[centre][img]https://i.imgur.com/TiC9fEF.png[/img] [h2]A Bastion of Culture 3 - Prayer[/h2] [/centre] [hr] [sub][i]Year 29AA, middle winter, outside Caisteal Na Grèine...[/i][/sub] “Oh, I cannot wait! I cannot wait! To feel the Statuette once more… How can we be so fortunate?” The young man Macdouh clapped his hands together and had a skip in his gait, kicking up snow with every step. His brown linen robes were characteristic for a monk, and in true monkly fashion, he had given up his family plaid in favour of simple furs. Indeed, nothing less was expected of an acolyte of the House of the Sun. His excitement was met with a somewhat patronising chuckle from his left. The monk turned to see the old, speckled face of Kaer Pier, his balding head covered with a well-sewn and ornately embroidered squirrel fur hat. “Now, now, young Macdouh - we haven’t even started negotiations with the Reiyar - there is no guarantee that we will be permitted to touch the Statuette.” Macdouh’s excitement was quickly capped by the elder’s words, and the gait lost its momentum. The monk folded his cold hands instead and attempted to assume a more conservative stance a little behind the druid. “Of course, father - forgive my overreaction.” “My son,” the druid soothed, “one should never have to apologise for one’s excitement; after all, excitement is but the sun’s will made manifest within our souls. The greatness of Reiya and all of her gifts given to this good world comes to light in the sensations of joy, life and excitement.” He clapped the monk on the shoulder and lifted his tree branch staff to the heavens. “Come now, sing with me! Sing praises to the Daymother! [i]Oh Reiya, oh Reiya~~![/i]” The druid was quickly joined by Macdouh, as well as the other seven monks and nuns who had come along for the trip. A little behind, two elks trudged through the snow, each carrying a plaid-dressed, copper-helmeted warrior wearing vigilant stares as they surveyed the hills around them. Behind them again, thirty or so foot soldiers followed, all armed with copper spears and small, wooden shields. “Oof, here they go again,” muttered one of the commanders. The other rolled her eyes. “Only you would complain about hymns to the Sun, Cumhail. I think they sound rather nice, actually!” Cumhail, [i]théin[/i] of the farmstead of Ha-Reyr, gave a long, drawn-out groan. “Not another word, Cat. I did not ask for this mission; I want my bed; I want my wife; and I want my morning porridge.” “You had porridge this morning, though…” Cumhail exhaled hot air. “I want it the way -she- makes it. Campfire porridge cannot even begin to compare!” “Okay! Okay, relax.” Catryn, [i]théin[/i] of the mining village of Ha-Tind, pulled her green and red plaid tighter around her torso. “Didn’t mean anything mean by it…” “Look, I know you didn’t, but, c’mon, show a man some respect, would you, and don’t make him think of his wife’s porridge while in the field.” “You’re the one who brought it up, tho--” “Shush! Not another word.” Catryn looked to be on her last thread of patience, but a call from ahead in the column caught her attention enough that she let go of the handle of her axe. They kicked their elks gently in the sides and the mounts sped up to top a hill. There, over the top, they could see the red stone castle, standing out from the surrounding like a spot of blood in the whitest snow. Caisteal Na Grèine. “We’re here!” announced Kaer Pier to the sound of applause from the monks and nuns. “Now, remember the plan - I will approach first with the acolytes and ask for lodgings. You warriors will await outside.” “In the cold?” Cumhail replied curtly and sourly. Kaer Pier nodded. “Most unfortunate, I know, but I will not have armed men and women enter the holy halls of great Solus - of Mother Reiya. Remain out here, and we will make certain to plead for permission so that you, too, may come in. Now, come now, young acolytes! Let us do what we do best!” The druid trudged ahead through the snow, followed by the monks and nuns, some of whom were pulling pulks. The [i]théins[/i] looked grimly at one another. Catryn growled at Cumhail and turned to the warriors. “Well, you heard the man - set up camp and get a fire going. I’m freezing my tits off…” Meanwhile, the druid and his companions reached the gate of the Sundom, its radiant heat having melted all the snow around it in a several metre radius. The druid motioned for his followers to kneel as he himself approached the gates and knocked. “Great Reiyar - servants of the Sun - we come bearing gifts in honour of your great aid earlier this winter, and pray we may spend the day strengthening our great friendship!” It did