.|| Chapter 9: Grave Expectations ||. Yael

[Suhuba]

Chapter 9: Grave Expectations

|| IC ||

Notice has spread across Yael that the Sanctum had an important announcement from the High Priest and Priestess. It was a rare occurrence they would summon everyone outside of the bi-annual festivals, and naturally many began to grow nervous. Some felt it was an omen, a sign of a curse that befell across their entire race. Others saw it as something not as troublesome, maybe some news on the Mainlanders or Extremists.

Everyone began to gather in the large courtyard outside of the Sanctum. No one noticed if a Mainlander or two were part of the mass, all were more concerned about the group of Priests and Priestesses that stood outside the large doors. It felt familiar to many of their festivals, but instead of a joyous occasion all were concerned. Why were they gathering? When would they be told of what was going on? Were they in trouble?

None knew, and even with some of the Priests calling out for calm, the crowd began to grow concerned and nervous, all wondering why they were there.

|| OOC ||
||. Chapter 9: Grave Expectations starts Monday, July 10 and will continue for approximately four weeks.
||. If your character is not signed up for their thread, they may not participate. You can PM Suhuba for late entries.
||. Please limit to up to 2 posts between NPC posts (these should be spaced out by responses from others to your post, no needless posting just to get more points).
||. NPCs will post twice a week, on Monday and Thursday.
||. While the Meta is active, you may not start any new RPs (this includes characters not participating).
||. However, you may continue RPs that were started before the Meta starts. You are also welcome to write Solos/Journal Entries while you are participating in the Meta.
||. Growths and character quests will be closed until the time the Meta ends.
||. If you have any questions, please post them in the Main Thread.

Active Players

show spoilerhide spoiler

Itotia
Jacline
Jianyu
Kieran
Ko
Kresimir
Rainier
Saedah
Taijana
Tarlok
Xelannis
Zekiel

 

[Miss Chief aka Uke]

Zekiel | 1

Zekiel had risen early.

Though he had gone mostly about his own business in initial preparations, there was an unmistakable hum in the halls of the Sanctum. A restless, uneasy energy that could be felt in the skin as much as it could be seen and heard: darting young eyes, anxious stirring, hurried footsteps, quickly exchanged words. It reminded him of a penned flock before a storm, as he had seen in Malta’s home and as he had been exposed in small portion in the villages he had visited. But this was a storm less understood, invisible, and rumor as much as anything, and thus woven from mouth to mouth into something bigger even than it was.

Any who approached or questioned him received all his usual cheer, however, and in truth, he could not have said he shared in any of the fear he saw reflected in the faces of some of his peers. Much was afoot, such that despite the fact that he had been in the midst of preparation for movement and settlement to Ilidan — his temple, or what would be — his departure had been delayed, and of course he knew something of what was causing the latent unease, enough to have him pulled aside despite his very recent ascension to the rank of priest and informed that his presence would be needed a period longer at the Sanctum for an address to the people by the High Priest and Priestess.

But all of it felt to him like being drawn along by a tide. Sometimes, the gods observed from a distance. This, he felt, involved a more direct touch. Their will was actively astir, and standing amidst his elders, peers, and the younger ranks on the steps of the Sanctum with the morning in full swing, he felt an energy unmatched by most any he had experienced.

Today and the days following would be days of purpose. His gaze scanned the gathering crowd before them—soon, he was sure, to grow further and to greater heights of unease. What would come of it all only time would tell, but he felt, for this moment, that he was where he needed to be.  

[DraconicFeline]

Tarlok
Post: 1
Location: At a stall in the crowd
--------------------

Tarlok did not, for many reasons, like the rumors of disappearances. His thoughts would often flicker to a certain young woman, and how she fared.

However, in other respects, he benefited. With fear and concern over curses came a great demand for talismans, and so his family had raked in quite a profit from the concerned populus. And, if something were to be done to find those disappeared, then supplies would be needed - another profit right there.

