Farewell to Eternity (Private, Mod please)

Brine · February 24, 2008, 06:46 PM

In the Depths of the Forest of Light

500 patterns prior to the fracture of the Aethergem

It was a grand occasion, yes it was, the birth of a new spirit among them. They gathered around the glade that was within their grand forest. All various trees of every sort leaned towards the glade that morning. In the center of it, a massive tree, about 22 feet tall, had grown for the past thirty years. Inside of that tree, was a spirit that the parents had nurtured since it was a sapling. The long branches stretched outwards, beckoning for the other trees to move forwards towards it.

Taking huge steps, and moving every so slowly, lightly, so as to root themselves into the ground before taking another step, the Treants moved towards the new spirit that was about to be born amongst them. The seven elders were the first to arrive near the tree, along with it's parents, whom had stood by it nurturing the spirit, until it was read for its awakening. Other treants gathered around the smooth barked sapling that had already grown in full height, but was still incredibly young compared to most of the others that gathered around it.

Waiting for about two brightenings, until most of the community could get there, they prepared for it's awakening into the world. During that time, the elders began to tell the story of the Treant's struggle against the evils of the forests of Aelyria, and how they prayed that Carmelya would give them the strength to save the forests. They droned on for a few more brightenings, having to repeat the story several times to the various newcoming Treants that arrived upon the scene.

Finally when every last Treant had arrived, the Elders began to ceremony, repeating the story once more to everyone, and then awakening the newly born Treant. As the spirit took hold inside the smooth barked tree, two slits formed , and the tree split it's trunk right down the middle, separating it's legs, then rerooting itself into the ground. The eyes looked around, and then a voice said in its mind, Welcome to the Forest of Light... It raised it's arms, and then turned around to see all who had come to welcome it. The elders began to sing hymns of the old Treant tales, and as the wind blew through the branches of the large creatures, they began to slowly move in a melodic sort of dance.

The dance went on for two to three brightenings, when the elders then blessed the wine, and the new sapling drank from it. Feeling entirely rejuvinated, the new Treant began to rejoice with the other Treants at its awakening. Several brightenings passed, and the naming Ceremony started. Two of the elders looked down towards the new sapling, and after blessing it, they called it Air Tuo. Patterns later, its name would only be spoken by the elders, and it's sap-parents. The other Treants would just call it Brine...

Present - Ioannes 1st, Summer, Era XIV PF

Brine, watch what you are doing, you almost decimated that tree! The telepathic cry came from Brine's friend, Sorn, whom was assisting it in the planting of a new tree in the Forest of Light. The tall, rough barked Treant finished scattering the seeds in the ground, and then, covering them up. Brine looked towards the tree, he had almost knocked over. It was young, and perhaps only two to three patterns old.

I am sorry Sorn... I will try to be careful as to what I am doing... he said, and then finished spreading the other tree's seeds in the ground. Hopefully these will take root at some point in the future. Raising his huge arms, he then uprooted his legs, as he began to slowly move through the forest towards where the elders were currently rooted. Where are you going? asked Sorn. I am going to speak with Elder Trach said Brine, whome just continued to walk, disregaurding Sorn's argument about staying, and planting more seeds. The younger Treant named Sorn, whom was only about one hundred patterns younger, then realized why Brine was heading to see the elders, and rooted himself to take a nap, and await Brine's return.

Opening it's eyes, Elder Trach looked towards the Treant that was moving towards it. Brine, what brings you here? I thought you and Sorn were spending the month seeding the outer rims of the Forest of Light? it asked, and then thought for a moment. Are you wanting to see your sap parents? If that is so... then by all means, you may take a trip to the other side of the forest. They are getting older, and would probably enjoy a visit from you before their passing. When you get back, we will see if we can find you a suitable teacher for the arts of druidism... if that Is what you still wish to do? he said. Brine looked towards him, and then said, Yes, I would like that... And with that, he took off towards the other side of the Forest of Light, where he was awakened, to see his sap-parents one last time...

Minerva · February 24, 2008, 07:51 PM

As Brine started on his way back across the Forest of Light to see his sap parents one last time, so too did Sorn awake, albeit slowly. To the younger Treant, Brine seemed in such a hurry, which was strange given their kind. They had so much time to dedicate to pursuits such as these, that the youth had little concept of why Brine felt the need to follow them now. They could have travelled the length of the forest any brightening- time was of little meaning to them- so it was a curiosity as to why they had to go now.

