instals some much needed bright confidence so that she can smile back.
But the respite is brief as they all discuss, after some heated talking between Baine and Mace, about what exactly they’re going to do with the bound and gagged devil on their hands. Eventually it is decided to try and summon Aurelia and Varis to where they are with various magically sent messages from Sheryl.
As they wait at their new temporary camp, trying to rest even with tensions high, soon enough Varis and Aurelia appear within the hour. The two of them stepping through Aurelia’s portal before Aurelia wastes no time in determining exactly what the situation is and how it could threaten Daring.
You have to respect her unwavering stance in always making sure to protect others first.
Initially Baine wants to keep Te’Zeer imprisoned somewhere in Daring, but Aurelia outright refuses. Instead it is decided to keep him in a pocket dimension of Aurelia’s creation, though it is not a definite solution to the problem that is Te’Zeer.
After hearing of Te’Zeers purpose for hunting their group down she warns them all, especially Baine and Varis, that in stopping him here not only will they incur his wrath, but by extension that of his commander’s as well. Glasya.
Warnings accepted and devils deposited too, Varis asks if we all intend to return to Daring now. An offer that is unanimously but politely declined. The devil may be contained, but there is still much to be found and done.
As the two make to leave, BB quickly goes to give thanks to Aurelia in the usual form of flowers, but reaching into her pockets she can only find one small bunch of flowering mint, the rest burnt to a fine crisp. BB awkwardly produces her modest offering, but Aurelia does not seem to care or mind as she happily takes the gift.
It seems a bit lacking compared to the help that Aurelia has given to us. But soon I will know why I have to do this to what I care about, I can sense that we’re so close now.
The group pushes on after their brief respite, traveling as far as they can before night settles. Though bone tired and grateful to lie down, BB’s sleep once again does not come easily to her. This night she dreams of a deep blue pool, white ethereal dragons flying above its surface, but a loud scream cuts across the water, a jarring sound against the tranquil scene. But shifting her view she is drawn towards one of these strange dragons flying with the others, eyes a deep red, something about its presence seems off. But before she can dwell too long, the dream is suddenly shifting again and there’s a woman sitting on a beautiful throne. She’s fighting something, and somehow BB can tell that her energy is waning as she struggles on.
Was one of those creatures Egle? If so, which one?!
The next day, with no further incidents during the night, they continue on with their trek through the Angelbark. After a good day of marching they start to notice the terrain gradually change around them, more and more pools of water littering the ground. Eventually the trees begin to pull back even more as the pools get larger and larger, now forming sizable ponds within the forest. It seems promising that their final destination is nearby.
BB’s eyes are cast far forward, determined to find this pond, she wouldn’t want for them to potentially miss it. So determined that she doesn’t notice the small gathering of snakes following behind at a distance, not until Taffeta has to make her stop and turn around.
“Oh! Hi there.”
She slowly crouches down to be eye level with the snakes, not wanting to scare them off.
“Um are you all chill? We’re chill if you’re chill you know. Wait, that might be a bit confusing. You guys are welcome to follow us if you want.”
BB expects a nod or wiggle back, her words might be comprehensible to the snakes gathered, but sadly she is not able to understand their words herself. That is, until one of the snakes does indeed talk back to her.
“She’s in trouble”
BB’s eyes widen, taken aback by the unexpected response, until she notices the fey dragon tattoos on her wrists have begun to glow an even brighter blue than before.
“Is She a big snake or a lady on a throne?”
The snake takes its eyes off of BB and glances to where Sheryl is standing nearby.
“She is a bit like her, only taller.”
BB turns to see where the snake is looking and a flash of confusion crosses Sheryl’s face at the snake’s sudden attention.
So she’s not a big snake then, that’s for sure.
“BB, why is the snake looking at me?”
BB gets up, trying to put a reassuring face on for Sheryl.
“I can understand what it’s saying, which has never happened before. But it’s saying that She’s in danger, and that She looks like you but only taller.”
This seems to put Sheryl at ease somewhat, but her expression quickly changes to that of concern as she considers further.
“Well if she’s in danger then we should hurry.”
BB nods and turns back to the snake once again.
“Can you take us to her? Maybe we can help?”
Even if they did reply, whatever magic was within the tattoos has faded, the blue light dimming down to its usual more subtle glow. The others look at her expectedly but BB merely shakes her head back, but this doesn’t deter them as they continue on.
Soon enough Sheryl excitedly pushes further ahead, sensing the pull of Feywild she is so well acquainted with nearby. Looking to where Sheryl is heading they all eventually spot a large pond, its surface refracting the light in such a way to make it shimmer with the colours of the rainbow. A large rock breaches its waters at the further side of the pond, and as they get close enough to touch the very edges of the water, it is sure enough as cold as ice.
Just to make sure, though this undeniably seems to be the place, lets see if these waters are as magical as a portal should be.
And so BB reaches out to the Weave, to pere at the how the strands are changed around the water. She is nearly blinded for her efforts.
All in agreement that this very much their final destination they all much their way under the icy waters, Sheryl opting to swoop up into the air with her feathered cape before diving in. Holding onto Baine for support as BB swims through with the others, the freezing temperatures clawing at her heart, a pained scream rings out around them. Looking around for the source of the sound as they swim further under the surface of the water, BB notices all of her tattoos are moving around as if reacting. But there isn’t much time to dwell as the magic of the waters drags them under into its deep blue depths.
They all remerge on the other side, now on the surface of an endless blue lake, it’s surface reminiscent of an endless night sky. The section they’re standing on is luckily not very deep, and leading out from them a large stone bridge extends out to a small island. The essence of this place is undeniably of the Feywild.
