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+---- Thread: you can hear it in the ground (/showthread.php?tid=12225)
you can hear it in the ground - Noah - 11-22-2025
The snow around Olson Lodge lay quiet, untouched but for Noah’s tracks leading from his doorstep to the small rise just to the east, where the sun touched first. It wasn’t far from home but the clearing here held a kind of stillness that felt right.
Noah hauled the small sled to a stop, its runners whispering to a halt over the crusted snow. His breath curled into the cold in great white puffs as he began unloading what he’d brought: the ordinary building supplies stacked neatly at the back, and, handled with far more care, the treasures of the quest. He lifted the pale, iridescent sections of dragon eggshell; the tight new buds gathered from the thawing groves; and finally the skins of water from Safrin’s Mirror.
Days earlier, he’d written to Borin and Lysandrel Kael, requesting guidance from someone skilled enough to honor Safrin properly. They’d replied only that help would be sent. No name. No hint of who might come trudging through Halo’s frost to stand beside him. So now he waited, the cold settling around his boots, listening for footsteps or voices carried on the wind with keen attuned ears, uncertain of who would answer the call.
RE: you can hear it in the ground - Nova - 11-23-2025
On her way home from the chaos that was the Blood Moon Festival, Nova happened to stop in on the Gilded Market, ready to regale Lysandrel with tales of her recent ingenious creations. The louder brother will often humor her with praises and new ideas that continue to fuel her passion like oil to fire. Unfortunately, Lysandrel hadn't been there, and all Nova found was Borin sitting there, quietly hammering away at a shiny new shield. He'd barely looked up, pointing to a piece of paper with instructions for a request they'd received, one they thought she might like to help with.
Nova read nothing more than her mother's name before she was darting out the door, a squeal of delight echoing behind her as she traveled to Halo. The sound still seemed to follow her as the young hybrid bounced through the snow towards a lodge, the air around her practically humming and rippling with excitement. It hadn't diminished despite the distance she'd had to travel, her bright pink jacket and blue sparkle cloud beanie appearing untouched by weather or effort.
Her spirits only brightened when she was close enough to spot someone else in the area. Her rainbow fingered gloves waved in the air, steps shuffling faster through the crunch of snow as she called out. [say]"Hi! HI!"[/say] Grinning so wide that the stars on her cheeks nearly glowed, Nova came to a skidding stop in front of the man. [say]"Hi! Are you Noah?! I'm Nova!"[/say] She gasped, clapping her hands together in realization. [say]"Woah! Our names sound so similar!"[/say]
Not really giving him time to confirm his identity, her gaze flitted from one place to the next, taking it all in with childish glee, questions spilling from her lips like glitter. [say]"Do you live here? What are you doing? How do you know my mom? What can I do?"[/say]
RE: you can hear it in the ground - Noah - 11-23-2025
when Noah wrote to the guild, he had not expected her. He lifted his hand to wave at her as her voice burst over the snow, ringing delightedly between evergreens. She was bright, colorful, a flashing bang of lightning and glitter and rainbow. His experience with crafters and artisans had been much more demure, of the earth. The likes of Deimos and Remi and Sah had crossed his mind, and Nova (as she would introduce herself of in mere seconds) was entirely some other kind of entity.
Her smile was radiant and warmed the permafrost to slush, bringing a smile to Noah’s face that he didn’t even know was coming. It was when he became aware of it that he knew it was her presence — she was the type of person that radiated her joy onto others. He lifted his brows as she continued her introduction, nearly losing them in his hat. While Safrin had never appeared to him in rainbows and brightness, Noah had no doubt in his mind when she looked at him with star kissed freckles and a familiar glint in her eye. She was Safrin’s daughter, sister to Seren. He would remeber that spark, that flare that transcended color and shape.
