Dailin while inside the new layer of the Oasis, hovered the last section towards him and into place. It slid together slowly, and like the others wasn’t perfect. For one the floor level was off, to raised compared to the others. So as before, Dailin made modifications till everything appeared aligned. After a small break on his part, he focused as best as he could on the whole of the new layer. Imaged the Mana making it perfectly uniform, and removing the lines in the structure showing that it had once been several pieces.

He kept up on the vision for serval minutes and stopped when he felt the pull of Mana leaving him diminish to almost nothing. Dailin opened his eyes, studying his work closely as he did a full circle around the new layout. He made sure the flooring lined up with the Gates, and that all the pillars that would connect the two weren’t cracked or broken off. He also checked that the Gates of new layer lined up with the old ones. That if it called for it, a Host or flock could walk straight from the inner part of the Oasis all the way out.

Dailin sighed as he found some off, either too far to the right or left. He willed his Mana to fix that too as he carefully watched till the two appeared perfectly aligned, at least to his eyes. There were also the large Hearts he’d been forced to realign and then forge together. Plus the top where the River was to funnel into the second layer and down into the first.

All of it he’d been forced to fix as his eye measurements weren’t all that great. Only then after everything was done in the interior, did he float himself outside and check the outer surfaces. Several floating loops around his home showed nothing wrong, he couldn’t find a single crack in the rock. Though it didn’t stop him from checking a few more times before he was satisfied and focused on the whole of the second layer again.

He began reshaping it, or at least the top, as he added more layers of stone to it and formed another bowl crown. It wasn’t a perfect copy of the inner one but it was close enough. Dailin manifested and added the Hearts that gave an extra flare to the top. Then checked one last time on the fiver larger ones that were spaced out equally around the sphere.

When he was satisfied he hummed and all the Mana in the area rushed to him as he called to it. Demanded it to engrave Wards into the new Layer and to connect it to existing one underneath. To take on all its qualities. The pull of his spell was great as the rushing Mana that entered him began rushing back out almost as quickly. It poured out onto the stone spreading across the length of it. The Rock shined as the Mana dug in, Wards spread and connected to each other as they shifted dazzlingly in ever-shrinking patters. Finally, after hours the pull stopped and Dailin was able to relax.

He cut off his last remaining spell, one that kept the second layer aloft, and waited for signs of trouble. Waited for the second layer to crumble apart as forces pulled on it and Wards failed because of some flaw. Minutes past with noting occurring and Dailin breathed a sigh of relief as his enlarged home hovered on its own accord.

“Thank the gods.” He mumbled as he massaged the back of his neck. Through adding a second layer seemed simple in theory it proved to be a great strain on his mind. It had never occurred to him, till he started, how hard it was going to be to align and merge everything. Nor that he’d have to keep everything floating while he worked. He was glad the job was done, even more so since he wouldn’t have to do it again for some time. The second sphere was at least three times the size of the first. He hadn't seen any reason to go small, even though it would have been a lot easier on him. But his Advisors had been rather persistent in the want of a large expansion. A want only encouraged more given he’d claimed it would be an easy feat for him to accomplish. One he wasn’t ever going to boast about again.

Dailin hummed, forming a spell that quelled the ache in his skull. Doing so many tasks at once, even with a body he had now, was hard on his mind.

Dailin exhaled and slowly floated towards one of the fours entrance as the pain in his head dulled and ebbed away. Sleep would come easily to him this time, though his body was fresh and full of constant energy, his mind was worn out, ready to drift off into a haze. But not yet there were still things to check on. Such as making sure the Ward network had spread throughout all the surfaces of the second layer.

It didn’t take long to see that it had gone correctly, as every surface glowed brightly as Wards shined. Dailin pulled Mana towards him, began forming and fitting Hearts into pedestals. The Wards on those flashed when the Hearts connected, slowly pulling from them to feed the network.

