Sunrise

[Pandora]

Purity lay down, eyes closed. Golden grass surrounded her . A gentle breeze caressed the blades, causing them to bow down in unison to kiss her face. All around her, a chorus of insects hummed and danced, the sunlight bouncing off their wings, giving them a gem-studded appearance. Her eyelids glided open to view the world around her. She stood up, gazing out at the perfect seam connecting earth and sky, gold and blue. She glanced down and smiled at the hem of her beautiful dress as it played about her ankles. Feeling a sudden rush of ecstasy, she spread her arms wide. She let out a shout of joy and began to run toward the horizon, into the blue.

Suddenly she tripped, falling face down. However, her clumsiness was not forgiven by the soft arms of the grassy field catching her. She landed on a hard, cold surface. She lifted her head to see that she was lying in a cobblestone road in a hazy city landscape. Purity drew herself up on all fours. Her dress had vanished, she realized. She was naked, her arms clothed only in dirt and scrapes. She tried to stand but her legs buckled and crumpled beneath her. The buildings around her loomed over her, their windows curving into malicious smiles. Redness began to seep into the gray landscape, crawling through the cracks in the road, winding its way out from behind the buildings. Suddenly, a group of demonic figures rose up out of the ground. The group was led by a woman, with jagged teeth lining her twisted smile. Purity noted what she was wearing.
My dress! That’s MY dress!
The woman cackled. Purity screamed.
It all seemed so familiar.


Purity woke, gasping. Reality flooded back to her, a wave of relief. She was curled in a tight ball, lying in a bed of grass. She had moved to sleeping outdoors with Pandeon in a vain effort to evade the tainted dreams brought to her by sleeping in House Eternity. The trees around her had stooped to create a low canopy over her. Thank you, sisters. The trees sighed, retracting their branches and standing upright. Purity sat up, crossing her legs and shivering. Beams of light trickled through the ceiling of leaves. The morning frost glistened in the rising sun. Lately, the frost had been coming earlier and staying longer.

Following the creek to the lake, Purity dragged her feet along the soft earth that lined the banks of the stream. Upon arrival, she crouched on the shore, observing the water. Where the air met the lake, the surface stood still. Not even a tiny fly was present to disturb it’s peace. For a moment, she hesitated to touch it. Purity had the feeling that were she to shatter the mirror sprawled before her, something, an unknown something, would descend from the sky in anger and tear her limb from limb.

Purity shook her head and laughed nervously at her ridiculous speculation. She slowly dipped her fingertips into the water, savoring the moment of tension between them and the surface before they were submerged into the icy pool. A ripple sprung forth from each finger. She watched them race each other to the opposite shore. With a deep breath, she plunged her hands in. She splashed the cold water on her face, grimacing on contact. Slowly, she unlaced the back of her dress, quivering as the cold air pinched her bare skin. She inhaled deeply once more and dove into the frigid lake. Eyes opened, she surveyed the aquatic world. As the months were growing colder, the world was beginning to sleep. There were no fish or turtles left, just a few plants. The water-weeds licked at the slight curve of her slender waist as she swam over them. Resurfacing, she dragged herself back onto the ground. She could see Pandeon prancing over the water. He finally reached her and rested his head on her shoulder.

Good morning.

He noticed how beads of water trickled down Purity’s naked body. He collected each one, pulling them away from her and into a floating ball between the pair. He gently lowered it down into the lake. Purity put her dress back on and shook her newly dried hair, then proceeded to examine her fingernails. Pandeon was enveloped in the worry he could feel emanating from his friend. You’re troubled. Purity stopped her vigorous inspection, shrugged, and resumed. Pandeon persisted, knowing better than to accept this response. What is it? Pandora sighed, acknowledging that her summon would not rested until all disconcerting matters were discussed. “I’m sure you already know,” she said accusingly, “you know me better than I know myself.” Pandeon nodded. It’s still important to talk about. You will find reconciliation with your demons swiftly when they are thrust into the open and made vulnerable. Purity chewed her lip nervously. “I have been dreaming again. As soon as I wake, the memory of it slips through mind. I am only left being disturbed by the feelings it gave me.” Pandeon gave another nod. You are restless. Purity didn’t answer. She was deep in thought. Her mind was consumed by the image of them. The ones with the black stains on their faces. Her face grew hot at the thought of them. Of course, she didn’t hate all sins, but oh, how they irked her. Nothing will be accomplished with those feelings, Pandeon interrupted her toiling. Do not search for trouble, Purity. I will go find us something to eat. Not waiting for a response, Pandeon leaped off into the distance.

