< Mini Six | Campaign Logs | Mini Seven >
SESSION 6 - The Great Feast! Mera apologizes to Bright Mane.
ST ::The Hill Folk had arranged quite a large feast, filling the restored southern plaza of Caer`Dharrow with activity -- such that even Masati and Skyla can't help but notice it as they return. Quickly united with the others, making preparations such as they are, the Circle can't help but find the enthusiasm of the Barbarians somewhat contagious...::
ST ::It reminds Skyla, in particular, of the first time she stayed with the Hill Folk after her exaltation.::
ST ::Balthasar and Jackal had wandered off not so long ago, talking animatedly about something or another, while their Host -- the Lunar, Bright Mane, had excused himself for final preparations...::
Misati leans over and whispers to Skyla "Don't you dare mention anything about the one recording"
Skyla looks around the plaza, grinning, and whispers back, "What, you mean that long boring one?"
Misati "Haha, funny. You know which one I mean"
Skyla "I still say that looks more painful than fun. Especially the third one."
ST ::Two young woman, strong and dressed in ceremonial garb, present heavily frothed drinks to both Skyla and Masati! A traditional beverage of the Hill Folk, only seen on rare occasions; quite strong, but very very good.::
ST ::Various Hill Folk move around like busy bees, preparing every item of the feast, seeming determined to give their all to the Silver God that called for such a celebration...::
Misati "Drink a couple more of these and prove it's not painful"
Finnre`Merayen walked into the hall wearing a decently strong, blue, knee length dress. Her arms were bare as the dress was sleeveless, and her legs similarly so, except for a simple pair of sandals on her feet. Her hair was long and red, done up in a crown of braids, with the rest of the hair cascading down her neck.
Skyla makes the respectful 'thank you' gesture that she'd learned from 'her' tribe, and takes the drink, sipping it carefully. She'd drunk one of these too fast once, and didn't wake up for two days! Of course, that was before her Exaltation...but still. She has a healthy respect for it!
Skyla snorts. "With who? Jackal doesn't even think of me as a girl and.. Balthasar... he's married..."
Misati looks at Skyla "I'm sure something can be arranged"
ST ::The dress, of course, leaves very little to the imagination -- though in this case, what it shows is perhaps not as enticing... Scars litter Merayen's legs and arms, and are occasionally faintly visible through the dress, her skin laced with the indentations and healed-over holes that once boosted the Amulets that helped to power her Gunzosha armor...::
Skyla <w> "I'd like to try 17 with Balthasar..."
ST ::None of the Barbarians react to Merayen's appearance at all, except with a bit of awe and perhaps respect. In most Barbarian cultures, after all, such wounds and scarring are respected...::
ST ::But she definately doesn't look "beautiful.::
Skyla spots Mera and waves.
Misati looks over and Mera "Ok what's wrong with this picture. I'm still wearing pants and she's in that sexy little dress"
Finnre`Merayen strides through the hall towards Skyla and Misati.
Skyla "Oh I'm sure you can get one of these big strong men to rip your pants off."
Misati "Maybe after a few more drinks. You know all things considered, she doesn't look half bad"
Finnre`Merayen Hello, did you two find what you were looking for?
Misati gives Skyla a warning look. "More or less"
ST ::Within a few moments, Merayen' also finds herself presented by a young woman who presents her with a large mug of the native brew! Strong, powerful stuff!::
Skyla smiles, "You look pretty tonight, Mera."
Skyla has never really minded Mera's scars, aside from her concern over how she got them in the first place.
Misati "I approve of the dress"
Skyla "I found some books. One on crafting, but I can't read it. Misati said she'd teach me."
Skyla "It's in that language from the First Age."
Finnre`Merayen sips slowly at the brew. "The barbarians do not mind my appearance. And I doubt they know me as I am known to some others." Merayen nods slowly. "I see. That's very interesting. I'm glad that you found some items worth your time." A smile breaks over her face like the sun rising over the horizon.