Dailin observed his work, felt a bang of pride and accomplishment surge through him. He had made something that in other realms would have been impossible, regardless of the number of people involved. Well, the Mana did, but Dailin was still satisfied, he was the one after all giving it shape and direction.

Stepping onto the floor Dailin sent out a pulse through the network ordering the Gates to close, and smiled when he heard the faint sounds of closing doors. He slowly walked to the inner gates, but it passed quickly given his stride, he was giant now, there was no way around that. Those of his family appeared to be miniatures compared to him, and he was thankful for the fact that Vail built large by default.

His size was becoming a growing problem all on its own. He was beginning to worry that he may one day not even be able to fit within the Oasis. That he would be forced to start all over and build a new one.

No matter what he did, or thought towards the Mana as it merged with him. His size increased, he could slow it, demand the Mana to condense more, weave more intricate veins within him. But that was it, he was stuck in the same process as the Nightmares. Growing without end, and the realm slowly becoming a smaller place.

‘I could always stop?’ He considered, he carried enough Mana within him that he was marginally confident he could take on a few Mountains with only using his reserves alone.

‘No, not yet, not with the Nightmare’s still growing.’ Instinct, even lessened, was always pressing against him, reminding him that he wasn’t completely safe. That threats to his life were still out there roaming about waiting for the chance to claim him.

It was hard to remember that at times, while housed within the confines of his home, surrounded by Mana shaped Wards that were powered by hill sized Hearts. The feeling of safety it brought was reassuring, especially now that he had a second layer, one filled with even more Hearts. It would take even multiple Mountains time to smash their way into his home. Though he’d never wanted to test that theory, and at the current rate might not have to. Things had been quiet since he had his home traveling upward. Dailin was of the mind that he was ahead of the Swarm, free of their existence for a time.

It was one of the many reasons he started mining to those Above. He’d seen how the Nightmares didn’t move once they found a River. Content to suck down the substance rather than follow its current to the source.

A pity the things grew strong from the act. If they hadn’t, or it been to a smaller degree he would have been inclined to let the River flow forever, if it meant the Nightmares would be pacified. But they weren’t and the Flocks had proven that, telling tales of roaming hordes that were near the level the Oasis was at. Told how the beasts were tunnel upward and spread out in every direction. Ending his hope and daydream of putting distance between them and his family.

‘It would be nice if at least one of my dreams came true.’ Dailin thought as he stood in front of a Gate he was steadily growing to be half the size of. A push of will and the door parted for him, revealing a parade of people crowding the street all staring his way. He put on a happy smile to hide his nervousness. The feeling of it had lessened considering how common it had become for him to be the center of attention. But it still wasn’t pleasant to be under. But he had no choice but to endure it. For his Family adored him, and couldn’t help staring at him, marveling over a being they considered divine.

His words traveled all over the Oasis as he spoke, and filled it with the warmth his people expected. “The Task is done Family.” the crowd cheered at the news “A new layer awaits, one far beyond the scope of the first.” Dailin stepped to the side gesturing to the eager crowd, and as one they moved forward rushing through the Gate as they entered the new section of their home. Heads swiveled every which way as they took it all in, eyes wide with wonder. It made Dailin heart sing with joy of people enjoying his work. The crowd continued flowing out, enough that it seemed the whole of his Family was marching out to see the addition.

‘I guess I shouldn’t be surprised about that, they’ve been cooped up in here with little excitement.’ Which for the Vail that was probably the most wonderful thing they had ever experienced. Boredom, calm days, no constant rush to get things down so they didn't end up as Nightmare food. Dailin would do his best to keep it that way, with the amount of Mana flooding the realm, there wasn’t a reason they should be struggling. Shouldn’t be living lives of complete comfort.

Dailin leaned against one of the doors as he watched the parade of people spread out.

People were running around marveling at the size. It was a big area even for him. Dailin could only imagine now how small it made the Vail feel. Likely already wondering how long it would take to fill up the space. How long they would have to toil to make a city that would encompass all of it.

