Full Summary

THIS PAGE IS A WIP

## Arc 1: Genesis (1342-1343 N.E)

The Chronicles of Illirah begins in 1342 N.E (New Era) during the end of the summer season when the land of the Crystalline is under siege. The Shardbound Empire led by Emperor Diamante has been securing territory far and wide in the name of unifying the lion prides across the savannah. For four years now the Empire has been engaged in conflict which has spilled over into countless others’ borders, including Tariq of Starfall pride. One afternoon Tariq and his nephew Jioni are out on patrol when they spot a smoke pillar in the distance-fearing it may be Empire soldiers they send a bird out to scout then return home. When Tariq’s uncle, Nyota, does not return home from patrol, the pride sends Tariq, Kannika, Ora, Almog, and Zariza in search of the missing homotherium. When Jioni comes to check in, Tariq realizes the Empire soldiers are on their way and instructs Jioni to run to his family and hide them; Tariq and the others will hold off the soldiers as best they can. They have little time to prepare before the lions led by General Sugilite are upon them. He has captured Nyota and forces Tariq to relinquish his territory. Tariq agrees, but Sugilite has tricked him and instead attempts to take him, Along, and Errita away. The fighting ceases when Nyota is killed → Almog, Tariq, & Errita are taken away while Zariza and Ora are told their home is now a part of Shardbounds. The soldiers take their new prisoners away while Jioni watches terrified from the bushes. Tariq and his family are taken prisoner alongside others including Nova, Masika, & Abiodun. They are taken to the Tower and Tariq is placed in a cell with a lion named Hadar and an old hyena named Glass. Jioni trails the group and finds Nebula the wild dog looking for her sister, Nova, who’s been taken into the Tower as well. The two head to the Tower where they catch a glimpse of their families  being taken in. While scouting the area, the pair find a snake caught in a snare set up by the Empire for small game. Carefully they extract the snake from the snare and learn the snake is named Rubble (They/Them). Rubble the cobra turns out to be friends with Hadar and Glass (Tariq’s ‘cellmates’), ensuring communication between not only Tariq and Jioni, but Errita and Almog as well. They happen to be stuck with Abiodun and Masika, but they are unaware of where Nova was taken. This upsets Nebula and also makes her more determined to find her sister. Over the next few days, the group is able to prepare for the escape plan Hadar and Glass Eye had concocted and when the day comes the plan works, but Nebula disappears into the crowd to find her sister against Jioni’s pleas and is lost. Almog and Tariq are separated from the others in the crowd. When guards attempt to subdue them, Almog sacrifices himself and is recaptured so Tariq can escape. Eventually Tariq is able to reconvene with Jioni, Errita, Hadar, Glass, Rubble, Abiodun, and Masika as they find a place to hide. Survivors congregate at a watering hole some miles away . Some think they should attack the Empire once and for all to put an end to this but many disagree or are unwilling (most due to fear). Eventually Hadar speaks up and reveals he was a previous Captain to Crystalspire mesa but was sent to the Tower after he attempted to step down. He had disagreed with his Emperor’s actions and was punished accordingly. They could attempt to take the Empire by complete surprise but that’d be unlikely as they have eyes everywhere including the skies. Tariq steps up and says he’d be willing to sneak into Shardbound to learn more which shocks everyone. Others speak up saying they can race to Silverfang to let the royal family know of Diamante’s plans but Hadar says they’d need an actual person from Shardbound to convince them fully; he’d go but they’d only see him as a deserter. Tariq says he can try to convince someone there to plead their case. When Emperor Diamante arrives at the Tower only a few days later Tariq makes the decision to give himself over to the Empire in exchange for his father's release and is then taken to Crystalspire mesa. As a prisoner of the Empire, he is technically a member of it and as such will play his part to keep the Empire going the same as anyone else. There he meets Lady Farida, the steward to Lord Diamante, and Sardonyx, the apprentice to the pride’s Advisor and half brother to Diamante, Lord Zircon. From them he learns from Sardonyx that it has all been a false narrative concocted by Zircon. The Advisor is in search of something referred to as the Heartstone, the alleged physical tether to the Star source itself. Zircon has found some OLD scripture describing the stone itself, its powers, and possible hints to its location. Zircon believes it is in the mountains but he needed a large enough force to thoroughly search the range-so far they have found nothing. In the meantime Diamante and Zircon have successfully driven most of the non-lion groups out of the territory Shardbound and their allies occupy. It’s all shit. Tariq, Sardonyx, and Farida decide they must stop them-how exactly is going to be difficult. Diamante is a powerful warrior and Zircon is an equally strong magic user and they have the homefield advantage….and the numbers. Tariq knows they have Hadar + co just outside. They could get to Silverfang and convince them to fight. Sardonyx and Farida agree and the next evening the trio flees. Tariq feels like they are almost there when Neelam and his guard intercept the group. Here it is revealed Neelam killed their parents to ensure their place in the Empire. Sardonyx is able to use their magic to distract the guard long enough for Farida and Tariq to get away, but Sardonyx is recaptured. Reluctantly the others leave and eventually find Hadar’s group at the arches to begin their journey to Silverfang. Tariq, Hadar, and Farida are taken to the royal family of Silverfang: King Abayomi, King Kifeda, Princess Oni, and Prince Akeyo. They are skeptical of the news the group brings, but are willing to hear from them before making any decisions. The family’s opinions are varied: Oni immediately empathizes with them and wants to help, Kifeda is in a similar camp while Abayomi is hesitant and Akeyo outright doesn’t believe them. Farida gives her testimony being a once loyal steward to the Emperor himself and how he has multiple times vocalized his wishes to invade the Silverfang kingdom. While they have no physical evidence their words seemingly convince Abayomi. Surprisingly Akeyo steps up to prepare his own brigade of troops to do surveillance on the Empire prior to the kingdom’s attack. Abayomi, Kifeda, and newly instated General Daiyu + the renegade crew encroach the mesa. The Forged send in their forces first, swiftly causing a distraction so that the heavier units can deliver a hard punch. It’s seemingly successful except the reinforcements from Akeyo are delayed. Sardonyx has been able to slip to the Aurroamane folks the deceit of the pride and they throw insurrection over Zircon who is still at the mesa. They reveal the truth and he gets away with Sardonyx on his heels. The main trio meet up at Crystalspire and search for Zircon. They overhear him and his son General Heliodor plotting to escape. The trio intervenes but Zircon monologues long enough for Heliodor and Diamante to ambush them. Zircon tries to reason (read: manipulate) with Farida and get her to surrender, but she refuses and attacks Zircon. Sardonyx provides a distraction so she and Tariq can escape then fight their captors. Tariq slips and before Diamante can kill him, Farida attacks him. Diamante bites into Farida’s front leg, crushing the bone and mauling her before Tariq and Sardonyx push him away and into the dirt. Zircon, who is sick and tired of his brother’s fumblings, kills Diamante and then attempts to kill the trio. Sardonyx cuts that shit off fast and launches herself onto Zircon. They fight but due to the rain the mesa is slick and they tumble off. Sardonyx holds on but Zircon grabs onto her back and legs and rips into her. One firmly placed kick sends Zircon plummeting down onto the Waystone, impaled. Silverfang begins to arrest and take away those responsible not already dead. The agreement stands: Silverfang has little interest in expanding beyond their walls, the rest of the grasslands are free territory once more. Farida and Sardonyx need medical treatment and are taken away. Tariq has time to rest with his nephew who is very happy to see him. Hadar thanks Tariq for his help and lets Tariq know his sister is at the Tower with his father. They’ll be at the mesa in a few days to pick Tariq and Jioni up. Tariq eventually looks for his friends who are in the herbalist den with Abiodun and the Silverfang herbalists. Farida will need to be taken to Silverfang for more treatment once her energy is back up. Hadar and the Auroramane folks will reside at the mesa to keep it safe till they return, if they so choose to. They all say their thank yous and goodbyes and that’s about it. Tariq, Farida, and Sardonyx all silently watch the Stars. In the epilogue, Sardonyx, consumed with finding the Heartstone, goes into the desert in the hopes of finding the Oasis and some answers. She gets lost and perishes from dehydration, but is resurrected by a Sandswept lioness named Callisto.

