[ORP - PLOT] The Faunies, Welcomed to Laisidhiel

[Teigra]

Excusing himself and leaving the sister princesses to talk to one another, Faroth broke away from the herd of Ponies (followed shortly by Ranuin riding on Raina's back) and set off at a run to meet with the Chieftain before the rest of the Ponies caught up.

Despite his worry, Rais chuckled softly and tried to ease some of the tension in his shoulders at his wife's suggestion. He laid his hand over hers and nodded, "You're right, of course. Have to set a good first impression, yes?" He lifted her hand and kissed it, the gestures coming so much easier between them now than before. It had been a bit awkward at first, but...

A movement, someone breaking away from the group caught the male's attention and his thought was left unfinished. Squinting, trying to see better, he muttered, "...is that Faroth?"

The grey dappled Faun was barely breathing hard by the time he reached Rais, despite the sprint, however, he seemed distressed for another reason. He knew how Rais felt about outsiders coming to the Tree. And Faroth was bringing them right to the front door, in a manner of speaking.

And yet, there was little else he could have thought to do. Something about this just felt...right. He had to hope that the Chieftain would see it that way too.

Of course, he had started to wonder why the Chief and his wife were already here waiting...

"Chief!" He trotted to a stop, dropping to one knee with his head down. Even Faroth had a sense of decorum when it counted. "Milady," he added as a gesture towards Belvah, before continuing. "Travelers from afar. They seek the Great Tree, though I get the feeling they don't know why. They seemed lost though, and unprepared for the Isle. I thought it best to guide them, since they were headed here anyway." He spared a glance upwards, weighing Rais' expression while he took a breath. "I know they're strangers, but...I thought it was the right thing to do," he finished, his defense already being built.

Rais lifted an eyebrow at the grey Faun, turning to give his wife a veiled expression of amusement when Faroth's head was down. Apparently, he'd not been at the Tree when this all began. He was one of the few Fauns who hadn't found out earlier that something was happening. Had he just...stumbled across the lost ones then?

Sounded like something Faroth would do.

Hearing the defensive tone creeping into Faroth's voice, Rais put on a stern expression once more. "Faroth! Stand." The other did so promptly, though Rais' felt there was some hesitation, or extra preparation in doing so. He stared hard at the other, waiting until his gaze forced Faroth to meet his eyes...then the Chief's expression cracked with a grin. "No need to worry, Faroth. We knew they were coming." With that, he clapped the other faun on the shoulder and stepped forwards to greet their new brethren.

He was a sturdy enough Faun, but Rais' 'friendly pat' sent Faroth stumbling a couple of steps. Rubbing his shoulder idlly, he looked over his shoulder at the Chieftain with an odd expression. Then, turning to Belvah once Rais was out of hearing, he murmured, "Did he develop a sense of humor when I wasn't looking?"  

[Dementia Requiem Asumi]

Belvah smiled, "First impressions are important." she stifled a soft laugh, remembering the time they had met. It wasn't that long ago, was it? Belvah reveled in her memories for a bit, smiling to herself. At least, until... Faroth?

Her eyes focused once more, looking to the approaching crowd. "I think it is him. That explains where he's been lately." Belvah smirked, pressing a hand to her mouth. She nodded her head in acknowledgment of him. Faroth was running his mouth. It was kind of funny. The male had always made her laugh. Perhaps not in the way that Rais was capable of doing so, but, it was still a good laugh.

Still grinning, Belvah offered a hand to Faroth. She knew her husband wasn't always aware when he was being rough. "He's always had a sense of humor, you just haven't seen it." She spoke in the same hushed tone.

 

[Teigra]

Well...possibly...considering that the last few times he'd seen much of the Chief had been during crises or important, formal occasions. The Isle crashing into the sea, and having to select Council members from all the Faun; yeah, he could see how those might be stressful situations. "Yeah, I suppose he wasn't always so serious," he muttered, rubbing his neck. He didn't remember things being so dramatic around Laisidhiel when he was kid.

-----

Slow, purposeful strides carried the Faun Chieftain towards the large group. Even with as many years as he'd been serving as Chief, he still took a moment to collect his thoughts, going over everything he was going to say when making an important announcement.

As the group grew closer, however, his steps faltered, if only for a moment. There were some...with wings. Faun...with wings? He could have excused some of their foreign physical traits. Afterall, the last lost kindred to return to the Tree had some unique features, but long tails and different kinds of antlers were one things. Wings were another.

His stomach roiled with unease. For how long had he been able to identify outsiders easily as 'the winged ones?' Wings meant strangers. Outsiders. Betrayal. And now, he was expected to just...welcome them into the Faun sanctuary? According to the visions his mother and the seer had been having as of late, the answer was 'yes.'