It was an irresistible opportunity, and so he had set up a small cloth rug on the ground and set out some offerings and talismans, small cheap things to make everyone feel better. It also offered some shade against the day's sun, and he'd managed to secure some decent ground and even a few chairs - and those were even free.

But, of course, merchant though he was, Tarlok was still a person. A-superstitious though he was, he was still concerned about himself and his own. And this gathering worried him, making the familiar occupation of selling talismans and offerings as much about soothing him as the crowds.  

[Painted Moose]

Taijana - 1

Taijana entered the large courtyard flanked by her siblings. Her sister had an arm looped around her own, her nonstop chattering acting like white noise for the huntress as she scanned the growing crowd. It had bothered her ever since news of the announcement first came to her. What was so important that the High Priest and Priestess would need to summon them? Surely it couldn't be good. It had to be an all consuming omen of-

Pressure on her arm jolted Taijana from her musings. She turned, coming eye to eye with her sister who patted her arm once more. "I'm glad you didn't faint this time. Your lips were turning pale and you started to hyperventilate."

She nodded and tried to keep her mind free of bad thoughts. Tried. It was a hard battle, one that she was sure to lose, but at least her siblings were with her. Together the triplets made an eye catching group, but in a crowd instead of standing out they acted as a support network for one another.  

[Faithofthefallen]

Rainier || Post 1

The dull thunder of the gathering crowd was evident even from inside the tiny cottage Rainier shared with his sister. Concern creased Rainier's brow as he met Raisa's gaze. Word had spread over the past few days that their leaders were calling the Yaeli together for some sort of announcement, it was incredibly unusual and many had started to worry. The moment the news had reached Rainier, he had brought Raisa back to their home with commands to lock the doors and hide, while he had quickly made his way to the marketplace to gather up all the food and supplies he could afford with his meager savings. The stalls were packed, many other Yaeli having the same idea, more would follow. His people did not deal well with surprises, the last time something different had happened they'd been invaded by the mainlanders, part of their island taken over by dangerous outsiders. The various traders and merchants might very well sell all the food and essentials they had in stock until they had a chance to restock. He bought as much as he could carry home and filled their small pantry. Surely, if it was good news it could wait until the next festival, but regardless of what information the high priest and priestess disclosed, the fear of the unknown would drive the people into a fever pitch until the mystery was solved.

Rainier dithered over whether to bring Raisa with him to the meeting, desire to shield her from bad news and a potentially dangerous crowd warring with the security of having her under his eye. The latter won out, he was concerned that looters or thieves might take advantage of everyone gathering to target the empty houses. The pair of them left early to make it to the courtyard surrounding the Sanctum. "Keep close Rai." Rain muttered as they wove their way through the nervous press of bodies. He scanned the crowd as they moved towards the front, a man had set up a display of protective talismans in the crowd, Rain's fingers twitched, suddenly wishing he hadn't been so hasty to empty his coffers. There would be no new anything for a while. A woman nearby appeared close to fainting, he moved towards her out of instinctual concern, but there were two others with her, lending their support. They were clearly related, so Rain stayed back, watching out of the corner of his eye to be sure the woman was alright. A small hand brushed his own, drawing his attention, and Raisa laced her fingers with his. The gesture was unexpected, Rai had generally made it clear that she thought herself much too old at 14 for such displays. Rainier's heart warmed and he squeezed her hand reassuringly and tugged at the end of one of her braids. Whatever happened, he would protect her, as always.

 

[Indigo_Plateau]

The Only Black Uke

Hope you don't mind the impromptu meeting. <3

Xelannis | 1

"Stay put, Xelannis." The woman who gave the order was a rickety, frail thing, and if it weren't for her position, Xel would have ignored her completely. Being out in a crowd like this, among his peers and superiors did not feel beneficial to him, and despite being informed that his presence among the others was required, he did not feel especially needed. The more experienced priests were better suited to tend to the masses, and Xelannis thought his time would be better spent tending to his usual studies, as opposed to 'calming' the crowd with information he did not have.

