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Antidia
Vice Captain

Sparkling Fairy

PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 3:04 pm


Earthmother nodded solemnly to Vanya and put her hands in her lap. "The war, which most children have heard of, but not many know the details of, changed all of our lives forever." she began. She hoped that by relaying the truth of the final days, that perhaps Vanya would feel some sort of connection to the past, to her fellow faun, and it would aid in her upcoming decision.

"Life on Telrunya was very peaceful, and everyone got along wonderfully. Until the day the Angels and Demons arrived. They brought with them contention, jealousy, greed, pride and a thirst for power. Many fights broke out as they tried to take over, and take our lands and magics. They sought out to steal the Elements, to re-create The Light and harness it for themselves. They learned of our most sacred treasure, The Book of Transcendence, but they did not know where it was kept. The War started, because we would not hand it over. There was a point when they found it, and managed to steal a few pages, but Templa of the Miakis and Vilya of the Sila, who were our most powerful sorceresses got it back, and it was with their dying breaths that they hid it, to protect our future. The armies of the Angels and Demons descended upon us all, but they brought a powerful form a magic we have never encountered, and they proved stronger than us. Our brave leaders and soldiers fell, one by one, defending us while we tried to do everything we could save the young ones and protect our future. While Arda and his Circle fought to keep the enemy out of the Tree, I sealed the last of our Acorns within the Garden, and used all of my power to uproot and send the Tree out of sight, hidden away from the vision of our enemies. Using that much power weakened me greatly, and it has taken hundreds of years for me to fully heal and regain my strength and power."

Earthmother paused, catching her breath. She knew this was a lot of information so she allowed for it to sink in. Not many of the presently living Pae'il, Angels, Demons and Fae included, know of the past and the first war. From what she has learned over the years, the island is peaceful again, and the new generation of winged-Pae are worthy allies, accepting of the Ancients as they awoke from their century-old slumber.

With that dark cloud looming on the horizon, Earthmother prayed to the spirits and Laisidhiel every day that the peace between Pae'il factions would remain that way.

"Vanya, to become the next Seer, you will need to gain the Spiritual Sight. In order to do that, you must sacrifice your earthly sight. With your Spiritual Sight, you will gain a knowledge over matters that no other Pae'il will possess, and the spirits will always be there, guiding you, and offering their wisdom.

The choice remains yours, and you are free to turn down the position, because it is a big responsibility. But it also comes with wonderful rewards amazing power and a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom. And you will have the unique opportunity to make a difference in all of our lives if you choose the path that was set before you."
PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 10:46 pm


Vanya frowned, thinking back to her own experiences on the Isle. "I'd not sensed any malicious intentions from the winged inhabitants in my travels, and most seemed to live peacefully, side by side with one another, as well as other Faun. They seemed welcoming enough of our people. Perhaps...as our own people have forgotten the details, the same is possible of the winged ones?" she mused aloud, looking at the Earthmother questioningly. She figured that the wise old matron would have already considered all possibilities, as well as consulted her own sources of information to know far more than the young Faun before her, learning all of this for the first time.

Then again, sometimes a new perspective brought fresh light to a problem that one has puzzled over for a long time. Still frowning, she continued musing, half to herself, "So...a few pages were stolen, but the Book of Transcendence, was it? It's still safe...somewhere." What could possibly be contained in such a book? What knowledge could cause such a blood-thirsty war, resulting in the near extinction of entire races?

The possibilities were mind-boggling.

Vanya shook her head. She had a job to do. That would have to be enough history for now, likely...she at least had some grasp now on what was expected of her, in general. Hopefully, the details would follow in time.

So for now, she needed to gain the Spiritual Sight, like her previous incarnation had possessed, in order to become a worthy, capable adviser and...

...wait, she had to give up what now?

Her posture went rigid, the tension visible in her every muscle. The air seemed to freeze in her lungs and she had to concentrate just to keep breathing normally. "I...I'm not sure I understand. Did I mishear you? My...earthly sight...? ...sacrifice?" Her voice cracked a bit, resolution waning, even in the light of all the benefits that the Earthmother had laid before her...did it really balance out? Knowledge and power...if only she'd give up the ability to see?

