Fate - First Reply Honoring the Past

[Aria Selmer]

The Spine​

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The Crucible Stone
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Deep among the highest peaks, where snow falls and wolves howl, there too stands a monument of significance only to now a family few in number, ever growing shallower, yet this does not stop the rite of Tradition, even when the hours grow dark and grim Tradition... must be upheld, and this Aria did with great reverence.

Her Sabatons carved a lucid path through the snow as she ascended, higher and higher only occassionally stopping in her way to lift the Visor of her Sallet briefly, she treaded a path normally left alone by both Wanderer and Bandit alike, it was an ancient path one she walked every month for many years, those that came before her have done the same, sometimes groups even.

Today however was no such day, for she embarked on her Pilgrimage alone, to visit... the former celebratory site of her Family, The Crucible Stone, where she would spend her time meditating on the path to take ahead. The Lands grew wicked again, there was... Warfare in the Air and she knew not if she wanted to be part of it, Monarchs came and went as time went on but she elected to not have herself be abused by such influence, it was not what her Family should be or so she thought yet it betrayed also the core rules set by her Father.

"If we are not to safeguard the Realm with our actions no matter how small... what purpose do we truely serve?"

She recited to herself his words, they grinded into her like gears churning a war machine, what truely is worthy of such a cause? She knew not, or rather... she believed many things not worthy, anger built in her mind, how could one be so... complacent with waiting? Noone will elect to walk that path willingly, its suffering.

A idle howl in the distance shook her thoughts awake, her helmet tilted into its direction, there cresting the very top of the ridgeline she was walking, the Silhouette of a Wolf, gazes met and the idle Animal scampered of, it was then that she noticed... she had arrived at her destination. The Crucible Stone.

"Hath I been deceived? How is it you always know so much before thee act, Father?"

She questioned quietly to herself as her gaze met the large Stone with reverence, her footfalls became more quiet as her large frame began a slow and respectful approach. Her head she tilted downwards whilst mumbling a quiet few words of respect to herself before raising her gaze once more, by that time she stood afore the large structure of Stone, she reached out to place a hand upon it and when she did grew more calm and gentle, this was... history to her, and keeping it so was in part her Duty.

"Perhaps I will understand it... Perhaps there will come a time again when our Name is said? Perhaps."

She then slowly turned her back to the large Stone and began her descent to a clearing just infront of the Stone, there she began letting her large Pack she carried on her back hit the ground, sprawling out a large ritualistic Cloth on the floor, she fastened it with spikes that she struck into the Ground before slowly letting herself down onto one knee, then the other, her gaze cast out over the vast horizon afore her, and just as she was taught... she detached her conscious mind from the woes of reality and turned to her thoughts in solemn meditation.

Yet... not always was the Crucible Stone undisturbed, many have come seeking wisdom, or perhaps... to honor the past in different instances, not all tied to the Selmer Family. On other occassions Rulers have come to disturb the peace of the Family when it gathered here making claims of ownership, Duels were had here, when a Selmer lost, he swore Lealty to the one he lost to, such was the way of the Crucible.

perhaps one day... such a day may occur again, lest it be hopeful not another Sovereign entity seeks the aid of the Family faded to Time.

 

[Alissia Vaeros]

The path was long and arduous, lightly tread and faded to time. Snow blanketed the ground and cold winds whisked through the chilly mountains. It carried with it a deep feeling of solemnity that would make one feel alone if not for the howls of beasts in the distance. That was the only company held on this journey towards Alissia's destination and they walked hand in hand, growing closer the further she walked.

Alissia did not know what she expected to find at the end of this journey. At times, she didn't even know what she wanted to find. But, something had been pulling her this way like a tug on a string. A calling, perhaps, or the hope that she might find answers.

The mystery of it all was what guided her forward. The feeling of not knowing what was to come next. Her path had never been clear and it dangled ominously in front of her, leading each step. One foot in front of the other, pace by pace, she climbed forward.

And before her came the large stone structure, tall and brooding over the likes of one such as herself. There was a muddied tension circulating in the air. Alissia broke her step and peered up at The Crucible Stone before making the final ascent. A deep sigh was pressed through the woman's lips, the journey long and coming to a close. All that was left to be discovered was why.

As the final steps were taken towards The Crucible Stone, the resemblance of a woman was apparent. Knelt down not far from her destination, Alissia approached with an ere of caution. Finding someone else here was a surprise, particularly when much of the path had been devoid of much disturbance. The sword at her hip beat against the steel cladded over her legs. She stopped a few paces away from the woman, lightly armored and not carrying much aside from the pack of supplies strung from her shoulders.

"Nice day for a walk, stranger." She said, disturbing the meditation. "What brings you all the way out here?"

 

[Aria Selmer]

Twas not without notice that a lonesome Knightess found herself along the twisted path that so many have walked before, be it a personality of insignificance all the way to Rulers, every boot one day needed guidance, words... answers and the Guardians of the Crucible Stone always had a way to cryptically spurn ones mind.

The Silhouette of Wolves in the Distance accompanied the bright figure as it made its path to the Crucible Stone, it was preternatural, almost like they belonged to the very Stone itself, this however would soon confirm itself.

Alissia's voice rung loud in the barren landscape that lay about and was met predominantly with Silence, at first it seemed as though she had been ignored but such was far from the Truth, a minute passed before the armored Knight whom she addressed slowly raised their head, visor leveling with their gaze.

Stiff limbs slowly started moving as the stoic woman arose, the rattle of plate accompanying her movement, eventually Alissia found a individual stand afore her, extraordinarily large at that, the frame firm and solid it was safely assumed that she rivalled the Stone behind her in stalwartness.

Reaching up, they undid the lower straps of their Helmet, pulling the Gorget free followed by pulling the Helmet off their Head, judging purple eyes now deeply set on the blonde Woman. Aria brough her hands low to tie her Helmet along the Belt that held her Sword before resting her right gauntleted hand atop the Pommel of said Sword, idle yet observant in posture.

"Curious. A young Soul ventured so far, for the Crucible Stone? Nay... there must be more no?" Aria's voice held stalwart discipline yet did not appear threatening. "Is it Answers thee seek? Purpose?"

As she spoke two Silhouettes came scuttling forth from behind the Crucible Stone, two large Dire Wolves, each of them taking their place one on Aria's right flank, the other on her left, they curiously eyed up the new arrival, yet seemed surprisingly tame, as if the presence of Aria commanded them.

"It hast been many ages since a soul did seek council of the selmers. Coequal more time since one did wish to becometh one of us." Aria raised her chin ever so slightly. "Wherefore stand thee?"