Great Moot 396

A Rakash announcer expounds loudly in Rakash about something he obviously finds exciting. A human trailing behind him quietly translates into Common, "He said, 'The Rakash Moot starts in 15 roisen at the Ancient Tower near cougars and everyone is invited!' ....hey! Wait up!" He quickly runs after the Rakash who is oblivious. Lanita recites:

"Welcome everyone to The Great Moot of 396! Hosted by Agustawne Girene Dzirta and your favorite Order because I said so, Tavern Troupe!"

Lanita whistles a merry tune. A well-dressed servant wanders in, directing a pair of workers as they carry in a box of gifts and set it down. "Compliments of the Tavern Troupe Performing Order," she says before wandering off. Lots of people take gifts! You reach into a box of gifts bearing the crest of the Tavern Troupe Performing Order and feel around for a moment. Your hand closes around something! As you slowly pull your arm free, you find yourself with a pair of black satin nauda! Lanita says, "They see gifts and go gaga." Traditional Rakash footwear , the nauda boast a pliant yet sturdy sole of thick suede providing a small measure of comfort for weary feet. Twin sandal straps cross over the top and fasten to a pair of emerald set ivory buckles, securing the footwear and adding a touch of colorful ornamentation. There appears to be something written on it. A pair of black satin nauda reads: "May you remember your roots no matter how far you travel." Penderrin exclaims, "Rakash shoes!" Lanita says, "For those that don't know or cannot tell Nauda are.. yes, footwear." Skizzy says, "Oh ..." Sajuta puts a pair of black satin nauda onto her feet. You rub a pair of sleek black riding boots with bronze tips. Rozze exclaims, "Oh how nice!" (Naea stops trying to put the Nauda on her head) Chinoa laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement. Naea hums to herself. Sajuta exclaims, "And they have pockets!" Sajuta bounces around happily. Alexii says, "The nauda are a special request I had made since they are quite rare here in the East." Azmina says, "May you remember your roots no matter how far you travel." Chandore says, "Not the same while human." Azmina says, "Nice." Maritje says, "I like inscription. Very nice." Chandore shrugs. Alexii says, "I'd really like to thank you all for coming out to our Moot this year." Alexii says, "Its been a year since our last moot, and I am glad to see that it has grown to encompass more of our people." Silvwyn says, "I didn't even realize there were so many of us.." Silvwyn studies the faces around her. Chandore says to Alexii, "Not many older Rakash." Azmina says, "Niether did I." Alexii says, "You may first wonder why we commence these Moots in common, when we have our own tongue to speak. I do this for our gathered guests who have come to learn of us and our ways." Alexii says, "They respect us by joining, and thus we will respect them by accepting them." Alexii smiles. Lanita nods in agreement. Sajuta smiles at Alexii. Alexii says, "I would like to begin with a prayer if I may..." Alexii says, "I would like for you to join me." Alexii smiles. Bunches of people kneel down and a few look west. Chinoa gazes at Alexii. Chandore scratches distractedly at his beard. (Alexii spreads his arms wide, opening his palms to the sky.) Alexii says, "Coshivi, Enelne, Mrod..." Narkonis checks his armor and prays that Coshivi will protect him in battle. Alexii says, "On this day, your people ask of you to smile on our gathering. To grace us on this day of celebration of your people." Alexii says, "Join me in facing west, please..." A lot of people gaze off to the west. Alexii says, "We do this to honor our home from whence we came..." A straggler or two look west. Alexii says, "To remember...." Alexii says, "The path we have traveled." Alexii says, "And how far we have come, thanks to your blessings." Alexii gazes up at the sky. Alexii says, "Afis, Turnstil, Varna...." Two stragglers fidget and kneel. Alexii says, "Thank you." Alexii beams! Lanita grins. Naea mutters something into the air about also favours would be super. Alexii pats Naea on the back. (Naea nods to the West) Chinoa whispers a prayer from her mouth into the wind, certain it will reach Enelne's ear. Naea hums to herself. Lanita says, "So, those unaware of our traditions, have no fear. We will teach you." Lanita says, "Naea will have a story and Chinoa will elaborate on our Gods. Do pay attention, we'll be having trivia for gifts as well." Lanita says, "In case you've not smelled to notice, we've plenty of food and gifts so feel free to them." Lanita exclaims, "And all you, even non Rakash will have a chance at howling your best with the requested Howl Contest!" (Naea hoots) Lanita says, "It will be so cute to see Elves howl." Chinoa quietly says to Naea, "Howl... she said howl..." Alexii says, "We all agreed it was a wonderful idea." Naea looks at Chinoa and blushes. Azmina throws her head back and howls! Lanita says, "It can be something like..." Alexii says, "And to make it sorta fair...we're not in moonskin." Alexii winks. A howl echoes about you as a wolf calls to her kind! Achkilles exclaims in Rakash, "Here we are!" (Lanita lifts her head begins to howl. Suddenly realizing she is no longer in Moonskin it quiets into a low whine and she hides her face. ) Lanita blushes a bright red color. Lanita says, "Something umpthin like that." Lanita says, "So." Lanita says, "Work on that, we'll make it near last for you all to think it over." Chinoa quietly says to Naea, "You can sleep now..." Chinoa clears her throat. Naea says, "Also there will be a story contest so if you have any stories, now's the time to start remembering them."

J>look [Ancient Tower, Exterior] The round base of a massive stone tower rests among the cracked rocks and rubble which have worked their way loose from brittle mortar and have fallen to rest at the great structure's feet. Silverleaf vines slink up from the dry soil and interweave to form a massive living wall, perhaps the only element bracing the ancient tower from collapsing into a heap of stones and dust. A gaping archway on the west side of the tower is all that remains of the wooden doorway which once hung there. You also see a box of gifts bearing the crest of the Tavern Troupe Performing Order, a long serving table with some stuff on it, a Tavern Troupe refreshment cart with some stuff on it, a pale pink chintz cloth with some stuff on it, a soft green leaf-print cloth with some stuff on it and a worn path. Also here: a lot of people. Obvious paths: none.

Derivan says, "Once there was a man from..." Derivan ponders. Derivan scratches his head.. Skizzy says, ".... Safrass! Oh wait ..." Zaslamel says, "Rivercrossing." Skizzy shifts uncomfortably for a moment. Zaslamel grins at Derivan. Derivan glances at Alexii. Derivan grins. Derivan takes a sip of his ale.

As the strength of Derivan's voice grows, you find that you are able to distinguish words amongst the babble.... Derivan chants in a steady, lyrical voice:

  "Sing with me and you will see,
   What it is like to be other than thee.
   Understand, but do not speak,
   Those secrets normally beyond your reach.
   But if alone you wish to stand,
   You will remain a deafened, solitary man."

As the chorus reaches its conclusion, your awareness of the words once apparent in the song diminishes, lost once again.

