|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 5:10 pm
Kishi was staring at pale blue hair and her eyes darted down to the pale blue eyes of a screaming teenager. Which only exacerbated Kishi's own fears, causing her scream more.
Strange little dark faery-thing in front of her, scary spider blackhole behind.
Kishi pushed past the girl only to trip on her hooves a few feet away from her. So much for quick escapes. She quickly rolled so she was sitting on her backside so she could see the girl.
"Wait a minute..." Kishi looked closely at the young fae. She was the same colors that swirled in that blackhole thing. Maybe she was the proof that was required.
"Hey, you. Would you come back to Laisidhiel with me?" It was worth a shot.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 7:41 pm
Vanya's breathing was shallow, but steady. Why am I so exhausted? Does visiting the spirit world take that much energy, or is it just me? That was even harder than the binding ritual... Her mind was still functioning at normal speed, but the rest of her just wanted to curl up and take a nap. Speaking of which, she'd expected to fall and hit the floor; instead, she seemed to be reclining somewhere much more comfortable than that, and much more supportive. As soon as she had the energy to lift her eyelids, she'd have to investigate.
For now, she focused on breathing, keeping a steady rhythm, slowly taking deeper breaths to replenish her body's oxygen supply. Finally, she took a deep breath, letting out a sigh, and her eyes fluttered open. She looked around, then frowned, and looked up in surprise. "...Takis?"
She'd prepared herself for the possibility that she'd never see his face again; at this point, every moment was just a bonus. She even smiled, though her exhaustion was obvious, and reached up to touch his face tenderly. "...thank you," she murmured, closing her eyes to rest in the moment just a bit longer.
But, she couldn't rest forever, much as she might be tempted to do so. She was recovered enough to focus on Earthmother's instructions, so it was time to continue. If she hesitated too long, she'd likely never finish her responsibilities. She took another deep breath to steady herself, and started climbing to her hooves..or perhaps, just kneeling. Yeah, that would do.
On her knees, she started following the instructions she was given, taking the flint and tinder to light the first candle, preparing the incense to follow, then her hands moving automatically to the powder. Following directions was easy, and she did so with clipped, sure movements, though her mind was turning with other thoughts as she worked. Though she hadn't been instructed to do so, a short prayer floated through her mind.
Please, accept my offering, spirits. That I may serve my people, as well as Laisidhiel herself.
And please don't let me screw this up.
Having reached the appropriate point of the ceremony, she turned her thoughts to her spirit guide. She saw the falcon in her mind, diving for the ground like an arrow, screech splitting the air, feathered wings flaring and kicking up a dust storm as it swiftly changed direction and soared away. Then it landed on a branch, turning and aiming its eyeless voids in her direction. She saw it in her mind just as clearly as if he were still before her in the spirit world. She was staring straight ahead, as if he were in the room, as she reached out slowly and lifted the lit candle to ignite the spirit candle.
The spirit candle flared up brilliant white, near-blinding at first, then receeding, though the flame remained clean and white. Squinting a bit at first, Vanya's eyes fixed on the flame, still seeing her falcon in her mind, the reflection dancing in her eyes. She lifted the athame in her right hand, passing the blade slowly and surely over the flame, like a cleansing ritual. Only then did she pull her eyes from the flame, looking down at her open palm. Meditating for a moment on the sigil burned there, she braced herself for the pain and drew the knife blade cleanly through the middle of her palm. Rituals meant pain, especially the important ones, that had true power. All you could do was grit your teeth and push through it. Which was exactly what she did.
Barely flinching, she completed the singular slice, fixating on the crimson blood that welled up from the flesh. same color as her eyes. She almost smirked at the irony of that thought, carefully setting the athame aside and holding her bleeding hand over the jar of powder. Making a fist, she forced the blood to flow and drip down from her hand into the small open jar, soaking and blending with the pink powder. Vanya took a pinch of the powder, now mixed with her blood, and took a breath before tossing it onto the brilliant flame. It flared up once more with a reddish flash and she could have sworn she heard the falcon's cry in her mind.
The flame faded to white again...and everything else started to follow, fading to grey as the color disappeared from the room. Vanya realized what was happening...and she focused all her attention on her eyes, daring not blink and miss an instant of the last moments of 'sight' as most knew it. The world went grey, then sort of hazy, as everything slowly darkened as if the candles were burning out...leaving Vanya in darkness, as she collapsed back to sit on her hooves, exhausted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 7:59 pm
Earthmother sat near the pool of Laisidhiel's dew watching over Vanya as she completed the ritual. She noted how natural she seemed at performing such rites and knew that Vanya was destined for greatness. She felt a swelling of pride in the young fauness, as if she was her own kin. Which isn't totally off, as all faun are family born of Laisidhiel.
