View source for Briaen/Logs/20240121 Prayers during Asketi's ride

{{Log
  |date=2024-01-21
  |gamedate=448-01-01
  |eventname=Patience: Prayers during Asketi's ride
  |event_instance=DR
  |pov=Briaen
  |log=

[Eyes of the Thirteen, Hodierna's Shrine]<br />
The platform is surrounded by a large opaline crystal dome. Leading out to the hallway of the temple, a bleached ash archway stands as noble sentry, guarding this sacred shrine. Faint etchings have been made in the pale alabaster floor, leading inward toward the end of the crystal half-sphere. You also see a heavy altar of brass and obsidian and a low altar of golden sandstone.<br />
Obvious exits: none.<br />
Also here: Blunt Traumatizer Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze

[General] You hear your mental voice echo, "If you are unable to contribute to these efforts, I encourage you to join me at Asketi's alter in the Eyes of the Thirteen, in Crossing's High Temple."<br />
You concentrate on projecting your thoughts.

You say, "Asketi, we acknowledge your ride and accept your chill wind as a part of our frail existance."

You say, "We pray you take those who you need to serve your greater will and leave to us, and the Dawnmother's care, the innocent and the frail."

You say, "From you, Asketi, we learn that life's journey is not always bathed in the comforting light of Berengaria. Sometimes, we must navigate the shadowed realms, confront the chilling winds, and acknowledge the inevitability of the midnight hunt. Through this acknowledgment, we find a deeper understanding of the complexities that shape our mortal coil."

You say, "Let us not cower in fear but turn our gaze inward. Reflect on the mysteries of Asketi, the hag who challenges our understanding of life's complexities. In acknowledging her, we confront our fears and gain insight into the intricate tapestry of existence."

You say, "Fear not the title bestowed upon her the stealer of life. For in her shadows, there lies a stark mirror to our mortality. Asketi's presence compels us to acknowledge the fragility of existence and the transient nature of our earthly journey."

You say, "In the chilling embrace of the North Wind, let us turn our thoughts to the enigmatic figure, the dark sister Asketi, whose presence stirs fear in the hearts of mortals and whose mysteries shroud the land in a veil of unsettling awe."

>mychar Continues to pray to Asketi, dark sister to his patron.<br />
Briaen Continues to pray to Asketi, dark sister to his patron.

You say, "Asketi, I pray before you with no sword at hand nor spell to prevent your chilling touch. If it is sacrifice you demand, take me. Leave the innocent to another year of warmth and safety in your sisters' light and embrace."

You say, "Asketi, in the stillness of the night, we are reminded of the unpredictability of fate and the inevitability of the hunt."

>mychar continues to pray to Asketi, dark sister to his patron. Pleading that the innocent be spared.<br />
Briaen continues to pray to Asketi, dark sister to his patron. Pleading that the innocent be spared.

You say, "As we contemplate the enigma of Asketi, let us not recoil but, instead, seek to comprehend the lessons she imparts."

You stand back up.

Allye opens her coin case.

Allye closes her coin case.

Allye rubs her kyanite gwethdesuan.

The menacing cackle of the hag is audible, even in these safe walls.

Allye twitches an ear nervously.

Allye touches you with a confident grace and familiar smile.

You say, "Asketi, in the stillness of the night, we are reminded of the unpredictability of fate and the inevitability of the hunt."

>mychar contines to pray, fervently.<br />
Briaen continues to pray, fervently.

Allye says, "Yes, Asketi. Unpredictability, inevitability, all of that, yes."

Allye takes off a tiny lavender rose charm limned in sungold.

You say, "Asketi, I pray before you with no sword at hand nor spell to prevent your chilling touch. If it is sacrifice you demand, take me, your penitent and wicked child. Leave the innocent to another year of warmth and safety in your sisters' light and embrace."

Allye takes a deep breath, looking serene and determined.

The cackling seems to near, and for a moment resonates through the Eyes of the Thirteen, before pausing. You appear to have earned her attention.

Allye says, "Yes, take Briaen. Absolutely."

You say, "Asketi, we acknowledge your ride and accept your chill wind as a part of our frail existance."

>mychar continues to pray fervently, accepting his role as penitent and faithful.<br />
Briaen continues to pray fervently, accepting his role as penitent and faithful.

Allye twitches an ear nervously.

You say, "From you, Asketi, we learn that life's journey is not always bathed in the comforting light of Berengaria. Sometimes, we must navigate the shadowed realms, confront the chilling winds, and acknowledge the inevitability of the midnight hunt. Through this acknowledgment, we find a deeper understanding of the complexities that shape our mortal coil."

Allye closes her eyes and settles into a graceful stance.

An icy chill fills the air, and the ambient temperature plummets dramatically. Your exhalations are visible, forming a chilled mist with each breath.

A shiver runs up your spine.

You say, "Dark Sister of the Dawnmother, I stand before you penitent and willing. Let your ride be fufilled as I offer myself in place of this city."

Allye winces.

You offer your sack to Allye, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer. Type CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer.

The sacrifice appears to be heard. The cackles fade, as does the keening.

Allye squints at you.

>mychar continues to breath, slowly. Accepting his fate. His words echo loudly now through the altar room.<br />
Briaen continues to breath, slowly. Accepting his fate. His words echo loudly now through the altar room.

Allye says to you, "Standing next to you seems to be a dangerous place to be."

You say, "Let us not cower in fear but turn our gaze inward. Reflect on the mysteries of Asketi, the hag who challenges our understanding of life's complexities. In acknowledging her, we confront our fears and gain insight into the intricate tapestry of existence."

The chill appears to overtake you, and you find yourself trembling from its pain. Your nerves deaden and numb, even as your teeth chatter. Still, Asketi appears satisfied without your death.

You say, "Sometimes, we must navigate the shadowed realms, confront the chilling winds, and acknowledge the inevitability of the midnight hunt. Through this acknowledgment, we find a deeper understanding of the complexities that shape our mortal coil."

Allye slowly empties her lungs.

You say, "Praise be, to the Dark Sister and for her stark lessons."

The cackling stops. A single wail overtakes the night, and as quickly as they arrived, the banshees begin to take to the sky, headed directly west -- apparently satisfied. The hag watches their ascent, satisfied.

[General] Your mind hears Avrenka thinking, "oh ... is it over?"}}