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 Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 9:27 pm
Gulliver steps out of the small crowd of faun around him and moves to stand before Earthmother, he gives her a slight bow of respect as she begins her speech to him. He remained silent in listening to the words she spoke taking them all to heart. After listening to all she said he sees her hold the branch out to him and he reaches to take it.
He takes a deep breath, he could feel this was about to be a life-changing event for him. He turns and kneels to one knee inf front of Rais. His right hand moved over his heart, he could feel it pounding in his chest, whatever nervousness he felt began to drift away. His left hand extended towards Rais with the branch within his grasp. He bowed his head slightly listening to Rais.
"Do you, Gulliver, accept the position of Captain of the Rangers, and acknowledge that you will be hereby known as Gulliver of the Alder tree, and swear fealty to Laisidhiel, the Great Tree, and swear to protect and support Faun from all enemies, and show your people the compassion and respect they so deserve?
Do you pledge allegiance to me, and promise to always speak truthful and carry yourself with dignity, chivalry and confidence as long as you serve as Captain of the Rangers?"
Those words held some deep meaning to the future of Gulliver, and after a moment he spoke "I Gulliver of the Alder Tree accept the position set before me by Laisidhiel and swear my fealty to her. I shall in all my power support and protect my fellow faun from all enemies and to treat them with all the compassion and respect they are due.
I pledge my allegiance to Rais in all ways so long as I serve Rais, and Laisidhiel."
Gulliver looked up at Rais and smiled then listening to the instructions he stood and turned to the fire "I am Gulliver of the Alder Tree, I present this as my offering" he said clearly before tossing the branch into the fire. He stood watching the fire accept his offering, he feels the slight change, he feels the weight change atop his head, he gives a slight shake of his head and hears the change as there is now a bit of a rustle as the leaves on his antlers become more full numerous.
Gulliver turns back to Rais accepting from him the bundle of items handed to him and the bow with a nod of understanding, "Thankyou" he tells the male softly before turning and moving back, this time near Alistair and the others from the inner circle.
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Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 9:50 pm
Earthmother next picked up an Ivy branch.
"Phiona Asumi. Please come forth." She said, holding the branch gently in her arms.
You have been called to be our Clothier.
This position has been vacant for a very long time, as you can guess by the lack of clothing items modern faun wear. I have decided that we need to fill the position again, because we like to look good still.
Your duties as Clothier will be to not only design the items we'll adorn ourselves with, but you will be responsible for procuring the fabrics and items required. This is a position that will allow you to travel to distant lands, much the same as our Brewmaster, to sample and gather unique and special items Faun can use in their dress.
The Ivy tree spirit has chosen you, because you will be serving as our Clothier and you display the aspects that represent the sacred tree. Ivy represents friendship, opportunity, connection and growth; all important qualities you will use in your travels."
Holding the Ivy branch out to Fi, Earthmother instructs her to take the branch and kneel before Rais. She is to put her open hand over her heart and hold the branch extended towards the chief.---------------- Rais stands before the fauness, both hands behind his back.
"Do you, Phiona Asumi, accept the position of Clothier, and acknowledge that you will be hereby known as Phiona Asumi of the Ivy, and swear fealty to Laisidhiel, the Great Tree, and swear to serve her Faun?
Do you pledge allegiance to me, and promise to always speak truthful and carry yourself with dignity, grace and confidence as long as you serve as Clothier?
And do you pledge to always put your best effort in all that you create, and continue to grow and learn within your new trade?"
After Fi swears her oath, Rais will instruct her to stand, offer her branch to the fire, and wait to see if Laisidhiel accepts her offering.
Upon accepting the offering, Laisidhiel will transform her branch antlers into those of the Ivy.
