Source: Permafreeze on dA | Date: 3.21.25
It didn’t take long for Cali to set into a rhythm in the glittering cavern, Wake up, start hauling crystals, Eat, haul some more, then finally collapse into a deep sleep, then repeat.
She awoke from her sleeping area and stretched her forearms as far as she could, pulling herself forward with her claws. Her back protested and her muscles aches and flamed. She was always considered to be a strong puller amongst her group of friends but even this was beginning to wear her down.
As she did some morning stretching and joint popping a caretaker approached her, Cali was so focused on trying to work out her sore muscles she didn’t even notice the hae approach.
“Greetings Cali.”
Cali startled at the sound and winced as her shoulder muscles protested the sudden movement.
“Oh my apologies, I didn’t see you there.” Cali half chuckled.
The caretaker smiled, “We had noticed you really have not taken a relaxation day since you arrived last week, Most of the hauler team takes a day off every few days to let their body rest.”
Cali’s muscles rejoiced at the sound of a day off. but her heart sank, they had made so much progress, what if her team needed her?
“Oh I am fine I assure you, I had a whole plan on which boulders we were getting out of there today.” She said with a half hearted smile.
“I am afraid i must insist,” the caretaker smiled, “Our healers worry for the well being of our hard working haulers. In fact I believe there was one mender who mentioned you specifically should have a break.”
“Cynder…” Cali hissed through her teeth. Her friend was always looking out for her, much to Cali’s annoyance.
“If you are feeling upset about missing out on assisting there are much less physical ways you could help out on your day ‘off’.
Cali smiled, they knew her so well already, The caretaker went on to say they had sent out some to look for more help, and even more were going to the alters for prayer. They may need the Gods help with this immense of a project.
Prayer? She thought to herself, she hadn’t prayed in years but she was sure could work something out. Her plan was to go to the altars with offerings and prayer then head out to gather more souls to help dig the Matriarch out of her crystal prison. Even though it was still technically exercise as she would be walking it was much less strenuous then hauling crystals bigger than she was.
On her way up to the altars she froze midstep, did she remember how to pray? It had been since she was a pup that she could remember. Offerings? She did remember that much, she would have to make a stop by the market to grab some food to offer up, gods like food right? It’s how she gets through to Cynder all the time.
———
After way too long trying to mull over what to get as an offering, she trotted up the path that lead to the ‘prayer area’ (she assumed that’s what it was called). Her sore muscles were very quickly beginning to feel much better, having a goal to pursue had given her something else to focus on. Approaching the altars a few haes and tyrs we clustered in various areas, each worshiping in their own way. She walked up to an empty altar and began setting up the offerings, she wondered if the Gods really cared how they were arranged but did the best she could anyway.
She arranged various baked goods and produce she had acquired from the nearby market, she had to sneak a glance at some of the other guests at the area to see how they had gone about with their offerings. She wondered what happened to the food that was left here, did the Gods like.. come down and eat it? Inside she hoped that perhaps the priests used the food to donate to those who could use it most. She would like to think that the gods would appreciate that use of their food, why let it rot you know?
She sat in front of the altar and closed her eyes, She didn’t know where to begin, so just began rambling. Not really sure who she was talking to, or who would be listening, she talked about her journey to the cavern, and what she had experienced so far with the matriarch. She talked about the group effort being put forth by all species and how much work is being done, and what everyone is going through. She ended on the Matriarch herself, what she felt she had been through, and how strong she was going through this whole process. She talked about how she deserved her freedom and how no creature large, small or massive, should be confined like she has. She asked awkwardly for any help they would be willing to provide, give the matriarch strength, give the workers endurance, and the healers the knowledge they need to make her as comfortable as possible.
CP Counter
Group Event + 3 (Event Proof) 860 words + 8 Total = 11