Sal'thorin's Youngest High Priest

Greetings lady Serena. It's seem your beauty is ever so lasting, dazzling like a rare gem. I hope you'll forever shine and dazzling like this, Perhaps just like glitter that won't come off the skin but forever shining.

- Jn.

Before the young lady could look away from the mysterious letter, a portal appears above her and without warning dropped a pounds of dirty mustard yellow glitter directly on her, covered every part of her with glitter from head to toe and basically buried her in ugly colored glitter. And if we know glitter so well, those probably won't come out even after hundreds of shower.

WHOA—

(And Feli almost drops his notebook. Oops.)

That was loud...

(Feli takes the draconic scale as Zanie hands it to him, immediately sensing magic from it.)

You are right... This is undoubtedly powerful Essail magic. It feels unique, too...

My best guess is the Queen's, since only her powers can be this immense...

"You're correct, Feli. It is her magic. That scale you see right now indeed belongs to her." He confirms the other boy's speculation with a nod, "As for why, well, you are aware that the Queen has fallen terribly ill- yes? This scale is part of her unique condition." He points to the very thing containing Seralyth's magic.

"I have had the chance to not only go to Ebony Moon Palace by His Highness's invitation, but also the rare opportunity to capture a glimpse of Her Majesty." The High Priest recalls the moment as he placed a hand to his chin. Brows furrowed and eyes closed, "To put it frankly, she has transformed into some sort of draconic mutant. Which certainly didn't quite match the flattering portrayal her statues depict. Far from it." He then opened his eyes, returning to the present, "Indeed a huge price she has paid for the Essail's survival.."

His Highness invited you to the Queen's Palace...? You must be something special, yourself...

(Feli's focus—right at that moment— is less on the absurdity of the situation and more on how Vendrix managed to accomplish that. But knowing His Highness, the way he favors people is lenient at best.)

(Still, his mind drifts back to the matter at hand.)

Her Majesty... is now a draconic mutant...? It can't be...

But, if this is what she has to endure for the sake of our people...

(The High Priest says that, though he indeed has caught a hint of insincerity from Vendrix's reverence. Whatever questions or doubts he has regarding Seralyth's state are put aside the moment he catches it. Is it simply because he believes he shouldn't question Her Majesty...?)

...

How should I put this…

The only way I can really say it, is… Betrayal doesn’t come from your enemies. It comes from the people you trust.

But that’s what us researchers are here for. To verify which is the real truth, and which isn’t.

I know this sounds impossible to you right now, but your Queen really isn’t as she’s preached to be. And it’s not just because she’s a dragon—

As if sensing the growing franticness in her voice, a miniature plush version of Indris comes out from Feli’s cloak, looking at her.

—! …

And for a short moment, Zanie almost freaks out. However, the matter at hand is more urgent.

"VELARA IS GOING TO MURDER FELI. ONCE HE ASKS FOR THE REAL TRUTH OF THE QUEEN, THE DIVINE DEW- WHEN HE QUESTIONED EVERYTHING IN SAL'THORIN- SHE SHOT HIM WITH HER MAGIC AT LUNARIS ALTAR! PLEASE PLEASE, DON'T LET FELI DIE HERE!!"

Its voice soon breaks down into full on sobbing. Breaking down after it let out its true feelings, those that Vendrix resonated with as his expression fully drops to a solemn and bitter one, "This. Your life. We don't want you to die at the hands of someone as cruel and unjust as the Queen herself- the entire foundation she built Sal'thorin upon can rot for all I care- so many of our brethren have suffered and lost their lives because of her and this system she established- one of them being you in our worlds."

. . .

(Feli doesn't know how to respond as his entire frame is frozen at the spot. Everything feels like a blur.)

No way... This...

(He struggles to find the words, trying to process what mini-Indris has practically screamed out as well as what Vendrix added and showed from body language.)

(He wants to retort, to call Zanie or Vendrix blasphemous for daring to say such things about the Queen and her teachings, as well as Velara who always seemed to look out for him— She even expressed concern over the possibility of him disappearing! Yet things fall into place, and he has seen and heard them himself...)

(It begins to make sense when he had certain visitors prior to this. Both mini-Indris then the best friend himself looked upset when they saw him, the gentle breeze sounded sad and left him warnings to also practice on defensive magic spells.)

...

JUMPSCARE!!!

AH!

(Feli instinctively points his staff towards Igor, its gem glowing, but he hasn't made another move yet. Defense first.)

*giggles* Wouldn't you like to find out?

