Danu's Keygate Creation

It had been an exhausting battle. Each of the luminaries were worn down by the human's aggressive advances. Aurora tried to push everyone forward, and she told them all that they could win. Even though her mind was truly clouded with fear and doubt, she still upheld an optimistic attitude for the sake of everyone else. It was their job to keep pixies free from the oppressive thumb of humans, and she knew their very existence was counting on their success. It was hard to handle, and even harder to process. Yet, she knew she must persevere. Tears stung her eyes as the worst case scenario flooded her mind, and that was why she stayed. Failure was never an option.

Merdinaus agreed with her sentiment, and prepared himself to go back in, his eyes full of nothing but rage and contempt. The strength from within him was bubbling up fiercely, and he was beyond ready to destroy any that dared to harm him or his friends and family. He felt borderline incapable of managing his frustration, an intense glare burnt into his gaze as he stood tall and looked out upon the battlefield. Cries of war tumbled into the air, burning his ears like a ferocious flame. The feeling in his chest was indescribable, but he knew that he must listen to it. These humans thought they were going to rip away their livelihood, and he was going to show all of them that they didn’t stand a chance against the pixies. Nobody was going to get in his way.

Crepus listened to the duo with determination in his eyes. They both spoke words so true, and yet what was he doing? He was just sitting on the sidelines. Crepus knew he didn’t belong hiding around the corner while their people fought for their lives. He knew he needed to make a decision, and thus he did. With this, he stood up and began to scream at the enemy. Harsh names were thrown their way as he stood tall, attempting to distract them so their allies could launch another assault. The humans froze in place, and then anger flooded their faces as they stomped closer to the owner of the shrill cries. Suddenly, his insults shifted into commands towards those out on the battlefield. Those fighting were swift in their response, and turned all of their attention towards the humans threatening Crepus. Prepared to sacrifice everything, they ambushed the humans from behind in a mass of strength and resilience. All the while, Crepus continued barking orders for his people to follow.

Vespera was making her way back towards the other luminaries, her eyes carrying a woeful expression. Upon looking closer, she was covered in blood and wounds. Still, the other luminaries tried to remain hopeful, reading her face for any sign of joy. She shook her head at the trio, and the message she sent was all too clear. More pixies had been slaughtered in the gruesome battle, and she had been incapable of saving them. Vespera had tried her hardest, but even with her high stamina and relentless attacks towards the humans, she failed. The weight of such a loss was heavy on her shoulders, and she couldn't help but feel disgust within herself.

"We can't do this. We've lost too many people in this battle, we're outnumbered," Vespera pleaded with the rest of the group. The other luminaries looked bewildered by such a proposition. In their eyes, she was giving up on a war for their independence and safety. This was unimaginable, and they all felt equally uneasy by the words spoken. She could immediately feel the tension, and then she shook her head at them all frantically. "Look at what's happening to our people! Please, we need to end this now," she stated once more, just before motioning towards the rampaging battle. Pixies cried into the air as they were cut down by the swords of mighty human foes, and bodies dropped like flies. Once the rest of the luminaries began to process what was unfolding in front of them, a sickening churning feeling fell upon their stomachs. Everyone was wounded and weak, and some pixies were missing. It was a massacre, and if they didn’t stop this war now more would die. The four of them sat in silence for a moment, contemplating their next move with heavy hearts and minds. Then, Crepus perked up and glanced at the rest of the luminaries.

"We need to create our own safe haven. I know this will exhaust a lot of our energy, but it's our best chance at saving as many lives as possible," he explained. Everyone else was skeptical, and they all appeared to shift in their seats. Crepus made a fair point, yet was it worth the expense of energy? Would this truly be giving up? Though they felt disdain a the rides of quitting instead of winning, they had to play it smart and safe. There was too much to lose, and too little time to debate for a better answer. Thus, this had to be the plan of action. The luminaries would build a safe haven for everyone, and they would find a way to keep the humans from ever entering their new home, which would later be known as Tir Na Nog.

To begin the creation of the keystone, all of the pixies gathered in a circle. Then, Crepus looked upon his fellow pixies. "As luminaries, it is our job to protect our people and ensure their happiness. Let our sacrifices fuel our new world. No pixie will be left behind, and no human shall harm us any longer. It is with this decree that I, Crepus, will offer my voice towards the creation of a new land, and thus a key to accompany it. This key must remain hidden and safe," he cried, and with that the other luminaries stepped forward. Aurora felt herself sniffling as she listened, and then realized what she could offer. Stepping in, she nodded her head towards Crepus and offered her tears. He graciously accepted them, and then joined hands. Next, Merdianus would step forward with a burning ember of passion in his eyes. Immediately, he joined hands with them and offered a smile. Crepus immediately knew that Merdianus was offering his rage, and thus the offering was gratefully accepted. Vespera was the last to offer, and she struggled heavily trying to decide what to give. It took a lot of deep consideration, but in the crunch of time she made a hasty decision. Ushering forth, she grasped the hands of Crepus and Merdianus, offering her stamina. The final offering was the last piece of the puzzle. A bright glow emitted from the pixie luminaries, blinding those in the battlefield. All of the echoing and hurtful sounds of war died into silence, and awe was present in all of those who could observe the magic. The glow festered, swirling around the luminaries as they chanted a soft spell under their breaths. Suddenly, each luminary was lifted from the ground, and a bright glow tore from their bodies and swirled into the air. Thus, a pocket dimension and a key formed from seemingly nothing. The keystone shone in the light that bathed it, and an irregular glow danced behind them. The captivating shine from the newly created pocket dimension awed the pixies, whom reacted by rushing forward with panic in their eyes.

"Come! We will protect you!" cried Merdianus, motioning towards the portal eagerly. All of the pixies in the immediate area flooded forward and ushered into their new home. Some pixies carried wounded and children upon their backs, eager to be free of their enemies. Three of the luminaries rushed in immediately after the other pixies made it through, however, one stayed. It was Crepus, and he was scowling at the humans with disgust. This disgust morphed into a wicked grin as he waved goodbye to the awe-struck humans, and then turned to the portal. Sticking his tongue out, Crepus grabbed the keystone, and then ushered forth to enter Tir Na Nog, where the luminaries would help rebuild a home for all of Pixie kind.