< New Beginnings 08 | Campaign Logs | Misati Prelude 2 >
MISATI PRELUDE
ST ::It's cold.::
ST ::You aren't sure where you are; everything seems so unfamiliar. The trees reach high into the sky, the ground is a rich dark brown, and all around you is a deep silence...only interrupted by the sounds of Forest Creatures.::
ST ::You're slightly confused, slightly frightened. You feet brush against cold earth, wind bites against naked skin. Where are you? What are you doing here?::
ST ::"Who are you?"
magi sits up looking confused and hugs her arms around her, trying to make sense of her surroundings
ST ::Your arms around you, glancing up into the forest canopy, a bit of sunlight filtering down. The wind is chill, leaves on the trees a great canvas of reds and oranges and golds. Should you recognize this place?::
magi slowly gets to her feet while looking around for any sign of how she got there of even who is. Not knowing anything, she knows she can't stay here so she starts slowly walking.
ST ::The direction you picked was more or less at random; there was little else you could do.::
ST ::You walk, as the sun reaches its zenith and starts to sink lower.::
ST ::You walk, as the wind continues to blow and your feet get sore.::
magi is shivering with cold and tries to find some sort of shelter for the night
ST ::You wander around, shivering slightly and trying to find a somewhat warm place to rest, when you first hear the sound. The rustle of leaves, the strain of a branch.::
magi whips around towards the direction of the sound and crouches low in a defensive posture, her eyes straining to identify the source of the sound
Panther comes up from behind some brush, its large black eyes staring at you.
Panther ::You lower your guard, somewhat. You are not afraid.::
magi gently reaches a hand out towards the panther, greatful for the familiarity "Xocoltl...is that you?"
Panther comes forward a bit, nuzzling your hand, purring deeply.
magi strokes the panther gently, enjoying warmth. "You wouldn't happen to know where we are do you?"
Xocoltl just glances up at you, its eyes intent, its posture relaxed as if to say that it knows where it is and where you must go...but that it is a long way.
magi sighs "Well I can't stay here, so lead the way."
Xocoltl just reclines its head a bit, and slowly moves away, inviting you to follow.
magi steps carefully to avoid sharp rocks and twigs, and follows
Xocoltl ::You continue on, until the sun sinks below the horizon and it begins to get dark -- then, you huddle close to Xocoltl for the night in a secluded nook, keeping warm and falling asleep next to his gentle breathing.::
Xocoltl ::The next morning, you continue on, stopping for a bit to wash yourself in a stream while your Panther drinks...::
Xocoltl rests upstream from where you are, lapping the cold water lazily.
magi shivers slightly and shakes water out of her hair, "How much further is it? And where are we going?"
magi briefly wonders if it's normal to be talking to a large cat, but doesn't think to hard about it.
Xocoltl just glances over at you, a blank expression more or less conveying that he's taking you...well, somewhere. He doesn't entirely know. A place with other humans, you think...
Xocoltl then, turns, and quite suddenly disappears into the shadows -- but you know he's still nearby.
Xocoltl ::You hear somewhere approaching.::
Rain whistles, lightly, while she carries the water bucket.
magi turns towards the sound looking surprised and isn't sure whether to hide or not
Rain appears not long after you start looking for her, coming toward the river -- whistling, and taking little effort to conceal herself.
Rain is a young girl, maybe 15 or so, with long black hair worn behind her in a pony tail. She's dressed in common clothes, browns and whites, a skirt and a blouse...carrying a large water pail.
magi seeing her chance to get help, she calls out "Hello?"
Rain *whistles cheerily*
Rain *...the whistling suddenly stops, and she turns to try to see who called out!*
Rain glances over at you, where your bathing in the river, and tenses a bit.
Rain "Hello..."
Rain doesn't THINK you look like a bandit or a warlord.
magi pulls her long hair in front of her, looking embaressed. "could you help me, i think i'm lost"
Rain moves a bit closer, thinking you don't look soo dangerous -- just another girl, only a bit older than herself ((I'm assmuming anyway.. 19-21?))
Rain "I should say so; I've never seen you around here, and you don't look much like one of the hill folk. What is your name?"