The real question is if you'd like to find out the fun way or the funnest way!! Your choice!!

but when you point your weapon at me like that... it might be the latter. HA!! It's fun and interesting either way, so why not?

Huh...? You're a strange one...

Either way, I'm the youngest High Priest of Sal'thorin. I-I'm not afraid of you!

(The boy says that with his staff still raised, but he hasn't done much else. The initial shock is gradually replaced by a tint of... curiosity.)

Oho, that's easy!! I sneaked in the shadowy corners of the caves and found myself stumbling upon here!! I did find the priests and stuff...

... But I am but a master of stealth!! The embodiment of a shadow even!! Hiding in the darkness is a piece of cake to me!!

And also the fact that I'm sneaked out of my hometown by sneaking into a couple carriages because I'm bored BUT I WON'T BE HERE LONG TRUST ME!!

(lie)

Anyways, you said you're the youngest high priest? For a kid that's a crazy achievement!!

You said you sneaked around the dark corners of the caves...? That's impressive...

So you sneaked out from your hometown and ended up here...

(Feli has a hunch Igor mainly wants to have fun—especially since this place looks new to him, and so he may be here for quite a while.)

Hmm, and you don't sound like a bad person, but how you look may catch people here off guard...

(He lowers his staff, now looking thoughtful. Takes him back to a bit of how Princess Yolena was like when she stumbled upon him...)

And um, this whole place is tough to live in, so children here don't get to play much... Usually it would be me with my magic and ideas to try and make people happy...

You seem to be someone who likes to play games with children. What kind of games do you usually play with them in your hometown?

HAHA!! YOU CAUGHT UP!! Guess we're hanging together now!!

Wait did you just say the children don't play as much here? That's TERRIBLE!! That explains why there was a gloomy feeling?? Energy?? JUST SOMETHING GLOOMY going on in this town!!

At least your magic entertains people!! Anyone would hate to see people sad and gloomy.

As for me, I entertain the kids by playing lots of games!! Yeah there's snowball fights, skating, snowman building, hopscotch on tombstones, hide and seek... THERE'S SO MUCH TO BE LISTED HAHAHA!!

(The boy's eyes light up hearing about the many kinds of games the whimsical Graveborn man plays with the children where he lives. Snowspire Festival and things about snow aside for now...)

Wow... That sounds like so much fun!

[How I wish I could go to the surface so I could play with them— I could come up with some new magical tricks for them, even!]

Oh, now I would like to invite you to my experimental forest. Maybe from there you can have more fun ideas for the games to play with the children, too.

This way, it can even seem like I'm there, playing with you guys.

Ah, sorry! I forgot to introduce myself properly.

JUMPSCARE!!!

AH!

(Feli instinctively points his staff towards Igor, its gem glowing, but he hasn't made another move yet. Defense first.)

*giggles* Wouldn't you like to find out?

The real question is if you'd like to find out the fun way or the funnest way!! Your choice!!

but when you point your weapon at me like that... it might be the latter. HA!! It's fun and interesting either way, so why not?

Huh...? You're a strange one...

Either way, I'm the youngest High Priest of Sal'thorin. I-I'm not afraid of you!

(The boy says that with his staff still raised, but he hasn't done much else. The initial shock is gradually replaced by a tint of... curiosity.)

Oho, that's easy!! I sneaked in the shadowy corners of the caves and found myself stumbling upon here!! I did find the priests and stuff...

... But I am but a master of stealth!! The embodiment of a shadow even!! Hiding in the darkness is a piece of cake to me!!

And also the fact that I'm sneaked out of my hometown by sneaking into a couple carriages because I'm bored BUT I WON'T BE HERE LONG TRUST ME!!

(lie)

Anyways, you said you're the youngest high priest? For a kid that's a crazy achievement!!

You said you sneaked around the dark corners of the caves...? That's impressive...

So you sneaked out from your hometown and ended up here...

(Feli has a hunch Igor mainly wants to have fun—especially since this place looks new to him, and so he may be here for quite a while.)

Hmm, and you don't sound like a bad person, but how you look may catch people here off guard...

(He lowers his staff, now looking thoughtful. Takes him back to a bit of how Princess Yolena was like when she stumbled upon him...)

And um, this whole place is tough to live in, so children here don't get to play much... Usually it would be me with my magic and ideas to try and make people happy...

You seem to be someone who likes to play games with children. What kind of games do you usually play with them in your hometown?

JUMPSCARE!!!

AH!

