Zynell/Logs/Impromptu Dark Grove Discussion

Impromptu Dark Grove Discussion: Asking For Asildu Concealment

[Near Kaerna Village, A Dark Grove]

Around you grow trees in a circle so even and perfect they warrant suspicion. In the center of the grove is a deep pool, its surface smooth and glassy, undisturbed by the wind. Peering into it, it takes you a moment to realize that your face is not reflected in the pool and another to realize that neither are the trees. In fact, the only thing that can be seen are stars -- thousands and thousands of endless stars, some of which you know you have never seen in the sky above you. You also see a black obsidian altar with a rough obsidian bowl on it and a dirt path.

You grin.

You say, "Hello my wonderful Damaris followers."

You say, "I asked you here for a couple of reasons."

You say, "Firstly it has been a roisaen since we gathered and it is sometimes nice to see everyone together."

You grin.

Ryeka grins, revealing her dimples.

Gragnel nods to you.

Aerilia folds her arms across her chest.

You say, "Secondly we have been asked to host a rather unruly guest. The group wishes to hold Asildu here while they attempt an intervention."

Crobin smiles at Aerilia.

You say, "Which leads me to the third and main reason we are here."

Crobin nibbles on Leayne affectionately.

Ryeka nods. You say, "We need to ask the Dark Grove if it will attempt to conceal that which needs concealing."

You say, "Then if so, we need to prepare this area for our guests. Which will be a later discussion."

You say, "Our first step is the asking which is better done by all of us."

Gragnel gives you a slight nod.

You say, "It may seem silly to ask an area for permissions and assistance."

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

You say, "But as most of us know, this place is very alive. It is the place Damaris presence can be felt the most. It is deserving of our respect."

[Near Kaerna Village, A Dark Grove]

Around you grow trees in a circle so even and perfect they warrant suspicion. In the center of the grove is a deep pool, its surface smooth and glassy, undisturbed by the wind. Peering into it, it takes you a moment to realize that your face is not reflected in the pool and another to realize that neither are the trees. In fact, the only thing that can be seen are stars -- thousands and thousands of endless stars, some of which you know you have never seen in the sky above you. You also see a black obsidian altar with a rough obsidian bowl on it and a dirt path.

Also here: Vixith, Ectheleon, Primal Lady Zalinyar, Ryeka who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Shadow Mage Telamont, Pack Brother Ghust, Fearless Crobin, Dzive Asini Leayne, Healer Aerilia and Reverend Gragnel.

Ryeka nods in agreement.

You say, "It is a safe place for many of us. One which we want to share but also would be heartbroken to see in ruins."

You say, "Therefore we offer our respectful requests."

You say, "Please sit and meditate with me a moment."

Gragnel says, "This area is touched by Him and we are wishing His help with the secrecy of what we are doing. Of course, we should beseech him for such a great blessing."

Crobin says, "Heralds are smart they wouldn't dare ruin a place as this."

You sit down near a black obsidian altar.

Ectheleon takes a seat.

Aerilia takes a seat.

Vixith takes a seat.

Gragnel kneels down.

Crobin takes a seat.

Ryeka kneels down.

You say, "I have a few dream candles if staring at their flame helps."

Gragnel puts his cane in his bag.

Crobin scoots over a little closer to Leayne.

Ryeka bends forward and kisses a black obsidian altar.

Ectheleon says to Crobin, "Sadly, I never trust anyone to be smart."

Gragnel reverently lays his prayer tapestry at his feet, smoothing out its corners.

Gragnel sits down on the prayer tapestry.

You get a dream candle from inside a ditty bag.

Crobin nods to Ectheleon.

You quickly flick the switch on the back of the dragon, pointing it at a dream candle as flames shoot out the creature's mouth, making the candle quickly catch fire.

Gragnel pours some of his wine onto the altar. Oddly, the liquid seems to turn into a pale mist as it touches the altar. Gragnel takes a deep, long breath, and sighs.

Vixith closes her eyes and begins repeating a silly nonsense word, then shakes her head and sighs in frustration.

Ryeka clutches a pale silver prayer bead chain in her hand and closes her eyes in meditation.

Gragnel nods.

You say, "Close your eyes and listen to the Grove."

Leayne takes a seat.

You flick one ear back as though listening for something.

Crobin scoots over a little closer to Leayne.

You say, "Feel the gentle hum of the altar."

Leayne dimples at Crobin.

(Aerilia closes her eyes and slows her breathing.)

Crobin takes a deep breath.

Zalinyar takes a seat.

Zalinyar closes her eyes and begins repeating a silly nonsense word, then shakes her head and sighs in frustration.

A walnut panther bead suddenly detaches from Ryeka's prayer bead chain, spinning eerily in midair as it continues to set off a soft silver glow.

You say, "Hear the stillness of the pool."

Ectheleon takes a deep breath.

(Crobin closes his eyes and relaxes)

Telamont takes a seat near a black obsidian altar.

A burning dream candle's light grows much weaker.

Gragnel drinks a portion of some sacramental wine.

Gragnel gazes up at the sky.

You say, "Taste the air of protection and peace."

Gragnel lightly touches his panther pin as he says a quick prayer.

Vixith closes her eyes and begins repeating a silly nonsense word, then shakes her head and sighs in frustration.

Your ears sag slightly in relaxation, as you smile contentedly.

Ectheleon slowly empties his lungs.

From between two of the grove's tallest trees a pair of glowing eyes -- like those of a panther -- seem to appear. They blink once, and vanish.

Crobin's ears relax for a moment in obvious enjoyment.