As it stood, he couldn't go quite so far as to abandon his post entirely, but it didn't stop him from arguing. The older priestess had made it down a single stair, wobbling as if she might topple over before Xel was on her heels again. "But if I could return to my rooms for only a moment to collect-"

She swiveled on the spot, remarkably quickly for all the creaking and shaking she'd been doing just a moment prior, and her gnarled hand swept to cup his cheek. "No. Your place is here. Whether you believe it or not, it is a good opportunity for you, Xelannis. I have seen you with the other Sanctum prentices, acting very bold and inquisitive, and your voice in particular rings with a certain pitch." He frowned. "As opposed to your more closed and disinterested interactions with the good patrons of your city. They will not bite you, you know."

Xel's gaze swept the very large sum of people gathering on the steps below them. "They might," he retorted briskly, memories of his early school days still etched far too clearly in his mind, where being 'weird' was a thing to be shunned and ridiculed over.

Those days were behind him, but Xelannis felt that he was still less fond of dealing with 'normal' people, particularly en masse.

The old woman patted his cheek and tutted. "You will stay and tend to those who seek solace here." She turned from him briefly and scanned the Sanctum's steps. "Why don't you see if... Zekiel could use a hand," she decided as her gaze landed on the lavender-haired man. "Do you see him, over there? You have met with him before, yes?"

"Yes," Xelannis agreed quickly.

"Good, good. Off you go, then. If you feel uncomfortable, perhaps he'll let you hold his hand and guide you through it." Ignoring the too-clear bait, Xelannis scurried off in the older priest's direction, but not so quick that he missed the warning of, "But he will not be about to help you forever," thrown at his back.  

[Nilah44]

Kresimir
Post 1
Location: Edge of the courtyard looking for Itotia

The shifter man had been a little unsure about his trip to yael when he stepped on the boat. The trip itself even made him a little weary. But, he had a reason for it. A very pretty reason. While it may not be anything official, Kresimir knew just how often his thoughts turned to Itotia. It was why he asked if he could accompany her on her trip home after hearing about it. He wanted to see the place she had once called home. None of his family members had been either so he could tell them what it was about when he saw them next as well.

It was a surprise when he heard they were having a gathering, that the high priest and Priestess had an important announcement. It worried Kres, in part because if among the yaeli gathered in such numbers he'd stick out like a sore thumb (just as he imagined Itotia once had), and it was outside their sanctum. He was curious, of course which was why he decided to attend. Kres thought he had heard his traveling companion say she would meet him there so he kept an eye out as he wandered on the edge of the courtyard. ”Itotia?” He called out into the crowd. His shield was slung comfortably on his back so he wasn't too worried.

Elyessi

<3 if ya want of course

Kres is also open to interactions! Of anyone wants to meet a shifter. XD  

[Miss Chief aka Uke]

Indigo_Plateau

Not at all. = u = b

Zekiel | 2

Foreigners were afoot.

Zekiel had never been uncomfortable with so much as fascinated by them despite the predominantly wary and distrusting sentiments of his fellows, and after his personal experiences with them, that curiosity had only furthered itself—if with a touch of lingering, unidentifiable pulls somewhere in his chest. They were usually easy enough to fold down and tuck away, and under the circumstances it felt especially so, easily dominated by surprise that they had managed to filter among the crowd at all during a moment of such unrest.

Just as his thoughts began to shift then from the immediate gathering before him to those among him in search of a particular face — namely Edeline — his focus was instead redirected by a different familiar, if unanticipated, presence.

“Xelannis!” His smile was warm, thoughts as simply as that gone from the girl and on to his company. While his interactions with the aspiring prentice were arguably minimal overall thus far, he had come to know the boy better after several occasions of working together with him in counseling sessions, and he would be among those he remembered by name and hoped to keep some track of in his visits back to the Sanctum to see how his studies progressed. “It’s a wondrous day to be about. You look as though it would please your feet to take you elsewhere.”  