Rain "Are you from Madaan? Or Tison?"
Rain doesn't think you're from Salir, as no Salir woman would be bathing on the stream.
magi opens her mouth to answer and then stops when she realizes she doesn't know. "uhm...I'm not sure, I just woke up in the woods yesterday"
Rain supposes you COULD be a run-away, possibly...
Rain "You don't know where your from?"
Rain glances at you, her head tilting a bit.
magi gives a slow and confused shake of her head "no" she whispers
Rain "What about your name?"
magi shakes her head again, "i don't know that either"
Rain glances upwards a bit, as if carefully thinking this over -- what a delightful puzzle!
Rain "Well, what DO you remember??"
Wazir lays on the ground, clutching his throat with both hands, gurgling a bit. His eyes, wide and full of surprise and fear, stare up at you in horror and shock.
Wazir lays on the ground, clutching his throat with both hands, gurgling a bit. His eyes, wide and full of surprise and fear, stare up at you in horror and shock.
magi pales slightly at the memory
Wazir lays on the ground, clutching his throat with both hands, gurgling a bit. His eyes, wide and full of surprise and fear, stare up at you in horror and shock.
magi looks down at him disdainfully "This is what happens when you cross us"
Wazir just continues to gurgle, then, the life leaves him...his last breath flowing past his lips, his soul exiting into the Cycle of Rebirth. If he's lucky.
Rain just glances at you...
Rain had asked you, a few seconds ago, what you DID remember...
magi looks really confused "nothing clear, it's all fuzzy"
Rain just looks at you in a real pitiable kind of way, wondering if perhaps one of the Gods took your mind, but deciding that she'd best do something to help regardless...
Rain "Well, my family has a farm nearby -- I can take you there if you want."
Rain goes to the stream, at this point, and fills up her water pail...
magi nods her head "thank you"...."uhm...do you have anything i could wear?" she asks embaressed.
Rain "Aah, yeah, that..."
Rain "No... sorry; we can stop where the laundry is drying, though, if you don't mind slightly wet clothes. Hopefully we can get you something to wear before all my brothers see you and cause a scene,"
Rain doesn't really have a lot of spare overclothes that she can lend you.
Rain ::Xocoltl remains in the distance, in the shadows, avoiding notice. You know he's there, and know that he doesn't intend to show himself while the girl is there...and that he will remain nearby.::
magi gives Rain a shy smile "thank you...you are being so much help"
Rain just gives you a smile, and leads you off. The forest begins to thin, and soon enough you find yourself on the edge of a farm. A few buildings lurk here and there, fields spread out toward the limits of your vision (growing grain, wheat, oats, and other crops)...
Rain leads you toward where the still-drying Laundry was hung up earlier, a large line between two trees not far from the house.
magi walks very close to Rain, trying to hide behind her
Rain messes around on the clothesline a bit...
Rain "Some of my older sisters stuff should fit you," she notes, glancing back at you. "You look about the same size."
magi picks out a pretty blue dress that compliments her willowy frame
Rain ::Later that evening, after a shaky introduction and a period of adjustment...::
Rain ::You hadn't quite realized how hungry you were until you had a plate of food in front of you. The Balnir Farmstead was a prosperous one, and the matron of the farm put a large plate of food in front of everyone...::
Raven , the aforementioned older sister, just smiles softly.
Raven "You look like you haven't eaten in days!" she notes, grinning a bit but saying it all in good humor.
Rain just nods.
Matron`Emeralis "Would you like a little more, dear??"
magi "No thank you, really the food was excellent and i couldn't eat another bite"
Raven ::Loran and Kostis, the two older brothers, just watched you slyly in that way men try to hide their attention. Once they'd pieced together that Rain had found you, naked, by the river they were wishing they'd gone to fetch the water this morning.::
Raven just smiles.
Raven "Well, if you'd like, then, you can help me clean up?"
magi "Yes that would be wonderful"
magi can resist giving a shy flirty smile to the two brothers
Raven smiles and greatfully accepts the help; dinner soon ends soon afterwards, you and the older girl spend a bit of time clearing the plain dishes and washing them off in the sink with just a bit of water gathered earlier from the spring (well-water only being used to drink, not wash up).
