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Codebreaking Conversationalist
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 Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 8:09 pm
Aeroniel never went onto land.
She just didn't do it. It was something she distinctly did not enjoy, and something she was not fond of ever repeating. Why couldn't those pesky faun just come down to the water instead? She was certain there had to be some way to accommodate them down there that wouldn't cause such an uncomfortable sensation. Feeling her tail, her beautiful tail ... split into two disgusting appendages was something that Aeroniel would likely never grow used to.
And she didn't want to get used to it, either.
Stupid meeting. Stupid faun. Stupid Turin for agreeing to this stupid meeting and stupid Tariel too for saying that it was perfectly fine and not a bother at all to come to the surface and walk around on legs she could not even maintain her balance on. She was going to fall and that would be embarrassing. Still, Aeroniel refused to accept help. She would get to her feet on her own, dammit.
Even if it took a few moments, and she still wobbled unsteadily when she got onto her feet. So much for the graceful Aernyn naiad, eh?
Naturally suspicious, she eyed the faun in front of them, though she did not look nearly as threatening as she may have liked due to the whole wobbly problem. Though she was still adjusting, she picked up the fact that he introduced himself as Mo--the Advisor? Was he another her? She squinted at him. He seemed unassuming enough, she supposed. Nothing was raising any immediate red flags, though she supposed if he was greeting them, he would probably be the one to raise the least red flags...
She'd have to see the rest for herself.
"Well met, Advisor Mo," offered Aeroniel, easily enough, though she made no active effort to introduce herself, following her queen's lead. If relying on formalities would make it easier, she would as well.
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2013 2:22 am
He looked around, it all seemed to be coming together nicely. "I think all are like that brother, but they are special just the same." He thought about the one female he wanted to ask to dinner with him, he could stare most danger in the face that wasn't hard being who he was and all. But to get the nerve up to ask her was another story... He shakes his head focusing his thoughts again on the present and what was about to happen, he'd have to deal with the other later.
"Do you think they'll bring many?" he asked his Chief quietly as he shifted his weight from one hoof to the other, this was a time he was keeping his eyes open and his guard up. With Rais there and soon the others as well he couldn't afford to relax completely.
Gulliver looked towards the path coming from the Tree and saw the two ladies who approached and gave them both little nods of his head in respect. "Good day Sisters, This day finds you two both well too I hope." It'd been a decent amount of time since he'd seen the EarthMother but he still knew who she was and had great respect for her.
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2013 3:32 pm
"Of course, Your Majesty," Turin replied appropriately, all too used to switching to proper protocol during official court business. He bowed his head, steadying her as she regained her balance. The first few minutes on land were always the most awkward. If they had to have an audience, Turin was grateful it was only the Advisor here and not the entire Faun leadership.
He started to offer his hand to Aeroniel, but she seemed stubbornly determined not to take it, so Turin stepped back to give her space instead rather than cause a scene. Anatolio and Itsaso were offered the same, however, if they would take it and soon they were all on land. The Faun Advisor had been the only one to introduce himself, Turin noted, wondering at the sudden tenseness in the air. He knew this was important and that protocol was essential, but...
Oh fine, if he needed to act as an intermediary, he would.
His expression neutral, if not pleasant, the scarred Captain moved up the beach once more to conduct introductions. "I present her Majesty, Queen Tariel of the Naiad, accompanied by myself and Lady Aeroniel as representatives of the Naiad Court, and our honorary guard, Anatolio and Itsaso," he bowed this time, having found some of his land-balance by this point, and gestured graciously to each in turn as he gave names. Back to the Faun, he nodded, "Well met, Advisor Mo of the Faun." He attempted to smile in a way to diffuse some of the growing tension that seemed inherent when having to use such formal protocol.
Said smile was not so easy to maintain upon witnessing the Advisor's unspoken offer to escort the Queen to the meeting place. Turin caught himself before he could respond, either in word or expression. Stay objective, Captain. He's only being polite. What was it you were just saying about formal protocol? He'd expected that they would be traveling alone to the meeting grounds and had assumed that he would be escorting the Queen on his arm instead. Stupid Turin. He needed to stop this. Hadn't she made herself clear enough by avoiding him as much as possible since they'd gotten back safely from their adventure? She wanted nothing more to do with him than for him to do his job and keep her safe. As it should be. He just needed to stop being ridiculous.
