Today on Mystical Creatures Isle...........
Tia’Malcara reclines upon the rocks, her gaze fixed upon you. "Did I ever tell you about my siblings?”
Her siblings? No, she hadn’t. But you’re certainly curious.
“You might be quite surprised to learn that I am the youngest of my brood, lastborn of the Primes.”
That is surprising, actually. She never really gave you the ‘youngest sibling’ vibes. She smiles at your look of shock.
“Yes! I have five other Brothers and Sisters, you see. Val’Tenebrux is the oldest of us-He’s the Prime of Shadows. After him came my sister and the Prime of Embers, Tia’Pyra. Next is my sister, Tia’Serene, the Prime of Currents.” She pauses to let two dragons pulling a cart carrying a large, carved stone sculpture of a taloned hand gripping a clear orb rumble by. “After her is my brother, Ti’Gaian, the Prime of Stone. Then there’s Bal’Tempest-He’s the Prime of Zephyrs. And lastly, myself, born L’maura, Prime of Prisms.”
Wait, Tia’Malcara isn’t her original name, you ask. She shakes her head.
“The name Malcara was given to me by a dear friend who is no longer with us. I only hope she’s at peace in the beyond.” Her expression is tender, but sorrowful. You apologize for opening old wounds. She waves a forepaw dismissively. “Worry not, friend. The memory of her lives on in me.”
They all sound like such unique and interesting individuals–you’d love to know more, if she’s willing. She’s happy, excited even, to oblige.
“I was closest to Tia’Pyra and Bal’Tempest. Tia’Pyra was an extremely passionate and driven individual. Her personality burned as bright as her fire breath, and she inspired us all with her drive and fervor for life. I miss her deeply. Bal’Tempest meanwhile was carefree and constantly trying to skip out on his responsibilities so he could master trick-flying. He was a thrill-seeker, never happy unless he was airborne. The winds called to him and he answered with glee.”
Sounds like one hell of a guy, you say. She nods. By now, you’ve both come to a central plaza where helpers are setting up that carved stone Altar you saw earlier, setting it gently at the base of a grand stone Obelisk.
What about the others, you say.
“Mm, yes. I wasn’t as close with Ti’Gaian and Tia’Serene, as Ti’Gaian was usually busy building new lands for our flourishing kind. He was hard-headed and an even harder worker, but had a heart of gold. He’d move mountains–sometimes literally–for someone if it meant helping them. My only regret was not getting to spend more time with him. Tia’Serene wasn’t like the rest of us, however. She worked tirelessly to make the oceans deep and fathomless, and often secluded herself there. She preferred quiet and privacy, and rarely ever surfaced except when Mother, Tia’Amat, summoned us.”
Wait, there’s one more, you say.
She politely declines. “Another time, friend. No time for tears, for now is a time of celebration!”
A celebration? What does Tia mean by that?
