FORCED DESTINY

***FORCED DESTINY: IN SAND AND LOVE*** is the twenty-first session of *Glimpses Into The Fade.* The Fireflies prepare for the mission ahead, stronger in bond and mightier in numbers, the journey ahead is certain. They must step into the Fade, what lies beyond the border of the Glenwell Fade Portal? What visions, what realizations, and what destiny is the Fade going to make them see?

## Musings

*Be careful when you venture into places unknown to you. For every step you take may be known by the natives of the land. Be careful of your thoughts as they will be laid bare in this space between spaces. And most of all, beware of your hearts as they produce a fondness that blinds you from the truth.*

## **Synopsis**

As the sunsets, the reality begins to settle in on the newly formed Fireflies. Bran requests to have his letter sent and asks Monsoon about Rune's magic suppression. He speaks of the Republic not bothering Elvhenanian Elves as long as they stayed on their land, but is aware they have cuffs that suppress magic. Bran worries of his wild magic, telling Monsoon he had accidentally struck Hira down the day before, he wonders if the cuff would allow better control of his magic.

New outfits in hand, Hira packages her old garments away along with a letter to her Aunt to be found by Lord Ambrose later. Oriza copies down the map, locating all the places with portals to the Fade. Strangely enough, there's no portals around the Mountains. Anthir approaches Monsoon, wanting to talk about Vilya. Anthir explains how she was running from Arel, gravely injured. They had a necklace that stole something of her, like part of her soul, but Monsoon is unfamiliar with such item. Monsoon admits back in Duncaster when everyone had met the Arcane Winds in the Fade, he had seen Arel. They were angry, especially towards Bran, stating he had ruined their plans. Monsoon believes Arel wanted his magic and in return took Vilya's instead.

Monsoon thanks Anthir once again for saving his sister. He asks how he did it, knowing Anthir doesn't know the Revivify spell or owned a diamond. Anthir admits he came in contact with a messenger of Mithal, causing Monsoon to exclaim in shock. Anthir tries to explain the deal they made with the All Mother, not believing him, Monsoon threatens him for a moment before asking if he's part Elf but they aren't sure. Anthir explains how he intercepted the Halla that was collecting Vilya from death, how he serves the All Mother now. Monsoon proceeds to ask his pain tolerance, stating when he's ready, Anthir will don the ink as well.

As the room grows calm, Monsoon picks up the paperwork needed for tomorrow's mission to see Lord Ambrose. Hira asks to join him, with no hesitation Monsoon allows it. The armour by the door animates, bringing two spears in front of the door. Speaking in Sylvan, the armour allows the two of them out. He leads them to another study, an exact replica of the one Fireflies are staying in. Greeting one another, Monsoon turns stern and stoic in front of Ambrose, delivering the paperwork to his desk. Ambrose promises to have the supplies needed ready for tomorrow, then turns to Hira, asking why she tagged along.

Hira admits her curiosity of the Northern Roost Library, having never been. She asks for permission to speak out of term, then states not to lie to her Aunt as she'd be greatly upset to be lied too. Ambrose states he cares for her, and that is the reason he is letting her go on this mission. He admits knowing where she's from, to which she stammers in confusion, he admits her Aunt had told him. He's aware of what hunts her, keeping her safe the past few years, but won't force her under his safety as she makes her own decision to adventure. There is no malice in his voice, speaking the facts of what he has done the past few years.

Ambrose says he'll honour her wishes of not telling her Aunt she's died, but will be honest telling her Hira's decision to go into the Fade. Hira's hands shake but attempts to calm herself as Monsoon rests a hand on her back. Bidding Ambrose good night, the two leave and walk in silence to the other study.

Whilst gone, Bran approaches Oriza in the midst of marking down the map. He asks how they are, Oriza states physically they are alright, but they aren't inclined to admit anything else. Despite Bran's circumstance, Oriza says bringing something back from the dead is unnatural, saying she shouldn't alive or making her second chance of life Hira's burden, however what's done is done. Bran asks if they feel any regret towards Hira's actions, but Oriza cannot regret something they hadn't done. But they regret not being strong enough, that they allowed for this to happen. Bran wonders if Oriza saw anything whilst in death, but unlike being greeted with a second chance, it was only dark empty void. Oriza tells Bran to look at her eyes, their empty dark eyes was exactly what she saw.