## Arc 2: Bury Me Shallow (1332-1341 N.E.)

One quiet day, Regis Eremu, Counselor Dione, Captain Caliban, and his trusted Sentinels carry out an assassination in secret, just on the outskirts of the Oasis: a literal oasis in the middle of the Expanse that has become a thriving civilization centered around the Moon and dreams. They destroy the home of a young couple and kill the husband. It is implied the wife knows Dione, but she is killed too. The only survivors are their cubs: one slightly older who is scared and cowering, the other an infant who he is defending. Eremu looks them over, his eyes more so focused on the young male. Eremu offers a proposition to the boy: never tell a soul, not even his sister what has happened here tonight and become Eremu’s heir. He could become Regent Sirocco. Or die here tonight alongside his sister, Sadzi. With seemingly no other option, Sirocco puts on a brave face, picks up his sister, and follows his new family into the Oasis. The two are brought up as Eremu and his wife Ersa’s own children with Sirocco being trained to become the future Regis. Despite the circumstances leading to their position, Sirocco and Sadzi live relatively happy lives. They’re a close, mischievous pair who more often than not run their Sentinel aka babysitter, Captain Caliban into the dust while they run off with his youngest daughter and protege, Hati. (Sirocco also has a big crush on Hati’s older sister, Kamaria that Sadzi and Hati tease him for all the time). This idyllic life begins to crumble when the cubs are just about grown. The Oracle Erenay requests them and their father one day to reveal his old apprentice, Archivist Koray, has had a terrible dream. One that threatens the safety of Eremu and Sirocco. Once dismissed Eremu keeps Sirocco close and sends Sadzi to her Uncle Dione to update him on what they've heard. Niece and Uncle chat, but Dione can sense something more is wrong with her. Sadzi reveals she is uncertain of her place in the Oasis. Sirocco is to be Regis and Hati, a Captain, what about her? Dione relays that Sadzi’s role in this kingdom is to provide clarity and comfort to her brother as he takes the throne just as he has, however if there are other things she gravitates towards they can certainly set her up as an apprentice. Maybe she’d like to study under Koray as an Archivist? But most importantly, she is there to remind the young Regent to have fun every once in a while. Sadzi excitedly commits to the task. Eremu’s health grows worse and Sirocco is expected to take on more of his duties in preparation for his own eventual coronation. Sadzi attempts to lift his burdens as much as possible but she begins to see her brother less and less all the while he becomes more agitated with her. Hati has also been glued to Caliban’s side as she has been promoted to low rank Sentinels at the Oasis. Looking for company, Sadzi finds herself more often than not wandering the Oasis in secret. On one excursion Sadzi is ambushed by young Outskirters, or those who have not paid their toll to the Regis and thus are not allowed permanent residence within the Oasis itself. (The leader of their group is an animal Sadzi has never seen before, like a lion but covered in hypnotizing stripes.) One of the Outskirters knocks Sadzi down and pins her to the ground. Sadzi then watches as a blast of intense light surges from her to the Outskirter, sending him flying and killing him instantly. The other Outskirters run and immediately Sadzi seeks out her uncle. When Sadzi spills her secret, Dione suggests training under a mage. Deimos, their other uncle, is a skilled arcanist if she is interested. Sadzi is hesitant, what if this is something bad? She killed someone today! Dione assuages Sadzi’s fears by telling her that this only means she is truly special and destined for great promise. He will research a tutor best suited for his niece. Sadzi goes to the hideout where Hati and Sirocco go to silently comfort her after hearing about the incident.  The Solstice celebration distracts everyone from the recent misfortune with Sadzi until Eremu collapses into one of the pools at the base of the waterfall. Knowing this is his end, Eremu requests alone time with each of his loved ones. When it is Sadzi’s turn, the dying Regis alludes to Sadzi he is not her real father, leaving her both suspicious and in mourning. Sirocco shortly thereafter assumes the role of Regis and within the week is married to Kamaria. While Sadzi is happy for her older brother, she can’t shake Eremu’s final words to her. It eats at her for several weeks before she confronts her mother and uncle alone beneath the waterfall where the water drowns out the sound to passersby. With great shame Dione reveals that Eremu was not her nor Sirocco’s father….and that he killed their birth family. Sadzi is horrified but Dione justifies their actions: it was the Moon’s will. Eremu and Ersa couldn’t produce an heir themselves so the Moon granted Eremu a vision: a vision of two bright, healthy heirs. When they finish talking Dione leaves Sadzi alone. She just stares at her distorted image in the fall’s waters. A strange rage begins to build in her gut, but she swallows it down and reminds herself of her task-to keep her brother at peace and the Oasis happy. Several weeks later Sadzi is lying about the falls when Dione approaches her. She seems slightly tired but is smiley and happy with her uncle. Just behind him is her other uncle, Deimos. Deimos tells Sadzi, Dione filled him in on everything that happened with the Outskirters. The memory of the event riles up a fear and anger in Sadzi she attempts to mask with a wide smile. Deimos offers to teach her all of his knowledge on magic if Dame Sadzi is up to it. Reluctantly, she accepts. He teaches her not how to harness and control her magic, but how to unleash its full power (he wants to use her as a weapon). As she trains Sadzi and Sirocco grow more distant. Each is distracted with their own priorities even when Sirocco and Kamaria have their son, Io. Within the year, the sudden deaths of Kamaria & Ersa bring Sirocco, Sadzi, and Hati back together. Sirocco requests Sadzi to stop her training with Deimos as a mage and to take up being his Counselor instead. It is time for Uncle Dione to retire and for her to take her true place with him ruling the Oasis. Sadzi agrees and for a moment everything seems like it’s going to get better. During later meetings the siblings bicker and debate over how to handle a band of Outskirters who have been intercepting their supply runs. Sirocco sends Hati down to deal with the Outskirters, the resulting conflict leaves many innocent Outskirters injured and some dead. Sadzi confronts her brother about this and he scoffs her off for being “too sensitive” considering her position. When she presses him about being as callous as Eremu, Sirocco retorts that he was the greatest leader there ever was. Sadzi reveals their true parentage and Eremu’s deceit but Sirocco interrupts saying 1) he’s known all along 2) and in fact he knows more than her nosy self for once: Eremu wasn’t their father, Dione is. He then blames her and accuses her of being selfish of what was given to her. Sadzi goes to Deimos who confirms what Sirocco has said. He also begins to feed doubt into her mind over Sirocco. Maybe he wasn’t destined to be Regis afterall? Didn’t Erenay foretell a prophecy about his demise anyways? Perhaps it is the Moon setting things right...Sadzi retreats to her old hideout and resolves that she must kill her brother to restore peace in her mind, heart, and Oasis. Filled with hate, Sadzi commits to the task. Days later, Sadzi approaches her brother’s throne where her nephew is also sitting and asks what news at the border. Sirocco reaffirms what he had stated before-intense, violent conflict with Outskirters. She then informs her brother that their Uncle Dione is in need of his niece and nephew. Captain Hati has requested a meeting to discuss what’s happening at the roads in. Agreeing, Sirocco instructs Io to stay at the throne and wait for his return. Sadzi escorts her brother to their old hideout and as Sirocco begins to vocalize his confusion, Sadzi unleashes her attack. She remembers what Deimos said about giving herself into the Moon's will and blacks out. When she comes to, she is being restrained by a bewildered Dione and an enraged Hati while Erenay and Koray are looking over Sirocco who is cradling a small limp form...oh. In her state Sadzi never noticed the ever curious, petulant Io who refused to listen to his Father and followed his father/aunt. Sirocco is in despair over his son and Dione, knowing what will come next, just whispers for his niece to run. Run as fast as she can and try her darndest to get to somewhere like the forests that border the deserts- just get far from here. He will distract them all. So she runs. And runs and runs until she collapses miles from the Oasis. A group known as the Xerophytes finds her. Almost immediately Sadzi recognizes their leader Nerium, she is the tigress Outskirter Sadzi had met in her youth; the one who had chased her and whose friend she killed with her magic. Sadzi turns tail, never looking back. Sirocco becomes hellbent on finding his sister. He puts out a message that anyone who sees her should report to him immediately. A message the Xerophytes hear. It takes several years but eventually one of the Xerophytes, Harea/Iris, finds Sadzi hiding in a small community known as the Orchard. When Sadzi is alone, Harea ambushes her, claiming Sadzi is to return to the Oasis to face trial for her crimes and takes her away. When Sadzi does not return from her chores, the leader of the Orchard and Sadzi’s mate, Bluebell/Blue, devotes himself to finding her. Harea returns Sadzi to the Oasis where she is then executed by Hati. Nerium and her group are rewarded entry into the Oasis and welcomed as members; consider finding Sadzi their ‘offering’ to the Regis. The Xerophytes become as involved as they can