Looking further to the other side of the bridge BB sees an almost familiar sight, on a beautiful throne sits a woman with bright red hair fighting off a white dragon-like creature made of ethereal smoke, its eyes bright red.
That must be her, Egle. But what’s going on? Something feels wrong here. I must get closer and talk to her.
Sensing that they must act quickly, BB shouts out to her friends already gathering themselves for a fight.
“Guys I think that’s Egle. I’m not sure what’s going on but I think we need to protect her.”
The others surge forward across the bridge, BB just managing to catch Baine’s shoulder before he runs off and instantly transporting them both across, the magic dropping them right next to the throne with a pop. Now up close with the woman on the throne, BB can see that she is indeed the same person from her dream last night, Egle. Noticing the two of them appear, her eyes are instantly drawn to BB, confusion evident on her face.
“Are you… are you Wildflower?”
I haven’t heard that name in so long. She really must be from my past, but when? I still can’t remember.
BB tries to speak out, but her magic is clawing at her throat and pulling her voice down to a low whisper as she speaks.
“Yes.”
Egle now turns her full attention to BB, almost seeming to forget the creature attacking her, now smiling in relief.
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
It’s at this point that the others begin their onslaught on the fey dragons made of mist, especially the one attacking Egle, Taffeta’s arrows streaking across the bridge with extra words of encouragement from Mace. Sheryl moves to harm the other fey dragons circling the throne with her mind shattering magics, but for some reason this causes Egle to scream out in pain. Across the way a green streak of sickly energy strikes out at Baine from nowhere, but he stands steadfast and uses the momentum of the attack to charge full sprint towards the source. More arrows fly towards where Baine is heading, one hitting an invisible woman who cries out in pain. The invisibility being maintained quickly drops, revealing a fey lady of the unseelie court with eyes that burn a hellish red, panic starting to settle into her face at the rapidly approaching wrath of Baine.
BB’s head is whipping around, trying to make heads or tails of what’s happening, but eventually focuses back on Egle. Her gaze has not left BB the entire time, seemingly oblivious to the carnage that is unfolding before her.
“What can we do to help? Who or what do we need to get rid of?”
Egle merely smiles back, still not acknowledging the scene around her.
“I have been waiting for your help this whole time. You tell me what to do.”
I don’t know what’s going on to help you!?
Egle’s expression changes to something more wistful as she continues, but there’s a sadness there as well.
“You've changed so much, I remember the first time I saw you. I'm sorry Wildflower. I acted selfishly maybe, but I felt so alone and I felt a connection. I hoped by leaving a mark you'd come to me one day.”
Alone? And a mark? A magical mark? But surely we should be focusing on this creature that’s harming you right now!
“UhhHh right. That’s a lot to take in. But I think we should take care of that lady over there, get rid of her. She’s hurting you right now, doesn’t like us for some reason. Then we can have a big talk and figure this out!”
Egle now eventually looks up to the unseelie fey standing nearby, but only for a moment before her attention catches on BB again.
“Hmm yes she is. But how can I deal with her?”
If you’re giving magical marks to people surely you must wield magic.
“Magic?? You do have magic right?”
Egle contemplates for a moment as Baine finally reaches the unseelie fey, his maul winding up for a series of attacks.
“Yes. Yes actually I do now.”
Now?! Why only now?
Egle gestures towards one of BB’s wrists, the blue fey serpent tattoo there wiggling until it detaches itself, becoming more corporeal as it moves towards Egle’s shoulder, where it comes to rest.
Nearby Baine brutally knocks the unseelie fey unconscious, the eyes of the ethereal fey dragon hovering above Egle and BB now turning to a more pleasant green.
Before BB can go to check on her friends, Egle reaches out towards BB, hands going to hold onto both of her wrists, and BB lets her. This seems to release the other fey serpent tattoo on BB’s wrist, the now corporeal creature joining its brethren as they fly between Egle and BB’s shoulders.
“I was right, you did come to rescue me. But I'm aware of what that has meant to you. My mark has cost you so much and I am sorry for that. Will you be ever able to forgive me?”
I want to, but I can’t even remember you. I need to know more.
“We’ve met before? I’m sorry but I can’t remember”
“I remember you though. I've walked many forests before I was forced onto this throne, and I walked them alone. But I saw you from afar and a vision came to me that one day you would save me. And that is why I left my mark on you.”
BB tries to cast her mind back to the pine forests of home, to the hours and hours she would spend exploring them to find flowers to bring home. She still can’t remember Egle. But something jogs her memory, a cautionary tale from her Mum of when BB was nearly lost to the forest when she was very small. Perhaps then?
“But save you from what? This is the first time I've heard of this all. If i’m being honest I’m not sure how I can save you. This mark you left me, it’s very good at setting people on fire, at growing crystal crowns and feather beards. But it’s not very good at saving people.”
Egle looks distraught now, and BB panics slightly that she has said something wrong.
“I know. That was all I could give you at the time but I wanted you to have a magical connection to me. It is, though imperfect, a magical energy that you've been able to channel over the years. I was selfish Wildflower. I'm not the creature these fey dragons thought I was. I was forced here by their faith in me, but I am a flawed lonely creature that once looked upon you and saw a saviour, maybe a friend. I did everything wrong, I understand that now. Is there something I can do now to make up for my selfish act?”
I’m only trying to understand what happened between us in the past. I didn’t expect to find someone who actually regretted giving me these powers. I thought I was prepared for the answers I would find today, but in reality I don’t think I was prepared for this sadness and kindness.
