small things brought together

DEIMOS

the resurrected sword

With the heat of the hot springs now presiding in mending proportions, Halo turned towards more inward properties. At first and initial notions, perhaps the one lingering upon his mind now should’ve been amidst the keen and key necessities when it came to the wintry world years before. Admittedly, it had taken a winding road instead of being traversed upon like so many others – defenses had to be rendered, walls to be shielded, Family to be rid of, springs to be rejuvenated and reborn– until, eventually, they could press towards the quality-of-life aspects of the Citadel itself.

Livable and tolerable, to most degrees, but with new refugees coming in from Stormbreak, and more potential for growth, Deimos didn’t see why they couldn’t upgrade the dome keeping them from freezing to death. Halo itself was a natural barrier to most – but they might as well have given some comfort to those who deigned to call it home.

Approaching the Citadel’s shrine, he kneeled before its altar, distributing the offerings contorted through his arms. In beautiful and cosmic layers of fabric were multiple plaited ribbons, all designed and braided by their own weavers; embedded with charms of stars and moonlit beams, made to accessorize Safrin in any way she so pleased. The Warden himself supplied another bounty of silver and gold bracelets, all constructed amidst celestial ornamentation, including the goddess herself in depicted images of power, beauty, and grace; placed there to honor his favorite herald. “Safrin,” he bowed his head on the rumble of loyalty and devotion, awaiting the verdict. “Would you be willing to help us improve the warmth barrier?”

--

This is a RQ request for Safrin to help upgrade Halo's warmth barrier.

under the bludgeonings of chance
my head is bloody, but unbowed

Warmth arrives first; not the blunt heat of flame, nor the oppressive press of summer sun, but something gentler and far more intimate, as though the chill of Halo has simply decided it no longer has any authority here. Starlight gathers above the altar in a slow, deliberate unfurling, threads of gold and pearl-white light weaving themselves into form until Safrin stands within the shrine, luminous and unhurried. The long days of LongHeat temper the air around her, though the world beyond the dome remains sharp and alpine; her presence alone makes the contrast unmistakable. Where she stands, the cold loosens its grip.

Her gaze lowers to the offerings first, and a smile curves across her lips; not indulgent, but pleased in a way that suggests appreciation rather than surprise. Fingers brush over the braided ribbons, the charms catching and refracting the light as though eager to be noticed, and the bracelets earn a longer look still, her expression softening with clear approval at the care taken in their crafting. When she lifts her eyes again, they shine all the brighter for it. "It is good to see you again so soon, Deimos."

She listens without interruption, her attention fixed and absolute as Deimos speaks. When his request is laid bare, her head inclines in a graceful nod, constellations shifting faintly along her skin as if in quiet agreement. There is a private satisfaction beneath her calm that this work, begun under other hands (Frey's, specifically), should be carried forward now between the two of them.

"Of course," she replies simply. "Halo has endured much, and those who shelter beneath its dome deserve comfort."

---

Halo has been given a Regional Quest!

Tasks. There is no time limit. There are currently 8 active Halovians. This means 4 unique characters have to participate. Characters can participate more than once. Deimos must participate in at least 2 threads.

1. A PQ of 4 Halovians ensuring that the previously dug trench around the perimeter of the Citadel is still in good shape, making any repairs as needed
2. 3 threads gathering celestial-related materials (can be as literal or abstract as you like, so long as Safrin would approve)
3. Commission a PC from the Guilded Market to make you Blue Goldstone to incorporate into the altars
4. A PQ of 3 Halovians placing various altars around the Citadel to house Safrin's light (3 must be completed first)

DEIMOS

the resurrected sword

The sharp contrast bolstered against his senses; the charmed grace of Safrin soon to follow. Glancing towards her, he granted another bow and a grin. “You as well,” and though it’d rarely be for himself, he was content to unfurl whatever was necessary for his region – snagging at the opportunities available to them. Once her inspection of the offerings seemed to be declared respectable, any remaining tension pilfered away from his frame, and he was left to listen.

When the tasks were anointed, he nodded, committing them to memory – of trenches around the Citadel, of celestial-related materials, commissions towards a guild, and their own altars to house Safrin’s light. “It will be done. Thank you, as always,” he granted, always content to show what the wintry region was made of – full of might, vigor, and determination; and soon, some additional warmth.

[FIN]

under the bludgeonings of chance
my head is bloody, but unbowed