within the Oasis, eventually catching Sirocco’s attention. He is not a complete fool, he senses danger from Nerium but she is...an interesting tigress. He admires her tenacity so fine, he will play whatever game she is. Sirocco and Nerium fall into a weird something... She plays into his paranoia perfectly to the point where Sirocco trusts no one other than himself and Nerium. Soon enough they are engaged and wed. Around this time Blue finds his way into the Oasis, desperate to find Sadzi. He is shocked to see Harea. He thinks they were friends once upon a time, maybe he can reason with her. Harea will not have it and tells Blue to return home, he is confused and has her mistaken for some other lioness. Nonetheless Blue continues to trail Harea until he gets himself in trouble for outstaying his welcome in the Oasis. Afterwards Harea finds Blue. Once in secret he reveals she does know Blue and remembers him fondly. They were childhood friends in a pride outside the desert but lost touch once Blue was run out for his pale coloration. She doesn’t tell Blue everything, just that eventually Harea found herself with the Xerophytes. She believes in their cause and they are like a family to her. When Blue asks what she is doing here of all places, Harea admits the Xerophytes had heard whispers of the regicide years prior by the Regis’ estranged sister. Fables said she was a cub eating witch who terrorizes people’s dreams and Sirocco wanted her found and brought back here to face punishment. Nerium sent Harea, knowing she wouldn’t hesitate to bring misfortune to a member of the Oasis nobility. But then she confesses that what Harea found in Blue’s Orchard was a very broken lioness ready to accept her fate and it kinda hurt to see. Harea and her prisoner spent their trip getting to know one another somewhat and Harea felt for the first time genuine remorse over an Oasis lion...which was weird. Since then she has had questions about Sadzi and has an idea where they can find them. Together the two go to Archivist Koray who knows all the stories of the Oasis. When they say they wanna know the truth about Sadzi, he reluctantly lets them see Dione who has spent all these years in self imposed exile. He relays Sadzi’s entire past, ugly truth and all. Blue eventually leaves once the story is over. There is nothing left for him here and he did all that he really could to save Sadzi who was apparently not exactly all that he believed her to be. He offers a place in his commune to Harea should she want it. 4 years pass, Nerium and the others are living lavisciously and have seemed to have abandoned their mission of destroying the Oasis. They’ve cemented themselves into the social infrastructure and have control over almost everything. The contempt folks have for them is not unknown. Harea is beginning to feel the physical consequence of her actions (body is getting creaky and things are starting to hurt more, take longer to heal, etc). She starts to reflect on her past choices and on why she’s staying when she comes across a cub with the same mark as Sadzi. Her name is Mirazh and is running errands for her caretaker Selene, (she runs a little market/orphanage within the Oasis). Harea knows Erenay has dreamt the return of Sadzi since her remains were not properly disposed of-Sirocco would kill the cub if he knew about her. So Harea tries to keep Mira a secret but Nerium’s spy, Prickle, rats. Mira is taken before Sirocco and he contemplates killing the cub. Nerium senses Harea’s waning loyalty and uses Mira as a ploy: she convinces Sirocco to keep the cub alive. They could raise it to become a loyal soldier, if the cub shows magical talent like Sadzi did then even better, she’d be very useful as a bodyguard. In reality Nerium wants Mira to keep Harea under the tigress’ claws still and she wants to have a magical toy to play with. Sirocco’s only stipulation is the cub never leave the walls of the Oasis and to keep her contact limited to those within the waterfall unless specifically cleared otherwise. Mirazh starts her life in the Regis’ section of the Oasis. She has to admit it is an absolute bore and the urge to run through the dunes beyond the wall only grows stronger with each passing day. Everyday it is training by tutors in history, politics, the arts, and most importantly magic. Commander Harea is the cub’s bodyguard as well as combat mentor. Regis Nerium has taken it upon herself to educate the girl on history and politics. The Oracle Erenay, takes the lead in all things magic with concerns to the new cub despite knowing very little about it. During one of her lessons, Mirazh makes the mistake of asking Nerium about the “Mark of Sadzi '' on her head and why everyone is so scared of her. The tigress takes them to the Oracle who shows them the paintings made by Archivists retelling the story of Sadzi, albeit with some dramatic liberties taken. When Sadzi was executed she was burned and her ashes scattered, not laid to rest beneath the dunes like others who pass in the Oasis. He informs the young Mira that the Moon predicted Sadzi’s return so that she may take her revenge. Mirazh, herself, IS Sadzi. The Oracle tells her Sadzi’s spirit is within her and that he is her mentor for magic to ensure Sadzi’s spirit never returns. Erenay threatens the cub and tells her that Sadzi is a powerful witch who will do anything in her power to return-Mirazh better do her best to keep that from happening if she wants to keep the Oasis safe. Mirazh begins to question and ignore all voices from within and resolves herself to the life the Regis and his court have planned for her. A few weeks after these events Captain Caliban is found dead in one of the pools of the Oasis. Hati is inconsolable and believes it is one of the Xerophytes who killed her father. Sirocco will hear none of this and makes the shocking decision to imprison his best friend. Harea now controls all Sentinels of the Oasis. The Regis and the Xerophytes have begun to very slowly trust Mirazh, inviting her to meetings discussing topics like trade or expansion plans for the Oasis. Not everyone in the Oasis is happy and more and more are voicing their discontent every day. For example, a few years previous Erenay, the Oracle to the Oasis was found dead in his cave, nearly everyone assuming it is due to old age. With his departure the residents of the Oasis waited with baited breath as to who the next Oracle would be. Yet Sirocco has never appointed another Oracle, something many of those in the Oasis have reservations about. Without an Oracle, who will interpret their dreams? Who will be the conduit for the Moon? In the Winter of 1341 the Oasis’ waterfall stops flowing, bringing fear to the Oasis. Mirazh is given her first mission by Nerium: she is to assist Harea in finding out what has happened. The Regis is too preoccupied tending to the people who are afraid this is an omen. Nerium would look into it but then who would look after one of the newest additions to the Oasis: Ceres, Nerium and Sirocco’s cub. This is both an assignment and a test of Mirazh’s strengths and loyalties. Mira is excited at the chance to prove herself. Harea, however, is very suspicious of this. She knows the Xerophytes original goal was to cut the water supply from the Oasis. Nonetheless the pair head off into the Expanse in search of answers. They find what they are looking for: a massive blockage from a rockslide has created a dam preventing water from reaching the Oasis. Harea realizes with horror that this is a test of loyalties for her, not Mira. Either Harea can side with the Xerophytes and keep the water blocked (and in doing so killing Mira to keep the secret) or aid Mira in unblocking the water, but in doing so betray her friends. Ultimately Harea chooses Mira. The pair arrive back at the Oasis where immediately Harea finds Koray. He confides in her that he does not agree with the influence of Nerium the Destroyer as the people call her. She is a cancer on this lineage and must be taken care of. Koray also fears the Regis is lost too, a shame really because his father was so bright. He will coordinate an assassination come the next Wide Eyed Moon when the guard is at its lowest. He wants her assurances that she will 1) join him in taking out Nerium 2) never speak of it again. The two then need to decide who to include in this: Mirzh and Hati are their top contenders. They begin to plan and agree to carry out their plans when most convenient. Sirocco is dispatched easily but Nerium knows due to Prickle’s spying and a fight between her, Harea, Hati, Nerium, and Prickle ensues. Hati kills Prickle but Nerium severely wounds her and forces Harea and Mirazh to retreat. As Harea is dragged back Mirazh lets loose a magical blast cannon that literally blows Nerium off of the waterfall and plummets to her death. The following morning the news of the assassination is released to the public, an investigation begins while a council is formed to raise the young Regent Cereus until they are of age to take the throne. Sometime after the assassinations Mirazh meets Lochan at the Oasis. His melody charms her and the two have a nice chat which Mirazh realizes only after he has left has helped soothe her mind and soul. She stows this memory in her heart then prepares for Ceres’ ‘coronation’. Conditions begin to worsen for Hati and Harea over the years: the Oasis only brings pain and bad memories. Harea suggests they go visit a friend of hers in the jungles south of the desert. They extend an invitation to Mira who both agree could use time away from the Oasis as well. She reluctantly agrees. Harea and Hati arrive with their supplies and find Mirazh gazing at the painting of Sadzi. Mirazh glares at the soulless stone staring back at her and pushes down the voice nagging her head that tells her to embrace her new freedom from Nerium and Sirocco. She sees just the briefest glimpses of a figure too similar to the Nerium and flinches. She will not be free from her grip so easily.