not take long for a reply to muster forth in the form of great golden Leo. peering its head over the walls, body precariously perched upon the stone as if it was finding its footing. A great halo shimmered above it'a head as two curious eyes looked upon them. It lifted its head to sniff at them and then seemingly disinterested, it turned and disappeared over the wall. “A beast! A beast of the sun!” one of the nuns burst out and squealed, being joined by her comrades. Kaer Pier seemed a little less giddy about the whole situation and gently knocked on the gates again. “With great humility and respect, we pray we may enter this great castle again in hopes that we can further our bonds of friendship - the Reiyar and the Dûnans!” The gates did begin to open, revealing winged men and women standing tall on either side of Tevuri and a shorter woman. She wore embossed plate armor of the sun, a faint Halo was above her golden hair. In stark contrast to the Reiyar, her skin was dark… Her arms were folded in front of her and her facial expressions were neutral. [Color=tan]"Dûnans."[/color] she stated in a strange accent. [Color=tan]"Please, come in, you must be cold."[/color] She smiled. It was the druid’s turn now to stand dumbstruck in awe. The monks and nuns hadn’t risen from their knees, and a few of them were nervously looking around for the signal to stand up. Instead of giving such a signal, the druid himself fell to his knees and laid his staff down on the ground, saying, “Oh… Oh, what fortune - what joy! To think that I, the humble sinner that I am, would be so fortunate to gaze upon the beauty of the Sun’s daughter twice in one lifetime. I greet you from the bottom of my soul and wish you all the blessings of my people, Lucia [i]Helgen[/i]!” The monks and nuns gasped. “A [i]helgen[/i]?!” Lucia remained still. [Color=tan]"And I greet you. All of you. Please, rise. Rise and tell us why you've come. No one was expected here until spring at the earliest. Or so I was told."[/color] The druid rose against slowly and the monks and nuns joined in. “Oh, but we couldn’t wait to show our appreciation for the Sun’s aid in reclaiming our home. We’ve brought gifts of ale, food and crafts for all to enjoy, and my acolytes here, a selection of monks and nuns from the House of the Sun, were all eager, so eager, to travel as soon as the weather would allow it. And, as it happened, thanks to the grace of Claroon, no storms have come to keep us at bay this month. I hope we are not intruding.” [Color=tan]"I see. What do you think Cardinal Tevuri?"[/color] she asked, turning to the taller Reiyar. He stroked his chin and said, "I for one always welcome the mixing of culture and exploring the Humani's customs. They are most welcome here. Plus the Oraeliari would do well with something to do." [Color=tan]"Well, that's settled then. Please, come in and be welcomed."[/color] Lucia said. “We cannot express how grateful we are, kind helgen,” praised the druid and took a step forward. “Oh! Before I forget… Atop the hill there, our escort awaits in the cold. They number roughly thirty or so. Would it be too much to ask if they, too, may stay inside the warm castle?” "Of course." Tevuri said. "We do ask that any weapons are given to us upon entry however. They will be relinquished when you decide to leave." “Oh, certainly, certainly. Whatever you request be given over, shall be given over. Macdouh, son, would you run up the hill and invite the warriors into the warmth?” The monk bowed and immediately set off on a panting spring through the snow. Kaer Pier smiled and walked over to one of the pulks a nun had dragged with her, from which he untied a thin-necked clay vase with a bark cork. He then stepped back over to Tevuri, bowed his head and offered the vase. “Good Cardinal… Please accept the first of our gifts - the wholly new invention of our people: golden ale.” Tevuri took the vase with gentle hands, as if he was holding a baby. He brought it up to his puzzled face and asked, "Golden… Ale? What does it do?" The druid smiled. “It is a drink, friend - a tasty, round-flavoured drink that keeps your belly warm and happy in winter times. In excess, it will soften your soul just enough to reach into the divine plane and speak to the gods. Indeed, I have tried and succeeded - much a similar effect to pipeweed and joyberries.” Tevuri still looked skeptical but uncorked the jug and took a long whiff of the ale. "It smells good." He said, taking a swing. His face puckered and he passed it to another Reiyar. "It is different, but different is good. Go on and try it Yuleari.” The woman was hesitant in her reaction but sniffed and drank, a small