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Undying Empire: B3 — 5. Family Bonds
🕑 Added 2021-09-12 08:43:40 +0000 UTCNote: Back from covid and happy to be continuing again!
PoV:
1. Azalea (Our middle-child spider girl!)
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Azalea wasn’t too interested in the new Argent Dawn people since she had a mission of her own to prepare for; when the Empress gave her leave to get the party ready to depart, she pounced on the chance.
Her glowing pink irises scanned the very organized facility Moris’Luar, and his four fellows brought her to; they had names, but she just called them Ape One, Two, Three, and Four—Moris’Luar seemed to be the most outspoken one, in any case.
Giliri and Fini, the two youthful Nalvean Seaweavers added to her team, seemed nervous and excited about their mission. As some humans mentioned, the two were only three days old in their unlife yet were taking the change in stride.
Being their senior, Azalea could hear their private conversation through the Nexus; it was back on Imiunarus, the Nalvean that gave his life for Camella’s mission and to whom the girls owed their resurrection.
Azalea didn’t quite understand the significance Imiunarus placed on them, but that was neither here nor there; she wasn’t meant to know everything.
Nalveans and Quen’Talrat didn’t really hold her attention, yet there was one thing causing her human skin to itch—forcing Azalea to do something strange—she brushed back her gradient deep and light blue locks to scratch her neck and shiver as tingles cascaded down her slim frame.
Ramuk, the Quen’Talrat Wall Crusher Elite Warrior, was making his way toward them through the city after obtaining his orders.
Azalea’s mind could passively process all of the information, but much of her thoughts were centered on her elder sister’s soundless emotions; it seemed her family shared a soft connection through the Nexus they didn’t have when alive, which was growing by the week. All of the various new experiences mixed together with her perception, causing Azalea to find herself adapting in unexpected ways.
Turning away from Moris’Luar as he spoke to the others, she moved between the very well organized facility which had remained sealed through the past century; she reduced the priority on identifying their apprehension, awe, and excitement at being in a place they were barred before to center on her changes.
I’m acclimating to the Empire and its needs, as I should, yet … it’s so drastic. Were we really not that well suited for the Empress when alive? How would my new youngest sister feel or readjust herself without the Nexus if that’s the case?
Azalea puffed out a soft breath, jumping up for a lock of her hair to extend to the ceiling and pull her up. Bare feet sticking to the beam high above the Quen’Talrat and Nalveans, she scanned the warehouse for various objects they’d need to perform their duties or other things that satisfied her pure curiosity; as her mind drifted, her vision narrowed.
What does it mean to be a Thélméthra? Our purpose was never a question; it was an instinct, but Camellia has had those thoughts as she followed the Empress’s order and punishment to spend time among the humans.
Her fingers found her human elbow behind her back, tightening around the bone; the chemicals in the old facility were vast and thick with Quen’Talrat. New ideas and concepts fed through their connection that unsettled her stomach.
Observing the Nalveans looking up at her, whispering internally to one another about how cool her abilities were, Azalea’s gaze shifted to the Quen’Talrat. A lot had been transmitted and pressed in on her well-guarded mind over the last three days since Camellia’s return—shame, guilt, self-doubt, undeserved hope, fear, building confidence—all unexplored territory.
Drones have their purpose: to work and die for the Brood … Ultimately, even Mother and my sisters are no different. Mother births daughters, which will follow her example, and it all is to improvise in our new environment, adapt and overcome all challenges, yet that has changed since entering the Empire.
Her muscles tightened a little while returning to the Nalvean girls. As Camellia learned, these are not Drones … Unintelligent Undead are Drones, and these soldiers that are given to me are to be used in another manner … Their loss is a pain to the Empress, and we are to avoid that to the utmost capacity … No, our competency is contingent upon that result.
Azalea’s thick, silky locks slowly wrapped around her neck while she hung upside down—it felt good to be in this familiar position that she needed right now.
I cannot lose anyone that has been placed under me … Doing so is to disregard the lesson Camellia taught us. How does it make sense to be excited and afraid to go forward? Did I fear anything when I was alive? Only the death of our mother, but even that was more Violet’s projection.
Ever since returning to life, Azalea was beginning to realize just how different each member of her family was from her. She glanced up at her tight blue, shoulderless top and shorts; Violet needed to look a new way as often as possible, and all the human artistic traits she was able to tap into were so monumental to her.
Camellia’s time among the humans had sparked a new perspective on how she could get stronger and move beyond her former limitations and mistakes.
