The Circles of Doom and Destiny - an Opal Story

[Koyliak]

"Draw a circle, not a heart, around the one you love because a heart can break but a circle goes on forever.”
--Danny Kaye

Bundled up under rich layers of fur and silk, Koy sat under the beloved meswen trees in Battlefield Park, stuck somewhere between somber reflection and the ever-present unease that remained like a pit in her stomach. She loved Matt for regaining the land for their family for however long they would be able to hold it. It was one of the few things she took comfort from these days.

The silver-trunked trees shimmered, making the most of the faint winter sunlight. Koy remembered years before, the last time they stayed on the grounds, watching Thia play in the orchard. Both the trees and her daughter had grown since then. While the trees thrived as expected the same could not be said for Thia. Her child turned a corner they should have seen coming as her parents but instead they chose to remain willfully ignorant.

All these years there had been hints, suggestions and even some brazen actions by the Opals, MoonBeryl most of all, to tell them their children shared both their parents’ blood and the stones’ mark. The Simons could explain anything away. There was always some thin logic that they could cling to other than the truth.

It got harder now that Thia came with questions about herself. They could not lie away the damage she saw with her own eyes.

It was easier when they were babes. Koy thought to herself, her mind for once free from intrusion by the various Opals who found it so easy to infiltrate.

That silence was the very thing she worried about these days.

You are never content, child. Even left alone you find ways to invent imagined horrors. After so many years her inner conscience frequently found itself in the dulcet tones of MoonBeryl. She tried not to linger too long on the fact that similar to her daughter it was getting harder and harder for Koy to identify what parts belonged to her versus the deceptive stones.

“I’m goin’ crazy,” Koy said the statement out loud, needing the reassurance that the voice she heard was her own. She found herself staring at the meswen trees again.

It was here she first dreamt up her son. Her dear Malachite who pushed her to be brave once more. Achordin ama; taisar ama. I do not fear; I fly. The irony in her father’s words that led him astray proving wise did not escape her. Here in this orchard she began the work of cracking her heart open, allowing hope in an uncontrollable future seep in. She could give more. More to herself, her husband, her family.

And almost as quickly as she had dreamt it did he appear. They knew the timing did not make sense but they didn’t care. MoonBeryl and IceDancer had left the Simons a going away present when they lost both Opals. They greedily accepted it along with MoonBeryl’s protection as she finished her Iron Fists season. It was reckless but exhilarating to feel the power bestowed upon them. She could feel her unborn son drain her own energy to wall himself off from harm when they pushed too far in the rings and she relished in his strength. It was far beyond her typical masochism.

His birth had been long and difficult but when it was over, aside from the crying newborn, all went quiet. MoonBeryl moved on to other holders and the Simon’s had an infant and small daughter to raise. It was easy to block out that strange time.

But between Thia’s pre-pubescent display of unknown abilities and the visions too many of them shared filled with shattering and dread Koy could do little else but replay all of the moments where their family entwined with the Opals.

It filled her with questions she wanted answered. It’s what led her to challenge Hope for IceDancer. She wanted to know what the most mysterious of the stones might reveal about her son’s future having seen Thia’s present. Maybe her children needed the stones more than anything else their parents could provide. She could not be sure without more information.

That’s why most of all it filled her with shame. She preached and prayed for so many years to be rid of the Opals. And now, with some unknown threat she could not name but felt deep in her bones hanging over all of them, her biggest fear was what would happen if one day her old prayers were answered and the Opals lost interest in their family for good?

[Koyliak]

"I must down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over."
— John Masefield

January 3, 2020

The shoreline was gone. The implication was in effect. Well, not really, because actually they were just going for a friendly fishing trip, a distraction from the day-to-day and and opportunity to catch up. Harris's yacht sputtered to a halt and the anchor was cast out into the sea. The boat's captain had promised them a spot ripe with the best and largest. Hopefully this was it. Instead of reaching for a pole, or bait, or a tackle box Harris instead kicked the top off an old military crate and scooped up a cherry red stick of dynamite, which he offered to Koyliak with a grin and a waggle of his brows. "This is the good stuff. It'll blow all the teeth out of a dragon's head," he assured her.

“Harry.” Koy clucked her tongue at the sight of the dynamite. “We’re more skilled than tha! Unless ye’ve set us on a course ta chase somethin’ much larger than swordfish?”

This was exactly what she had been after: a chance to escape into a temporary haven filled with the known comforts of two old friends. There was the soothing rhythm of the sea and the ease of Harris’ disarming antics.

"But, it makes a loud BOOM and the water splashes real high and it looks neat. And if we kill something then it acts as bait for something larger, like a shark, then we can blow that up too. Don't you wanna catch a shark and make shark stew?" He queried, holding his hands out at his sides as though he's a prosecutor resting an ironclad case.

She played up her exasperation, grinning even as she made a point of sighing and going to rifle through the more traditional fishing gear on board. “First, ye could lose an arm or worse playin’ with tha. Second, who knows wha else ye might blow up unintentionally? And third, there won’t be ‘nough left ta make a stew blastin’ it.”

She went to bait a hook instead. This was the stuff the Elanthian elf was meant for. She hoped not to get any fish guts on her good shoes. “Let’s be more sportin’, don’t ye like a challenge?”

"My arm'll grow back, Mom. And half the fun is seeing what else blows up anyway. Like sunken treasure or wandering mermaids," he explained, even though he had already relented and tossed the stick of dynamite back into the box. He'd use it later for something else most likely. "If we're doing this the boring way you gotta do mine too. I don't want my hands getting icky with bait." Apparently that was the only way he'd compromise.

Koy laughed with a roll of her eyes. “Ye ‘lways were such a baby ‘bout earthy things.” But she enjoyed working with her hands. She didn’t fuss as another worm met its unfortunate fate. “I’m ‘fraid it’s my lot in life these days ta mother.” There was a sad but brief flash in those Aldarmiras eyes. She loved her lot in life but the loss that once made motherhood a painful thought never fully faded.

“Isn’t this better?” She put on a bright smile and handed him the less interesting tool for fishing.