‘Not long enough.’ Not with how many were joining his family, the evacuation of people from the Mines was beyond fruitful. The Sanctums seemed to be throwing out everyone they could to retake them. Even the small mines had garrisons worth hundreds. None of whom had been Giftless, most had clear glowing veins marking their bodies. Each looked like a person who should have been able to support themselves within a Sanctum. At least before the Mines had been lost.

Dailin had been slightly worried about such an influx of strangers into his home. Of people that could cause harm once their gratitude towards being provided shelter ended. Because of that Dailin had sung loud and long to every new group that arrived. Made sure they felt the warmth of his spell before they were funneled into the Oasis. And told of the new rules they were to follow, and the consequences of breaking them.

Exile, or as his Family put it, Outcast. Removed from the Oasis and forever barred from it. It wasn’t much of mercy now. Considering the Outcasts would be thrown out into the unprotected tunnels swarming with possible Nightmares. Dailin accepted it, for anyone who’d earned that fate, would have also earned his hate. Harmed enough people that they could never be trusted, and didn’t care about those around them.

Fortunately, Dailin had yet to enforce the rule of his. The Flocks of people had so far been behaved and eager to help with work. At least that was what the reports his Advisors gave him told of.

It seemed true, people were happy and content with how things were. It might be helping that most of those in the Flocks had never been at the top of Vail society. So for the majority their life within the Oasis was a step up from where they had been before. And one where they didn’t have to run and work themselves to exhaustion to maintain it. Not unless they wanted, just like his starting Family the newcomers were equally hard working. Spending their time, rather than relaxing, expanding the heights of the buildings within the Oasis.

Dailin turned his sight from the hordes of people, towards the city. Many of the buddings now reached and connected with the ceiling, and from there a hive of crosswalks were being made, connecting them all together. There wasn’t any space on the floor not in use, the city had taken all of it, or for the use of enclosed gardens.

None of it had been connected with the Ward network as construction seemed to always be ongoing. And with how he kept growing Dailin was going to keep it that way, as the layout would have to be changed at some point.

Dailin floated himself up, so he hovered over the crowd that still flowed out of the Gate, and moved into the city. Once inside he floated higher, far above the masses. From the vantage point, he could see that the whole of his family was indeed moving to check on the work he'd finished. The other Gates had been opened with streams of people heading out.

Dailin hovered himself back to the floor when the crowd thinned enough he could walk undisturbed and head for his estate. Or the Seat of the Divine as his Maidens had come to calling it. There words of reverence towards him had only gotten worse the more he grew. And though he’d tried dissuading it gently by telling them he didn’t need such praise, it was mostly ignored. To the masses he was the Divine, The Givers anointed son, a holy symbol in multiple ways.

It didn’t help that he’d played along with the lie, it was too convenient a way to hide the real reason for his change. And because of it, his family believed whole heartily that he was the holiest of holy’s. the Saint, the Light to guide them back to her.

‘Gods help me.’ Dailin prayed, hoping his ruse would never be called out. That whatever real saints walked the realm would never be near enough to reveal the lie that he was.

The feeling only increased as he strode through the streets with people bowing to him as he passed, reverence in their eyes and prayers on their lips. He certainly did have the image of something divine, that he couldn’t deny. He was a giant silhouette of light with the shape of a Vail. Add in his elaborate garb of robes threaded with precious metals and gems and he made for quite the sight to look upon. Maybe if true saints ever saw him they would be pulled into the ruse as well. Unless they actually spoke with the Giver, were shown the falsity he was and began screaming such.

Dailin was tempted to sigh, but he held it in as people gazed at him in wonder. Even though wearing the shroud of the Givers Chosen was going to bring trouble, Dailin had no choice but to play along. It brought a great deal of comfort to his Family, believing their Father had the Givers ear, and her protection. Even though he had neither, and wondered if anyone did. For all the prayers sent, Dailin never heard of any members of his Family being answered.

Though now that he thought about it, it was the same in Hadthel as well. The only time otherwise was the belief that people thought he was being blest by the Giver. Outside of that, Dailin never heard of anyone else, yet people continued to pray to an uncaring and apparently ungiving Giver.

