Decoding The Vision

JP with mdman and Cindy

It took the young leader seconds to realize she had returned. That vision wasn't like the others. The redhead's breathing was fast, her heart racing.

A vision - from the Twins. A vision of victory but also great death to her own people, what could that mean?

The concerned looks on those around her made Islana wonder how long had it taken for her to come back.

A Twins vision was something grand, something to be relished. This particular vision was not that, it was confusing, odd, and spoke of a victory at a horrible cost.

The redheaded Sister sat up, then stood. And looked at her advisors. "I need my advisors to come to my tent." Returning to some sense of normalcy after a vision, especially one like that was difficult but she had to show as little weakness as possible.

It was upon her starting to return to her tent that the tents and tarps around her were noticeable. "Thank you, those that helped me." Nodding to the things blocking the view from the Horde. "I am alright now, please return them to where they go."

The young leader started towards her tent, back on the Skelep who kind of insisted by running in front of her and bending down. Kaithak back on her shoulder and her advisors close behind.

Ch’Truta spurred M’hana to quickly match the Skelep. He was concerned with the state of Islana after the vision. It was not only the shallow breaths and rapid heartbeat, but also the look of concern upon her face.

“Is all well, Sister Locust,” he used her title out of respect for Islana. If they would have been alone, he would have addressed her as Islana out of love.

"Yes, Ch’Truta, thank you. We need to discuss things at my tent." She wasn't being cold or distant but very much portraying the Sister, lest the Horde see anything else.

They all arrived back at her tent. The Skelep went to its resting place. Islana asked one of the guards to make sure the Skelep was given some water.

She went into her tent. Kaithak didn't leave her shoulder which was typical for the falcon when something happened to her.

Islana took her seat at the front of the room. "I could use some water myself." There was nothing to that as a pitcher of water had been delivered while she was out.

Aguzul was quick to pour the water for the young leader. Islana thanked him, but said to hand the cup to Ch’Truta. Which confused her advisors. "Ch’Truta has volunteered to be my taster. His body is more immune to poisons than most."

Aguzul handed the drinking vessel to Ch’Truta and as they were giving the man time to test the water Sister Locust spoke. "I was bestowed a vision by the Twins. I do not want the rest of the Horde hearing what I am about to say but you all, as my advisors, should know what I saw. Forewarned a better strategy than not.”

Ch’Truta took the cup and sipped the water. He rolled it around inside his mouth. It was cool, sweet, and refreshing. Swallowing it he paused a moment.

Looking toward Islana, he nodded. “It is delightful, Sister Locust,” Ch’Truta announced.

Islana took the cup from him, "Thank you, Ch’Truta." She sipped some water before continuing. "The Twins showed victory, that the foreigners will regret ever stepping foot on the shores of Arcadia." Sister Locust paused. "However the vision also showed that victory will come at a great cost to the Ozainae. We need to try to mitigate that cost. Make sure the Horde is ready. That they all have what they need." The young leader took another sip of water. "There being a cost is part of war but we can do what we can to make that cost is not what I saw. I believe I was shown that vision to help the Horde not to show me what isn't changeable." This was the feeling she had, it was all Islana could go with. "I will speak to the Horde tonight.”

Ch’Truta smiled at the first words Islana spoke. As she continued, he began to realize her burden. He was used to death being all around him. That was the way of the swamp. He wondered if they attempt to avoid this cost she saw, would it also change the outcome?

“We will attempt what we can to avoid such cost,” he responded after thought. “I am finding the truth that death does not always need to loom before one. However, in changing the cost, will that also change the outcome?”

Sister Locust looked at her advisors, their faces anxiously waited her response to Ch’Truta. "I do not feel that our steps to change it are anything more than what we would do with no vision, just more thorough perhaps." Truth was she didn't have an answer for Ch’Truta's question. She didn't know. "I do not get visions of such nature. I am not blessed with that gift. For the Twins to grant me that vision there must be a reason. I feel in my heart and soul that is the reason." If wasn’t to do what she could to avoid the slaughter, than what was it for?

Perhaps the twins were not so cruel of deities as Uctilo’rhu was. One thing that Ch’Truta understood was that Islana had a good heart. If she, a vessel of the Twins was that way, then most likely they themselves were.

The spirits of the swamp did not warn him in the past to change the outcome. The outcome from them was what it was. If he veered from their path, the outcome would change.

Ch’Truta bowed to Islana. “I trust your heart and soul,” he solemnly stated.

Islana gave Ch'Truta a small smile. Aguzul, Amastan and Izdärasen had been giving her concerned looks which didn't seem to stop.

It was Amastan out of the three who spoke up. "As you wish, Sister. What is it you need us to do?"

Sister Locust thought for a moment, "Aguzul and Ch'Truta take one side of the Horde. Izdärasen and Amastan the other. Make sure the Horde has what they need." There was an in unison. "Yes, Sister" from the three.