Ritual of Binding - The Binding of Four Champions

(((Only Nygozy ( and Kai), Kassina, Takara, Dartmoor, Tatsoo, Areth, Shade and Wolfram are allowed in this form. )))

The camp had been left far behind, the sun had set and meals were being prepared.

He chose a spot that was was out of sight and ear shot of the camp.

The trees here were older than most people, but still far younger than he had remembered in his time. He felt sorrow for the trees as they had been cut down to build homes for people who knew not what they did.

He called to the spirits of the earth, he asked them to strengthen these young trees. A green aura appeared around Kraven, it pulsed out from him and enveloped the surrounding trees.

They shuttered and groaned, rising up higher, as if they were reaching for the stars. Their trunks grew thick and strong, as their bark turned gray and hard.

It was rare to find iron bark in this day and age and none in such abundance. He knew that these could not stay and will removed them once the ritual is done.

Only a small entrance way allowed anyone to enter or leave this clearing, as the trees had grown tight, created a wall of iron bark.

He knelt to the ground and asked for four stone pillars to rise; the earth gladly granted his request.

Upon each stone pillar a ball of swirling energy formed; blue for water, red for fire, green for earth, and white for air.

He took a step back to stand in front of these pillars and waited for them to arrive.

Kassina had spent the afternoon and evening in the forest with her pack on patrol. She had dinner with the pack alphas and the cubs, checking everything was okay incase she had to leave suddenly. She was a little bit nervous about what was to come, but not nearly as much as the others probably were.

After she had eaten and played for awhile with the pack cubs Kassina got up and followed the chatter of the forest creatures to the mysterious ring of trees that had sprung up outside of the camp. The wolf trotted into the circle and barked a greeting to the Keeper.

The golden hued wolf sniffed around then trotted along the darkened path to follow the scent she could catch on the breeze. It was almost time for the binding and she wanted to get there soon. She had left Shade in discussion, training, learning from Aerth and even though it was interesting it was also Shade's training, not hers, and Tatsoo had not wished to have his attention taken up with her. So she had kissed him and bid farewell to them until the binding. It was not a long time for either of them to wait to see each other.

She had taken her time roaming the woods and now was moving towards these magnificent iron bark trees which were grown in a strange manner with an opening. Tatsoo changed back to her humanoid form and walked through the entrance, looking about in awe.

"Ah neva have seen a thing like dis, Kraven. It be bootieful. Allo sister Kassina wolf." She walked over to the elven figure and bowed her head respectfully, "Ah am here as ye bid ta take me binding. D'ye have a place fer me ta be or should ah stay right here?"

Takara had spent the afternoon trying to stay busy and keep her mind off what was to come. She was sure she had made the right choice but she was still terrified. She had done some sparring practice with Khael and helped with every camp chore she could find.

She and Khael had gone and found an early dinner, but Takara didn't eat much, she was simply too nervous. Khael tried to cheer her up and encourage her of course and she smiled for his sake. He had done so much for her in the last two years, she couldn't cause him more worry now.

Finally darkness was falling and she could avoid it no longer. She gave Khael a hug and started walking nervously to the ritual site. She didn't know what she should wear or if she needed anything so she simply wore her borrowed burgandy robes and a borrowed travelling cloak. She also had a dagger at her belt, and a pouch containing two lyrium potions she had aquired from the camp stores.

"H... hello." She stammered as she entered the ring of trees seeing that Kraven and Tatsoo were there already, as was a wolf she guessed was Kassina. "I d.. didn't know if I w.. was supposed to bring anyth.. thing." The mage said fiddling nervously with her skirt as she looked around the clearing within the trees.

Wolfram had spent the time after the initial meeting reading a document on elven phrases. It would be a while before he could actually learn more, but if this ritual was going to be spoken in elven, he wanted the best chance he could get at understanding it. It eventually dawned on him that almost the entire group that's going to be gathered there are elves. Nygozy, maybe Tatsoo, and himself would be the only non elves in attendance.