smile creeping onto her face as they passed it around to try. “Be not afraid to drink it all - we have plenty more! If there is a table somewhere, let us prepare you the feast we have brought with!” At this point, the warriors arrived through the gate behind them, looking blessed to be in the heat of the castle. The two [i]théins[/i] dismounted their elks and each offered curtuous bows to both Lucia and Tevuri. “Gods’ peace be upon you,” Catryn greeted and took her helmet off, blonde hair flowing out of it and down over her cloaked shoulders. “Yes, gods’ peace,” Cumhail offered just politely. Kaer Pier cast him a sharp glare. “My companions have naturally accepted that they must give up their arms and will do so immediately,” the druid reminded through a forced, toothed smile. “Oh, right!” Catryn blurted out and all the soldiers quickly disarmed themselves, neatly arranging a pile by the gate. There were daggers, spears, axes and even some swords - mostly copper, with one or two bronze artifacts scattered in there. There was even a sunforged weapon, which Cumhail seemed terribly reluctant to leave behind. He hung over the pile, holding the long dagger in his hand, grimacing harshly. Tevuri clasped his hands, "Please, this way. We shall prepare some tables in the dining hall. In the meantime, warm up and mingle as you humani do." Tevuri and Lucia walked off ahead into the keep. The Dûnans didn’t ignore his suggestion, and many immediately snuggled up against the sunstone wall, many taking off their thickest clothing to not sweat them soaking wet. Kaer Pier and his followers rounded up sacks of oatcakes, pots of cheese, vases of ale and much more from the sleds, following Tevuri with their arms full of gifts. When the food had been moved over across the grand courtyard and into the warm keep, the druid picked up a small wicker chest, beautifully woven and ornately decorated with speckles of chalk, amber and a cross-shaped, golden sun atop its lid. Ceremoniously, he carried it over to the tables and put it down, placing his hand in kind protectiveness over it. “Now… Shall we feast?” Tevuri nodded, looking around at the many humani and Oraeliari entering the chamber. Each table was large enough for a Reiyar to sit at comfortably but the Humani were a bit short. Lucia had vanished however, most likely through one of the many doors in the vast chamber. As Tevuri sat down at the head of the hall, he looked at the box and asked, "I don't think I ever caught your name?" The druid smiled and bowed again. “Forgive my insolence - I should’ve opened with that. I am known as Kaer Pier, former archdruid of Ha-Dûna and now trusted advisor and messenger of our sanndatr Boudicca. I also oversee the Daytemple, temple of the Sun.” “No need to apologize, Kaer Pier. It is nice to meet you.” Tevuri said, taking off his gloves. Around the room the two species mingled and merriment was had, as the Reiyar tried the ale and food. They in turn brought out some of their own items that they had brought from the Luminant. Lumos berries and oran bread, bright and colorful but not as delicious as when they were ripe. “Former archdruid? Sanndatr Boudicca? Has there been a change of leadership in Ha-Dûna?” Tevuri queried. “So there has,” said the druid and received a horn of foaming ale from a bowing nun. “The Moot declared that the druidic leadership had brought our civilisation nothing but ruin and infamy - we elected that we should have one leader instead, one selected on account of their stellar virtues and inborn charisma: the [i]sanndatr[/i], the True Daughter, or [i]sannsonn[/i] if our next one is a man. Boudicca was the only viable candidate in the eyes of the gods and the Moot, without a doubt. Some among us are naturally skeptical of leaving power to a single individual, but the last thing we need now is a crippled council government. A single, righteous leader of such exemplary moral character as Boudicca can make effective, solid decisions and have them be carried out on the day they are made. -That- is what we need; that is a leader.” He sipped his horn with a nod. Tevuri took a sip of some freshly poured ale, smiling at the nun in thanks. “Change can be many things. Good and bad, it is simply a matter of perspective.” He took another sip. “I can not comment on singular leadership I’m afraid. The Oraeliari people are guided along by we Cardinals. No easy task, but the light of our Oraeliara guides us along. I hope things go well for you and your people.” “As do I, friend. As do I.” Pier helped himself to an oatcake and scooped onto it some cottage cheese from a nearby bowl. “If I may ask, what has become of your policy on