We Spin the Stars Above: A West African GameLit Epic

The morning after the Ball saw a tense quietude settle over the House Whiterose quarters. Maps and scrolls adorned the table, bearing intricate symbols and cryptic markings that hinted at the mysteries of the Tower of Trials. Ayo, Wole, and Mairo huddled together, their faces etched with concern as they exchanged observations gleaned from the chaotic aftermath of the grand event.

"House Suncrest seems genuinely enthusiastic about the alliance," Wole noted, his brows furrowed in thought. “It’s House Stormrider that I’m not too sure about. We didn’t speak to them much during the Ball and I have no idea what their goals are.”

"That’s true. So we will need to tread carefully," Mairo replied, his gaze flickering to the map spread out before them. "House Shadowthorn and House Trueearth are solid allies, but we must be wary of House Eboncrest. I don’t trust Lady Sefira and their sudden shift worries me."

"That said, they do bring valuable knowledge of ink manipulation to the table," Mairo added, tapping a finger on the map that displayed the Tower's intricate layout. "Their support could prove crucial in navigating the challenges within, especially if we run into anyone that features books and other such things."

Ayo nodded in agreement. "And with House Shadowthorn's expertise in illusion magic, we might have an edge in outwitting our opponents within the Tower."

"We cannot discount the significance of House Trueearth's earth-shaping abilities either," Wole remarked. "Their strength in defensive tactics could provide us with a solid defence against potential threats."

“Of course, none of this will matter if the Tower decides to screw with us,” said Ayo with a frown. “A normal Tower in any other world is halfway towards sentience already. But here, where there are Fragments that can directly interface with them and direct their layouts… I shudder to think what it will throw at us.”

"Speaking of concerns," Mairo interjected, his voice low and cautious, "Elder Nuru left earlier today with Narai, Luan and Elder Ade, mentioning a pressing matter that required immediate attention."

Ayo raised an eyebrow, a flicker of concern crossing her face. "Did he say anything about where they were headed?"

"He only said it was something they needed to investigate," Wole answered, his tone serious. "He seemed troubled, but wouldn't elaborate."

A heavy silence descended upon the room. The weight of the unknown, the uncertainty of their allies, and the looming shadow of the Tower pressed down on them all.

Suddenly, Mairo cleared his throat, his voice determined. "Dwelling on what we don't know won't help us," he stated. "Elder Nuru wouldn't leave without a good reason. We need to focus on the task at hand."

With a resolute nod, Ayo straightened her posture, the silver strands of her hair catching the light that filtered through the windows of the chamber. "Mairo's right. We must concentrate on preparing for what lies ahead in the Tower. Our allies have shown their support, and we must trust in their intentions for now."

Wole placed a reassuring hand on Ayo's shoulder, his gaze unwavering. "We've faced challenges before and always come out stronger together. This won't be any different."

Mairo stood up, his eyes scanning the maps once more. "Let's review our strategies one last time before we make our move. We can't afford any mistakes right now."

And so did. All too soon Ayo, Mairo, Wole and a bunch of cultivators from the Houses allied with them were making their way back to the grand hall.

As they stood before the pulsating portal, its shimmering surface a gateway to unknown realms, a sense of anticipation mingled with apprehension hung thick in the air. As Ayo observed the preparations around her, she couldn't shake off the nagging worry about Narai and Luan. Their absence felt like a missing piece of their puzzle, a void that cast a shadow over their mission. But there was no time to dwell on it now. The Tower's challenge awaited, and they had to focus on the task at hand.

With a deep breath, Ayo exchanged a glance with Wole and Mairo, finding comfort in their shared determination. They were a team, ready to face whatever lay ahead together.

As they stepped through the portal, a rush of energy enveloped them, swirling colours and light blurring their vision. When the sensation faded, they found themselves in an otherworldly landscape that defied comprehension. Trees with leaves like shimmering silver swayed in a breeze that seemed to carry whispers of ancient secrets. The ground beneath their feet hummed with latent power, vibrating with a pulse that resonated with the very essence of magic.