The Sentinel sucked in a breath through his teeth, shoulders drawing up just slightly. He wasn’t sure how many details she wanted, or he wanted to give, but what he did he gave honestly. [say]”I was once Vi’s demigod. Your mother has always been kind to me, and I wish to honor that and Vi’s mercy.”[/say] He wondered if that would be enough for her. He took his hands then, after shaking hers in greeting, and gestured toward the materials, and then to the area around them. [say]”I do live here, but it is also a lodge open to anyone on the tundra.”[/say] Hunters, merchants, travelers alike — they were all welcome to take refuge in the Olson Lodge when they needed or wanted it. [say]”I thought it would be best if everyone who came here knew who it belonged to, ultimately.”[/say]
RE: you can hear it in the ground - Nova - 11-23-2025
The smile was welcome, softening the features of the gruff man to something friendly and inviting - not that Nova needed reassurance of how great her presence was. She was pleased to hear that he recognized her mother's amazingness as well, beaming and puffing her chest with pride for the goddess who gave her life and all the abilities coursing through her blood. [say]"Ooh! Isn't she the best?!"[/say]
Her eyes skimmed over the lodge, taking in the cozy atmosphere and wooden aesthetic as much as the snow piled along the sides - even in Flowerbirth. Nova pursed her lips at the thought, picturing her old bungalow in Torchline - the sun always warming her skin, the ocean whispering secrets, her siblings at her side. She didn't see the appeal of the lodge, looking to Noah quizzically. [say]"You live here all year?! Doesn't it get cold? Doesn't it get lonely?"[/say]
As for Noah's big plans, she rubbed her hands together, ready to get started on the task at hand. [say]"So what's the plan? Are we going to paint a beautiful mural of her? Erect a statue in her honor? Hang a million stars from a tree? Build a sanctuary?"[/say] Blue glittered in her eyes, a grin spreading wide across her face in preparation for whatever skills she'd get to show off. Hopefully there would be plenty of color and glitter!
RE: you can hear it in the ground - Noah - 11-28-2025
[say]"It does get cold,"[/say] he admitted, glancing toward the lodge with his eyes softening, [say]"but lonely… not really."[/say] He half-lied, the pang of grief all too familiar to him now stabbing between his ribs. [say]"Hunters are always coming and going. Travelers too. And my family is here."[/say] But not Cordelia. [say]"This place is home."[/say] He was learning that it still was, even as he said it to the glittering crafter.
He stepped toward the clearing, motioning her closer as he stopped beside the sled. [say]“I gathered these materials to represent Safrin and Vi.”[/say] Carefully, he lifted the pale arc of dragon eggshell, the delicate buds he’d kept alive on the journey home, and finally the water from Safrin’s Mirror which was star-bright and somehow warm still despite the tundra air. [say]“These will be part of the shrine’s heart.”[/say] Placing them back in the sled, Noah drew the rope to pull it behind him again. Then, he stepped closer to the chosen clearing, boots crunching lightly through the frost. [say]“As for the shrine, I wrote to the guild to help design the structure itself. Something sturdy. Something that feels like her.”[/say] Like him, Vi. Like the ones who had given him their mercy, their name, their pulse.
His gloved hand swept across the snow in a slow arc, marking out a loose boundary. [say]" Another group of Safrin’s followers will come to help me prepare the ground and finish the finer work once the main build is done."[/say] He turned to look at the rainbow with glacier eyes, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lip. [say]"So. What would a daughter of Safrin build for her mother?"[/say] Beneath the smirk was a slight pang, as he imagined the flicker of Seren at Nova's side.
RE: you can hear it in the ground - Nova - 11-28-2025
Nova inspected the lodge for signs of other life, but didn't spot anything, so she shrugged her shoulders. [say]"Hm. Okay."[/say] She didn't really believe him, but she had no proof that he was lying, and it wasn't like she really cared. She didn't have to live there. Regardless, she tilted her head, the glittering pompom on her head flopping to the side. [say]"Who's your family? Do you have siblings too? Kids? Grandkids?"[/say] Age was a fluid concept to her, and she hadn't the faintest guess as to how old Noah might be.
