The Pilgrimage of the Snakes Part 1

Welcome

Cherisse recites:

"Welcome Everyone to our Vigil for Peri'el. We will be traveling by gate to the shrine here shortly, and then be lead through a series of prayers and offerings by some wonderful people. Please make sure you are in Ect's group"

Siendra says, "I hope it is a very big gate..."

Casari says, "Last time I was here, Dragon Priests attacked the Ru'atin Peri'el."

Rozalynde frowns.

In a blazing fountain of red-gold sparks, a red Moongate blazes into life.

Cherisse says in a Kreshi accent, "That's our ride."

Ectheleon's group went through a red Moongate.

[Aesry Surlaenis'a, Underground Spring]
A rough rock ledge surrounds the source of the spring, with water welling out through hundreds of tiny cracks far too small to enter. Dim light illuminates the grotto, apparently entering through fissures above, and glinting off the black surface of the pool. Where the ledge widens, the rock has been smoothed and covered with sand, and a small black stone altar has been raised. You also see a red Moongate.
Also here: Mother Superior Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Amputator Laveaux, Sea Priestess Mazilyn, High Priestess Aemaranth who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Reverend Gragnel, Dive Master Daring, Dragon Priest Eskerith, Spirit Guide Dilemma who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Ryeka who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Valta Varna Mistanna who is being harassed by an intrigue of phantasmal kittens, Harkour, Cremator Relay, Wrath of Tenemlor Sneeky whose form is ablaze in a shroud of forge dust mixed with glowing ember motes, Lady of Frostbite Siendra, Enelne's Champion Nawain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu who is enveloped in shadowy smoke vaguely shaped like a Rakash in moonskin, Tylliana, Chieftain Elizzibiana who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, Lanahh Pejek'zhra Isaish, Comedian Rozalynde who is trailed by an animated wardrobe looking very concerned, Mageling Anba, Maven of Fire Kiashandra who is trailed by blazing fire-roses that smolder into ethereal ash, Firehawk Casari, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Knight of Meraud Tirost who has a stony visage, Sir Imroth, Ahneya, Faebound Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Ectheleon who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Dreamweaver Itheron and Aide Mewawl.

Ectheleon says, "Not gonna be slow this time."

Ectheleon grins.

Casari asks, "We're near the bay now, right?"

Shaylynne says to Elurora, "This isn't much less cramped than the well."

Cherisse says in a Kreshi accent, "We are I'm not sure to be honest. You swim to get here though."

Ectheleon says, "Please feel free to find space where available enjoy the food and drink from the cloth."

Elurora says to Shaylynne, "At least until someone started pushing people over the ledge."

Shaylynne smirks.

Ryeka chuckles.

Gragnel idly picks at a black stone altar.

Gragnel nods.

Ryeka reaches out and touches a black stone altar.

Ryeka shivers slightly.

Shaylynne says, "Sounds like a job for Ahneya."

Ectheleon kneels down.

Cherisse recites:

"Thank you everyone! We are going to start our program tonight with Ectheleon. Assuming he is ready."

Daring looks at Ectheleon and applauds!

Ryeka says, "White blossoms. I think She is pleased we are here."

Ectheleon exclaims, "I am ready!"

Ectheleon exclaims, "Food and drink on the cloth!"

Ectheleon

Ectheleon says, "I was asked to speak in front of you all today as we offer a Vigil to Peri'el."

Siendra smiles at Ectheleon.

Ryeka smiles at Ectheleon, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Ectheleon says, "My words will be brief to allow time for all the more wonderful folk who will follow me."

Ectheleon smiles.

Ryeka smiles at Ectheleon, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Ectheleon says, "Peri'el is my favored Immortal for a number of reasons. Her history will be shared by another so I will share my thoughts on her a bit more simply."

Ectheleon recites:

"Before she was known for her quiet vigilance, Peri'el stood as one of the greatest war-bound Immortals among the Thirteen."

Ectheleon recites:

"Even after her right leg was maimed and wounded in combat, she refused to break."

Ectheleon recites:

"For her strength to never wane I find resolve in my own actions."

Ryeka smiles at Ectheleon, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

You smile at Ectheleon.

Ryeka nods in agreement.

Ectheleon recites:

"For instead of retreating into defeat, she chose to endlessly guard over the earth below in solitude."

Ectheleon recites:

"Deep within the inner world, her soft and unerring lullabies keep the great beast asleep and save our realm from ruin."

Elurora gazes down at the floor.

Ectheleon recites:

"Her song resonates within me as well, as I take on the challenges of each day."

Laveaux ponders Ectheleon words.

Cherisse smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Siendra smiles.

Ectheleon recites:

"To me Peri'el is not just an aspect of the Immortals, she is the ultimate symbol of quiet and enduring resilience."

Ectheleon recites:

"She proves that true strength isn't about remaining unblemished, but about standing firm through your wounds to protect what you love."

Allye beams at Ectheleon!

Tirost nods to Ectheleon.

Elurora smiles at Ectheleon.

Ryeka nods to Ectheleon.

Nawain smiles at Ectheleon.

Ectheleon recites:

"She reminds us that the scars we carry do not mark the end of our purpose. Rather, our sacrifices transform us into the steadfast pillars that hold the peace together."

Sukidesu nods.

Ectheleon recites:

"Tonight, we gather under her watchful gaze to honor that same quiet fortitude within ourselves and each other."

Ectheleon recites:

"Let us remember her endless song, and find our own strength in her enduring grace."

Ectheleon kneels down.

Closing his eyes in utter tranquility, Ectheleon intones, "Softly sing out praises to Peri'el, whose gentle voice lulls the World Dragon in its eternal slumber."

Ectheleon gets a golden stained pi sitar with engraved brass fittings from inside his gravecloth tombstone.