BB considers for a moment, the barest hint of hopefulness now sounding in her voice.
“Is there a way that I can control this, if it’s permanent. Is there a way I stop what you gave me?”
“These creatures flying above the lake and those priests I can see you've met, I see their signs on you, they all believe me to be their goddess. Nothing can convince them it is not the truth. But, their faith has given me powers. I'm willing to spend them to become the god they believe I am. If you're willing to believe in me yourself I can take away the wild uncontrollable magic I gave you and turn it into something divine. Would you like me to do that?”
Wait, become a god? Does that help the One Serpent become free? The High Priest made it sound like she had to choose to do so, but is becoming a god that choice?
“Yes I… wait hold up, if you become their god, the One Serpent, do they become a thing? Because I really don't want that to happen, that’s a bad thing that we’ve already tried to stop once.”
By now Taffeta, Sheryl and Mace have gathered nearby, Taffeta and Sheryl keeping an extra close eye on the proceedings but not interfering. Egle shrugs at BB’s question, slightly indifferent at the mention of the One Serpent.
”Wildflower, I don't know, I never was a god. I guess I will see what happens. Maybe their faith will go to someone else and I'll be free, I don't know. Maybe I will become a god as they say and I will know what the future will be. Right now I'm just that lonely creature that looked at you as a child and saw, maybe, I hope, a friend?”
“I do make fast friends, but I feel I would have remembered you, I don’t know. This...this is a lot to take in.”
They both stand, mirroring each other’s expressions of deep thought. Egle however comes to a conclusion first, and standing a little straighter she retightens her hold on BB’s arms. Not aggressive, but just trying to regain BB’s attention.
“Wildflower, I... I was scared and I told you so while you were on the Astral plane, I was scared and saw you in my dream. I was scared and you came to me and yet I've done so much harm to you. I will just take my chances and see what being a goddess truly means. If it means anything at all.”
Egle steps back, letting go of BB arms but leaving one hand outstretched before her. The ethereal fey dragons now floating around the throne in wide lazy circles, their green eyes watching them both.
“Let me grant this wish for you Wildflower. Join me”
There’s a brief pause from BB as she considers, takes in that this is really happening. She has found her answers, and not only that, she now has the chance to stop being a liability to those she cares about. A dangerous liability at that. Something that was such a mystery for so many years is all suddenly so clear, BB cannot help the smile of relief that crosses her face as she reaches out with both hands to Egle’s outstretched one.
“I’ll join you. I accept.”
Egle places her other hand on top of BB’s as the surrounding fey dragons are drawn towards her, a surge of powerful magic exploding out from Egle, unlike anything BB has seen or felt before.
Egle gives a small smile of renewed understanding as she looks upon BB, both of them in the centre of this gathering magic.
“Ah, that is my divine nature. It’s that spark inside of you Wildflower, it was there all along.”
Then suddenly a blinding light bursts out from the two of them, washing over BB’s friends gathered nearby, the whole world almost seeming to go quiet for just a moment.
Almost as quick as it appeared the blinding light is gone, along with Egle, but still standing there is BB slightly glowing with the residual effects of the divine magic now residing within her. Any effects of wild magic have washed away, the bone hair back to its normal silver strands, the bright blue skin to its more muted powder blue tone, even her height has shot up to what it was before.
Before them all stands a renewed BB who now faces her friends with a look of awe, barely holding back the tears of happiness. Baine strides over from where he was tying up the thoroughly knocked out unseelie fey to pull BB into a mighty hug.
“Are you alright? What just happened Beebs?”
She nods into his shoulder before speaking, still taking it all in.
“I think I just helped create a god?”
He pulls back, placing his hands on her shoulders, eyes darting about to check if BB is indeed alright. Noticing how his hands have to reach that much higher now.
“Are you taller?? That’s just rude”
BB can’t help but laugh.
Afterwards Sheryl has words with the unseelie fey lady, only just recovered from the magic controlling their mind, and sends her on her way home.
They all eventually make their way back to the ice cold pond on the Material Plane, Baine and Sheryl both reunited with their steeds who have been patiently waiting nearby. Sheryl elegantly gets on Astra’s back to make her way back home to the Summer Court, but not before BB catches her in a hug so enthusiastic she nearly launches the halfling woman up into the air.
Once a clear enough patch of dirt is found BB starts the process of drawing the teleportation circle that will take the rest of them back to Daring Heights. While the others patiently wait nearby, BB tries desperately to hide just how shaky her hands are as she holds the chalk and starts drawing.
This is it. The moment of truth, if Egle really managed to do it. I’m so nervous, so excited and nervous I can barely contain it.
The circle is finished and the others all step though quickly, well acquainted with how this magic works by now. As BB steps through, feeling the last moments of the spell complete, she still senses the Weave like she always has. But this time, rather than that ever present worry of slipping through the strands that hold it all together, there’s a presence holding her magic steady. Something soft and reassuring.
Emerging back in Portal Plaza BB reaches down with one trembling hand to trace her thumb over the new wildflower tattoos that encircle her wrists, the ones that have replaced the fey serpents that she had there only mere hours ago. If anyone was to look with a discerning eye they might notice the minute shift in the flowers around her wrists and up her arm, like they’re moving in a soft breeze.
Thank you Egle. And I’m sorry that I forgot, but I would love to keep being friends.
Of course I forgive you.
“Let me grant this wish for you Wildflower. Join me”
There’s a brief pause from BB as she considers, takes in that this is really happening. She has found her answers, and not only that, she now has the chance to stop being a liability to those she cares about. A dangerous liability at that. Something that was such a mystery for so many years is all suddenly so clear, BB cannot help the smile of relief that crosses her face as she reaches out with both hands to Egle’s outstretched one.