He simply frowned, reluctantly accepting his rather bland fishing implement. He waved it around haphazardly like he'd never used it before. "Yeah, well, Motherhood is the hardest job. That's why we sometimes leave the kids with a pack of wolves and take a holiday for a week or two. It's good training for them," Harris nodded very seriously at a statement so clearly false.

“Everild help us!” Koy squealed and darted away from Harris swinging the fishing rod. “I don’t know who is in more danger, me up here or the fish down there.” It felt good to laugh and pretend this was the most dire the day could get.

“I’d definitely worry more fer the wolves, no?” A grin split over her face. She cast her line into the water and sat in a lounge chair.

He scoffed. "You were the one worried about the dynamite!" An accusatory point with the rod. Then he mimicked her motion with expert precision and his line is in the water as well. However he doesn't tend to it, instead he attached it to a contraption that held it in place at the stern of the boat so he could be hands free to reach for a nearby cooler filled with a variety of refreshments. "Wolves and most other animals in the animal kingdom," he nodded in agreement.

A side eye as she watched him stop pretending he didn’t know what to do and smirked. “How is the family then?”

He shrugged. "No complaints." A pause. "Yours?"

A brief pause and scrunch of her nose that might have given her away. “I’m findin’ children become strange on the verge of bein’ teenagers.”

Koy knew not to bother lying to Harris after so many years.

"Oh yeah?" A tone of false surprise. "What kinda strange are we talking about? Are you finding erotic pictures of goblins under the mattress or something more... sinister?" He was grinning. Because he was always grinning.

Splitting her attention between her line and her friend, she laughed. “No, not tha. Though my daughter has an odd fascination with giants, but so far nothin’ racy.” She pulled the rod back slightly before letting it resettle. She did take some care with her choice of words. “Have ye ever seen yer kid react ta somethin’ in a way tha makes ye feel like everythin’ ye thought ye knew ‘bout who they are ought ta be questioned?”

Instead of getting a drink from the cooler he uses it as a foot rest. "Kids are wonky. They're incomplete. They change constantly based on the slightest stimuli. It's pretty normal." Harris shrugged.

Koy opened her mouth but caught herself. She wanted to more directly ask him the one thing she did not dare. “Do ye ever wonder iffn mebbe our... lifestyles are ‘xposin’ ‘em ta unfair things?” Koy looked back at the water, knowing she was being vague.

"That sounds vague." He retorted, quick as a whip.

This would have been a perfect time for a fish to bite and change focus. The line remained still. Koy dared to look over at Harris. “I jest... I know I ‘lways worry ‘bout impendin’ doom and whatnot but this time, I don’t know.” She secured the pole and went to free the cooler from being his foot rest. She needed a drink.

“I mean, wha would it be like fer ‘em iffn we weren’t caught up in all tha comes with duelin’, both the drama and the magic?”

His feet hit the deck and he shrugs. "Something else equally unpredictable. Because that's how life works. Clearly there are a number of other dimensions out there that have those types of answers. It's not really worth dwelling on. You have what you have and it is what it is."

“Ye’re infuriatin’ when ye’re suddenly bein’ wise, ye know tha?” She dug around in the cooler and found two bottles of ale, offering Harris one.

"Why do you think I'm always so calm, relaxed, and handsome?" His most charming grin as he accepts the bottle and wrenches the cap off with his teeth. "You worry too much. You've got it good, even though you married down." He brings the bottle up for a drink, then stops as a slow smile begins to form. "You know, in another time or place you could've ended up with Xerzes or something. Think about that for a second."

“Entirely infuriatin’.” Koy shook her head and laughed in spite of herself. “Ye’re goin’ ta crack a tooth one day doin’ tha.” There went the mothering again. She sank back into her chair after using her palm and the railing to open her own bottle.

“I do have it good. End of sentence, I know. How do ye do tha? This whole goin’ with the flow and not stressin’ ‘bout whaever is comin’ round the corner?” Koy took a swig of her drink and wondered what it would be like to not wonder.

A swig. "I live in the moment. If something comes, it gets dealt with. Can't do much more than that, unless you can see into the future. And since I can't do that yet, well, this is the best tactic to deal with it. Your kids will grow up, they'll be who they are, and you have to remind yourself you could've done worse whenever you're thinking about how you should've done better."

Koy peeked over at the line and the water, neither one showing any movement. She leaned back against her chair with a frown. “I know tha’s the right tact, I do. But then my head goes down strange dippin’ paths.” Tapping a finger against the side of her bottle she pulled herself back out of her thoughts. “Can I tell ye the odd place thinkin’ ‘bout ‘em growin’ up takes me?”

He set his bottle down and clasped his hands behind his head, relaxing. "Sure. Maybe I can help you worry less about it."

Her free hand started toying with a button on her studded leather blazer. Harris had seen her at far lower moments yet a flush of shame showed itself in the guilty way she looked back up at him. “I think ‘bout ‘em growin’ and gettin’ ta a point where they don’t want me fussin’ and worryin’ over ‘em so. And all this time I’ve spent wringin’ my hands will only drive ‘em ‘way. I worry ‘bout them goin’ and then I go further and think ‘bout everythin’ goin’ silent. No children ta fret over, no Opals drawn ta me, jest a calm tha’ll prove the only problem in all of this is jest me.”

"So, basically you're worried about what every parent worries about." He chuckles. "Listen, you can always just make some more. Or, better yet, go grab a couple of needy orphans and raise them." Thoughtful pause. "In reality, it sounds like maybe the Opals have gotten in your head just a smidge too much."

There was a deep gulping of her ale. She gave in with a smirk at Harris’ suggested solutions. “Tha’s the worst of it. It feels nothin’ short of hypocritical tha I’ve come ta a place where havin’ those stupid rocks leave me ‘lone now sounds like a nightmare. How do ye keep ‘em out of yer head, Harry?”

He folds his arms across his chest, thinking in silence for a long moment before responding. "You can't. You just have to keep a leash on where they go when they're in your head. It's like making sure your dog doesn't get into your closet and chew on all your clothes. It's something that takes time, that reasonably you get better at over time. But every once in awhile..." he allows the sentence to trail off, quite certain that after all his time with the Opals one or more had gotten the better of him on an occasion.