(Feli instinctively points his staff towards Igor, its gem glowing, but he hasn't made another move yet. Defense first.)

*giggles* Wouldn't you like to find out?

The real question is if you'd like to find out the fun way or the funnest way!! Your choice!!

but when you point your weapon at me like that... it might be the latter. HA!! It's fun and interesting either way, so why not?

Huh...? You're a strange one...

Either way, I'm the youngest High Priest of Sal'thorin. I-I'm not afraid of you!

(The boy says that with his staff still raised, but he hasn't done much else. The initial shock is gradually replaced by a tint of... curiosity.)

(Feli takes the draconic scale as Zanie hands it to him, immediately sensing magic from it.)

You are right... This is undoubtedly powerful Essail magic. It feels unique, too...

My best guess is the Queen's, since only her powers can be this immense...

"You're correct, Feli. It is her magic. That scale you see right now indeed belongs to her." He confirms the other boy's speculation with a nod, "As for why, well, you are aware that the Queen has fallen terribly ill- yes? This scale is part of her unique condition." He points to the very thing containing Seralyth's magic.

"I have had the chance to not only go to Ebony Moon Palace by His Highness's invitation, but also the rare opportunity to capture a glimpse of Her Majesty." The High Priest recalls the moment as he placed a hand to his chin. Brows furrowed and eyes closed, "To put it frankly, she has transformed into some sort of draconic mutant. Which certainly didn't quite match the flattering portrayal her statues depict. Far from it." He then opened his eyes, returning to the present, "Indeed a huge price she has paid for the Essail's survival.."

His Highness invited you to the Queen's Palace...? You must be something special, yourself...

(Feli's focus—right at that moment— is less on the absurdity of the situation and more on how Vendrix managed to accomplish that. But knowing His Highness, the way he favors people is lenient at best.)

(Still, his mind drifts back to the matter at hand.)

Her Majesty... is now a draconic mutant...? It can't be...

But, if this is what she has to endure for the sake of our people...

(The High Priest says that, though he indeed has caught a hint of insincerity from Vendrix's reverence. Whatever questions or doubts he has regarding Seralyth's state are put aside the moment he catches it. Is it simply because he believes he shouldn't question Her Majesty...?)

...

Allowing him to pick up on this strange yet oddly familiar wave of magic wafting towards him in such a gentle yet precise manner. Making sure to avoid detection from other priests while creating a trail for the young High Priest to follow, leading towards an unassuming vined-covered cavewall at the northern part of the Lunaris Altar that only a rare few ever go to.

Something tells him.. he must go investigate.

(Feli's hands are caressing the scarf the gentle breeze gave him, fascinated by how warm it feels... His focus is shifted when he notices the magical trail.)

(Right away, he can tell such a feat can only be accomplished by a powerful priest.)

...?

(Which only tempts him further to follow it and figure out where it ultimately leads him to. Keeping quiet—mumbling at most, taking careful steps, ensuring not too much attention is drawn towards himself.)

(Who knows, if something goes awry along the way, he can practice his defense spells firsthand...)

Before he could even begin to wonder how to undo such a ward, it opened itself up for Feli to enter. If not for the entrance opening 'on its own', then the fellow young High Priest who stood a bit taller than Feli welcoming him in would do,

"Feli.. please do come in."

...

(Except, Feli has a hunch from the way this boy looks at him... Something about him feels oddly familiar.)

... (He gives the boy a bow before slowly making his way forward. He has a feeling this one means no harm, but still, he can never be too cautious—)

... Oh my.

(As he sets foot into the secret study, the young High Priest is taken aback by its intricate interior. One can tell the boy who beckoned him in has put a lot of thought into this place... just like how Feli himself makes sure his forest looks enchanting for visitors.)

Did you... build all this yourself? It's amazing...

He leads Feli towards the table where Zanie awaits, "Me and this dwarven lady require your dire assistance in a matter that would most benefit from your expertise and.." He trails off for a bit as his gaze slowly averted, knowing melancholy and frustration painted in those eyes even if brief, "To get you out of harm's way. You may not believe me that High Priestess Velara is involved in this in some way but first, we need to head back to your forest. I feel even my study isn't the most adequate place to discuss this. This way, please."

The moment she spots Feli, Zanie feels a slight pang in her chest… There the boy is, indeed alive and well, and she is absolutely sure she heard his voice just now as he was chatting with Vendrix. It’s not a dream.

