ORIGIN - What the cat dragged in

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Overseer Cain hadn't walked so far in quite a long time. Usually it flew, but flying slowly enough for a new creation to keep up wasn't ideal for long travel. If Aurelia knew where she was going, it would be a different story, but Cain wanted her able to take in the sights as they went, rather than worrying where her Overseer had flown off to when a particularly stunning view caught her attention.

It was easier that way, but now Cain's paws felt sore from the travel. It probably could use a little nap, or a snack, but all of that could wait until it had announced itself and its new arrival as well. Aurelia may or may not have noticed the Sentinel on her own, but Cain nodded to the guard of Draco, twitching its tail toward its ward. "This is Aurelia. Aurelia, this is the Sentinel. He is a creation of Master Vargas, and guards Draco." Did the Sentinel count as a Valkhound? Overseer Cain thought that his stone might not have been oil, but it was hard to tell with the corruption that crawled through the hound. Cain did not interact him frequently either, but perhaps she would see use in training with him. The introduction seemed polite, at least.

Cain didn't wait for them to exchange pleasantries, however. Instead, crimson eyes swept the room, and when its magic picked up the looming, massive-by-comparison heartbeat of its Master, its tail shot into the air.

"Master Vargas!" The winged feline yowled across the room, glancing toward Aurelia. "Come with me," it instructed shortly, quick to take wing now to sweep toward Master Vargas-- whether to meet him halfway, or save him the trouble of stopping what he was doing.

"Master Vargas," Overseer Cain repeated, voice brimming with... excitement, of all things. "I found a Valkhound hatching in Polaris. This is Aurelia," it explained, "she wishes to join us."

@Aurelia @Vargas (and technically the Sentinel, but its kind of a brief mention--)

The Sentinel was, as always, at the doorway. He noted the pair approaching, and stood silent--stiff, whispering halberd rigid against the floor--as Overseer Cain addressed him. Eyes flicked over the pair. Even in his half-hallucinating mind (for a moment, there was nothing there but void--colorless, drifting, empty, and he had to wait a moment for it to pass) he could see that Aurelia was something with which Master Vargas would be pleased.

He stepped neatly aside, though it was not strictly necessary to make room.

"Overseer," he rasped, and then: "Master Vargas works near the Spire." But it didn't seem to need that bit of information. Pale eyes regarded Aurelia--the Overseer already moving off, calling it--and the Sentinel again spoke. His voice was that same wheezing, hollow rasp, more a wind over rattling gravel than a real tone.

"It will be pleased with the Beast that Comes. The Sentinel senses... light, and shadow, in its future. He will watch. With interest."

No explanation to this was given, but he didn't speak further--simply opened the way, and looked back down Tunnel G--guarding.

(enter & exit)

- THE LEVIATHAN -

Vargas turned, at the call, and bellowed out a response. "OVERSEER CAIN!" It was a greeting, as much as a friendly (as friendly as the Leviathan got, anyway) summons, and Vargas turned to pace a ways toward the Overseer.

The creature following along was... interesting, to say the least, and he paused at once with his full attention rocked toward it, even before Cain explained that it wished to join them. Young? Or full-grown? he wondered. It looked unmarked, smooth--wait. Polaris? The thought rang and rattled in his mind. ...Polaris? he thought again, after a moment, and then blinked his too-many eyes and snapped out of it. A slow sense of warm, creeping triumph flared through him. Did that mean that the Creator's magic was again welling up, even at the cave's Core? Taking back over what should have been His all along?

"This is good news," he rumbled, half at Aurelia, half at his own thoughts. "Well done, Overseer Cain."

Well-! Time for an assessment, then. Vargas strode to Aurelia, coming to a halt a couple meters off, peering down with interest. "I am Master Vargas. Tell me, Aurelia: what has the Overseer told you thus far?" A test in its own right--to see how sentient, how verbal, this creature was, how intelligent. Was it but a child? A near-feral beast? Eloquent and keen? He would see.

Plus, it would do to not repeat too much--and to see how much it had absorbed, as well.

@Aurelia

Aurelia followed mostly in silence, save for a few inquisitive sounds of curiosity and awe that managed to escape her maw. She kept close to her Overseer, only stopping momentarily a handful of times to glance at lesser gembounds who scurried off along the way through the caves. They were perhaps a bit too close as anytime she truly focused on a lesser her skin began writhing as whispers spoke to her; muffled and so faint but, something was evidently there. Perhaps the lessers knew more than she did as they never stuck around for long.

The journey was quite far truth be told, but she hadn't any frame of time or distance for travel within the caves just yet. In fact she seemed rather pleased- excited at all the new sights and sounds that surrounded both her and Overseer Cain. It was evident that her Overseer had wings, she wondered perhaps a moment or two along the way. Though she was evidently rather pleased with the fact their Overseer managed to stay so close on foot anytime she admired a view for perhaps longer than a couple of seconds.

