[YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: RedPhoenix on 03-11-2021, 20:42:26</h2>
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				Title: <strong>[YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>03-11-2021, 20:42:26</strong>
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				<div align="center"><em><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong><span class="bbc_u">The Island</span></strong></span></span></em></div><br><div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/yE5HAFl.png)</div><br><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><em>This island is the only home you've ever known! It is filled with lush plant and animal life, and experiences four seasons every year. </em></span></span></em></div><br><div align="center"><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">A Very Big Map is Here!</div><div class="spoiler_body">(https://i.imgur.com/gtmgpAD.png)</div></div></div><br><br>This is the Story Thread! Your GM will post prompts to respond to here! Some may have requirements to respond to! Please read the GM posts carefully!<br><br>This is a structured thread. Please do not respond to the same GM prompt more than once until the GM has a chance to respond again! After the GM posts, all players may post in any order. <br><br>Please use the following post header!<br><br><hr><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>(YOUR NAME HERE) (YOUR PRONOUNS HERE)</strong> (http://(link to post containing your character sheet!))<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Copy what it says in the GM post you are responding to!</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>If you want anyone in particular to respond, please post so here!</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>if you are taking any action that requires the GM to resolve, say so here!</em><br><br><hr><br><br class="clear_left"><br><br><div class="codeheader">Code: <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="return smfSelectText(this);" class="codeoperation">[Select]</a></div><pre style="margin: 0; padding: 0;"><code class="bbc_code">[floatleft][img height=200 padding=4]https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png[/img][/floatleft][url=http://(link to post containing your character sheet!)][b](YOUR NAME HERE) (YOUR PRONOUNS HERE)[/b][/url]<br>[b]Time:[/b] [i]Copy what it says in the GM post you are responding to![/i]<br>[b]Tags:[/b] [i]If you want anyone in particular to respond, please post so here![/i]<br>[b]Actions:[/b] [i]if you are taking any action that requires the GM to resolve, say so here![/i]<br><br>[hr]</code></pre><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>[YaaHS] The Island: Year One - Thaw</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>04-11-2021, 00:00:59</strong>
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				<div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/H5ejoei.jpg)<br><br><span style="font-size: 15pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Start of Year One. <br>When the Snow Melts.</strong></span></span></div><br><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><em>It is the time of the thaw. The cold of the darkest nights of winter has come to an end, and the days are starting to get longer. Where the snow is melting little sprouts are starting to show again. Soon the world will turn from white to brown to green. What a happy time!<br><br>The creatures that hunkered down for the winter are starting to emerge again as well. Among them, the herd of elephants that lives on this island! <br><br>By and by as this season turns, you will be approached by the <strong>Wise Old Elephant</strong>. You have seen her many times before. You can tell her apart because she can always spot you no matter how cleverly you try to hide, and she has painted herself with bright colors so that the spirits and little ones know she is a friend. She seems to be moving slower every time the snow melts. This time she has some little ones with her, stumbling little baby elephants that still play curiously with the world around them and don't seem to know quite what to do with their trunks.<br></em></span></span><br><br><hr><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/KnfrIGL.jpg)</div><strong>Wise Old Elephant</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Thaw</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>All Happy Little Spirits!</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Asking to See Your Favorite Place!</em><br><br><hr><br><strong>"Hello Happy Spirit!"</strong> The Wise Old Elephant speaks to you. There is a fondness in her voice, and you can sense her gentle and loving nature. But yet you also sense in her eyes that she is tired. The winters feel longer to her than they once did, and her children have children of their own now. Her eyes are heavy, her feet are slow. <strong>"It is always so nice to see you!"</strong><br><br><strong>"My friend I have a request of you."</strong> She speaks slowly. But that is no bad thing. You always understand every word she says. <br><br><strong>"I am watching these babies for my daughters, while they rest. I know you are a happy spirit and have explored much of this island. I would like for you to show these little ones your favorite place. Will you do that for me?"</strong><br><br>Three little elephants play about the wise old one's thick legs, chasing butterflies and bumping their heads against each other, and their mother. They do not seem to be aware of how important this request is! <br><br>Will you show the Wise Old Elephant and her grandbabies your most favorite place on this happy island? <br><br><hr><br><em>Using this map as a reference, choose where your favorite place is, note that in your Action, and write a description of your spirit's favorite place on the island! It can be a certain tree, a hidden little cave, a nice spot on the beach, anything you can imagine that might exist on an idyllic little island. If you would prefer NOT to show the elephants, that is okay too, but do write your description out anyway, and perhaps include why you would like to keep it to yourself!</em><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Numbered Map</div><div class="spoiler_body">(https://i.imgur.com/FKZYNnx.png)</div></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Envious</strong> on <strong>04-11-2021, 00:44:53</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (http://(link to post containing your character sheet!))<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Thaw</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Baby Elephants, Open to Happy Little Spirits</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Shows Wise Old Elephant and her grandbabies <strong>zone one; sunflower grove</strong></em><br><br><hr>There were so many lovely places on the island. Underneath the waterfall watching melting chunks of ice fall and splash into the stream. In the high reaching branches of tall trees covered with glittering icicles. In the cozy hollows that small rodents used as a nest to escape the cool winter weather. But this happy little spirit had a preference for summer. Warm winds, blue skies, and sunflowers as far as the eye could see!<br><br>The yellow blossoms could often be found covered in butterflies (https://wallpaper.dog/large/17057031.jpg) that fluttered from bloom to bloom. This particular spirit enjoyed sneaking down to the roots of the plant and waiting for a flock of butterflies to find the compound flowers. Lazily, the spirit would look up at the green and yellow plants reaching high into the blue sky. Fluffy clouds would cause shadows to pass overhead and the butterflies would pause on the flower, closing their wings as they wanted for the sun to come back out. Another butterfly would land. And then another. And another! As the clouds were blown away by the wind, brightening the area once more, the happy little spirit would <em>zoom!</em> upwards with frightening speed to startle the delicate insects! As distraught wings fluttered away in a panic, the happy spirit would tremble in glee at its prank. <br><br><strong>"If you like these butterflies, wait until an entire flock is startled into the sky! It's so pretty!"</strong> <br><br>The little spirit ushered her little herd of elephants. The playful creatures jumped and stumbled, galloped and fumbled. Kicking up powdery snow and shaking the sparkling stuff off of trees was an exciting event as they moved towards the west side of the island. When they finally made it, the sunflowers the happy spirit had promised had long ago been spent. The withered bodies of the plants hunched over, their 12 feet diminished as they had shriveled and dried out as the seasons had changed. They were blanketed with a fresh coat of snow.<br><br><strong>"This is the spot!"</strong> the happy spirit chimed in its sing-song voice. <strong>"It doesn't look like much now, but THIS is where you want to be in summer! The giant flowers have blooms as large and as bright as the sun! They're covered with leaves as big as your ears that offer shade from the heat. Their fuzzy stalks are covered in funny little ants. And the butterflies! They flutter around happily. Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of them! We can come back in the summer and I will show you how to shake the butterflies out!"</strong> To illustrate, the happy little spirit floated into the grove and hid for dramatic affect. After a few moments, the creature <em>zoomed!</em> upwards, causing an explosion of snow to burst upwards and then sprinkle down. The happy little spirit laughed and laughed, moving to swirl around the elephants.
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				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>04-11-2021, 01:18:59</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Thaw</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Zone 8, field of wildflowers<br><br><hr><br>The happy spirit looked on with curiousity as the strange, large animal approached. It had never seen anything like her! Or at least, it didn't remembered having done so, but she seemed to. It flew over, to rest on one of the big teeth coming from her mouth as she spoke. And just as much as the babies, it didn't understand the importance of the request. Still, it giggled and agreed, doing a loop, before flying off to its favourite place on the whole island. A whole field, vast as the eye could see, filled with wildflowers of all sorts, of all colours. The thaw was still underway, but already, one could see the resilient little plants begin to poke through the remaining snow, ready to fill the air with an ever-changing mix of perfume. And while eating the fruits and berries of the island was something the happy spirit liked much, one of the things it liked the very best was letting itself float in the perfumed currents that wafted over this beautiful field.
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				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RampantDesires</strong> on <strong>04-11-2021, 05:18:13</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018727#msg16018727)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Thaw</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Other Happy Spirits, Wise Old Elephant, and babies (OMG&nbsp; :o)</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Beach exploration in Zone 13</em><br><br><hr><br>Most favorite.<br><br>That part of the request threw the happy little spirit for a loop, quite literally actually as it spun in lazy circles in the air as it considered.&nbsp; How did one rank the best of the best?&nbsp; It was especially problematic because it kept getting distracted by the antics of the baby elephants as they frolicked and wove between the larger elephant's feet.&nbsp; She was very patient with them and they were very lucky to have such a supportive and lovely grandmother!&nbsp; But of course it was on the island so they all had to be awesome.&nbsp; Wait, what was it doing again?<br><br>Oh right.&nbsp; Most favorite.&nbsp; <br><br>After a few more minutes (okay so like an hour maybe, but who cared about things like time?) it finally decided to lead them off down the coast to an inlet section of beach where it liked to spend its evenings and nights.&nbsp; Happily its procrastinatory tendencies worked in its favor this time as the sun was setting and they would not have to wait long.&nbsp; <br><br>"Come see!"&nbsp; It kept encouraging them even though it knew that the babies had to be starting to get tired after their long day of exploring.&nbsp; Still this was worth the wait, and it did so like watching them play along the water's edge.&nbsp; The didn't have long to wait until the water started to GLOW and the little spirit's happiness doubled, its own glow brightening as it darted around the elephants and that shimmering water. (http://i.imgur.com/mUg3zmC.jpg)<br><br>It didn't understand things like bioluminescence or even know what algae were, but it DID like the pretty water.&nbsp; It liked to zoom along the surface and leave little rippling wakes, and having the elephants there to play with at the same time only made it that much more fun.<br><br>Yes.&nbsp; Yes this was definitely the most bestest place on the island!
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				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>lux89</strong> on <strong>04-11-2021, 18:40:54</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16021367#msg16021367)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Thaw</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Other Happy Spirits, Wise Old Elephant, and babies!</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Hill Terrace Garden, Zone 6</em><br><br><hr><br>Humming a bouncy tune, this happy spirit sailed in circles and loops. Wherever it went, warmth and colors had sprung but best of all, the music! The snow plopped in beats, the ice crunched and cracked, and the drippings of water, water, water! This happy spirit was eager to lead them to bowing palm trees and irregular terraced hills, a magnificent garden (https://cdn.permaculturenews.org/images/terraces_rice_2013.jpg). <strong>"This is it, my happy place!"</strong> The spirit rose the leveled walls, <strong>"Sometimes here, and here, and here!"</strong> <br><br>The spirit tried to follow the patterned grooves and giggled when off it strayed. <br><br>It took care to monitor the baby elephants and the Wise Old Elephant, wrinkled and painted in rainbow as she were, and delighted in their delight. A sea of fireflies swarmed when it was nightfall. The happy spirit hummed and hummed to the great natural flow.<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>05-11-2021, 03:32:45</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Thaw</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Open, ask if interested</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Zone 23, the Bestest Zone</em><br><br><hr>She'd taken the Wise Old Elephant's request with the most serious of thoughts and dutifully taken the babyphants with her to what she hoped would be their favoritiest spot. She'd of course given the WOE a nuzzle on the trunk and a firm, resolute nod. The babyphants were under her care, she would see to it they had fun and were to be returned in one piece.<br><br>The Happy Spirit bobbed too and fro as she weaved in between her Parade of Elephant babies, all of whom were marching and laughing as they made their way up the side of the mountain (https://cdn1.snowpak.com/images/images/000/010/198/medium/Copy_of_Copy_of_Snowshoe-Plenty_of_skiable_terrain_and_enchanting_snow_covered_trees%28Credit--Resort-website%29.jpg?1597710250). She'd picked the easiest course, of course, the widest path, the smallest hill. When she was feeling particularly adventurey she would wander all the way to the tippy toppest of the peaks, though she didn't want to tire the babies. Not that they seemed to get tired. Filled with a boundless energy, she only had to nudge one or two to keep them on course and from getting too far away from the others. They'd laughed and played and thrown snowballs at each other but when they finally reached the top, they were silent, just for a moment. This high up, the snow hadn't fully melted yet and it was still a winter paradise. <br><br>The view was always fun, from the highest point you could see forever, but even from this height one could see so far. So many other places and things to explore, but it was nice to see it all. She let out a loud WHOOP! Noise which echoed far and wide, the babyphants soon joining in and mimicking the shouts which echoed all about. But soon, far too soon it was time to go down the hill. They all looked a bit daunted at making the hike again, but the Happy Spirit nudged them towards one of the trees with a smile on her face.&nbsp; <br><br>The trees were always so helpful around here, she thought, as they zipped down the side of the mountain. The large tree's helpfully shed their bark into large curved shapes, perfect for sliding down the mountain on. Sturdy, slick on one side, slightly sticky on the other. Perfect rideymathings (she'd named them herself.) Shouts and cries of glee as she sat at the front of it, pushing her body this way and that, steering it left and right (though far from any trees and the path was always clear) they zoomed down the hill. All too quickly the ride was over though, as the hill flattened out, and the rideymathing slowed. There was a pause for a few moments before squeals of laughter and they started back up the mountain again, much faster this time though, as they now knew the wonderful way that awaited them coming down. <br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>05-11-2021, 04:59:52</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Thaw<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <br><strong>Actions:</strong> Exploring Zone 11, Prismatic Springs<br><hr>"Hi!" The spirit enthusiastically trills the word at the Elephant. It dances about in the air, making lazy loops; if this spirit had a tail, it would surely be chasing its own tail.&nbsp; These actions slow down as the Wise Old Elephant speaks of its request, and the spirit comes closer, nuzzling up to the creature, rubbing and caressing in an expression of unfettered affection.<br><br>At hearing the request, it doesn't immediately respond with words. This spirit, through its capricious whims, often communicates non-verbally. It visits each of the baby elephants in turn, rubbing up against them in its feline way, and repeatedly chirping its greeting to them. Having done this, the spirit flies back up to the Wise Old Elephant, and gives her a gentle headbump. "Yes! Will take, will show pretty warm colors."<br><hr>The spirit leads the small elephants on an epic quest towards the gentle sloping hills and plains that are most prominently marked by numerous pools of mineral waters. Because of the mineral content in these pools, they are majestically colored (https://fullsuitcase.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Grand-Prismatic-Spring-in-Yellowstone-National-Park-ultimate-guide.jpg). Some are mixtures of warm reds, yellows, and oranges; others are made of cooler shades of blue, turquoise, purple; others still are green, and there's even a magenta &amp; fuschia pool if one looks hard enough.<br><br>The ground here stays perpetually free of snow, because these aren't just mineral springs--they're also hot springs! What's more, they are perfectly safe to drink from (though hot water is not nearly as refreshing as cold). After all, this is a happy island inhabited by happy creatures, and thus, there could not possibly be anything dangerous about this beautiful place.<br><br>The Happy (feline) Spirit enjoys this place for its warmth, mostly, and generally enjoys the locale throughout the winter. Snow is fun, but warmth is more-happy! But the spirit loves to share, for happiness is best enjoyed in good company, and how could these lovely baby elephants be anything more than the most loveliest of friends? <br><br>Above and beyond that, there are some delicious fruit trees that can be found, growing in small clusters here and there. Although generally prone to lazing about and luxuriating in the hot waters, the Spirit finds itself gently rough-housing with the elephants, making sure they get proper amounts of exercise, and also that they eat their fill of the scattered but bountiful fruit trees.<br><br>An interminable amount of time later, the spirit would bring the shiniest, juiciest, plumpest, golden delicious apple it could find, and seek out the Wise Old Elephant. Though it may only be one apple, it is offered in a spirit of authentic friendship and selfless affection; there is nothing more than a want to bring some happiness to the Elephant matriarch.
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				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>clonkertink</strong> on <strong>06-11-2021, 09:52:39</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018742#msg16018742)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Thaw</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Baby Elephants</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Take the Baby Elephants to a cliffside outcrop in Area 7</em><br><hr><br>It was a full day, showing the baby elephants this way and that, but the Happy Spirit was content to wait its turn. Indeed, waiting was preferable, for its favourite time to visit its favourite place was at night. As sun began to set, and the sky dimmed to starry blackness, the spirit led the baby elephants east, to a rocky outcrop that looked out over the crashing waves of the ocean. The ocean was always beautiful, its waves always in motion, filled with strange creatures the spirit had yet to befriend - some of them even great leviathans for which the spirit had no name, breaching on the horizon, like great elephants of the sea.<br><br>However, even more than the sea, the spirit loves what came next - for the outcrop pointed directly east, to the place where the pale disc of the moon would rise out of the sea, and make its lazy journey across the sky. The moon was the spirit's favourite thing, and tonight, as it did every night, it wiggled and scrunched in the approximate imitation of arms, wishing the moon a hug.<br><br>The spirit giggled and whirled around, eager to see if the elephant children were as enraptured by the moon as it was.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Flower</strong> on <strong>06-11-2021, 20:39:43</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018731#msg16018731)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Thaw<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Baby Elephants<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Zone 15, The Wishing Well (https://i.pinimg.com/564x/aa/e3/94/aae39492b5dead2b37233bf5c48f39e4.jpg) <br><hr><br>While winter had its joys, Happy loved to witness the change of seasons, how the days became less cold and the sun’s heat bathed the ground with enough warmth for the snow to recede and reveal fresh buds poking their crowns through the soil. Better than that, the snow became slushy. Happy loved to splash around within it and cause its droplets to spatter around them. It was almost as good as playing in the river with the fish. The fishes! Soon, its scaly friends would rise from the depths as the ice cracked and melted away.&nbsp; Spring, a time of reunions and renewal.<br><br>As such, Happy wasn’t the least bit surprised to see the massive matriarch, Wise One, emerge from the thick forest. Upon hearing her request, the Happy Spirit agreed without hesitation. Not just because of its eagerness to spend more time with the younglings but also due to hoping the brief reprieve would grant the matriarch time to rest without youthful disruptions. <br><br>Rest was as important as playtime. Unfortunately, younglings didn’t understand that necessity. It was all play, Play, PLAY with them. <br><br>Careful consideration was given before it was determined the perfect site for the younglings to experience. They walked in single file, trunks on tails, through the forest. Together, they created a song, one composed of rhythmic pats on the ground and rustles through the leaves that hadn’t fallen prey to winter’s chill. The younglings relished the chance to create music, and soon, anyone within hearing distance heard them coming. <br><br>They arrived at a mysterious, ancient-looking well, surrounded by glowing stones of varying colors. Happy showed the younglings that if you tossed one of the stones into the well, it’d fall for what felt like forever before a musical splash rose from the bottom. Happy did its best to explain the well-kept wishes and dreams of those who paid tribute through the small stones safe from the influence of time. Sometimes, in the joy of experiencing life, one forgot their wishes and dreams! The well, however, remembered them. And when the moment was right, it’d make them come true, even if you, as the wisher, forgot them.&nbsp; <br><br>One by one, Happy helped the younglings pick out a stone and watched as they tossed them into the well. It didn’t fret about the younglings wishing for bad things because bad things didn’t exist. Right? <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island: Year One - Thaw</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>11-11-2021, 22:37:23</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/KnfrIGL.jpg)</div><strong>Wise Old Elephant</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Thaw</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Happy Little Spirits!</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Taking Babies on a Tour!</em><br><br><hr><br>The wise old elephant and her grandbabies walk here and there and all over the happy island on their journey to see all of the favorite spots!<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Big Map!</div><div class="spoiler_body">(https://i.imgur.com/EJ0LGYn.png)</div></div><br><br>They start on the far west side of the island, visiting their first stop - the <strong>Sunflower Grove!</strong> A wonderful expanse of sunflowers and butterflies! The babies are delighted! They love the butterflies! They chase them about with their little noses held high in the air, trunks flopping about as they haven't quite figured out how to use them yet! <br><br>"It gets better!?" The babies can't believe their floppy ears! More and more butterflies will come here! They trumpet for joy and beg the wise old elephant to let them come back again and again. With a smile she agrees, standing there still and quiet as her grandbabies show all the joy in the world for what they've been shown! <br><br>She thanks the spirit for showing the babies the beautiful flowers, and the place to come see butterflies all summer! The babies do not want to leave, and so the herd lingers here for quite some time. <br><br>. . .<br><br>Next the elephants walk into the forested hills and are shown a very mysterious thing! A <strong>Wishing Well!</strong> There is nothing else quite like this on the whole island! Who built this? Nobody seems to know! The elephants didn't even know it was here! <br><br>The babies listen with wide eyes, a little scared of this fantastic thing and its strange magic, as the happy spirit explains it. They take the bright stones gingerly in their clumsy trunks and carefully follow the instructions.<br><br>"I wish for sunflowers and butterflies!" The first one says, quite eager, quite excited, and not quite grasping how wishes work.<br><br>"I wish for bananas!" The second one says happily!<br><br>"I wish for grandma to take us out in the island every day!" The third one says happily, flapping their ears in joy at the thought.<br><br>The Wise Old Elephant smiles a bittersweet smile. "Oh my precious ones." She says, touching each with her trunk. "Some wishes are easy to grant." She touches the first two babies. "But not everything is possible." Her trunk lingers on the third, sadly, for a moment. Then the elephant picks up a stone of her own and drops it in.<br><br>"My wish is for the happy spirits to come and meet me on a special day." <br><br>"A special day?!?" The babies say excitedly. "When is it? What will you do?" <br><br>"Soon." The elephant promises. "And perhaps you will see! But for now, we must be along, we have other places to visit!" The elephant thanks the happy spirit and the young ones trek on.<br><br>. . . <br><br>The elephants walk south, out of the forest and into the grasslands again. As it is getting dark they come upon the <strong>Shimmering Tide</strong>.<br><br>"Oh what a lovely sight." The Wise Old Elephant says softly. "I'm so glad I got to see it before - " her voice trails off.<br><br>"Before what grandma?" A baby asks innocently.<br><br>"Before you should have been in bed." She jokes.<br><br>"Can we play in it?" Another asks, while the third has already scampered off to do exactly that! <br><br>Soon the babies are splashing in the shimmering water, trumpeting in joy as their grey skin shimmers with the glowing water being splashed all over it.<br><br>"Thank you little spirit." The Wise Old Elephant says, watching from the shore. "This is the most they've ever enjoyed bath time." <br><br>After some time the elephants are indeed worn out from their long days of roaming about the island, and the elephant tells them they will spend the night here, lulled to sleep by the gentle waves and the shimmer of the tides. Then, the next morning, it is time to move on.<br><br>. . . <br><br>Along the coast the elephants walk until they reach the <strong>Prismatic Springs</strong>.<br><br>"Ah, a nice and warm place to relax." The Wise Old Elephant is grateful, lowering her cold and tired old bones into the water with a peaceful sigh. <br><br>"Ooooh pretty colors!" The babies say! They splash about trying to find the most colorful spots! As the babies splash and play about, the spirit brings a wonderful apple to their grandmother.<br><br>"Why thank you little one." The elephant takes the apple happily, eating it in one big bite, crunching on the juicy and delicious fruit. It is perfect snack while relaxing in the hot water! "This is just what I needed. I fear the next part of the journey will be the hardest for me. But thanks to your wonderful spring, I will be able to walk up the mountain with my grandchildren at least once more." An old trunk pulls the spirit in for a quick hug. "Thank you."<br><br>. . . <br><br>The trek up to the <strong>Tip Top Peak</strong> of the mountain at the middle of the island is indeed hard on the old elephant. Some of the paths are steep, and not meant for one of her size, or her age. Yet she soldiers on, knowing that her little ones must see all of the favorite spots, and that the spirit up here insist this is the bestest of them all! Thankfully, between the relaxing soak in hot water and the spirit showing them the easiest of paths, the Wise Old Elephant indeed makes it to the top with the babies, who scamper about so much playing in the snow the whole way up!<br><br>The baby elephants are stunned at the sight! They gaze with slack jaws and wide eyes at the view from the peak, seeing the whole island out below them in every which way. <br><br>"I can see the butterflies!" The first one says with joy, looking back east at the sunflowers they love so much.<br><br>"I can see a cloud!" The second one says, looking up, earning a chuckle from the Wise Old Elephant.<br><br>"I can see...." the third baby elephant squints looking to the east, "...I'm not sure what I see!" But as much as the baby elephant tries to point what they are looking at to the others, far, far out in the water, but the Wise Old Elephant cannot quite see as far as the youthful eyes of the baby. The young one tries to describe and talk about something strange, something never seen before, a bunch of trunks all tied together and some trees and leaves in a funny shape? How very strange!<br><br>But then it was time for rideymathings!!!<br><br>The baby elephants have the time of their life sledding down the mountainside, while the Wise Old Elephant tries not to look too worried about how fast they are going on the rideymathings! She plods down the mountain at her own slower pace, which gives the babies and the spirit plenty of time to run back up to the top and slide down again! And again! And again! And then finally the Wise Old Elephant has gingerly and carefully made her way down the steep and twisty mountain paths, and it is time to move on through the forest.<br><br>. . . <br><br>And past the forest into the grassland again, where the family came upon the <strong>Natural Terrace!</strong><br><br>The happy spirit had many places to show them! And the little elephants scurried all about, sampling all of the wonderful things that grew here, or at least the shoots and early growths for some! They listened intently as their mother talked of what all could grow in a lovely natural little terrace like this, and they chased the happy spirit about from spot to spot as they showed the babies all their favorite little places!<br><br>They stayed until the evening, watching the fireflies, curling up and sleeping all together in one pachyderm-y pile of happy elephants!<br><br>In the morning, they moved on.<br><br>. . . <br><br>They walk a little farther south to the <strong>Field of Wildflowers!</strong> <br><br>This special place has many flowers blooming already, thanks to its wide variety of flowers, there are some blooming all year long! <br><br>The kindly old elephant smiles at the spirit resting on her tusk. "Hello little one!" She says sweetly, as her babies play about in the flowers, one looking about for butterflies.<br><br>It smelled so wonderful here! The babies rolled about in the more fragrant blooms, gathering the scent of the flowers on their little elephant hides! "I smell best!" One declared. "No me!" And soon grandma and the spirit were being asked to resolve this most serious of disputes before the babies got distracted trying to figure out which color flower tastes best! <br><br>For some time they played here until the Wise Old Elephant beckoned them away. "Come little ones, we have one more place to see."<br><br>. . . <br><br>And finally they arrived on the opposite end of the island from where they had started two days ago, looking out to sea from the <strong>Moonrise Outcrop</strong>.<br><br>As the babies play about in the grass, the Wise Old Elephants stand on the clifftop, looking out to sea, listening to the song of the great beasts of the waves. <br><br>"This is a peaceful, beautiful place, thank you little spirit." She says with gratitude. <br><br>As the night falls, the moon rises, and the elephants watch with great interest as the little spirit tries to hug it! <br><br>"You can do it! Hug more!" The little ones encourage, wrapping their trunks around the spirit as of it lend him the power of their hugs to increase his hugging range! It does not work of course, but they very much believe!<br><br>The Wise Old Elephant watches with approval, a slow smile on her old face. "What a delightful thing. My friend I think you have convinced me that the time will soon be right. Gather all of your friends, the happy spirits, bring them here to me when the moon has risen ten more times. And thank them all for showing me and my grandbabies the very best places on this wonderful island!"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>[YaaHS] The Island: Year One - Balance</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>11-11-2021, 23:05:41</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/cw34RLj.jpg)<br>(Art by Lauren Larkin (https://www.laurenlarkinart.com/))<br><br><span style="font-size: 15pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Year One<br>The Time of Balance</strong></span></span></div><br><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><em>A special night has come. <br><br>The invitation has reached you. The Wise Old Elephant has thanks to give. You have gathered at Moonrise Outcrop as asked. It has been a lovely day, full of happy things! The green of the island has grown quite a lot in the few weeks since the elephant first asked you to show her grandchildren your favorite places. Things are becoming warmer! What happy times!<br></em></span></span><br><br><hr><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/KnfrIGL.jpg)</div><strong>Wise Old Elephant</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Balance</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>All Happy Little Spirits!</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Teaching!</em><br><br><hr><br>The Wise Old Elephant stands alone at the clifftop of Moonrise Outcrop, waiting for the happy little spirits to gather.<br><br><strong>"My friends, thank you so much. My grandbabies were delighted, and have been bothering their mothers and fathers to take them to see each and every spot again! Thank you, thank you! In return I have something to show you on this special night."</strong><br><br>She turns to face the dark sky away from the setting sun, the last long orange shadows cast by it falling across her back as the moon begins to rise.<br><br><strong>"This is a very special time, for on this cycle the light of day and dark of night are in perfect balance. On these special days spirits like yourselves may start to become something....more."</strong><br><br>What is this talk? Nobody has ever told you of such a thing before!<br><br><strong>"There are four things that are the very smallest pieces of this world."</strong> The Wise Old Elephant moves her trunk in a slow circle, and again, again, again. Each circle she completes summons an orb of floating material, each different than the last. <br><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/IBcivG7.png)</div><strong>"First there is the earth. The very thing we stand on now. Everything grows from the earth. It is strong, it is sturdy. The earth protects and shelters. Is that you wish to do?"</strong> The earth feels welcoming, you could just sink into it if you wished! Or you could wrap it around another to keep them safe. Or to keep them yours. <br><br><br class="clear_left"><br><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/MegN6jG.png)</div><strong>"And then there is the air, without which we could not see or breathe! The air makes the wind that can be both strong and soothing, and it is through the air that great things fly. Perhaps you wish to as well?"</strong> The air feels invigorating! Where couldn't you fly with this power? What couldn't you blow over, or gently soothe? To master a force like the wind itself, it boggles your little spirit mind to even think of what you might do! <br><br><br class="clear_left"><br><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/XmSgc5F.png)</div><strong>"And then there is water. The ocean, the lakes, the rivers, even the rain. The water nourishes us and coaxes plants into growing. Water can have many uses, many forms, and if you wish to be so flexible yourself, perhaps this is for you!"</strong> How refreshing the water is! How many things it can do! The living things would love you if you could bring them water! Or would they fear you if you held it away from them? What an odd thing to think! <br><br><br class="clear_left"><br><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/zAKzM0r.png)</div><strong>"And then there is the fire. Many things think of fire as danger, but so can be earth, or air, or water, if they are not respected. Fire removes that which is no longer needed, provides warmth in the cold, and has the power to change the shape of things, forever. If you think you will be wise enough some day to use such gifts, this is for you."</strong> The fire is so hot, but beautiful. Very beautiful. Are you ready for it?<br><br><br class="clear_left"><br><br>The four orbs float about in the air before the Wise Old Elephant. <br><br>The closer you get to each one, the more you feel the connection with it growing. If you fly into it directly, you know that is the element you will choose to be most akin to! This is a very important choice, and you realize you must think about this. <br><br>The Wise Old Elephant watches, patiently waiting to answer any questions you may have. <br><br><hr><br><em>You may choose one of the four classical elements that your Happy Little Spirits feels the closest connection to! The little spirit will be able to use some very basic abilities connected with that element to impact the world around them! Write a post about choosing your element and trying it out!<br><br>As you make your choice you may find your shape changing. You will still be a happy little spirit of the same general form, but you may find yourself sprouting leaves, or resembling more the fire or the water you are akin to. Or perhaps you might not change at all! </em>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Envious</strong> on <strong>12-11-2021, 00:17:10</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (http://(link to post containing your character sheet!))<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Thaw</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Wise Old Elephant, Other spirits</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Air Nomad!</em><br><br><hr>More? What more could it possibly become? It quivered in excitement. It very much liked the way it was now, but it also very much enjoyed trying new things! Images of fluttering butterfly wings and soft downy feathers come to mind. The wind. The wind! The little spirit wants to be more like the wind! It wants to blow up dandelion fluff. It wants to be the rustle in the trees that shakes the leaves. It wants to shape the clouds into fantastic beasts. It wants to move through the air like the winged creatures it adores! The little spirit never thought of water or fire or earth.<br><br>Excited, it begins to huff and puff to emulate the element it is excited to join with. <strong>"I want to be the cool breeze on a hot summer day!"</strong> it says excitedly, floating towards the elemental orb. <strong>"I want to shake the snowflakes out of clouds! I want to dance in the air!"</strong> Ever the chatterbug, the little spirit continues to dream wind-swept dreams as it approaches the orb and on the magical night where there is perfect balance, the spirit can feel itself starting to change! A swirl if wind wraps itself around the little spirit, turning its pointed top into a swirly of essence that represents the wind. <br><br>The little thing doesn't think to say <em>thank you</em> for being shown such a new delight. It is too busy thinking about the new sensations it is feeling and giggling playfully. It cannot wait to see what the other spirits will choose! 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>12-11-2021, 02:16:10</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Time of Balance<br><strong>Tags:</strong> (Envious)<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Warm-cozy fire!<br><hr>The happy spirit was almost reluctant to leave the warmth of the hotsprings, but with the promise of new forms of happiness, it was coaxed along.&nbsp; Especially when he heard about the Old Elephant being there, this spirit felt the need to go and find a lovely apple to take along for the trip. And so, of course, upon arriving, the very first thing it does is bring the apple up to the venerable creature."Hi!" It chirps excitedly.<br><br>The wise one speaks of strange things, but isn't particularly bothered by it. Something more? Obviously, it must be more happy, which is a pleasant thing to become.&nbsp; The appearance of the orbs are strange, but quite neat, and so the spirit chirps happily. It draws closer, circling about each of the orbs in turn; though it sticks somewhere in between fire and water, staring at one, then the other, then back to the first... clearly torn between the two.<br><br>The Prismatic Springs were made of water, obviously, but they were quite warm--the way fire felt. This created an odd sense within the spirit that was possibly not a kind of happiness (the horror!).&nbsp; Not feeling happy, the obvious answer is that it is simply not warm enough--so it sinks into the orb of fire, seeking the heat; letting it flow into and become a part of the spirit. <br><br>After sinking into the orb, and being forever changed, the spirit rises anew--streaks of red, yellow, and orange tinting its form. "Whee!" It declares, and immediately rushes at the wind spirit, wanting to share some of its warmth with the other spirit--and how better to do that then with a big hug!?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>12-11-2021, 04:34:11</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Balance</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> The Happy Spirits of fire and wind<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Free-flowing water<br><br><hr><br>This was an important decision, the Happy Spirit felt. Perhaps the most important decision of its existence. And yet, perhaps not a decision at all. The wild flowers, with their delightful smells and the delicious berries, it was water which fed them both. This and the promise of flexibility of form enticed the Happy Spirit in an irresistible way. And so, it flew into the water orb and out the other side, finding itself changed, now made of a deeper blue and fully spherical, without the pointy top that he once shared with the others. Though its shape always seemed to be changing slightly, too, as if affected by hidden currents. And when it moved, it seemed to flow, some of itself lagging, until to catch up once it had stopped. Its choice made it happy and it flew to the other spirits who had already made their choice, to swirl around them in a watery dance.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>lux89</strong> on <strong>13-11-2021, 00:07:39</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/30/Gag-gift-send-a.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16021367#msg16021367)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Balance</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Other elemental Happy Spirits, Wise Old Elephant</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Crystalized earth</em><br><br><hr><br>All this happy spirit could think of was the natural terrace it long dwelled in. Having flown into the earthen orb, this happy spirit hummed a more sonorous bass as it changed! Diamonds and other gemstones rattled, swirling into it, reflecting sparkles and gleams. Banana leaves, bird-of-paradise leaves, and fan palm leaves bloomed as well. It turned out a great encouragement to feel solid, experiencing such edges. <br><br><strong>"I am much more! I am the foundations, I am the walls, I am the fruits..."</strong><br><br>While it did not sense the great moon, the spirit sensed the nature of the rocky outcrop and the depths within. <strong>"... I never knew!"</strong><br><br>This earthen spirit joined the other elemental spirits humming, celebrating their marvelous and wondrous differences.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>clonkertink</strong> on <strong>13-11-2021, 08:52:01</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018742#msg16018742)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Balance</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Open</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Fly me to the moon with the element of air!</em><br><hr><br>There was no question for the spirit. As much as it had enjoyed exploring <em>down</em>, up was in its very nature. More importantly the <em>Moon</em> was up, and surely mastery of the air would bring the spirit closer to its goal of hugging the Moon.<br><br>Without a moments' hesitation, it zipped straight towards the globe of air, feeling its being grow ever more light and insubstantial, until it flew through the orb. All at once, it seemed to disperse, becoming more ephemeral even than spirit stuff. With a gleeful whirl, the spirit stirred the air around it into a spinning vortex, giggling as it pulled fallen leaves into its whirling form and sending them scattering about.<br><br>It went to join with its friends, watching how flame could swell with the passing breeze, how water rippled and waved at its caress, and how the earth stood firm and steadfast as the spirit passed around it.<br><br>All its friends were so marvelous. Truly, these were new realms of happiness!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RampantDesires</strong> on <strong>13-11-2021, 09:21:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018727#msg16018727)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em> Year 1, Time of Balance</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Other Happy Spirits, Wise Old Elephant</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Being a watery <del>tart</del> err Happy Little vortex Spirit</em><br><br><hr><br>Once more vibrated with excitement at seeing the Wise Old Elephant again and even without the adorableness of her grandchildren it felt its happiness swell as it joined the gathering.&nbsp; There was the urge to trace those brightly colored lines and swirls on her wrinkled skin, but it managed to restrain itself and tried to focus on her words as she drew circles with that long agile trunk.<br><br>Earth?&nbsp; Earth was nice n'all.&nbsp; Things sat on it and grew from it.<br><br>Air was also very neat.&nbsp; The Happy Spirit liked darting through the air and seeing the breeze rustle through plants growing from the earth.&nbsp; Look how well those two played together.<br><br>But water?&nbsp; Oh yes.&nbsp; Water.&nbsp; That's what it loved the most.&nbsp; It remembered how the babble of the brook in the Colorful Grove soothed and delighted it, and the rightness at the feel of the glowing tide rippling around it while it frolicked with the baby elephants.&nbsp; The odd mix of gentleness and a little bit scary vastness of the ocean beyond? Perfect.&nbsp; yes.&nbsp; Yes. YES.<br><br>There was more talking something about Fire and warm and stuff, but it had trouble focusing on all of that as it gravitated toward the clearly superior water, feeling refreshing little droplets forming at the peek and dripping slowly along its curved sides.&nbsp; Not wanting to lose those dewy drops it twirled carefully, keeping them gliding along its sides instead of dropping to the ground while it basked in their swirly awesomeness. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Flower</strong> on <strong>15-11-2021, 01:20:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018731#msg16018731)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Time of Balance<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Wise Old Elephant, Other Happy Spirits<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Drip, drop, drip <br><hr><br>The day proved more exceptional than usual. Being with the Wise Old Elephant and its grandchildren made for a busy but joyful day. Such pleasant memories were destined to exist forever, even without the wishing well’s aid. Happy decided not to dwell on Wise Old Elephant’s words. The ones which foreshadowed a great bitterness that would cling to the back of one’s tongue. That made Happy feel less happy, which was not a welcome sensation, so it focused on the positive, of wishes made and soon to be fulfilled by whatever magic lurked at the bottom of the well. <br><br>Soon, the SUn retreated to its hiding spot and the voluptuous Moon rose high in the night sky to greet the twinkling stars. The night felt more glorious than usual. Perhaps due to it being decreed a special night by Wise Old Elephant. <br><br>Happy floated over to where other Happy Spirits gathered in front of the Wise One. Anticipation swelled in its being at the thought of becoming different. What could be better than its current form? Its eyes widened with wonder at the sight of the orbs. It became clear that they were supposed to pick one of these orbs for themselves. But...all of them were wonderful. Earth made the flowers grow. Air carried seedlings to their new homes, made snow dance for their amusement. Fire kept them warm and restored the earth so that it might become fertile again. Water carved the earth and fed the soil. <br><br>Happy waited and waited until almost all of the other happy spirits made their choices.<br><br>Then, at last, it floated forward to stand in between water and air. Both called to her. Then, it remembered its friends, the fishes. Perhaps if it chose water, it’d be able to understand them better. With that thought in mind, it leaned its head closer and closer until its face submerged in its watery essence. Never had Happy felt so at home. It knew in its heart that it’d made the right choice. <br><br>Pulling back, it beamed with pleasure. It opened its mouth to speak but bubbles emerged to fill the air. How wonderful.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>17-11-2021, 13:25:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Balance</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Open, ask if interested</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>So many choices, ZOMG!</em><br><br><hr><br>The spirit had wobbled goodbye to the babyphants earlier, and then taken another adventure down the rideymathings herself. Because it was super fun and awesome. But, like all super awesome things she had her fill and moved on to the Wise Old Elephant and the meeting. So many other spirits bounding about. She got a bit distracted by a pretty flower for a few moments, then paid attention. She could, occasionaly, pay attention, because it was important. <br><br>The Wise Old Elephant spoke of changes to be hand and new futures and so she carefully considered. She wasn't always good at that, sometimes she leapt before she looked. Sometimes she made a choice and while she always had fun....well, she couldn't help but wonder if she would've had MORE fun doing something else. She watched her fellow spirits choose and pondered. While she liked splishing and splashing, water didn't...feel right. Flying about was fun of course, but air still wasn't quite right for her. <br><br>Hmmm..Earth and Fire then. Earth WAS stable and seemed boring, at first glance. But underneath the Island there were new things to explore, new places to go...she could tunnel and dig and be the earth from what the Elephant said. And the boulders that fell down the mountains occasionally sure looked like THEY were having fun. <br><br>She'd seen fire too, and the way it flickered and shimmered and danced made it seem neat too. Some of the caves were fun to explore...would they be more fun if she could go deeper? See where she was going? She could make pretty designs in the air and heat things up. <br><br>It was almost too much for the little spirit to bear, and so she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, wiggled a little, and sprung forward, letting her momentum and instincts guide her. <br><br>She didn't know, so much as feel. She felt it wrapping around her, enveloping her, making her warm. When she cautiously opened one eye and peered back, she saw herself on the otherside of the fire. Giggling a little she wiggled around and resolved to be the best fire she could be. But something felt funny, weird....she inhaled and suddenly sneezed with a mighty "NEEP!" It felt funny, and when she peered over into the water she giggled at the new look she had obtained, at least for the moment. All flickery and shimmery, she looked nifty! <br><br><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/ASLM5m5.png)</div>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>[YaaHS] The Island: Year One - Growth</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>18-11-2021, 21:28:19</strong>