It was a bit much to accept; too large a change to roll with without some sign of it affecting his demeanor. Less jovial than he'd been a moment before, he kept his regal manner and stood his ground as they approached.

"I am Rais, Chieftain of the Faun of Laisidhiel," he announced clearly, his voice carrying easily over the crowd. He scanned the group, looking for some sign of leadership amongst them. "We had received word of your arrival, and your guide, Faroth, has already vouched for you all with me. I am sure that you have many questions, however, let me first begin by extending a welcome to you all. You have journeyed quite far, I would imagine."

He shifted his stance, appearing calm with his hands clasped behind his back. "There will be accommodations for you all within the Great Tree. Places to rest and re-cooperate as you settle in. There is much to discuss, and truths to bring to light, as well as a great feast prepared in your honor. But first, have you some sort of leadership within your group? Someone I may speak to on more personal terms; a representative of some sort?"
 

[Daisicle]

Celestia came to a slow stop as she saw another approaching them, a male of the same appearance as their guide. From the same kingdom, she assumed, and looked to him, awaiting words from his mouth. There was something about his stance and demeanor that demanded her respect, an air of nobility if you will, and she hadn't reason to think any less of him.

Certainly not after he introduced himself as the leader of the people of the Great Tree.

The princess wondered just what was so different about this land that these others all seemed so different in appearance, or if they were the ones simply looking strange. Glancing to her sister, she smiled softly before taking a step forward to address the man. "Yes, for many days and nights traveled we by ship, and even more by foot and wing. Yet we stand here now, having reached the tree which called out to us." Moving into a soft curtsy, the princess rose again before placing a hand on her chest, indicating herself, and continuing, "I am Celestia, princess over those from Esquaria, all whom you see in front of you, seeking a kind hospitality," then gesturing to Luna with the same hand, "This is my younger sister, Luna, the joint ruler of our land. I guide them during the sun's hours, and she the moon's."

Curtsying respectfully once more, she finished with, "We humbly thank you for your willingness to help an unknown people," glancing again to her sister to see if she would add something.  

[Teigra]

"Perhaps not as unknown as you might believe," the Chieftain replied with a mysterious smile. "But, there is much yet to discuss in detail. Perhaps I can try to explain some as we walk?" He made a sweeping gesture to the pathway leading to Laisidhiel, then waited for the Princesses to reach him before turning and starting towards the Great Tree.

"You see, there are very few who can hear the Great Tree calling out to them. She calls only to her children, those with the blood of Faun within their veins, but the children that come from her directly? Those are called the loudest." He turned, looking the Princesses over for a moment, still a bit shaken by the wings...and yet, something about them...despite their strange appearance, they felt like kindred. Even after so short an introduction.

"You've come from so far away. I can only imagine how strongly the call must have been to reach you at such a distance. Beyond the sea and in a strange land." Had his implication been picked up on yet? Laisidhiel towered over them all by this point, though there was still some distance to reach the open archway leading into the Great Tree. Gesturing upwards towards the massive boughs of the Tree, Rais spoke with tones of wonder and reverence in his voice. "Our people, the Faun, are true children of the Tree, in that our first generation come from the Tree itself. The spark of life and magic grows within the acorns, that are collected and cared for until the young Faun within are ready to emerge. Sometimes, tragedy strikes, however," he admitted sadly. "There have been times in our past...unique circumstances, but tragic nonetheless when acorns have been lost, their fates unknown."

"And yet, Laisidhiel looks after her own. Those that are lost are not always lost forever, because she finds them again...calling them home, when the time is right for the journey." They were nearing the entrance now, a great archway that towered far over the head of the tallest Faun, imposing, yet strangely welcoming. Rais paused here, turning towards the Princesses, as well as the rest of the entourage that followed and bowing slightly. "Princesses? I'd like to welcome you and your people...home."

o0_Daisuke_0o

Fea Line

Seruta

((Quoting the 'leaders' of the Ponies here, but all are of course welcome to respond to this revelation before we proceed to the feast and celebration.))  

[Daisicle]

Nodding once, the princess motioned for the group to follow them before moving closer to Rais's side to listen to his words. He seemed to have a lot that he wished to discuss with her and her sister, but that was to be expected. After all, this was a whole other people, a whole other culture, that was coming to join his own. It would have been concerning if there wasn't anything that he needed to tell them.

Yes... The Great Tree, so she was herself calling the princesses with its magic, not those within it itself. It had been long since she had seen such power in the land. But his point... Only her children could hear her calls? True, the drawing to come could only be felt by a very few of this group, herself included, and this was a reason that so many had chosen to remain behind.

What he spoke of, of acorns and growth, was that how they had originally became a people? It was so very long ago that even she could not remember. But, it very well could explain why many of them seemed to have just appeared without a parent. There was little choice but to accept it; that what he said was truth. It explained everything: their similar appearances, this connection that had brought her here and that was already strengthening, everything.