"I do not have a bundle of items for you to wear. But I do have this bundle, with fabrics, cords and other items that you may find useful in crafting new items. We have items that you can use to barter with when you travel to procure additional fabrics and we have space for you to open a clothing shop, however, you are welcome to have your shop closer to your home outside of the tree." And he handed to her a very large bundle, the biggest of them all. ((It is up to you what you want included in that bundle. Many details have already been discussed, but if you have additional questions, you know how to contact us. Also, Fi's art was unfortunately not ready for the reveal, but it should be only a day or so before she is ready. Sorry about that.)) ))
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Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 10:10 pm
As Vanya's turn came, she rose to her hooves and moved forward, slowly, but as steadily as she could. Wouldn't do for her limbs to give out and plant her face first into the dirt here in front of everyone. Yes, grand spiritual leader material, right there.
She listened carefully to the list of honors and responsibilities that came with her position from the Earthmother, and she nodded in understanding, blushing at the implications of her one day becoming more powerful than the wise fauness herself. It was hard for Vanya to believe such a claim, but...if the Earthmother said so?
She tried not to smirk, even momentarily, as she was instructed not to be afraid to tell the Chief when he behaved like a fool. It wasn't exactly something she could see herself doing either; but she'd already done a number of things today that she previously wouldn't have seen herself doing. What was one more? She thought she caught just a ghost of amusement radiating from the Chief as she turned in his direction, but she could have been mistaken. Afterall, as tired as she was, her mind could be playing tricks on her.
With the willow branch in one hand, Vanya's focus for a moment on the way the bark felt beneath her fingers, she knelt before Rais and placed her right hand over her heart. "I, Vanya, now Vanya of the Willow Tree, accept the position of Seer, Spiritual Leader of all Faun."
'Little late now if you didn't' commented a wry voice in her mind.
She ignored it and continued, "I hereby swear fealty to Laisidhiel, the Great Tree, and swear to protect and support all Faun from all enemies, as well as showing my people the compassion and respect that they so deserve. I pledge my allegiance to you, Chief Rais, and promise to speak truthfully, and carry myself with dignity, chivalry, and confidence as long as I serve as Seer."
Yes, dignity and confidence, as long as I can keep from collapsing in a heap on the ground, at least through the rest of this ceremony...
She took a deep breath, then tossed the willow branch into the flames, sending a quick prayer as she did so. Apparently, she did something right, as she felt the changes begin almost as soon as she felt the fire flare up as it consumed the willow branch. She could feel something soft brushing against either side of her face as she moved her head, and she reached up, feeling the willow leaves draping down from her antlers.
She reached out, accepting the bundle of items, as well as the small sigil from Rais placed carefully on the top of the pile, as they were placed in her waiting arms. "Thank you," she murmured, bowing her head in a respectful gesture before turning and attempting to make her way back to her place beside Takis. She got...a bit turned around on the way back, however, and after some hesitation, drew upon her other senses to find her way back to her friend.
She was settling in comfortably, believing she'd finally get some rest soon, when she felt his hand brush against the foliage from one of her antlers. She was fine with that, but when he followed up with tweaking her ear lightly, she let out a surprised squeak in response. "Takis!" she exclaimed, in a quiet tone, but touched with amusement beneath the faux reprimand. She rubbed her ear a bit, smiling to herself when he was called forward for his own induction ceremony.
While he was gone, she started unpacking the bundle in her lap, wondering what she had been given aside from the sigil, which she fingered curiously, feeling out the sun symbol in order to 'see' it in her mind, then set aside carefully. She first paid attention to a long, wooden staff that had laid atop the bundle. It was wooden, but very smooth, and she couldn't tell at first if this was just the nature of the wood itself, or if it had been carved that way. At the top of the staff, the wood curved around, almost like a claw clutching a small, round object; some sort of orb as far as she could tell. Vanya remembered the appearance of the Earthmother's staff, and assumed that this must be the orb she'd been granted to open the mural and access Laisidhiel's heart. She gripped the staff tightly, noting how it fit her hand as if made for it, feeling oddly comfortable and familiar...