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				<div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/doiZzd4.jpg?2)<br><br><span style="font-size: 15pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Year One<br>The Time of Growth</strong></span></span></div><br><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><em>You have made a very important choice.<br><br>The Wise Old Elephant watches with happy old eyes as the playful spirits experiment with their new affinities. <br><br>The element comes, in small amounts, at your command. You can control, to a slight extent, what is already there. It is a start. But of what?<br></em></span></span><br><br><hr><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/KnfrIGL.jpg)</div><strong>Wise Old Elephant</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Growth</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>All Happy Little Spirits!</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Questioning!</em><br><br><hr><br><strong>"You have done so well my little friends." </strong>The elephant says the next morning, her voice sounding particularly weary, but joyful nonetheless. <strong>"I am so proud of all of you."</strong><br><br><strong>"And you can see now, you may all look like spirits, you may all believe you feel the same joy, but you are very different."</strong> The elephant's trunk points to one of you, a spirit who sneezes as their whose body has become more resembling the flame that they have embraced than the happy blue spirit the rest of you still are! And then to another, the only one who has chosen the earth. Yes, there are differences, important differences. But are there? All different? What a strange thing to say. At once so absurd and yet so obvious. Of course you're different! Wait. No you're not! You're happy spirits! Happy spirits are all the same! Spirits and happy! And yet ....<br><br><strong>"You must change things."</strong> The elephant says, and before any alarm can be felt she adds gently. <strong>"Just a little. If only to show yourself that you can. Think of your element, and how you might like to see the island a little different."</strong><br><br><strong>"And after you do that, come and find the herd. I think my grandbabies would like to see what you have done. And I must go see them. When you return, I must ask one more thing."</strong> The elephant pauses for a moment, as if wondering if the time is right yet, and then makes her decision. <strong>"Tell my children your name."</strong><br><br>A name? Do you have a name? Aren't you all just Happy? But no, as you think of it, you realize, you are not just one of many. You are you. But who is you? You will have to think about that. Think about it as you call to the wind, the earth, the fire, the air to make a little happy spirit mark on the world.<br><br>You will have time to think on this. The days will pass into weeks, the rains come more heavily now, bringing growth and warmth back to the island. The days are getting longer now, the sun shines brighter. The spirits are starting to make their marks, not just on the land, but on themselves. <br><br>Are you ready?<br><br><hr><br><em>So your task is <br><br>- Describe your spirit using their new domain to make a small, at least semi-permanent change to the island or a feature of it. This can include plants and animals if you connect it to your element! If you pick a physical feature, say where that feature is on the map! The only limit here is you may not alter the favorite place of a fellow spirit without their OOC permission! <br><br>- Next, you must choose a name, also please choose your spirits pronouns if you haven't already! Unlike other options, you may change this at any time later! Describe yourself introducing yourself with your new name to the elephant herd!</em><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>19-11-2021, 10:39:30</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LceJHn5.png)</div><strong>Agi [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Time of Growth<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Wise Old Elephant, Baby elephants<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Making a geyser in the Prismatic Springs.<br><hr>"Different happy?" The spirit inquires, believing that there is, yes, a difference--between the happiness of eating fruit and the happiness of soaking in hotsprings, or the happiness of sunbathing, for instance. But the Wise Old Elephant has so many silly ideas, and mostly, this spirit feels like cuddling into them; warmth coming off of the spirit, and seeping into the venerable creature; it's as if, through its connection to fire, it has gained some of the soothing heat of the prismatic springs. <br><br>But unable to answer such complexities immediately, it soon retires to its favored locale, where it can lounge about, soak up more heat, eat fruit, and be happy. <br><br>Thoughts drifting, mind, simple as it is, reaching out, and integrating itself into the primordial force of fire; an idea forms. The spirit soars up high into the air, as if trying to ascend to the sun..! Only to dive back downwards, and into one of the springs. Down through the warm waters it travels, deeper, deeper, and deeper still. As it travels, a word, a sound, forms in it's minds eye; and his identity changes.<br><br>Clinging tightly onto his power, he reaches the rocky bottom of this one-of-many pools, and smashes into the rock; sinks into it. He is not aligned with the earth, but that's okay, because he is injecting his fire into the earth. Gradually, the rocks turn hotter and hotter; more and more heat pumped into it until it becomes magma. <br><br>For three weeks, the spirit drifts; becomes a conduit and changes the locale. And then, one day, he recognizes that his work is done, and that it is time...<br><hr>The Wise Old Elephant and their grandchildren are invited back to the Springs. When the spirit speaks, his vocabulary is notably expanded. "Is good, yes? Sit, sit, enjoy warm-cozy." The fire spirit urges the elder to take comfort. His attention then drifts up towards the sun, marking its trail through the sky... soon, soon.<br><br>"Is hungry? Is start soon." The spirit will encourage the baby elephants to eat of the fruits, while he is more than happy to bring them back to the Wise Old Elephant. Fire may be destructive, yes; but this flame spirit embodies warmth and comfort. <br><br>A little more time passes, and then, knowing it intuitively, the spirit once more gathers the elephants together so they can watch what is about to happen. "Am Agi!" It pronounces dramatically. "And geyser is about to show." He does a little dance, and as the sun reaches the exact midpoint in its journey through the sky, the water beneath them reaches a frenzied boil.<br><br>He's gathered the babies away from the splash zone, so they can appreciate the sight to come without being in danger. Similarly, he would not have allowed the old elephant to bathe in the geyser pool. <br><br>...And just when it feels like nothing might happen..! A jet of water spurts out from the center of the spring, and goes dozens of feet up into the air. The water spreads out, sprinkling and misting through the air, dropping back down into the pool. As the water catches the light of the sun, however, a savvy elephant would be able to see short-lived rainbows forming. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>20-11-2021, 00:36:55</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>Aqua (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Thaw</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Zone 4, Blooming desert<br><hr><br>The Happy Spirit thought and thought and eventually came up with an idea! It knew just the place! She giggled and flew off one place on the island that it rarely went. There were no tasty fruits or sweet-smelling flowers or anything but dry, dull sand. But it remembered vaguely, in vagueness of its memories. Once, just once, it saw something different there. So maybe... Once arrived, it called out its powers, whatever they were. Water. It needed water. It needed rain. It called to it, And to it, they answered. Rain fell, poured into the sand and, in response, long-dormant, rare, beautiful flowers bloomed. They bloomed everywhere and all at once in bright, vibrant colours.<br><br>Pleased with its work, after taking a moment to admire it, the Happy Spirit flew back. And as it flew, it thought about the elephant's other request. A name. Aqua was a good one. It was Aqua! But... No. Things with names were people. And people weren't things. They weren't 'it'. She was Aqua. He was Aqua. Both seemed to fit... And neither. She was... Oh, she. She was water, fluid, changing. So why stick with only one? She could be either or both, as the mood suited her.<br><br>"I'm Aqua!" Aqua declared proudly as he went to the elephants, flying happily around them. The first words he could recall ever saying. "Come! Come see what I've done! You might not be able to see I again! Please, come!" he called out, before leading them to the desert that was now in bloom.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(https://i.imgur.com/7BImElG.jpg)<br></div></div>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>21-11-2021, 20:34:59</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)</div><strong>A Happy Spirit</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Growth</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Open, ask if interested</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Zone 12, C-c-c-changes...</em><br><br><hr><br>Change something? Change something! Who could think of changes at a time like this, with her own form having undergone a motomorph...a metamor...a metamur....a change itself. She was so excited she could barely think, and so she'd gone to another spot on the island. Not her super favoritist one ever, but a fun one nonetheless. She'd sat on the ocean's edge and let the little waves chase her, giggling and screaming happily as they splashed and steamed against her. She'd run up the surf, then back down for hours and hours, letting the water get all steamied. She tried all sorts of things, even starting to increase her form's heat as she bounced up away from a particularly aggressive wave. She giggled, then paused looking back at her bounce prints. A small "ohhhh" escaped her mouth as she nudged it, poked it, examined it. Thoughts...yes, so many thoughts all at once. So many in her mind. But help was needed....super extra special help. <br><br>And so she'd gone to enlist the help of the greatest helpers she knew...not that she knew many others of course...the baby elephants. They'd enjoyed sliding, they enjoyed frolicking, she hoped they enjoyed this. She'd tasked them to help her make a change, and so they did with eager trumpeting. Further up from the shore line, both she and the Babyphants pushed and prodded the sand, using water that they helpfully brought up in their trunks. It took quite a while. Some left and did other things, some stayed. Some took naps, and some got distracted and played elsewhere. But they were good helpers and helped they did until they were happy with what they had made. <br><br>And so the little spirit had nudged them back safely, safe safe safe. She wasn't quite sure how far safe was, but she guessed and thought it would be okay then pushed them back a little more to be safest. She then inhaled. A bigger and deeper breath then she'd ever inhaled before, pulling in all the heat, all the warmth she could, her body making another POP noise and changing again. Her flames growing flamey, her fire growing different. But that was fire, always flickering, always changing, always moving. But she had no time for thinking about that now.&nbsp; Keep holding the fire in. Hot hot hotter hotest......<br><hr><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/DhfOlCG.jpg)</div><br>She waited until she felt as if she were to burst and exhaled. Gouts of heat and fire escaped her, pouring over the sand sculpture. She wasn't sure how long she did this for....hours...seconds...minutes...days...infinity went by in moments. It was forever and no time. But she persevered, untill she had no more fire to give and flopped down. Rolling down the sandy hillside until a baby trunk hoisted up the sleepy and tired spirit, weary from its expulsion. She smiled. Blinkingly weary eyes beheld the &nbsp;sandy creation &nbsp;(https://i.imgur.com/sXftlUi.jpg) she and the babyphants had made now a shimmering thing of glass. It had melted a little bit, but it hadn't been anything of form or shape to begin with. Just a thing. A thing to say they were here, that the Babyphants and the Spirit had done this thing together, and it would look out over the ocean and be pretty and nice for ever and ever. She snuggled warmly against the trunk that held her tired form, her body no more warm then a warm summer day. So sleepy...<br><br><hr><br>The nice thing about falling asleep on a baby elephants trunk is you woke up wherever they were. And so she'd already been brought back to the Wise Old Elephant, and she blinked blinky eyes up at her friend and wriggled free of the trunk. Careful to keep her warmth just warm not hot, not hot for babyphants. She flickered and shimmered as she rose into the air, nuzzling the Wise Old Elephant's forehead warmly, before smiling. <br><br>"Come see, come see!" she bounced around, but then remembered...there was another task. She had to pick a name. A name a name a name. Something she would be forever and ever and ever. Fire? No....something was already named fire. Peanut Hamper. No no, that wouldn't do, though it was super cute. Name name name. Need a name. Wait...she remembered a word from a long time ago...did the Spirit say it? Maybe? Or was it the Elephant? She couldn't remember, but she liked it..."Rin. Call me...Rin." Yes, that was a good name. A fine name. It meant something didn't it? She couldn't remember, but she felt it had...that word...meaning.&nbsp; <br><br>And so Rin smiled and bounced and bobbed in the air in front of the Elephant, ready to display its addition to the island. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>lux89</strong> on <strong>22-11-2021, 23:53:36</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/30/Gag-gift-send-a.png)</div><strong>Cor (He/His/Him)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16021367#msg16021367)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Growth</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Wise Old Elephant</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Zone 6; Sky Islands</em><br><br><hr><br><em>What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.</em> This occurred to the happy earthen spirit just before a single syllable did appear to mind, persistent as if it had always existed, long before now unforgotten once remembered. What a strange delightful thing, to step into a clearer light. He introduced himself to the elephants, <strong>"... I am Cor."</strong><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Sky Islands</div><div class="spoiler_body">(https://i.imgur.com/ivnVYIV.png)</div></div><br><br>Deep rumbles drummed through the air. Terraces trembled and began rising. Cor said as if in a trance, <strong>"The great Sky lacks land... therefore raise these Islands high."</strong> Thriving fruitful sky islands - which some were chained together in bridges, branches, roots, and vines - floated and drifted casting great shadows, sighted around the great Island lofty yet always within reach by platforms that travel in between. This was Cor's mark made on this world. <em>(Players' Zones can ignore these sky islands if they prefer!) </em><br><br><br><br><br><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Flower</strong> on <strong>28-11-2021, 20:26:20</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/b/b0/Happywaterspiritpng.png)</div><strong>Bubble (She/Her)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018731#msg16018731)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Time of Balance<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Wise Old Elephant, Other Happy Spirits<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Zone 16, Sky Lagoon (https://mixkit.imgix.net/art/preview/mixkit-two-colorful-fish-swimming-inside-a-bubble-187-original-large.png?q=80&amp;auto=format%2Ccompress)<br><hr><br>Watching everyone make their decisions filled them with a tremendous amount of joy. It felt like its surging emotion might burst from within them like water pressed inside too tight of confinement. But, gosh, it was such a lengthy process. The endless sky overhead did not help with its increasing tiredness as it felt like the stars played a lullaby, twinking in rhythm to a silent concerto. Soon, its jubilant cheering faded into obscurity replaced by quiet snoring. Its eyes did not lift once more until the moon vanished into its favorite hidey-hole, and the sun remerged into brightening skies with its usual flaring resolve. <br><br>What a beautiful day. <br><br>“Mm?” It questioned sleepily as the Wise Elephant spoke of changing their home. Faint uncertainty welled within its heart as the thought of yet another change so soon frightened it. Their home was perfect. Every pebble, each speck of soil, and every tree contributed to their island’s beauty. But Happy pushed aside such doubts. The ancient elephant did not earn its name by advising others incorrectly. <br><br>It’d been ready to head off in search of a place in need of modification but stopped when the Elephant poised another task to them. A name? <br><br>Happy headed back into the forest in search of its favorite pond. The ice long ago melted, and its friends greeted it with enthusiastic bobs of their scaly heads. The spirit remained with them for quite some time, loving the fact that it could now exist underwater with them for longer periods of time. After a few weeks, the perfect idea came to its mind. Its friends should have such a capability too, to exist on both land and water. <br><br>It gathered its apprehensive friends in front of it and thought hard about its desire. Now...how to manage it? Happy swam around each of its friends and created a protective bubble around each of them. The fish were able to control their movement. Swimming up, down, and all-around at faster speeds than usual. Happy coaxed them up into the air, showing them that they could exist within the bubble. The fish were delighted that their play area expanded thanks to Happy’s ingenuity. They played for hours and days. Testing the limits of how far they could fly in their shield through the air. They even discovered that when touched by one of the spirits or by bumping into each other, the bubble shells created a delightful chime. <br><br>Upon its return to the Elephant and the little ones, Happy beamed with pride and introduced itself. “I’m Bubble!” <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>01-12-2021, 05:11:58</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/mGCrlXE.jpg?1)</div><strong>Baby Elephants!</strong><br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Growth</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>All Happy Little Spirits!</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Visiting Happy Places!</em><br><br><hr><br>Scamper, scamper, tramplescamper, scampertrample, trumpetscampertrampletrumpet! There are baby elephants about! But where will they go?!? They have so many places to visit! <br><br><strong>"Grandma couldn't come."</strong> They explain. <strong>"She says too tired! But moms say we're old enough to go out on our own"</strong> The little elephants, although much less little than the last time you saw, are quite proud of this fact! They also seemed to have learned to speak a little!<br><br>Oh and what wonders they have to visit, their first time out on their own! <br><br><br class="clear_left"><hr><br><br><em>Agi's Geyser!</em><br><br>Agi hears a happy little trumpet and turns to see some colorful little babies playing about near his prismatic springs!<br><br><strong>"Hi! Hi! Hi! Hi!"</strong> The babies all say at once having greatly improved their vocabularies as the time has gone by, all eager to be the first to greet him. <strong>"Agi! Agi!"</strong> They agree happily. <strong>"Spirit is AGI!"</strong> The baby elephants seem to want to be close to him. <strong>"Agi is warm! We love Agi!"</strong><br><br>&nbsp;A slight pause. <strong>"Guy---zur?"</strong> One asks with a cocked head. <br><br>Before any questions can be asked the gesyer bursts and the baby elephants all go <strong>"oooooOOoOOOOOOOOoooh!"</strong> at once! It is so excited some of their ooooohs turn into trumpets! Their little trunks lift up high as their noses try to trace the pace of the climbing water! They want to get close and play, but listen to Agi as he tells them to stay at a safe distance. However, once he lets them get closer, the baby elephants scamper in and play around in the well watered rocks, ooohing and aahing at how warm they are!&nbsp; <br><br><strong>"Agi is warm hugs!"</strong> A baby elephant proclaims! <strong>"Even warm hugs for the island!"</strong> The others nod and agree!<br><br><hr><br><em>Aqua's Blooming Desert!</em><br><br><strong>"Oooh look! Spirit made rocks!"</strong> A baby elephant exclaims happily upon arriving at the desert.<br><br><strong>"No silly, Spirit made something over next hill!"</strong> A slightly bigger elephant corrects them! <br><br><strong>"Ooooooooh."</strong> The first baby says, they all trot ahead eagerly.<br><br>As they trot along they crest the next hill and suddenly the blooming desert is laid out before them. The baby elephants have all stopped. None are speaking or trumpeting, just staring with their mouths open. <br><br><strong>"So pretty!"</strong> One finally says. <strong>"We can play in it?"</strong><br><br>But of course they can!<br><br><strong>"Yay! Thank you....Aqua!"</strong> The elephants are happy to learn his name. Her name. Their name! Any of their names! <strong>"Spirit is AQUA! Aqua makes pretty things!"</strong> The baby elephants make a game of trying to hold the slippery and ever-changing water spirit still in their trunks for a hug! They love the game! They love hugging Aqua! They love the beautiful growth of flowers in the desert! Very happy baby elephants indeed!<br><br>They do not seem to understand what Aqua means when they say they might not see him again. Why wouldn't they be able to see their favorite spirit? Where would she go? Such things are too complicated for young elephants! <br><br><hr><br><em>Rin's Glass Castles!</em><br><br><strong>"Oooh yes we help!"</strong> The babies agree eagerly, happily, visiting Rin over many days to help dig with their little trunks. Their moms have been supervising in the past, watching with patient and gentle joy as their babies play about, but now for this final visit the young ones are without adult supervision!<br><br>The little elephant eyes widen as Rin goes POP! <strong>"WowowowowowwowoW!"</strong> They trumpet in amazement! <strong>"Do it again! Do it again! Can you do it ag- oooooooh look!"</strong> They are so amazed by what Rin has done that they don't realize what Rin did! But finally they catch sigh of the now glassy sand castle. Their little trunks tap at it once Rin allows them to get close. They have never seen or felt anything like it! <br><br><strong>"Only RIN can do this!"</strong> One says, the others must nod in agreement! <br><br>But while the little elephants cavort about in glee, one has been pondering and thinking, sucking on her little trunk as she stares at the creation. Some deep and important secret tugs at her little elephant brain until she is finally able to use her words to ask. <strong>"Do Rideymathing work on Shineymathing?"</strong> She finally asks Rin. <br><br>The other elephants slowly understand the magnitude of this question and stare at Rin, expecting great wisdom to come from the answer! <br><br><hr><br><em>Cor's Sky Islands!</em><br><br><strong>"Cor Cor!"</strong> The young elephants really like saying Cor. <br><br>One makes his voice as low as possible says in as rumbly and deep a voice as a baby elephant can manage <strong>"COOORRRRRR!</strong> The other elephants all must agree. Cor! Cor Cor Cor! Cor! It's so fun to say! It's so fun that at first the little things don't notice that the area has changed.<br><br><strong>"Wait."</strong> One says, squinting up, shielding her eyes with her trunk. <strong>"Those...clouds."</strong><br><br><strong>"Hmmm. No clouds."</strong> Another says, carefully analyzing with her own trunk over her eyes. <strong>"Cloud is poof. Those is rock!"</strong><br><br><strong>"Rock cloud?"</strong> Another asks in amazement. <strong>"COR make clouds of rock? Or rocks of clouds."</strong><br><br><strong>"I know!"</strong> The first little babyphant says suddenly, picking up a stick in her trunk she spells it out. <strong>"Like Mom showed us!"</strong><br><br>Clouds <br>Of<br>Rock<br><br><strong>"Cor!"</strong><br><br>Cor! Cor! The others agree, trumpeting along in tune. <br><br><strong>"Let's go up!"</strong> One suggests. <br><br><strong>"Yes!"</strong><br><br><strong>"How?"</strong> One asks. <br><br>Silence is the only answer. There is no way up for things that cannot fly! Ooops. Oh well, the birdies will love it! <br><br><hr><br><em>Bubble's Sky Lagoon!</em><br><br><strong>"Ooooooooh."</strong> The baby elephants like visiting here! A nice little pond in the middle of a nice forest! What is not to love?<br><br><strong>"Fish is pretty."</strong> One points out.<br><br><strong>"So is Spirit!"</strong> One agrees! <strong>"What is spirit named?"</strong> The elephants thought they were ready for the answer, but who could prepare for such a response?<br><br><strong>"Bubbles? BUBBLES?!?!"</strong> The elephants can scarcely contain themselves! What a delightful name! They run over to the pond and stick their trunks in, blowing bubbles happily! Bubbles! Bubbles! Bubbles! <strong>"Look look is more bubbles!"</strong> They say with glee. <strong>"I made the most bubbles!"</strong> One proclaims! <strong>"Well I made the biggest bubble!"</strong> Another crows. And so and and so on, each wanting the approval of Bubbles to judge their bubbles as the most bubbly of bubbles, as only bubbles could say! <br><br>Eventually one watches in awe as a fish rises up just where they were blowing bubbles! It's little elephant eyes widen in astonishment. <strong>"Look! Look! I blew a fish bubble!"</strong> It announces with triumph. But quickly the babies realize that it was Bubbles, not the bubbles, that cause such bubbles! <br><br><strong>"Put me in a bubble! Put me in a bubble!"</strong> The little things gather around trumpeting eagerly. But while they may be little for elephants, they are still quite big, and Bubbles finds them quite heavy to lift, even just one at a time! Still, they love it a lot and giggle and trumpet for joy as Bubbles lets them play with her fishes! <br><br><hr><br>At the end of the visits the baby elephants trumpet in thanks! <strong>"Come, come see grandma with us!"</strong> They say, frolicking with each other and the spirits if they care to join in all the way back! 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RampantDesires</strong> on <strong>01-12-2021, 05:18:07</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/616430571526029332/915447053864300564/swirly_swirls.png)</div><strong>Dwyn</strong> (she/her) (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018727#msg16018727)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Growth</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Other Happy Spirits, Wise Old Elephant</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong>Change is hard ... and at the same time not.&nbsp; Huh.&nbsp; Weird. Zone 14: Expanded Tide Pools (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEtUf-WWsAAuzGR.jpg)<br><br><hr><em>"You must change things."</em> Umm, no thank you.&nbsp; It whirled even faster in agitation at the thought.&nbsp; It was HAPPY, why bother changing?&nbsp; But then it realized no, it was already changed.&nbsp; Water droplets had continued to gather against its form and swirled in slow lazy circles around it giving a weight and awareness and a sense of self that it had perhaps lacked yesterday.&nbsp; <br><br>Okay, so maybe change wasn't so bad.&nbsp; It really did enjoy the water. Maybe it should go back to the shore and wait for the tides to shift again.&nbsp; It was easier to think there sometimes.&nbsp; And so it drifted along, resisting the urge to follow the other spirits as they moved off to find their own change.&nbsp; The Wise Old Elephant had been very clear, she needed to find her own place to ...<br><br>WAIT.<br><br>She?<br><br>It had always thought of itself as just one... it.&nbsp; But she felt right.&nbsp; Felt like her.&nbsp; Ahh, there it was again!&nbsp; A pleased little burble disrupted the swirling water around her body causing her to shed some of it as she bobbed gleefully toward the ocean.&nbsp; It did not concern her to lose those droplets.&nbsp; The ocean was vast after all, there was always more water, and indeed soon the skies themselves opened up dropping that precious liquid upon the soil so that life on the island might again continue.<br><br>How beautiful and wonderful.&nbsp; <br><br>But she was supposed to change it? How?&nbsp; How to make things different?&nbsp; Make them better?&nbsp; Sitting in her favorite spot it occurred to her that she wished the glowing tide lasted longer.&nbsp; It was fun to watch, to play amid the surf as the luminance built.&nbsp; But it was so fleeting, and the tide flowed back out again... but what if it didn't?&nbsp; <br><br>That thought stuck with her for a few days as she drifted along the shore and eventually she hatched her plan. A bit further up the beach she began the work.&nbsp; Each time the tide came in she pushed at the salty water, forcing it against rock and sand, displacing more and more until natural wells began to form.&nbsp; It was hard work.&nbsp; This would be so much easier if she was an earth spirt, she could simply TELL it to move, but there was a sense of rightness to it as well.&nbsp; Water didn't tell anything to do something, it just wore relentlessly away at it until finally it gave way and did what it was supposed to do in the first place.&nbsp; <br><br>Day in and day out, urging the tide to push further up onto the beach, pulling the silt back until there was only harder&nbsp; rock formations to form natural pools for it to settle in.&nbsp; Likely this would have happened naturally, but what would have taken years, decades, longer? time was still a hard concept for her to fully grasp, it didn't matter really.&nbsp; With her coaxing and pushing and directing the water it took only a small fraction of that to achieve the same results.&nbsp; And it was beautiful.&nbsp; Not quite the glowing picture that she'd presented the baby elephants with last time, but she thought they would enjoy inspecting the various bits of ocean life that washed in and settled, at least temporarily in those shallow pools.&nbsp; <br><br>She was well pleased with her efforts when she returned to them, not seeming to realize that she herself was larger until she closed to one of the babies.&nbsp; Her first thought was that it had shrunk, but no, seeing it next to the Wise Old Elephant, they were the same size.&nbsp; She herself had grown.&nbsp; Interesting.<br><br>"Hello .. I missed you..." and she had, that also was interesting but besides the point.&nbsp; "I don't think I told you before but I'm Dwyn.. and you are super cute.&nbsp; I made you a thing.&nbsp; Maybe, if you wanna see it."&nbsp; Nervous?&nbsp; That was new too.&nbsp; What if they didn't like it?&nbsp; What if she had <em>ruined</em> part of the island.&nbsp; No, it would be fine, who didn't love little pools?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>01-12-2021, 05:32:44</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/mGCrlXE.jpg?1)</div><strong>Baby Elephants!</strong><br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Growth</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>All Happy Little Spirits!</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>One Last Visit!</em><br><br><hr><br><strong>"And surely that is ALL of the places!"</strong> The baby elephants agree.<br><br><strong>"Yes, none more!"</strong> They concur. A moment of silence passes with nothing but the sound of young elephant feet padding along. <br><br><strong>"Unless a spirit is VERY sneaky."</strong> One ads. <br><br>The little herd comes to a stop. <strong>"Let's check again."</strong> <br><br>And so they come across a spirit who has been working very hard, very hard indeed, to cause water to wear away at the very rock. They have worked so hard that the baby elephants thought they were just the tide on the first passing!<br><br><strong>"Oooh! What you make? Baby elephant pool?"</strong> One asks seeking permission before splashing into the little pool. <strong>"Is perfect size!"</strong><br><br><strong>"This one is home for crab!"</strong> Another announces happily, inspecting what it has found.<br><br><strong>"This one has spiky thing!"</strong> Another says, gingerly reaching towards a sea urchin before his wiser brother pulls his trunk away with his own.<br><br>Soon the baby elephants are hopping about exploring each pool, finding the wonders within! <br><br><strong>"DWYN!"</strong> They like the name. It's peaceful! Calming! Like the soft tide! <strong>"Dwyn!"</strong> One says happily, curling up on the beach. <strong>"Dwyn is nice spirit, makes puddles for cuddles!"</strong> <br><br><strong>"Dwyn!"</strong> The others agree, inspired to create a little cuddle puddle of their own.<br><br><strong>"Okay!"</strong> They agree when done cuddling. <strong>"NOW can go see gramma! C'mon Dwyn!"</strong> 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>[YaaHS] The Island Year One - Open Paths</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>01-12-2021, 06:57:27</strong>
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				<div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/cySD0bM.png)<br>(Art by Christi Belcourt (https://twitter.com/christibelcourt/status/974531021751267329))<br><br><span style="font-size: 15pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Year One<br>When Paths Open</strong></span></span></div><br><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><em>Like the little elephants, like the grass, like the trees, you have grown. Not just in size, but in how much of the world you can see. Things that were once mysteries are becoming clearer. Things that were once impossible are no longer so. Is the future exciting? Is it frightening? Is it both?<br><br>Something makes you tingle inside as you approach the forest where the Wise Old Elephant Rests. You can't quite explain this new feeling. It's not quite happy. Not entirely. <br><br>The shadows loom long as you approach your friend.<br></em></span></span><br><br><hr><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/KnfrIGL.jpg)</div><strong>Wise Old Elephant</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Open Paths</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>All</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Resting</em><br><br><hr><br>She is sitting down on her haunches, as still as the rocks around her. For a moment the way the low sun hits her she could be one with the stone. She is surrounded by her sons, her daughters, many grown elephants you have never seen before! Her eyes look so old, so tired, she barely moves. The baby elephants run up to her and nuzzle her, loving her. She returns the gestures, weakly, and tell them to go run and play. They need no second opinion! Off they go! She watches them for a long moment, her old lips smiling as she sees them play. Her loved ones give her her space as they go to watch the young. She is alone with you for the time being.<br><br><strong>"Ah, my friends."</strong> She says as you gather. <strong>"Thank you for being so good to my little ones. They have told me of your wonders. I am so proud of you. And I am so glad I was able to know more of your true selves before ... "</strong> she does not finish that sentence. <br><br>She speaks to you each by name, moving from one little spirit to the next, her old trunk moving ever so slightly towards each of you as she speaks before it rests again. She take a deep breath, it sounds hard for her to do so.<br><br><strong>"I am glad you came to me this night. For this is the second of four very special times. On this cycle, the day is longest, the night is shortest. And sometimes the unseen doors open....soon I will see one I have been expecting for some time. I would like you to meet them too."</strong><br><br>She closes her eyes. Is she still resting? She must be very sleepy. So sleepy. She is resting awhile! Awhile more.....you hear a sound behind you. Soft footsteps, far too soft to be an elephant.<br><br><strong>"Hello old friend."</strong> The voice that speaks is soft, far softer than an elephant's. In another place you may say it is a pleasant voice, a soft soprano. But there is a sharpness to it that makes your spirt-y surface feel like ants are crawling over it, and the air has gotten very cold. <br><br><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LxdM1cE.jpg?2)</div><strong>The Reaper</strong> (She/They)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Open Paths</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>All</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Resting</em><br><br><hr><br>The figure walks towards the wise old elephant. A hand that is nothing but bone spreads its fingers and presses gently against the surface of her old forehead. For a moment you think she has drawn breath again, but it is not her body that moves. A glowing outline of her form rises, coaxed by the reaper's hand, from her body.<br><br><strong>"Ah, so it was my time after all."</strong> The elephant says. Is she sad? Relieved? It is hard to tell.<br><br><strong>"In this last thing, your wisdom has served you well."</strong> The reaper places her hand over her chest and nods her head to the Wise Old Elephant. A show of respect?<br><br><strong>"My children...."</strong> Her ghostly eyes trail over to them. You realize as some glance back your way that the other elephants cannot see the soul of the old one, or her friend. <br><br><strong>"You could not have given them more."</strong> A slight pause to let the heaviness of the words sink in, <strong>"Come."</strong> The voice is gentle, but it is clearly not a choice. A bony hand is raised, it beckons. <br><br><strong>"My little friends..."</strong> She glances to you. <br><br><strong>"They may accompany us. As spirits they may cross the path in both directions. But they must leave before the sun rises or they may have to wait a very long time before they may return."</strong><br><br>She nods, a glance to make sure you understand, before turning her head back to the reaper. <strong>"I am ready."</strong> She glances to you, <strong>"Please follow, I would like you to see...and learn."</strong><br><br>The Reaper takes you on a windy path through a forest that has become very, very dark. After some time in silence the skeletal figures asks quietly. <strong>"Are they - ?"</strong> <br><br><strong>"No. Not yet."</strong> The elephant responds. The reaper nods. You get the sense that far more words have been said unspoken. But what could they mean.<br><br>After what feels like a long while, light appears, and it grows brighter, and brighter. The cold seems to fade, warmth grows. Happiness, if it left, can be felt again.<br><br>And then, suddenly, one moment, you are in a jungle. It is warm here, warmer than you are used to, it is very moist in the air. The elephant soul next to you lets out a happy, youthful trumpet. The wrinkles from her face are fading. Is she growing younger? <br><br>Trumpeting comes from the thick jungle around you. Elephants are approaching more and more! They are so happy to see the Wise Old One. She gallops towards them, a much faster and more comfortable speed than her old bones have ever carried her in your sight. But she looks young again, and so happy. You catch hints of the words being spoken. They have been waiting, they are so happy to see her! They have so much to tell her, to ask her, to show her! <br><br>The Reaper stands with you, hand on her scythe watching with you.<br><br><strong>"All those who loved her, and she loved, in life. They are all with me."</strong> She sounds pleased, proud. <strong>"One day I will bring her children here, and they will join her, and yes, some day, even the little ones."</strong> How does this being know so much? You have never met her! <br><br><strong>"You are welcome to stay, I will tell you when the sun is rising on your island. Until then you may explore if you wish, but please do not go further than my voice can reach. And if you would like to ask me anything, I am happy to share what I can with you."</strong><br><br><hr><br><em>What would you ask of the Reaper?</em><br><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>01-12-2021, 18:32:37</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LceJHn5.png)</div><strong>Agi [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Time of Open Paths<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Baby Elephants, Wise Old Elephant, Reaper<br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><hr>"Hi! Hi!" The warm spirit returns, eagerly and happily embracing each of the elephants, and enveloping them in the gentle, comforting warmth that he emanates. The elephants want to be close, and despite his cat-like nature, he enjoys it quite thoroughly. He makes sure that each of the baby elephants gets equal attention from him; equal warmth. <br><br>He feels a small amount of pride--an interesting kind of happiness--in impressing the elephants.&nbsp; Of course, when it's time for them to go, he gives them all another round of hugging, and encourages them to take some fruits, too. <br><hr>When the babyphants come back to invite him along to visit Grandma, he of course has to only pause long enough to grab the biggest, sweetest, juiciest apple he can find--a small gift for the Wise Old Elephant. He then takes off with the small herd, some times floating around on heated air currents, other times happily sitting on one of the elephant's heads--and he's always just the right amount of warm. Never too hot, just always comfortable.<br><br>The shadows feel peculiarly unhappy as they get closer and closer, and a small amount of radiance trickles out of him. Fire is warmth, certainly; but fire is also light. <br><br>The Wise Old Elephant looks sleepy, to Agi. It's... why does it make him feel unhappy? Is this worry? Where did that word come from? Worry. Worry, worry, worry. Worry? What's that? It's not happy, certainly. Maybe it can be fixed with an apple! The warm spirit approaches, and offers the apple--helping to feed the venerable ancient, if it's needed.<br><br>And as for what comes next--Agi stays cuddled into the ancient elephant, hoping she can find a small bit of happiness in this warmth, which feels almost as soothing as a soak in the springs. <br><hr>The strange sensation is not a welcome one. He held nothing against ants, but it's just not a happy feeling. Not-happy. Unhappy? Yes. Such a weird thing to feel! <br><br>The skeletal figure is perplexing. "Hello?" It ventures a greeting, but settles into quietly watching as it interacts with the elephant.&nbsp; Seeing the Wise One become a spirit is fascinating, and for a moment, he feels hopeful. However... things don't go as Agi might wish. <br><br>Once more, their path forward darkens, and the fire spirit tries to put off radiance; not to dispel the darkness, necessarily, but to balance and contrast it.&nbsp; His motives, as always, are simple and straightforward: bring comfort; to himself, to the Wise One, the Reaper, his fellow spirits...