And then there was the Tower itself. Grand and tall like a spear against the heavens, its pristine, marble surface gleamed with an otherworldly sheen that seemed to drink in the light. Intricate runes etched into its surface pulsed with a faint, ominous glow, hinting at the mysteries and dangers that lay within.

Ayo's heart quickened as she took in the sight, feeling a mixture of awe and trepidation at the towering structure before them. Beside her, Wole's grip tightened on Tidereaver, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily. Mairo stood next to him, his expression unreadable as he studied the Tower with a calculating gaze.

Without a word, Ayo led the way towards the entrance, her steps steady and resolute. The cool air brushed against her skin, carrying with it a faint scent of magic that tingled in her senses. The others followed closely behind, their presence like a shield of solidarity in the face of the unknown.

As they approached the towering structure, the obsidian walls seemed to ripple with a life of their own, as if whispering ancient secrets to those who dared to listen. Ayo reached out a hand, hesitating for a moment before pressing her palm against the smooth surface. It was cool to the touch, sending a shiver up her arm as if recognizing her as the Starborn.

The entrance yawned wide before them, a gaping maw that seemed to swallow the light around it. Ayo steeled herself and stepped over the threshold, her companions close at her heels. The interior of the Tower was a stark contrast to the vibrant landscape outside. Darkness enveloped them like a heavy cloak, broken only by faint glimmers of ethereal light that danced along the walls.

A loud hum filled the air, and suddenly everything was engulfed in a blinding light. Ayo instinctively shielded her eyes, feeling herself being transported through space and time. As the light faded, she slowly opened her eyes to find herself surrounded by her companions, all equally disoriented but curious about their new surroundings.

Their initial shock transformed into awe as they took in the breathtaking scenery. They were standing on a suspended platform with an endless sea of clouds below them, reflecting a myriad of colourful sunsets. Islands made of various materials dotted the landscape – crystal, obsidian, and even solidified clouds that resembled lush meadows.

Above them, a swirling vortex of stars filled the dark sky, dancing in a symphony of constellations they had never seen before. The air crackled with energy and carried hints of ancient magic and forgotten knowledge.

As Ayo took a deep breath, she was met with a sweet and clean scent of unknown flowers and herbs. Then she breathed out, and with it tried to expel all of her fears. They had a job to do.

***

As Kiva's boots sank into the soft earth of the unnatural terrain, a sense of unease settled over him like a heavy cloak. He glanced around at the towering trees with their shimmering leaves, feeling a prickling sensation at the back of his neck. Despite the beauty surrounding them, Kiva's scepticism only deepened the more he observed the ethereal landscape. The vibrant colours and exotic flora seemed too perfect, too otherworldly to be real. He couldn't shake off the feeling that they had stepped into a carefully crafted illusion, a facade hiding unseen dangers lurking beneath the surface.

His gaze lingered on Tolu, Sebel, and Salim, the former members of House Redwood who now walked among them and felt distrust boiling just beneath the surface. What was the reason behind their sudden change of allegiance? What secrets did they carry from their time in House Redwood? Were their motives truly aligned with Ayo and the group's mission, or were they wolves in sheep's clothing waiting for the right moment to strike?

As they ventured deeper into the Tower, Kiva couldn't ignore the nagging doubts that tugged at his mind. Why had Ayo chosen to include them in their quest? Kiva's training as a scout demanded vigilance, and he found himself scrutinising every move Tolu, Sebel, and Salim made, searching for any hint of treachery or deceit. Honestly speaking, their presence unnerved him. His village had once been attacked by a Fleshfiend, which the Redwoods swore had been a rogue. He hadn’t been there when it happened, but he’d seen the aftermath. He knew what the Bloods were capable of.

Yet, despite his misgivings, Kiva knew better than to voice his suspicions aloud. Ayo had shown unwavering trust in their new companions, believing in their potential for redemption and loyalty and he respected her judgment, even if he couldn't fully embrace it himself. So he kept his concerns hidden behind a mask of neutrality, focusing instead on the task at hand.

