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 Posted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 2:17 pm
Having listened to the tale told several times now, and taking the Naiad Queen's input into account as well, Vanya nodded slowly in response. "The Blood Pae are still questionable. These creatures, however, are undoubtedly products of the dark forest," she confirmed. "From descriptions of their appearance and behavior, there can be little room for doubt. We are lucky that the Chieftain's wife was not poisoned, as these creatures seemed capable of. I'd fear the potency of such a toxin."
She paused, then continued in a dire tone, "As for the teenagers, this event, in addition to the one you've mentioned have been two instances in which they have shown up in the presence of these corrupted forces. Are they working against them, as they seem to have us believe...or with them against us? I do not wish to leap to any conclusions, however...it is difficult not to hold them in great suspicion given my own experience."
Taking a deep breath, she began her own tale. "I believe I crossed paths with one of these strange Blood Pae one night in a clearing not far from Laisidhiel. She sounded young, but her voice was harsh, both in words and in tone. Mocking almost at times. Now, I assume who she was given the gifts I have left." It wasn't often anymore that the Seer brought attention to the sacrifice of her sight. But she needed those in attendance to understand her experience, which was unlike what they would have experienced, so she attempted to explain. She'd attempted to explain her new Sight to few others before outside the Circle. "This was some time ago, when I was still learning to use my new abilities, however...since giving up my earthly sight, I was blessed with a different sort of sense. It took some time to figure out, and I'll admit, there are still new things to learn every day...however, there are some facts I can share with you today so that you may understand what I experienced to some degree."
"I cannot see as you do, yet I can sense the auras of living beings...sometimes, this came in the beginning as flashes of color. Faun," she said, waving a hand towards herself and the Circle on her side of the table, "appear as flashes of green, for the most part. Your kind, as I'll admit to have learned today," she nodded politely to the Naiad, "appear as sort of a sea green...blue-green like the waters of the ocean. I assume this has to do with our life source...you, the water; we, Laisidhiel and the earth." That's the explanation that seemed to make the most sense to her.
"That night, I saw a new color: gold. I have since only seen an aura of that color once. An angel." She did not explain further, leaving it as that. "This young stranger continued to taunt me from the darkness, circling in a threatening manner. I had never tried to read another Pae'il in such an instance, but certain things came to me...things that seemed to make her angry...and a memory of a vision of wings, dark wings from above, bringing death and stained with blood..."
She trailed off, shaking her head as if she'd been slipping back into the vision. "She grew furious. I felt a great gathering of power, and I believe she meant to attack me. I prepared in kind...yet, the power suddenly dissipated and she was gone." Vanya had never realized that the angel had indeed tried to attack her, but a brilliant flash of light intended to blind...didn't work well on the blind. She turned towards Queen Tariel, linking back to what she had said, "While there have been few reports of these young Pae'il, and never in exceedingly large numbers, I can offer only what information I gathered from interacting with one. The power that she gathered was impressive. Perhaps not much stronger than that of an adult Pae'il with considerable abilities...but far beyond what any young one should be capable of. We must wonder how much stronger they could be, as well as what their true numbers are. What are their intentions? Are they friends or enemies? Conflicting information is all we have to go by at the moment."
Rais continued leaning on the back of the chair where Belvah sat. "We have an ally in the forests to the south. It is some distance from the dark forest, separated by plains, but she has reported an increasing number of corrupted creatures appearing there as well. Creatures never before seen; not of nature as we know it. The dark forest has always been dangerous before, but now, it seems to be spreading its influence beyond its own borders. Is this due to some development in the dark forest? If so, what has happened there? And if not, we must entertain the possibility that...someone is aiding it. For what purpose, I cannot fathom," he frowned deeply, shaking his head in concern. "But, if the darkness spreads, it threatens more than just the forest there...it threatens all of us, the whole of the Isle."
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Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2014 7:55 pm
So the Seer's account was more on par with what Tariel experienced with the children as well. It was startling how much fear the Naiad Queen felt as Vanya told her tale, knowing she was sightless with a predator nearby. But it was surprising to hear her mention that she can see using auras. She had no idea Pae had colors, and it was a bit fascinating. She'd noted mentally to talk to Vanya later about it, to learn more. She had a passing thought about whether or not her own Court would have such a talented being among them. She glanced sideways at Aeroniel, thinking she'd be the best candidate. But then wondering how would she gain those abilities?