Picking up to answer as if nothing were amiss, while offering his arm as well to either of the other ladies, "Yes, fortunately, we had an uneventful journey."
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Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2013 4:13 pm
Anatolio had become reasonably proficient at handling the land change during his visits to the shore to collect or drop off the boys with their mother, who refused to come at all near the water line. He shakes his head at his father's offered hand with a quiet "No thank you, Captain," and pulls himself up onto the shore with minimal face-making and with possibly a new record for least amount of sand stuck to his body. He glances over at his comrade, who seemed to be faring a bit worse. It's obvious that if this isn't her first landfall, it's not a regular occurrence for her.
Itsaso steels her nerves as she nears the shore. Horrendous things, these land-appendages. And to see her Queen so disgraced! It makes her sick to her stomach. But still, it's her duty as part of the Queen's entourage to go up on land and guard her there. She, too, neglects the Captain's proffered hand of aid; she doesn't want to be seen as weak. But after a few minutes of wrestling with her new limbs, it's clear she doesn't quite have the arm strength to get herself all the way onto the beach. She's fallen over twice attempting to get up, and she feels that she's made an absolute fool of herself in front of the Queen and in front of the Faun advisor. As she tries to stand a third time, she falls again, only to be caught around the waist.
"It's always worst the first time," says Toli quietly as he catches her and steadies her. She'd only get angrier the more humiliated she got. And he knew that angry Itsaso was insufferable...and somewhat dangerous. He'd seen her power kick in during the hurricane, and didn't know exactly what had set it off, but...they certainly didn't need it right now.
"I don't need your help," says Itsaso gruffly, shaking him off. She starts to walk closer to the group. The sand unbalances her somewhat, but eventually she gets her legs under control. She and Anatolio arrive near the back of the group just in time to be introduced. They both bow respectfully in response.
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Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 11:00 pm
((Assume all Pae make it up to the top so we can get this meeting rolling.))
"Thank you, sir," the queen took the offered arm and allowed herself to be escorted up the short path to the meeting spot. She was a little wobbly, as she tends to be on land, and grateful she had a hand to hold on to. Once during the walk up the steep incline, she chanced a glance behind her to Turin. She had a sudden pang of guilt hit her as she'd been distancing herself from him lately. She was nervous for this meeting, and he was always the one to help calm her down. She knew she needed to apologize to him as soon as the time was appropriate.
The pair reached the top and she was snapped out of her thoughts, back into the present situation. She seen the regal faun all assembled, standing on the other side of a long, wooden table. She turned her gaze to her entourage to ensure they made it up safely. Her expression remained friendly, but not overly so. She was still leery after Sadron's claims that these hooved-beings wanted war.
Tariel gave Earthmother a warm smile and curtsy. When her eyes fell upon the Chief, she didn't know what to think. She felt a shiver, which only for the briefest of moments made her a little dizzy. She passed it off as just being wobbly when she grabbed Mo's arm a little tighter. She glanced to the rest of Chief Rais' assembled court, noting how much larger his was than hers.
"Chief Rais, I appreciate the warm welcome. May I introduce my court; Captain Turin, Lady Aeroniel, and my scouts, Itsaso and Anatolio." She nodded to each as she mentioned their name, holding her hand out, palm up for each.
No matter where she looked, her eyes kept coming back to the chief. He had a commanding presence and it was hard not to feel intimidated.
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Posted: Sun Sep 29, 2013 12:05 am
Vanya had not caught the conversation that the males had been having before they arrived, despite her amplified hearing. Fortunately for them all. Instead, after giving polite nods and smiles for each greeting and answering appropriately, she'd fallen silent, centering herself and focusing her concentration for the meeting to come. Before long, the auras clarified of those before her. Vanya noted the shifting hues, subtle in the Chieftain, but a bit more frequent in the Captain of the Rangers. Such shifts usually indicated anxiety or nerves. Not unheard of on such an important occasion, however, she silently took note, if only because of an uneasy feeling that had followed her since the recent meeting with that Blood Pae. She'd not understood the Captain's shifting reactions to the stranger, and at the time, she'd realized...she hadn't really known the ranger that well at all, despite the number of seasons they'd served together as Rais' Circle. If they didn't even know one another--
Her thought was interrupted, he ear swiveling towards the cliff. "The Naiad are here."
