Welcome to Gaia! ::

Valelldia saw that the fire was dying, and what that meant. Her heart still heavy from the omen, she rose from her log seat and, putting out a quick gesture to her sister to speak to a few individually, she called their attention briefly away from the one called Taniel.

"Sisters, brothers... I am sorry to interrupt you, especially as a newcomer has come into our midst, but the fire is dying, and the time to finish the order is now." They had discussed, prior to the ceremony itself, and now, all that was left was for the scroll to be placed into the fire. Before she did so, however, Valelldia had a few more things to say.

"It has been a... disappointing day for many. But I am sure that the caller can help us with our dilemna. Also, many of you have briefly acquainted yourself with yet another newcomer to our midst. She calls herself Angelique, and will be staying with our sister, Oqaia."

The young priestess, still on the outskirts of the circle, blushed into a deep red that was mostly masked by the glow of the dying firelight. It was still so new to her, and she barely knew where to begin- or whether she was to say anything to this warm welcome. In the end, she hadn't a choice, for her limbs refused to move from her log seat, and Valelldia continued with the ceremony.

Valelldia tossed the scroll into the fire. A bright blue flame licked it, and then, in a burst of ash, the scroll rolled from the fire, propelled slowly across the dirt, until it hit the wagon mother's toe- and unfurled. It was this list that Valelldia plucked from the earth and peered over, briefly. Her eyes went wide, and then she closed them, and her expression, off to the world. She stood like this for a long time, then posted it on the door of her wagon, which was directly against the wide circle.

"I see we have newcomers who will be joining us," she said softly. "...Goodnight, my family." And with that, she disappeared into WhistleStick, a dark smear against the night sky.

Aisrhan was about halfway to Weathered Melody when a soft rustling in the grass interrupted her thoughts. "Mheru - did you hear that?" Ais hissed in a low whisper. Mherudyn remained quiet upon the snake-girl's shoulder. Something in Aisrhan's head told her she should check it out, investigate, but her conscience told her that her mother would be furious (and worried) if she couldn't find her. Oh! I forgot to tell Mom I was headed back to the wagon. Snot. Ais's tail twitched irritably as she turned to trudge back to the wagon ordering ceremony.
-rustle-
Aisrhan's head whipped around so fast, Mherudyn was startled from her perch. She landed in the grass a few feet away with an small, indignant squawk.
Aisrhan dropped to the ground, concealing herself in the tall grass. Her eyes flashed in the waning moonlight. Something in her head clicked, then. Something she remembered, as if on the edge of a dream. This was familiar. She flicked her tongue to taste the air. She knew what it was. She knew where it was. She also knew it would taste better than the dried fruits and stale bread she had grown accustomed to eating...
-rustle-
Aisrhan moved a few inches forward and flicked her tongue again. She could see the animal's outline as clearly in her mind as though someone had painted it there for her to study. She coiled herself, preparing to strike. Just a little closer... There you go... Gotcha! She darted forward, lightening fast, and sank her teeth into her prey. The poor rabbit squealed, Aisrhan's new venom working its way through it's veins.
Mherudyn, knowing an animal instinct of her own, flew away in fear of the predator, frantically winging her way back to Silver and Khevashi.
The animal died quickly. Aisrhan lifted it to her mouth, eager to enjoy the kill, but it was too large. The snake-girl didn't notice. With a sickening crack, her jaw unhinged itself, as no human's could - or should - and she swallowed the rabbit whole.
Flexing her jaw back into place, Aisrhan settled herself in the grass, too full to move. She felt lethargic and sleepy. With a self-satisfied 'burp', she coiled herself in the grass for a nice long nap. She had completely forgotten about Mherudyn, the carvan, even her own mother.
They would not find her until morning...