Into the First Morning's Light

[LordPsycho]

DP's "arm" of mist waves around, and a small cup of an etheral redish-orange liquid appears in his hand. He sets it down, and dips two "fingers" into it.


He then takes his hand, and starts to mark on the newborn's muzzle. To mortals, as he marks, the line dances with reds and oranges before disappearing, but to immortals, the stain stays visible.

"With this first mark, I bless this child with the wisdom to know what actions to take, and when to take them."

He then moves down, and starts to make another mark

"With this second mark, I bless this child with the courage to stand up to what he fears, for there will be many a trials in his future"

He then starts to do a third, and finalmark.

"And with this last mark, I bless him with the Protection of the Gods. Death dare not show his face to this child until he reaches the proper age."


"And with these blessing, I announce to the world the birth of...of....Hey Embri, what is his name?"

[Embri]

Embri starts, staring up at Au'Marui. She shakes her head.

"None, as of yet..." With her sharp teeth, the mare severs the umbilical cord binding her colt to her, cauterizing the end with a quick slap of her tail.

"Names are not granted until the foal takes to their hooves. Only then are they deemed worthy in the eyes of the herd." Embri nudges her foal again, prompting him to snort and flail his gangly legs.

Bright sapphire blue eyes blink open, wide and shining. The colt's head wobbles unsteadily as he takes his first look around. Embri returns to her licking, cleaning her newborn's fur.

[3kul]

Both Parasitians cocked their heads to one side, slightly confused by what DP had said. They'd understood what he'd just said, but had no idea as to whether or not he'd actually done anything.

Little Sister basically decided that DP was merely doing the formalities - any idiot could see that the 'blessings' were stating the obvious. Knowing what to do? Having courage to stand up to his feats? Only dying after having reached the proper age? All meaningless garbage that wasn't helpful to the pitiful child in the least in her opinion, purely for the enjoyment of those who hold their hopes in fate. She felt smug knowing that the child would still be within her grasp should she ever feel the need to devour it.

HollowEyes felt somewhat similar to Little Sister, as he had expected DP to do something more for the child. This kind of blessing really didn't seem all that special - many parents wished for their child to be smart, brave and long-lived, though nothing the God had said was particularily definite. The fact that no name was given yet couldn't be particularily helpful in the blessing, although truthfully HollowEyes had very little idea as to how Gods did things. He began to wonder if that was just the way Gods are, and having only just noticed her presence here, waited to see what Shaon would do.

[Shaon]

Shaon entered the cave, apparently ignoring everyone except the colt.

When she deemed herself close enough, she stopped.
She had not done this in a good few milennia, and as such she hoped she wasn't too rusty.

To start the ceremony, she spoke to the colt, mentally. To anyone else who watched, she was just sitting there, a foot away from Embri's child, towering over him.

~You have been chosen.
A rare child, one in a thousand.~

She kneeled, tapping the colt's horn with her nose lightly, before speaking vocally.

"Take with it what you will.

A blessing, or a curse."

As if on cue, the golden horn shifted colors, into a dark silver.

The vixen stood, and moved to the outer circle of people.

[Falhado]

((I do hope dearly that one may not be intruding. But as the resident preacher, I felt it would be strange that I not be there. If you wish it so, I will delete this post, but, take it as you will.

All in goodwill, to all and all to))

Father Mac had felt a disturbance within the lands of the dojo. Some divinity hinted as to the disturbance. A new life that would determine so much within these lands, for better, and for worse. Having connected with the minds of his fellow flock members, the Gargoyles, he had found the location with them sweeping the lands.

Having hurriedly set out by foot, he felt it prudent to fly as fast as he could, with his abilities to reach the location. Wrapped in a warm cloak, concealing both his clothes and his face, and carrying a staff, with a cross like ornament part way down it.

He had landed a few minutes away from the location, and had walked the rest by foot. He'd stood in a clearing, watching The Sensei perform a Godly blessing, and another God perform a second blessing. He steps out of the clearing, making himself visible, and removed his hood, so that his features were fully viewable.

"A preacher's work is never done. Ah what do we have here. Wonderous." He stops about ten metres away from the group, so that he didn't appear hostile, even though he was on a mission peace and goodwill. "Excuse my appearance if you may. It appears I am too late to help the birthing. May I perform a cleansing of the spirit, and a blessing?"

Father Mac smiles in a friendly manner, his eyes hiding no malicious intent, his body posture relaxed.

[Embri]

Embri watched Shaon nervously, tossing her head as she approached the colt and touched his horn. The introductions finished for the moment, Embri lurched to her hooves, standing next to her foal. Her flanks siezed and rippled again, this time leaving the afterbirth to join the rest of the mess on the stone floor.