Rais focused on the previously quiet Seer, then turned towards the cliff. It was still a few moments before his Second appeared, escorting the representatives of the Naiad Court. The Naiads' scales shimmered in the sunlight, a variety of bright colors represented by their small number. His eyes drifted from one to another, finally landing on the female that his Advisor escorted forward. She seemed different from the others, but it was more than her royal adornments that had caught his attention.
The Chieftain's brow quirked slightly, then the expression was gone again, replaced by neutrality. What...was it just nerves? Sure, it was just nerves. He really should have eaten something more substantial this morning...maybe then his stomach wouldn't be feeling so strange.
Mentally shaking the uneasy feeling away, the Chieftain stepped forward with a bow. "Well met, Queen Tariel. We welcome you to our land." He smiled, standing and moving forward to take her hand and lift it with a chaste, greeting kiss. His expression remained steady, despite the phantom shock that hit the base of his neck, then traveled down his spine. Instead, he rose and took the Queen on his arm with a grateful nod to Mo. "You have already met my Advisor and Second-in-Command, Sir Mo. And, are already familiar with the Earthmother," he acknowledged before turning to the rest of the Circle with a gesture to each with his free hand. "May I also present the Captain of the Rangers, Sir Gulliver, and our Seer and Healer, Lady Vanya."
He gently started towards the meeting table, then waited to allow her to set the pace. "Please, have a seat and make yourselves comfortable. There are refreshments for all if you wish. As soon as we are all settled, we may continue." Upon reaching the table, Rais pulled out a chair for the Queen, offering her his hand to help her into it.
Vanya's attention was captured by the new arrivals. She noted the associations between each name and the aura presented...the soft blue auras did not alarm her as much as the golden ones of the Blood Pae, despite never having seen one before. Though, when she looked at the one escorted by Mo...she could easily sense the great power the individual held, far greater than that of her companions. Much like when she viewed the Chieftain's aura...though...her companions auras did not seem as brilliant in comparison...at least, not to the level of Rais' Circle...
Puzzled as to what that might mean, she held onto that question, responding to her own introduction with a step forward and a polite bow of her head. "A pleasure."
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Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2013 5:22 pm
Tariel took the offered arm of the Chiefain, and she nearly jerked back, but had to keep her composure. Something about touching him caused a jolt to strike her hand and travel through her body. She may not have been as subtle about it as she thought.
She looked at the offered chair, and tilted her head slightly. The Faun chairs were a bit different than Naiad chairs, but then when she considered the differences, she recalled having never needing a chair while she has legs. When she sat, she noted the rough texture and slightly uncomfortable feeling of it. But she smiled, not wanting to be rude. (She's not used to wooden chairs, as in the water they have smooth shells, or kelp seats.) "Thank you, Chief Rais," she said with a warm smile and the grace of a queen.
She needed to catch her breath, and wondered at what point she began to hold it. She exhaled slowly, waiting for the focus to turn away from her as the rest of her party and Rais' moved to take their seats. She took advantage of the moment and took a few deep breaths. It helped to calm her nerves. She looked over the table at the spread the Faun had prepared for them and was impressed. Everything was so colorful. She reached for something in the orangish-yellow color variety and gently placed it on her tongue. Without raising concern or looking foolish, she quickly took the melon piece and slipped it under a napkin. She learned that color was a taste she not like.
Sadron's words of war with the hooved ones echoed in her mind, and it occurred to her that she should have brought a taster. Did she have an official taster? It had never come up. She scanned the faces of her entourage and wondered if any of them would be willing. Naw, she didn't want to put their lives in extra danger. Besides, she had this very odd comfortable feeling about Rais that she didn't quite understand. He felt familiar, yet different. That was worth looking in to. And she didn't want to seem rude by getting up and asking somepae to be her taster. What message would that send to their potential allies?
"We appreciate the invitation, Chief. This meeting is long overdue, and I'm glad we finally were able to schedule. And it's a pleasure to meet your .... Circle." she paused because she forgot what they called their group of leaders in Faun society. "And Earthmother, I'm glad to see you." She smiled and bowed her head slightly before turning her attention back to the host of this meeting.