<br><br>Thankfully, the darkness doesn't last long. Upon coming out into a far more friendlier, and happier, jungle, the fire spirit initially takes off--as if to follow the now youthful Wise Elephant--but comes to a halt when he hears the Reaper's words. "Where here? Is on island?" Agi has never seen this place on the island before, but then, he hasn't explored all of it--he doesn't range too far from the Prismatic Springs, unless going to the Grove. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>03-12-2021, 02:38:44</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/nKSivzs.jpeg)</div><strong>Aqua (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Open Paths</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> Reaper<br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><hr><br>Aqua was silent as he watched the old elephant, as he was spoken to so kindly and as he followed them to this... new realm. This new plave. Somehow, he knew the path, the way to go, though it wasn't in any direction that he'd ever travelled before. And he felt... different, too. Not different like when he'd gained his wateriness or when he'd decided on his name. Different in... a different way. For the first time since he remembered, he was... not happy. That wouldn't have been possible when he was a happy spirit, but he wasn't a happy spirit anymore. He was Aqua now. And apparently that meant sometimes not being happy. He... didn't like this as much.<br><br>Aqua looked at the elephant for a while. She couldn't be considered old anymore, though perhaps she was still wise. She then observed the stranger. She wasn't afraid. The stranger didn't seem unkind, though certainly more solemn than any she'd seen. Her question came simply. "Why am I not happy?" she asked. "She's different, but she's happy. But I'm not. I don't think I'm the kind of spirit who's not-happy because others are happy. So... why?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Envious</strong> on <strong>04-12-2021, 00:42:55</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/fXF6cvv.jpg?1)</div><strong>Wish</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.0#:~:text=Referrals%3A%200-,Envious,-%C2%AB%20Reply%20%237%20on), a happy Air spirit! (she/it)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Time of Open Paths<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Aqua, Reaper, Agi<br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><hr><br><em>Wshhhhhhhhh.</em><br><br>The happy little spirit was <em>so happy</em>. Just as it had hoped, it danced in the wind. It had every intention of changing something. It had every intention of finding a name. But to be a breeze ruffling feathers! To be a whirlwind kicking up dusty clouds! To be a refreshing gust to a friend in need! It was so much fun! The little spirit had done nothing to change the island, but it had done everything it could to visit every creature it could find! Big or small, the elemental <em>wshed</em> by to show off its new windy skills.<br><br>When it finally made its way back to the little elephants, it had learned that it was comfortable being a she. And she very much enjoyed making a <em>wshhhhhhh</em> sound. When asked her name, she proudly stated <strong>"I am Wshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"</strong>, extending the 'sh' sound for several seconds. It turned out that there were very few creatures willing to humor a sound for that long, and her nick-name became Wish. Wish was delighted to have it.<br><br><hr><br>It is time to visit the wise old elephant, but Wish doesn't feel like a happy little spirit as she enters the forest. There are many elephants she has never seen before and they all seem to look as if their head has become too heavy for their shoulders. Their trunks hang low and listless. They are not as wise as the old elephant, but they have known the world a long time. They know something that the little elephants do not.<br><br>This is of great curiosity to the air spirit who dances between legs and and under ears. The reaction she receives is muted; she is merely being humored. <br><br>When it is time to go with the Reaper, Wish hovers around her fellow spirits. Even though time has passed, she recognizes them! Celebrates their changes! She wsssh's around them in wordless greeting as they travel to the jungle. She doesn't quite recognize that the wise old elephant is a soul - not yet - but her own spirits lift at the happiness she sees.<br><br><strong>"Not happy?"</strong> she asked Aqua. Wish had passed through a moment of not happy, but now it was gone. The warmth of the jungle, the exuberance of the elephants, the excitement of something new... so much to explore! She wasn't ready to ask the Reaper a question. Instead, she pressed her amorphous form against Aqua's in a playful gesture meant to comfort. <strong>"Do you need more wet stuff?"</strong> she asked curiously. What did a water spirit need to be happy? Was Aqua was <em>too</em> wet? The thought was stressful, but maybe Agi could dry Aqua off. But... what if he dried Aqua too much? The thought was even more stressful.<br><br>Unsure of what to do, Wish floated away towards the Reaper. <strong>"A walk with Reaper made our Wise Old Elephant happy. Can we walk with you too?"</strong> she finally asks, innocently. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>04-12-2021, 22:07:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LxdM1cE.jpg?2)</div><strong>The Reaper</strong> (She/They)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Open Paths</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Agi, Aqua, Wish </em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Sharing</em><br><br><hr><br>The reaper stand peacefully, fingers wrapped around her scythe, she leans on it like a walking stick as the little spirits ask their questions.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337457.msg16045801#msg16045801">Quote from: TheHangedMan on 01-12-2021, 18:32:37</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Where here? Is on island?"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><strong>"No, Agi."</strong> The reaper says simply, her voice patient. It is neither surprising nor worrying that she knows your name. <strong>"This is another world, where things are very different. Your island is in the world of living, a world of life, growth, and belief. This is the land of the dead, for those who have crossed over. There is no growth here, but there is no pain. I take the beings of your world here that they may rest in peace."</strong><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337457.msg16046924#msg16046924">Quote from: c0i9z on 03-12-2021, 02:38:44</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Why am I not happy?" she asked. "She's different, but she's happy. But I'm not. I don't think I'm the kind of spirit who's not-happy because others are happy. So... why?"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><strong>"Your feelings are your own, Aqua."</strong> The reaper says with a voice that should come with a smile, although her skull shows nothing. <strong>"But perhaps what you are experiencing is a sense of loss. The knowledge that when you return to the land of the living, the spirit of the Wise Old Elephant will remain here. But you will keep her memories, and they will give you comfort even when the night is long and cold."</strong><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337457.msg16047827#msg16047827">Quote from: Envious on 04-12-2021, 00:42:55</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Unsure of what to do, Wish floated away towards the Reaper. <strong>"A walk with Reaper made our Wise Old Elephant happy. Can we walk with you too?"</strong> she finally asks, innocently. <br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The Reaper regards Wish for a long moment, staring with empty eyes into the hopeful little ones of the air spirit. <strong>"Not as a spirit, Wish."</strong> She says, with a sense of hesitancy. <strong>"I collect and keep the souls of the living and preserve them here. As a spirit, you do not have a soul. You are something different."</strong> The pause hangs in the air, as the Reaper considers what to say. <strong>"There is no land of the dead where you can be taken if you were to cease to be. You would simply cease."</strong> <br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>05-12-2021, 00:18:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/DhfOlCG.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rin</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Open Paths</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Open, ask if interested</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Investigating</em><br><br><hr><br>Rin had opened a sleepy eyes when the Babyphants posed their super important question to her, being cradled in one of their trunks. So tuckered and worn out from her expenditure of fire, she still turned the super important question over and over in her little brain. "No no.." the sleepy spirit mumbled "Rideymathings are for snow...Shinymathing is for pretty..." she had sagely advised, before snuggling back into the trunks embrace for a recharge. <br><br><hr><br>When she was summoned to meet the Wise Old Elephant again she was excited, even if the Wise Old Elephant looked sleepy. She wondered if she'd like to take a nap with all her spirity friends. When the babyphants were bid to go play, Rin almost followed them. Play? Play! But...something kept her there. And as the Wise Old Elephant bade her farewell, Rin watched. Since becoming one with fire she saw things ina new way sometimes if she really really focused. And she watched as the Elephant's warmth simply...left her. <br><br>"Cold..." came the whisper from her lips, though whether describing the Elephant or the new skeletal friend, one would be hard pressed to say. But she followed after, because she trusted the Elephant implicitly, and if she said it was ok to come and safe and see then it was ok. Of that Rin had no doubt. Her little flame flickered as she floated along after them and happily wriggled about as she watched the Elephant be reunited with others. She remembered how tired the Elephant had been during their mountain trip, but now it looked like she could run up them. <br><br>New place though, new things. She zipped about from left to right, up to down, like a shimmering flickering firefly as she did looking here there and everywhere, though she kept the hooded one in sight, a little thought came into her flamey brain as she hovered back slowly, turning and peering out into...and past the jungle she could see, turning up to the reaper she tilted her head (and whole body) "Stay near new friends voice....why? If not...what?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>05-12-2021, 00:27:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LxdM1cE.jpg?2)</div><strong>The Reaper</strong> (She/They)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Open Paths</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Agi, Aqua, Wish </em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Sharing</em><br><br><hr><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337457.msg16048761#msg16048761">Quote from: Kadigan on 05-12-2021, 00:18:24</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Stay near new friends voice....why? If not...what?" </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><strong>"No harm would come to you. You would travel between the memories of loved worlds and places from the dreams of the souls that dwell here. You could do so freely as a spirit. But when the sun rises on your world the path that we took will no longer open for you. And it may be another year, perhaps longer, before it opens again. And until then you would be trapped here. And there is so much more for you to do in the land of the living, little Rin. So you must stay within my voice so that you may hear when it is time to return."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Crensler</strong> on <strong>05-12-2021, 01:42:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/1/1e/Happy_spirit_of_ice.png)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rime (She/Her)</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16048690#msg16048690)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Open Paths</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>The Reaper, Open</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Realizing</em><br><br><hr><br>Rime was still trying to find herself, only knowing she was of water, her name, and that she was a... well, she.&nbsp; As time passed she had changed, still happy, but more than that.&nbsp; She brought cold like the fire spirits brought heat, but cold, just like hot, could be good and bad.&nbsp; She preferred good, but she was starting to realize that good couldn't always happen.&nbsp; This day was such a day.<br><br>Rime understood before she realized it, what was happening to the Wise Old Elephant.&nbsp; She was having the endings.&nbsp; All things in the world had endings; plants, animals, seasons... and Wise Old Elephant.&nbsp; Yet, endings brought new beginnings.&nbsp; Good springing from bad!&nbsp; Yes, though she didn't fully understand what endings were, the Wise Old Elephant was able to begin again now that she ended.&nbsp; That was happy and so Rime was happy.&nbsp; She bobbed up and down, giggling as she watched the Wise Yet-No-Longer-Old Elephant trumpet and run into the jungle, happy that she was happy.<br><br>"You is bringing endings!"&nbsp; She declared of the strange thing that had come for the Wise Old Elephant, giggling again as she swirled around oddly shaped being.&nbsp; "You help Wise Old Elephant find her endings, and now she beginnings again!&nbsp; Yay!"&nbsp; No, she didn't fully understand, but if their friend was happy then there was no need to be sad.&nbsp; "Rime help endings, too!&nbsp; Cold comes, endings the warm times, but then the cold endings and the warm beginnings again!"&nbsp; She spun around, small snowflakes flurrying in her wake for a brief moment as she giggled again.&nbsp; "Rime is happy that Wise Elephant can be happy with beginnings again.&nbsp; Is new friend happy, too?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>05-12-2021, 06:30:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/nKSivzs.jpeg)</div><strong>Aqua (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Open Paths</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> Reaper, Wish<br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><hr><br>"Memories..." Aqua said. "I never had much memories before, I don't think. I don't remember much from before I had a name, from before her..." She looked to the elephants. She couldn't even tell the old one apart anymore. Maybe... maybe she could go find her. Surely she could. But just as surely, she felt that this wasn't her place. The old elephant would go, and she would remain. "Thank you for telling me," she added to the reaper. "So much is different now. and I think I can't just only be happy now. But maybe that's not everything either?"<br><br>Wish came to comfort Aqua and he let out a bit of a giggle before flowing over to him, to nuzzle his happy friend. "I'll be alright, I think," he said. "Our new friend has explained it to me, about loss and memories. But maybe later, would you like to talk about the elephant? You tell me your memories and I'll tell you mine? That will make me happy, I think."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>05-12-2021, 22:07:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LxdM1cE.jpg?2)</div><strong>The Reaper</strong> (She/They)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Open Paths</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Aqua, Rime</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Sharing</em><br><br><hr><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337457.msg16048837#msg16048837">Quote from: Crensler on 05-12-2021, 01:42:04</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"You is bringing endings!"&nbsp; She declared of the strange thing that had come for the Wise Old Elephant, giggling again as she swirled around oddly shaped being.&nbsp; "You help Wise Old Elephant find her endings, and now she beginnings again!&nbsp; Yay!"&nbsp; No, she didn't fully understand, but if their friend was happy then there was no need to be sad.&nbsp; "Rime help endings, too!&nbsp; Cold comes, endings the warm times, but then the cold endings and the warm beginnings again!"&nbsp; She spun around, small snowflakes flurrying in her wake for a brief moment as she giggled again.&nbsp; "Rime is happy that Wise Elephant can be happy with beginnings again.&nbsp; Is new friend happy, too?"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The Reaper regarded the icy little spirit with patience and grace as it came to conclusions. It seemed to appreciate how she was trying to learn. <strong>"Yes, every ending is a new beginning."</strong> The skeletal figured agreed. <strong>"Or at least it can be."</strong> <br><br>She seemed to think for several long moments about the next part of Rime's question. It was perhaps far deeper than the spirit realized.<br><br><strong>"No."</strong> She said finally, sadness creeping into her voice. <strong>"I am not happy."</strong> There seemed to be an invitation to ask why hanging in her words. And from the way she spoke one would suspect that unhappiness was not the natural state of this figure, even as intimidating and cruel as she looked. <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337457.msg16049075#msg16049075">Quote from: c0i9z on 05-12-2021, 06:30:51</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Memories..." Aqua said. "I never had much memories before, I don't think. I don't remember much from before I had a name, from before her..." She looked to the elephants. She couldn't even tell the old one apart anymore. Maybe... maybe she could go find her. Surely she could. But just as surely, she felt that this wasn't her place. The old elephant would go, and she would remain. "Thank you for telling me," she added to the reaper. "So much is different now. and I think I can't just only be happy now. But maybe that's not everything either?"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><strong>"You are very welcome."</strong> The Reaper responds. <strong>"I know it may not seem so, but I like to think I am here to help."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Crensler</strong> on <strong>05-12-2021, 22:34:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/1/1e/Happy_spirit_of_ice.png)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rime</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16048690#msg16048690)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Open Paths</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>The Reaper, Open</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Trying so hard to understand</em><br><br><hr><br>Rime felt confused as the strange creature responded to her, wondering what it meant.&nbsp; Did that mean some endings didn't bring new beginnings?&nbsp; How could that be?&nbsp; The normally happy spirit was just too confused to be happy now, mouth turning down in a very rare frown as she thought things over as best she was able.<br><br>"New friend say not all endings bring beginnings, but Rime sees it all the time," she murmured, hovering in place as she worked it through.&nbsp; "Rime doesn't understand!"&nbsp; She flailed a bit, a very small, localized flurry generating around her as she wobbled about as she struggled to grasp these new concepts.&nbsp; "And now new friend say she not happy!&nbsp; That makes Rime feel bad!"&nbsp; She didn't fully understand why that was, but she did know that her new friend being not happy was bad.&nbsp; "Why?&nbsp; Is new friend lonely?&nbsp; Sick?"&nbsp; She learned about sick not too long ago when one of the young elephants ate something and got all funny in their tummy because of it.&nbsp; "Rime wants be helping, but new friend needs help Rime understand!"&nbsp; She then remembered her manners.&nbsp; "Please!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Envious</strong> on <strong>05-12-2021, 23:42:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/fXF6cvv.jpg?1)</div><strong>Wish</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.0#:~:text=Referrals%3A%200-,Envious,-%C2%AB%20Reply%20%237%20on), a happy Air spirit! (she/it)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Time of Open Paths<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Aqua, Reaper | Open<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Going to explore the area<br><hr><br>The conversation was bustling! Everyone had questions and Wish thoroughly enjoyed listening to everyone share. There were many wonderful things in the world, but making conversation (or really, just noise) was high on her list of pleasant experiences. She giggled in response to Aqua's giggle, as if the response was contagious. <strong>"I love talking! We can talk and talk and talk! I have many memories of Wise Old Elephant!"</strong> The impact of death had not yet fully registered for the young elemental; she did not yet understand that no more memories would be made and that no more conversations would be had. The future was a nebulous thing - distant and unknowable. Wish was only concerned with the now and could only comprehend the things that had already occurred. <br><br>When the Reaper answers her question, Wish only smiles happily. Her response acknowledges the answer while clearly showing she does not understand it. <em>Something different? Cease to exist?</em> This meant nothing to her, and she did not worry over such thoughts. <br><br><strong>"I am something different!"</strong> she exclaimed proudly in response. <strong>"I am becoming something more!"</strong> Her recollection of the Wise Old Elephants words were an indication that the little spirit was more than an air-head, but she did not yet have the experience to understand what the Reaper was implying. She could see the agitation on the faces of her fellow spirits, but Wish was done being anything less than happy. She spun in a speedy circle, <em>wssssssshhhhhh</em>ing as she did so.<br><br><strong>"I will explore!"</strong> she said in her whirl-wind state. It was creating a feather-light breeze to those in proximity to her. With a <em>wheeeeee!</em> she began to gust towards the happy elephant spirits. She wanted to meet new friends! 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>06-12-2021, 03:21:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LceJHn5.png)</div><strong>Agi [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Time of Open Paths<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Reaper<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Providing comfort<br><hr>"Oh. Different island!" He concludes. It might as well be that, as far as the simple fire-spirit was concerned. The true scope of existence is a bit beyond him, as things stand. "Naps are good." Being rather feline in nature, of course, this makes sense. Agi's understanding of the Reaper is... well, simple. <br><br>And, of course, he doesn't put even a single thought into why the Reaper would know his name. Kind of like how Agi knows a tree is a tree. Did someone teach him what to call the trees? Maybe, but he doesn't remember. <br><br>Seemingly done with this interaction, he wanders around, hither and thither, but staying relatively close by. His pace is ponderously slow, and he keeps close by--close enough that he can hear the Reaper admit that she is not happy, which is ungood. Such an admission instantly draws Agi back to the skeletal figure; rubbing up along her leg bones, as a cat might.<br><br>"Why not happy?" He starts to emit warmth; this is both physical warmth, which is simple for a fire spirit, but there's also a sort of spiritual warmth that he gives off--that's a bit more advanced. In practice, he's almost like a hearth spirit; and what is a hearth, if not a source of comfort? He keeps a close gauge on how much warmth he's throwing off; cautious, not wanting to suddenly start a wildfire.&nbsp; <br><br>And if the Reaper can sense intentions, then she can perhaps find solace in the fact that Agi's motives are as simple as his understanding of the cosmos; he just wants to make things better. That's all. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Flower</strong> on <strong>06-12-2021, 20:15:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/b/b0/Happywaterspiritpng.png)</div><strong>Bubble (She/Her)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018731#msg16018731)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, When Paths Open<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Wise Old Elephant, Other Happy Spirits, Reaper<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Zone 16, Sky Lagoon (https://mixkit.imgix.net/art/preview/mixkit-two-colorful-fish-swimming-inside-a-bubble-187-original-large.png?q=80&amp;auto=format%2Ccompress)<br><hr><br>The baby elephants' appreciation of Bubbles' small contribution to their wonderful island made them swell with pride. While the floating fish made her happy, she wished for the sky lagoon to inspire joy in whoever might cross it. The way they chanted her name with such glee further reinforced her contentment with the decision. Bubbles were fun, and so was she. As she watched them blow bubbles into the water, she wondered what they might come to be called in the future. How did names even work with the elephant herd? Did they name themselves, or did the herd play a part in the decision? It was something to ask Wise Old Elephant the next time they saw each other. <br><br>But Bubbles' memory proved fleeting as she forgot to inquire about the elephants' naming practices. <br><br>And unfortunately, the next time she saw the dear Matriarch, she seemed so peaceful that Bubbles didn't want to trouble her with the question. There'd be another time to bother her, right? Pure confusion crossed her face as the Wise One spoke of doors opening. She became less apprehensive at mentioning a new friend arriving on their island. <br><br>Bubbles did their best to keep watch for the newcomer, but soon they too fell asleep. Their rest was interrupted when an unpleasant sensation scraped across their body, making them shudder as their eyes opened to find the world colder than when they first fell asleep. When the expected stranger revealed themselves, she looked at the other happy spirits assembled, taking comfort in their nearness. <br><br>Her eyes widened when the being reached out and pulled free Elephant's spirit? Was the Wise One becoming a Happy Spirit too? Was that even possible? She'd have to ask the Spirit of Blossoms sometime. Something tore at the inside of Bubbles' heart as she came to the fast realization that Wise One was not remaining with them. <br><br>But…who else would take care of the little ones in her absence? <br><br>Concerned, Bubbles followed as they traveled the darkness. Fear licked at her, but she kept a brave face, not just for herself but the other happy spirits around her. Besides, Wise One was there too, and she knew they wouldn't allow anything unhappy to happen to them. Soon, they arrived at a jungle, and it was chocked full of elephants. The reunion between Wise One and the others was marvelous to watch, and Bubbles experienced happy tears for the first time. Witnessing such a heartwarming display made her feel less uncertain about their new acquaintance. The offer for questions made her consider a good one. Some of the others blurted out theirs instantaneously, and they were really good. Their questioned helped BUbbles learn more about this new world and the being in front of them. <br><br>"How do Happy Spirits know when it's time to open another door?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>07-12-2021, 01:20:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/nKSivzs.jpeg)</div><strong>Aqua (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Open Paths</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> Reaper, Wish<br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><hr><br>"Wish! Don't go too far!", Aqua called out, laughing as she hurried after her friend. "She already told you, we can't get so far away that we can't hear her!" She turned back, now flying without looking to call back. "Hey! Hey! Mrs? Can you still hear us?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>09-12-2021, 01:47:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/DhfOlCG.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rin</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Open Paths</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Open, ask if interested</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Making new friends</em><br><br>Rin had pondered all of these things that New Friend had stated with all the seriousness and attention they deserved, then had spotted something interested and hovered over to check. It was a plant...but was it a plant? It kept opening and closing it's leaves as Rin got close. Was it trying to talk? It looked interesting, all the little spiny things at the tips of the mouth. She watched it, though no sound came out. So she tried to communicate like it did. She opened and closed her mouth slowly, and furrowed her brow. She still couldn't understand it. <br><br>Changing tactics, she turned to her side so she was orientated the same as the plant and opened and closed her mouth again. It still wouldn't talk to her. It was being a very quiet plant. Humming, she turned her heat down a little and it stopped moving. So it wanted her warmth...she pondered this odd dichotomy when a little insect landed in between the petals. She watched the plant's mouth close on it and stay closed. "You just wanted to hug someone!" she smiled and bopped away, happy to have sorted out this botanical quandary. <br><br>Floating about a little she poked and peeked and generally explored a bit, but then she remembered something. She'd been so intrigued by New Friend she'd momentarily forgotten old friend. New Friend said they were leaving soon. Hovering over to the Wise Old Elephant, she remembered to turn her heat down and nuzzled up against the side of one massive ear "Will miss Friend..." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>12-12-2021, 02:09:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LxdM1cE.jpg?2)</div><strong>The Reaper</strong> (She/They)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Open Paths</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Aqua, Rime</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Sharing</em><br><br><hr><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337457.msg16050302#msg16050302">Quote from: Flower on 06-12-2021, 20:15:55</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"How do Happy Spirits know when it's time to open another door?" <br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><strong>"The doors between worlds are usually shut very tight." </strong>The Reaper explains slowly. <strong>"But on certain times the doors open by themselves, just a little. On the cycle when the night is shortest, the doors open this way, and those who can see the path may walk between your world and the worlds beyond."</strong> She looks at Bubbles carefully. <strong>"But on the cycle when the night is longest, the paths shift in strange ways, and sometimes those that should not cross are able to." </strong><br><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337457.msg16049641#msg16049641">Quote from: Envious on 05-12-2021, 23:42:53</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><strong>"I am something different!"</strong> she exclaimed proudly in response. <strong>"I am becoming something more!"</strong> Her recollection of the Wise Old Elephants words were an indication that the little spirit was more than an air-head, but she did not yet have the experience to understand what the Reaper was implying. She could see the agitation on the faces of her fellow spirits, but Wish was done being anything less than happy. She spun in a speedy circle, <em>wssssssshhhhhh</em>ing as she did so.<br><br><strong>"I will explore!"</strong> she said in her whirl-wind state. It was creating a feather-light breeze to those in proximity to her. With a <em>wheeeeee!</em> she began to gust towards the happy elephant spirits. She wanted to meet new friends! <br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337457.msg16050546#msg16050546">Quote from: c0i9z on 07-12-2021, 01:20:34</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Wish! Don't go too far!", Aqua called out, laughing as she hurried after her friend. "She already told you, we can't get so far away that we can't hear her!" She turned back, now flying without looking to call back. "Hey! Hey! Mrs? Can you still hear us?"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><strong>"I can hear you."</strong> The Reaper's words come.<br><br>Wish zooms about through the tall towering trees of the otherworldly jungle. There are bright flowers that will remind her of the Colorful Grove, there are tall waterfalls and babbling brooks as well. There are all manner of jungle creatures, friendly things, happy to talk to little spirits who have come to visit. <br><br>It seems that there is a place where the jungle stops. It is very sudden, not like the slow transition between trees and plants that Wish has seen even on the little island. Where the jungle stops, the land is suddenly flat, and gray, and featureless. <br><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337457.msg16052300#msg16052300">Quote from: Kadigan on 09-12-2021, 01:47:00</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Floating about a little she poked and peeked and generally explored a bit, but then she remembered something. She'd been so intrigued by New Friend she'd momentarily forgotten old friend. New Friend said they were leaving soon. Hovering over to the Wise Old Elephant, she remembered to turn her heat down and nuzzled up against the side of one massive ear "Will miss Friend..." <br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The elephant, who did not look so old, and did not have her distinctive paint any more, turned to look at the nuzzling little spirit. Her eyes are the same, just younger. Oddly, this is the most vivacious that Rin has ever seen her.<br><br><strong>"Thank you."</strong> The elephant says, lowering her head to let it nuzzle against the little fiery one, <strong>"I hope it was enough. For you, and for my children, and their children."</strong><br><br><strong>"Look after from them time to time....if you don't mind."</strong> Another nuzzle. And then the elephant is being called again by old friends she hasn't seen in years and years. <strong>"I will miss you too."</strong><br><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337457.msg16049593#msg16049593">Quote from: Crensler on 05-12-2021, 22:34:56</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"New friend say not all endings bring beginnings, but Rime sees it all the time," she murmured, hovering in place as she worked it through.&nbsp; "Rime doesn't understand!"&nbsp; She flailed a bit, a very small, localized flurry generating around her as she wobbled about as she struggled to grasp these new concepts.&nbsp; "And now new friend say she not happy!&nbsp; That makes Rime feel bad!"&nbsp; She didn't fully understand why that was, but she did know that her new friend being not happy was bad.&nbsp; "Why?&nbsp; Is new friend lonely?&nbsp; Sick?"&nbsp; She learned about sick not too long ago when one of the young elephants ate something and got all funny in their tummy because of it.&nbsp; "Rime wants be helping, but new friend needs help Rime understand!"&nbsp; She then remembered her manners.&nbsp; "Please!"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337457.msg16049833#msg16049833">Quote from: TheHangedMan on 06-12-2021, 03:21:42</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Why not happy?" He starts to emit warmth; this is both physical warmth, which is simple for a fire spirit, but there's also a sort of spiritual warmth that he gives off--that's a bit more advanced. In practice, he's almost like a hearth spirit; and what is a hearth, if not a source of comfort? He keeps a close gauge on how much warmth he's throwing off; cautious, not wanting to suddenly start a wildfire.&nbsp; <br><br>And if the Reaper can sense intentions, then she can perhaps find solace in the fact that Agi's motives are as simple as his understanding of the cosmos; he just wants to make things better. That's all. <br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><strong>"I am sorry, I did not mean to distress you."</strong> The Reaper replies. You can sense a hesitance to discuss this, but it seems too much has already been said. <br><br><strong>"I am unhappy because I worry. Once, every soul I brought to my lands found peace here. The animals still do."</strong> The reaper gazes upon the elephant herd, where Rin nuzzles against the Wise One, and you can imagine that if she had a face it would be smiling. <br><br><strong>"But the animals have simple wants, and it is easy for the Land of the Dead to provide them. There are other creatures, creatures that are more complicated. It is very hard to make them happy. They are called mortals. Perhaps you have seen them? Most walk on two legs, they are always thinking, building, trying to change the world."</strong><br><br><strong>"They come here expecting a paradise already built for them, and I cannot do that. Once there were beings that could, but they have abandoned that role, leaving those who would depend on them without final rest."</strong> The Reaper hangs her head. <strong>"Some of the mortals are wise enough to be like the animals, but most that I bring have become lost and a lost soul is ...."</strong><br><br>Her empty eyes trail over you all. <strong>"Well, it is the opposite of a happy spirit."</strong> She explains. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong> [YaaHS] The Island Year One - A Time to Gather</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>15-12-2021, 17:03:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/ljhryrq.png)<br>(Art by Debbie DeWitt (https://fineartamerica.com/featured/contemporary-leaf-2-debbie-dewitt.html))<br><br><span style="font-size: 15pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Year One<br>A Time to Gather</strong></span></span></div><br><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><em>The Reaper has called you back to her voice. If you have returned to her she guides you to the path back to your little island. The path seems easier this time, but without the presence of the Reaper and the Wise Old Elephant it is up to the little spirits to float along it on their own. You must rely on each other for guidance, for warmth, for light. You find your friends are more than up to task, although it seems daunting at times.<br><br>You return to an island where the days are getting shorter. The fruits of the trees are full. The animals that gather are preparing for the cold. The leaves are starting to dry. <br><br>And it is a time for little spirits to grow as well. Without the guidance of the Wise Old Elephant you find yourselves pausing as you wonder where to turn for guidance. Without her voice showing you the way, challenging you, asking what you would do, you find these questions must come from within. It is both liberating and a little scary! <br><br>You have learned much about this world, from the Spirit of Blossoms, from the Wise Old Elephant, from the Reaper, from the creatures and plants and rocks of this island, and from each other. <br><br>But as the weeks pass and the chill begins to come into the air at night, you know you must decide what it is that matters most to you. You think of what you have learned...what is it that you will concentrate your happy spirit energies towards? It seems as though you are making a choice again, just like when the wise one held the orbs in front of you what seems like just yesterday and also so long ago. But this choice is being offered to you, by you. Does that make it more important? Less? You aren't sure! But it is choice that must be made! What is it you hold in highest esteem? Is it...<br><br><strong>Beauty</strong>. This island is filled with it. In no small part because of how you have helped to shape it. Beauty helps others sees the value in things. It helps to protect in its own way. To hold beauty highly is not just to recognize what already is wonderful but to make wonders out of what seems mundane as well. But Beauty will never be absolute. And if everything is beautiful, nothing is. Is the wonder of beauty worth this bargain? Is forging a gem and basking in its light worth ignoring the sand beneath it? Some would say yes. Do you?<br><br><strong>Dignity</strong>. The wise one had it, and in her way so does the Reaper. There is gravitas that causes others to hold words and actions in esteem. This benefit of the doubt could be a very great boon. What are you worth if none recognize it? Moreso, what are you worth if you may not show others the way to be held in the same respect? A code of dignity is a promise to the world and yourself. Can you keep such a promise, show yourself to be worthy of trust and admiration through deed and principle? Or is it this way too much of a focus on yourself, and not the world around you? <br><br><strong>Fortune</strong>. Prosperity may not mean much to a happy spirit, but it is a great importance to other living things. This island provides, the weather is soft, the ground is fertile. But what if it did not? What if the winds were to change and the grass were to dry. What if the winter were to last and the sun were to hide? To bring fortune to the world is not mere greed, it is food in the belly and sun on the skin. It is it to live in a world that is kind and gentle as you are. But is this focusing too much on the material? Is there more to it all? Or does that only come when basic needs are met? <br><br><strong>Longevity</strong>. What is the world worth if it does not last? The Reaper's realm may offer peace but it is not a guarantee, and if you hold what you love on this world you may ensure it is protected and adored. While you are but a young spirit you sense the awesome towering might of legacy drifting in the corners of your mind. Is this something you can build? Can you keep what matters to you alive and well to stand the test of time? Is it worth it to focus on the long term, even if means perhaps brushing aside the day to day and the ethereal? Is a long life better than a short one filled with joy? It is up to you to decide! <br><br><strong>Love</strong>. These other principles are all well and good, but what do they mean if you have nobody to share it with? And what good are your words if nobody will listen? At the end of it all isn't what really matters is that you are loved and have love to give? Is that not what life is all about? But feelings are so fragile, so easily bruised. Is Love the goal in and of itself, or is it better thought of as a happy consequence for doing right by another principle, something you are ready to be without should the trials of existence require it? <br><br><strong>Wisdom</strong>. At first thought it might seem preposterous. A little spirit like you, whose life has been joy and play, devoted to Wisdom? You aren't the Wise Old Elephant! How can you be? But as you think of it you realize, the old one was a little baby once too. And is part of wisdom not realizing that you always have more to learn? Is that what you want, to some day be the guiding force for others like you, to show them the way and teach them? Not to provide, but to teach others to provide for themselves? Not to be held in esteem or create, but show others how to do these things? Can you live in the shadow of others? Can you temper your own feelings to be a mentor and a teacher and show the way to the young and the un-wise? What if they disappoint you? What if you are left wishing you had done it yourself instead of trying to teach another?<br><br>There is much to ponder. But a choice must be made. <br><br>What matters most to you, little spirit?<br><br></em></span></span><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Read This if You are an Earth Spirit</div><div class="spoiler_body">You sense rumblings deep below. They are getting closer. Something is coming.</div></div><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Read This if You are a Fire Spirit</div><div class="spoiler_body">The mountain of the island, the Tip Top Peak, it is getting warmer. Hot rock seems to want to burst from it. What does this mean?</div></div><br><hr><br>Write a post describing how your little spirit makes this decision! =)<br><br>As always those who have been inactive are welcome to jump back in, just be sure you have chosen your name, pronouns, and element! PM me if you would like any help with this! =)<br><br>Open conversation and interaction between spirits is always welcome too! If you would like your spirit to talk about this with any sort of denizen of the island that you would like me to NPC, I'm more than happy to! =)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>16-12-2021, 11:37:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LceJHn5.png)</div><strong>Agi [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, A Time To Gather<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <br><strong>Actions:</strong> Picking Fortune<br><hr>The way back was dark, but Agi did his best to help light the way for his fellow spirits. He briefly checked in on the Spirit of Blossoms, but in general, he was content to return to the Prismatic Springs, and contemplate. <br><br>Every so often, some animals came by; and he would alternatively watch them or help them gather what fruits grew near his place. He considered the approaching coldness and darkness, and he paced about the Springs; pacing, pacing, pacing, always pacing about.&nbsp; He followed the most common of the animal paths that formed, giving them greater definition.&nbsp; He considered making another geyser, but didn't. <br><br>One night, he watched as the sky-fire began its descent, and he contemplated more. When did he start doing this? When did things become so complicated? A part of him yearns for the simpleness of before--yet, knows he can not return to that time or place. <br><br>The beautiful colors of the Springs; the loveliness of the colors that the sky-fire makes as it sinks beneath the horizon. There is so much beauty--and not just here, either. <br><br>Though he spends much time alone, he still has the company of animals who enjoy the springs. He adores them; loves them. Even as the chills get worse, the Springs remain a source of warmth, of comfort, and this brings him joy. He loves them, and his fellow spirits, dearly. <br><br>And yet, it is neither of these things that move him; there is a third desire, a greater force. The heat of the mountain; it is worrisome. He feels the need to protect, provide; to grant <strong>Fortune</strong> to those who come to this place. After all, everyone deserves the simple comfort of fresh fruit, warmth, and cleanliness. They deserve even more things, too; will he one day be able to provide these as well? He would like to, yes. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>lux89</strong> on <strong>17-12-2021, 00:53:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/30/Gag-gift-send-a.png)</div><strong>Cor [He/Him/His]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16021367#msg16021367)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time to Gather</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Picking <strong>Longevity</strong></em><br><br><hr><br>It was an evanescent dream about the other side, and Cor the Earth Spirit forgot the visage of the Reaper too quickly. He roamed the terraced hills and gazed upon the sky isles, much more placed and centered. Now and then, he would go looking for the Wise Old Elephant before he realized what was current. What was no longer here. Although he was not sad nor did he taste bittersweetness, Cor began to learn what <strong>Longevity</strong> really meant to him. <strong>"... this gives everyone time to be happy longer, and if they weren't, this time gives them a chance."</strong><br><br>Making this choice joyfully, Cor then felt deep rumbling beneath. <strong>"... something new? Something good!"</strong><br><br>He thought of nothing but the Wise Old Elephant, hoping to see his friend again. The deep rumbling was certainly arousing of curiosity and thrill. He had to go see someone, to see if they felt the same. Cor left his favored Zone 6 and searched for answers and if he couldn't find any, he would at least have some friendly company. <strong>"... Hello, hello!"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>17-12-2021, 05:25:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/nKSivzs.jpeg)</div><strong>Aqua (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time Time to Gather</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> Reaper, Wish<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Picking Wisdom<br><hr><br>While Aqua had spent some time playing with Wish, her conversation with the Reaper still laid heavily on her, even as she was called back and away. And when she returned to the island, it was different. Or, prehaps more truly, she was different. She still saw the joy, here, there, everywhere, but now, it was more layered, more complex. Tainted... No, spiced with all these other strange ideas. Ideas of change, that the form of every happiness was fleeting. All changed. Loss, renewal, birth, growth, decline.... And more. <br><br>Aqua still appreciated beauty, of course, but he could see now that there could be beauty everywhere, even in starkness, like the refreshing sourness of a lemon which, in turn, made the sugary fruit all the sweeter. And he had never been one to take on dignified airs. Fortune would come and go and leave, he was certain, its own taste behind, but to hold to to longevity amongst all that change trying to hold on too long seemed... unwise, like the Wise Old Elephant, who accepted her time.