Azalea’s soft pink lips pulled in, observing the Nalveans and Quen’Talrat shuffling about below; they studied various items that meant nothing to her.
What do I have … What do I want?
She enjoyed her human form, but it was the new challenge it presented; her human form was something she could master. New sensations filled her breast and twisted her stomach—feelings she’d never experienced before.
Giliri and Fini want to be useful to the Empress to honor Imiunarus’s sacrifice. Moris’Luar and the slave Quen’Talrat wish to redeem themselves and try to be even half of their heroes were … remembering their mentors.
Ramuk’s entrance pulled her attention as he spoke through the Nexus. “General Azalea! Reporting for duty, Ma’am!”
A small, curious smile lifted Azalea’s lips; his energy helped. Well, aren’t you lively? I’m not all that familiar with Quen’Talrat and your technology. It seems to take some time to prepare, though.
His massive, white-furred frame filled the space as he shoved the doors open more to enter, causing the others to stiffen and look his way.
Ramuk was among the more muscular and bulky apes Azalea had seen, but that didn’t always mean much considering the heat a Quen’Talrat could produce from their fur was their only real threat to Thélméthra.
The giant ape’s two heads turned to survey the large warehouse that the others wandered through; projecting his voice through the Nexus, he breathed in sharply. “On the contrary, Ma’am. I’ve seen these slothful types before.”
Moris’Luar’s lips pulled in, fur stiffening as his small tail folded under with his falling eyes. “Elite Hunter Ramuk, we are trying to identify at which stage of the technological leap the inner mountain was constructed under to bring the proper…”
A sharp, hot stream of air shot through the ape’s nostrils as he rose to his full height upon getting near the much smaller Quen’Talrat, making him fidget; it amused Azalea and seemed to be a part of their culture.
“Is there anything to base your thoughts on? Unless there has been more recon done since I was ordered to escort you cowards, then no. Therefore, get your tails into gear before I rip them off your backs; we have an enemy above, below, and surrounding us! Get the minimum supplies, and be quick about it!”
Azalea could see the vitriol in the man’s face as his two tails smacked the rough, black granite ground, causing the two Nalvean women to jump from the reverberations that carried up to their legs and spines.
Her pink irises slid to the five specialists. I’ll leave it in your hands, Ramuk. I don’t know much about these Quen’Talrat things. How soon do you think we’ll be ready?
Ramuk cleared his throats, turning to slam his two left arms against his bulging chest. “Eight minutes at the most, Ma’am! On our way back, we may stop at a Gray Blood armory for me to obtain my proper gear; Commander Amra’Cora gave me the access rune.”
See to it, Azalea said, smoothly flipping to the ground and making her way to the wide-open doors the giant ape had entered through. I’ll be with my thoughts outside.
“Yes, Ma’am! Let’s go, ya Yaltha’ma sniffin’ dirt chewers!”
Azalea shook her head and giggled, catching the two Nalvean girls tentatively rushing after her. Making it outside, she casually walked down the side ramp of the four steps that would take her to the broad sidewalk.
I want to have fun … Yet it’s hard after everything Violet said and Camellia experienced.
She looked up at the soft glow of the illuminating skies; the moisture coming into the valley sent a short shiver down her human spine. Snow … Empress, it is going to snow soon.
Her connection to the Empress soon linked; she always felt happy that her new leader always opened up on request. “Is that so … How bad will it be?”
Mild. I believe it will only last for three hours from the moisture coming from the west.
“Mmh … It might be a fun activity for some of the humans to experience. Perhaps it could even help to brighten Camellia’s spirits while enjoying it with the children. I’ll have Sari’aél make preparations with Lucky and Gwen.”
Azalea turned, hand still clasped around her thin elbow to see Giliri and Fini descending the stairs; obviously, they wanted some of her time, yet knew she was in a state some of the maids called ‘do not disturb’ mode—she was learning so many odd things as of late.
Enjoying snow? I don’t follow.
Elinor chuckled. “When you return, maybe I’ll see if Edmon can make some, and your sister can educate you on it.”
Head tilting with a confused smile lifting the corner of her lip, Azalea giggled. It would certainly be new for Camellia to teach me something. I look forward to the experience.
“Azalea…”
Hmm? Her brow furrowed, shifting posture to look in the direction of her Empress; she knew what was likely going through her mind, though.
“Be careful. I know you’re struggling in your own way. This could be very dangerous, and above anything else, I want you all to return.”
My primary objective is to return with everyone intact, discover the mysteries in the mountain, and repair it if possible, Azalea returned, listing off the priority of her mission.