Uprooting his legs from where they had been planted in the lush forest ground, Sorn walked, languid as any treant could be, using large strides to catch up with his companion, and to speak.

“Elder Trach said you can go?” A question in the rhetoric, really, given that Sorn already knew the answer. Or, at the very least, he thought he did, and simply wanted to hear the truth from Brine. “But what about the seeds? They need us to plant them, to help them grow.”

Evidently Sorn believed that he would be going on this little journey, too. It was why he was worried about the saplings, and the seeds. They were giving life to the forest, tending the young and planting new birth. The thought of abandoning all that was disturbing, and the younger treant was clearly perturbed. The distance itself, however, was not all that far, and Brine’s sap parents would be easy to find.

One last time, before they journeyed into benevolent Carmelya’s embrace…

Brine · February 25, 2008, 11:14 PM

Brine moved through the woods, diligently, and slowly, as most Treants do. The barked skin of his creaked, and the parting of the ground where his roots dug in could be heard throughout the woods. As me moved, he could hear another behind him. Stopping, and firmly rooting himself into the ground, he turned a little, and saw Sorn coming after him. He wasn't in the least bit surprised. The younger Treant was always looking up to Brine, and their was very stringent about their duties to the seeds that they spread, to help with the growth of the Forest of Light. Bark creaked as Brine smiled, and he then said, It will only be a few brightenings time that I am gone... if you've not heard, my sap-parents will not be on this plane much longer... I can feel their life drifting away from them. I might have all of the eras in Telath to go anywhere I please, but they... they only have perhaps a cycle or two left... before they pass on to Carmelya. I know that she will take care of them, but I still must see them once more... I was the last of their children.

He almost felt a little selfish, taking the time for himself, but he would talk with Elder Trach about it later. Perhaps the good elder could settle the worries that the Treant had, as he had done in the past. Taking his time, as normal, he uprooted himself, the ground almost looking as pristine as it had been before he had rooted; he began to move forward again. Hoping that Sorn would not feel to sore about what he was doing, now that he had explained himself, he would continue to speak using the telepathy that allowed his race communication with each other, and the nature around him. I know you'll probably follow me, but you don't have to abandon the seeds for the time being as I have. I'm sure my sap-parents would be glad to see you as well Sorn, before they say farewell to their eternity on Telath...

Minerva · February 26, 2008, 03:50 PM

“You really think so?” Came the younger treant’s reply as he was told that Brine’s sap-parents would be glad to see him there too. Sorn was yet young in his years, and often looked up to Brine as something of a role-model in life. He was also, however, very wary of turning from a given path, and Elder Trach had set them to planting seeds. Abandoning that task did not sit comfortably with him, but this seemed like a special case, and Sorn…Sorn wanted to go.

Perhaps it was a characteristic of the young, regardless of race, but the younger treant felt something pulling at his roots, compelling him to go. They could always come back to plant the seeds and tend to their part of the forest on their return, and surely Elder Trach would understand.

“I’d like to go…we can plant the seeds when we come back.” Sorn spoke after a lengthy, deliberate pause. Treants were not the swiftest of peoples to come to a settled decision, with their young not being altogether much better off. “We can plant them when we return, can’t we…?”

Lifting his roots from the ground, Sorn followed, walking the earth some distance behind Brine as they made their way to the other end of the forest. The journey would have been considered long by some species, but for Carmelya’s verdant creations it was not in the least bit trying. It was simply a matter of how quickly the two wanted to travel, how quickly the intended to reach their journey’s end.

The forest itself was blissful this brightening, serene as they walked its fertile paths. There was nothing to hinder Brine from reaching his destination, and soon he could feel the presence of his sap-parents more strongly, a thread which was yet weaker than it should have been. The grass and flowers were lush beneath their roots, bobbing and swaying so slightly in the summer breeze, whilst the sun’s light, broke into fragments by the forest canopy, danced and made magnificent patterns on the forest floor.

The scenery was a delight, the forest lush and beautiful, as it should have been. The time to appreciate it was short, however, as the elder treant’s destination grew close. They only passed a handful more trees, and there they were, rooted ahead; Brine could feel that it was them, feel the connection, the lifeline slowly slipping away. His sap parents, sleeping still, the bark of their arms stirring, leaves rustling, as they seemed to sense that someone dear to them was close.