Somehow, she almost felt cheated, that no one had mentioned this before; that they'd waited until she'd been trapped in this role before giving her all the information.

Though...she did say that this was to be Vanya's choice. She could always refuse...say 'no' and leave now, before it was too late.

Teigra
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Teigra
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PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 10:55 pm


The Matriarch chuckled, arms crossed over her chest as the hovered over the now-drenched Faun. Faelings zipped about, soap and sponges in tow, efficiently scrubbing the hyena female clean under their mistress' watchful eyes.

"Why thank you, dear," the Matriarch smirked, hovering lower as the Faeling's work progressed and the young Faun was rid of any dirt, leaves, or....other disgusting things. "But this is not uncalled for. If you're going to be in my home, you're at least going to be clean. Besides, in addition to being a house of healing, we are also a health spa. Since you weren't injured, obviously you need some luxurious treatment. Why else would anyone come here?"

The Matriarch's stern, appraising gaze passed over Caleigh once more and she frowned. "My Guardians, dear, when was the last time you had a mani/pedi? Ages, I'm guessing, if ever." She then eyed the female's hooves and a look of puzzlement crossed her face. "...well, this could be interesting," she muttered.

Another snap of her fingers brought Faelings zipping in with towels for the Faun, as well as another group with strange looking instruments of metal and stone and...what could they possibly be up to now?
PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 11:04 pm


Earthmother smiled and nodded towards Vanya. "No, there has been many years of peace, and I pray and give thanks everyday, hoping it will remain. It is my deepest desire that Telrunya be united once again, and we move on from the scars of the past."

"The Book is our most valuable treasure, and it contains the secrets of life, death and our creation. The words contained in that book are the most powerful magic of all, and in the wrong hands, it could be devastating."

Vanya was observed carefully. There wasn't a doubt in her heart that the young faun before her could perform the duties of the Seer, but Earthmother wondered if Vanya's heart was ready for such a responsibility.

"You will see things no other Pae'il will ever see. You will not live in darkness, if that is your fear. Your mind will open, and you will see the world as it truly is, not as your mind perceives it. I understand that it is a fearful sacrifice to face, but if you have trust in me, I promise that you will not be left afraid and alone in the dark, but instead, you will be surrounded by love in the light."

"It is your decision, Vanya."

Antidia
Vice Captain

Sparkling Fairy


Teigra
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PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 11:58 pm


While Vanya seemed far away, staring down at her hands, deep in thought, the Earthmother's words washed over her like a warm, calming force, sinking into her skin, not unlike sunshine, despite the fact that they were deep within Laisidhiel.

This was not a decision to be made lightly, either way. Of course, such a sacrifice should not be made without consideration, but what about the other option? What if she were to refuse to take the position? She had faith in her people, in her Chieftain, in their loving matron, and in the Laisidhiel itself, which was just as alive and a part of Faun culture as any of the previous. They had chosen her for the position for some reason, even if she herself could not see it. If she refused, then what would happen? Would they select someone less fitting for the task? Wouldn't she be letting her people down? Could she bear pushing this responsibility onto someone else? Even though, she knew that the choice was up to the potential Seer...she would still feel guilty of putting someone else in the position in which she now found herself.

Besides, what grand plans did she have for her own life anyway? Continuing to traipse about Telrunya's forests, observing and studying other Pae'il's lives, while yearning for one of her own? That was no way to live, and she knew it, despite having done exactly that until this point. Yet...she'd found something like it at least in her friend, Takis, who even now sat at her side, offering silent support and companionship. Almost unconsciously, her hand sought out his, comfort coming just from a touch.

So much to absorb at once, and under such limited time constraints. Vanya's head was swimming, leaping from one thought to the next without cohesive logic. On one hand, there was the promise of power and knowledge, great amounts of it...that was something that everyone was supposed to leap at the chance for, right? So why didn't she?

At the same time, the promise of healing abilities giving her some measure of comfort against her own insecurities regarding her current powers was awfully tempting in itself. She'd like to be able to help people for a change. And wasn't that what this was all about? Her people needed a Seer, to do what no other could do, to provide counsel that no other could give, in order to protect their way of life and their very lives, perhaps.