ST ::Several young men and women, at around this point, begin a festive ceremonial dance in the Circle's honor -- dancing around the central area of the square, all other activities coming to a halt as everyone watches them dancing. Even Balthasar and Jackal, waaaaay off on their own on the other side of the square, stop to lightly regard the dancers whilst continuing their whispered conversation...::
Skyla "Oh I think I know this one." she smiles.
Misati gestures with her mug "Well go join in, i'm sure they wouldn't mind"
ST ::The dance mostly involves a young boy and a young girl pairing off, and engaging in various ceremonial dance manuevers and playing off each others manuevers. It's part dance, part prayer; a style Masati realizes she's quite familiar with...
Misati pauses a moment while trying to decide if she wants to join.
Skyla "Oh, no, I'll just trip all over myself. I always mix up the steps."
Misati stands up, "Oh it's not that hard, I'll show you. Stand up"
Finnre`Merayen smiles and watches Skyla and Misati. "You two make such a pretty couple." She chuckles, only half joking.
Skyla looks to see if there's a boy next to her, "huh?"
Misati grins "She still hasn't wrapped her head around that idea yet"
Skyla stands up, and eyes Misati doubtfully. "I don't want to mess the dance up, it's a prayer you know."
ST ::The tribal prayer-dance just continues, the dancers swaying and moving and chanting and singing!::
Finnre`Merayen nods understandingly. "Prayer is an important and sacred thing. I wouldn't think that would be a wise thing."
Misati "Well that's why we're over hear learning, no one is expected to know the steps at first. So just do what I do."
Finnre`Merayen watches the dancers, curious as to who they are praying to with this dance."
Skyla "Well.. okay. We should start when they switch partners, That's the best time."
Misati slowly shows Skyla the steps, completly out of time with the music
ST ::Merayen, observing the prayer, thinks it's a tribal prayer to the Heavens as a whole...::
Skyla follows the steps fairly enough, as she's seen them before and has been watching the dancers. But she steps kind of mechanically, rather than gracefully. Like she's trying to commit a process to memory, rather than learn how to dance.
Misati "Relax, let the music tell you when to step"
Skyla "But.. we're not.. going the same speed as the music."
Misati pauses a moment "Ok you have a point, I know this is part prayer, but the important part is to enjoy the music, not necessarily dance perfectly"
Finnre`Merayen steps up and lightly pushes both of them so they move towards the dance floor. "Both of you enjoy yourselves. I'm going to see if I can find Bright Mane."
Misati gives a rare light hearted laugh, "As you wish. Come Skyla let's show them how it's done"
ST ::Booma-bommmmma-boom-boom!:: *the dance music continues, the dancers continuing the prayer-dance! It's getting quite intense now and is nearing the climax and ending!* ::Booma-boom-booooooma-warrrannnnn!::
Misati joins the dancers falling into perfect step with them
ST ::Merayen, moving past the dancers in a respectful fashion, manuevers off in the direction she saw Bright Mane go off in -- she gets a host of smiles and light bows from the Hill Folk as she does. Eventually, reaching the opposite side of the Square, she sees the Lunar talking with a tall thin woman in a white shawl. She can only see the woman's back, but from her appearance, she seems...quite attractive, and somewhat familiar,
Skyla "O...kay!" she says, unsure, but in a fine mood. She follows Misati into the dance, recalling each step as she does it, moving her body in the proper way, and trying to 'let the music tell her when and where to step.' After a while, her steps become easier, more sure, and she actually manages to stop staring at her feet!
ST ::Masati and Skyla join in, expertly, to the music -- falling in line with the dancers, moving with them, feeling the music echo through their soul!::
Finnre`Merayen curious, moves closer towards the pair of them. She slides up to their side silently and with a gentle stealth, for some reason not wanting to frighten off this woman... then as she comes close a single word, a name bursts from her lips unbidden, "Feather!"