Setting the staff down to lean against the rock upon which she was sitting, Vanya turned her attention next to the bundle of cloth. As she started to unfold it, something tiny and hard fell from the bundle and onto her leg. Puzzled, she picked it up, running her fingertips over the sharp edges and points, then the cord trailing from the top of it...
The crystal pendant from her Council trial choice.
She smiled, remembering the walnut and its hidden prize, then wondered at how long ago that all felt now. She slipped the cord over her head, minding her new antlers' adornments carefully, and dropped the pendant to hang from her neck. She twirled the crystal between her fingers, then turned back to the cloth in her lap. She lifted the fabric, marveling at how soft and light it felt; unlike any other fabric she'd ever touched, not that there were many. She lifted it to her face, rubbing the fabric against her cheek with a smile, then noting the faint, sweet smell the lingered from it. Likely, the scent came from the berries used to dye the cloth, though she herself couldn't tell the color, she assumed it was something as lovely as the texture.
Still...what exactly was she holding?
She'd never really worn many clothes before, but even so...she couldn't see what she held, and in this case, it was difficult to tell from touching them exactly what they were. Well...this was embarrassing. How was she to put them on?
She was still puzzling this over when Takis returned; she could hear his deep, measured breaths and she gave him a moment to regain calm composure before bothering him again. "Err...Takis?" she started hesitantly, turning her face towards him. "Umm...could you tell me what it is that I have here, exactly?" she asked, holding up the clothing items with a warm blush creeping into her cheeks. This was embarrassing...how was she going to cope without being able to see as others could if she couldn't perform simple tasks such as this one?
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Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 10:22 pm
It has been an incredibly long day, and the evening wasn't over. Earthmother took a moment after the final member of the Outer Circle swore her oath and fealty to Rais and Laisidhiel.
"Thank you, Rais Outer Circle. Your duties are to your fellow faun, and we are grateful that you accepted the sacred positions. You may all take your seats."
There was still one branch left, one with little purple flowers. Earthmother picked up the small branch. "Belvah, please come forth."
Earthmother begins by addressing the attending Faun. "She is not a part of Rais Circle, but she will hold a unique position that is vital to our tribe. She is Rais' betrothed and our future Chieftess. She will stand behind him, supporting him in all that he does. She will be there to offer balance to our chief, and keep him grounded. A faun's wife holds an important position among each family unit, as she is the support and foundation for every family. We are to hold her in high esteem, revere and honor her as you would Rais.
"Belvah," she says, now turning her attention to the future chieftess. "You will have many responsibilities and be held to higher expectations than any other female in this tree. Like our Matron, females will turn to you as their role model.
As Rais intended, you are expected to make an offering as well. The Heather has chosen you. While it is not a tree, it still chose you, because of your special heart and soul. The Heather spirit represents beauty, luck, romance, attraction, protection, cleansing and purity. All qualities of a wife, a mother, and a fauness. Another quality of Heather is intoxication, which is not to be misinterpreted. It is a reminded that while we all have our duties and responsibilities, it is still important to be merry and enjoy life.
You can make your offering here tonight, but because it is not a tree, your antlers will not change. On your wedding night, when you make your first offering as bride of the Oak, that is when they will undergo their change."
Belvah's antlers will be like Rais' with purple Heather, a symbol of her position as Chieftess. Earthmother hands the Heather to Belvah, and instructs her to make her offering.
After the fire accepted Belvah's offering, the fire burned brighter, illuminating the area. There was a subtle rumbling in the ground that faded as softly as it came. "Laisidhiel has accepted our offerings and blesses these inductions!"
All five candles remained lit, even after the breeze blew through and it started rain again. The rain seemed to turn into bright yellow glowing particles that fizzled before reaching the heads of the faun present.
Earthmother looked elated and clapped her hands together. "The elements are happy!" Unlike when the ceremony began, the elements effects felt angry and agitated, but these displays were more gentle.
