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 Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 3:24 pm
 So out of place amongst all the hooved and branch-antlered Faun...and yet, she felt this was exactly where she was supposed to be. Leaf-like membrane wings were tucked closely against Silvana's back, so that she wouldn't disturb those waiting close to her, but she still stood out against the crowd. A peaceful smile on her face, she waited her turn, patient as an ancient oak. She'd gathered a few strange looks when she'd requested the right to take part in the ceremony, but having explained her unique position, had been allowed to try, as long as Laisidhiel would accept her. The Faun council had received no bad omens thus far...so here she was.
She had taken special care in selecting her offering for the ceremony. The traditions of the Faun may not have been completely familiar to her, but she could sense the solemnity and the importance that they placed in them, therefore, out of respect, she would do the same. She had even sought help from the Faun elders to teach her enough of their runic language so that she could carve her name in their native symbols. It seemed most fitting. The elder Faun woman who had looked so much like the Chieftain had seemed pleased by the gesture.
Her offering was burned, and the ashes collected like all the others. There seemed little different with her ceremony than the rest, so when her time came, Silvana accepted the wooden bowl with the little glowing seed at the bottom with a smile and a bow. Without hesitation, she drank the clear liquid, the seed carried along for the ride. It filled her with a warmth unlike any she'd ever felt before and she was briefly surrounded by a faint green glow before both faded."Gatekeeper!"Interesting title, especially considering her plans. It was...fitting, she supposed. She would have to discover in time what new ability the ceremony had bestowed upon her...or was it the Great Tree itself giving its blessing? Either way, her time in the spotlight was finished, and with a bow and a murmured 'thank you' to the council and the Tree itself, she backed down from the dias to allow those to come after to have their turns.
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Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 3:28 pm
When the ceremony was completed, Silvana watched the others for a time; some milled about to talk, others immediately dispersed, back to their daily tasks she supposed. This was certainly an interesting place, this Laisidhiel. Possibly a nice place to live, given what she'd seen thus far. Yet, it was not to be. She crossed the open space to an alcove where she had stored her bow and quiver during the ceremony. Retrieving her belongings, she planned to head out when a voice interrupted her preparations. "Certainly one of the more...unique ceremonies I've ever led," the Chieftain commented from his stance behind the demonic Demi-Goddess. His voice was touched with a very subtle tone of amusement, as if he still didn't quite believe what had just happened. When the Demi-Goddess had approached his council, asking to take part in the ceremony to swear her fealty to the Tree, well...'surprised' was a severe understatement of what the Chieftain had felt. Not to mention 'suspicious'.
However, inquiries into her background and somewhat unique situation had given her the benefit of a doubt necessary for consideration.Silvana turned and bowed towards the Chieftain respectfully, lifting her head with a smile. "Thank you again for allowing me to take part.""I will admit to having suspicions regarding why one with no true Faun parents would wish to swear their lives to the Great Tree," Rais responded honestly. He held a calm, neutral stance, noting with some interest that when she rose again, even though he towered over most of his own people, the Demi-Goddess met him at eye level."I suppose that is quite unusual," she smiled, straightening up. She paused, turning to look towards the wall of Laisidhiel, resting one of her hands there. "I've always felt most at home in the forests. Connected to them on a deeper level. I understand that you feel much the same, but especially here, within this great tree. After the ceremony, I've experienced the same feeling myself, as if amplified from what I've always known. Of course, that was only confirmation of what I'd believed." She withdrew her hand. "Perhaps it comes from my mother. While not a Faun herself, she does appear as one. I believe that of all the Pae, she felt the most 'herself' among your people, though she knew them not as 'your people' at the time. When she brought them here and they were welcomed with open hearts and arms, she was pleased that they had found such a loving home...even if also dismayed that they were not to travel with her anymore. They meant much to her, sir, and she is grateful that they have found such a kind home where they may settle down.""Of course," Rais responded automatically. "We would never turn away our own brethren. The lost are always welcome when they find their way home." He frowned at where the conversation seemed to lead, however, a note of suspicion creeping into his words. "Though we appreciate your mother bringing them back to us safely, she does not owe us any more for accepting them in our home. It is their home as well." He paused to phrase his question carefully. "We were discussing why you wished to take part in the ceremony. This isn't some sort of...duty you felt pressed to perform...?"
