silence empty space

I carried my own ashes to the mountains

They might’ve been less somber since the last time they’d spoken to the Nature aspect of Frey, but certainly no less exhausted. Restoration had been key – and in time, minor rejuvenations had taken shape. Individuals rescued from the makeshift bay, shelters harbored in place amidst the Palace, infirmaries restocked and restored, and hordes of their own people taking, sharing, and repairing the world around them. It was how Halovians had always been – in that unrelenting, determined spirit, and their Wardens were just as persistent.

And as always, there was more to be done.

With some reconstruction well underway, and threats looming in the distance, they couldn’t remain idle or still in advancements of their kingdom. None of them were complacent, and Halo shouldn’t have been either – so the Wardens advanced upon the shrine once more. The Sword made a mental note to return at a later time for Safrin’s sake, but the bundle in his hands was solely for Frey. With fruits snagged from the greenhouse, ample cream, and a bundle of flowers tucked amidst the porcelain and ivory bowl, he hoped it would be enough. Evie always brought something fitting and wondrous as well, and with a slight bump to her shoulder, he bowed his head, beginning the deep rumble in his chest. “Frey, we are always grateful for every opportunity you grant. Perhaps you would be willing to aid Halo once more.”

A brief pause, a long slow breath, before he began again. “We would like to strengthen the Citadel walls.” Protective and sheltering, they loomed large as the first defensive system, besides the weather, for their world. But they’d also been rendered damaged multiple times, and to remain structurally sound, all encompassing, before any perilous efforts was a must. From there, he glanced at the Evergreen, trusting her to fill in the details.

--

This is an RQ request for Halo from Nature Frey to strengthen the Citadel walls/with a rebound ability (to be turned on/off when applicable).

DEIMOS

Evie

There's no greater vengeance
Than learning to enjoy again

They are weathered and weary, but collectively, the light never dies in their eyes the same way the fires never extinguish in Halo. The Citadel shrine is the safest to reach but its familiarity is equally tempting, and as she and Deimos settle comfortably to place their offerings, Evie releases a long breath she didn’t know she was holding. She hadn’t been able to see Frey last time, and now she understands why so many people rely upon seeing their heralds seasonally.

Last time she had provided some of the gifts given to her by the injured in the infirmary, and this time she includes a small, tattered piece of paper that had been stuck to a bassinet in the infirmary - a newborn she’d helped deliver, a sign of new life blooming among the devastation happy and healthy. And of course a few sprouts from the plants she and Deimos had grown outside the Citadel gates. Smiling back at her husband, Evie leans into his shoulder as they bow their heads.

“We would like to be able to activate them at will to repel external damage.” Given how many dragons, banshees, and cannibals had attacked those walls over the years, they certainly deserve a bit of relief from constant repairs.

Therapy is tiring
But so is hiding how you feel

Nature blooms and persists, even in adversity, and whilst one might not think Halo of all places to be a hub for this aspect of Frey, one look around sees their blessings captured everywhere. And so, as always, the Wardens come and the deity unfurls, golden and warm in the seat of their offerings. "Your perseverence is something to be greatly admired," they murmur, fingers whispering across the note Evie has added to the offerings.

In a moment the note takes flight in a flurry of paper butterflies that soar overhead. "Walls it is. Who am I to question those who fill their region with such bounty?" Smiling between the two, it's with hands spread in welcome that, once more, Frey puts them to good work.

---

Tasks. There is no time limit. There are currently 10 active Halovians. This means 5 unique characters have to participate. Characters can participate more than once. Deimos and Evie must participate in at least 2 threads.

1. A PQ of 4 (or more) Halovians mining stone from The Fangs and bringing it back to The Citadel.
3. A thread of three Halovians collecting the liquid metal that drips from a Molten Tiger. (Don't hurt the tiger!)
4. THREE threads manually strengthening the Citadel walls and/or gates in whatever ways you see fit.

I carried my own ashes to the mountains

With his head bowed, he listened to the unfurling of the deity, to the rustling of notes, to the tones of perseverance. The inkling of a smile remained encouraged by the sentiments, pressing in the corner of his mouth, because Halo would and could endure. It was how they’d survived for so long.

“Thank you,” the Sword murmured once the tasks were listed, granted and given so that they could persist and thrive once again; or at the very least, aim to defend and protect the world they cherished. From there, with gratitude extended and necessities provided, they could return to preserving said bounty of their world.

{FIN <3}

DEIMOS