the local, for the lack of a better word, conflicts in the Dûnlands? You helped us reconquer our home, but… What will you do now?” “Ah, that. We were unsure after reclaiming your home, but now with the Sun Daughter’s arrival, our purpose is clear again. We shall help build a lasting peace here in the Highlands, between all clans, villages, peoples, and races. It is the Sun Mother’s will made manifest.” He said, taking another small sip. “Then we are of one mind, friend. Peace is the only sensible goal left for these lands - if we can achieve it, then all will be well.” He smiled. “Naturally, Ha-Dûna will wholeheartedly line up behind you as an ally in this matter - whatever you may need, whether it be knowledge of the tribes, connections around the Dûnlands or manpower and resources, you shall get it.” "Any help is appreciated." Tevuri smiled. "Now, I've noticed that box you brought with you and I must say I'm curious to what might be contained within." “Oh, this? A small gift for the Cardinals personally - one we hope to exchange for a small favour in return, is all, a favour that to us would mean a great deal.” He opened the lid: The inside of the box was upholstered with wool and bird dow, forming soft, pillowy protection against uneven movement. In the centre of the pillows, there laid a set of four golden rings, intricately adorned with bulbs of transparent glass, with one verdant piece of chiseled malachite in the centre. “Had we known the Sun Daughter was here, we would have naturally brought another one; let us bring it at a later date.” Tevuri's expression narrowed as he looked the rings over. He said nothing for several moments, as if deep in thought. When he did speak he looked to Pier. "They are beautiful rings, one cannot deny that and I cannot speak for Lucia but before we Cardinals think of accepting this gift, I think it prudent you speak of this request of yours." “Oh, it’s not as much a request as it is a simple question of permission, my friend.” The druid closed the box and pushed it gently aside for a spell as he took his horn and gave it a sip. “As you no doubt know, these upheavals and our years in exile have taken their toll on our population - many fine, beautiful youths who were meant to grow up and carry our people forward were taken from us much before their time.” He sighed somberly, and the monks, nuns and warriors around the table who had heard him either joined his sigh or teared up. These were comforted by their peers. The druid gave Tevuri a broken stare, the residue of his smile lost completely. “We ask therefore for permission to have our young and newlywed come here on a pilgrimage, just so they can touch the belly of the Sun Mother’s statuette and help our people recover.” Tevuri looked them over, eyes lingering on the sad faces he saw before him. He then looked out over the room and said, "Such a question cannot be answered by myself alone. Thus I propose that in the morn you gather those of you who speak for your [i]sanndatr[/i] and I shall gather mine and we shall discuss this. For now, let us enjoy ourselves in the warmth of Oraeliara and friends." “I wholeheartedly agree.” "Good." Tevuri smiled, "Now please, pass the butter?" [hr] A sun of red began to rise, warming the foggy keep. The feast had gone on well into the night and most had fallen asleep in the grand hall, but those that were able to walk found rest in the barracks and dorms of the Reiyar. The day was full of anticipation, stemming from the weight of the question posed. And after a quick breakfast, they were guided to where they needed to go. Up winding stairs, down long corridors until at least they reached another short flight of stairs and looming above, a great door. The Reiyar standing guard pushed on the doors and sounds of straining wood and creaks filled the air. Before them sat another room, not as long or tall as the dining hall, but ornate with windows letting light stream in. Rows of tables and chairs lined the sides of the room, leaving a walkway to the front, where another longer table sat, facing a raised platform that stood half as tall as them. Upon that platform sat another table, and sitting upon great chairs were Tevuri and three other cardinals. They wore simple white robes with golden sashes. These cardinals sat on either side of two figures. One was Lucia, wearing a sleeveless but simple gown of lavender. Her golden hair was let down, matching the color of the Cardinals wings and her own shimmering tattoo’s. Above those five, shimmered their ever present Halos, marks of Oraelia herself. The sixth figure who sat next to Lucia, was a broad-shouldered woman with no easily