Topic: New Platform

Storm Divine

Date: 2011-02-07 12:45 EST
Storm was wet, chilled and nearly bursting with excitement. Like everything else in this plan, creating the island had taken longer than Storm liked. It took several days just to get a feel and understanding for the foreign ground underwater, testing and making small manipulations to the sand below.

And then the real work began.

Each day the Guardians would sail to their destination and struggle who would go into the water first. Rotations were created to save strength and to guard their few belongings on board, or to deter any other boats - particularly larger ones - from their location. After a few trials, Storm and Anton were both able to create safety bubbles for every Guardian that dove underwater to keep a fresh air supply going and to keep their bodies safe from the dangerous pressures deep underwater.

Once at their location, the Guardians worked in a smooth and quiet rhythm. The Fire would create a molten-like substance to help the Earth create, form and pull the ground to form up while the Water would assist and use the water's pressure and force to push the land up. The Air would continuously keep the air bubbles safe and secure, though Storm often dabbled in her use of the other elements to speed up the process.

For days it felt like little progress was made. The ocean was vast and often dark, and even with the protected fire sources of light underwater, they did not help with the feeling of endlessness. It was quiet, considering that no conversation existed in the water, and once back on the ship, everyone seemed to exhausted to talk. Once back to the mill, dinner was shared and almost immediately everyone was in their quarters resting. Storm tried to stay awake long enough to write back to her husband or her children, who were temporarily under the care of Gaerwyn and Lenika. They were pitifully short, but at least Storm knew that it would come to an end soon enough.

Now, as Storm swam to the swallow waters where the shallow beach meet her short frame and allowed her to walk to shore. There was a slight wind that blew cold air that she didn't have the energy to contain. Still, with each step that brought her closer and closer to shore, her smile grew until she met with the rest of her Guardians on shore. Silently, they each looked out to the vast open, desolate space.

And it was theirs.

Storm Divine

Date: 2011-02-18 11:31 EST
Storm did not like having the children around when people were moving lumber and building materials around. Although the island was large enough to have them play far away from the commotion and no one else was around except her fellow Guardians, she couldn't leave them out of her sight. She also didn't want anyone to feel obligated to keep their eyes on her own children, either.

Not that it would matter after the day was over. Storm would get a brief break and would be able to enjoy the comforts of her own home for the next several days. With a small sigh, Storm flexed and rolled her shoulders with the use of lifting.

Ewan stood in the shadows of a forming building. When he had stepped off the dory from the passing ship onto the new island, he had taken great care in his observations. It still astounded him after these years just what his wife's people could do. An entire new bit of land in the matter of days. It took some getting used to, and he walked its length in solitude, avoiding others and not opening himself up to being approached by those that knew him by sight. He came around the side of the building and hesitated, waiting a moment to watch. Then he saw her roll her shoulders, and he called out, "I thought you could avoid manual labor, beloved."

"After how I have felt the past few days, some lifting will do me well." Hands on her hips, she spied his location and sent a warm smile, "Besides, no reason to use my gift when my body can do the work just as well."

"Oh, I see." He strolled closer only to draw to a stop a few steps away. "Trying to blend in with the natives, hm?" He teased.

"Doing my best." A solemn nod to hide her own teasing, "I have even been thinking of being joined to one, just to help my cause. Do you think it will work?" A slow wink, "He is not too hard on the eyes either."

"Oh, is that so? That is a fine plan, sure to work." He closed the distance and kissed her brow. "Of course, I will have to kill him. I am not the sharing type."

"Naturally." Her smile showed that she was rather thrilled with the idea. She only had a moment to wrap her arms around him and get one inhale of his comforting scent before their sons spotted Ewan, running and aiming for hugs around his legs.

Perhaps it was the sound of feet across the ground, or a tiny burble of a giggle out of Kellan, but Ewan braced himself to take the onslaught. "What is this? I thought you got rid of the pirates on this island? I have been captured!" He laughed and hugged back on Avery, picking up Kellan to tuck under his arm.