Retrieving a couple of items from the mediation room, Earthmother knelt beside Vanya. "Rest, dear. You will need to build your strength. It's not easy to connect to the spirit world initially. But each time you contact the spirits, it will get easier and be less draining. I must attend to the mate ritual so I must take my leave. Takis will remain here with you, and you can emerge when you feel ready. In the meantime, make yourself comfortable here."
Beside Vanya, Earthmother set a small black velveteen bag with a silver cord. "You will need these when you meet with the final candidates for Rais' wife." she said softly and rose to her feet.
She smiled to Takis and nodded her head. "Watch over her."
Taking her leave, touched the light globe on the door and went back out to the meeting hall to see which of the females have completed their task.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 8:46 pm
Kira of Flames The faun's jaw dropped as she watched Ivy's magic at work; it was incredible, seeing the plants move right to the other's will, and it took her a few second to regain her mind. "Y-yeah! It's gorgeous!" She took the crown with a trembling hand, still holding the bird close to her in the other one.
"Miss Ivy, thank you so much for doing this for me, I really appreciate it. I hate to run off so quickly, but there still some ceremonial stuff going on back at the Great Tree and I do need to get back." Bidding Ivy farewell, Amadorine slipped the crown onto her arm and used both hands to hold the bird close to protect him while making her way back. Her pace was much slower this time, due to her precious package, and by the time she returned to Leisidhiel she wasn't sure if she'd made it in time.
Her eyes searched the crowd quickly, locating the familiar figure of Rais. Striding up to him, she gave a nod to his company, then held up the crown of roses. "Though it's not the one that graces Ivy's head, it was made and gifted to me from her and it does have a rose in it from her own crown as well." Her attention then turned to the little bird in her hand. "I also need to find some medical attention for this bird as well; I promised Ivy I would do everything I could to take care of this little one. Cheif Rais, are there any fauns here who might be able to help?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 8:56 pm
Takis sighs yet another sigh of relief as Vanya sits up and looks around. She seemed alright, just exhausted. He feels a hot wave of anger wash over him as she sits up to complete the ritual. Surely she didn't have to do this in such a state! And then...the athame. Takis inhales sharply and nearly cries out at the sickening squelch of the cut through Vanya's beautiful skin. He wants to take it from her, to use his own pain instead, but he remains silent and solemn. Perhaps one day he'd have the courage to act instead of just fantasize about saving her.
He helps Vanya to the resting room, watching her now-vacant eyes flick everywhere, as if trying to find where everything had gone. He stays knelt beside her, holding her hand, rubbing his thumb over the back of it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 9:06 pm
"Because I don't know the faun community as well as you do. Not the individuals at least." Amadorine frowned a little, shifting the bird ever so carefully in her arms as she felt the underlining accusation. "I wanted to finish with a request from ANOTHER figure head so I could take the time to find the best help on taking care of this little one without feeling the pressure of what really feels like a stupid game show."
At this point, she could feel herself starting to shake a little with frustration at the whole situation. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, inhaling the air deep into her lungs and holding it as she counted slowly before letting the air out as she brought herself to the more important matter at hand; this bird needed help and she didn't know where to start. "As far as I can tell, it broke a wing or leg, but I don't have the first aid knowledge to give a correct diagnostic and treat it. Rias, sir, can you direct me to a faun who CAN help me give this little one the care he needs? If it means withdrawing from this 'competition' then obviously I wasn't the one cut out for it. I did make a promise to an Elder, and I plan on seeing it through to the end; something that I would have done promise or not because it's the right thing to do. The best that I can do for him is to find someone with more knowledge than myself; I need someone else's help for this situation." She set her jaw and watched Rais with hard, serious eyes, waiting for him to answer. She honestly didn't know if he'd be able to give her direction, but he was the best bet for finding the faun that could help fix the little bird.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 9:19 pm
Vanya fingered the small, velvet bag in her lap. It had taken some groping about in the blackness to find the item that the Earthmother had left with her, and now she puzzled over what could be inside, but she was honestly too tired and worn to do much other than wonder right now. Rest first.
By habit, her eyes kept trying to track sounds and movement, however, no matter where she looked, all was blackness. She was silently thankful that Takis had been allowed to come along with her, now more than before. She may have felt alone in the darkness, but it would have been so much worse to actually be alone at the moment. His presence did much to soothe her in her exhaustion; from the touch of his hand on hers, to the warmth of his body knelt next to her legs. Even though she couldn't see him, she laid her hand on his head, running his hair through her fingers. The sensation of touch seemed so fascinating all of a sudden.