"We have many items we wish to discuss with you, but as our host, I would like to extend the first order of business to you and yours." She didn't mean to sound bossy, but she's used to being the only "ruler". She also was trying really hard to be herself in the presence of the Great Chief, which was harder than one would think.
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Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2013 6:51 pm
Turin followed behind his matriarch, neither of the other women having taken his offered arm, so he traveled alone. Well, this was already starting off differently than he might have imagined. He kept his expression neutral as the Queen was passed from the arm of one Faun to the next.
Get a grip, Captain. This is a formal affair, not a damnable picnic! Get your head in the game!
Distracting himself with surveying the meeting site, he wondered if the Faun weren't treating this as a picnic afterall. There was enough food spread out for such, instead of what was supposed to be a serious meeting, he thought. Colorful, unfamiliar food, but he was fairly certain that's what it was.
Even with the forced distraction, he noted the stiff manner with which the two leaders seemed to react to one another with interest. At the first sign that something was wrong, he wouldn't hesitate to leap in so that the Queen could escape safely. Of course, he wasn't trying to jump to conclusions either; the Queen could simply be as uncomfortable about these formal exchanges as he was. He sort of hoped so, actually; the image of the Faun Chieftain kissing his Queen's hand had unfortunately burned itself into his memory.
Aeroniel would take her seat to one side of the Queen, leaving Turin to take the initiative to seat himself on Tariel's other side. He was puzzling over how these 'chairs' worked exactly when the Queen subtly reached towards the food on the table. He was too slow to say anything or stop her and only watched in alarm as she tasted something from the offerings. Not that there was anything he could have said in front of their hosts that wouldn't have been offensive and started things off with distrust had he been mistaken. He was relieved to note her equally subtle hiding of rejected piece of fruit moments later. No one else would have noticed, likely, busy as they were getting settled, but it was his job to protect the Queen at all times. How was he supposed to do that if she was going to start tasting every strange food set before her before someone else could test it for her? Ugh, why hadn't they thought to bring a food tester with them?
Setting a bad precedent for this meeting, Turin.
He settled for a discrete frown at Tariel, making a note to lecture her about tasting strange foods later. Business now.
He turned his attentions towards their hosts, eyes moving discretely from one to next as he attempted to gauge them. He was no expert on land Pae, far from it, but he lingered on the dark furred one that had been introduced as their Seer and healer. She moved...oddly. It was subtle, but Turin was trained to note small details. She was the only one to reach out for her chair before sitting, though she never turned her eyes towards it. Could she be...blind?
Vanya said little more following the introductions, focusing instead on her readings. It was difficult to 'read' so many at once, so she could only gain basic information unless she focused on a particular individual. The auras still intrigued her, and it was easy enough to 'see' those all at once, so she watched those for a while. The Queen's aura was definitely brighter, seeming more...commanding, for lack of a better word. Was this what Earthmother had wanted her to see? Or was there more?
She'd keep quiet, letting their Chieftain open and guide the meeting while she performed her own duties. She had noted a strange flicker and flare in the leaders' auras as they'd met. However, she wasn't entirely sure what it had meant just yet...
Pushing aside the strange feelings as a sign of nerves, Rais graciously helped the Queen into her seat before moving around the table to his own directly across from her. Mo would be seated at his right, Earthmother taking the seat on his left, the rest of the Circle filling in accordingly. When everyone seemed to be seated and comfortable, he nodded once to the Queen. "I am sure you do. This is an open meeting, so feel free to raise any questions at any time. I would like to start our discussions dealing with current events. The primary reason I called this meeting was due to the number of rumors on the wind as of late. Many strange events and whispers of things in the shadows. Rather than breed suspicion and make assumptions, I believe the best course of action is to have our people sit down together and discuss events clearly, leaving no room for doubt or suspicion. Those of the Water and the Earth were once close allies. I would like to hope that we may be again, despite the many years that have passed."
Rais paused, shaking his head slightly. "It is a shame to hear of troubling events so soon after our return to the Isle. However, ignoring them will not make them go away. I wonder if you and your people have had any similar troubles since taking up residence in the temple in the lake? Trouble from the other residents of the Isle?" he tested, prompting to see simply if they had similar events to relate. Pausing, sharing a pointed look with Earthmother before continuing. "I wonder if you remember, or...have been informed of the prophecy from the days of our ancestors...?" It would be nice to assume that their return to the Isle would be accompanied by peace. They'd had a couple of years of that, at least, which was perhaps more than they could have asked for, given the words of the prophecy. The truth of the matter was...their return was only the sign of bad things to come.