The way that the Earthmother described it, even Vanya's curiosity was touched by the wonder of this Spiritual Sight and what it might entail. She would still 'see' the world, but as it was? She would 'see truth?' What did that mean? At the same time, all she could keep thinking was that she'd never see a sunrise, or sunset again. The colors of the sky and the trees, of the flowers in bloom in the spring, the animals of the forest, the faces...

...of her loved ones...

She squeezed Takis' hand tightly, an unconscious motion, but a sign that she was already starting to see new truths, at least in her own life. She lifted her head to turn her crimson orbs towards her friend. She took in the details of his face, the colors of his fur, the beautiful markings that she'd always seemed to overlook, and locked them away in her memory with other little details, like the way he would smile at her, the way his eyes lit up when she responded to the little gestures from him, the way he would watch her with such concern when something was troubling her.

She reached up, brushing her hand against his cheek tenderly. Then, she dropped her face slowly, closing her eyes tightly against the burning sensation that threatened to send tears streaming down her cheeks. Not now, she had a job to do. Afterall, what was something like sight compared to the greater need of one's people?

"What do I need to do?"
PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 12:22 am


The small room was emotionally charged. Earthmother frowned a little at Vanya's hidden emotions, because she felt for the poor girl. This was a very tough decision. She regretted that there was not enough time to let Vanya consider her decision to make a more informed decision, but they did not have the time to spare.

There were other reasons, aside from the wife ritual, that Vanya's acceptance would be imperative.

Reaching out, Earthmother placed a gentle hand on Vanya's shoulder to offer comfort while she considered everything. It was obvious that her companion meant a lot to her, which was heartwarming for the ancient faun.

"If it is your decision to accept the duty and responsibility of being our Seer, you must make an offering to the spirits at the alter. Light the incense of sandalwood and white willow to prepare the path to the spirit world. Remain quiet and still and try to free your mind, and when you are ready, your spirit guide will make his presence known to you, and lead you to where you need to go.

I do not know what happens in the spirit world, but while your spirit is separated from your body, you must be protected. That is the reason only you, Rais and myself can enter this room. Your spirit guide will direct you, and when you return to your own body, you must complete the offering."

Earthmother rose to her feet, and went to the small supply room. She withdrew two tiny clay pots with old cork stoppers and a small silver blade. Knealing, she held the items out to Vanya. "These are your incense, and your athame. There is a burner at the alter."

"Vanya, you are allowed to turn back at any point on this journey. If at any time, something feels uncomfortable or not right, you can pull yourself from the trance using your sigil. It can be any symbol or word you choose, but it must relate to something you hold dear and important to you so that your subconscious will recognize it."

"You will be safe, I promise you."

Antidia
Vice Captain

Sparkling Fairy


Dream WhiteWitz

PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 2:15 am


Caleigh yelped when Faelings started zipping around her, scrubbing her skin to feel tender, even to her. "I'm sorry?" she asked, peering at her hooves. "Something wrong with it? I'm a faun," the female said, giving a nod. "I move around, never stay in one place," the spotted hyena said quietly.

She had taken baths before, but nothing like this. The river water is usually cold, not lukewarm like this. However, it was over before she actually had the chance to relax and sink into the water when the towels were brought in. She got out and took one, taking a sniff and rubbed it against her face. "Soft, like leaf at first light," she beamed, drying herself off. However her happiness had ended when she saw metal and stone instruments, her eyes went wide. "I... um, what are those?" she asked.

"Um, I came here because I'm on a quest. I need to get proof of a fire element from here. You see, I don't mean to insult you, this is a great place. I will definitely come back here again. So nice and clean, and smelling good. I have to go back with proof of a fire element from you," Caleigh admitted, looking at the floor as if ashamed.
PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 10:20 am


It's difficult for Takis to remain silent during this intense exchange between Vanya and the Earthmother. She'd have to give up her earthly sight? As in, become blind? That seemed like such a steep sacrifice...and he wants to say so. But, he reminds himself, this is not his decision to make. He's here to support Vanya.