Back to the matter at hand. And ignoring her growing jealousy.
"So we have two threats facing us, or just one? Are the teenagers connected to the seeping corruption? I have been receiving more and more reports of fish and other lake life becoming aggressive and attacking without provocation. I've issued a warning for all Naiad who venture near the Waplei Delta. Is there something we can do to stop it? Or fix it? I don't understand our part in any of this, do you need our help for something? Do we seek out to destroy the odd teenagers, or do we let them come find us? Do we find a way to contain the corruption or is there a source we can destroy?" The questions just kept rolling off Tari's tongue, her tone inadvertently becoming more insulant as she spoke. She was growing frustrated because the visions, the island's problems and everything the chief spoke of didn't make any sense nor seem connected in any way. She began to wonder if these were stall tactics for something.
"Bottom line, what's our role in all of this?" She asked flatly, trying to get her frustration in check. She meant no disrespect, but so many odd things have come up, and even more questions were raised, and the more she glared at the chief's pregnant wife, the more she just wanted to go home. She was jealous, but for more reasons than even she could consider.
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Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2014 8:41 pm
Eyes narrowing, Rais stepped forward, around the chair, right up to the table. He held up a hand for silence, waiting until the Queen finished her last question before lowering it to answer. "Queen Tariel, I am sympathetic to your position. You have had to learn many painful truths today, and you and your Court have experienced some of these truths firsthand, putting yourself in danger in doing so. Tempers are running a little short and I understand that. Perhaps we should wrap up business soon and call it a day. We have opened our communication lines with one another which is what I had hoped for today."
He placed both hands firmly on the table, taking a deep breath before continuing. "These are all very good questions. I have no answers for you, because that is exactly the purpose of this meeting. To pool our knowledge, get a scope of the questions that remain, and make plans to find the answers that we need."
He glanced up and scanned each of the faces present. "We are not going to find all of the answers today. I apologize if that was the misconception. What we can take from this meeting is that there are dangers on the Isle that we need to take precautions against. We must warn our respective people to beware of these strange young Blood Pae, as well as the spreading darkness from the south. All the while, we still have answers that we need to find," he finished, no need to reiterate all of the Queen's questions. "Now, perhaps we've covered enough for today. I thank you and your Court for your presence--"
The Seer had sat quietly since giving her account of events, watching the auras flare from one side of the table, then the other as the tension shifted back and forth. Still, she was troubled. The dim auras...if not for the Queen's brighter one, she'd have questioned whether she simply could not read Naiad as well as Faun. But she had also read Blood Pae. No, there was something else at work here...but what?
Having taken a moment to gather her resolve, she spoke up before Rais could finish. "Pardon the interruption. But...Queen Tariel? Is this your entire court?"
Quiet as well for a while now, Turin's attention turned to the Seer, eyes narrowing. Tariel's frustration may have been bleeding over; maybe it was solely his own, but Turin didn't like the way the question was asked. "What was that supposed to mean? Why would you suddenly ask that?"
Vanya hesitated at the aggressive tone, but only frowned, shaking her head before continuing, "It's just...your auras aren't..." She turned her attention towards the Faun Circle, then back to the Naiads. "They're different from ours."
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Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2014 9:36 pm
Tariel's posture shifted to a more defensive stance as she braced herself for what Rais's actions may lead to. She expected another angry exchange, she was ready for another angry exchange. However, his response satisfied not only her frustration, but her questions. Tension eased for now, the Seer's interruption was unexpected. "What?"
Turin must have been thinking the same thing as she. Why would they need to know that? "Of course they're different, you said yourself they are different colors. Is your entire Circle present--"
"No they are not, Your Majesty." Earthmother interupted before the Queen could grow more frustrated. A suspicion the elder faun had for quite some time was confirmed. Laisidhiel had long inferred that 'when the Naiad Court fully awakens' but Earthmother had not given it much more thought. But now it made sense. "How many of your court have fully awakened?"