Alexii says, "Now, please welcome Chinoa..." Chinoa gazes at Derivan. Chinoa flashes a quick grin. Chinoa quietly says, "You'll all need to scoot a little closer, I can't speak that loudly.." Several people scoot over a little closer to Chinoa. (Lanita gushes happily in Chinoa's direction. ) Lanita says, "Awwr." Chinoa quietly asks, "Now then.. are you sitting.." She pauses and turns to Naea "That's my foot your on..." Then turns back to the gathering. "Are you sitting comfortably?" Vicktoreon smiles as he leans back against the tower wall and listens intently. Chinoa winks at Naea. Naea flails her arms about. Lanita says, "We SO need a bonfire." Lanita squirms. Zaslamel gets an emerald-eyed cinder beast with polished hematite claws from inside his oilcloth rucksack. Zaslamel rubs his cinder beast, looking deep in thought. Vicktoreon says to Lanita, "Would be nice." Vicktoreon nods at Lanita, obviously agreeing with her views. Zaslamel asks, "Fire?" Achkilles forages around the area for a while until he finds a log. Lanita says, "I don't have those lighter things." Zaslamel forages around the area for a while until he finds a log. Loukno calmly says, "I have a flint if you would like." Zaslamel drops a log. Malfrien says, "Can put a war mage with mantle in the middle." Zaslamel points his cinder beast at a log and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the log quickly catch fire. Achkilles drops a log. Malfrien says, "Instant bon fire." Alexii forages around the area for a while and manages to collect a pile of logs. Chinoa quietly says, "Now, originaly.. I was asked to tell you all about our Gods.. our traditions surrounding them... what they represent. Things like that, however when I look around, I can see a number of us Rakash sitting around me that can impart that knowledge just as easily as I." Zaslamel says, "There we go." (Zaslamel points at the fire) Chinoa quietly says, "So, instead of just lecturing you all to tears, let's see just how much you all know already." Zaslamel says to Sajuta, "I knew that thing would come in handy." Chinoa quietly asks, "Shout out if you know... who the great pack leader is?" Chinoa gazes up at the sky. Azmina says, "Mrod." Chinoa quietly says, "That's right.. and what does Mrod symbolise to us. What does he mean to one of us Rakash in our every day lives." Chinoa quietly says, "Can anyone answer that? Perhaps one of our none Rakash guests? Or are you going to be lectured dispite my best efforts.." (long, possibly embarrassed pause) Azmina says, "He is the keeper of the skies and all above. His spirit soars everywhere and sees all." Naea quietly says to Azmina, "Teacher's pet." Chinoa flashes a quick grin at Azmina. Chinoa nods to Naea. Chinoa pats Azmina on the back. Azmina looks downright miserable. Azmina exclaims, "I am no pet!" Azmina winks at Chinoa. Azmina bounces from where she is sitting! Azmina leaps to her feet! Chinoa quietly asks, "Well now, she's right though... How about in our every day life, what do we have Mrod to thank for?" Azmina says, "That wasn't funny." Malfrien says, "Our moonskin." Loukno calmly asks, "He grants your natural forms, does he not?" Chinoa praises Malfrien. Lanita says to Azmina, "Pick a number 1-20." Azmina says, "17." Lanita rummages through a dusty oilcloth rucksack with rough leather straps but it's clear she hasn't a clue if what she is looking for is there. Chinoa quietly says, "That's exactly it. Mrod is the great pack leader. He sees all, watching over us from the sky. It is thanks to him that we can return to our natural form when Katamba is full." Chinoa quietly says, "He also looks after all the souls that are returned to him, letting them view the world by his side." Lanita gets a billowing black silk cloak from inside her oilcloth rucksack. Lanita offers Azmina a billowing black silk cloak. Chinoa quietly asks, "Now then... Who can tell me a little about Enelne?" Malfrien says, "She watches over all that is the realm of nature and reproduction." Vicktoreon says, "I know we seek her blessing during our marriage rituals." Lancel says, "Patron of Scholars and storytellers." Loukno calmly says, "Ah, she is the patron of scholars and storytellers." Loukno nods emphatically. Ticrit says, "And ya wouldn;t wanna tick her off." Chinoa quietly says, "We do indeed! And yes, she is indeed the patron of scholars and storytellers." Kesava asks, "What is this fratvarit....and is it safe for humans?" Alexii says, "Such informed guests we have." Chinoa flashes a quick grin at Ticrit. Chinoa nods to Alexii. Aeviona nods to Kesava. Achkilles says, "Where you see butterflies, she is there." Azmina says, "Her symbol is the turinstil." Chinoa quietly says, "Well now, it seems you all know plenty about Enelne." Alexii says to Kesava, "Might be a bit much for ya... give it a try." Lanita offers Malfrien a bright orange cookie bag. Kesava licks a glass of fratvarit. Malfrien accepts Lanita's cookie bag.. Sajuta says to Kesava, "Probably tastes a little funny to you, but yes, it's safe." Malfrien beams at Lanita! Vicktoreon takes a sip of his fratvarit. The tips of Vicktoreon's ears take on a slightly rosy hue. Kesava says, "Apples and peppers....not a combination I've tried." Lanita motions toward a heavy carafe of fine red fratvarit which is on a long serving table. Chinoa quietly asks, "There is one more thing that she.. shall we say... looks after for us. Can anyone tell me what that is?" Derivan says, "Ale is safe too." Chinoa quietly says, "It sums up all of these things you've mentioned so far." Lanita grins at Chinoa. Purple flames waver across the fire on the ground. Chinoa flashes a quick grin at Lanita. Azmina says, "Our children." Chinoa nods to Azmina. Chinoa quietly says, "Oh yes, she especialy does that.." Chinoa quietly says, "Simply put, she looks after Growth. Nature, if you will." Kesava takes a sip of his fratvarit. Kesava's lower jaw juts forward in a half grimace as he shivers slightly. Kesava coughs. Kesava says, "Maybe I should sip......" Chinoa quietly says, "Everything that can be cultivated and that can grow, from the crops you plant to the children you have. Also your spiritual growth, the growth you do not see everyday..." Kesava says, "Tastes a lit better than survivor's ale that's for certain." Kesava says, "Err lot....wow this must be stronger than I thought.....already affecting my speech." Chinoa quietly says, "She looks after all of these things. Which is why we ask her for her blessings during marrage, as this is both a spiritual growth and.. ah.. well yes, anyway.." Chinoa blushes a bright red color. Chinoa clears her throat. Lanita gets a black lace haversack clasped with a tiny pearl rose from inside her oilcloth rucksack. Malfrien says, "Dont need to go there." Vicktoreon says, "After marriage, buy anyway...." Chinoa quietly says, "Indeed... now.. the last of our Gods is Coshivi. Who can tell me a little about him..." Alexii gets a mosaic cambrinth medallion depicting the image of Coshivi's badger from inside a soft suede toolkit. Aeviona asks, "Is that the badger?" Malfrien says, "He offers council to our leaders...and watches us in battle." Alexii absentmindedly rubs his cambrinth medallion, deep in thought. Lancel says, "Patron to the young as they come of age." Ywolf says, "Warriro, trader, thief, etc, etc." Narkonis says, "Our patron of battle, always seen in moonskin." Sajuta says, "He looks over that which doesn't grow when cultivated.." Ywolf says, "Oh last things pack leader and hunter." Zaslamel says, "He is the god of hunters, Pack chiefs, warriors.. Overseer of all that does not grow when cultivated.. He is a special patron to the young as they comd of age." Alexii softly says, "He is a guide in all we struggle to accomplish." The fire on the ground burns with a comforting glow. Zaslamel says, "Come of age as well." Chinoa quietly says, "I'm glad to see many of you are more knowledgable about this then I thought you would be! A pleasent suprise indeed." The fire on the ground burns with a comforting glow. Lanita gets a gold afis ring from inside her lace haversack. Lanita offers Vicktoreon a gold afis ring. Vicktoreon accepts Lanita's afis ring. Vicktoreon says to Lanita, "Thank you." Kesava asks, "Do my ears change colors too?" Sajuta shakes her head. Kesava says, "I can't see em from here." Kesava shrugs. Sajuta says to Kesava, "You just make silly faces." The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Kesava wryly asks, "How can ya tell?" Kesava flashes a wide grin. Vicktoreon says to Achkilles, "No getting lost like normal." Aeviona says to Sajuta, "That's how he always looks." Chinoa quietly says, "Now.. yes, you have managed to mention everything I believe. He is the one who guides our young fro mchildhood into adulthood. He is indeed always in moonskin, and he is the patron of many that do not fall within Enelne's broad domain of 'growth'." Chinoa flashes a quick grin. Ywolf says to Zaslamel, "A bit of a bad habit I got from my mother she can drink a thirsty dwarf or tog under the table." Loukno softly asks, "Pardon, might I ask a question about that, for my own education?" Chinoa nods to Loukno. Chinoa quietly says, "Surely, ask away." Loukno calmly asks, "He oversees the young from childhood to adulthood, is that not a stage of growth?" Chinoa smiles at Loukno. Ywolf says, "Ah." Chinoa quietly says, "It is, and that is a good question indeed." Chinoa ponders. Lanita says, "It is but nothing saying the Gods cannot coorperate." Derivan says, "For some it is a time of regression." Lanita says, "It is good you ask questions." Alexii says, "He oversees the coming of age specficly, as it is one of our endevors." Lanita says, "I like watching him drink Fratvarit." Lanita points at Kesava. Kesava says, "I'm gonna cover the funny faces now." Kesava gets a tiger-faced bone mask from inside his oilcloth rucksack. Malfrien says to Alexii, "That does make sense." Kesava puts a tiger-faced bone mask on his head. Alexii says, "And by way of that, it is often said that he oversees the change into adulthood." Loukno calmly says, "Very interesting, thank you for clarifying." Lanita says, "Awr." Kesava lowers his head, bares his teeth and lets loose with a guttural snarl that sounds frighteningly like a mountain lion. Chinoa quietly says, "Coshivi is the hunter, above all else. During the time when our children become adults, they are sent to hunt alone. This... while a stage of growth, is considered mroe important for the hunt to go well, and for us not to lose a child while he hunts alone for the first time." Loukno nods to Chinoa. Chinoa quietly says, "Atleast, that is how I view it." Chinoa smiles. Alexii nods to Chinoa. The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Lanita whispers to your group, "There is a ceremony to it. The coming of age when they actually send them out to hunt on their own for their first time." Loukno calmly says, "All very sound interpretations, forgive my interuption." Rozze says, "Prydaen have something like that." Lanita whispers to your group, "So while it is a time of growth it is more so a time of battle because they are fighting on their own. " Alexii says, "Many people have a time where the child becomes adult, often this time is seen as a trial or goal of sorts." Chinoa quietly says, "Indeed. There are many things that are alike between Rakash and Prydaen culture. The largest change is when we become adults." Lanita whispers to your group, "I didn't want to interrupt outloud for you, Chinoa" Kesava says, "I remember my change when I became an adult....." Kesava says, "I grew a beard." Kesava nods. The wind ruffles Kesava's beard and he reaches up to smooth it back down. Malfrien says, "I'll be going intot eh Void." Malfrien shrugs. Loukno angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Malfrien. Chinoa quietly says, "The Prydaens, when we both lived in the west, I believe... used to live largely solitary lives, away from cities and civilization. Where as we Rakash would grow closer together, becoming the pack." Alexii whispers to your group, "better take any mroe questions before we continue" Quirrisse says, "So Coshivi is the one who sees that we grow strong enough to take on responsibility and protect and serve the pack as an adult, rather than to be protected as a child." Loukno calmly says to Chinoa, "Mostly true, though we still did have central locations we would come back to, small cities and the like." The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Alexii says to Quirrisse, "That is one way to see it yes." Sajuta asks, "Hubs, right?" Loukno nods to Sajuta. Chinoa quietly says to Loukno, "Thank you, my knowledge is second hand and learnt a few years ago now..." Naea says, "Of course the cynic might argue that the Clerics keep it vague so they can lecture us." Chinoa quietly asks, "Does anyone else have any questions?" Kesava asks, "I have a question now that you have mentioned that....is the pack mentality of the rakash anythin like the pack mentality of wolves?" Chinoa ponders. Alexii smiles. Loukno angles his ears forward in curiosity. Alexii says, "There are similarities, yes." The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Kesava nods to Alexii. Chinoa quietly says, "Very losely. if you wished to simplify it, you could suggest that yes." Chinoa smiles. Alexii says, "But that is no different then any social group in many way." You feel your Parry Ability knowledge grow under Alexii's able and dedicated tutelage. Narkonis says, "Dun believe we kill the former alpha's children when someone new takes position as Alpha." Alexii says, "There is an established leader, and the pack support them." Narkonis snickers. Achkilles says, "I'm no expert on wolves.. but it seems to me, you never see them NOT in a pack." Kesava says, "Well I understand the wolves a little.....I'm assumin ya have a different way of greeting each other though....never have noticed a rakash sniffin at a another's....well ya know." Chinoa gazes up at the sky. Alexii laughs! Chinoa taps the center of her forehead as she prays, "Mrod guide." The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Achkilles says, "Whereas we have the choice of being in a pack, or..... less organized." Derivan says, "Well there is the addage of the -- lone wolf." Lanita says, "No, while there are similarities to those outward looking in, we are NOT wolves." Narkonis says to Derivan, "Ronin." Alexii says, "There are greetings that some packs share, but they do not include... that." Kesava says, "Good ya ain't wolves.....I'd have to kill all the cougars to feed this group." Alexii says, "The thing youre most likely to notice is the change in speech when a Rakash is among the people or the pack." Rozze says, "I'll have some cougar." Chinoa quietly asks, "No indeed, we are far from it. For one thing we cook?" Chinoa glances at Naea. Chinoa quietly says, "Some of us anyway." Chinoa grumbles. Lanita says, "A lot of Rakash here today are not from the old days. Least I'm not. I came after the Barrier... We like me learn only what we can from what scraps we are left to take." Malfrien ponders cougar burger Alexii says, "We use broader words, to explain a group feeling as opposed to the individual." Lanita says, "Nothing saying you can't be wolfish. If that is your preference." Chinoa quietly asks, "Does anyone else have any questions, before we move on to something involving... dare I say it.. fun and bards?" Lanita says, "Just do your research as many of us have been guided to do so before." Kyenchiro says to Sajuta in Rakash, "Oh for Mrod's sake! If I'd known you were here I'd have just shifted a moonbeam to you." Sajuta asks Kyenchiro in Rakash, "Where else was I going to be?" Kesava says to Alexii, "So you get to be a member of the rakash pack and the ranger pack....lucky you." Chinoa quietly says, "Well then.. I'll make one more comment on the Gods before I pass over to someone else.." Lanita asks, "Does everyone here know of the Barrier? How the Rakash and the Prydaen came to be here?" You say, "My parents told me of it..." The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Sajuta says to Lanita, "I saw the play they had about the barrier a long while back." Achkilles says, "Sadly, we see the consequences of the barrier's fall every day,walking the streets." Alexii says, "It has not fallen..." Zaslamel says, "Its just been compromised." Achkilles asks, "Breached?" Loukno calmly says, "The Prydaen guardians were sent to rejoin the Wheel, weakening it." Alexii says, "I will be clear. It has been fractured, and breached." Zaslamel says, "That's the better word." Loukno's ears droop for a moment. Alexii says, "But it stands." Lanita says, "Yes, a sad and traumatic story. I just want to be sure we all are aware of this as this is partly what a moot is about. Remembering those that fell to provide us this and our future's safety. The Barrier isn't fallen. It was breached. There is a difference." Kyenchiro says, "We'd likely be much worse off now had it completely fallen." Achkilles shudders. Lanita says, "Not only do I want to be sure you all remember those even if you know not their names but I want you all to also remember why they had to." Lanita says, "Please, remember to resist Lyras and fight against her everyday." Lanita says, "That's all the serious talk I had to say." Kesava says, "Death to the undead....wait...they are already dead......" Kesava scratches his head. Alexii gazes up at the sky. Kesava asks, "Re-death to the undead?" Kyenchiro says, "Release to the undead." Kyenchiro nods. Naea says, "Release." Chinoa quietly says, "Right... lastly... before that promised hand over.." Chinoa nods. Achkilles says, "Release them from their fate." Chinoa taps the center of her forehead as she prays, "Mrod guide." The fire on the ground burns with a comforting glow. Malfrien checks his armor and prays that Coshivi will protect him in battle. Kesava says, "Tis a bittersweet thing to have to release a rakash or prydaen." Chinoa quietly says, "One major difference, between our Gods and the Immortals, is the lack of light and dark aspects. This is important to remember when thinking of them. I had to question once, if it was possible to worship our Gods and one of the Immortals. I have decided, with a little guidence, that to do so is in no way disrespectful to either set of Gods. It is possible for both to hold a place within your heart and your soul, and it is your own choice to make if you wish to worship one or the other solely.." Chinoa smiles. Ywolf says, "They are not alive or dead but inbetween thus undead." Chinoa quietly says, "Anyway, I think perhaps it better we move onto less serious things now..." Chinoa flashes a quick grin. Chinoa glances at Lanita. Chinoa glances at Naea. Lanita asks, "Hm?" Naea whispers to your group, "What's next?" Chinoa whispers to your group, "Game? Stories?" Ywolf exclaims, "More fratvarit!" Kesava says, "Gods....Immortals....just don't do against any of em.....or might as well side with Lyras." Lanita whispers to your group, "Howl Contest?" Naea nods to Lanita. Chinoa flashes a quick grin at Lanita. Naea whispers to your group, "Why not, get them active before they have to listen again" Chinoa nods to Naea. Lanita exclaims, "So!" Chinoa takes a seat near Naea. Lanita exclaims, "Anyone ready with their howls?!" Lanita grins ear-to-ear. Chandore raises an eyebrow. Chinoa flashes a quick grin at Lanita. Lanita smiles placing a hand to her ear. Loukno angles his ears forward in curiosity. Lanita grins slowly. Rozze throws her head back and howls! Naea makes a feeble attempt to imitate an owl. Kesava grins at Naea. Rozze throws her head back and howls! Naea flails her arms about. Chinoa laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement. Quirrisse grins at Naea. Kesava emits a strange grunt. Kyenchiro chuckles. Lanita says, "I mentioned in the beginning that we'd do a Howling Contest." Rozze shifts uncomfortably for a moment. Chinoa quietly says to Naea, "Howl... Naea.. not hoot..." Chinoa rubs Naea's neck. Achkilles begins chortling at Chinoa. Chinoa quietly says to Naea, "How much have you had to drink anyway..." Lanita says, "It was requested anonymously to us to do." Chinoa looks thoughtfully at Naea. Kyenchiro says, "Well, if Katamba were full and not new, the howls would be much better." Chinoa nods to Lanita. Kyenchiro chuckles. Naea asks Chinoa, "Enough to be endearing but not annoying?" Kesava throws his head back and howls, sounding remarkably like a real wolf! Chinoa laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement. Malfrien chortles softly at some secret joke. Ywolf throws his head back and howls! Lanita says, "All are welcomed and I dare any other race to howl thier best above us Rakash." A howl echoes about you as a wolf calls to his kind! Alexii says, "As I said, If we were in moonskin we would have an unfair advantage over our guests." Chinoa nods to Alexii. Alexii whispers to your group, "lets just do it and see how it goes, have people whisper to you that wants to compete" Eyes unfocused, Loukno raises one hand before him in a studied gesture. Loukno calmly says, "Perhaps a beam of beautiful Katamba to act as inspiration..." Loukno gestures. An oozing pool of darkness collects at your feet. (Naea howl from the back of her throat, low and deep the sound seems to carry about the tower, reverberating through you until it fades softly away into the night) Lanita flashes a wide grin. Chinoa shivers. Sajuta beams at Naea! Naea says to Chinoa, "See, no slurring, can't be that drunk." Chinoa laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement. Kyenchiro asks, "How drunk would you have to be to slur a howl?" Lanita exclaims, "Nice Naea!" Naea whispers to your group, "Done" Raising his fratvarit to Naea, Achkilles gives her a toast. (Sajuta throws her head back in an attempt to howl that sounds more like a wounded yelp. You've heard empaths make this sound at least a few times before.) Lanita says, "I wonder if anyone could imitate a drunk howl." Lanita says, "Awr." Jerodan throws his head back and howls! Kyenchiro says, "ArooooowoooowwwwwI'mdrunk." (Naea tries to howl but no sound comes out, she falls over instead and hangs onto the ground for dear life) Naea falls over. Kyenchiro blinks at Naea. Naea whimpers softly. (Loukno throws his head back, his mane spilling over his shoulders. His eyes going pure black as he brings his hand before him in a studied gesture, finding his center he howls in a high-pitch, a slight purr coming from his core mixing with the haunting sound.) Narkonis whispers to your group, "thankee for extending the invite to this fine Moot for my kin and i, but i'm being called back to Therengia." Kyenchiro says, "Alright, alright. Give me a little room here." Sajuta grins at Loukno. Malfrien rubs Loukno gently, massaging his muscles. Rozze clears her throat. (Alexii releases a bellowing howl that rumbles the fratvarit in his hand, causing it to spill.) Malfrien says to Loukno, "That sounds like it hurt." Alexii winces. Rozze exclaims, "Mooooo!" Naea sits up. Loukno calmly says to Malfrien, "A little bit, my vocal chords are not made for that." Sajuta says to Alexii, "That's alcohol abuse." Alexii says, "I know right..." Malfrien exclaims to Alexii, "Alcohol abuse!" Lanita says, "So cute." Alexii holds hands with Chinoa. (Kyenchiro raises his face to the sky and lets loose a long, trailing, almost mournful how that echoes off of the walls of the tower and into the night skies.) (Chinoa leans backwards and lets out a quiet, low howl that is hard to hear over the spluttering fire.) Lanita gazes at Kyenchiro. Lanita grins at Chinoa. Chinoa clears her throat. Alexii rubs Chinoa gently, massaging her muscles. Chinoa smiles. Purple flames waver across the fire on the ground. Kyenchiro pats Chinoa on the back. Chinoa blushes a bright red color. Alexii recites:

   "If you're just now arriving, dont forget to grab a gift and a glass of fratvarit."

Fingers of flame leap up from the fire on the ground. Kyenchiro exclaims, "Oooh, that's something. I have dress shoes now!" Sajuta grins at Kyenchiro. Kyenchiro gazes at his nauda. Sajuta teasingly says to Kyenchiro, "Now if only you had somewhere to go." Kyenchiro asks Sajuta, "Well, I'm here, no?" Kyenchiro grins. Sajuta says to Kyenchiro, "And I was shocked! ...well, almost." Kyenchiro chuckles. Kyenchiro just tickled Sajuta, who laughs and returns the favor. Sajuta just tickled Kyenchiro, who laughs and returns the favor. (Zaslamel glances around at all the other people assembled, a slight smile playing across his face. Suddenly, he snaps his head back and releases a deep howl, the veins on his neck straining against the surface of his skin) Kesava whistles a few soft, twittering notes. Kyenchiro says to Sajuta, "I do, on rare occasions, actually leave Haven." Chinoa praises Zaslamel. Achkilles grins at Kyenchiro. Naea gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer. Sajuta beams in loving admiration at Zaslamel! Chinoa quietly says to Zaslamel, "I'd expect no less from a barbarian." Kyenchiro pats Zaslamel on the back. Zaslamel grins at Chinoa. (Heplythea lets loose a immature, almost childish, howl.) Zaslamel quietly says, "I think.. i need a drink now." Zaslamel takes a sip of his wine. Lanita is giggling at you. Lanita asks, "Is that all the entries before we decide?" Malfrien clears his throat. (Malfrien throws his head back and lets loose with a gutteral howl that echoes back from the hollows of the ancient tower, gradualy fading off into a low growl.) Malfrien hums to himself. Mahwel throws his head back and howls! A howl echoes about you as a wolf calls to his kind! Lanita exclaims, "Must have more oomph!" Aeviona smiles softly before her lips round out and her head tilts up to the sky. She takes in a deep breath, bending her knees a little, before slowly releasing a haunting note that slides with wistful longing of one soul searching for another. Kyenchiro says, "Pssh. Put your lungs into it." Lanita gasps! Lanita grins at Aeviona. Aeviona blushes a bright red color. Kyenchiro whistles low. Naea grins. Kesava asks, "Does a howl count if ya can't see me do it?" Loukno grins at Aeviona. Sajuta grins at Aeviona. Kesava shrugs. Lanita asks, "What?" Lanita snickers. A howl echoes about you as a wolf calls to his kind! Kyenchiro says, "Well, we have to hear it." Chinoa gazes at Mahwel. Mahwel peers quizzically at Chinoa. Lanita says, "Keep that energy up, I'll most likely ask you guys to howl again." Naea grins. Malfrien says, "Better hit more frat." Alexii exclaims, "Drink more!" Lanita asks, "Anymore entries?" Naea takes a sip of her fratvarit. Malfrien nods to Alexii. Chinoa chortles softly at some secret joke. Alexii guzzles down some of his fratvarit and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve. Chandore casually observes the area. Chinoa whimpers softly. Chinoa quietly says to Naea, "No more tea..." A burning log in a fire burns out and crumbles away. Loukno fidgets nervously. Alexii gets a log from a pile on the ground. Alexii adds a log to a fire. The log smolders in the fire. The log in the fire bursts into flames. Purple flames waver across the fire on the ground. Loukno calmly asks Naea, "Were you looking for tea?" Alexii points his cinder beast at a slim platinum-foiled cigarillo and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the cigarillo quickly catch fire. Chinoa gawks at Loukno. Loukno angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Chinoa. Chinoa quietly says, "No! not her.. for the love of Mrod don't give it to her.." A slim burning cigarillo's light grows much weaker. Alexii inhales the smoke from his burning cigarillo deeply. Alexii exhales some tobacco smoke. Light and refreshing, the cool scent is reminiscent of an icy mountaintop breeze, carried on a snow-white plume of smoke. Chinoa quietly says, "She'll just pour it away.. or put alcohol in it.." Naea nods to Chinoa. Chinoa stretches out a hand imploringly to Loukno. Loukno nods to Chinoa. Loukno gets a mug of vanilla-spiced tea from inside his leather backpack. Kyenchiro chuckles. Loukno calmly says to Chinoa, "I brought a bit with me." Chinoa accepts Loukno's vanilla-spiced tea. Chinoa quietly says to Loukno, "Thank you.." Loukno calmly says to Chinoa, "Just happy someone else appreciates a good cup of tea." Loukno grins at Chinoa. Chinoa lets out a deep sigh of contentment. Kesava asks, "Anyone for fresh juice?" Malfrien chuckles. Malfrien offers Loukno a mug of vanilla-spiced tea. Loukno beams at Malfrien! Loukno accepts Malfrien's vanilla-spiced tea. Loukno calmly says to Malfrien, "Thank you." Loukno hugs Malfrien, who wraps his arms around Loukno with a warm smile. Malfrien says, "Very welcome." Malfrien hugs Loukno, who wraps his arms around Malfrien with a warm smile. Chinoa quietly says to Loukno, "Oh you have no idea, truely.. thank you. I can't touch a drop of alcohol, so Naea drinks that for me while I sip tea." Mahwel says, "The way it appears people are drinking that they had to spread it out for it to last." Loukno's eyelids droop as he trills briefly in warm content. Kesava offers Chinoa some apple juice. Chinoa accepts Kesava's apple juice. Kesava smiles. Chinoa beams at Kesava! Loukno nods to Chinoa. Kesava says, "Fresh as it gets." Alexii puffs on his burning cigarillo. Chinoa flashes a quick grin at Kesava. Loukno calmly says to Chinoa, "My sect frowns on alcohol, I tend to drink only the slightest bit at weddings." Malfrien asks Chinoa, "I have some punch or hot chocolate...which would you like?" Kyenchiro looks at Loukno and sighs. Achkilles adds a log to a fire. Loukno angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Kyenchiro. The log smolders in the fire. Kyenchiro says to Loukno, "I guess the Monks are out for me, then." A burning log in a fire burns out and crumbles away. Kyenchiro chuckles. Malfrien laughs! Sajuta grins at Kyenchiro. The log in the fire bursts into flames. Zaslamel chuckles at Kyenchiro. Zaslamel says, "I'll just nibble on Saju.. she's intoxicating enough." Chinoa quietly says, "Well now.." Sajuta looks at Zaslamel and blushes. Kyenchiro chuckles at Zaslamel. Loukno calmly says to Kyenchiro, "Well, it isn't explicitly written in the rules, but inebriation does hinder one's ability to find their peace." Chinoa quietly says, "After much whispering between the judges.." Chinoa quietly says, "We have a winner for the howling contest." Loukno angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Chinoa. Malfrien offers Chinoa a cup of fizzing fruit punch. Chinoa quietly says, "It seems.. er.. I'm being inundated with drinks..." Chinoa puts her juice in her fur rucksack. Chinoa accepts Malfrien's fizzing fruit punch. Chinoa beams at Malfrien! Malfrien says, "Not sure if thats alcoholic or now." Loukno calmly says to Kesava, "Ah, thank you." Malfrien laughs! Loukno puts his milk in his leather backpack. Chinoa ponders. Loukno moves some apple juice to his right hand. Mahwel exclaims to Kyenchiro, "Don't let those monks fool you when they are together and start drinking secret herbal tea recipees watch out!" Kyenchiro puts his apple in his black backpack. Loukno takes a drink of some apple juice. Kesava offers Aeviona some apple juice. Kyenchiro snickers at Mahwel. Aeviona accepts Kesava's apple juice. Loukno grins at Mahwel. Aeviona praises Kesava. Sajuta grins at Mahwel. Kesava gets some apple juice from inside a cracked skull mortar with dried chunks of brain encrusted on the edges. Rozze says, "I like tea and secrets." Chinoa quietly exclaims, "Right... ok... The winner for the first is.. Er.. I don't know his name. This Prydaen here!" Chinoa points at Loukno. Loukno angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Chinoa. Aeviona lets out a hearty cheer for Loukno! Kyenchiro squints at Loukno, then throws a baked apple in his direction. Oooo, near miss! Zaslamel grins. Achkilles begins chortling at Chinoa. Sajuta lets out a hearty cheer for Loukno! Kyenchiro blinks. Kyenchiro says, "Oops." Zaslamel lets out a hearty cheer for Loukno! Malfrien lets out a hearty cheer for Loukno! Kyenchiro pats Loukno on the back. Loukno shifts uncomfortably for a moment. Rozze says, "Aw, but my moo." Kesava lets out a hearty cheer for Loukno! Loukno calmly says, "Thank you very much." Kyenchiro looks at Loukno and applauds! Chinoa quietly exclaims, "The first runner up is... our very own Kyenchiro!" Sajuta lets out a hearty cheer for Kyenchiro! Zaslamel chuckles at Kyenchiro. Kyenchiro says, "Also, the young Prydaen's name is Loukno." Kyenchiro grins. Loukno nods to Kyenchiro. Chinoa quietly exclaims, "And the second runner up.. is the bard Aeviona!" Aeviona exclaims, "Oooh!" Aeviona beams! Aeviona does a happy little dance! Sajuta lets out a hearty cheer for Aeviona! Malfrien says, "Grats to you all." Alexii exclaims, "Good job everyone!" Raising his fratvarit to Aeviona, Achkilles gives her a toast. Malfrien praises Loukno. Naea throws her head back and howls! Kesava lets out a hearty cheer for Aeviona! Chinoa quietly says, "You'll have one more chance to show off your howls after the next part.. which is my favorite part.." Naea bounces from where she is sitting! Chinoa flashes a quick grin at Naea. Chinoa quietly exclaims, "Stories!" Loukno's ears perk up happily. Naea stands up. Naea grins. The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Chinoa gazes at Naea. Malfrien says, "Oh this should be fun." Malfrien nods. Naea says, "It's always been a tradition at Moots for the assembled Rakash to tell stories." You say, "Naea has been biting her tongue trying not to spit this out..." You chuckle. Chinoa flashes a quick grin at you. Naea grins. Naea says, "So I thought I'd kick things off with a story of my own, then open the floor to anyone who has a tale to tell." Purple flames waver across the fire on the ground. Alexii says, "Do remember that these stories do not have to be about our gods, or people, they can just be pleasent tales you wish to share with friends." Alexii smiles. Naea nods at Alexii, obviously agreeing with his views. Chinoa smiles. Naea says, "Any story is welcome, the fun is in the listening." Naea opens her velvet case. Naea gets a yellow sign that reads "PERFORMANCE IN PROGRESS" from inside her velvet case. Naea drops a yellow sign that reads "PERFORMANCE IN PROGRESS". Naea cleans the grime from the yellow sign. Chinoa gazes at Naea. Naea grins. Naea chants:

   "This is a story about stories. About the power of language, about how it can set us free or not, as we choose. But above all else it is a story about a girl. It is called "The Frevzu Forest"

Naea recites:

   "Once far to the West in the rolling hills that surrounded Odcoru lived an old Rakash Scholar and his young daughter. The scholar's wife had long since passed away and with a reasonable store of money set away the old man passed the remainder of his days in quietude, planting trees."

Fingers of flame leap up from the fire on the ground. Naea recites:

   "It started innocently enough. He planted a pair of russet Frevzu trees, their leaves glimmering like a wash of flame in the springtime and dancing down to earth as the seasons turned, blanketing the lawn that framed his house in a shimmering haze of molten gold."