determined heritage beyond being fair of skin. Her black hair flowed reminiscent of the Ketrefan south, but her face - locked into a thin frown - had the same sharp lines as Acadian nobility. Beyond all that, she was shaped like a western warrior, with athletic muscles hidden underneath thin black fabrics woven like layers of veils over the skin rather than any thick clothes for weather. Lucia turned to her and said something, placing her hand upon her shoulder. Behind them all, carved into the very stone of the wall, was a depiction of Oraelia. She held a glowing sun in one hand, and a flower in the other. She looked down, smiling with kindness. As Kaer Pier and his party approached, Lucia rose with a smile. [color=tan]”Welcome, welcome. Please sit.”[/color] she gestured to the table below before continuing, [color=tan]”Tevuri has informed me that you wish to ask something of the Caisteal Na Grèine. So please, before the eyes of my Mother ask us what you will.”[/color] She then sat back down. The Dûnans offered their most respectful bows, though young Macdouh stood staring at the mural of Oraelia, descending slowly to his knees. “Oh, Mother Sun,” he whispered, then furrowed his brow somewhat. He leaned over to Kaer Pier and whispered something to him, and then the druid put his hand on his shoulder, squeezing it firmly. “Don’t be disrespectful, my son,” one could barely hear him respond through a forced smile before greatly loudening his voice. “Sun Daughter Lucia, [i]helgen[/i] of [i]helgens[/i]! Once again, I must express from my heart’s deepest cavities that to see you once again is nothing short of a blessing, and as much as I wish we had come purely for the social exchange, wise Cardinal Tevuri speaks true: We have come also with a request - one that, if granted, would mean the world to our people’s present and future.” He took a breath and bent a knee, his followers doing the same. “We wish, with utmost humility, to be granted permission to open routes of pilgrimage to this holy keep, so that our promising youth may touch the belly of the Sun Mother’s statue and be granted her bountiful fertility.” [Color=tan]"Ah, so the object of your desire is the statue? And you wish to pilgrimage here to be able to touch it."[/color] Lucia folded her hands across the table, her expression marked with neutrality. [Color=tan]"You are aware that the statue is one of the roots to the problems this land has faced over these years? That my mother blames herself for what she gave you in her naivety? That you could be trusted with it in good faith, so that it could be used responsibly? If the Sun Mother had known the path it would send you on, she would have never given it."[/color] Her voice grew softer, [color=tan]"But who could have predicted you would use it so fanatically that your own land could not keep up and then when she gave you everything you needed, it still wasn't enough. After the wars, after the bloodshed."[/color] Lucia sighed and her expression grew hard. [Color=tan]"I shall ask you this now and answer truthfully. Do you think you are worthy still of such a gift?"[/color] The druid frowned. “Would it not be blasphemous to not employ a gift given by the Sun Mother herself to its greatest extent? Would it not be insolent to willingly restrict ourselves and our people’s growth when the gospel of the Sun forever preaches fertility and proliferation? Our sins are not the Sun Mother’s fault - they are ours, and ours alone. No matter the size of her infinite heart, she cannot take our guilt away from us - not even Naya can. Our growth was but a mere factor of a greater evil within our ranks - one that no god can truly take the blame for; I dare say not even the cruel Sigeran can be blamed for planting that first, wicked seed of greed within Kaer Teagan all those years ago. In regards to sustenance, Sun Mother realised our plight, of course, as wise and great as she is, and our lands can now feed our population tenfold, at least. Our estimates cannot keep up with the true yield, even.” He paused. “We are learning, wise [i]helgen[/i], and it is all we can do for as long as we live. That is all we can say to that.” The dark-haired woman managed to look even less pleased than before, but shrunk back into passivity as Lucia spoke up. [Color=tan]"To learn is to grow. To grow is to live. My mother embodies that, and just as you have learned from your lessons, so as she. For life is such a precious thing, it surrounds us in its beauty but with every breath we take it can be taken away in an instant."