The lifeless animated Construct known only as Marlina, awakened in a world at odds from deep lingering scars of conquest and malice, seeks a home where she can belong.
In hopes of finding a place to call home, she also wishes to seek answers for th...
The obsidian's natural luster reflects the lava's fluctuating glow, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere as they pass through. Aurea's chill transforms the smoldering heat from unbearable to uncomfortable for Mordecai and Tessa. Thankfully, the bridge isn't too long. With the lava parting at the end, the lava people step aside to let them pass.
Before them lies another bridge that leads to a large basalt platform formed by the lake of lava below and surrounded by towering waterfalls of magma. Just beyond the platform is a long, sloping set of stairs with tall, curving barriers on either side leading up to an obsidian temple, part of the volcano's wall.
As the trio begins to cross the bridge, they are taken aback by sudden chanting. A hundred more lava people appear on jagged rock formations that jut out from the flowing lava above. As they chant, they use all four arms to rhythmically pound their fists against their stone bodies, creating a unique and rapid tempo. A bellowing, uplifting call emanates from the temple, prompting them to dance in time with their chanting and grunts as they strike their fists and palms against themselves.
Mordecai's body is tense. His gaze scans all around and counts how many there are. It concerns him that so many have surrounded the three of them, but there is at least some distance from the platform they stand on.
Tessa's eyes glow at the sight of the civilization residing inside the crater. Their heart-pounding rhythm is similar to the music from the Fire Mesas, but it carries such life and vigor with every beat and chant.
Aurea herself is overwhelmed, but not in a negative sense. If it can be called anything, it's hope. Their strange bodies, pointed ears, and unnatural powers—this must be one of the other tribes mentioned in their ancient tales.
'There are more... and they are thriving... and standing alongside the Urushian Gods. Then maybe my people can live too...'
There is a moment when the chanting and dancing pause as they use two arms to percuss in half-time, lowering their stance and spreading their remaining arms to have sections of the lava part. This reveals more volcano dwellers dressed in lavish costumes made from the same feathers as before. With an abundance of feathers adorning their heads and hips, the dancers chant while rapidly rotating their hips, causing the feathers to shake as the others maintain the beat.
With another bellowing call, the beat quickens like it's building up to something. At the temple entrance, lava bursts forth and pours over the steps like a river. Another lava male, dressed in a large headdress, skirt, and feathered cape, stands at the top and emits indecipherable words that resemble a rousing command to the others as they begin chanting again.
With a slab of stone under his arm, his gaze sweeps over the crowd, appearing dissatisfied with the spirited atmosphere he commanded. With another command-like call, the pounding beat becomes thunderous, and their chants grow more vigorous before he leaps from the doorway, the slab splashing onto the lava as he rides atop it, letting the lava carry him down the steps, gaining speed. He glides along the flow effortlessly, riding up and down the curved barriers of the steps while the beat continues with rhythmic grunting.
Heading straight for the volcano's lake, he leaps off the slab and dives in, the beat suddenly stopping when he disappears from view. A geyser of lava bursts from below, and the man emerges from the top, landing on the platform on his feet with a heavy thud in front of the trio. Mordecai reacts by stepping in front of Aurea and Tessa. The man's stance is a deep squat, and his arms are held at his sides.
He then jumps and spreads his arms wide to the sky, bellowing, "Welcome to Volkaunus!"
After the others repeat his words, the citizens lower themselves to their knees and extend their arms as they bow low to the ground toward a flurry of flames that appears on a high balcony of the temple. A calmer, soothing chant hums in the air while the fire transforms into the shape of a phoenix, rising into the air and toward the platform.
Tessa and Mordecai gasp in amazement, fully aware of who has appeared. They lower themselves to their knees and bow just like the others. Aurea notices and kneels as well, bowing her head low. As the radiating heat draws closer, they keep their gaze downward. There is an intensity, being the embodiment of Fire itself, yet it radiates a soothing warmth.
"Rise, my esteemed guests, and welcome to my domain." A feminine voice speaks.
As they raise their heads, they pause, their expressions transforming into shock.
Standing beside the chieftain of these people is a Colonial. With long maroon hair highlighted by fiery shades at the ends, she wears a gown of flowing reds and golds secured by a corset. She is adorned with golden embellishments across her chest and shoulders that extend high on her neck, and her fingers are tipped with what appear to be golden claws. A pair of wings spreads wide on her back, and long, thick tail feathers trail from her lower back to the ground, resembling a bridal train. Fire glimmers from the corners of her crimson eyes as she gazes warmly at the three, a smile gracing her lips.
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"Look at their faces!"The chieftain exclaims, his foreign accent evident, and his choice of words simplistic, as if he is learning the common language. "Much amazed by our power and might, they have no words!"he brags, flexing his hulking arms in a triumphant display.
Now that he is so close, the decorative cracks along his skin form an intricate phoenix covering his entire torso, with wings carved into the inner sides of two of his arms, showcasing the complete design as he holds his arms up in a flexing motion. He also towers over them, not including the lavishly decorated headdress perched on his head. With their dumbfounded expressions plastered on their faces, the chieftain can only take their display as a compliment.
"We have broken their minds! You the most, my bright blaze." He takes the Goddess of Fire's hand and kisses the back of it, while she smiles and chuckles in amusement, patting his chest.
"You were a sight to behold yourself, my mighty eruption. You sure love to make an entrance."She praises him before kissing his cheek, then returns her gaze to the three of them. "Allow me to introduce us. This is Chief Kanaka, great leader of the Ébo Tribe."As she introduces him, he puffs out his chest, crossing a pair of his arms against it, while the other two rest with his fists on his hips, beaming with pride.
"And I am Adelina Touché, host to the embodiment of Fire, mother to all who carry my flame in their souls, deliverer of the end to the Siege of Maydra, Head of the Touché Mage Family, but Her Brilliance will do when addressing me."
Touché? Tessa swears that name sounds familiar. Then it clicks. Elek had explained the Mage Families to her some time ago. But if she remembers correctly, that family was killed during the Siege of Maydra.