‘Please be like once before, a god that was not real, an illusion prompt up by false priests and saints.’ That would solve everything, the best kind of problem, one he could easily handle if it was just other Vail spinning a lie. They may even take him in if he had a large enough following.

But that was future thinking, one based off information he didn’t have. One that he threw to the back of his mind and returned his attention to the city before him. A city that was gleaming in the light from the Hearts and Wards. His Family had rushed to melt and shape the ores they’d mined, rushed to incase much of the buildings to hide the layers of stone. The masses seemed sick of looking at rock, and were on a path to hide as much of it as they could.

It did add more color to the works around him, as after weaving the metal and stone together they painted the metal. Plus added more decorative works, such as trimming it with gold and silver. Gems and crystals of various colors were embedded as well or shaped into sophisticated designs that hug over banners. His family seemed transfixed with turning the city of the Oasis into one that rivaled any Sanctum.

The path leading to the center part of his city, to his home had received the most added touches. Banners of gems hung flanking both sides of the street. New statues had been made, formed out of solid gold, and attempts to convey the Runes on his flesh with engraved silver. The buildings that lined the street had been the first to be remolded with the outer coating of metal and paint. It was a wonderful site to behold, a nice distraction from the realm outside. One his family seemed adamant about adding to it, making the lure even harder to break from.

When Dailin reached his estate the area was empty of people. Expect for patrols of Chanters that had been making sure order was maintained and his rules followed. But other than that it was barren. It made the dome chamber feel large again. But not as large as it should have been, he used to be so small, the realm seemed so large, and now it was shrinking, one improvement at a time.

Dailin looked about himself, studied the details of the city, and tried to enjoy it the best he could. For there may come a day soon where he couldn’t do so.

After he turned, and hovered himself. Though his estate still easily allowed for his size, the stairs leading up to it, did not. The door was opened by a group of Chanters when his feet touch the ground again. They bowed as he passed and he gave them a nod of his own.

His estate, unlike the city, was busy as ever. People were rushing around carrying messages or adding new decorations to the halls. Such as the statues of himself, in which people were carefully digging out spots to place gems into the eye sockets or the center of its chest. Most surfaces were coated with painted metal, and chandeliers were being hanged from the ceiling. Thankfully still high enough in the air where he wouldn’t have to worry about bumping his head on them.

All work stopped where ever he went, as a host full of eyes stared at him in awe, accompanied with humbled bows. Dailin hurried his walk, so people could return to their work and didn’t fill obligated to keep bowing to him. He did his best to ignore the stares and the hope in their eyes. The belief they were following something Divine. Something the Giver had sent down to save them.

He was relieved when the Gate to the council chamber came into view and guards ushered him inside. The chamber was cluttered with tables, which were covered in Shards and carvings of the realm outside. His Maidens and Advisors had been busy gathering all the knowledge they could from the people that had been taken from the Mines. Used them to make more refined maps of the area, allowing his Family a better understanding of where the Oasis was.

It had added up quickly. Even though not all the Mines had Flocks, those that did had been jammed with people. Flocks that at times were hundreds in number both guarding the area and mining. All of which was pointless since the Flocks were unable to send the goods they had mined back to the Sanctums. Swarms wondered about, searching, and if one Nightmare spotted the carven they soon found themselves overrun.

A boon in a way, at least for the leadership of his Family. It had made the Flocks all the more eager to be guided to the Oasis. To leave their Task behind, since it wasn’t benefiting anyone and had left them in a constant state of the worry. Waiting in dread for the time the Nightmares might come back to the mines and consume them all.

They'd all spoken of the same thing when questioned. Told that the Voices of the Sanctums were sending Flocks out of the cities as fast as they could. None were being spared either, High or Low all were being conscripted to join the Flocks. And that the Voices showed no signs of stopping that pattern. Many of the new arrives spoke how it seemed the Voices were going to empty out the Sanctums entirely, if they got their way.