ST ::In her minds eye, Merayen pictures a short scrawny man with sheer black hair and sharp gray eyes...::
ST ::As the dance comes to an end, the various dancers come up and celebrate with you -- smiling, hugging you, congratulating you on your dancing and your fervent spirit!::
Mysterious Woman , hearing the outburst from Merayen, turns toward her -- their eyes meeting for a single long moment. Something passes between them, in that instant, but then the moment is gone. The woman turns, quickly disappearing into the crowd and away. Bright Mane smiles lightly, and approaches the :Zenith...::
Misati actually looks a little shy, as unacustomed as the is to being hugged by that many people, but she smiles anyway
Skyla loses the remnant of her dance-worry, and really gets into the spirit of the night, laughing and hugging them back, complimenting them on their dancing, their dress, and their frothy beverages!
Bright`Mane approaches, dressed largely as he was before, in loose fitting baggy pants and a quite shirt that leaves most of his chest exposed -- his long wild silver hair flowing behind him, his huge Moonsilver Daiklave still strapped to his back.
Bright`Mane "You appear startled," he notes, idly, to Merayen...
Bright`Mane lets a little concern appear in his voice.
Finnre`Merayen walks up to Bright Mane. "Yes... it felt as if I knew her... but as someone else. A half remembered thing of shadows in my mind." She shakes her head as if shaking the vision from it. "But, it's gone now, as is she. I get the feeling that she was upset by my calling."
Bright`Mane just nods, and leaves that thought as, "Memory of the memories we bear of you all are disturbing, sad, or simply not things to be dwelt upon. Raven is more sensitive than many,"
Bright`Mane ((Many of the...))
Finnre`Merayen If you would, tell her that I am sorry for upsetting her with my call. It was... my shock that caused me to call out in such a manner. I suspect she will not wish to see me again.
Bright`Mane "Who can tell? I will convey such however."
Bright`Mane "Let us rejoin your friends -- the feast is soon to begin!"
Bright`Mane smiles lightly, and walks with you back toward the others (if you agree).
Finnre`Merayen smiles lightly, though disturbed and walks back. "So, it seems you recognized my... history as it is written upon my skin. I know such wounds are uncommon, especially out in this direction so far."
Bright`Mane "In the days before my Exaltation," he notes, idly as they walk back to the others, "I would likely not have recognized your scars. However, in the time since, I have gained gained a fair education and learned a great many things."
Skyla has another frothy beverage!
Bright`Mane "And as for you specifically," he notes, "It is important for a warrior to know the ways of his enemy."
Misati laughs as she gets another mug of her own "Careful, unless you intend to get drunk"
Finnre`Merayen nods. "I understand. I hope you don't hold it against us, but I believe that should you and those who help to guide your actions continue I must do my best to oppose you. We are agreed that the Realm has become as a disease."
Bright`Mane smiles lightly, on the two of young Solars... Skyla, with a smile, and Masati, with a slightly longer gaze...as if he was currently somewhat distracted. He makes no outward show of it, however...
Finnre`Merayen I just believe that there is another pathway than all out war against any group which may or may not stand in the way of you.
Skyla "I guess I can drink a lot more of this, these days, than I used to! One drink used to put me out like a light." she looks up at mera, then her gaze slides to the strong young man beside her. "You must be Bright Mane."
Bright`Mane ::Masati, glancing at this man, is quite instantly aware of the fact that she knows him. That this large handsome man is, or once was, the 'Wife' of Coranth, his constant companion and lover...::
Misati takes one look at Bright Mane and just stops. She stares at him for half a second before handing her mug to Mera and grabbing him by the collar, kissing him intensly
Finnre`Merayen leans in to whisper to Bright Mane, "I know you owe me nothing, but I would ask that you take a message to those who guide and advise you... I would enjoy the chance to speak with them simply before they set their plans into further motion."
Skyla blinks, and stares at Misati.
Bright`Mane doesn't react immediately, but then quickly pulls away, pushing Masati away from him and glaring at her with distaste.
Skyla "And.. that's Misati."
Bright`Mane "Allow me to make one thing abundantly clear, Solar."
Bright`Mane "We are not your property, your playthings, or your mates any longer. You do not have permission to handle us whenever you wish."
Finnre`Merayen stops her speech then, frozen in shock for a second time tonight. "What are you doing, Misati..."
Bright`Mane "Do I make myself understood?"