Regardless, she nods at the two Essail upon the gesture—brushing her own thoughts aside, and presses on with the matter at hand, now that the trio are on their way to the experimental forest.

This is… complicated to explain. And we want to make this… as comfy as possible? Easing ourselves into it, that’s it.

Her tone is considerably calmer than normal… Which of course, this is a serious matter.

I know this is confusing— I’m magicless, unlike you both, for one— But hopefully we can explain while we’re on the way to your forest, Feli…

(However, none of them have attempted to harm him so far... And from the mood of what's happening, this seems to be serious, and it involves him, specifically. Thus, he brushes his doubts aside and follows the two.)

For this to be discussed in my forest, and through such a pathway... You're indeed thoughtful, Vendrix.

Allowing him to pick up on this strange yet oddly familiar wave of magic wafting towards him in such a gentle yet precise manner. Making sure to avoid detection from other priests while creating a trail for the young High Priest to follow, leading towards an unassuming vined-covered cavewall at the northern part of the Lunaris Altar that only a rare few ever go to.

Something tells him.. he must go investigate.

(Feli's hands are caressing the scarf the gentle breeze gave him, fascinated by how warm it feels... His focus is shifted when he notices the magical trail.)

(Right away, he can tell such a feat can only be accomplished by a powerful priest.)

...?

(Which only tempts him further to follow it and figure out where it ultimately leads him to. Keeping quiet—mumbling at most, taking careful steps, ensuring not too much attention is drawn towards himself.)

(Who knows, if something goes awry along the way, he can practice his defense spells firsthand...)

Before he could even begin to wonder how to undo such a ward, it opened itself up for Feli to enter. If not for the entrance opening 'on its own', then the fellow young High Priest who stood a bit taller than Feli welcoming him in would do,

"Feli.. please do come in."

...

(Except, Feli has a hunch from the way this boy looks at him... Something about him feels oddly familiar.)

... (He gives the boy a bow before slowly making his way forward. He has a feeling this one means no harm, but still, he can never be too cautious—)

... Oh my.

(As he sets foot into the secret study, the young High Priest is taken aback by its intricate interior. One can tell the boy who beckoned him in has put a lot of thought into this place... just like how Feli himself makes sure his forest looks enchanting for visitors.)

Did you... build all this yourself? It's amazing...

*After a few turns, over roots, twigs and under low growing mushrooms, Cyran finally reaches a small clearing. The noise coming from the other side announces the arrival of whom he was looking for.*

*Within a second he composes himself and just as if nothing had happened, he awaits the princess. He chooses to ignore the presence of the High Priest for the time being.*

Ah. Your Highness. What a surprise. I did not expect to run into you. 

*He then gently gestures to their surroundings, his eyes fixed upon her.*

"C-Cyran!"

(She straightens instinctively, brushing a stray bit of moss from her sleeve as though that might make her look less caught.)

“I—ah—was just…” (her gaze darts between him and Feli, the brightness in her tone wobbling) “—on a totally normal walk.”

...

I am not in the habit of casually passing through hidden portals and roaming about dangerous habitats like you, Your Highness.

You have gravely overstepped your privileges today. We will return immediately and I highly recommend that you do not stray even a single step from my side.

...

Glory to the Queen.

It's not my intention to be involved in this.

(Feli immediately thinks of something, his own practiced demeanor present.)

While being around the area, I happened to spot her. She got lost during her... investigation, so I accompanied her. I needed to keep an eye on her as well, since she isn't from around here.

I see it's you who has been looking for her. While I don't recognize you, I'd recommend that she shouldn't linger here much longer than needed.

(Yolena swallows.) “Well—but you -are- here. Aren’t you!”

“And in disguise!”

Do you really consider it wise, trying to negotiate here and now?

Do not entertain even a sliver of hope that you'd be free of the consequences.

*Cyran summons his staff and a magic circle appears on the ground.*

[She plants her feet.]

“No.”

[It feels like the closer she is to Cyran’s teleportation circle, the fewer options she has in this ‘negotiation’.]

(She exhales, chin tilting up, a waver in her voice quickly steadied by will.)

“I mean—not yet. You can’t just appear and whisk me away like I’m some parcel to be delivered back to the castle the moment I step somewhere new! I’m totally fine, Cyran.”

(She gestures around, a sweep of her arm toward the glowing mushrooms, the forest’s hush, the faintly curious creatures peeking from behind roots.)

Y—

(Feli internally jumps the moment Yolena starts gesturing around the place. He himself has so many questions, but he knows not to raise any right here and now.)