“Yes, but also have as much fun as you can while doing that,” Elinor sighed. “I know you’ve been feeling trapped.”
I serve you, Empress. I find enjoyment in that!
Elinor’s tone turned wry. “You don’t need to downplay it, Azalea. Is this an important task? Yes. However, we need to find joy in every moment we can because the sky can fall upon our heads at any time. You’re smart, skilled, and full of life, but I’ve felt you struggling with a few things as of late.”
Azalea’s nose creased, vision falling from the sky to the stone streets; much like she could look into the desires of those under her care, her Empress could do the same to every creature she brought back.
Violet told me my reckless actions investigating the Maw could have caused you severe pain. I am questioning what fun I can have that will do more good than harm. My mother is focused on my youngest sister, on whom I have my own uncertainty concerning her place in the Empire, and a few other topics have been weighing on my mind.
Elinor took a deep breath and let it out. “Azalea, you are not your sisters. Have fun in your own way, adapt in your own way. Camellia and Violet have their needs, and you yours. It is true, you live to help realize my aspirations, but it is not a one-way street. Your mother needed to have answers, and so I sent her on that quest because it was not only her desire but mine as well … I am on your side, and you are on mine, Azalea. Go, and have fun.”
The unusual weight pressing against her breast she’d been experiencing over the last few days lifted at what she perceived as an order. As you command, Empress!
However, the next topic dropped her throat into her stomach. “Azalea … There is something both Violet and you are struggling with … You’ve been trying to avoid Camellia and keeping contact to a minimum. Are you trying to punish her?”
No, no, Empress … It’s… Azalea’s lower lip tucked under her teeth. It’s complicated … I’ve never felt this way about any of my siblings.
She searched for the proper words for the gashes that had ripped into her twisting hearts and the unfamiliar, festering emotions, but Elinor’s soft voice returned before she could form an answer. “Take your time, Azalea. Sari’aél brought it to my attention … She’s concerned about you.”
Her chest had seized, and in one quick motion, she jumped up, using her locks to pull her onto the warehouse roof to sit in solitude; the two Nalveans tensed at the action, heads rising to follow her blurred movements.
Azalea puffed out a long breath while falling to her back to stare up at the sky as the clouds rolled into the valley and were pulled into the swirl of white around the colossal mountain.
Heh … I’ve never hesitated before, Empress … Is it because of this human form that these emotions fill me? I love my sister … Why do I feel this way?
Elinor’s tone held a shared pain as she shared in the experience through the Nexus. “You’re thinking about your new youngest sister?”
The wounds opened again, causing liquid to touch her eyes. I can’t be the only one that’s thought of it, Empress … I’m sure Camellia has herself … If it were Mother, Violet … If I were in Camellia’s place … Our youngest sister would be here … Our mother would be happy … We’d be a happy family.
Howling wind filled the ensuing silence while Azalea tracked the currents, hearing every twitch the Quen’Talrat made below her. She didn’t want to blame her eldest sister for something entirely outside of her control—Camellia was always the screw-up, but it was her determination that always held Azalea’s respect—this was different, though.
“I know it’s not my place to tell you what to feel, Azalea … Yes, even as the Empress. Camellia has hurt herself more than you know for that very thought … It was breaking her, and I saw it, which was why I sent her to broaden her perspective and learn how it feels to live as a small, weak human and learn how they stand back up, even when their world collapses.”
Elinor paused, likely changing locations to look out of one of the windows at the expanding snowfall. “No one can deny that you are stronger than Camellia, and you would have likely found a way to bring back your sister … It hurts, I know.”
Azalea’s chest fluttered, letting the pain filter through the walls she built to restrict the unfamiliar suffering that tormented her mind. I … fear what might happen to my little living sister, Empress, and to know that she would not be in such a position if Camellia was stronger is … it hurts in ways I can’t express.
“No one is punishing Camellia more than herself, Azalea … You’re adapting because of me, and the emotions you can now feel through the Nexus are both a blessing and curse. Camellia is growing in ways that will strengthen her for the future, and we both know your mother will rest at nothing to keep her children safe.”
Azalea used her hair to wipe away her wet cheeks, sitting up to press her arms against her knee while looking up at the palace tower in the distance. Empress … I want to get stronger. I don’t want to go through what Camellia had to deal with.
“Hmm … Do what you need to do, Azalea. Your family has grown larger than you realize; we’re here to help one another. We will save your youngest sister.”