Bright`Mane reels with barely contained anger.
Skyla "I..think she had too many of these." she offers, holding up her drink.
Finnre`Merayen lays a gentle hand on Bright Mane's arm. "Sometimes we all act without thought. I am sure that she knows how she acted was... not acceptable. Please forgive her for her presumption."
Misati looks at him, regaining her compsure, and decides to give him a way out. "Forgive me, please. I mistook you for someone else. For moment you reminded me of someone I cared about very much"
Bright`Mane just glances at Skyla, then Merayen, then ... finally ... Masati. He doesn't look like he buys the excuse for a moment, but he also realizes that he's perhaps taking this a bit too far. Even so; it's obvious that he's still angry about something.
Finnre`Merayen nods to Misati in sympathy.
Skyla takes a loooong drink.
Bright`Mane "Yes, I can imagine. You were mistaken," he says, with a certain finality that goes beyond politeness.
Bright`Mane "I believe," he notes, turning lightly to regard the feast table which is nearly full with various foodstuffs...
Bright`Mane "That the Feast is almost ready."
Misati nods her head in a cool "Again you have my apologies, excuse me"
Bright`Mane just accepts that, with a nod, and takes everyone over toward the Feast-Table!
Misati turns and looses herself in the crowd, looking for a quiet spot
Finnre`Merayen looks to Skyla, silently asking her to follow Misati as she attempts to mollify Bright Mane.
Skyla nods slightly, and follows behind Misati, a bit behind.
Finnre`Merayen follows Bright Mane thoughtfully.
Bright`Mane turns, lightly, to Merayen once a bit of distance is gained...
Bright`Mane "I am sorry; I did not mean to loose our train of conversation," he notes. "That awakened fierce memories, and as I noted, such things are not always comfortable."
Finnre`Merayen I do not make excuses, but that obviously upset her deeply and you in very different ways. I will not ask, but know this, even if we need be enemies, you can speak to me if you wish.
Bright`Mane "As for what we were talking about, I will of course speak to my elders for you -- but I can tell you this, if you hold yourself in opposition to us, there will be conflict."
Bright`Mane ponders that for a minute...
Finnre`Merayen I am just sorry that such had to happen here and in this way.
Skyla comes up to Misati, "Hey.. are you okay?"
Misati manages to find a quiet place, away from the crowd. She sits done, takes a deep breath and leans back against a wall with her eyes closed
Misati "I will be"
Finnre`Merayen I know there will be conflict, but I believe there are more worthy targets for the might of the Lunar... nation, since I know no better way to call it without a name. I know that we want the same goal, to cleanse the corruption of the Realm away, but... your ways are not ours.
Skyla pats her shoulder akwardly. "You had a vision?"
Finnre`Merayen holds her arm out towards Bright Mane, "I would rather be your ally, but even if not, perhaps we could learn to be friends who must battle on different sides of a conflict."
Bright`Mane "I can understand that, but you must also understand, we have had thousands of years to consider this situation. We are ready; you are new born into the world, and are not in any way prepared for it. What do you accomplish by standing in our way?"
Bright`Mane "As for the other issue..."
Misati still with her eyes closed. "Something like that. Go on and go back and enjoy youself. I just need to be alone for moment and you should probally tell Finnre' about what we found out, she might recognize some of those names"
Bright`Mane "It is a complicated matter; in some cases, I am sure, Solar and Lunar were joined in happier circumstances. With Coranth and White Lily, it was not so. She was bound to him by duty, and duty alone. She stood beside him until the bitter end, only to fall nearly dead, and he abandoned her to die to save his own life."
Bright`Mane "And she never stopped hating him."
Bright`Mane doesn't bother to explain what he means; by context, the meaning should be apparent.
Skyla "I'm sorry, Misa. Maybe he was just in shock or something." She sets a full mug down next to her, acquired on the way over.
Finnre`Merayen reaches to touch his cheek. "I understand. To be betrayed by one you were only loyal to... there are few things that are more painful than that."
Bright`Mane shrugs.
Misati "I'll be fine, go on"
Skyla moves off into the crowd, but stays in the general vicinity, just in case.