"Before we part, and conclude our long day. I have grave news that I must share with you all."
The happiness faded and her expression grew grim. "We have received news that our enemies are on the move, and that now is the time to prepare. That is why it was so dire for us to conclude these precedings so quickly. We have been instructed to rebuild our troops, and prepare for battle. It is unclear still if events will lead to war, but we must be prepared in case they do.
This means we must start searching for our lost comrades, the Miakis, Sila and Dracian. We cannot win another war unless all five of us are standing together. Word will be sent to Queen Tariel and we will work closely with the Naiads to start the search.
We must also find our Book. But if we can find Templa or Vilya, they will know where the book is."
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Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 12:48 am
If Alistair hadn't been nervous before, he certainly was now. The atmosphere felt electric, as the elements seemed to be acting up. He was fidgety again as the haze formed and Earthmother began to narrate her story. The haze had done it's job. He was captivated by the visuals made with smoke but the story of their history and the great war sent small chills down his spine. Vague mentions of a war had been made in his younger years from teachers, but he had always been a lazy student and most lessons concerning history he'd soon forgotten. Never before had it been told to him in such detail, it was profound to him almost. As the prophecies words were re-created in the smoke of Earthmother's fire, he visibly flinched at the words "we all must die". The tale weighed heavily on him.
As the first of the council were called, he watched them carefully, hanging on every word that Rais and Earthmother spoke. He marveled at the other fauns transformations. Then, his name was called. Part of him screamed for him to run. What had he gotten himself into? It was over shadowed quickly, however, by another part that pushed him forward, carried him onward and up to Earthmother. He bowed his head, listening to her words carefully. Using earth magics to protect the Great Tree and hose who dwelled there… He wasn't much of a fighter. Somewhere in the back of his mind, though, he felt at least some relief that his position did not require scholarly studying.
With a small bow to Earthmother, he took both the incense and the branch. He bowed his head quickly to Rais, before putting his closed hand over his heart, extending his branch towards the chief. Listening to him, he tries to stand tall and straight but really, he hoped that at least his knees weren't shaking. He couldn't really feel them at the moment.
"I..Alistair…" he begins breathlessly, before clearing his throat. "A-accept the position of Grand Geomancer, I acknowledge that I will hereby be known as Alistiar of the Hazle tree" he manages to compose himself, his voice gradually becoming more strong and steadier "I swear fealty to Laisidehiel, the Great Tree, and swear to protect and support the Faun from enemies, and show my people the compassion and respect they deserve."
As nervous and unsure as he felt, he couldn't help but feel deep down that all of this has a sense of "right" to it, over all. He pauses, taking another breath to steady himself before continuing. "I pledge allegiance to you, and promise to alwas speak truthfully and carry myself with dignity, chivalry, and confidence as long as I serve as Advisor." With that, he promptly offered his branch to the fire. Letting out a small sigh of relief as it's accepted, he accepts the items the faun chief gives to him, giving him another small bow as he made his way back to his seat. He plopped back down on the rock, attempting to work out his nerves and keep himself from shaking too badly as he watched the rest go after him.
Alistair had regained his composure by the time Belvah had been initiated. He smiled at the rain, looking up into the sky to watch it, feeling warmed by the great fire's light. However, as Earthmother began to speak again and the atmosphere turned grave, Alistair's new found confidence went with it. He paled, slightly, a frown growing on his face again. War? Enemies? Preparing for battle and building troops? His heart sank. He didn't know the first thing about war or fighintg! He'd never harmed another living thing in his life. Biting his lip, he looked down at the items he held in his lap. He hoped these Spirits knew something that he didn't…and that they hadn't made a mistake.
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Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 5:56 am
Fi stepped forward on cue, doing her very best not to fumble or trip on something like she was so very prone to doing. Earthmother had made it sound so important to have a clothier in the community, it sounded like she'd have a lot of fun that way. And the traveling? Oh Hula Bob would love to travel to distant shores and check out the surf with her wouldn't he? She couldn't help but smile wide as she was offered her oath, and her new name. Long name too. She tried not to giggle, the smile still very bright upon her face as she accept the ivy branch from Earthmother and knealt before Rais.