Koy turned her head to watch him in that moment where the words faded away. She could guess what was left unsaid because they bore similar invisible scars from the stones. “It feels like we’ve been at war without knowin’ wha we’ve been fightin’ fer all these years, doesn’t it?”

"The good outweighs the bad on my end. That's the only score I'm keeping. Can't say I'd be where I was without all the Opals I've won over the years, so." He lifted his shoulders in a shrug. "Can't all be good. Like I said, deal with it as it comes, keep your feet moving."

She nodded. She owed the Opals way more than she cared to admit out loud. It was enough to make an elf seasick. “Ye’re oddly rational fer a jokester.” The crooked grin returned. “Knowin’ tha and tha I’m more paranoia prone, do ye not feel like somethin’ is comin’, mebbe somethin’ tha can’t be outrun? Is it jest my imagination goin’ wild this time?”

"Isn't something always coming, though? Isn't that essentially what RhyDin is? It's why I moved. There's always a thing. You batten down the hatches and weather the storm. You should've gotten used to all the crazy by now, Koyliak." A chuckle.

She paused and let the words sink in along with the brisk sea air. Then she broke out into a genuine laugh. “Ay me, ye’re entirely right. Mebbe I should worry less ‘bout it bein’ calm given where I’ve decided to set my roots down.” Her eyes watered a little with her own laughter. “I guess too many knocks ta the head make it easy ta forget. Thankee. Ye know —“ A movement on his fishing line cut her off.

He lurched forward as his line wiggled and popped up to his feet. "What'd I catch, a mermaid?" Even though it's his fishing rod he doesn't take hold of it, instead moving for something else and leaving Koy to do the heavy lifting. "I'll get the net!"

Reflexes taking over for the elf, Koy grabbed hold of the rod. She wasn't surprised at the sudden switch in responsibilities. In fact, she thrilled at having something that called for instinct and quelled thought. This was what she had trusted she'd find in seeking out her friend. That and a tasty meal. She struggled but persevered in keeping the rod raised and the heavy rainbow trout on the end of the line from escaping. "Ye come through with tha net and I'll clean and cook it up, ranger's honor." She grinned widely with the wind whipping her curls around her head before she returned her attention to the fish waging its own battle.

For a brief flash, Koy felt a deep pang of regret for the trout who only moments before swam along, content and unaware of what temptation dangling on a hook would cost him and the woven danger dangling above his head.


((Co-written with the wonderful albeit mermaid-hating Harris!))

[Koyliak]

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”
--Ian Maclaren

January 13, 2020

"How about I let you spend some time with it? Figure out what you need to."

Koy had lost her challenge for IceDancer a week earlier only to have Hope offer her the very thing she desired in a no-stakes spar. “Ye mean it?" The Masochistic Fashionista’s voice sounded more awed than anything else at the gracious offer. Even sweeter, Hope drove forward, knocking Koy’s legs out from under her as she over-eagerly lunged to grab the woman.

"I wouldn't for most other conditions but I can tell this isn't business as usual." She steadied herself up. "We’ll need to agree on some structure."

“Absolutely.” It was all a lot for the Masochistic Fashionista to take in. Literal hope bubbled up inside her as well as adrenaline, causing her to throw a wicked knife hand for Hope’s rising leg. Maybe that wasn’t the best way to show appreciation? Or all things considered, it was?

That chop smacked Hope’s reckless kick and part of her wondered if she had almost hoped it would. "I understand your relationship, your family, with the rocks is complicated. I don't need to pry but I do need some assurances. It can't be for very long, not in one go."

The look of relief she felt at Hope not prying tempered any of Koy’s hotheaded defenses of her family. “I can do tha. I can come wherever ye want.” Hope met that next leg with a quick pop of her own to keep her punching game rooted.

"Your family comes first. But I'd like to be somewhat in the know. For the sake of the rock."

Koy watched the woman in more ways than one. When she went for a defense and was outwitted by the cunning Koy. "No one's going to get hurt, right?" Hope asked as she vaulted, happy to see she was still able to move pretty well given the circumstances.

“I’m not lookin’ ta use it ta hurt anyone.” Koy was careful with her promises. She hoped more than anything that no one got hurt but it was hard to make a solid guarantee.

She narrowed her eyes for a moment and nodded. Things happen, that's not unusual. "And it's to help someone?"

Eden bounced back down from the entry carrying a big bag of take out. Inside the insulated package were several big containers of hot ramen. "It smells good!" She can't help announcing to the fighters in the ring where Koy was dropping down before Hope could reach her, finishing the match with a full body tackle. “Aye, it’s most certainly ta help.”

Hope was taken down and let out an oof as she let out a sigh. "I thought I was going to put up more of a fight." Compared to their challenge, that hadn't left her in too bad shape. "Smells great Eden!" She called over.

“And I should’ve fought more like tha when it mattered. We keep goin, adaptin’ where we can.” Koy stood and offered a hand up.

Eden smiled brightly, watching the pair of them. "That was a good fight!" What she'd seen of it anyhow.

Once offered she took the hand and was up on her feet. She reached around her neck and slowly took off the chain that held IceDancer in its brooch. "I'm trusting you with this. I'm not going to think of the alternatives to what we discussed." She took a moment to look at the powerful Opal in her hands. "Isn't it a little silly- we pass them around like trophies for a sport? They are so much more than that. Anyone who fights us, just arbitrary faces, gets to wield them how they choose. They don't even get a say in their own futures."

Koy hesitated, her instinctual fear the only thing keeping her from grabbing the Opal. She paused to look from the stone to Hope’s face. There was a strange grin. “Do ye know how long I’ve waited ta hear someone else say tha ‘stead of me? And yet somehow they’ve even gotten me ta forget my own preachin’. Powerful prisoners indeed.”

She looked to Koy with a small shrug. "A while probably. I don't stop to think much... really ever. But.." She looked to the rock and held it out for Koy. "I know that I wouldn't be here without one of them."