Brine · February 26, 2008, 07:43 PM

Brine turned towards Sorn as he asked about the plants being able to wait. It should not be a problem... Two or three brightenings will not hurt the growth of the forest much. And besides, when we return, it should be time for our druidism training to begin... he said, and then continued on his way through the woods. Taking in the beautiful day it was, as his body creaked and moved forwards, rooting, and uprooting in a steady motion, he was glad to have Sorn accompiany him.

After a short time, Brine could feel his sap-parent's spirit getting closer. He almost exactly knew where they were, the kindred spirits that had given him life a great deal of time ago. They looked old, and frail, and it was obvious that they were nearing the end of their eternity on Telath, some ten to twelve thousand patterns. Time seemed to pass so slowly for them, but yet passed so quickly, as they would be seeing their end soon. It somewhat saddened Brine, but he knew deep down inside that Carmelya would be with them, and take care of them. I'm here... he said to the two treants that were starting to stir as him and Sorn approached.

I had to see you one last time before you go to Carmelya... he said, rooting himself infront of them, and awaiting their response, hoping that they would not mind his coming before them in an effort to see them again before their passing. It was silly of him to even get the idea into their bark, but he did not know exactly what to expect, other than he felt they should be happy that he did come to see them, instead of waiting until their deaths to bury them in the ground so that no one could use their bodies for evil, or sacraligious purposes...

OOC: Age on the Treants might be off, I looked in the Compendium, but couldn't get an exact age cap for them.

Minerva · February 27, 2008, 06:57 PM

The stirring and creaking of bark became louder, more pronounced, as Brine took root before his sap parents, and spoke. There was a rustling of leaves, the sounds of their awakening as eyes opened, eyes saw.

“Air Tuo…we had hoped that you would come, that we could see you one last time before returning to Carmelya’s embrace.” It was obvious that the treants were happy to see the spirit they had nurtured, the spirit they had ‘borne’ so long ago. They were not long for this world, and Brine could sense that clearly, but there was a sense of solemnity lifted from them now; seeing the younger treant there had been an incredibly great boon.

“The Forest of Light blooms, though time has passed since last we crossed the same paths. We wonder how you have been in your caretaking of the forest, though it seems that Carmelya has taken care of you well.”

“And who is this with you?” They asked, then, though Sorn did not choose to respond. He remained silent, having taken root in the forest’s earth a short distance back from Brine. He was a little shier, perhaps, a tad more uncertain, and besides that this was his companion's time, and the last he would have with his sap parents now.

Brine · February 27, 2008, 08:52 PM

Brine looked up towards his sap parents, uprooting, and taking a few more giant steps towards them. He motioned to Sorn with one long barked arm to move forwards, and then said to his sap parents, This is Sorn... You might remember him from a few hundred Patterns ago when Elder Trach gave us the task of reseeding the forest, and a few hundred Patterns prior to that when his spirit was born amongst us... He decided to come with me, so as to see you one last time before Carmelya beckons you.

He then allowed Sorn to move forward next to him, and continue to speak with his sap parents. Carmelya hs blessed us with a beautiful job, and we take great pride in doing it. If it was not for you nearing the end, we would still be back seeding the ground for new growth to happen. It is with our help that a better part of the southern forest has regained it's growth... and having all of the time in Telath has allowed us to keep watch over it, under Elder Trach's direction. I am uncertain though, about how long the forest shall remain as peaceful as it has been for the past few eras... he said, part of him hoping the peace lasted forever, but another part scared that something will happen, and threaten the beautiful forest that they have lived in for so very long...

Minerva · February 28, 2008, 03:49 PM

“Of course…Sorn…” The elder trees replied, in a tone almost as contemplative as it was comforting, and low. At their words the youngest amongst them seemed to calm as well, relief sweeping over him as a chill wind rushed through the trees; Sorn was content now and, after having paid his greetings and respects to Brine’s sap-parents, settled down, re-establishing his roots before falling silent, once again.

“We are glad that you came, Air Tuo…We hope, though, that your uncertainties do not hold sway your mind…” The timbre of voice remained comforting, perhaps in effort to appease the young one’s mind. But then, however, there was a certain air of solemnity. It was as though a forest breeze had cleared a new path below fallen leaves, uncovering something different, something which did not belong.