Raven "Maybe you used to be a dancer," she notes, idly, while watching you move...
Raven "You move so gracefully..."
magi looks surprised at the compliment. "Thank you, maybe....i just wish i could remember"
Raven "I'm sure you will remember more, in time," she notes.
magi "i guess...it's just so strange not knowing who you are"
Raven ::Over the next few days, you remembered precious little more. Occasionally, you'd get an image of a large disdainful face, with burning violet eyes and hair of cascading gold. You weren't sure who it was, but somehow, the face scared you. Occasionally, you'd picture yourself in a grand palace, surrounded by things of beauty and filled with pretty young servants.::
Raven ::Sometimes you awoke at night, your dreams fleeting and yet somewhat disconcerning.::
Raven ::Eventually, Balnir and Emeralis called you to stay behind while the others went out to work...::
Balnir just smiles at you, to show that there is nothing wrong. He is a tall, mostly silent, man -- strong and vigorous from a lifetime of hard work, hair gracefully graying.
magi looks curious "Is there something I can help with?"
Emeralis has not aged quite as gracefully, but still maintains a hint of her youthful beauty, her long black hair slowly graying. She's been kind to you, offering charity and even making you a bit of clothes to wear in addition to what little Raven was able to give :you of hers.
Balnir "Misati, you know that we have been happy to have you -- you have been very helpful with the chores, and you've got my two boys tripping over themselves working extra hard to try to impress you. But, I think it's time we considered what's best for you."
Balnir "It seems to me that your loss of memory isn't entirely natural, and little has been coming back. I think it might be time that you went into town, spoke with the Wise Woman there, perhaps find a path."
Misati looks a little fearful, but tries to hide it. "What do you think is best?"
Balnir "She will know more of what you must do than we, I imagine."
Misati "So you think I should go talk to her?"
Balnir "I think I should take you to talk to her, yes,"
Balnir "If you think you're ready; we're willing to give you more time, if you need it."
Misati "No I can go now, I just hope it will help"
Balnir smiles, and nods.
Balnir "I do as well. Gather what things you have, then. We'll head into town."
Misati makes quick work of gathering her few belongings
Balnir ::A little later that day, on the long walk toward the small village of Nulam (which was about half a days travel, according to Balnir).::
Balnir ::You'd kept him something of a secret; you didn't want to frighten the others, and you knew that he didn't much like being around other people either... He'd had bad experiences with men in the past, and he didn't trust them. None the less, you felt him following you some distance behind as you left the small farm...you'd felt his presence all morning, and into the afternoon.::
Balnir had, only a few minutes ago, stopped the trip to have a little lunch...
Balnir ::You glanced back, just as the large black Panther stepped into view...::
Misati looks quickly over to Balnir to see his reaction
Balnir hasn't noticed yet; you still have time to tell him to stay hidden if you want!
Misati gently motions for the panther to say hidden, while leaving a bit of food from lunch
Balnir ::Xolcotl backs away, moving back into the Shadows before Balnir notices him...::
Misati "Balnir...what kind of animals live around here?"
Balnir "Hmmmm?"
Misati "I mean what kind of animals do you normally see around these woods?"
Balnir "Oh, all kinds, especially out in the woods. Wild Deer, Groundhogs, Rats, Mice, Gray Wolves, some Bears, even the occasional Panther."
Misati "What kind of panthers?"
Balnir "They're fairly rare. The Guild used to hunt them for their pelts at a lodge between here and Madaan, and they killed most of them. Only a few, like old Xocoltl, are still out there."
Misati looks shocked "You know Xocoltl?"
Balnir laughs.
Misati looks a bit embaressed and annoyed at getting laughed at
Balnir "I know of him; he was named by a Dynast," he notes. "A mighty beast, long sought as a trophy before the Lodge shut down. He fought off more than a few hunting parties, killed some of the men that came to get him."
Balnir "He's said to be a truly majestic beast,"
Balnir didn't actually laugh AT you; just laughed in general.
Misati "Oh he's beautiful really"
Balnir "Seen him, have you?"
Balnir smiles at you.
Misati nods her head. "He found me in the woods before Rain did."