Koy took the rock, glancing down to see what it did to her. FireStar had enjoyed giving her phantom burns. It was strange to not feel anything malicious now. “Tha was PathFinder?” Koy also knew something about the Opals offering odd help. It’s what left MoonBeryl so much space still in her mind.

Eden settled onto a bench, watching them. The takeout package resting beside her, swinging her legs.

"Yeah..." A few years ago now. Hope continued on. "I have the mind to get back to it. Had a little taste of them all. This one... kind of the opposite. You'd think FireStar would be the opposite but there's a feeling from them. Different, but not opposite. The warmth I get from PathFinder... the opposite is that right there. Nothing. Just cold nothing."

Koy looked down at IceDancer, running a thumb across the smooth surface. “There were so many times I’d prefer the nothin’. This one has had a particularly hard go ‘bout it in how we’ve treated ‘em.”

"They've had a journey all of them. And I can only wonder what came before." She could already feel that tingling urge for her fingers to reach back out and snatch it back. That wasn't her, that was just what the rocks did to you. She smothered that thought out of her mind and looked at the clock. "I don't have any kind of itinerary or shit like that. Just... keep me updated. I figure a few days of peace from it might do me some good anyway. Silence is golden but sometimes when you knock and you don't get one back.. it's just not right."

“Trust me, I’ll be happy ta give ‘em back. Thankee, Hope. I do mean it when I say I owe ye.” Koy sounded sincere in the statement.

Hope made her way over to Eden and took a seat beside her, ready to rip apart the takeout. "What do we have?"

"Noodles!" She beams her dimpled smile at Hope. "But we should eat it somewhere warmer."

Hope nodded to Koy and eyed the takeout again. "Yeah you're right. Where should we eat it?" And she gave a gesture of her hand to Koy. "You're welcome to some if you'd like."

"I got plenty!" Eden beamed at Koy. Then she looked at Hope. "We could go over to the Arena or to my place or to the Perch or to the Outback."

Hope snickered. "Yeah.. almost literally anywhere but here huh?" She rubbed her arms a bit. "How about your place? I haven't been there in a minute."

"Okay!" Eden hopped up to her feet and looked over to Koy. "You can come too!" She picked up the takeout package, readying to go.

“Aye, I’ll buy a case of ale on the way.” Koy felt grateful for the Opal in her hand and also now that she had it afraid of what would or wouldn’t be revealed.

Eden beamed and hopped on her toes enthusiastically. "We can have a sleepover!" Maybe not, but at least they could be warm and enjoy three bowls of ramen together and talk more about opals and fighting. With the package in hand, she led the way out of the tunnel.


((Adapted from live play with the wonderful Hope and Eden!))

[Koyliak]

“But if a living dance upon dead minds
why,it is love;but at the earliest spear
of sun perfectly should disappear
moon’s utmost magic,or stones speak or one
name control more incredible splendor than
our merely universe,love’s also there:
and being here imprisoned,tortured here
love everywhere exploding maims and blinds”
--e.e. cummings

Days leading up to Diamond Quest C

“Heya? Are ye there, IceDancer?” Koy spoke out loud to the Opal on loan to her from Hope. Their borrowed time together was coming to an end and the elf had little success in getting any response from the blue stone.

Initially she left him alone, trying to show respect and give him space but she felt the desperation creeping in. She had no way of knowing if Hope would allow her to take him again, leaving her to wait for another chance to challenge.

“I know I’ve got no right ta ‘xpect ye ta speak ta me, even iffn I had won ye I could understand ye cravin’ silence. I’d like nothin’ more than ta leave ye be.”

Koy waited yet again. Someone, a therapist maybe, had once told her about the power of long pauses, but no such gap in conversation drew IceDancer out. She hid in the attic of the Simon house under the guise of a long-standing, impossible-to-complete project of cleaning it out. She had even gone so far as to ask if anyone wanted to join her knowing they’d say no. It gave her plenty of time to sit with the stone and the random collection of outgrown clothing, books, old training equipment and other gadgets collecting dust.

“It would drive yer brother crazy ta know tha now when I’m ready ta speak directly on somethin’ I’ve tried fer so long ta turn a blind eye ta I’m seekin’ ye out ‘stead of ‘em. I ‘lways got the impression MoonBeryl found yer intelligence the most threatenin’ ta his own.” Koy tested the waters. Maybe playing up the rivalry between the siblings could engage him.

Silence.

When that didn’t work she carried on. “I remember when I first learned ‘bout yer ‘xistence. Ye had been willfully lost and many believed ye ta be destroyed. It’s never felt right ta me tha we should think brute strength means we can decide yer fate. The irony in it all is tha in wantin’ ta leave ye be, I’ve managed ta tangle myself and my family up in yer destiny. I don’t see a way where we can ever fully be pulled ‘part now.”

Silence.

Koy sighed and sat against a stack of boxes of dueling memorabilia collected between their team experiences and salvaging what they could from older versions of the many times destroyed Outback. “Fer wha it’s worth, I know at this point we need ye far more than ye likely need us.”

Silence.

Allowing more long pauses, Koy decided to make the most of sitting in the attic. She took a leisurely approach and spent more time enjoying going through the memories of the life she and Matt had built together than making much progress with the sentimental clutter. Every now and then she would resume speaking to IceDancer. She told him snippets about her encounters with his siblings. She spoke to the equal parts trouble and triumph their entwined lives caused.

There were particular gaps in what she knew. Koy admitted where she had all too eagerly grasped onto the thin logic given to her because diving deeper into the Opals’ motivations would put all her hypocrisy out in the open. Worse were the gifts she greedily reaped and purposefully chose not to ask why they were given.

“There’s nothin’ brave in talkin’ ‘bout it now. Iffn I could continue ta keep my head in the sand I would do so, a happy coward. But I see now tha won’t be possible. Thia cannot be safe iffn she can’t know more ‘bout ye all. In time, the same will be true fer Malachite. I’m ashamed fer much of my role in this but… I’d do it ‘gain all the same. They would not be who they are without the lot of ye.”

Silence.

