An abnormal happening was occurring on the island of Chibale. The sisters were summoned early to their annual ritual, expected to attend because of an important announcement from the elders and Eshe. This was abnormal, because usually any announcements or news were shared during the ritual and not before. To have such a gathering meant something big was happening, and many sisters journeyed days early to ensure they were there in time. If they were being summoned by their leaders, they were sure to come.
A few had yet to come, most the ones who lived farther away from Chibale or those who decided to not to attend. It seemed that number grew each year, but that thought was for another day. The elders knew that things were changing, and were not very pleased, but they had bigger issues to discuss.
As Yansa stood with the group of elders, she glanced over toward Eshe. The mystic was preparing Danika to stand together with them, her first appearance during the ritual since she bloomed. The girl was so young, and Yansa knew not quite ready for the trouble they faced. If Yansa could protect the girl forever, she would, but that was not an option. They would need to train her to help guide their people, and it was possible today would be the beginning of her awakening to the reality of this world.
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Votzhem Post: 1 Location: Around – open for interaction smile --------------------
Votzhem came when his tribe called.
There was no question, and he arrived promptly on the island. He always came for the festival, but this was different. This was a meeting to protect his tribe, and all the energy he had, deep within him, was burning with purpose.
He had come with his mother, Lakishmi, and with a nod and some discussion they separated in the crowd as she went off to greet her friends. Votzhem stood for a moment, looking out over the tribe that had gathered.
There were fewer than he had expected - he supposed that many of his Sisters were abroad, or were immersed in other traditions. It was sad - the tribe was being diluted.
At the same time, though, he saw more hybrids in the crowd than ever before - his Brothers and Sisters, so long hidden away and reviled despite being children of Aisha. Perhaps, then, dilution was a good thing. He, and his fellow hybrids, brought so much to the tribe. It was about time that others saw that, instead of sending them off to die in hopeless quests.
It pained him that his children were not among the crowd, but that was to be understood. They were only part-blooded, not born of Aisha. He could not expect them to feel the same call as someone who had bloomed from her boughs. Ruulu, though... she might follow his path. Or she might not.
It was unsettling, too, not to see Kaalnia in the crowd, but at least he knew, from letters, that she was trying. She'd lost track of time, met with delays, and was probably alternately frustrated and flirtacious in some Tale town somewhere. She would come.
But for now, his mother having disappeared from his view in the crowd, he was on his own.
Dyakida Post: 1 Location: around and about, plz join her --------------------
Dyakida fussed with the arrowhead at her neck, worried about the news she'd heard drifting through the trees of her home. It hadn't directly affected her, but she made a point to always find an escort to the festival and to be involved with as many matters pertaining to the tribe as possible. It was important, she knew, to pay attention to these things.
Just as it was important to pay attention to her craft. And just, indeed, as it was important to wait for communication from a certain part-shifter.
For now, things were quiet. Sisters were gathering, though the crowds seemed thinner than usual. All was waiting. What did the elders know?
Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2017 10:58 am
Mnyiri - 1
Mnyiri was exhausted.
When news of the summoning reached Matori there had been no question as to whether Mnyiri would attend or not. It had been her plan all along to rest on the soft, sandy beaches after her harrowing trip to Yael, but it seemed as if her goddess had other plans. Night and day she rode, pushing Mvua to his absolute limit in an effort to make it back to Chibale in time.
Nothing about this was right. Apprehension pushed Mnyiri further and further, forgoing rest in an effort to make it back to her people before something happened. Would there be another war? The last time such a gathering had been called was when they were marching on Sauti to fight against her wayward sisters.
When she reached the edge of Jauhar her legs were shaking and Mvua outright collapsed. They spent more than a few moments there, just resting, and taking in the sights. Sisters were pouring in from all angles to go back to their homeland. In a way it was the most beautiful sight she had seen in a while, but it was also one that left her heart uncertain. Just what was happening?
As soon as Mnyiri was sure that Mvua would be alright without her, she too hopped aboard a boat to cross the water to Chibale. It didn't take long for her to touch down on land, and even less for Mnyiri to hurriedly make her way to Aisha and also, to a particular woman's side.
"Kida!" She didn't care how loud she was being. Mnyiri was near breathless, but still she called out, using her height to her advantage as she scanned through the crowd. "Dyakida, where are you?"
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Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2017 2:27 pm
Rishima - Post 1
Rishima had been a bit on the hesitant side when it came in to visit the Chibale Isles. He'd come back only a handful of times since he'd moved out into his home with Gerraden in the forest of Jauhar. Since the war against their own sisters he hadn't really felt a lot of drive to go home nor did he really travel anywhere away from their place. He'd become a bit of a hermit and had missed gatherings like this in the past... but he felt that this was one he should go to. If only Gerraden was able to go come along too but the rules for visiting were strict. He didn't follow Aisha's path so even though he was born of Aisha he couldn't visit.