“I’ll join you. I accept.”
Egle places her other hand on top of BB’s as the surrounding fey dragons are drawn towards her, a surge of powerful magic exploding out from Egle, unlike anything BB has seen or felt before.
Egle gives a small smile of renewed understanding as she looks upon BB, both of them in the centre of this gathering magic.
“Ah, that is my divine nature. It’s that spark inside of you Wildflower, it was there all along.”
Then suddenly a blinding light bursts out from the two of them, washing over BB’s friends gathered nearby, the whole world almost seeming to go quiet for just a moment.
A few days previous, 18th Elesias.
Since the sun has risen that morning BB has been doing some last minute gardening in the flower field, constructing simple but varied bouquets as she goes, Blue flying in lazy circles nearby. At some point Blue chirrups down to BB and she nods back in understanding.
It’s time, Taffeta Baine and Sheryl are already here. I’m sure Jasper will keep them company for some time, but it feels rude to keep them waiting when I know what I’m asking of them.
She scoops up the bouquets and strides over to her tent at the other end of the field, from the slight hill she’s on she can already see the others gathered on the various wooden chairs outside the tent’s entrance. Jasper seems to be engaging Sheryl in animated conversation, while Baine keeps an eye on Frankie from sniffing anything he shouldn't, and Taffeta patiently sits and watches.
As I thought, Jasper might be small but he certainly has quite the large personality. Actually, talking of large personalities, is that Mace I see approaching in the distance?
Sure enough, as BB reaches the tent Mace comes strolling onto the flower field, making his presence known to everyone else as he declares his enthusiasm to help a dear friend.
Interesting. I will never refuse some extra help, and anyway, it’s been a while since we’ve caught up last.
Once everyone is comfortable, bouquets and mugs of steaming tea handed out, BB sighs deeply as she unleashes her anxious spiel of the events leading to this very moment. Of the trip to the desert leading to her unwise decision to release the One Serpent, it’s unexpected failure then leading to a different trip to the Astral Plane and the yuan-ti tribe’s temple there. The voice she heard, but only vaguely recognised, as they all left that place and the tattoos of the winged serpents that appeared on her wrists at the same time. She even tells them that this magic is the reason she had to leave home all those years ago.
At some point Frankie, happily receiving head scritches at Baine’s side, pads over to be a reassuring presence at BB’s side.
Ah, I guess my nerves are showing more than I expected. But I need them all to know as much I know. I owe them that much.
The others have questions understandably, especially of what BB is expecting when they finally confront Egle.
“I just want to talk to them. I want answers about my magic. I don’t know if Egle even is the reason why I have this magic, but If they did give it to me I want to know why.”
Baine reiterates his warning on not liking these answers, Mace suggests she might even need to bargain to get them. But it’s Sheryl’s question that really sticks with BB.
“Do you want to keep your magic?”
A wave of conflicting emotions cross BB’s face as she falters before answering in a small voice.
“Now that’s a big question.”
A heavy tension sets upon the group, which is thankfully broken by Baine exasperatingly ranting about how he really doesn’t like the Feywild. Frankie headbutts BB’s leg slightly as this is happening and she happily obliges to some head scritches. But her anxious thoughts don’t budge.
Answers are what I’m expecting to come out of this. But to be free of this magic? I didn’t consider the possibility, didn’t want to get my hopes up. Could I really have my biggest wish?
Soon after discussion begins about how they’re to get to the pond and portal to the feywild rumoured in a folk tale to be where to find Egle. Instructions which only give a general idea of somewhere far north of the Angelbark woods. Taffeta then informs them all of a place called Rowan’s Glade, a place near the northern edge of the woods, and of Rowan themselves. A protector of the woods, someone who certainly knows the area well, and someone who might have some knowledge of this pond. Luckily Aurelia knows how to teleport them all there, and it would certainly cut down the journey, so they all go to Daring to ask her to do just that.
Once at the glade there is some milling about as Taffeta remembers how she got the rope bridge back across the cavern that surrounds the glade. After some leaping and teleporting the bridge is reformed, and no sooner than that happens Rowan themself appears from the trees of the glade. Taffeta and Rowan converse on some matters, BB and the others patiently waiting until Rowan is okay with them all approaching the glade. It is obviously an important place that she doesn’t want just anyone walking into.
Luckily it seems Rowan does know of this pond in the folklore song, not only that, she knows how they could get there. But some warning is given, there are areas to avoid in these woods and attacks from devilish sorts are on the rise.
A warning most appreciated. This journey will take days, and who knows what’ll happen when we even reach our destination.
Taffeta and BB give their thanks to Rowan before the group leaves, BB producing some trumpet flowers to show her gratitude. A gift that Rowan happily takes before she must go back to their duties of protecting the forest.
The first day of travel through the Angelbark goes smoothly, the group making sure to stay alert the whole time. Rowan’s warnings about what is to be found among the trees was not taken lightly. Especially at night time extra precautions are taken, with Sheryl creating a safe magical hut for them all. And much like during the day, no incidents occur that night, apart from the tossing and turning of BB on her bedroll.
“Child. You are far from home, should I be hopeful?”
In her dream state BB inwardly flinches at the all too familiar voice of the High Priest of the yuan-ti tribe.
Hopeful for what? I thought you were dead if I’m honest.
“We are being hunted and we’re about to die. We cannot transcend. You know of the god that does not want to join us. When I sensed you had gone far from the brazier I was hopeful you were on your way to find them. Convince them to join the One Serpent.”