Balnir glances at you lightly, as if evaluating what you said.
Balnir "And you survived?"
Balnir isn't entirely sure if your joking with him, or what...
Misati nods again "Actually he was most helpful...I would have most likely frozen to death with out him." Looks at him earnestly.
Balnir is, there's no concealing it, surprised by what you've said.
Balnir "So our pretty little girl with no memory can befriend Panthers as well?
Balnir Especially Panthers such as Xocoltl."
Balnir just thinks on that a bit...
Balnir "We definately need you to speak with Madaska."
Misati blushes "uh...well..i'm not sure i'd walk up to just any panther...but he seemed different"
Balnir smiles, and nods...
Balnir "Well, let's have our lunch and be on our way."
Misati nods and quickly finishes her lunch
Balnir ::Later that afternoon.::
Balnir ::The walk was a brisk one, only lasting a few more hours after Lunch, before you crested a hill and saw the great blue river stretching out below you. Some part of you knew that this was the Sarine, ruled over by the Lady Arania, a minor notary of the Thousand Rivers Court. You weren't sure why you knew that fact...::
Misati follows quickly behind Balnir
Balnir ::The village itself was clustered around the river itself, a fairly small township of only a dozen or so small buildings (to your mind). Much larger than the farm, but much smaller than...wherever you were from.::
Balnir leads you down into the Township, toward one of the small outlying buildings, a simple cottage of thatched roof. Herbs grow outside, the small fence overgrown with reeds and vines, everything having a certain amount of orderly disarray as if nobody tended to it as often as they once did...
Balnir "This is the Cottage of Madaska -- she is growing old, but her wisdom still remains keen."
Balnir "I will remain outside, but you must face her on your own."
Misati takes a deep breath before slowly walking towards the door, unsure of what she is going to find out.
Balnir ::You approach, hesistantly knocking...a weak voice tells you to enter. You glance back, then open the door, heading inside the small cottage...::
Balnir ::While spacious in its own way, it is so filled with various uncertain implements of Thaumaturgy and Divination that you feel somewhat cramped. Everywhere you turn are crates, boxes, charms, strange apparatii, idols, and other such things...::
Misati looks curiously around the room
Madaska sits in the middle of the room; she isn't just old, she is /ancient/. Her skin is deeply wrinkled, hanging on her bones just barely, her eyes sunken and misty gray... Charms hang around her neck, on her almost skeletal-wrist, twined in her hair...
Madaska smiles up at you, blind eyes staring...
Madaska "You may close the door, dear,"
Madaska "Then come, sit. I knew you would come."
Misati quietly shuts the door and sits as far from Madaska as she can without appearing rude.
Madaska grins softly, though she cannot see, at how much distant you keep...
Madaska "Tell me, then, Stranger from the East, what is it you seek from Old Madaska?"
Misati looks down at her hands nervously "Balnir said I should come speak with you...to see if you could help find out who I am"
Madaska "Aaaaah," she notes, smiling lightly and nodding. "I see, I see - yes, much makes sense. Your life is lost in the mist, yes? Your path hidden from you?"
Misati looks a bit confused, but just nods
Madaska "Come closer, girl," she says, reaching out her hand.
Madaska ::The dim firelight flickers and casts shadows over the dark cottage...:
Misati looks around startled and tentavily gives the old woman her hand
Madaska takes the hand, manhandling you a bit, twisting your arm just a bit...
Madaska "Hmmmmm,"
Misati gasps in surprise and turns a bit to ease the pressure on her arm
Madaska half-pulls you closer to her and half-manuevers herself closer to you, his hand running up your arm, her hands feeling at your cheeks, through your hair, touching gently at your eyebrows...
Madaska 's blind eyes gaze over your face...
Madaska "Hmmmmmm,"
Misati flinces slightly at the invasion of her personal space, but doesn't fight
Madaska ::You didn't even notice her grab an implement, but flinch away from her slightly -- a bit angry -- after she cuts your cheek just a bit...::
Madaska flicks lightly at the tiny bit of blood (it wasn't a very deep cut), tasting it lightly....
Madaska "Hmmmmm,"
Madaska "Interesting."
