Taking Root (Player-Run Storyline)/07-20-2022 - The Will of the Spirits (log)

This log is from 07/20/2022 as part of the storyline for Taking Root (Player-Run Storyline) from the point of view of Teveriel.

Log

You make a careful search of the area and discover a rocky trail leading northward along the riverbank!

You ride a well-muscled golden charger down a rocky trail leading northward along the riverbank.

[Mistydeep, Eastern Shore]

A narrow beach of dusky granite gravel provides a small gap between the river to the west and the encroaching forest, a dense thicket of young willows, and thorn-covered vines. A brace of curlews wades through the edge of the river, digging through the mud of the shallows.

You also see a black-tipped dusky wolf that is sitting.

Also here: Lady Uniana, Maiden Lissaya, Jaakarha

Obvious paths: none

You grab on to the pommel of your saddle and heave yourself off of the charger, then detach some studded golden leather reins from your charger's bridle.

Lissaya glances at a well-muscled golden charger.

You survey the area.

Jaakarha gazes in amusement at a well-muscled golden charger.

You glance appraisingly at Jaakarha.

You see Jaakarha the Spiritcaller.

She appears to be an Ardenai Elf.

She is tall and has a solid and husky physique. She appears to be time-worn. She has vivid chartreuse eyes and fair skin. She has shoulder length, ropy white blonde hair separated into a multitude of thin herringbone braids that hug the skull and are woven with thin dalmation jasper beads and spotted brown harrier feathers. She has a weather-beaten face, an aquiline nose and a broad chest. She has a pair of silver-dipped bones adorned with some raven wing feathers dangling from her ears.

She has some minor cuts and bruises on her right leg.

She is holding a mug of sea heather honey mead in her right hand.

She is wearing a sinew-laced caribou hide pectoral draped from a mantlet of bone and tusk beads, a trailing moss green robe, a skull-buckled leather baldric with a poplar-hafted mithril war hammer secured to it slung over her shoulder, a rope-looped grizzly bear hide satchel slung over her other shoulder, a snow white warg pelt swordbelt fringed with griffin talons, some forest green elven leathers, a cuff of matted roots, and some winter white leather low-heeled boots buttoned with fossilized talons.

Speaking in Elven to Jaakarha, you say, "Welcome to House Vaalor lands, Spiritcaller."

You bow deeply at the waist, honoring Jaakarha.

Squire Legionnaire Agathilea just wandered down a rocky trail leading southward along the riverbank.

Agathilea nods politely.

Solvei just wandered down a rocky trail leading southward along the riverbank.

You see Solvei Aeldrish Ardenai.

She appears to be an Elf.

She is shorter than average. She appears to be youthful. She has deep-set green eyes and golden brown skin. She has shoulder length, thick auburn hair worn in a chignon. She has an angular face, a sloping nose and a pointed chin.

She is in good shape.

She is wearing a narrow topaz headband strung with pink gold beads, an elaborate pale grey glowbark ornament carved with a clasped hands design, a fuzzy black and white fur shawl with dangling coppery-gold tassels, a frilly raspberry lace sundress fastened by tiny topaz crystal buttons, and a pair of slim iridescent gold slippers.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha remarks, "You'll be picking thorns out of that tail for days now, hini."

Agathilea removes a glass of warm bourbon from in her sturdy leather pack.

Dimitra rides a regal pristine white hind down a rocky trail leading southward along the riverbank.

Dimitra climbs down from the pristine kaajkur on a regal pristine white hind and carefully detaches a snow white satin halter strap edged in tiny sapphires from her.

Agathilea offers Jaakarha a glass of warm bourbon.

Solvei gulps.

Arenglae climbs down from a silver-horned raven-sheened black unicorn and carefully detaches a set of lustrous black leather reins from his bit.

Lady in Waiting Lynaera just wandered down a rocky trail leading southward along the riverbank.

Agathilea removes a stein of honey mead from in her sturdy leather pack.

Solvei moves to stand in front of Jaakarha.

Jaakarha flashes a quick grin at Agathilea.

Jaakarha accepts Agathilea's warm bourbon.

Jaakarha takes a moment to observe Solvei.

Agathilea offers Jaakarha a stein of honey mead.

Agathilea grins.

(Solvei performs an ill-timed, awkward bow to Jaakarha, struggling to keep her shawl about her shoulders as it threatens to slip over the head.)

Jaakarha gives a short little hum of surprise. . Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha says, "Well done, Squire Legionnaire Agathilea."

Solvei reverently says, "Sp-Spiritcaller."

Jaakarha accepts Agathilea's honey mead.

Agathilea nods politely.

Jaakarha looks thoughtfully at Solvei.

Speaking in Elven, the voice of Celothor reverently says, "Thank you for coming to impart your wisdom to us."

Solvei gasps.

Straightening his back, Celothor gives a formal, low bow to Jaakarha. He inclines his head as well, giving Jaakarha a brief nod.

You see Celothor Gildorion Ardenai the Watcher.

He appears to be an Elf.

He is very tall and has a broad-shouldered slender frame. He appears to be youthful. He has almond-shaped grey-green eyes and lightly tanned skin. He has shoulder-length, fine light brown hair with the top loosely drawn back and held in place by a lightweight knitted cream-hued ruhani wool hairtie, while the remainder falls unfettered past the shoulders. He has slightly upswept pointed ears.

He has an interwoven knotwork tattoo depicting a stylized chain-bound wolf on his arm.

He has minor cuts and bruises on his chest.

He is holding a polished jet stone in his right hand.