"I, Phiona Asumi of the Ivy, accept the position of Clothier. I swear fealty," She tried not to giggle at the funny word, "to Laisidheil, and swear to serve her faun." Fi nodded, "I pledge allegiance to you and will do my best to speak the truth, and carry myself with..." She trailed off for a minute. What was the rest of that oath? Oh right! "Dignity! Grace and confidence too." Fi smiled, proud of herself for remembering. "As long as I serve as the Clothier~"
The soft orange faun smiled, offering her branch into the fire, gasping as she felt her antlers change. They were amazing. Her smile, if at all possible at this point, grew even wider. Her eyes widened seeing the huge bundle. "W-wow!" She blushed, accepting it with a little 'oof' noise. She hadn't expected it to be so heavy. Wobbling with her bundle she returned to the stone she had been offered, and watched Earthmother induct Belvah.
The female was already planning on where she wanted to open the shop. She didn't want to leave the beach, and more faun needed to get out of the tree once in a while. It was good for everyone to get out, and Hula Bob might get to teach some of them how to surf. She was smiling, thinking of her mate again and how close she might have come to being forced to loose him..
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Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 6:14 am
Belvah blinked, glad she had attended the circle. She hadn't expected to be called forth, but did so with little hesitance. Any chance to be closer to her betrothed right now. She smiled, blushing a bit as she realized just how much she would be expected to do. And that she'd be held to higher expectations? That's not too bad, she even liked the sound of being a role model. Belvah was wishing she could live up to this higher expectation part when she blinked. Was she hearing right?
She was chosen by the Heather spirit? At first the female looked a bit confused, only to blush when Earthmother spoke of the spirit's representations. That sounded like everything she'd done today alone! Did that mean that the heather spirit had already chosen her long before this? A nice question to think about, but not right now. Belvah nodded, not concerned that her antlers wouldn't change right now. Her looks weren't what mattered right now anyways. The other faun were the important ones.
She nodded quietly, taking the heather from Earthmother. "I am Belvah, future bride of the oak, this is my offering." She sincerely hoped she'd done this right. Her eyes widened as the fire burned brighter, that meant that Laisidhiel accepted it right? She must have done it correctly, otherwise the fire wouldn't have glowed or the ground wouldn't have rumbled like that. Or was that their geomancer playing with his new abilities?
She turned from her moment of happiness mixed with exhaustion, looking to Earthmother as she spoke once more. A war already? But so many of the faun here were so young, not ready for battle. The happiness that had given her a boost of energy was now fading. Her expression sank as the talk of finding lost comrades and battle.. No, this wasn't right.. Too many good things had just happened for so many and a war right after? What enemy could there possibly be on this peaceful isle? Rais would know.. She would have to ask him later when she was given the chance.
For now, Belvah could only wish for a good long nap. Preferably near her betrothed, but almost anywhere would be fine. Looking around, the silvery gray female was glad that she wasn't the only one who seemed exhausted. Vanya and Amadorine were still there, and Caleigh too. All four of them, herself included, had gone through a lot, and all looked like they could use rest right now. She didn't need to look in a mirror to know there were bags under her eyes from the long day.
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Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 9:43 am
Amadorine stepped forward when she was called, her heart hammering. So far, everyone had been accepted so her outlook looked good. She did wonder how she could be a pathfinder when her mind was what felt like a sea of confusion over what Vanya had said. Standing before Rais, she forced her mind to become silent and focused her attention on the task at hand.