Wrinkling her nose in distaste, Embri coughed, spitting out a sphere of molten flame hot enough to leave little behind but carbon. Feeling much happier, she leaned down to nudge her foal again.

"Come on, little one. The gods and goddesses have given their blessings, and you are wasting a fine day sprawled on your belly. Up!"

Weather or not the colt understood her, he stretched his muzzle up towards his dam with a nicker, legs sliding about without coordination.

"We cannot stay here." Embri nudged her foal again, nearly tipping him over. The little foal set his hooves determinedly against the stone floor, rising shakily on his legs, only to sink down again.

[3kul]

Shaon's 'blessing' seemed a little strange to the pair, which was fitting because Shaon was pretty strange too. The fact that she'd offered a what seemed to be a double-edged sword to the child as a blessing was quite curious, and HollowEyes wondered what she might've done. The appearance of Father Mac would no doubt bring about more blessings and the like, though Embri seemed a little preoccupied with the afterbirth.

Suddenly, something clicked in Little Sister's mind as she observed the scene at hand. The placenta! She truthfully knew very little about the birth of whatever species Embri was, but for some species, the afterbirth contains a variety of cells very similar to the embryonic stem cells that are found in infants. If she could get a hold of it, she might be able to-

~Stupid mule, what are you doing!~ She thought as Embri incinerated the expelled organ. Now Little Sister would have to wait for a good opportunity to devour the child (assuming that it even ever developed useful abilities). She generally preferred the easier and faster options (like most Parasitians), but there wasn't anything she could do about it now, so she reassured her with the fact that the child as it was now was relatively defensless.

HollowEyes now realized what had gone through Little Sister's mind, and thought Embri might've been a bit hasty in destroying the organ. Should the placenta have served Little Sister's purposes, the child might have been able to lead a life free of any harassment from her, though now it seemed quite likely she'd be keeping him in her sights. For now, he couldn't really see an instance in which the foal could fall into her clutches, but he knew that there'd be little to no doubt in Little Sister's mind that an opportunity would eventually present itself to her, and she wouldn't hesitate to take it when it did.

[Embri]

Eyeing the preacher, Embri tossed her head. "It seems to be a day for blessings, Father Mac. Cleansing?" Embri looked dubious. "My foal is clean. I can assure you of that; do you think me a neglectful mare?"

Pawing the stones with a hoof, Embri swung her horn around to level it in the preacher's direction, keeping a wary eye on her newborn.


The tiny colt worked his legs determinedly, instinct making it imperative that he rise. Gangly legs sprawled wide for stability, he finally made it up to his hooves, albeit unsteadily. Flicking his short tufted tail, the colt staggered for Embri's side, nickering his hunger.

"So, you are up then. So'ka. Good. Then I name thee, my colt, as child of this world and land ... Ajaxon."

The foal didn't seem to care much if he was named or not, and tucked his nose under Embri's belly, looking for food. The unicorn huffed, wrinkling her nose. "Hurrr! Easy! I'm not about to go anywhere..." Father Mac mostly forgotten, Embri groomed the quickly drying fur along Ajaxon's flank.

((So without further ado, I present for all this picture of us. I hope you enjoy it. ))

[LordPsycho]

Though you couldn't see it, DP smiled at the name. It seemed a fitting name for a future leader.

"If I may continue Embri:

And with these blessing, I announce to the world the birth of Ajaxon, Future Ruler of Psychotopia, as declared by Au'Marui, patron god of the Kingdom!"

There, he had announced it. His intentions to step down eventually as Dau'Pay, and grant a horse...thingy the Throne of the most advanced Civilization of the Dojo.

[Falhado]

Father Mac listens to Embri's response, and as he was about to reply, The Sensei completed his blessing. Future Ruler of Psychotopia. It is most certainly a big role to fulfill. In response to Embri's comments "I made no mention of your mothering skills, and would not do so. I can see that you will be a great mother, and a positive role model for Ajaxon.

He will go far with you by his side. I merely meant that I ask permission to make sure that his soul, his spirit remains pure, through good and bad, until it is time for him to make his own decisions. I would understand fully if you do not wish this."

He stands awaiting Embri's response, he has much to offer, and nothing to gain, he would be disappointed if he were rejected, but a mother knows best.

[Embri]

The unicorn took little note of Au'Marui's announcement beyond a raised eyebrow, devoting her attention fully to Ajaxon. Heir? You will have a lot to learn, my colt.

Embri eyed Father Mac, apprising his words. She stroked Ajaxon's side with her wing gently, trying to shake the feeling the preacher was being condescending.

It might simply be her predisposition to mistrust those of organized faith... dipping her head slightly in acknowledgment, Embri nodded.

"Come if you wish, then. I have no reason to deny you whatever rites you wish, so long as my foal comes to no harm. Your blessings are welcome, but we will not be still much longer. It is not safe to stay here, and the walk back to the Cave is a long one."

