Arc 4: Shattered Pieces

> *"Years after meeting in the desert, Mirazh and Lochan's paths cross again in the Flowerbloom-a bustling market run by the Triumvirate. Little do they know a string of misfortune is about to find itself in the Bloom and they may be the only ones with answers to stop it all."*
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### Old & New Friends

#### Fall 1353 N.E.

Mirazh awakens restlessly to begin yet another day at the Orchard. She arrived to the commune alongside Hati and Harea after the group decided to leave the Oasis. Mira had actually enjoyed the first few days within the comfort of this sanctuary until she discovered Harea only knew of the Orchard due to it being a hideout of Sadzi's. Since then she feels as if ghosts follow her like shadows and hasn't had a complete night of sleep in months. Nonetheless Mira stays and contributes her part to the group. On this day Bluebell offers the invitation to accompany him to the Flowerbloom. It is only open at the end of the harvest during the Fall so the window of time to distribute items such as the Orchard's fruits before they spoil is short. It'll take at least a week to get to the valley where the markets are. Hati, Harea, and Mira decide to go along.

While travelling, Bluebell explains the Mira the superstitions around his pale coat. Most lions tend to avoid him and whatever "bad omen" he brings (She feels a brief kinship with the older lion). To circumvent these issues, Bluebell has a friend who does the bartering for him. Her name is Foxglove, an elder dhole who alongside her mate have been permanent fixtures of the Bloom for as long as Blue has been alive. Foxglove is actually one of the elected Triumvirate who help maintain a successful run of the Flowerbloom. This season she is the Facilitator who does most of the preliminary organizing of the Bloom which ranges from estimating attendance to the physical layout of carts or stands. She and Blue have been friends since he started the Orchard and he trusts her like no one else.

The Flowerbloom ends up being like a market unlike anything Mira or Hati have ever seen before. The Bloom makes the markets of the Oasis look minuscule in comparison. Mira notices pretty quickly the noise is overstimulating her; she puts on a smile and continues on nonetheless. The group eventually finds where Foxglove and her mate Sundew are set up. The residence is covered in pink flowers where bees fly about from bloom to bloom. Foxglove is a sweet, middle aged dhole with a nice, motherly personality that Mira feels unnerved around-she assumes this is due to the overstimulating environment she is in. Blue drops off the season's harvest to Foxglove. In return, Foxglove gifts Blue a jar of her famous honey then lets the group continue on their way. Blue, Harea, Hati, and Mira take to browsing the various wares and food stock on display throughout the Bloom. The noise and crowd begin to get to Mira and she breaks from the group. The lioness runs and runs and runs till she finds a quieter, more private area to calm down. A faint, familiar tune reaches her ears which she curiously follows. She discovers the source is a *Petalborn* lion strumming mindlessly on a carved wooden and twine instrument: it is Lochan!

### Reunions

#### Fall 1353 N.E.

Alongside Lochan are similar looking lions-his family! Mira is quickly introduced to Lochan's littermate/sister, Niraja. The lioness is a painter and is trying (read: failing) to trade her own paintings for other goods within the Bloom. Lochan explains the Petalborn aren't quite the creative types...much more traditional "salt of the earth" type folk. Neither twins' talent is truly recognized here, but why lament when it is call for celebration! Lochan is very happy to have crossed paths with Mira again and invites her to have dinner with his pride tonight. Before Mira can answer, Harea comes running looking for her. Mira then introduces Harea, Hati, and Blue to Niraja and Lochan. Niraja extends the dinner invitation to the whole group which they happily accept. Harea, Hati, and Blue spend the rest of the day wandering the Bloom while Mira catches up with Lochan. While chatting, an older jackal approaches. He is Alder, a neighbor to Lochan's family. He collects shiny things like crystals, geodes, gems, and rocks. Alder believes they have metaphysical properties and after a brief conversation with Mira gives her one to ward off "bad spirits". It is a weird interaction, but Mira is appreciative of the gift. They also run into a good friend of Lochan and Niraja, Bracken. They have all been best buds since cubhood, although Bracken has had his paws full these last few weeks with running the Bloom. They are the Supervisor, meaning his job is to pay close attention to the daily operations of the Bloom and to ensure everyone, from buyers to sellers, have their needs met. He introduces himself to Mira then asks to borrow Niraja for a bit. The two lovebirds ditch Lochan and Mira, leaving the pair to spend the rest of the late afternoon together.