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Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2013 7:52 pm
Tariel kept a careful eye on the Faun, watching their mannerisms and reactions simply to know how to behave herself. Life is different under the water, and she's not entirely certain what protocol is on land. This line of thinking lead her to wonder why she wasn't drying out yet. She looked around and down towards the wonder and then towards the Tree. A quick glance to each side at Aeronial and then Turin and they seemed fine as well. Maybe this was all more legit than she gave credit.
She pulled herself out of her thoughts and back to the moment; the meeting had started.
She had noticed one of the Faun had put his hands on the table, lacing his fingers lacing. She took this as an appropriate posture, so she tried to mimic the gesture, taking a couple tries, and then leaned forward. She knew her ignorance of the land made her seem silly, but she just kept her chin up and let on that she didn't think any thing of it. Even if in her mind she wanted to cry and hide her bed from the embarrassment.
"My tutor has filled me on some matters. From what I was told, Naiad awoke without their leader, so they had no unification until I and my Court arrived. And I believe that was after your arrival, yes? I know not much of what occurred before our arrival." She wondered if she should admit her struggles in regaining control and trust of the Naiads or not. She opted for no, for now, until a trust was established.
"Recently, while out with my surveyor, we encountered not only some trouble with the marsh, but a group of delinquent teenagers. The mud in the marsh dampened my magic, and the roots seemed to attack. I don't know if they were protecting me and Serefina, or if we were lucky to escape, but the teenager were attacked." Tariel recounted of the event in the marsh when she met the Squires of the Light.
She was tempted to reach for a cup of drink, but remembering the gross fruit had her reconsider. It looked like water, which is harmless, but she decided to err on the side of safety.
"Prophecy? Which one do you speak? Tua has told me of many, including my destiny to be queen, leading the Naiads and keeping them safe." She had not been told of the big prophecy, because Tua didn't know about it. He only knew of the Naiads fate, and it was his job to protect all the aquatic life. Nothing more.
Rais mentioned "remembering" the prophecy he spoke of. She took a few moments to think. She was still not very good at tapping into the past, like Tua said she was supposed to do once awakened. It was a weak link, but important to keep from making the same mistakes from the past.
"Sorry, I don't remember anything else if there is a different prophecy."
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Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2013 9:01 pm
Rais nodded sagely, the Queen's account being new, and yet matching up somewhat with some of the accounts from his own people. "I believe that our people may have had similar encounters with these strange teenagers. Blood Pae, from what I have heard of the ones seen. And this is not the first time I have heard of them appearing accompanied by hostile dark forces," he said with a frown. Even though in both instances, they had seemed on opposing sides as these dark forces, the matter still remained that where they seemed to go, trouble seemed to follow. And there was still the attempted attack on the Seer.
The small detail of the mud in the marsh dampening the Queen's magic was far more alarming than it would have seemed from the casual way it was mentioned.
"I would like to discuss this further, but first, the prophecy." He paused, glancing towards Earthmother before continuing. As the story had been hers to tell to the Faun, it was now his to tell to the Naiad representatives. Hands folded on the table, he bowed his head. "I shall keep the history as brief as possible for the purpose of this meeting. Our ancestors possessed a great book containing powerful magic and secrets of life and the universe itself. The Blood Pae became greedy and mistaking our benevolence for weakness, demanded the Book of Transcendence for their own selfish use. When we refused to share it with them, they decided that our destruction was the only solution."
He sighed before continuing. "The Book contained a number of blank pages in addition to the wisdom held within. At times, prophecies would appear on these pages. One day, two simple lines appeared that would change life for the Ancients forever. Prepare for War. We all must die." He opened his eyes, glancing over the faces of their Naiad guests. "The next day, a second prophecy appeared:
Do not go quietly in to the night.
Prepare.
When darkness threatens,
Peace.
The Ancients will arise.
When Telrunya is in need.
Protect.
