Briaen/Logs/20230930 Patience Cleansing the Ancient Tree

Event Name: Patience: Cleansing the Ancient Tree

Event Instance: Prime

Real Date: 2023-09-30

Game Date of Event: 446-09-30

Point of View: Mendira & Briaen

[An Ancient Tree] Silvery beams of moonlight stream through irregular stained-glass windows, illuminating the intricate carvings which adorn the walls and dome of this cylindrical living chapel. A single, ornately engraved column grows from the center of the room and rises to meet the delicate arched ceiling. You also see a circular staircase and a fragile-looking book on a simple stand. Also here: Field Medic Darkewolff, Tempest Knight Saragos who has a fiery visage, Sidetracker Xionara, Planesweaver Navesi, Squire Imroth who is shining with a dark golden glow, Shaman Atvus who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Forest Sprite Lileath who is accompanied by a pair of faintly glowing will-o-wisps, Aristrona who is radiating a glowing aura, Consecrated Voice Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Philomath Miskton, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Mossi, Heart Tender Kethrai, Kintryn, Knight of Meraud Tirost who has a stony visage and Knight Penitent Briaen who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light. Obvious exits: out. Briaen says, "Let us get to why we have gathered then." Elurora gazes at Briaen. Mossi says to Kethrai, "Just because it is dangerous, does not mean give in to the inevitable. Any difficulty I can cause to those who want to harm proceedings... I will cause it." Kethrai praises Mossi. You nod to Briaen. Briaen says, "Understand, dear friends, our gathering this evening is no simple circle of prayer. We, through our acknowledgement of Berengaria's divine light, do make an attempt to clear this place of Necromantic influence. I cannot stress strongly enough that your safety may be imperiled by participating." Saragos nods to Briaen. Miskton nods. Atvus raises an eyebrow. Briaen says, "In the radiant presence of Berengaria, the Mother of Dawn, we, her devoted children, come forth with hearts ablaze with faith and purpose. With unwavering determination, we declare our solemn intent to cleanse the ancient tree of the necromantic corruption that has beset its venerable form." You gaze at Briaen. Elurora indicates her unicorn figurine with a smile. Kethrai gets an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside his rose-colored haversack. Mossi quirks her ears outward in surprise. Briaen says, "We will now proceed up the tree. I ask your vigilance for the faithful to your left and right as we do so." Kethrai mutters something into the air about praising Berengaria and Hodierna. Clematis just arrived. Clematis joins Briaen's group. You get an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside your offering pouch. Mossi holds an alabaster unicorn figurine high into the air for all to see. Briaen begins the long journey up the circular staircase. Clematis begins the long journey up the circular staircase. Mossi begins the long journey up the circular staircase. Kethrai begins the long journey up the circular staircase. Atvus begins the long journey up the circular staircase. Aristrona begins the long journey up the circular staircase. You begin the long trek up the stairs, step by step, stair by stair. The ground below recedes far away as you climb, higher and higher and higher.... You finally reach the top, and flop down from exhaustion. [An Ancient Tree, Hodierna's Solace] More a platform than a room, the chamber is lit softly by the glow of hundreds of candles that have been carefully set into niches along the walls. The leaves of the tree's crown block out the night sky, creating a naturally woven canopy that protects the tiny room from the wind and elements. A circular staircase that appears to be sculpted out of the sides of the tree leads back down, winding so far that you cannot see the bottom. You also see a small carved stone and a glossy obsidian symbol. Also here: Aristrona who is lying down, Shaman Atvus who is lying down, Heart Tender Kethrai who is lying down, Mossi who is lying down, Clematis who is lying down and Knight Penitent Briaen who is lying down. Obvious exits: none. Lileath appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. Kethrai pants. Atvus says, "Yep, definitely not easier the second time." Atvus groans. Tirost appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. Aristrona nods to Atvus. Elurora appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. Mossi says, "Why did they make the steps so thin." Briaen sits up. Clematis breaks into a sweat. Jaelia appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. Mossi stands up. Clematis stands up. Briaen stands up. Kethrai sits up. Mossi adjusts her doeskin longcoat into place. Saragos appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. Atvus stands up. Kethrai rubs his left leg. Huebald appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. Aristrona stands up. Kethrai rubs his right leg. Imroth appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. You stand back up. Kethrai stands up. Mossi casually observes the area. You gaze at a glossy obsidian symbol. Tirost stands up. You offer your unicorn figurine to Clematis, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer. Type CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer. Clematis has accepted your offer and is now holding an alabaster unicorn figurine. Elurora leaps to her feet! Mossi gets a pilgrim's badge from inside her weathered pack. Clematis smiles at you. Jaelia rises to a kneeling position. Elurora moves into position to cover Kethrai from harm. Jaelia stands up. You grin at Clematis. Jaelia kneels down. Lileath rises to a kneeling position. Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air. You nod politely to Clematis. Saragos stands up. Navesi appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. Saragos joins Briaen's group. Huebald stands up. Imroth leaps to his feet! Jaelia just touched a small carved stone. Xionara appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. Jaelia nods. Jaelia stands up. You get an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside your offering pouch. Briaen says, "Please, catch your breath. The stairs are an unkind physical experience. Even to those well and hearty." You offer your unicorn figurine to Huebald, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer. Type CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer. Huebald has accepted your offer and is now holding an alabaster unicorn figurine. Elurora nods to Kethrai. Elurora moves into position to cover Huebald from harm. Huebald smiles at you. Navesi stands up. Elurora smiles at Kethrai. You nod amiably at Huebald. Briaen gazes at a glossy obsidian symbol. Lileath reads her slate. Saragos moves an alabaster unicorn figurine to his left hand. Xionara leaps to her feet! Xionara inhales a great swallow of air. Xionara slowly empties her lungs. Miskton appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. Jaelia's altar candle burns with a comforting glow. Xionara moves over to guard Miskton. Navesi says to Briaen, "Forgive me, Mr. Huns. I had not heard of this necromantic corruption." Huebald beams at Elurora! Using part of her clothing, Lileath rubs her writing slate clean. Elurora smiles at Huebald. Kintryn appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. You frown at a glossy obsidian symbol. >look sym The strange obsidian symbol depicts a three-clawed hand turned upward to the sky. Flecks of a reddish mineral are trapped within the smooth black glass, giving it a crimson flare when light strikes it. Belzor appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. Miskton stands up. Briaen says to Navesi, "As I understand, it has been here for some time. Though I know not the entire history. I imagine we could find someone who does." Jaelia's altar candle burns with a comforting glow. Ayrell appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. Ezerak appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. Navesi frowns. Saragos examines a glossy obsidian symbol. You get an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside your offering pouch. Kintryn stands up. Darkewolff appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. Lileath gets a compact persimmon writing slate with mahogany borders from inside her forester's pack. Imroth gets an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside his cosmic abyss. Elurora grins at Kethrai. Miskton examines a glossy obsidian symbol. Belzor stands up. You offer your unicorn figurine to Belzor, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer. Type CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer. Belzor blinks. Ezerak stands up. Belzor has accepted your offer and is now holding an alabaster unicorn figurine. Saragos puts his figurine in his leather rucksack. Ayrell stands up. Jaelia asks, "Are we also willing to consider letting an empath cast a vela'tohr plant spell in here in case