## Arc 3: Ties That Bind (1349-1350 Tova)

It has been 7 years since the end of the Great War/6 years since the official end to Genesis. Crystalspire Mesa has been transformed into a bustling community. The Dawn pride has turned the mesa into a refuge for all who may need it. There are permanent residents: Farida, Sardonyx, Callisto, Fennec, Opal Essence, Lyra, Aries, Carina, Celeste, Perseus, Bramble, Ara, Vega, & Maia. There are semi-permanent folks such as Hadar who act as emissaries for Crystalspire and who travel around the free territories ensuring peace is kept. Then there are just passersby who stop by the mesa for shelter, healing, or food. The wayward arcane touched creature has stopped by for advice or teachings but none have stayed except for Callisto, Aries + his family. Sardonyx has asked Hadar to keep an ear out for anything related to the Heartstone. She hears from him that there have been strange magical incidents occurring to the south. Reports from southern groups say sinkholes have opened up randomly, large crystal shards have been found appearing seemingly overnight, and folks’ are having strange dreams. No memories of it, they all just wake up with an uneasy feeling. This perturbs Sardonyx but they send Callisto away and go back to staring out at the horizon-wondering if the rains are the only thing that will be blowing in from the South. Many miles away, half siblings Shamir and Eilina are out preparing for a big move. The two have decided to move out of their modest home in Silverspot Province to travel. The two are vagabonds, Eilina more so being the driving force of the pair, that have bounced around from home to home for their whole lives. They settled down in Silverspot about 5 or so years ago after…well they don’t like to dwell on the past much. Shamir has spent the past several years working in the mines of Silverspot while Eilina has made a good name for herself selling various jeweled trinkets. Their close friend and courier Comet stops by and essentially invites himself on their trip, but his presence isn’t unwelcome (Shamir has a big ol crush on the dude). The trio set out and find their travel to be uneventful for several days. A bad rain storm drenches much of their food supply which forces them to have to hunt. This leads to bickering among the group (Comet expects Eilina to hunt because…well that's what lionesses do to which Eilina takes offense) Eilina accidentally chases a deer into the territory of Lightden pride. They’re confronted by Almasi and Oberon (cousins and competitors for future leader to Lightden). Shamir tries to avoid a fight but Almasi starts one to prove a point. Oberon and Comet take each other on while Almasi slams into Shamir. Eilina attempts to defend her brother but the earth beneath the brawling trio gives out from under them. Oberon and comet go back for help while the trio are stuck in the caverns. Shamir tries to get them to leave but Eilina sees a massive glowing rock behind Almasi. They almost touch it but a voice tells them NO. Almasi believes it's the ghosts that haunt these woods and Eilina thinks it's funny the big butch is scared of ghosts. The trio are stuck in the caves and despite Shamir’s best efforts (and experience from working in the mine) they wander aimlessly for what seems like hours (it’s as if the tunnels keep changing…because they are) till they run into a lioness named Jasper who escorts them out. She explains many get lost here and she is tasked with aiding them but also warns that this place is dangerous and they should never return lest they’re stuck here forever…like her. And then she’s gone. Yeah that's terrifying anyway, the group reconvenes with the Lightden pride some miles outside the pride’s territory. Eilina, Shamir, and Comet are considering leaving but Vesper offers them a place to stay, just for the night…just for the night the trio agree and reluctantly share space with a pride for the first time in years. They find Lightden is actually pleasurable and hospitable, almost like a real functional pride. Shamir, Comet, and Eilina are treated for their injuries alongside Oberon and Almasi. The group can chat for a bit but by morning Eilina/Shamir/Comet  decide they wanna head north. That night all of them but Oberon and Comet have strange dreams and sleep walk towards the stone till  Oberon and Comet wake them up. They go talk to their elders who weigh their options. Vesper eventually decides they’ll reach out to Crystalspire and the Dawn pride. It’s well known that they have trained arcanists there and it is less than a 2 day trip from here. They send a bird and await a response. Shamir, Eilina, and Comet are hesitant to stay but the Lightden folks implore it 1) isn’t a burden, they like having guests 2) they feel concerned over their well being in case something does happen without someone there to intervene, so the trio stay, they get to know folks in the pride and feel…almost like its a home. Then Sardonyx and Callisto show up. They wanna see the Stone that was written about. Almasi, Eilina, and Shamir reluctantly take them to the hole they fell in first but it is…not there now, just covered by crystal shards. They then explain the tunnels and the ghost they saw, Callisto interest is peaked at this. Sardonyx wants to go into the tunnels but they will not rush blindly into things like this again, they’ll contact Farida and have her bring who she thinks is best fit for this. Till then they wait. Sardonyx and Callisto camp outside the cavern while the rest go back to the pride den. Almasi/Eilina/Shamir dream and sleepwalk again, Almasi and Eilina get woken up by Comet and Oberon, but Eilina decides to leave Shamir asleep to see where they go. She has her suspicions about the caverns, and she is right. Sardonyx is asleep but Callisto is awake when they arrive. They wake Shamir up eventually and Sardonyx, but as they’re discussing theories Callisto notices someone is spying on them. Almasi is quick to confront them but they unveil themselves as a ghostly pale lioness named Jaida, she is a Guardian of the Holy Ground which they walk upon. The group is shocked by Jaida’s presence. She’s just trying to collect the wayward spirits so please don’t mind her. Group is like hullo????? Jaida explains she is the apprentice to Jasper. This cavern is filled with spirits that need tending to and that's what she is here to do. Near dawn she leaves back into the caverns and warns not to enter. Sardonyx and Callisto spend another night waiting for Farida to arrive, meanwhile everyone gets to know one another. Eilna learns that Almasi is being pressured by her mother to compete with Oberon for the title of leader to Lightden (it's an extension of her own feud with her brother over the position) and that in actuality Almasi really, really wants to travel. Meanwhile Comet and Shamir open up a bit more to one another. It’s all good fun…then Farida arrives with…Aries who recognizes Shamir and Eilina instantly. Big freak out on everyone’s accounts. First off Aries wants to know why Eilina left him and their cubs over 5 years ago without a word. Eilina can barely get anything out before Shamir interjects because...cubs? Eilina never told him she was a mother. Aries, seeing Shamir goes feral. He wants to know where the fuck is Orion? Shamir tries to lie, saying his “brother” Orion found a pride of his own and Aries pushes: Orion and Shamir left to find a pride for ALL of them….why did they never come? Orion would have NEVER abandoned his brother, they had a promise. And why did Shamir only come for Eilina? Shamir breaks down and confesses: Orion and him had met two other lions similar in age to travel with. They thought they had found a new, unoccupied territory for them but 6 males set upon them. Shamir….he ran and left them for dead. Aries snaps and launches himself onto Shamir, almost taking him down with all the magic around them. Comet and Eilina break them up, but this redirects Aries’ anger to Eilina-->why did she leave him? Why did she leave Celeste and Percy? She admits that she wasn’t ready to be a mother and knew that Carina and Lyra would step in if absolutely necessary to help Aries raise the cubs. Eilina is genuinely sorry but is confused as to why he is here...what about Pyreblood pride? What about Atlas and the others? Aries refuses to answer anymore questions, he needs time alone, Aries heads a few feet into the caverns, the siblings move off and get into their own spat then separate with Almasi going with Eilina to console her. The two bond over being wanderers who long to travel. Shamir meanders on his own till Comet finds him and they talk. Comet reveals he is the son of an ex Lord of Shardbound, that he ran away when he was nearly grown because he feared either being sent to war or betrothed into a loveless marriage. He and Shamir are both cowards. They all eventually go back to Lightden and hang out there while Call/Sar/Far/Aries do their work at the cave; they've done enough with helping. Things are awkward for the day but soon enough night falls and the non Lightden folks are sleeping in the cavern. Aries is visited by the spirit of his father, Atlas, and when he strikes it it assumes the image of Orion then reveals itself to be Jasper and possesses Aries. Now free, the fiendish being that is really Jasper wreaks havoc within the cavern, badly injuring Sardonyx and then escaping into the night. The group is super confused but Jaida recognized the being  in Aries...that...that was Jasper..but not the Jasper they knew..right? Sardonyx is out of commission and Farida needs to get them back to Crystalspire. The group then interrogates Jaida: who is Jasper???? And more importantly WHAT. Jaida explains they were abandoned as a cub and Jasper found them. As long as she can remember Jasper and the spirits of the cave have raised her to be a Guardian of the Stone. As of late she had sense a corruption within the Stone but she had no idea it was Jasper…Shamir and Eilina want to go after Aries, and Almasi, Comet, and Callisto will follow suit, same with Jaida who feels as if this is their fault in some ways. Possessed!Aries destroys everything in its path, whether living or not. The group attempt to apprehend him but are on the losing side of the fight when something intervenes. Before them are a group of animals, astral in being. An all black lion with a galaxy for a mane and constellations along their back steps forward and apologizes for the harm that has come. They are here to right the wrongs. The Guardians guide them to the Sanctuary. They see the Heartstone. The demon is purged from Aries and destroyed for good. This being, Jasper, was once a Guardian like them but they were corrupted and killed the elephant Guardian of the Heartstone. Jasper was locked away within a Waystone among other lost, wayward souls. Their memory was forgotten as the elephant was killed. This here is the Sanctuary, home to the Heartstone and what Sardonyx/Callisto has been looking for. The Sanctuaries have been sealed away by the Guardians for safety, the elephant have been tasked for generations with keeping all stones that are the source of power in Illirah a secret (The group assumes this is because of Jasper, but in reality it is due to the events in the Old Era with the destruction of the Sea & Storm Sanctuaries). Should the group need anything, follow the elephant and you’ll find your way back here. Sardonyx feels better about knowing the Heartstone is protected, but they are curious as to their history. Aries is touched in some regards that Eilina would risk herself to save him and Eilina counters that they were once best friends. They’re certainly not friends now but they can start taking the steps to getting to something better than they are now. Eilina will meet her kids, Celeste is not interested or pleased, but Percy is super excited to meet her. They have a pretty good relationship and Eilina, while sad, will give her daughter the space she needs. Eilina and Almasi decide to continue on their travels. Comet and Shamir go back to Silverspot-they had a nice gig there and living together seems nice. Jaida considers going back to the caverns, but Callisto is able to convince her to stay at Crystalspire with them. In the epilogue, Aries and his kids arrive to Lightden in time to wish Eilina and Almasi off on another adventure. The two have spent the past year traveling and returned for a short few weeks before heading off again. It is shown Eilina’s relationship with Celeste and Percy have strengthened somewhat (Celeste is at least speaking amicably to her). With Aries is Callisto and Jaida-they’ve recently coupled up to everyone’s surprise. Shamir and Comet are visiting from Silverspot. In the middle of the night Jaida has returned to the caverns as something calls her. She thinks it’s the spirits, yet what she finds at the mouth of the cave is a little, tiny cub. They take it back to the group and name them Sable.