Following that realization, he also began to wonder what Kraven meant by the master mage being able to cast with sly and cunning. He felt that if he wanted to know how in better detail, it would mean learning magic from this mage, who, if he interpreted it correctly, would be teaching Shade in Kraven's stead.

About an hour before he went to the ritual sight, Wolfram mended his robe and examined his hand. The scar was healed, joining the numerous others, but it was still something he'd like hidden. He removed the bandages and kept them on hand. Hopefully when this is done they can go on the move again.

He eventually found the site, and found himself examining the iron bark trees. He didn't know iron bark grew this far into Ferelden, let alone this abundantly. He walked around to an area behind Kraven. His eye caught wind of the four orbs atop the pillars. He stepped back a bit and waited.

shade walked from between the trees a new robe was on him one as red as blood that mixed with his hair his eyes were the color of his dragons and he seemed stronger. He walked across he expanse through the trees and stopped sliding his hand over the bark and wondered if he could request a length of Iron bark for a staff of his own one that would be stronger. Moving quickly he walked past the others ignoring all even his beloved as he stopped in front of Kraven and knelt down on one knee his head bowed and his face a impassive mask.

He stayed like that for a long moment before rising to face his Master and then looked to the four pillars his own Binding would be tonight as well and he had sat alone for hours before he realized one thing he held as close to him as Tatsoo. A pendant hung from his wrist in the shape of a dragon the eyes glowing as he stared at his master.

Shade smiled at Tatsoo before taking a step back to stand behind Kraven and wait for it all to begin.

Nygozy had spent the rest of her afternoon hidden away from others, having left the care of the camp to Sinjan, Pendra and a few others as she had made both Calliara and Macha go rest. They both were too tired to be of any good so they needed their sleep. The afternoon was only for her and Kai but that soon ended and she walked slowly towards the place where the binding would happen.

She timed it so she would probably be last and then strode through the entrance in shadow then came out into the light where she could be seen.

Her eyes swept the area and for a moment she was confused, "All but Dartmoor? Did he choose to abstain?" That did not sound like the young man, or so she hoped that he would keep his promise.

Areth strolled through the forest, enjoying their soft whispers as the breeze rustled their leaves.

The breeze picked up, as the trees spoke to her quickly sounding an alarm. An elf was lost and needed to be found.

An elf lost? In the woods? How absurd she thought.

With a gentle touch and a whispered request she gentle entered a tree. Without hesitation it sent her to the lost elf.

She looked at the Elvhen man in wonder, as elf yes, but not dressed like any she had seen before.

"My child, " she whispered, "Are you in need of guidance?"

He smiled at the first three champions as they arrived, "Kassina, go stand behind the pillar of Earth. Takara, the pillar of water. And Tatsoo, behind the pillar of air."

He looked first at Wolfram then Shade, "Both of you, go stand with them, for you are both included."

A snow white wolf emerged from the trees to look up at the strange elf man hopping around and yelping. The wolf cocked her head and whined at him. An elf lady appeared and began speaking to the elf man.

Elf-Wolf sister had told the patrol to be on the lookout for lost people and to guide them if they were found. Despite the other elf's presence the wolf stayed to make sure the male got where he needed to go. He smelled very faintly of Kassina and the wolf thought she knew who he was. She sat down patiently to wait and watch.

Shade nodded and walked towards the group he stopped looking longingly at the fire element than walked past it to stand a foot behind Tatsoo. His hand reached out and squeezed hers before dropping his hand back to his side and waited.

Tatsoo walked over to the podium as she had been told and waited for everyone to arrive. She rubbed one foot against an ankle then did the same with the other. This was nerve wracking but she didn't want to show it.

When Shade touched her hand she looked at him nervously then smiled shyly as he let go of her hand. Then she stood there. Waiting. And rubbing a foot against an ankle then the other.