The group pressed on, their footsteps echoing softly in the surreal landscape and the air humming with an otherworldly energy. Shadows danced at the edges of Kiva’s vision, whispering of hidden perils lurking just out of sight. His hand strayed to the hilt of his blade, a reassuring weight against his hip.

Tolu glanced back at him, a faint smile playing on her lips. Her gaze held a flicker of understanding as if she sensed his doubts and sought to offer silent reassurance. Sebel and Salim walked beside her, their expressions unreadable, but Kiva couldn't shake the feeling that they were watching, waiting.

As they ventured further into the heart of the Tower, the atmosphere shifted subtly, like a melody suddenly changing keys. The air grew charged with an undercurrent of anticipation, each step echoing in the vast expanse of the chamber.

Which was why they were ready when it happened.

With a suddenness like a spider bite, the tranquillity was shattered by a guttural roar that reverberated through the chamber, causing Kiva's heart to race in his chest. His status screen flared to life just as monsters began to emerge from the shadows, their forms twisted and grotesque, a nightmarish fusion of claw and fang. Kiva only had enough to grab a quick look at his status before he had to ready himself for battle. The message had been simple:

[Tower Trial Commencing - Horde Attack]

[Objective: Defeat the Horde]

Kiva's heart pounded in his chest as the monsters descended upon them, their growls filling the chamber with a cacophony of terror. Without hesitation, he drew his blade, eyes narrowing as he braced for the onslaught. But to his surprise, Tolu, Sebel, and Salim were the first to spring into action.

Tolu moved like a whirlwind, dark flower petals trailing behind her as she weaved through the chaos, striking precise blows that sent monsters reeling. Sebel's movements were calculated and efficient, each strike hitting its mark with deadly accuracy. Salim, his eyes burning with determination, unleashed blasts of energy that disintegrated their foes with swift precision.

Kiva fought alongside his fellow Suncrest cultivators, their coordinated manoeuvres offering some semblance of order amidst the pandemonium. But amidst the carnage, another battle unfolded, one of breathtaking skill and power. The alphas of the soul beasts had made an appearance and there were only three reasons why they hadn’t proceeded to tear through all of them. Those reasons moved as one, describing a dance of destruction that left a trail of fallen monsters in their wake. Ayo's silver hair flowed like liquid mercury as she spun, her many, many threads leaving trails of silver light as they slashed through the creatures with precision.

Beside her, Wole was a whirlwind of strength and agility, his trident flashing in the dim light as he moved with a primal grace. His grey skin seemed to gleam with a faint sheen as he met each enemy head-on, his laughter ringing out like a battle cry that spurred his companions on.

Mairo, ever the strategist, fought with a calculated efficiency that was both awe-inspiring and terrifying to behold. His braided hair seemed to sway like a warrior's banner as he weaved through and unleashed arrow after arrow of concentrated sunlight, creating openings for devastating joint attacks that decimated their enemies.

Kiva watched in awe as his allies fought with unparalleled skill and coordination, their bond evident in the way they moved as one cohesive unit. The monsters fell before them like wheat to the scythe, unable to withstand the onslaught of power and precision that the group wielded. As the last of the monstrous horde crumbled to dust, a brief moment of silence settled over the chamber, broken only by the gentle crackling of essence and the heavy sounds of their breathing.

Ayo, Wole, and Mairo exchanged quick nods of acknowledgment, their gazes sweeping the chamber for any signs of further danger. The air crackled with residual energy, the scent of burnt flesh mingling with the metallic tang of blood and as they caught their breath, Ayo turned to the group, her voice calm but firm. "We must press on. The Tower holds more challenges for us, and we cannot afford to falter now."

Kiva, heart still pounding from the intensity of the battle, found himself nodding along with everyone else. The display the trio had just put on had more than strengthened everyone’s resolve and Kiva straightened his posture and met their gazes firmly.

Tolu, her breath coming in ragged gasps, flashed a brief smile at Kiva before turning her attention to Ayo, Wole, and Mairo. Still not sure why she kept looking, he pulled up his status and checked their Trial points.