Tariel looked at the Earthmother with a slight headtilt. "Awakened? Turin is my Guard Captain, Aeroniel is my Lady in Waiting and my Hunter Captain is unfortunately suspended for insubordination. Itsaso and Anatolio are part of the court, but they are scouts working under..." she stopped herself, then corrected, "They are my scouts. Aside from a few of my Ladies and guards, the Court is present."
"The Naiad Royal Court consists of the Queen, Her Magesty; her Second, the Oracle; Captain of the Royal Guard; the Grand Aquamancer; and the Captain of the Hunter Forces. Just the same, Rais' Circle consists of the Chieftain, his Second the Advisor Mo, the Seer Lady Vanya, Captain of the Ranger Forces Gulliver, and not present, Grand Geomancer Alistair. Each Element is protected by a group of five of the strongest souls, and led by an exalted leader blessed by the spirits during the Creation. Tariel, you are that leader for the Naiad. There is no doubt about that. You are the reincarnation of the First; Alu. Just as Rais is the reincarnation of Arda; my first son.
The spirits speak to us all, just most of us don't know how to listen. You and your court, once fully awakened, will become in-tuned with the spirits, just the Circle is."
This was a lot to soak in, and Tariel wasn't sure she followed as well as she needed. She understood that she was indeed Alu, but she assumed Turin, Aeroniel and Sadron were her group. They belonged to her, she belonged to them. And then to learn there should be five of them? Who was the fifth? "How... do I know if my Court has awakened?
"If you do not know, it's possible none of them have awakened. Or maybe none of them are present here today." She chanced a quick glance to Turin, knowing this wasn't good news and being quite aware his spear was close to his hand. "Lady Vanya mentioned that the auras of your entourage aren't the same. They should be almost as brilliant as yours, Your Majesty. Perhaps they are not awake yet. I have no doubt in my mind that your Captain is a part of your court; he is connected to your visions."
"How do... what... I mean," Tariel sighed, unable to give voice to the racing thoughts.
"Queen Tariel," Earthmother interupted, intending to spare the Queen the stumbling thoughts, "To awaken the Circle, we held a sacred meeting, performed the sacrificial rituals to connect to the spirits. Perhaps that is the next step for your kind in your journey for establishment."
Earthmother turned to Vanya, and in a quiet tone requested of her, "Lady Vanya, what do you see? Describe the auras as they are now. For each one. Tell us if you read any other signs or messages from the spirits in regards to those in attendance.
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Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 8:28 pm
Earthmother's wariness was not misplaced as the initial accusation that the Queen's Court may not be her Court had Turin on his feet before he even finished processing the thought. It was more his own doubts that had him raging than what she had said...afterall, hadn't she followed up by saying there was no way to be sure, even supporting his own claim? But hadn't he just proven it? Hadn't he settled his own doubts with his earlier vision trip? The fact that he'd witnessed his own death..that of a Naiad named Ka'eo...and temporarily died back here in the real world...that meant he was supposed to be here. Didn't it?
Of course it did. Nothing had changed. He'd always said his place was at Tariel's side. Nothing any vision or elderly faun said was going to change that, he thought stubbornly, still wearing a frown as he slowly retook his seat, never saying a word.
Besides, it sounded like it was his turn to offer support. Turin glanced around the table at his fellow Naiads' faces to see how they were taking this. Tariel sounded just as outraged and confused as he felt. Silently, her Captain reached out to place a calming hand on her back; a wordless reminder that no matter what, he and the others stood with her.
Vanya's ear flicked lightly down and towards Earthmother at her question. The Seer was quiet for a moment, trying to focus, but also trying to figure out how to describe to the rest what she saw. She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. It was difficult to focus on more than one individual at a time, but that's what she'd been trying to do for a while now. She needed to narrow her focus, concentrate on one Naiad at a time. The easiest first.
More for the others' benefit than her own, she raised one arm to point towards the source of each aura as she read them. Pointing to Tariel, she murmured, "The Queen's aura. Brilliant and bright...passionate...perhaps less strong than the Chieftain's...but only slightly. Easily comparable. Just...different." Feeling that was adequate, she shifted to the side to the next: the Captain.