He is wearing a lacquered torc of pale antlers set with deep cerulean crystal runes, a lightweight grey linen cloak held by a shoulder-clasped glowbark penannular, a side-laced sage linen tunic sporting shorn sleeves, a lattice of dark rawhide strips binding the left arm from elbow to wrist, a smoke-colored branded leather belt, an alum-studded leather frog with a broad mithril raiding axe hanging from it, some bloused ashen linen breeches, and a pair of wood opal-buttoned smoky brown leather knee-boots.

Solvei moves to stand behind Celothor.

Celothor glances over his shoulder at Solvei.

Speaking huskily in Elven to Solvei, Jaakarha says, "You must be our young southern beauty."

Solvei's face lights up with joy for Jaakarha.

Jaakarha glances at Celothor.

Celothor gazes confidently at Jaakarha.

Speaking in Elven to Jaakarha, Solvei says, "It means so much that you came all this way for us."

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Solvei repeats, "For us."

Solvei glances at Celothor.

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Jaakarha grouses, "Your father sends his tidings and my saddlesores."

Uniana gazes in amusement at Jaakarha.

Celothor flashes a quick grin at Jaakarha.

Speaking in Elven to Jaakarha, Celothor says, "I only hope the journey proves to be.. fruitful and worth the pain of the road."

Speaking huskily in Elven to Celothor, Jaakarha asks, "I've heard much and more but all such things are naught before the warm blood before us, yes?"

(Uniana breaks her gaze from Jaakarha to address the group.)

Speaking in Elven, Uniana kindly whispers aloud, "Good evening, all."

Jaakarha takes a drink from her honey mead. Jaakarha looks rather relaxed.

Jaakarha squints at Solvei.

Solvei squirms.

Celothor gives a sidelong glance at Solvei.

Celothor reaches over and leans a hand on the dusky wolf's back, rubbing her gently. The dusky wolf looks toward him and pants in response.

Speaking in Elven, Solvei nervously says, "Always so many animals."

Speaking in Elven to Solvei, Jaakarha says, "Come closer, southern beauty, and tell me why you shudder so."

Uniana looks with concern at a black-tipped dusky wolf.

A black-tipped dusky wolf scrambles back up onto her feet.

Solvei reluctantly strides a few steps forward.

(Solvei cups a hand over her mouth.)

(Jaakarha quaffs her honey mead, watching Solvei carefully over the rim.)

Speaking in Elven to Jaakarha, Solvei whispers aloud, "You are the very gateway to my future, Spiritcaller."

(Jaakarha grunts thoughtfully.)

(Celothor watches Solvei in silence, though he gives a faint nod of approval at her words.)

Uniana whispers, "I am happy we are as one."

You lean to your left.

Solvei fidgets.

Speaking huskily in Elven to Solvei, Jaakarha says, "That right? Might be, but I guess I haven't brought my drowning kit with me so I expect you'll make out all right one way or the other."

Jaakarha glances at the river.

Jaakarha takes a drink from her honey mead.

Lissaya glances between Jaakarha and the river.

Solvei forces a grin and laughs nervously.

Celothor snickers at Jaakarha.

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Jaakarha asks, "And you, young kinsman. You've got ironwood in your back, do you?"

Uniana takes a moment to observe Celothor.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor simply states, "I am a man of the north, and her blood runs cold in my veins."

Solvei slowly empties her lungs.

(Jaakarha chuckles and nods once.)

Jaakarha gazes with interest at her surroundings.

A cloud of dense silvery fog suddenly appears. The fog quickly dissipates to reveal Alosaka.

Alosaka joins Arenglae's group.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha raspily remarks, "I see many in these southern climes have taken an interest in these dealings, who comes to join our questioning today?"

Agathilea nods in greeting at Alosaka.

Alosaka nods slightly.

Jaakarha takes a drink from her honey mead.

Uniana nods politely at Alosaka.

Uniana turns to face Jaakarha.

Speaking in Elven, Solvei says, "The Lord and Lady Anduin are hosting me."

Speaking in Elven to Jaakarha, you say, "I am Lord Anduin," placing a hand over the breastplate of his armor as he introduces himself, then nods to Uniana. "And my wife, the Lady Uniana."

(Solvei nods in turn to Teveriel and Uniana.)

Jaakarha nods once.

Uniana smiles gently at Solvei, offering a calm gaze.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha observes, "Our elder Gildorion spoke of you two opening your home."

Arenglae nods faintly at Uniana.

Jaakarha nods approvingly to you.

The deep blue glow leaves Celothor.

Jaakarha scratches her chin.

Agathilea takes a drink from her warm bourbon.

Uniana raises an eyebrow.

Speaking in Elven, Uniana amusedly asks, "Is no one else keen to speak up?"

Lissaya fidgets.

Lynaera laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Jaakarha chuckles to herself.

Lissaya glances around the area.

Speaking in Elven, Lynaera allows, "Very well."

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Jaakarha grunts, "Scared em all stiff, didja?"

Celothor shrugs nonchalantly.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor jokingly protests, "I did not mean to."

Agathilea smiles at Arenglae.

Speaking in Elven, Arenglae introduces, "I am Lady Arenglae Amalathia of House Illistim, representative of my family, the Amalathias."

Speaking in Elven, Arenglae says, "Beside me is... my friend, Alosaka."

Speaking in Elven, Arenglae says, "I will be translating for him."

Solvei furrows her brow.

Speaking in Elven to Jaakarha, Lynaera introduces, "I am Lynaera Ariamiel Nalfein, Lady in Waiting of Lusserina Nerisys Nalfein."

Agathilea smiles at Lynaera.

Jaakarha looks thoughtfully at Alosaka.

Alosaka tilts his head up.

Alosaka bows respectfully, his eyes fixed firmly on the ground.

Celothor greets, "Hello, Storyteller. Perhaps this will give you a new story to tell."

