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Nathan Telluride rubs his chin for a moment, and then steps to the stone. He pulls a single feather from his hat, and wedges it, quill first, into the rock.
Ameline Valtin crinkles her nose as she considers approaching the stone.
Ameline Valtin folds her arms, tucking herself into her coat as she looks to Nathan, "Well-done, Master Telluride. Quite a joy to hear your songs, says I." She nods.
Nathan Telluride turns to Ameline. "You always bring a classy touch to these affairs, love. I enjoyed your presentation quite a lot."
Ameline Valtin smiles, "Too kind, too kind!"
Nathan Telluride: "Only kind enough, I'd say. It's good to see you entrenched in our ranks, such as they are."
Ameline Valtin nods in agreement. "I find myself quite pleased to be in such exalted company."
Ameline Valtin: "A secret missive to Menphina he does leave? Or nay?"
Nathan Telluride: "It's only more exalted for your presence in it. Do tell me you plan for more?" He chews his lip. "Goddesses and I have our own ways of communicating."
Ameline Valtin gestures with her gloved hand, "But of course. The bell has rang and now I cannot help myself." She chuckles lightly. "And aye, I understand of sorts. My own companion feels these matters to be foolish."
Nathan Telluride: "Not foolish at all. Truths only become stronger when we point them out. That's why they are truths, and hearts can be a true as anything."
Ameline Valtin stifles a laugh, "Would that I could borrow your words in exposition to my companion."
Nathan Telluride puts on a crocodile's grin. "Mayhap I could meet your companion, share the right words, and let you swoop in and take all the glory from them? Sounds fun."
Ameline Valtin: "Mayhap so. If naught else, an amusing display for all involved!"
Nathan Telluride keeps grinning. "You probably think I'm kidding?
Ameline Valtin feigns a gesture of demure, "I would not dare!"
♥♥♥
Ojune Wajune collects up a piece of paper, jotting down a few names on the piece of paper. Following a similar theme to Chachanji he simply writes out a list of names. Some of them paired off in the love they'd already found before sticking it with the other bits of paper on the rock.
Ojune Wajune or at least tries to. This rock is very tall.
Ojune Wajune tugs on the large Roe's jacket next to him.
Ojune Wajune: "Excuse me, sir."
Ojune Wajune slumps, unable to get Tausenadel Geispyrsyn's attention.
Nathan Telluride: "Master Ojune! You topped yourself with your story, tonight, I think."
Ameline Valtin nods, agreeing with Nathan. "Masterful, indeed!"
Ojune Wajune smiles slightly up to mister Nathan, "Thank you kindly! I was quite to surprised to see you alone up there singing this time. But given the nature of the song it was most understandable. And complimented lady Xen's story so well."
Ameline Valtin pats at her chest, "Ameline Valtin - a pleasure to be sure, my friend."
Nathan Telluride nodded slowly. "I had planned to have a companion, but her constitution had a bit of failure today. I will be taking time to make it up to her, you can be assured."
Ojune Wajune: "A pleasure, Lady Ameline. Your story was tell told as well."
Ojune Wajune: "Might I trouble one of you fine folks with much longer legs to stick this on the stone for me?"
Ojune Wajune holds up a folded bit of paper.
Ameline Valtin kneels down, "It would be my pleasure."
Nathan Telluride rubs his chin. "Speaking of such matters, I believe I have a wish from Menphina to tend to." He brushes his fingers through the remaining feathers in his hat. "If you both will excuse me, I have one more delivery of Valentione's wishes, and it should be a good one. "
Ojune Wajune: "Twelve guide your steps, master Nathan."
Ameline Valtin: "Shall we?"
Ojune Wajune nods to Ameline Valtin.
Ameline Valtin tucks the small scrawling into the rock, patting next to it with a gloved hand gently.
Ojune Wajune: "Ah, thank you very much. Did you leave one perhaps?"
