[Story scene post]
"Ospinevarn, Darterra, and Xeata-Lidoffad," Jaildarn points to the circular carvings. "This is about their alignment. We need to summon a Silver."
Reyrigo shakes his head. "Bad enough having a Gold down here. Now you want your worthless Silver pals? We haven't shored up the area to prevent collapse. Any of the stalactites could come loose and impale someone. It is out of the question."
"No!" Jaildarn's objection echoes off the walls. "They must come. I will fetch them myself. You will see. Everyone will see! Golds have a great purpose. Silvers are not liars. We are right. That arch is a portal. Mark my words, we will soon rule Xeata-Lidoffad." He marches off, his heavy footsteps reverberating through the cavern.
Though Reyrigo and I expected Jaildarn would soon return, he did not. I passed my level three test, and upon becoming a level four, joined Reyrigo's team. The level twos were experiencing the bodily changes that would propel them to level three. It was obvious that the Opals would soon announce new life from the Birth Place.
Reyrigo and I were discussing that while admiring the rock wall at the sanctuary when an Opal came.
"The Purple says you are the leaders of the Browns of this village. I am Quisbaqol."
We each take a knee and raise our palms to the sky as we introduce ourselves.
"It is an honor to welcome you. Shall we ask the Colorless to prepare a meal?" I ask as I rise.
Quisbaqol takes a seat. "No, thank you. I must learn how many level ones your village is prepared to handle. New life will emerge from the Birth Place soon. We feel something unusual about the event this time. It is unclear as to what."
"We welcome any Browns and will provide, of course."
Reyrigo claps me on the shoulder. "Perhaps our Master Opal prefers a current count of homes and level fours who can dedicate themselves to a level one. A proper list, not just our enthusiasm."
Quisbaqol smiles. "I am grateful for the enthusiasm. My quest included asking the Golds." She brushes dirt from a rip in her flowing, white gown.
"Their leader, Jaildarn, was most unkind. He demanded to know the location of the Birth Place. Accused me of preventing Silvers and Golds from being equally brought into the world. We have no such ability. We simply retrieve those who are given and do our best to get them to proper homes. Or raise them ourselves if it is completely necessary, though that has not occurred in many generations."
I kneel beside her. "Might we have our Turquoise look at your gown? They are excellent at repairs here. We are not so easy on clothing."
"Many thanks, but I am overdue. I have no wish to speak disparagingly of others. It is their custom, after all. But the Golds detained me for far too long, and now I must hurry."
Reyrigo writes a list. I rush to the Building of the Colorless to ask for food that travels. A large leaf wraps up nuts, berries, and some herbed brown bread still warm from the stone hearth. I take it to her.
"If you won't stay, please at least take this for the journey."
She smiles as she takes a long whiff. "This village has the finest bread in all of Darterra. Would one of you walk me to the Opal path?"
Reyrigo volunteers.
I had never been beyond our village at that time. In truth, I did not expect that I would ever leave. I did not know what would happen at the birthing. Nor did I understand the importance of the cavern. Soon, light would become dark and life would bring death.
Key dramatic question that will take whole story to answer:
Could Belp have prevented all this death, how, and if so-- why didn't he?
And what led Jaildarn to become the cause of such annihilation?
QUESTION -- Does the Birth Place need more explanation?
My A to Z 2025 theme is a fantasy story. (And some of the process of writing it as well.) 🕮
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I feel pretty clear about the Birth Place. I'm also pretty clear my anxiety level is rising.
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