(Zalinyar closes her eyes and focuses her attention on hearing, smelling and feeling the area around her.)

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

A walnut panther bead suddenly explodes into a shower of silver-grey luminance!

You say, "Now..."

You say, "Concentrate on the feelings you get when you are one with the shadows."

You say, "When you feel Damaris assured presence."

A burning dream candle's flame flutters slightly.

Leayne nods to Crobin.

You say, "When you know your aim is true."

(Crobin relaxes letting his mind relax...his reflexes take over)

You say, "When you are pulled from the darkest despairs in life."

You say, "When the darkness covers you but you know no fear here, only comfort and love are found in the darkness for us."

A burning dream candle dims drastically.

You hear some heavy breathing.

You say, "Consider the things that only Damaris knows."

You say, "Things you wish to remain secret."

You hear the voice of Crobin say, "The shadows welcome me...they cover me."

Leayne closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

You say, "Take comfort in his knowing smile, for you are safe here and your secrets are safe with him."

Zalinyar breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.

You say, "Now, family of Damaris."

A burning dream candle sputters suddenly and then goes out.

Aerilia closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Ryeka closes her eyes and begins repeating a silly nonsense word, then shakes her head and sighs in frustration.

You say, "Feel the question in your souls."

Gragnel seems to be concentrating intently on something.

You ask, "Will the Dark Grove offer these safeties and concealments to Asildu?"

You ask, "Will the Dark Grove welcome him as Damaris has welcomed us?"

Crobin says, "He is the protector."

Ryeka reaches out and touches a black obsidian altar.

You relax your ears for a moment, letting them sag slightly.

Gragnel says, "It is in Him who I place my heart and my fate. He is everything to me."

Gragnel reaches out and touches a black obsidian altar.

Zalinyar softly says, "He is the keeper of my darkness."

Crobin says, "He is the welcoming shadows."

You bow your head and say in a hushed voice, "Damaris, guard and protect the children this night."

Leayne reaches out and touches a black obsidian altar.

Ryeka softly says, "He took me in when there was no aid from mortals."

Gragnel reverently places some sacramental wine atop the obsidian altar.

Gragnel offers his wine to the gods in homage of their greatness.

You nod.

Ectheleon bows his head in acknowledgement.

You ponder.

You gaze at a black obsidian altar.

Ryeka begins to pray.

Leayne reverently places a heart-shaped chocolate atop the obsidian altar.

Crobin smiles.

You say, "We ask difficult questions, for it is not just a matter of willingness, but can the Dark Grove offer the protection needed."

You bow your head and say in a hushed voice, "Damaris, guard and protect the children this night."

Leayne grins at Crobin, her dimples flashing into view.

Leayne nods to Crobin.

Gragnel ponders.

You say, "It is oddly quiet, and i think we would do well to let the questions sit for a time."

Gragnel glances at an anloral panther pin.

Ryeka nods.

Crobin says, "Questions are always best when thought over."

Aerilia gives a slight nod.

You nod.

Gragnel gives a slight nod.

Ectheleon nods.

Ryeka says, "Damaris is watching: We saw his eyes."

An odd rumbling sound fills the grove -- if you didn't know better, you'd say it was purring!

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Crobin says, "Damaris is not one to react without a reason."

Gragnel says, "Hard questions often do not have easy answers."

You smile.

Leayne smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Ryeka says, "And seems to approve."

You nod.

Crobin nods.

(Zalinyar opens her eyes and glances peacefully at the pool)

You ask, "Of our returning for answers though?"

Zalinyar softly says, "Sometimes, silence is the answer."

Ryeka nods to Zalinyar.

Zalinyar says, "The Grove has not shown objection."

Gragnel says, "A fair point, indeed."

Zalinyar says, "The peacefulness is palpable here at this time."

Leayne nods to Zalinyar.

Ectheleon nods in agreement.

Ryeka nods.

Crobin says, "So silent I am not use to it."

Zalinyar nods to Crobin.

You say, "If you have time between our gatherings, please stop by here and tell the Dark Grove of the secrecy and shadows we need."

Gragnel nods to you.

Ryeka nods to you.

Crobin nods to you.

Crobin says, "Damaris does not react without a cause."

Crobin says, "I am sure he will answer us in time."

Gragnel has accepted your offer and is now holding a Damaris dusk berry.

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Zalinyar nods to you.

Ryeka reaches out and touches a black obsidian altar.

Ryeka reaches out and touches a black obsidian altar.

Ryeka reaches out and touches a black obsidian altar.

Ryeka reaches out and touches a black obsidian altar.

Gragnel reverently places a Damaris dusk berry atop the obsidian altar.

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Gragnel begins to pray.

Leayne sighs.

You say, "Many thanks for joining me on such short notice."

Gragnel gets a glowing Damaris orb from atop a black obsidian altar.

Aerilia smiles.

Leayne grins at Crobin, her dimples flashing into view.

Zalinyar smiles at you, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Gragnel puts his orb in his leather longcoat.

Crobin just kissed a black obsidian altar!

You stand back up.

Aerilia stands up.

Leayne stands up.

Ectheleon stands up.

Vixith stands up.

Vixith smiles.

Telamont stands up.

Gragnel says, "A pleasure to share the faith with all of you once again, my thanks for your particpation and involvement."

Ryeka says, "I believe I shall spend time here. The last time was after I spent time up in Therenborough."

Ryeka stands up.

You grin at Ryeka.

You nod in agreement.

Ryeka grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

Vixith says, "I have learned much here, today. Thank you."

Ryeka reaches out and touches a black obsidian altar.