[/color] She paused. [Color=tan]"Too much of a good thing can be abused and turned to cruelty, can it not? I have no doubt your intentions are pure however, you are faithful to her and her teachings. But you must learn that excess so often turns to greed. I think you were wise in coming here asking for pilgrimage, for that is admitting you are willing to change further. Now,"[/color] she turned to her peers at the table. [Color=tan]"Does anyone else wish to speak?"[/color] she asked. Tevuri cleared his throat, giving Lucia a nod. He then looked to the druid and then other followers. "Lucia speaks with wisdom. I knew this day might come, where you would come to ask for it but I do not fault you for that want. It is a powerful gift and should not be denied, to any. I would like to say this, if you wish to make pilgrimage here then we cannot only allow the people of your nation, but any who wish to touch the statue. We wish to remain neutral when we have to and in good standing with all of the people that call these lands home. We cannot show favoritism." He said, finishing his speech. Cardinal Amara then stood up. "Tevuri speaks after our own hearts, as does Lucia. If you wish to pilgrimage here then we would also ask that any weapons be collected at the gates before entry, any violence committed within will result in immediate expulsion by all members of either accountable parties. And finally, before Oraeliara, we do ask that bad blood, grudges and other pettiness be cast aside in favor of understanding and compassion to your fellow man." She then sat down. The two other Cardinals, one known as Ponifiri and the other unnamed both gave nods in agreement. The dark-haired warrior beside Lucia murmured something under her breath, though it wasn't particularly audible for anyone but those closest to her. In turn, Lucia glanced at the woman but her own expression remained neutral. The druid lowered his head and smiled. “What joy, what fortune - to have such wise and understanding lieges to stand before. Of course, the gift should, no, must be shared with all in the Dûnlands - that has ever been our intention, for we restricted no one from using it before. Now, however, that it is placed much more centrally, perhaps we can all share in the Sun Mother’s blessing. All of these conditions are most acceptable in our eyes - we are grateful.” [color=tan]”I am glad we could come to this agreement.”[/color] Lucia said. [color=tan]”I do have a request of my own however, one unrelated to the statue. The Sun Mother has sent myself and my wife to bring about a lasting peace in the Dûnlands and beyond. We were relieved to hear that Ha-Dûna has been reclaimed and that the fighting has settled down, however, Oraeliara scouts have seen some rather disturbing things from the settlement of Scawick? Scawack?”[/color] She frowned. [color=tan]”As such we think it best to gather those who have been wronged in the past and call a grand moot of sorts. A meeting between village heads, town leaders, kings and queens, elders- All across the Dûnlands so that we can talk about peace, settle mistakes from the past and move forward towards a brighter future. I ask you deliver this request to your [i]sanndatr[/i].”[/color] “Such is our intention, as well, make no mistake - but the Scawicks have proven angry and hateful towards our cause of peace. We met them in the field earlier this winter and tried to talk sense to them; they would not listen. We were forced to employ blunt weapons to keep them from murdering us all. We managed to send the majority of them back home with food and supplies, but…” He hung his head in shame, his monks and nuns joining him. The warriors seemed less inclined. “... Alas, when a wolf pack takes too many of your own flock, some must be culled in response.” The dark-haired woman beside Lucia tapped the table before them a few times, a thoughtful and erratic break from the hitherto calm back-and-forth discussion. Seeming to come out of her thoughts and behavior with a brooding peer at the assembled pilgrims, she spoke up with a broad dialect that seemed equally difficult to place. [color=a187be]"Do not fault the wolf for remembering who struck it in the past. Your legacy stretches further back than you may be keen to remember."[/color] Kaer Pier shifted his look to her, his polite smile losing most of its composure until only a frown remained. “Oh, do not misunderstand us - we do not fault them for their behaviour; it is common amongst people like the Scawicks to be… Less in control of their emotions.” He held up his hands. “And we absolutely understand - again, the Dûnans have a history as warmongers, and this we must repent for; however, if they murder our peacemakers when we come to them with a message of harmonious existence, then we cannot simply turn the other cheek, can we?” [color=tan]”People like the Scawicks…”[/color] It was Lucia who frowned now, shaking her head. [color=tan]”One step forward, another step back…”[/color] She massaged the bridge of her nose. [color=tan]”I must advise, in the future when you come into contact with those who will not listen due to past prejudices, that you ask a neutral party to be a bridge between the two. To ensure such life is not unnecessarily lost.”