Ameline Valtin smiles a bit vacantly, "Alas, my companion feels such matters to be. . Inauspicious. I hesitate, I fear."
Ojune Wajune: "Ah, but surely this is your own wish from the Goddess? He wouldn't even have to know."
Ameline Valtin: "Mm. Mayhap you speak true."
Ameline Valtin reaches into her satchel and hastily scrawls a note with a crude quill. She folds it up, tucking it into the stone with a sigh of relief. "There, not so bad, aye?"
Ojune Wajune: "That's the spirit!"
Ojune Wajune: "I'm certain Menphina will hear your wish."
Ameline Valtin: "A true pleasure, once again my friend. I must pay my respects to Lady Milburga before I depart for the eve. I do hope to see you once again when Oschon calls for paths to cross once more!"
Ojune Wajune: "The Twelve guide your path, Lady Ameline. I hope we meet again."
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Caen Jabari: "I'd like to write one too."
Caen Jabari tucks a small note under the stone, "Please, Menphina... please...?"
Caen Jabari: "Mines a secret, besides."
Caen Jabari hugs himself again, shivering.
Caen Jabari draws in the snow, occasionally glancing at the stone full of love notes.
Ojune Wajune smiles at Caen Jabari.
Caen Jabari: "Oh, hullo!"
Ojune Wajune: "Hullo! Did you enjoy the performances?"
Caen Jabari: "I did, yus! Say... you were one of th'storytellers, eh?"
Ojune Wajune: "I told the first one."
Caen Jabari: "I knew it! I liked yours."
Ojune Wajune: "Thank you, sir!"
Caen Jabari flaps his ears.
Ojune Wajune: "Ojune Wajune."
Caen Jabari: "I'm Caen, ser, if'in it pleases. Nice t'meet'cha, ser Ojune!"
Ojune Wajune: "Did you come with mister Ilwe and lady Carina here?"
Caen Jabari: "Nah. I sorta huddled nearby so's I wouldn't get trampled, y'know?"
Caen Jabari: "There was a bigger group b'fore they went home."
Ojune Wajune: "Ahh. I do know all about that."
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa 's ears turn in the direction of Ojune as he says his name
Caen Jabari: "So, ser... didja put a note away fer a special someone?"
Ojune Wajune: "Mmm. Not really a single special someone. More a note for my friends to find love and happiness."
Ojune Wajune: "What about yourself?"
Caen Jabari: "Yeah, I supposed it couldn't hurt. Mebbe I shoulda done what you did though... "
Ojune Wajune: "You could write more than one. There are still plenty of papers left."
Caen Jabari: "Aw, really?"
Caen Jabari: "I should do that."
Caen Jabari: "I think I will."
Ojune Wajune: "Menphina certainly has enough light and power to spread to all."
Caen Jabari: "That's good, that is... I'll wish fer e'eryone... e'eryone needs some love."
Caen Jabari: "Where's th'extra paper... near th'rock?"
Ojune Wajune nods to Caen Jabari.
Ojune Wajune: "I've a quill if the other ones wandered off. Just let me know."
Ojune Wajune: "But I think I saw a couple still up there."
Caen Jabari: "If'in I don't see one, I'll come back."
Caen Jabari: "I'll write it out quick before this air freezes it."
Caen Jabari would take another paper and scribble something down on it. He tucks the paper in with the rest, "Here y'go Miss Menphina. If'in it's not too much trouble, okay...?"
Ojune Wajune offers Caen a smile as he returns.
Caen Jabari: "I hope she likes it."
Ojune Wajune nods to Caen, "If it's from the heart, she'll surely hear and send her blessings."
Caen Jabari: "It was! I drew her a lil picture too."
Caen Jabari scratches his cheek, "Even Gods like pictures... I think."
♥♥♥
Ojune Wajune: "Did the both of you enjoy the pilgrimage?"
Carina Lir looks towards Ojune as he suddenly talks to them.