"Thank you," she murmured again with a half-smile. She was so grateful for his support, but she didn't know how else to express it. Right now, all she could think about was lying down on the cot and falling asleep, but apparently she still had some work yet to do today. At least she had a brief respite for recovery. She couldn't blame the Earthmother; she'd seemed so torn over it all.
Instead, she closed her now-worthless eyes and attempted to focus on rest and recovery while she could. As much as she could without flopping over and converting into a snoring lump, at least. A half smile formed at the thought, and she leaned over instead, seeking comfort in resting against her friend.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 10:22 pm
Earthmother returned to the dais to see quite the scene in front of her. Belvah stood without hair, Caleigh stood with a bucket and very fluffy and fragrant fur, and Amadorine was yelling at the chief. Where were Kishi and Isolde? She supposed they did not succeed in their attempts to secure proof of the element.
Focus however, was on Amadorine, who was behaving in a very disrespectful manner to the chief, and all in attendance. And Earthmother found it insulting that the girl competing to be Rais' mate was calling it stupid. This young girl had not learned the lessons these trials were meant to teach.
"Young lady, this is a very sacred ritual, not some silly game designed to humiliate you. These trials are tests of your character, to see if you are strong enough to stand beside our leader, and compassionate enough to raise the future leaders of our society. Do you have such disregard for your own kind that you would disrespect our traditions?"
She walked closer to the angry faun, a look of pity on her face. This poor young girl has so much to learn still. "Life is the most precious thing on the planet, no matter how small. Your test was a test of patience and compassion." Earthmother reached out for the tiny bird.
Without another word, she lifted her cupped hands, tossing the little bird into the air. While in the air, the bird tumbled and chirped and flapped his little wings furiously, and in a small flash of light, transformed into a small Avalon fairy. He flitted down slowly to stand in Earthmother's open palms.
"Thank you, friend," She said to the little fairy. He gave her a little bow, and then zipped off, ascending in an upward spiral to the tall reaches of the tree before flying out of an open window.
Turning her attention back to the orange faun standing before her, she smiled. "While you did succeed in bringing back your proof of encountering the earth element, you did not fare as well with the real challenge of this task. Amadorine, for the next test, you will need to be more diligent. And when you have the time, return Ivy's rose to her. That crown is very important to the Elder of Flora." Earthmother gave Amadorine a wink and pat on her shoulder before turning to Belvah.
The seashell that Belvah presented had lost it's magic. The two hours had expired.
"Belvah, your test was of sacrifice. And with faith, you gave up something very important to you, in order to complete your task. You did well." She reached out and took the seashell in her hand. "Your sacrifice was valiant."
Earthmother squeezed the small shell in her hand, crushing it. When she opened her hand, there was a pile of blue dust, but in the center was a small little pearl. "Belvah, this is yours. It's a gift from the Naiad Queen."
When Belvah touches the pearl, her hair will magically reappear as if it was never gone. The pearl contains a small amount of the water element, binding Belvah to that element. Water represents creativity, adaptability and emotions. The pearl, when kept with her, will grant Belvah the ability to swim as fast as a Naiad, and not need an air bubble to breathe.
Earthmother then turned to Caleigh. "My dear, you were tasked with obtaining a lava rock, but your test was one of learning to stand up for yourself. The Matron reports to me that she was very impressed with you. The Matron doesn't like many Pae'il so that's quite an honor." She chuckled slightly and then looked into the pail with the lava rock. She lifted the bucket and swirled it around gently, letting it hit the sides of the pail with a rattling noise.
"The High Matron of the Fairies has given you a gift as well." She held the bucket up for Caleigh to look inside. Inside, she will find a small gem with reds and oranges shifting beneath the clear surface among the debris of the crumbled lava stone. "This is a fire gem."
Caleigh will forever have a bond with the fire element. Fire represents passion, drive and energy. While Caleigh has the fire gem with her, she will be able to withstand heat and fire, and her fur will never burn.
Each contestant was eligible to receive a similar protection charm upon completing the Test of Character.
"Amadorine, I still have your protection charm if you can prove yourself with the next task."
---
((Round 5 coming up))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 10:56 pm
Round 5 - Part One: Test of Soul
Each of the three remaining fauness were given a small parchment, and instructed to meet the Earthmother on the fifth level, in the nook on the northernmost section, which would be 4 doors to the right of the ramp that lead upwards.
The girls were directed to an empty room which Earthmother had prepared before the meeting began. The room is dark, lit only by candles. There are runes placed around the perimeter of the room. In the center of the room, there are down-filled pillows surrounding a small table with an unlit green candle, a flint and tinder, and five incense burners. Earthmother sits on her knees on one pillow as she waits for three to join her.
When they arrive, Earthmother will instruct them that they are to light their incense stick with the green candle, one at a time and inhale the vapors. They will enter a trance in which they will encounter a beast.