[/color] She rested a hand upon the dark-haired woman’s cheek for a moment, before dropping it out of view. [color=tan]”We shall go talk to the Scawicks to see what can be done. Now, is there anything else that you wish to ask?”[/color] she asked. The druid bobbed his head softly. “If all aforementioned clauses of the agreement remain, then we have nothing left to ask. We thank you from the bottom of our thousand hearts for your wise and merciful decision to allow not only us, but all peoples of the Dûnlands to access the statuette through pilgrimage.” He extracted the box with the golden sun upon it once more, knelt down again and offered it in the direction of Lucia, Sanya and the Cardinals. “To solidify this agreement, allow us to offer you the gifts intended for the wise administrators of the Sun’s will, as tribute to let you know that, through thick and thin, Ha-Dûna will always be loyal to Caisteal Na Grèine.” [color=tan]”Not tribute, but rather a deal made.”[/color] She turned and nodded at Tevuri, who stood and pulled out from beneath the table a box of his own. He walked down the steps and placed it before Pier. “We offer this in return, to affirm this agreement.” Tevuri said, opening the chest to reveal an assortment of glowing seeds. Some resembled familiar nuts and acorns, but others were wholly exotic. “Take these seeds from our homeland, grow them in your fields and remember that the light lives in us all.” Tevuri said. “A gift from the Sun Mother!” celebrated the clergy, and Kaer Pier’s followers quickly scrambled to pick up the chest and carry it to the door. Kaer Pier managed to calm them down a little with some whispering and gesturing, but they couldn’t hide their eagerness in beholding something so sacred. The druid eventually gave up and turned back to the council with a wide smile. “As their reaction proves, we are infinitely grateful for the gift. Come spring, these will be the first seeds to be sown.” Once more, he bowed. “We cannot wait to bring these wonderful news back to our people, and to all peoples throughout the land. Today is a most fortunate day for the Dûnlands!” “You and your people are welcome to stay for as long as you like, Kaer Pier.” Tevuri smiled. “Though I think we will understand if you wish to leave to spread the word.” “Your hospitality is legendary, wise Cardinal, but it is as you say - these news must be brought back post-haste. The celebrations will almost certainly ravage the city all over again, I reckon,” he chuckled. “Then we wish you a safe journey.” Tevuri said. [color=tan]”Indeed. Thank you for your time, Kaer Pier. Until next time.”[/color] Lucia said, turning to the woman beside her. Something murmured under her breath, and the dark-haired woman nodded towards the druid as well. [hr] A few days had passed since the retinue from Ha-Dûna had departed and Lucia found herself watching the Oraeliara train outside the barracks. Today, like the last few days, she found her eyes falling upon Sanya, who had taken a liking or perhaps a purpose, to avoid boredom. She taught them how to wield the spear with deadly intent. Lucia enjoyed watching her partner do something she enjoyed, it was good to see. Sanya had kept up practice these past decades, switching to unarmed forms when she had buried [i]Sorrowsting[/i]. Now she had the chance to meet and train with students who seemed eager enough to learn, and Sanya used the opportunity both to impart her knowledge and perfect her new fighting style. She weaved into different forms and stances, and taught them grapples to dislodge and overwhelm opponents. But she found herself lingering for too long however, and with reluctance she moved on. Through the warm halls she walked, greeted by the tall winged one with friendly smiles. They did not revere here as much as the Druids did and for that she was thankful. Eventually Lucia found herself back in the chamber of mother’s likeness, where they had made their agreement. It was empty, but only of mortals. [color=goldenrod]”You did well, Lucia.”[/color] Rhiona’s voice came from the statue of her mother as she walked forward. [color=goldenrod]”The people here are fanatical but perhaps they will learn in time.”