Alosaka nods in greeting at Celothor.

Celothor grins crookedly at Alosaka.

Speaking in Elven to Jaakarha, Lissaya says, "I'm Lissaya."

Speaking in Elven, Lissaya says, "Just Lissaya is fine." Lissaya nods firmly.

Speaking to Jaakarha, Alosaka says, "I suppose you are wondering who I am. Alosaka, simply a storyteller, friend of the Lady Amalathia."

Speaking in Elven, Dimitra simply says, "Dimitra, of the northern reaches."

Speaking in Elven, Agathilea says, "I am Agathilea, and this is Yardie."

Agathilea glances at Yardie.

Yardie grins at Agathilea.

Agathilea grins.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor adds, "And this is the quietest he's ever been."

Speaking in Elven, Agathilea says, "I am here merely to observe."

Speaking raspily to Alosaka, Jaakarha says, "It isn't often I've call to speak the common tongue, so it is a boon to have a translator."

Alosaka nods understandingly.

Speaking amicably in Elven to Agathilea, Jaakarha says, "I shan't forget you in a hurry, you can assure yourself of that."

Speaking in Elven to Jaakarha, Agathilea says, "Ah, must have been the mead."

Agathilea winks at Jaakarha.

Jaakarha nods slightly at Yardie.

Jaakarha takes a deep breath.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor says, "To be given a gift of meat or mead is to be welcomed as an honored guest."

Celothor nods at Agathilea.

Agathilea nods once at Celothor.

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Jaakarha asks, "I hope my boy's scribblings could be made out yes? You've had groundings gathered in preparation for the questioning?"

Speaking in Elven to Jaakarha, Celothor says, "They have been requested. Such is my understanding."

Celothor glances inquiringly at Solvei.

Speaking in Elven, Solvei urgently says, "I brought some."

Jaakarha glances expectantly around the area.

Solvei nods enthusiastically!

Uniana nods in agreement.

Uniana removes a handful of loam from in her sable leather case.

Celothor removes a polished jet stone from in his grey linen cloak.

Lissaya grabs an obsidian shard from a narrow moire silk pocket inside of her smoky marbrinus capelet.

Solvei removes a pale blue-grey river stone from in her fur shawl . Speaking meekly in Elven to Arenglae, Solvei says, "Thank you again."

Jaakarha takes a moment to observe Solvei.

Speaking in Elven to Jaakarha, Celothor wonders, "What would you have us do with them?"

Solvei removes a luminescent sandstone chunk from in her fur shawl.

(Jaakarha gestures to the pebbled riverbank and nods, "Our spirits don't stand on trappings.")

Yardie raises an eyebrow in Jaakarha's direction.

Uniana glances at the river.

Speaking in Elven, Uniana curiously asks, "Just there?"

Uniana indicates her handful of loam with a smile.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha amusedly remarks, "You can arrange them in a pretty heart shape if it please you."

Solvei beams happily at Jaakarha!

Solvei stands in front of the river.

Solvei kneels down.

Celothor begins chortling at Jaakarha.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha huskily says, "Anywhere on the ground'll do just fine, it's the spirits of the land we seek to hear."

Jaakarha takes a drink from her honey mead.

Jaakarha looks rather relaxed.

(Solvei begins to arrange her stones against some of the pebbles.)

Solvei carefully places a pale blue-grey river stone on the ground.

Agathilea nods respectfully.

Solvei carefully places a luminescent sandstone chunk on the ground.

(Uniana allows her handful of loam to drift through her fingers and to the ground beneath her.)

Uniana carefully places a handful of loam on the ground.

Uniana dusts off her hands.

Solvei removes a bioluminescent rock from in her fur shawl.

Solvei carefully places a bioluminescent rock on the ground.

Lissaya carefully places an obsidian shard on the ground.

Lissaya takes a few steps back.

Agathilea glances at a bioluminescent rock.

(Celothor watches Solvei with no small amount of amusement before placing his own stones reverently but in no particular pattern.)

Celothor carefully places a polished jet stone on the ground.

Celothor removes a green malachite stone from in his grey linen cloak.

Celothor carefully places a green malachite stone on the ground.

Celothor removes a piece of white chalcedony from in his grey linen cloak.

Celothor carefully places a piece of white chalcedony on the ground.

Solvei stands up.

Solvei dusts off her raspberry lace sundress.

Jaakarha gazes with interest at her surroundings.

Solvei walks toward Celothor.

(Jaakarha paces around the bank, taking note of the groundings.)

Celothor removes a medium grey pearl from in his grey linen cloak.

Speaking in Elven to his grey pearl, Celothor chides, "Ah-ah, not you."

Celothor put a medium grey pearl in his grey linen cloak.

(Jaakarha sucks her teeth in thought.)

(Celothor nods and takes a step back, spreading his hands as if in presentation.)

Celothor nods once.

Jaakarha nods approvingly.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha shares, "Though we are far from the homes of the ancient and primal spirits," she begins, her voice like a gravel pit, "They can be summoned, even unthinkingly. Thus you have brought them with you here as you collected these links to our land."

You quietly whisper to Uniana, "Is that earth from our own garden? It was quite fine."

(Jaakarha shifts her gaze at each in attendance in turn.)

Jaakarha takes a drink from her honey mead.

Uniana whispers, "I thought it was a heartfelt gesture."

You nod approvingly at Uniana.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha says, "Capricious though they may be, the spirits are a link to our home and to our ancestors' wisdom. Tonight we will call to them through the links you have collected, we will make our introductions, and we will make our queries, and we will find our southern beauty's fate."

Jaakarha takes a moment to observe Solvei.

Solvei breathes almost without making a sound.