Ectheleon reverently places a golden stained pi sitar with engraved brass fittings atop the stone altar.

Ectheleon offers his sitar to the gods in homage of their greatness.

Ectheleon stands up.

Ectheleon smiles.

Ectheleon nods to Cherisse.

Your ears straighten up smartly as you gaze at Ectheleon with pride.

Cherisse says in a Kreshi accent, "Thank you. That was lovely."

Daring smooches Ectheleon all over his face.

Siendra smiles at Ectheleon.

Elurora smiles at Ectheleon.

Gragnel

Cherisse recites:

"Gragnel has prepared a sermon for us this evening. So we may honor the Lady Peri'el."

Elurora grins at Gragnel.

Gragnel stands near a black stone altar.

Kiashandra smiles at Gragnel.

Tirost gazes at Gragnel.

Ectheleon smiles at Elurora.

Ryeka smiles at Gragnel, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Sukidesu praises Gragnel.

Gragnel says, "Thank you, Cherisse. Also, well said, Ectheleon."

Ectheleon smiles at Gragnel.

Gragnel gets a pitted iron comb from inside his leather longcoat.

Gragnel runs his iron comb through his hair.

Gragnel puts his comb in his leather longcoat.

Gragnel clears his throat.

Gragnel loudly says, "Greetings, all. I am Reverend Gragnel Durbin, a priest in the service of our noble and glorious Lord Damaris."

Elurora flashes a quick grin at Gragnel.

Gragnel says, "But I have faith in all thirty-nine of our holy Immortals."

Gragnel truthfully says, "Only a fool would deny them and their power. More so after what we all witnessed with the Heralds not too long ago."

Ryeka nods to Gragnel.

Gragnel nods in agreement.

Gragnel significantly says, "Today I have the great honor of speaking to you all of Lady Peri'el, what some of us know as the light aspect of Lord Hav'roth."

Gragnel profoundly says, "It is our Lady Peri'el whom you have to thank for your very existence, for She is the one who keeps the fearsome World Dragon in its eternal slumber through the gentle and dulcet sound of Her voice as she sings to the mighty creature."

Gragnel says, "In fact, many say that if you listen close enough, you can hear Her in the steady rhythm of the ocean waves or even in a seashell put up to your ear."

Gragnel gratefully says, "Our land is stilled by Her power, which she uses to save us from both tumultuous earthquakes and from fiery lava flows. Disasters that throughout history have claimed many innocent lives."

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Gragnel nods.

Gragnel sadly says, "However, as many of you know, during the battle with the World Dragon, She was gravely wounded."

Gragnel frowns.

Ryeka nods.

Gragnel says, "So, it should be no surprise that She has a place of great honor in the hearts of war veterans who consider Her their patroness."

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Gragnel matter-of-factly says, "In many artworks, She is shown with instruments of many kinds, though it is said Her favorite is the sitar, making Her a popular deity among many musicians."

Gragnel says, "We have many things in this world to be thankful for, but one could argue we would have none of it, nor even be here, if it were not for Her adherence to placating the Dragon through her sweet song."

Gragnel nods in agreement.

Gragnel reverentially says, "So, today, we gather here to lift Her name on high and raise our voice in praise of Her. Glory everlasting for the kingsnake and may these lands continue to persevere through Her protection from calamity."

Gragnel exclaims, "Again, I say, glory everlasting to Lady Peri'el!"

Tirost mumbles a word of general praise.

Gragnel exclaims, "Glory to the thirty-nine!"

Gragnel smiles.

Cherisse smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

You grin at Gragnel.

Dilemma smiles at Gragnel.

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

Imroth lets out a loud "Huzzah!"

Gragnel appreciatively says, "I thank you all for your time and attention."

Siendra quietly says, "And the Great Pack..."

Gragnel bobs a brief, respectful bow.

Gragnel nods to Cherisse.

Siendra hums to herself.

Laveaux smiles at Gragnel.

Elurora grins at Siendra.

Raising her divine white to Gragnel, Illiya gives him a toast.

Elurora places a hand on her chest and bows her head.

Sukidesu mumbles a word of general praise.

Cherisse recites:

"Thank you Gragnel. That was very informative. Next up we have another of Damaris' Panthers. Priestess Zynell with an offering."

Zynell

Elurora smiles at you.

You stand near a black stone altar.

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

You say, "Hello, i join this gathering as Damaris' Priestess of Dreams."

You say, "It was Phelim who sprinkled the original sands in the World Dragon's eye, lulling it into the sweetest of dreams."

Siendra smiles at you.

Gragnel nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

You grin.

You say, "Today i offer a reminder of those sands."

You detach a night-black bottle labeled "Dream Sand" from your thigh.

You hold a night-black bottle labeled "Dream Sand" high into the air for all to see.

You push the release catch on your night-black bottle, releasing some dirt into your hand.

You reverently place some dirt on the stone altar.

You offer your dirt to the gods in homage of their greatness.

You say, "May it remind Peri'el that she is supported in her task."

Ryeka smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

You say, "And may the World Dragon stay happily in Damaris' dreaming."

Ryeka nods in agreement.

Cherisse smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

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

Eskerith nods.

You nod to Cherisse.

Elurora smiles at you.

Dilemma smiles.

Ectheleon smiles at you.

Cherisse recites:

"May the World Dragon continue his sleep. Uhm, so the schedule I was handed lists Jaelia next, but by it is says, gets 5 rois. Let us welcome our beloved Mother."

Elurora chortles softly at some secret joke.

You giggle.

Elurora smiles at Jaelia.

Kiashandra grins at Cherisse.

Ryeka grins, revealing her dimples.

Gragnel chuckles.