it would potentially aid with this?" You smile at Belzor. Saragos holds a glossy obsidian symbol in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration. Mossi stares in alarm at a glossy obsidian symbol, the fur along her tail bristling. You get an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside your offering pouch. Miskton holds a glossy obsidian symbol in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration. You offer your unicorn figurine to Ayrell, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer. Type CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer. Imroth seems to lose some of his verve. Darkewolff stands up. Briaen says, "Before we begin, allow me to briefly detail some knowledge I have kept secret for some years. Specifically, pertaining to those who have returned to Grace, such as myself." Lileath jots something down on her slate. Lileath reads her slate. (Tirost bows to Ayrell and Ezerak.) Saragos gets an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside his leather rucksack. Lileath puts her slate in her silk carryall. Ayrell curtsies gracefully to Tirost. Kethrai gazes silently at Briaen. Kintryn smiles at Ayrell. Ayrell has accepted your offer and is now holding an alabaster unicorn figurine. Ayrell nods politely to you. You get an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside your offering pouch. You nod graciously at Ayrell, giving her a polite smile. Ayrell smiles at Kintryn. Ezerak has accepted your offer and is now holding an alabaster unicorn figurine. Elurora shows Darkewolff her unicorn figurine. Elurora grins at Darkewolff. Briaen says, "Shortly after having returned to Their Grace, I did learn of a poison known as Ebon Blood." Miskton gazes skyward and traces the planetary alignments in the air. You get an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside your offering pouch. You offer your unicorn figurine to Darkewolff, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer. Type CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer. Darkewolff has accepted your offer and is now holding an alabaster unicorn figurine. Elurora cocks her head at Briaen. Navesi gazes at Briaen. Lileath stands up. Clematis gives Briaen a studious look, as if committing him to memory. Briaen says, "I will spare you the more concise details of the poisons construction, and creation, but acknowledge that since the discovery it has flowed within my veins." Kethrai gazes at Briaen. Navesi blinks. Huebald ponders. Briaen says, "I will, forever be bound to it, as in some part it is connected to Urrem'tier...in a terrible way." A pained expression crosses Tirost's face. Briaen says, "However." Darkewolff grins slowly. Jaelia nods. The sweet scent of flowers fills the chamber. Saragos nods to Briaen. Miskton sniffs the air around him. Jaelia's altar candle crackles as a spark rises from it. Briaen says, "It is through this that I have come to know of the alyurynaen." Elurora furrows her brow. Briaen studies the faces around him. Miskton ponders. Kethrai jots down some notes. You gaze at Briaen. Jaelia waves some altar candle over herself. Aristrona's large eyes lock on Briaen with an intense, unblinking gaze. Tirost nods to Kintryn. Briaen says, "These symbiotes are known to have some effect on Necromantic corruption, specifically to spell patterns. It is my belief that this feature might also extend beyond this limited scope." Kintryn smiles. Navesi asks, "Explain a little more about what they are, if you would?" Kethrai whispers something to Tirost. Lileath casually observes the area. Tirost nods to Kethrai. Briaen says to Navesi, "I'm not sure I could be considered credible to explain them in full." Briaen says, "Suffice to say, I believe their ability to purge Necromantic taint can be extended beyond spell patterns and might, in some fashion be used to break down the bonds of the taint of places such as this." Elurora glances at a glossy obsidian symbol. Navesi says, "Don't discredit yourself too much, Mr. Huns." Huebald ponders. Xionara angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Briaen. Briaen says, "However, I also acknowledge that I cannot do so alone. With you. Nor without the guidance and grace of the Dawnmother." Briaen says, "I will ask now that you all make your preparations for anything that might come from our gathering." Elurora chews on her lip, looking deep in concentration. Atvus asks, "Any idea what we're expectin'?" You squint at a glossy obsidian symbol. Elurora softly asks, "Would having my weapon at ready by wrong in such a place?" Elurora furrows her brow. Imroth draws forth a sungold-inlaid Imperial spear with a gleaming split-blade tip. Briaen says to Atvus, "Persistent resistances from the symbol itself, I would imagine. Whatever placed it here will not be pleased at our attempt to remove it." Larasa appears from the long hike up the stairs and flops down on the floor. Atvus asks, "So, weapons?" Elurora puts her figurine in her encompassing shadows. Briaen says to Atvus, "And faith, of course." Atvus nods to Briaen. Huebald loosens the straps securing his steel shield and removes it. The sweet scent of flowers fills the chamber. Elurora draws forth a loimic war scythe with starry white blossoms strewn across its crescentic blade. Huebald puts his figurine in his farmer's carryall. [Lots and lots of buffing and drawing weapons!] Atvus gets a kertig svidaw sis from inside his weapon harness. Mossi taps a glossy obsidian symbol with her unicorn figurine. Aristrona glances at Clematis. Lileath gets a luminescent Elven claymore inlaid with blued moonsilver from inside her plain scabbard. Kethrai asks, "The obsidian symbol, that's the sigil of Maelshyve, yes?" Aristrona whispers something to Clematis. Clematis smiles at Aristrona. Jaelia's altar candle burns with a comforting glow. (Briaen stands before the symbol, gazing deep within the glossy dark of it's being.) Mossi says, "The dead have no place in the realm of the living. A dead demon, less so..." Kethrai nods at Mossi, obviously agreeing with her views. Navesi draws forth a dichotomic tyrium axe with twin heads depicting storms of ice and fire. Jaelia gets a burning altar candle from inside her dragonar haversack. You get an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside your offering pouch. Kintryn gets a scarlet glaes pasabas inlaid with Eth'ral'khh symbols from inside her duffel bag. Miskton draws forth a haralun utility hatchet with a mikkhalbamar haft. Belzor draws forth a blackened steel scimitar with an embossed leather hilt. Mossi asks Briaen, "Is there anything Demrris or Tenemlor can bring to this?" Clematis takes a deep breath. Elurora glances at a glossy obsidian symbol. As Larasa gestures an ethereal vela'tohr plant forms and grows before them. Briaen says to Mossi, "I would think Tenemlor would be more than happy to absolve us of any undead that might appear." Mossi nods to Briaen. Briaen slowly empties his lungs. Mossi says, "And Demrris, of the Dawn... maybe he would like a brief dalliance with Hodierna, that the morning sun shine all the brighter." Mossi nibbles her lip thoughtfully. (Elurora moves to stand near Huebald, adjusting her aegis slightly in consideration of their height difference.) Mossi asks, "Is that right...?" You beam at Mossi! Mossi says to herself, "No, that's not right." You chortle softly at some secret joke. Briaen says, "I will begin with a blessing of my own, though perhaps a touch different than many of you are familiar with. Mendira will have instructions as I concentrate. We will wrap up with a speech I have prepared." Mossi exclaims, "Berengaria!" Huebald grins at Elurora. Mossi nods. You smile at Briaen. (Briaen makes a ragged cut along his palm with his ritual knife, and raises his wound above the symbol. He allows the flow to drip along the symbol as he begins to pray quietly to himself.) A light haze of smoke wafts off Jaelia's blessed incense. Mossi observes Briaen with fascination. Xionara angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Briaen. Navesi knits her eyebrows together in a thoughtful frown. Briaen just touched a glossy obsidian symbol. Briaen winces. You gaze at Briaen. Kethrai lashes his tail in agitation while staring challengingly at a glossy obsidian symbol! Briaen nods to you. You nod. Jaelia waves some blessed incense over herself. A wisp of smoke settles around Jaelia, surrounding her with the scent of smoke. Jaelia drops a burning altar candle. (Mendira steps forward, her offering clutched tightly in her hands.) You firmly say, "Beloved Dawnmother, we beseech you for your grace, to aid our quest to purify this holy place of the dark seed that has sunken its tangled roots here." Elurora gazes at you. You put your figurine in the small niche. You bow your head in acknowledgment. Tirost frowns , his hand resting on the hilt of his blade as he listens to Mendira's words. A golden flame wavers across the tip of an altar candle on the floor. Huebald slides his left arm through the straps on his steel shield and flexes. You say, "For any