<br><br>Yes, Wisdom. For all that Aqua was filled with love as well, more than that, she was curious. She wanted to know. To learn more of this place, of this world, of herself. This she decided, was the path she would put herself on. It was a secret, quiet decision, but, somehow, it felt momentous all the same. As much, or perhaps more, than when she had chosen her orb element.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>17-12-2021, 18:33:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/TtZBTvh.png)</div><strong>Patience </strong> (He/His)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time to Gather</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Cor, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><br><hr><br><strong>"Hello!"</strong> A slow, rumbly, voice replies to Cor as the happy little earth spirit explores. <br><br>The voice belongs to a tortoise that you know as Patience. Patience is always relaxed. Often times little spirits are too fast for him to notice or really take heed of, but it doesn't seem to bother him much!<br><br><strong>"Did you say something is new?"</strong> Patience asks in his slow voice. <strong>"There are so many new things this year! Rocks in the sky! Hot water from the ground! Shimmering tides! And even more is new? Such an exciting time to live on this island!"</strong> 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>17-12-2021, 18:34:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LceJHn5.png)</div><strong>Agi [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, A Time To Gather<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Spirit of Blossoms<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Searching<br><hr>"Blossom?" The spirit abruptly popped out from a bush, searching. No, not here. <br><br>"Blossom?" Again, this time from the crown of a banana tree. Nope, no blossom here, either. Hmmm!<br><br>"Blossoms!" He pops out of the water, and into a field of blossoming flowers. But it's not the right blossom that he's looking for. "Hmm!" And then... oh, there she is! There she is! He bunny hops along the ground, until he's rubbing up against her legs in his cat-like way. <br><br>"Blossom!" He declares happily, floating up to be eye level with her; comforting warmth coming off of him in waves. "I found you!" He announces, just as cheerily. <br><br>"Is good? Is happy?" He inquires hopefully, doing a little series of movements that could generously be called a dance; excited. But sadly, this is not just a random popup for him to pamper her with affection. He shifts about; nervous, perhaps. "Warm is good. Fruit is good. Pretty things is good, too! But what else is good?" again, he inquires, but this time with an atypical nervousness. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>17-12-2021, 18:43:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/16ZCeQa.jpg?1)</div><strong>The Spirit of Blossoms</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, A Time To Gather<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Agi, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><hr><br>Agi looks here and there, high and low. Where is the Spirit of Blossoms? Is she here? Is she there, oh! There she is! <br><br>Without realizing it Agi seems to have slipped into the Colorful Grove again! As always it isn't quite clear how he got here or where the entrance was, or how the Grove seems to fit in various different places, but why would such things be a problem? Being able to get to the Colorful Grove from anywhere is good! Right?<br><br><strong>"Oh Agi!"</strong> The Spirit of Blossoms claps for joy as she sees him. She opens her arms and beckons in him for a hug. <strong>"Oh you are so warm! Don't make yourself too warm around my more delicate flowers now, you may dry them up!"</strong> She smiles affectionately, moving in to nuzzle her nose against the warm little flamey face of Agi.<br><br><strong>"I am well, and happy thank you!"</strong> She smiles, stroking her hand across Agi's flame. She smells like the most wonderful mix of flowers and berries, as always. <strong>"I am just making sure all of my flowers are getting ready for the cold. Getting ready for what is to come is good!"</strong> She smiles, answering his question, she thinks at least! <strong>"What are you and your happy little friends up to?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Crensler</strong> on <strong>17-12-2021, 19:03:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/0/0a/Blue_Winter_Snowflake_Snow_Emoji_-_Snowflake_4_537543814_large.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rime</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16048690#msg16048690)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, A Time To Gather</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Open</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Preparing, thinking<br><br><hr><br>Rime was busy this time of year, preparing to help bring an ending to the warm times, happy to be going about something more familiar after the confusing turn of events that was the ending of the Wise Old Elephant.&nbsp; She'd been feeling odd, though, like she was going to come to some big thing, like when she figured out she was bringing the endings.&nbsp; She hummed to herself, thinking about the Wise Old Elephant, the realizations she had when speaking to the Reaper, and how she wanted to help others find things out.&nbsp; <strong>Wisdom</strong>.&nbsp; Yes, that was the word.&nbsp; She could do that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>17-12-2021, 19:22:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LceJHn5.png)</div><strong>Agi [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, A Time To Gather<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Spirit of Blossoms<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Inquiring<br><hr>It is, indeed, an indisputable fact that being able to access the grove from basically anywhere is a joyous thing.&nbsp; It's almost as great as seeing her! "Hihihi!" He eagerly chirps at her, accepting her hug, and giving her one of his own--of a sort, at least. The way his field of warmth slides around her; it <em>feels</em> like a hug, even if to the outsider's view, he appears to just be floating there.<br><br>"I'll be careful!" He nods his head, by which I mean, he sort of bobs about. The nosenuzzling brings a flush of a deeper shade of red to his 'cheeks'; blushing, but smiling. <br><br>Her scent is pleasing, as is her gentle affection. It's soothing; lulling. He kind of wants to take a nap with her, just soak up some sun, and vibe. She is so pleasant, he nearly forgets his task! But thankfully, her words give him something to focus on. "Can I help?" And indeed, if there's any bits of minor magical aid he can provide her with, he will do his utmost.<br><br>"Hmm. Not sure about others. I spend lots of time in the Prismatic Springs. I want to make it more-good." He bobs again. "But, hmm! What's to come? There is something to come, yes!" It jogs his memory. "There are hot rocks at the Tip Top Peak. They want to explore. Is good?" He speaks with uncertainty, having not yet made up his mind about whether this was a good feeling or an ungood feeling.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>lux89</strong> on <strong>17-12-2021, 22:27:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/30/Gag-gift-send-a.png)</div><strong>Cor [He/Him/His]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16021367#msg16021367)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time to Gather</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Patience, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Picking <strong>Longevity</strong></em><br><br><hr><br>Cor turned to face the tortoise, grinning and delighted at this encounter, making sure to speak as slowly: <strong>"Patience! Yes, oh yes, all these newness... they came from us happy spirits."</strong> He began to wonder, naively stringing ideas together, <strong>"Um. Then there is another Earth happy spirit who I don't know... yet?"</strong> He hummed at this mystery and checked their surroundings to identity which Zone they were in. <strong>"Is here where you have lived? And what element did you choose??"</strong><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>19-12-2021, 07:07:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/16ZCeQa.jpg?1)</div><strong>The Spirit of Blossoms</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, A Time To Gather<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Agi, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><hr><br>Agi can tell that the Spirit of Blossoms felt his hug of warmth, and that she loved it! The way she beams at him as he does his little trick tells the fiery spirit as much!<br><br><strong>"Ah yes, I know what you mean. I am always trying to improve my little grove."</strong> She sighs happily, glancing around and the dangling vines filled with flowers, trees filled with thick leaves and heavy fruits, turning away from Agi as she does to take it all in with a smile on her face.<br><br>She does not turn around right away to answer Agi's next question. She seems to be hesitating. When she does, her smile is back, but Agi notices her eyes are not quite as happy as her mouth is trying to make it seem. <br><br><strong>"Well, things always come."</strong> She says, perhaps a little to airily. <br><br>She looks a little nervous as Agi continues. <br><br><strong>"The the rocks? On the mountain?"</strong> She swallows, hard, glancing about. <br><br><strong>"Agi,"</strong> she says, smiling again now, bending down over the little spirit. <strong>"Do you really enjoy the rest of the island so much? You can always come and stay with me you know. If things become too....well, complicated out there." </strong><br><br>Agi cannot help but notice, she has not answered his question. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>19-12-2021, 07:14:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/TtZBTvh.png)</div><strong>Patience </strong> (He/His)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time to Gather</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Cor, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><br><hr><br><strong>"Happy Spirits did all of that?"</strong> Patience seems rather impressed, his eyes growing wide as he cranes his neck up, turning to look at where Cor's floating rocks hang in the sky, and then again in a few other directions that look towards various wonders, even though they are off in the distance.<br><br><strong>"Happy Spirits have become quite strong!"</strong> Patience nods.<br><br><strong>"Cor is only earth spirit I know!"</strong> Patience confirms. <strong>"But many spirits zip past too fast to notice."</strong> He says matter-of-factly, not at all worried about this.<br><br><strong>"Me? I do not choose an element! I am a tortoise! We do not do such things! We would rather eat grapes!"</strong> <br><br>Cor realizes he has wandered into the zone that houses the Moonrise Outcrop, the very place where the Wise Old Elephant asked them to pick an element. <br><br><strong>"I walk all around the beaches of the island, in one big circle! I have dug a few burrows here and there, but one is not here!"</strong> Patience answers as Cor asks where he lives. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>19-12-2021, 08:30:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LceJHn5.png)</div><strong>Agi [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, A Time To Gather<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Spirit of Blossoms<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Inquiring<br><hr>Seeing Blossom smile, feeling the warmth of her acceptance of his affection; it makes him feel so <em>good!</em> This is it--this is the meaning of life! Warm-fuzzy-good feelings. What could possibly be better?<br><br>Unfortunately, the feeling fades, cooling off over the passing seconds as they turn into minutes. He bobs around in the air, watching her take in her surroundings; and he partakes of the view, too. It's always been nice here. He remembers simpler times with fondness. Yet... something feels wrong, and he knows it is the Spirit of Blossoms. <br><br>This worries him. Worries? Yes, worries. What a word. Is it a good word? Not really. "I do like the island. I wish I could bring you with me." He considers, floating around. "I could make you neat things, though! Happy things. Here. I could make something for you." Is she worried about the hot rocks wanting to explore? But why? It's odd.<br><br>He presses into her side, monitoring the heat he projects so that he is simply comfortable, and never too hot for her. It takes a bit of focus--but it comes naturally to him. This act is more feline--reminiscent of his time as a simpler spirit.&nbsp; He wants to know why the rocks seem to bother her; yet, she's avoided the topic. Bringing it up more feels <em>weird;</em> hence his changing the subject.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>19-12-2021, 21:00:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/DhfOlCG.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rin</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Gathering</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Open, ask if interested</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Choosing, Investigating, Mlerming</em><br><br>Rin had returned with the Reaper, who she didn't fear. All the Elephant times have come here but now they were gone. It was sad, but she would always have the memory of the Elephant with her. And the babyphants were like little pieces of the Wise Old Elephant. Tiny little pieces of Wisdom. She thought about what should be important to her, as the question was posed. And she thought long and hard about the Wise Old Elephant. Not about how smart she was, but about how she got to be so smart. Rin liked exploring, learning. Like when she learned to make the shineymathings. Or learned to make the rideymathings. That was what she wanted to do. Learn and explore and be curious. So <span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Wisdom </span> it was. To learn and explore and see things would be her call. <br><br>And so she explored some more, hovering her way up the mountain peak, humming as she went. Her breath steamed into the air as she moved up the cool cold peaks. She had been up here many times, but it felt different this time. Warmer. She stuck her tongue against the side of the mountain for a few moments and pondered. The she saw the little critter skittering about. The little chinchilla, she remembered the Wise Old Elephant naming the creature once. So smart! She zipped over, but forgot to dim her flame and the scared little mousey ran back into it's burrow through the rocks, through all the secret paths inside. Humming, nervous, she looked around, but then braved up and pushed agaisnt the crevice, until with a loud POP she squeezed in. She adjusted her eyes, following the heat of the Chinchilla through all the secret ways it knew, deeper and deeper. She wondered if it was leading her somewhere...somewhere important maybe... 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Envious</strong> on <strong>19-12-2021, 23:26:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/fXF6cvv.jpg?1)</div><strong>Wish</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.0#:~:text=Referrals%3A%200-,Envious,-%C2%AB%20Reply%20%237%20on), a happy Air spirit! (she/it)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Time of Gathering<br><strong>Tags:</strong> closed<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Choosing Love<br><hr><br><strong>"Love!"</strong> It was so strongly felt that it almost burst forth from the spirit's form. But Wish knew it was meant to be shared, not hoarded. Love was bringing laughter and companionship! It was endless days talking and playing. Bringing surprises and giving attention. Visiting with old friends and making new ones. Whenever and wherever there was a gathering, Wish inevitably arrived with a <em>wsssssh</em> to sing songs and dance and bring joy.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Flower</strong> on <strong>19-12-2021, 23:50:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/b/b0/Happywaterspiritpng.png)</div><strong>Bubble (She/Her)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018731#msg16018731)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, When Paths Open --&gt; A Time to Gather <br><strong>Tags:</strong> NA<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Picking <strong>Love</strong><br><hr><br>Bubbles’ bright, almost shimmering blue eyes widened as it fully sank into her inexperienced mind that there were multiple worlds in existence beyond her island. Home never felt small before, but now, it’d be hard not to recognize the shores as an obstacle meant to be crossed rather than admired as the sun sank beneath the churning waves. Perhaps one day they’d explore these other lands? Happy Spirits like Rin or even bold Wish might bring their form of joy to its inhabitants. Then, they’d all reunite and tell each other tales of their journeys. <br><br>She meant to ask another question, but another interjected and drew Reaper’s attention from her. Who were these who crossed without permission? Why would they defy the order of existence? Rather than bob up and down like a lure cast upon a lake, she exercised patience. Reaper was a new friend. There’d be other times to soak up their knowledge. <br><br>The mention of mortals once more piqued her interest. <br><br>“Are they a kind of bird?” She queried as the flying animals were the first to come to her mind when thinking of those capable of walking on two legs. “They are very finicky creatures indeed. Pretty but finicky. They forever come and go with the change of seasons.”<br><br>Maybe mortals were the same except sneakier since she hadn’t seen any of them yet. <br><br>Soon, Reaper returned them to the small island. Life was not the same without Wise Elephant. But whenever Bubbles experienced a faint tug at her heart, she reminded herself of the Old One’s joy at being reunited with its loved ones in the world that existed behind a closed floor. Bubbles spent her days testing out its new abilities, trying to grow stronger and faster like she’d witnessed the fishes in the pond. It also sought out the presence of its fellow spirits, eager to see what consumed their time. <br><br>Bubbles floated atop the cold surface of the waves, eyes glued to the sparkling rocks above, as she considered its next steps in the world. She desired a purpose, a cause to devout herself towards in the coming seasons. Her thoughts were filled with spring then, of bright colors and how almost all of the island’s creatures sought to impress the other with their skill, either in rock sorting or coordinated dances. Afterward, young ones would appear and be nurtured until it was their turn to venture into the world and make their mark upon it. What was that? Duty? No, love, perhaps? Yes, love. As Bubbles set her mind to such a purpose, her heart filled with such joy that she thought she might burst from it. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>22-12-2021, 01:51:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/16ZCeQa.jpg?1)</div><strong>The Spirit of Blossoms</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, A Time To Gather<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Agi, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><hr><br><strong>"Take me with you?"</strong> The Spirit of Blossoms laughs. <strong>"But then who would watch my Colorful Grove?"</strong><br><br><strong>"Make something for me?"</strong> She seems delighted at the thought, clasping her hands together and bouncing up and down in place with eager joy. <strong>"What are you going to make?"</strong> She asks with wide, expectant eyes. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>22-12-2021, 01:57:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/FLx13wR.jpg)</div><strong>Scamper</strong> (He/His)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time to Gather</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Rin!, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><br><hr><br>Rin knows this chinchilla to be named Scamper. He is the <em>Chinchilla Paterfamilias</em>. But this does not stop him from going out and exploring quite frequently! Rin recognizes him from the time she had to intervene and convince baby elephants that rideymathings shouldn't be going down parts of mountains where chinchillas make their homes! An excellent compromise was reached, and the creatures began to whisper of Rin's wisdom! <br><br>But as Rin follows him this time, Scamper suddenly screeches to a halt! He turns and squeezes his chubby little chinchilla body and dashes towards Rin!<br><br><strong>"Run! Run!"</strong> He cries out in fear. Rin sees behind him, the rock is red and orange it is so hot, and it is coming down the tunnel right at them!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>22-12-2021, 16:50:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LceJHn5.png)</div><strong>Agi [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, A Time To Gather<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Spirit of Blossoms<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Creating<br><hr>"Hmm. Yes. This is your place." He nods, seeming to understand that she could not leave--or else, preferred not to. He would not push. "Hmm, what to make, what to make~" He bobs in place, floating around in circles, scanning for something.<br><br>"I know! I will make you some new flowers. They won't be afraid of frost or fire." He does a little 'dance', which is mostly just hopping around in the air, back and forth, with a little flourishing spin. "I just need a little time, and some flowers to work with. Show me where you'd like it?" He offers, but doesn't immediately spring into action--not without her permission. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>24-12-2021, 00:01:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/16ZCeQa.jpg?1)</div><strong>The Spirit of Blossoms</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, A Time To Gather<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Agi, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><hr><br><strong>"Hmmm."</strong> Blossom thinks for a moment, tapping a finger to her lips. <strong>"I know the spot!"</strong> She hops to her feet as easy as a spring breeze and soon is deftly prancing from limb to stone to limb and back, moving through her thick and colorful grove until she is sitting in a near lotus position before a little area of soft grass. Large trees tower around here, but they are not thick-leaved and sun comes through to this little patch. <strong>"How about here?"</strong><br><br>Agi, try as he might, will discover that creating a brand new type of flower is a bit beyond what he can summon the magic to do! <br><br>However, he could if he wished use his gift of fortune to bestow a measure of protection on a certain group of plants if he wished! 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>24-12-2021, 04:43:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LceJHn5.png)</div><strong>Agi [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, A Time To Gather<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Spirit of Blossoms<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Blessing<br><hr>Agi follows along, finding no difficulty in keeping up with Blossoms. "I think this will do!" He concludes, and suddenly soars up into the air; a bit like when he was making the geyser, he comes crashing back down and seemingly disappears into the ground, not even disturbing the soil.<br><br>Try as he might, making something from nothing is, indeed, far beyond his abilities. He has an idea; but it's <em>not enough.</em> In connecting with nature, and having pondered on his own growth, however, it does occur to him what he can do. He reaches out into as large an area as he can manage; and pushes some of his warmth, comfort, and longevity out of him, and into the plants.<br><br>With the power of the fortunate fire elemental,&nbsp; these plants will surely fear neither frost nor drought; no small task, even if it's not what he wanted to do.&nbsp; After a few moments pass, he floats out of the soil; again, not disturbing it. He bounces onto Blossoms' lap. "Ack! It was a little tougher than I thought." But he's not sad; just a bit apologetic.<br><br>"One day, though, I shall make a new flower for you. I promise!" Full of youthful optimism, he sets his mind to it. Perhaps in the next season; no, even if it takes a dozen spans of time, he will find a way to make something wonderful for her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>26-12-2021, 00:24:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/16ZCeQa.jpg?1)</div><strong>The Spirit of Blossoms</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, A Time To Gather<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Agi, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><hr><br>The Spirit of Blossoms pulls Agi into her lap, holding him gently. <strong>"I know you will Agi, I know you will."</strong> She speaks with kindness and patience. She leans down and plants a quick kiss on his fiery little top and holds the spirit close.<br><br><strong>"It is a very difficult thing after all, to create life from nothing. I would be very impressed if you could! And even moreso given that you are happy with fire!"</strong><br><br>She pauses then, glancing about, narrowing her eyes. She reaches out and takes a nearby life between her fingers, rubbing it curiously. <strong>"But I believe you have done something after all...."</strong> She smiles, both impressed and overjoyed at what she is now realizing Agi has done. <strong>"You have touched these plants with your good fortune and warmth! You've given them a coat of your magic Agi!"</strong> She laughs and holds him up, smiling for glee at his little fiery face. <strong>"Thank you Agi!"</strong> She kisses him again and then hugs him close, content to stay like this as long as Agi wishes! 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>26-12-2021, 00:52:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LceJHn5.png)</div><strong>Agi [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, A Time To Gather<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Spirit of Blossoms<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Cuddling/Scene end?<br><hr>He settles down with Blossoms, letting forth a feline trill of appreciation at the affectionate kiss she gives him. He presses in close to her, always careful to never be too hot for her to handle. Not even discomforting--he's always <em>pleasantly warm</em>. How, you may ask? Happy magic, of course!<br><br>He can practically feel the upsurge in happiness from Blossoms as she speaks to him of what he's done. "Yay! I did a good!" He cheers, carefree, having temporarily forgotten about the hot rocks on the Tip Top Peak. "You're welcome, Blossoms!" All of this excitement is getting to him, though, and soon enough, he'll be dozing off in her arms; truly content and as happy as he's ever been.&nbsp; Since he came this far out, he'll end up spending a few days enjoying the garden, and the lovely spirit who keeps it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>29-12-2021, 02:44:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/DhfOlCG.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rin</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Gathering</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Chinchilla's</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Scampering</em><br><br>Rin hummed as she followed the mighty Scamper deeper into the mountain. What secrets might there be in there? What new worlds and things would she see? What was for lunch? These were the important questions on her mind as she squished and squirmed her way after Scamper. Though thankfully the passage had opened up a bit more and she had some wriggle room. <br><br>Though when her Chinchilla guide had turned and started running at her she had frozen for a second. Staring at the massive wall of heat that approached them she wondered, was she strong enough to block it? To stop it? Or was it as to water like a wave was...would she be lost forever in the wave of heat, like a rain drop hitting the lake. But Rin's were no dummys, and so she headed her fuzzy friend's advice. Wriggling and squirming through all the little nooks and crannies they had come through until she saw light ahead. <br><br>"C'mon Scamper!" she shouted and she burst through the opening, moving so fast little bits of rock came flying with her for a moment. She forgot herself as she flopped gracelessly into the snowy rocky peaks and tumbled down a ways, popping her head up and frantically looking around for Scamper. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>30-12-2021, 05:43:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/FLx13wR.jpg)</div><strong>Scamper</strong> (He/His)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time to Gather</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Rin!, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><br><hr><br>Scamper squeaks loudly and frantically, hot on Rin's tail in every sense of all of those words! Thankfully the little fire spirit knows the way out of the tunnels near her favorite spot, and thanks to her quickness and leading the way her and Scamper are able to escape from the little tunnel with time to spare!<br><br>Scamper is not calm though, he scurries higher up above the little tunnel exit watching for signs that the lava might come flowing out of it! After a few minutes he calms down a little, and Rin can sense thanks to her Fire magic that the lava has calmed down as well. For the time being at least.<br><br>Scamper looks up at Rin nervously. <strong>"What is happening Rin?"</strong> He asks, alarmed. <strong>"Do I need to move my family and my seed stashes! They are all in other tunnels! Will you help please?"</strong><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Wisdom</div><div class="spoiler_body">Yes. It would be a very good idea! And yes, Rin can use her Wisdom to find a nice safe space for the chinchillas and the seeds!<br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>01-01-2022, 15:18:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/DhfOlCG.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rin</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Gathering</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Chinchilla's</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Wisdoming</em><br><br>Rin panted and huffed and wriggled her way over to Scampers' through the snowy peaks. Which was unnecessary given that she could hover over them, but in her panic she forgot. She practically tackled the chinchillas' fuzzy form in a nuzzle hug. She did, however, remember to turn her heat down so she didn't singe him. <br><br>She pondered the question, a big question from someone so small. She hummed and put her ear against the mountain and listened. She listened and thunk quite a bit as she felt the heat churning through the rumbley mountain. It was quiet for the moment but she could feel the heat wanting to escape, wanting to burst forth. Pulling away she blinked a few times and gave a nod. <br><br>"Yes...yes we should move you and your family...and any other animals around. We should warn them that we need to find new tunnels on another peak...this one has a rumbley tummy." She gave the mountain a little pat and nuzzle. Hopefully it would feel better soon. "We'll find you a nice new place to live that's not quite so warm."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>04-01-2022, 01:35:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/FLx13wR.jpg)</div><strong>Scamper</strong> (He/His)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time to Gather</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Rin!, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><br><hr><br>Scamper is very grateful for the warm hug! And he is even more grateful for Rin's help! Using her newfound powers of Wisdom, the fire spirit is able to find lots of safe places for Scamper and his family and his seed stashes, and then it is on to helping the other furry and feathery and crawly friends in the mountain! It takes a long time, and Rin is very tired at the end, but at long last she is able to rest knowing that her rumbly and tumbly Tip Top Peak won't be endangering any of the other creatures of the island if more lava comes out! 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>[YaaHS] The Island Year One - Visitors</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>04-01-2022, 02:44:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/gH9t9Vy.jpg)<br>(Art by Lynn Cyrus (https://pixels.com/featured/watercolor-autumn-forest-impression-cascade-colors.html))<br><br><span style="font-size: 15pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Year One<br>Visitors</strong></span></span></div><br><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><em>Choices are made, and it seems that your friends on the island have noticed!<br><br><strong>Agi</strong> it is determined by the many animals that come and visit his hot springs, shall be known as the <strong>Spirit of Lucky Colors</strong>! His warmth and tenderness are spoken of far and wide, and it is said that those who come and bathe in his colored pool or stand and watch his geyser, have their lucky greatly improve!<br><br><strong>Aqua</strong> and his beautiful flowers, her friendly hugs, it's funny games, has become revered for their inquisitive and playful nature. Whenever an animal of the grasslands needs some time to think, or maybe a distraction, a visit to those lovely fields and the <strong>Curious Raindrop Spirit</strong> always does them good! <br><br>For the fish and the visitors to the odd old wishing well, a new sense of refreshing sense of love is found! For these waters and their happy dwellers are blessed by <strong>Bubble</strong> who is of course the <strong>Spirit of Refreshing Joy!</strong> Seeing what Bubble brings makes the animals and plants so happy! Happy and inspired to do great things, with the guidance of the spirit, whose love now flows as freely as the waves! <br><br><strong>Cor</strong>'s focus on what will come after a long while, and his connection with the solid earth make the birds who are nesting in his floating isles start to think of him as the <strong>Spirit of Patient Growth</strong>. They all hope that his ways will pass on to them, and that their families and their lines will grow slowly, over time, and see the happy wonders that will come through the ages! <br><br><strong>Rime</strong> and her unique shape are starting to look more familiar to the animals who remember the winter of last year. To the babies born this year they have never seen one like Rime before, but they learn from the elders that the <strong>Clever Snowflake Spirit</strong> has many happy things to say, and much wisdom to share! <br><br>And then there is <strong>Rin</strong> who the creatures, especially the fuzzy friends of the mountain, affectionately know as the <strong>Spirit of Bright Sparks</strong> not just for her light and warmth, but also her clever ideas and inspiring presence! From rideymathings to inventions of glass, to smart ways to stay safe and warm, the animals are always happy when Rin comes to help! <br><br>And finally, there is unforgettable <strong>Wish</strong> who the creatures are always so happy to have visit! Wish blows the winds that make both little animals and happy birds and bugs rise in the air, but Wish also lifts the spirits of those she visits, making them feel loved and supported even as they are lifted off their little feets! As such the animals of the island speak of hoping that the <strong>Uplifting Friend Spirit</strong> comes to see them in their times of need, when they need a boost of love or just some help getting off the ground! <br><br>Things are swell! Things are great! Even though the days are getting shorter, they are not yet short! And there is plenty of time, especially with the aid of newly helpful and capable little spirits, to prepare for winter! <br><br>Everyone is gathering to celebrate another season passing happily! Even though you must guide yourselves now, you know this is a special day! If you are counting right, this is the next day when the sun and the moon are in the sky for equal times! What a good day for a celebration! <br><br>Uh oh! The rumbly mountain has gotten more and more rumbly as the day goes on! And when it just about time for the sun to go to sleep, the mountain rumbles louder and than ever before and with a loud crack and hole opens just below the Tip Top Peak, big enough for a big monster to poke their head out and pull their craggy, rocky, lava-hot body out and start stomping around angrily!!! <br><br></em></span></span><br><br><hr><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/IZMTxZc.png)</div><strong>Boiling Grumpus!!!</strong> (He/They)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Visitors</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>All</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Grumping!!!</em><br><br><hr><br><strong>"ROAR!"</strong> The monster shouts, hot lava splashing from that big empty mouth. <strong>"I am BOILING GRUMPUS! And I am EXTREMELY UNHAPPY! Roar! Rawar!!!"</strong><br><br>The big monster smashes its big rocky hands against it's chest, more lava splashing as it squishes itself a little and then harrumphs. He glares about the island, smashing his fists into the top of the Tip Top Peak, jumping back and forth and splashing lava all over!<br><br>It is a good thing that Rin did such a clever job of saving Scamper and his family, and all her other friends up on the mountain, or they may all be toast right now!<br><br><strong>"ROAR! ROAR!"</strong> Grumpus shouts and shouts some more, hopping about very furious and upset! <strong>"I will hop about and spread lava until everything is on fire! Roar! Rawr!"</strong> He seems to be ready to start doing just that, as the more he hops about the more lava is flowing down the side of the mountain!!!<br><br>The animals squeak and squeal in alarm! Feathered friends take to the sky, but fret for their eggs! Furry friends run about in a panic! Even the bright fish in the waters cower at the bottom for fear their nice homes may dry up! "Help! Help!" They all shout, scared! <br><br>Are any happy spirits able to help?!!?<br><br><hr><br><em>Using the gifts you have gained from your choice of element, and what matters to you, work with your fellow spirits and describe what you would like to attempt to do to fix this problem!!! Minor actions may get a GM response, but be sure to eventually post what a happy spirit is attempting to do!<br><br>If you have missed any posts, please be sure to tell me your spirit's name, pronouns, elemental choice, and choice of what matters as you re-join! &lt;3 </em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Crensler</strong> on <strong>04-01-2022, 03:05:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/0/0a/Blue_Winter_Snowflake_Snow_Emoji_-_Snowflake_4_537543814_large.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rime</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16048690#msg16048690)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Visitors</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Open</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Trying to get answers<br><br><hr><br>"No!&nbsp; No be setting island on fire!"&nbsp; Rime exclaimed as she flew up to zoom around the angry monster thing.&nbsp; "Animals and spirits and others be living here!&nbsp; Why Boiling Grumpus so mad?!"&nbsp; She didn't want anyone to be hurt, and if this Boiling Grumpus wasn't appeased, then the entire island could die!&nbsp; "Please, no be being mean to island!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>04-01-2022, 03:12:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LceJHn5.png)</div><strong>Agi, Spirit of Lucky Colors [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Visitors<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Rin, <span class="bbc_u">open!</span><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Planning!<br><hr>Celebrations are, of course, a time of fun-happy-good-right. Agi is content to frolic about with his fellow spirits, and some of the celebrating animals, spreading warmth (and a touch of good luck) to everyone he encounters. <br><br>He'd nearly forgotten about the hot rocks, which wanted to explore the island. That is, of course, until things are suddenly, extraordinarily grumpy! He jumps straight up into the air (well, floats really--no legs), and lets out a panicked "Meep!" Before floating back down to the ground.<br><br>He considers the unhappiness of the Boiling Grumpus. This must be the hot rocks. But, oh no! It is not interested in happy exploration at all. This is definitely un-good! This calls for... jolly cooperation!<br><br>Rime bounds off. This is worrisome! And so, He bounces over towards his fellow fire spirit, Rin, who Agi has learned is quite well-learned. Lucky as he is, Agi knows he is only wise enough to know that a big juicy apple is unlikely to solve this problem. "What should we do!?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>06-01-2022, 05:37:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/nKSivzs.jpeg)</div><strong>Aqua, Curious Raindrop Spirit (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Visitors</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> Agi, Rin<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Making it rain<br><hr><br>Oh, no! An angry spirit had awoken while Aqua was busy contemplating the ideas of wisdom and how they applied to happiness. Not only was it not happy, which was bad enough, but he was burning everything that made other people happy! That would not do! It needed to be calmed down and made happy! This would require some time and thought. But first, some mitigation was in order. Mitigation was a new word Aqua learned right now! And mitigation was, at the moment, to stop the flow of burning lava. So he called up all of his new powers to summon as many rain clouds as he could. He formed them around the mountain to make a torrential rain to cool the lava, hopefully slowing it down and, maybe, even stopping it. Her work now underway, she went to the small grouping of spirits who seemed to be discussing what to do. "This is not very good," he said. "Maybe we should ask him why he's so angry? Maybe he just needs someone to talk to. Or maybe we can help him solve what made him so angry?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>lux89</strong> on <strong>06-01-2022, 21:38:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/30/Gag-gift-send-a.png)</div><strong>Cor [He/Him/His]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16021367#msg16021367)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Visitors</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Aqua, Agi, Rime, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Making use of <strong>Earth</strong> &amp; <strong>Longevity</strong></em><br><br><hr><br>Cor became startled at the Boiling Grumpus and thought of Death before he witnessed other happy spirits gathering together for crisis control. He went for them and joined in the emergent discussion. <strong>"Worth a try. But if the Boiling Grumpus can't be reasoned with, then what??"</strong> Cor examined the torrential rain. If this did not cool the lava nor slow nor stop it, Cor would attempt making holes in the mountain for the lava to fall into, as many holes as he can make. Hopefully that would buy them more time.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>07-01-2022, 00:18:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/DhfOlCG.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rin</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Gathering</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Agi, Open</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Thinkering</em><br><br>Rin watched as the giant beastie burst its way out of the mountain. What that the rumbly in the mountain's tummy? That giant Grumply creature? She'd never seen one before. She was torn between her want to see and explore it and the knowledge that it was a grumpy grumpy rock monster. When Agi posed the question she gave it a thought. She blinked and absorbed and thought of all the things the other spirits were doing and gave her best think on it. <br><br>"Yes...yes talk but help." She nodded at her fellow fire spirt and spirits of other persuasions. "Rime already talking so we help. Maybe we can take on as much of the heat as possible..." she stared at the lava, before hovering over to as close as she could, trying her best to draw in the heat. To drink it in, to make it a part of herself. A thinky thought occured to her that if this worked....she stared at the Grumpus for a moment, then furrowed her brow, shaking her head clear of the thought and trying to suck in the heat some more. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>07-01-2022, 09:49:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LceJHn5.png)</div><strong>Agi, Spirit of Lucky Colors [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Visitors<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Rin, Aqua (mentioned), Cor (mentioned) <span class="bbc_u">open!</span><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Blessings &amp; Heat leeching<br><hr>Agi is typically lackadaisical in his actions, but the events of the moment require quick acting. He nods along to what the other spirits say, and watches them go into action, each doing their best to mitigate the damage being caused. Agi does not consider himself a particularly good talker, but maybe he can do something else to better assist the others.<br><br>He meditates momentarily on the intangible power of Fortune. He grasps it, and quickly darts about--briefly rubbing up against Aqua and Cor, and passing off some of his good luck onto them, hoping that it will effectively boost the efficacy of their actions. He then takes inspiration from Rin, and dives straight into the molten rock!&nbsp; He is a creature of spirit, not flesh, after all.<br><br>It's not as strongly tied to his element as he'd like, so it might not be efficient, but he tries to work like a heatsink--drawing off the heat of the lava, cooling it faster. He synchronizes his actions with Rin, hoping that the two together can accomplish far more than working individually. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>08-01-2022, 01:08:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/nKSivzs.jpeg)</div><strong>Aqua, Curious Raindrop Spirit (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Visitors</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> Agi, Rin<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Discussing options<br><hr><br>Aqua was more than happy to rub back against Agi. "If he won't listen or talk to us or anything, then we try something else," she said, "but there's no reason to give up before even trying. It might lead us to do things we wouldn't think of doing otherwise. It wouldn't be... wise. I think."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>12-01-2022, 17:11:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/IZMTxZc.png)</div><strong>Boiling Grumpus!!!</strong> (He/They)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Visitors, Part 2</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>All</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Grumping!!!</em><br><br><hr><br><strong>"ROAR! ROAR!"</strong> Grumpus shouts and shouts some more once again, jumping about and splashing lava angrily! It runs down the mountain and into the forests about, starting fires and causing animals to flee in panic! <strong>"I am so UNHAPPY!"</strong> He roars and rants! <br><br>Aqua's rain cloud's are quickly summoned! The happy little raindrop is very good at summoning rainclouds! But the rainclouds are not very heavy, it is hardly a storm just a gentle rain! Soon they are raining on the hot lava! But still, they are just raindrops and lava is very hot! It is slowing things down, but it can only do so much! <br><br>Cor then starts to shape the earth about the lava, causing it to flow back into the recesses of the mountain! He is good at shaping earth, but it is a lot of earth to try to shape! Working together though, Cor is able to create channels for the lava that cause what he cannot put into stable pools to flow towards Aqua's rainclouds! It does not take much to avert the course! This allows many animals to breathe a sigh of relief as the lava is no longer flowing to them! <br><br>Now it is Rin's turn to do her thing! And the fiery little spirit flies towards where Cor has caused the lava to concentrate and sucks in the heat! Ooooh there is so much! It is like drinking a very hot drink very fast through a big gulp! Rin is able to handle it of course, but after a moment she starts to get light headed and has to stop! Still, she has consumed quite a lot of heat, and now Aqua's rain has an even greater effect, concentrated as it can be over one place thanks to Cor, Aqua's rainclouds combine into one huge cloud, raining much heavier now! <br><br>How could all of that have gone so well? Thanks to Agi! The lucky fire spirit helped greatly by causing the actions of the other three to go as well as possible, and now the lava is accumulating in a pool that Cor is rounding out to make room, Aqua is raining heavily on, and Rin is cooling down on her own as soon as she is no longer too light headed from the last big gulp! <br><br>A lava pool has formed! All magma from the volcano will flow here from now on! It is big enough that it will make the mountain safe! The land has changed thanks to the spirits! It is a safer and happier place! Happy spirits cannot help but do a little celebration dance!