"I was planning to, but they are rather.... persuasive." She leaned over to kiss Kellan's cheek, "I believe they are rather excited to spend a night back at home." A slow pause before she kissed Ewan's cheek while she was there, "I suppose they are excited to see you as well."

"Yes, I am sure I am an afterthought to the situation." He grinned and then looked quiet serious upon Avery. "And have you been assisting your mother? Keeping Kellan in hand?" The salute from the eldest boy was enough of an answer. "Good man." Ewan nodded. And he set Kellan down so they could play some more, but they seemed to just stay around them. "I had word of your progress. Are things going well?" Reports were well and good, but he would rather have the truth from her own mouth.

Storm gave a nod, and briefly rested her hand on top of Kellan's head since he was near, "Everything went rather well. The process has been... exhausting, but we have had no incidents or concerns, thus far. We did not begin building until Keefe came and gave permission, of course."

He nodded. "The lack of incidents makes for good hearing. I am glad of it. A well deserved rest, I am sure, for all your people." He started to walk, resurveying the land with family at his side, picking up Kellan once more so the boy would not have to clamber so in keeping stride.

Her hands went behind her back as she followed at his side. Vast portions of the island looked barren and untouched, but all of the Elementals, including others to come and help build, focused on one area at a time. Even some of the Earths were created landscape and greenery around the few skeletal buildings. "And how have things been for you? Also lacking in incidents, I hope?"

Storm Divine

Date: 2011-02-18 11:31 EST
Ewan quirked a brow then glanced around to Avery and back to Storm. It was enough, he knew, to let her know that incidents there had been, but nothing he would discuss with the children about. "Nothing to speak of. Kept myself busy so I could not notice how quiet the house has been." He reached out to tug at Avery's hair and then ruffled Kellan's. "What is this?" He looked at Kellan's leg where the pants had hitched up when Ewan was carrying him. It was one of those mild scabs from childhood falls. "War wound, young man? Defending your mother, no doubt." He sent the slightest wink to Storm.

"War wounds. It seems to be the only kind in our family." Rubbing her hands together briefly, Storm didn't seemed bothered by this notion; it was just simple truth. "There is still much work to be done, and it will take several weeks, but I believe the hardest building parts are over. And with the portal so close, we can come and go as we please. Once given authority." Added belatedly as she remembered Ewan's distrust in the portals.

He took in a slow breath. Another portal. He remembered when the first one was revealed so many years ago. He was only a soldier in the army, learning to be an assassin, and the world had tilted on its side. Now, there were two. It only made him a little bit easier that the second was in proximity to the powerful Elementals and some distance from shore. "Yes, that will make travel less time consuming for you. What does everyone else think? They share in your enthusiasm?"

"I believe so, yes. I know that the other Guardians are eager to come and learn to access their gifts as well, but I believe there will be time yet for that, and they will not all come as we have. It will be a slow learning process for everyone." A slight shrug.

The slight shrug was peculiar, and he was not sure how to interpret it. "Yes, time for that. Well, then," he took a sweeping look over the land around them, "you have things to see to, I am sure. I think I will have Avery and Kellan show me about." It was an offer to relieve her of watching them for awhile so she might wrap up what she needed to with others.

Her smile was appreciative, and she gave a nod, "Yes, the sooner it is done, the sooner we can leave. You will be coming home with us, yes?" Her smile tried not to be hopeful, but it was just the same.

"I will." He smiled and brushed a finger across the back of her hand.

"All the more reason to finish up." It was quiet and for his ears only, along with her loving smile. Still, she stood there for an extra moment, wanting to walk around and be with her family as well. With a slight shake of her head, she finally turned back to complete her work for the day.