who wish to make an offering, please join me now with your words and faith." Navesi nods to you. Clematis gets an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside a small niche. Elurora gets an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside her encompassing shadows. Aristrona gets a Berengaria harvest apple from inside a small niche. Imroth gets an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside his cosmic abyss. You nod. Imroth puts his figurine in a small niche. Huebald gets an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside his farmer's carryall. Mossi moves an alabaster unicorn figurine to her left hand. Mossi moves an iladza symbol to her right hand. Clematis bows her head in acknowledgement. Mossi clenches her iladza symbol tightly until her knuckles go white. Huebald puts his figurine in a small niche. Turning to one side, Aristrona gazes into the distance for a moment before fluidly dropping to her knees, places both hands before her, and brings her forehead down to touch the floor. You say, "You may place your offerings in the niche, and speak any words you may wish to speak." Navesi pauses for a moment, clenched fist over heart, in respectful silence. Jaelia intones: "We wander through the abyss, uncertain and afraid, Yet our faith keeps us going, not willing to trade, For it's in these moments, we learn to fight, Embrace the darkness, and seek the light." Jaelia looks up and sighs, smiling. Mossi puts her symbol in a small niche. Atvus gets an ebony unicorn bead from inside his medicine satchel. The altar candle goes out and crumbles away. Jaelia intones: "Through the darkness, we find our way, It's the trials we face that lead us to a brighter day. With each step we take, we grow stronger still, In the depths of the night, we find our will." The gentle whisper of the leaves rubbing up against each other fills the small chamber. Kintryn ponders. Jaelia intones: "In the shadows, we stumble and we fall, But it's through these struggles, we stand tall. For the stars shine brightest in the darkest night, And our wounds heal, revealing our might." Lileath gets a compact persimmon writing slate with mahogany borders from inside her silk carryall. Lileath reads her slate. Jaelia gets an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside her dragonar haversack. Lileath puts her slate in her silk carryall. Jaelia intones: "Let us not fear the blackness that surrounds, For it is in the silence, our true selves are found. The darkness is a canvas, waiting to be painted, With the colors of hope, faith, and love unabated." Jaelia intones: "Through the darkness, we find our way, It's the trials we face that lead us to a brighter day. With each step we take, we grow stronger still, In the depths of the night, we find our will." Lileath gets an alabaster unicorn figurine from inside her silk carryall. Briaen gazes at a glossy obsidian symbol. Briaen examines a glossy obsidian symbol. (Elurora bows her head to whisper a quiet prayer before gently setting her unicorn figure into the niche. She pauses for a moment with her hand on the figure, letting its alabaster form become warm, before stepping back once more to allow others their turn.) You nod to Jaelia. Xionara examines an alabaster unicorn figurine. Elurora drops an alabaster unicorn figurine. Jaelia gets a snow-white geshiloira flower from inside an effervescent eddy of honey-hued light captured by a sungold frame. You nod to Elurora. Tirost gets a fir unicorn totem from inside his storyteller's bag. Navesi reverentially says, "Hodierna, You are the light of life and peace. You are the seed that pulses, radiant, beneath the soil, to break free from a barren world. We guard Your gift carefully, we love You deeply, and we have been honored to have You fight by our side." The candles darken, then becoming distant, and the inner walls of the tree glow with silvery-red streaks. (Ezerak places his figurine in the niche.) Ezerak drops an alabaster unicorn figurine. Briaen just touched a glossy obsidian symbol. Ezerak kneels down and begins to pray. You quietly say, "Please set your offerings upon the floor beside the niche, if it fills with offerings." (Navesi gently places her figurine beside the others within the niche.) Tirost chants in a baritone voice: "Look kindly on me, Goddess: A man of failings and of doubts. My presence has wrought pain and fear, Where only friendship should upsprout." Navesi drops an alabaster unicorn figurine. (Ayrell reverently places her figuring in the niche.) (Miskton places his figurine in the niche and quietly bows his head for a moment.) Ayrell drops an alabaster unicorn figurine. (Kintryn sets her figurine next to the others.) Miskton drops an alabaster unicorn figurine. Ayrell kneels down and begins to pray. Kintryn drops an alabaster unicorn figurine. Tirost chants in a baritone voice: "Selfish I've been with all your gifts, Seeking glory, and bright fame, Instead of peace and service just That hope would bring instead of pain," (Jaelia kneels and offers a gentle geshiloria flower. She looks up and prays "Mother Maiden Hodierna - may this flower from far away bring hospitality and love and the winter inspiration our way. Let your light shine and heal, let the darkness abate, and your way to reveal.) Mossi softly says, "Demrris, Tenemlor, I know not what words of magic nor wisdom will help. But for your people nearby, in Silverclaw, I offer my favour to Demrris, to help make the lands safe to live... please help the Thirteen in this time of their need." Jaelia drops a snow-white geshiloira flower. Tirost chants in a baritone voice: "Yet like the mountain's lonesome pine, Blasted, bare, with many scars, No longer young, yet living still, Is haloed by a sea of stars," Ayrell stands up. Aristrona quietly says, "Bringer of the Dawn, light our way through the darkness." Kethrai says something in Olvi. Tirost chants in a baritone voice: "And in that glimm'ring, holy light Despair fades away in Beauty's reign - More wondrous for the cloak of night, And hope for mercy I maintain." (Saragos gently places the unicorn figurine in the niche.) You are filled with a sense of peace and the comfort of the coming dawn. She is close. Lileath drops an alabaster unicorn figurine. Kethrai drops an alabaster unicorn figurine. You get a happy expression on your face! Clematis drops an alabaster unicorn figurine. Lileath gets a compact persimmon writing slate with mahogany borders from inside her silk carryall. Tirost drops a fir unicorn totem. Aristrona drops a Berengaria harvest apple. Imroth smiles. Jaelia drops an alabaster unicorn figurine. Huebald smiles at Kethrai. Lileath drops a compact persimmon writing slate with mahogany borders. Briaen says, "We acknowledge the sacred duty entrusted to us by the Mother of Dawn herself. Just as Berengaria nurtures the world with her gentle touch at daybreak, so too do we, her faithful, bear the responsibility to protect the sanctity of the natural world. The ancient tree, a testament to time's embrace, has fallen victim to the insidious forces of necromancy. In the name of Berengaria, we pledge to liberate it from this unholy grip." Miskton inhales a great swallow of air. Mossi drops an alabaster unicorn figurine. Miskton slowly empties his lungs. Jaelia kneels down. The walls of the tree flare with brilliance and you hear hoofbeats. A winding pattern of light spiders upwards, forming a softly illuminated column winding around you. Ezerak prays fervently. Xionara softly says, "As nature will to heal after the forests have burned, and sometimes the fire is what opens the seed for new life... so I hope that this tree will also be healed from its taint." Elurora inhales a great swallow of air. Kethrai casually observes the area. Xionara drops an alabaster unicorn figurine. You beam! With a predatory look in her eye, Mossi makes a noise halfway between a growl and a purr, her ears standing up proudly. (Miskton gazes at the walls.) Briaen says, "We invoke the radiant light of Berengaria, the very essence of dawn, to guide our path. With every step we take toward the ancient tree, we bring with us the warmth of her grace and the purity of her love. It is in her light that we shall find strength and resolve, for no darkness can withstand the brilliance of the dawn." Suddenly, everything changes. [Lyba Bima, Beginning] A wide plain stretches before you, gentle breezes stirring tall grass which ripples between inky ebony black and nearly blindingly pearl white. Flickers of memory crackle nearby, familiar scenes of the past briefly flowing and repeating. A profoundly majestic unicorn stands nearby, gazing at you and occasionally stamping its hooves. Above, foreign constellations spiral and blink within the unnatural firmament. You sense that you narrowly balance, perched upon a needles tip, and that all directions are the same. Also here: Knight Penitent Briaen who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Clematis, Mossi, Heart Tender Kethrai, Shaman Atvus who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Aristrona who