Truth be told Aurelia hadn't noticed The Sentinel as another living entity-not at first, but she did notice a glow. She was rather curious, watching them silently as her Overseer introduced her to them and them to her. The Sentinel- such a curious name but it was their own; it held beauty just as her name had. She bowed her head slightly, in greeting and in response of them stepping aside. Though it didn't seem they needed to in order to make room- regardless she did what she felt was right.

Aurelia did not stay stationary for long, though she did linger for a few moments- listening to The Sentinel as they spoke; though it was evidently cut short as Overseer Cain took off. She hummed having greeted the- gembound? What had Overseer Cain told her...the gem- well the gem upon their chest didn't seem to be...that of oilstone but...All eyes blinking slowly and at once she inhaled deeply. She didn't dwell on this curiosity for too long, she was sure she'd learn soon enough. And with that she followed after her Overseer, leaving The Sentinel.

She followed, a brisk pace to keep up with the flying feline now. Her Overseer called for Master Vargas- and in turn they received a response. Loud and bellowing it was unlike anything she had heard before- though when she finally was able to see the Master himself- well the sound was self explanatory as they were enormous to say the least. She kept one pair of eyes on her Overseer, but the other two watched the Leviathan with intense curiosity and interest. Flesh beneath skin writhing with excitement to finally see the Master than her Overseer had been talking about. But still she stood there behind her Overseer with baited breathe, heart caught in throat as her potential master watched her. She was excited- though she was unsure if she was nervous all the while.

Overseer Cain spoke of who and what she was, and her desire to join the Forge.

"This is good news,"

She breathed again as the Leviathan rumbled, no longer holding her breath. Perhaps she was a bit nervous. This was after all a pivotal point, she wanted to belong; to have a family and to have her own purpose by their side. It wasn't until Master Vargas strode even closer to her did all eyes focus on him. Unblinking at first but she evidently seemed to wrangle what nerves were squirming beneath the surface soon enough.

It took her a moment, to breathe and take in their words; she bowed first, lowering her head and front half in respect to the Master before her.

"Hello Master Vargas."

She kept it short and sweet, rising back to her feet to meet his gaze again.

"My Overseer has told me who you are, and of the Forge. That you are the Master of it, and...one of the few who still rule. They told me about The Black Spire too- how it will..."

She stops for a moment, thinking, trying to remember what she was told exactly before her journey here. Tail curling and uncurling with each passing second as she grows lost in thought.

"How it will stabilize me. I dont- understand that yet but the Spire itself is...dangerous? And-"

She paused again, gaze flickering trying to remember.

"I dont- remember their name...but there is another Valkhound who sleeps under it so I must be careful. My Overseer also told me what I was, a Valkhound!"

She is delighted by this, to know what she is; excitement causing her flesh to writhe beneath her skin once more. Tendrils of muscle flexing along her back and over her throat just beneath her pale skin.

"And that there are others like me! That I am made of chaos for chaos! I am not better- nor worse than the others; but I must prove myself and learn! "

She smiles now, maw cracking into a wide pleased grin, excitement bubbling up in a more childish way as it is evident she is having difficulty standing still like that as she was just moments ago. And even her excited silence began to crack as a low rumbling purr began to build in her throat, not overly loud; as she didn't seem partially aware of it herself. Though even with all the excitement she hoped she did not forget anything her Overseer had told her, it all was important one way or another.
@cain @vargas

My Overseer. Many referred to Cain as Overseer Cain, or the Overseer, but so rarely was it that anything called it My Overseer. Master Vargas, perhaps. The rest of the Chaos Forge? Less so. Cain was an Overseer, to the lot of them. To the weak willed who only came to it for the occasional lesson, rarely trying to form any actual connection with Cain.

It was a shame, really. Cain was a cat by nature, but although aloof, they were creatures of habit and of colony. They lived in groups, and Cain was also a gembound, through and through. Community meant something to Cain, the admiration of its peers as well. It found itself quite alone at times.

That was alright, though. It didn't feel particularly lonely... But this new prospect? It still sent a thrill through Overseer Cain, who held its head high and twitched its tail contentedly. Aurelia was keen and intelligent; this, the Overseer had already determined. Her immediate loyalty was a bonus, and it waited with baited breath to see Master Vargas's approving response.

After all, nothing in the world mattered more to Cain. It lived and breathed in its Master's pride, magic swelling to drink in the response.

"I believe in her potential," the Overseer spoke plainly. "What do you think she would be suited for?" And-- also-- what did Master Vargas want, given that this was a fairly blank slate of what Cain could only presume was a powerful valkhound waiting to be given purpose.