Though the Flocks had been at the mines for some time, even before their departure there were mumblings of descent. Houses having secret meetings with one another. Aligning themselves with a common goal to remove the Voices if their hands were forced.

‘As if that would help anything.’ Dailin commented as he hovered himself to his chair. The Chamber had gone quiet, the movements of rushing bodies subdued as all lightly bowed to him. It lasted till he was seated in his equally large chair. Even sitting and the table in which his Advisors sat around raised high. He still looked down at them, a giant amongst small kin.

“Blessings Divine” Zellebeth spoke, “I take it the new addition to the Oasis has been finished?”

“Yes, and everything seems to be working properly.” Dailin said “It will be sometime before the Oasis will need to be added to again. Even if every Mine we come across is full of people.”

Those around the table had raised their heads and looked up to stare into his eyes since the conservation had begun. “Most blessed to hear Father” His son Vollow spoke with Uoth latched on to his arm. She was skinny now, her children born, and for now, had shown no signs of being damaged in some fashion.

“From the answers we’ve been getting, it would seem that's going to be the case. Every Mine, even those that provide very little, have been sent Flocks to retake or reinforced already reclaimed ones.” His son said pointing at the map, indicating the mines he was speaking about. Many were still far above where the Oasis was, and off the path they were heading. But that could change, the River current always moved about wildly. It made for a slow process mining upward, always making sure the Oasis stayed under the flow of the River.

Made worse by the fact that he’d let his children talk him into forcing the River to follow the Oasis at times. So they could get near enough to a Mine to rescue those settled inside.

Something they were persistent to keep asking from him given how many people were found in the Mines, holding out and waiting for instruction. Or most cases wracking their minds trying to find a solution to deal with the large roaming swarms of beasts that consumed any they caught sight of.

“If I’m able to manipulate the River enough to control its path. I’ll take us closer to the mines you seek.” Dailin told the expecting crowd, they showered him with approving smiles when they head the words.

The little endeavors into the mines was perhaps the most exciting thing his Family had to do at the moment. The new flow of people, and more importantly the new wave of information that came with it, always put them in eager moods. Much of the Shards were filled with that, gossip and hearsay about the state of the Sanctums. Much of which was dire from a Vails perspective. It was impossible now to have the Worth to avoid being sent out. In fact, it might even count against the person. Considering many of the folks talk about how the Flocks were being made up with ever-increasing Worthy.

Dailin found that part rather reassuring, it showed the leadership was learning or at least facing the truth that the threat they were up against was something the Giftless couldn’t handle. A shame though that it was too little too late, the Nightmares were to a point Dailin wasn’t sure if the Sanctums had it in them to fight the threat anymore.

He was of the mind that the only reason the Sanctums were still standing at all was because the Nightmares had more bountiful things to feast upon. They had the Rivers, had an endless flow of Mana that could improve and take care of all their bodily needs. There wasn’t really any point for the Beasts to up and leave those to go hunt down or ransack a Sanctum. True such places would be a trove all on their own in Hearts, but compared to the Rivers it might as well not even be accounted.

“Thank you, Father.” His son said inclining his head “The Flocks provided us the knowledge for us to know which Mines will be garrisoned or not. And those that are almost spent, and have little to offer in ores.”

His son pointed at the map, at a new symbol that had been placed by Mines. “This Mark tells which ones are of use to use Father.” Sweeping his hand “The rest might as well not even be there for how little Worth they Offer.”

Dailin leaned closer to the map out of impulse, even though he could see it perfectly fine. There was still many Mines that his family were interested in. But that quickly declined as Mines went further up in the realm. He gestured at them. “You mean to tell me that most of the Mines above us are spent?”

Vollow inclined his head “It is as the Flocks report, those Above spent them Cycles ago before being forced to mine in the Lower Realm. Those of Higher Worth from the Flocks commented that the Anointed at the time had scoured the realm looking for more pockets. But found none for the effort. It seems widely accepted that the realm Above as no ores left to provide.”