She took a moment to read, tapping into her Sight to Read...but not too deeply; she was already fairly tired and besides...she'd already been in the Captain's head once today in a sense. Her attention flicked to some of the other gathered Naiads as a point of comparison, then back before she spoke. "Stronger than some...brighter, but not as strong as those of the Circle," she muttered, concentrating. "Fueled by duty, a devotion and responsibility carried over from another life..." She shook her head, pulling back. It seemed enough proof given what they'd already witnessed that the Captain was one of the Queen's Court reborn. But, where were the other three?
Taking another deep breath to center herself, she sought out the next aura that called to her. Faded further still than the Captain's, but still showing the next most light to its glow, she shifted to point at the next. "Waters...shifting, flowing...calm once...raging fury and power the next. That power...still untapped..." she trailed off, her arm outstretched, pointing to Tariel's scout, Itsaso.
A moment later, she paused, looking confused. Her hand seemed to hesitate before moving, drawing back. Was there...another? It seemed so different though. The aura wasn't glowing like the rest; when she tried to Read it like the others for touches of the past...she got nothing. Silence. And yet...there was a small speck of light...a spark, swirling around the individual.
What did that mean?
Her hesitation wasn't going to provide any answers. One ear flicked unconsciously towards Earthmother as Vanya remembered exactly what she'd been asked to do. Describe what she saw. Frowning, she moved her hand to point towards Aeroniel, if hesitantly. "This one is...not the same as the rest. I'm not getting anything except a small...spark, for lack of a better word. Floating around her aura, separate, but connected to it," she explained, sounding puzzled. "I'm afraid I've not seen this before. I cannot explain what it means, I'm sorry."
Pulling away from the oddly silent Reading, she turned towards the remaining Naiad in attendance. Nothing out of the ordinary, as far as she could tell. The aura did not call to her, did not give her strong impressions of the past...just...ordinary. "There are no more. They are not all here," she finished, pulling back her power into herself, only now feeling the full weight of her exhaustion sinking onto her shoulders. It could be heard in her voice as she sank back into her seat, resting against the back of the chair gratefully.
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Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 8:59 pm
Tariel's expressions changed with each description of aura. Turin she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt belonged at her side. He always will, regardless of what the Seer might say. She can pave her own destiny if she had to, with those closest to her. Screw the spirits--
What? Itsaso? Tariel turned to look at her scout. She barely knew the Naiad, only knew she was a strong, loyal and confident member of her military forces. Trained by Sadron, she was certain Itsaso and Anatolio both were excellent at what they did. But Itsaso a member of her Court? Tariel wondered if she was Mariya or maybe one of the others present in her vision. She couldn't be that other female, could she? Certainly that was Sadron...
She was almost as surprised to learn that Anatolio had a normal aura as she was to learn Itsaso didn't. In her mind, Turin, Aeroniel and Sadron were the ones. Apparently there's a fifth, which would make sense if its Itsaso. But she assumed being Turin's son, maybe Anatolio would stand out more.
The biggest surprise was Aeroniel. This was something she tried to not let show on her face because the thought did cross her mind that maybe her aura is different because of her past transgressions. She couldn't Mariya, could she? This sudden suspicion of who in her court is the backstabbing betrayer was not something the Queen needed to deal with. According to what the Earthmother said, they needed to awaken their full potential. Did that mean memories too? Could she chance reawakening Mariya?
"How... do we awaken the Court? How do we know for certain who is who?"
Earthmother had taken Vanya's hand, gave her a reassuring squeeze and leaned over to whisper, "Thank you, you've done wonderful today."
Before returning her attention to the Queen, she chanced a quick glance to her son, and his wife. Something odd shot through her mind's eye, and she raised an eyebrow as her focus landed on Belvah. It wasn't important right now, but she'd ask Vanya to look in to it later. Back to the matter at hand so they won't keep the Naiad Court any longer than they needed. Internal matters were of no concern to the guests. "Your Magesty, it would seem that some members of your court are present, and perhaps even partially tapped in to their power already. I don't even believe you have fully awakened yet. The best way for you to know anything about your court would be to consult Tua, and pray and meditate to the Waters. Even if you don't have the gifts of a Seer, the Spirits will still speak to you through the element you protect. The element becomes a part of you if you let it. I suggest meditating on it. I know very little of Naiad customs and rituals, but Tua should be able to fill you in. Perhaps you and I can get together at a later date to discuss what I do know of the Naiad history.