(Jaakarha tilts her flagon and drinks deeply of the last of her mead.)

Jaakarha takes a drink from her honey mead. Jaakarha looks rather relaxed.

Jaakarha removes a sun-inset silver tobacco tin encircled by yellow sapphire rays from in her bear hide satchel.

Jaakarha offers Solvei a sun-inset silver tobacco tin encircled by yellow sapphire rays.

Solvei blinks at Jaakarha.

Solvei accepts Jaakarha's silver tin.

Jaakarha removes a small burled mahogany case of cigar leaf wrappers from in her bear hide satchel.

Jaakarha offers Solvei a small burled mahogany case of cigar leaf wrappers.

Solvei gets a blank look on her face.

Solvei accepts Jaakarha's mahogany case.

Speaking raspily in Elven to Solvei, Jaakarha instructs, "Roll me a smoke, girl."

Solvei glances around with a lost look on her face.

Celothor gazes with interest at Jaakarha.

Jaakarha seems to be waiting for something.

Speaking hesitantly in Elven to Jaakarha, Celothor asks, "To summon the spirits of flame?"

Solvei opens her silver tin with a sharp snap.

Jaakarha frowns at Celothor.

Solvei takes some sun-cured tobacco leaves from a sun-inset silver tobacco tin encircled by yellow sapphire rays.

Solvei's face turns slightly pale.

Speaking dryly in Elven to Celothor, Jaakarha says, "To soothe my mind, it's been a long trip."

Celothor quietly mouths, "Oh."

Celothor nods understandingly at Jaakarha.

Jaakarha smirks.

Jaakarha squints at Celothor.

Jaakarha removes a mortar from in her bear hide satchel.

Jaakarha offers Celothor a mortar.

Celothor accepts Jaakarha's mortar.

Solvei scatters a small pinch of sun-cured tobacco over the ground.

(Solvei tries to place the tobacco into a wrapper but it crumbles through her fingers.)

Solvei gulps.

Jaakarha glances down.

Jaakarha glances at Solvei.

Speaking timidly in Elven to Jaakarha, Solvei says, "I will try again."

Speaking patiently in Elven to Celothor, Jaakarha says, "You choose what speaks to you of these groundings and grind one or two."

Speaking to Solvei, Wilver says, "You can do it. I have faith in you."

Wilver nods at Solvei.

Solvei rummages briefly in her mahogany case and pulls out a fat cigar leaf wrapper.

Speaking in Elven to Solvei, Celothor soothes, "All will be well. You needn't shiver so."

Speaking huskily in Elven to Solvei, Jaakarha agrees, "You will indeed. Perhaps the spirits will appreciate your offering."

Solvei nods slowly.

Celothor nods understandingly at Jaakarha.

Celothor surveys the area.

Solvei put a fat cigar leaf wrapper in her fur shawl.

Solvei takes some sun-cured tobacco leaves from a sun-inset silver tobacco tin encircled by yellow sapphire rays.

Solvei offers Jaakarha a sun-inset silver tobacco tin encircled by yellow sapphire rays.

Celothor picks up a pale blue-grey river stone.

Celothor tilts his blue-grey river stone side to side, making the light play off it.

Celothor nods once.

Solvei removes a fat cigar leaf wrapper from in her fur shawl.

Solvei glances between some sun-cured tobacco and a fat cigar leaf wrapper.

(Celothor squints at his stone, seemingly having second thoughts.)

Celothor drops a pale blue-grey river stone.

Celothor picks up a piece of white chalcedony.

Celothor put a piece of white chalcedony in his mortar.

Solvei sticks out her tongue.

With careful precision, Solvei presses some sun-cured tobacco in a thin line down the length of a fat cigar leaf wrapper that she cradles lovingly in her palm.

Solvei rolls a tobacco leaf between forefinger and thumb with amazing skill.

She licks the loose edge, presses it gently onto itself, and smiles broadly as she admires her work, a slender golden cigar.

Wilver applauds Solvei.

Lissaya gives an approval gesture with her hand.

Jaakarha smiles broadly at Solvei.

Wilver exclaims, "You did it!"

Solvei offers Jaakarha a slender golden cigar.

Jaakarha accepts Solvei's golden cigar.

Celothor takes a pestle into his free hand and crushes some crushed white chalcedony, moving the pestle with deliberate, methodical motions.

Speaking proudly to Solvei, Wilver says, "I knew you could."

Speaking in Elven, Solvei uncertainly says, "Yes, I was made for this."

(Jaakarha sticks the end of her cigar in her mouth and rasps around it, "Well done, girl.")

(Solvei shoots a hopeful glance towards Celothor.)

Celothor nods approvingly.

(Celothor dumps the contents of the mortar into his hand, the chalcedony now a fine powder.)

Celothor removes some powdered white chalcedony from in his mortar.

Jaakarha gets a match from a small ivory matchbook.

Jaakarha lights a match by flicking it against her thumb.

Jaakarha inhales deeply on her cigar as she lights it. The area fills with a fresh golden smoke.

Jaakarha sighs happily.

Speaking in Elven to Jaakarha, Celothor asks, "What shall I do with this?"

Celothor glances at some powdered white chalcedony in his hand.

(Jaakarha pulls once again on her cigar, blowing smoke in a cloud that drifts southeastward on the river breeze.)

Jaakarha looks around for something.

A light breeze cuts a swath through the cigar smoke around Jaakarha, making it eddy and whirl.

Solvei glances uneasily around the area.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha says, "Share some of it with our girl."

Jaakarha nods at Celothor.

Celothor nods slowly at Jaakarha.

Speaking quietly to Arenglae, Wilver says, "These northern elves are a bit weird."