<br><br><strong>"What?!?"</strong> Boiling Grumpus pouts. <strong>"You stopped the lava! Oooh that makes me even more unhappy!"</strong> He pouts and stomps but the spirits have their system worked out and the lava is channeled, cooled, and rained on! <br><br>Hooray! The day is saved!<br><br>But wait, Rime has asked the Grumpus a question!<br><br><strong>"Why am I so unhappy?!?!"</strong> He pouts, crossing his big lava arms for a moment, looking as though he is going to not answer just to be a grump. Finally he growls and points. <strong>"Because of THAT!!!!"</strong><br><br><div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/FNOUKpB.jpg)</div><br>Following the Grumpus's big rocky pointing finger you see on the horizon breaking through the storm clouds in the distance a battered and beat up wooden ship! <br><br><strong>"This is an island for spirits!"</strong> The grumpus pouts! <strong>"Spirits and animals! Not mortals! Drive them off! Drive them off and I will stop being so unhappy!!!"</strong><br><br>Well, that should be easy, right? They are mortals in a rickety boat in stormy waters! There are many ways spirits can make sure the mortals never land! <br><br>...but is that the right thing to do?<br><br>Is the Grumps right? Is this island happier if no mortals are allowed? Or should the happy spirits do the opposite of what the Grumpus wants and help the mortals land? It looks like if the spirits do not help the ship might not make it to shore in any case! <br><br>It is time once again to make a choice, and use your gifts to affect the course of things on this little island! <br><br><hr><br><em>The Lava Pool has been added to the big map in the first post!<br><br>Happy Spirits have a choice to make! Do you want to help or hinder the mortal ship? Please describe how you do so!</em><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Envious</strong> on <strong>13-01-2022, 00:22:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/fXF6cvv.jpg?1)</div><strong>Wish</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.0#:~:text=Referrals%3A%200-,Envious,-%C2%AB%20Reply%20%237%20on), an Uplifting Friend Spirit! (she/it)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Visitors, Part 2<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Boiling Grumpus<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Arriving fashionably late to questioning Grumpus<br><hr><br>She had heard the loud sounds of Boiling Grumpus, but Wish had been busy playing with frogs. With a gentle <em>swish</em> the air swirled around lily pads, spinning the speckled frogs in circles until they hopped off in dismay. This delighted the toads watching, nearly hidden in the wet mud. But she couldn't ignore the roaring anymore. With giggles and promises of later fun, Wish floated away towards the grumbling groans to find that many happy spirit friends were already nearby!<br><br><strong>"Weeeeeee~!"</strong> Wish exclaimed happily, joining the group. <strong>"That is a very ugly fish!"</strong> she commented, looking at the <em>THAT</em>. <strong>"What is a mortal? Does it have feathers or fuzz? Scales or slime?"</strong> Curious, the little air spirit started to swirl in excitement. <strong>"Is it a new friend!?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Flower</strong> on <strong>13-01-2022, 13:28:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/b/b0/Happywaterspiritpng.png)</div><strong>Bubble (She/Her)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018731#msg16018731)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Visitors, Part 2<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Happy Spirits<br><strong>Actions:</strong> <del>Investigating</del> Helping the Mortals<br><hr><br>What a year it'd been to discover one's purpose and that worlds existed beyond the one Bubbles nurtured on their beloved island. The knowledge almost weighed heavily on its body, if not the world continuing to flourish around them. <br><br>The earth's rumbles didn't concern her too much. She responded with a look that screamed naivety when asked about it and mentioned how the ground must be hungry! Maybe it would quiet once more after a good storm? Sometimes, the forest creature's stomach rumbled in a similar way when they struggled to find food in winter. But then, the reason for the rumpling noise became plain as the clear skies overhead when a creature unknown to her popped its head out of Tip Top Peak. <br><br>Bubbles froze as the animals around them skittered as Grumpus fussed and stomped loud enough to make the ground shake with the force of their rage. So as other spirits hurried to speak with the creature, she watched from a distance before a panicked popping noise reached her ears. The fish were concerned for their safety too. Unlike the other animals, they could not run from the threat, nor could they float away in their bubbles as the little creatures didn't last long enough for them to find another localized source of water. <br><br>"They will fix it," she reassured her scaly friends. "We have accomplished much. The island will be safe. Do not worry." <br><br>Pride soared in its little heart as it watched other spirits tackle the situation before the lava hurt any of their small friends. Grumpus' pouting started once more, and Bubbles followed its finger towards where it pointed. The big water? Oh. There was something unfamiliar there. A tree shaped unlike any she'd ever seen before. Was it sick? Perhaps one of the earth spirits could help it. Distantly, BUbbles heard Grumpus say that there were mortals on the tree. Mortals? Why did that sound so familiar? Then, she remembered. Their friend, Reaper, spoke of mortals. <br><br>Hearing Wish's question, Bubbles reminded them of what they'd learned some time ago. "Mortals are the big thinkers. They change the world. Like us!" Curious about these creatures that possessed big ideas, Bubbles bounded away from her watery nook and bounced across the racing waves to investigate the dead tree and its potential occupants. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Crensler</strong> on <strong>13-01-2022, 18:28:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/0/0a/Blue_Winter_Snowflake_Snow_Emoji_-_Snowflake_4_537543814_large.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rime</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16048690#msg16048690)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Visitors Part 2</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Grumpus, Happy Spirits</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Investigating mortal... thingy<br><br><hr><br>"That is no reason to be setting island on fire, you grumpy <em>ninny</em>!"&nbsp; Rime shouted at the destructive lava creature with a puffing of cheeks and huff of annoyance.&nbsp; "It might stop mortals, but you also make island so NOTHING can live on it!"&nbsp; She buzzed around his big, fat, stupid head, blitzing him with cold to show him how upset she was with him.&nbsp; "Now say sorry to animals and other spirits while we go check out mortal... thingy!"&nbsp; Her tone made it clear she expected him to behave while she buzzed out over the water, heading for the strange object with one last grumble escaping her as she went.&nbsp; "Short-sighted rock monster."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>14-01-2022, 01:20:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/nKSivzs.jpeg)</div><strong>Aqua, Curious Raindrop Spirit (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Visitors</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> Open<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Accompanying others<br><hr><br>"You can have some nice lava fields," Aqua suggested to the grumpy spirit. "But not everything. It would make so many animals and spirits not happy! If the island is for animal and spirits, it's not just for Grumpus," she reminded him before hurrying on along with her friends to investigate the strange thing that mortals would be on. Though it was a strange name indeed. Animals were mortal. She had seen one of them die so recently. What was so different here to make Grumpus grumpy?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>lux89</strong> on <strong>14-01-2022, 19:08:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/30/Gag-gift-send-a.png)</div><strong>Cor [He/Him/His]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16021367#msg16021367)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Visitors p2</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Grumpy, Happy Spirits, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Making use of <strong>Earth</strong> &amp; <strong>Longevity</strong></em><br><br><hr><br>Cor was relieved that such a crisis was averted, but here came a dilemma. <br><br>Out in the distant tempest, pointed out by the Grumpus who was less boiling, the earthen spirit saw what the others were seeing. Mortals that could bring about much change. Cor did not bother with the rebuked Grumpus and instead, hummed quizzically and went out to sea with some other spirits who were just as equally curious. <br><br><strong>"I may call down a sky island. Lure them mortals to land ashore, then raise them high that they go nowhere else. This may give us time ... to reason with them, off our land... What say you?"</strong> <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>14-01-2022, 23:18:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LceJHn5.png)</div><strong>Agi, Spirit of Lucky Colors [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Visitors<br><strong>Tags:</strong>&nbsp; Cor, <span class="bbc_u">open!</span><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Chattering<br><hr>Like the others, Agi's attention went out towards the floaty-whatsit that held the things that the Reaper talked about. Mortals. Mortal. Mortal? What a weird word. It doesn't sound like a happy word.<br><br>And much like his happy spirit friends, he heads off to investigate, floating above the waves, a heat-shimmer surrounding him. As they travel, he stares at Cor, concerned. "That sounds rude! We shouldn't keep them prisoner." Agi is not sure where that word came from, but it felt like the right word. It was definitely not a good word. "We'll have to talk to them on their driftwood, and see how we can help."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>16-01-2022, 00:05:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><em>The grumpus swats at Rime as she flies about him, nearly smacking the little snowflake and sending her flying! Fortunately he is not quite quick enough and she is able to float away. Grumpus sits down in his lava pool and grumps some more as the spirits fly off to see about the mortals! <br><br>Happy spirits float and fly about looking to see what they can learn! Out into the storm to see the ship they go!</em></span></span><br><br><div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/4pMiQWV.jpg)</div><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><em>There are indeed many creatures on this ship! They resemble the Spirit of Blossoms, or the Reaper if she had been more than bones. Just as Bubble reminds you that the Reaper told you, they walk on two legs, they wear clothes and hats, and they are speaking and shouting frantically! They are trying to fix their sails, to bail the water out of their ship, to do all they can to stay afloat! <br><br>As happy spirits investigate they realize something. The mortals cannot see them! Or hear them! In fact it does not seem that happy spirits can interact directly with the mortals in any way! <br><br>Cor realizes he is too far away from the earth out here in the water to summon much land, and the best he can do is probably bring up a few bits of earth that will not hold more than a few mortals! <br><br>Time is running out! If spirits do nothing, the mortals will likely all drown! <br><br>What do you wish to do?</em></span></span><br><br><hr><br>Thus far only Bubble has actually stated an intention, which will be resolved along with any other actions taken in the next Storyteller post! Please choose to help or hinder and describe how you are doing so! =)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>16-01-2022, 01:04:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/LceJHn5.png)</div><strong>Agi, Spirit of Lucky Colors [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Visitors<br><strong>Tags:</strong>&nbsp; Aqua, Bubbles, Rime <span class="bbc_u">open!</span><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Requests! Blessings of Fortune!<br><hr>This looked much worse than he thought! Oh dear, oh dear, so much frantic energy and running around. Agi tried to ask one of the sailors what was going on, but was ignored! By the third sailor ignoring him, it occurred to him that they might not know how to see Happy Spirits (truly an unhappy observation).<br><br>Assessing the situation, he rushes over to his watery companions. "The water is trying to eat their driftwood! No good, no good. Can't you make the water be nice?" He frets, and doesn't even wait for an answer before he's bounding off again. He tries a repeat of what he did for the Happy Spirits working to stop the Boiling Grumpus' lava. He darts around the sailors, trying to spread as much good fortune as possible, to increase their chances of survival.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Crensler</strong> on <strong>16-01-2022, 01:08:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/0/0a/Blue_Winter_Snowflake_Snow_Emoji_-_Snowflake_4_537543814_large.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rime</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16048690#msg16048690)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Visitors Part 2</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Grumpus, Happy Spirits, Mortal Beings</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Helping!<br><br><hr><br>"Yes, Rime can be helpings!"&nbsp; She didn't care about Grumpus being a grump anymore, wanting instead to do something about the mortals, and Agi was right to come to her and the other water-like spirits.&nbsp; They were the best with their element, after all, and the mortal beings needed help right now and stuffs.&nbsp; She immediately bobbed to the fire spirit and zoomed off, moving out over the ship to talk to the creatures currently clinging to it.<br><br>"Hello, mortal beings!"&nbsp; She greeted them, fluttering around the ship as they shouted and struggled against the storm.&nbsp; "Rime is here to help, so no be worrying anymore!"&nbsp; Then she noticed something.&nbsp; "Oh... weird."&nbsp; They couldn't see, nor hear, her.&nbsp; How odd.&nbsp; "Oh well, time to be helpings!"&nbsp; She buzzed around the wooden thing they were scrambling about on, noticing it was sinking and thinking about how she could help.&nbsp; They were trying to get water out of the wooden thing... oh, it must be leaking!&nbsp; She could help with that, yes indeed.&nbsp; She immediately dove under the water, not caring at all for the cold, the wet, or even the lack of air.&nbsp; She was a happy spirit, after all, and with how close she was to water this was no problem at all.&nbsp; She looked around for any way the water was getting into the wooden thing the mortals were riding, intending to use her powers to freeze them shut, singing to herself all the while.&nbsp; "Rime is helping, Rime is helping; no be worrying anymore mortal beings~"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>16-01-2022, 07:55:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/nKSivzs.jpeg)</div><strong>Aqua, Curious Raindrop Spirit (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Visitors</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> Open<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Providing an escape<br><hr><br>Aqua could see that the mortals hadn't any particular wish to reach their island. They were merely trying to stay alive, to survive. And the storm wasn't helping very much at all. With all paths equal, surely they would strike for land simply so that they would have refuge. Better, then, to give them a good choice amongst many bad ones. And so, he called to the clouds to calm their rage, where the wood was and, also, in a path away from the island. If they took it, then they would be safe, surely, and the grumpy one would be satisfied. All could then be happy.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>16-01-2022, 18:59:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/DhfOlCG.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rin</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Visitors</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Open</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>More pondering</em><br><br>Rin watched her fellow spirits leap, or float as it were, into action at the Grumpus dire warning about the mortals floating towards them on their floatymathing. Mortals. She knew that word from somewhere, from the Reaper maybe? Things that didn't last forever. Things that changed. Change wasn't always good. Change wasn't always bad. The Grumpus had done changes to the island and those were sort of bad, almost burning animal friends. But other spirits and she had done changes to the island that were good. Would these mortals make changes to the island that were good? Or would they be bad? <br><br>The Grumpus clearly thought they were bad, and even though his method of voicing it was not nice, that didn't make it wrong. She mulled over these facts as she hovered there and watched the storm. She thought back to the lessons the elephant had taught her, and the Spirit, and the Grumpus even. She mulled it over a bit more, and then hovered over to a tree that had passed on. Far away from many of the other trees, this mighty giant had settled on a cliff far away from all others. Maybe it liked the quiet? But it had long since gone with the Reaper onto that other forest. She gave a little warning to all the buggies and animals that might be inside and then went "FOOMPH!" as she spat out a gust of flame. <br><br>The mighty oak became a beacon. As a fire spirit....she could do little else at the moment for these creatures on the floatymathing. They would make it here or they wouldn't. She had shown the Babyphants how to ride but they had made the journey themselves. She had been there for the Elephant but she had crossed over and made that journey. She had learned the secret of the lava and helped Scampers, but he had moved his family himself.&nbsp; She gave a satisfied nod. She had shown the floaty mortals the way. They would have do the rest. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Envious</strong> on <strong>18-01-2022, 18:18:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/fXF6cvv.jpg?1)</div><strong>Wish</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.0#:~:text=Referrals%3A%200-,Envious,-%C2%AB%20Reply%20%237%20on), an Uplifting Friend Spirit! (she/it)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Visitors, Part 2<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Boiling Grumpus<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Being decidedly unhelpful to the mortals!<br><hr>Wish didn't quite understand what she was seeing. It seemed as if the two-legs were using the wooden fish to travel across the sea. Water filled the boat and then the silly mortals scrambled to scoop it up with buckets to toss the liquid back to sea. Which then promptly re-entered the boat! She watched as Agi and Rime tried to speak with the mortals and saw that the creatures were being decidedly rude. It was not nice to ignore someone!<br><br>Wish whirled to the boat and began making conversation with the frantic creatures. <strong>"Do you not like the water? It's okay to be wet! Why are you running?"</strong> She nattered on, following one mortal, then the next, and then another. She dashed, danced, and pranced around in search of someone who would take a moment to pay attention to her, but the mortals were ignoring her just liked they had with the other spirits!<br><br>This made Wish <em>grumpy</em>. <strong>"Rude and unhappy things!"</strong> she chastised, thinking she understood why Grumpus did not want them on the island. They did not pass the vibe check! She began to whirl and swirl, attempting to turn the nose of the boat and push the damaged transport away to go back where it came! Her friends might not have been bothered by being ignored, but it was not nice! It was better to remove the unhappy things now than to let them reach the island. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>lux89</strong> on <strong>19-01-2022, 01:41:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/30/Gag-gift-send-a.png)</div><strong>Cor [He/Him/His]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16021367#msg16021367)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Visitors p2</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Agi, Happy Spirits, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Helping the Mortals</em><br><br><hr><br>Cor was concerned that Agi thought his idea was rude, and he apologized, <strong>"Oh, I'm sorry!"</strong><br><br>He watched Agi fly to the water spirits, requesting them to mollify the angry waves. Then he watched the Mortals toil and labor for their lives. With much danger and chaos thrown back and forth, Cor felt that his idea would still save the Mortals and well, no one was watching him. He soon found that his power out this far did not do much but to bring up a few bits of earth that will not hold more than a few Mortals. And so he did, bringing up whatever sanctuary he could create that would hopefully withstand the soaking mayhem. Rime sang, and that encouraged him to hum to himself to avoid tumult and overstimulation. He stuck close to his happiness, curious to see what happened next, if anything could be done at all. Wish and Aqua were to push the Mortals away from the island, but Rin had lit a beacon, a welcoming flame. How fascinating and diverse the happy spirits were while they were at work. He hummed, wondering if Mortals will cling to his little bits of earth, or turn away, or head ashore...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Flower</strong> on <strong>19-01-2022, 02:07:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/b/b0/Happywaterspiritpng.png)</div><strong>Bubble (She/Her)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018731#msg16018731)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Visitors, Part 2<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Happy Spirits<br><strong>Actions:</strong> <del>Investigating</del> Helping the Mortals<br><hr><br>“Wish, don’t!” A decidedly unhappy feeling filled Bubbles when she noticed her fellow spirit pushing away the floating tree and its frantic occupants rather than aiding them in their endeavor to reach the safety of their small island. Their behavior reminded her of creatures who existed on both land and water. Sometimes, the babies were afraid of what the adults understood to be harmless. They’d seen similar with the little elephants. They struggled at times to maneuver in the water, unsure of how to move their thick legs or hold their trunks. Maybe the mortals were the same? Gathering her courage, Bubbles tried to coax the water to obey her will. The ocean was harder, more stubborn than her little ponds, but she tried all the same. A wave might help. Help the tree swim faster through the water. They could help the mortals, patch them up, and send them away. Grumpus wouldn’t mind that, would he?<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>The Island Year One - Time of Long Sunsets</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>20-01-2022, 17:22:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/zcWtZrr.jpg)<br>(Art by Misha Kuznetsov (https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Winter-Sunset-in-the-Forest/669987/3310175/view))<br><br><span style="font-size: 15pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Year One<br>The Time of Long Sunsets</strong></span></span></div><br><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><em>Agi's good fortune turns a wave or two away from the ship, but there is only so much good fortune to be had when things are this bad! Still, a wave or two breaking away from the ship is better than all of the waves breaking for it, and the luck does give the mortals some relief! <br><br>Rime finds it difficult to freeze the rapidly moving water quickly enough to seal anything shut, but with great effort she is able to plug a few holes. The mortals are stunned to see ice forming around the leaks, but are too frantic and busy to question it! It slows down the sinking of the ship a little, and every bit helps! <br><br>Aqua is indeed able to calm the clouds a bit. Clouds are Aqua's friends! They have a lot of rain to pour out, but they agree to do it not so angrily. The storm calms rather noticeably, prompting sighs and shouts of relief and gratitude, although not aimed at anything in particular, from the mortals! Aqua's attempt to open a path away from the island however does not seem to have any effect, the mortals still seem to view the island as their only possible destination!<br><br>A destination that Rin has made very clear with her lighting of one big beacon! Despite any efforts to make another path out look more promising, Rin's beacon shines brightly and the mortals point to it, shouting again with thanks and praise to whatever forces are helping them see the way and get them there safely! <br><br>Wish's winds blow and blow and the ship begins to turn, but the mortals now have a clear signal, a reduced storm, and lucky and icy help keeping their ship afloat. They quickly give up efforts to fix their sails as the winds have turned against them, but extend their oars and begin to row against the wind, harder and harder, desperate to make it to the island where the fiery beacon beckons them! <br><br>Cor is watchful for any mortal that is swept over, and for those who already have been, as he goes about gathering them up on little rocky islands and returning them to the ship! Many families are very grateful as he saves the lives of the mortals who have been swept overboard! <br><br>And then Bubble uses her gifts, moving the ocean itself in a big happy wave that gently coaxes the ship forward, rising it on a little swell to give it momentum and carry it through the heavy rain and wild winds. With the help of many spirits, hindered only by a few, the ship makes it through! <br><br>Exhausted mortals slump from the ship, again shouting thanks and praise to whoever or whatever it was helped them through the storm to the island! <br><br>Up on the mountain, you see Boiling Grumpus harrumph and grump some more before marching back down into the hole he came out from, back into the warm depths of the earth, still quite unhappy! <br><br>The Spirits have had quite an exciting night! But now it is time to retreat and think about what has happened!<br><br>Mortals have landed on the island! Their ship is in no condition to sail away again! It looks like they will be here for quite awhile! <br><br>As the happy spirits watch from distance they see the mortals are putting together makeshift shelters, rescuing what supplies they can from the shipwreck, and otherwise trying to set up on the island. In the next few days the area becomes a little campground. <br><br>This is the time of year when the nights are becoming much longer, and the days much shorter. The mortals have arrived at a bad time for a species that enjoys light and warmth! The snow has begun to fall again and in earnest! Soon it is blanketing the land in happy white snowflakes!<br><br>Many of the animal friends are hibernating, or bunkering down for the winter. But they have had all summer and spring, and the help of happy spirits to do so! What of these mortals? They do not seem as prepared. They look cold and unhealthy! <br><br>Still though, despite what the spirits try, they cannot be seen or heard by the mortals! <br><br></em></span></span><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/kZLj8ng.jpg)</div><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><em>Finally one night as the depth of winter approaches, you see that the mortals have lit a fire and are dancing around it! Normally they do not have the energy to dance! But today is different for some reason! As you see them dance a woman stands at the fire with her arms wide and to the sky, <strong>"Hear me spirits of this place!"</strong> She intones, <strong>"Please show yourself to us, we do not know if we have made you angry or if we can beseech your aid! We are strangers here! Please show yourselves so we may ask your blessings!"</strong><br><br>Show yourselves?!?! Is that all you had to do?!?<br><br>As spirits hear these words they realize that, with great concentration and focus they could indeed enter the world of the mortals and show themselves to these people! But is that the right thing to do? The smart thing to do? What you want to do?<br><br></em></span></span><br><br><hr><br>You must make a choice! Do you <strong>REVEAL</strong> yourself to the mortals, or do you <strong>STAY HIDDEN</strong> from them? <br><br>If you choose to REVEAL you must also choose the form you reveal yourself in! You will find that you can adopt a new form, one that is about the size of a mortal, and it may be in the shape of a two-legged mortal, a four-legged beast, a many-legged creature, or you may stay in the shape of your happy spirit form! If you reveal you will find that you can speak to them and introduce yourself, and it is encouraged that you do so in your reveal post! <br><br>You are of course free to speak amongst your happy selves, or talk to any of the animals of the island, or slip into the realm of the Spirit of Blossoms if you wish to speak to her (do so in this thread please!) <br><br>If for any reason anyone wants to speak to the Grumpus, you will find that only fire or earth spirits can withstand the heat and pressure inside the mountain to do so! <br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Updated Map</div><div class="spoiler_body">(https://i.imgur.com/gtmgpAD.png)<br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>lux89</strong> on <strong>21-01-2022, 06:46:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/BzowwEN.png)(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/30/Gag-gift-send-a.png)(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/a/aa/Stonefox.jpg)</div><strong>Cor [He/Him/His]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16021367#msg16021367)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Long Sunsets</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Happy Spirits, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Aging &amp; Becoming a Stone Fox</em><br><br><hr><br>Either time changed all slowly or time changed all quickly, one pebble fallen after another. As a season crawled by, Cor was more pleased by the day to see that neither the Mortals nor Boiling Grumpus did much to destroy or sink the island. While the animals did wonderful, he did take pity on how much suffering the Mortals endured. He saw their fragility and heard their outcries. He saw their worst and also their best.<br>&nbsp;<br>The Mortals thought they were not seen by spirits but rather heard, which struck a very ironic chord because spirits were not seen and heard at all. <br><br>Cor could not help himself. He was fascinated and thus addicted to observing them in their natural state. It was as if all he could do was just witness these new and complicated creatures live a dramatic life. These Mortals... they all varied chasing or losing the same thing: happiness. Cor wished sometimes he could give them what he always will have had: the very essence of what he was. But then the momentous night came, a miraculous event like long before. The Mortals danced into an exhausted and frenetic trance around their bonfire. <br><br>The Mortals pleaded for contact. Their own spirits reached out. <br><br><strong>"Show ourselves?"</strong> Cor asked of the Happy Spirits nearby. <br><br>There was a strange growing realization that with effort it was possible. <br><br>Cor knew already what appearance he would take. He had time to wonder what made him happy. <br><br>While he watched the Mortals, he watched a certain fox that loped and roved his Terraces. It was beautiful, appearing and disappearing with grace. He would be a Stone Fox happy spirit. As he would soon take this form, he paused. To think twice. Revealing myself... Would it make the Mortals truly happy? Would it risk the island? Would associating the Mortals make Happy Spirits Mortal? Who knew what would happen, but Cor decided after his transformation that he would not be seen by the Mortals. Not now, not ever. <br><br>He would be one of the secrets of this island. He would guard the Mortals as he would guard this island from them. It would be a distraction. They would call on his name like they call on their mother or their friend, one time too many. They would bring their drama and their struggle to him. And he was not ready. His happiness had to be protected. Cor would remain unseen, unheard, unrealized, and undisturbed. But his presence will be felt, Cor would make sure of that. While still enshrouded in mystery, he hoped he can make them happy... one day.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Crensler</strong> on <strong>21-01-2022, 07:21:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/2/27/Rime.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rime</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16048690#msg16048690)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Mortal Woman, Open</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Revealing herself as a woman of snow and ice<br><br><hr><br>Rime had been happy to find her efforts, as well as that of her fellow happy spirits, had paid off.&nbsp; The mortals had been able to survive the storm and make it to the island.&nbsp; She understood that not everyone was okay with this, but now they were here and there was no turning back.&nbsp; She watched the mortals from time to time, doing their best to survive.&nbsp; They weren't doing very well, not having had the time to prepare like the other denizens of the island, and now they were asking for the spirits to reveal themselves.&nbsp; Could they... do that?&nbsp; Yes, after thinking it over, Rime realized it was possible.&nbsp; Should she, though?&nbsp; The mortals needed help.&nbsp; Perhaps, with guidance, they could repay that help in kind later on?&nbsp; She thought it worth trying, and now she realized another change was upon her.<br><br>"Rime will help," she said suddenly, her form shifting in a whirl of snow.&nbsp; Gone was the simple, smiling snowflake.&nbsp; Her being grew, taking on aspects of mortal appearance, but still retaining her true nature as a spirit.&nbsp; Then, she <em>willed</em> herself to emerge before the mortal female.&nbsp; "This one is known as Rime," she told mortal, even sounding much different than she had before.&nbsp; "This one helped the mortals during the storm, and now this one is here.&nbsp; What do you wish of the spirits?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>21-01-2022, 20:05:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/1qzuQRs.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/S6Q42Mt.gif)</div><strong>Aqua, Curious Raindrop Spirit (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> Open<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Contacting mortal<br><hr><br>Somehow, Aqua knew that, while all contact with these 'mortals' had failed, now... now was a time when he could reveal himself. However, she could not do so as she was. She would have to take a new form. One that suited him. And so, she gathered to herself the waters of the rain, the lakes and the seas to craft this form, one that would be as fluid and flexible as she was, effortlessly shifting between male, female, neither or both. And it was in that ever-shifting form that he appeared to the mortal. "You were never meant to be here, to come. You never would have reached the island if you had not been in so much need. But you are here now and, so, you can't be separate. Together, the spirits and animals have live here and so must you now. You cannot allow yourselves to become separate." He smiled kindly, then. "We are happy spirits. We want to be happy. We want you to be happy, too now, but not you only."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>22-01-2022, 03:17:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/1c/13/33/1c1333a1658d0d16e58b78c80d662faf.jpg)</div><strong>Agi, Spirit of Lucky Colors [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Long Sunsets<br><strong>Tags:</strong>&nbsp; Aqua (specifically), Rime (generally)<br><strong>Actions:</strong> REVEALING!<br><hr>The mortals are curious things. Agi is intrigued by them, and as they work tirelessly to shelter themselves, he finds himself often loitering around their encampment. On the downlow, he tends to flames, helping their limited fuel last just a bit longer--so that they might take less of the land. He eases their initial burdens, as much as he possibly can. Even if they can't see him or hear him, and even when they don't thank him for his hard work, he doesn't give up. He just wants to help; he just wants them, like all other things, <em>to be happy.</em><br><br>So it should come as no surprise to the other spirits that Agi is relaxing in the bonfire when the humans begin beseeching them. Other spirits responded faster than he; that's okay. Agi is like a cat, he enjoys lazing around, and he takes things in his own time. He considered, at length, what form he wished to take--once he understood that he could take a form.<br><br>The flames of the bonfire experience an upswell as he stirs from their depths, at first looking like an errant spark, but quickly growing to the size of a small lion; complete with a fiery mane, and a swishy tail. Despite being very much made of fire, he maintains his gentle warmth--he could be held, or pet, if they so desired, without risking harm to themselves."Aqua, you seem to be forgetting that from one candle, many can be lit. Happiness is best shared, not hoarded." His tone is regal, yet maintains a lazy sort of drawl.<br><br>The flaming feline does a small circle around the fire, taking everything and everyone gathered in. He then comes around to settle on the ground, next to Rime (but respecting their personal space). Once settled on the ground, he tucks his paws in; his eyes close. He looks very much like a content housecat. "I am Agi. I know some other spirits have their reservations about your presence, but I believe everyone deserves a chance. I am willing to teach you to live in accord with the island; its spirits; its animals; its plants, even. But, you all must be willing to learn; to adapt." In general, Agi's demeanor is... concerned, but helpful. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>22-01-2022, 17:24:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/DhfOlCG.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rin</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Long Sunsets</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Grumpus, Babyphants, Scampers, Spirt of Blossoms</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>More Questioning</em><br><br>Rin thought and thought and had scampered and played around as the mortals did their own things. She had made sure the Babyphants were ok and that Scampers was settling into his new home nicely. She had even nuzzled the mountain the Grumpus went back into, to let him know there were no hard feelings. But she still had more questions about these mortals, and they looked so familiar....and so she floated as fast as her little flames would take her back to the Colorful Grove. <br><br>"Blossoms....Bloooooossoms!" she called out, searching and searching until the spirit would answer her, only getting distracted by some delicious nuts that she crunched happily on as she floated about. Bouncing up and down untill she got the Spirit's attention, she wriggled around "New things on the island inside little forests they built out of bigger forests...they're called...MOrtals. They...ummm..." she got distracted for a moment again by a neat cricket, who jumped and bounced and moved this way and that, before refocusing. Wanting to know everything meant sometimes it was hard to focus on one thing "They look sort of like you.....do you know about them? Are they same same as you? Are they safe? Are they nice? Are they delicious?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>22-01-2022, 18:49:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/1qzuQRs.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/S6Q42Mt.gif)</div><strong>Aqua, Curious Raindrop Spirit (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> Agi<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Contacting mortal<br><hr><br>"And many can drink from the same pond, but it only takes one to befoul it," Aqua said before turning to the mortal again. "And this is why my welcome is tempered with a warning. Already, I know of one spirit is wary of you. So, though you are welcome to drink at our pond, I warn you not to come as a befouler, not to see yourselves as apart or better than those who are already here." She nodded at Agi's words. "And just like him, I will teach you, too. And I will learn. I'm sure there is much you might have to teach, as do all things living."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>22-01-2022, 19:31:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/16ZCeQa.jpg?1)</div><strong>The Spirit of Blossoms</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Rin</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Speaking with Rin!<br><hr><br>Cronch cronch cronch go to the delicious nuts as Rin looks for Blossoms. As always she is able to find the way into the Colorful Grove! Just like the rest of the island, this place is blanketed with snow, although here and there the thickly woven vines and branches have provided little shelters where flowers that bloom in the cold are still bright and colorful! <br><br>Blossoms is there, sitting off the ground a little, in the nook of a tree where a branch splits off. Her legs dangle below her, kicking back and forth merrily as she takes in the beautiful scenery of the winter wonderland around her. She is still dressed as always, although many of the flowers that typically adorn her do not bloom this time of year.<br><br><strong>"Oh hello Rin!"</strong> She calls to the little fire spirit with a wave, beckoning her to come up for a hug! <strong>"What brings you to my grove?"</strong><br><br>She listens as the spirit explains the situation.<br><br><strong>"Mortals?"</strong> Blossoms looks rather distraught at the news. <strong>"On the island? Oh dear."</strong> <br><br><strong>"Mortals are not the same as me, no not at all."</strong> She says with a shake of her head. <strong>"In fact mortals cannot even find this Colorful Grove! If they become too numerous or bothersome you are always welcome here, you and all of the other happy spirits."</strong><br><br><strong>"Mortals are always thinking, and this makes it very hard for them to be happy."</strong> She explains her point of view. She seems hesitant to say more, but then makes her mind up and continues speaking. <strong>"Once I spoke with mortals quite a lot, but that was far away from here. I was hoping they would not find this island."</strong> She sighs. <strong>"It is so easy to fail them."</strong><br><br><strong>"As to whether they are delicious, they would not be for me. I eat only sunlight and water and berries!"</strong> She says with a laugh. <strong>"Perhaps there is a fox or a wolf about who might know."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>22-01-2022, 19:49:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/sQp9XGv.jpg)</div><strong>Lost Cub</strong> (He/They) (Art by Marion Rose (https://iartprints.com/prints/marion_rose_chasing_bugs_black_bear_cub-44400.html))<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Cor</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Speaking with Cor!<br><hr><br>Cor the stone fox makes his decision to not reveal himself. And as he takes a form of a beast he becomes more in tune with the needs of the surrounding animals. He hears chatter of birds on the wind that he could not make out before, fish bubbling under lakes where they slow themselves for winter, and the quiet whispers of creatures of the woods. And it seems this new connection is not just one way. A creature has come to him for aid! <br><br><strong>"Excuse Me. Excuse me."</strong> There is a tugging on Cor's stony tail. The spirit looks down to see a little bear cub shivering in the snow. <br><br><strong>"My mommy fell asleep."</strong> The bear explains, of course she is hibernating this time of year. <strong>"But I woked up and looked for fishes but they are all under ice or too fast."</strong> He sighs. <strong>"Now I can't find my mommy again. Can you help please?"</strong><br><br>Cor can easily sense where the bear den is thanks to his connection with the earth. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>22-01-2022, 20:05:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/kZLj8ng.jpg)</div><strong>Alexandra</strong> (She/Hers) <br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Rime, Aqua, Agi</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Speaking with Happy Spirits!<hr> <br>Three spirits appear to the mortals around their fire!<br><br>Rime the maiden of frost seems to coalesce from the falling snow and ice on the ground, stepping towards the fire. The mortals gasp, making space for Rime to approach, or perhaps retreating in fear? She is cold, and cold is not what the mortals wish for right now. Although, as she speaks of helping them there are nods of the head and murmurs, <strong>"Yes, yes, we remember, the ice that sealed the holes and kept our boat afloat!"</strong> This makes the mortals relax a little. They keep a distance of a few feet at least, but do not seem so actively fearful.<br><br>And, then, flowing as smoothly as a bubbling brook, Aqua appears. Their shifting form is regarded with awe! Not quite as intimating as the maiden of frost in the first place, Aqua's words about wanting the mortals to be happy, an wanting them to be here, seem to make the mortals relieved!<br><br>And then, there is a gasp as the bonfire is suddenly containing a fiery lion! The mortals scramble back at this fearsome fiery beast! Agi's words are more conditional, more guarded, and he has taken a shape that is not like the mortals. They seem somewhat fearful of him, even though they need his warmth! <br><br>The woman who sought the spirits to reveal themselves in the first place has recovered her composure and speaks now, looking from Rime to Aqua to Agi as she does. <br><br>She puts a hand to her chest and bows her head reverently, <strong>"My name is Alexandra. My people come from a place called Thalia. We had to leave that place to find a new home."</strong> There is obviously much more to the story than that, but there is much to discuss and Alexandra continues, <strong>"We were blown towards your island by the storm, we thought we were lost. But we were saved by ice, and earth, and friendly waves and a totem to guide us! If that was your doing thank you!"</strong> She bows again. <br><br><strong>"But now we find ourselves on your shores in the midst of winter. Our food stores are dwindling, our shelters are faltering, our clothes are threadbare. There are young and sickly and elderly amongst us. Will you help us please spirits? What must we do for your aid? Do you require a sacrifice? Worship?"</strong> <br><br>She seems to grow nervous as she asks, <strong>"You speak of learning, and that is all well and good, but first we must survive. This is why we beseech your aid, spirits!"</strong> 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>22-01-2022, 20:11:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/hUWnkW5.jpg)</div><strong>A Cat</strong> (???/???) (art by Anna Brigitta Kovacs (https://www.artmajeur.com/en/kov-ab/artworks/10264219/cat-on-the-snow)) <br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Agi</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Being a Cat<hr> <br>As Agi hears the words of Alexandra, another presence attracts his attention. Having taken the form of a beast himself, he is more in tune with the creatures than these people, many of whom look quite similar to him. However among them is a small domesticated cat, who slips from the arms of the young mortal who was holding it, and approaches the fire, staring up at Agi with all the impudence and brazen curiosity that typically attends its species. <br><br><strong>"Meow."</strong> It demands. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>22-01-2022, 20:44:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/CsFWLJb.jpg)</div><strong>The Camp</strong> (It/Its) (art by Howard Kolsin (https://fineartamerica.com/featured/snow-tents-howard-kolsin.html)) <br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Rime, Aqua, Any spirit who Reveals Themselves and Assume a Mortal-Like Form</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong>Sensing the Village <br><hr> <br><br>As Aqua and Rime observe the happenings they are able to sense more of the mortals around them. <br><br>To other spirits, these mortals all look the same, two legs, two arms, one head. Different sizes, different colors, but hard to remember which is which. Why does Alexandra stand out so much? Who can say, but to most spirits, she is the only one that does. To Aqua and Rime, however, the mortals are becoming more unique, easier to tell from each other. And what is more, they are starting to sense that these mortals are, as they have been warned, always thinking. And those thoughts begin to be heard by Aqua and Rime as they stand among those whose form they have shaped themselves like. <br><br>They hear thoughts of fear, hunger, cold. But two more mortals in particular have very striking thoughts.