The earth sensed Purity’s distress. Trees sent out their roots to create a basket which hugged her body. Purity sighed, surrendering herself to nature’s embrace. She knew that Pandeon was right. There was no reason for her to feel angry with these people, whose image had become emblazoned on her thoughts. She knew that there was something, a missing piece that would explain her dislike for the sullen little beasts. She could not recollect the last time she had the displeasure of encountering one. Irksome, she thought, but at least they provided me with entertainment.

An emotion welled up inside her. It was the way she felt every morning after dreaming as she grasped for the information that had graced her in her sleep. Floundering. Helpless. She struggled to connect with a memory she knew was there but could not be coaxed out of hiding. Frustrated, Purity tilted her head to the sky and noticed that the morning was no longer young. She began to make her way back toward House Eternity.

[Kal Skirata]

Brother Restraint had been meditating for several hours when he was awakened by the sound of rustling leaves coming from the direction of the path to the south. He decided he should investigate. After all it could be some easy prey. Upon standing Brother Restraint's stomach growled, he had not eaten in several days and was beginning to hunger for some real food.

He crept slowly and silently towards the path. at its edge he moved branches out of the way so that he could see. He is surprised to see not a deer or a hare but a beautiful young woman with porcelain skin and long black curly hair.

Brother Restraint could feel a good aura coming from the girl and decided he should talk to her. He hoped to find out where he was and how he got to be there. He moved farther down the path, ahead of the girl. He stepped out to reveal himself the the girl and asked "Hey, do I know you? Do you know where we are?"

[Pandora]

Purity tensed at the sudden address. She turned to face the source of the voice and found it to be a man. Her face grew slightly pink with embarrassment when she realized she had nothing to fear. However, she couldn't help but feel slightly impressed by how quietly he tread. She heard the quiet hoof beats of Pandeon approaching until he came to rest his head on her shoulder.

He gave you quite a fright, did he not? Purity glowered at Pandeon, who then chuckled. She huffily tossed her long hair over her shoulder. "I", she said haughtily, "am Purity. You are in Desarith, The forest of Erik to be exact. I was making my way to House Eternity, where all Virtues reside." She paused momentarily, surveying his face. "I can see you are one of us, yet I can't recall your name. Who, may I ask, are you?"

[Kal Skirata]

Brother Restraint noticed Purity's fear at his sudden appearance. Restraint approached Purity with his hands up to show that he was not a threat. Brother Restraint asked in the calmest voice he could produce "Pardon me my lady I did not mean to startle you. It would appear that I have never heard of you, this forest or these 'Virtues' of which you speak. As far as a name, the best I can offer is...".

Brother Restraint frowned and looked at the ground in frustration when he tried to recall his name. "Odd, I cannot remember my name. I suppose you may call me Brother Restraint. It is the only name that comes to mind. All that I can remember is that I am from an order of monks that went by the name of The Order of the the Seven Columns and resides in the Lehaitian Mountains. Or at least we did until the monastery was destroyed. I woke up after its destruction and now I cannot remember any thing that happened before I woke up even after 3 years of searching".

Brother Restraint looked up and focused on Purity again. He had decided that his best hope for finding out what happened to him was to follow this girl back to the home of the 'Virtues'. Restraint
smiled awkwardly at Purity and asked "Pardon my ramblings my lady. I should not waist your time any more than I already have. I have one last question however would it be to much to ask if I may return with you to this 'House of Eternity'?"