She brushed back her hair, fingers tickling her scalp. Heh, yeah … I’ve never seen my mother so focused … deadly … I can sense it through her thread. I, too, will get stronger.
“While having fun?”
You know me so well! Azalea giggled. Heh … yeah. Thank you, Empress. I will make you proud.
A soft chuckle passed through their connection as Azalea returned to her feet. “If that’s your goal, then it’s already been accomplished. I trust you, Azalea, and in the end, even if we fall, all we can do is get back up and work harder. We learned a lot through Camellia’s mission. Nothing will be in vain because we’ll take and use everything we can.”
Right … Thank you, Empress, Azalea whispered, jumping back to the front; the Quen’Talrat were nearly ready to go. We’re almost ready to go.
“I look forward to your report, and if you ever need to talk, I’m here to listen.”
Their connection cut, and she turned a bright smile to the two nervous Nalvean girls behind her. Need something?
Giliri’s tail curled in to press against her shin. “General Azalea, ahem, we’re just wondering if—well, we usually had formations and stuff when we were in the City Watch.”
Fini twisted her fingers to add on to her friend’s words before they froze, realizing she could tap into the more advanced style of their language through the Empress’s Nexus. “Mhm, we just—we don’t want to look unprofessional, General.”
Azalea laughed, doubling over a little at the earnestness the two had; it seemed so trite and meaningless to her, yet to these two, it was a serious question. No, no, no! Do whatever you feel is right, and you don’t need to call me General or anything of the like. My name is Azalea, which was given to me by Tiffany.
The two turned to give each other relieved looks, their tight muscles easing.
“Thank you, Azalea!” Giliri replied, saluting her. “We’ll do our best to keep the—umm, the Quen’Talrat safe … Doesn’t that sound weird?” she whispered, glancing to her friend.
Fini snickered, rubbing her arm. “Super weird! They look so big and strong compared to us.”
Mmh, not so much, Azalea replied, shifting her weight to examine the clouds spinning out of the flowing milky soup obscuring the mountain. Do you know how to have fun in the snow?
Giliri blinked. “Snow? What’s snow? Do you know, Fini?”
“Mhm-uh. Wait, is it like ice?” she asked, scaled nose twitching a bit while glancing at the other Seaweaver.
“Is it?”
He-he. Azalea shook her head. You’ll learn what it is soon enough.
Fini’s shoulders slumped. “I apologize, Azalea. We were born in a rather small Nalvean city; we don’t know a lot outside of our area.”
Apologies … are still somewhat new to me, she mused, but I see no fault. If there were defects or flaws within the Brood, it would be rooted out and destroyed, yet that seems to indicate something more severe than an apology.
Giliri and Fini’s eyes darted to each other, clearly confused. Azalea’s focus moved to the door, though. It seems we are ready.
Excitement bubbled up in her throat as a floating sensation filled her lungs. I can’t wait to see what mysteries await us!
The six Quen’Talrat exited the building, one of the specialists hauling a floating cart behind him; Azalea assumed such an advanced item wouldn’t be used for such a menial task during the Empire days considering its rarity.
She made her stance clear regarding her name to the others, but Ramuk insisted that titles were a display of power and fear that he’d prefer to use—it kept the lower ranks in check. Azalea was fine, so long as it was a simple one-word response.
Picking up their pace, Azalea was more impressed by Ramuk’s whip-like drive than anything else; he kept the specialists moving at a high speed for their Grades, which saw them arriving at one of the Gray Blood’s supply rooms sooner than expected.
Azalea wasn’t all that group-oriented; sure, she could control Drones, but they were simple and followed instructions to the best of their ability on the first prompt and could understand their race’s complex and swift combat motions—unfortunately, the Empress’s skill didn’t seem to translate it as of yet.
Making their way inside the front of a large repository hall, she noticed the odd symbols carved above the doors, and much like many of the other important buildings, seals were embedded into the sidewalk leading into the half-circle parking area.
They left the five specialists outside with the Nalvean girls; Azalea liked to know as much as possible about her new territory, which meant learning everything she could when around various parts of the city.
Ramuk effortlessly forced the large stone doors open, and to their own ears, it would have been soundless, yet to her, she could hear the moving hinges; Tiffany had commented on the small feats of engineering that so impressed Edmon—it amused Azalea to no end.
With how the Witch told it, she wasn’t all that interested in the topics, yet Azalea noticed how bizarrely fascinated she was in knowing precisely what the Doom Guard found appealing.