<br><br class="clear_left"><br><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/vMmYXfs.png)</div>There is a woman named Eliza. She is very beautiful and slender, poised and graceful even in this awful time. She seems fearful. Her thoughts whisper. <em>This is wrong, the Old Gods still watch, and they will not like that we turn to new things. This is wrong, wrong.</em> She seems very worried by the situation the mortals find themselves in, but also scared of something bigger, something older. Did the Repear tell happy spirits something about old gods?<br><br>She watches Rime and Aqua with distrust, Agi too although he cannot see it. Some mortals glance to her, watching for a sign of what to do. She is clearly one whose words have some power here. Her hands fidget, she seems to wish to make symbols of power and invocation of older things, wanting to cast away happy spirits entirely! <br><br class="clear_left"><br><br><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/ChUwP3w.jpg)</div>And there is a woman named Marcelle. She is filled with a warmth and energy that makes her natural beauty all the moreso. She is overjoyed when the spirits show themselves. <em>I told you!</em> She eagerly thinks, although she keeps her peace while Alexandra and the spirits converse. <em>I told you I had seen them in the storm!</em> Is it true? Did she see happy spirits before she revealed themselves? Or is she simply possessed of imagination and optimism? <br><br>She smiles at Aqua and Rime with joy on her face, Agi too although he cannot see it. Some of the other mortals are glancing at her, seeing her as if it a new light, wondering if maybe she was correct. Her hands squeeze together happily, and she seems ready to break into dance anew.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>22-01-2022, 20:49:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/1c/13/33/1c1333a1658d0d16e58b78c80d662faf.jpg)</div><strong>Agi, Spirit of Lucky Colors [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Long Sunsets<br><strong>Tags:</strong>&nbsp; Aqua, Alexandra, A Cat<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Conversing<br><hr>"That's a fair point." He concedes to Aqua, because they are right. The fear of the villagers hurts him, since he has been here for so long, quietly watching them. He might not be able to tell them apart, but... well, he can't be mad, he supposes. They didn't know any better.<br><br>"Please, don't be afraid. I was there on the ship when you faced the waves. I have stayed here since you made landfall. I have helped tend your fires, to make sure they do not consume your homes. I have made them burner brighter, warmer, and longer. I have napped with shivering small ones and old ones, so that they might find comfort." His voice is soft, slow, and warm. Agi is kind, gentle, caring, and warm; and his voice captures these qualities as well.<br><br>"I am a spirit of fortune and fire, and there is little I can do outside these domains. However... if some of your fittest come with me, with baskets, I will guide them. I will keep them warm. I will take them to the Prismatic Springs, on the Southern tip of the island, where the cold of winter does not touch the ground, and where the trees and bushes bare fruit year round."<br><br>"In truth, I do not know how much it is you need to eat. But there are a dozen trees, and just as many bushes, full of fruit. You speak of sacrifice and worship, but all I will ask of you is to respect the land and its inhabitants." Agi is not the wisest of the spirits, but he thinks he is offering them a good deal. And, as always, his underlying intentions are pure and good.<br><br>The housecat that approaches him is received with a slow blink, expressing trust. Agi then gets up, stretches nonchalantly, and leans in to sniff at the housecat; friendly and inquiring. Agi's fiery whiskers are jutting forward prominently, which expresses that he feels safe and is curious about his environment. His tail sticks straight up in the air and is stiff; expressing confidence and a lack of malice.&nbsp; Of course he is a fire spirit, and so he smells of incense-like smoke, which may or may not offend the common feline's sense of smell.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>23-01-2022, 03:40:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/1qzuQRs.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/S6Q42Mt.gif)</div><strong>Aqua, Curious Raindrop Spirit (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> Open, Mortals<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Contacting mortal<br><hr><br>Agi understood, it seemed, and so did the mortals and that was enough for Aqua. He flowed next to the woman who spoke of gods, the action even more obvious now that his form was so much more complex, his form pouring itself out and then pouring back in next to her. "We are not gods, that you don't have to worry about," she said, though as she did so, her mind conjured up the image of the Spirit of Blossoms. "Though maybe I know one who is. But if you bring your gods with you, then they are welcome too, and in the same way, if they would not be befoulers. She flowed then to the other woman. "Some of us did try to speak to you, but none of you would hear. Or, at least, none tried to speak back."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>lux89</strong> on <strong>23-01-2022, 06:22:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/a/aa/Stonefox.jpg)</div><strong>Cor [He/Him/His]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16021367#msg16021367)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Time of Long Sunsets</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Lost Cub, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Guidance to the Bear Den</em><br><br><hr><br>The tilting head of the moss-overgrown statuette fox nodded at this shivering little bear cub in the snow. <br><br><strong>"Yes, this way,"</strong> Cor curiously trailed towards the bear den. He did not look back once at the Mortals around their burning altar. They were far too alien for him to understand. In the meantime, the happy spirt delved into the wild. He listened to the heartbeats of the animal kingdom. And his humming joined their peppy bass in song. As soon as they arrived to the bear den, he would think of a way to bring fish or berries to feed to the hungry cub. <strong>"Are you okay?"</strong> Cor the Stone Fox asked, searching the bear cub and concentrating if it were possible to measure it. <strong>"How is your happiness?"</strong> His long ears flicked before his head leaned closer. Could he as a happy spirit hear it? His carved eyes seemed to squint. Or see it? Could he measure the amount of happiness in a living being? 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Crensler</strong> on <strong>23-01-2022, 17:14:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/2/27/Rime.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rime</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16048690#msg16048690)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Mortal Woman, Open</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Revealing herself as a woman of snow and ice<br><br><hr><br>Rime didn't particularly like the fact that the mortals seemed frightened, wary, of her.&nbsp; She did understand it, however, so it hurt less than it otherwise could have.&nbsp; At least they remembered her help, which caused her to smile, glad that she'd been able to aid them.&nbsp; Her fellow spirits made themselves known and spoke to the mortals as well, the ice spirit nodding in agreement when they spoke of balance and the mortals becoming part of the island, rather than standing as separate from it.<br><br>"You need not fear us," she said, not approaching closer given how wary the mortals still seemed.&nbsp; Aqua's words likely wouldn't help, causing her to sigh softly.&nbsp; They must not have realized the mortals hadn't been speaking aloud, but there was nothing for it now.&nbsp; "This one can make the cold... milder, at least around your shelters.&nbsp; This one cannot, however, make it warm, cannot upset the cycle."&nbsp; She shook her head slightly for emphasis.&nbsp; "We are no gods.&nbsp; You need not worship, need not sacrifice.&nbsp; We do not want such things."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>25-01-2022, 01:58:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/DhfOlCG.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rin</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Long Sunsets</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em></em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>More Questioning</em><br><br>Rin had snuggled into the huggle when Blossom appeared, the spirit always warm and inviting and loving. A perfect guide for an inquisitive spirit. She listened and thought carefully. She liked thinking and didn't understand how the mortals didn't want to think a lot. Thinking and learning was fun. There just HAD to be mortals who liked to learn things. She nuzzled blossom again one more time and wandered out of the grove, stopping to steal another berry when Blossom wasn't watching (She knew the spirit was, but it was fun to pretend) when she hovered away giggling. <br><br><hr><br>Sometime later she was flitting about the Mortal burrows, like burrows but not, they were above ground though. They had little fires caged in stone which was weird. She watched them, and watched her fellow spirits help them as they wished. But there was another, smaller mortal. It was different then the other ones. It didn't use words and gestures. It mostly screamed and cried and wriggled. But sometimes it slept and made happy noises too and for some reason Rin very much liked hearing those noises. Some sort of wrigglymathing then. It wasn't the only one, there were other wrigglers and runners and squealers running about, but Rin watched this one and pondered. Was it like the little elephants to the Wise Old Elephant, this little wiggler and the mortals? <br><br>Then came a day when she was watching it when no one else was. So busy working and living and thinking they were. A tuft of wetness came tumbling down the stone cave and extinguished the caged fire. Rin didn't notice for some time but the little wriggler seemed to grow very very cold. Only a small candle was still lit and that wasn't enough for it. She could see it's breath as it screamed and cried and started to turn a color that reminded her of the ocean. No one was nearby though, they were all working very hard. She bit her lower lip. If she reignited the fire, it would take too much heat to do so and the whole cabin (the word she had learned from watching the mortals) might burn down. <br><br>She had no choice, she floated down and warmed herself, revealing herself to the little wriggle monster. But the ball of fire floating in the sky seemed to upset it more, despite the warmth. It wailed and screamed and scrunched up its little face. She didn't want it to be sad and crying....and so she thought hard. She thought of Blossoms and the Elephant and Scampers&nbsp; and the Reaper and even the Grumpus and all the things that made up the island and she thought and thought and thought and FOOMPH!<br><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/11/2b/fc/112bfce5bfc909f1c9893a76836c31aa.jpg)</div><br>Fiery, thin wings reminiscent of giant elephant ears twitched at her back. A shimmery pretty fire dress like the nurturing Blossom's was about her. Her eyes glowed, much like a certain grumpy rock monster. Little whisker like threads hung down from the dress and she smiled. Pointy ears were pointed, though not as sharp as, as was the stick the Reaper friend had carried. Like a real fire she had consumed everything she had encountered and made it a part of herself. Roughly as tall as one of the collection of symbols the mortals had...book, yes that was it. She wriggled her fingers. These were new...these were interesting. Toes too. These would take some getting used too. But she could hold her snacks now, so that was good. She gave a little wave to the little tiny thing beneath her. <br><br>It looked much more at ease with her mortalish form, and stopped its noise. It turned its head and went back to sleep, occasionally making a funny little noise. She giggled and kept it warm and snuggly safe until the door opened and she scurried into the fire of the candle nearby to hide. The big mortals reacted in shock, and quickly set about relighting the fire safely with dried wood. She giggled a bit inside the candle, they thought it had only just gone out thanks to the warmth in the cabin. <br><br>Becoming more light then flame, she zipped through the glass of the window, giving a wave to the wriggly one. Flitting away she decided, she would help guide those that still could learn. She&nbsp; could keep the ones who couldn't keep themselves safe safest of all. She had sneaked around Blossoms forever ago, she could sneak around these big stompy mortals. She couldn't teach the wise old elephant but she had taught the babyphants. She could teach the wrigglers, the squirmers, the littler mortals while they still had less thoughts in their heads. And they could teach her too. Yes....let the big mortals think she was just a character in the littler ones storybooks...they would know. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Envious</strong> on <strong>25-01-2022, 06:24:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/fXF6cvv.jpg?1)</div><strong>Wish</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.0#:~:text=Referrals%3A%200-,Envious,-%C2%AB%20Reply%20%237%20on), an Uplifting Friend Spirit! (she/it)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Visitors, Part 2<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Mortals and Spirits<br><strong>Actions:</strong> She reveals herself!<br><hr>Wish had paid a little <em>too</em> much attention to Grumpus, for she was... a little grumpy! <em>Reveal herself!?</em> What did they think she had been doing this whole time!? Had she merely been blowing hot air? She had done everything she could think of to garner their attention, but all they had done was curse and moan at her presence. No one liked having their hair blown or their clothes ruffled or their piles of <em>stuff</em> knocked over. Still, Wish relentlessly nattered on in hopes that they'd eventually return the conversation.<br><br>Wish wondered how much harder she needed to try. Everyone else seemed to be doing it! The other spirits nearby were blipping into a new existence - she could tell because they mortals were finally reacting! How could she do it? She squeezed her eyes tight and began to make noises of effort. She wanted to talk, too! She wanted to be seen! She peeked out with one eye. Nothing! She began to swirl rapidly, turning and turning and turning! A frantic breeze blew past, but still no acknowledgement. <br><br><strong>"I JUST WANT YOU TO PLAY WITH ME!"</strong> she shouted in a whiny tone before blowing a big raspberry. And then she felt it! Something different! She had done it! She could tell by the startled looks around her.<br><br><strong>"I did it!"</strong> she exclaimed gleefully. <strong>"Why do you change your skin covering! Why do you make so much fire! Why do you build such big nests! Why did your wood fish come here?"</strong> She went on and on for a very long time before finally ending her onslaught of questions with: <strong>"Do you want to play a game with me!"</strong> Either she had completely ignored the question or had completely forgotten about it in her excitement. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>27-01-2022, 04:29:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/hUWnkW5.jpg)</div><strong>A Cat</strong> (???/???) (art by Anna Brigitta Kovacs (https://www.artmajeur.com/en/kov-ab/artworks/10264219/cat-on-the-snow)) <br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Agi</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Being a Cat<hr> <br><br>The cat regards Agi. And then it steps into Agi's muzzle and nuzzles against it, purring happily. It curls up as Agi's feet, or as close as it can get without singeing itself, and lies there silently, occasionally flicking its tail about. <br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Complex Method for Determining Cat Actions Spoiled Here</div><div class="spoiler_body">https://g.co/kgs/PMPazn<br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>27-01-2022, 04:55:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/sQp9XGv.jpg)</div><strong>Lost Cub</strong> (He/They) (Art by Marion Rose (https://iartprints.com/prints/marion_rose_chasing_bugs_black_bear_cub-44400.html))<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Cor</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Speaking with Cor!<br><hr><br>Baby bear is very happy to be returned to the cave where his momma is hibernating! Him and Cor slip through the hidden mouth of the place and soon the little bear is curled up with his mom again. Cor sees there are five brother and sister bear cubs here too, all still sound asleep. As he gets cozy, the little bear looks up at Car. <strong>"Happy?"</strong> he asks, blinking, a bit surprised at the question. He cocks his little bear head to the side and thinks. And as he does, Cor focuses and relaxes and focuses and relaxes, getting in tune with the beasts of the island. <br><br>It is easy for Cor to do this while he slips out and back into the cave, returning with berries and fish for the young bear. The bear eats, and as he does, Cor detects great happiness. <br><br>This is the way of the animals, when they do not want, they are happy. When they have their families, and a safe place to sleep, and food, they are happy. As the little bear curls up with his mother and siblings, he is happy. And so are they, even though they have stayed asleep this whole while. <br><br>Cor listens to the island and he hears of other animals who are not so happy. And so he goes to them, moving easily within the earth itself. He finds the animals who want, and it is often rather simple to aid them. The stone fox slips further and further away from the encampment of humans....<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>27-01-2022, 05:04:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/CsFWLJb.jpg)</div><strong>The Camp</strong> (It/Its) (art by Howard Kolsin (https://fineartamerica.com/featured/snow-tents-howard-kolsin.html)) <br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Rime, Aqua, Rin, Wish, Agi</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong><br><hr> <br><br>The mortals of the village are very mixed in their reactions. Some are delighted at the happy spirits, others fearful and some react differently to different spirits! <br><br>While Wish and Agi have a hard time telling the mortals apart still, Rin, Aqua, and Rime can do so much more easily!<br><br>Rin finds it simple enough to keep herself hidden, taken the form of flame and hiding within candles and torches is not so hard for a fiery spirit like her! She reveals herself to the little ones, the mortals who came into focus. They are not as smart as baby elephants when they are very small, but the quickly become rather clever! Indeed Rin finds that many of the smaller ones are hidden away in a larger tent while the big ones are dancing about the fire. They see Rin with awe and wait to see what she has bought them! They do not seem so eager to fear, or to fall in supplication as the big ones. The world is still new to them. So a fiery woman coming from nothing is something they haven't seen before. A few days ago the whole island was that way! <br><br>Agi finds some mortals who are willing to trek to his springs and forage for fruit! They seem relieved that a large warm spirit will be leading the way through the snow. Some of the mortals, who Agi can't quite tell from the others, are warning that this is a trick, that the fiery lion will eat them! But those who agreed to go with Agi are willing to give it a chance! If Agi leads, they follow.<br><br>Rime's words are met with a mix of confusion and relief. <em>Not gods, not gods</em> several mortals think, both relaxing and disappointing at the same time. It is a curious response...<br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>27-01-2022, 05:13:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/ChUwP3w.jpg)</div><strong>Marcelle</strong> (She/Hers)&nbsp; <br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Wish</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <hr> <br><br><strong>"Gah!"</strong> Marcelle starts as suddenly Wish, still in her spirit form, appears before her in the camp. <br><br>The other mortals scatter! Clearly Wish is not like any spirit they have seen before! The familiar forms of Aqua and Rime, and they not-quite mortal but still feline and thus known form of Agi are one thing. But what is this Wish? Only Marcelle has stayed where she was, the others all huddling back away from the rambunctious air spirit who has caused so much mischief.<br><br><strong>"We...we wear clothes to stay warm?"</strong> She attempts to explain, trying to keep up with Wish's ramshackle rant. <strong>"The same with fire, it is so cold right now! We build houses because we are many! And our..."</strong> she glances to the remains of the boat .... <strong>"wood fish had nowhere else go to! Thank you for welcoming us!"</strong> While Marcelle speaks kindly, many of the other mortals mutter about the hostile wind that tried to keep them away! It appears they have not forgotten! <br><br><strong>"Would I?"</strong> She asks, cocking her head to the side, thinking. Slowly she nods. <strong>"Yes, yes I would!"</strong> She agrees with a smile. <strong>"What games do spirits like you play?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>27-01-2022, 05:23:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/vMmYXfs.png)</div><strong>Eliza</strong> (She/Hers)&nbsp; <br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Aqua</em> (but also Rime, Rin)<br><strong>Actions:</strong> <hr> <br><br>As soon as Aqua imagines the Spirit of Blossoms and thinks the image of her into the heads of those listening, Eliza snaps to focus on Aqua, jumping to her feet, eyes wide. <br><br><strong>"You've seen her!? Where is she! Take me to her! I must see her!"</strong><br><br>She is trying to keep her thoughts hidden, but they are too bright, too eager, Aqua sees clearly the way that Eliza sees beyond the image of the Spirit of Blossoms and sees her, the same woman, no longer clad in petal and leaf, but wearing very odd metal. She carries a sword. It is dripping blood. She looks distraught. This is the Spirit of Blossoms, you are sure of it as Eliza is, but not like you've ever seen her before...<br><br><br class="clear_left"><br><div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/4z0g8rq.jpg?1)</div><br>Eliza is thinking of a name. It is not <em>Spirit of Blossoms</em> but it yet it is. <em>Sunrise Blade.</em> <br><br><strong>"Take me to her!"</strong> Eliza drops on her knees before Aqua, <strong>"Please I am begging you! Take me to her!"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>27-01-2022, 09:59:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/1c/13/33/1c1333a1658d0d16e58b78c80d662faf.jpg)</div><strong>Agi, Spirit of Lucky Colors [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Long Sunsets<br><strong>Tags:</strong>&nbsp; A Cat, Wish, Aqua, Eliza, Villagers<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Helping!<br><hr>Agi is quite pleased with the feline's acceptance, and he adjusts his heat so as to be comfortable; no risk of singing or burning. He curls back up on the ground, content. He purrs at the other feline.<br><br>Wish's sudden appearance is an understandable shock to the mortals, but Agi's response is a slow, languid stretch. Agi, similarly, does not forget that some of the Spirits were against bringing the humans here. He casts a look of judgment towards her, but doesn't feel inclined to say anything. Instead, he softly moves through the crowds.<br><br>Not able to really distinguish a singular human from another, he nevertheless gravitates towards those who seem inclined to accept his presence, and bestows them with a comforting warmth.&nbsp; Concerned about their food situation, he is... wait, why is one of the mortals shouting!? His attention drifts to Aqua, and the human that is being loud at them [Eliza]. "We shouldn't bring humans into the garden without Blossom's consent." He makes his opinion known, but it's not a command--he can't make decisions for others.<br><br>As for his little expedition plan, he slowly gets the attention of those willing to volunteer. He gives them some brief ideas about geography, and distance; he also describes the yellow-curvy fruits, the bright red-sweet, green-tart, and golden-delicious orbs, and the black and blue berries that are guarded by thorns. <br><br>Since it's late in the evening, he tells them he will stay in the village, and they can gather and leave in the morning. Sure enough, once the plans are made, Agi decides to sink back into the bonfire, and will keep it burning all through the night through his presence--even after the wood is naught but coals, they continue to burn and glow. <br><br>Come morning, he will lead the volunteers, and their baskets, on an expedition to the Prismatic Springs. He will pick the slowest of the humans to walk at the front with him, so nobody gets left behind. His warmth settles over them all, like a cozy fur-lined cloak. Along the way, he informs them about other places on the island he's seen, especially along this particular path they're taking.<br><br>Once to the springs, the humans are encourage to enjoy the geyser (from a safe distance) and also to bathe in the springs if they wish. But ultimately, the goal is the fruit. There's a dozen assorted trees and a dozen bushes that are near enough to the springs that they still bear fruit; it's like being in a greenhouse. Agi is fairly generous, and lets them take no more than half from any tree or bush, so that there will still be some left for the animals.<br><br>Should this trip require more than a single day for the humans to handle, then Agi encourages them to camp directly at the springs. The water is safe to drink (good, clean mineral water), and they've got fruits aplenty to eat; not to mention the warmth. But, eventually, his goal is, of course, to get them back, safe and sound, to their village.<br><br>Despite his desire for the springs, Agi will spend the majority of the season hanging out around the village, helping out in small ways--tending fires and directing good luck (and hopefully, good will) towards those who ask him for it, or those who seem to need it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Flower</strong> on <strong>27-01-2022, 14:05:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://data.whicdn.com/images/205465868/original.gif)</div><strong>Bubble (She/Her)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018731#msg16018731)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Long Sunsets<br><strong>Tags:</strong> NA<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Hiding<br><hr><br>The mortals did not intend to leave. At least, not now. Bubbles wasn’t sure how to feel about their decision to remain on the island. Before, she helped them with the hopes that they’d patch up their dead tree and return to the big water. Instead, they made nests and did their best to stay warm with a fire that almost burned as brightly as the fire inclined happy spirits. These new creatures were so unlike the fish she befriended in her little pond and elsewhere. A bit leery, Bubbles stayed out of the way and watched them from a distance as they struggled to adjust to their existence on the island.<br><br>Reaper’s words kept replaying in her mind as she waited for them to do something that might show off their uniqueness. It was as she watched that the mortals found an unexpected surge of energy and danced around a glowing fire. If that was not strange enough, one of them beseeched them, the spirits, to stop hiding and show themselves. What did that even mean? No one had ever asked Bubbles to do so. Since she could remember, all of the creatures she encountered knew of her existence, interacted with her.<br><br>So Bubbles stayed hidden and distant from the mortals, waiting and watching for the extraordinary.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>28-01-2022, 01:53:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/1qzuQRs.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/S6Q42Mt.gif)</div><strong>Aqua, Curious Raindrop Spirit (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> Open, Mortals<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Searching for the Spirit of Blossoms<br><hr><br>The image in the woman's mind took Aqua aback. He know her, knew her for what she was, and yet didn't recognize her at the same time. The Spirit of Blossoms wasn't like this. She was a kind, gentle person, not a warrior! The image confused and disturbed Aqua, but she could see, too, the woman's earnestness. "In the forest," he whispered to the woman. "Tomorrow, in the brightness of day, when the sun is highest, got to the forest alone. If she wants to meet you, she will meet you there." And them Aqua was off, flowing away, a shining ribbon of water streaming in the air. She needed to find the Spirit of Blossom and tell her and ask. Who was that woman and what was that vision of someone of seemed so much a stranger yet so familiar?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>30-01-2022, 02:24:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/ZQc7Deq.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rin</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Long Sunsets</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em></em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Helping!</em><br><br>Rin, over the course of time, comes to know these little mortal things less as wrigglymathings and more as...specialmathings. They had potential. Like the babyphants they were eager to learn. Though their noses couldn't do as many neat tricks as the babyphants could. And their bigger mortals seemed to get more upset if she tried to take them out to see the island. Even the bigger little mortals seemed to have trouble allowing that. She so wanted to show them the glass beach and the floaty islands and take them to meet the babyphants and Scamper and all her friends. But their tiny little legs couldn't move fast enough to escape the clutches of the bigger mortals when she'd tried to lead them on expeditions. <br><br>So she'd resolved to bring some of the island to the tiny mortals. She spent hours down on the beach, making little tiny glass spheres that she'd presented to them as gifts. They seemed to enjoy rolling this way and that and plinking against each other. Occasionally one of the braver little animals would sneak a visit and she would translate what they said as they told stories about the island and their loved ones. The little mortals were always quick to hide them from the bigger mortals. <br><br>She was most proud of the way though she would make pictures out of the little fire in the big tent for them. Sometimes she would show them bits of the island. Sometimes she would make up stories. Her favorite to tell was stories about the Wise Old Elephant, though she wasn't quite so old in the fire. Always stamping this way and that and kind and full of energy. Whenever this telling of a vision was on, and the little mortals got too noisy they would be checked on. Of course, they would tell the truth and tell the big mortals they were looking at pictures in the fire, which got a shake of the head and back to work. <br><br>She of course, always made rounds when she noticed a little wriggler absent from the big tent or about, making sure they were always warm, always safe. She did notice that some of the bigger biggest little mortals seemed...distracted when she was around. So tired they were from chores and such they didn't seem to notice her as much. But the others seemed to like her.<br><br>So when the beseeching began, Rin had watched her fellow spirits reveal, or not, themselves to the Mortals. They yammered this way and that and she had sighed. So many thoughts and questions and needs. She perked up though when the conversation moved to Blossom. Their Blossoms? No....she had just seen her. How could these mortals know her? She was a good friend, was she friends with them? She felt like she missed a lot of conversation when Aqua proposed a meet. She pondered if she should be there, to watch for her friend Blossom...more pondering. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Envious</strong> on <strong>30-01-2022, 17:51:13</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/fXF6cvv.jpg?1)</div><strong>Wish</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.0#:~:text=Referrals%3A%200-,Envious,-%C2%AB%20Reply%20%237%20on), an Uplifting Friend Spirit! (she/it)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, The Time of Long Sunsets<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Marcelle<br><strong>Actions:</strong> She helps!<br><hr>These bipeds seemed to focus a lot of their energy around staying warm. Her friendly fire spirits were much better suited for helping out in that regard, but little Wish could help, too! She swirled into the open flames of the bonfire Agi tended causing sparks to erupt upwards in a pretty (and likely frightening) display. She just needed to capture some of his warmth! The friendly wind spirit warmed herself rather quickly before coming out of the flames and back towards Marcelle. Wish blows her warm wind towards the woman - first it is likely a little <em>too</em> warm, but it quickly becomes a comfortable temperature as the spirit cools off. For several minutes, she is able to create a warm wind before the heat leaves her form and she stops moving the air.<br><br><strong>"I can help!"</strong> she exclaimed proudly. <strong>"I am not as warm as the others, though."</strong> She didn't seem to mind that. Or the worried and fearful looks she receives. <strong>"It is too bad you do not have more fur. It will become much colder. I do not think you will like it. We can play games to help cheer you up. We can blow the water as it freezes to create pretty designs! We can shake the snowflakes off of the trees to land in big clumps on the animals below! We can visit the baby elephants and chase them in circles!"</strong> Her list of games goes on, many of which are impossible or dangerous to the human. <br><br><strong>"Many spirits are not here. We could visit them, too!"</strong> She says on the heels of Eliza's outburst and Aqua's suggestion. She doesn't understand what Agi means - Wish <em>always</em> dropped in uninvited. But that wasn't necessarily true! She was always welcome and she didn't understand the distinction that made. Just as she didn't quite understand the fearful and nervous glances she was receiving. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>30-01-2022, 21:29:30</strong>
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				<span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><em>The time of long sunsets passes.<br><br>Agi is able to lead several of the shipwrecked mortals to his colorful pool. The mortals are amazed by the bright and wonderful things they see, and look at Agi with awe and appreciation. They gather what they can and return to their encampment, telling the others of the bounty they have found, and the wonders that Agi has created. The fiery lion is held in great esteem as a result! From time to time Agi notices the cat from the camp appear near the Prismatic Springs. <br><br>Bubbles finds herself now much deeper in tune with the thoughts and desires of the creatures of this island. She can hear the fish, even those who are frozen for the winter, hoping for clean water and nutrients to wake up to. She can hear the creatures of the ocean where the waters are not frozen and finds that she can swim off into the depths much further than she could before. She finds a pod of gigantic animals, whales, singing to each other as they pass the island. She learns from them, and they from her. She swims through the many underground rivers and streams and finds quick passages through the land. She sees Cor, and Cor sees her, as they travel about tending to the wilds. Many precious things will find the thaw a much more gentle and less desperate time than they are used to.<br><br>Rin hides in the fires from the big things and teaches the little ones. They are eager to learn from such a wise and pretty and warm spirit! Other than a curious tendency of trying to hold things with their noses, the young ones of the encampment are soon demonstrating a brightness and understanding of the island beyond their years. <br><br>Wish does not find many who are able to play her games and when the mortals learn what she meant many begin to attempt to cast charms against her to keep her out! They do not have any effect, but the mortals begin to whisper to the other spirits, subtlety pointing to Wish and whispering "will you keep us safe from that one?"<br><br>And finally, Eliza the mortal and a few of her associates follow Aqua to attempt to visit the Spirit of Blossoms. While Aqua is able to enter as always, the mortals cannot. Even if they walk the same path in the same way, Aqua slips into the Colorful Grove to find no mortals can follow. <br><br>The Spirit of Blossoms begs Aqua and any other spirits present not to let mortals into her Colorful Grove. She promises to explain when the night is darkest, if any spirits wish to hear, but she also urges them to consider that not all learning is happy. <br><br>And so as the months pass, the villagers begin to praise the names of Agi, Rime, and Aqua. The young ones keep Rin a secret, but love her greatly. Wish is acknowledged, but dreaded. The other spirits the mortals know not of. <br><br></em></span></span><br><br><hr><br>Wrapping up this scene, update coming next! :)
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Year One - Night of the Shining Sky</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>30-01-2022, 21:59:27</strong>
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				<div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/kgXpRUl.jpg)<br><br><span style="font-size: 15pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Year One<br>Night of the Shining Sky</strong></span></span></div><br><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><em>The nights are darker and deeper, longer and colder. Spirits remember these times. They know the cold will not last forever. Spirits do not mind it after all, some even enjoy it, and those who do prefer the warmth have plenty of places to find it and ways to make it. But for the animals of the island it is time for long sleep, or staying in burrows and feasting on what they have gathered. Only a few creatures still stir in the snow-covered beautiful woods and grasslands. Cor and Bubble move through the wilds, keeping a watchful and protective eye on peaceful creatures. <br><br>The mortals are getting by. Some of their numbers have not survived the hard landing and the harsh environment, but many are doing better than one would expect with the help of a few of the spirits. The ramshackle camps become makeshift dwellings, built of parts of the wooden ship the mortals arrived in and what can be harvested from the nearby forests. Aqua, Rime, and Agi especially are helpful in this regard, Rin doing her part to keep the young ones safe and wise. Agi finds himself called away to his springs to tend to the creatures who have come to shelter there in the warmth from time to time as well. <br><br>And Wish does whatever Wish pleases, much to the delight or chagrin of those around, as the case may be.<br><br>The Spirit of Blossoms is welcoming to any spirits who come to her, but she does not wish to speak of the memories and thoughts of the mortals who know her by another name. She attempts to deflect such talk. Finally, she tells the spirits to come to her on the night when the sky turns brightest, and she will speak to those who wish to hear.<br><br>And finally the night becomes longest and coldest of all. But not the darkest. On this night the sky turns to fire. It starts from the far north, flashes of brilliant colors, dark green and blues and some purples. The colors spread throughout the sky, brighter and more colorful than even the flowery fields and glowing tides and prismatic springs that the happy spirits have created! And within these bright colors coils a great creature, a Rainbow Serpent. As it slithers its way across the sky it leaves behind a trail of bright colors, an Aurora that shines down on the snow and turns it to a rainbow of its own.<br><br>Yes, this is the night when the sky is the brightest. This is the night when the Spirit of Blossoms has promised to speak to those who would hear. Word of this has reached all happy spirits. And so you may find yourself in the Colorful Grove. It is blanketed in snow as is the rest of the island, and Blossoms herself sits in a hammock seat made of cold vines, looking over her grove with a wistful, bittersweet smile. <br><br></em></span></span><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/16ZCeQa.jpg?1)</div><strong>The Spirit of Blossoms</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Night of the Shining Sky<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>All Happy Spirits</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <br><hr><br><strong>"Hello my happy little friends." </strong>She speaks sadly, wistfully, cherishing the closeness of any who came to her, letting her fingers brush against you, nuzzling her cheek against you, holding you, embracing you, should you wish it. <br><br><strong>"I should have known our little island would not be alone forever,"</strong> she shakes her head with her soft, sad, smile <strong>"Mortals are always finding ways to do things that were impossible once."</strong> She sighs and looks up at the rainbow sky. <strong>"Perhaps the Serpent had the right idea..."</strong> she shakes her head again, <strong>"No, no I am getting distracted. I promised you the truth of the image you saw and the name you heard if you wished to hear. But I urge you, I beg you, consider. I tell you this with all my heart, it will not make you happy."</strong> Her eyes are pleading with you not to put the question to her again. <br><br><br class="clear_left"><br><br><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><em>The night is calm, peaceful, and filled with beautiful colors. Most of the island sleeps. It does not take the wisdom of an old elephant to understand this is a special night. Perhaps it is the light of the rainbows from the sky, perhaps it is deep and dark night around you, perhaps it is the realm of the Reaper slipping through as she warned it might at times. But this is a night of power. Your abilities, impressive as they are, are much stronger tonight. <br><br>You do not have to stay and listen to Blossoms. There are many other things you could do instead, should you wish. <br><br>The choice is yours.</em><br><br></span></span><hr><br>If you wish to speak with Blossom, you may do so! <br><br>You may also perform a <strong>Great Work</strong> upon the island, or some of its inhabitants, or yourselves! This is much less restricted than the previous use of your spirit abilities, but I do urge that you run them by me first to see if there will be any issues before you assume success, especially if it might impact something another spirit has done! <br><br>Or if there is anything else you wish to do, the night is yours! <br><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>31-01-2022, 02:14:52</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/1c/13/33/1c1333a1658d0d16e58b78c80d662faf.jpg)</div><strong>Agi, Spirit of Lucky Colors [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Night of the Shiny Sky<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Blossoms, open <br><strong>Actions:</strong> Talking, loving on Blossoms<br><hr>Agi is quite happy with the villagers response to him. These two-legged creatures are still difficult to distinguish, but they generally seem pleasant. When possible, he passively advises the villagers on other places they can forage, and to never take all of nature's bounty--to always leave some for the other inhabitants, animal and spirit alike.<br><br>He also, of course, tends to the springs and all the animals that come there for food, water, and shelter. It might be a little hectic at first, but eventually he splits his time approximately in half. He may not be the wisest of the spirits, but Agi firmly believes that they can all live in harmony and happiness! And he has shed his feline laziness in order to do the work he thinks will lead to that goal.<br><hr>The rainbow serpents appearance brings joy to Agi's face. He marvels at the swirls of colors, and the light it brings. Little trails of steam rise from his eye sockets; he is crying at the beauty of it all, but a creature of fire does not truly shed tears. He'd like to just lounge around and watch it... but he has not seen Blossoms in some time, and she did invite them to come on this night; and so, off he goes!<br><br>Upon seeing her, he sashays up to her, and rubs along her body, the way that felines like to do. His warmth covers her like a comfy blanket, and he curls up to rest at her side, idly nuzzling her leg for as long as she is content to let him. "If it will trouble you, then I will not ask you to share." He purrs out the words.<br><br>Despite that, Agi isn't going anywhere. He wants to spoil Blossoms with more affection, and if the other spirits ask, then he will listen. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>31-01-2022, 03:55:05</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/1c/13/33/1c1333a1658d0d16e58b78c80d662faf.jpg)</div><strong>Agi, Spirit of Lucky Colors [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Night of the Shiny Sky<br><strong>Tags:</strong> n/a<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Performing a Great Work--the Spirit Farm<br><hr>With his time spent among the mortals, he learned of their needs for food, and this thing they called 'farming'. Apparently, it was too cold to 'farm', however. Yet, this inspired an idea in Agi's mind. In the weeks leading up to The Longest Night, he worked with some of the villagers to inspect some land adjacent to the village.<br><br>With his guidance and their tools and opposable thumbs, an area is laid out. It's mostly flat land, with good soil. The villagers who came with Agi to the spring learn that it had been his presence that gradually warmed the lands; and to help them with this 'farming' thing, he was prepared to replicate the feat for the humans.<br><br>In accordance with his vision, they marked out the land to be their farm. The four corners of the farmland had human-tall stone pillars placed there. With the land slowly thawing out with gentle applications of heat magic, some of the more industrious villagers even set about with modest efforts to shape the land and prepare it for eventually being tilled. A stone mason by trade, decides to get fancy with the stone pillars, and chisels some fine artwork into them. Agi feels that the village coming together like this is a good thing, and his supervision helps shoo away smaller misfortunes.<br><br>But, such a project will take time...<br><hr><br>Though Agi had made sure to spend plenty of time with Blossoms, the urge to change the world burned brightly within his body. The swell of power they felt on this night; his desire to help the humans, as well as the animals. He knows what he must do, knows what he can accomplish on this single night, and sets about his task with gusto.<br><br>Finding the center of the farm, he focuses; digs deeply into his inner fire. A wave of intense, yet controlled, heat flashes out of him in a burst of red-yellow-orange lights. In minutes, he replicates what had taken him many moons to do in the Prismatic Springs; the area warms up considerably, like a modestly warm, mid-summer day. No matter how cold or dark it gets, from now on, this place is like a greenhouse; it will always be warm and good for growing crops.<br><br>In the burst of power that came from him, the four pillars acquire a fire atop each--burning like a giant candle, but consuming no visible fuel. Some of this heat wave actually bleeds out over the markers, and will help keep the village a bit warmer--even in the time of ice and snow, the village, at least, will feel more like a pleasantly cool Autumn.<br><br>A dozen small embers flare to life, and separate from him, yet he does not actually lose any mass. These house-cat sized spirits do not have too much of Agi's power, or even his intellect or other traits; but they do have their cat-like tendencies and they are born of Agi's Will. In the coming days, they will patrol the farm and chase away vermin and insects, to help keep the food safe for humans. In time, the humans will come to adore the smol soft warm fuzzy cat spirits, believing (truthfully or not) that petting them will give them good luck!