There was the task of growing given to them all. Solis- while physically grown- had much to do in the magical and mental departments.

As did some others. The offer was given to follow him away from the hive proper, still within sight and yet out of the thickest of the woods. He had no idea what his magic had in store for him, but, looking down to his paws, he could only imagine what power they held.

This would be fine. Head turning slowly, he took in the sparse trees around him. Hm. He trudged through muck to find a dry place, jumping atop a thick root to shake out his limbs. Right, then, what could he do? Drawing in his senses while he tried to push magic through him, he drew it towards the paws facing his eyes.

A dull pain flared through his limbs and exploded at the tips. Oh. This was pain. His face scrunched up as his claws flexed, hissing with the experience given to him. A heat was perceptible from his own feet. So this was magic- causing pain to himself?

In frustration, he slapped his paws back down onto the root. A yelp was given at the contact and sudden change of texture, his smoldering paw revealing the gray print left behind. Oh- so he could cause damage to others as well.

How interesting.

@Temperantia

With a flourish of its' wings, Temperantia followed the small cat. The idea of practicing their magic --it had not given much thought to it. But it was a new way to serve Mother. They would serve in any shape possible. The cat had ideas it respected. It parsed its mind for their name. Solis, it tried to remind itself. It floated nearby the cat. Temperantia did not need to see Mother's many children, but it provided comfort to it.

It watched as Solis practiced. It shut its eyes, save for the few on its' wings. Solis' magicka was strange. Temperantia could not see the point of it--that is, until they burnt the root. It could not be used to spread Mother's reach, but perhaps it could be used to defend their family. It spread a wing, observing the burnt spot upon the branch closely.

You can protect us. Like Zelk and Sergei. They thought. It tucked its wings back in, and spun in thought, as a walking creature might pace. Not as big, but useful. The ability to burn was useful. Perhaps their ability would be useful as well. They drifted away, in case their magicka was dangerous as well, and touched a wing to a clump of moss. Something seemed to happen. The gem at their side felt warmer as they channeled magic. Temperantia felt its excitement growing. A brief splutter of white lit the inside of the moss for a moment, and then it died. Its excitement fell near instantly. Well, that was disappointing.

((attempt didnt go through so repost ayy))

@Solis

Temperantia. A sibling. Solis's head turned to them slowly, blinking before his head cocked ever so slightly. Triangle ears flopped to one side. Useful. Not as much. Not yet. But I will be as useful as you.

They seemed to be comparing itself to him? Claws raked through Temperantia's memory, peeling up their curiousity of Lessers. We're both young, but you know so much more than me. He stood, here, stepping closer and moving to press his forehead against a smooth side of the angel's ring. A purr rumbled through him and his thoughts. You are useful as you are. You can always be more useful, but you are good for Mother just how you are.

Love flourished. Like the folding blooms of Mother, Solis projected his love towards them. Nothing had come of the first try, but... Try again, he urged. Focus. Feel me focus, focus like this. He shut his eyes, perching up on his hindquarters and pulling up his paws, charging forward the magic he once tried before. Despite his serene expression, a wince showed through at the pain. It was worth it. He could feel the tendrils of magic coursing through him, heating his body, drawing his paws into a red-hot state.

The feline's eyes opened in turn. Try again. You can do it, it just takes time. We have time.

@Temperantia

Temperantia was surprised by the assessment of their sibling. They did not protest as Solis flipped through Temperantia's memory, bringing up thoughts of their earlier judgement of lessers. Solis thought they...knew much? They were the same?Solis' fur against them distracted them. Temperantia let go of its useless self reflection, its individual thoughts melting back into the comforting hive s o u p.

Temperantia blinked as Solis rubbed against their side. It felt odd against their side, hard chitin, and an eye in the way blinked at fur against them. But it also felt nice. The positive emotions carried the experience for Temperantia. They folded their wings in close, feeling content for once. The reassurance that they were useful to Mother, it filled them with glee. The warm emotions that blossomed from Solis filled them with calm.

Yes, I am useful to Mother, and I will be. Always. They assured themselves. It was terrible that other gembound couldn't feel the warmth of their family. They were lost. But Temperantia was not, they would not alone in their trials, they had their family. They would try. They watched, silently as Solis tried once more to use their magicka. They did not like how Solis flinched at the pain. They almost felt as if they could feel it. Temperantia would try to, if only to spare Solis the pain.

They bent a wing down, grasping a pebble. Try again. They would aim for a shade of pink. It was bright and warm, as they felt about their family. Temperantia felt their magicka surge, and for a moment Temperantia felt hope. Their magic was working, the stone would glow! The stone, already grey in color, seemed to brighten for a split second. And then it flashed. flickering an array of dark greens, before becoming immeasurably dark. A shade so devoid of light, it seemed to be a hole in reality.

Oh, Temperantia thought. They lacked experience with magicka, but they were sure this was wrong.

@Solis (((Ping for my dumb child!!)))