is kneeling, Forest Sprite Lileath who is accompanied by a pair of faintly glowing will-o-wisps, Knight of Meraud Tirost who has a stony visage, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Consecrated Voice Jaelia who is kneeling, Tempest Knight Saragos who has a fiery visage, Nepenthe Huebald, Squire Imroth who is shining with a dark golden glow, Planesweaver Navesi, Sidetracker Xionara, Philomath Miskton, Kintryn, Belzor who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, Lady of Elamiri Ayrell who has a fiery visage, Mountain Lord Ezerak who is kneeling, Field Medic Darkewolff and Water Flower Larasa who is lying down. Obvious exits: none. (Jaelia reaches out towards Briaen as if trying to lend aid to what may be about to come.) Elurora blinks. Kethrai blinks. You blink. Darkewolff blinks. Your spell cannot maintain itself in this magically inert area. As you near to the end of the enchante, you gently let the line of melody dwindle, fading from your grasp into silence. The dome of light extinguishes as the final notes of music die away. Larasa stands up. Motes of light swirl upward, outlining a tiny tree with reaching branches. You blink, and the tree is enormous, spanning far above you, the stars themselves caught in the branches. You blink again, and the tree is tiny, diminutive, a memory or representation. Darkewolff says, "Woah." You feel at peace, comforted by the growing dawn breaking the horizon. The approaching sun chases the cool darkness, the night broken, Her will and grace surrounding you. Miskton casually observes the area. Aristrona gasps! A child's laughter echoes in the distance, and the sun crests in all directions, filling you with light. Huebald hums happily to himself. Xionara's ears perk up happily. Jaelia gestures at Briaen. Belzor smiles. The unicorn takes an endlessly long stride towards Briaen, and stamping its hoof, it whinnies softly, shaking a sparkling mane full of stars. Towering over Briaen, the unicorn bends down, slowly, an eternity passing before its spiraled horn barely touches Briaen's head, and a silvery flash of blinding light fills the area! When it fades, Briaen is gone. Briaen just disappeared. Belzor says, "A chile." You gasp! The unicorn whinnies again, and you feel that Her attention is elsewhere. You may stay as long as you wish, but you are free to go when you are ready. Kethrai blinks. Miskton blinks. Clematis gasps! Xionara applauds. Elurora blinks. Elurora casually observes the area. Tirost smiles. The grass rustles and a warm breeze fills the area. You feel at peace. Mossi emits a rumbling noise of contentment. Tirost softly asks Kintryn, "Did you see that?" Ayrell ponders. Miskton gazes upward. Kintryn ponders. Kintryn nods to Tirost. Huebald ponders. (Jaelia keeps her hand extended in a frozen gesture for a moment, then slowly nods and lowers her hand to her side.) Tirost asks Navesi, "Where is Briaen?" Mossi says to Kethrai, "No one's followed me on my vision quests before. This is neat." You say, "He is with Her. He must be safe." Ezerak blinks. Ezerak stands up. Navesi blinks. (Kethrai gazes at the unicorn and then bows as low at the waist as he can manage.) You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs. Elurora nods to you. (Tirost glances around concerned.) Aristrona gives you an emphatic nod. Navesi slowly says, "I... do not know. He disappeared when the unicorn touched him." A tear runs down Aristrona's face. Imroth ponders. Huebald nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. Navesi gazes about, drinking in her surroundings. Kethrai kneels down. Lileath casually observes the area. Kethrai gazes off into the distance. Clematis pats Aristrona on the back. Ezerak says, "I am certain he must be safe." Navesi says, "I can sense no imprint of the past upon this area." Miskton sheathes his utility hatchet. Navesi casually observes the area. Ayrell kneels down and begins to pray. Saragos says, "Well, that's something." Miskton gets a worn leather astronomer's journal from inside his scholar's valise. Miskton releases the clasp on his astronomer's journal and opens it. Xionara softly says, "He does good work and recognized for such." Navesi says, "But it does feel quite safe." Tirost gives Ezerak a slight nod. Xionara's ears perk up happily. Elurora nods to Navesi. Ezerak nods to Xionara. Mossi asks, "Is this...? Where the Wheel holds us?" Imroth kneels down and begins to pray. (Miskton gazes up at the sky, then begins frantically sketching in his journal.) You say to Mossi, "I'm not sure... but it is beautiful." Aristrona puts her figurine in her dreamweave unicorn. Kethrai looks at Mossi and shrugs. Imroth prays fervently. You get a dreamy expression on your face. Jaelia stands up. Ezerak asks, "Perhaps Hodierna has granted him an audience?" Xionara's ears perk up happily. >focus spouse You focus on your love for Briaen, but something seems to separate you. Xionara nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views. Jaelia asks, "Can someone hand me incense?" Xionara softly says, "Believe so." Aristrona continues praying. Jaelia kneels down. You nod at Ezerak, in complete agreement with his views. Jaelia murmurs something under her breath you cannot quite hear, and seems to gain strength from it. (Elurora turns in a slow circle, watching the flickers of memory as they flow past.) Xionara nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views. Imroth stands up. Navesi sheathes her tyrium axe. Jaelia stands up. Mossi gets an iladza symbol from inside her weathered pack. Tirost says, "This... this is a place of breathtaking beauty..." Navesi gazes upward. Mossi raises her iladza symbol in a reverent manner. A tear runs down Tirost's face. Navesi slowly says, "The sky looks different." Kintryn nods to Tirost. Xionara nods at Tirost, obviously agreeing with his views. Elurora gives Navesi a slight nod. Xionara nods at Navesi, obviously agreeing with her views. You gaze upward. Xionara's ears perk up happily. (Kethrai repeats the prayer to Hodierna in Olvio under his breath, in a slow and rhythmic cadence. Something he's memorized by repetition like wagon wheels wearing a rut in the earth.) Huebald nods. Xionara trills softly at Kethrai. Mossi kneels down. You quietly say to yourself, "How incredible." Tirost quietly says, "But where has he gone." Jaelia gets an amethystine silk prayer mat from inside her dragonar haversack. Jaelia reverently lays her prayer mat at her feet, smoothing out its corners. Mossi drops an iladza symbol. Jaelia begins to dance, her eyes tightly shut and her head thrown back. Navesi gets a celestial blue mask adorned by complex mathematical formulae painted in lunar hues from inside her smokewood trunk. You say to Tirost, "I cannot sense him. But I feel he must be with Her." Ayrell continues praying fervently. Xionara softly says, "To be more than he was before.. I hope." Tirost nods to you. Miskton says to Tirost, "Under the circumstances, I would guess he's safe." Jaelia dances, seeking the attentions of her deity. Imroth nods. Xionara softly says, "Such thing would take personal touch of Immortals." Jaelia dances a perfect, beautiful creation that ends with deft grace. Jaelia looks up and sighs, smiling. (Mossi digs a shallow depression in the grass, places her iladza symbol in it, and gently folds the grass over it again.) Navesi says, "I cannot seem to Locate him." (Miskton is only looking at the sky or his journal when he speaks, continuing to try to draw as much as he can make out of the strange sights above.) A tear runs down Kethrai's face. Kethrai takes a seat. Xionara stands near Kethrai. Xionara rubs Kethrai gently, massaging his muscles. Jaelia says, "It is very similiar to the Celestial Dreamscape - although obviously more Celestial and more Dreamlike there. And I danced...." Mossi hugs Kethrai gingerly, trying not to hurt him. Tirost stands near Kintryn. Huebald quietly asks Miskton, "Have you seen this sky before?" Elurora puts her scythe in her thigh bag. Elurora sheathes her war scythe. Kethrai trills, his ears relaxing minutely back against his head. Jaelia begins to dance, her eyes tightly shut and her head thrown back. Miskton shakes his head. Kintryn smiles at Tirost. Mossi gazes at Jaelia. Belzor casually observes the area. Mossi nods at Jaelia, obviously agreeing with her views. Xionara pats Kethrai on the back. Mossi leaps to her feet! Jaelia dances, seeking the attentions of her deity. Navesi inhales a great swallow of air. Kethrai quietly says, "I'm all right. Just... never been so close to Her before, y'know." >focus spouse You focus on your love for Briaen, but something seems to separate you. Aristrona roots around the area for a moment. Miskton says, "No, all of this is strange to me." Imroth taps an iladza symbol on the ground. Xionara perks her ears up happily as she gazes at Kethrai. Tirost smiles at Kethrai. Navesi nods to Kethrai. Tirost hugs Kintryn, who wraps her arms around Tirost with a warm smile. Atvus just left. Tirost nods to Kintryn. Huebald nods. Jaelia says, "It is beautiful and it is wonderful, and