<br><br>This hardest of labors completed, he curls up in the center of the fields, and naps. It will take some time for the farm to bear fruit, but every few days, Agi comes around to check in on things and help out. In time, this farm will bear many crops for the humans--berries, apples, bananas, coconuts; even some vanilla beans. A section is set aside for growing herbs--both for medicine and for spicing their foods. Potatoes, carrots, cabbages, onions, shallots, garlic, cucumbers, spicy peppers, peas, spinach, and kale eventually find their place in the farm. They also find some wild grains; amaranth, barley, and rye. <br><br>Not only will the humans have plenty to eat, but they have an excellent variety. It will keep them healthy and happy. They still need to labor, of course, and the humans begin their own Great Project of digging a well and constructing a mill--but it's all coming together rather nicely. Agi can not help the humans in their creations, but he does hang around and watch them work--and his good fortune surely benefits them. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Envious</strong> on <strong>31-01-2022, 23:14:52</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/cbn4tZF.jpg)</div><strong>Wish</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.0#:~:text=Referrals%3A%200-,Envious,-%C2%AB%20Reply%20%237%20on), an Uplifting Friend Spirit! (she/it)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Night of the Shining Sky<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Spirit of Blossoms; Other Spirits<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Soothing the Spirit of Blossoms<br><hr>Wish had struggled with the mortals; her attempts to make new friends often fell short and she didn't understand why. Through haphazard observation and persistence, she eventually came to understand that life is just <em>hard</em> for the humans. They struggled in almost everything they did and Wish's attempts to <em>help</em> were often met with irritation. Still, she learned restraint and how to make small gestures. She would shake the canopies of trees and cause fruit to fall for the bipeds to easily pick up. When they labored in the heat of the sun, she blew a cool breeze at their back. When they shouted for lost little ones, she carried their voices so that they may find each other more easily. She even tried to take on a shape that was more fitting of their image! But the mortals were boring, so Wish spent most of her time with other spirits and animals. On this particular evening, she was in the Colorful Grove.<br><br><strong>"I agree with Agi,"</strong> Wish said with a happy flutter of her hair. <strong>"If it does not make you happy, why do it?"</strong> The short-sighted wind spirit caused petals to dance in the night air and as she finished one honest sentence, an equally honest and contradictory one came. <strong>"But I want to know what makes you so unhappy. I want to take it away so you have an unburdened heart! Why do you hide from the mortals?"</strong>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>02-02-2022, 01:36:46</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/1qzuQRs.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/S6Q42Mt.gif)</div><strong>Aqua, Curious Raindrop Spirit (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Night of the Shiny Sky</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> Open, Spirit of Blossoms<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Performing great works and speaking to spirit.<br><hr><br>Just as Agi did, Aqua wished to help the new residents of the island thrive, just as much as the existing ones. And, with her increasing powers, she believed that she would be able to do just that. He called out to the water of the surrounding seas and, form them, came thin plumes of water, a dozen or more, rising to the skies, to rain back down on the island. Not, however, as a whole, but only on a few, specific spots. Spread out through the island, at those spots would be formed lakes and then rivers, filled with infinite water, always pure, always sweet and cool and&nbsp; thirst-quenching. No matter the season, always, the residents of the island would be able to drink their fill.<br><br>Her work done, Aqua gave a satisfied nod and returned to the Spirit of Blossom. He hadn't wanted to lead the mortals to her directly, of course, merely arrange for a meeting away from the Colorful Grove. She hadn't planned on them trying to follow her, however, even after the meeting was so clearly refused. It was only lucky, then, that the grove itself seemed to prevent them entry. "I want to know," he told the Spirit of Blossoms. "To know is to be able to makes things better. Happier. Maybe it will not make me happy now, but if I know, it might help me make more happy later. And even if it doesn't, it think not trying to learn any unhappy things will make it harder to make things happy. So I choose to listen, Spirit. Sill you tell me, please?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>04-02-2022, 03:20:59</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/ZQc7Deq.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rin</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Long Sunsets</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em></em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Storytime!</em><br><br>Rin was very interested to hear the story, but first she had some work to do. Or finish rather. She'd been working on it for quite some time now, ever since the little leggies the mortals had couldn't escape the bigger legs of the bigger mortals. She had consulted with some of the animals, including the babyphants and they'd agreed on it. So she'd set about tunneling. She burned so incredibly hot, that the rocks didn't have time to go from solid to liquid, they went straight to gas. Spun and wriggled and tunneled. It might have been easier if she'd chosen earth way back when forever ago, but she made due. Near the mortal encampment she hollowed out a giant boulder first, and then tunnel tunnel tunneled all so deep and strong. Any little mortal would know where it was, but obviously the bigger mortals wouldn't think to try and move a boulder to reveal a secret tunnel. Scampers had offered advice on how to make it so the tunnel was sturdy. It went a ways, but not too far because she knew the little mortals couldn't go TOO far. <br><br>Then, from the special places she and some of the animals gathered she made a larger tunnel, big enough for babyphants to fit through, which was more then enough room for even the chubbiest of chinchillas to get through should they desire. The babyphants had helped her mask the tunnel with leaves and vines and such. She nuzzled them each in turn, always so helpful. The new tunnels lead to a cave she had discovered long ago, in her explorations. However, tonight, with the realms so close she could do more. She burned in waves and waves, focusing the heat in special ways, in a giant circle around her. It expanded and licked around, making little walls, and a large area. Normally fire was temperamental but tonight it obeyed her every whim. Support walls were left in place, some thinner and some thicker. She spent time making the floor of it smooth and flat. On some of the thinner walls she burned them in that special way she knew, turning them into shiny walls. They were a bit knobby and bumpy and so if you looked at something through it it looked funny. She called the silly shinymathings. She made special little tunnels inside the cavern that would slide down a little, and larger ones for the babyphants to slide down. It wasn't quite as large as the tippy top slide, but it was still fun for a few seconds. In the center she funneled out a little pit and lit a fire. It would keep the cool cavern warm, but she made it special fire. It would never ever ever burn anything that was still alive. <br><br>There was plenty of space and plenty of fire so Rin thought for a minute, and added another pit. She smiled and wriggled around happily as she did. This would be a fire for understanding. It had the same rules as before, but she coaxed and talked and nudged the lazy fire inside to be more agreeable. Until she had it juuuuuuuust right. She convinced the fire, which like all truly fantastic things understood all languages, that when someone (be they a babyphant, a bird, or one of the little mortals) told a story, or an idea, it would take shape in the flames. A way to tell and share, even if they couldn't truly understand each other they could always understand this. That one, even with her bolstered abilities, took a lot out of her and she almost slept through an important night. <br><br>She had made sure that the little mortals knew the rules for when it was ready. They couldn't go all at once, becuase then the biggie mortals would go looking and find them. The little wrigglemonsters were too little to go, so they couldn't go yet. And they had to be nice to every animal that chose to come there. She made sure the babyphants knew the same rules too. <br><br><hr><br>She had just finished up making the cavern when she realized she was late. Or almost late. She zipped too and fro and found her way back to the grove. Once there, she stopped to pick one of the corn ears and settled the little kernels in front of her. She'd discovered a neat trick before and heated them up until they went pop and jumped about, leaving fluffy white nibbles for her. Perfect for Blossom's story time. <br><br>She nibbled and watched Blossom who looked sad, like the Wise old elephant had when she had left. But this was a different sad. She certainly understood getting distracted of course when Blossoms did, she'd gotten distracted quite a bit herself before. She pondered Blossoms request to not ask again...she wanted to learn things, she dearly loved learning, but she dearly loved Blossoms too..<br><br>"If....if you want to share you can....but....the little mortals...they aren't like the big ones. Maybe....maybe if I Know why they make Blossoms unhappy I can help the wigglers not make mistakes when they turn into bigger mortals? Like...like teaching the little elephants..." <br><br>Rin spoke almost shyly. She was still just a little spirit, even with all the changes she had gone through. Who was she to tell Blossom, so smart and nice and fantastic, what to do. She nibbled nervously on a piece of fluffcorn, her wings fluttering a bit. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Crensler</strong> on <strong>05-02-2022, 00:41:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/2/27/Rime.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rime</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16048690#msg16048690)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Night of the Shining Sky</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Open</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Making something and offering support<br><br><hr><br>Rime wasn't sure why Spirit of Blossoms was so uncomfortable because of what the mortals thought, and she also wasn't sure she should ask about it, either.&nbsp; It wasn't any of her business, of course, but if it was making her fellow spirit unhappy... something to think about at least.&nbsp; She considered the night sky, considered the beauty of it, and thought about her existence, what she could offer to the island, the creatures that lived there, and the mortals that had joined them.&nbsp; She went to one of the small bodies of water that dotted the island, made sure nothing lived in it that would be bothered by what she planned, and got to work.&nbsp; She poured her power, stronger than it had ever been, into the water and turned it into a mirror of the sky, a perfect way to reflect and study them, perhaps even more?&nbsp; It was difficult to say, exactly, but she put her all into it regardless.&nbsp; She also created places to sit, to lay down and relax, without being horribly cold, and it would all stay year round, regardless of how warm the weather got.&nbsp; Satisfied, she smiled, and went about with the rest of her night.<br><br><hr><br>Eventually she joined the other spirits to visit Spirt of Blossoms, wondering what the being would say.&nbsp; She was supportive towards Blossoms and was ready to listen if she was ready to speak of the things that made her so unhappy.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Flower</strong> on <strong>05-02-2022, 16:23:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://data.whicdn.com/images/205465868/original.gif)</div><strong>Bubble (She/Her)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018731#msg16018731)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Night of the Shining Sky<br><strong>Tags:</strong> NA<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Ready for Storytime<br><hr><br>Bubbles kept her distance from the mortals as they learned how to navigate the island. While humans were intriguing, as were their contraptions, they did not hold her attention in the same way as fish and other water creatures. However, her lack of enthusiasm did not result in conflict. If they managed to capture one of her fish to fill their stomachs, she did not hate them for it. It was no different than a bird swooping down to nourish themselves or their young. <br><br>During winter, she usually spent her time lounging beside the frozen pools of water or pestering one of the fire spirits to warm it enough for the ice to melt. Bubbles felt tugged elsewhere as she became more acquainted with the big water and its creatures. Being out in the open water filled her with joy unlike any other. She’d stay out for an entire day and sometimes late into the night, wanting to explore further and further. Sometimes, the island became distant, presence obscured by the waves. The first time, she felt fear, but with each venture, she didn’t feel as discomforted at not seeing her tiny home with all of her happy friends. <br><br>But without fail, Bubbles returned, but her demeanor was somewhat distant or dreamy. Her body might be present on the island, but her soul was at sea. During these times, she felt her ability to influence those around her grow. She fantasized about slicing the land apart with water more forceful and destructive than the lava that might've spilled from Grumpus' mountaintop. Maybe then, the larger water creatures she'd seen and swum alongside could come to visit as the water would be shallow enough to hold them. What kept her from doing so was upsetting the others. They were meant to create not destroy. Even if destroying would result in more creating. <br><br>When Spirit of the Bloosums called, Bubbles came running without fail. The beautiful flower woman’s distress caused her anxiety to rise a notch. Enjoying the Rainbow Snake’s presence proved difficult though it was splendid, more beautiful than ever. Are there fish in the sky? Bubbles pondered as she looked up at the ribbons of color shimmering and dancing across the dark blue expanse of sparkling light. Could she someday become a sky fish too? Like the Rainbow Snake? At the offer of a story, she stuck around, more than willing to listen. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Year One - Night of the Shining Sky</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>05-02-2022, 18:14:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/16ZCeQa.jpg?1)</div><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>The Spirit of Blossoms</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Night of the Shining Sky<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>All Happy Spirits</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Speaking the Truth</em> </span></span><br><hr><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size">Blossoms looks distressed as she is asked to speak. She stares down at the frozen ground, her hands idly stroking over Agi's fiery fur as she listens to the requests of the happy spirits. "Very well." She finally agrees. "For those who do not want to hear, please leave my Colorful Grove..." she has never asked a spirit to leave before. You notice there are some happy spirits here, little things, floating about in the branches, much like you were a year ago. They have never picked a name, or an element, or left their mark on this island. They glance at Blossoms, then each other, then float away, choosing not to hear. If any of you wish to join them, you may. <br><br>For those who stay, you notice that Blossoms has shifted, slightly, as each moment passes. Her form stays the same, but her clothing is no longer flowers and bright colors, but armor. She carries no vines or fruits of berries but a powerful sword. It radiates a magic you have never felt before. You know to fear it. You know it could hurt you, unlike anything else you have ever found on this island, or in the world. Why would Blossoms have such a thing? <br><br>Well, because she isn't the Spirit of Blossoms after all is she? Not really....</span></span><br><br><br class="clear_left"><br><br><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/4z0g8rq.jpg?1)</div><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Sunrise Blade</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Night of the Shining Sky<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>All Happy Spirits</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Speaking the Truth</em></span></span><br><hr><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size">"A long time ago in a land far from here mortals prayed for Gods. They prayed for answers, knowledge, power . . . happiness." The woman's lips smile ruefully. "And we appeared. I cannot say how or from where, but we came to them and they loved us. Their love made us strong. Their belief made us mighty. We returned it to them with great joy. We helped them build, and learn, and for a time things were peaceful." She sighs forlornly, "but it did not last. The mortals fell upon themselves and we did not stop them, no, we sang for it. We became splintered, against each other, urging the mortals we loved the best to wreak havoc and war against the ones we did not. We took the field with them, my blade sang." The memories bring pain to her voice, she cannot meet your eyes with hers, she hangs her head.<br><br>"But as time passed the beautiful land and beautiful people were devastated. Beyond even our power to restore, and our power grew weaker as the mortals started to doubt us. As well they should have, we merely led them to death. We all grew weaker. And we met again, for the first time in ages, and we learned the world was worse for having known us. Some felt we must leave. Some felt we must stay. I swore an oath to end us, and I reforged my blade to be able to do so. And I went to war once last time. To the gods that wished for peace and healing I promised, when I was done, there would be no more gods."<br><br>"And so one by one they stripped themselves away, removing their own powers, their domains, their abilities, their forms, until there was all but nothing left of themselves. Some did it on their own, some only through force at the point of my sword after terrible battles. And then my task...." she glances down at her sword, a sword that seems to hunger greatly as the story of what it was meant to do is told. "...but as I gathered the empty husks of what should have been souls I found something that stayed my hand."<br><br>"There is no afterlife for spirits." Blade says sadly, staring up at the stars. "We could not enter the Reaper's domain, we would simply cease to be, and I found myself unable to end my friends or even my enemies in such a way. And so I did what I thought best. I traveled across the great seas, far, far away from the mortal realms and I found an island. A happy island filled with precious things, and I let what little was left of the gods I once knew fall like a gentle rain into the soil and the water here, I left them be buried deep in the earth, melt in the molten fire of the mountain, drift away into the sky, and dilute into the water until they were all but not there. And I willed with all the magic I could that if there was anything left of them that could feel or think that they would be happy."<br><br>"And I made my Colorful Grove, and I sealed it away where it could never be found by mortal eyes, and I was happy." She pauses in her story. "I do not know for how long, time no longer meant anything to me. I saw flowers bloom and snow come again, and again, and again, and I made my grove so beautiful...." she glances around it with watery eyes, desperate to be proud of one thing she's done right. <br><br>"And then I began to receive visitors." She looks down at you with a bittersweet smile. She holds out her hand, passing it gently over the head of Aqua, smiling as her form shifts and responds to her gentle touch. <br><br>"Happy Little Spirits." A look of pure contentment crosses her face. "Oh you were so delightful. And you made me so happy. And I watched as you grew and learned and....started to become gods again." That bittersweet tone is there once more. "And then the mortals, amazing things that they are, have found a way across the seas themselves..." she looks towards the edge of her grove. "I do not know how they can still remember me. But they are so full of surprises..."<br><br>She hangs her head. You sense all about you the magic of the Colorful Grove has started to fade. Her unhappiness at telling this story has caused her to cease her focus on this place she loves. <br><br>"So now you know." She says simply. Her hand rests of the hilt of her sword. Her fingers tap it idly. "I tried to hide you from the past, and it found you. I tried to keep you from yourselves, and you grew. I tried....I tried to make you happy." Tears are starting to fall down her face now, speaking of this has clearly left her quite distraught. <br><br>"I failed you. I lied to you. Perhaps my blade should sing once more." Her fingers take more of a grip on it. She stares at the ground, hanging her head, ashamed of what she has told you. <br><br>But for all you hear, and all that seems to strange, there is one thing you know with certainty. You are not the Gods she knew before. Born of them or not, you do not know, but you are your own beings and the choice of what to do with your gifts, your knowledge, this world, is yours, and yours alone.&nbsp; <br><br></span></span><hr><br>If you speak, she will listen. If you judge, she will accept. If you influence, she may feel it. <strong>What do you say? What do you wish her to feel?</strong><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>05-02-2022, 19:18:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/1c/13/33/1c1333a1658d0d16e58b78c80d662faf.jpg)</div><strong>Agi, Spirit of Lucky Colors [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Night of the Shiny Sky<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Blossoms, open <br><strong>Actions:</strong> Talking, loving on Blossoms<br><hr>He purrs with contentment as she strokes his fire-fur, the sound having a pleasant crackling quality, reminiscent of a campfire. He nuzzles and generally loves on Blossoms, even when her form changes. As her story goes on, his affections stop--but he doesn't move away from her. He doesn't pull back out of fear or disgust, but out of a desire to not distract her from her ability to recount this tale for them. He does it out of respect.<br><br>In truth, it all sounds rather horrific. So much destruction--for what? Why would those gods call for the slaughter of others? What good could have possibly come from it?<br><br>But he can't bring himself to judge her harshly. She has clearly changed--she is... "You are no longer that woman. Like the seasons, we all change. Like the seasons, you have changed. You are the Spirit of Blossoms. Whatever you were before--whoever you were before. That is not your future."<br><br>"I can only speak for myself, but you have made me immeasurably happy. Even now, where I know what suffering is--I remember my time with you and the other happy spirits fondly. The long days soaking up the sun, and snuggling. Munching away at fruits." He nudges her with his muzzle, and rubs against her, his warmth rolling over her in a feeling that approximates a hug. "I will always cherish those memories. I will always love you."<br><br>"I do not think you have failed us. I think you have done the best that you can." He curls up around her again. "And I would like you to stay here--to keep tending your grove." His eyes dart about, taking in how it is fading, and it makes him fret--though he tries not to show it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Crensler</strong> on <strong>05-02-2022, 19:59:38</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/2/27/Rime.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rime</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16048690#msg16048690)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Night of the Shining Sky</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Open</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> Realization, acceptance, and offering comfort<br><hr><br>Rime had no idea what she'd been expecting when she came to listen to Spirit of Blossoms, but the tale the former goddess spun was both eye opening and deeply tragic.&nbsp; For such a thing to have happened, and how Sunrise had been forced to deal with it... when the goddess turned spirit had finished, Rime reduced the cold she produced to a cool breeze and hugged her tightly, stroking her hair gently all the while.<br><br>"That was not us," she murmured to Sunrise quietly.&nbsp; "And that is not you, not anymore.&nbsp; You helped us, let us become more than we were.&nbsp; That is not bad."&nbsp; She pulled back to offer her a kind smile.&nbsp; "You gave them a second chance, and that resulted in us.&nbsp; So... thank you, Blossoms."&nbsp; She refused to see her as Sunrise Blade.&nbsp; "I promise that I will be better."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>05-02-2022, 20:06:58</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/1qzuQRs.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/S6Q42Mt.gif)</div><strong>Aqua, Curious Raindrop Spirit (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Night of the Shiny Sky</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> Open, Spirit of Blossoms<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Comforting the Spirit<br><hr><br>"We have been happy and we are happy," Aqua said. "She flowed around the Spirit of Blossoms in a spiral before reforming to her side, arms wrapped around her. "We are not gods. We're spirits. Your happy spirits that have gained such joy spending time with you and each other. And we will learn the mistakes of the past. Stay hidden, stay discreet, remain in peace, not in war, with the mortals and with each other. Build upon each other instead of seeking destruction. We all have our different ways, of course, but I think we all want the same thing. We want everyone to be happy. And what you said... It wasn't happy at all. We don't want that. Never."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Envious</strong> on <strong>06-02-2022, 02:31:31</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/cbn4tZF.jpg)</div><strong>Wish</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.0#:~:text=Referrals%3A%200-,Envious,-%C2%AB%20Reply%20%237%20on), an Uplifting Friend Spirit! (she/it)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Night of the Shining Sky<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Spirit of Blossoms; Other Spirits<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Soothing the Spirit of Blossoms | Great Work: Wind Tunnel Ride!<br><hr>It was not that Wish did not believe, but she did not understand. Havoc? War? Death? These things made no sense to the happy spirit. She could not fathom the disaster that they brought let alone the desire to participate in it. <strong>"This is an unhappy tale,"</strong> Wish confessed, but she echoed what the other spirits said. <strong>"You have chosen a new name and a new form, just like we have! Maybe the mortals will choose a new form, too."</strong><br><br>She looks to the sword - the tool of destruction. That was not a fitting accessory for her Spirit of Blossoms! The spirit squeeze her eyes shut. In this new, human form she found herself squeezing her fists tight to her chest as she concentrated with purpose. <strong>"Do you remember that time we pretended to be baby birds!?"</strong> she said, recalling a happy memory. She focused on the playful jubilation of the memory, letting it radiate outwards. <strong>"Or that time I blew all of the pollen off of the flowers and made all of the mice and squirrels sneeze for days! Or the time I ruffled the feathers of the Peacock who could only talk about himself? Or when I made the icicles form in loops instead of spikes?"</strong> She thought through the seasons, thinking of the happiest of her joyful memories. The Spirit of Blossoms had many unhappy memories, it seemed, but she also had many good ones! Of this, Wish was certain, because all the memories she had with Blossom brought her great pleasure! <br><br><strong>"You are forgiven! You have made us happy!"</strong> she said forcefully.<br><br><hr>Later on the long, long night, Wish was by herself. She floated as a cloud in the sky over the human settlement, wondering again if it was a bad idea for them to be present on the island. But things changed all the time - why couldn't the mortals? Perhaps they just needed more joy in their life! The Spirit of Blossoms had brought nothing but love into her own existence and it made her want to spread that same feeling around to everyone. How could she do that? What did Wish love?<br><br>Wish loved the wind! She loved the weightlessness, the floating, and the dancing that could be done in the air. Could she grant that gift to the mortals?<br><br>She began to swirl and whirl in a circle, creating a swell of gentle wind that pushed upwards. She could not give the bipeds wings, but she could do the next best thing! She continued her efforts, willing air into existence that pushed up, up, and up! She could feel it moving around her... building in intensity... and finally pushing her up! <br><br><strong>"Weeee!"</strong> she exclaimed cheerfully. A column of wind had been born! The edges of the column blew wind upward, but not with enough force to pick anything up. It served as a warning barrier to ward people and animals away should they not like the sensation. But those who were curious and continued forward would soon find that their feet began to leave the ground! They could flip and dance in the column of wind, experiencing weightlessness! The adventurer who found themselves inside could eventually find their way out again by angling their body in the correct position, allowing for a fun wind-tunnel ride!&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>lux89</strong> on <strong>07-02-2022, 21:24:08</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/a/aa/Stonefox.jpg)</div><strong>Cor [He/Him/His]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16021367#msg16021367)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Night of the Shining Sky</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Spirit of Blossoms, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Absolution, The Next Miracle</em><br><br><hr><br>Cor nodded, hearing the Spirit of Blossoms's story. He responded if she can hear him, <strong>"You are absolved of your past."</strong> <br><br>He thought long and hard what he could do next for this Island. When he had his next idea, he grew more convicted with his purpose. The terraced hills and sky islands now carried Cor's protection; for every animal and plant, if they were to receive damage from a human, the earth would suddenly foil as a shield or armor in various forms like creeping vines or magnetizing pebbles, and this barrier would receive the damage instead. This shall be known henceforth Cor's Natural Shelter. The stone fox sat high, looking upon these serene lands, esteemed in knowing how mighty this Island truly was.<br><br><strong>"No human shall harm us, not under my watch,"</strong> Cor declared softly and then hummed, perhaps unheard.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>08-02-2022, 03:58:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/ZQc7Deq.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rin</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 1, Night of the Shiny Sky</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em></em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Storytime!</em><br><br>Rin watched the other little spirits run and bounce away all happy. She wondered if she should have remained here with the Spirit of Blossoms. But then to not have met the Babyphants or Scampers or the little wrigglers...no she was happy. She munched on her fluffcorn as she listened to the story. <br><br>Soon though, her delicious treats were forgotten as she heard the words Blossom used. Seated as she was on her rock, she slowly drew her knees up to her chest as the words sank in. This was, true to her promise, not a happy story. It was....it was a scary story. She had learned that word from one of the little mortals. It had been night time and the big mortals had been away. She kept a little mortal safe and they had explained what scary meant to her. <br><br>Blossoms were always good story tellers and she told the story well, even the sad parts. Rin rested her chin on her arms, which were folded on her knees and thought. She thought through the story, she thought through her fellow spirits talking to Blossoms. They all quickly leapt to forgive her, and she wanted to as well, but....<br><br>She had lied. She had learned about that concept recently too. It was like pretend, but not fun. Lies were bad pretends.&nbsp; She had meant well, but still. <br><br>"You....you said you put the other Gods into the ground and the lava, the hot stuff. Does that mean the Grumpus was like you were once? Is that why he didn't like Mortals? He was made of the hot stuff." she asked. Her wings fluttered a little bit and pondered more. Whatever the answer, did it matter? Was it just her and her nature trying to learn and ask while she still could? Maybe if they knew, they could help the Grumpus. <br><br>But the Grove was faltering, and the way Blossom looked at the sword was very scary to. She didn't think the Spirit would use it on any of them but...on herself. If she felt so bad that she would rather be a nothing then a Blossom anymore?&nbsp; <br><br>Her fingers and wings all twitched nervously and she stood up. Maybe she still was, in many ways, a little spirit but she had things that she felt had to be said. "You did do all those things Blossoms...but the little mortals taught me a new idea. Responsibility. They have things to do before they can go play and do fun. Or they have to make up for bad things they did. And....and that's what you have now...I think. Responsibility."<br><br>She took a deep breath, but soldiered on a bit "The others are right...you're not the same anymore...but that doesn't mean it wasn't you. You did bad things to other mortals and other Gods a forever time ago. But, since then more has happened.&nbsp; You've learned and done different, better things.&nbsp; You have a Responsibility to use that now, the good and the bad things you know. To help instead of hurt. You can help the mortals yourself if you want. Or you can&nbsp; staying here and always teaching us so we can help them better. Or to help the other Happy Spirits who maybe decide to become other things someday too."<br><br>Rin looked at the ground, almost shyly as she said almost sadly "And if you were not here we would miss you...." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Flower</strong> on <strong>09-02-2022, 19:34:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://data.whicdn.com/images/205465868/original.gif)</div><strong>Bubble (She/Her)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018731#msg16018731)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Night of the Shining Sky<br><strong>Tags:</strong> NA<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Ready for Storytime<br><hr><br>Bubbles listened with keen interest as Blossom spun her tale. What stood out to her first was the dreaming bit. She liked the idea of someone wishing hard enough and bringing something else into existence through sheer will. Were mortals the only creatures capable of such a feat, or did others possess it too? What would her fish friends create together if given the opportunity? Perhaps a larger swimming pool. They were simple creatures. What would a group of happy spirits like herself create if given a chance? She didn't know what they'd make together, but she knew without a doubt that it'd be something wonderful. <br><br>As the story's tone altered, she found it extremely difficult to remain in a pleasant state of mind. Death was a natural part of life. So many creatures had come and gone since the Wise Old Elephant's passing. However, she'd never heard of death in such vast numbers and to fuel nothing except sheer desire to cause destruction. <br><br>Water conjured from the depths of Bubbles' intangible heart fell down her face, flowing faster and harder as she listened to what might be the most awful story she'd ever been told in her entire existence. She held out hope that it might get better, and it did for a short while, before it took another downward turn. Where was the happy ending? They'd been told other stories in the past with crazy twists and turns, but there was always a happy ending for the characters. Yet, this wasn't a story. It was about them. No one could give them a happy ending. It was up to them to make it. <br><br>But it hurt. It hurt to learn that at one point, even if that being no longer felt familiar, had been awful. It hurt to know that Blossom kept the truth from them. Bubbles' eyes drifted to the blade that had purged the world of foulness, noticing the hands gripping it firmly. <br><br>Did she mean to try and rid the world of them again? <br><br>"I love you, Blossom, but I…I don't want to stay here anymore. I want to keep growing, and I don't think I can do it here. I need the big water." She paused, uncertain. "But I understand if you don't trust me to be good. Is there a way for your blade to send me to join Rainbow Snake? Maybe I can explore there? Where no one can be hurt? Maybe the sky is like the big water. It is the same color, most of the time."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Year One - Night of the Shining Sky</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>15-02-2022, 00:28:26</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/4z0g8rq.jpg?1)</div><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Sunrise Blade</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Night of the Shining Sky<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>All Happy Spirits</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Listening</em></span></span><br><hr><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size">The goddess listens as the spirits speak.<br><br>"Thank you Agi." She says as the fiery lion of lucky colors tells her she has changed. Water fills her eyes as the warm spirit snuggles up to her. "I'm, I'm so glad I made you happy." Where the grove was fading and crumbling before, it ceases to, the love of the spirit giving her enough fortitude to at least stop the destruction of the place she has built up for so long.<br><br>As Rime approaches her, the goddess leans into the hug, letting her body rest against Rime's cool figure for a moment. "Thank you." She whispers, voice halting. "Thank you." She repeats, a few drops of her tears falling towards Rime's shoulder, turning to snowflakes before they land.<br><br>Aqua flows around her, hugging her from the back as Rime does from the front and Agi nuzzles to her side. The goddess seems a bit relaxed now, letting herself lean back into Aqua's hug. "I think I know that now." She says, sounding more at peace. All around you, the grove is pushing back now, establishing itself once more, becoming its own special place again thanks to the reassurance of the happy spirits.<br><br>As Wish speaks, the goddess finally smiles again. "I remember all of those times." She says, eyes closed as she pictures them. "The icicle loops were my favorite. I'd never seen that before." She takes a deep breath, a hard one, but a deep, peaceful breath, and opens her eyes. "You are right." She admits, nodding, smiling, "You've made me so happy too. I, I must let myself feel it, or all of this was for naught." The grove seems solid now, fragile, but solid. <br><br>At Cor's words, she nods her head in respect. "Thank you." She says softly. She knows the stone fox understands how long these words will last. <br><br>Her eyes fall on Rin, watching the fire spirit with a mix of hope and apprehension. She knows that Rin is deep in thought, and tries to respond to her carefully. "I do not know what the nature of the Grumpus is." She admits, "I know only what you have told me of him. If he was here when I arrived I did not see him." <br><br>She continues to listen attentively. "We used to think we were being responsible." She says wistfully, looking up at the many-colored night sky. "More than that, we used to think we were doing the right thing. The noble thing." She sighs, her breath coming out like fog in the cold winter night. "Be careful, responsibility can become quite complicated..." she looks like she might say more, but silences herself.<br><br>As Rin stares at the ground, the goddess moves to her, gently so that the other spirits who are embracing her may walk along if they wish. She drops to one knee besides Rin and wraps her arms around the fiery spirit. "I would miss you." She says, looking like she may cry again, but not out of pity this time. "I would miss you so much." She admits, hugging Rin close for a moment, before she eases off of the embrace and moves back to look Rin eye to eye. She pats the fiery spirits face fondly. "Thank you. You are right. I do have a role to play even if I do not leave this Grove." <br><br>She lets Rin go as Bubble speaks, and she picks up her sword again. The blade is sheathed, she holds the scabbard with both hands, a mixture of reverence and trepidation in the way she grips it. <br><br>Her eyes are sad again and she glances down. "I understand." She says softly. She glances up at the serpent, a wistful smile on her face. "A long time ago I considered going into the stars with him. I wish I had been as wise as you already are."<br><br>She glances down at her sheathed blade. She thinks for a moment. "It is yours." She says simply. <br><br>And like that, blade is gone from her hands. And Sunrise Blade is gone as well, the form of the goddess that remains is one you know much better....<br><br></span></span><div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/16ZCeQa.jpg?1)</div><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>The Spirit of Blossoms</strong> (She/Her)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 1, Night of the Shining Sky<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>All Happy Spirits</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Finding Herself</em> </span></span><br><hr><br><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size">Bubble can feel the magic of the sword has joined her. How exactly she cannot say, nor does it take a physical shape, but she can sense that if she wished for it too it would form again in front of her. The magic of the sword is strong, very strong. Being one with it now, Bubble can sense that Blossom, Sunrise, whoever she is, told the truth about it. It is horribly powerful. It is not even really a sword. It is whatever Bubble might wish it to be. A spike. A club. The chomping jaws of a giant shark. All or none of these things.<br><br>Blossom reaches out and strokes Bubble's cheek gently, if the spirit allows her to.<br><br>"I am sure you are thinking to be rid of it." She says, understanding. "But I know of no way to destroy it, and I should not have it, not if I am to remain and caution the young spirits away from the path I took."<br><br>"It is a very big, very dangerous world out there. Bigger and more dangerous than even I truly know. Maybe you will find a way to swim through it in peace. But if you wish to join the Serpent, move quickly."<br><br>Indeed the magic of the many colored snake seems to be passing along with the night. With the power of the sword, Bubble finds she can indeed swim through the sky, up towards the many colors of light. <br><br>"Goodbye." Blossom says, her face both sad and happy, but more happy than sad. There is an optimism there that was not before. Is she thinking Bubble may succeed where she did not, or is she proud of the little spirit the way a mother bird is watching the young leave the nest? Perhaps a little of both.<br><br>"And for the rest of you." Blossom turns the spirits who have stayed. "You will always be welcome in my grove. But you have taught me now, perhaps more than I taught you. But I will pass this wisdom, and what I knew before, on to the next happy little spirits that come to me. Maybe some of you will stay on this island with me, and we can teach them together. Or maybe you will stay with the mortals, or the beasts, and just come to visit me from time to time. I would like that. Quite a lot." <br><br>Indeed as you all rest for a moment, a small little thing has floated in. Just a little drop of joy. It seems almost strange to you that you were once so small, so innocent, so blissfully unaware. It floats over to where Rin has left her popped corn and takes a happy little bite, giggling to itself.<br><br>Blossoms smiles and leans down. "Hello there, happy little spirit. I'm called Blossoms, welcome to my Colorful Grove. Would you like to meet my friends?" <br><br>The rest of the night passes peacefully, quietly, lovingly, for those who stay. <br><br>As the sun begins to rise you realize, it is now nearly a year since the Wise Old Elephant first asked you to show her babies the island. Was that what started whatever this path is you are on? Was it something else? Nothing entirely? A year ago you might not have even wondered. And now, you cannot help but wonder about it all. But mostly, you wonder what does the future hold? <br><br></span></span><hr><br><em>The Night of Shining Sky has come to an end. Moving things along in the next post!</em>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island: Year One - Thaw</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>15-02-2022, 00:53:38</strong>