"Our ancestors were to prepare for a war that they could not hope to win. But precautions were taken to ensure that our peoples would survive, to rise again in a new era, when Telrunya was in need." He paused, reaching for his cup to take a quick sip of water before continuing. "And here we are. Earth and Water reborn. My scouts have had little luck in finding signs of any of the other Ancients as of yet, but we continue to search. While the return of our people to prosperity is a blessing to us; it is a sign of bad tidings for the Isle, for if we have returned, then the Isle must be in danger."
Rais sat back now, the burden of retelling such grim predictions and prophecies seeming to weigh on his shoulders. How much or how little did the Queen really know about the larger picture? This tutor she spoke of could be beneficial, but everything she mentioned seemed to be centered only on the Naiad. True, one must understand one's own people before delving into the history of others, but...
"Tell me, Your Majesty," he started politely, but sounding curious. "This tutor has taught you much about the ways beneath the waves, as it seems, but what of the land above? And what of your own history? What of your past life as..." he hesitated for a moment, trying to draw the former Naiad Queen's name from his memory, "...Alu?" After searching his memory for the history he'd been told, he was surprised with how easily the name seemed to roll from his lips. Odd. Shaking it off, he asked again, "Have you had much luck in remembering anything from that life?" If he didn't know what level of knowledge they already possessed, he had no idea where he could start, or how much would need to be shared before they could even begin to make plans to move forward.
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Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2013 9:39 pm
All other petty, narcissistic thoughts the Queen normally has when speaking with anyone were gone. Her face fell as she heard Rais recount the past. She had not heard of any of it, except a brief mention of war, and it felt like he was speaking of something she should know. She tried to search her memories as he spoke of the Ancient's prophecy. After closing her eyes, she could see the words in her mind, written on paper in gold calligraphy. She felt the fear and panic those words -- Prepare for War. We all must die." elicited from those baring witness to the warning. Her heart ached.
With her eyes still closed, she listened closely to the second part of the prophecy. Her eyes watered, with a few tears pushing through. Rais was right. If they're here, that means the island is in danger. She opened her eyes, looking right as Rais. In that moment, she felt a warm swelling in her chest and he looked like someone she knew very well, long ago. She blinked and he changed back to Rais. Weird.
"I ... can't say I remember that prophecy, but I think I do. It felt familiar. Tua didn't tell me about that, but its possible he didn't know. He only knows of activity from the waters." She knew Tua was holding back important information, because he said he'd tell when the time was right and she knew more of her past. That drove her nuts because she wanted to know it all.
"I don't know anything about the others. Tua has informed me we are only part of five; Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Void. But he said he doesn't know much about them aside from that. What do they look like? Maybe my scouts can help in searching as we have access to parts of the island you may not." She offered. She felt like such a dummy because she didn't know as much as she thought about her history and her destiny. She also realized Tua didn't know as much as he lets on, too.
When he said 'Alu', Tariel felt like she was suddenly transported to another world. "Alu" she heard again, but the voice was deeper, and she could sense the care in how her name was spoken. It sounded like how every girl wants her name to sound and she felt something she hasn't felt in a long time. Overcome by the sudden rush of emotions, and just as fast as her mind left her, it came back and she felt flushed. She fanned herself with her hand, feeling warm. She hoped on one had noticed. My day dreams are getting out of hand.
She tried to answer Rais' question, but her voice hitched and squeaked. She wasn't used to talking above water, so she had to cough to clear her throat. "My apologies," she said sheepishly, then continued to respond to Rais, "I don't remember anything at all, to be honest. I know what Tua has taught me, and every now and then I have a dream or flashback where I am clearly not myself, so I assume that's my mind trying to connect with my sub--" it hit her like a ton of bricks. Did I just have one of those flashbacks? Suddenly embarrassed, she didn't know what to do. She wanted to go hide in the safety of her bedroom, but she was stuck here. Her heart beat fast, and she curled her fingers up into a fist. Why is it so hot? Where did all the air go?
She coughed again and looked to Earthmother. Maybe she would know something? Her eyes pleaded with the elderly Faun, seeking an answer.
Earthmother merely smiled back at her. Damnit.
"Chief, is there a way we could possibly gain better knowledge of our past? Waiting for the random visions seems slow," she felt at a loss for what else to say because she'd derailed herself so bad.
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Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:38 pm
As was his usual duty during official business, Turin was content to stand (or sit, in this case) aside and observe. Afterall, this was a meeting between leaders. Their Circle and Court were there for support, he supposed, but this was their talk as far as he was concerned. Unless asked a question specifically, he had no idea what he had to add to this discussion. He was just here to make sure the Queen was kept safe.