[Pandora]

Purity straightened her back, standing taller. She looked at the man skeptically once again. He seemed of peaceful disposition, but she still knew better than to trust anyone upon first inspection. She folded her arms across her stomach, feeling a touch of shame upon learning he knew that he had startled her. The grass curled about her feet in a consoling gesture.

He is of good intention, Pandeon communed to her. She nodded slowly. He was a virtue, after all. There was nothing to be done apart from bring him to the place he belonged, among the others. I will walk behind him, for safety's sake. Purity made a jerking motion with her head, signaling for Restraint to follow.

With that, they began their short journey to House Eternity.

After striding on in silence for several silent moments, Purity began to feel more tranquil. In an effort to redeem herself from a hostile first impression, she opened her mouth to speak. "How long have you been alone?"

[Kal Skirata]

Restraint had turned to follow Purity and the giant beast that seemed to follow her down the path when she asked her question. Restraint turned his head and looked up at her with a look of sorrow in his eyes. Restraint took up and tone of sorrow when he answered "It has... been nearly 3 years to my estimation. or at least there have been 12 changes of the season, and my memory of such things is still rather good. It would appear only my memory of myself is gone from my mind. To better answer your question, it has been 3 years since o woke to find my former home destroyed, and my fellow monks and master dead. It is a painful memory though my lady. One that I try to come to peace with but still dream of every night".

Restraint continued on the path. He slowed only slightly to speak. He answered this time in a calmer tone "You probably wonder how someone who has lost their memory remembers so much? This I can explain; when I awoke 3 years ago I was in the ruin of the once grand monastery. I was garbed in the robes of a monk as you can see. I searched the ruins for several days before I found some records of the order. On the front of the records there was the orders seal; the Symbol of the Seventh Column, the very same symbol that is scared into my arm. Within there was a listing of every monk each with a small painted picture. When I eventually found a picture with a face very similar to mine, I found a name next to the picture listed simply as Brother Restraint. ...Ugh I ramble more. Pardon me once again my lady. If there is nothing else you wish to know may we continue our journey to the House of Eternity?". and with that Restraint quicken the pace towards their destination.

[Pandora]

Purity sighed, feeling somewhat disheartened that her feeble attempt at conversation had not progressed very far. However, she was happy to have gained a small amount of knowledge about her acquaintance. She watched her toes drag gently through the grass, thinking to herself. If there was a Virtue here, stumbling around in her forest, unbeknownst to anyone, might there be more? Prior to her chance meeting with restraint, Purity had assumed that the Virtues had filled their quota, that more couldn't exist. Still puzzled, she tilted her head to the landscape before them, spying House Eternity. They did not have far to go now.

Upon reaching the grand doors of the House, Purity paused. Her palm froze, reaching out to the door. Her friends lay inside, possibly still dozing comfortably in their chambers. How might they react to a stranger entering this, their haven, the only home they knew? Purity's gaze swept once more over the newcomer's cheekbones. Her eyes dwelled upon the markings beneath each eye. A Virtue, as much as any other.

She pushed the door open. "Come in," she murmured. With a final moment of apprehension, she stepped across the threshold.

[Kal Skirata]

Restraint strained to hear Purity's murmured invitation. "Thank you," Restraint answered in a hushed tone. Restraint felt the great power that resided here. He pulled back slightly after clearing the doorway. He felt something stirring within himself. He stared out over the room in front of him in awe. He realized that after 3 long years of searching he had finally found people like himself and possibly a place for him to call home.

Restraint knelt down on one knee, closed his eyes and whispered "Thank the Divine, for I have finally found a place where I can be at peace. Where i mite be able to finally discover what has happened to me. Laudă cel Divin". Restraint stood and brushed himself off. He turned and smiled to Purity. "Thank you for bringing me here my lady. It means far more than you know to finally have found others like myself".

OOC: Laudă cel Divin is "Thank the divine" Romanian. It was the closest I could get to Latin on short notice.