[LucidStreaming]

Jacline || -1-

Calm, calm…

How could anyone possibly be calm?

Master Tallart said that a curse was upon them, brought about by the blaspheme of their own people alongside the corruption of infiltrating mainlanders. That did not even get into his thoughts on the jungle demons. Massive, monstrous women with eyes like milk so sour it had greened, pale and rotten as though blind but alert. Who could know why they had all been called forth, but if it warranted all of Yael as such, with a gathering of so many of their blessed chosen, it could not be a matter taken lightly.

Jacline felt quite certain she may not see another day. Oh, but she didn’t want it to be so. Her fingers flit, wanting periodically to reach and clutch to Master Tallart’s shirt cuff, but he had instructed her sternly enough already that she was aged beyond that. A young woman, who ought to carry herself as such in public.

The sea of persons, however, was near more than her small heart wanted to handle. What if it beat from her lungs like a pocket bird? And left her here to collapse?

Someone too near to her coughed, and she might have hopped a half foot if there had been room. What if she died of disease? “Master Tallart, I-”

“Wait here a moment, girl.”

She had not thought her eyes could go wider until the instant it became clear he was indeed leaving her before the Sanctum to wait as he left. Her voice came shriller than she intended. “But what if-?” It mattered little as the circumstances would have it, the half question swallowed by the noise of the anxious crowd as her only source of anchor among them took his own way. To meet with someone he had recognized, she was sure, and she knew he did not like to parade her about to many, but must he leave her alone?

Trying as best she could not to fiddle too stiffly and obviously with her skirts, she edged as near as she dared to the collection of Sanctum followers on the steps. If anywhere was to be safe, nearer to the gods’ Chosen seemed a good bet to her, and she found some threads of solace to be near to them as some spoke over the crowds. Her eyes, though, wandered and landed in particular on one as fair as she in both complexion and hair, of which he seemed to have a half mile of, plaited all down to his knees behind him. And a boy at his side who could not have been but a year older than she if that.

The second looked almost as pleased with the situation as she, and much without thinking of it, she shifted nearer to them. Perhaps if she could get but one of their attention, she might be told what was going on after all.
 

[jayoku]

Post 1 - is currently standing at the edge of the crowd making sure people are remaining calm if anyone wants to approach her please feel free :3

It was typical for Saedah to have large dark circles under her eyes, and today was no exception. Quietly she observed the gathering crowd and she tried to keep her own hammering heart from alerting others around her the slight panic that was building in her chest. The reports of the missing Yael had been announced to those of the sanctum awhile ago, it was now the jobs of the priests and priestess's to try and keep the growing crowd calm.

Her silver eye'd gaze never ceased to flicker back and forth between the people and the closed doors into the inner sanctum. She wondered if her mentor was with them..or if his health was still too bad for him to join with the discussion. Either way she stood silently, and alone. Her back beginning to tire and she stood perfectly straight and poised. If any spoke to her she would try to smile, offer a kind and reassuring word. Often..people who did speak to her would end up backing off quite quickly, was it because of her harrowed look?

True she had been worrying about the discussion and the rumors that were spreading like wild fire. The crowd brimmed with nervous energy and one false world could set them all off. What would she do if this happened? How could she help? Breath...she needed to breath before a panic attack set in. Counting she tried her best, but she felt like she was too distracted..she only hoped her other sisters and brothers would be able to keep the people calm around them.  

[MissMisnomer]

Ko | 1 |

When rumors had first begun to filter through the city of a meeting being called by the High Priest and Priestess themselves, Ko’s parents had known that an occasion of this precedence required their immediate attention. But they were not the kind to shut down their business unless the situation was truly dire, so they opted to send some of their children to attend in their stead. Adellia was the obvious choice, as she so often ventured into the heart of the city to answer her religious calling. But Graigorii was chosen to accompany her as well―he could be trusted to give a thorough detailing of the happenings without any religious fervor clouding the facts.