Though, perhaps he had another purpose, even if self-assigned. The history lesson had a much more profound effect on Tariel than he'd expected. He was surprised to glance over to her and see tears gathering at the corners of her eyes. He kept his expression neutral, yet, he was concerned. He wanted to check that she was alright, but he couldn't say anything. This was a formal meeting, all about appearances and putting forth a strong, professional impression. Alright, he really wanted to reach up and wipe the tears away, but that wouldn't be appropriate even back home in Court.
He didn't even know why she was so upset...but now she was stumbling over her words, halting mid-sentence. Frowning, unsure if it would even help, but trying to be discrete so that no one else would notice, he reached beneath the table for her tensed fist. It was a small gesture, and brief, but he laid his hand over hers for a moment, hoping it was enough to allow her to calm and regain focus on the moment.
Nodding in response to her offer for help in the search, Rais explained, "We cannot be sure that they have not changed after so much time, but if they have remained as we have, then I can share what information I have. Their leaders were once known as Templa of the Miakis, representative of Void; Vilya of the Sila, children of the Air; and Naur of the Dracian, born of Fire. With all luck, they have been reborn as we have."
As they continued, the Chief couldn't help but notice when the Queen stopped abruptly mid-sentence. She seemed distraught. Without realizing it, he'd started to stand, prepared to ask if she was alright or needed aid. Before he could ask, she had spoken again, and he had to pause, awkwardly half-standing before realizing that whatever had been the matter had passed. As a result, he sank slowly back into his seat, still frowning as he considered her question.
"Simply waiting is not the best option, I agree. My Circle and I have been encouraged to take time to meditate and ask the spirits for guidance. Effort shown on your part with the honest desire to remember can help, but in the end, we are normally subject to the spirits whims, at least in the beginning with what they choose to show us."
He paused, glancing to the side, past his mother to the silent Seer. "There may be another option, however, if you are both willing to try."
Feeling the focus of attention switching to her, Vanya pulled her attention away from reading the background noise of the conversation and its participants, though her gaze remained fixed on something the others could not see. One ear, however, flicked towards Rais as a signal of where her focus lay and she nodded once. "Queen Tariel," she began in a respectful tone. "If you are willing to try, I can attempt to assist you in opening a doorway to your past. I can make no guarantees and much of the work will be up to you, depending on how willing you are to see what lies in your past. I cannot guarantee exactly what you will see either. I can only attempt to be your guide to find the door, then it will be up to you to pass through it. The first attempts to access your past life are the hardest; it will become easier to do on your own after you have accomplished it once and understand how to open your mind."
She paused, realizing it might be a bit much to absorb all at once. Did the Naiad have an equivalent of a Seer? Could she even 'read' a Naiad as she could a 'Faun?' Then again, though she hadn't delved deeply, she had been able to 'read' the Blood Pae, Thom. Swallowing her own hesitancy, she continued. "It is a...somewhat personal process, as I will be able to see anything you see as well, so it is understandable if you refuse. It is, however, a more direct way, at least to start, of viewing your life from before."
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Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 8:17 am
((*late reply - so sorry*))
Mo nodded and escorted her carefully up the walk. Once at the meeting site, he bow a bit towards her and offered her over to Rais' care.
When it was his time to, he took his seat beside Rais before the 'meeting' began and remind quiet. He took this time to listen to the things being said, the actions of the others and above all, how Rais was handling and going about the situation.
((*Sorry so short!*))
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Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 4:44 pm
When Turin's hand found hers under the table, she gripped it tight, not letting go. He was there beside her, there to keep her grounded and from getting lost. It was in this moment that she realized that he was more than her protector and supporter, he was her polar north; the guiding star her compass will always point to keep her from wandering too far from home, and herself. This small gesture was all it took to regain her center to think clearer and focus.
She listened to Rais speak of the others, none of it sounding familiar. This was disconcerting, but she tried to not let that get to her. She felt out of the loop, but the purpose of this meeting was to get her in the loop. And the suggestion being presented to her by the chief's seer seemed a perfect solution. For so long, she'd wished to know more of the past, to feel connected to it, so her doubts about who she is could be laid to rest. The way Vanya spoke, it sounded like a bad thing, but the words sounded like a good thing. Anything to learn more, right?
