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Description
Solvieg's final Rite, the Rite of Soul. What more fitting spirit animal for Solv than the deer? He's going to be so cute with his little fawn at his side <3

Import link and name (including ID) of Tokota: Solvieg 217
Rider/Handler: Annapok
Link to group note in which HP points have been validated by an administrator: tokotas.deviantart.com/admin/n…
Previous tasks (in order): Rite of Courage , Rite of Navigation, Rite of Respect, Rite of Dedication

Story:

The ocean. The smell of salt and sand and stone, open air and the cries of seabirds. Each wave pounded to the shoreline, crashing and spreading up the rocky shore and stones and shells tumbled beneath the massive currents. Seafoam crashed along the rocky outcrops, sending the salty spray into the air in a dramatic display of nature's power. Anna stared, lost in the lure that was her selkie call, heart racing as her hand settled over the satchel that held her coat. She had to wait. The waters were low, but the strength in the waves told her that the tide was returning and soon their entry to the soul pool would be blocked. It had been nearly a year, her calling could wait a few more hours.
Solvieg shifted beneath her, giving a huff of impatience as he whined, tail gently wagging. They had come so far on their own and she was so proud of him. He had kept her safe on their journey, guarding her when she had been lost to her thoughts. There had been days on end where she hadn’t even had the energy or will to eat, only doing so when Solvieg had brought her a salmon from some nearby river, laying it at her feet and whimpering until she had pulled herself up and taken the offering. For the longest time they had simply wandered the tundra like ghosts, trailing South, weaving in and out of the dense morning fogs and thickening forests. Her thoughts had haunted her. The empty love that Tuaq had rejected, the betrayal of her sister and Iwotoke, someone whom she had trusted highly among their people. She had left, not knowing what else to do. Nothing seemed right. Not even tears could flow from her any more. There was emptiness and nothing more.
When all else seemed hopeless, Anna had found her answer. Her magic had begun to override her basic instincts, pushing her to into survival mode. It drained her, yet fueled her all the same. As the weeks passed, her dark brown hair grew white, leaving little more than a few dark streaks behind. Anna’s thoughts began to shift away from the tribe and her heartache as she grew curious about her abilities and her magic. The ocean called to her and she made up her mind, they would complete Solvieg’s rites of dominance and visit the soul pool. If there was anyone on this earth that could give her the answers she sought, it was her mother and if there was anywhere she could commune with her spirit, it would the rumored pool.
The journey and tasks helped her and Solvieg grow together as a team, giving her time to recover from the pain that had driven her from her home. Late at night, when she stared at the vast sky, the ache still rang out in her heart, but she knew now more than ever that her sister had not done her any wrong. Nikki had been right when she had accused Anna of breaking their pact and Anna knew she had to forgive her. Nikki had found love, with a man who loved her just as deeply. His presence would only serve to strengthen the tribe. What hurt the most, what kept her up at night, was trying to move beyond her own aching heart. After everything that had happened, she had finally laid her emotions bare and he had gone… Tuaq had turned from her, running back to the false security of solitude.
Perhaps if she had known how to use her magic, truly master and harness its potential, then maybe she could have saved the man from his shadow. Even if he was now beyond her reach, she still wished to learn, still ached to know what she and her siblings were truly capable of. She would go to the pool and seek her mother’s spirit. Confidence soared through her at the prospect of her goal. She was finally going to get her answers, but most importantly, she was finally going to get closure.
Another shift from Solvieg pulled her from her thoughts and Anna patted the piebald male on the shoulder. Turning him towards the rocky cliffside, she sought the entry to the cavern. It didn’t stand out, it wasn’t grand or obvious, little more the a crevasse in the sharp rocks. But she knew in her heart that it was where their goal lied, her magic drawing them to the source of power. As they entered the cave, Solvieg slowed, warily going down into that deep, dark tunnel. Water still dripped all around them from the last tide and if she listened close, Anna could hear the scuttling of crabs in the seaweed. As they delved deeper, Anna’s light brought itself forward of it’s own volition, surprising her as the motes of light began to lead their way. Whatever laid ahead held the key to her understanding.
Their path opened up, exposing the large hollow settled into the base of the cliffside. The walls glittered with minerals set into the shale base, reflecting back the subtle, bioluminescent glow of the pool. The basin didn’t appear deep, but the water was dark and shimmering, almost alive with power. Sliding from the saddle, Anna stared down at her own hands, the soft white glow of her magic drawing her to the water’s edge. Kneeling down, Anna’s fingers hovered over the surface. Her heart raced and her pulse beat in her ears, drowning out her thoughts. Solvieg approached at her side, sitting beside her as he dipped his nose to sniff at the pool. His tongue flicked out, tasting the water, before he began to drink from the refreshing pool.
Lowering her hands, Anna cupped some of the water in her palms. Closing her eyes, she tried to steady her mind. “Cuir mháthair, gá dom do treoir…” she spoke, rising the cool water to her lips. She drank, revelling in the power that surged through her. She watched on, eyes widening as the pool seemed to spark and ripple, light suddenly pouring forth from it center. The energy made her hair stand on her, sending tingles down her skin. The light shifted and morphed and before Anna’s eyes, the light formed a doe. Graceful, alert, poised. The spirit looked to Solvieg, staring him down as if judging his worth, before her ears flicked forward and her head tossed up. She gave a playful, graceful leap towards the tokota and he stood, letting out a bark as his tail wagged. Anna smiled. A deer totem. Nothing else could have suited him more. It brought her joy to see him graced by the spirits, he had been nothing short of a faithful and wonderful companion to her.
She watched on, eyes following the light of the spirit as it bounded, waiting for the shape of a seal to join it; waiting for that joyful, loving, curious soul that had been her mother. As the moments passed, Anna’s heart began to grow heavy. “Cuir mháthair…” she repeated. The light began to fade and Anna shook her head. “Níl, nach dtéann,” she pleaded, suddenly coming to her feet and wading into the pool, chasing the light as if she alone would be able to stop it. The pool went still, dark. Anna’s light faded and she frantically spun, searching for any remaining spark in the waist deep waters. “No…” she whispered, her voice catching in her throat. Her smile quickly faded as her mouth fell open, her brows closing together as reality struck her. The spirits had not seen it fit to answer her personal calling. “NO!” she shouted, fisting coming down against the water’s surface, sending ripples of bioluminescent color spreading out from her. Her chest tightened and for the first time since she had left Issorartuyok, the tears began to flow down her cheeks. Gentle sobs escaped her as she lost herself in the rush of emotions, everything coming back to her all at once.