Naea recites:

   "Before long he had a dozen scattered across the edges of his lawn. Marvelling at the subtle tones of variegation and texture he began researching the trees. Collecting cuttings from the local area, sending off to experts for seeds and planting them in his grounds, every one a different type."

Naea recites:

   "As the years passed people began to hear stories of the eccentric old Scholar and his Forest of Frevzu trees and before long a trickle of interested visitors began to arrive, seeking permission to wander the grounds."

Naea recites:

   "The boy was one of these travellers. The scholar's daughter met him while she was wandering through her Father's forest in one of those endless days as Spring paused before turning into Summer. He was plain and unassuming, a tangled mass of dark curly hair falling down around two large brown eyes. They did not greet each other or exchange pleasantries. Instead they simply fell into step, ranging in comfortable silence across the vast lawns of the Northern Garden."

The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Naea recites:

   "She could not remember how it started or why. All she remembered was the sound of his voice, soft as snowfall and rich as silk as he leaned comfortably against a tree, his gaze somewhere in the middle distance, a story on his lips, every word seeming to carry a harmonic of eternity."

Naea recites:

   "It was a simple story, about a traveller trapped in a vast mountain range without map or guide or provisions. It was a simple story but it had a strange power and its words tugged at her, wrapped her in their rhythm and harmony until it seemed for all the world that she was the unnamed traveller, battling across the mountains in the waist-deep ivory snow guided by the light of one twinkling star that shimmered wetly in the distance."

Naea recites:

   "Its message wasn't voiced, it didn't need to be, there was something raw and deep and true about it, as though the words had lain dormant within her all these years like a seed, waiting to grow."

The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Naea recites:

   "He told her about the man who used to stand outside his lovers window, long after they had parted ways. She shuddered when he told her how the man stood in that one spot for so long that his arms and legs fused together as his body changed into a weeping willow sapling that still remains, gazing longingly into her window though the woman herself is long dead."

Naea recites:

   "He told her of the lonely wheat farmer who had buried his wife and children. About how he found a tiny corn dolly amongst his vast fields of wheat and brought it home. About how it would sing to him and tell him stories that melted his soul. About how at the end of every tale it would tell him it was cold and beg to be placed nearer the fire. About how he could never refuse her as he could never refuse his own daughters in life and how, one day, the little creature finally came too close to the fire and an errant spark set her tiny body aflame."

Naea recites:

   "He told her about the musician who composed the most breathtaking melody ever conceived, then forgot it before he could write it down. He told her how the man spent the rest of his life trying to remember the music that had once burned like a fire across his soul. How he plucked and bowed and caressed every instrument he could find like an errant lover whose secrets he could no longer understand. She wept when he told her that when the composer died, it was with a smile on his face and the song still unremembered."

A burning log in a fire burns out and crumbles away. Naea recites:

   "He told her about the race around the world. About the never-ending dance in the kingdom of the Sun. About the girl who wished she could fly. About the violin made of glass. About the Great Tower. About the Defeated Philosopher. About the eternal flutterby. About wordless, ancient things, harmonies so complex and so beautiful that the words that gave voice to them faded away until she could only hear the underlying rhythm of the stories."

Naea recites:

   "As they wandered aimlessly through the trees, seeming to linger for a passing moment in the shadow of each one the stories fell from his lips like notes in a symphony, beginning, ending, moving and breathing, rising and falling like the wind as they faded into silence and danced across her mind like dreams."

The log smolders in the fire. Flames waver off of the fire on the ground. The log in the fire bursts into flames. Naea recites:

   "She did not simply hear them, she lived them, one after another. She was a warrior. She was a thief. She was a servant, slave, outcast. She was a cripple. She lived and died a hero. She died mad. She died screaming. She sinned and howling begged her Gods for forgiveness. She clung to life, she clung to hope, she clung to madness. She wrote music, poetry, stories. She lived in poverty, she lived in riches. She spoke a thousand tongues and yet they all sung one single truth. She warred in distant, long-forgotten places, scarce imagined until she lived those lives. A hundred lives. More. So many she couldn't count them."

Naea recites:

   "At the end of every life, as the story faded into silence she could almost reach out and touch the stillness that seeped into the very core of her being. "I could make my dwelling there" she though 'and live forever there to hear such music."

Naea recites:

   "She awoke as the sun was sinking behind the mountains, its molten light sinking into darkness of evening but the boy had vanished. She searched for him for many weeks but she would not see him again and it was not until many years had passed that she came to realize, to understand."

Naea recites:

   "After her eighteenth birthday her father, by now an old man, decided that a girl of her age needed a husband to provide for her after he was gone and so he proposed a competition. Any man who could name all four hundred of his Frevzu trees would be allowed to take his daughters hand in marriage. Those who named but one in error, must swear never to marry for the rest of their days."

Naea recites:

   "The suitors came and went like leaves on the wind, captivated by the beauty of the girl and the audacity of the challenge. A few even coming close to naming the whole collection but they always fell short and left, astonished at what they had sacrificed for no reward."

Naea recites:

   "All the while she held within her the image of the boy, the memory of his stories. She told herself that those days remembered among the trees could never have been. That even if they could, that such a simple and innocent soul could never have named the galaxy of trees that peopled her father's estate. She told herself so often and with such conviction that she almost came to believe."

The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Naea recites:

   "One moment is enough to to unravel a life or a dream many years in the making, whether it be true or not."

Naea recites:

   "Standing in the lower field, a steady Western wind whipped the burnished russet leaves around her head like a burning golden crown. A middle aged suitor was picking his way unerringly through the forest, his sure eye and steady hand naming the trees one after another as he advanced like a conquering army, as if through the act of naming he came to posses all that his eye could conceive."

The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Naea chants:

   "The Aimless Wanderer... The Weeping Lover... The Burning Child....The Forgetful Musician..."

Naea recites:

   "She stopped. In her chest her heart seemed to pause and as she finally realized and sunk, trembling, to her knees. The boy from so long ago. The boy she had lost. The boy she had loved. Every single story had named a tree."

Naea recites:

   "He had won her then, despite everything she had done since, despite every effort to forget she knew that she loved him with every breath she took, knew that she had loved him but deserved him not for she had forgotten his stories and sullied the magic of his gift. He had set her free and she had chosen to live in chains."

A burning log in a fire burns out and crumbles away. Naea recites:

   "That was the last breath she took. Something inside her broke. As her eyes filled with tears her trembling body surrendered to the darkness and as her broken soul collapsed inward upon itself, fracturing into a thousand pieces that recoiled in terror from the simple truth that formed the cornerstone of her existence, she fell. Into darkness. Into death. Into herself."

Achkilles sighs. Naea recites:

   "As if in response the sky began to weep, great pregnant drops that tumbled down to earth to patter mournfully off her body, ricocheting earthwards among the carpet of falling leaves like a flood of tears."

You frown. Fingers of flame flutter from the fire on the ground. Naea kneels down. (Naea places her palms flat on the ground in thanks to Enelne, signalling the end of her tale.) Naea stands up. Naea cleans the grime from the yellow sign. Naea picks up a yellow sign that reads "PERFORMANCE IN PROGRESS". Naea puts her sign in her velvet case. Chinoa smiles. Naea closes her velvet case. Loukno lets out a hearty cheer for Naea! Chinoa looks at Naea and applauds! Zaslamel blinks. Aeviona looks at Naea and applauds! Kyenchiro looks at Naea and applauds! Chinoa whispers a prayer from her mouth into the wind, certain it will reach Enelne's ear. Chandore looks at Naea and applauds! Raising her fratvarit to Naea, Silvwyn gives her a toast. Marielir looks at Naea and applauds! Zaslamel lets out a hearty cheer for Naea! Lanita looks at Naea and applauds! Aeviona sniffles. Kesava says, "Wonderfully told.....a bit sad at the end....but I really like that there were a lot of trees." Alexii smiles at Naea. Vicktoreon applauds. Lomelinde looks at Naea and applauds! Lanita nods in agreement. Naea asks, "It was a tad depressing, perhaps Alexii can lighten the mood?" Alexii laughs! Naea takes a seat near Chinoa. Achkilles asks, "A tad???" Zaslamel takes a sip of his wine. Chinoa smiles at Naea. Alexii asks, "Um... thanks?" Achkilles peers quizzically at Naea. Alexii flashes a wide grin. Kyenchiro chuckles. Chinoa flashes a quick grin at Achkilles. Naea says to Achkilles, "Well happy endings get boring." Naea hums to herself. Chinoa quietly says to Naea, "Wonderfully told." Kesava asks, "Wasn't all bad....can you imagine gettin to climb all those trees?" Alexii says, "I have a small tale to tell, thanks to my good friends Sajuta and Zaslamel." The fire on the ground sputters as it burns. Alexii winks. Chinoa gazes at Alexii. Zaslamel chuckles. Ywolf says, "All those splinters." Alexii says, "I'll start off by saying I am greedy." Alexii grins. Chinoa chortles softly at some secret joke. Sajuta chortles softly at some secret joke. Flames waver off of the fire on the ground. Alexii says, "I never once denied this, however while most lust for glory, money, women, or power... I simply pine for something to occupy my time." Alexii says, "That s exactly what I had intended to do when I met up with local champions of Riverhaven to fight off an ongoing invasion of pirates." Alexii says, "The battle was short and sweet, only few waves attacked before the Captain himself reared his ugly head." Alexii says, "When he was cornered, the gweth messages started begging for more help." Alexii says, "But, this captain of the silken sash was no easy target. Several stood to match his ferocity and eventually he was felled." The clouds part slightly, revealing a few twinkling stars. Alexii says, "As he took that not-so-graceful tumble to the floors inside the East Gate of Riverhaven a small parchment slipped from his pocket and snatched up by an unlikely Rakash Barbarian." Flames waver off of the fire on the ground. Sajuta stares deeply into Zaslamel's eyes. Zaslamel whistles a merry tune. Alexii grins at Zaslamel. Alexii says, "I credit this feat to the amazing stamina which people of our race possess; sometimes we are able to force ourselves to do that which might tire the others." Alexii says, "As he ran to me for guidance I could already hear the thundering footsteps which followed him." A faint trail of gleaming air follows in the wake of each of Zaslamel's onyx ravens as they circle his right ankle, the only visible sign of their imbued magic. Flames waver off of the fire on the ground. Alexii says, "Taking him to the Temple I allowed those who had words to speak their minds." Alexii says, "Greed again allows one to feel that he has a place of honor in circumstances where "luck of the draw" prevails." Alexii says, "To be honest, I can understand the animosity... it is a rare and unique opportunity. It is no surprise that most people would want to take it for themselves." Alexii says, "As the eyes grew wilder and the tones sharper, we decided to take our leave. I grabbed my friend Zaslamel and his wife, taking them with me on trails known to Rangers. We crossed the distances swiftly as we pursued the first clue of our map..." Kesava smiles at Alexii. Alexii recites:

   "The map has a large 'X' marked in the middle of it.  Near the marking, you can see several dotted lines forming a square.  Contour lines drawn along the map indicate that the destination is located near sea level, and sand dunes surround the 'X'.""

Alexii says, "Perhaps it was my own narrow vision which led us to attempt locating the Treasure in Muspar'i. I had remembered seeing an area on the Trade Route which had sand dunes littered across the landscape." Alexii says, "Our journey up the Ker'Leor was met with little resistance as we passed though checkpoints and gates, showing our passports to the proper authorities. All was well until we found ourselves waiting for the sand barge with an unwelcome guest." Alexii groans. Alexii says, "A war bear, or at least something that looked like one, had followed us." Alexii says, "At a single glace I could tell this creature was not natural, but the creation of some mage who has bent the magics and trapped it in a bear shell. It spoke to us, calling us ants and acting as if it were not what it was." Chandore grins. Rozze asks, "Did it have a saddle?" Achkilles shudders. Alexii says, "I questioned it about its origin and crafter; it could offer little response to my query. Eventually we had committed ourselves to ignoring the creation choosing to continue our conversations in our native Rakash language." Flames waver off of the fire on the ground. Kesava mutters something into the air about silly aether smelllin things. Alexii says, "Setting foot in the Velaka and comparing it to the map in my hands, I could instantly tell we were not in the right place. Our time was spent chasing the wrong path. I looked at the clues again, wondering where to attempt our find next. I decided that the mention of sea and sand could perhaps mean that it was a beach and not a desert." The log smolders in the fire. Alexii sighs. Alexii says, "Moving from Theren down to Zoluren, we rode the trails and stopped occasionally checking the map against the current surroundings. Reaching the banks of the Faldesu and then the Segoltha we were left still with no results." Chinoa gazes at Alexii. The log in the fire bursts into flames. Alexii says, "Where could this elusive treasure be? The nagging voice inside my head tells me that its in the one place I don t want to go." Alexii says, "I really don t want to go there, so I simply ignore it and push on towards Dwarven lands." Fingers of flame flutter from the fire on the ground. Alexii asks, "Ain Ghrazal, nope. Hibarnvidhar, nope. Raven's Point, nope. Where to now?" Alexii casually observes the area. Lanita grins. Alexii says, "Perhaps its best I skip the next place..." Sajuta grins at Alexii. Alexii says, "Approaching the Gondola it was hard not to hang our heads, our hands still empty." Alexii says, "My own thoughts were consumed with memories of places I had passed or locations I had heard about..." Alexii says, "Then it dawned on me, I knew the place. The place I hated the most... Ratha." Alexii shudders. Kyenchiro chuckles. Naea grins. Silvwyn chortles softly at some secret joke. Kyenchiro nods at Alexii, obviously agreeing with his views. Achkilles rolls his eyes. Alexii says, "As we rode the Skirr it began to make more sense. I studied the map carefully, attempting to keep it safe from the crashing waves which battered the cargo ship. Entering into the Port of Ratha, the lines of the coast begun to match perfectly with lines depicted in the map in my hand. I could hardly contain my ever increasing anxiety." Loukno ponders. Achkilles mutters something into the air about Ratha is a lovely place. Loukno flicks his tail peevishly. Loukno nods at Achkilles, obviously agreeing with his views. Alexii recites:

   "The map has a large 'X' marked in the middle of it.  Near the marking, you can see several dotted lines forming a square.  Contour lines drawn along the map indicate that the destination is located near sea level, and sand dunes surround the 'X'.  Straight lines have been drawn from the center, pointing northeast and west.  From other markings on the map, you guess that the destination is somewhere nearby.  Judging by your surrounding environment, you will find the treasure in this province."