Dimitra squints at Wilver.

Wilver grins sheepishly.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha remarks, "The ancient spirits do not know the ways of people, they only know what it is to be what they are. They have no voices but what we give them, no substance but what we offer. Their knowledge comes from the spirit realm which knows no time." Her raspy voice takes on a lighter tone as she continues, "This is a lucky thing, since we can often make do with symbols of our gifts, instead of the real thing."

(Celothor carefully transfers the powdered chalcedony to Solvei's hands, making sure as little of it as possible is lost in the process.)

Uniana shoots Wilver the smallest of dismayed glances, conveying her disapproval.

Celothor offers Solvei some powdered white chalcedony.

(Solvei cups her hands tightly as she accepts the offering from Celothor.)

Solvei accepts Celothor's white chalcedony.

Celothor picks up a green malachite stone.

Celothor put a green malachite stone in his mortar.

Jaakarha nods approvingly at Celothor.

Celothor removes some powdered malachite stone from in his mortar.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha says, "That'll do, young kinsman."

Jaakarha puffs slowly from her cigar.

Celothor nods understandingly at Jaakarha.

Jaakarha snuffs her golden cigar.

Jaakarha parts her lips and blows a pair of identical, interlinked smoke rings into the air.

Jaakarha takes a deep breath.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha simply says, "Now we begin."

Jaakarha gazes at her surroundings.

Solvei nods reluctantly.

(Celothor cups his hands protectively around his powdered stone, watching Jaakarha expectantly.)

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha says, "Those of you without queries will simply hold in your minds the smell of winter, the feeling of wind, and the tug of the dark."

You nod thoughtfully at Jaakarha.

(Jaakarha glances between Solvei and Celothor, and motions for them to sit.)

You quietly whisper to Uniana, "I will think of the tower."

A dreamy smile crosses Uniana's lips as she stares longingly at you.

Jaakarha removes a lion skin dagger sheath from in her warg pelt swordbelt.

Solvei glances at Celothor.

Celothor nods understandingly at Jaakarha.

Solvei sits down next to Celothor.

Celothor sits down.

Jaakarha kneels down.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha huskily instructs, "You will hold these groundings under your tongues and you will give your voices over to the primal."

Jaakarha points at Solvei.

Jaakarha points at Celothor.

Solvei stares at her white chalcedony.

Jaakarha removes a wavy-bladed ritual dagger of black stone and bone from in her dagger sheath.

(Celothor places the finely powdered malachite into his mouth without preamble, closing his eyes.)

Jaakarha glances expectantly at Solvei.

(Solvei follows Celothor and scoops the powder under her tongue, letting forth a quiet cough before shutting her lips tightly.)

Jaakarha nods approvingly.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha hoarsely continues, "You will master your heartbeats and give of your substance over to the primal."

Solvei clenches her jaw.

(Jaakarha turns first to Celothor.)

(Celothor steadies his breathing, holding himself perfectly still.)

(Agathilea slows her breathing as she concentrates.)

Jaakarha presses the edge of her ritual dagger against Celothor's left palm, clearly intending to cut it.

With careful precision, Jaakarha use her ritual dagger to slice a long, deep line across Celothor's left palm. Blood immediately pools along the surface of the cut.

Jaakarha wipes the blade clean.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha recites, "Ancient spirits of the earth, the sky, and all that lies between, hear this entreaty. Take you this blood to quicken, take you these voices to speak, take you these offerings to bond."

Adeptly handling her ritual dagger, Jaakarha focuses her thoughts as she violently flicks her wrist outward, leveling the point of the blade away from her.

Jaakarha runs the flat of her ritual dagger's blade along the open cut on Celothor's left palm, coating it in his blood.

Wilver glances between Jaakarha and Celothor.

Adeptly handling her ritual dagger, Jaakarha violently flicks her wrist outward and turns it in a slight arc, sending droplets of fresh blood splattering all over the ground.

(Celothor remains unflinching.)

Jaakarha wipes her ritual dagger's blade against her caribou hide pectoral, cleaning it off.

Solvei looks at Jaakarha and trembles.

(Jaakarha turns to face Solvei, face impassive.)

Jaakarha presses the edge of her ritual dagger against Solvei's left palm, clearly intending to cut it.

With careful precision, Jaakarha use her ritual dagger to slice a long, deep line across Solvei's left palm. Blood immediately pools along the surface of the cut.

Jaakarha wipes the blade clean.

Solvei winces.

Jaakarha runs the flat of her ritual dagger's blade along the open cut on Solvei's left palm, coating it in her blood.

Adeptly handling her ritual dagger, Jaakarha violently flicks her wrist outward and turns it in a slight arc, sending droplets of fresh blood splattering all over the ground.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha repeats, "Ancient spirits of the earth, the sky, and all that lies between, hear this entreaty. Take you this blood to quicken, take you these voices to speak, take you these offerings to bond."

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha continues, "Know you these two souls, similar within in form to your own."

Solvei tenses up, beads of sweat glistening on her brow.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha murmurs, "You all will remain focused now, yes."

Jaakarha wipes her ritual dagger's blade against her caribou hide pectoral, cleaning it off.

Jaakarha put a wavy-bladed ritual dagger of black stone and bone in her warg pelt swordbelt.

Jaakarha takes a deep breath.

Uniana falls back into a relaxed, neutral stance.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha raspily queries, "The bond be tested here and now, and into time... These two seek to understand if it will bear the strain?"

(Jaakarha kneels, gathering handfuls of the assorted mortar-ground stones and offerings, and raises them to her lips in cupped hands as she rises. She first murmurs quietly through her laced fingers and then raises both fists high above her head, throwing the intermingled dust and flora to the wind, where it swirls and eddies strangely before drifting northeastward.)