The important thing, I believe, is that you shouldn't rush anything. I know the temptation to learn more is great, but these things will happen in due time."
Earthmother took a moment to look at Aeroniel. She'd been oddly quiet this whole time, and she wondered what the poor girl was thinking in all of this. "My dear," she addressed the Queen's Lady in Waiting, "Don't fret. A spark is a good thing. All heroes have a spark. I will have to speak to the spirits and meditate on my own to figure out why yours is separate from your aura. I'm afraid I don't have the answers at this time."
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Codebreaking Conversationalist
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Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 5:32 am
Aeroniel was trying really, really hard.
Oh, she was.
For someone who kept a stony demeanor as part of their daily interactions, the fact that she was trying to keep her face put was in itself a sign of just how far this whole thing was pushing her. She made a small sucking noise with her mouth, pulling her bottom lip in, wetting it, and letting it fall away again. Her fingers tapped at a faster pace on her leg, especially as more and more of this complete and utter nonsense continued to spill from the mouths of those across from her. It was especially that Vanya character and the wise old Earthmother that were getting her.
This wasn't wisdom. This was insanity! It would not matter if their intentions were good or not. If they were under the impression that they were right and this was something the naiad needed to know, of course they would go on like this and not raise any spouts...
Now what exactly was the illusionist going on about?
Of course Turin was named as someone who was ever-so-obviously part of the Court that ever-so-obviously did not already exist. Aeroniel had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. Considering they were the two that were rolling through whatever images or visions that Vanya was walking them through--oh, she had it up to there with that one--those were naturally the two that belonged together, right? There was nothing to be said about Aeroniel or anything, of course. Probably because she didn't fall for this nonsense--
They were actually talking about her for once? Interesting. Aeroniel couldn't help the way she quirked a brow in obvious skepticism, finally making her feelings on the matter at least visible. That was more than could have been said for most of the rest of the meeting.
A small spark floating around her aura.
Wow, she was spouting such nonsense that she didn't even know what she was talking about.
Ugh.
Aeroniel was just about done listening to this, and it showed in her eyes. Tariel was naturally buying it, though maybe she had more reason to. Of course, by the same token, Tariel had never really been the Voice of Reason. That was her job. Perhaps, after this meeting, she may need to pull her aside and point out how ridiculous all this land nonsense actually was. How did any of them know that this wasn't some kind of faun ritual mired in land Pae'il nonsense she'd never understand?
Her lips were tight as the Earthmother spoke, all her courtly manner disallowing her from cutting anything off. But when she was addressed directly, Aeroniel's eyes shot upwards, looking the other straight ahead.
It was quiet, but she murmured, "I don't care for your words." A pause. "Ma'am."
Another moment ticked by, and this time, she said, louder, "Glad we settled that. Are we just about done here? I believe we need to get back to the Waters." Where there were no nonsensical land Pae'il and dumb visions and stupid auras and sparks flying around people and rolling emotions and pain and drama and -- she was done. If this meeting wasn't over, Aeroniel was tempted to get up and go herself.
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Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 2:24 pm
As the seer points her hand at Itsaso, Itsaso's grip tightens on her spear. She doesn't like the feeling of all the eyes on her. She doesn't like being the center of attention. She prefers to do her duty in the background, unseen. Even her coloring, a boon underwater, makes her stick out here today. She barely even grasps what the seer is saying, she's so wrapped up trying to keep her cheeks from flushing an undignified shade of red. Still, the flush creeps up the back of her neck, and her fins flare in response.