Following behind, she skipped along to the clearing, inspecting the materials like any good artist. Her eyes lingered on the pretty scales that shimmered in the bright sunlight of the Tundra then admired the sparkling water that screamed 'Safrin' in bold letters. Approval spread through the nodding of her head and the beaming smile she still wore - the one that only burned brighter at his question. [say]"Wait! I get to pick?!"[/say] She was suddenly bouncing again, surveying the space as thoughts and ideas cascaded through her mind. [say]"How about a glittering fountain of stars that doesn't freeze?! Or a bright lamp post with star shapes in it?! Or what about a tree with stars hanging from it?! It could be metal or ice or a real tree?!"[/say] Limits didn't exist when it came to her mother, and Nova pulsed with the excitement of building something magnificent in her name.
RE: you can hear it in the ground - Noah - 12-02-2025
Noah hadn’t expected the barrage of questions and the suddenness of them made him blink. Her presence was like standing too close to a hearth after hours in the cold: overwhelming, bright, impossible not to feel. He cleared his throat softly. He was starting to like her. She was a warm ember, unwilling to cool, standing atop the permafrost.
[say]“I have three children,”[/say] he answered, steady. [say]“A son and two daughters. Too young to have children of their own.”[/say] His jaw feathered slightly, [say]“And… no siblings left, and my wife passed a little over a year ago.”[/say] He didn’t elaborate; the words were heavy enough on their own. Such was life in Halo, in Caido.
He followed her skipping path into the clearing, and with her explosion of excitement, the ideas tumbling out of her in bright, breathless volleys, Noah couldn’t help buck chuckle. Not a loud sound, but rich and warm, a low rumble in the cold air. He nodded in affirmation. [say]"I am no designer or architect, and so the guild thought you'd be best for this."[/say] He let her vision run for a moment—unfrozen star fountains, lanterns, trees dripping starlight—each idea more exuberant than the last. Safrin, he knew, loved beauty, loved devotion. But she also loved meaning. And Vi… Vi valued order, steadfastness, the blooming flowers of bright life held fast by deep roots. [say]“We need something that can stand through Deepfrosts in Halo,”[/say] he began gently, trying to anchor her rainbow whirlwind without snuffing it out. [say]“The storms here will tear down anything too delicate. Even metal sculptures can frost-crack if they’re too thin.”[/say]
He stepped to the side. Taking one of the knives from his belt he knelt in the snow and started to draw with the tip f it what she spoke. [say]“But we can incorporate your ideas. A fountain that doesn’t freeze—I am sure Safrin's magic could embue it wholly with her essence. The never freezing water can help the blooms stay year round. The dragon egg shells could go into the mix of mortar for the altar itself so it shines and sparkles in the sunlight. Maybe etch some stars and the sun into its base?"[/say] Noah asked, his gaze lifting, meeting her sparkling blue eyes.
RE: you can hear it in the ground - Nova - 12-03-2025
Noah's willingness to answer each and every question immediately gained him a few points in her glittery book, although his last admission certainly had her blinking. [say]"Oh."[/say] The topic of grief and loss wasn't something she was overly familiar with. She'd never met Seren, and her family seemed indestructible in her mind, so she couldn't relate to anything he might be feeling. Interactions told her that it wasn't a happy topic, but she didn't know the words to say or what society deemed 'appropriate' (not like she ever cared about that anyways), so she straightened and latched onto another part of what he'd said, finding the light. [say]"How old are your children? Maybe we can be friends!"[/say]
Her giggle followed her, as light and free as the breeze brushing her cheeks as she rambled through ideas. She didn't quite dim at his gentle corrections and suggestions, but she honed her thoughts a little tighter, the contemplation evident in the scrunch of her features. Despite the desire to make something large and gawdy and all Safrin, he was right in that she'd need to consider the terrain. It wouldn't do for the creation to fall apart or crack or - gods-forbid - dull. So she took his advice in stride, nodding her head like a regent entertaining the tolerated musings of her older, boring-er council.
