The Journey Home | Eldritch Academy

Student Scholar

350 posts

GRADE • B-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 2

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 4

   STAMINA • 2

Spirit's Fire Church Grim / Phoenix Terra

Mar 13, 2019 11:28:48 GMT -6

Post by Ryse Azar on Mar 13, 2019 11:28:48 GMT -6

“Thank you.” Ariza replied softly. She gave her daughter a little smile, before kissing her again on the forehead. “It’s in the past. What matters is Ryse, and her wellbeing.” That’s the only thing that had mattered to her for the past seventeen years. That was why she had sent her daughter to Eldritch Academy, even though it was in an entirely different country. She wanted to give her daughter the chance to live a happy life, to be accepted and grow into a successful woman. And perhaps eventually have a family of her own, if that was what she wanted.

The teenager thought about what Oras was asking her. That question he’d asked her every time they met. “Do you accept your lineage?” It was something she’d wrestled with her entire life. Something she’d fought against, denied with every fiber of her being. But over these past few months, she’d been slowly coming around to the fact that she wasn’t what the bullies called her. She wasn’t a stain on her kind. She wasn’t a freak. She was more than that. And now, hearing the truth of what happened, it was like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

Looking the Atronach in the eyes, she took a breath. “My answer… is yes. I accept the fact that I am half Church Grim, and half Phoenix.” It felt good, saying it out loud. Being able to finally accept what she was was freeing, in a way. Before she would’ve cringed at the thought. But now she only felt a strange sense of peace.

Oras Aventra Auro

Traveler

264 posts

GRADE • A-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 4

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 2

   STAMINA • 4

Atranoch Telemindred

Mar 13, 2019 11:41:55 GMT -6

Post by Oras Aventra Auro on Mar 13, 2019 11:41:55 GMT -6

Hearing her say that. His shoulders finally relaxed and he reached out to her. Grabbed her shoulder. And smiled. "Feel a lot better right? Makes you wonder why you hated your grim heritage from the beginning." Oras let go and walked over to another chair. Sitting on it, crossing his legs, he looked at the two of them. "Jeez, your daughter has been a real handful. Still, two months isn't too bad. Not my best record but not my worst either. There was one retard who took almost fifty years to help fix. The fool couldn't figure it out for the longest time." He looked at the mother with a curious look. "You and I probably never met, but I helped your race fight in the ancient war with my first summoner. I automatically respect you for your strength and courage. Now I respect you for being willing to put your pride and fear aside, and tell the truth. Which that in itself can be hard. I believe the two of you have some stuff to sort through before I take her back to the academy. I'll leave you for now." With that Oras walked out of the house.

Closing the door behind him, Oras sighed and walked slowly to a nearby tree. "This has been quite an adventure old friend... But, hey. I'm doing as I said I would. I'm taking it easy on em. And jeez does this age need it." He sighed as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a coin. One that was far outdated. "You and I, we saved a lot of people. From others, and from themselves. But these people... They're so weak. And my summoner, she.. Well she's a nightmare in itself.. How am I supposed to do this?" He looked up at the stars in the night sky. "How am I supposed to keep this up without you? You gave me strength. My current summoner does not. Can I do this without you?"

Ryse Azar

Student Scholar

350 posts

GRADE • B-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 2

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 4

   STAMINA • 2

Spirit's Fire Church Grim / Phoenix Terra

Mar 13, 2019 12:20:40 GMT -6

Post by Ryse Azar on Mar 13, 2019 12:20:40 GMT -6

Ryse and her mother talked for a good bit, both apologizing to each other for what was said, and promising to do better and to not keep the truth from each other. The last bit being more towards the mom than Ryse herself. Ariza promised to tell her everything that happened from now on in her letters, instead of leaving some things out. Ryse promised not to let the words of others get to her. Now that she accepted what she was, she wasn’t going to let their words hurt her anymore.

After they were done speaking, the young hybrid went to bed as per her mother’s orders. Ariza herself went towards the front door, seeing Oras in the front yard. Quietly opening the door, she made her way to him. She didn’t have her daughter’s keen hearing, but she’d heard enough to know that it was a personal matter for him. And she wasn’t one to pry into other’s pasts. Instead of talking about it, she simply stood beside him, arms crossed as she too looked up at the night sky. “I want to say thank you. For helping my daughter, and for helping me. I can’t believe that she’d been feeling this way all this time…. I wish I’d known.”

Oras Aventra Auro

Traveler

264 posts

GRADE • A-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 4

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 2

   STAMINA • 4

Atranoch Telemindred

Mar 13, 2019 19:50:04 GMT -6

Post by Oras Aventra Auro on Mar 13, 2019 19:50:04 GMT -6

Oras could hear the woman's footsteps, even if she tried to be soft and silent. He had to hear things like that to escape ambushes and such after all. He sighed, the frustration evident in the sound. "Can't a guy get some damn solitude every once in a while???" He didn't turn around of course, and let her walk up beside him. Upon hearing her words he was silent for a moment before speaking. The frustration and mocking tone gone from his voice. "...Yeah well.. Someone has to knock some sense into the fools of this world. No need to thank me, it's just.. What I do." Sure the mocking tone was gone, but being sarcastic and insulting was woven into his DNA. It would get out with words if the tone wasn't in there.

