Thread: Forest of the Sapphisari [FxF] (Raina_Reader X Javorcek)

Shhh it will all be over soon. Cooed Chelle over the soft sobbing of the blacksmith who was looking far less human now. She felt for the girl who was slipping in and out of consciousness when she wasn't crying or retching. She could only imagine what the girl was thinking, having gone through a similar experience herself, remembering quite vividly that it felt like torture, worse than anything she had ever felt in her life, but she didn't have someone whispering gently in her ear, or wiping away her tears. The smithy's ears were shifting higher on her skull, growing outward and taking on a softer more catlike appearance. This, she recalled was the worst part, as it had felt like something was inside her skull forcibly shifting her ear canal with a pry bar. Hush, hush! it's okay it's okay, you're almost done. The brutality of the change was the reason for the inclusion of the heavily brewed herbal tea, as a means to further civilize the entire process, but unfortunately the tea was the one aspect of the ritual that could not be controlled. The Salve could easily be applied if the captive was willing or not, but to be fully effective the tea had to be drank all at once, many are quick to realize their mistake of rejecting the tea but it is far too late by this point. Raelis had mocked Chelle all night for her poor decision, but Chelle would not do this. It was important that the smithy saw her as an ally, perhaps if she trusted Raelis more she would have integrated into the tribe more quickly than she had. The twisting of the ears was enough to send the girl over the edge, her body limp and head drooping. Grateful for the moment of peace, she too fell asleep for a few moments, head resting against the girls shoulder. Her respite was abruptly ended by the sound of another stepping into the old hut carrying a large tray made of bark, the smell of food wafting from it. Hnn...morning already? She groaned, lifting her heavy lids to look up toward the tall guard as the tray was set down upon the table. Just about. Said the dark furred woman. Sun is just cresting over the mountain, breakfast for the both of you. Nnn...ah! The others, did it go well? Yours is the only one who didn't drink the bitter tea... The guard paused as if noticing Chelle looking defeated. That doesn't mean they'll be more cooperative today. Do what you can. Tonights feast will be the biggest we've had in some time, four new sisters to welcome, and three others to send off into the sky. Chelle nodded slowly before rising to her feet, picking up the sick bucket, handing it to the guard to take away, along with the poultice bowl, so the smells could be replaced by the fresh breakfast. Oh! Tell Bellesandre we'll need a forge, this one's a smithy, we may be able to finally start crafting our own weapons and armor. There's that cavern on the north face of grove mountain that I'm certain has ore in it, perhaps she can identify it too. Chelle tanned furs and skins brought in from the hunters, often fashioning clothes, light armor or blankets. Having a smith meant they could correspond. Once the guard left, Chelle, feeling drained, lifted the table and set it closer to where the girl was bound, positioning the chair in front of her, so she could sit more comfortably when feeding her. Food was incredibly important after the change was over with, the body would be exhausted, using all reserves as it shifted and reinvented itself. The large tray was full of many things to reinvigorate both the newly changed and the sapphress after a restless night. Two tall clay cups full of fresh squeezed juice. A new waterskin, this was filled with springwater, something the smithy would desperately need after a night filled with vomiting. Two lightly cooked golden yolked swan eggs were nestled between a pile of fresh fruit, roasted mushrooms and dried fish. Carefully, she picked up one of the tall clay cups which was full of the fresh nectar, squeezed from the plump tree fruits in the forest, and held it under the girls nose. It's time to wake up Ferra. -------------------------------------------------------------- Naria held the candle into the fire pit, lighting it quickly before setting it with the others upon thin shelves lining the walls, illuminating the small hut now that night had fallen. This structure was far newer and much more adequately constructed than those used for the ritual outside of the grove, especially with being a much more recent addition. The wooden floor was built upon a foundation of clay and stone. A large stone fire pit, built up from the foundation sat in the center. On one side of the pit, closer to the door was a small table with two chairs, set with some clay dishes, and on the other, against the wall was a very large thick pile of furs, with a large indentation in the center where someone regularly slept. Today had been her final day caring for Naga, Tael and Natai, all of whom were between the age of four and five hundred. Now she got to enjoy the next moon cycle in relaxation as she traded off with another caretaker. Better yet, her off time was similar to that of Akara's who would be coming home from the outskirts in the next day or two for guard rotation. Thirty days and moons with out her lover was always painful, but it made the thirty they got to spend together all the more worth it. When the door sounded, Naria blinked her bright green eyes curiously. She first thought of Akara, perhaps returning home earlier than expected, but she would not have knocked. Tail swishing back and fourth behind her, she moved to the door, pulling it open slowly. Naria was shorter than most of the Sapphisari, standing at about 5'10, and was incredibly thin, with pristine white fur, adorned with thin black strips. She wore no clothes, like many who had been with the tribe longer, especially during the warmer season. Lexa? Is Akara back aswel- She paused abruptly, looking down to the dagger in her hand, and for a moment her entire world shattered to oblivion. Naria had only been Sapphisari for two seasons before acting as Sapphress to Akara. They bonded quickly, quicker than most did when newly integrating into the tribe and had been devoted lovers for the next thirteen years. The crackle of the fire behind her drowned out all other sounds. it was all she could hear. Lexa's condolences may not have been said at all. Lost...three She whispered, green eyes staring up into Lexa's, but she may have been looking through her. Four new sisters..t-that's good...that's good. She repeated, attempting to focus on these words. Four new sisters was extraordinary, something wonderful that needed to be celebrated. Even when one had been lost, it was the birth of new sisters that remained the focus, it had to be, otherwise disdain for the new would be too great as it was often not uncommon for the deaths and the fresh arrivals to be very closely related. Had one of the new sisters been the one to do it? To kill her Akara? No. No, she couldn't think that way. Thank you Lexa. She spoke rigidly, taking the dagger form her hands, turning from her to set it upon the table carefully. Slowly she lifted her eyes over the firepit toward the bed of furs, where the pair would often lay together, nestled closely entwined, peaceful, warm and happy, where they were supposed to be again soon, after so long apart...and now...never again.... She collapsed to her knees, gasping, trying to breath, trying to make any sound at all, but nothing came, she felt so hopelessly alone and helpless, her insides twisting like she was suffocating.