[/color] [color=tan]”I hope so. I cannot bear to see them act so cruelly. You saw how they made mention of the Scawicks…”[/color] [color=goldenrod]”Indeed. What was it that Sanya said? Wasn't it, humans never change?”[/color] Lucia frowned and took a seat. [Color=Tan]"I love Sanya but she has a very pessimistic view on humans and I don't blame her. But some do change for the better and some change for the worse. It's one of the view journies in our life we have to take."[/color] [Color=goldenrod]"Mhmm, spoken like your mother. Now, I believe I might have a few things you'll be interested in. For there is always more to give in the name of peace."[/color] A large topaz appeared on the table in front of her, giving off an aura of calm. Lucia felt as if she could burst from empathy just being in its presence. [Color=goldenrod]"Use that in the name of peace and negotiations. Also I made more Joyfs. Goodluck Lucia!"[/color] Rhiona said with haste in her voice before her presence disappeared. Lucia was so wrapped up in the stone that it took her a few seconds to realize what Rhiona had even said. [color=tan]”Oh goo- Wait! More Joyfs?"[/color] and as if on que, there was loud shouts coming from the courtyard and Lucia grabbed the gem before running off in that direction. Her worry began to fade as shouting gave way to laughter. She turned the final corner and the courtyard came into view. The first thing she saw was a massive head of a Joyf, looking around excitedly. Then she saw smaller yet still large Joyfs frolicking with the Oraeliara, in fact, [url=https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/eldarya/images/2/2d/Jeanylotte_Adult.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/340?cb=20170524111845] several [/url] swarmed over Sanya, one was laying on her legs, head at her chest, begging to be petted as the others licked at her face and head. The dark-haired warrior had all but given up any attempt at sparring practice, and was now fully caught up in trying to wrestle free from the fluffy mound of cute animals. An energetic and big joyf licked her over the nose, and caught off-guard, for once, Sanya offered a genuine and peaceful chuckle. Lucia laughed and watched as the largest one… This Queen Joyf, fall to her side and whimper. In an instant a swarm of Joyfs went to her and several Oraeliari, all providing helpful pats to her thick fur. Lucia rolled her eyes and looked up to see the two cats circling above. It seemed they were the only ones not a fan of the newcomers. [hider=Summary] Druids go to the castle of the Oraeliari in the highlands and propose an agreement to make pilgrimage to the statuette of fertility. After some talk with the Cardinal Council and Lucia (who is there with Sanya) they come to a deal. Pilgrims are welcome if they abide by the rules and have only love in their hearts. The happy druid and his followers depart with this information. Skip a few days and we see Lucia seeing Sanya training some Oraeliari before going to talk to Rhiona. The avatar gives her some stuff and ushers in a golden age of Joyfdom. [/hider] [hider=MP] Oraelia 5/5 -3MP To claim the last of her Love ports, Joy. -2DP Blossom Topaz II - This palm sized topaz emits an aura of compassion that warms the hearts of those that are in sight of it, allowing for easier communication and less aggression. Probably a lot of feels too. -3DP Royal Joyfs. Bigger than their cousins but retaining the same basic purposes, Royal Joyfs are around the size of large ponies when adults. These Joyfs are also very smart for a non sentient animal and go to great lengths to ensure the very best care is given to those that need it by giving joy, and compassion. They are big floofs. -2MP (Towards Authority) The Queen Joyf. Standing as large as a cobble house and resembling a much fluffier Royal Joyf, the Queen Joyf is exactly that, the queen of Joyfdom. As well as having all the traits of her subjects, compassion, joy and kindness the queen has an aura of authority over Joyfdom and all other Joyfs obey, including other subjects who she imposes herself on. Her voice may reign supreme but this does not make the Queen a tyrant. In fact, she is quiet the opposite. A more benevolent deity that demands of her subjects, scratches. Lots and lots of scratches. [/hider] [hider=Prestige] Cardinals of Tranquility Start = 14 -5 (Minor tech shift) Luminant seeds. Plants and trees that glow. Forgot to Add +5 To their last post as well Post 10k+ = 5 = 19 Lucia: 55 Prestige +5 (10k+ post) Total: 60 Sanya: 39 Prestige +5 (10k+ post) -5 Teach some Oraeliari how to use a spear goodly. Total: 39 Circle of the Long Stride: 17 + 5 = 22 [/hider]