Looking up at the grand entrance towering above her, a small smile spread across her face before she returned her eyes to Rais. Again, nodding once, she paused a moment before returning the bow and sentiment, "We have returned safely."  

[Fea Line]

Luna listened on both curious and a bit on her guard. She couldn't deny the closer she got, the more of a tug she had felt in her heart but her pride was still blocking most of it out. She had her doubts still, though they seemed to fade even against her wishes. Perhaps they really were home. Everything Rais had mentioned seem to only make more sense out of confusion and she turned to peer back at the ponies before back at her sister as she spoke.

Perhaps they were home and perhaps she would grow to love it in time. For now, she put her trust in her sister and the small feeling inside her that said everything was going to be alright. "Seems.. .indeed we have." she echoed her sister in her stern royal voice.


(will fix Luna;s color later, lol typing this in class like aboss)

Cadence peered up at the tree, listening intently. A smile spread across her face. She wasn't as much of a princess to the ponies as Celestia and Luna, but she tagged along closer behind with Shining Armor. She peered up at him and smiled, nuzzling her head against his shoulders. "I feel we are home. I've felt it all along and I kept hoping." she said, though more softly and more towards Shining Armor.  

[Teigra]

The Faun Chieftain waited, taking in the variety of reactions from the group. For the most part, however, a sense of wonder and acceptance seemed prevalent. Interesting. They didn't feel the need to argue or express disbelief; it was as if they had known the truth all along.

Further proof of the connection to Laisidhiel already established with her lost children returned home.

Rais waited to see if anyone else had spoken or stepped forwards, his eyes fixing on the contrasting pair near the front, one female practically glowing white, the other a dark beauty, accented like stars in the night sky. Only these two women? That was it? Were there no men in charge to speak to? His unease at their odd wings was not aided by this revelation. He noticed one other female like them, rosy in color, with a tall white male beside her, but neither stepped forward to claim leadership over these people. Shame; it would have been easier for Rais to at least have one other male to speak to on such matters.

He had to remind himself that while these were still Faun and children of Laisidhiel, they had been lost for a long time, long enough to have developed quite differently than their kin. That went further than just physical traits, though they might be the most obvious. Their whole social structure could be vastly different. There would have to be a period of adjustment most likely as they learned about life in Laisidhiel.

For now, he would treat them as welcome guests, as they were still strangers to Faun society in Laisidhiel. There would be time for detailed explanations later. He bowed to the two females who had spoken, rising once more. "Welcome once more. There will be time for talk on the way, but we really should be moving. A grand feast has been prepared to welcome our lost brethren home. Allow me to escort you the rest of the way. I'm sure that you are all exhausted and hungry, and our own people are eager to meet you all and begin the festivities after all the preparation."

Within the Tree, the flurry of activity stirred up by Earthmother's prediction days ago was finally winding to a close. The grand tables were set with varieties of fresh salads and fruits, and Chef Bronson's assistants were just bringing out platters piled high with roasted meat, still steaming from the fires; courtesy of the Faun hunters' efforts. Mojo's seasonal brews waited to be poured into flagons for the elders, as well as a selection of brewed teas, fruit juices, and crisp, cold water for all.

On the main dais, where Rais would make speeches and announcements, a single, massive table had been set for himself, his Council, as well as the leadership of the returned ones. The members of Rais' circle were already waiting, some sitting, some standing and chatting. The Seer had risen from her seat as the group began filtering into Laisidhiel, Rais and the Fauny Princesses leading the way. A smile crossed her face, and she said nothing, but slowly, each of the Circle turned towards the new arrivals.

Rais swept an arm out, telling the rest of the new arrivals to make themselves at home, that there was food and drink for all, and to feast to their hearts' content. Then, he escorted the leadership of the new arrivals to the dais to make introductions and begin their own feast, as the Faun of Laisidhiel crowded in and milled about to meet their lost brethren and welcome them home.

((With this, the Ponies ORP is officially complete. You may continue to make any final posts, but this is the last shop-driven post to be made, wrapping up the official business. The Princesses will be introduced to the Faun leadership and begin learning, from this point, of the hierarchy and society within the Tree.

I apologize for how long this ORP ran. It was not supposed to drag out this long, and it was my mistake for misreading the breakneck pace set early on, then letting things lag as an attempt to keep up the same number of posts from other players. I won't let things drag out if interest wanes in a future event and will keep up the pace and wrap things in a more timely manner from here on out.

I hope that everything is clear, and apologize again for this wrapping so late, as it affected some in knowing just how much their Faunies would know about Faun society when playing them in other RPs. Thank you for your patience, and if anything is unclear, please feel free to ask me.

As this is a major event for Faun, and therefore Pae'il history, all Pae who took part in this RP will receive a scroll for their participation.))