The tainted bonding spirits throughout no longer able to be summoned, the world was quiet and uneasy. The moon of Moradeim hung low, its purpose and power unknown.
The magickers Ferriter and Ziat were first to notice some strange doings, discovering basilisks that would follow them. After killing each one that came to them, they seemed to attribute the strange gravitation of basilisks towards them to the spirits' rabid nature, but it was Sumie who seemed to warm to the basilisks, and eventually even Ragnar was attached to the strange creatures. Strangely, the basilisk seemed to have the greatest affinity for those in the Wyvern bond.
In Ithaqua, it was strangely the Antiochan Vilkas who found the next set of bizarre happenings, this time stumbling upon a little icewyrm hatchling. Ithaquans gathered around, marveling at this novelty. It was noticed, however, that despite it being an icewyrm, it seemed to enjoy the warmth of the fire, growing visibly when it could find extreme heat. The Frostbringers took custody of the hatchling to study it more closely.
As the Moon of Moradeim came even closer, bonders were struck with strange feelings as, when in the Wyvern bond, they could sense themselves becoming one with the bond. Whether this spirit was malevolent in nature or just frightened into madness could not be determined. Even though the tainted spirits could not be sensed anymore, bonding would fail at times, leaving the bonder dazed and confused at their apparent weakness in harnessing the powers of the spirits.
At its closest to Aetherius, the Moon of Moradeim hung bright in the sky, its manipulating power clearly changing nature. Nature itself seemed to be waiting with bated breath before all of Aetherius became aware of a sudden release. The tainted spirits were cleansed of their torment, even though Anathema's damage was done. Free of Her curse of Lamentation but permanently cut from the mortal bonders, the spirits began to transform, reverting to a more primal form.
Many wondered why the departing spirits whispered of being freed by their adversaries, and some suggested that they had been cleansed even as the tainted spirits were banished by the forces of magick and antimagick. Perhaps, it was rumoured, the manifestation of the tainted spirits had allowed the majority of the cursed spirits to be removed.
As the spirits' whispering faded, it was discovered that Druids now had a connection to the forests and to the earth that they had not had before, able to summon the roots very similar to those found beneath Khandava. Their ability to call nature to themselves. The imbuing of quarterstaves with elemental magick was now possible, allowing Druids to evoke the powers of Earth and Air.
Hunters found that the power of Moradeim allowed them to shapeshift into the great and mythical wyvern, suspected as such because of the lack of wyvern blood procured for Anathema's curse of Lamentation. Their newly found affinity with the forest basilisks allowed them to exercise their supremacy with these creatures.
Outriders found they could truly live up to their names, the mutations by Moradeim causing the icewyrms to change into powerful winged allies. They found that while their entourage remained largely the same, they could increase their powers simply by their usage of the great spear or trident.
Many yet wonder what has become of the great spirits, and even more murmur restlessly of what changes may yet emerge with Moradeim's closeness to Aetherius. One thing is for sure: despite the dastardly ruinous intentions of the Griever, against all odds Nature yet brims with power for its allies.
Penned by My hand on the 9th of Solis, in the year 674 AD.