Koy picked through a pile of Team Fist fight cards from the season she fought while pregnant with Malachite. “It’s awfully humblin’. I spent so long railin’ and rantin’ ‘gainst ye only ta find when I chose ta surrender ta yer choices my world often got bigger, brighter.”

Silence.

A mirthless laugh accompanied the thought. “In the end I might not have been after yer obvious powers but I succumbed ta a different temptation ye’ve all offered up. Ye gave me somethin’ worth fightin’ fer and a life I would never have dared ta let myself dream up. It will ‘lways be a complicated gratitude and ‘ppreciation from me.”

Silence.

“There’s been pain ‘long the way. It’s a bittersweet thought ta think tha the debt of my heart could ever be paid by more than jest me. But tha’s a penance I am prepared ta carry out indefinitely.”

She stared down again at the Iron Fist League schedule in her hand. “I don’t know wha ye hoped fer when ye and MoonBeryl put aside yer differences ta perform a miracle. I don’t need ta know. May the Gods forgive me, I don’t need ta know wha ye might be hopin’ fer now when only our dreams can dare ta warn us ‘bout… I can’t say.”

Silence.

“I can’t say but I don’t imagine it’s good. When I was stupidly reckless ta go ‘head and keep fightin’, I did it ‘cause I couldn’t contain my curiosity. MoonBeryl promised his protection and I thrilled feelin’ my son’s strength from within. Mebbe it wasn’t much of a strain on MoonBeryl but his concern meant somethin’. I didn’t begrudge yer absence, ye had done so much ‘fore leavin’ Matt’s possession.”

“But I’m askin’ fer yer help now. Not ‘cause ye owe me anythin’ but ‘cause whether I like it or not, we’re family. Dysfunctional, disturbin’ but bound together. All I’m askin’ is wha can I do ta protect our children from whaever storm is brewin’?”

A blue light fell across the wooden charms scattered nearby on the ground. The carved doves were the symbols of Albreda that she had kept close during her last pregnancy, worried that her actions would make Malachite’s entrance into the world difficult. She had been right in her premonitions then but they had both made it to the other side.

"You already have what’s needed. Arm them with six noble metals. You dreamt of the boy there and there you’ll find grounding.”

Koy sat exceptionally still at the cool brush of IceDancer’s voice. Barely a whisper, Koy took the words in and did not press her luck. He had given more than she expected. She would need to solve the riddle herself. She did not imagine he would say more as she felt him fade away as quickly as he had arrived. The puzzle came with no emotion, no recognition about any of the confessions or connections she had made.

Palming the charms off the ground and into her pocket, Koy picked the blue opal up with a dutiful bowing of her head. Her fearful inaction once more turned to a determined purpose that only the Opals could provide.

****
"Why did you break and speak to her? I did not think you were the caring lot.”

"I’m not.”

"Then why?”

"Simple. She asked the specific question.”

"And that is all? Should I be touched you care for our… child?” MoonBeryl goaded his brother.

"It’s not care. It’s insurance. It never hurts to have a contingency plan.”

[Koyliak]

“...but when the Rabbit actually took a watch out of its waistcoat-pocket, and looked at it, and then hurried on, Alice started to her feet, for it flashed across her mind that she had never before seen a rabbit with either a waistcoat-pocket, or a watch to take out of it, and burning with curiosity, she ran across the field after it, and fortunately was just in time to see it pop down a large rabbit-hole under the hedge.

In another moment down went Alice after it, never once considering how in the world she was to get out again.”
--Lewis Carroll

Days leading up to Diamond Quest C

Somewhere out there, Koy could imagine MoonBeryl laughing at her expense.

“Is this not delightful? You’ve set yourself out to solve a true mystery. What a fine detective you are, Koyliak. Try not to strain yourself too hard thinking about it.”

The line continued to blur between the Opal’s actual words and her imagination conjuring up his responses. Their years together had earned the elf that confusion. It was a victory for MoonBeryl though he did not appear at the moment to claim it.

“Give us peace, would ye?” Koy muttered out loud to the unseen Opal. She stood in an overgrown outdoor courtyard having spent the day wandering fruitlessly around Battlefield Park in search of clues. Matt and the kids accompanied her in the morning under the guise of wanting to take a family walk. When Thia grew bored and Chi complained about the cold Matt offered to take the kids inside for hot chocolate, leaving his elven bride to stay outside longer. Koy commented on the serenity she found in the Park’s wild grounds often enough that nothing peaked any suspicion about what she was after.

“Terribly sorry, my dear, I didn’t mean to disturb you. Was I disturbing you? I’ve been quiet all day tracking you.”

The voice Koy heard distinctly lived outside her head and sounded far more chipper than MoonBeryl. The elf turned to find the wide-set eyes of a rabbit standing on two legs and reaching her chin staring back at her. He wore a loose cotton henley top in a rich shade of dark green and tan trousers. Koy took a step away from him to put some space between them.

“Who’re ye? And why’ve ye been trackin’ me all day?”

The creature bowed deeply. “Apologies, I’m Walter of the Moon Rabbits. I live here. We should have met sooner but I’ve never wanted to intrude. How did you know I was here?”

“How did I… oh tha. I wasn’t talkin’ ta ye. Jest ta the voice inside my head.” Strange things were always afoot in RhyDin. Koy did not count this amongst the weirdest though it was up there. She understood now Walter had heard her grumbling to an imaginary stone. That would likely prove weirder to explain to him.

Walter leaned up on his haunches and peered at her. “Voice inside your head did you say? Why, maybe I should be the one afraid of you!” This delighted the large rabbit who chortled loudly at the thought.

“Mebbe so. Yet here we are. I’m Koy. But did ye say ye already knew tha?” Koy squinted as if that might glean her some new understanding of the large talking rabbit in front of her.

Walter tipped his furry grey head towards Koy, offering a floppy ear. “Oh go ahead, you can tug on it. That usually helps people come around to believing I’m real.”

Hesitating, Koy did give a light pull on his ear and grinned. “Very soft. I hope tha doesn’t seem rude, bub.”