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				<div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/yBCX5xg.jpg)<br>(art by Richard Szkutnik (https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Melting-Snow/730048/6185079/view))<br><br><span style="font-size: 15pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Start of Year Two. <br>When it all begins again...</strong></span></span></div><br><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><em>It is the time of the thaw. The cold of the darkest nights of winter has come to an end, and the days are starting to get longer. Where the snow is melting little sprouts are starting to show again. Soon the world will turn from white to brown to green. What a happy time!<br><br>The camp of mortals has not only survived the winter cold and storms but thrived. Thanks to Agi's gift of fruits and warmth and the never-cold field he has provided, the people do not go hungry. Thanks to Aqua's plenty there is never any lack of clean water. Although the adults do not know what Rin has done, the young ones thrive, exploring and learning in the hidden caves from the story-telling fire. A few baby elephants have joined them, and a little bear cub that isn't sleepy yet! For now they are all friends! <br><br>And slowly, cautiously at first, a few mortals have even tried Wish's wind ride! And a few of them have even loved it! Thanks to the generous gifts of the other spirits, they do not have to fret so much about warmth, food, and water, and the mortals find themselves playing again, knowing that they are safe in Wish's gift. They will have even more to wonder about and play with when they find what Rime has built on the island as well, although none travel that far while it is still cold. <br><br>That is not to say that nothing sad happened. The Reaper has visited more than once, taking with her the souls of the weak, the sick, those who were too injured in the storm. For those who are nearby when she does come she greets you with kindness. There are also those mortals who are angry that the god of the island will not see them. You do not think they will ever be happy about it. It makes it hard sometimes for the others to trust you. <br><br>In the wilds, Cor knows that as the ice melts and the snow flows down the mountain and into the ocean again, the mortals will come looking, and they will take. But they will not take from his domain. The creatures here, the plants, the beasts, they are protected, protected and watched by a spirit who is more patient than the tides. The animals of the island are grateful for it.<br><br>And out there somewhere, Bubble has gone, on her own path, to her own future. <br><br>The Spirit of Blossoms has recovered from the darkness that nearly took her, or so it seems. She is always delighted to see you now, and true to her word, when you stop by to see her there are often little spirits there, and she always asks you to help her show them what it means to be a spirit, and to be happy. <br><br>And one day you find yourself with a moment of peace to pause, reflect, and think about what will come next. <br><br>What will it be, happy spirit? What does the future hold?<br><br></em></span></span><hr><br>This is the last prompt, and it is a rather open ended one. What is your spirit's goal for the future?<br><br>Will those who are still here stay on the island? For those who leave with what purpose do you journey? Will those of you who revealed yourselves to the mortals continue to interact with them? Will you accept or reject your role as god for those who wish it of you? Will you still visit the Colorful Grove? Will you encourage Blossom to leave it as well, or let her remain there? Are there more mysteries of the island you wish to discover? What will you do if more mortals attempt to land? But most importantly, what matters to you? 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>15-02-2022, 01:37:00</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/1c/13/33/1c1333a1658d0d16e58b78c80d662faf.jpg)</div><strong>Agi, Spirit of Lucky Colors [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 2, Time of Thaw<br><strong>Tags:</strong> Other Spirits (Aqua specifically), Reaper, Alexandra<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Responding to the past, Planning the Future<br><hr>He is not sad to see Bubbles go. It is her will, her desire. She is going to a place where she can be happy, and Agi tries to be happy for her. <br><br>The fire-lion continues to spend some of his time with his animal kin, some of his time with Blossoms, some of his time with the humans; and still finds a few moments here and there to work on improving himself. Though Agi may once have been a god, he refuses to accept the mantle--insisting, always, upon the usage of his name. <br><br>When The Reaper comes, and Agi is in the vicinity to bear witness, he accompanies The Reaper for as long as he can, idly inquiring upon matters of life and death, sickness and health. Through these talks, he grows in understanding, and begins to plan; to study. He focuses on more esoteric meanings and powers associated with fire.<br><hr>Harmony remains a goal for Agi, and to that end, he tries his best to listen, to understand, and to organize things--among spirits, animals, and humans. Part of his harmony with other spirits comes when, after hearing a story from a human about a 'sauna', which reputedly had health benefits. Understanding that this requires a harmony between fire and water, he, of course, would proposition Aqua into assisting with the construction of a new location in the village; The Catharsis Steamhouse. <br><br>By combining purifying water with soothing flame, the idea Agi presents is a bath house that utilizes magic to help boost the health of those who routinely utilize it. Such a thing will certainly improve the health and hygiene of the residents who utilize it; and Agi's underlying plan is to make it into something of a show of their teamwork, to teach the humans what happens when two disparate elements come together in harmony, and act with a unified purpose; his hope to inspire the spirit of cooperation, and thus pushing forward his agenda of Harmony. <span class="bbc_u">Of course, whether this succeeds or not is up to Aqua. Agi can not force such cooperation and would not dare to.</span><br><hr>His time among the humans eventually leads to his finally developing the ability to distinguish them apart from each other. One fateful night, at the Geyser he made, he has a chance encounter with Alexandra. They spend much time talking, of this and that; and eventually, Agi asks about mortal magicians. He offers to teach her, and though it will take quite some time, he decides to gift a handful of voluntary humans with his arcane insights; gently guides them in their studies.<br><br>Though he does not wish for the title of god, it eventually forms a quasi-religious feel to it, as Agi blends in his Zen-like philosophy. He speaks of both taming and nurturing one's Inner Flame. He speaks of the warmth of fire, the comfort it brings, and the importance of its ability to transmute and preserve. He speaks of lighting many candles from one, of how a good fire can warm many people; how fire should not be hoarded, and it should only be wielded with pure intent. He warns of the destructive potential of fire, and how this gift he is giving them should never be misused; destruction is forbidden, it becomes a taboo. To use fire to destroy--it becomes something akin to a sin.<br><br>In time, this small handful of humans will be named the <strong>Hearth Tenders.</strong> The Hearth is a sacred space, the spiritual center of every home. It is a place of comfort and safety; harmony and healing. And the Hearth Tenders have this semi-sacred duty to tend to it. By titling them so, he provides them with a daily reminder of who they are, and what their powers are intended for. <br><hr>All in all, Agi's goals will see him constantly working to push forward his agenda of Harmony and Cooperation. For those who look to him for guidance, he encourages both kindness and humility. For those who scorn him, he simply accepts it. He does not allow his Inner Flame to be contaminated with rage, needing to be a living example of his morals and philosophy. <br><br>He wants to see the humans be able to live in harmony with the animals, the spirits, even the plants and trees; and especially among each other. He improves upon his own patience and empathy. In keeping in line with this, should any other spirit have an idea that requires some of his fire magic to pull off, so long as it is not destructive, Agi will surely lend a hand. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>c0i9z</strong> on <strong>15-02-2022, 04:33:03</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/1qzuQRs.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/S6Q42Mt.gif)</div><strong>Aqua, Curious Raindrop Spirit (Any)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018804#msg16018804)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 2, Time of Thaw</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> Agi<br><strong>Actions:</strong> Responding to the past, Planning the Future<br><hr><br>Seeing others leave was a sadness, always, but only because being with them was happiness. One never went without the other. Aqua felt that, one day, all who he knew now would be gone from him. But the happiness she received from knowing them was many times that and she would meet others as well. And, perhaps, so would they. And perhaps, one day, he, too, would leave, as Bubbles had. But not today. Today, she remained, for she had much to learn and to do and to be.<br><br>Agi's idea was a good one, and Aqua was all too eager to accept it. With one stipulation, however, that it not only be for the humans. Agi seemed to spend a lot of time with these new arrivals, and Aqua loved them, too, so quick and full of knowledge and curiosity, they were. But she cared deeply for all who were on the island, animals, mortals, spirits. All who wished for peace should be welcome in this new place, to share their time within it. For this, he would offer the pure waters he seemed to have gained increased control over.<br><br>As for a view to the future, Aqua would continue learning and teaching. To teach the mortals how to live and how to be. To teach the newly born happy spirits what it was to be a spirit and on the nature of happiness. Or, for that matter, any spirit or animal who cared to listen to her. Each time he could, too, he would come greet the Reaper when came to time for her to come.<br><br>As for the Spirit of Blossoms, Aqua left her to make her own choices. He would come to her grove often, of course, but wouldn't coax her in or out. She was much older than Aqua and knew so many more things. She was perfectly able to make her own decisions. Though, of course, Aqua would always be interested by her reasons and by anything else she might have to say.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>lux89</strong> on <strong>16-02-2022, 20:49:33</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/a/aa/Stonefox.jpg)</div><strong>Cor [He/Him/His]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16021367#msg16021367)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 2, Time of Thaw</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Spirit of Blossoms, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Past &amp; Future</em><br><br><hr><br>Bubble left with the Rainbow Spirit, and they were never forgotten. A spirit could leave this mighty island and go elsewhere. Cor contemplated on this for some time, up to the day things resembled as they once were, with new particular changes. This was the cycle of the seasons, and running all over the terraced hills under suns and moons, Cor understood better what was longevity. The stone fox would stay, only visible to the animals, plants, and spirits. There were still much work to do. Cor visited the Colorful Grove and the Spirit of Blossoms often, as a friend and guest, never to encourage her in making decisions. He would have learned what wisdom and knowledge he could from her, knowing that her time could as well expire as it did for the Wise Old Elephant. Cor glanced around for the Reaper and sometimes found them. While on his terraced hills, the Reaper claimed the animals and plants that had died of natural causes, and so avoided all human violence.<br><br>If there were more mysteries to the island, Cor would have intended to discover them. He would have met with his peers, the other happy spirits, and discussed. With the newer happy spirits, he would have welcomed them and be inspired by them and their simple joys. But nothing was everlasting. More mortals came, and some moved into his territory, setting up camps around and upon his terraced hills. They would soon realize the laws of his lands, what they could or could not do. They learned that these fruits or petals could not be plucked by their very fingers, and they learned that these skins or eyes could not be punctured. Cor built and chiseled epic sculptures of the Spirit of Blossoms and the Wise Old Elephant for even the mortals to see. Most god-fearing folk would flee, branding his lands accursed. But some who came to love the animals and plants saw beauty and blessing otherwise and learned to stay and to abide. The animals and the plants were treated like mountains - something unbreakable and unusable. <br><br>Cor sprouted eight more tails and wondered one day, <strong>"Could I make another island precisely like this one?"</strong> <br><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Crensler</strong> on <strong>17-02-2022, 21:17:58</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/2/27/Rime.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rime</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16048690#msg16048690)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 2, Time of Thaw</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Open</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong><br><hr><br>Rime helped in her own ways, making sure the camp of the mortals was less cold than the depths of winter would normally make it.&nbsp; It wasn't much, but it helped.&nbsp; Still, this alone wasn't enough to keep her busy.&nbsp; She spent her time with Blossoms, keeping her company every now and then, as well as playing with any young spirits that was curious enough to approach her or the Sky Mirror.&nbsp; The rest was spent exploring what the place she had created could do.&nbsp; She knew it showed her the night sky, at any time of day, and that the sky seemed to... move.&nbsp; What could she learn from watching the stars wheel across the mirror, what the patterns they displayed to her could show her.&nbsp; She felt it was important to find out, but not to the exclusion of everything else.&nbsp; She kept up with the mortals, the animals and spirits, but a good half of her time was spent studying the Mirror to see what secrets it could show her, if any.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>17-02-2022, 22:00:35</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/ZQc7Deq.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rin</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Start of Year 2</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em></em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>A big expedition</em><br><br>Rin had hugged into the tight hug as tightly as she could possibly hug Blossoms. She was glad her words had reached the spirit. She would have missed her greatly had she left. Bubbles words surprised her, though she knew that everyone floated along a different path. Maybe they would meet again someday...maybe not. But Bubbles had been a good spirit to the island and hoped that she would find what she wanted out there. She gave her a wave and a smile, making sure she always knew she was welcome back. <br><br>When the Happy Little Spirit stole some of her fluffcorn, Rin giggled and gave chase to the equally giggling spirit. Just for a moment...a few moments...she was that sneaky little spirit who had scampered about the grove. She couldn't stay that way forever, but it was nice to be that way again, if only for a little while. <br><br><hr><br>Rin continued watching her charges, learning as she did. While the Reaper did visit, understanding things more as she did now, Rin only gave a little wave to the scary, but necessary, figure. She learned much about the mortals including the other side of the Reaper's job. Ewwwww..that's where wriggle monsters came from? So much yelling and screaming and they looked all...squidgy when they arrived. But they smooth out later. So she supposed she couldn't hold their origins against them of course. She made sure to report each of her new findings to Blossoms, including the very important discovery of a delicious sweet treat that the mortals harvested from the sticky pointy trees. Rin had flown very fast and talked very very quickly that day...and then slept quite a long time afterwards in the grove. <br><br>She played with the little mortals and babyphants and even their new friend the not so sleepy bear cub. She did her best to keep him well fed, though she certainly had help with it. Everyone was eager to share and be friends and the bear cub had some wonderful stories about fishing with Mommybear and all his brothers and sisters. She made sure Scampers was ok, and his family and made sure he knew they were invited to say hello to the mortals, and share all his adventuring tails. She learned much, including that she could not always protect the littles. Some fell, some hurt themselves, one even grew very very sick despite all the warmth she could give. Though the little mortal grew better, they were...smaller somehow. Less. Like a fire without enough fuel. She made sure she visited them often. <br><br>But....but still. She had lectured Blossoms on responsibilities and while she lived up to the ones she had put forth, those were the ones that were easy. She thought of one neglected and though she worried about what might happen next, she steeled herself. <br><br>She left in the cave a smaller little fire, where Rin's Rompers could contact her through, a bit of fire magic that took a lot out of her for a while. She would hear the words in the fire, and warned them it was not a toy. It was for super extra special emergencies only.&nbsp; She made sure they knew to be good and kind to each other and she hoped to not be gone long but she knew she was going to a scary place. But still. <br><br>Rin considered packing things for her expedition but knew they would not survive the trip. She knew she might not either, she understood these things now after talking with Blossoms and observing the Reaper and the Mortals. But still. <br><br>She forged on, wriggling and squirming her way into that place again, and then going further, deeper then she had ever gone before. It was very warm, so very warm even to a fire spirit like her. But she had to try and she had to know. That was part of who she was. She heard a few of the little mortals say they hoped she was ok, through the fire and she forgave them for it not being a super big time emergency. <br><br>It felt funny pushing on, but she finally made it as deep as she could and sat there, pressing her hands to the rocks she found. Something twinge inside of her..regret from before? A feeling that she should have done this sooner...she couldn't say. She opened her mouth a few times and stopped, thinking about what to say next. <br><br>"I....I don't know if you can hear me but...I'm sorry. I'm sorry you feel bad and are angry and maybe sad. I'm sorry we didn't do more to help before. Blossom..or Blades if you remember her that way....shared some things that might explain it." Rin could swear she felt the mountain rumble a bit at that, though it might have been her imagination. She took a deep breath and continued on "If you are from the before times then maybe you remember how things got bad. We're trying to make sure they don't become that way again, but that's not why I'm here." She reached out a hand towards all that heat, all that pressure. She reached and stretched and pushed out her hand in hope and in fear. One more big breath, as she spoke the words she should have the first time she encountered this being. "Whatever you need....I will help you..."<br><br>Her eyes were open, as she watched that heat swirl around, and hoped for the Grumpus' reply. <br><br>
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				Title: <strong>[YaaHS] The Island: Year Two - The Time of Storytelling</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>RedPhoenix</strong> on <strong>23-02-2022, 05:22:42</strong>
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				<div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/1Lue4rP.png)<br>(art by Samiran Sarkar (https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Beauty-of-Bengal-Village-Watercolor-on-paper/4169/2241177/view))<br><br><span style="font-size: 15pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Year Two<br>The Time of Storytelling</strong></span></span></div><br><span style="font-size: 13pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><em>The Grumpus stares into the lava pool he sits above, head hung. "It was a beautiful island." He says sadly. It is all he will say. He does not respond to Rin at all, no matter how long she waits. But as she leaves, he turns and watches the space she once was. He turns the other way, eyeing something in the hot liquid. He strokes his rocky chin....<br><br>Agi teaches what he can, and true what Blossom has said, there is no shortage of exceptional potential in these mortals. The fiery cats in Agi's field prove helpful aids. Able to withstand blasts of warrant magic, playful and encouraging, some even begin to act as familiars to the most promising young hearth tenders. Alexandra herself is the most advanced and wise of his students, and this helps cement her position as the leader of the mortals. She seems particularly inclined to respect Agi.<br><br>Aqua's insistence shows the mortals the way to accepting the wild things of the island, and this gives the village its name - Harmony. The mortals vow they will strive to be welcoming to all things, thankful for the gift of Aqua's water. She is a very popular spirit here indeed. The mortals and animals alike love the flowers she gives them, the water of life he provides, and the wisdom they teach. <br><br>Rime's gift has attracted curious mortals who stare into the night skies, taking notes and making charts of how the stars move in her lake and how it differs from the stars above. There is some great puzzle here, although it will take quite some time to solve. These Star Charters have many questions, most of which Rime cannot know the answer to. The island is full of such mysteries, enough to occupy the icy spirit for many, many, years. Some of the more curious mortals and animals of the island offer their help, and Rime develops a small retinue of inquisitive things to aid in her discoveries. <br><br>Rin of course, is only known by the young of all walks of life that join together in her secret tunnels. And while the young will not remember everything, Rin knows that they will likewise not forget it all, even if they forget her. She knows the different creatures will love each other beyond their ability to remember her secret domain, when they still take rideymathings down the mountain together. <br><br>Wish, swift as the breeze, may be here, or there, or elsewhere, but her gift remains. And it is a gift the mortals are starting to appreciate. They know, unlike any who came before them, a bit of what it feels like to be a leaf in the wind. And for those who have the fortitude to enjoy the experience, it is enlightening, humbling, and, oddly, gives way to a sense of peace. "Get your feet off the ground." Becomes a saying for those are taking things too seriously, too personally, or giving in to greed or hate. Even the most fervent of the old guard who wish to see Gods again find themselves taking part in the island's joy ride. <br><br>For those who speak to the Reaper they find her quite encouraging. She says that these mortals are hoping they will find something waiting for them in the next world. A place designed for the comfort of their soul just as this village was for their living life. The Reaper is sure you help create such a realm, and tells you to meet her on the same night you went with the soul of the Wise Old Elephant, and those who listen realize they are being asked to come and build an afterlife for the mortals who love them, to ease them from the pain of being lost in the Reaper's realm. <br><br>Sometimes you see a flash of rainbow light in the sky, and it reminds you that Bubble has gone elsewhere. Will you ever see her again? The little ones of the island miss her, but they understand, not everything can stay forever. <br><br>And in the wilds Cor watches, patiently, protectively. A floating island here and there are starting to resemble the island of the Happy Spirits in miniature. The birds notice this. They talk of how Cor is learning to make his own land. They know that someday he will go to just that. His own island, away from here? Will he come back ever? Or will he make something new and move on? They bring him whispers of secrets of the island to coax him to say. They tell of the tunnels beneath, the strange things at the bottom of the wishing well, and the odd things they have seen out in the ocean. Is it enough to keep Cor here? Only the stone fox knows for certain.<br><br>The Spirit of Blossoms welcomes you when you come to see her. You notice that there are always little spirits here. Some of them you may recognize as having been little spirits a year ago when you were as well. Not everything grows at the same speed! She is always happy to see you, always delighting in watching the little spirits ask you questions. She does not leave her grove. She seems at peace with what she is, and she will hug you so fiercely if you let her. "With all I have seen, all I have done, who could have thought," she muses, "that in the end happy spirits would matter most of all."<br><br>The herd of the Wise Old Elephant misses her dearly, but she taught her daughters well and they raise the babies that you all met what seems like so long ago. You notice a few of the mothers are starting to paint their faces like the Wise One did, a little at a time. They are hesitant at first, unsure if they can claim such a lofty mantle. But in time, necessity silences such concerns. <br><br>And so months pass. The island is at peace. The days have become warm, too warm, so many of the living things wake up in the night instead. The young mortals have taken on this habit as well.<br><br>One warm night, the young mortals and babyphants and the few other friends of the island have a very special visitor to their storytelling fire. From a little seam in the ground that opens like a door, a creature no bigger than the smallest of them crawls out. It is made of rock and hot fire, it is shaped like a mortal but walks on its knuckles. The tiny young Grumpus eyes the young things for a moment, and they him, and then, after a silence, they move to make room for him to join them. And he does. He is slow at first, clutching to himself a little makeshift stone pouch of pretty stones and interesting rocks he likes that make him feel at ease. <br><br>"He needs to hear the story..." A little elephant insists. "Especially about how I made the biggest bubble!" <br><br>And with a laugh, the storytelling fire changes shapes to teach those who listen of the story of how this island came to be like it is. <br><br>They tell of Agi, who brings warmth, love, and luck. They think of him when they see the fiery cat dancing at the feet of Alexandra. <br><br>They tell of Aqua, who has ensures that Harmony will live up to its name. <br><br>They talk of Rime, who came to them in the storm and held it at bay, and who has turned the water to night.<br><br>They talk of Wish, who is wild as the sky itself, and who gave them something no village has ever had before! <br><br>And of course they never forget Rin, who gave them this place.<br><br>The animals do not speak of Cor around the mortals, not by name. But they do let their friends know that the being that protects them in certain areas is a friend. <br><br>And there is the mystery of the spirit who tended the wishing well, and who made the lake of bubbles. The creatures of the island miss her greatly, although no mortal ever saw her. Where has she gone? What shall she do? That is its own story. <br><br>But those are not all of the spirits. <br><br>There is also Dwyn, who can be found playing in the colorful tide, and sometimes making a tidepool of herself as she snoozes in the little holes she made there. She is making something, she says. She is making it with the water washing at the stone. It will take a very long time, but she is not in a hurry! And she has such wonderful friends to spend it with! <br><br>There is a little spirit of air who wants so much to hug the moon above! The mortals have started to help. They are building a very large catapult to use to shoot them as high as they can go! Maybe they will reach the moon and hug it? The little spirit can't wait to try! <br><br>And there are many other little spirits any of whom may grow to be more any day! <br><br>And so, hearing this tale of happy spirits the little Grumpus listens with wide eyes and an open heart. <br><br>His father has told him that this place is ruined, the happy innocence it once enjoyed so much marred forever by the arrival of complicated things that always need to grow. But the little Grumpus sees how the strokes of pens on paper mar them, but create new beauty. He sees how mortals, spirits, and creatures come together to share themselves. He sees how some protect, some nourish, and some provide a means of lifting oneself into something new. He wonders if maybe some of his new friends would like some of his rocks? And he wonders, if maybe, just maybe, tomorrow can be even better. </em></span></span>
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				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TheHangedOne</strong> on <strong>23-02-2022, 08:53:24</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/1c/13/33/1c1333a1658d0d16e58b78c80d662faf.jpg)</div><strong>Agi, Spirit of Lucky Colors [he/him/his]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018992#msg16018992)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 2, Time of Storytelling<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <br><strong>Actions:</strong> Epilogue<br><hr>Seeing his young, created from his will and a touch of potent magic, taken in and accepted by the Hearth Tenders... well, it brings a smile to his face. In time, every one of his Hearth Tenders would receive one of the fire cats, 'birthed' from sparks that came off his body. <br><br>Seeing Alexandra become their leader, he finds himself feeling a bit more pleased than may be necessary, but, ah well--for a few moments, at least, it's like he's a happy spirit again. Though he knows that seasons shift, and fires fade, he finds happiness and contentment in seeing her flame burn so brightly and with noble and pure intent--as things should be.<br><br>As is his tendency, he makes time to visit with the other spirits; to keep console with the felines of the island; and, of course, to visit Blossoms on lonely nights to cuddle, nuzzle, and share stories of the human's accomplishments. One night, having become well versed in the act of creation, he eventually succeeds at a task he had attempted when he was far younger and unlearned; he creates a flower for her garden. A lovely rose that glows like an ember, glowing brighter, then dimming, only to glow brighter; like it's 'breathing'. They smell sweet and, of course, smoky. <br><br>There are spirits who have departed, and Agi can, at times, be found staring at the sea, or into the sky. He grows quiet and contemplative during these times. Will they find what they search for? He hopes so. <br><br>Alongside the Reaper, he happily takes to the role of helping to shape an afterlife. He ensures there is light and warmth, as one might expect. Though the paths the Reaper takes may never be the same; still, he believes fire should guide the way. He breaks off a small shard of his essence, and offers it in a cage of fancifully decorated bronze. He says the humans call it a "lantern", and perhaps it will keep The Reaper warm and bring her as much comfort as it does the spirits of the deceased.&nbsp; The warmth of the lantern, of course, emulates Agi's comforting warmth; and the comforting warmth that the Hearth Tenders similarly become known for.<br><br>Days become weeks; weeks become months, and months? They turn into years. He settles into comfortable rhythms; he never stops helping, nor does he ever stop trying to learn more. The people of Harmony thrive; but so too does the island. Perhaps the gods they once were did horrible things--but he has to believe that they have done right this time around. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kadigan</strong> on <strong>24-02-2022, 02:46:09</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/ZQc7Deq.jpg)</div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size">Rin</span></strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018996#msg16018996)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 2</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em></em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>The end is just a beginning</em><br><br>Rin watched through the coming months of the little babyphants and mortals who communed, sometimes with other animals, sometimes not. She was especially glad when the little snails had arrived to share a story, having left for the cave as soon as they'd heard of it oh so many months ago. She'd offered to have them carried by other animals, but they'd politely declined. Life moved at a different pace for all. When the Lil' Grumpus came though, her heart....she couldn't describe it. A hope, a sadness, all at the same time. She'd talked all those months ago when she'd left the cavern, having sulked in the grove for days with Blossoms who had helped her come to terms that sometimes things would always be left unfinished, there would always be regrets. <br><br>Mostly these days, she watched the little mortals though. She rarely had to guide them, or interfere. Though she often would bring them new stories or invite new animals, but then they did that themselves these days too.&nbsp; Her creations were largely self sufficient and the little ones all knew to be kind and nice and welcoming. She did other things of course. Talked with the Mother Elephants to learn (always learning) and talked with her fellow spirits. She also spent time with Blossoms who helped her understand the nature of some aspects of her fiery abilities and what she had created. That stories told were lines to the past, and that these lines extended into all directions. Rin had found if she focused hard enough she could see...fainter lines into a direction that wasn't space or direction but time. There was no words, no images, but little flares where important things were to happen. The larger the flares, the more important these things were. At least...that's how it felt to her. It felt right and true. <br><br>Then came the day. Rin was flying back to the meeting place, having found some rather neat ways to mix flowers and waters together to make new colors to try. She thought perhaps they might enjoy painting faces this time. A fun pretend. Nearing the meeting place, a burst of...pressure knocked the spirit from the air, tumbling her into the ground. Blinking and adjusting she looked towards the village. There was a large gathering of mortals around one of their wooden places. She had to know. She'd become well versed in avoiding the big mortals, and slipping through the throng was no big task to a brave spirit such as herself. Peering in, she saw one of the little wriggle monsters, fresh from the big mortal. But....something was wrong. The big mortal they always had when someone was ill was moving frantically. Applying this, pressing here. The little wriggler was growing colder though. <br><br>Blinking her eyes she saw the line, and what had knocked her from the air. The line from this wriggler was the brightest she'd ever seen before, with large...huge flares down the line. But the line was fading. The wriggler was fading and all these important and big events would never come to be. It had been the first big flare, popping like one of the bubbles in the pond. She felt...oh no....a slight chill in the air. <br><br>Turning her head, she saw the Reaper emerge from the other place, ready to collect the little one. Zipping over towards the Reaper she stood in front of her. The Reaper was one that was inbetween places she was unseen, unheard by mortals and&nbsp; briefly bathed in the energy so was Rin. The little fiery spirit stamped her foot in the air stood her ground. "NO. You can't have this one....not now...she's important!" the voice that had sounded so fierce then turned small, pleading "Please...." <br><br>The Reaper shook her head though and moved past the spirit. Rin stared after her, feeling so helpless in that moment. The Reaper, she knew, was just doing what she had to do. She knew the island would endure without the wriggler, even be happy eventually. But it would be...less without those flares. Those moments of greatness, of potential that all mortals had, but this ones were especially great. She wished she had time to ask Blossoms or her other spirits or the Wise Old Elephant. <br><br>She thought, quicker then she'd ever thought before and her fists unclenched and she smiled...then looked worried as she looked back at the rest of the island. She didn't want this story to end, she wanted to play forever with her companions. There was so much to learn, to see, to do that was left undone. To give all her energy to the little wriggler though....the fire enough to sustain a mortal would take all she had. She would be gone. She would miss all the friends she'd made on this journey and...she was scared. <br><br>A sharp, brief wail drew her attention back and that worry, that trepidation faded from Rin's face and she flew forward with a will that had never been stronger. She gave much of her energy as she flitted back towards there. A burst of fire flew towards the Grove, a final hug for Blossoms, a hug filled with images and love and goodbyes. A burst of fire flew towards the meeting place, a goodbye and a reminder to always be good to each other. A burst of fires flew towards her fellow spirits that remained, asking them, when they could, to check on the little mortals for her and that she hoped their journeys would continue on. After each burst she faded a little more from the world, flying slower, almost invisible at this point to a mortal eye a mere shimmer. <br><br>Still she made it in time, just as those fingers were about to collect the small mortal, Rin's reached out first. She looked back and smiled at the Reaper. Not a smug or victorious smile, but a smile that spoke volumes. That this was how it had to be....maybe it was how it was always going to be. The Reaper, though her expression was always unreadable, seemed curious by this turn of events and what would happen. Certainly Rin had never heard of anything like this before , and hoped no other would have to be heard of again.<br><br>Rin could feel her energy flowing into the little wriggler, as her memories started to dim. It was going to take everything she had to keep the wriggler going and she...let go into that forever darkness that Blossoms had described. If that was her end....she would be fine with it. As all that made up Rin began to fade, the final memory, a wonderful, beautiful voice calling a tiny spirit forward, kept her happy in those final moments....and then was gone. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>An eternity of nothingness later....but still only seconds later...new mortal eyes that seemed somehow old opened. Warm and safe and curious and wriggly.&nbsp; She let out a happy noise....
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>lux89</strong> on <strong>24-02-2022, 08:25:46</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/a/aa/Stonefox.jpg)</div><strong>Cor [He/Him/His]</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16021367#msg16021367)<br><strong>Time:</strong> <em>Year 2, Time of Storytelling</em><br><strong>Tags:</strong> <em>Spirit of Blossoms, OPEN</em><br><strong>Actions:</strong> <em>Epilogue, the clock ticks</em><br><hr><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">And in the wilds Cor watches, patiently, protectively. A floating island here and there are starting to resemble the island of the Happy Spirits in miniature. The birds notice this. They talk of how Cor is learning to make his own land. They know that someday he will go to just that. His own island, away from here? Will he come back ever? Or will he make something new and move on? They bring him whispers of secrets of the island to coax him to say. They tell of the tunnels beneath, the strange things at the bottom of the wishing well, and the odd things they have seen out in the ocean. Is it enough to keep Cor here? Only the stone fox knows for certain. The animals do not speak of Cor around the mortals, not by name. But they do let their friends know that the being that protects them in certain areas is a friend.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> <br><br>The nine-tailed kitsune consistently offered sanctuary to animals, plants, and happy spirits. Never did it approach mankind. However, from a distance, Cor did protect mortals too. He would stop a falling rock and crush it into sand pouring over a lucky person who wandered his terraced hills. They would hear echoes of his humming and flee for their lives. Cor thought he had a good reason to avoid mortals until some animals and plants used these grounds to advantageously hunt them and eat them. Of course Cor held back the wilds and realized mortals were no different from nature, no more dangerous and unexpected. He realized he had no reason to avoid them at all. They were animals too, in their own way.<br><br>On the other hand, he did not want to spend time with mortals and end up responsible for them. The kitsune often evacuated and became instead transfixed on learning what the island really was. He traveled the sky islands and made them his experiments, and came back before sunset. He explored the tunnels, the bottom of the wishing well, and oddities out in the ocean. He delved into the buried past. All of this perhaps to solve the human conundrum. Then after talks of the mortals going to the Moon and him exclaiming to the others about it, he overheard on one night some birds worrying about him leaving them to live on his own island. <br><br>Cor blinked and thought on it, searching for the answer. He looked to this very island, his origins, and then to the happy spirits: Agi, Aqua, Rime, Rin, and Wish. Surrounded by many more happy spirits, and the Spirit of Blossoms. His eyes watered with happiness, "I don't think I'm ready to leave anyone yet." Tears dropped past his growing smile.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"With all I have seen, all I have done, who could have thought," she muses, "that in the end happy spirits would matter most of all."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Since Bubble left and Rin faded, Cor learned what endings were. Longevity could only delay the inevitable. He felt the ticking sands of time erode his home. Then the Reaper came and offered the chance to design the human afterlife. Cor accepted and offered his assistance in making Paradise. He would have them experience what it would be like to be born a happy spirit. He suggested handing them the power to choose and improve their own afterlife. So that they could know... true joy.<br><br>Eventually Cor lived long enough to come to the realization that it was all a wonderful story. He never left the Island. He became part of the Island. His tails swayed with tall grass in a breeze, his shadows leapt the mountains, his strength was felt in the tunnels, his gentleness was felt in the beaches, his presence was in the stone walls outside home. He did what Agi did, and watched the seas and the skies. He watched the stars. And above all, he spent more time with the happy spirits and witnessed how things ended for them too. He was there, and he saw them change to remain happy. He learned from them. He learned that longevity was subjective and too dependent on the unfathomable soul.<br><br>And when Rin came back, whenever that would be, Cor was there to see. This made him grin so widely his stone face cracked. <br><br>Even the Grumpus changed. Cor marveled at that. So not all changes were tearjerkers, but rather miraculous. <br><br>Cor stayed and held on the longest he could but he knew one day for whatever reason or cause, his existence too will change.<br><br>Until then maybe for an era or eternity, a stone kitsune with nine tails dashed through the wilds, humming.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Flower</strong> on <strong>26-02-2022, 19:17:31</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://64.media.tumblr.com/ea4515b431fed27071379ed1d5408635/tumblr_nu2rkeA2nh1rdph5fo1_540.gifv)</div><strong>Bubble (She/Her)</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.msg16018731#msg16018731)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year Two<br><strong>Tags:</strong> NA<br><strong>Actions:</strong> The end. &lt;3<br><hr><br>Bubbles watched as Blossom spoke to each spirit, imparting words of wisdom and warnings. With each interaction, she became less harried and more like her former self, exuding the quiet strength and care that made her an essential anchor of their little island. Bubbles bounced when the beautiful guardian stopped before her, unsure what to expect after her earlier request. She didn’t seek to call them back as she meant her previous statement. Remaining on the island was not an option for her anymore. Too much in the world called to her, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the longings of her heart. She braced herself for a sharp rebuke or some other unpleasantness, but thankfully, such worries were for nothing. Blossom understood her desire, had considered it herself for a time.&nbsp; <br><br>“Maybe someday,” she whispered. Someday Blossom might feel capable of leaving the Grove, of ascending into the unknown blackness of the skies, but that day didn’t need to be now. <br><br>Then, the sword disappeared out of Blossom’s hands and against Bubbles’ fin. The shame of it changed immediately upon the light contact with her essence, rapidly flickering between several items within seconds. A net, a fishing pole, and so forth. Finally, its shape settled on a small, sailing boat. Though no strong wind moved within the Grove, its tiny sails billowed as if caressed by a strong wind. <br><br>Bubbles stared at the sword, no, boat with obvious confusion before her attention shifted once more to its former owner. Gently, she nuzzled her face into Blossom’s warm hand, hoping to impart some comfort to her. She nodded, understanding the item now gifted to her could not be destroyed. And yet, she felt it could not remain here. That knowledge further solidified her decision to join the rainbow snake, explore the heavens, rather than remain.<br><br>“I’ll keep it safe,” Bubbles promised. “And I will remember you always.” As she spoke the last statement, she glanced amongst the familiar faces in the Grove. So many of which had changed, but their core being remained the same, ever helpful, ever happy. She sighed, pushed down her nervousness, as Blossom expressed a need for haste. <br><br>How? How could she reach the Rainbow Snake? Fish don’t fly. They left that to birds. But…wait. They did fly. Sort of. Closing her eyes, she thought of the creatures she’d seen when she ventured far from the island’s shores. Her shape altered one final time, fins and body extending. The “sword” must have sensed Bubbles need as it shifted too, molding with the spirit to become a helmet. <br><br>Then, channeling what she’d seen the other creatures do, Bubbles leaped as if seeking to force her body to briefly break through the water’s surface and soar through the air. She leaped. Agan and again until, at last, she was nothing more than a twinkling speck in the distance. <br><br>Bubbles’ insatiable curiosity led her to the Rainbow Snake, who was somewhat surprised to be visited by a ground dweller. It expressed delight in knowing those below enjoyed its colorful display within the skies. The ancient being didn’t know much of the world beyond theirs, to her surprise. Not satisfied, she bid the Snake farewell. She swam far, singing as they once did when leading a trope of small, easily amused baby elephants through the island. Time became a distant memory as she saw marvels unlike any other from time to time, but mostly, it was a vast empty space. <br><br>So when she first discovered a star like the one which used to warm her back on the island. She’d been thrilled; even better was the fact that a little world circled it. But she found no intelligent life within it. Instead, sadness filled her as she hoped for more. Memories of her friends, of the happy memories they made together filled her. And as she recalled them, a small piece of artifact chipped and fell into the lifeless earth. She slept after that, and the following day, she discovered the first stirrings of life where the piece lodged itself—a little flower, ever resilient and determined to prosper in its harsh surroundings. As time went onward, more life spurred into existence, and she delighted in the knowledge that what once destroyed could also create. <br><br>Bubbles stuck around long enough to ensure that life would not diminish before creating a picture story that she hoped would be discovered. She told of her friends, ones capable enough to conjure flames, make leaves dance in a gentle breeze, make clouds weep from laughter, and encourage life to bloom. She told of a Guardian, capable of great compassion and strength. <br><br>But most importantly, she hoped those who came into existence would pursue happiness, whether if in beauty, dignity, fortune, longevity, love, or wisdom. <br><br>Then, when all seemed well, she left. Searching for more worlds in need of life's spark, in need of a little love and a little kindness. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: [YaaHS] The Island (Story Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Envious</strong> on <strong>27-02-2022, 02:23:45</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(https://i.imgur.com/cbn4tZF.jpg)</div><strong>Wish</strong> (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=337368.0#:~:text=Referrals%3A%200-,Envious,-%C2%AB%20Reply%20%237%20on), an Uplifting Friend Spirit! (she/it)<br><strong>Time:</strong> Year 2<br><strong>Tags:</strong> <br><strong>Actions:</strong> Epilogue<br><hr><br>Wish had spent many days in the grove, reciting fond memories and playing gentle pranks to uplift Blossom. It had been a time of healing and a time of growth for the wind spirit. Life was not just love and excitement and wonder. There were many other complex and troublesome emotions that she had first wanted to float over. They were not nice and she did not want to give them attention. But she learned that to truly be an uplifting spirit full of love, she needed to embrace those negative emotions, too. Help her friends work through worries and sadness instead of trying to distract with pretty and delightful things. <br><br>This was important, for it helped Wish better understand the mortals. Those gangling and awkward bipeds changed just as the seasons did. They spent most of their time <em>wishing</em> for happiness yet being too worried to achieve it. There was always work. Always struggle. Always <em>something</em>. The friendly wind spirit made it her duty to show that there were many small moments in which joy could be found during a day's labor. It took many attempts to learn what gave people moments to pause and appreciate, but Wish did learn (with more than a few mistakes along the way). Over time, and the mortals stopped being worried about basic survival. With the aide of spirits and with their own ingenuity, they were beginning to thrive and that made space for much more fun!<br><br>As interesting as the mortals could be, most of her time was spent around the island. She was the wind beneath the wings of birds. She was the breeze that blew seeds to knew fertile beds. She was the gust that knocked fruit from the trees for the animals to eat. She was the song in the wind. She learned to make music as she danced through cracks in the stone, sizzled through flame, and bounced along the water. Those notes were held and carried in the wind to create a melodious tune that hearkened her arrival for mischievous fun. <br><br>With a flutter, the happy little spirit soared through the air. It was a new day! A new adventure!<br><br><em>Wsssssssssh!</em>
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