Once the gathering was over and he knew exactly what was going on then he would likely head back home once more. If something was going on, if people were in danger, he didn't want to leave Gerraden alone for long. He was among a handful that Rishima might consider picking up a weapon again for... not that the 'weapon' he carried presently was really deadly unless someone really tried. It was just a decorative, twisted piece of wood with floral carvings in it that he used as a walking stick. Still he felt if the overwhelming need arose it could be used for more then decoration.
Giving a little sigh he started forward, looking around from side to side, the various decorations in his hair jingling as he went. Time to see who was present today and to see if anyone had heard anything up to this point that a hermit like Rishima would have missed out on.
Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2017 7:41 pm
Post 1 - will be approaching Rishima first, but is open to any coming to talk to her :3
The older alkidike was in a foul mood, she had hoped to bring at least one of their children to the islands, but after a rather harsh bout of shouting back and forth with her one daughter Shima it seemed that it wasn't going to happen. That girl was a strong willed one...and Jerarda wasn't entirely sure if she was proud or irritated by that fact. The fact that there was something else going on..something the elders had wished to speak to all of their sisters prior to the ritual made her feel antsy.
Stretching she flexed her fingers eyeing the gloved hands she had, some of the elders still looked at her wish disdain for putting aside her spear and adopting her old form of fighting again, perhaps her daughter was more like her than she realized. Still she looked around, antenna twitching as she went to look over her crowd of sisters whom had gathered. There were many familiar and unfamiliar faces which shouldn't of been a surprise, she hadn't been to the islands since the last ritual so busy with raising her family and trying to keep the peace between the siblings and their parents.
It didn't take her long to have her dark eyes lock onto a fond figure. Rishima. He was quite possible the only person here she knew the longest, after the elders of course. She was of course surprised to see that Gerraden was not with him...the guy was literally glued to Rishima every time she had seen them together. Shaking her head she wondered if the hybrid was being stubborn...still he really should of come. If she saw him next time she would lecture him, for now she went to approach Rishima.
"Rishima, sis...brother..." She called out as she went to clap a hand on his shoulder. "It has been too long," Jerarda managed she went to give him a tight hug.
The young alk stood nearer to the trees, looking around at the gathering crowd with a rather restricted expression. Time for the joyous festival was being delayed by something dark in nature. She tried to wait patiently for more information, but she was one who preferred being informed so that she could make the problem go away. In addition, there were a surprising number of hybrids there, and she was rather uncomfortable with the growing numbers.
She glanced over to her aunt, who was talking in a hushed tone with some of the other elder alks. That wasn't good, either.
Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2017 7:12 pm
jayoku
Rishima - Post 2
Turning around at a familiar voice Rishima couldn't help but to give a little chuckle, "You know that it's never bothered me to be called 'sister' by you, Jerarda." He said in a reassuring turn of voice before he gave a bit of a squeak as he was dragged in for a rather tight hug. It was something that caused him to give another little laugh before he returned the gesture, gladly, always open to such affection from his favorite sister. Even if the hug was a tight one it was a welcome one.
As she withdrew he said, "It's good to see you here, sister. How have you been? How is your mate and children? Have you all been doing well?" He hadn't seen them recently but given their ages they must be up to all sorts of trouble now if they were anything like their Alkidike mother.
Even with their current situation and things feeling a bit tense he couldn't help but to be happy over seeing Jerarda here. If she was here then things would most certainly get done because she was a go-getter if he'd ever seen one. While he didn't really want to do anymore fighting himself if she asked him to stand at her side he would more then likely do so. Given all that she'd done for him in the past there was little that he could tell her no about. She was his dear sister after all.
Dyakida had been amid dark thoughts when she thought she heard her name cut through the conversation of the crowd. She wasn't sure, and so she listened closely to the voices, the rise and fall of her Sisters speech as they talked amongst themselves.
There. Again. Her name.
And a voice that made her nearly jump out of her skin in surprise.
"Mnyiri?" she called, turning her head in an attempt to pinpoint where the voice was coming from, "Mnyiri, is that you?" There was so much movement in the crowd, and Dyakida dared not push out into it without direction.
She hoped it was Mnyiri. She truly, dearly, hoped that it was. But what if it wasn't? What if it was just an illusion, a voice among many in the wind?
"I'm here!" she called, just in case, just to hope. She waved her hand as high as she could reach, hoping that, if it was Mnyiri, if she was being sought, she would be found...
Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2017 11:17 pm
Votzhem Post: 2 Location: Around – Sort of near Vermina maybe? --------------------
Well, he had looked at the festival, such as it was festive, and there was no point standing around and waiting when he could sit around and wait, and maybe do some mental exercises. Or just think.
He walked over to a clear spot and was suddenly struck by how close he was allowed to be to his own Mother. Relief and frustration and anger - he was a hybrid, he was marginalized, he was supposed to be on the edge. That was how it had been for many festivals.
But not for the years previous. Hybrids no longer had to lurk in the shadows of the trees, barely even at the distant edge of the meadow, looking upon their great mother from afar. Some of their number were permitted into the fold, to partake in festivities alongside their sisters.