Dailin leaned back into his chair. ‘That answers a lot, it’s no wonder they were annoyed at the Mines Below being lost.’ He glanced at the Council chamber, saw it too had received decorative treatment. Many things were now trimmed with gold and silver, new gem incrusted banners hung as did curtains.

‘If those above are anything like many Family, then the loss of metals and crystals to decorate with most have been grating.’ Dailin hoped that wasn’t the only reason those above were sending thousands out to die. That perhaps the ores mined had more important uses, rather than a decorative nature, new weapons perhaps, maybe armor?

“As you can see Divine” Zellebeth spoke, “Soon the Mines will no longer be of use to us if we keep rising in the realm.” As the words were spoken the looks of pleading eyes came out. Sounness was the hardest to ignore as he put his full attention on Zellebeth. “We know how troublesome it is for you Divine, and that we ask for too much. But perhaps you could guide the River more regularly And.”

She paused quickly sharing glances with others before speaking. “That you would allow us greater range and time to conduct our Tasks. So we can save as many Flocks as possible from the cruelties of those Above.” After she added in the effort of trying to guilt him with doe eyes. Dailin noticed they all were getting better at it too. He wouldn’t be one bit surprised if they had training sessions with one another to achieve that.

Dailin closed his eyes and relaxed into his chair of stone. Hiding some of the displeasure he was filling as he mulled over the appeal.

Even though it was tiresome guiding the River rather than just following it. It wasn’t that much of problem as long as he condensed the stone enough the Mana couldn’t leak away and start a new stream. No, the problem was time, the longer the Rivers remained the worse everything was becoming. Or more precisely the longer the Mana kept flowing down into the Nightmares waiting maws.

There had been a time Dailin thought that matter would resolve itself. That whatever was feeding the streams would trickle out and the River would dry up. Instead, it just kept coming, the realm becoming more saturated with it. If he, or god’s willing someone didn’t fix whatever was causing the Rivers, the Vail were doomed. Instinct still sang that to him, even though it had become faint, and the pressure of dread was a shadow of what it had been. Still, it was there hounding. Letting him know that things were still going wrong, that if he stopped his current actions he wouldn’t be safe for long. The Nightmare was growing, and he had to follow suit.

But if he could stop the flow filling their mouths, keep it all for himself. Then there would be nothing in the realm to stop him.

It was a nice dream, sadly one that hanged on one belief.

That he could fix whatever had gone wrong. It had been months, yet the flow of the River never slowed, and the Vail weren’t a people to let such wonder slip through their fingers. Their greed would have them tearing apart anyone who would attempt such a thing. Something was wrong, something so large in scale that it still hadn’t been fixed even with the large passage of time.

Worse was Dailin hadn’t a clue how big the problem might be. There was no telling how many Rivers were out there, nor how far spread out. Or if it came from a single source. Dailin wasn’t sure if it did, he wasn’t sure of many things, which was another reason he’d been trying to move the Oasis upward in a speedy manner. So he could see, could know how doomed they really were.

Dailin slightly cranked open one of his eyelids, saw that those of his counsel were still gazing up at him, begging with large oval eyes. Their only interest, it seemed at times, was to bring more under his fold. A belief that he alone was there only chance of survival. The one that would save them from the growing horde that was fattening with every passing moment.

‘And isn’t it true?’ Dailin thought as his eyelid reclosed. Those Above were throwing people to their graves, emptying out the Sanctums rather than preparing all within those halls. Preparing for one last struggle for existence before they’re swallowed whole. No, they instead send out Flocks to die, all in an attempt to reclaim and hold Mines that they had little use for now. The Giftless were worthless, those with little Gift the same.

The thought of it, of how many really could fight anymore was enough to cause Dailin to finally let out a sigh. He didn’t need to hide his troubles from those around him. They were the ones that ran the House, knew more than most of the threat they were under.