There is a twinge of guilt from BB, will she really be the one responsible for these people’s deaths. But then she remembers their lies to her, the way they threatened the safety of New Hillborrow to get what they wanted. She cannot forget that.
That wasn’t my intention. If she doesn’t want to join you, then she doesn’t need to. I can’t persuade her. Rather than relying on gods and goddesses from above, perhaps you should just find another way, get away from all of it. I don't know. Good luck with that if you do but... life can send you in strange directions you know, maybe you'll end up somewhere you weren't expecting, that may not be a bad thing. I can somewhat speak from experience. But can't help you, I'm not willing to help you. I can’t forget how you lied to me and used me, I don't think I'll ever forget that.
There’s no reply from the High Priest, whether the magical connection was lost or if he had finally given up, BB might never know. But eventually a deep sleep comes to her.
Even the next day goes by without incident, and into the afternoon BB starts to think they might even get the whole way like this. But before the thought fully forms in her head Baine starts to make an inordinate amount of noise, which can only mean one thing. Something has found them.
Will this devil just not give up already?
A thought that seems to pesistantly pop into BB’s head as their group unleashes the full extent of their attacks upon Te’Zeer and the creatures that accompany him during the fight.
At some point, between the arrows and spells flying across the clearing they’ve found themselves in, Sheryl and Astra disappear off across the trees at rapid speed. For a moment a deep dread sets in the pit of BB’s stomach at the thought that something really terrible has taken Sheryl. And it’s in this distracted moment that Te’Zeer chooses to target BB’s mind, his words speaking to her like he’s just behind her shoulder.
“Where’s your destination?”
What?
Through her confusion at his sudden presence, Te’Zeer manages to probe through her mental defenses, trying to find some sort of information. Though she doesn’t know exactly what it is that he's looking for, BB can make a pretty good guess.
I will not let you get in the way at the very last hurdle of this journey.
She looks out now to the fallen tree trunk that Te’Zeer and the Erinyes are using as cover, near where Baine is making pulp out of the Boneclaw that shambled towards him at the beginning of this fight. BB scoops out a glob of something bright green from her component pouch and slaps it between her hands as she mutters words of the arcane, an green orb appears between Te’Zeer and the Erinyes for a brief second before it violently expands, covering the two of them in acid.
Whether it’s the residual dread of whatever Te’Zeer is doing to her, or the general anxiety that’s been gathering for the past couple of days, BB’s control slips once again as her magic surges back onto her. Something suddenly grows out from her scalp, and whatever it is feels heavy, but she hasn’t got time to worry about that now.
At this point the others have managed to take down the Boneclaw and converge their attacks onto Te’Zeer and the Erinyes. Te’Zeer in his panic attempts to teleport from the danger and that bit closer to BB. Again his voice whispers to her, seemingly from just behind her shoulder.
“I'll kill that god of yours, don't worry. I'll make sure the snakes don't have a chance.”
I really don’t think it’s the snakes you should be concerning yourself with right now.
BB glances over to where Mace and Baine are both rapidly approaching Te’Zeer, Mace managing to get Te’Zeer to the ground in a fit of laughs with his own magics before he speaks out towards Baine.
“Baine, dearest of all my acquaintances, do you still have those shackles I sold you?”
Baine, already with his hands upon the chains in question, doesn’t slow his gait as he responds.
“Way ahead of you.”
Ah yes, I have something that should make it even harder for Te’Zeer to try squirm away from us again.
BB reaches once again into her component pouch, this time taking out a large pinch of iron filings that she slowly grinds between the palms of her hands. Focusing on the friction it creates, the way it Slows her hands slightly, she reaches out towards the Weave once again. But almost sensing her shaken confidence, not only does Te’Zeer resist the magics, the Weave itself surges right back at her again. But this time it explodes into searing flames right at her feet.
The rest of what happens is white noise as she slowly sinks to sit in the stream she was standing in, letting the water splash over the flames and silent tears.
At some point she hears Sheryl approach on Astra, and looking up she sees Te’Zeer being strapped to the back of Baine’s horse before her field of view is filled with Sheryl’s concerned face.
“Are you okay BB?”
BB looks down to her scorched clothes, the weight of whatever is now growing out of her head making the movement feel weird.
“I guess so.”
Sheryl offers her hand, and BB graciously takes it, now reaching up to investigate just what exactly is on her head. Feeling something smooth, solid, and definitely pointy.
“I guess it’s a pretty horrible reminder of why I'm here in the first place. At least I got crystals this time, I think? They're very pointy.”
A quick flash of memories, some of flames from the distant past, and of the question Sheryl asked before.
“Do you want to keep your magic?”
Sheryl manages to snap her out of it as she asks her,
“Do you want me to remove those?”
“Yes, if you could, I feel like sleeping with these might be quite difficult.”
And so Sheryl asks BB to lower her head, BB doing so without complaint, as she reaches out to sprinkle some glittering dust over the crown of crystals. Then leaning forward she gives BB a delicate kiss on the forward, the crystals instantly vanishing. BB lifts her head to face Sheryl and gives her a slightly singed smile and her thanks. Between the two of them they manage to use magics to wash away the burn marks and lessen the smell of burning with that of sweet lavender.
It’s at this point that Baine has finished securing Te’Zeer and makes a beeline over to Sheryl and BB, promptly placing a reassuring hand on BB’s shoulder.
“Are you okay?”
BB once again looks down at herself and the cleaned up remnants of the magical mess she created. Her demeanor still a little shaken but certainly better than what it was before.