It's difficult to keep her aggression under control. She feels threatened, scrutinized. Itsaso takes deep breaths--in, out, in out--to keep her power from triggering. Focus on what she's saying. You might need it later. Calm once, raging fury and power the next. She almost quirks a smile, but keeps her face hard and neutral. That was...a good description of her. The worst part, though, was when Queen Tariel turned to face her, surprise clear on her face. It's only reasonable--the Queen barely knew her, yet this land-dweller was suggesting she be a part of her Court, of all things. And even though Itsaso isn't sure she believes any of this, that look hurt, though she's careful to keep her expression flat.
Her face does crack, though, when Lady Aeroniel speaks up. A small smile creeps onto her lips. At least someone else felt the same way about all this. Though it's not her place to say, Itsaso grows weary and increasingly mistrustful of these land-folk. Better to go back to the water, back home, where things made sense. Knowing that Lady Aeroniel hears things most do not, she offers some silent words of support in her direction. I agree. We've spent enough energy on these land-folk.
She chances a glance at Anatolio. The poor boy must be crushed to know he wasn't "special" like the rest of them apparently were.
Toli, frankly, isn't sure whether to be crestfallen or utterly relieved when the faun seer passes over him completely. It was one thing to be designated as important, but these revelations were turning everyone upside-down.
But no, he knows who he is. Anatolio. Naiad son of Captain Turin and Kelebek. Dutiful brother of Moana and Zoran. Doting father of Anxo and Dysmas. A Hunter, protector of the Queen and her waters.
He doesn't need anyone to tell him that.
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Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 9:19 pm
The words from Earthmother were reassuring, and Vanya attempted to settle back to take a more passive role for what remained of the meeting.
Attempted.
While she'd been unable to read any touches of the past from her, once Vanya returned to her broad, passive aura reading, there was no missing the waves of frustration radiating from the female with the spark orbiting her aura. It was not only disruptive, but unnerving. Irritating. Like an itch beneath her fur. It seemed that all tempers were beginning to grow short. Vanya attempted to drown it out, reasoning to herself that the Naiad had received far more harsh news today than they'd likely been expecting. Was that it? Was she having such trouble accepting the truth? Was it beyond her grasp? Or...was there another reason she seemed so dead-set against accepting the truth presented by, not only the Faun, but her own Queen and Captain?
However, hearing Earthmother's reassurances to the Naiad being thrown back at her in such a disrespectful tone...Vanya felt a flicker of righteous indignation flush her cheeks with warmth before she managed to cap her emotional reaction.
Turn was as surprised as any of them when the Seer pointed to Itsaso. Sure, she was a good guard and hunter when need be, but...there had been no reason to have her along today except the same that his son was there...to guard the Court on their journey to the meeting place. They were to wait and escort the Court home safely afterwards. That was it.
At the back of his mind, he was still turning the words over that the Seer had spoken when pointing to him. Fueled by duty, a devotion and responsibility carried over from another life... The words were both reassuring and troubling. Sure, it sounded like he was supposed to be here afterall...that this was where he was supposed to be, where he'd always belonged. But...was he only some remnant of another life, that failure enduring into the next life in some attempt to make up for mistakes made before...?
Visibly wincing, he roughly shoved the thought away in time to hear Aeroniel's voice breaking through his thoughts. This wasn't the time. Nor was it the time to purposefully start stirring the vortex! Turning a piercing glare on the Queen's second, he put all the effort into one thought, praying that she heard it. 'Really? You're going to pick a fight NOW? The Queen doesn't need this right now! Or aren't you paying attention? Hold it together until we get out of here. We're a united front, got it?'
By the Waters, it almost seemed like Aeroniel was suddenly determined to sabotage what was left of this meeting and break any chance there was of this ending well. Hadn't they overreacted towards their hosts enough today? She wouldn't do that on purpose though...would she? ...nah.
While Rais had been content to keep his silence while the Seer and Earthmother explained the process of identifying and awakening the lost heroes, it seemed that relations were deteriorating again. If there was any chance of sealing an alliance and leaving here in good terms today, it seemed that he might have to wrap things up quickly. Too much strain on each side with what had occurred today.
