The Caregivers - 1/3
The Governess ushered the group out of the Order’s cavern - well, ushered was the wrong word. After her impromptu arrival in the Order’s Domain she and her two flanking Handmaids had spared them barely a second to collect themselves before they began heading off.
The Vayrons had to run to catch up, with Cailu having no issues matching their stride with his long loping bounds. The Governess regarded the smaller beings by her side out of the corner of her eyes, a glance that came across as quite condescending.
“You can rest in our sanctuary.” she stated, a sentence that was spoken as a fact, rather than posed as an option. Mari nodded solemnly, although she and Otho had escaped harm, Grizz was another story. The fluffy puller plodded through the caves with weariness, every step seeming heavier than the last. Otho tried his best to tend to her open wounds while they walked, slathering a sickly green poultice atop her matted fur.
Thankfully it wasn’t long before the group found themselves in the Caregiver’s Sanctuary. The air here felt light, and a soft breeze ruffled their fur. Mari took a deep breath, appreciating the smell of fresh water. Otho and Grizz beside her tensed, their minds returning to their escapades in the Depthstrider’s territory and their narrow misses with drowning.
“Please,” said the Governess as she gestured to the pool, “Enter the pool.” Grizz and Otho shared a worried glance. Mari took a tentative step forward, dabbing a paw in the still waters. On its surface she saw herself, but it was… off. It was like looking into a mirror where your reflection wasn’t reversed: uncanny. She pawed at the water again, her reflection distorting briefly into a monstrous beast - red eyes and twisting claws - before settling once again into her own uncanny visage.
“I’ll go first.” she declared, turning back to face her companions and giving them a wry smile. She hesitantly stepped into the pool, each step becoming more and more confident as she proceeded further into the water. Her legs stretched, toes barely touching the floor as she gave one last push off and let herself float into the middle of the pool.
Seeing it was safe Otho was the next to enter the pool, quickly paddling over to Mari’s side. Grizz took a bit more convincing, wincing as the water coated her wounds. She stood for a moment, water up to her chest as she stared down at her own reflection. Otho, noticing her pause, finally took note of his own distorted countenance. He lurched backwards in an attempt to move further from the twisted ripples.
“What are these waters?” he queried, voice shaking.
“These waters show your true self.” explained the Governess, “They will not harm you. You must simply relax, and reflect.” she motioned to Grizz, encouraging her to fully enter the waters. The fluffy puller frowned slightly, but reluctantly continued through the water to meet her companions.
“...Now what?” she queried, pulling her paw through the ripples.
“Close your eyes, and bare your heart.”
The three Vayrons shared a confused glance, Otho shrugged and leaned back, letting himself float belly up. He let out a contented sigh, “Well,” he whispered, in a tone low enough that only the other Vayrons could hear him, “I am more than happy to float around in this pool for a while. My bones are weary and deserving of a rest.”
Grizz nodded and let her muzzle sit atop the surface of the water, blowing bubbles from her submerged nostrils. “I am in full agreement. After my set-to with Shira these waters feel heavenly.” she bubbled happily.
Mari smiled warmly at her companions and settled into the water beside them, eyes closing. “Wake me should I fall asleep.”
“Ha! Only if you do the same.” Otho chuckled, splashing her gently.
Minutes passed, ten, twenty, and the room held still. Cailu and the Governess were at the water’s edge, the former having tucked his paws beneath him with his head resting on his wing membrane. Soft snores buzzed from his chest. The Governess however did not sleep, she sat unmoving, watching the outsiders submerged in their pools. The Handmaidens had taken up posts around the circumference of the pool, having been joined by more from their ranks.
The crystals at the bottom of the pool twinkled slowly, pulsating in a rhythmic dance, matching the Vayron’s soft breaths.
Otho floated with open eyes, staring at the ceiling as the crystals nestled in the rocks glittered one by one. He found himself almost falling into a trance, counting each blink as it passed. He sighed and allowed his eyes to close, the blinking crystals still thrumming away in his mind’s eye; a light piano melody, a melancholy lullaby that eased his tired thoughts.
803 Words
You take a breath as you're led from the Order's domain, happy to be away from them. The Haedians ahead of you say little, so you resort to merely observing what you can.
In the final test of trust, your Reosean is presented to a group of female Haedians in the Caregiver's territory who call themselves the Handmaids. These Haedians are of the highest ranks among their peers, the ones who directly look after the Matriarch. They are overseen by The Governess-- the Haedian who rescued you from The Order. Before you can meet The Matriarch though, you must prove that you are really the good soul these Haedians hope you to be.
In the sacred sanctuary of the Caregivers, you encounter a deep, reflective pool, encrusted with crystals that shimmer like stardust, whispering the truth of your character. Its still waters mirror not just your physical form, but the very essence of your being—a portal of introspection. The Caregivers seek true empathy and self-awareness from those who enter the pool. Only when you accept your essence and show genuine kindness to your reflection shall you be granted an audience with the revered Matriarch.
You will wade into the still waters, where you will float, baring your soul to its depths. Witness your past actions and choices, understanding the impact they've had on others. Embrace your strengths and acknowledge your imperfections with compassion.
Draw or write your character beginning this soul-searching journey—a profound exploration of your virtues and empathy. You can merely depict them in the crystal laden cavern, or perhaps entering or floating in the pool. Get comfortable, you'll be here for a while.
Submitted By Dekeru
Submitted: 5 days ago ・
Last Updated: 5 days ago