“Terrible things might happen, the beauty the forest might be destroyed, but it will always return. It always has…” His sap parents told him, but there was something to the way in which they said it which suggested that they knew something more, something grave. “It is all that we can do to carry on the task that Carmelya has given us, to spread and share her beauty and her gift as much as we can…”

It was not the most reassuring of things to hear, but then perhaps Brine was right. Perhaps something unpleasant would happen to the forest, but then what? And more importantly than that, what could possibly be done to stop it?

Brine · February 28, 2008, 11:27 PM

Brine dug his roots in a little deeper as he could feel the dark breeze rustling through his leaves. Looking towards his sap parents, his body creaked a little bit as he moved forwards, adjusting himself. He wasn't sure if he wanted to ask them about the uneasyness of their words about the forest being destroyed, and then rebuilt, but he didn't think of asking them about it. But it would be better to be sure about what they would do, since he had never experienced the forest's destruction in his 1500 eras on the planet of Telath in the Forest of Light.

What do we do if our forest is ever threatened? I know we defend it, but it would be such a tradgedy? How can we stop something from happening? he asked his parents, the breeze that he had just felt weighing deeply on his mind now, as well as their words to him. He needed their advice before they passed on, and hoped that they would be obliged to give it to him. He was sure that something would happen in the future, since they did live for almost what might seem like an eternity to humans and even elves. He didn't want it to happen, but he was almost positive it might. The best they could do right now, was continue what they were doing, assisting the forest's growth, for they had all of the time in Telath to help the forest grow...

Minerva · February 29, 2008, 12:20 PM

There was a pause after Brine voice his query, the discomfort and anxiety that he felt deep within. It was a pregnant pause, and heavy; far heavier than it should have been, and so poignant that even Sorn seemed to pull back in his place. They were putting off an answer, or taking the time to consider it, it seemed. Time was of little meaning to being as long lived as the treants, and hours, brightening, even cycles or months in some circumstances could have passed before they came to a conclusion. This might not have been one of those, but still…It was long enough, and the answer, when it came, was blunt, almost void.

“We cannot answer that, Air Tuo.”

The words almost picked out at the emptiness and despair at what could come to pass, and accentuated them further still. There was a certain sadness in their tone, heavy, and almost weary as they reached the end of their age. The goddess called them, and soon they were to follow.

“All we can do is to continue with the work Carmelya has set us, and to hope for her protection. Without knowledge we cannot prevent a tragedy from happening before it does.” The problem was that anyone could find passage within the Forest of Light, and anyone could cause it harm. The treants were there to protect it, yes, but then there was only so much that they could do. If someone, or something, truly malicious came, then it was difficult to tell how the forest would fair.

“The other creatures of the Forest might aid us if anything should happen, and there are others who might be willing to protect its beauty. We do not know, Air Tuo, but we can feel something in the breeze, deep beneath our bark…”

Brine · February 29, 2008, 12:47 PM

I understand... he said, speaking into the minds of the creatures that had given birth to his spirit. Their words troubled him, but he did not show it on the outside. It was, however, obvious to his sap parents, whom could easily read him, having a better connection with him than most. Until that Time, whenever it is, I will continue to provide growth to the forest... for better or worse, I expect that it is all we can do for now...

Time seemed to be passing so quickly, even though he had only been there for a little while. Carmelya would not wait to have their spirits, and the young Treant named Air Tuo knew this. There was not much time left on Telath for his parents to live, and not much time for anything else. When I return, i'll pass on word of what you say to Elder Trach, i'm sure he'll understand, and be able to make sense of this sensation in our bark... the breeze that i have also felt. I'm sure that it's not just us, but others as well... After saying this, he then looked towards his sap parents, in wait for their answers, answers that he would hope to get as the passage of time flowed ever onward...

Minerva · March 1, 2008, 03:51 PM

It was sad that little more could be done, but then such was the way of the world. Even Carmelya's blessed creatures were unable to protect their own without knowing from what they were protecting them, much as they would like to have tried. It was a situation undesired given what could potentially be the cost, and unnerving as well, given that no one here knew when the proverbial storm would strike. Brine's sap parents chose to say nothing more on the matter though. After all, what more was there to be said?