Alexii says, "No sooner did we dock then we were on the beach scouring the sands for our forlorn treasure." Alexii flashes a wide grin. Alexii says, "Approaching closer and closer to the hermits shack, I could see more features of the map matching to our current location. Taking the map in hand I studied it once again." Alexii says, "Dunes, check. Sea level, check. Road traveling from the west to the northeast, check." Alexii says, "This had to be it...." Alexii recites:

   "You study a treasure map and realize that the area you're in exactly matches the markings on it!  You dig your hands into the sand, revealing a gold-etched mahogany strongbox"

Alexii gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer. Achkilles praises Zaslamel. Alexii exclaims, "We found it! Praise Coshivi!" Chinoa lets out a hearty cheer for Alexii! Achkilles praises Alexii. Aeviona gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer. Lomelinde grins at Alexii. Alexii flicks his cambrinth medallion with the tip of his finger. It swings gently to and fro, glinting faintly with reflected light. Alexii says, "The treasure of a pirate, we could only wonder what sort of exotic finds might be hidden under this lid. As I had done the leading and finding, my good friend Zaslamel allowed me to examine the contents first despite the map being his find." Alexii recites:

   "You rummage through a gold-etched mahogany strongbox and see a shovel-shaped badge stamped "Treasure Keeper", a large yellow-green alexandrite, a huge smoky nomlas quartz, a medium cerulean garnet, some platinum coins and a primary Immortal avatar pendant."

Alexii adjusts his shovel-shaped badge into place. Alexii says, "A private collection of gems, coins, and cherished items was all that the box contained." Zaslamel rubs a primary Immortal avatar pendant. Achkilles asks, "All???" Alexii says, "I did not care for the loot so after a brief inspection I gave the chest to the maps owner, feeling it was the right thing to do. Our journey had taken us to many shores and we had seen much sand, I was thankful for the adventure and nothing more was needed." Kyenchiro blinks. Zaslamel seems to be trying to figure out how to turn a primary Immortal avatar pendant. Loukno grins at Alexii. Chinoa flashes a quick grin at Zaslamel. Alexii says, "Looking at me he said "Surely there is something that can be given to you. You have done so much work." Thinking on this I replied, Well if it will make you happy...I suppose I'll take that badge so that I can have a reminder of the traveling and hunting for treasure." A burning log in a fire burns out and crumbles away. Alexii says, "A kind smile passed his lips and the badge was mine..." Alexii rubs a shovel-shaped badge stamped "Treasure Keeper". The log smolders in the fire. Alexii says, "And the next day...." Alexii gets a shovel-shaped badge stamped "Treasure Keeper" from inside a soft suede toolkit. (Alexii points to his matching pair of badges, then winks.) Purple flames waver across the fire on the ground. Chinoa laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement. Alexii says, "Thanks for listening." Alexii smiles. Chinoa praises Alexii. Sajuta looks at Alexii and applauds! Kyenchiro chuckles. Raising his fratvarit to Alexii, Achkilles gives him a toast. Kyenchiro applauds. Chandore applauds. Kesava looks at Alexii and applauds! Achkilles takes a sip of his fratvarit. Lanita looks at Alexii and applauds! Loukno lets out a hearty cheer for Alexii! Raising her fratvarit to Alexii, Silvwyn gives him a toast. Zaslamel lets out a hearty cheer for Alexii! Raising her fratvarit to Alexii, Marielir gives him a toast. Aeviona looks at Alexii and applauds! Zaslamel chuckles. The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Kesava says, "Gotta love a story about a ranger gettin people lost all over the lands." Naea gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer. Naea grins. Sajuta looks at Kesava, obviously trying not to grin. Kyenchiro snickers. Rozze snickers. Achkilles holds his sides and lets out a rumbling belly laugh. Chandore smiles. (Alexii places his palms flat on the ground in thanks to Enelne, signalling the end of his tale.) Chinoa leans on Naea. Chinoa whispers a prayer from her mouth into the wind, certain it will reach Enelne's ear. Your scarf flutters softly as a vagrant breeze brushes past you. Fingers of flame leap up from the fire on the ground. Naea asks, "So, any other intrepid storytellers out there?" Chinoa flashes a quick grin. Zaslamel says, "I think Ive drank enough to attempt a story." Sajuta beams in loving admiration at Zaslamel! Naea praises Zaslamel. Chinoa gazes at Zaslamel in awe. Kyenchiro chuckles at Zaslamel. Zaslamel says, "This story.. isnt mine." Alexii says, "It was really alot of fun." Alexii leans on Zaslamel. Zaslamel says, "It was told to me by a dear friend.. who is not with us anymore." Zaslamel stands up. Zaslamel says, "Its not about rakash.. or gods.. but it does have some adventure." Alexii says, "As I said, the sharing is what is important." Alexii winks. Zaslamel grins. Zaslamel says, "And now.. I will tell you the story.. of the Jester.. that has no name." Zaslamel recites:

   "There was a story I was told when I was younger, that told of a Jester, who threw parties in kings and lords honors.
    He wandered the countryside, allegiance to no land, attending every gathering, ball, and general celebration thrown.
    The Jester had no name, no way of calling him, nor recognition, But the man was imfamous.
    There are three tales of his travels that live on in his legend, tonight, I wish to share them with you."

Fingers of flame leap up from the fire on the ground. Zaslamel recites:

   "The first brought the Jester to a quiet land, set back in a valley near a vast mountain range.
    The castle was initself a spectacle, built into the mountain side out of elaborate stone.
    The people looked at him hungrily as he passed heading for the castle door.
    The Jester walked in painted face a grin.As he approached the fat king he said,"

Zaslamel playfully sings:

   "Hello to you, sir Royal King,
    I find your castle welcoming,
    I come to you with festivities to bring,
    A party so great your bards'll forever sing!"

The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Zaslamel recites:

   "The Jester bowed low and smiled near wickedly as the king thought for a moment.
    And as he brought his wide girth to a stand, he proclaimed.
    Tonight we celebrate, I care not of what. Make it of my birthday that sounds good enough.
    Let the wine flow, let the pigs roast, let us feast!"

Zaslamel recites:

   "The Jester's eyes gleamed in the torchlight, and let us invite all your subjects to join in the fun.
    So they'll know your generosity before the nights done!
    The king smile abruptly stopped."

Zaslamel recites:

   "Those foul fools, I think not, Nothing I ever do is good enough.
    They claim they starve, but look at me.
    Do I look like I haven't a bite to eat?
    No I say, If I'm not starving, why are they.
    They've plenty to keep them full, let them whine for all I care."

Zaslamel recites:

   "The Jester nodded and smiled big, and before the night the party was set to motion.
    They danced and sang, and stories told.
    The Jester himself was the life of the party, his colored costume danced in the torchlight, his bells rang out as his tumbled and joked.
    He even got the guards in on some of his pranks and gags."

Fingers of flame leap up from the fire on the ground. Most of the clouds drift away to reveal starry skies. Zaslamel recites:

   "By the end of the night, not a single person stood, not a single person awoke.
    And by morning the fat king opened his pudgey eyes to a shocking sight.
    All his worldy possestions had been removed
    And on his portly belly laid an open note."

Fingers of flame leap up from the fire on the ground. Zaslamel mischievously sings:

   "I'm the Jester with no name,
    And you with coin, are all the same,
    You starve your land with all you devour
    You heart is rotten your soul is sour
    And so to you I say this
    That foul temptation you must resist."

Chinoa flashes a quick grin at Zaslamel. The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Zaslamel recites:

   "The Jester left without a trace, but it wasn't long before a new tale was about to be written.
    The Jester wandered along the road until he came about a desert land.
    He Sultan had a fabulous palace near the only water source for miles.
    As the Jester made his way in the guards stopped him abruptly and demanded payment for the drink inside.
    The Jester merely smiled and said he was only here to speak with the Lord of the land.
    Once inside the Jester met with the sultan saying,"

Zaslamel playfully sings:

   "Hello to you sir tanly lord
    With all this gold you must be bored.
    Let me throw a party for you
    One for the ages I promise it true."

Purple flames waver across the fire on the ground. Zaslamel recites:

   "Well the Sultan smiled and graciously agreed, even offered to pay for everything.
    The gold flowed like the silk decorations filling the place.
    This party was filled with everything from bellydancers, to jugglers, even firebreathers.
    But once again, the Jester upstaged them all."

The fire on the ground burns with a comforting glow. Zaslamel recites:

   "Again, when the night was through not one person remained awake.
    And in the morning The sultan awoke to a shocking thing.
    All his gold and silk were stolen!
    Even his turban was removed from his head, but in it's place was another note.
     This one read,"

Zaslamel mischievously sings:

   "I'm the Jester with no name,
    And you with coin, are all the same.
    Your land it thirsts for sweet water,
    But you, you think, are much smarter.
    You charge your people for something free
    And so this I say to thee
    Your selfish greed it knows no bound
    So I've removed it, as you have found."

Achkilles mutters something into the air about traveling justice. Naea grins. Zaslamel recites:

   "Once more he left without a trace.
    Not one even remembered that colored face.
    But, before you think anything of him.
    Listen to the final tale of Jester No Name."

Zaslamel recites:

   "The Jester arrived to a rather large city.
    Though his usual visit was to the leader, this time he found a large building.
    The sign in front said "Orpahanage" so he went inside.
    Instantly he was greeted by an old thin man who looked at the end of his line.
    The entire place seemed to be falling apart, and the children inside were even worse off.
    After speaking with the man, the Jester said,"

Zaslamel playfully sings:

   "My heart it aches for this poor kids,
    I'll throw a party for some pigs,
    And by the end of the night,
    I'll find an end to your hard plights."

Zaslamel recites:

   "The old man hadn't a clue what the Jester meant, but agreed to let him do whatever he was going to do.
    The Jester sent out the word that a charity party would be held in the old orpahanage.
    When the sun fell into night, a gathering of the richest folk in town showed up to the event.
    The Jester sang, and danced, told more tales, and even got the kids in on some of the acts.
    By the end of the night, the rich folk left, not a penny donated to the old orphanage, not a child adopted to a loving home."

Zaslamel recites:

   "The old man went to bed even worse off than before, seeing no warm heart in people besides that to the bottom of a bottle.
    The next morning the old man woke up to a shocking sight.
    The gold that filled the room glimmered off the rising suns light and a small note sat on his desk which read."

Chinoa gazes at Zaslamel. Zaslamel kindly sings:

   "I'm the Jester with no name
    And those with coin, are all the same.
    They have no heart for those below,
    And so to you a bit I'll show.
    This is yours, all this gold,
    But to your head make sure it doesn't go."

Zaslamel recites:

   "Those are the tales of the imfamous Jester. His name never known to history, but his legend will go on.
     There is a little Jester No Name, in everyone."