"What do you know specifically about the Naiad, or the Water element?" she asked Rais, trying first to learn more this way if it was possible. "And what would be required for one the Seer's visions? Would my Court be able to see as well?" The thought that Vanya would see her memories too did not phase her. This was a past that needed to be learned and others know of it anyway, right?
Earthmother spoke up, not to answer Tariel's question, but to offer a warning. "Your Majesty, in the war, the Naiad fell first, alerting the rest of the capitals that the Blood Pae were on the attack. This is the catalyst started the war. I am not surprised you don't know much about the war, because you simply were not there to witness it. You are lucky in that regard. Your vision, should you choose to let Lady Vanya guide you, will not include any images of the war, no matter how much you wish to see them." EM bowed her head, sorrow filling her heart. She didn't know how the young Queen of the past parished, but she knew she was the first. She also knew of the heartbreak it caused and the rippling effect it had on the entire island. This was something Tariel and Rais needed to learn on their own, to strengthen their own convictions and connect to the hero within. Telling them would be doing a disservice to them both.
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Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 8:06 pm
Mildly surprised by the force with which his gesture was returned, Turin kept any reaction from his expression. In fact, he kept his expression only as concerned as any guard should be for his Queen; a fraction of what he was actually feeling right now.
He was uneasy. This talk of 'opening minds' and past lives was a little over his head, but it was being discussed with such solemnity that he could practically feel the physical weight of it settling all around them. He sensed no sign of immediate, physical danger; and yet, some second sense of his warned him that some kind of danger loomed here today. He just...couldn't pinpoint where.
It was more than a bit disconcerting and it had the Captain somewhat on edge.
"I am afraid that I know little more than what I have been told by the Earthmother about the Water," Rais answered evenly. "Likely little more than you could tell me yourself; perhaps more pertinent to your own experiences today than those of the past. My own visions of the past have been primarily focused on my people's history, not extending far beyond our own sphere of knowledge. Perhaps in time...but not yet," he admitted with a touch of shame. Much as he wished to have progressed further by now, one could not rush the spirits, nor their will.
Waiting until Rais fell silent, Vanya picked up to answer the rest of the Queen's questions with a slight, reassuring smile. "We need only your willingness and focus, Your Highness. You need only relax and I can help with the rest." The second question prompted an unconscious flicker of her unseeing eyes towards the rest of the Naiad party. She tried not to frown, looking at the weaker auras, the connections between them, judging... "In time, perhaps," she finally answered, unable to lie with a definitive 'yes' when she herself was not certain. She wanted badly to discuss what she was 'seeing' with Earthmother, hoping for some understanding of why the Queen's Court seemed so different from the Chief's Circle...but now was not the time. "Perhaps, if they are as willing to try, I could attempt the same with them at another time. I am merely a guide, however; those I help must make the journey on their own. For now, however, I recommend that we start with you, Your Highness. Your understanding is imperative before we can continue." She stood, delicately stepping away from her chair before anyone could move to help her. "As for what you will see, Your Majesty? No, the others will not see. Only you and I, for it is in your memory we will journey, watching as if in a dream."
Though she had stood without help, she also left her staff behind as she moved away. It may be seen as threatening, and she wished to keep their guests relaxed. It was necessary for the Queen to remain as calm as possible if this were to work. Instead, as she moved, her eyes remained forwards, and her fingertips of her right hand lightly trailed over the tabletop, the back of a chair, to the table again, always in constant contact with some surface as she rounded the space to near the Queen. With a smile, she held her hand out, palm up, in invitation to the most brilliant of the blue-green auras. "We can start now if you wish. May I?"
Earthmother's warning had not gone unheard. In a small way, Vanya felt a brief flicker of what may have been envy. If only she'd had that comfort and luxury when she'd started receiving visions. No, she'd been dropped right into battle, full of noise and fury and chaos and pain. She reminded herself that neither could help what they were shown, however. One never knew what the spirits chose to share. She had no idea what she might see of the Queen's past. If not visions of the war, then that assumed it would be something of events before. Events leading up to the conflict. That was admittedly something that the Seer had had little to no experience in seeing. Surely it would be an educational experience for them both.
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