Carina Lir: Oh yes... I did not understand most of it, but I really enjoyed being here. It was a vast learning experience.
Ojune Wajune: "Good! Very good to hear. Did you have any questions? Or are they more the kind that requires quiet reflection?"
Carina Lir: I think most of my questions would be to expansive.... but I do have one for you specifically.
Carina Lir: It is about your story.
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa is leaning slightly on Carina's leg, a box of food half eaten on his lap, he listens both Carina and Ojune
Ojune Wajune: "Feel free to ask."
Carina Lir: Why was all this fuss being made about one female? I do understand that males are not as rare in other races as they are in the Miqo'te, but as I have gathered the ration is about 50 percent to each gender. So why did so many males try to get this one female?
Ojune Wajune tilts his head slightly in thought at Carina's question, "Well... There are several reasons why any individual male would want to pursue a female. Often it is because she is both pretty and kind. That and I will confess boys do like a good competition."
Carina Lir: Oh... so it was about a sport of some kind. A competition. That does explain it a bit more.
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa says with a really soft voice "I think that Carina doesn't understand why one female would get all the male attention." He pauses "Miqo'te's nature is odd on that matter, one male is born for around fifteen females."
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa: Though, Carina, it's only the reverse way as we can act on our side. Females court the male they want the same way..
Ojune Wajune: "I think... it is a bit opposite for the Keeper clans isn't it? The woman form tribes and the males come in, trying to impress the females?"
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa: You're wrong, sir Ojune
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa: We don't try to impress anybody. We actually don't need to. Most of time females seek our favors because we're rare.
Carina Lir nods to Ilwe'ran's words. "The males do not need to impress in that way, at least not in my clan, and also the women do not court the males. In fact, we share them. It was not uncommon for one suitable male to breed with each female of the clan who was available and willing."
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa: That is very true..
Carina Lir: It was the only way to ensure enough males were actually born.
Ojune Wajune: "Is it the same for the Seeker tribe, mister Caen? Is there also very little courting that is done?"
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa: Forget concept of love when it comes to Miqo'te. While we can feel it as many other races, it's often considered as a problem. To say it crudely, we need to breed in hope to have some males. Or the race will perish. Feelings can only be a problem on this side, males are supported to be shared and jealousy cannot be tolerated
Caen Jabari: "Er... so's they tell, me ser. I lost m'family when I was real little... so I was taken in by hyur..."
Caen Jabari rubs his ears.
Ojune Wajune: "An interesting cultural difference to be sure."
Caen Jabari: "You got the big time nuhn, then all th'Tias tryin' to be nuhn."
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa: It's not cultural. It's about how deep nature.
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa: One male for fifteen females, we don't have any other choice than to act this way to avoid the race's extinction.
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa: I found extremely ironical when I came to know that Keeper's goddess here was Menphina. I cannot find the meaning of this while love is something that is often unexpected and not accepted.
♥♥♥
Jancis Milburga picks up the discarded blanket and supplies left by the twins.
Jancis Milburga: "Master Ojune are you doing well here? It does grow colder."
Caen Jabari: "Ohh, nice coat, miss."
Ojune Wajune nods, "It does... Sorry about that, the barrier is beginning to weaken."
Carina Lir looks at the newcomer, bowing her head as a friendly gesture of greeting.
Jancis Milburga smiles at Caen, murmuring a thank you as she bows her head gratefully.
Jancis Milburga: "No, no it has lasted well beyond need. I would just not wish to hinder yourself further. Are a few rooms at Camp Dragonhead open if you need rest or food."
Ojune Wajune: "Thank you for another wonderful pilgrimage, Lady Jancis."
Jancis Milburga smiles softly at Ilwe'ran, listening.
Jancis Milburga: "I am honored. You are welcome. It is the work of many for such a celebration."
Ojune Wajune: "Love does come in all sorts of forms. Menphina shines her light on all, I believe."