That night the folks from the Orchard are introduced to the Roseridge pride, Lochan and Niraja's family. The pride consists of their elder, Reed, who happens to also be a member of the Triumvirate. He is the "Lawbringer" which really means he keeps peace by listening to the concerns and de-escalating conflicts. His two daughters, Madara and Addae, are the present leaders of the pride which specialize in herb farming. They grow various medicinal plants that are used for themselves as well as treatment for any who come. Madara is Lochan and Niraja's mother while Addae is their aunt. In total the pride numbers 10 strong and Mira is slightly envious of such a tight-knit family group.

Following dinner the group naturally drifts apart. Niraja, Lochan, and Mira go for a walk to chat. Lochan asks if Mira is doing alright, he noticed her labored breathing when they met earlier. Mira begins to admit she's felt a foreboding presence since arriving at the Bloom. Not just the noise, something feels wrong. But it isn't just that- she admits she feels like she is falling out of her place in Harea’s life and that the lioness is moving on. Harea has Hati and Bluebell now, where does she fit? Lochan sympathizes and says Mira is always welcomed with them if she needs somewhere to go. He's always had a good feeling about her about all these years. Niraja butts in to bully her brother, reminding him that he hasn't shut up about this "Mirazh" since he got back from his vacation to the desert. Lochan tries to deflect by bringing up Niraja's recent "excursion" with their friend Bracken. This sets Niraja off and the twins squabble while Mira watches on amused. Before they know it, it is late into the night and the trio must turn back to rest.

### A Great Sickness

#### Fall 1353 N.E.

The next morning Blue, Harea, Hati, and Mira bid farewell to the Roseridge group, they will return at the end of the harvest season to check in with the pride and Foxglove. It takes another week to return to the Orchard, along the way Bluebell becomes more and more fatigued. By the time the return home, Bluebell can barely stand. The lion collapses the day after they return to the Orchard sending everyone into chaos. Mira steps up to return to the Flowerbloom to find the medicine they need to treat Bluebell. Harea sends her hawk, Rapax, alongside in case his speed can deliver any herbs they collect faster. Mira takes off immediately.

The moment she returns Mira knows something is wrong. Many of the carts and stands she saw on her first visit are closed and a great sadness permeates the atmosphere. She seeks out Lochan and Niraja who inform her that many others in the Flowerbloom have also become sick...some have even died within the last two weeks. Mira tells them Bluebell has also become sick...she fears it has become worse and she needs their help. Niraja and Lochan race to their home, imploring their cousins, Briar, Willow, and Fern to assist with collecting the right herbs for Bluebell. Once they are rounded up, Mira gives them to Rapax to take to the Orchard. Lochan convinces Mira to stay the night despite the lioness initially wanting to follow the hawk.

Mira dines with the Roseridge pride once again, feeling more content than she ever has in years. Niraja teases Lochan and Niraja a bit after dinner. The trio have a fun night otherwise and the twins open up more. Lochan shares that he thinks himself a failure for not wanting to upkeep the family line while Niraja is a serious contender who doesn’t even want it despite her rivalry with Briar. Niraja, however, expresses her frustrations over having to choose between painting and farming. They fall asleep next to one another under the stars that night. In the morning when Mira is about to leave, Niraja and Lochan's sibling Clover comes to tell them Alder has died of the spreading illness.

Lochan, Niraja, and Mira go to place flowers over Alder's residence like several others in the Bloom. Also in attendance is Foxglove who Mira notes almost looks like she had come from inside Alder's home as opposed to have come to just drop flowers off...She also notices Foxglove is wearing a new pendant, but can't see it from a distance. Concerned with the task at hand, Mira loses Foxglove in the crowd as some begin to shout for answers from other members of the Triumvirate, Reed and Bracken. The young tiger is incredibly flustered as many cast doubt on their ability to protect them. Reed assures the group they will look into this developing matter-for the time being the Bloom will operate at restricted levels: the capacity of the market will be decreased to impede any spread of..whatever this is. Not many are happy about this.