"Indeed. I think we can conclude with just one more piece of business," Rais interrupted, sensing tensions on either side of the table again. "I've drafted up a proposed treaty. An alliance between our people. With the Faun and Naiad as allies once more, we would be able to readily share resources, knowledge, and intel as we gather it." He was speaking to Queen Tariel at this point, the agreement ultimately being between them in the end. He produced a parchment scroll, unrolling it and placing it before the Queen for her to read. "As allies, all Naiad under your domain would be welcomed inside Laisidhiel, previously reserved for Faun and those sworn to serve the Tree. If acceptable, in exchange, my Faun would be allowed to visit your temple freely, to encourage the communication and trust between our peoples." He paused, giving the Queen time to look the document over for herself.
When he thought she might be finished reading, he said, "If these terms are acceptable, Your Majesty, then we will both sign."
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Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 10:04 pm
She watched her Lady with a focused gaze. Of all the Pae'il present Aeroniel is one that should know the truth. She can pick it out of any of their minds. Didn't she see the visions as Tariel and Turin were experiencing them? Maybe her power is waning and that's why her aura was different. The Queen felt she knew her Lady better than anyone, and she was able to at least read her body language and posturing. Aeroniel's words weren't even necessary for Tariel to think Aeroniel was hurt by the aura reading and just lashing out. At least that's what she told herself because otherwise her Lady's insinuations were not only insulting to their host, but to the Queen herself.
Tariel would have words with Aeroniel when they returned to the palace.
She was going to follow the advice offered this day, and meditate and pray to the Water spirit for guidance. There was no doubt in her mind that her original entourage of Sadron, Turin and Aeroniel are part of her Court, but the addition of Itsaso was surprising. She didn't doubt the girl's abilities, but she was just surprised because it seemed so incredibly coincidental. I guess that's how fate works.
Tariel looked over the parchment Rais unrolled and presented. She nodded a few times, read a few passages a loud for her Court and then looked up to Rais when she was done. "It looks acceptable. I offer my palace for Faun should they find a need to enter. I will keep communication lines open and send a scout to report any findings that may be of use to either of us. As allies, we are sworn to protect each other, and we will not abandon the other in cases of turmoil." Tariel signed the document, and passed it back to Rais.
"We should begin looking for the Book." She added. "Perhaps it will lead us to the rest of our ancient allies."
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Codebreaking Conversationalist
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Posted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 6:23 pm
Aeroniel would have been surprised by the amount of disapproval she was getting if she wasn't so shocked by how much her fellow naiads were believing this faun nonsense. They had no reason to believe that any of this was the truth!
There was one person who seemed to agree with her, though, Itsaso's thoughts echoing through her mind. She admittedly wasn't overly familiar with Itsaso--Aeroniel hadn't done terribly much with the hunters and guards except when she had taken over for Tariel. It wasn't her zone. But what she had seen from Itsaso, she seemed to have a good head on her shoulders. The statement she made, although mentally, just confirmed it.
In a sea of people who could not see at all how this could ever just be all mind games or stupid land pae superstition, Itsaso was the only one who agreed with Aeroniel. For that, to confirm that she got the message, she shot her a smile over her shoulder, probably the most cheerful expression the Huntress had ever seen on the Lady-in-Waiting's face.
After all, she was mostly rather ... stony.
The others were bombarding her with thoughts of a suspicious nature. She heard vague murmurs from their "Seer" Vanya, wondering if there was a reason why she was so dead set against the truth. There was actual pointed comments to Turin. Honestly, if she was able, she'd send him back a rather pleasant string of words, but perhaps it was fortunate that her communication was one way. Turin--and Tariel especially, for that matter--were getting so mixed up and passionate about images.
Images!
She knew most naiad loved their theatrics, but this was ridiculous--
--yeah talk with Tariel alright, she needed to talk to her herself--
Thank the Waters and all the little fish in the sea that this meeting was finally over. Aeroniel did not know what she thought about actually accepting an alliance with a group of land pae that honestly, at this point, seemed delusional, especially such an alliance that would let these land pae within their own waters, a place meant just for them and them alone, but she supposed that burning a potential source of information on other land events wasn't worth it.
Though, if Aeroniel could decide at this point, she would cut off communications with the surface entirely. From what she had observed, nothing particularly good seemed to come out of encounters with land pae.