He tried to quell his indignance and sat down on the ground, preparing himself for whatever news might arrive...
The young mystic was standing to the side of the elders. She was in the shadows of the trees yet was standing from a vantage which allowed her to see the majority of the crowd. While she was certain rumors were going about the Alkidike did know one thing - her sisters were starting to disappear. Such a thought sent worry into Danika's heart especially when she noticed the absence of one close sister. Ty...The last she had heard her friend had gone overseas and so Danika could only pray that the travel plans had been halted and distance, rather than something strange, had kept her friend away from the traditional gathering.
Her antenna flicking backwards the mystic sought out other familiar faces in the crowd as she waited patiently to see what would occur next.
Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2017 8:26 am
Post 2
Just receiving his warm hug was enough to brighten her spirits somewhat. Although her face clouded over somewhat when she was asked about her personal life. It wasn't that she didn't want to tell him about the trials of raising kids...but lord was Shima getting into loads of trouble. Forcing a smile she gave a bit of a shrug in response.
"Well my mate is doing well, home is about the same...its just..." She gave a sigh, "I was hoping to bring the kids with me to the celebration but...Shima exploded at me...I don't understand what is going on with that girl but it feels like she is constantly trying to pick a fight with me.." Jerarda groaned she hadn't intended on spilling all of this to Rishima, she wanted him to still have a good memory of the happy bubbly perhaps rather impulsive little girl that like to cling to her 'uncle' Ri Ri.
Looking around she noticed that there almost was a nervous energy gathering around them, leaning over to Rishima she quickly changed the subject, "Have the elders spoken yet? Does anyone know what is going on?"
Several of the surrounding sisters turned to look at Mnyiri. The expressions on their faces were a mixture of disgust and outright surprise, as if she had grown a second head in the middle of the night! It had to be rude to be so loud and pushy in a situation like this, but she barely paid it any mind. Rumors about people disappearing...? Who wouldn't want to check on their 'people' after something like that!
Using the butt of her spear to help 'guide' others out of the way, Mnyiri pushed through the crowd and when she heard that voice she turned, looking through a sea of antennae to find one hand, jutting up from the storm. "Don't move! I'm coming over there!" It was hard work, but well worth it once Dyakida came into view. "Thank the goddess you're alright." She reached for the other's hand, barely trusting herself not to scoop her up and hold her close.
Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2017 4:46 pm
Danika - 2
Ah, Vermina was here. Danika's expression softened a bit as she noticed the familiar face of her sister. At least she could be accounted for. Not that Danika wasn't concerned for all of her sisters, but knowing them personally was a double blow to the young mystic. Constantly she prayed to Aisha to keep her sisters safe and to give her the power to do so.
Perhaps that was why right now her stomach seemed so knotted? Just being here on the side by the elders made the mystic frustrated. Even though she knew and understood that she was young the Alkidike wished that she could be of more use. Even though Eshe assured her that it wasn't anything major there were still shadows that crossed the back of Danika's mind. Sisters were missing, how could it be so simple?
She wrapped her fingers together as she clasped her hands behind her back thoughtfully. Even though her heart was a tangled mess the young mystic knew that for her sisters she had to appear serene. If she couldn't do anything major just yet at least she could be here for them. For those who seemed the most nervous Danika would offer a small smile and as the crowds began to grow she even considered mingling with others so that she could try to ease the minds of those who were radiating worry and confusion. Patience, I just need patience. Her antenna flicked at the thought but Danika forced a small smile as she straightened her back and continued her survey of the growing crowd.
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Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2017 6:22 pm
Chapter 9: Grave Expectations
|| IC ||
Eshe stood by Danika, a silent presence. The elder mystic was always silent, a woman of few words who often spoke in soft riddles. Her gaze was far away, as if she was focusing on something no one could see. Was she speaking with the great mother right now? Yansa couldn't tell, but she was concerned at how detached her mystic had become.
Determination filled the war elder as she walked forward, her voice raising above the voices and echoing off the roots of the great tree, "Silence sisters!"
She waited as the voices died down, before taking a breath, "Thank you everyone who has made this journey to our Great Mother. It is time we spoke of the disappearances that have recently been reported..."
|| OOC || ||. If your character is not signed up for their thread, they may not participate. You can PM Suhuba for late entries. ||. Please limit to up to 2 posts between NPC posts (these should be spaced out by responses from others to your post, no needless posting just to get more points). ||. NPCs will post twice a week, on Monday and Thursday. ||. If you have any questions, please post them in the Main Thread.
An abnormal happening was occurring on the island of Chibale. The sisters were summoned early to their annual ritual, expected to attend because of an important announcement from the elders and Eshe. This was abnormal, because usually any announcements or news were shared during the ritual and not before. To have such a gathering meant something big was happening, and many sisters journeyed days early to ensure they were there in time. If they were being summoned by their leaders, they were sure to come. 
Post 1 - will be approaching Rishima first, but is open to any coming to talk to her :3
