Laze

Written by Aeterno

In rare moments when the elements of fire and water meet one often snuff out the other; but when lava meets water neither are destroyed, instead, they create something new. This creation is referred to as 'Laze' and is a collaborative effort between Edi and Oseala, like a child of two parents.

The first recorded instance of Laze's creation was sometime in the first incarnation, and while many records from that period have not survived, they are several documents referencing and directly copying from the original. Through this stroke of luck, we can learn how this creation changed the perspective of the deities, how they operate, what they feel and what they are capable of. The story gave us a peek into early life, the chaos and natural destruction that could appear without warning, and it gave us answers to questions we didn't even know to ask.

— Unknown Writer

The Story As We Know It

First Encounter

It started off as an average day, the people of an unnamed island set on their daily duties, taking care of animals, working the plants, and general household chores. Around noon a series of low rumbles disheveled the area, for up on the mountain peak a new volcano had formed, this was not a cause for alarm for the islanders as the rumbles had begun months in advance with no outcome. Well into dusk the rumbles grew to quakes, this was new to the people so they did the only thing one could do on an island where a volcano would erupt.
Some of the people barricaded their homes, convinced that if it still spills the lava could be stopped from seeping in, like a river and a wall of sandbags. Another portion sought out higher lands, if the lava flows downward like a waterfall then it could be avoided by a strategically placed shelter. The last group turned to boats, floating objects, and marine-based pets to ride away from the island in case it should be swallowed whole.
The volcanic eruption did not start with a bang, as the quakes continued eventually the mountain peak gave way to a crater which slow streams of lava poured out. The island burned for several days, soon all the islanders moved to boats and makeshift flotation vehicles, with no way to stop or decrease damage to their home. Well into the night, the land and sea lit up by the molten streams, an orange hue to everything from the people to the waters.
As the streams moved to the coasts so did a few boats; never was it seen before what would happen when the two elements collided. The scene was certainly memorable, a stark contrast between the warm lava, the cool water, and the dark hardened rock beneath. Before the two forces met, they deformed, into what is noted as the relative bodies that vaguely resembled that of the islanders' anatomy.
Oseala, in her calm beauty lounged on the waves, eager it seemed, to meet someone she never had the chance to introduce herself to. Edi, crawling slowly still, to the edge of the rocky coast, and sat upon its ledge to peer down at the one responsible for putting her out so many times before. When they touched, an instant explosion of burning stream and glass shot out, this meeting happened at the cost of several islanders' health. Many were harmed in only slight variants of small burns or cuts, but a few were not so lucky, lost eyes, scarred skin, among other injuries took hold of those closest to the coasts.

Results

Often times, moments where Edi and Oseala meet bring with them pain and harm to any living creature nearby above water. A few cases have caused the unfortunate death of onlookers and passers-by. In a period of time between the first and third incarnations, these events happened frequently and quickly; over time from the fourth to present incarnation they are rare to occur but in contrast, last far longer.

Laze Concept

Laze First Conceptual Pass by Aeterno

The first conceptual sketch of Laze as a character.
Heavy elements of her design revolve around the two deities which created her; Edi gave her lava hair, craters for eyes and hardened skin while Oseala gave her a fluid body to move however she pleased, and skin that is cold to the touch.

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Edi is the deity over fire and lava, they are mainly restrained to the north-eastern portion of Meta and have a personality that is rambunctious and childish.
Oseala is the deity of water and the sea, she is celebrated everywhere under a multitude of different names with a personality and calm yet playful vigor.