@Vargas

- THE LEVIATHAN -

Vargas listened quietly, each sentence from Aurelia ticking up his estimation of her just a notch. She said the right things--made the right points--and was eloquent enough to display intelligence and self-control. When she had finished, he glanced to the Overseer again--if Aurelia had missed anything, Cain would tell him.

Apparently, she had not--even better news!--and he offered them both a dip of his head. "Well done, Overseer," he repeated; and then, half to Aurelia, "I think she will be an asset to the caves. Overseer Cain has explained things well, it seems," he began--he'd address Cain's question in a moment. "The Chaos Forge serves the driving purpose of these caves: the reason for their existence. We create and train beasts for our Creator's use. This is a nest, where we form and train them. Mindless monsters would be sent out, but you are not mindless; as the Overseer says, I imagine you have more potential than that. We can always use power combined with strength." He fired a glance at Cain, and said more quietly, "I think we may need to replace Overseer Alpha in the coming days." It had not returned--it had, in fact, vanished from where he'd told it he'd next meet it.

Aurelia's intelligence, then, he'd pinpointed at once as a strength--confirming Cain's own opinion. He looked to the Valkhound and continued: "As for you, Aurelia--and as for her role among us--I will be listing tasks that we will need in our next meeting, in a few days. Perhaps you can test her in combat, in stealth, in anything else you can think of, and report at the meeting; if she shows an aptitude, we can choose a role for her then?" It was a suggestion, more than a command, and he looked at the two for confirmation.

She did not look like the stealthy sort, but neither did he, at first glance; perhaps her aptitude would lie in that direction. "I would not decide until I have seen how she performs at a given task, and it would be useful for her to have a basic training in everything, regardless." This last was directed more toward Cain, but he looked to Aurelia again. "The Black Spire is full of power--the same sort that you hold. It will stabilize you, and you must spend time near it, periodically--but too near, touch it, and it will burn your power entirely away and take your body with it. But if you do not go near it, the magic you hold will boil over and kill you, eventually; you would lose control of its inherent chaos, lose control of yourself, and die. Draco is safe for you," he explained, elaborating on what the Overseer had apparently told her. "I will be gathering us, as I mentioned, soon. I will be laying out for the other members of the Forge what punishments will be handed out for betrayal, rebellion, the shirking of duties. I will also be offering new rewards--rewards not to be found anywhere else in the caves--and explaining which tasks I need performed. Until then, perhaps you can get her acclimated; I can spar with her and teach her the basics once she has eaten, and rested--if she has not?--and you can test her stealth," Vargas suggested, again.

@Aurelia

Aurelia waited with baited breath, trying to reign in her excitement as Master Vargas looked her over after she had explained everything she had remembered.

"I believe in her potential,"

Potential, her Overseer said she had potential! And Master Vargas seemed to be in agreement, saying that he believes she might be an asset to the caves and the Forge. She was more than relived to hear this, happiness coated with excitement and pride at both her Overseer and Master's words. When The Leviathan spoke up again, speaking of the purpose for The Chaos Forge she was keen to listen, intense focus on what she would would inevitably help out within these caves. Though when Vargas spoke a tad more quietly to her Overseer she reeled in the desire to step forward to listen. Those words were not for her, all she need to be was patient.

She watched, gaze flickering once or twice between her Overseer and Master now as a conversation; quick and sudden took place. But soon she met the Leviathan's eyes again as they addressed her once more. She was informed that she would not receive a role just yet, she needed to be tested- to figure out her strengths. She nodded along, agreeing with her Master. She too was unaware of her strengths, she had just hatched of course. But regardless of what they felt to be her strengths she would do her best to hone her skills; especially with their guidance.

The suggestions of testing her in combat and in stealth came to light and Aurelia had no qualms with either. She only nodded, waiting for the moment to speak up once her Master was looking for confirmation.

"Whatever my Overseer and you, Master deem appropriate. You said before, that the meeting is soon- I only wish not to interrupt your plans of it with what tests will be placed for me."

She would follow whatever her Overseer and Master deemed appropriate, if they wanted to wait she would be more than happy to simply acclimate to Draco and learn about the Forge in the meantime. If she was to be evaluated sooner rather than later then she would happily accept that route too.

She continued to listen, only to straighten her stance when she was once again under The Leviathan's focus. He informed her of the Black Spire, its use and purpose to a Valkhound like her. She learned that it would be wise to not touch it, but also unwise to remain far from it for an extended period of time for both would lead to her untimely demise. Other than that Draco was safe for her, here she was safe with those of The Chaos Forge; alongside her Overseer Cain and Master Vargas.

"Thank you Master Vargas, I will treat The Black Spire with respect."