at some time, we must return, but for a bit, we can sit in peace and rejoice and be with Her, and we can dance." Xionara softly says to Kethrai, "Hope it brings peace. For me, must go to the rock for that." Jaelia dances so flawlessly you find yourself catching your breath, tears in your eyes as the performance all too soon comes to an end. You nod to Jaelia. Huebald says, "It's strange...but it's not bad." Navesi nods to Jaelia. Kethrai softly says, "Anuril is going to be so mad he missed this." Elurora grins at Kethrai. Xionara nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views. Navesi taps a celestial blue mask adorned by complex mathematical formulae painted in lunar hues that she is holding. Darkewolff smiles at Kethrai. Ayrell nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views. Tirost nods to Kethrai. Mossi sways gracefully about in an elegant dance. Navesi puts her mask in her smokewood trunk. Navesi gets a polished dragonwood lute patterned with delicate birch inlay from inside her watersilk bag. Miskton turns a page in his astronomer's journal. Belzor asks, "Anuril?" [Meanwhile, elsewhere, from Briaen's point of view...] The unicorn whinnies softly. Stamping its hoof, the unicorn takes an long stride towards you, shaking its sparkling mane, starfall and dawnlight shimmering between each perfect hair. The unicorn approaches, towering over you, and you crane your head upward in awe at its magnificence. Bending down, an eternity passes as the unicorn's spiraled horn grazes your forehead, and you hear Her, beckoning with kind whispers. Everything changes again. You feel yourself being pulled away... [Trefren] You find yourself standing in the middle of a vast field of ripe grain, the smell of sweet petrichor surrounding you as a warm breeze rustles the grass. A large and shaggy cow stands in the yard of a simple brick and thatch hut, its tail swishing idly as it chews its cud. The horizon ripples with soft reds, chasing away the cold blue of the cloud free sky. A kind laughter and unhurried conversation echoes around you, though you cannot identify the source. Obvious exits: none. You gaze off into the distance blankly. The cow stares at you, its eyes endless black and filled with swirling stars. An echo fills the area with Her voice, "Welcome, Knight Penitent, Redeemed Necromancer, Dawnsworn of my name. Once fallen, defiled and disgraced, you have returned, as We knew you would. You seek to cleanse the land, as your soul was cleansed. In time, you will carry Our fire." An echo fills the area with Her voice, "Speak, ask what you will." You say, "We ask only to break the hold on this tree, so that we may continue this trend in other lands." You say, "Guide these believers. Leave them whole, full of your light. Let them know the peace serving you brings me." An echo fills the area with Her voice, "Some wounds are endured as a lesson. Some scars serve as reminders. Your life has been one of cruelty, polluting your soul and the land, but you endured the wounds, and you are blessed with the alyurynaen. You seek healing, and to heal. My tree too shall bear scars of lessons past, for now." You feel a faint warmth, as though someone reached toward you with a loving hand. You smell the rich aroma of baking bread, and a gentle breeze swirls through the grass. The cow moos. You say, "I understand." An echo fills the area with Her voice, "But perhaps the lessons of the past may serve new purpose in the blessed of today. Our champions seek their purpose in Our grace, and shall be blessed. In time, we will show you wonders, and you will lead them into the light." You say, "I remain, forever, your servant, Dawnmother. Where I walk, I take you with me." You kneel down upon the ground. You feel Her receding, Her attention drifting elsewhere. A long silence is disturbed by nothing more than the rustling of the grass and the soft breathing of the cow. You feel your purpose here has been fulfilled. You may stay as long as you wish, but you are free to go when you are ready. You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs. The cow moos. The stars in its eyes twinkle, flowing along eternal tracks. You feel a faint warmth, as though someone reached toward you with a loving hand. You say, "Let me now return to them, filled with a renewed sense of purpose." You say, "Thank you." You stand back up. You go north. [Lyba Bima, Beginning] A wide plain stretches before you, gentle breezes stirring tall grass which ripples between inky ebony black and nearly blindingly pearl white. Flickers of memory crackle nearby, familiar scenes of the past briefly flowing and repeating. A profoundly majestic unicorn stands nearby, gazing at you and occasionally stamping its hooves. Above, foreign constellations spiral and blink within the unnatural firmament. You sense that you narrowly balance, perched upon a needles tip, and that all directions are the same. You also see an iladza symbol. Also here: Clematis, Mossi, Heart Tender Kethrai who is sitting, Aristrona who is kneeling, Songbird Mendira whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Forest Sprite Lileath who is accompanied by a pair of faintly glowing will-o-wisps, Knight of Meraud Tirost who has a stony visage, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Consecrated Voice Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Tempest Knight Saragos who has a fiery visage, Nepenthe Huebald, Squire Imroth, Planesweaver Navesi, Sidetracker Xionara, Philomath Miskton, Kintryn, Belzor who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, Lady of Elamiri Ayrell who is kneeling, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Field Medic Darkewolff and Water Flower Larasa. Obvious exits: north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, northwest. [Back to Mendira's point of view:] >focus spouse You focus on your love for Briaen, but since he is standing beside you, nothing much happens. Elurora says to Belzor, "Kethrai's husband." Elurora smiles at Belzor. Kethrai says to Belzor, "My husband, also a Hodierna devotee." Jaelia carefully gathers up the delicate folds of an amethystine silk prayer mat. Belzor says, "Oh." Jaelia puts her mat in her dragonar haversack. Tirost gives a sigh of relief. Belzor blushes a bright red color. Jaelia rummages through an effervescent eddy of honey-hued light captured by a sungold frame but it's clear she hasn't a clue if what she is looking for is there. Belzor says, "Of course." Navesi slides a carved ironwood ring shaped like a coiled dragon off her finger. Belzor nods. Navesi puts her ring in her canvas rucksack. Navesi gets a wren feather pick from inside her watersilk bag. Navesi slides a wren feather pick onto her finger. Mossi opens her mossy green lunchbox. Tirost smiles at Briaen. Briaen smiles. You beam in loving admiration at Briaen. Kintryn smiles at Briaen. Navesi effortlessly begins a masterful hymn on her dragonwood lute, her eyes sparkling with pride at her hard-won skill. Elurora grins at Briaen. Mossi studies the faces around her. You gently kiss Briaen on the cheek. Aristrona stands up. Ayrell nods to Belzor. Mossi asks Xionara, "Excuse me, do you happen to have any... 'food'?" Kethrai gazes at Briaen. Briaen calmly says, "We have fufilled our purpose this night, friends. Let us share in this lesson, and return to the tree." Tirost asks Briaen, "You had me worried. What divine wisdom do you bring, O blessed one?" Saragos nods emphatically at Briaen. Jaelia gets a pale Penitence rose from inside an effervescent eddy of honey-hued light captured by a sungold frame. Jaelia drops a pale Penitence rose. You nod to Briaen. Briaen gently kisses you on the forehead. Briaen gazes at you. Mossi carefully removes a cougar pelt from her bundle. Tirost joins Briaen's group. (Jaelia gently lays down a rose in honor of Briaen.) Navesi says, "May we share it here? There is such a feeling of peace." (Elurora gazes at the unicorn for a long moment, as if trying to commit it to memory before they go.) Jaelia smiles at Briaen. Kethrai asks Briaen, "Must we? A few more roisaen first?" Jaelia picks up a pale Penitence rose. Jaelia offers Briaen a pale Penitence rose. Darkewolff smiles at Elurora. Briaen calmly says, "Kethrai We may stay, if you wish it." Jaelia says to Briaen, "I believe this may belong to you." (Mossi lays down the cougar pelt over the iladza symbol nestled in the grass.) Mossi drops a cougar pelt. Briaen accepts Jaelia's Penitence rose. Briaen nods graciously at Jaelia, giving her a polite smile. You gaze at Briaen. Elurora flashes a quick grin at Darkewolff. Briaen calmly says, "The Dawnmother has spoken to me through her bovine avatar, as once she did in the past." Xionara perks her ears up happily as she gazes at Briaen. Navesi nods to Briaen. Navesi finishes playing a masterful hymn on her dragonwood lute. Darkewolff puts his figurine in his encompassing shadows. Navesi puts her lute in her watersilk bag. Darkewolff gets a sleek haon writing quill tipped with a long champagne plume from inside his encompassing shadows. Darkewolff unlatches and opens his small ledger. Darkewolff turns the page of his small ledger. Mossi softly says, "I have no idea what feels right to do, here. But may this offering bring some comfort to any of my people who find themselves here, someday, before, or after." Darkewolff turns the page of his small ledger. Navesi gets a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald" from inside her black coat. Darkewolff reads his small ledger. Navesi gets a snowy white feather quill with an icesteel nib from inside her canvas rucksack. Aristrona gazes at Briaen in admiration. Kethrai says to Navesi, "That was lovely." Navesi carefully opens a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald". Navesi smiles at Kethrai. You nod to Mossi. Briaen calmly says, "The symbol may remain, however, it should be viewed differently now, perhaps. 