Earthmother does not know the nature of the beast or what it looks like. The beast's demeanor and appearance will be based solely on what each faun considers to be ugly, mean, or scary. The monster should embody those qualities the faun finds unappealing and/or offensive in another being.
Be creative! The purpose of this trance is for each female to confront things that may not always be as they appear. A faun cannot die or be physically harmed while in this trance, because it is not real. It is merely an induced dream.
Part Two will be posted after each entrant has posted their dream sequence.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 9:02 am
Alistair laughed. "Well, good to know niether of use were expecting to be selected for anything." The will of Laisidhiel...? The expression struck him funny, for some reason. He shrugged it off, following Gullivers gaze to stare at Rais and the females. He watched the goings-on in wonder, marvleing at the items the females had brought back. He frowned though, turning his attention back to Gulliver. "Oh...no...star alignment would be annoying to wait for but a test might be even worse..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 11:20 am
"It could be, I can just imagine whats going on with these ladies, could you imagine your fate in romance being determined by some tests?" He motions the remaining ladies as Earthmother walks away with the others in tow. "I guess if they aren't meant to be hooked up they wont be but still...." He looks towards Alistair "I'm hungry, wanna join me to find some food while we wait to see whats next for both of us? Seems there's a good chance we'll be seeing more of each other considering what we've been told, might as well chat and get to know one another so we're not working with strangers."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 12:28 pm
Takis takes a brief moment to close his eyes and enjoy Vanya's fingers in his hair. It calms his jangled nerves and he feels somehow...refreshed.
"You're welcome," he murmurs to her, opening his eyes. He trails his fingers along her arm. "Sleep now, I'll wake you when she comes back." He keeps his contact light but constant. He wants her to know that he's here, and since she can't see him anymore the only way for him to do that is by touching her. He reaches forward and brushes a stray blue lock from her forehead, smiling a little. Perhaps everything would work out in the end.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 12:47 pm
Oh, such temptation...but, she couldn't sleep, not yet. At least, it wouldn't be worth it when she'd have to wake immediately once more, or so it would seem. Still, she smiled, "No, it won't be long at all. No time for sleep." She wasn't sure how she knew that, but she just...did. "I'm just going to..." she caught herself before she said the phrase, 'just going to rest my eyes.' That seemed a little silly at this point. Unnecessary at least. "...just going to rest for a bit," she finished after a moment's hesitation.
Still, she supposed she could at least lie down. She shifted slowly, carefully, so she wouldn't do something stupid and clumsy like, toppling off the bed onto the floor, eventually curling up, half on her side, half on her stomach, with her head resting on her arms. She'd looped the drawstring of the velvet bag around her wrist so she wouldn't lose track of it. She could just imagine it now, her groping about blindly and muttering about how her first day as a Seer and she'd lost a precious bag of...somethings. She almost laughed at the thought, all too aware that she was taking the loss of her sight a little TOO well. Maybe she was just a little mad, a little bit off in the head. It would explain a lot.
Or maybe she was just so tired that she was too exhausted to be depressed or upset, and instead, everything was striking her as silly or amusing at the moment. Probably.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 12:55 pm
"Whatever you wish," agrees Takis with a little nod. He realizes belatedly she can't see it, but oh well. "I'll be here. I can talk or I can keep quiet while you rest. But I'll be here." He rubs his thumb over the back of her hand again.
Today had been....confusing. Exhilirating? Surprising. Awful at some bits. But Vanya had seemed like she felt closer to him. Perhaps it was his imagination, perhaps it was just that she wanted someone familiar to help her through this process. But he couldn't help but allow himself to hope that maybe she felt the same way he did about her. What a life that would be...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 2:28 pm
(Going to make two posts)
Belvah blushed, smiling a bit as Earthmother complimented her. "Thank you Earthmother." She fisted her hand over her heart and bowed in respect.
The silvery gray female was surprised to see the seashell crushed. She was about to say something when a simple pearl was offered in return for the crushed magic. Gingerly, she reached out for the object, smiling as she felt her hair grow back instantly. Oh thank the guardians, she would have missed her hair so very much..
She instantly blushed thinking of how shallow that really was. She wasn't a shallow faun, at least she didn't think so. Who knew, she did think physical appearance was something to be concerned with at least.
Belvah waited, watching as Earthmother addressed her friend. The silvery gray female was so proud of Calli, even if they were competing for the chief against one another. "Good job Callie!" She whispered, smiling.
It was then that she realized there was more to this. Another task? She blinked, looking at the scroll she was handed. Okay, another task. Hopefully this would be the last. Belvah just wanted to rest after this long day. Hopefully she could rest with Rais, but with Amadorine and Caleigh still in the race for his heart, she couldn't fall lax now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