Ojune Wajune: "Jancis, have you met Carina, Ilwe and Caen before?"
Ojune Wajune motions to each in turn.
Carina Lir listens to Jancis' words, very focused, as if she might say something important she could miss else.
Jancis Milburga: "Forgive me I have not. It is a honor to meet you both. Thank you for coming all this way and adding your warmth to this pilgrimage."
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa: That is true. Though, it's quite odd to have this peculiar goddess as guardian. I would have thought Nophica more fitting.
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa grows back silent as Jancis speaks
Carina Lir: Oh! Warmth!
Jancis Milburga looks at Carina, "Yes, not, ah, in the physical sense but you do seem to be providing that for Master Ilwe'ran. Did he not bring a hat? Or lost it?"
Carina Lir speaks up as if reminded of something. She puts down her backpack and rummages around in it. After a time she produces a medium sized flask. "Anyone in need of warm tea?"
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa tilts his head "Why would I wear a hat..?"
Leanne Delphium: "...Because it's nice!!"
Carina Lir "Well, of course I am.", she answers Jancis, nodding strongly. "I made him a very special tea, right as he requested. So he will be warm."
Ojune Wajune: "And also to keep all your body heat form leaving the top of your head."
Jancis Milburga: "Is truly a few fitting Menphina then. You are most gracious, Lady. Thank you."
Carina Lir: Who's a Lady?
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa: You, silly.
Jancis Milburga nods in agreement.
Carina Lir looks around, trying to find one other than Jancis herself.
Carina Lir: Can't be, I'm just a cook.
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa sighs softly and shrugs a bit at Jancis, it's visibly a common scene.
Jancis Milburga only has eyes for Carina at the comment, smile strengthening, "Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many flavors - it's how you combine them that sets you apart." she says dutifully.
Jancis Milburga: "Is, ah, still an art."
Carina Lir: Well, there's something I can agree too. Though I'm far from being renowned or a master. I'm just an apprentice cook fending for me own and cooking for those I keep close to me heart.
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa: She spent quite an amount of time cooking some specific meal for each of us and is still calling herself lazy.. **He shakes slightly his head** I'm unsure you will manage to make her understand that she is as caring as Menphina.
Ojune Wajune: "I'm certain each of your meals is well received. I quiet enjoyed the nibbles you packed for me at least."
Jancis Milburga bows her head, willingly accepting defeat. "Your actions shall speak louder than any word, regardless."
Carina Lir: I do hope Sir Ojune enjoyed his meal. I did now know what he liked, so I went with something sweet but nourishing.
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa: I appreciated it too, and I had a special meal for me. **He pauses** I'm lucky **He smiles softly**
Jancis Milburga: "It is with much foresight to come prepared. Considering how many sweets he got to test for Lord Vaughn, he must welcome it."
Jancis Milburga beams at Ojune with good humor.
Carina Lir , still holding the flask. When no one speaks up to have some tea, she pens it herself and pours some of its contents in the flasks cap. The steam of hot tea is visible, and a fruity scent can be smelled, before the wind blows it away. she takes a careful nip.
Jancis Milburga: "I did see you all coming up the road together. It was very encouraging to see so many travelling companions. Did any part of the pilgrimage inspire you, Lady?"
♥♥♥
Leanne Delphium: "Ah, please, give me a moment.."
Leanne Delphium: "Mr. Ojune. Lovely presentation, as always...!"
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa eyes at the hat lady, moving a bit closer to Carina
Ojune Wajune: "Thank you, lady Leanne. I was saddened you didn't lend your voice this pilgrimage."
Ojune Wajune: "It is always wonderful to hear you sing."
Ojune Wajune glances back to Jancis for confirmation.
Jancis Milburga nods once, "That is right." She answers warmly.