Niraja, Lochan, Clover, and Mirazh wait for Bracken after the outburst. He can’t stay for long but the tiger appreciates his friends' support during this time. It will be needed in the days to come. When Bracken leaves, the group discusses their concerns. Nothing like this has happened at the Bloom before and their poor grandfather and best friend are taking the brunt of everyone’s anger. Mira asks if their pride, having treated a variety of illnesses in the past, have ever encountered anything similar to the symptoms displayed across the Bloom. Clover notes the multitude of symptoms being reported: mainly abdominal pain and headaches. Those are usually mild, treatable, and unfortunately vague symptoms. The ones who die…usually it's sudden like a heart attack which doesn’t make sense.

### Super Sleuths

#### Fall 1353 N.E

The collective begins to narrow down how an illness spreads: did the afflicted have contact with one another? Can you trace it to a source? How long does it take for symptoms to show? The group searches around for the first patient and the first victim. They try to trace a pattern. A common thread is Bracken: everyone was in contact with him shortly before death. Niraja defends them: he is a Triumvirate member who HAS to talk to everyone in the Bloom. Besides, he isn't even sick. Clover sheepishly notes that they could be a carrier-someone who can spread illness, but shows no symptoms. The smartest thing to do would be to quarantine him and see if there is a notable decrease in cases. Niraja offers to go find him while the others hang back. Once out of ear shot Lochan whispers to Clover and Mira that the symptoms Clover mentioned don’t sound like anything spread accidentally. Cramping implies the victims ate something…what if someone is poisoning them? He doesn’t think Bracken would ever do something like that so maybe they look for other leads before confronting their friend.

The trio scour the Bloom for the day with no further luck. Their investigation is interrupted by a commotion from within the Bloom. They find a crowd surrounding arguing figures: Reed, Foxglove, Niraja, and Bracken. Reed is attempting to apprehend Bracken, but Niraja is standing in the way. Bracken turns himself over without a fight and is taken away, but reassures Niraja everything will be alright. Once the crowd disperses, Locahn rushes to his twin sister who is distraught. Niraja explains she was trying to talk with Bracken when Reed and Foxglove interrupted. Reed had wanted to take Bracken away…something about witnesses? But to what?

Lochan reluctantly implies Bracken may have been poisoning folks to which Niraja immediately rejects. The twins continue to argue until Mira butts in: maybe they go through Bracken’s things before Reed and the others do? Maybe they’ll find something to exonerate him. Bracken’s home is a humble den outside the Bloom. Being a tiger, Bracken lives alone. Mira seems confused and Clover explains tigers are solitary by nature. Clover and Aspen live with Roseridge because Aspen loves Madara and Clover likes the company, but that’s atypical. Clover offers to keep watch while Niraja, Mira, and Lochan snoop. At first the place looks the same as it always has, but Lochan smells something is off. Dried meats hanging around don’t smell right as if they’re rotten. Mira finds crushed flower petals and a residue along a crafting table to which Niraja horrifyingly identifies as hemlock.

Sullenly the group returns to Roseridge to report their discovery to Reed. While he pleads his innocence, Bracken is taken into custody for the time being while a formal investigation is conducted. A dark cloud seemingly falls over the Bloom and Mira is reminded she should return to the Orchard soon. Lochan offers to walk her out and while Mira appreciates the gesture, she reminds Lochan his sister needs him right now. She’s very sorry this all happened. Mira promises to come back when she can.

### Putting The Pieces Together

#### Fall 1353 N.E.

Shortly after Mira prepares to leave. As Mira begins to depart the Bloom she is stopped by Foxglove. The dhole is happy to see her again even under such unfortunate circumstances. She inquires if her good friend Bluebell is here with Mira, but the lioness sadly informs Blue is ill. Foxglove seems in despair over the news and wishes the lion well. She passes along a jar of his favorite honey in hopes it lifts his spirits. She also supplies Mira a treat for the road and wishes the lioness well.

Mira spends her trip back rather depressed. She can’t help but feel as if misfortune follows her with every paw step. First the Oasis and now here. Is this cosmic punishment for Sadzi’s life? Is she supposed to live in misery as reparation? She tries to push these thoughts away to no avail.