[Falhado]

Nodding at Embri's warning, he approaches the newborn, and slowly moves a hand towards Ajaxon's body, as not to startle either mother nor child.

Father Mac kneels down, and lowers his staff to the ground, and makes contact with Ajaxon.

"I, Father Mac, bless thee in all that is Holy and Pure. I ask of the God's, to watch over you, to provide challenges, and give guidance where guidance is needed.

You have been named by your mother, Ajaxon, a poweful name. Take this power and use it build your strength, confidence and will of spirit.

Go forth into the world before you, learn all that you can, and be all that you can. Enjoy your youth, and cherish it.

If thou should ever need guidance, be afraid not to ask, to search out those who can provide it.

Hear me as I command evil spirits and beings to be warded away from you, to keep you from harm and sin, and to guide you to a place of enlightenment.

With this blessing, I part my services, and entrance to my Sanctuary. You will be pure of heart and spirit, until the time comes for you to make your own choice."

His hand glows white for a few seconds, as he imparts a temporary divinity upon the youngster, which will cause no ill-effects or harm. Removing his hand, he takes his staff, and stands up, taking a few steps away from both mother and son.
With his free hand, he reaches inside of his cloak, into a small bag, and pulls out a red and golden candle, and places it on the ground in front of Embri.

"This candle, made by members of my flock, is to signify your link with Ajaxon, and his first day of life in freedom. I ask of you that it is kept safely."

He turns and begins to walk away, as Embri had said that they were leaving for their home shortly. There were enough people here to provide protection, and he felt like he was intruding on a private gathering.

[Embri]

Embri nods at Father Mac's kind words and watches carefully as the divine aura settles around Jax. The colt doesn't seem to notice or care, completely preoccupied with filling his belly. His fuzzy tail twitched back and forth as Jax nursed.

"Thank you." Embri dipped her head at Father Mac. "It was very kind for you to come so far to offer your prayers." Embri studies the candle, picking it up gently in her jaws and dropping it into her satchel beside Angel.

Embri contemplated asking Father Mac to stay, but doubted he would be allowed entrance to the Corrupted Cave. She watched him retreat from the small clearing before beginning the long walk back home. Ajaxon tagged along beside her like a tiny shadow beneath the protective arch of Embri's wing.

"I think we should go now." Embri made sure that Seph and Angel would follow before turning her head towards the Cave. As for the immortals, they would sort themselves out without her assistance, no doubt.

[3kul]

Little Sister struggled to keep herself from shrieking with laughter. ~Byule, did you hear what-~ ~Sheer coincidence Little Sister. Embri doesn't speak Parasitian.~ HollowEyes was quite clearly not as amused as Little Sister, but this didn't stop her from continuously mocking the child's name. ~Oh, the savage mockery that brat will receive if it ever finds itself on the Parasitian Homeworld...~

The next announcement from the group was even more surprising, and it almost made Little Sister fall out of the tree she was in. ~Is this some kind of bad joke? Why the hell does DP make some newborn brat heir to his throne?~ HollowEyes smirked a little, now it was his turn to try and supress laughter. ~In Psychotopia, horse owns you.~ ~What the hell are you babbling about Byule?~ ~Sorry, just a joke I heard once.~

Little Sister decided to ignore this pitiful attempt at foreign humour and continued. ~DP's immortal, why does he even need an heir?~ HollowEyes too found this to be most strange. ~It is odd... I wonder what the Psychotopians would think of it - it almost seems like he's abandoning them.~ ~Hm... Well, there have been rumours flying about lately...~ ~Oh?~ HollowEyes was rather amazed that someone as antisocial as Little Sister managed to find people to gossip with, and tried not to think about how she extracted such information. ~Embri's been in quite high favour with DP lately, hasn't she? What with her moving up in Blackstar and him constantly 'chewing' her. Suddenly, despite the rather large absense of males of Embri's species, she gets pregnant, and now for no apparent reason DP hands his people down to her newborn child, who is supposedly totally unrelated to him. It doesn't take a genius to connect the dots.~ HollowEyes shook his head and sighed. ~I think you've been listening to Net too much.~ ~Keh, I'm just saying what everyone's going to be thinking soon enough...~

They'd missed Father Mac's blessing (not that either of them minded), and decided that now would be a very good time to leave. The two Parasitians slunk out of the trees that they'd been hiding in and went their seperate ways.

[Embri]

((ROFL! Ah, 3kul, I can't wait to see where you're going with this. Truly, it's a delight RPing with you. I see many hillarious moments in the future....

I never thought of the coincidences like that, but I can see how your "rumor" could be plausible to those who weren't present during the Aftermath story (which was only me, Angel and One Eye). ))