Madaska pulls away, at last.
Madaska ponders what she's learned...
Misati jerks back places a hand on her cheek "Was that really necessary?" she asks rather rudely and completly out of sorts
Madaska "Which of us here is the Wise Woman, hmmm?"
Madaska "Exalt?"
Madaska grins just a bit.
Madaska "Fetch my runes, lovely,"
Madaska ::A glance around reveals, yes, a small rune bag rests not far from where your sitting...::
Misati looks at the woman, stunned, but automaticly fetches the runes
Madaska takes them from you, snatching them right out of your hands...
Madaska "Hmmmm, yes..."
Madaska casts them in front of her, the various marked blocs landing in a chaotic tumble.
Madaska picks at them, arranging them, glancing down at them with her blind eyes...
Madaska "VERY interesting..."
Misati "What is it?"
Madaska "You bear a Curse," she notes, softly. "One, whom you once trusted but turned away from, stole the thread of your life and buried it away."
Madaska "Your name, your secrets, your history -- all lay locked with a crystal."
Misati raises one eyebrow. "I don't suppose you could be a bit less cyptic"
Madaska glares up at you.
Madaska "Read the Runes yourself, if you wish!"
Madaska "Or you can listen as I tell you what else they say."
Misati "yes ma'am"
Madaska just nods, and glances back down at the Runes...
Madaska picks at some of the others, toward the periphery...
Madaska "Hmmmmmmm," she notes. "Yes, a crystal. Locked within a crystal, that is where your life is imprisoned."
Misati "Where can I find this crystal?"
Madaska "A Circle of Gods, as well, I see. One stands outside the Circle. He is the Key."
Madaska moves the runes around a bit, hrmmmmming.
Madaska "In a place of comfort and beauty," she answers your question, off-handedly, as she moves on to unravel the rest of this...
Madaska "How interesting; I have not seen such a complicated arrangement in many a day..."
Madaska moves some of the Runes about with a fingernail, hrmmmming.
Misati watches quietly trying her best to be patient
Madaska "Four Kings," she notes, "I see Four Kings. They sail the rivers, looking for the Claw, but they will return -- when the seasons have changed five times, when one year is past, they shall return."
Madaska "They stand in a circle, missing only one. Missing only you."
Madaska ponders, hrmming still at the Runes...
Madaska "I see the Sun, and the Moon."
Madaska ponders...grimacing a bit at those runes...
Madaska "The runes are unclear."
Madaska continues...
Misati rolls her eyes and does her best to surppress a sigh
Madaska gasps, and then looks up at you...
Madaska is evidently shocked...
Misati looks back also surprised..."What is it?"
Madaska "The Runes. They speak of great things; of horrible things; of things that will come to pass and things that might be avoided."
Misati "What things?"
Misati glances down at the runes knowing darn well she can't make heads or tails out of them
Madaska "You must wait for these Four Kings," she notes. "You must wait for them to return. They will come, and you will know them for they will silence the Mad and bring home the Lost."
Misati "So all I can do now is wait?"
Madaska just nods, slightly...
Madaska "Here, in the Village. There is room for you; the Tavernkeeper's oldest daughter was just wed, and left to start her own life. Present yourself to him, and offer your services as a barmaid."
Madaska "Once a year has past, and the Four Kings have become Five, then I will cast the runes once again and tell you more."
Madaska "Until then, take care to hide your nature."
Misati "uhm...how do i hide that?"
Madaska "You will find, I suspect, that it comes naturally to you."
Madaska "Now go; I need time to think."
Madaska leans back a bit, and closes her eyes, deep in thought..
Misati takes a deep breath "So I just relax and work in the tavern until people show up?"
Madaska smiles softly.
Misati sighs "I hate waiting"
Madaska "Do whatever you must, so long as you mind my words."
Madaska "But in a years time, look for their coming."
Madaska "And, before then, do not draw too much attention to yourself."
Misati "I will...and thank you for all you help. I may not like the news but it is helpful"
Madaska just waves you off...still in thought, eyes still closed.
Misati "I will do my best"
Misati takes her cue and quietly leaves
< New Beginnings 08 | Campaign Logs | Misati Prelude 2 >
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