She smiled and bowed in thanks before her Master. It seemed this truly was meant to be- she would need them and their guidance; and the spire too for health. Perhaps she had already found her place- she just needed to be shown the way to become the perfect machine.

@Cain

Cain held its head high as Master Vargas praised it and its find. Aurelia was exactly the sort that they needed: steadfast, loyal, and still malleable. At the mention of Overseer Alpha, however, Cain's ear gave a single long twitch, flicking from the base up to the tip.

Yes, the Orthoclase. It nodded to the Leviathan in agreement, though it feigned some concern into its tone, "Have you found it?" It had not heard any news, and it was supposed to be on the look out as well.. But, Master Vargas did not need to know of their meeting. "... Is it not returning?" That would have struck it as a greater loss had it not been cycles already since Alpha had stepped foot into Draco. The gap left by the Orthoclase had plenty of time to become familiar and expected as it was.

"Yes," Overseer Cain went on to agree with its Master. "It would be good to make sure she is well rounded. I will pass on my knowledge to her and we can go from there?" It was excited for the upcoming meeting, but for now, it looked toward Aurelia.

It wasn't particularly polite to speak as though she wasn't there-- but considering how far they both outranked her, and how well she was taking things thus far, it didn't seem like a genuine issue. Still, it addressed her directly now: "We can start with the basics now, if you're ready. It might be easiest to start with hunting lessers, as you'll need to eat, I assume." Not that she would necessarily be hungry now, but before long she would-- presumably-- need to eat again.

@Vargas

- THE LEVIATHAN -

Oh, he was pleased with this one. Her words ticked his estimation up rapid notches, even further than before. He leaned back, his expression appraising as he answered her. She appeared to be physically capable--an ancient design of the old guard--"You are well-spoken and you show respect, both to us and to our cause. Continue in this vein and you will go very far," he assured her. Aurelia had adopted the Forge as her own, immediately and powerfully, and such loyalty was something Vargas valued above almost all else.

He looked to his Overseer. "You have done very well." Praise: upgraded. "And yes, and no. I will explain another time," he added, with a light shake of his head.

Vargas trusted Cain to correctly begin the training process: the hybrid knew the basics, themselves, and would give her a solid foundation to work with. "Find me as soon as you have need of me. I will leave you to your training," he assured them, his tone businesslike but clearly pleased.

If they had questions, problems--or once her initial training was complete--they could come and get him; in the meantime, Cain had things well in hand. Vargas turned to move away, to leave them to the beginnings of what he hoped would be a very fruitful relationship.

exit Vargas? (but he's not far off if needed!)

@Aurelia

She waited, patiently just as before but with happiness and excitement racing in her heart. Her Overseer spoke to her again, Aurelia's focus flickering to them, eager to listen and to learn. While she didn't want to be a disruption in Master Vargas's no doubt busy schedule she was very excited to be taught the basics, especially when it came to hunting for food. While she had eaten a rat prior thanks to the generosity of her Overseer Cain, she did feel perhaps a bit peckish now, a soft hunger that lingered in the pit of her stomach. How curious. Still, with eager eyes, she nodded. Opening her maw to reply in turn.

" I won't know if I don't try, but, I believe I am ready. I am excited to learn, to hunt. Though, I am a little bit hungry if I am honest my Overseer."

The corners of her mouth rose with a sheepish but honest grin. Pale skin writhing in excitement as a purr rose in her chest. She was excited and evidently growing in hunger. And she soon was to hunt and learn alongside her Overseer? Oh who wouldn't be excited!? And the words from Master Vargas, in both his assurance and recognition that she could be someone! That she so far seemed to have it takes! Well, that helped elevate her mood too, if it was possible for it to rise any higher!

She smiled at Master Vargas, bowing before his departure, giving him her best regards.

"Until next time Master, I will work hard to bring you good news then."

She knew she'd have to work hard, and train to be the best she could. But she just hoped she wasn't too awful at whatever her Overseer Cain had in mind. Though, perhaps it'd be slightly understandable, given that she was just hatched today-though she didn't seem to keen on that excuse herself. It took her just a few moments to shake that thought away, there would be no chicanery or excuses here.

Aurelia watched The Leviathan depart, taking a moment to herself to simply watch in awe. Vargas was a large entity that resided in the caves and the largest one Aurelia had met. Nevermind that she had only met her Overseer Cain, Master Vargas, The Sentinel and a lesser gembound so far, but still it was something of a marvel for her to witness. Something she would get used to rather quickly she was sure. Though did make her curious, just how large would she grow to be?

Though with that thought she turned to her Overseer again, all six golden eyes focused on the feline before her now.

"I am ready whenever you are my Overseer."

@Cain
@Vargas (just for visibility since Aurelia interacted before he left!)

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