## Arc 4: Shattered Pieces (1353 New Era)

Mirazh, Harea, and Hati have left the Oasis to find Bluebell’s Orchard. When they arrive they find the settlement has grown in the years. Blue is surprised but happy to see Harea alive and well-and with new friends. He extends an invitation to the group to stay as long as they like. Since leaving the Oasis, Mirazh has had some visions but keeps them to herself. Sleeping can be difficult, but she puts up a front as Harea has obviously been grieving. A few days into their stay Blue invites them to the Flowerbloom to drop off supplies to an old friend-a bustling market run by the Triumvirate who are three elected officials. They all make the journey there and find something unlike they’ve ever seen. Bluebell introduces them to Foxglove, an old friend who sells the produce the Orchard makes for a small portion of profit (although she says she’d do it for free). She’s a sweet, middle aged dhole with a nice, motherly personality and her partner is another dhole named Sundew. Everyone loves her-in fact she is one of the Triumvirate this season. They leave Foxglove and prepare to gather supplies for the journey back home. The noise and crowd begin to over stimulate Mirazh whose visions get worse and she breaks from the group into the crowd. She is able to calm down when she hears a familiar musical tune. In the group is Lochan! And his family! The two catch up and are happy to reunite. Mira is introduced to Niraja, Lochan’s littermate/sister as well as the rest of his family: Addae, Aspen, Basil, Briar, Clementine, Clover, Cypress, Elidi, Fern, Hazel, Madara, Reed, & Willow. They take her to their family’s stand and she meets them plus their neighbor, an older jackal dude who collects shiny things and rocks. He believes they have metaphysical properties and gives Mira one to ward off bad spirits. In the middle of their conversation Harea and Hati arrive. Everyone makes formal introductions and the Roseridge pride invites the Orchard folk over for dinner and a night’s rest. The next day everyone bids farewell and the group heads back to the Orchard although Mirazh is somber to leave her friends behind. Almost as soon as they get home Bluebell falls ill, seriously ill. They don’t have what they need to treat him there, but the Roseridge pride might have some. Mirazh offers to go back to the Bloom and Rapax who can fly further faster with herbs. When she arrives she runs into the twins first and hears from them that others in the market have gotten sick. She explains what's happening to Blue and the twins offer to get supplies from their family. Mirazh takes these and sends Rapax back home. She stops by Foxglove and lets her know about Bluebell-she is devastated and gives over some honey, free of charge, to take to Blue. It’s his favorite. She then gives Mira a snack for the road. Mira thanks Foxglove and finds Lochan performing. He convinces her to stay the night and she agrees. Niraja teases them a bit. They have a fun night otherwise and share a bit about themselves. 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, and Mirzah admits she feels like she is falling out of her place in Harea’s life and that the lioness is moving on. Harea says she isn’t a curse and that isn’t real but the lioness sometimes looks at her like she is one…she wants to be something more than this mark. She has Hati and Bluebell now…what does she need Mira for…The twins tell her she always has a place with them! They all get a good night’s rest and in the morning when Mira is about to leave they learn someone has died of their illness-their neighboring jackal. The trio are in mourning and go to place flowers at the shop. They see Foxglove there doing the same (although Mira will note it looked like she was leaving from the inside….). She also notices Foxglove has a new pendant similar to the one the jackal wore but doesn’t connect that yet. Mira starts her journey home-bidding the twins farewell and giving Lochan a little peck on the cheek and promising to visit again soon. When Mira returns to the Bloom she discovers Bluebell is doing better! The herbs Rapax brought work wonders; they’ll have to send Mira’s friends their regards. Bluebell is ordered to rest with Harea not leaving his side. Hati and Mirazh go on to do chores. Later that evening Mira is making food for her and Ghost when the bat immediately reacts to the honey in Mirazh’s bag. Mira thinks about the flowers Foxgloves’ bees were pollinating and realized some looked like the ones Nerium had. Mira goes to those working in the gardens and asks about such a flower. She learns it’s Oleander, a very poisonous plant. Mirazh begins to put the pieces together in her head and rushes to the supplies they brought back from the Bloom. She discovers the same honey hidden within. She races to the Bloom 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. She sends Ghost ahead to get Lochan and Niraja. She’s on her way when she spies Foxglove sneaking into the jackals shop. She confronts Foxglove and the two fight. During it Mirazh and Foxglove’s slivers touch and both are sent to a far away place. The two find themself in the Dawngrove: a massive patch of forest that is just one tree. Guardians descend upon them and while Foxglove is taken, Mirazh fights back as her visions begin to flare up again. Someone steps in-a Guardian to the Moon who takes her from the Grove as they have who they want. This being 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. They then assume her form. Has her impactful conversations with Sadzi/Nerium/Sirocco. She learns that the world is out of balance and she is one of the chosen to fix it. When she awakens she sees her loved ones standing over her. She’s been in a coma for nearly a week. The twins found her in the shop and 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. 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 she gets a strange pull towards Foxglove’s now closed shop. 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).