You gaze with interest at Jaakarha.

(Jaakarha frowns with pursed lips, staring after the detritus.)

Jaakarha gazes with interest at her surroundings.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha murmurs, "The wind here blew southeastward earlier."

Agathilea adopts an agreeable expression.

Speaking in Elven, you acknowledge, "Your cigar smoke, indeed."

Jaakarha takes a moment to observe Solvei.

Solvei makes a choking sound.

(Celothor opens his eyes and looks questioningly from Jaakarha to Solvei.)

Jaakarha smirks.

Uniana whispers, "...perhaps you should have interceded here and offered her a sum for the outcome we wanted."

You quietly whisper to Uniana, "I think it would do little good."

You quietly whisper to Uniana, "This is not someone whose faith can be bought."

Solvei wipes the sweat from her brow

Uniana narrows her eyes.

(Jaakarha kneels and gathers another double fistful of material from the ground, repeating her earlier murmurings and motions. When she releases the groundings, they once again eddy and swirl, finally drifting northeastward.)

Uniana whispers, "You mean to allow all of our work to go undone by this witch?"

You quietly whisper to Uniana, "Not in the slightest." He levels a cool glance in Uniana's direction. "Have faith, my love."

Jaakarha slowly empties her lungs.

(Agathilea gazes northeastward, calculating known paths.)

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha briskly says, "You will follow the spirits."

Jaakarha nods at Solvei.

Solvei glances northeast.

Speaking in Elven, you clarify, "You mean for her to travel?"

Speaking in Elven, you respectfully amend, "That is, the spirits will her to do so?"

Jaakarha laughs with delight, her eyes full of merriment.

Solvei hugs her knees and sways side to side.

Celothor furrows his brow.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha amusedly says, "That is better, I should say. The spirits have used their substance to drive our groundings, and so too we go."

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha says, "We have yet to hear the use of their voices."

Wilver says, "Well I'm up for a journey'."

Jaakarha searches around for a moment.

You nod slowly at Jaakarha.

Uniana furrows her brow before glancing confusedly to her right.

You quietly whisper to Uniana, "It seems we were too quick to judge the outcome."

(Jaakarha tramps up the rocky trail with a merry stomping gait.)

Jaakarha just wandered down a rocky trail leading southward along the riverbank.

(Solvei raises her eyebrows frantically and points to her white powder-covered lips.)

Celothor blinks at a rocky trail leading southward along the riverbank.

Celothor stands up.

Solvei mumbles something under her breath.

Solvei stands up.

Celothor tries to pull Solvei towards him.

Uniana tucks her hand into the crook of your arm as she moves next to you.

Celothor adds Solvei to his group.

Wilver just wandered down a rocky trail leading southward along the riverbank.

Celothor just slipped quietly down a rocky trail leading southward along the riverbank, with his group following closely.

>go trail

[Timmorain Road]

A vibrant deciduous forest presses toward the waters of the Mistydeep River, leaving scant room for passage between the trees and the riverbank. Cutting into the forest to the northeast, a well-maintained cobblestone road provides sure footing for travelers wishing to venture that direction, while a massive limestone bridge leads southwest, out over the river's waters toward an impressive city. You also see a black-tipped dusky wolf.

Also here: Solvei, Celothor, Wilver, Jaakarha

Obvious paths: northeast

Uniana followed.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha calls, "You all found your way then?"

Celothor just moved quietly northeast, with his group following closely.

[Timmorain Road]

Massive oaks, maples and sycamores line the cobblestone road, and their branches cross overhead. The moonlight filters through the leafy canopy to dapple the road with intermittent bright and dark patches. A brisk wind rustles the trees' upper leaves, but nearer the road the foliage softens the gusts, turning them into a cool, gentle breeze. You also see a black-tipped dusky wolf and a steep, rock-lined gully running perpendicular to the side of the road.

Also here: Solvei, Wilver, Jaakarha, Lady Uniana, Lady Arenglae, Alosaka, Dimitra, Squire Legionnaire Agathilea, Yardie, Celothor

Obvious paths: northeast, southwest

(Jaakarha raises a hand.)

Solvei clutches her arm in obvious pain.

Jaakarha frowns at Celothor.

Celothor glances inquiringly at Jaakarha.

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Jaakarha hisses, "Listen, childe."

Jaakarha closes her eyes for a moment.

Speaking in Elven, Jaakarha instructs, "You will quiet your thoughts and listen for the spirits' call."

Speaking in Elven, Arenglae says, "Alosaka wishes to know if it is acceptable to tend Miss Aeldrish's wound."

Jaakarha looks thoughtfully at Solvei.

(Celothor glances around furtively before closing his eyes once more, with a bit of an air of uncertainty.)

Jaakarha dryly says, "It isn't a sacrifice if it don't hurt,"

Jaakarha looks over at Alosaka and shakes her head.

Alosaka nods in agreement at Jaakarha.

Solvei stares defiantly at Jaakarha as she holds back her tears, her eyes glistening with pain.

Jaakarha narrows her eyes.

Jaakarha nods slightly at Solvei.

Jaakarha says, "Now all of you will hush and recall what I said."

Jaakarha says, "The smell of winter. The Wind in the trees. The tug of the dark."

Uniana closes her eyes for a moment.

Agathilea closes her eyes for a moment.

Teveriel works to clear his mind, thinking of Sylvanfair's tower in winter. The biting cold of the wind on the snowy plains. The near-blinding darkness of the Crypt below.

Wilver closes his eyes for a moment.

You close your eyes for a moment.

Solvei grits her teeth.

Jaakarha takes a deep breath.