[Ancient Tower, Exterior] The round base of a massive stone tower rests among the cracked rocks and rubble which have worked their way loose from brittle mortar and have fallen to rest at the great structure's feet. Silverleaf vines slink up from the dry soil and interweave to form a massive living wall, perhaps the only element bracing the ancient tower from collapsing into a heap of stones and dust. A gaping archway on the west side of the tower is all that remains of the wooden doorway which once hung there. You also see a pile of logs, a log, a pile of turnips, some apple pulp, some apple pulp, some apple pulp, a pile of apples, some apple pulp, a pile of coin, a fire, a pile of logs, a box of gifts bearing the crest of the Tavern Troupe Performing Order, a long serving table with some stuff on it, a Tavern Troupe refreshment cart with some stuff on it, a pale pink chintz cloth with some stuff on it, a soft green leaf-print cloth and a worn path. Also here: Arcane Researcher Loukno who is sitting, Lomelinde, Woodland Bandit Silvwyn, Soldier Marielir, Grand Master Moon Mage Mahwel, Ascendant Kyenchiro who is sitting, Paymaster Achkilles, Bard Aeviona who is sitting, Lady of the House Lanita who is sitting, Sir Ywolf, Natura Kesava, Witch Doctor Malfrien who is sitting, Warrior Priestess Kayliene, Quirrisse who is sitting, Life Mage Sajuta who is sitting, Blademaster Zaslamel, Rose Medical Assistant Rozze who is sitting, Bladesinger Chandore, Lancel, Mother Chinoa who is sitting, Storyteller Naea who is sitting, Alpha Alexii. Kesava smiles at Zaslamel. Zaslamel bows. Chinoa looks at Zaslamel and applauds! Raising his fratvarit to Zaslamel, Achkilles gives him a toast. Sajuta lets out a hearty cheer for Zaslamel! Loukno takes a drink of some apple juice. Chandore applauds. Lomelinde applauds. Lanita applauds. Naea grins. Raising her fratvarit to Zaslamel, Silvwyn gives him a toast. Alexii says, "Nice one." Naea applauds. Loukno gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer. Sajuta kisses Zaslamel. And she doesn't seem to want to stop. Naea nods at Alexii, obviously agreeing with his views. Kyenchiro looks at Zaslamel and applauds! Achkilles mutters something into the air about just glad there was no story of a greedy Baron. Naea asks, "Anyone else fancy taking a turn?" Kesava says, "I wanna be a jester now." Kesava forages around the area for a while and manages to collect a pile of coin. Zaslamel chuckles at Kesava. Chinoa chortles softly at some secret joke. Naea says, "There will be a prize for the best story if you need some motivation." Naea grins. A fire dims dramatically. Chinoa flashes a quick grin at Naea. Alexii taps a large sack that he is wearing. Marielir says, "I have one that is not really my own story." Marielir says, "It's just something I was once told." The log smolders in the fire. Naea nods to Marielir. Chinoa nods to Marielir. Alexii says, "This is where you ask yourself, "Oooh, I wonder what was in that sack that Lanita gave Alexii." Chinoa smiles. The log in the fire bursts into flames. Flames waver off of the fire on the ground. Loukno ponders. The log in the fire bursts into flames. The log in the fire bursts into flames. Sajuta chuckles. Zaslamel chuckles. Naea says, "We'd love to hear it." Alexii traces an outline around a large sack. Malfrien shakes his head at Alexii. Zaslamel says, "Who has PG..." Malfrien grins, revealing his dimples. Zaslamel appears to be trying hard not to grin. Naea gazes at Marielir. Marielir says, "This was when I was a child and we had heard of the fear necromancers could cause, but Lyras had not yet come to plague us." Marielir says, "I have been doing much research and i have learned much, though the hunt is not yet done." The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Marielir says, "As I learned when I was young:." Marielir chants:

   "To live is to hunt,
     Searcing for prey,
     Matching wits with it in game of life and death,
     Stalking, waiting for the right moment,
     Pouncing, the quick snap of bone,
     The thrill of sweet victory."

Marielir says, "But as I now know, there are many types of prey; and many types of hunts." The fire on the ground burns with a comforting glow. Marielir says, "To name but a few, there is the hunt for maturity and wisdom that we all participate in." Marielir says, "The life and death struggle with death itself that our Empaths engage in." Marielir says, "The struggle to learn and pass on lore and protect the young; that our Bards devoted themselves to in our Hubs." Marielir says, "Recently I have been on a hunt for an answer; to the fear generated by the Necromancer." One of the onyx ravens orbiting Zaslamel's right ankle suddenly halts, causing those behind it to slam into it! The impact jumpstarts the first back into motion. Marielir says, "While my hunt has not been fully successful, I have found some information that may be of use." Marielir says, "I discovered word of two Prydaen enchants." Marielir says, "One of these is Demriss' Resolve." Purple flames waver across the fire on the ground. Marielir says, "This is an ancient enchant that has been attributed to a the Prydaen Bard, Soundwraith." Naea nods. Marielir says, "She was mistakenly recorded in the book 'A Brief History of Alchemy' as a blind elven bard." Marielir says, "She was also a noted alchemist in these lands." Marielir says, "Without doubt, She was also a great explorer, as she found her way to these lands long before the more recent devastating events." Marielir says, "Unfortunately for us, she was blinded in this journey and never returned to us." Marielir says, "I found that the Bards guarding the hubs would use Demriss' Resolve to drive away invaders in terror." Marielir says, "Unfortunately, Demriss' Resovle did not prove effective against Lyras and her undead minions." Marielir sighs. Marielir says, "So I continued my hunt." Marielir says, "I found word of what apparently did prove of some use." Marielir says, "This was the enchant we called Eu's Respite, which gave us strength, vitality, rest, and determination." Marielir says, "As I understand it, Eu's Respite is basically a sung version of Hodierna's Lilt." Marielir says, "Our version of this lilt has now been adopted by the Bards of this land and is encorportated into their performance of Hodierna's Lilt." Marielir says, "At this time, it is the only answer I have found to the fear that Lyras and her minions generate." Marielir quietly says, "I shall continue my hunt, but in the meantime, I hope that this small offering may prove of use." Naea smiles at Marielir. Achkilles praises Marielir. Chinoa smiles. Marielir says, "This was told to me many years ago by an old Prydaen bardess." Chinoa gazes at Marielir. Kesava grins at Marielir. Loukno grins at Marielir. Marielir says, "I recorded her words as she said them." Naea says, "Can never be too many songs in the world, regular or enchante." Marielir curtsies. Fingers of flame leap up from the fire on the ground. Alexii smiles at Marielir. Achkilles nods at Naea, obviously agreeing with her views. Kesava says, "Maybe I shoulda been a bard.....sounds like good stuff." Naea says, "Thank you for sharing, we have lost a lot of the old wisdom." Naea asks, "Would anyone else like to tell a story, either Rakash or one of our guests?" Alexii smiles. Malfrien nods at Kesava, obviously agreeing with his views. Purple flames waver across the fire on the ground. Zaslamel says to Sajuta, "I should become a bard.." Zaslamel says to Sajuta, "This wine is awesome." Sajuta looks at Zaslamel, obviously trying not to grin. Zaslamel takes a sip of his wine. Malfrien says to Zaslamel, "Please dont." Zaslamel guzzles down some of his wine and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve. Alexii says, "Come on folks, I know ya'll have a story you are itching to share." Sajuta just tickled Malfrien, who laughs and returns the favor. Chinoa flashes a quick grin. Zaslamel gives Malfrien a gentle poke in the ribs. Malfrien squirms. Naea asks, "Or a song or a poem?" Alexii nods at Naea, obviously agreeing with her views. Alexii says, "No limricks." Alexii flashes a wide grin. Chinoa quietly says, "Shame..." Sajuta grins. Achkilles begins chortling at Alexii. Chinoa clears her throat. Chinoa adjusts her pure white odaj into place. Chinoa glances at Naea. Marielir asks, "Puns?" Zaslamel says to Alexii, "Well.. you told the story of the three rakash, a bear, a wolf and an avenger that rode a sand barge." Alexii laughs! Alexii nods to Zaslamel. Zaslamel appears to be trying hard not to grin. Kyenchiro asks Zaslamel, "And then they all walk into a bar together?" Zaslamel says to Kyenchiro, "Naw.." Sajuta chortles softly at some secret joke. Alexii exclaims to Zaslamel, "Hi ants!" Alexii snickers. Zaslamel laughs! Sajuta smirks. Zaslamel nods at Alexii, obviously agreeing with his views. Kesava asks, "Ever hear the one about the skeleton who walked into the bar.....asked for an ale and a mop?" Achkilles laughs at Kesava. Rozze says to Kesava, "Oh! That's funny." Rozze grins. Alexii recites:

   "Remember if you are just arriving, there are drinks and food on the table or cart. Also grab one of the wonderful gifts from the gift box."

Rozze says, "I am using that one." Kesava grins at Rozze. Naea says, "Alright I'll share a few poems then."

A pair of servants approach the refreshment cart, covering everything with a canvas tarp. Taking meticulous care, they lift their burden and carry it off. Rozze says, "I'm still fond of the skeleton that walked into a bar and chipped a tooth. Or any variation of that." Naea ponders. Naea stands up. Naea opens her velvet case. Naea gets a yellow sign that reads "PERFORMANCE IN PROGRESS" from inside her velvet case. Naea drops a yellow sign that reads "PERFORMANCE IN PROGRESS". Zaslamel says, "Its been fun everyone.. but I must nap." Naea cleans the grime from the yellow sign. Kyenchiro waves to Zaslamel. Naea waves to Zaslamel. Malfrien gives Zaslamel a brotherly hug, ruffling his hair with his knuckles. Alexii says, "Wait.." Chandore nods to Zaslamel. Achkilles waves to Zaslamel. Alexii gets an attractively etched belt knife from inside his large sack. Rozze snickers to herself. Alexii offers Zaslamel an attractively etched belt knife. Kesava asks, "Don't bring ya horse into the tavern....bartender always asks...why the long face?" Zaslamel accepts Alexii's belt knife. Alexii exclaims to Zaslamel, "Great story!" Achkilles laughs! Zaslamel grins at Alexii. Naea chants:

   "This is a sequence of short poems entitled Hymns to the Silence"

(Naea hangs her head and stands perfectly still, her breath coming slowly and steadily.) Naea recites:

   "Listening to her
     Rhythmic breathing I feel still,
     A religious peace."

(Naea raises her head and stares into the distance, the hint of a smile tugging at her lips.) Naea recites:

   "I wake, the flood-plains

Of your departing form just

     Now alive with song"

(Naea begins to pace back and forth, her voice taking on a bitter tone as her arms twitch nervously.) Naea recites:

   "I experiment
     With loaded words: love, affair
     Sex, pain, poetry"

(Naea stops pacing, her eyes wide her hands wringing at her odaj crumpling the black nightsilk.) Naea recites:

   "Tortured by the sound
     Of breathing unrecognized
     As my own I weep."

(Naea purses her lips, her expression unreadable.) Naea recites:

   "After the rain she
     Starts a rumour of angels
     Fallen soft as snow."

The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. (Naea stares at her feet, rocking slowly back and forth.) Naea recites:

   "Bewildered at my
     Moral fluidity I
     Only dream in white."

(Naea swallows, her hands clenched in fists, her voice trembling with fear and doubt.) Naea recites:

   "I am the false god
     That follows my name around.
     Do you love me still?"

Naea recites:

   "Old proverb: Moments
     Of indiscretion dont die,
     They bloom like flowers."

(Naea spins about, her cloak fluttering restlessly as she turns her back on her audience.) Naea recites:

   "I turn, and as the
     Litany of her trembling
     Heartstrings ends, I pause"

Alexii ponders why Chinoa doesnt drink. Fingers of flame leap up from the fire on the ground. Naea recites:

   "For thought, surprised that
     The water in me fights to
     Return to the sea."

(Naea raises both hands, her trembling fingers steepled in prayer, her eyes upturned.) Naea recites:

   "My hand barely shakes
     As our Origami love
     Folds in upon itself."

(Naea sinks slowly to her knees.) The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Naea recites:

   "Within every birds
     Flight is a single moment
     Of perfect stillness."

(Naea pauses for a moment then wilts like a flower, her voice dropping to a whisper as she sinks to the floor her body spread out and still.) Naea recites:

   "Before my eyes she
     Turns to song and floats away
     In a minor key."

Achkilles looks at Naea and applauds! (Naea raises her head slowly as a single tear traces a path down her cheek and she gazes longingly into space, her hand reaching out as if to someone.) Fingers of flame leap up from the fire on the ground. Naea recites:

   "Make the Autumn leaves
     Live on she said And in your
     Art I will miss you."

Lanita gazes at Naea. (Naea exhales, smiling wistfully, her voice soft with the pull of regret.) Naea recites:

   "Our Autumn leaves form
     Tiny poems as they fall,
     Magnifying my
     Loss until, at last, I see
     Worlds crafted from smaller things."