Then, like a small starburst, Nova clapped her hands, satisfied with the decisions. [say]"Sounds good to me! Let's get started!"[/say] She beamed a smile at Noah, her magic already flooding to the surface in a gentle shimmer that needed only the tiniest bit of direction. And when he agreed, she would unleash it, grasping at materials while others formed seamlessly into existence, twirling and weaving amongst each other as the fountain began to form in the decided place. When a part became cloudy or uncertain, Nova would stick her tongue out, concentration coming over her features before the magic would settle again, moving on to the next section that needed attention.
RE: you can hear it in the ground - Noah - 12-06-2025
Noah rose from his crouch as her magic began to unfurl. Amazed as ever by her abilities, as he was whenever he witnessed magical crafting, he drew in a slow and deliverate breath. He stepped back to give her space, frost brunching beneath his steps. [say]"About your age, I'd say. Maybe a little younger."[/say] She was young, yes, and bright in the way only Safrin’s children were, he was confident of his even having only known Seren. [say]"My son's name is Marcus, and my daughters are Margot and Ravenna. Ravenna is an apprentice in the Citadel. I'm sure she'd like to meet you, and maybe be a part of the guild one day. Marcus and Margot haven't quite found their career paths yet."[/say] He shrugged, unworried and unhurried because of their youth.
As Nova worked, the ideas they’d shaped together began to take physical form: the curve of the arch, the first suggestion of the fountain’s tiers, the basin where unfrozen water would shummer with starlight. Noah found himself moving instinctively, offering small adjustments where she glanced his way. When the fountain’s core finally solidified Noah drew in a breath that clouded the air. [say]"That’s it,"[/say] he said, a quiet awe threading through the words, [say]"you’ve caught her. The feeling of her."[/say] It was not extravagant, not indulgent, but radiant and sure. Safrin and Vi both.
He stepped nearer, glacial eyes softening as he took in the gleaming centerpiece she’d coaxed into being. [say]"Thank you, Nova."[/say] The sincerity was simple. He touched the edge of the stone, still warm from her magic.
AI MADE ME A SKETCH OF IT! :D
RE: you can hear it in the ground - Nova - 12-07-2025
Having spent most of her time with family and older people, Nova really wouldn't mind hanging out with someone her age, and Noah's explanation elicited another bright smile. [say]"Oh! Maybe I'll meet them sometime! The guild is really great!"[/say] Much like her family, she would always sing the praises of Borin and Lysandrel - mainly because they recognized her skills.
Nova used those same skills to build the shrine into existence, the magic solidifying after she finally released her hold, admiring the work she'd managed to pull off. Her hands propped against her hips, chest puffing out at the starry motifs practically glowing on the fountain. [say]"That was nothing! I'm pretty awesome."[/say] Winking at Noah, she basked in her own abilities, adding, [say]"You know I can make magic items too?"[/say] Like the question was striking a match, she gave a clapping bounce of energy and magic. [say]"Watch!"[/say]
Sticking her tongue out, Nova grinned and called more magic, the special threads of creation appearing in the air around her. She guided the shimmering silver cords into each other, rainbows flickering in the sunlight as they wove across her palm into a small piece of silver metal. Pulling more bits from the air, she formed a smaller, glittering diamond that floated to settle into the silver that wrapped around it in prongs to hold it in place. The remaining metal straightened to a point before falling still.
She looked to Noah, presenting the item in a flourish of her hands and another beaming smile. Then she slipped it into her ear and gave it a dramatic tap of her finger, her body rippling into invisibility. [say]"See?! Well, I guess you can't."[/say] Her own joke sent her into a fit of giggles, the sound echoing from seemingly nowhere.
Nova has created:
You Blinked | An earring that renders the user invisibility (can still be detected through other senses).