Ryse Azar

Student Scholar

350 posts

GRADE • B-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 2

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 4

   STAMINA • 2

Spirit's Fire Church Grim / Phoenix Terra

Mar 13, 2019 20:19:54 GMT -6

Post by Ryse Azar on Mar 13, 2019 20:19:54 GMT -6

Ariza didn't speak at first, only turning her head to look at the Atronach. She studied him for a few moment, then gave a small smile. "Surely not everyone are fools? There must be some who don't meet that criteria." She said, laughing a little.

The phoenix placed her hand on his shoulder. "My daughter has told me many things about you in her letters. But the thing that stands out to me the most, is that she considers you as her friend. If she sees you as such, then that would change your opinion of her, no? I doubt you would allow someone you consider to be a fool to claim you as their friend and ally."

Oras Aventra Auro

Traveler

264 posts

GRADE • A-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 4

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 2

   STAMINA • 4

Atranoch Telemindred

Mar 13, 2019 20:34:26 GMT -6

Post by Oras Aventra Auro on Mar 13, 2019 20:34:26 GMT -6

Oras gave a sad smile and closed his eyes at her words, shaking his head. "The young feel invincible, and choose to ignore wisdom. They are vulnerable and take everything as it comes. Then they become older and believe to be the wise. Ignoring the words of the younger, believing to always be right... Some are lucky to avoid these patterns but not most. If you want a number on it, I'd put it at ninety nine point nine to the hundredth power." Oras sighed and pocketed his hands as he opened his eyes to the stars again. "You stay at home focused on your own daughter. As it should be for a mother. But I? I have never stayed in one place for long. My summoner and I were adventurers. We've seen how the world truly is. It's filled with fools, and if they aren't taught or stopped the world sparks in death and violence. It's, just how it is."

When she mentioned how her daughter considered him her friend... "Yeah... She mentioned that..." The woman continued, stating how she doubted he'd let a fool be his friend. He chuckled and shook his head. "Oh no no no. I certainly consider her my friend, even if I don't say it. And, it's because she was a fool that it ended up happening." Oras' gaze stretched across the sky, moving from one end to the other. "When I discovered that the wise either used their knowledge to control others, or didn't try hard enough to help the ignorant. It infuriated me. I don't get angry at the people who are fools for being ignorant. I get angry at the people who refused or failed their jobs to teach their children. However everyone makes mistakes, hence why I went easy on you. When I saw you I knew you cared for her and had her best interest at heart."

Oras drew his blade and held it skyward. His eye looking down the blade. "You see. You're lucky. To have a daughter who loves you. You're lucky she is unique, and has unlimited potential because of her unique half breed. You're lucky you have a government who, corrupt as they are, recognize when something is blatantly wrong when it's shown to them. Hell you're lucky I came along when I did. But me?" He spun the blade in place and snow exploded outward. Creating a temporary winter wonderland, the snow and frost sparkling in the moonlight. "I'm not lucky. I give my luck to others. And yes, it's comforting and makes me happy to help others. But my own life, has never been lucky. My own life, has been a war. One day after another. And every passing day that war grows more difficult." He sheathed his blade and looked her in the eye.

"I choose to be friends with Ryse. Because while she may be an ignorant fool. She's a kind hearted individual who is willing to grow and learn. She just needed someone to tear down the cage she built for herself."

Ryse Azar

Student Scholar

350 posts

GRADE • B-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 2

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 4

   STAMINA • 2

Spirit's Fire Church Grim / Phoenix Terra

Mar 13, 2019 20:57:33 GMT -6

Post by Ryse Azar on Mar 13, 2019 20:57:33 GMT -6

Ariza simply listened to Oras, looking him in the eyes as he spoke. When he was finished, she studied him for a moment. "....I can see why my daughter likes you. You have a good heart, just as she does. Your attitude could use some work, but..." She nodded in approval. "It looks like you're willing to grow and learn as well. Which is something I always admire." If he was willing to bring Ryse here so she could find out the truth, then it proved to her he was someone worthy of being around her daughter.

After a moment more, then took off a necklace which she'd been wearing around her neck. It was a fire ruby which had a symbol of a sword and a wing etched in gold into it, hanging on a golden chain. Gazing at it for a second, she held it out to Oras, smiling. There was a little sadness in her eyes. "Here. A friend of mine gave me this before the War; before they died. It gave me luck by giving me Ryse. Maybe it'll bring you luck as well."

edited Mar 13, 2019 21:41:53 GMT -6 by Ryse Azar

Oras Aventra Auro

Traveler

264 posts

GRADE • A-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 4

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 2

   STAMINA • 4

Atranoch Telemindred

Mar 13, 2019 21:10:29 GMT -6

Post by Oras Aventra Auro on Mar 13, 2019 21:10:29 GMT -6

Upon her mentioning his attitude he just scoffed. "I've learned never to respect anyone unless they earned it. Just because they have a title, or are older than me doesn't make them wiser or stronger. And the only way to get a fool's attention is to call them out on it." Upon hearing her mention how she admired people who were able and willing to grow out of their weaknesses he almost blushed. "Yeah well you people are pretty slow. For crying out loud I had to slap you into sense remember?" Oras crossed his arms in frustration with an expression of annoyance. He held this until she said 'here'.