“Not in the least. Of course I know who you are. It would be obtuse for one to reside within Battlefield Park and pay no mind to the Barons and their families that have made their way through here over the years. Not to mention the other spirits that call these grounds home.”

No longer wary of Walter, Koy took a more appraising look at him. His interest in the comings and goings of those around him reminded her of the old biddies who frequented her shop. “Makes sense. Tell me, do ye lean more ta the historical knowledge of this place or current day gossip?” She rubbed her gloved hands together. Her tolerance for the cold proved greater than her children’s but did not make her fully immune.

Walter pulled a leopard print thermos from the satchel at his side. Koy raised an eyebrow. “Interestin’ design ta fancy.”

With another chortle, Walter unscrewed the top off and put it to work as a portable mug. He poured a steaming hot pale amber liquid into the turned over top and offered it to Koy. “Just because I’ve no interest meeting a leopard in the flesh doesn’t mean I can’t admire their spots. And let’s call it a little bit of both when the gossip is juicy.” He made his best attempt at winking. “Dandelion tea?”

Koy took it with a grateful nod. “Thankee.” The warm tea felt good coursing down her throat and heating the mug in her hands. They were beginning to go numb despite the gloves. “Mebbe this is ta forward given we’ve jest met and all but I wonder iffn I might ask fer a favor and tap inta yer knowledge ‘bout this place? I’ve been set with a riddle I can’t quite seem ta solve and I’m sure it’s got somethin’ ta do with this place.”

“Ah, some intrigue! I’m game.” Walter let the double entendre hang there for a beat. He broke out with another peal of laughter followed by a low clucking sound. “You see what I did there?”

“Ye’ve got a dark sense of humor, Walter. But, aye, well done.”

“So how does this riddle go?” He wiped a non-existent tear from his eye. A moon rabbit picked up a lot of habits observing those in RhyDin.

“I’ve ta find somethin’ tha will allow my children ta be armed with six noble metals. Somethin’ ta ground ‘em.”

Walter stayed eerily still and looked at Koy. The elf to her credit patiently waited for a full minute until she could no longer stay silent without feeling uncomfortable. “Uh, plane ta Walter, ye all right there?” Koy waved a hand in front of the large rabbit’s furry face.

“You mean to tell me what I’ve seen you doing all morning wandering back and forth out here through the half-tamed woods amounted to your deep search for this mysterious item?”

Koy felt her cheeks growing warm. “Aye, wha of it?”

He flopped over onto his side laughing. “Oh dearie me, oh dear.” He could not get any other words out, he laughed so hard.

Her hot-headed nature rising to the surface, Koy reached down to grab him up by the back of his neck. Walter thumped his foot nervously against the ground but continued to laugh, albeit at a lower volume. “Pardon, Lady Koy, pardon. I mean no offense but you must admit it’s a funny pickle. You’ve gone all this length and yet you’ve never thought to look in the place that already has ‘arm’ in its name.”

“Wha?”

“Goodness, you can be dense.” The cold obviously getting to her, Koy thought she could hear MoonBeryl’s melodic voice more clearly than before. If only she could see how comical her expression appeared, the gears slow and visible in their movement. “The Armory. Ye’re right, I haven’t gone through the Armory. I was takin’ one part of the riddle ta literally.”

Koy did not expound further. She thought IceDancer meant outside amongst the meswen trees when he spoke of her dreaming of Malachite. She released Walter and gave the moon rabbit a sheepish grin. “It’s my turn ta apologize. I can be a bit dense. I’m not sure whether this qualifies as somethin’ ta blame on all the knocks I’ve taken ta the head over years in the rings or jest my unabated stupidity.”

Walter dusted himself off and waved away the apology. “Consider it water under the tree stump.” He enjoyed testing out phrases he overheard in his lurking. He did not always get them right. “I’m afraid I can’t suss out where it falls on the spectrum of intelligence you’ve laid out. Either way, let’s be grateful that you’ve got your looks to fall back on.”

“Tha’s a bit fresh, isn’t it?!” Koy quick to protest the clear insult.

“Maybe, yes?” Walter watched her with trepidation. “But it’s true. You’re forgetting, dear, it’s not called ‘The Armory.’ It’s the Haunted Armory. And if we want to find something in there we’re going to need a way in with the spirits hanging about. Looks will go a long way.”

Koy crossed her arms over her chest. “Hmph. This all feels like a very backhanded compliment.”

Walter dared to sling a paw across the elf’s shoulders. “Sure, one might view it that way. But pray tell, if it means securing this treasured item you’re after, is it the worst thing that we should find more use for your beauty and not as much for your brains?”

Frowning some but not shaking him off or doing something even more violent, Koy shrugged. “Fine. Ye’re not wrong. I don’t like it, but ye’re not wrong.”

“Wonderful! Then off to solve a mystery we go. We can talk over what I get out of this bargain on the way.”

Koy allowed Walter to hop and lead the way with a grumble about the cost of fast friendships.

[Koyliak]

Days Leading Up to Diamond Quest C

“You truly did pick a horrible time of year to run this scheme, didn’t you?” Walter frowned, as much as a moon rabbit could visibly frown, at Koy. The newly formed duo stood outside the Haunted Armory in the cold.

“Oh I’m sorry, I usually get ta schedule when my sense of impendin’ doom needin’ some mystery-solvin’ ta soothe it can happen. I’ll try ta book in advance next time I get tha sick pit in the bottom of my stomach.” Koy’s temper made it easy to forget she was the one asking for a favor. “Wha does the season have ta do with any of this?”

“No need to strike the hammer down on me, Lady Koy. Shall we call it then and bid each other adieu?” In truth, this was the most exciting thing that Walter had taken part in since the Great Cabbage Caper of last year. But he kept his poker face on.

Koy held her gloved hands out in front of her. “Easy, easy, bub. Apologies. Ye can tell I’m on edge.”

The rabbit stood more firmly upright on his hind legs. “Much improved. Apology accepted.” He relaxed again, his jovial nature irrepressible. “Besides, I am so looking forward to collecting my end of the bargain.”

Koy found it fortunate that the moon rabbit’s interests centered around food and fashion, two areas she could provide for him. He would be dining like a Baron and dressed to the nines if he helped the elf on her quest.