'Some wounds are endured as a lesson. Some scars serve as reminders.' As She stated..." Imroth rubs an iladza symbol. Elurora gazes thoughtfully at Briaen. Tirost nods to Briaen. Navesi writes something on a page in her oak-bound volume. Huebald nods to Briaen. Mossi's ears stand up proudly for a moment. Darkewolff writes something in his small ledger. Kethrai rummages about his person, looking for something. You gaze at Briaen. Darkewolff turns the page of his small ledger. Kethrai rummages about his person, looking for something. Miskton turns a page in his astronomer's journal. Jaelia says, "It is the scars that go deepest through our bone and into our soul that the Immortals carve and write upon us their lessons and blessings as we grow in their strength and faith and bind ourselves closer to them so that nothing can ever pull us from them and we will endure until they call us home." Briaen calmly says, "May it serve as a reminder to all of us. Of our faith. Of our commitment to those we love. And to these lands." Elurora nods to Briaen. Darkewolff writes something in his small ledger. You nod to Briaen. Kethrai kneels down and begins to pray. Briaen leans back against you with a tender smile. Kethrai just kissed a crystal unicorn bead! Kethrai drops a crystal unicorn bead. Ayrell stands up. Kethrai stands up. You smile at Briaen. Darkewolff grins. Kethrai dusts himself off. Elurora just nudged Darkewolff. Elurora looks at Darkewolff, obviously trying not to grin. Darkewolff grins slowly at Elurora. Saragos nods to Briaen. Briaen nods to Saragos. Saragos says to Briaen, "Thank you for bringing Her words to us." Imroth gets some holy water from inside his cosmic abyss. Tirost says to Briaen, "This is not an experience lightly granted, Dawnsworn. You walk the true path, and I hope Her words inspire you as they do me." Navesi nods in agreement. Briaen says to Saragos, "They speak. We need but listen." Kethrai inhales a great swallow of air. Navesi says, "I've never felt part of such a Holy experience before." Kethrai slowly empties his lungs. Briaen smiles at Navesi. Aristrona says, "A blessing beyond measure." Navesi inhales a great swallow of air. Briaen asks Navesi, "Unwaveringly calming, no?" Navesi slowly empties her lungs. Navesi nods in agreement. Navesi softly says, "I feel cradled within the arms of a Mother." Imroth nods. You nod at Navesi, in complete agreement with her views. (Navesi settles herself a moment, breathing deeply, then opens her eyes and takes in her surroundings, sketching in her volume as she does.) Briaen says, "She continued, after reminding me of the scar of Necromancy. As it scars my soul, and my past, it also scars the lands." Xionara softly says, "Am happy for you all to feel such from the divine." Huebald nods. Briaen says, "A shame I will contend with for the remaining dasy I have before me, I'm afraid." Xionara's ears perk up happily. Kethrai says to Navesi, "In some way, it reminds me of being inside Maelshyve, but the exact opposite. Warm and safe, home. In the other place, the warmth of home was bait in a trap." Navesi nods to Kethrai. You rest your hand on Briaen's arm with a soft smile. Briaen says, "She spoke, 'Perhaps the lessons of the past may serve new purpose in the blessed of today. Our champions seek their purpose in Our grace, and shall be blessed. In time, we will show you wonders, and you will lead them into the light.'." Tirost nods to Kethrai. Kethrai says, "But, it has the same sense of... thoughts and concepts and memories being like... directions, like the very dimensions we're standing in." Navesi quietly asks herself, "The plane of Hodierna...?" Navesi writes something on a page in her oak-bound volume. Kethrai gazes at Briaen. Saragos says, "It's a good thing to remember, that the scars are reminders. But I'm going to continue to work as hard as I can on fixing things. We never know what the hands of mortals can fix and what they can't." Mossi softly asks, "Is it alright to pet the unicorn?" Xionara softly says to Briaen, "Much respect to endure such. Unlike some, who ran away through ritual sacrifice. You are strong." Jaelia intones: "Maiden Mother Hodierna - We Praise your for your Blessings and Life and Gifts of Pain and Healing so we can grow, restore, and be stronger Divine Mother Berengaria, thank you for this blessing, this message - and while we will endure the pain and corruption, we see your time of regrowth and restoration and we move like the vela'tohr to restore balance to our world. Cold Winds Lady - We hear the hooves of your ride, we understand your price for not recognizing the value of Life and Death and proper Devotion - We embrace your time and seek to prove ourselves worthier and stronger this time and not to let a False Goblin of a False God Believe he can conquer or defeat you." Jaelia looks up and sighs, smiling. Kethrai quietly says to Mossi, "Better not." Navesi rests her hand on Saragos's arm with a soft smile. Larasa glances at Mossi. Xionara perks her ears up happily as she gazes at Briaen. Briaen grins at Mossi. Mossi's ears droop for a moment. Briaen says to Mossi, "I believe that's up to the unicorn." Elurora grins at Mossi. Kethrai says to Mossi, "I'll tell you later the story of Eskila and the Sulde Taala..." Xionara angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Kethrai. (Mossi slowly holds a paw out to the unicorn with a soft, rumbling purr, waiting.) Briaen says, "XIonar You are kind to acknowledge such. But I am no better than any one with any measure of faith. I take my charge as guide seriously, true. But it does not make me in any way some sort of more-blessed than any other child of the Mother." Elurora softly asks Mossi, "Maybe it would like an apple?" Huebald quietly says, "Suppose I shouldn't try feedin' the unicorn a cherry tart." Huebald sighs. (Miskton pushes up his spectacles to rub at his eyes for a moment.) Elurora grins at Huebald. Mossi glances at Elurora. Briaen gets a Berengaria harvest apple from inside a large tapestry sack woven in warm shades of gold and amber. Briaen moves a pale Penitence rose to his left hand. Briaen moves a Berengaria harvest apple to his right hand. Briaen offers Mossi a Berengaria harvest apple. Imroth takes a drink of some holy water. Mossi accepts Briaen's harvest apple. Kintryn rubs Tirost's right hand. Mossi bows to Briaen. Imroth puts his water in his cosmic abyss. Kintryn smiles at Tirost. Elurora grins at Briaen. Huebald grins at Briaen. Briaen grins. Tirost smiles at Kintryn. Kethrai ponders. (Mossi shuffles a bit closer to the unicorn, now holding the harvest apple in her paw out as offering.) Kethrai roots around the area for a moment. Kethrai forages around the area for a while until he finds an apple. You quietly say, "I'm not sure how we will ever work up the will to leave this place." Elurora nods to you. Kethrai gazes at his apple. Kethrai gazes off into the distance. Darkewolff puts his quill in his encompassing shadows. Darkewolff gets some sacramental wine from inside his encompassing shadows. Darkewolff smiles. Darkewolff asks, "How about a nice drink?" Mossi softly says, "When the call of our mortal bodies demands we don't disturb the holiness that abounds here." Darkewolff taps some sacramental wine that he is holding. Jaelia says, "It is simple, we must serve in the real world, or we will never be able to visit this place again." Jaelia says, "And we will deny others access to this place." Jaelia says, "We serve so we can return with others." Saragos says to Mossi, "I suspect that the Unicorn can sense your intentions, but it's no weak thing. It fought hard beside us against Maelshyve's minions." Darkewolff offers Mossi some sacramental wine. Mossi accepts Darkewolff's sacramental wine. Darkewolff smiles. Elurora grins at Darkewolff. Mossi angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Saragos. Briaen says to Aristrona, "I don't belive we've formerly met. I am Briaen Huns, Penetient Knight and Dawnsworn of Berengaria." Kethrai puts his apple in his rose-colored haversack. Briaen gestures at you. Briaen says to Aristrona, "This is my wife and reason for remaining far beyond trouble, Mendira Huns." Aristrona dusts herself off. Tirost stands near Briaen. Aristrona