Early in the month of Tzarin, a small number of residents of the
Glomdoring Forest experienced strange visions of things they could not
quite describe - or, truly, comprehend. After a quick investigation,
they deduced that only the members of Lord Shikari's Order had witnessed
these - a revelation of concern, for the Predator had not been seen for
over two decades. Yet the visions persisted in the following months, and
they spread to those of Lord Nocht's and Lady Viravain's Orders as well.
The two gods met beneath the boughs of the forest, speaking softly
together, Their words laden with a meaning still unknown to those that
serve Them.

Lady Viravain had warned the Glomdoring of the guile of Lady Drocilla,
recently returned to the First World after tricking New Celest into
believing She was actually Lady Carakhan. And those old enough to
remember can still recall the day the Khairsi Beast tore into the Basin
of Life - the Beast who had actually been Shikari transformed, collared
and trapped by Drocilla Herself during an encounter in the Void. With
these warnings and memories occupying their minds, the Glomdoring shored
its defences, especially as the strange visions continued: visions of
the hunt, of blood, and of prey.

Then occurred an unlikely meeting: the Lady Isune, with members of Her
Order at Her side, invited Viravain to Her realm. The Lady of Thorns
brought Zouviqil Myeras with Her, but the two stood in the presence of
the Hallifaxians in peace. The goddesses' exchange was less than
pleasant, but one thing became clear: Drocilla is a threat to both, and
to one other who matters to Them both. The Hallfaxians speculated
amongst themselves in private after Viravain had taken Her leave, but
Allyrianne Windwhisper gave voice to their thoughts. Had Their
conversation been about the Predator? "Yes and no," said Isune before
departing, leaving Her Order awash in a storm of Her anguish.

The visions continued, this time marked with a sense of longing. Lady
Viravain studied the Master Ravenwood and called to Her Brother,
wherever He was, but with little success. Idrazil Ga'ruul and Karlach
Stormcrow, both members of the Predator's Order, sought advice from
Shikari's priestess, but gleaned little information.

Some months passed with little activity, until early Kiani, when
Viravain and Isune met again, this time beneath the boughs of Glomdoring
Forest. The Lady of Thorns sensed Her brother's imminent arrival, and
not long after She called to Him, the sky of the First World opened.

A great creature, dying from its wounds, descended on the Basin of Life.
The Predator followed it doggedly, but it escaped long enough to seek
refuge near Magnagora. Before it could reach the city, however, the Lady
Drocilla appeared to strike it down - an act that proved pointless, in
the end, for Lord Shikari speared the beast through the head before it
reached the goddess.

Residents of the Glomdoring immediately prepared for whatever Drocilla
had planned as She approached Shikari, but before they could act, the
Lady Isune manifested before Them, drawing Shikari away as Lady Viravain
attacked the Enchantress. Disinterested in Viravain, Drocilla left the
fight, leaving the other goddess in a howling rage. Glomdoring,
meanwhile, met with the Predator and the Aesthete in the former's realm,
where they formally welcomed Him back to the Basin of Life.

But amidst the celebrations, tensions still run high. Glomdoring still
readies its weapons in preparation for what Drocilla may bring, and the
Order of the Lady Aesthete continues to watch the southern horizon with
trepidation from their crystal spires.


Penned by My hand on the 5th of Dioni, in the year 383 CE.