Bright`Mane "It wasn't so much a betrayal so much as the natural state of affairs, but I am making more of this than I could. I should not have taken it out on her so harshly; please, apologize for me, when you get the chance."
Finnre`Merayen But, I hope we can put this behind us, I would like nothing better than to be your friend. You have a true heart, and who could ask for anything more?
Bright`Mane just nods.
Bright`Mane is still, Merayen is pretty sure, pretty deeply affected by this. No doubt why he doesn't offer to go apologize himself...
Misati picks up her mug and walks off into the night, knowing that there is a very large cat out there somewhere who can give her come comfort
Finnre`Merayen lowers her arm, holding it out in an offer to be clasp his arm. "I do not expect you to forgive Misati easily. But, she... she has few memories to call her own, though she would deny it. She is not who she was, nor will she be."
Skyla looks between Misati, and Mera's directions, trying to decide whether or not to follow
Bright`Mane "As I said; it is not her fault, and I do not hold it against her. But she has to understand, as all of you do, that things are not now as they were then. If you want our respect, you have to earn it. We stand on our own now, and we will not fall meekly back into line."
Bright`Mane "If that can be accepted, then the beginnings of a new relationship between us can begin."
Finnre`Merayen nods and smiles, "All I ask is that you not hold the sins of the past and her own indiscretion here against us. It is a new age, and a time for beginings rather than continuations." She leaves her arm out in offered camradere.
Bright`Mane "You are correct; it is a time for new beginnings. But that does not necessarily mean friendship."
Bright`Mane 'But you have earned my respect, thus far, and that is something."
Bright`Mane takes your arm, lightly, and grins at you.
Finnre`Merayen "No, it need not, but friendship is offered. You are a worthy person, and I respect and find that I like you, Bright Mane."
Finnre`Merayen smiles and shakes their arms lightly
Bright`Mane just grins.
Bright`Mane "We will see if I accept it. I will not hold your goals and beliefs against you, but your actions, if you wish friendship."
Bright`Mane "But I //will// take your words to my Elders."
Finnre`Merayen nods. "We have much that we must do, and so little time to learn and grow. But grow we shall, as the sun grows over the horizon each morn."
Finnre`Merayen I thank you for that. You are a good man, Bright Mane.
Misati is sitting quietly under a tree, with Xocolatl's head in her lap, gently scratching his ears. She's clearly been crying.
Finnre`Merayen exits from the feast, sliding slowly through the city, looking for Misati and comes upon her there. She tries to slowly come upon Misati so as to not upset her further.
Misati hears her approach but doesn't change anything or move.
Finnre`Merayen sits down next to Misati. "Here you are, Misati, I've been worried about you."
Misati shrugs "I'll be fine"
Skyla is off somewhere drinking herself into a fine stupor. She's just had too many emotional ups and downs in the past couple days, and finds herself incredibly confused about everything that's happened.
Finnre`Merayen Yes, but you aren't fine now. You do realize, he no more hates you than you were in control of yourself completely... He was upset by memories of the past, but not by you.
Misati "No he was very much upset by me"
Finnre`Merayen No... he was upset by feelings and memories of the world before. He lashed out like that because of them. He does not wish to feel that again. You shocked him into such feelings, but they were not his own.
Finnre`Merayen He is willing to consider friendship with us. But the past is gone, a forgotten memory for all but those like us and them. Our previous bones are as dust, long since past into silence.
Finnre`Merayen You are not that person and need not repeat the mistakes of the past. None of us need to. You have a clean soul.
Misati regards Mera for a moment, debating exactly what she should tell. "Not everything can be forgotten quite so easily. Some injuries never heal properly."
Finnre`Merayen slowly puts her hand up to cup Misati's cheek and turn her face towards her eyes. "No, but those injuries were the injuries of a past soul. He is healing even now. I believe that you could speak to him peacefully and without trouble. Just remember that you have a new life."
Finnre`Merayen You need not fall into a previous romance... your soul is your own, not that of your previous incarnation. You are the beautiful flower of the east, for which you are named. Everything else is just memories.