places her hands on her thighs and bows deeply at the waist towards Briaen, holding the position for a moment before returning upright. Lileath appears calmer than she did a moment ago. You nod graciously at Aristrona, giving her a polite smile. You wink and flash Briaen a sly grin. Tirost says to Briaen, "This is a great success, and proof that the gods walk with you. Keep the faith, my friend. I must soon take my leave." Mossi frowns thoughtfully and dips the harvest apple into the sacramental wine, then continues to hold her pose, gazing steadyily at the unicorn with perked up ears and lowered tail. Briaen nods to Tirost. Briaen shakes Tirost's hand. Aristrona says to Briaen, "I am Aristrona, humble follower of Berengaria. It is my honor to know you." You gaze at Mossi. Aristrona places her hands on her thighs and bows deeply at the waist towards you, holding the position for a moment before returning upright. Kintryn joins Tirost's group. Imroth says, "Closest I have ever been to a god." You curtsy gracefully to Aristrona. Elurora nods to Imroth. You beam at Imroth! Darkewolff asks, "Goddess?" Briaen says to Imroth, "That may not be true. They're always closer than you realize, as I have come to see it." (Tirost turns and bows with deep reverence to the unicorn.) You smile. Aristrona says to you, "And it my greatest honor to be among such devout followers of our Mother. And in such a place as this...." Kethrai says to Briaen, "I'll try to hold onto that mindset..." Aristrona sighs. Briaen says to Aristrona, "A pleasure to meet you. I am grateful you joined us." Kintryn nods to Tirost. You gaze happily at Aristrona. Aristrona says, "I do not feel worthy." Knight of Meraud Tirost drifts north, leading his group. Briaen asks Kethrai, "That's half the battle, isn't it?" Briaen smiles at Aristrona. Darkewolff gets a sweet carrot from inside his encompassing shadows. Darkewolff offers Mossi a sweet carrot. Briaen says to Aristrona, "Well that, I'm afraid, I cannot help. I don't know that we ever really do." Mossi offers Darkewolff some sacramental wine. Darkewolff babbles incoherently. Darkewolff accepts Mossi's sacramental wine. Mossi accepts Darkewolff's sweet carrot. Darkewolff puts his wine in his encompassing shadows. Imroth pats Aristrona on the back. Kethrai says to Briaen, "To stay mindful of the mundane things, yeah. Sunrise is beautiful, but I don't often think to feel Her touch in it, not directly." Darkewolff says, "See if the unicorn will take the carrot." You nod at Kethrai, in complete agreement with his views. Belzor casually observes the area. (Mossi holds both arms out towards the unicorn now, carrot and apple clutched lightly in her fingers, but otherwise remains perfectly still in her patience.) Kethrai giggles at Mossi. (Elurora watches Mossi and the unicorn curiously.) You grin. (Huebald grins, looking between Mossi and the unicorn.) (Mossi's tailtip twitches.) Elurora sighs softly. Kethrai slowly empties his lungs. Darkewolff smiles at Elurora. Navesi softly says to Mossi, "This place is both like and not like home. The unicorn may not be like a horse at home." Kethrai regretfully says, "I need to go provide someone healing, back in the world we left." Huebald asks, "Maybe it's so calm, it ain't hungry?" Elurora softly says, "I guess the world outside of here still needs us, as much as I'd like to stay." Elurora nods to Kethrai. Navesi nods to Elurora. Huebald nods. (Kethrai bows low, one more time, to the unicorn.) Mossi slowly asks Navesi, "So I don't need to woo it before petting it?" Heart Tender Kethrai pads north. (Elurora turns to bow to the unicorn, giving it a grin as she does.) Briaen begins to carefully examine a pale Penitence rose. Jaelia says, "It is when you can come to a place like this, and leave to know you will one day return, that is where true strength and faith comes from." Navesi says to Mossi, "I cannot say one way or the other. But this is a place of peace. I cannot imagine it will hurt you." You sigh softly. Briaen puts on a pale Penitence rose. Elurora lets out a long, contemplative breath. Truthseeker Elurora goes north. You nod at Jaelia, in complete agreement with her views. (Jaelia kneels and bows her head slightly and mutters a few words of praise, then rises to return to the world to which she has been called.) Huebald hums to himself. Jaelia says, "We must go home at some point, both homes." (Mossi slowly lowers paws, tucking the carrot and apple under her arms, and takes another, somewhat trembling step, towards the unicorn. And another. And another. And then she pets it.) Jaelia says, "May you always remember to keep one foot in the Divine, and One in the Mortal World." Navesi leans on Saragos. Briaen nods. Saragos kisses Navesi. And he doesn't seem to want to stop. Xionara covers her eyes with her hand. Navesi smiles at Mossi. Mossi emits a rumbling noise of contentment. Mossi quietly says, "It's very soft." You beam at Mossi! Huebald chuckles. Saragos says to Navesi, "Certainly has been an intense experience. Almost enough to make a man reconsider following the Lion." Consecrated Voice Jaelia goes north. (Mossi steps away smartly and bows to the unicorn.) Navesi gives Saragos a slight nod. Belzor says, "Such an amazing place." Ayrell nods at Belzor, obviously agreeing with his views. Ezerak nods at Belzor, obviously agreeing with his views. Huebald nods to Belzor. Mossi gazes at her apple. Navesi quietly says, "I must not forget all my teachings, though. But it is... something magnificent." Imroth rubs his baldric, which gleams brightly with a pristine luminescence! Forest Sprite Lileath goes south. Briaen gazes off into the distance. You say, "To think we were all preparing for a fight, and found ourselves here instead." Briaen smiles slightly as he gazes off towards the rising sun. You smile to herself in amusement. Navesi nods to you. Miskton grins. Imroth smirks at you. Saragos nods to you. Mossi bows. Huebald says, "Nice to be prepared and not have to fight after all." Darkewolff grins slowly. Saragos says, "Very much was." Ezerak nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. Saragos nods to Huebald. You nod at Huebald, in complete agreement with his views. Mossi says, "To the realm of the living I return, but to the realm of the dead I will also return, as I have before, and as I will again after." Xionara nods at Mossi, obviously agreeing with her views. Saragos says, "It's a nice rest. We'll go back to the fight for life soon, but for now we get a little break." You nod to Mossi. You beam at Mossi! Mossi's tail undulates lazily through the air. Mossi waves. Mossi goes north. Miskton sighs. Miskton says, "With all the movement in the sky, impossible to get a really accurate representation... But still, every little bit that can be recorded is something never recorded before." Miskton gazes upward. Navesi nods to Miskton. Briaen grins at Miskton. You grin at Miskton. (Navesi continues to sketch in her book, turning her gaze to the sky as she stands beside Miskton.) Field Medic Darkewolff walks north. (Miskton has completely worn down one pencil, and swaps to another one.) Miskton says, "It's nearly sunrise... I wonder what that might look like here." Ayrell nods at Miskton, obviously agreeing with his views. Huebald ponders. Imroth says, "Lyba Bima." Navesi nods to Miskton. Navesi says, "It is a Holy time, indeed." Aristrona says, "I will be forever grateful that the Dawnmother led me here today. The sun rises... so appropriately as my time here ends." Navesi nods politely to Aristrona. Aristrona says to Briaen, "Your beacon led me here. Thank you again." Navesi says to Aristrona, "Pleased to meet you also. I am Navesi." Navesi says, "And this is my husband, Saragos." You smile at Aristrona. Navesi motions to Saragos. Briaen nods to Aristrona. Aristrona smiles at Navesi. Briaen says to Aristrona, "I will see you again, I believe. Until then, walk in the light." Aristrona nods emphatically at Briaen. You curtsy gracefully to Aristrona. Aristrona says to Navesi, "Aristrona, thank you for your aquaintance." Navesi curtsies gracefully to Aristrona. Aristrona bows to Navesi. Aristrona says to Saragos, "And yours as well." Aristrona smiles. Aristrona sighs. Aristrona gazes off to the north. Saragos nods to Aristrona. Saragos says, "Nice to meet you." Miskton says to Aristrona, "Miskton." Miskton nods politely to Aristrona. Aristrona smiles at Miskton. Xionara brushes one ear with her hand, grooming it absentmindedly. (Huebald blinks, leaving off gazing up at the stars.) Aristrona says, "The blessings upon me grow and grow." Aristrona says, "Thank you all." Huebald exclaims, "Oh? We introducin' ourselves? I'm Hue!" Imroth raises his hand in a quick salute. You grin at Huebald. Imroth says, "Imroth." Navesi smiles at Huebald. Navesi says, "Sir Imroth." Navesi frowns at Imroth. You chortle softly at some secret joke. Huebald beams! Ayrell politely says, "If we are giving introductions, I am Ayrell." Navesi puts her quill in her black coat. Navesi gets a slice of decadent dark chocolate and bourbon caramel