## Arc 5: Blood Ties (1337-1345 New Era)

Lady Talaith of Auroramane pride is prepping her youngest ward, Lyra, for the initial meeting with Lyra’s betrothed. The young lioness is engaged to General Heliodor, the eldest son of Lord Zircon of the Empire. The two lionesses are freshening up Lyra’s fur and horns when Lyra’s friend Maia enters the chamber. She alerts Talaith that her niece, Ara, is requesting her presence. Ara is pregnant and has been antsy as of late. Talaith waves Maia off, saying she will be with her niece soon enough she just has to finish up with Lyra. The older and younger lioness chat for a bit, Talaith wants to know how Lyra is feeling. Lyra says she is nervous but excited to meet her future mate-a General sounds so…interesting. Inwardly Lyra reflects on how imposing this whole thing is and how she isn’t thrilled, but if it makes Talaith happy then so be it. Bramble arrives to let Talaith know Atlas has spotted the Lord and General at the boundary. Lyra and Talaith make the slow walk to Lyra’s future mate. They meet with the fearsome father-son duo and Lyra is not impressed. Heliodor is brutish, ignorant, and seems to care very little for his betrothed. Talaith and Zircon try to give the young couple time to themselves, but Heliodor says something rude and Lyra promptly leaves him. The lioness runs off to stew away from everyone and in doing so accidentally spooks a part of Talaith’s zebra herds. She attempts to flee, tripping over a log in the process. Lyra then accepts her fate as the thunderous hooves of the zebra are about to bear down on her. Suddenly a mighty roar splits the herd apart and Lyra is saved. Standing above her defensively is the strapping, charming lion named Atlas. Lyra knows him vaguely as Ara’s mate but also one of the stock keepers in the pride. He makes sure she is safe and apologies for not keeping a better watch over the herd. Atlas says he will make this up to Lyra and disappears as quickly as he arrives, leaving Lyra rather smitten. The following days Lyra is able to explain to Talaith the uncouth behavior Heliodor displayed during their alone time. Talaith says she will talk with Lord Zircon more, giving Lyra just a bit more time of freedom. During this time Lyra thinks about Atlas saving her and his charming nature. She catches glimpses of him across the fields caring for zebra and gnu and Lyra’s infatuation grows a bit. One morning when the pride is switching off shifts, Lyra is able to run into him. The two chat and Atlas invites her to meet him later that night to talk. She does and the two lay out in the fields, hidden by the herds, and chat. Lyra talks about her frustration with her betrothal and Atlas makes her feel listened to. He understands her and explains the predicament his sister and him are in. They finish the night with Atlas escorting her back and promising to find a way to give them everything they want. Carina and Dorado are on nightwatch duty when they are visited by Atlas. He says he has just returned from a meeting with Lyra to which Carina warns him to be careful: she is intended for someone else, and a General of the Empire no less. Besides, isn't Ara expecting cubs with him? He expresses his disinterest in Ara, saying she was a fling that went on too long. He has no intention of helping her raise her cubs nor does he love her. Lyra however…she’s everything Atlas wants. Carina blows him off, but Atlas continues. He says that she, like the rest of them, is tired of this life. They’ve talked about it long enough, now is the time to prepare to leave while they still have the chance. Dorado mentions Eris and Arani are also getting tired of this, which only fuels Atlas more. He begins to plot their escape, starting with looking for a new home. They’ll have to keep Talaith distracted so they can search and so Atlas can continue his courting of Lyra. He suggests Carina seduce Taliath to keep her preoccupied which Carina is against, but reluctantly agrees in the end. Talaith is lecturing Lyra about her future meeting with General Heliodor, however the young lioness is only half listening. She and Atlas have been meeting more in the recent days, always at night and away from everyone else, but it just makes their time together all the more sweet. Talaith is about to chastise Lyra when Bramble interrupts rather sullenly. He tells Tala that his brother, Tumbleweed, has died and he is heading home for the funeral. Arani and Nanala are staying here in the meantime-they seem to be shaken up by the news, both having requested alone time to process. Tala expresses her sorrow and allows Bramble to go. Afterwards Ara arrives, looking for her aunt to help with the cramping she’s been having. Exasperated, Talaith follows her niece and tells Lyra they’ll talk more later. As soon as they’re gone Lyra goes in search of Atlas who’s talking with other pride members about leaving. When Lyra interrupts, Atlas takes her for a walk. He begins to talk about the current plan to leave the pride and extends an invitation to Lyra. She is hesitant so Atlas gives her time to think. Following their conversation, Lyra walks away from the fields to the caves. Along the way she runs into Maia, her best friend. The two catch up, Maia commenting on how she and Ara barely see Lyra anymore. Is she okay? Is the betrothal making her nervous? She can always talk to her best friends! Lyra is hesitant, but asks to speak in private with Maia. Lyra then begins to confess her meetings with Atlas and her feelings for him. Maia is shocked, mildly disgusted, but mainly concerned. Atlas is already with Ara and they’re about to have cubs together, how could she love him? Lyra argues how could she be expected to love Heliodor when she’s barely met him! Maia argues that while Lyra thinks she knows Atlas, Maia has had to work with him and he isn’t the charmer Lyra thinks he is. He’s just as bad as her good for nothing brother Dorado, if not worse. Lyra begins to get annoyed and argues Maia is just jealous that no one pays her any attention. This sets off an argument between the two that culminates in Lyra saying she and Maia are no longer friends. Maia, distraught, runs away while Lyra solidifies her decision in leaving Auroramane with Atlas. It’s been a day since Atlas proposed leaving to Lyra. He, Carina, and Dorado have snuck off in the night to look for a new territory, having the other stock keepers cover for them in the meantime. Atlas says in his initial searches he found a nice piece of land several miles away, near the coast. It takes them nearly 2 days to get there, but they find it. The only catch is this piece of territory has been taken already, but Atlas intends to change that. He convinces Carina to seduce the lead male (Flint) of the pride, leading him to a clearing where Dorado and Atlas will kill him. They will then wait for the lead lion’s brother (Jett) to come looking and kill him too, solidifying the territory as theirs. What they don’t expect is the second lion to bring his young son (Cobalt) on patrol. He witnesses his father and uncle’s murders then attempts to flee. Carina captures him but lets him go, unable to kill an innocent kid. Atlas however rushes past her and murders the youth, chastising his sister for not sticking to the plan. They’ll dump the bodies into the ocean, leaving their pride to think they were swept out to see and without a Guardian. Once they are done, Atlas instructs Dorado to stay behind to ensure the territory stays theirs and to keep an eye on the resident pride. He and his sister will head back to Auroramane to get the rest of the pride, which should only take a few days. Carina begins to have doubts…Talaith has grown concerned. A few days ago Carina, Dorado, and Atlas went missing and haven’t been seen since. She initially believed they ran away, but has grown more concerned that something happened to them as more reports come in from Lord Zircon about rogues trying the borders. Maia interrupts her brooding with some concerning news about Lyra. Meanwhile Lyra has patiently been waiting for a sign from Atlas. She’d told Atlas just before he left she wanted to go with him when they left and now all she had to do was wait for the signal to leave. She’s doing this when Talaith confronts her about her relationship with Atlas. When Lyra confesses with something akin to pride, Tala loses her temper with the young lioness, forbidding her from ever seeing the lion again. Lyra refutes and refuses to speak to Tala. Annoyed, the older lioness leaves while Maia stays behind to attempt to talk to her friend but is ignored. That night Talaith is pacing out of frustration when Carina finds her. The older lioness is both excited, confused, and angry at seeing her but the two talk civilly. During this Talaith notices smoke and light on the horizon: fire. Talaith is racing across the territory to find her pride mates and also find the source of the fire. She can’t find anyone and without Bramble here to help, she is alone in her search. Eventually she finds Lyra, near stranded on a hill, with Maia huddling next to her. Talaith tries to rush the girls out, but Atlas stops them. He says he wants Lyra and will not take no for an answer-he wants to free the pride members she’d be happy with working till they die. Tala tries to refute this but Lyra assures Tala she wants to go with Atlas, she loves him and this is what she wants. Tala attempts to stop her but Atlas grabs her. He is stopped by Carina, who defends a horrified Tala. Atlas sneers and lets the old lioness live. He passes off his new bride to Carina, telling her to take the other to safety. Atlas stays behind to loom over Talaith and threaten her to never look for Lyra or the others. Then he is gone. Talaith is left to drag Maia away from the danger of the flames to the maternity den where Ara has been staying-it's far enough away the flames should not have reached that far yet. There the bewildered Ara is trying to grapple with what’s happened-Talaith tells Ara that a lightning strike set the dry summer grass ablaze. She found Maia then tried to find the others but the fire cut them off. She is doubtful anyone has survived, but they can check in the morning, after that they are heading to the Crystalspire mesa to talk with the Emperor. While Ara begins to sob, Talaith watches her home burn to ashes. Atlas is leading his new pride to their new home. Arani and Eris are thrilled at their new freedom and enamored with Atlas’ bravery for saving them. Nanala is hesitant, but will not leave her sister. She just worries about their uncle…Carina meanwhile is conflicted. She is happy to be free, but seeing Lyra bounce between glee and despair is beginning to make her reconsider what they’d done. It takes two days to get to the beach, but when they arrive the group is speechless. The area is beautiful, but also already inhabited by the Seabreeze pride made up of Ophira, her recently born son, Shamir, her sister-in-laws Allirea & Adi, and Takara, who is unrelated to anyone there. They’ve recently lost the grown males of their pride to a tragic accident and Atlas offers up himself and Dorado if the Seabreeze pride is alright with allowing them to stay. Ophira reluctantly agrees after discussing it over with her pride. The group quickly settles into their new home: Eris gives birth to Orion (Dorado is the father). They learn fast that the ocean is dangerous and to be wary of the tide. That being said a year goes by uneventfully before Atlas and Lyra have their son Aries. Atlas is excited at the prospect of having a son who he can impart his wisdom and power onto. Lyra is just blessed at having a beautiful cub who looks so much like her. Aries and Orion, being the only Auroramane cubs, are exceptionally close. Orion is the confident yet relaxed one while Aries is reserved but very inquisitive-they balance each other out. The two early on decided that despite not being related, they are brothers for life. Shamir is kept separate by his mother for the most part, she does not trust these new pride members no matter how much they have charmed the others. She will not leave her precious Shamir alone lest he end up like his father or uncle and cousin. Once she is physically able, she begins to take up the role of Consul much to Atlas’ annoyance. Dorado reports to him a rogue has been lingering at the borders as of late and Ophira and Atlas have different reactions to this. Ophira believes they should seek out this rogue and learn his intentions while Atlas believes they should defend their home but Atlas concedes…for now. A year later the boys have grown a bit. Ophira is also pregnant, not with Dorado or Atlas’ cubs, but the male along the borders. The male stayed for a few weeks but ultimately moved on. Atlas’ attitude slowly starts to change and he becomes crueler. Anytime Lyra feels any sort of reservation over her decision to leave or wonders how the others are doing, Atlas berates her and reminds her that Lyra chose this life. She is welcome to leave whenever, but they both know she never learned to be a proper lion and will always be dependent on others stronger like him. Atlas has also taken it upon himself to teach his son the ins and outs of being a Leader to a pride. These lessons make Aries feel weird-he wants to make his father proud but the things his father encourages him to do go against what his mom says and more importantly what his heart says. Orion doesn’t seem to have the same rigorous training as him…if any at all. But Aries has learned, when his mother asks questions bad things happen so he plays along as best as he can. Dorado has another litter but with Arani, three girls (Amaranth, Calla, & Koru) while Ophira gives birth to a little girl, Eilina. Atlas and Lyra have attempted to have more cubs, but with no success which begins to grate on Atlas. Once the cubs are weaned, Ophira is back to hunting with the others. As the years have gone on Ophira is the only one still suspicious of Atlas and the others. Allirea, Adi, & Takara have warmed up to the other pride members and in fact some of them have begun to court each other, much to Ophira’s dismay. She still keeps her cubs relatively separate from the others but that has become harder as they have gotten older. Eilina especially tries to leave the den and explore while Shamir tries his best to wrangle his little sister. Allirea’s sickness is flaring up again so she usually remains behind with Lyra to watch the cubs while the others hunt. One day the group goes out for their usual hunt, but something goes wrong. In the end Ophira is found having been trampled to death after the prey they’d been hunting stampeded towards them (Atlas definitely did this). The Seabreeze are heartbroken, especially Shamir. Their aunt Allirea takes the two cubs in but she has been sick for some time so Lyra steps up to assist. Atlas does not approve of his mate spending time raising cubs that are not their own but Carina defends her so he backs off. Besides they have to deal with the fall out of Ophira’s death-they will need to name a new Consul. Atlas says he will have to give it some thought which Carina is shocked at-what about them leading together like they had planned? Aries and Orion try to get Shamir out of his shell. He spends nearly everyday watching over his sister, worried sick over how she is doing. Eventually Shamir is convinced to go outside for a little bit and the three start to play. Atlas sees this and immediately crashes the party, taking Aries with him on patrol. He chastises his son with playing with low lifes such as Shamir-he should instead be keeping a better eye on strangers like that. Doesn’t he