He tries not to stare at her while she contemplates such a difficult choice, but he so wants to know what she's thinking, what she's feeling. And then she'd taken his hand. He can't help but smile, knowing she does so to draw comfort from his touch. Gently Takis rubs his thumb over the back of her hand. Take your time, he thinks at her. He looks up and turns to her as she looks at him. He watches her eyes, which are flicking all over his face, and somehow he knows she's committing the details to memory. He smiles, then, and forcefully wills away the tears that had welled up in his eyes. He doesn't want her memory of his face to be sad or tear-filled.

Nervously he watches the two women discuss the process of Vanya's becoming the Seer. He can't help but mourn for the old Vanya, the one who was so curious and analytical about everything, the one who almost had to be taught normal emotions. The one who, if he was being honest with himself, needed his protection. The reawakened Seer definitely wouldn't need his guidance anymore, he realizes with a little internal sigh. Would she still be impressed by a little boy healing a spot in a tree trunk where a deer had eaten off the bark? Would she marvel over things she'd never seen before?

Takis forces himself to pause. Of course being the Seer wouldn't destroy Vanya's natural curiosity about things. That may even have been why the spirits chose her for this task. Instead of mulling over what would not be after this ritual, he focuses on what might change for the better. Certainly she'd feel more comfortable in faun society, right? She'd always been so nervous about where she'd come from; she'd lived in fear that she'd be found and punished for...whatever it is she'd done. Takis hoped that being the Seer would give her more confidence in herself.

The Earthmother's words draw Takis out of his thoughts and into the present world. You will be safe, I promise you. Yes, he'd make sure of that. He would always be around to protect and comfort Vanya. He squeezes her hand gently, hoping she'd understand that, and remember it forever.

Menelie

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Kira of Flames

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PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 5:00 pm


Amadorine had watched the other girls run off to their own directions; each having been given and element as well as the next task for this whole bizzar version of a match making game. Ama had been lucky; she didn't need to go anywhere but to the main man that the girls were competing for; a man that apparently she COULD be marrying. A man she knew very little about aside from his role in their society.

Scratching her head, she ran her fingers through strands of her hair to brush some tangles out, then smoothed it all down and walked straight up to Rais. "So... since I'm a part of the crew and all, do I bow to you, or have some sort of secret salute? Or do we just get down to business."
PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 8:22 pm


Nodding solemnly, Vanya prepared to take her leave of the pair. She lowered her head towards the Earthmother in a bow, then turned to Takis. She squeezed his hand one last time, then rose to her hooves, taking the offered items she would need. Within, she was a tumultuous storm of emotions, but there was no time for that now. There was work to be done. She had to transfer the calm she presented on the outside within if she were going to succeed.

Her hooves made a soft clopping noise as she headed into the ritual room alone; she didn't dare look back now, or she might never go through with this. She walked straight towards the altar, setting the incense and the athame upon it, then looking about for the burner. Her movements were clipped, automatic, almost mechanical. Her true attention was on attempting to clear her mind, but she didn't seem to need to think much about what she was doing right now. Set up the incense in the burner, both kinds she'd been given, then re-corking the jars with what remained, setting those aside to be added back to the stores later, light the incense, let it burn and the smoke filled the room...

She picked up the athame, looking the shining blade over with a blank expression. She didn't know the object's specific purpose in this ritual, but...there were few other things that such a blade could be for. Instead, she turned it over and over in her hands a couple times, pausing once with the flat of the shining blade towards her. She tilted it so that her reflection shone back at her, and she looked into her own crimson eyes for a moment.

Then she placed the blade precisely on the altar, glanced the surface over in a final check, then verified that she'd done all that she'd been instructed to do thus far. With that, she knelt on the floor before the altar, hooves beneath her, and took a deep breath to focus.

To no avail. Her mind was still whirling, bringing up questions and images and she was having trouble stemming the tide. After a few minutes of this, Vanya growled softly in frustration, forcing her eyes closed and trying again to clear her mind. She focused on the darkness only, the smell of the incense, the sound of her breath, slowly going in and out. One by one, she shut out the outside world's concerns, some more resistant than others. She wasn't aware when her head drooped forwards, her posture slumping, though she remained upright.

The soul known as 'Vanya' was gone.