“Yeah. Now I am.”
Baine gives a reassuring smile as BB feels the warmth of his magic seep through her shoulder, helping to heal the aches and burn marks. It instals some much needed bright confidence so that she can smile back.
But the respite is brief as they all discuss, after some heated talking between Baine and Mace, about what exactly they’re going to do with the bound and gagged devil on their hands. Eventually it is decided to try and summon Aurelia and Varis to where they are with various magically sent messages from Sheryl.
As they wait at their new temporary camp, trying to rest even with tensions high, soon enough Varis and Aurelia appear within the hour. The two of them stepping through Aurelia’s portal before Aurelia wastes no time in determining exactly what the situation is and how it could threaten Daring.
You have to respect her unwavering stance in always making sure to protect others first.
Initially Baine wants to keep Te’Zeer imprisoned somewhere in Daring, but Aurelia outright refuses. Instead it is decided to keep him in a pocket dimension of Aurelia’s creation, though it is not a definite solution to the problem that is Te’Zeer.
After hearing of Te’Zeers purpose for hunting their group down she warns them all, especially Baine and Varis, that in stopping him here not only will they incur his wrath, but by extension that of his commander’s as well. Glasya.
Warnings accepted and devils deposited too, Varis asks if we all intend to return to Daring now. An offer that is unanimously but politely declined. The devil may be contained, but there is still much to be found and done.
As the two make to leave, BB quickly goes to give thanks to Aurelia in the usual form of flowers, but reaching into her pockets she can only find one small bunch of flowering mint, the rest burnt to a fine crisp. BB awkwardly produces her modest offering, but Aurelia does not seem to care or mind as she happily takes the gift.
It seems a bit lacking compared to the help that Aurelia has given to us. But soon I will know why I have to do this to what I care about, I can sense that we’re so close now.
The group pushes on after their brief respite, traveling as far as they can before night settles. Though bone tired and grateful to lie down, BB’s sleep once again does not come easily to her. This night she dreams of a deep blue pool, white ethereal dragons flying above its surface, but a loud scream cuts across the water, a jarring sound against the tranquil scene. But shifting her view she is drawn towards one of these strange dragons flying with the others, eyes a deep red, something about its presence seems off. But before she can dwell too long, the dream is suddenly shifting again and there’s a woman sitting on a beautiful throne. She’s fighting something, and somehow BB can tell that her energy is waning as she struggles on.
Was one of those creatures Egle? If so, which one?!
The next day, with no further incidents during the night, they continue on with their trek through the Angelbark. After a good day of marching they start to notice the terrain gradually change around them, more and more pools of water littering the ground. Eventually the trees begin to pull back even more as the pools get larger and larger, now forming sizable ponds within the forest. It seems promising that their final destination is nearby.
BB’s eyes are cast far forward, determined to find this pond, she wouldn’t want for them to potentially miss it. So determined that she doesn’t notice the small gathering of snakes following behind at a distance, not until Taffeta has to make her stop and turn around.
“Oh! Hi there.”
She slowly crouches down to be eye level with the snakes, not wanting to scare them off.
“Um are you all chill? We’re chill if you’re chill you know. Wait, that might be a bit confusing. You guys are welcome to follow us if you want.”
BB expects a nod or wiggle back, her words might be comprehensible to the snakes gathered, but sadly she is not able to understand their words herself. That is, until one of the snakes does indeed talk back to her.
“She’s in trouble”
BB’s eyes widen, taken aback by the unexpected response, until she notices the fey dragon tattoos on her wrists have begun to glow an even brighter blue than before.
“Is She a big snake or a lady on a throne?”
The snake takes its eyes off of BB and glances to where Sheryl is standing nearby.
“She is a bit like her, only taller.”
BB turns to see where the snake is looking and a flash of confusion crosses Sheryl’s face at the snake’s sudden attention.
So she’s not a big snake then, that’s for sure.
“BB, why is the snake looking at me?”
BB gets up, trying to put a reassuring face on for Sheryl.
“I can understand what it’s saying, which has never happened before. But it’s saying that She’s in danger, and that She looks like you but only taller.”
This seems to put Sheryl at ease somewhat, but her expression quickly changes to that of concern as she considers further.
“Well if she’s in danger then we should hurry.”
BB nods and turns back to the snake once again.
“Can you take us to her? Maybe we can help?”
Even if they did reply, whatever magic was within the tattoos has faded, the blue light dimming down to its usual more subtle glow. The others look at her expectedly but BB merely shakes her head back, but this doesn’t deter them as they continue on.
Soon enough Sheryl excitedly pushes further ahead, sensing the pull of Feywild she is so well acquainted with nearby. Looking to where Sheryl is heading they all eventually spot a large pond, its surface refracting the light in such a way to make it shimmer with the colours of the rainbow. A large rock breaches its waters at the further side of the pond, and as they get close enough to touch the very edges of the water, it is sure enough as cold as ice.
Just to make sure, though this undeniably seems to be the place, lets see if these waters are as magical as a portal should be.
And so BB reaches out to the Weave, to pere at the how the strands are changed around the water. She is nearly blinded for her efforts.
All in agreement that this very much their final destination they all much their way under the icy waters, Sheryl opting to swoop up into the air with her feathered cape before diving in. Holding onto Baine for support as BB swims through with the others, the freezing temperatures clawing at her heart, a pained scream rings out around them. Looking around for the source of the sound as they swim further under the surface of the water, BB notices all of her tattoos are moving around as if reacting. But there isn’t much time to dwell as the magic of the waters drags them under into its deep blue depths.