RE: you can hear it in the ground - Noah - 12-08-2025
His children were grown, yes, with lives beginning to carve their own shapes, but even so, hey could use more people like this. Bright-hearted. Capable. Unafraid to meet the world with wonder instead of weariness. Ravenna especially, tucked into her apprenticeship, could use a friend her own age. Marcus too, for all his stubborn grit. Even Margot, drifting toward whatever path waited for her. The idea of Nova meeting them settled into him like a small, unexpected hope, and made his smile soften with it.
AS the shrine construction came to a close Noah praised the herald's daughter once more. He removied a glove from his hand and reached out to trace his fingers along the glittering, golden stone she had formed from the dragon eggshells. The light that filtered down into the clearing warmed it and made it sparkle like starlight. Noah breathed out happily, mist curling from his nose, and he was about to ask Nova what she wanted in return for her work when she began crafting another item.
[say]“By the gods,”[/say] he said, the words chuffed with genuine admiration. Well, by Safrin. Safrin’s fingerprints were all over her, bright and sure, but the skill was distinctly her own. He’d seen enchantments forged before, yes, but creation was something else entirely. He had always been amazed when Deimos, or Sah, or others crafted things from thin air. That wonder and awe was not lost on Nova.
Noah blinked as Nova vanished, the edges of her laughter shimmering through the air like light refracting off ice. For a moment he simply stood there, glacial eyes sweeping the empty space where she’d been, a slow breath leaving him in something between awe and disbelief. He stepped closer to the sound of her giggles, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. [say]“It’s incredible, Nova. Truly.”[/say] Then his expression shifted, something quieter threading through it. [say]“Just… be careful with it.”[/say] He remembered the time he had hit Tal with his magic during voidbeast attack, how easy it had been to lose track of friend someone flickered out of sight. He put his handback in his glove. [say]“In the right hands,”[/say] He nodded to where she shimmered unseen, [say]“a tool like that could save lives.”[/say] He knew, too, with Deimos having used his cloak to escape from the invasion, and for Noah to use his to slip back into Halo during their exile.
RE: you can hear it in the ground - Nova - 12-12-2025
Noah knew how to give a reaction, and although he couldn't see her, Nova's chest was puffing to twice its size, inflated by the display of awe in her abilities. She might need to tell Deimos to get lessons from him so he could properly express how awesome she was in their next training session.
But then Noah was deflating, a seriousness casting over his expression that she didn't quite understand. Her head tilted, lips pouting as she considered the vague advice with grand implications she couldn't quite grasp. [say]"Hmmm. I guess,"[/say] she didn't sound very convinced when she added, [say]"but it's also just for fun! So I can do things like this!"[/say] The snow crunched beneath her boots, obvious despite her invisibility as she bounced closer to Noah. Without warning (more than she'd already given), Nova booped a cold finger on his nose, giggling infectiously at the childish prank he'd fallen victim to.
RE: you can hear it in the ground - Noah - 12-24-2025
Noah pulled a sharp breath into his chest as something cold tapped the bridge of his nose. For a split second his hand twitched toward instinct, toward reflex, but then her laughter followed, bright and harmless, and the tension melted out of him just as quickly. He huffed a low chuckle, shaking his head.
[say]”All right,”[/say] he said, a smile finally breaking through in full. [say]”For fun, then.”[/say] His voice softened, for he was glad she was able to find the joy in it. The world needed that as much as it needed vigilance.
He reached up, brushing at his nose as if she were still there. [say]”You did good work today, Nova. This shrine wouldn’t be what it is without you.”[/say] He glanced toward the fountain, water glimmering with starlight even in the cold. [say]”She will know who shaped its heart.”[/say] Turning back to the empty space she occupied, he continued, [say]”Thank you for your time. And for trusting me with your magic.”[/say] Then, a hint of dry humor returned to his eyes. [say]”And if you find yourself in the Kraai sometime—drink’s on my tab. Consider it payment, or hospitality, or a standing invitation.”[/say] His smile lingered, quiet and genuine.
FIN