(Naea lets her voice fade away into silence and pauses for a moment, head bowed, hands splayed out across the floor.) (Naea places her palms flat on the ground in thanks to Enelne, signalling the end of her poem.) Naea cleans the grime from the yellow sign. Achkilles looks at Naea and applauds! Naea picks up a yellow sign that reads "PERFORMANCE IN PROGRESS". Naea puts her sign in her velvet case. Lomelinde applauds. Naea closes her velvet case. Alexii smiles at Naea. Raising her fratvarit to Naea, Silvwyn gives her a toast. Naea curtsies. Raising her fratvarit to Naea, Marielir gives her a toast. Sajuta looks at Naea and applauds! Kyenchiro looks at Naea and applauds! The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Lanita looks at Naea and applauds! Agalea smiles at Naea. Naea asks, "So, anyone else for a story? Last chance?" A burning log in a fire burns out and crumbles away. Alexii says, "Nah not this time..." Alexii says, "I'll have to save some stuff for next time." Alexii chuckles. Silvwyn begins pouting. Achkilles nods to Alexii. A burning log in a fire burns out and crumbles away. Silvwyn says, "You could tell all your stories now, and then spend the next year on new adventures to share with us at the next moot." Silvwyn flashes a quick grin. Naea laughs! Alexii says, "Okay, well with the lack of entries, this prize really should go to only one person." Sajuta chuckles. Alexii flashes a wide grin. A burning log in a fire burns out and crumbles away. Kyenchiro chuckles. Alexii gets a taleweaver's storybook from inside his large sack. Achkilles mutters something into the air about hopefully the next Moot will be sooner than a year. Naea nods at Achkilles, obviously agreeing with his views. Alexii offers Naea a taleweaver's storybook. Naea asks Achkilles, "You're organizing it right?" Naea looks at Alexii and blushes. Achkilles laughs! Naea accepts Alexii's taleweaver's storybook. A fire dims dramatically. Alexii says to Naea, "You always amaze me with your tales, thank you for sharing them with all of us." Kesava lets out a hearty cheer for Naea! Naea curtsies. Mother Chinoa wandered over from a worn path. The log smolders in the fire. Chinoa takes a seat near Naea. Naea shows Chinoa her taleweaver's storybook. Lanita applauds. The log in the fire bursts into flames. Sajuta applauds. Naea bounces around happily. The log in the fire bursts into flames. Chinoa laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement. Kesava gently tosses his yellow rose with a deft flick of his wrist, sending it to land neatly at Naea's feet. Marielir applauds. Aeviona applauds. Fingers of flame flutter from the fire on the ground. Chinoa quietly says to Naea, "Thats very nice..." Naea grins at Kesava. The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Naea curtsies. Lanita says, "Our winners from last round were Kyenchiro, Aeviona, and Loukno." Naea picks up a vibrant yellow rose. Naea places a vibrant yellow rose in her hair. Chinoa gazes at Naea. Naea beams! Purple flames waver across the fire on the ground. Chinoa smiles. Aeviona preens. Someone's pleased with herself! Aeviona appears to be trying hard not to grin. Loukno curls his tail around his waist. Kyenchiro chuckles. Kesava says, "That rose looks so much prettier now....thank you." Kesava grins at Naea. Alexii takes a sip of his fratvarit. Silvwyn nibbles her lip thoughtfully. Lanita says, "We're going to have another where you three compete with one another with another howl. This time themed around either the funny or the sad." Malfrien chuckles. Naea grins. Naea takes a seat near Chinoa. The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Chinoa smiles at Naea. Kyenchiro chuckles. Loukno ponders. Lanita says, "I'll give you three a moment to think your howls over. Please whisper to me when you're done." Aeviona blinks. Malfrien nods to Loukno. Lanita nods to Aeviona. Malfrien praises Loukno. Loukno calmly asks, "Do we choose if we are doing sad or funny?" Purple flames waver across the fire on the ground. Chinoa nods to Loukno. Lanita says, "Yes, up to you." Loukno nods. The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Lanita says, "I think it should be rule for Rakash to have an odaj. At least one." Kyenchiro chuckles. Lanita asks, "Are there any here that don't have any?" Kyenchiro says, "They're handy." Sajuta smiles at Lanita. Achkilles taps a worn spidersilk odaj embroidered with a tragic scene that he is wearing. Purple flames waver across the fire on the ground. Xalahai takes a seat near Aeviona. Ywolf just tried to pull a midnight-blue damask odaj. Malfrien taps a brown ramie odaj that he is wearing. Lomelinde wandered over to a worn path. Ywolf seems to be trying to figure out how to turn a midnight-blue damask odaj. Lanita nods to Kyenchiro. Xalahai gently kisses Aeviona on the cheek. Sajuta says to Lanita, "I've been collecting some. I've told all my hunting friends that if they find one in their hunts to bring them to me and I'll find them a good home." Naea gives a black nightsilk odaj with a firesilk phoenix displayed in full glory a hug! Kyenchiro nods to Lanita. Chinoa flashes a quick grin at Naea. Chinoa rubs an embroidered pure white odaj falling from a frosted silver butterfly clasp. Kyenchiro whistles at Naea. Sajuta pats a shiny black satin odaj graced by a hematite butterfly. Alexii idly picks at a desert odaj crafted from albino alligator hide. Aeviona gently kisses Xalahai on the cheek. Kyenchiro says, "Grah, mine seems so plain now." Kyenchiro taps a black faille odaj that he is wearing. Malfrien grins at Alexii, his dimples flashing into view. Alexii gets a gold and yellow checked odaj from inside his mesh haversack. Chinoa quietly says to Kyenchiro, "You're a male..." Alexii offers Kyenchiro a gold and yellow checked odaj. Chinoa gazes at Kyenchiro. Alexii flashes a wide grin. Kyenchiro shakes his head at Alexii. Alexii asks, "Yellow and gold?" Chinoa praises Alexii. Alexii snickers. Sajuta chortles softly at some secret joke. Kyenchiro says, "No thanks, I think I still have one of those somewhere." Malfrien laughs! Kyenchiro says, "Black and gold are my preferred colors these days." Alexii rummages through a silver mesh haversack with a frantic look of loss. Malfrien gets a black & gold albredine ring from inside his oilcloth rucksack. Malfrien says, "Go figure." Malfrien offers Kyenchiro a black & gold albredine ring. Malfrien shrugs. Malfrien says, "Someone gave that to me...no idea who its tuned to." Kyenchiro blinks. Kyenchiro accepts Malfrien's albredine ring. Kyenchiro babbles incoherently. The fire on the ground burns with a comforting glow. Silvwyn nibbles her lip thoughtfully. Xalahai chuckles to himself. Kyenchiro holds a black & gold albredine ring in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration. Silvwyn takes a seat near Chinoa. Malfrien raises an eyebrow. Chinoa hugs Silvwyn, getting a smile in return. The log smolders in the fire. Xalahai grins at Aeviona. Kyenchiro says to Malfrien, "Much appreciated." Silvwyn hugs Chinoa, getting a smile in return. Lanita says, "When I tap you, go." Fingers of flame leap up from the fire on the ground. (Kyenchiro takes in a deep breath and lets out a long, thin, mournful howl that rings through the night air. Then he inhales again and begins a second howl that matches the returning echo of the first, sounding like a duet of sadness sent to the stars.) Lanita smiles. Naea lets out a hearty cheer for Kyenchiro! Lanita says, "Awwr." Aeviona ponders before she closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath. With a somber look, she starts to let out her wistful howl but it quickly goes awry, sounding more like air leaking out of an inflated eelskin and she quickly tilts her head with a Mrrrf? Naea laughs! Lanita giggles. Sajuta giggles. Xalahai snickers at Aeviona. Kyenchiro blinks at Aeviona. Loukno grins at Aeviona. Aeviona ducks her head. (Loukno kneels down one hand placed to the ground before him, gazing up to the sky his eyes fall unfullfilled as the black moon has set. His ears droop slightly as his eyes close completely. From somewhere deep inside he howls quietly, building slowly to a loud lonely call, a soft trill of abandonment rising in his chest to mix with the sound before falling silent and sitting once again.) Kyenchiro asks Loukno, "Good Mrod, we're a couple of sadsacks when it comes to howls, aren't we?" Scuz just arrived. Loukno grins at Kyenchiro. Sajuta snickers. Naea laughs! Xalahai chuckles. Malfrien chuckles. Alexii says, "Wow...I dont know if I should applaud or feel bad for ya." Loukno softly says to Kyenchiro, "I do sadness better than comedy." The fire on the ground burns with a comforting glow. Alexii chuckles. Kyenchiro mutters something into the air about depressing everyone in a ten-mile radius. Malfrien pats Loukno on the back. Malfrien pats Kyenchiro on the back. Lanita laughs! Chinoa laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement. Malfrien says, "You two need a good drink." Malfrien nods. Naea says to Alexii, "Bit of both! Clap mournfully." Sajuta grins. Loukno grins at Malfrien. Sajuta laughs at Naea. Kyenchiro smiles at Chinoa. Agalea says in Rakash, "At time sadness is more of resounding feeling for everyone, thats why Its so moving." Agalea smiles. Alexii says, "Those were all so good..." The sun rises in a crisp, clear blue sky, heralding another fine day. Chinoa nods to Agalea. Chinoa smiles. Alexii ponders. Naea nods at Agalea, obviously agreeing with her views. Lanita nods in agreement. Alexii says, "Honestly they were so diverse I cant choose a winner..." Alexii ponders. Sajuta asks, "They all win?" Lanita rummages through an overly-stuffed gidii toy stitched with a sloppy grin on its face with a frantic look of loss. Alexii says, "Aevonia's was really funnny." Sajuta grins. Alexii gets a gold neithrel band fastened with five silver chains from inside his mesh haversack. Lanita nods in agreement. Aeviona beams! Achkilles asks, "Prizes for all??" Xalahai grins at Aeviona. Alexii offers Aeviona a gold neithrel band fastened with five silver chains. Naea grins. Kyenchiro chuckles. Marielir smiles. Vegas shoves futilely at Kesava. Aeviona accepts Alexii's neithrel band. Naea exclaims, "Good prize!" Aeviona says, "Oooh." Xalahai lets out a hearty cheer for Aeviona! Aeviona beams at Alexii! Alexii says, "Kyenchio's was saddening, I wanted to cry..." Alexii sniffles. Loukno perks his ears up happily as he gazes at Aeviona. Chinoa nods to Alexii. Chinoa smiles. Aeviona gently tugs her neithrel band into place on her hand. Sajuta nods in agreement. Chinoa ponders. Alexii gets a divirala cirvi from inside his hunter's pack. Xalahai gazes fondly at Aeviona. Alexii offers Kyenchiro a divirala cirvi. Kyenchiro babbles incoherently. Sajuta grins at Kyenchiro. Kyenchiro draws forth a divirala cirvi. The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Kyenchiro taps a divirala cirvi that he is holding. Alexii babbles incoherently. Alexii puts his cirvi in his hunter's pack. Alexii ponders. Kyenchiro bows to Alexii. Loukno grins. Alexii gets an ilglaiks skefne from inside his hunter's pack. Kyenchiro sheathes his divirala cirvi. Alexii offers Kyenchiro an ilglaiks skefne. Kyenchiro blinks. Alexii flashes a wide grin. Kyenchiro accepts Alexii's ilglaiks skefne. Sajuta says, "A squisher instead." Naea grins. Achkilles shows off his cirvi in an impressive display of agility. Kyenchiro says, "Alright, that I don't have one of." Alexii winks at Kyenchiro. Achkilles sheathes his divirala cirvi. Lanita grins. A burning log in a fire burns out and crumbles away. Kyenchiro stands up. Kyenchiro bows to Alexii. Kyenchiro takes a seat. Chinoa flashes a quick grin at Kyenchiro. The log smolders in the fire. Kyenchiro grins at Chinoa. Vegas begins to listen to Kesava teach the Stealing skill. Lanita asks, "Do all the Rakash here have at least one jewelry item from the merchants, by the way?" A burning log in a fire burns out and crumbles away. The log in the fire bursts into flames. Sajuta says, "I might be wearing two...." Alexii says, "Loukno almost sounded like a rakash, it was kinda creepy." Sajuta stares blankly into the distance. Agalea says, "I didnt get one." Loukno grins at Alexii. Agalea shrugs. Lanita nods to Alexii. Achkilles flicks his cambrinth medallion with the tip of his finger. It swings gently to and fro, glinting faintly with reflected light. Alexii says, "So that said..." Alexii gets a gold and yellow checked odaj from inside his mesh haversack. Agalea says, "They did not catch my eye." Alexii offers Loukno a gold and yellow checked odaj. Agalea grins. Alexii flashes a wide grin. Malfrien grins at Alexii, his dimples flashing into view. Loukno's ears perk up happily. Loukno accepts Alexii's checked odaj. Loukno calmly says, "Thank you." Malfrien chuckles. Naea grins. Chinoa chortles softly at some secret joke. Malfrien asks Lanita, "Which items?" Alexii says, "No, thank you. You show us great respect by participating in our gathering." Kyenchiro says to Loukno, "An odaj is handy AND fashionable." Kyenchiro grins. Naea says, "Less scandalous than a Pry'Sin." Chinoa gazes at Loukno in awe. Naea grins. Kesava asks, "Ya could make Loukno an honorary pack member right?" Lanita says, "Hm." Loukno begins to carefully examine a gold and yellow checked odaj. Chinoa nods at Naea, obviously agreeing with her views. Sajuta says to Malfrien, "Liek these." Sajuta gets a twisted silver armband displaying an onyx and fabric turinstil from inside her hip pouch. Loukno slips into a gold and yellow checked odaj. Sajuta shows Malfrien her turinstil armband. Loukno shakes his head at Alexii. Malfrien says, "Oh." Sajuta attaches a twisted silver armband displaying an onyx and fabric turinstil to her upper arm. Lanita says, "Well I have a few from my collection long before but the merchants came through recently with the same." Malfrien says, "No I didnt...I borrowed one form Sajie." The fire on the ground burns with a comforting glow. Loukno calmly says to Alexii, "You do me a great honor by allowing me to be here. It has been a most educating experience." Sajuta says, "Oh! Right, I gave you that nose stud back before the fest anyway." Sajuta grins at Malfrien. Malfrien nods. Alexii says, "So, my friends and cousins. This concludes our gathering for this year, I want to thank you all once again for joining us in the Great Moot." Malfrien chuckles. Malfrien says, "Good thing it was disenfected." Malfrien grins at Sajuta, his dimples flashing into view. Naea bounces from where she is sitting! Ywolf applauds. Ywolf applauds. Sajuta grins at Malfrien. Ywolf applauds. Aeviona applauds. Naea looks over Alexii very closely. Kesava says, "Thanks for lettin us non-rakash hang out." Malfrien gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer. Sajuta says to Malfrien, "I am an empath. I keep that in mind." Chinoa looks at Alexii and applauds! Loukno nods at Kesava, obviously agreeing with his views. Mahwel yawns expansively. Xalahai applauds. Mahwel stretches his arms. Alexii says, "Thank you to our wonderful hosts, Lanita, Naea, Chinoa, the Tavern Troupe." Naea applauds. Achkilles says, "Thanks to all that helped in bringing this together." Sajuta applauds. Chinoa smiles. Kyenchiro grins. Lanita gets a varna earcuff from inside her lace haversack. Kesava says, "Though next time....I may pick up some slivovitz on the way." Loukno calmly says, "Thank you all for the gathering." Kyenchiro says, "We Rakash turn no friends away." Lanita offers Malfrien a varna earcuff. Malfrien says, "Thank you all...this has been a fun evening." Raising his fratvarit to Lanita, Achkilles gives her a toast. Malfrien accepts Lanita's varna earcuff. Naea says, "And to Alexii for keeping us all on track." Naea grins. Malfrien beams at Lanita! Raising his fratvarit to Naea, Achkilles gives her a toast. Alexii chuckles. Chinoa flashes a quick grin. Malfrien says, "Thank you very much." Raising his fratvarit to Chinoa, Achkilles gives her a toast. Kesava wipes his mouth. Naea grins at Achkilles. Purple flames waver across the fire on the ground. Alexii says, "I do nothing, I just point and say... you should do this." Alexii flashes a wide grin. Malfrien says, "How did you know I liked the Crow." Malfrien beams at Lanita! Sajuta teasingly asks Alexii, "Oversee?" Malfrien attaches a varna earcuff to his earlobe. Lanita gets a thick leather wristcuff strung with a relna sudrava varna from inside her lace haversack. The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Sajuta snickers Chinoa ponders. Loukno slips out of a gold and yellow checked odaj. Loukno ponders. Sajuta quietly asks Malfrien, "Because the butterfly looks funny?" Alexii says to Sajuta, "Thats what Alphas do, yup." Loukno begins to carefully examine a gold and yellow checked odaj. Alexii flashes a wide grin. Sajuta taps Malfrien's nose. Malfrien says, "Well." Kyenchiro chuckles. Malfrien taps a turinstil nose stud that he is wearing. Chinoa quietly says, "Oversee is an Alphas way of saying... make them do it." Chinoa nods. Malfrien chuckles. Lanita asks Alexii, "Did you record all the howls?" Naea laughs at Chinoa. Malfrien removes a turinstil nose stud from his nose. Alexii nods to Lanita. Malfrien puts his stud in his oilcloth rucksack. Naea says to Lanita, "I have them." Lanita beams! Malfrien says to Sajuta, "I'll clean that and get it back to you." Malfrien nods. Sajuta grins at Malfrien.

