[Private] A Promise Kept

The name rings no bells as far as Ivory is concerned.

Ivory's expression turned brighter as the Polychromatic finally accepted the offer of a home.

"Excellent, I'll show you to your new room once we finish here and don't worry about Anthony, he will adjust," Ivory assured. Once things were explained, she expected little resistance from her son, especially once it was shown that Kai was not a lover. She expected he would come to appreciate her presence even more once the Truth had been discussed, but that was a plan for another time.

"I've been considering the construction of one for some time," Ivory answered, "but the maintenance and strain of building one alone has been a deterrent. Thus, the need to find others whom I trust. I will be frank, Kai. There are many Lost I admire, some I might even adore, but trust is something I treasure and hold above else. While a few can rightly claim to be on the right track to attaining such a feat, there is currently only one whom I grant that gift to in any significant degree. And that is you. I am more than receptive to sharing such a space with you, dear. We can begin planning it once we are finished here, should you wish."

"You need only do what you are already doing," she offered as Kai spoke of worthiness, "You are a trusted friend, Kai. I am honored to have you here."

As the Polychromatic speaks her thought.

"Very well, I can arrange for such things with the same ritual I had already planned on performing," she said, "If you would prefer it to be used to locate Lyre I can attempt to gain the Wyrd's favor in the quest. That means you will be left unaided in your search for a... vendor to get your papers, but if money is your worry, you need not be concerned. I can assist on that front once a deal is brokered with such a specialist."

A simple choice lay before Kai. Ivory could assist with the Wyrd in the pursuit of the elusive Lyre or in the pursuit of one whom could help her build an identity, but not both. The Polychromatic seemed to be leaning more in one direction than the other, but the Pale Dragon needed her to understand the limitations of what could be provided. Once a choice was taken, she would be willing to begin.

Ivory nods, breathing in deep as Kai makes her choice.

Delicately, the Pale Dragon takes the warrior's hand, taloned fingers retrieving the needle and deftly pricking Kai's right thumb. It is gently squeezed, a dot of crimson forming upon crystalline skin before Ivory lifts the hand, pressing the thumb against her forehead before finally releasing her hold and allowing Kai to retract it.

"With this payment, the Wyrd is satisfied and the way will be made clear," she whispered, before dipping her head and folding her hands in her lap.

Soon, the Pale Dragon begins to murmur, speaking in incomprehensible tongues as she begins to navigate the ritual to curry the favor of the Wyrd. The room itself seems to bear a slight breeze now and then, as if drafting through via some unseen force to billow the fabric of Ivory's hooded shawl and threaten to extinguish the flames of the candles that light the room. As moments growing into minutes, Ivory's murmur slowly grows to become a chant, the breeze becoming more frequent and noticeable, climbing towards an apparent crescendo before, abruptly coming to a stop roughly ten minutes later.

The dragon expels a sigh, body going limp as she sits and her head hanging low as eyes flutter closed. Even breathing seems to stop as Ivory becomes deathly still, the billowing of her fabric becoming the greatest sign that the Fairest was, in fact, still at work.

Another ten minutes tick by.

Then Ivory's head shot back up, breathing in a sharp intake of breath her eyes snap open and the bloodied thumbprint upon her brow glows with a golden light, her eyes glowing brighter to match it's intensity. A buffet of the strange wind leaves the pair in near blackness, snuffing the candles in the corners of of the room, leaving only those upon the table unharassed and burning. Ivory, boasting a far more stoic expression, now looked upon the Wizened directly, her lips parting to finally speak.

"Kai Rose," the dragon says, her voice otherworldly and prophetic, "In your hunt for the one called Lyre of the Antler Crown, the Wyrd has found you worthy. Your Desire is clear and your Justice pure. Fear not. The road ahead has been laid bare for you by the Wyrd itself, but still your feet must stride upon it. Fortune can only guide your journey and lighten your burdens in the search for your target."

Ivory had succeeded, it seemed, Kai would experience the favor of the Wyrd itself upon her fate in her pursuit of Lyre.

"But know this," the Pale Dragon continued, "As with all things, even this favor has an end and its passing shall be marked by the Many-Faced Luna. You shall remain blessed as She moves in Her slow dance in the void, but, once Luna again shows the face that she bears tonight, your contract of fortune with the Wyrd shall end, just as it well should Lyre be met. Seize the opportunity for the hunt, for the favor of fate is finite."

The bright eyes of the dragon remained on Kai for a long moment in silence, as if searching for whether or not the Wizened understood.

"Good hunting."

With that, the ritual ended, Ivory's form tiredly settling down again as the bright, golden cinder in the center of her forehead dimmed to nothingness, the bloody thumb print now a smudge of blackened ash. The Dragon's normally golden eyes, dimmed to near blackness, but, after a few rapid blinks, they returned to their normal hue and brightness.

After a momentary, dazed stare, Ivory stretched and yawned as she rose from her seat.

"It's done, Kai," she said, "You should have an easier time finding this... Lyre with the Wyrd on your side now. I hope it helps. Just remember: One lunar month. Once the cycle is done, the favor will fade."