Storm Divine

Date: 2011-05-11 02:25 EST
"All of the requested homes are nearly done." Paola continued to voice over the list kept in her mind to her current walking companion, "Otherwise, we have continued with the keep's design of a central living building. It should meet all other accommodations unless other requests are added on." She waved her hand over the large stone and wood fortress, "And the keep has been in use for the past week with little added concerns."

Storm was doing her best to notice all of the minor additions and new details during her short tour and update. Considering the rest of the building for homes, guest accommodations, marketplace, and continuing progress on food source, everything was almost ready. Soon, families of few and many alike would be able to call this island home. When walking around and noticing the style of the buildings and the plant life that mirrored Yransea similarly, there was an edge and a coastline never too far away. Placing her hands behind her back, she glanced over to the taller Guardian, ?And how have you been? I heard that Devin has returned home already.?

?By the third day.? The words burned on Paola?s tongue and she cleared her throat, ?His body did not adjust well. I believe it to be the same reasons as Renan and Celeste. Why it was worse for Devin I have yet to discover.?

The slight frown on Storm?s face eased away after a moment, ?We have time to make such discoveries. But for now, I am sure you wish to return to him, and I can resume my duties here. Thank you for coming on short notice, and you know to come when you please for progress and to wet your own curiosity.? As a faint smile appeared, she noticed the approaching figure of her father, and held back her surprise.

?Of course.? Paola noticed Storm gaze shift, and when her eyes followed, she gave a small smile and greeting, ?Cornelious.? Turning back to Storm, she inclined her head, ?I will return and organize new rotations.? There was a look to the elder Guardian?s face that did not look like a fun thing to discover.

?Very well.? Storm watched Paola make her way towards the portal before looking to her father. He did not seem well-rested and there were tight lines around the corners of his mouth that were not usually there. No verbal morning greetings were exchanged, but the wind picked up around them. "I am surprised to find you here. What do you think of it, so far?"

"I think it is progressing very well." He briefly put his arm around her shoulders before urging her to continue walking, "It is a lot of work for your goal, but we are getting there."

"It will be worth the investment, of that I am certain." Hands to her pockets, Storm started away from the small gathering, "I hope that in time it can be a home to many, particularly those like Kellan." There was a small pause, before she added in softer tones, "I have not had a chance to thank you for watching the boys.. while everything was happening."

There was a long pause, and Storm resisted the urge to look over at her father's face, "Yes," a long exhale, "I have heard quite the tale from Avery. Ewan is very lucky that you found in time." When there was no response, he continued, "And Avery is very concerned that you did something to make Ewan angry, though Avery cannot fathom why. It still is wrestling with his feelings over the matter."

Storm couldn't help but rub her chest just above her heart briefly. It was not a detail she planned to share with her father. "He is mending; we all are. Just takes some time is all."

"Time, yes." Cornelious stopped now, and turned to face his daughter, "Avery said that his father told him it will happen again, maybe worse. How much more do you think you can tolerate, much less your boys? Avery is young, but he knows that his father is involved in dangerous things."

"I knew of this before our joining." Storm stood as well, the frown adding lines to her forehead, "We do what we can to keep us safe, you know that. I cannot change his loyalties to the crown, and I will not ask him to choose." She felt the ache in the knowledge that such an ultimatum would leave her alone without Ewan, and continued, "Ewan is the product of such a home life, and I have confidence that we will create a family that trusts each other. Avery has the right to have his feelings, and we will be there to give him some understanding."

"How many times will you have to hunt those that capture him? How many days will you have that fear that this will be the time he will never return? Storm," he tried to place his hand under her chin, and while she didn't move away, she didn't look at him either. "I am glad that I can be there to help you with the boys, but I am concerned about how this affects your family."

Storm stiffened, and moved her chin out of his gentle grasp, "Ewan is a part of my family; our family. This is not up for discussion." Angry and hurt, she turned on her heels went back towards the keep and other elementals. When she did not feel him follow her, the mixture of anger and hurt sunk deep and low to the pit of her middle.