And yet they too wanted to send Flocks out, wanted them to stay away from him longer, tempt fate even more with the chance of encountering a Swarm. He should refuse them, it was too dangerous, too much of a risk. Yet they knew this too, as did those that volunteered to head out. Yet they still did, and the reason for it had Dailin lowering his gaze back down and opening his eyes. Once more taking in the pleading looks. For unlike the Voices and those Above them, his family wanted to save their people.

“Every well Zellebeth I’ll move the River as many times as I can. And allow your Tasks to take as long as they need.” the Councilors became ecstatic and bathed him with smiles and praises after. Acting as if he'd just accepted to take on the hardest of Tasks for the benefit of all. True Moving the River to stay above the Oasis was difficult at times. But it wasn’t complicated, nor something that strained him, if it stayed to certain time intervals. Nothing that could amount to him ignoring his Family requesting to save more lives.

Dailin rose a hand, gesturing to the masses echoing him praise to stop. “Though I appreciate the affection, there is no need for it. The request given is a sound one, and aligned with how things should be. We have Vail in need of aid, and we’re the only ones willing to deliver it.” The chamber had gone silent as the hundreds in the room stared up to him. He turned his gaze from them back to Zellebeth. Trying to shield himself from the stressful feeling of so many watching him. “I will do my best to get the Oasis in place in a timely manner.” Focusing on the map "Just show where and I'll begin the process."

She bowed her head to him, and her hand stretched out after pointing at the map. “Here Divine, it will be a Blessed starting point for us to be in the range of Mines.”

Dailin stared, if the map was accurate of the Oasis location, then it would only take him a week if the River stayed relatively straight. After though, with him pulling the River and warping the realm so it wouldn’t trickle elsewhere when his attention slipped from it. Then their progress would be a slow painful walk. Even annoying Dailin preferred it that way, better being slow than his children spending a larger duration of time outside away from him.

“I’ll see to it, it wi—

Dailin stopped when he heard the door to the chamber be quickly pushed open. A lone figure, one of his sons clad in Warded armor flew towards him at full speed.

“Father” his boy screamed, “The Oasis is under assault!”

Dailin ears went straight and he pushed himself from his chair and rose into the air. The door leading to the control chamber was opened before he even began heading towards it. He heard his Councilors calling out questions towards the messenger as he left. Heard that the Wards were blazing red by the time he was flying out of the room. In no time at all he was in front of the door to the panel room, pushing it open himself as the guards took too long.

His landing was heavy and the Wards on the spot his feet smashed onto flashed before leaving his notice. As he pressed a hand against the panel and connected to the Oasis eyes and ears. His heart already beating fast, worsened as his eyes registered the scene. His home was covered in Nightmares, Ancients and maybe three Maggot Mountains. It was hard to tell given much of his sight was being obstructed. The accursed Beats had warped the stone, had it swell up so they could reach the Oasis and crawl on its surface. The Mountains seemed to be trying to straggle his home. Given how the long worm bodies were wrapped around it. Plus the things large beak maws were smashing against its surface. Trying in vain to breach the Oasis defenses.

Dailin, as he watched, noticed a flaw in the workings of his home. Namely that he couldn’t track the volume of Mana reserves his city had. Nor how fast it was burning through them to maintain the Wards. He knew with certainty that the Oasis was in no danger at the moment. But the inability to track its usage of Mana made his breathing even more strained.

‘That will be the first thing fixed once this is done’ he thought and willed through the network to open up values that connected pipes to the panel room. Mana flooded into the chamber from the lake and pools, began overflowing the small reservoirs encompassing the room. A change he'd made, one that followed after he'd reworked the network to a more offensive use.

There was no need for him to venture out to fight anymore. No, his home, the Oasis was an extension of himself now.

Dailin performed his spell, pulled the unclaimed Mana in the lake and pools to come to him. In moments his body became oversaturated, and he took it all and poured it into another working. One that spread through the network causing the outer Wards to glow brighter and brighter. Then his spell excited out casting the realm in burning light.