A gentle push at her back and Anna remembered that Solvieg was still waiting. He had waded in behind her, pressing her forehead to her back. Turning to face him, she wrapped her arms around the tokota, burying her face in his great, curly mane. “You will always be there for me brother,” she spoke her muffled words, gripping him tightly. She wished to just curl up, to surrender to the pain, but she couldn’t. She knew that had to go or they would be caught between the tides. Wading back out of the water, Anna looked down at her soaked clothes. With a heavy sigh, she heaved herself back up into the saddle. The air would dry her.
As the pair made their way back out of the cavern, Anna simply stared forward, her pride in Solvieg hollowed by her disappointment. She had come all this way and would be leaving with no answers. She’d be going back to the tribe with little more than she had left with…
As the sunlight came into view, Anna’s eyes narrowed until they adjusted. The deafening sound of the waves crashing along the shore made her head spin now. She stared out at the water’s as if betrayed by Sedna herself. With a heavy heart and a tired mind, Anna turned Solvieg from the shore. They could reach Tokotna in a day’s time if they rode straight through the night without stopping. The sooner they reached the city, they sooner they could head home...

Description
Solvieg's final Rite, the Rite of Soul. What more fitting spirit animal for Solv than the deer? He's going to be so cute with his little fawn at his side <3

Import link and name (including ID) of Tokota: Solvieg 217
Rider/Handler: Annapok
Link to group note in which HP points have been validated by an administrator: tokotas.deviantart.com/admin/n…
Previous tasks (in order): Rite of Courage , Rite of Navigation, Rite of Respect, Rite of Dedication

Story:

The ocean. The smell of salt and sand and stone, open air and the cries of seabirds. Each wave pounded to the shoreline, crashing and spreading up the rocky shore and stones and shells tumbled beneath the massive currents. Seafoam crashed along the rocky outcrops, sending the salty spray into the air in a dramatic display of nature's power. Anna stared, lost in the lure that was her selkie call, heart racing as her hand settled over the satchel that held her coat. She had to wait. The waters were low, but the strength in the waves told her that the tide was returning and soon their entry to the soul pool would be blocked. It had been nearly a year, her calling could wait a few more hours.
Solvieg shifted beneath her, giving a huff of impatience as he whined, tail gently wagging. They had come so far on their own and she was so proud of him. He had kept her safe on their journey, guarding her when she had been lost to her thoughts. There had been days on end where she hadn’t even had the energy or will to eat, only doing so when Solvieg had brought her a salmon from some nearby river, laying it at her feet and whimpering until she had pulled herself up and taken the offering. For the longest time they had simply wandered the tundra like ghosts, trailing South, weaving in and out of the dense morning fogs and thickening forests. Her thoughts had haunted her. The empty love that Tuaq had rejected, the betrayal of her sister and Iwotoke, someone whom she had trusted highly among their people. She had left, not knowing what else to do. Nothing seemed right. Not even tears could flow from her any more. There was emptiness and nothing more.
When all else seemed hopeless, Anna had found her answer. Her magic had begun to override her basic instincts, pushing her to into survival mode. It drained her, yet fueled her all the same. As the weeks passed, her dark brown hair grew white, leaving little more than a few dark streaks behind. Anna’s thoughts began to shift away from the tribe and her heartache as she grew curious about her abilities and her magic. The ocean called to her and she made up her mind, they would complete Solvieg’s rites of dominance and visit the soul pool. If there was anyone on this earth that could give her the answers she sought, it was her mother and if there was anywhere she could commune with her spirit, it would the rumored pool.
The journey and tasks helped her and Solvieg grow together as a team, giving her time to recover from the pain that had driven her from her home. Late at night, when she stared at the vast sky, the ache still rang out in her heart, but she knew now more than ever that her sister had not done her any wrong. Nikki had been right when she had accused Anna of breaking their pact and Anna knew she had to forgive her. Nikki had found love, with a man who loved her just as deeply. His presence would only serve to strengthen the tribe. What hurt the most, what kept her up at night, was trying to move beyond her own aching heart. After everything that had happened, she had finally laid her emotions bare and he had gone… Tuaq had turned from her, running back to the false security of solitude.
Perhaps if she had known how to use her magic, truly master and harness its potential, then maybe she could have saved the man from his shadow. Even if he was now beyond her reach, she still wished to learn, still ached to know what she and her siblings were truly capable of. She would go to the pool and seek her mother’s spirit. Confidence soared through her at the prospect of her goal. She was finally going to get her answers, but most importantly, she was finally going to get closure.
Another shift from Solvieg pulled her from her thoughts and Anna patted the piebald male on the shoulder. Turning him towards the rocky cliffside, she sought the entry to the cavern. It didn’t stand out, it wasn’t grand or obvious, little more the a crevasse in the sharp rocks. But she knew in her heart that it was where their goal lied, her magic drawing them to the source of power. As they entered the cave, Solvieg slowed, warily going down into that deep, dark tunnel. Water still dripped all around them from the last tide and if she listened close, Anna could hear the scuttling of crabs in the seaweed. As they delved deeper, Anna’s light brought itself forward of it’s own volition, surprising her as the motes of light began to lead their way. Whatever laid ahead held the key to her understanding.
Their path opened up, exposing the large hollow settled into the base of the cliffside. The walls glittered with minerals set into the shale base, reflecting back the subtle, bioluminescent glow of the pool. The basin didn’t appear deep, but the water was dark and shimmering, almost alive with power. Sliding from the saddle, Anna stared down at her own hands, the soft white glow of her magic drawing her to the water’s edge. Kneeling down, Anna’s fingers hovered over the surface. Her heart raced and her pulse beat in her ears, drowning out her thoughts. Solvieg approached at her side, sitting beside her as he dipped his nose to sniff at the pool. His tongue flicked out, tasting the water, before he began to drink from the refreshing pool.
Lowering her hands, Anna cupped some of the water in her palms. Closing her eyes, she tried to steady her mind. “Cuir mháthair, gá dom do treoir…” she spoke, rising the cool water to her lips. She drank, revelling in the power that surged through her. She watched on, eyes widening as the pool seemed to spark and ripple, light suddenly pouring forth from it center. The energy made her hair stand on her, sending tingles down her skin. The light shifted and morphed and before Anna’s eyes, the light formed a doe. Graceful, alert, poised. The spirit looked to Solvieg, staring him down as if judging his worth, before her ears flicked forward and her head tossed up. She gave a playful, graceful leap towards the tokota and he stood, letting out a bark as his tail wagged. Anna smiled. A deer totem. Nothing else could have suited him more. It brought her joy to see him graced by the spirits, he had been nothing short of a faithful and wonderful companion to her.
She watched on, eyes following the light of the spirit as it bounded, waiting for the shape of a seal to join it; waiting for that joyful, loving, curious soul that had been her mother. As the moments passed, Anna’s heart began to grow heavy. “Cuir mháthair…” she repeated. The light began to fade and Anna shook her head. “Níl, nach dtéann,” she pleaded, suddenly coming to her feet and wading into the pool, chasing the light as if she alone would be able to stop it. The pool went still, dark. Anna’s light faded and she frantically spun, searching for any remaining spark in the waist deep waters. “No…” she whispered, her voice catching in her throat. Her smile quickly faded as her mouth fell open, her brows closing together as reality struck her. The spirits had not seen it fit to answer her personal calling. “NO!” she shouted, fisting coming down against the water’s surface, sending ripples of bioluminescent color spreading out from her. Her chest tightened and for the first time since she had left Issorartuyok, the tears began to flow down her cheeks. Gentle sobs escaped her as she lost herself in the rush of emotions, everything coming back to her all at once.

A gentle push at her back and Anna remembered that Solvieg was still waiting. He had waded in behind her, pressing her forehead to her back. Turning to face him, she wrapped her arms around the tokota, burying her face in his great, curly mane. “You will always be there for me brother,” she spoke her muffled words, gripping him tightly. She wished to just curl up, to surrender to the pain, but she couldn’t. She knew that had to go or they would be caught between the tides. Wading back out of the water, Anna looked down at her soaked clothes. With a heavy sigh, she heaved herself back up into the saddle. The air would dry her.
As the pair made their way back out of the cavern, Anna simply stared forward, her pride in Solvieg hollowed by her disappointment. She had come all this way and would be leaving with no answers. She’d be going back to the tribe with little more than she had left with…
As the sunlight came into view, Anna’s eyes narrowed until they adjusted. The deafening sound of the waves crashing along the shore made her head spin now. She stared out at the water’s as if betrayed by Sedna herself. With a heavy heart and a tired mind, Anna turned Solvieg from the shore. They could reach Tokotna in a day’s time if they rode straight through the night without stopping. The sooner they reached the city, they sooner they could head home...