MagiaRegino

Arcasé watched as the world around her faded. She'd spent all her energy holding the shield that protected the clan, yet the shield had failed. She had failed.

She couldn't save them.

She snarled; a wild and cruel sound. Shadowy swirls flowed around her, encasing her in a vortex of night-black tar. She couldn't see, couldn't control what she was doing, though she knew she was doing something.

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Arcasé awoke on a crystalline pink pillar. She rose slowly, unsteady on her feet. She felt... big. And her feathers felt heavy. Looking down, she saw spikes of the same crystal substance jutting out from various places on her. But it all somehow felt natural, like it was meant to be there.

She heard a clink nearby. A purple-blue mirror crested one of the spikes, not but twenty feet away from her.

"So, you're awake?"

"I... suppose? Where am I?"

"Welcome to Crystalhaven. You're in the Starfall Isles, near the Starwind Bay. My name's Ryliea."

"I... I'm Arcasé. Is this your lair?" She looked around, looking at the flat-topped spike they were on.

"My mate and I are building a lair, yes. Would you, ah, like to help?"

"Sure. And I think I can do a bit more than help. What do you think of a hollow spike as a home?"

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Arcasé looked up from her reading. Hyle, the smaller than normal fae, was waiting for her at the doorway.

"We've got a guest."

"What sort?"

"Harpy, can't seem to talk. But she can cast spells. Thought you might be interested?"

Arcasé was. She met the harpy in the atrium hall, bowing gracefully to note her presence. "Do you have a name?"

A feeling like the crackling of lightning shivered down her spine. "I do. I am Aster." The voice was soft and kind, seeming grateful for the connection.

"Would you mind coming with me for a few minutes?"

"Not at all. I think we may have much to discuss."

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Arcasé looked over the grand hall. Dragons bustled about, attending to the many needs of the lair. Her faithful companion, Aster, stood near her side, gently weaving about threads of arcane energy in the air. For once, Arcasé felt peaceful.



both done by AKnife