[Ancient Tower, Exterior] The round base of a massive stone tower rests among the cracked rocks and rubble which have worked their way loose from brittle mortar and have fallen to rest at the great structure's feet. Silverleaf vines slink up from the dry soil and interweave to form a massive living wall, perhaps the only element bracing the ancient tower from collapsing into a heap of stones and dust. A gaping archway on the west side of the tower is all that remains of the wooden doorway which once hung there. You also see a pile of coin, a pile of logs, a log, a pile of turnips, some apple pulp, some apple pulp, some apple pulp, a pile of apples, some apple pulp, a pile of coin, a fire, a pile of logs, a pale pink chintz cloth with some stuff on it, a soft green leaf-print cloth and a worn path. Also here: Druid Vegas, Arcane Researcher Loukno who is sitting, Squire Xalahai who is sitting, Mother Chinoa who is sitting, Supplicant Agalea, Woodland Bandit Silvwyn who is sitting, Soldier Marielir, Grand Master Moon Mage Mahwel, Ascendant Kyenchiro who is sitting, Paymaster Achkilles, Bard Aeviona who is sitting, Lady of the House Lanita who is sitting, Sir Ywolf, Natura Kesava, Witch Doctor Malfrien who is sitting, Quirrisse who is sitting, Life Mage Sajuta who is sitting, Lancel, Storyteller Naea who is sitting, Alpha Alexii. Obvious paths: none. Sajuta nods to Malfrien. Malfrien chuckles. Malfrien beams at Loukno! Loukno's ears perk up happily. Loukno seems to be trying to figure out how to turn a gold and yellow checked odaj. Loukno grins at Malfrien. Sajuta smiles at Loukno. Naea stands up. Naea hugs Lanita, who wraps her arms around Naea with a warm smile. Naea hugs Alexii, who wraps his arms around Naea with a warm smile. Chinoa stands up. Kyenchiro says to Loukno, "It's pocketed. I use mine for holding lockpicks." Chinoa hugs Lanita, who wraps her arms around Chinoa with a warm smile. Kyenchiro gets a stout lockpick from inside his faille odaj. Loukno nods to Kyenchiro. Chinoa laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement. Silvwyn grins impishly at Chinoa. Chinoa nods to Silvwyn. Kyenchiro taps his nose with his stout lockpick. Malfrien chuckles. Naea says, "Time for us to sleep, thanks all for coming." Alexii says, "AS far as the Great Moot goes, we will attempt to do them yearly." Lanita smiles. Kyenchiro puts his lockpick in his faille odaj. Sajuta says, "I keep... stuff in there." Chinoa nods to Naea. Loukno calmly says, "Just studying the design now." Naea nods at Alexii, obviously agreeing with his views. Chinoa stretches her arms. Malfrien says, "Mine hold lint." Loukno slips into a gold and yellow checked odaj. Kyenchiro says, "Excellent." Sajuta grins at Malfrien. Alexii says, "But we have plans for smaller moots along the line, which will lead up to the great moot." Achkilles asks, "I'm heading back to Lang, anyone else want to come?" Silvwyn exclaims, "More than just yearly would be better!" Silvwyn grins. Silvwyn leaps to her feet! Achkilles holds hands with Marielir. Kyenchiro stands up. Chinoa quietly says, "Thank you everyone again, you all make this more then a group of missfits gathering to watch wood burn." Alexii coughs. Marielir smiles at Achkilles. Kyenchiro chortles softly at some secret joke. Naea laughs! Sajuta grins. Agalea smiles. Agalea covers her mouth with her hand. Kyenchiro asks Chinoa, "What's wrong with a group of misfits watching wood burn?" Kyenchiro winks. Chinoa ponders. Agalea smiles. Chinoa glances at Naea. Naea hums to herself. Achkilles says, "Good hunting, all." Loukno calmly says to Malfrien, "I should stay out this way as well, I need enchanting supplies again." Kesava smiles at Malfrien. Naea waves to Achkilles. Chinoa quietly says to Kyenchiro, "Sometimes.... it's nice to do something that I don't have to do every night..." Marielir says, "Nice to meet everyone." Chinoa waves to Achkilles. Chinoa winks at Kyenchiro. Kyenchiro grins. Achkilles waves to Naea. Marielir nods to Achkilles. Naea hugs Agalea, who wraps her arms around Naea with a warm smile. Alexii grins at Lanita. Kyenchiro hugs Chinoa, getting a smile in return. Achkilles waves to Chinoa. Chinoa hugs Agalea, getting a smile in return. Kyenchiro hums to himself. Chinoa hugs Kyenchiro, who wraps his arms around Chinoa with a warm smile. Fingers of flame leap up from the fire on the ground. Malfrien stands up. Achkilles bows to Alexii. Loukno takes a sip of his tea. Xalahai smiles. Malfrien tries to pull Loukno to his feet, but cannot. Loukno stands up. Naea exclaims to Agalea, "See you soon I hope, it's been too long!" Malfrien grins, revealing his dimples. Loukno grins. Achkilles waves to Lanita. Marielir curtsies to Alexii. Chinoa stretches out a hand imploringly to Naea. Agalea says, "Be well Naea." Paymaster Achkilles's group wandered over to a worn path. Naea joins Chinoa's group. Kyenchiro says to Sajuta, "I might be able to Moongate us back to Haven." Sajuta says, "For now, I need to rest." Chinoa smiles. Malfrien nods to Sajuta. Loukno hugs Sajuta, who wraps her arms around Loukno with a warm smile. Agalea says, "And you too Chinoa." Silvwyn nibbles her lip thoughtfully. Chinoa quietly says, "Solot vawnt everyone. Walk softly." Naea says, "Cawna dzirta everyone." Kyenchiro raises his arms skyward, chanting. Chinoa waves. Silvwyn hugs Chinoa, getting a smile in return. The fire on the ground crackles as a shower of sparks rises from it. Alexii tries to pull Lanita to her feet, but cannot. Kyenchiro says, "Lavs celojur, all." Silvwyn just hugged Naea. Loukno calmly says to Sajuta, "I hope you consider coming back to the islands soon." Sajuta says to Kyenchiro, "Not without the hubby. I'll drag him up the river sometime later." Mother Chinoa's group wandered over to a worn path. Kyenchiro grins at Sajuta. Kesava babbles incoherently. Sajuta says to Loukno, "I will. Zas has the bonfire the coming andu." Kyenchiro gestures. In a blazing fountain of red-gold sparks, a red Moongate blazes into life. Ywolf says, "Till next time." Kyenchiro asks, "Anyone to Haven?" Kyenchiro says to Kesava, "Lavs celojur means 'good journey'." Kyenchiro grins. Kyenchiro waves. Kyenchiro says, "Take care, al." Kyenchiro says, "All, too." As Kyenchiro crosses the threshold of the Moongate both he and the portal disappear in an eyeblink. Mother Chinoa's group wandered over from a worn path. A burning log in a fire burns out and crumbles away. Alexii says to Chinoa, "How dare you leave without letting me give you something for all your hard work." Alexii begins nagging Chinoa unmercifully. Chinoa looks at Alexii and blushes. Naea laughs at Alexii. Alexii gets a Rakash devotional amulet from inside his large sack. Malfrien says, "Bye Sajie." Alexii offers Chinoa a Rakash devotional amulet. Naea lets out a hearty cheer for Alexii! Loukno calmly says to Sajuta, "May Xibar and Yavash light your path, may Katamba hide you in her shadow and may the stars always shine bright upon your future." Chinoa blinks. Chinoa accepts Alexii's devotional amulet. Sajuta grins. Sajuta just left. Alexii wraps his arms around Chinoa, giving Chinoa a great big bear hug! Chinoa laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement. Naea grins. Chinoa hugs Alexii, who wraps his arms around Chinoa with a warm smile. Naea puts her storybook in her catapult basket. Alexii says, "This could not have happened without you two." Alexii praises Naea. Alexii praises Chinoa. The fire on the ground sputters as it burns. Chinoa smiles. Chinoa quietly says, "Thank you... it was a pleasure to be involved in the small way that we were." Loukno's tail undulates lazily through the air. Loukno stretches his arms. Chinoa ponders. Silvwyn runs her fingers through her hair. Alexii asks, "Small?" Alexii says, "Sure..." Naea exclaims to Alexii, "I just showed up and drunk and told stories!" Loukno grins. Chinoa laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement. Silvwyn giggles at Naea. Alexii says, "Be humble if you wish..." Alexii scoffs. Lanita stumbles in, rubbing her eyes as if she just woke up. Chinoa chortles softly at some secret joke. Chinoa hugs Lanita, who wraps her arms around Chinoa with a warm smile. Chinoa quietly says, "Now..." Lanita says, "I just wanted to say thanks to you all before I go for real." Chinoa beams at Lanita! Naea hugs Lanita, who wraps her arms around Naea with a warm smile. Alexii wraps his arms around Lanita, giving Lanita a great big bear hug! Lanita smiles. Loukno bows to Lanita. Alexii wraps his arms around Lanita in a loving hug. Chinoa quietly says, "Before we go aswell..." Lanita hugs Naea, who wraps her arms around Lanita with a warm smile. Lanita hugs Alexii, who wraps his arms around Lanita with a warm smile. Chinoa quietly says, "I have one more thing to do.." Malfrien bows to Lanita. Lanita hugs you. Aeviona smiles at Chinoa. Naea peers quizzically at Chinoa. Lanita stands up. Lanita bobs a quick curtsy to Malfrien. Malfrien says, "Thank you Lady." Malfrien smiles, revealing the dimples in his cheeks. Agalea raises an eyebrow in Chinoa's direction. Lanita hugs Aeviona, who wraps her arms around Lanita with a warm smile. Agalea smiles at Naea. Naea grins at Agalea. Agalea says, "She is up to something." Chinoa quietly says to Alexii, "This here is Silvwyn.... I'd be most appreciative if you could spend a little time with her tonight now things are quieting down a little. You'll understand why later..." Naea nods at Agalea, obviously agreeing with her views. Chinoa hums to herself. Chinoa winks at Silvwyn. The fire on the ground sputters as it burns. Silvwyn blushes furiously! Lanita smiles at Xalahai and waves a finger at the pink bundle in his arms. Alexii points at Silvwyn, ruining her hiding place. Alexii holds hands with Silvwyn. Alexii flashes a wide grin. Xalahai smiles at Lanita. Chinoa hugs Alexii, who wraps his arms around Chinoa with a warm smile. Naea laughs! Chinoa hugs Silvwyn, getting a smile in return. Xalahai shows Lanita his soft pink bundle. Lanita blinks. Naea says, "Nice try." Alexii says to Silvwyn, "Yer caught now." Silvwyn babbles something incoherent at Chinoa. Chinoa gently kisses Silvwyn on the cheek. A column of smoke trails off the fire on the ground. Aeviona pulls Lanita to her in a tight hug. Lanita smiles. Silvwyn says to Chinoa, "Just wait til I get a hold of you later." Chinoa quietly says, "Right.. now we go, before I fall asleep on my feet." Lanita says, "Was a great turn out." Alexii says, "Lanita, you are simply amazing." Alexii praises Lanita. Silvwyn shakes her fist at Chinoa! Naea exclaims to Chinoa, "Flee!" Chinoa nods at Alexii, obviously agreeing with his views. Chinoa flails her arms about. Mother Chinoa's group wandered over to a worn path. Flames waver off of the fire on the ground. Lanita says, "Next time will be better." Alexii says to Lanita, "Thank you so much for this." Aeviona says, "This was a wonderful moot." Lanita says, "Was my pleasure, thank you for hiring the Troupe."