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Posted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 7:20 pm
The treaty was passed back and Rais followed the Queen by scrawling his signature at the bottom of the parchment. Feeling as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders, he allowed himself to smile at last, inclining his head gratefully towards their guests. "That being settled, I agree. While there is much to do, we must prioritize where to spend our efforts."
"I think there can be little argument that we need to protect our people first and foremost," he proposed. "All should be warned to watch for suspicious behavior, especially from the dark creatures from the forest to the south, but also from the strange Blood Pae'il youth. We should keep our ears and eyes open for new information on their purpose, but aside from that, I think you're right. We need to find the Book, and with it, our allies. Without all of the above, we hold no chance of standing against the darkness. I suspect...that we may have learned much today as to why we may have failed in the past..."
Somber, the Chieftain stepped around the table, halting by Tariel's seat and offering her his hand. "But, today has been eventful enough. Please, let us hinder your return to the Waters no longer, Your Majesty. Until we speak again," he bowed respectfully.
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Posted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 7:35 pm
The Queen stood beside Rais and curtsied as she took his hand (curtsy being something Tua instructed her on for formal greetings to leaders outside of the water.) There was a slight jolt when she felt his hand in hers and she had a glimpse of that happiness once more between Alu and Arda. She looked in his eyes and all she could feel is that pure joy and love. Tariel had to let go or she'd fall back into the memories that were not her own.
"Work will begin right away to secure the waters from the threats. Notices shall be issued for the safety of the Naiad. If there's anything we can do to help you, send a messenger." She did her best to contain the growing feelings of jealousy, knowing the Chief's wife was only a few meters away, carrying his children. She pointedly chose to ignore her when saying her goodbyes to the rest of the present Circle.
Turning to her own Court, she indicated that they were to finally head back home.
Once the Court was out of earshot, Earthmother turned to her son. "They have a long way to go. I'm worried about them."
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Posted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 7:56 pm
As soon as the leaders separated, Turin stepped forwards to the Queen's side, offering her his arm for the trip back down the cliff. Perhaps a bit forward...but he'd been brushed aside before and frankly, he was in a bit of a bad mood and not about to walk down to the sea again alone. Or perhaps he was being more than forward, stepping beyond his bounds. Like earlier, when he'd snapped at Aeroniel, if only in his head. She was the Queen's second in command...yet, he'd snapped at her as if he could command her like his guards.
It had been a long damn day.Rais watched the Naiad escort go, glancing down and to the left to his mother when she spoke up. He frowned, sighing and dropping his head. "They do. But we all do. And there are still pieces missing that must be found before we can even start to fit them together. Spirits help us all."Vanya remained quiet as the sea green auras faded as the distance grew. She had concerns of her own. She had seen the Queen's vision, as well as the Captain's...and she had felt their emotions and heard their thoughts as part of the guidance process.
She alone probably had the clearest picture of what they had experienced today. As it was, she was aware of the Queen's secret concerns...of her fears about the mysterious Naiad, 'Mariya'...
What worried her most was that she wasn't sure whether to reassure the Queen about her fears...or caution her to heed them until the truth could be determined for sure. And so she'd done nothing.
Hopefully, that wouldn't turn out to be a mistake.-----
[FIN]
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Posted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 8:24 pm
Belvah had remained silent, listening to everything. There had been no reason for her to speak up. She was well aware it was a privilege for her to be there. The silvery fauness just watched everyone as they spoke. She did feel a particular pang of jealousy when Tariel was gazing at Rais as if he were the greatest thing to walk the isle.
There was no reason for her to feel that jealousy. She pushed her terrible feelings aside, seeing them as useless. There was no way Queen Tariel wanted her Rais. But then, Queen Tariel didn't wish her goodbye. Was it because Belvah wasn't supposed to be there? No, that couldn't be it. Did Queen Tariel really want Rais? No way was that going to fly. Belvah took a deep breath, trying to keep herself composed. She had no idea if it was showing on her face or not, but this was supposed to be a peaceful meeting. It had even ended on a peaceful note! Why was Belvah so irritated by this? Who knew, but Belvah just tried to keep herself quiet about the whole thing. No reason to bring it up.
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