(Jaakarha sharpens her gaze as some of the detritus that drifted away earlier swirls in and eddies about Solvei's form.)

Jaakarha tilts her head up.

Solvei's eyes glaze over as she stares, unfocused, into the distance.

Jaakarha folds her hands.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor murmurs, "A gift," his brow knitting. "A sign, a girl seeks and finds."

Solvei wistfully rubs her topaz headband, tracing its design with her finger.

Jaakarha raspily murmurs, "Our thanks to the primal."

Jaakarha frowns at Solvei.

Jaakarha looks around for something.

Solvei looks at Jaakarha with concern.

Jaakarha blinks.

(Celothor opens his eyes and looks at Solvei with an inquiring perk of his brow.)

Jaakarha wryly says, "You may have your voices back."

Jaakarha nods at Solvei.

(Solvei coughs out a cloud of white dust that coats her mouth, nose and chin.)

Solvei splutters.

Jaakarha looks around for something.

(Alosaka glances at the little flowers of blood dappling the ground beneath Solvei's hand.)

Uniana leans forward.

(Celothor dredges up and spits out a glob of green that was the powdered malachite.)

Lissaya gets a blank look on her face.

Speaking amusedly to Solvei, Jaakarha suggests, "After all that bother, I suggest seeking, southern beauty. The eddies stopped us here, did they not?"

Solvei looks rather confused.

Yardie glances at Celothor.

Speaking in Elven, Solvei weakly asks, "Is this where we should have the wedding?"

Solvei gazes hopefully at Jaakarha.

With a sigh indicating a mix of frustration, annoyance, and ever-so-slight disappointment, Dimitra raises her hand, closes her eyes, and gently brings her forehead into her waiting hand.

Jaakarha looks thoughtfully at Solvei.

Uniana slowly empties her lungs.

Jaakarha kindly says, "Perhaps, if the spirits will it."

Speaking in Elven, Solvei worriedly asks, "Is that what they said? I have sought and found?"

Celothor shifts his weight.

Uniana gazes at Solvei with a look of utter sorrow in her eyes.

Speaking to Solvei, Wilver asks, "What did you seek and find?"

Wilver taps the tip of his surita runestaff on the ground.

Solvei points at Celothor.

Speaking in Elven, Solvei says, "My match."

Speaking in Elven, Solvei uncertainly asks, "Right?"

(Jaakarha takes Solvei's uncut hand and squeezes it gently in a gnarled grip, "The primal did not make a gift of him today.)

Jaakarha gazes with interest at her surroundings.

Solvei gasps.

Solvei gazes with dread at Celothor.

The skin around the long cut down the center of Solvei's left palm flows together, the wound fully healing within seconds.

Speaking slowly in Elven to Jaakarha, Celothor reasons, "Then you mean to say the spirits do not will this union."

Jaakarha frowns.

Yardie glances at Celothor.

Jaakarha pointedly says, "I mean to say nothing until she finds whatever she was gifted."

Jaakarha looks around for something.

Celothor cocks his head at Solvei.

Jaakarha nods approvingly at Agathilea.

Speaking in Elven to Solvei, Celothor urges, "You hear the Spiritcaller? Look around you."

Solvei searches around for a moment, retrieving a splintered hoary mistwood reliquary that you didn't notice previously.

Lissaya casually glances around the area.

Solvei glances at a splintered hoary mistwood reliquary in her hand.

Solvei furrows her brow.

Uniana looks thoughtfully at Solvei.

Solvei just opened a splintered hoary mistwood reliquary.

You settle your gaze on Solvei, watching her intently.

Solvei removes a blue-suffused heather-laden amber from in her hoary mistwood reliquary.

Jaakarha cocks her head.

Solvei shows Jaakarha her heather-laden amber.

Jaakarha slowly observes, "...Ah."

You raise an eyebrow in Jaakarha's direction.

Jaakarha takes a deep breath.

Jaakarha simply states, "The heather blossom has long summoned spirits of freedom and ferocity," she gazes impassively at the two Ardenai and continues, "It grows on the moors and heaths, where little else thrives, and there it grows wild. Though it may be seeded in gardens, it will never be bounteous."

(Jaakarha takes Solvei's hand once more.)

Jaakarha pronounces, "With the gift of heather caught in time, the spirits deny this betrothal," here she faces Solvei and Celothor in turn and rasps in her gravelly voice, "May the curse of freedom be light on your shoulders."

Solvei furtively glances at Jaakarha.

Arenglae lets out a sigh of relief.

Yardie whispers aloud, "Freedom is a curse?"

Uniana whispers, "...well."

Speaking disappointedly in Elven to Celothor, Solvei accuses, "You did this! You bribed her."

Celothor frowns at Solvei.

Yardie blinks at Solvei.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor firmly states, "I did not. I -would- not."

Jaakarha frowns at Solvei.

(Solvei throws the amber towards Celothor.)

Solvei drops a blue-suffused heather-laden amber.

Celothor leans to his left slightly.

Celothor glances at a blue-suffused heather-laden amber.

Speaking in Elven, Solvei says, "Fine! We will just see what my father says about all this. What YOUR father says."

Solvei turns around.

Solvei just trudged away moving southwest.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor gravely says, "That you would accuse me thus only shows that you do not respect our ways--".

Uniana's jaw drops.

Celothor glances southwest.

Speaking in Elven, Celothor concludes, "-My- ways."

Yardie glances at Celothor.

Jaakarha stares southwestward.

Agathilea glances southwest.

Uniana turns away with a look of utter disgust on her face.

Jaakarha chuckles to herself.

Speaking quietly to Celothor, Yardie scolds, "Look what you did."

Agathilea inhales to speak, only to pause and measure her words while contemplating her thigh-sheath with narrowed eyes.