They all remerge on the other side, now on the surface of an endless blue lake, it’s surface reminiscent of an endless night sky. The section they’re standing on is luckily not very deep, and leading out from them a large stone bridge extends out to a small island. The essence of this place is undeniably of the Feywild.
Looking further to the other side of the bridge BB sees an almost familiar sight, on a beautiful throne sits a woman with bright red hair fighting off a white dragon-like creature made of ethereal smoke, its eyes bright red.
That must be her, Egle. But what’s going on? Something feels wrong here. I must get closer and talk to her.
Sensing that they must act quickly, BB shouts out to her friends already gathering themselves for a fight.
“Guys I think that’s Egle. I’m not sure what’s going on but I think we need to protect her.”
The others surge forward across the bridge, BB just managing to catch Baine’s shoulder before he runs off and instantly transporting them both across, the magic dropping them right next to the throne with a pop. Now up close with the woman on the throne, BB can see that she is indeed the same person from her dream last night, Egle. Noticing the two of them appear, her eyes are instantly drawn to BB, confusion evident on her face.
“Are you… are you Wildflower?”
I haven’t heard that name in so long. She really must be from my past, but when? I still can’t remember.
BB tries to speak out, but her magic is clawing at her throat and pulling her voice down to a low whisper as she speaks.
“Yes.”
Egle now turns her full attention to BB, almost seeming to forget the creature attacking her, now smiling in relief.
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
It’s at this point that the others begin their onslaught on the fey dragons made of mist, especially the one attacking Egle, Taffeta’s arrows streaking across the bridge with extra words of encouragement from Mace. Sheryl moves to harm the other fey dragons circling the throne with her mind shattering magics, but for some reason this causes Egle to scream out in pain. Across the way a green streak of sickly energy strikes out at Baine from nowhere, but he stands steadfast and uses the momentum of the attack to charge full sprint towards the source. More arrows fly towards where Baine is heading, one hitting an invisible woman who cries out in pain. The invisibility being maintained quickly drops, revealing a fey lady of the unseelie court with eyes that burn a hellish red, panic starting to settle into her face at the rapidly approaching wrath of Baine.
BB’s head is whipping around, trying to make heads or tails of what’s happening, but eventually focuses back on Egle. Her gaze has not left BB the entire time, seemingly oblivious to the carnage that is unfolding before her.
“What can we do to help? Who or what do we need to get rid of?”
Egle merely smiles back, still not acknowledging the scene around her.
“I have been waiting for your help this whole time. You tell me what to do.”
I don’t know what’s going on to help you!?
Egle’s expression changes to something more wistful as she continues, but there’s a sadness there as well.
“You've changed so much, I remember the first time I saw you. I'm sorry Wildflower. I acted selfishly maybe, but I felt so alone and I felt a connection. I hoped by leaving a mark you'd come to me one day.”
Alone? And a mark? A magical mark? But surely we should be focusing on this creature that’s harming you right now!
“UhhHh right. That’s a lot to take in. But I think we should take care of that lady over there, get rid of her. She’s hurting you right now, doesn’t like us for some reason. Then we can have a big talk and figure this out!”
Egle now eventually looks up to the unseelie fey standing nearby, but only for a moment before her attention catches on BB again.
“Hmm yes she is. But how can I deal with her?”
If you’re giving magical marks to people surely you must wield magic.
“Magic?? You do have magic right?”
Egle contemplates for a moment as Baine finally reaches the unseelie fey, his maul winding up for a series of attacks.
“Yes. Yes actually I do now.”
Now?! Why only now?
Egle gestures towards one of BB’s wrists, the blue fey serpent tattoo there wiggling until it detaches itself, becoming more corporeal as it moves towards Egle’s shoulder, where it comes to rest.
Nearby Baine brutally knocks the unseelie fey unconscious, the eyes of the ethereal fey dragon hovering above Egle and BB now turning to a more pleasant green.
Before BB can go to check on her friends, Egle reaches out towards BB, hands going to hold onto both of her wrists, and BB lets her. This seems to release the other fey serpent tattoo on BB’s wrist, the now corporeal creature joining its brethren as they fly between Egle and BB’s shoulders.
“I was right, you did come to rescue me. But I'm aware of what that has meant to you. My mark has cost you so much and I am sorry for that. Will you be ever able to forgive me?”
I want to, but I can’t even remember you. I need to know more.
“We’ve met before? I’m sorry but I can’t remember”
“I remember you though. I've walked many forests before I was forced onto this throne, and I walked them alone. But I saw you from afar and a vision came to me that one day you would save me. And that is why I left my mark on you.”
BB tries to cast her mind back to the pine forests of home, to the hours and hours she would spend exploring them to find flowers to bring home. She still can’t remember Egle. But something jogs her memory, a cautionary tale from her Mum of when BB was nearly lost to the forest when she was very small. Perhaps then?
“But save you from what? This is the first time I've heard of this all. If i’m being honest I’m not sure how I can save you. This mark you left me, it’s very good at setting people on fire, at growing crystal crowns and feather beards. But it’s not very good at saving people.”
Egle looks distraught now, and BB panics slightly that she has said something wrong.
“I know. That was all I could give you at the time but I wanted you to have a magical connection to me. It is, though imperfect, a magical energy that you've been able to channel over the years. I was selfish Wildflower. I'm not the creature these fey dragons thought I was. I was forced here by their faith in me, but I am a flawed lonely creature that once looked upon you and saw a saviour, maybe a friend. I did everything wrong, I understand that now. Is there something I can do now to make up for my selfish act?”