"Our time grows short, Air Tuo, and there is one last thing we would give to you, and one last favour we would ask." Again, their tone was ominous, and sad, as though these were the last words they would be able to speak to their child, the spirit they had nurtured until its birth into the world. There was a sound of bark creaking, leaves rustling as a spindled arm reached out. The treants were dying, the rich green and browns fading to something sullied, and black. In their outstretched hands were a small scattering of seeds, seemingly of oak and ready to be embraced by the forest's fertile earth.

"Take these with you when you go, Air Tuo, and plant them for us. We feel Carmelya drawing us ever nearer...these are the last moments we have..."

Leaves fell from their branches, down to the forest floor in slow, languid patterns. It was a solemn dance, and Brine would be able to feel the air growing heavy. This was the passing of two lives into the aether, and he did not have much time left before they left this waking world for good.

Brine · March 1, 2008, 07:18 PM

Brine looked at his sap parents inquisitively as they told him that they had something for him, and a favour to ask of them. Brine rustled his leaves a bit, and held out a hand, one of solid wood, with a birds nest in the branches together. He would allow the oak seeds to be dropped within the birdsnest, and then he would secure it with the rest of his hand, closing any gaps so as to now allow any seeds to escape from the nest within him.

Taking it back, he looked towards his sap parents, and felt their presense suddenly fading. Before they left this world, he would look towards them, and say, I will grant this favor for you, they shall be planted, and cared for, until they grow large and strong beneath the canopy of the Forest of Light... After he said this, he would watch them, and await Carmelya to swoop down from Aetheria, and take their spirits back into her embrace. It would be a sad moment, but the Treant would not allow himself to be trapped by grief. Instead, he would be happy for them to be returning to Carmelya, and sad that they were going. Soon enough, him, Elder Trach, Sorn, and a few other Treants would have to perform the rites of their deceased, and take care of the bodies of the two sap parents of Air Tuo...

Minerva · March 2, 2008, 11:54 AM

At Brine's words a weight seemed to be taken from his sap parents' shoulders. They were happy, and they were content. The spirit they had nurtured and brought into this world would succeed them, protecting the forest as they had, and tending to Carmelya's joy. They said nothing more as a certain glow seemed to take them, alighting with the Forest of Light in a show of warmth, and peace. The illumination of leaves and bark was benign, and certainly characteristic of the goddess, and the young treants could see that their passing elders would be tended to well, their spirits lifted with care into her arms. Carmelya's children returned to her once again, and all was silent, the colours fading.

Brine's sap parents had made their journey into the next world, leaving him to ensure that the rites were said, their bodies taken care of so the would never be used for evil means.

"Brine...?" Sorn asked, tentatively, from behind, anxious as to how his friend and role model would be. This was a sad moment for them both, and yet strangely peaceful, too. Indeed, the only black spot to mar it was the heaviness and solemnity of what could possibly come.

Brine · March 2, 2008, 10:49 PM

Brine watched from his rooted position as the ethereal beacons of Carmelya lit up the Forest of Light that surrounded them. The ebb and flow of Time had finally come to its halt for the sap parents that had nurtured the young Treant's spirit til he was born. Dancing melodically, the trees around him began to light up, and he watched as they spirits were taken, finally, and they were laid to rest. All that stood before him, were the hollow shells of what once were his sap parents, and guides.

As Sorn began to speak, Brine raised an arm in silence, and then the bark creaked as his eyes closed. The mental connection between all of the Treants, and the Forest of Light grew up into his mind. As he began, he would send out a solemn call to them, a message that told them to come, they have lost someone. He would call the Treants forth, and issue out tones of grief, but also of happyness that Carmelya has come forth to take care of the pair of elder Treants.

[i]We shall perform the ceremony where they stand now, and shall bury them here, so that their bodies may be of no use to any evil that would have them...[i] Brine spoke to Sorn. They have lived for a good eternity, and Carmelya has blessed them, so we shall help her take care of them now, their mortal bodies shall be our charge... Turning towards Sorn, he would await his response as he stood guard against anyone that might threaten the wellbeing of the bodies. His call would continue to ring out through the Forest of Light, hopefully being passed by the trees, spirits, and Treants alike to come and mourn the loss of two precious lives amongst them...