And as for Ko’s role…well…his parents knew better than to try to stop him from going. One way or another the foolhardy boy would venture out to quench his burning curiosity, and if he was going to go, he might as well have his siblings to make sure he didn’t get into trouble.

So with boundless enthusiasm he led the charge from their home, giddy with excitement for the chance to participate in something so important. Like a buoy adrift on tumultuous waves, Ko bobbed and weaved through the sea of his kin, straining to hop high enough to catch a view over the crest of heads. He’d have surely been swept away by now were it not for the steadfast anchors keeping him thoroughly corralled in: his saintly sister at one hip and salty brother on the other.

As they pushed deeper into the throng towards the steps of the Sanctum, Ko practically tripped over his own feet as he did a double take, standing on tiptoe as he pulled on his sister’s sleeve, “Adellia! Did’ja see that? Tell me you saw him too! There’s a guy way over there with black skin and silver hair! He’s gotta’ be a Mainlander! Whadya’ think he’s doing here? I bet’ya he’s―” Before his theory could be voiced, his brother’s hand was placed on his head, twisting it back towards the temple as he hissed down at the boy, “He’s a no-good outsider who’s kind is probably the reason everything is so out of sorts right now! People cloaked in darkness ought to stay in the shadowy forests where they belong.” Graigorii looked to the heavens with a heated prayer while his sister looped her arm into Ko’s, speaking in her usual silky soft tone, “It’s best we leave them to their own devices Ko~ You should instead focus on Our People, and why they are here. Why we are here. See, just over yonder is Mr. Zekiel. We do not want to offend the good Priest by being inattentive, would we?”

At that Ko’s attention was successfully diverted, straining to see the aforementioned man. The last thing Ko wanted was to be rude to Zekiel! Not after he’d been so kind and friendly with him, always ready to listen whenever the boy had questions any time he was working at the orphanage. Ko hopped up and down, waving his hand to attempt to be seen over the crowd as he hollered, “Zekiel! Mr. Zekiel! Hi, it’s me, it’s Ko! Can you see me? Your hair looks really nice today! Hello??”

The Only Black Uke

Yes, Ko is an expert at not being rude = u = Feel free to ignore him if you want, he's just loud and dumb XD

If anyone else feels the need to promptly put him in his place or otherwise engage, go for it = u =  

[Indigo_Plateau]

Xelannis | 2

It would please all of him to be elsewhere, though the sentiment had little to do with foreigners or the state of Yael's affairs. Xelannis didn't fear mainlanders. He held the same detached curiosity for them as he held for most anyone of his own race. They were peculiar, different, and unversed in Yaeli customs such that they could pose a danger in that regard alone, but he was not afraid of them. It almost perfectly mirrored how he felt about these disappearances: passively curious and certain that they would be trouble for someone, just not for him.

Unless it led him here. Xel's gaze flit from Zekiel's openly bright expression to the crowd before them and was lost there amidst the throngs of moody Yaelians. Just looking about, he could see a smattering of excitement, a healthy wariness, a great deal of fear. Panic could surely turn an unruly crowd into a dangerous force, and a handful of priests couldn't stop that, if this mass heard something especially unpleasant.

Xelannis shook his head. "I would prefer to be somewhere less... populated," he admitted lowly. "I don't see myself making an especially important impact by being here, and I don't really like large gatherings of any kind..."

As opposed to Zekiel, who didn't seem phased by much of anything at all. Xel could not possibly ever guess what could fill one person with so much delight for the world they lived in, but it must have done well enough for him, if he managed to keep it up so well. In that moment, Xel thought he even heard the older priest's name, and his own disposition shriveled into a pucker of distaste. That's right, Zekiel probably knew a good handful of those out in that crowd.

Xelannis shifted fractionally nearer, dipped his head, and spared a shadowed glance out and behind himself.