“Remind me ‘gain then, wha does it matter wha time of year it is?”

“You would not be so bundled up if it were summer.”

Koy stared down at her long cobalt blue wool coat and back up at Walter with a perplexed expression. “I know it’s not the flashiest compared ta wha ye can pull off when it’s warmer but I think it cuts quite a nice figure. The color livens up the bleak winter landscape, don’t ye think?”

Walter chortled. “It’s not an affront on your fashion sense. It’s aces, my dear. But for our purposes we need something for an eye that won’t be as discerning. ‘Skin is in,’ as they say. I wouldn’t exactly know the phrase, fur and all.” Walter did his best attempt at a shrug.

When Koy pressed her lips together and said nothing Walter hopped closer. Bending his head, the moon rabbit nipped at her hand. While it wasn’t a hard bite it caught Koy by surprise. Her reflex brought a fist in the air, ready to pop him square in his cute nose. “Wha gives!”

Walter hopped to the left to avoid getting punched. “I wanted to get your attention. It’s clear you’re not following.”

Warily, Koy lowered her closed fist back down to her side. “I don’t get wha my clothes have ta do with findin’ a spirit ta help us in our search.”

Having not learned his lesson the first time, Walter jumped up to get the height needed to bonk Koy on the top of her head with his nose. He knew though to quickly spring back out of reach.

“Ye’ve got ta quit doin’ tha ‘fore I skin ye with my bare hands, Wally!”

“I doubt that.” The rabbit, far enough away from Koy, scoffed at the elf. “And I prefer Walter.”

This offense bristled Koy more than the physical contact. She stood up taller. “I’ll have ye know ‘fore I lived in RhyDin I was part of the Ranger Guild in Langenfirth. I’d do jest fine iffn I wanted ta skin ye ‘live. And then I’d make a fabulous pair of earmuffs from ye.”

“My, my, such a vivid imagination! And yet, that modest brain of yours spends so much of its finite power devising violent delights it’s left nothing to deduce the simplest of conclusions.” He stayed light on his feet as he delivered his analysis.

She hated to admit it, if only to herself, but astride her annoyance at the rabbit existed a comfortable familiarity with lightly antagonistic banter. She would push the memory of MoonBeryl’s voice out of mind. “I still don’t get wha ye’re prattlin’ on ‘bout.”

“And that is exactly what’ll keep getting you bopped!” He raised his paw high but this time Koy was ready. She grabbed him before he could finish his arc and flipped him over onto his back on the frozen ground. Walter’s big marbled eyes stared up at Koy. “Oh dear, is this how you treat your friends?”

Koy smirked. “Ye should see wha I do ta my husband.”

She left him room to get up, not threatening to strike again. Walter stood and brushed dirt from his fur. “You’re a twisted lady. You hide it well. I had no idea from observing!” He laughed, his ears flopping forward. “We’ll have to work on your logic skills though.”

“And finally, we’re back ta the start. I won’t smack ye, ye won’t bop me. Can ye please enlighten me? We’re losin’ the daylight and my bits are blusterin’.” Koy wrapped her arms loosely around herself for warmth.

“That brings us back to the crux of the problem. For what we’re about to do you’ll need to show more skin, not less. You’ll have to brave the cold and keep it sexy.”

Koy scrunched her nose at the last part. “Somethin’ feels very wrong hearin’ ye use the word ‘sexy,’ bub.”

Walter waved her comment away. “As I’ve been trying to tell you. Finding a spirit isn’t the issue. I know where Lieutenant Valens should be lurking around. Gaining his interest will be the tricky part.”

[Koyliak]

Days Leading Up to Diamond Quest C

“Keep going.”

Folding her arms over her chest, Koy tried to keep herself warm, having shed her coat and any helpful winter accessories. “Isn’t it better ta give a lil mystery, some intrigue?”

“No. Keep going.”

Walter did not entertain Koy’s complaints. “This seems a tad inappropriate, bub.” Koy braced herself for the next cut of wintry breeze as she peeled off her cashmere sweater to reveal the lacy camisole underneath.

The Moon Rabbit snorted. “Don’t waste those precious mental faculties fooling yourself into believing you’re my type, Lady Koy. I like my sweeties with a fluffier tail, for starters.”

Koy risked further frostbite to her extremities when she released her tight hold on herself to swing at Walter’s head. The spry rabbit leaned back and wagged a paw at the elf. “Now, while I have been known to enjoy a mate unafraid to box my nose, again, you’re wasting both our time.”

Poised to strike again, Walter studied Koy and sighed. “No, no, this is all wrong. Could you look less prepared for a violent scrap?”

“But tha’s one of my best features.”

“Not today it’s not. We’re after more of a damsel in distress styling. The Lieutenant fancies himself a hero. In my personal opinion, he’s more hapless than heroic, but he also doesn’t fully understand that he’s dead.”

Koy rolled her eyes. “Tha’s the furthest thing ‘way from wha I am.”

“Is it though?” Walter knew to shuffle a few steps back. Koy gave him a deadly glare.

“I’m doin’ my best ta restrain myself now. Why are ye continuin’ ta poke a hornet’s nest?”

Walter circled around to put additional space between them. “My dear, it is the curse of the Moon Rabbits to be truthful.” He paused and let the idea marinate, deciding it needed a quick amendment. “Most of the time anyway. Exceptions can be made for life threatening or supremely annoying circumstances. I only mean that technically, are you not in distress enough to stand out here willing to do anything to catch the attention of a dead man?”

She let her arms drop. It was too cold to expend energy punching her new friend. Worse than that, he wasn’t wrong. Koy chose against admitting defeat directly. “Enjoy the technicality. C’mon now, ‘fore I’m blue all over.” She sighed and relaxed her body posture.

He opened his mouth to insist on an explicit surrender but thought better of it. “Better. Let’s go.”

Walter grabbed Koy by her bare and covered in goosebumps arm to lead the way. “Shouldn’t we talk through the plan first?” Koy asked with a tinge of nerves in her voice. She didn’t have much paranormal experience to draw from.

