He’d always admired Sihajja. There really was no other place like it in all of Revaliir. Even as it led him to what could very well be the stupidest thing he’d done in a century or two, he was comforted by knowing the burden this great creature had taken on for everyone. Even now as it acted as personal escort to the Ziggurat, it stayed its course. True that it had been…persuaded to do so, but that only grew his respect stronger. He hoped, likely in vain, that the poor magnificent being would be able to have some much-earned rest when all of this was over.

From the town square he watched water pass over the protective barrier over the city. It very well might be the end of Revaliir as they knew it, but it was still a beautiful sight to behold. His fingers scratched uncomfortably at his hair, which he’d taken time to drape illusion over. At the moment, he looked nearly nothing like he usually did: his hair ran down to his waist in two thick braids that joined together at the end; the usual dark brown of his hair was pitch black; his eyes, while still the slender almond shape of a native Ataiyan, were a blazing blue; he’d shrunk by half a foot; to top it all off…he appeared completely female. As it was it took everything in him not to shift his chest around in his clothing: his usual attire was much too tight for his now…much more voluptuous chest. Not large by any means, but anything was too much when you were used to complete flatness.

To his light horror he looked almost like his sister, just with much darker colors to his hair and eyes. If she could see him now, hear his soft lilting voice, she’d probably laugh so hard she’d asphyxiate herself. And then squeeze his chest. His eyes halved in annoyance at a situation that hadn’t even happened. This is how it needed to be though. Since his little spat with Xunatar, he’d yet to forgive himself for plummeting Revaliir in dreams and nightmares. He needed to redeem himself but wanted to do so as someone else. There were likely plenty of people that would love to throw a few fists his way right about now, and while he knew he deserved it, what was important was doing his part in the trials.

Finally, they arrived to the nexus and he followed the thin trail of people that exited the city to go to the common area. Some people were bandaged up, others were being towed on carts from the circle onto the back of the whale where the city would offer more medical aid. This only strengthened his resolve. He held his head high and walked to the center of the common area; careful not to stray from the path as he did so. It was odd not having Torinasu at his side, but the signature blade would be a dead giveaway to who he was. He knew that he could always summon it to his fingers if absolutely necessary, but the twin sais on his hips would do for now.

Now though, he felt unsure of himself. Who to go with? Would anyone even want to go with him should he approach them? Even without being able to recognize who he was? This wouldn’t be easy. For now, he walked cautiously up to the first door, inspecting it as if some answer would be hidden here on the outside. He moved out of the way as a group came by to give their shot at the test, and again looked around for anyone else that might be doing the same as he was: searching for partners.

Cecil sighed. If it wasn’t Oberon, it was something else creeping up to destroy the world as they knew it. Somehow, the fairy believed that his elf and he were just not destined to have any quality time together. With that stupid fox, fenehdis Kohaku, practically stealing all of her attention, Cecil had no chance. It did not help that Kohaku had very valid reasons to not trust him, or her safety because of him. Nelanna did write his name down on a piece of paper though, so that he could express at least that much to others without difficulties.

With his stack of paper and charcoal pencils neatly packed, he made his way to Sihajja. The whale city was absolutely breathtaking. Music, prayers, chanting, and magic filled the air. She would find it astonishing, and Cecil decided that this would be where they next traveled to. Preferably alone. While he began to idly wonder how to top a crystalline unicorn that could turn into the majestic beast and a wonderful meal, the fairy made his way to the ziggurat. He followed that trail of people exiting the whale, watching people on stretchers being carried back to the city.

Were the trials that terrible? Or was that person just awful at avoiding life threatening situations? Regardless, if they could not recharge those moonstones, then their efforts would all be in vain. The snowy haired elf pushed forward with determination, but the center hub of activity gave him pause. So many were injured, or resting before returning to the tasks at hand. At the center of them all was a woman of average height playing a beautiful melody, images of the song shimmered in the air about her. There was something uplifting about the sound she produced, as if it was filling him with confidence.

At the first door, while groups entered in droves, one person stood out. She was relatively gorgeous with the black hair braided down his back, and blazing blue eyes that seemed to sparkle. Cecil cracked a smile. Of course someone with the opposite shade of hair but the same eyes would catch his attention. Yet, there was something quite different about the fairy that he was just realizing. Without Nelanna at his side to steal his attention, he could appreciate the beauty of others, but there was no desire for anything, it was all platonic. Why a delicate woman would want to try such a trial was beyond Cecil, but perhaps he could attempt to help her not get hurt like so many behind him.

When he went up to her, Cecil’s lips parted with an inhale of breath. ’Can’t talk.’ His mouth shut with an apologetic smile as the air came rushing out from his nostrils. After a brief rummaging in his pocket, Cecil produced a neatly folded piece of paper that had immaculate letters spelling out his name. After she read it, the fairy put it away, pointed to himself, her, then the door before holding his hand out, palm up, an open invitation. ’Would you like me to accompany you in the trials?’ Even if she couldn’t hear his mind, perhaps she would understand his hand gestures… Nelanna did… But she had been with him for so long now, ever since he lost his voice.