The Horde covering his home vanished, leaving behind a haze of smoke that slowly drifted downward. The only Beasts remaining were the Mountains, all of which were still as statues. Perhaps the sudden attack had stunned them, for their Wards were glowing brightly. But Dailin didn’t care, he moved to his next spell. A swarm of chains appeared from Wards, wrapping around the Beasts as they had done to the Oasis.

The Mountains screeched out in alarm as they woke from the stupor they had been in. Not that it helped, they couldn’t move, not without his say so. Dailin weaved large hands into existence, ones with sharp-clawed fingers. Those he had move towards the Mountains mouths, had them begin prying them open. While he had the chains pull the Beasts heads down. Aiming them at the Oasis so he had a clear shot down their gullets. They screeched in protest, and streams of lightning came pouring out, but Dailin wasn’t worried. Not with the amount of Hearts he lined the depth of his home with. Nor with the River still flooding into it.

When the Beasts were in place, he pushed as much as he could out at once. Blinding beams emerged from Wards, flying and burning down into the Beasts bodies. Dailin smiled as their screams changed to those of pain, of utter misery. ‘Come to try and wretch my home?’ Dailin let out a laugh ‘You see now, that it will wretch you.’ Dailin thought happily as he watched and waited for the Mountains to die.

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Alldarnar Offered to the Giver as he marched with a stream of other condemned. For that was what they were. At least for those with high enough Worth to know the weight of their Task.

A Flock, one of many being sent out to aid in the Task to secure trade routes so goods would be able to reach the Sanctums. Goods for those Above, goods to keep them appeased. So they didn’t send down more of those with Titles meant to remind them of their place. None of which was going blessedly, the fact that he was here, in a Flock displayed that. Him of all people, he had sired countless Newborn, all of whom had descent Worth. Had provided to his House constant aid and ability for it grow. Yet here he was.

‘We could crush them, you and I’ Anger sang loudly, enough times that he’d almost stopped noticing it. Its advice was simple and impractical and Worth little notice.

‘Crush them?’ he echoed back at it, adding a hint of mockery in his voice. Anger hissed at him for it, but could do nothing else, it couldn’t sway him, he was better trained than that.

Not that it was hard, though his Worth was grand, it was nothing compared to the Voices and their Enforcers. Whom were covered in Warded armor, likely blest by the Giver herself. Not that he would ever face them, no, he would be cleansed long before he ever got close to them. His own House would make sure of that. Then his name from the records. For to have a member of their House, with Worth of his caliber becoming a Consumed one? That was beyond unacceptable.

So here he remained, even as much of him aligned with Anger, he wouldn’t act on it. For it accomplished nothing, wouldn’t and couldn’t change the course his life had taken.

‘To be sent out into Soulless tunnels. Giver, what have I done to earn this?’ His breathing quivered again, the thought of where he was going always caused it to do so. Fear was at his side, but for the most part, had remained silent. Had the moment they'd entered this section of Road that was bathed in red. That had gotten a straggled whimper out of him, and the Flock.

‘I knew it’ Fear sent out, gaining Alldarnar attention. He glanced at it, the things chosen form a mix of Nightmare and Vail. It looked at him and though it was growing, it seemed displeased.

‘The Wards, they’re dimming.’ Alldarnar eyes bulged and turned from the vile thing to gaze upon the Wards ahead. He hadn’t been paying much attention to them. The color was painful to his eyes, but now he watched and Offered that it was a Curse trick.

Sequences passed painfully slow, but there was no ignoring It. Fear was right, though subtle he could see it now, the Wards were dimming, and that truth had his ears pinning firmly against his back. “Vock,” he whispered as quietly as he could, his voice a quivering mess. “Study the Wards, tell me if you see anything changing.”

His younger sibling gave him a quizzical glance but did as instructed. He waited and when he saw his brother's ears crease back, and his hands begin to shake. Alldarnar knew it wasn’t a Curse trick. The Wards of the Road were dimming, and he was matched straight towards a Gate that might lead him to see exactly what was causing it.