Most of the crowd had their attention angled toward the Sanctum, and there was such an array of people, that Xel couldn't actually identify anyone that he was familiar with. No one stood out, and he didn't feel the need to 'give solace' to anyone in particular.

Although, he did have the unfortunate happenstance to lock eyes very briefly with a thin, bespectacled girl who had the full of her attention geared towards the two priests. Xelannis flashed her a curt grin, then promptly turned back to the man before him. "Zekiel, that girl looks like she could be your sister," he stated, and pointed her out from among the others.  

[Faithofthefallen]

Rainier || Post 2


Rainier's gaze settled on the foreigner and fear thrilled down his spine even as his interest spiked as he took in the pale blue skin, so different from his own and the long white hair. The man looked like a tried warrior with that giant shield buckled to his back, Rain doubted he could even lift the thing, much less carry it around like that. He moved with a sense of confidence that Rain envied, now here was a man who knew who he was and what he was meant to be doing. Rain felt his eyes continuously drawn to the man, envy simmering in his gut, he yearned to creep closer for a look, in this crowd he could have easily stayed hidden, but he wasn't about to leave Rai and he would be damned if he'd drag her any closer to the man. There wasn't a single good luck charm on his person, it was doubtful he'd performed any warding or cleansing rituals before leaving the house, who knew what ill luck or bad omens might seek the poor soul out and harm whoever might be nearby. Rain's heart staggered, he felt a surge of sympathy for the danger this outsider didn't even realize he was in. He would keep an eye on the man and try to warn him should danger seem immanent.

They had reached the front of the crowd, where the sanctum leaders and acolytes had already been assembling in preparation for the announcement. A young woman caught his eye, she was nervous as a rabbit, shifting and fiddling and jumping. Clearly unnerved by the crowd around them, he could relate, he wanted to be sure to hear the news but he didn't enjoy the press of bodies between him and the nearest exit, a bead of sweat rolled down his temple at the thought. The fear from the woman spiked and Rain glanced over to see the older gentleman that had been escorting her walking away. He caught the woman's eye for a moment and offered her a reassuring smile, at least he hoped it was reassuring, his nerves were jangling like bells. He hoped it didn't show.

 

[LucidStreaming]

Jacline || -2-

Jacline hardly knew what to do with herself. Every moment Master Tallart was gone, she felt she might be consumed by the crowd or worse, somehow. The thought that she might catch the attention of one of the Sanctum chosen seemed rational at first, but a far more intimidating concept than she’d initially conceived as she drew in and instead of pushing herself the last bit forward to inquire, she found herself stuck. Held captive by her own insecurity.

A boy caught her eye.

Instantly, she diverted hers, eyes snapping downward and posture folding inward like a small board in a dress. She oughtn’t be looked at, certainly not begging attention from boys. Master Tallart would see her duly punished for certain. And even if not, the gods would see.

It did not stop an anxious blush from crawling down her ears. The feel of that made her heart rate quicken. Someone would see and think her filthy, oh, wouldn’t he be back soon at least? And her gaze swept out over the crowd with a nervous hopefulness which she did not expect to be answered. It wasn’t. Master Tallart was nowhere in sight.

Entirely of their own volition, her eyes darted in a fleeting instant to the boy who had smiled at her, one among the crowd. Then with a stiff puff, she folded her hands before her and trained her gaze forward. If she looked at nothing but the church, she could at least avoid aggravating any situation into more trouble.  

[Tasinei]

Janyu 1

This was not good. Not good at all. Jianyu cast a grim expression over the people who had gathered here today. He had a bad feeling about all of this and it made him quite jumpy. Still Jianyu went and crossed her arms and looked grim and moody the whole time. This was so not good. The Yaeli found his place and decided to observe those around him. Some thought there was nothing bad about what was going on, he thought they were the foolish ones for thinking so. Others were afraid, as they ought to be. Jianyu shook his head.