[God Quest] One ring to bring them all

Zavien

After their trek through the Grotto, Zavien was exhausted. All he wanted to do was curl up in his soft bed and fall asleep. Sol seemed to agree as he gave a large yawn right next to his ear, making Zavien yawn in turn. He ended it with a light chuckle, rubbing the baby dragon's head. They would have a major sleeping marathon after this. 

Looking back at the others following behind, he offered a small smile. "I somehow hope we were right about Everest and wrong." He liked the Attuned. If they were right, their quest for Safrin was over. But that also meant that one of Koa's closest friends was Void infected. And they didn't know how to cure him. However, if they were wrong, Deimos's assistance would have been wasted.

With that somber thought, Zavien pulled out a bundle of blue flowers that he'd seen on the way in and placed them gently on the shrine before Vi's visage. He knelt down and waited for the others to join him, hoping for them to take the lead on the whole words part.

---

Custom item quest turn-in (FINALLY)!

1. Touch the ring to a known void-flora
2. Touch the ring to a known void-fauna
3. Touch the ring to where the meteor fell
4. Take the ring to an area taken over by the Family (the Greatwood, Feverlands, or by the time they start their quest, the Oerwoud).

OR, instead of 1-4, have the ring held by someone infected (no meta-gaming or else) [PQ] [SE] Afterdays - Everest held the ring! (No meta-gaming involved!)

5. BONUS: will get the item to Upgraded -- take the ring (or have it taken) to Starfall Island. [KQ] Relentless you survive

Tis better to have loved and lost,
than never to have loved at all.

Lena

and sweetest in the gale is heard
and sore must be the storm

If she was tired, the Caretaker didn’t show it; bright-eyed and ready after the events at the Grotto. It was likely due to her long days at the Celestine that kept her still standing without any lean or inclination towards a nap; though she’d inevitably crash and burn when she returned home.

At Zavien’s inclinations, however, she only wore half a smile. She didn’t yearn for Everest to be infected either. But if he was, there were steps and measures to heal and mend him already in place.

Prevention of it happening again, however it had occurred in the first place, was another thing altogether.

Rather than cementing the dread, she lifted her head high and took a deep breath. “I think our efforts were in the right place.” Everything to happen thereafter would play out – and they’d be able to strive in one direction or another. They were already far more equipped than they had been in the last season.

Then she settled to her knees, head bowed in front of the shrine, eyes closed as faith and adherence filled her bones, hands opening to pale stones placed along the altar; shaped like the moon. “Thank you Safrin for the opportunities you’ve granted us. We believe we have fulfilled them successfully.”

that could abash the little bird
that kept so many warm

Hear those bells ring deep in the soul
Chiming away for a moment

"We were right." Koa's voice leaves no room for interpretation: he was there, in the presence of Frey, when Everest's diagnosis was sealed. At least it meant the trio'd had an easier time with their quest, though the positive effects on the aviator's mental health Koa keeps, for now, to himself. He needs to talk to Mateo, to try and suggest they speak to Everest about undoing what's been done. Even if the eccentric dragoon is happy, he isn't him - and that can't be worth it.

Right?

Shaking the thoughts from his head, Koa, too, kneels beside his friends. "Thank you for giving us the tools to protect ourselves and those we care about," he murmurs. Silently, lest there be listening ears, the Dragoon adds: May this bring us one step closer to reclaiming our home.

Koa Carpenter

Feel your breath course frankly below
And see life as a worthy opponent

Safrin

One offering amongst the three? Tsk tsk. As Safrin appears she glances at the flowers placed upon Vi's shrine, before lowering a hand to pluck up the delicate crescent-shaped rocks. Flashing Lena an adoring smile, the goddess's eyes flicker to Zavien —whose allegiance had always unquestioningly been to Vi, not that it was an excuse—before landing upon Koa. Saying nothing, Safrin reaches for the ring, holding it up against one of the many small lights that flickered throughout the Celestine.

"This has been held by infected hands." She notes, glancing at the trio over one shoulder. "And has made its way to Starfall." Sounding both wary and impressed, the goddess closes her palms over the ring, her eyes closing. A snap of violet light sneaks out from her fingertips followed by the sudden scent of burning leaves and sour cloves. With a sigh, the goddess's eyes flutter back open, the ring in her palm somehow seeming more than, despite appearing exactly the same.

---

Congratulations you have received:

Void Ring (Upgraded) | A ring that pulses with heat when in the presence of void-infected characters within 20ft. (Gets warmer the closer they are). **Cannot identify members of the Family.

Let me know whose inventory this should go into.

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

Zavien

(Hey! There were two offerings!! Flowers + stones)

It didn't take long for Safrin to appear, and Zavien was grateful that they wouldn't have to wait long to hear the answer to the question burning amongst them. He wasn't sure how long he could take the tension of uncertainty that lingered. However, as she took the ring into her grasp, her words seemed to ring out with a convicting sentence of Everest's condition. His eyes closed in quiet resignation for the pain he knew his friends must be feeling. It would be a hard topic they'd have to address later: What were they going to do with the information?

Zavien watched as her power infused the item, completing their quest and leaving a strange emptiness as the tenson left. Accepting the ring from the goddess, he inclined his head deeply. "Thank you, Safrin. Your unparalleled beauty and generosity will be what we think of as we use your gift. We will ensure that Caido knows who gave their assistance during such a time of need." 

---

Zavien accepts the ring!

Tis better to have loved and lost,
than never to have loved at all.

Lena

and sweetest in the gale is heard
and sore must be the storm

Safrin’s appearance made it all the more apparent that despite any misgivings, their confidence had been true and worthy. What it meant thereafter, for them, and for anyone else infected, would remain to be seen. Like getting Everest to the springs (did he even want to? And how were they supposed to arrange that?).

But while those questions circulated through the Caretaker’s head, she didn’t let any of the newfound worries and apprehension appear; just as content and gratified in Safrin’s presence and balm, beaming in return. “Thank you again.”

And from there, they’d have a new sojourn to start.

[FIN]

that could abash the little bird
that kept so many warm