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Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 3:29 pm
At that, Silvana chuckled softly, shaking her head so that a curl of hair fell loose into her face. She tucked it back, replying, "My choice is my own, sir. No sense of duty or repayment being pressed upon me. I apologize for implying otherwise. Yes, my mother is grateful for your hospitality, but I am here today because I wish to be." She paused, watching a few stragglers from the ceremony making their way out of the area. "I don't presume to know all, sir, but I have run the forests in the surrounding area since I was a little girl. What was once peaceful has been disquieted by troubling whispers."
She turned her golden eyes back to Rais. "My mother once told me that as her daughter, I'd need not be concerned with the problems of this world if I did not wish it. That I had a choice to remain separate from the affairs of mortals if I wished, to live in a magical land where only the gods could go." She narrowed her eyes. "Sounds almost too good to be true, does it not? So, I asked her why she was not still there, why she was here with me instead." She smiled. "She told me, 'Because, I got involved.'"
"She may not take a direct hand in things," Silvana continued, looping her bow over one shoulder. "But I cannot sit idly by as the lands that I know as my home are threatened by some unknown menace. They are the only home I have ever known, and I am loathe to give them up for some unseen, promised land of paradise. If I am pressed to do this, is it by my own resolve."
The Faun Chieftain sensed honesty in her words, and nodded in appreciation for her choice. He knew little of these beings who called themselves 'deity' and appeared as Pae'il, however, he did understand that they were creatures of great power. If the child of one of these beings, one that had already shown courtesy to his people in the past, wished to align herself with them, to swear to protect Laisidhiel alongside its children, then he would welcome her like any natural Faun brother or sister. "Your words are inspiring, Lady Silvana. I am honored that you would join us." He noted her preparations at last and frowned. "As stated, you have sworn your fealty to the Tree and the Earth element. As such, you do not need to leave so suddenly. You are welcome to stay within Laisidhiel. We could find a place of accommodation to suit you, and all is provided here."
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Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 3:31 pm
Silvana smiled, but shook her head. "I do appreciate the thought, sir, but I am my mother's daughter. I grow uncomfortable at staying in one place too long." She glanced upwards at the spiraling walkway within the massive tree's core with an appreciative smile. "Even in a place as grand and spacious as this. However, I would like to return to visit from time to time, if the hospitality is extended."
"Of course, but where is it that you intend to go?"
"Wonderful. I shall not be that far away, in truth. There is a small wooded area southwest of here. I do not know if you are familiar with it, but the isle's fairies have a healing house there."
"I have not been there myself," Rais admitted. "But, some of my people have, including our own dear Matron, who gave a favorable account of the place."
Silvana nodded. "The fairies there are quite kind, and welcoming to all who require rest or healing, of either physical or spiritual nature. Their healing house is located within those woods. It is not the grandest forest on the Isle, but I have never felt as at home as I do beneath those trees. That is where I shall make my home. You and your people are welcome to visit whenever you'd like; I would love to give you a tour," she teased, as if the forest belonged to her. What an absurd thought.
Rais chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "A welcome invitation. If I cannot make it myself, I'm sure some of the other Faun would like to visit. It is good to know we have friends in other places. You are, of course, welcome to stop in as well whenever you find yourself in the area."
"Thank you, sir," she said with a bow. "Now, I don't wish to be rude, but I really would like to get going before the sun sets. I'd like to be able to get back home before it gets too dark."
"No, no, by all means. Travel well, my lady, and may the Earth fly swiftly beneath your hoov--er, feet," Rais finished, changing the usual Faun-related farewell to something more appropriate with a chuckle. The Demi-Goddess returned the smile, then set off, her strides long, and her feet light over the ground as she vanished from Laisidhiel's great archway. Rais noted with some amusement, she really did run like a deer.
Or a Faun.
((Quote this post in the main shop thread and answer the question below correctly for an immediate accessory edit for any of your Pae'il!
Question: Who is welcome inside the Great Tree? (General, not specific names. Remember to include ALL welcome parties. Clue: There are two types.)))
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