Bran says despite never having a proper talk, he hopes they find comfort in his words. He says Oriza has a lifetime to repay what they think they owe to Hira, and to become someone they themselves regard as strong. Now that they are one of the Fireflies, he hopes she won't fight in darkness ever again, as they'll stay by her side. Oriza looks to him, patting Bran's head briefly, but states noone is entitled a long life. There's no guarantee any of them will be alive tomorrow. Bran knows Oriza is rather pessimistic, his face still drops in shock. Oriza appreciates his sentiment, but reality is harsh, and they must be harsher. She tells Bran to fight to live as time is not guaranteed. Bran puts his hand over theirs, hoping they'll never be alone on a path. She smiles, thanking Bran for sharing his story earlier, saying the new name is cute. Mint happily flies to Oriza, snuggling against the crook of their neck as they begin to feed him birdseed.

As night turns to day, before leaving Bran notices a spine with censorship hiding the title, with the initials 'A.N.' Gathering their things, Monsoon escorts the Fireflies towards the rift outside of the city of Glenwell. Around the rift, guards and members of the Order of the Wing watch over it keeping the public out of harms way. Hira looks towards Riya asking if she feels ready, she smiles nervously saying she's as ready as she'll ever be and takes Hira's hand in hers. Hira admits she viewed Riya as the most put together member upon first meeting, to which Riya laughs saying she hasn't been through some things everyone else has, but has her moments. She hopes that when others aren't as put together, she can be there for them.

Hira brings up what Riya had said in the sewers, hoping she'll also keep the same promise. Riya smiles saying she trusts her, bringing up the time Hira looked visibly happy when called her friend, reaffirming she still considers them all friends. Hira freezes remembering how she called the term friend to be an empty title, but explains it feels like they hardly know one another, knowing where they wish to be buried but not their birthdays or favourite colours. Riya admits she feels the same way, but hopes when they have free time they can learn more about one another.

Whilst talking, Bran moves towards everyone else, one by one takes their hand in his. He draws a little firefly and squeezes their hands to comfort and ground himself. Bran believes the trip to the Fade means more to Monsoon and Hira. For Monsoon, he brings his hand to his forehead for a moment, feeling a spark of lightning as they touch. Going towards Hira he hesitates, but gets her permission. Holding her hand to his forehead, Bran feels an itch against his chest, whilst Hira feels pressure against her chest.

Bracing themselves to get ready, Lord Ambrose approaches Hira, telling her to be careful as he awaits her return. Ambrose admits he thought of what she said the night prior, stating it be a shame to lose a promising young life. Extending his hand to her, he drops an item into her hand, stating it's only for her usage, a gift from him. She wonder if it's inappropriate to ask for a hug, but he extends his arms for her, holding her in his arms. Ambrose whispers he will miss her, and all of Esmos will be thankful upon her return. Stating when she comes back to contact him first thing, as they pull away from the hug, the guards and members of the Wing all look away, a showing of Ambrose's authority.

Sending them off, Monsoon steps into the rift first. Hira gives one last wave as she follow, with Oriza shortly behind. Anthir steps in, whilst Riya holds a hand to Bran to go in together. The six of them enter the Fade rift, finding themselves falling as if an invisible force holding them back, slowing them in its restraint. An intense heat beats down on them, sand singeing their skin as they find themselves in a vast desert. Hira hears a crackling of a fire, of screams and footsteps on cobblestone streets. Hira asks if anyone else hears this, and soon everyone else does, an extremely familiar sound to Oriza. Beginning to walk into the sand alone, Monsoon rushes to follow and urges the other to follow.