want to keep his family safe? Aries is conflicted but just nods and they continue their patrol in silence. That night Aries sneaks out to the beach to destress (throwing rocks into the waves). Orion shows up to listen to his friends’ woes and provide a shoulder to lean on. Surprisingly Shamir also shows up, saying he missed seeing the Stars…maybe his Mom is up there right now with Jasper. The three boys bond, play, and then lay to watch the sky. Aries notices something bumping into him and realizes it's Eilina! She’d been able to sneak out of the den and towards the beach. The three call it a night, Shamir carrying his sister back in a hurry. When they get back to the cave the three boys all curl up together, but Aries reluctantly gets up once they are asleep and sneaks over towards his father to sleep. The cubs of the pride are out and about for the day. The huntresses are out, Atlas and Dorado are on patrol, and Lyra is caring for the now sicker Allirea. Aries, Orion, and Shamir have been instructed to watch the cubs-Eilina, Nashira, Amaranth, Calla, Ayana, and Bailara. They are all playing on the beach. Aries has been spending more time with his father. Atlas is somewhat unhappy with Aries’ progress→ this feeds into Aries’ desperate attempts to please his dad no matter what. Eilina eventually breaks off from the group to pester the boys. She tussles with her brother for a bit before going over to talk to Aries. They watch as Orion and Shamir spar. Within the last two years they’ve formed a tight knit group where Shamir is sorta in love with Orion and it’s sorta reciprocated. Aries feels jealousy over their relationship which Eilina sympathizes with, it’s as if her brother forgot she even existed. When Eilina changes the subject to Atlas, Aries deflects. The mere mention of his father’s name makes him feel uneasy and angry. Suddenly the group hears screams and sees the cubs out on the rocks where the tide has suddenly rushed in. Ayana and Nashira are unable to escape in time and are washed out. Aries rushes forward and jumps into the water after them. The current is much stronger than he expects and quickly the young lion is overwhelmed. When it feels like the ocean is gonna swallow him up, something ignites from within his body. He gets a second wind of sorts and his horns begin to glow, providing light for him to find Nashira. He grabs her and pulls her to shore, the two collapse coughing and shaking. By now some of the adults have returned and are on the beach searching for Ayana. Aries and Nashira are taken to the den for recovery and they learn that night Ayana has still not been found…and most likely will never be. Her mother and Bailara are distraught, near inconsolable. Dorado consuls his mate and cub. Lyra is hovering over Aries with concern, meanwhile Atlas punishes him for not keeping a better eye on the cubs. The pride is shell shocked following Ayana’s death. Arani, Nanala, Dorado, and their cubs will remain in the den grieving for quite a while. In the meantime Aries confesses to his friends he was able to save Nashira because of this weird feeling. The group begins to speculate when Shamir brings up Mages. He says their Aunt is one. Some animals are blessed with magic, making them Mages. Aries considers this, and while skeptical still asks the group to keep this a secret for now. Aries begins to have more incidents with his father, driving a further wedge between them. When Aries spies Atlas arguing and striking Lyra, he begins to think about a life outside this pride. Meanwhile his aunt has come to a similar decision after seeing Atlas’ reaction to Ayana’s death. She isn’t blind and sees how her brother treats his mate,  his son, and his pride mates. She tries to convince Lyra they should go, but Lyra just repeats the awful words Atlas has screamed at her over and over. She can’t hunt, she can’t track using the Stars, she wouldn’t last a day away, and besides…she chose this life didn't she? And she can’t leave her son or the other cubs. Carina just sighs but silently agrees with Lyra. Carina then asks Lyra if she thinks about them, the others and the two start talking about their old life. It brings a bittersweet feeling over them. Upset in the pride really begins when Allirea dies from her illness and then Adi gives birth to two cubs, Mbali and Acacia, but their father is not Dorado…its Atlas. Lyra is heartbroken and rageful all at once, but Atlas waves her off. If she’d provide more heirs, then maybe he wouldn’t have to stray to find other lionesses who will. Aries sees how his mother is affected by this and his hatred for his father grows. His temper is at least kept at bay by hanging around Orion/Shamir/Eilina. Eilina and the others she was raised with are still shaken up by the loss of Ayana and the group in general feel at fault. They’re no longer allowed to look after the cubs and instead Lyra keeps watch over them with the other lionesses. Together the four begin to think about leaving-Orion has really taken a leadership role since losing Ayana. He doesn’t want to lose anyone else. Shamir and him agree to head out ahead of their siblings since they are old enough to find a territory of their own. They promise they’ll come back for their siblings the second they find a suitable home for the four of them. The following night the four sneak out to the beach where they say their goodbyes-its emotional but they’re hopeful for the first time in a while. Aries and Eilina go back to the den and the two curl up with one another; they’re all they have now. The following day Orion and Shamir’s absence is immediate. Dorado and Eris are freaked out and look everywhere for their son but his scent disappears at the ocean shore. Dorado, now afraid of the ocean, is worried his son has now been taken by the waves along with Shamir. Atlas however notices the lack of reaction from his son and when they are on patrol he beats Aries. The young lion doesn’t budge however, only saying he saw Orion and Shamir sneak out late last night and he went back to sleep before they got back. Atlas isn’t 100% pleased with this answer but Carina arrives before he can inflict any more damage. She sends Aries away and berates her brother for his actions as of late. This isn’t what they dreamed of, the two of them. But Atlas corrects her and says that it is: Carina has her freedom. Would she rather be back shoving zebras around all day with no reward or respect? When his sister hesitates he reminds her that even if she wanted to go back it isn’t as if Talaith or the others would ever accept her back. He then leaves her where she is and Carina begins to cry realizing she’s traded one prison for another. Several months have passed since Shamir and Orion left. Eilina and Aries are beginning to get worried about the fate of their siblings meanwhile the pride is adjusting to the new normal aka folks are depressed all the time now. Amaranth, Calla, Nashira, and Bailara have grown closer but aren’t as active as they once were. Mbali and Acacia are hellions and attempt to bully their older siblings relentlessly. The two are such Daddy’s Girls to Atlas who treats them decently enough. Aries has attempted to spend less time with his father, intentionally avoiding the other lion by skipping out on patrol and not sleeping in the den with the rest of the pride. He misses Orion so much and is concerned they aren’t coming back. Eilina usually joins him outside, creeped out by Atlas and not as close to the siblings she was raised with. The two begin to grow closer and one night they are out gazing at the Stars that Aries admits he likes Eilina..like a lot. Eilina is flustered, but she likes Aries too. If nothing else they have each other…Everyone is at the age to chip into the pride so Eilina, Nashira, Calla, Amaranth, and Bailara are beginning to learn to hunt. This means Eilina is away from Aries more often than before. Aries for his part has been secretly trying to get his magic to work but to no avail. He is starting to wonder, now that it's been 2 years since Shamir/Orion left, if he and Eilina should give up on leaving. Maybe if they just wait it out, they can make it here in Pyreblood. His brooding is interrupted by shouting. During the hunt, their prey spooked and Eilina was injured. She is taken to the den where Lyra is there with Aries to take care of her. Dorado collects Aries for patrol, Atlas is out right now and Dorado needs the back up. While they are gone Lyra notices that Eilina is acting skittish and comes to the realization that she is pregnant. Lyra doesn’t say anything to Eilina at the time, but goes to Carina that night. The two agree they cannot allow any more cubs to be brought into this awful place. When Eilina’s condition progresses, Lyra and Carina make up a story that Eilina’s wounds are getting infected and she needs to stay in a more secure, isolated place. They take her to the creche dens where lionesses have given birth in the past. What surprises them is after a few days Eris shows up. She doesn’t much to them, but quickly understands why the others are there. Eilina is scared, but Lyra and Carina help her through the last leg of her pregnancy. Aries is informed soon enough and he sneaks off to see Eilina to check in on her. Throughout this whole time Eilina is having an internal meltdown. She is not ready to be a mom nor is she happy with the idea of having to stay in this pride another day especially if she just turns into lionesses like Eris, Arani, and Nanala. Everyone is so sad here and she doesn’t want that for herself. Everything gets put on pause however as both Eris and Eilina go into labor within days of each other. Eris has two cubs, Sadabari and Delphini who have the freckles of their father…Atlas. Eilina gives birth to a boy and a girl. Aries has taken it upon himself to catch food for Eilina while Carina distracts Atlas from her absence from the pride. Lyra has been helping Eilina with her cubs who she’s yet to name. When the younger lioness is able to walk again, she asks to take some time to herself outside. Lyra is more than happy to look after her grand cubs and notes Eilina could use the space. Eilina begins to walk about the territory and ends up on the beach. She is reminiscing about old days when it’s like she sees a ghost. The figure of Shamir appears , battered and scuffed, but alive. He is shocked to see his sister but so so relieved. The two embrace and Eilina starts to ask where Orion and him have been all this time. Shamir is hesitant but just says it didn’t work out. Orion…he left Shamir and since then he’s been trying to find his way back to Eilina. His sister says that Atlas won’t be happy to see him back, but Shamir interjects and says he isn’t staying. He is here for Eilina-they could leave all of this right now and just start over somewhere else. Why not try Silverfang? It has plenty of jobs and places to live. Eilina looks back and thinks long and hard about her news cubs and of Aries. Then Eilina begins to follow Shamir and the two disappear into the night together. Aries arrives at the creche den to find Lyra with the cubs without Eilina. Lyra informs Aries that Eilina left a bit ago to get some fresh air, why not check in on her? Couples always need alone time together after having cubs, it helps re-establish bonds and all. Aries searches but finds nothing ultimately. His concern grows when he reaches the beach and finds no trace of Eilina…her scent just disappears. Aries rushes back to the den but no Eilina. Lyra and Carina begin to search for her as well, but they turn up nothing. Aries is worried something happened to her…what if something attacked her? What if the tide came in too fast and she was swept out to sea like Ayana? Lyra does her best to consul her son, but even she is worried. By the next morning Eilina still cannot be found and the pride begins to search. Aries has Eris care for his two newborns while he continues his search for Eilina. Once the day is over and they have found nothing Aries will return to the den for his cubs. Eris offers to him to raise the cubs as her own, if that would help ease his burden, but Aries refuses. He wants to be there for his offspring and that night names them: Celeste and Perseus. Lyra is watching Aries nurture his young cubs with a pain in her heart. Looking around at her pride mates she takes in how pitiful they all are. Thunder begins to rumble overhead and Lyra gets an idea. In the afternoon Lyra and Carina come to Aries and ask for him to walk with the two of them. They tell him that they want him to leave with his cubs. If Lyra is correct then if Aries heads north he will eventually find the Crystalspire mesa-tell the lions there he is seeking sanctuary on behalf of Lady Lyra of Auroramane pride. This is all confusing to Aries but Lyra tells him part of their story. She wants a better life for her son and her grandcubs. Carina will help sneak them out tonight while Lyra distracts the pride and more importantly Atlas. Aries is concerned over this plan but Lyra assures him, she will be fine. She wouldn’t survive outside Pyreblood anyways, but Aries can. He just needs to try. Reluctantly Aries agrees to this and awaits his mother’s signal. Lyra says her final goodbyes to her son who is preparing his offspring for the journey. They get their last meal from Eris who is asleep. Lyra then splits ways with her son and goes off in search of her secret weapon. Earlier that day Lyra was watching the lightning strikes from the incoming storm and eventually found a place they ignited. Lyra has harnessed a spark from the fires onto a branch she carries now. Lyra is overlooking the Pyreblood pride with anger, but waits till her son is out of sight before she begins her assault. Lyra roars loud enough for all to hear then begins to set flame to the territory. She knows from the sound of Atlas’ returning roar that he is giving chase. Lyra eventually runs to a dead end, a small cliff overlooking the ocean. Not wanting to meet her fate at the teeth of Atlas, Lyra jumps. She fights against the current until the waves wash her ashore again..but Atlas is waiting. He beats Lyra and is about to kill her when Aries shows up and attacks his father. The two fight, with Atlas seemingly having the upperhand. He drags his son to the surf and tries to drown him when that magical spark in Aries ignites again. He is able to overpower his father. Atlas charges forward and Aries listens to a voice in him that tells him to lower his head and charge too. Aries impales his father with his horns, killing Atlas. Lyra is horrified as is Carina who’d been staring off to the side with the cubs. Aries decides to dump Atlas’ body into the ocean, hoping the pride will assume Atlas just left like he has before. Reluctantly Carina leaves her brother’s body and follows Lyra and Aries as they take the cubs and leave Pyreblood for good. It doesn’t take long to find the mesa, only a few days. Celeste and Percy have become restless, especially with the near constant travel. Carina has been the one providing the most food for them, but Lyra does try although not much works. Aries and Lyra make their way to the mesa while Carina stays with the cubs. They are met with the patrol of the mesa, Lyra wishing to speak to the Emperor. The patrol are confused, the Empire has been dissolved and the mesa has since been taken over by the Dawn pride. This confuses Lyra, but they go along with it as Aries asks for sanctuary for his family; they have cubs. The patrol immediately brought the group to Crystalspire mesa. Arc ends with Lyra and Carina stumbling into the mesa only to be confronted by the faces of their lost pride.