I’m only trying to understand what happened between us in the past. I didn’t expect to find someone who actually regretted giving me these powers. I thought I was prepared for the answers I would find today, but in reality I don’t think I was prepared for this sadness and kindness.
BB considers for a moment, the barest hint of hopefulness now sounding in her voice.
“Is there a way that I can control this, if it’s permanent. Is there a way I stop what you gave me?”
“These creatures flying above the lake and those priests I can see you've met, I see their signs on you, they all believe me to be their goddess. Nothing can convince them it is not the truth. But, their faith has given me powers. I'm willing to spend them to become the god they believe I am. If you're willing to believe in me yourself I can take away the wild uncontrollable magic I gave you and turn it into something divine. Would you like me to do that?”
Wait, become a god? Does that help the One Serpent become free? The High Priest made it sound like she had to choose to do so, but is becoming a god that choice?
“Yes I… wait hold up, if you become their god, the One Serpent, do they become a thing? Because I really don't want that to happen, that’s a bad thing that we’ve already tried to stop once.”
By now Taffeta, Sheryl and Mace have gathered nearby, Taffeta and Sheryl keeping an extra close eye on the proceedings but not interfering. Egle shrugs at BB’s question, slightly indifferent at the mention of the One Serpent.
”Wildflower, I don't know, I never was a god. I guess I will see what happens. Maybe their faith will go to someone else and I'll be free, I don't know. Maybe I will become a god as they say and I will know what the future will be. Right now I'm just that lonely creature that looked at you as a child and saw, maybe, I hope, a friend?”
“I do make fast friends, but I feel I would have remembered you, I don’t know. This...this is a lot to take in.”
They both stand, mirroring each other’s expressions of deep thought. Egle however comes to a conclusion first, and standing a little straighter she retightens her hold on BB’s arms. Not aggressive, but just trying to regain BB’s attention.
“Wildflower, I... I was scared and I told you so while you were on the Astral plane, I was scared and saw you in my dream. I was scared and you came to me and yet I've done so much harm to you. I will just take my chances and see what being a goddess truly means. If it means anything at all.”
Egle steps back, letting go of BB arms but leaving one hand outstretched before her. The ethereal fey dragons now floating around the throne in wide lazy circles, their green eyes watching them both.
“Let me grant this wish for you Wildflower. Join me”
There’s a brief pause from BB as she considers, takes in that this is really happening. She has found her answers, and not only that, she now has the chance to stop being a liability to those she cares about. A dangerous liability at that. Something that was such a mystery for so many years is all suddenly so clear, BB cannot help the smile of relief that crosses her face as she reaches out with both hands to Egle’s outstretched one.
“I’ll join you. I accept.”
Egle places her other hand on top of BB’s as the surrounding fey dragons are drawn towards her, a surge of powerful magic exploding out from Egle, unlike anything BB has seen or felt before.
Egle gives a small smile of renewed understanding as she looks upon BB, both of them in the centre of this gathering magic.
“Ah, that is my divine nature. It’s that spark inside of you Wildflower, it was there all along.”
Then suddenly a blinding light bursts out from the two of them, washing over BB’s friends gathered nearby, the whole world almost seeming to go quiet for just a moment.
Almost as quick as it appeared the blinding light is gone, along with Egle, but still standing there is BB slightly glowing with the residual effects of the divine magic now residing within her. Any effects of wild magic have washed away, the bone hair back to its normal silver strands, the bright blue skin to its more muted powder blue tone, even her height has shot up to what it was before.
Before them all stands a renewed BB who now faces her friends with a look of awe, barely holding back the tears of happiness. Baine strides over from where he was tying up the thoroughly knocked out unseelie fey to pull BB into a mighty hug.
“Are you alright? What just happened Beebs?”
She nods into his shoulder before speaking, still taking it all in.
“I think I just helped create a god?”
He pulls back, placing his hands on her shoulders, eyes darting about to check if BB is indeed alright. Noticing how his hands have to reach that much higher now.
“Are you taller?? That’s just rude”
BB can’t help but laugh.
Afterwards Sheryl has words with the unseelie fey lady, only just recovered from the magic controlling their mind, and sends her on her way home.
They all eventually make their way back to the ice cold pond on the Material Plane, Baine and Sheryl both reunited with their steeds who have been patiently waiting nearby. Sheryl elegantly gets on Astra’s back to make her way back home to the Summer Court, but not before BB catches her in a hug so enthusiastic she nearly launches the halfling woman up into the air.
Once a clear enough patch of dirt is found BB starts the process of drawing the teleportation circle that will take the rest of them back to Daring Heights. While the others patiently wait nearby, BB tries desperately to hide just how shaky her hands are as she holds the chalk and starts drawing.
This is it. The moment of truth, if Egle really managed to do it. I’m so nervous, so excited and nervous I can barely contain it.
The circle is finished and the others all step though quickly, well acquainted with how this magic works by now. As BB steps through, feeling the last moments of the spell complete, she still senses the Weave like she always has. But this time, rather than that ever present worry of slipping through the strands that hold it all together, there’s a presence holding her magic steady. Something soft and reassuring.
Emerging back in Portal Plaza BB reaches down with one trembling hand to trace her thumb over the new wildflower tattoos that encircle her wrists, the ones that have replaced the fey serpents that she had there only mere hours ago. If anyone was to look with a discerning eye they might notice the minute shift in the flowers around her wrists and up her arm, like they’re moving in a soft breeze.
Thank you Egle. And I’m sorry that I forgot, but I would love to keep being friends.
Of course I forgive you.