[Zee ♥]

Ooc: I wanted to do something =P Cause I felt guilty for not posting.

Honesty stirred, blinking sleepily back at the morning sunlight streaming through the hastily shut curtains from last night. Something.. someone? Someone woke him up. A few someones. He rubbed his eyes, wondering who it was this time.

Every morning the past 3 years, he had woken up by the smallest things: Fey appearing and disappearing at his own will (occurring more and more often lately, it was something his summon did not do at all), the others waking up, or a randomly loud bird twittering madly outside his window. He never was a light sleeper, but for some reason nowadays he wakes up at the slightest noise.

Wriggling out of bed carefully (and hopefully not waking someone else this time), he avoided Fey's tail and pulled on a t-shirt (Black, and yes, he was topless before this) and pushed open his room door to steal a peek outside. His room was one of the nearest to the main doors, on the ground floor. A woman.. and a man. Never seen them before? Honesty furrowed his brow. No, the woman was familiar. Sticking his head out for a better look, he slowly realized she was their Goddess.

Their Goddess, Purity, finally home. Albeit slightly different in appearance, she bore the marks of Purity on her cheeks. Smiling, he waved good morning, hoping to catch their attention without speaking.

[Pandora]

ooc: Glad you did =) Also: mmmm shirtless.



Purity's ears became attentive to the sound of a door creaking open nearby. Her eyes darted across the room, praying that one of her faithful Virtues was present. Relief drenched her head to toe as her wandering eyes rested upon Honesty. She was so thankful to see him peering out of his chamber door that something inside her compelled her to sprint across the floor and embrace him. Being with the stranger had been making her uneasy, and a familiar face made her feel more peaceful.

With a wave of her hand, she beckoned for Honesty to come closer. She then blurted out an awkward and hasty introduction. "Honesty, this is Re...er, Brother Restraint. Brother Restraint, this is Honesty." She leaned toward him and murmured in his ear, "I found him out in the forest. Alone. Not even his summon was with him. He didn't even seem to know what a Virtue was." She straightened her body, cheeks pinking slightly when she realized her rudeness. "Honesty, you'll help me show him around, won't you?"

[Zee ♥]

Honesty's left eyebrow raised. "No summon? Thats odd." He murmured back, taking a good look at.. Brother Restraint. There was no mistaking that he was a Virtue, but where was his summon? He nodded to Purity's request, and smiled toward the other Virtue.

"Welcome to the family, er, Brother Restraint. I'm Honesty. That," Honesty pointed at the Siberian Husky standing right outside his room door (When was he even there anyway? ) "Is Fey, my summon. Every Virtue, which, is what we are, has one. He's also my friend, but," He added in a low whisper. "Fey's not been a great friend lately, keeps disappearing on me every time I stop talking to him." As if to prove his point, Fey disappeared when Honesty ended his sentence. Shaking his head lightly, he turned back towards Restraint, looking curiously around him.

"Not to be rude, but where is your summon?"

[Kal Skirata]

Restraint pulled back at Honesty's question. Restraint answered in a annoyed tone "I do not know. For the record I still do not know what it is you 'Virtues' are let alone what a summon is or where mine may be". Upon saying this Restraint felt the same force he had felt earlier stir again within him. He doubled over, to dizzy to stand.

The feeling cleared shortly but Restraint remained kneeling. Restraint realized he felt different. He felt a new force within himself. Restraint heard now a calming voice within his head. Use restraint my friend. Do not be afraid, for I am Nohar the summon of which they speak. Your Summon no less. Restraint stood and much to his surprise to his right now stood a 6' Silver Mountain Goat. Restraint recoiled slightly before he realized this goat was the source of the voice in his head. Listen to these people, learn from them, and get to know them. They are your new family.

"And I shall," Restraint whispered back. He turned to the others and said "I apologize for my outburst. It appears that my summon has shown himself. Now if I may ask my own question. What exactly are you Virtues... what makes you so special?".