Celothor glowers darkly at Yardie.

Speaking to Yardie, Arenglae says, "He did not do any such thing."

Speaking in Elven to Yardie, Celothor retorts, "I have done nothing."

Speaking firmly to Yardie, Arenglae says, "They are ill-suited for each other."

Speaking in Elven, Celothor says, "She gave her voice to the spirits, as we both did. And this was their pronouncement."

Speaking to Celothor, Yardie says, "I did not imagine her anger."

Speaking to Arenglae, Yardie says, "Oh, I could have told you all that."

Speaking in Elven, Uniana gently says, "I should see to her."

Speaking respectfully in Elven to Jaakarha, Uniana says, "Thank you for sharing your voice and that of the spirits with us."

(Uniana slips away from you, giving you a long, hard look for a moment.)

Lady Uniana just went southwest.

You glance over your shoulder.

Jaakarha gazes southwest.

Speaking in Elven to Jaakarha, Agathilea exclaims, "Yes, thank you. I shall procure that heather!"

Speaking to Yardie, Arenglae says, "Her anger is not unjustified, but to accuse him of such is crude and unwarranted."

Agathilea picks up a blue-suffused heather-laden amber.

Speaking relievedly to Agathilea, Yardie asks, "Man I'm glad I don't have a problem like arranged marriages, am I right?"

Lissaya nods in agreement.

Speaking in Elven to Yardie, Agathilea says, "Yes."

Agathilea smiles.

Agathilea grins at Yardie.

Speaking to Arenglae, Yardie says, "She's in pain. It'll be a bit of time for her to gather her thoughts."

Agathilea shows Yardie her heather-laden amber.

Speaking to you, Jaakarha says, "I told her she'd rather save her approvals until we were done."

Yardie grins at Arenglae.

The blue wolf barks loudly.

Speaking firmly to Yardie, Arenglae says, "She needs to find herself before she can properly consider marriage. All she is doing is what she is being told to do."

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, you say, "I would counsel that you speak to your father. Inform him of the Spiritcal--of the spirits' will."

Speaking pointedly in Elven to Yardie, Agathilea says, "Freedom and ferocity."

Agathilea shows Yardie her heather-laden amber.

Speaking to Arenglae, Yardie says, "That could be said for almost all of us. This is a strange custom."

Jaakarha looks thoughtfully at Celothor.

Alosaka nods at Yardie.

Speaking in Elven, Dimitra simply says, "Not everyone is meant for marriage, either... to tie someone down who seeks their own freedom means imprisoning them."

Speaking to Jaakarha, you say, "Whatever the case, I am certain Uniana will be of some comfort to her."

Speaking in Elven to Jaakarha, Agathilea asks, "Did you wish this...uh, offering returned to you?"

Lissaya shifts her eyes to Dimitra.

Lissaya nods in agreement.

Agathilea nods in agreement at Dimitra.

Jaakarha simply says, "It is a gift to the southern beauty, though she spurned it."

Jaakarha shrugs slightly.

(Celothor frowns deeply, shifting his weight from one leg to the other.)

Speaking to Yardie, Arenglae says, "It is not your custom, so it is strange to you, yes. I am sure there are many customs in House Faendryl that can be labeled in the same manner."

Speaking in Elven to Celothor, Agathilea asks, "Do you wish to keep this?"

Agathilea shows Celothor her heather-laden amber.

Speaking warmly to Arenglae, Yardie asks, "Sure, but we're not in New Ta'Faendryl, now are we?"

Celothor glances sharply at Agathilea.

Jaakarha gazes with interest at her surroundings.

Agathilea lowers her gaze.

Celothor shakes his head.

Speaking to Yardie, Arenglae says, "That is not my point, and you know it."

Agathilea put a blue-suffused heather-laden amber in her sturdy leather pack.

Agathilea just closed a gold-clasped sturdy leather pack.

Speaking curiously to Arenglae, Yardie asks, "Arenglae? Why are you angry?"

Celothor lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Agathilea angrily jerks her hands down and visibly seethes while smoothing out the organza fabric of her bliaut.

Yardie confusedly asks, "What did I do?"

Speaking in Elven to her pale grey bliaut, Agathilea says, "I think we are all a little sensitive."

Speaking in Elven to Yardie, Agathilea says, "Shush."

Yardie blinks at Agathilea.

Celothor hesitantly says, "Forgive me. Solvei's disappointment weighs heavily, grateful as I am for my freedom."

Agathilea nods at Celothor.

Jaakarha carefully rasps, "I am hopeful this was ... worthwhile to you who observed. The will of the spirits has been heard this night so far from our home, partly with your help."

The blue wolf pads around the area.

Speaking in Elven, Agathilea softly says, "Is understandable."

Celothor adds, "Whatever you may think of me, know that I never hated her."

Lissaya nods at Jaakarha.

Arenglae nods faintly at Jaakarha.

Celothor just moved quietly southwest.

You close your eyes for a moment.

Lissaya gives a sidelong glance at you.

Speaking to Jaakarha, Alosaka says, "So, what's your record with these sorts of things? Fifty-fifty."

Alosaka cocks his head at Jaakarha.

Speaking laughingly to Alosaka, Jaakarha exclaims, "Cheeky jiggit, aren't you!"

Speaking in Elven, you say, "I will speak with Celothor. Whatever he may say, I think perhaps he could use a pair of ears."

Lissaya nods in agreement to you.

Speaking to Agathilea, Yardie says, "Love is not a duty, at least in the sense that they see it."

Arenglae nods faintly to you.

Agathilea nods slowly to you.

Speaking in Elven, you tersely say, "Thank you for joining us."

You incline your head.