[Trial Points: 1,094]

Not bad for a few minutes of work. But the victory felt hollow in light of the unknowns that awaited them deeper within the Tower's labyrinthine depths. A sudden tremor shook the chamber, followed by an eerie silence. Kiva instinctively reached for his weapon, his gaze darting around as he searched for the source of the tremor. As the silence stretched on, a sense of foreboding washed over him. The Trials were turning out to be more dangerous than anticipated and he wasn't sure if he was ready for it.

***

As the weeks passed and their ventures into the Tower continued, Ayo and her team found themselves caught in a whirlwind of challenges and discoveries. Each expedition brought new opportunities to gather resources and essence, pushing them closer to their goal of victory in the Harvest Trials.

Their first venture had ended on a high note, and as the echoes of their most recent triumph faded into the humming silence of the Tower's central hub, Ayo surveyed the bustling scene, a kaleidoscope of cultivators from the allied Houses, flushed with victory or nursing fresh wounds. Their collective tally glowed on the hovering display board, a mute testament to their combined efforts: 3,156 Trial Points on this latest run, bringing their total to 41,097. Not their best haul, but a respectable sum, nonetheless.

Her gaze, however, slid to the top of the leaderboard, where House Redwood held a narrow lead with 44,065 points. While the other houses buzzed with excitement over their collective wins, Ayo felt a familiar knot of tension tighten in her chest. They'd found a treasure trove of blueprints and forgotten techniques during the Trial, even stumbled upon a hidden cultivation chamber with an accelerated essence accumulation rare – a rare and coveted prize.

The Elders had beamed with satisfaction, the discovery of the chamber a much-needed reprieve amidst their growing anxieties surrounding House Redwood's rising dominance. Ayo had been instructed to prioritise its usage, limiting the access to ten cultivators at a time to maximise the benefits. It was a strategic move, one they hoped would give her team an edge.

As Ayo stood amidst the frenzied celebration, a heavy sense of responsibility weighed on her. It was clear to anyone with eyes that their side was losing. Ayo surveyed the bustling central hub, the cheers of her fellow cultivators a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within her. Memories of their initial triumph felt distant, replaced by the relentless pressure to close the gap with House Redwood. They had quickly figured out that they were also pushing Folarin and other Redwood disciples towards Icon. The tired words of Elder Ade still weighed heavily on her memory: "We need to speed up your ascension."

Desperate thoughts consumed her as she reflected on her progress in soul-building. Despite her improved skills, her soulspace was almost complete; her temple wa nearly finished and her meticulously placed soul constructs brimmed with power. But one crucial element still eluded her grasp.

A Law. That terrifying, binding force that would forever shape her path. The one bright spot to all this was that it wasn't just her; everyone was struggling to find that elusive thread, that singular Concept that resonated with their core. The thought of choosing incorrectly, of shackling herself to something she would regret for the rest of her days, sent chills down her spine and had pretty much brought that part of her cultivation to a crippling halt.

That didn't mean she'd relaxed though. Over the past two months, she'd pushed herself to the brink. Tower ventures, undertaken with varied groups of allies, yielded riches beyond their initial expectations: ancient weapons, lost schematics, a steady flow of essence points and lost knowledge that set the hearts of House Inkspire scholars aflutter.

"Imagine if these discoveries were being made under different circumstances," one Elder had lamented, a sentiment that lingered in Ayo's mind.

Beneath the triumphs, fear and exhaustion gnawed at her. Narai and Luan, consumed by the still secretive missions for Elder Nuru, were absent more often than not and their vague explanations and haunted eyes only fueled her anxieties. The weight of leading the Trials often fell upon her, Wole, and Mairo, leaving Ayo overwhelmed with the fear of failing them all.

Mairo and Wole worried for her, she could tell by the way they stared when they thought she wasn’t looking. And so she smiled and held her head high and promised them that all was well. Perhaps if she could convince them of that, then maybe she could believe it herself.