Teigra
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Antidia
Vice Captain

Sparkling Fairy

PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 8:32 pm


Kishi had followed the flying faun as far as she could, but the flying faun just went so fast, it was hard to keep up. She noted the general direction, which was obviously towards the forest.

"Maybe its the forest I need to be in anyway, like a cosmic sign." Kishi uttered to herself as she galloped off towards Loka Nei.

After what felt like forever in Kishi-Standard-Time, she finally broke through the trees and stopped dead in her tracks. A very big, very dirty building made of cut stones stood before her. It wasn't very tall, but it was very big. And there were columns and walkways surrounding the main building in the center.

"How is a building this big abandoned?" Kishi wondered outloud.

She treaded softly, slowly and approached the temple. She had a feeling this was where she was meant to be. She didn't know why, but she did. "Thank you flying faun." she whispered as she walked beneath one of the stone arches.

She started glancing around trying to see if she could find the flying faun or a bit of that Void element. "Oh dear, baby blackholes are born here."
PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 8:46 pm


"My dear, you need a manicure most badly. We'll...figure something out for the pedicure," the Matriarch mused, eying the girl's hooves once more. At least they could get a good scrubbing and buffing. Now, what was all this about some quest? She seemed quite insistent upon it.

"Fire element? I don't know what in Telrunya you could be referring to here, miss. No fire here, not unless you count our steam sauna. It's absolutely lovely, you know. Does wonders for the skin and complexion," she laughed, fanning herself with one hand. "It's kept hot by actual volcanic rocks, you know, fetched at great danger from deep within Dragnid Forest." There was a mischievous sparkle in the Matriarch's eyes, as if there were more to what she was saying than met the naked eye.

Meanwhile, the Faelings got to work on Caleigh's fingernails, cleaning and buffing and filing with the various instruments. They worked quickly and efficiently, but gently. There was a chair prepared for her to take a seat, and another set of Faelings began buffing her hooves.

"You can take a long, soaking bath later to relax," the Matriarch continued. "This whole 'quest' business can wait."

Teigra
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UrsaMajors

PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 8:47 pm


Alistair was uncharacteristically flustered and he didn't much like it. He hadn't even dreamed he'd be called for a council position! What was a Grand Geomancer, anyway? He'd been so wrapped up in his own thoughts that he'd barely acknowledged the announcement of the wife ceremony and only glanced up a few times to see what was happening. He had to talk to someone, to find out just exaclty what was going on here.

However, when he scanned the dias for either Rias or his mother, niether could be found. Letting out a groan, he stomped a hoof in frustration. He hadn't even noticed Gulliver and when he spoke Alistair jumped a bit and turning to look at him. After a few moments, what the other faun had said began to register with him and he let out a defeated sigh. "Yes...I suppose it has been...interesting" he mumbled, looking the other faun over.
PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 9:16 pm


Rais was rather quiet during the proceedings. He watched as female after female dug in the bag for a tile. Some remained and some were out just like that. It felt awkward to have them vying for him...but he secretly liked it just a bit.

He watched as they went through another task. It seemed that these females had to do much to win the right to be his wife. He watched more get eliminated and more stay in it. Next they had to find and ask for an element. He watched the females scatter. He was enjoying this a bit more than expected. He was also happy to see Belvah still in this competition.

When a gray and white spotted female came back with no hair, Rais didn't know who the girl was. Then he realized is was Belvah...She gave up her hair to be his wife?

Rias was pondering that as Amadorine came up to him, "Huh?" He shook his head and then comprehend what she was saying to him, "A bow would be respectful, yes." He then looked at her knowing it was time for the task at hand, "You are here to ask for something, right?"

spookyx7

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Dream WhiteWitz

PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 9:19 pm


Caleigh yelped when her nails were worked on, as well as her hooves. It was ticklish, to be honest. She even twitched they started working on her hooves, she never had anyone scrapped and polished them before. "P-pardon? What did you just say about heating?" she asked, frowning, trying to recall the information.

"V-v-volcanic rock? Is that almost like fire? Oh, High Matriarch, I need one of those to bring back to show proof," the spotted hyena pleaded, giving a sigh. "Is there any way I can get one from you?" she asked once again, biting her lower lip.
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