This was the first time Zanar had ever done this since he ascended. Usually, he would just travel anywhere without hiding who he was, but this time he wanted to see things from a different perspective. People tended to act differently when a God’s presence was known, so this was the only way that he knew to see how the people around him truly felt. Especially since the light of the most recent events that had befallen the people of the land, yet this was was different people were called upon to ask help in this plight.

How do people where these accursed robes…they feel so damned confining

The god said as he tugged at the robes on his person. He had changed his attire to that of a mage, of course adding his own touch to the garments. Still, they were far different than the basic leathers that he normally wore and weighed far more which was mainly the result of the chain mail beneath the robes as an extra precaution. This was not the only thing that had changed though, as he had to use a spell to change his complete outward appearance as well. A lighter skin tone as well as now short well-kept blonde hair that offset the dark green and brown tones of his robes.

This attire allowed him to blend in seamlessly with the crowds of people that seemed to have swarmed to Sihajja to be ferried to the Ziggurat. Zanar was honestly surprised at the sheer number of people that actually had decided to come to the aid. Even after all of the events that had transpired beforehand the people still held faith in the Gods and Goddess to the very end. This gave him hope, and a slight smile crossed his face as he followed the crowd on the path to the jade and marble structure before them.

Entering the Atrium of the structure he could see that this was developed to be the common gathering hub for parties to enter the structure and to relax from the trials. He was also not surprised to see healers treat those who did not fair to well within the structure walls. His footsteps seemed to echo on the mosaic floor as he walked around gathering information that he could with his senses. The atmosphere of everyone surrounding him was the same though, they came to see what they could contribute to this cause. Their hearts are still set on saving this star, perhaps it was just pure, either way, it is nice to see it He thought.

He was sure that he could complete the trials by his own accord, but that would defeat the purpose of his disguise, and so he sought out a group that he could join. His eyes managed to find a pair and he made his way toward them. A woman and a man, the latter seemed unable to talk at first glance as he made hand gestures towards the woman. ”My apologies on the intrusion, but would you two be in the need of a third member.” He asked as he approached them. ”My apologies, my name is Lloyd a wandering mage of sorts."

Much sooner than he would have expected, someone came up to him. They were a young man and he didn’t even try to suppress the smile as it grew on his face. For a moment fear had started to bubble up, making him feel like the last one picked for a team. At the moment he felt the shame and guilt would have been well earned, but nonetheless he was thankful not to have to wonder for long. As confident as he was, he would have preferred not to go through these trials alone.

The other man brought up a paper with a name written on it and he whispered it to himself, Cecil. He outstretched his hand to him, all the while being mute. Was he unable to speak? How dangerous! Cover or not, he didn’t want to risk anyone getting hurt if he could help it, and if Cecil got in a tight spot he’d want to be able to help him. When he spoke his voice was a soft soprano that he was still getting used to, no matter how much he’d tested it out on the way here, “Oh! Are you unable to speak…? Hmm…”

His mouth screwed up in the way he’d seen his sister’s do when she was mulling something over. Offering a nervous smile, he rested his hands on his own hips, “I’ve been playing around with this,” he said, touching his own temple. “If you like, I can communicate with you telepathically. You think it, I’ll hear it!” Gosh it was hard being this perky, how did people that were actually like this have the energy?

He smiled, a soft laugh escaping as he held out one of his hands, “I’m Midori, thank you for being my partner.” Another man approached them now, and he turned his eyes in their direction. They, thankfully, were able to speak. “Hi Lloyd!” he said with the same exuberance. “A mage huh? Sounds neat! Do you know a lot?” he asked with genuine curiosity. As he spoke he kept the door in his mind. As soon as people exited they’d be able to go in. As if on cue, the door opened and a quartet exited, looking weathered and sore, but hopeful. They’d succeeded, good. “I guess that means we’re up, you guys ready?”

Cecil nodded solemnly at the question, silently muttering a colorful string of curses toward his father. The woman pointed to her temple and offered the use of telepathy to communicate. To this, the fairy cocked his head thoughtfully. Oberon had cursed him with the inability to speak, and use the common runes to communicate. Did this even extend to his own thoughts? Speaking to Kohaku was easy enough, as Cecil was speaking in the tongue of the beast.

”Can you understand me?” He frowned. Had he always been thinking in fairy? Cecil turned a new voice curiously. A young man in earthy toned robes had approached them, inquiring to join them into trials. The snowy haired man gave a short bow in greeting. A smile was flashed to them as he turned to lead the way into the first trial.

What they were greeted with caused his jaw to drop. The corridor was considerably long, full of all sorts of obstacles. Timed fire, sharp pendulums, surprise trap floor, and a plethora of others were laying in wait. It was a game of timing and patience. Cecil approached bravely until he was mere inches from the first obstacle. He looked back and held his hand out for the woman. A picture of them going through together, hand in hand, was sent to her.