Hurrying after Oriza, the Fireflies comes across large spires made of clay. Those who from Rune are familiar with them, meant for protection during sandstorms. Hira struggles with the heat, asking Monsoon how to deal with the heat. Everyone begins to remove layers of clothing, having prepared for Autumn weather and not sweltering heat. Walking aimlessly for 4 hours, another voice speaks with no source. A deeper male voice echoes through the expanse:

> *"Vhenan what is this I heard? Your going with your father? You know he holds so much ill will to you, he does not see you for who you truly are. Monsoon I am begging you to not go out there, I don't know if I'll see you again."*
>
>

Monsoon pace comes to a stop, hearing the rolling of caravan wheels in the distance, only Anthir is familiar with the sound of an Elvhenanian Aravel. Hira catches up to Monsoon, reminding him the Fade preys on their memories. Riya notices in their hours of walking, the sun has not moved, to which Hira admits learning through Vilya that the sun never sets. Bran checks his tattoo on his chest, finding no numbers, turning into a clot of darkness above his heart. The Fireflies try to figure out a system to keep track of time, but decide to focus on it later.

Eventually as they walk, small spots of grass appear, leading to a field. Within the space, there's a strong scent of iron and fire as two figures stand. A cacophony of voices speak in unison, stating they've been living in half truths, telling them to stop and watch the truth unfold. Monsoon is pale seeing a figure standing by a table made of stone, the two lifeless figures of Monsoon and Vilya laying upon it. Oriza stares towards Loralynn, the memory of the night the Blight took over. She steps forward, attempting to say something but finds herself choked up realizing it's only an image provided by the Fade.

The voice reminds them to watch the truth unfold. Hira grabs Oriza, reminding her Loralynn isn't truly there, that he has to watch. Bran, Anthir and Riya quickly tail Monsoon, who says the figure wasn't the one to kill him, but his father did. Bran asks about the figure, learning his name is Alphirin and was previously Monsoon's betrothed. Anthir coaxes Monsoon to wait and watch what unfolds. A memory begins to unfold, Alphirin holding a dead Monsoon's face in his hands, apologizing for being too late.

A booming voice belonging to the Keeper, Monsoon's father, calls out. Alphirin is alarmed that the Keeper struck his own son, to which the Keeper states he has no son, only two daughters. Alphirin states in Telios's name they'll enact their revenge. He reaches into blood soaked sands, hands darkening in blood belonging to Vilya and Monsoon, coalescing around them. A large monster erupts by the table, and as realization hits Monsoon, the memory disappears. For everyone in the Fireflies, this is their first showing of Blood Magic.

From across the way, Loralynn is hunched over a stump with her hands in prayer. She begs with an unknown being as she attempts to conjure her magic. She exclaims this wasn't part of her deal, that it wasn't suppose to happen, stating she wanted to save 'them' but not in this way. There is mention of sacrifice, but she never believed it to be of this extent. A young Oriza enters the scene, telling her they must escape to Rune. Loralynn begs not to go, pleading with them, but Oriza reassures her it will be safer elsewhere. All these years, Oriza thought that she was begging for him to stay to fight and protect the people, but is seemingly not the case.

As the memory of Oriza taking Loralynn to safety, underneath her feet the Blighted land spreads. In her wake, the stump and flowers awaken as the Blight spreads. The voice tells them to watch and understand the truth behind their loves actions they've been blind sided too. A floating red eye appears, the source of this cacophony of voices. Oriza exclaims the being is lying, but the Eye reminds her it was Loralynn's fault their home was desecrated, but they continue to be in denial. The Eye says the first step in accepting the truth is denial and floats towards Monsoon. Oriza yells at them to renounce themselves, to which the being states they are Truth itself, who assess and help adventurers find truth within themselves.

Truth tells them to deal with the consequences of truth, blinking out of existence as battle occurs.

## Featured Characters

#### The Fireflies

* Anthir
* Bran
* Hiraeth
* Oriza
* Riya

#### New

* Alphirin of the Sun
* Truth

#### Returning

* Monsoon
* Ambrose
* The Monarch
* Loralynn

#### Mentioned

* Vilya
* Odin
* Calypso

## References

1. ↑ Occured in Session 11; TIME HEALS ALL WOUNDS