“You’ll be fine. Follow my lead. The Lieutenant isn’t any brighter than you are.” Walter shot her one of his most disarming smiles showing off his large front teeth. He also kept a firm grasp on her arm - one less free limb she could launch at his head. “All we need to do is flatter him. Admire his strength. Let’s refrain from any snarky remarks lest he disappear on us.”

“He sounds like an enlightened, humble fellow.” Koy smirked. Walter shook his head. “Wha? Jest gettin’ it all out of my system.” The Moon Rabbit sighed and continued trudging through the grounds until they reached a courtyard adjacent to the grand hallways of the Armory. Bending down, he scooped up some dirt from around the meswen tree planted in the midst of the stone structure. Before Koy could react, protest or worse, Walter rubbed some of the cold earth on her arms and ruffled her hair. He put a paw up in front of his mouth to stop any questions. “Remember, follow my lead.”

“Lieutenant Valens! Lieutenant Valens! Are you here? Come quick, we are in need of your service and might!” Walter’s call echoed throughout the courtyard.

“What is it? Can’t you see, I’m busy tending to my steed.” The shadows parted to reveal the translucent figure of a thin man in a tattered and slashed jacket. His epaulets were made from stray feathers and twigs with his helmet fashioned from the same poor bird’s skull. Those items appeared to have been procured in the time since his death, holding more root in the living world than anything else the Lieutenant wore. He patted the neck of a skeletal horse with one dangling ghostly leg, the previous victim to the hacking of an axe on the battlefield. “A fine mane like this must properly be cared for.”

The Lieutenant turned away from them, having given them barely a glance. Walter bowed deeply. “Forgive the intrusion, Lieutenant. I wouldn’t dream of disturbing you save for this pitiful sight I’ve come across in the forest. Just to look at her, the sorry lass made it here with so little clothing left to keep her warm!” Walter sneaked one mirthful look at Koy before returning to his distraught pose.

This description perked the Lieutenant’s attention. The spirit turned to face them. Koy lowered her gaze. Walter continued his tall tale. “This is Joy. She is the twin sister of the Baron’s wife.” Koy lifted her head to gawk at Walter. “You see? She’s lovely if a little dumbstruck.”

“Sister? Why not seek the Baron’s help then and leave me be.”

“Stand up straight and square your shoulders back, would you?” Walter muttered out the side of his mouth to Koy. She frowned but did as told. The Lieutenant kept his eerie stare on her exposed skin. Koy shivered.

“Oh, Lieutenant, you’ve seen the Baron and worse, heard about his age. What can he do that you wouldn’t take care of far more swiftly?” Walter carried on making his impassioned case in the courtyard. “Only you are strong and smart enough to help!”

“It… it’s true, good sir.” Koy found her voice. Her teeth chattered. “Ye’re my only hope. Ye’re the only one who can help me protect my ch-ch-chil--” The word “children” dissolved by Walter throwing a furry arm around her before she could complete it. He discreetly stomped on her foot to prevent her from finishing her sentence and interjected on her behalf.

“Her chastity! This fair maiden needs your help protecting her chastity.” Koy gawked again at the Moon Rabbit. If the claim weren’t so absurd she would have been more upset at him stepping on her expensive boot.

Lieutenant Valens gave what sounded like a knowing “ahh” as he regarded Koy again. He pulled the bird skull helmet off his head and gave her a respectful bow. Removing the helmet revealed Valens’ own head had served as the resting place for an axe, most likely the same one that had taken down his horse. “Tell me how I can be of service.”

“I’ve been told tha the only way I can be protected from harm is ta arm myself with six noble me-me-metals. Do ye know where I could find such a thing?”

“In the Haunted Armory perhaps?” Walter added. He didn’t want to be out here with the spirit any longer than needed.

The spirit paced back and forth stroking his chin. “Six noble metals, you say?” He continued pacing while Koy and Walter watched. The rabbit’s foot thudded against the ground. “Aha! A simple quest for your victor. Stay here.”

Valens disappeared from their sight though the sound of neighing echoed around them. The air suddenly felt warmer despite the season. “Ye’ve got quite the imagination, bub.” Koy whispered to Walter. The rabbit winked. “I’m quick on my mind, as the saying goes.”

Before Koy could correct him on the saying, Valens returned. “I believe your troubles are solved, Lady Joy. See what I have retrieved.” His ghastly hands opened to reveal a glistening necklace made of two thick chains containing several hues ranging from bluish-white to golden. “Isadora’s Amulet is made to draw harm away from the wearer. It cannot withstand attacks indefinitely but should give you a chance to escape. It’s made from your six noble metals - gold, platinum, silver, osmium, palladium and rhodium.”

“Jolly good show, Lieutenant!” Walter congratulated the spirit and attempted to pat him on his back, only to graze the handmade epaulets, the only solid part of Valens.

Koy held her hand out. “Thankee fer yer aid, Lieutenant. I won’t forget it.” The spirit pulled the amulet away.

“But what do I get for it?”

Koy looked to Walter. There was only so far she would go in this charade. She looked back to the spirit. “Wha do ye want?”

“A token of your favor of course.”

“Of course! That is customary, the lady will oblige!” Walter encouraged Koy. She patted down her own limited clothing. If only she still had a scarf or a glove to give. But they had told the spirit she had lost such things on her treacherous race to the Park grounds. Putting a hand to her pointed ear, she removed the sapphire earring she wore, a long ago birthday gift from Matt.

“Will this do?”

The spirit nodded and bent before her. Koy did her best to fasten the earring so it would hang from a twig in his epaulet, using a loose thread from her camisole to help secure it. Rising back up, Valens passed the heavy necklace to Koy. “It’s been an honor, Lady Joy.”

“An honor indeed. My congratulations again, Lieutenant. I’ll get the lady somewhere warm and safe where she can wear her new protection in peace. To your health! Er, your wellbeing, however you desire it.” Walter swooped in to steer Koy away, bowing repeatedly as he walked backwards.

Koy held onto the necklace with her numb fingers as if her life depended on it. If the premonitions and IceDancer’s guidance proved right, it did.