[Pandora]

Purity rolled her eyes in exasperation, once for Restraint's apparent frustration and secondly when his summon appeared. For goodness' sake, there was a giant goat next to him. How, in the name of the Lightlands, could he not have noticed that? "You see?" She said scornfully. Her eyes flicked to Honesty. She was incredibly grateful that at least he could be kind and welcoming. compensating for her quick temper.Taking a few deep breaths, she attempted behaving in a more empathetic manor. "This great beast is your summon. It has a name and boasts unique powers, much like yourself."

Her mind began to wander, searching for the answer to his second question. What are we indeed. Beginning to feel nervous that the stranger would think her rude or unintelligent, Purity opened her mouth. “We,” she faltered. “We…Are the Virtues,” pausing again, she hoped this time it would be interpreted as dramatic effect. Her eyes once again scanned over Honesty, his sweet face. “We are the embodiment of all things good. We were all once human, but we have now died and are born into a new and greater life. We have been blessed with a second chance, given new names and abilities.” Retrieving her bearings, she smugly added, “Most Virtues take me as their goddess.” She then looked pleadingly to Honesty hoping he might add to her feeble explanation.

[Zee ♥]

He nodded to her words, giving off an encouraging smile. When she faltered to a stop and stared at him pleadingly, he shrugged and continued. "What Purity said, we're the embodiment of good things. Virtues. We're named after a good deed, an act of good things. Like, ironic or not, theres a Virtue named Patience. I'm named Honesty. We're all usually named after something we did good in our past human lives, but not always. I'm not quite sure how the naming thing works. All of us follow Purity, our Goddess. Her spirit and presence guide us Virtues, give us counsel and lead us through whatever troubles may come." He said, choosing his words carefully.

He paused, his head tilting in thought, before continuing. "We all have powers of some sort, based accordingly to elements, I suppose. I'm not entirely sure whats their purpose, but they do come in handy when faced against Sins who want nothing more than to blow our brains out. You'd probably never heard of a Sin before, if you don't know what Virtues are." Honesty said, snapping his fingers absentmindedly.

"Sins are the exact opposite of us, though not all of them are evil either. They're born through the same way as we are, but they have more anguish and anger in their past life. Some are violent, most should be reasonable. But 3 years ago, the Sins disappeared from Desarith. I'm not sure why or what happened."

[Pandora]

Purity nodded enthusiastically. Restraint appeared as though he wasn't going to answer. She chimed in, "At any rate, This is your home now. If you wish, you may go upstairs later today and select for yourself one of the available chambers. If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask me." She smiled at him, hoping she now appeared a little more pleasant than when he had first arrived.

Casting a glance out the window, she noticed it was now nearly midday. The others should be up soon. I wonder where Tach has gotten to, she worried. The little rascal wouldn't sit still for more than a moment. She pondered memories of the first day they met, when she found her lifeless body partially buried in the snow. Though Tach was now technically ageless, an immortal, she was not impervious to the cold. Purity feared a second meeting such as the first.

Shaking her head suddenly, she realized she had drifted off into thought. "We can give you a tour if you like", she offered.

Just then, someone burst through the door. Purity turned to face the intruder. Standing before her was a scrawny girl in a baggy, damp t-shirt. "Tach!" Purity gasped, filled with relief. Her relief, however, soon heated into anger. I will fetch a blanket. Purity nodded to Pandeon, who disappeared to find something to wrap the girl in. She walked brisquely across the hall. "Where have you been?" Her summon reappeared, blanket thrust over one horn. Purity snatched it from him, violently swaddling the girl.

I'm so sorry, Goddess Purity, snivelled Babi. I tried to tell her- "Oh, quiet, you." Purity snapped, turning her attention back to Tach. "Look at you. Covered in dirt. What happend to the clothes I gave you yesterday?" she scorned. Tach made an impatiant noise, pulling away from Purity. "Them was itchy. Talent gave me this, it's much nicer." Purity paused, rather stunned "Who on earth-" she suddenly noticed the man standing behind Tach. Her eyes narrowed warily at him. "where, may I ask, did you come from?" [/color]