Misati gives a harsh chuckle "I have no life. I know more about the bastard I was thousands of years ago, then who I am now"
Finnre`Merayen nods thoughtfully, then shakes her head, stroking Misati's hair. "Yes and no. You know about that bastard, but you are Misati. The person you were before... even should you gain your memories back, she won't be there, it will be you in the end, just with her memories."
Misati fingers the large pendant at her neck. "Our memories are part of what makes who we are. Misati is just the name they gave me, because I didnt have one. It means nothing."
Finnre`Merayen No, it was the name to the girl who was born on the day they found you. Your memories will be a part, but you have so much more now. No matter who you learn you are, you need not be her if you don't want to, because you are Misati.
Finnre`Merayen Do you know what the Misati is?
Misati "Like so many other things, I have no idea"
Finnre`Merayen It is a beautiful flowering tree here in the east. It blooms rarely, but when it does, it is truely a boon, for the blossoms are fragrant and are a sweet source of food.
Misati gives an unpleasant laugh, "oh that really fits" she says sarcasticly
Finnre`Merayen It can sustain a man for many days. You are a valued part of our circle. You lend an energy to us, and help to sustain us. I believe it is quite true.
Misati That doesn't make me nice or kind or sweet. That just makes me necessary.
Finnre`Merayen My point is... you need not be the person you were in the past, neither your old incarnation nor your life within your lost memories.
Finnre`Merayen No, but that doesn't mean you are any less cared for because of who you are.
Finnre`Merayen I know that Skyla would be hurt to lose her friend, as I see you two becoming. You are important and we care for you, not because of what you lend, but for yourself.
Misati shakes her head "I will never be a nice person. I...I will always be the one who does..nasty and unpleasant things, when they ahve to be done."
Finnre`Merayen Yes, but you need not be tainted by them. You... you have a hard path in life. I can't understand it. But, I can appreciate it and you. Remember, sometimes it matters not as much which path we walk as how we view the path.
Finnre`Merayen You are important more for who you are, than for what you do. We would not be the same or complete without you.
Misati "You don't know who I am. Hell, I don't know who I am. How can you say that?"
Finnre`Merayen You know as well as I that our kind are gifted with sight beyond that of mortal men and women. I say it because it's written in your spirit.
Misati thinks for a moment before reaching to her pocket and handing Mera a large flawless blood opal. "Give this to him. Tell he can destroy or not, what ever he chooses"
Finnre`Merayen nods. "If you decide you wish to pursue him... remember that this is a new life. You have a long life to get to know him and his own spirit."
Finnre`Merayen This is a new age, and beginings of all sorts are coming about. Perhaps this is one for you two.
Misati shakes her head. "Some things can't ever be forgiven, and shouldn't"
Finnre`Merayen And your previous incarnation was not forgiven. But, you are not that person, and you never will be. Worry not about becoming that person, for this is your life. Their bones are gone on the wind.
Finnre`Merayen But, you have not made those sins and so you need not be forgiven for anything.
Misati stares off into space for a minute. "The people we were are part and parcel of the people we are. Those memories...those lives, we carry them with us. If we ignore that, we will make the same mistakes over and over again."
Finnre`Merayen I will convey this and your message to him.
Misati nods. "For now I think it's best if I just avoid him. You and Balthasar can handle any negotiations and I'm sure we'll both be more comfortable if we're not in the same room together"
Finnre`Merayen stands and leans down to kiss the top of Misati's head... "His Exalted soul will never forgive Coranth, but you... you he has forgiven already. He told me so. You are right, you need not make those mistakes again. Remember that."
Finnre`Merayen When you are ready, talk to him...
Misati flinces instintivly as Mera kisses her head, she's not used to that sort of affection. "I don't think that's a good idea. " She smiles wryly, "I can't keep track of this life, much less the last one"
Finnre`Merayen smiles. "I know better. Your soul is strong. Consider it at least."
Misati "I'll think on it"
Finnre`Merayen walks off into the night to leave Misati alone to think, and to convey her message to Bright Mane.
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