Inside, she saw stairs to her left, an open gravity elevator next to it, a large sitting area to her right with their furnishings still intact, and a long hallway extending forward. Ramuk took them to the elevator beside the stairs, activating the crystal gem to carry them up.
“The Gray Blood’s storage area is on the third level.”
Is that so? she hummed. What kind of items rest here? Ke’Thra’Ma had these large weapons that shone with various lights and had unique effects. His armor was impossible for me to get through, which was impressive.
The giant ape’s bare, muscular chest rumbled with laughter. “By no means do we have access to such legendary equipment, General. The Commander only has the code to get into specific vaults.”
Couldn’t we break into the others and get better gear? Azalea asked, scanning the strange shimmering yellow and white stone doors as they made it to the 3rd floor. I can sense the runic language, but it shouldn’t be that tricky to find my way inside.
Ramuk took them down the three branching hallways that extended three hundred meters, showing how massive the thirteen-story building was. “As you can see, nothing in these vaults are marked,” he pointed at each sealed space, displaying various designs on the doors. “Each room has an internal power source that could last a full year under severe stress if cut off from the main grid, and there’s no way of knowing if one is empty or filled with important goods without the manifest.”
Azalea slid her fingers across one of the doors, scanning the strange energy weaving through the structure. It’s stronger than the ones used at the base of this city, she commented, thinking back on their effort to burrow into the Quen’Talrat stronghold.
“Ah, I was unaware of that detail,” Ramuk grunted. “I suppose it was laid as the foundation of the project, and naturally, advancements would have been made as the construction went on.”
He wasn’t joking, and not one door was lacking in strength; a few variations made through manual error from the scribes, but well within margin to make it challenging to crack. Again, she was reminded why her mother was so drawn to the creatures as their primary prey.
When they stopped, she watched in fascination as Ramuk pounded on twelve areas that sent booms echoing through the halls and then traced a complicated design that needed to be completed in one smooth motion before placing both hands on the structure.
The gold and white symbols illuminated with the lines; in the next instant, their brilliance faded. The doors pushed toward them and then parted to either side of the hallway. Inside was what Azalea would consider a small armory for the Quen’Talrat’s size.
She watched Ramuk stroll in, wearing a big grin. “This takes me back,” he chuckled, moving to a mannequin fully clothed in plate armor. A sudden frown creased his dark eyes while turning to face her. “When you discovered us, General, were we wearing armor?”
It never even occurred to Azalea since she never used such items. No, you were not.
A low growl rolled through his throat, and he started to dress. “Odd … Gear such as this should last many generations of Quen’Talrat. Perhaps the creatures disintegrated it, but no … No, if it leaves bones, then it only affects living tissue.”
Oh! You think the creatures took your armor? Azalea asked. Why?
“Who can say. Maybe it’s something we should bring up to the Empress.”
Azalea contacted Edmon to report the thought, seeing as the Empress was currently busy with her new bird-boy creature.
After listening to their explanation, Edmon was silent for a time. “Hmm ... It certainly is something to take into consideration. I’ll bring it before the others. Continue with the mission.”
“Sir!”
Got it! Azalea chimed, eyeing the bulky ape as he finished. Wow, you’re so sparkly!
Ramuk twisted left and right, the pieces of metal constricted around his form. “Elite Hunters’ equipment was designed to take the shape of those that wear it since we can come in so many different sizes. I’m ready to go, General!”
Exiting the building, she was a little amused by the five specialists that instantly felt a flood of confidence upon seeing the decked-out Elite Hunter. Ramuk used no weapon other than his armored body as a Wall Crusher—he certainly intimidated the Nalvean girls.
The nine of them took their journey to the underground mining shaft since it would be the fastest way to get closer to the mountain entrance Moris’Luar knew of, and Azalea was surprised by her elder sister’s sudden request to communicate as they neared the railway.
“Lea?”
Oh?! Cami! How are you feeling? she asked, trying to remain cheerful after her conversation with the Empress. Are humans interesting and fun?
“Yeah, yeah … Umm, the Empress asked me to … to teach you how to have fun in the snow when you get back. Eh, heh, I know … me teaching you something is funny, right?”
Entering the building to reach the rail system, Azalea puffed out the stress in her breast. Actually, I don’t know what it means to have fun in the snow. You think I’m good enough to learn such a complex thing? she teased.
“You?” Camellia snickered, sounding a little more like the sister she knew. “Of course, you’ll learn it so fast and beat me like … so fast! Eh … Actually, Lea, umm … I wanted to tell you, I want to get stronger … I’m not strong enough, I know. Can … can you help me?”
