|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:06 am
The Moon Ceremony is a time for reflection. Normally, over loved ones of the past, but also perhaps the joys the future may hold.
It is a somber ceremony, where members linger with one another, mentioning stories of the past. Joy and sadness go hand-in-hand.
If you would like your character to reflect on the past, whether they are an original member or only recently joined, feel free.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 7:12 pm
(since I dropped the ball on this, I don't expect anyone to reply. do not worry. <3)
Noticing that Mana seemed worried, he offered her a reassuring nod. Everything had gone so well over the Festival; he knew that there were some things to be worked out, as his memory was never the best; regardless, he wouldn't be here to see them. He knew that he would live in the hearts of his children, and hopefully (selfishly, he chided himself) within some members of the pride. His eyes would miss this land, but the age he had been living with for such a long time now wouldn't weight him down.
Slowly stepping to an area where he could see most of the small group gathered, as not everyone handled the Moon Ceremony well, he smiled to all that had gathered.
"Welcome," he began, taking the time to scan the group, taking a moment to look in everyone's eyes. It was respectful, and he wanted everyone to feel that welcome.
"The Moon Ceremony is a time to reflect on the past. A time to mourn for those that passed before us, or our ancestors, or perhaps what might come in the future. Although it is normally a somber ceremony, there always is the encouragement to share the joyous times of life; stories from cubhood, adventures taken, trouble gotten into, among other things."
He sighed for a moment before continuing, wanting to catch his breath as well. "I will be selfish, if you all would humor me, and go first."
It was a bit difficult to continue. It wasn't that he saw his death; it was more that he was beginning to see nothing. He knew that they were visions; but they were blank. There was only one reason for this; his death was imminent.
"It has been a long road to these lands. To share with those new in our number, or even the ones too young to remember or experience our history, these were not our original lands. Driving from our homelands that meant so much to us, it was quite the trial. I never was meant for a position such as the one I have taken; an assistant, yes. Even what young men would like to call a 'right-hand man.' Throughout the trip, I watches as many clanslions and friends died from the strenuous trip. The disease that greeted us at our new lands nearly killed us all of. I believe there were only a pawful of us left; 5 or 6 of us total. It seemed that we were doomed as soon as our old homelands had been stolen from us."
"But somehow, through much faith and hard work, we survived. An old friend blessed us with new life, even as she lost her own. Curious lions lingered around, learning of our culture and accepting it as their own. It seemed that we were growing, even slowly. I felt that for certain we would survive, and I was soon not to be needed anymore. It was a blessing to feel, as I had worried one day many moons before than that I would see my pride die before my old eyes."
He cleared his throat for a moment, realizing that he needed to break for a moment. Soon, though, he picked up his story again.
"And about a year after that, I stand here, looking upon eyes that are perhaps new to our ways, but kin in our hearts. Our home is nearly up to the standards of how it once was; full of life, little paws, strong hearts, and brave ways. I shamefully admit that I never thought I would see this day; and it is with this that I offer to you the news that I will not last the next moon."
He paused, glancing over to the Goddess that had offered him so much. They would never consider each other anything other than good friends, but it had been comforting to have someone there for you, and especially for your children. He closed his eyes for a moment, returning to face the gathering.
"It is as to be expected; I am surprised that my old body hasn't worn out on me yet. I have had the pleasure of living for far longer than I am sure I deserved. I have seen more than I ever dreamed, and have the firm belief that the future of the Ela'wadiyi has only just begun."
"I thank you for offering me the pleasure of knowing you all. I am sorry to those that I will not share that close relationship to, but know that you will always be welcome within these lands that are now your home."
He offered a deep bow to them all, feeling a small tightness in his chest. Slowly, he stepped to the side, lumbering towards Mana slowly, knowing that he would need to lean on her a bit for the rest of the night. He was exhausted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