tart flecked with sea salt from inside a golden tart-shaped tin topped with cloud ruby filling. Navesi offers Huebald a slice of decadent dark chocolate and bourbon caramel tart flecked with sea salt. Huebald slides his left arm through the straps on his steel shield and flexes. Huebald accepts Navesi's caramel tart. Huebald beams at Navesi! Ezerak says, "And I am Ezerak." Aristrona gives a measured bow, deepening it ever so slightly to display additional respect. Huebald exclaims to Navesi, "Quiet Oh! Thank you!" Huebald puts his tart in his farmer's carryall. Belzor says, "I am Belzor, pleased to meet you all." Belzor bows. Clematis says, "Hello, I'm Clematis." Clematis smiles. Belzor smiles at Clematis. Briaen smiles at Clematis. Briaen says to Clematis, "One can never go wrong with a cowbell." You nod amiably at Clematis. You grin. Clematis blushes, the tips of her ears turning a delicate scarlet hue. Water Flower Larasa goes south. Aristrona says, "Be well all. I pray I see you all again at the Ancient Tree." Aristrona goes north. Belzor says to Briaen, "I am very grateful you were able to share this with me, with all of us. It certainly is something to remember." Belzor casually observes the area. Clematis goes east. Briaen smiles at Belzor. Briaen says to Belzor, "We accomplished more than I anticipated." Belzor nods politely to Briaen. Imroth asks, "Me too, is the corruption gone then?" You shake your head. Briaen says, "I don't believe so, no. It never really is, though. That's the lesson." Briaen says, "And one I was due to be reminded of, perhaps." Imroth nods. Briaen says, "Some scars, are lessons." You smile at Briaen. Navesi quietly asks Briaen, "I hope you do not mind if I get your account in detail later for the Herald?" Huebald says, "Suppose I was thinkin' about the corruption like it was a wound instead..." Huebald ponders. Briaen says to Navesi, "We would be failing Her grace to prevent inclusion." Navesi nods. You nod at Huebald, in complete agreement with his views. You say, "As was I." Briaen says, "I had hoped we could remove it entirely, to be honest.s." Navesi nods to Briaen. Briaen says, "I should have realized, even through my own experiences, this is not entirely possible." Saragos says, "Good point that some scars endure. Us, we're more used to having the physical ones gone, but the emotional ones still remain." Navesi asks, "What do you think caused the corruption to begin with?" Briaen says, "Maelshyve, I believe." Briaen says, "It is her mark upon the tree." Navesi frowns. Navesi says, "But she is... dead, or dying." Navesi asks, "It has been there so long?" Briaen says, "The mark was there before our triumph over her." You say, "It was such a peaceful place before, much like this one. But I suppose that's the lesson, some things cannot be undone. We move forward, not back." Navesi nods. Huebald nods to you. Briaen nods to you. Saragos makes a grunting noise. Briaen pats Saragos on the back. Imroth says, "Another ring in the tree." Briaen snaps his fingers. You nod to Imroth. Briaen points at Imroth. Briaen exclaims to Imroth, "Exactly!" Saragos says, "Reminder too, of how we have work to do. I've got mixed feelings about how we did it, but not what we did." Navesi softly says, "Forgiveness is not erasure." Huebald says to Navesi, "And just because someone dies, what they do don't always die with 'em." Briaen nods in agreement. You nod. Xionara nods at Navesi, obviously agreeing with her views. Navesi nods to Huebald. Saragos says, "The Immortals work through us. We've got to do the work for him." Xionara looks at Navesi and applauds! You listen humbly as Briaen shares some of his hard-won wisdom and marvel at his grasp of Brawling. Saragos says, "For Them, I mean." Navesi says, "I do hope that, when I die, my work will live on." Navesi smiles. Xionara nods in agreement. Navesi pats a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald". Briaen smiles at Navesi. You smile at Navesi. You nod in agreement. Saragos says to Navesi, "Not for a long time." Saragos kisses Navesi. And he doesn't seem to want to stop. Huebald chuckles. Ezerak nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views. You grin. Huebald nods. Briaen gazes off to the east. Navesi leans on Saragos. Navesi says, "I think I will stay here a while, and wander." Navesi gently closes a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald". Navesi puts her volume in her black coat. You nod to Navesi. Saragos nods to Navesi. Navesi asks Saragos, "Walk with me?" Saragos says to Navesi, "Always." Briaen smiles. Navesi left the group. You hug Navesi who gives you a smile in return. A faint scent of copper clings to her skin. Navesi hugs you, and you wrap your arms around her with a warm smile. Briaen says to Navesi, "Walk in the light, my friends." Saragos takes his rightful place beside Navesi. Briaen nods to Saragos. You say, "Safe paths, both of you." Navesi says, "And you all." Saragos says, "You as well." Imroth raises his hand in a quick salute. Huebald smiles. Briaen says to Miskton, "I get the terrible feeling we're going to need to build you a study here." (Navesi bows deeply to the unicorn, holding the position for long moments, her graceful neck tilted. She stands and takes Saragos's hand in hers, walking off into the plain amidst the black and white grass.) Ezerak hugs Navesi, who wraps her arms around Ezerak with a warm smile. Miskton chuckles. Ezerak shakes Saragos's hand. You grin at Miskton. Ayrell hugs Navesi, who wraps her arms around Ayrell with a warm smile. Ayrell just hugged Saragos. Saragos raises two fingers to his brow in a quick hand salute. Navesi hugs Ezerak, who wraps his arms around Navesi with a warm smile. Miskton says, "I'll record what I can while I have the opportunity, at least." Navesi hugs Ayrell, getting a smile in return. Ezerak smiles at Ayrell, revealing the dimples in his cheeks. Navesi fastidiously adjusts her attire, ensuring everything is in its proper place, then turns and walks briskly out. Saragos just left. Belzor casually observes the area. You lean back against Briaen with a tender smile. Imroth says, "Well this is just like a staring contest now." Imroth casually observes the area. You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement. Briaen chuckles. Xionara scratches one ear, looking bemused. Xionara gazes upward. Huebald laughs! Xionara winks. Ezerak chuckles. Briaen stops you from following him. You take your rightful place beside Briaen. Miskton says, "Well, I think it should be dawn now, but this is obviously not a normal place." Ezerak says to Imroth, "Watching the sunrise." You nod at Miskton, in complete agreement with his views. Ezerak nods at Miskton, obviously agreeing with his views. You say, "That much seems certain." Ezerak says, "It does not seem to be changing." Xionara softly says, "This grass reminds me of Eu. And the unicorn grazing peacefully.. lovely." Xionara's ears perk up happily. Briaen nods in agreement. You beam at Xionara! Briaen asks you, "Shall we return then, and face whatever comes with this new day?" Imroth says, "Seems like a good place to be for the Anlas of Hodierna's Blessing." You smile at Briaen. You nod at Briaen, in complete agreement with his views. Ayrell nods at Imroth, obviously agreeing with his views. Briaen says, "Thank you all for joining in this attempt. The lesson learned here, I think, will be a heavy reminder for sometime." Imroth snaps to attention and hails Briaen with a crisp hand salute. Huebald nods to Briaen. Briaen gives a gracious nod. Ayrell nods politely to Briaen. Huebald says, "Take care all." Belzor nods to Briaen. Briaen nods politely to Ayrell. You say, "Safe paths to all of you." Ayrell nods politely to you. Imroth bows to you. You give a gracious nod. Miskton nods politely. You curtsy gracefully to Imroth. Briaen gazes off to the east. Huebald waves. Belzor bows to you. Nepenthe Huebald strolls west. You curtsy gracefully to Belzor. Ezerak nods politely to Briaen. Briaen says, "In witness of our faith and determination, we affix our intent and invoke the name of Berengaria, the Mother of Dawn, to guide our every step." Ezerak nods politely to you. Briaen nods politely to Ezerak. You nod graciously at Ezerak, giving him a polite smile. (Mendira gives Briaen a gentle nudge.) You quietly ask Briaen, "Shall we?" Briaen clears his throat. Xionara dusts herself off. Briaen says to you, "Of course." You follow Briaen east. [An Ancient Tree] Brilliant beams of multicolored light stream through irregular stained-glass windows, illuminating the intricate carvings which adorn the walls and dome of this cylindrical living chapel. A single, ornately engraved column grows from the center of the room and rises to meet the delicate arched ceiling. The subtle scent of rich wood and fertile soil heightens your perception of your place in the warm embrace of life. You also see a circular staircase and a fragile-looking book on a simple stand. Also here: Knight Penitent Briaen who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light. Obvious exits: out.