The heat in Azalea’s chest rose to her throat as she slowed, causing her party to give her a questioning look. Help? You want me to help you get stronger?
“I mean, I can’t really ask Violet … You know her,” Camellia mumbled. “She’s all talent, but—but you’re the most skilled out of us, and well … I’ve always looked up to you.”
Fighting back the strange liquid in her eyes, Azalea returned to her Thélméthra form to escape the physical phenomena, increasing her speed. Of course … I’d like that. I’ll ask the Empress for some time together … Maybe we can go on a sister’s mission—just the two of us.
“I’d like that … So much!” Camellia cried, and Azalea could feel her sister’s hurting heart, sparking a new, humbling sensation within her heart.
I love you, Camellia … We’ll save our little sister … as a family.
“Yeah … as a family. Thank you, Lea … Nevermind,” she sniffed, “sorry. I need to get stronger.”
I … We all do, Cami … For the Empress, right?
“For the Empress! Thanks, Lea; I’m gonna learn about this snow fun stuff to teach you!”
I’m excited! she squealed. Okay, gotta go—talk to you later! Bye!
“Stay safe!”
Yup! Yup!
Azalea cut their connection, riding atop the transportation as Ramuk got it in motion.
The cool wind rushing past her armored Thélméthra exoskeleton tickled the fine hairs across her figure, leaving Azalea alone with her thoughts for a time. I’m the one that should be sorry, Cami … You try the hardest out of all of us. Maybe you can help your little sister through her own struggles.
Looking up at the smooth passage the Quen’Tarlat carved, she smiled in her heart while seeing all of the flaws—clearly, Quen’Talrat were not burrowing creatures, but it put things into perspective, as the Empress said—they were all flawed in some way.
The baggage weighing her down over the past three days fell off her back, and they made their way out of the cave.
They left the large processing facility that branched into the mine, following the stairs up to the small, triple gated fortress that was built onto the mine to provide extra security.
Azalea gazed across the valley from the final wall—Nethermore stood as a bastion, overlooking the valley. There’s no going back. The past is in the past. It’s time to make our future better!
To their right was the slowly advancing veil of white; the treeline ended a little way down from where they stood, and the planes of green grass rose to meet the expanding frost.
Transforming into her human form, Azalea lowered down the others before joining them. Luckily, Moris’Luar’s path inside the chain of tunnels that made up the massive machine wasn’t too far from the mines, seeing as he was instructed to gather a few of the men to work on it when labor was short.
Twenty minutes later, they were passing into a small opening in the rocky surface of a sheer cliff to find a forty-foot-tall stone door fixed with the glowing runic symbols.
If it starts here, then this network must be massive … Although, this security…
Moris’Luar hissed as he stepped up to access the runic symbols. “No … no, no, no! It’s all changed…”
Azalea giggled, gently using one of her eight legs to guide him back. No issue. I’ll have it open within two minutes.
“Excellent work, General!” Ramuk grinned. “Your versatility keeps surprising me; I fear our entire unit would have been devastated had we the misfortune of coming across one another in life.”
This is rather easy, Ramuk, Azalea returned, yet it felt nice having someone compliment her on what she already knew. Be prepared; we don’t know what awaits us!
Gleefully cutting them a path that even the massive Elite Hunter could fit through, they entered the dark cavern; the first thing Azalea sensed was death … the decaying scent of creatures she’d never encountered before, and the excitement in her breast rose to new heights.
We’re entering a graveyard. Keep your eyes sharp if you don’t want to die!
Giliri and Fini swallowed, readying the red liquid they kept in jars around their waist.
The specialists shivered, hesitantly pressing forward as Ramuk took the rear, prompting them on; the sizable gray-furred ape pounded his two armored fists together. “Come what may; I will crush it!”
They entered with Azalea taking point, cloaked in shadow while the Nalvean girls kept a distance between her and the specialists, acting as bait.
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Comments
SME
Mhm, but our angel does have some drawbacks; she's been very drained by the various forces she's had to deal with. Sari'ael is strong, very true, but she's also tied down by Elinor's own progression. Even repeated divinity release 1 will have a very harsh effect as they go on. It's better to restrict them for their darkest hour.
Martynas Samsonas
Ohhh a graveyard. Sounds like one of the places Elinor would most certainly like to visit :D. All that said her current level seriously mismatches her available army ? Let's call it that :P. So I guess no new members joining the crew till Elinor can finish the catch up game. And well I do wonder how does one top a certain curious angels resurrection :D ? I certainly doubt it would be in terms of power.