Oras turned and was surprised to see the necklace. A ruby with a sword and wing carved into it? He heard what she said next and saw the sadness in her eyes. Suddenly he imagined what it would feel like if he parted with his sword... And how precious that was to him. He shook his head. "What are you stupid?! If someone close to you gives you something valuable, you don't just give it to some stranger! Even if your daughter knows me! Why would you give something that precious to me?! Idiot! I-I don't need luck, how do you think I've made it this far?!"

Ryse Azar

Student Scholar

350 posts

GRADE • B-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 2

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 4

   STAMINA • 2

Spirit's Fire Church Grim / Phoenix Terra

Mar 13, 2019 21:38:14 GMT -6

Post by Ryse Azar on Mar 13, 2019 21:38:14 GMT -6

Ariza didn't get upset, nor did she frown at him. She merely continued smiling. Reaching out her other hand, she opened one of his own and put the necklace in it, closing his fist around it. "I'm not taking no for an answer, you stubborn Atronach. It has nothing to do with your friendship with my daughter. My friend is long gone. He would've wanted me to give someone a bit of luck, just like he gave it to me. And you seem to be in need of some. I still have the memories I have with him in here." She gestured to her head. "The necklace is just an object. Take it."

With that she turned away, walking back towards the house. "I assume you both will leave tomorrow morning? I will have your bag packed with as much ice as we have so you have enough energy to make it back to the school. But for now I will retire. Goodnight, Oras." With that, she walked inside the house, disappearing from view.

Oras Aventra Auro

Traveler

264 posts

GRADE • A-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 4

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 2

   STAMINA • 4

Atranoch Telemindred

Mar 13, 2019 21:49:11 GMT -6

Post by Oras Aventra Auro on Mar 13, 2019 21:49:11 GMT -6

Oras' face grew whiter (a glacier atranoch's version of blushing, though she would not know or understand this at first) when she reached out and grabbed his hand. He quickly suppressed it however and spoke up. "S-Stop that woman, cut it out!" When she spoke up again he had a stubbornly annoyed expression glued to his face. However when she finished he was forced to submit to her words. He knew when he was beaten, even if it wasn't often. He sighed and closed his hand around the necklace. "Very well, I'll take the damn thing. Jeez, I'm around morons and children for so long I forget what it's like to speak with someone logical..." He saw her walking back to the house and his eyes widened as he realized something.

"Hey wait! Before you go!" When she turned to look at him he shifted his eyes to the ground. "Promise me one thing... Never tell Ryse that I consider her a friend... Please just, trust me on this. I can't explain now just... Don't tell her, ok?" He looked at her in the eyes this time, his own showing a rather serious expression.

Ryse Azar

Student Scholar

350 posts

GRADE • B-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 2

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 4

   STAMINA • 2

Spirit's Fire Church Grim / Phoenix Terra

Mar 13, 2019 22:08:09 GMT -6

Post by Ryse Azar on Mar 13, 2019 22:08:09 GMT -6

The phoenix paused upon hearing him call out for her, opening the door once again and raising a questioning eyebrow. When she heard his request, her eyes narrowed slightly as she thought. Why he didn't want her to tell her daughter was unclear to her. However, it seemed important to the Atronach.

After a few long moments of thought, she slowly nodded. "Very well. I won't tell her. But I expect you to treat her as a friend, even if you won't say it. Don't break her trust; you'll find it very hard to gain it back. And mine." Her daughter was half Grim after all. Loyalty and trust were two very important factors for Ryse. Break her trust, and it was nearly impossible to gain it back. And anyone who hurt her daughter in such a way was going to feel the wrath of her flames as they burned to ashes.

With that word of warning, she departed for her own bed.

Oras Aventra Auro

Traveler

264 posts

GRADE • A-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 4

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 2

   STAMINA • 4

Atranoch Telemindred

Mar 13, 2019 22:13:46 GMT -6

Post by Oras Aventra Auro on Mar 13, 2019 22:13:46 GMT -6

Oras was insulted that she believed he'd break her trust, but he also understood her lack of knowledge of his kind. He sighed in relief. "Look up Atranoch's when you get the chance woman.. Loyalty is our strong suit." When she walked inside he turned back to look at the stars and moon. This time he walked over to a fallen log and sat down. He looked down at the necklace in his hands. Luck huh? Well, for what he was about to do tonight... He'd need all the luck he could get. It had been years since he spoke with them, but. He sighed and pulled the wings from his back, taking flight. He began flying further into the country at high speeds. He hadn't broken their trust. He lied to them about how long a vacation it was, but it was not in a form of broken trust. In fact. One could say this was an early Christmas present.

As he flew away, he tossed a frozen object over towards the home, through the open window. When they awoke, they would find the ice. And the note inside. It was important they did not know what his plan was. The reactions had to be genuine. And if this plan worked out... The weight he'd been feeling would finally be lifted off knowing everything worked out...