## Arc 6: Apotheosis (1343-1355 New Era)

Callisto awakens to a wild dog staring over them. This is Fennec, they have a settlement nearby if the lioness wants help. Callisto accepts, Fennec never pries, just asks if there is anywhere or anyone the lioness is looking for. Callisto has no response. The pair settle into a comfortable rhythm together for some months when Callisto comes upon a recently deceased Crystalline lioness  near their camp. She revives them and they introduce themselves as Sardonyx who is then sworn into secrecy over Callisto’s powers. Sar agrees to this but extends an invitation to Crystalspire mesa, there are other magically talented animals there. Callisto likes the idea of this and asks if the invitation can be extended to another→ Fennec also agrees and the trio dip out back to Crystalspire. Callisto and Sardonyx never mention to anyone that Sar died. When they get back to Crystalspire it is at first a shock because of the eclectic group and also Farida was so concerned over how long Sardonyx was away. Present day the group is chilling at the mesa. Everything is business as usual until Celeste, Percy, & Sable go missing one night, their trail heading South...to Lightden? The Crystalspire residents have immediately started a search for the missing kiddos. Jaida/Aries/Carina/Lyra head down South to Lightden while the rest search around the territory. Callisto, Fennec, and Opal are out searching when they are intercepted by a strange Sandswept lioness who calls herself Volanna. She demands for Callisto to come with her, the time for ascension is now. Callisto refuses and Volanna says she was prepared for resistance and presents her pet...a monster. The trio look as if they are about to be killed when Bramble intervenes. He sacrifices himself so that everyone can run away. They flee from the mesa and Callisto insists everyone sneak back to Lightden and the Waystone. Fennec stays with Callisto while the others flee and the pair depart North through to the mountains. Callisto wants to head to the Expanse, her magic will be stronger there...so will Volanna’s but this is their only chance. Fennec for the first time asks about Callisto’s past and she finally spills. Callisto was once a part of a cult called the “” led by a lion named Deimos. He was a necromancer who believed he had the same powers as the Sources (the ability to give and take life) and that they are vessels for them intent on bringing about a New Age. Deimos assembled members by resurrecting dead bodies he found in the Expanse, having them pledge their loyalties to him. He found her through whispers of her powers spread along nomadic prides and kidnapped her from her family, taking her in as his pet. She was kept separate from most of the congregation and was forced to resurrect quite a few people. She eventually escaped, killing Deimos on her way out. A few days later Fennec found her. Fennec asks if Callisto brought Sardonyx back? They could smell death on them but refused to say anything all these years. Callisto admits to this, but says they were sworn into secrecy from Sardonyx and expect the same from Fennec. They owe her everything. Fennec agrees. One night Fennec reveals to Callisto, they’ve been alone because when they and their siblings dispersed from their home pack, one died and the rest joined a cult-like pack that only Fennec could escape from. They were put into an arranged marriage they refused and dipped the fjuck out. So they understand- no judgment from them. Once at the borders they discover hordes of undead have taken to wandering the deserts, a by-product of Volanna no doubt. A group overwhelms the pair and they are saved by a cheetah named Kalyke, he has fire magic and with his speed is able to entrap undead and kill them. He informs them that the number of those has been increasing as of late, which is concerning to say the least. The group is gonna need more fire power...figuratively and literally. There is one single undead Guardian they have to worry about plus the lesser undead servants. Callisto knows that if they kill Volanna the connection is severed so if they can take her out then they can get around having to do too much heavy work. Unfortunately planning is cut short, Volanna ambushes the group and is able to apprehend Callisto who sacrifices herself so that Fennec and Kal can get away. She promises she’ll be okay, she’ll figure this out. Volanna takes Callisto deep into the desert towards a ritual site. Callisto learns that Volanna is Deimos’ daughter, his actual daughter. No worries, Volanna is not jealous. Callisto is a lioness of remarkable talent and was worthy of her father’s attention. It is a shame she had to kill him, but it is alright they will complete the ritual together as intended. As the ritual begins the Crystalspire folks intervene and a fight ensues. The group is successful in separating the undead with fire magic where they are consumed. The Guardian, still alive, almost kills Fennec when Callisto gets them to STOP.  She tells Volanna to continue the ritual and just before it is done she shoves both of them into the flames. They fight until Volanna is slain. The group fears Callisto has been consumed by the flames but they watch as she steps through them, she is now kinda a demi-god/Guardian. She’s still her of course but this new found connection tells her on a molecular level that the world is unbalanced. It’s like constant vertigo. Something is pulling her out East...to the mists.

## Arc 7: Mystery of the Mists (1355 New Era)

Sable has been having dreams, they’re being called South to something….for something. Percy comes along to ensure they are safe, Celeste comes to make sure HE is safe. Along the way they stop by the Waystone in Lightden and meet some of the ghosts who relay things are wrong. Sable follows their feeling into Silverfang Kingdom. They’ve heard stories of the canyon kingdom but have never been themselves. They arrive at the time of the Summer Solstice and celebration is held. For a moment the group is mildly distracted from their goal (Sable really isn’t but this is the first time they’ve seen Celeste have fun and they refuse to ruin that). The royal smilodon/short-faced bear family parades through and one of the many sacrifices of the day goes feral and begins to attack the royal family. Sable intervenes and saves Princess Asta while the beast is subdued by Percy and guards (one of whom Celeste crushes on HARD). The group is rewarded with being invited to a feast with the royal family. There they learn from Asta about odd occurrences happening around Silverfang and how this is probably just another event connected to it. Asta believes a great evil is upon them. Animals are going missing at a frequent rate and no one is able to determine how/why. While investigating the siblings run into Shamir and Comet who are suspicious of them being here without their parents. They secretly decide to follow the kids around Silverfang lol. Around this time is when Mirazh/Lochan/Niraja enter Silverfang. They quickly become intertwined with Sable/Percy/Celeste’s investigation as they are all looking for Akeyo. Some snooping by the group reveals that Asta’s niece is the one who is luring cubs away and to her uncle Akeyo for experimenting. Once they stop him Sable discovers notes similar to their parents about the Heartstone & Waystones as well as fragments and an assumed map to various locations….including the Shrouded Steepe. Sable knows where they need to go, it’s into the mists. Shamir and Comet agree to come along! Their journey begins. Celeste and Percy have some questions about what exactly Sable is feeling and they try to convey that as best as they can. It makes sense considering their parents’ research on the Heartstone. The siblings all have time over this trip to talk about their feelings: Percy feels very stressed having to be the constant Good, Happy Kid to keep their family afloat and he wishes he could understand why his sister is so angry. Celeste doesn’t understand how Percy can be so happy knowing everything about their family. Percy tries to explain that what Pyreblood did is not them, they are an opportunity to be better. To show the world better. Maybe start with treating Sable like they are an actual sibling and not some random pride member. Sable is really sad that Celeste doesn’t want a relationship with them, they try to understand given the information they know about their parents. They know it is hard for them to communicate sometimes, but they try and they also want Percy to be able to express his emotions in a healthy manner, not just hiding behind positivity. The group continues Northeast until they reach the mists. Sable wants to continue forward but the group is hesitant. Luckily Jaida/Aries/Almasi/Eilina intervene! They have been looking EVERYWHERE for the kids….and they have friends? Sable explains their feeling and Jaida understands, she’s felt it before too but assumed it was a byproduct of Jasper. Almasi/Eilina/Shamir/Jaida/Aries know to follow the elephants so they try to find an elephant path and follow it in. The mists contain hallucinations and visions meant to ward them off but the group continues on. The bigger group finds a swamp inhabited by a group of animals referred to as the Shells. They are what is left of the Sea Stones. In the Old Era something went wrong-fanatical followers of the Storms razed the Lagoon (their leader was upset by a fortune giving), destroying the Sanctuary and its tether. The Tempest and the Shroud were summoned then, blocking any from the water or the highlands. The Sanctuaries were sealed away, hidden and protected by the Guardians who ensured no one found the spaces again and over the millennia the memory of them and the children of the Sea and Storm were forgotten; only the elephants remember as they NEVER forget. Illirah, now out of balance, is slowly crumbling away and the Sources are calling for their Chosen to fix what has been broken. The Shells have fragments and powerful enough casters could potentially mend the Tidewater Lagoon. They are missing just one piece. Sable knows they just have to wait-what they need is coming to them. At this point everything is coming together as Callisto and the others arrive. With her there and all of the Chosen together they can restore the lagoon and the Tempest subsides. The Shroud does not. This arc ends with the entire cast knowing they need to head up North and restore the Thunderous Heavens