As Kraven spoke Kassina shifted to elf form and nodded to him. She slowly walked over to the pillar he indicated and stood near it. She clasped her hands behind her back to resist the temptation to reach out and touch the pretty object before her. She bounced on the balls of her feet, excited, and a little nervous. Kassina's eyes were constantly moving and scanning the area around her. Where had Dartmoor gotten to?

Takara nodded wordlessly and went to the place indicated. She fidgeted nervously with the skirt of her robe and stared at the ground, too afraid to even look at the others.

"You seem so frightened of something that is so natural to the Elvhen people. Do not show fear of the forest, for it will know you are afraid and act upon you. The trees will move and shake, the wolves will howl and before you know it you are trapped within its embraces for all of time."

Areth held out her hand, "Let me show you the way."

Wolfram was a bit unsure how the two of them were included, but he moved anyway. He stood behind Takara and Kassina, while Shade, characteristically stood behind Tatsoo.

Kraven looked at Takara out of the corner of his eye, before he walked up to her and stood on the other side of the pillar.

"You are a mage child, stand proud of what you are. You are no longer owned by anyone, nor shall you ever be again. Hold up your head, look around you, you are among friends. These are friends who will lay down their lives for you, protect you, fight with you. They too rely on you, you are their healer. Without you they will surely perish."

He held out his hand to touch her chin and raise it up, "You will never be afraid again, this I can promise you."

Be whirled his cloak around and went back to stand before the group.

Nygozy smirked as everything started to play out and had trouble not chuckling when Dartmoor showed up. She waited to be told where to wait.

Takara nearly began to tremble as the strange elf came over to talk to her. She tried to shy away from his hand and found that she could not. As he lifted her head and spoke she felt a strange calm wash over her. She took a deep breath and nodded as he walked away. She still played nervously with her skirts, but she was able to look up and around at the others that were to share her path.


Kassina grinned in relief as Dartmoor walked into the clearing. She waved to him happily and nodded to the white wolf escorting him sending her back to her patrol duties. Speaking to him would have to wait until later as it looked like everyone was here.

Areth glided into the area gracefully, it was as if she walked on a cushion of air.

She took her place at the right side of Kraven, smiling at all of those who attended.

"Paragon, please stand with me and approach each chosen as I do."

He looked at all of them, smiling only for a moment. before his look turned serious.

"I know some of you still wonder what this entails. And I shall fully explain this to you before we begin."

"Any ascended being is allowed to leave a piece of themselves behind when they leave the mortal realm. I have chosen four of you to hold that one piece together. Each of you will receive a piece of my energy bound to an element. This will give you a certain connection with each of them, a connection that will allow you to shape it in ways that you see fit. This is far different than magic than most of you have seen. It is with this power that you will be able to retrieve the essence of those four elements in hopes of stopping Draconis from tearing all the way through the fade."

He looked at Areth, "This is the master mage that will train you in how to use these abilities, for without that training the carnal power alone would tear you apart."

"Areth is Uztha, Uthza is Mara, and Mara is Golem and Finally, Golem is Magnus. They are one being; connected through the ages, all reincarnations of themselves. Areth was an Elvhen princess, Golem one of the first Golems made by the Dwarven people, and Mara a lost Elvhen girl. Magnus is unique, when you meet him, you will understand. And because of his unique shape shifting abilities, when one of these persona's wishes to take over, his form is shifted to what they once were."

He paused for a moment to let all of this sink in.

Nygozy nodded and stood beside Kraven as he bade. She would do as he said, as long as all was well.

Tatsoo listened and nodded. She was not too worried. There was some, of course, about how she would fare with this situation but the young woman didn't want to show it. Instead, she concentrated on Kraven and tried to digest all he said well enough to know what he meant. The concept of who was who and whatever else Kraven said about Uztha went right over her head but she figured it probably only meant the man was multiple people who could change their shape with his ability.