"I, Amadorine, do accept the role of Pathfinder and swear fealty to Laisidhiel as well as swear to protect and support our females as well as to show our people the compassion and respect as they so deserve." She paused a moment in the middle, placing her right fist over her heart in a salute. "I accept my name as Amadorine of the Elm tree and pledge my allegiance to you, Rais, and promise that I will always speak truthfully and carry myself with dignity, grace, and confidence as your Pathfinder. I pledge to maintain secrecy of any and all information I obtain and will deliver it only to the proper chain of authority."
As she spoke her pledge, she could feel the words turning physical, binding herself to them and the fauns connected to the promises she'd just made. Accepting the branch from Rais, she could feel the butterflies in her stomach working their way around. She tossed the branch into the fire, then waited to see if her offering would be accepted. It felt like it took forever, and she'd begun to really worry, when her offering was accepted and she felt her antlers change... as well as her hair.
Eyes wide, she reached up to feel that her hair was LONG. She wasn't given much time to dwell on the matter as Rais presented her with a bundle, and then with a lantern. "Thank you." She gave him a big smile, typical Ama, then went to take her seat again.
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Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 11:36 am
Rias was happy that the elements seemed happy with their renewed council and his choice of bride. The good omen would help them through the more serious times ahead. He knew it would take time to prepare, but he knew they would be ready.
Rais looked to everyone, "Welcome to the circle, I know you will each serve the faun well." He looked at each and gave them a nod. "We have work to do, but now I know you are all tired." Rais was tired as well, but at the same time he was ready to meet his future wife.
Rais went to Belvah and stood next to her. "Tired?" He asked, he knew she was, so he took her into his arms to hold her. He smiled content at least at this moment.
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Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 12:05 pm
Belvah blushed, leaning into Rais. "Mmm.." Her train of thought? Sleeeeeeep. "Can we go sleep for a couple of days?" the silvery gray female murmured into his chest. It had been far too long of a day, and she was all too ready for sleep. Perhaps not as much as Vanya was, but it was still there.
"Or is Earthmother going to banish us to separate rooms?" She laughed to herself, wondering if this was going to be an old fashioned engagement. It would certainly make their actual wedding night much more pleasurable, but that wouldn't take away from any time they spent together now would it?
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Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 12:09 pm
Caleigh beams at Belvah, giving a little wave. She was all alone right now. She had no idea what to do at the moment. To go or to stay? She had no place here to stay in anyway, so to go she guess for the moment.
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Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 12:12 pm
Rais moves some of her beautiful, silver hair out of her face and smiled, "I think sleep would be just fine." He was too awake to sleep, but he would be watching over her.
Rais chuckled and then looked at his Mother, "I think she would trust us to wait for the wedding." He was a bit old fashioned and wanted to get to know her better. "Do you just want to rest on me?" He asked he wasn't sure he should sneak away just yet.
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Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 12:14 pm
Seda watched the whole inductions with tears in her eyes. She was a sucker for things like this. She was happy for their leader and this girl Belvah!
Seda then frowned at Earthmother's words. War? There was a war coming. Was Seda going to be able to help? She wasn't sure...she was feeling a bit alone at the moment. She still didn't know anyone present.
Edit(adding) Seda saw the new Matron alone and went over to talk. "Do you really matchmake all the faun?" Seda wasn't sure about all this and was nervous, but was very curious,
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Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 12:21 pm
"Not time for you to sneak off yet?" She grinned, still blushing at his touch. Belvah certainly didn't want to drag him away from everyone when he was still needed. That wasn't exactly right of her anyways.
She blinked, noticing Caleigh off in the distance. With the same smile she was giving Rais, Belvah's attention turned to her friend. She waved back, watching her friend leave. Darn. Oh well, Rais was still holding her. "I can rest here for a bit. Looks like my friends are wandering away right now."
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Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 12:31 pm
Rais looked at the new Matron and smiled in a silent thank you. He knew it was partly her who made this possible. "I'm very thankful to your friend and our now Matron, you could tell she was born...or reborn for the job." He pulled Belvah with him to a couch, "Want to rest with me?" He knew he wanted her there, but if she was uncomfortable he would understand.
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