When Mira returns to the Bloom she discovers Bluebell is doing better! The herbs Rapax brought worked wonders; they’ll have to send Mira’s friends their regards. Mira decides to not tell the group about Bracken and the Bloom. Despite his improving health, Bluebell is still ordered to rest, with Harea not leaving his side. Hati and Mirazh go on to do their chores for the day. When Hati tries to ask Mira about her time at the Bloom, Mira simply shuts down and asks to go to bed. Reluctantly Hati lets her go, but notes the lioness’ worsening emotional state.

Later that evening Mira is making food for her and her bat, Ghost. She remembers the honey Foxglove gave her and while it was meant for Blue, Mira decides to give Ghost a little treat after everything. Almost immediately he reacts to the honey, making pained noises and shrieks. Mira freaks out, desperately trying to figure out what’s wrong. Is he having an allergic reaction? The herbalists of the Orchard examine Ghost and decide to give him the same herbs they’ve prescribed Bluebell which has an effect. The wheels begin to turn in her head. Mira asks Bluebell if he saw Bracken the last time they were at the Bloom and Blue shakes his head. He hadn’t seen the young tiger at all, only heard stories about him. Mira rushes to find the honey Ghost ate and compares it to the jar Bluebell brought back originally. They have the same floral undertones which Mira instantly recognizes. She’s smelled this flower before…it’s oleander. The same flowers that covered Nerium. They’re as poisonous as hemlock! Mira remembers seeing Foxglove at Alder’s memorial…and how it looked like the dhole had been coming from the residence...With a hunch, Mira races to the Bloom without another word.

### Something Sacred

#### Fall 1353 N.E.

Mira returns to the Bloom within the week, ready to confront Foxglove. She sends Ghost to Lochan and Niraja, instructing him to bring them to Foxglove and Sundew's residence. She races to their home in hopes of stopping Foxglove and saving others; maybe this is her destiny, this is how she helps and how she separates herself from Sadzi….maybe the visions will stop. Mira’s on her way when she stops to spy Foxglove sneaking into Alder's home. Mira confronts Foxglove and the two fight. During it Mira and Foxglove’s pendants touch, The space goes white.

The two find themself in the Dawngrove which is a massive patch of forest that is just one tree. Guardians of the Dawngrove descend upon them. While Foxglove is taken, Mira fights back as someone steps in: a Guardian to the Moon who takes her from the Grove. They have the interloper (Foxglove) they want. The being then takes Mirazh to the Crescent Dunes, a cluster of large sand dunes that form a crescent and in the center of it is a small pool of water that reflects the Moon. The being then assumes her form, giving her access to the pool if she wishes to seek the voices of the past.

Mira enters the pool and finds herself face to face with Sirocco, Nerium, and Sadzi. Sirocco and Nerium relay personal reasons for haunting Mira while Sadzi informs Mira that the world of Illirah is out of balance. Mira is one of the Chosen to fix it. Mira awakens on the shore of the pool with the Guardian standing above her. She asks if what she saw is true to which the Guardian confirms, but only if she wants it to be. Every choice is one's own and defines their life as seen with Sadzi, Mira can choose the same or not too. For the meantime, Mira should rest. Mira has a lot to think about but eventually goes to sleep.

### The Next Chapter

#### Fall 1353 N.E.

When she awakens Mira sees her loved ones standing over her. The lioness has been in a coma for nearly a week. The twins found her Alder's home passed out. Since then everyone has been waiting for her to wake up. Foxglove is nowhere to be found and it is assumed she fled. Sundew has been apprehended for poisoning the Bloom. Mira has a feeling where Foxglove is….and she isn’t coming back….Mira confesses to Harea and Hati her nightmares and the feeling of being left out. The two embrace her and promise they are family and they aren’t going anywhere. They can make sure to check in more often with her.

Time passes and as Mira is helping Lochan (he is definitely trying to court her) close down the Bloom for this season when she gets a strange pull towards Foxglove’s now closed home. Sneaking in, she finds a box with secret letters to Akeyo in Silverfang kingdom. Fearful another Foxglove is out there Mirazh begins to set out for the west. Lochan invites himself and Niraja reluctantly agrees to go (they borrow their family rhino). Story ends with them heading towards Silverfang Kingdom.