And so it was that one day, when it all grew too much and the very act of breathing became too hard Ayo retreated to a secluded corner of the courtyard, away from everyone. She heard shouts and raised voices, a cacophony of people calling her name but she sank down against the rough stone wall and felt the weight of it all pressing down on her like a physical thing. Failure nibbled at her confidence, every missed Trial point echoing in the emptiness of her soul.

She knew that Amha and Ade didn’t blame her or any of them for their situation and were quick to shut down any such sentiments from their allies. But it only made it worse.

So lost was she in her own thoughts, she didn't notice Tolu's approach until the other girl spoke, her voice hesitant yet determined.

"Um, Ayo? Can I... can I talk to you for a moment?"

Startled, she looked up to find Tolu standing before her, her expression a mix of nervousness and resolve. Ayo stared at her, as if unseeing, then squeezed her eyes shut, and turned away. There was a shuffle of movement as the other girl came closer, her footsteps light and hesitant.

"Ayo?" Tolu's voice was soft, but Ayo kept her eyes closed, shaking her head slightly.

Thankfully, Tolu didn't press it. Instead, she sat down a respectful distance away, and let the silence drag on. Ayo sighed, grateful that Tolu understood, eyes still firmly closed. Minutes ticked by, the stillness between them punctuated only by the distant sounds of the bustling hub in the grand hall. Finally, Ayo let out a long, shaky breath and opened her eyes. Shame flickered across her face, but it was quickly replaced by a weary resignation.

"I'm just having a bad day," she mumbled, her voice hoarse.

Tolu simply nodded. "We all have them," she said gently. "Um, Ayo? Can I... can I talk to you for a moment?"

Despite her own troubles, Ayo looked up, managed a small smile and gestured for Tolu to move closer.

"Of course. What's on your mind?"

Tolu shifted uncomfortably, her gaze fixed on the ground as she struggled to find the right words. "I... I just wanted to say thank you. For everything."

Ayo blinked, once, caught entirely off guard. "Thank me? For what?"

Tolu hesitated, head bowed with embarrassment. "For sparing our lives back on First Isle. For giving us a second chance. And... for being a good leader, even when things are tough. I don’t think enough people have told you that."

Ayo stared, speechless. This was completely unexpected. Could it be possible that despite her own doubts and fears, she had unknowingly made a difference in Tolu's life? Had given her hope where there was once only despair? No. Surely not.

"Tolu, you don't have to thank me," Ayo said softly, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Tolu's shoulder. "I’m just doing what I have to. We're a team, all of us. But if, somehow, I’ve truly made that much of a difference then… I can only say you’re welcome."

Tolu met Ayo's gaze and smiled, a rare and beautiful sight. "That’s good to hear. Um… we actually wanted to ask you something. Sebel won't say it because he's, well, Sebel and Salim isn't entirely convinced you don't hate us and… well,” she took a deep breath. “We would like you to be our master. Officially that is. It's a bit archaic nowadays but Salim says no one will bat an eye if you accept and I promise, I won't let you down. None of us will. Although it's fine if you don't want to. I know our affinities aren't the greatest compared to yours and people still don't trust us which might affect you and…"

Tolu was rambling now, a bead of sweat running down her brow and it only increased as Ayo did nothing but stare, speechless. Finally, after the poor girl had worked herself into a right state, Ayo touched her shoulder and quelled her ravings with a smile.

"Thank you, Tolu," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "You have no idea what your words mean to me. And… well I am very busy right now as you know. But, after this, when the Trials are complete and we can go back to An Solidan… then…" she hesitated for a heartbeat before giving a decisive nod. “It would be an honour to take you on as my disciples.”

Tolu stilled, as though she couldn't quite believe what she had just heard.

“Really?”

“Really. We're in this together, remember?" Ayo said. "I didn't save you three just to abandon you. I don't know how any of this is going to work. I'm still learning myself. But when you need me, I'll be there."

Tolu nodded, her smile wider and gave Ayo’s hands a gentle squeeze. The latter watched her go and left some of the tightness in her chest loosen, just a bit. The path ahead was still uncertain and fraught with challenges, but she had just been reminded that she wouldn't have to face them alone. And that, in itself, was already a victory.