Dartmoor blinked and waited. He was nervous and wanting to get this going, done and over with. The thief was sure this would take hours and have some strange ceremony and all the other stuff he'd seen happen at weddings or parties at rich people's houses or in the Chantry. He certainly didn't want all that boredom as he wanted to get through and be ready to go ahead. But he stood there doing his best to not be impatient.

Takara stood silently, mind reeling with the thought of having part of the power of a god within her. They must have chosen wrong a part of her said. A slave girl didn't deserve something like this. She barely even knew anything about the Maker, let alone any of the elven gods. And despite what everyone often assumed she was a human, not an elf.

But a small voice that sounded remarkably like Khael's whispered in her head too, telling her that she could do this, that she needed to do this. This was about helping others, saving others from suffering. This was bigger than her and she needed to put her doubts aside and get to work.

Then unbidden another voice whispered that maybe she should get a haircut so people could see her ears. She had to stiffle a giggle at this thought and fought to keep her face passive.




Kassina listened as Kraven spoke but a large majority of what he said went right over her head. She looked around at the others to see if they were as lost as her, but they all seemed to be lost in their own thoughts. She shrugged inwardly. It didn't really matter she supposed, she was going to do this anyway. She could always have the details filled in later. The commander spoke many animal languages and Tatsoo spoke wolf. Hopefully one of them could translate for her later.

He looked around and decided that it was time to begin.

He walked up to Kassina first, "Kassina, daughter to the wolves; Corueth of the Elvhen. You are the daughter of the earth; you who shape your destiny with each form you take. I give you power over earth, so that you may know all creatures."

He took a blade from his belt, wisps of energy crackled from it. Without hesitation, he sliced it across his wrist. Droplets of pure white energy dripped from the wound, falling into the swirling green orb.

It pulsed and crackled, the primal forces mixed with the essence of a god collided with each other.

Soon they subsided, leaving behind an iron bark pendent on a chain made from silverite. The wood had been carved into the shape of a wolf. Kraven picked it up and moved to place it over Kassina's head. As he lifted it, the pendant spun; the shapes of different animals could be seen. With each turn the pendant took, a new animal was shown.

"This will give you power of the shapes you take. You only need to touch an animal to take its form. They will come when you call and you will never need to fear them. In time your training will allow you to not only mold your own shape, but that of nature itself."

Kassina watch wide eyed as Kraven sliced himself and dripped energy onto the orb infront of her. She could feel the energy and magic swirling and flowing as she watched.

When the pulsing subsided Kassina gasped at the pendant. She normally cared nothing for jewelry, barely even noticing it, but this pendant was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

As Kraven placed the chain over her head Kassina reached up tentatively to touch it. "Thank you." She said quietly as she looked at the pendant and then up at Kraven. "Kassina guard earth," was all she could think to say.

Nygozy followed and waited, watching carefully and unsure what she was required for.

Tatsoo was not sure what to expect but she had not considered that it would be an amulet. Would that not be easy to remove from someone? She didn't question it out loud as she figured it would be told to them in good time.

Dartmoor waited and was quite interested in the creation of the pendant. It was very interesting.

Kraven smile and nodded at Kassina as he stepped over to Takara.

"You Takara, your calm and peace is needed in these times. You heart is good and you will soon see your true potential. I give you power over water. This element will allow you to heal all wounds no matter how severe. There are wounds that not even human magics can cure, but with the power of water, nothing will be out of your grasp. Soon as your power grows, you will wash away even the blight from these lands, making it pure and whole again."

He held the same dagger in his hand, and again without hesitation, he slit his wrist. The power of his essence flowed from him and merged with the blue, swirling globe.

It pulsed, ripples could been seen along the surface of the orb. It expanded, but not in width, in length. Soon it was as tall as she was. As the ripples of water subsided an elegant staff of ironwood replaced it. It was smooth and light to the touch, a blue crystal ball sat upon its top, intertwined with the very wood itself.

Kraven took the staff and presented it to Takara, "This staff will allow you to control your magic, and in time master it. With it you hold the very power of water in your grasp. Use it well and heal all who need it."