Leanne Delphium smiles sheepishly. "Aah. Unfortunately, The Lover is a person that I'm not quite read to sing or give proper praises." she chuckles. "Oughta relearn to fully appreciate the symbolism of hers."
♥♥♥
Leanne Delphium walks a bit to pet Chachan, looking to Jancis. "Ms. Jancis holds this one in a very special place."
Caen Jabari: "I dunno much about him either..."
Chachanji Gegenji: She does who ta what now?
Ojune Wajune: "So you'll get to visit his stone again, quite soon."
Leanne Delphium: "Thaliak, The Scholar. God of Knowledge."
Chachanji Gegenji: Ah, yeah. That sounds like someone me brother'd follow.
Jancis Milburga cannot hide her expression, nodding empathically with Leanne.
Caen Jabari: "I know... -that-."
Chachanji Gegenji: Anyroad, should we get ta goin', Ms. Hat?
Caen Jabari giggles to himself, "You guys had stories an' such about Menphina... I didn't know any o' those."
Ojune Wajune: "Perhaps you'll come and learn of Thaliak next moon, mister Caen?"
Caen Jabari: "I think so, yus!"
Virara Wakuwa: "Oh. The delivery man."
Ojune Wajune gazes upon Virara Wakuwa in deep reflection.
Leanne Delphium nods to Chachan and Virara. "Yes , we shall! Getting a tad too cold for my ears. And they're protected by my fancy hat." she laughs before smiling to everyone. "A good evening, everyone. Ms. Jancis, I shall spin something worthy not only of the deity himself but of you, hopefully."
Caen Jabari: "I didn't know wotcher guys were doin' up here, y'know. M'nose jus' told me there were folk up here."
Caen Jabari: "I'll so my best to make it."
Jancis Milburga: "Would be very humbled."
Jancis Milburga looks at Leanne with shinning eyes, "I. I, ah, Thaliak's Grace I know not what to say. I would be beyond happy."
Ojune Wajune: "Ah, from the Coral Sea's headquarters."
Caen Jabari: "Hehe... but I'm jus' a miqo' milady."
Ojune Wajune: "Twelve keep you all safe and guide your steps."
Virara Wakuwa: "Forgive me for attending so late."
Virara Wakuwa: "Thank you, delivery man."
Jancis Milburga: "Yes, pray keep safe and travel well. Watch out for each other."
Leanne Delphium snickers, taking Virara and Chachan's hands. "We shall. Oschon guide you in the road."
Ojune Wajune and even has a wave for the tall armoured one hiding in the back.
Alexander Gomez bids farewell.
Ojune Wajune: "I should be off as well.
Caen Jabari: "I think I recognized one o' those guys..."
Ojune Wajune calls his carbuncle over and the ward fully drops.
Carina Lir takes a step back, nodding a silent farewell to Ojune, granting him a friendly smile.
Carina Lir: Take care, Sir Ojune.
Caen Jabari: "Stay warm, ser!"
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa: It will be a pleasure to see you again soon, sir Ojune
Ojune Wajune: "You as well, Lady Carina."
Ojune Wajune: "And look forward to seeing you all at the next one!"
Jancis Milburga: "Yes, travel well Master Ojune. Be safe! Hopefully I will see you much sooner."
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Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa relaxes a bit at Carina's touch, though growing silent again
Carina Lir looks to Ilwe'ran, then the others around. "If you would all excuse me for a moment..."
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa moves sideway a bit
Carina Lir then walks toward the stone of Menphina, the number of people around having reached a bearable level.
Carina Lir kneels down in front of the stone, her head bowed for a moment, then looking up to it, to the sign etched into it. Her lips move, her words carried away by the wind, unheard by anyone not standing directly next to her.
Jancis Milburga: "Will you all make sure she is escorted back safely when she is done?"
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa 's voice is really soft as he speaks, almost tender "I'm here for her, I'll wait as long as she needs"
Caen Jabari: "Ehehe, sounds like Miss Menphina's got her work cut out for her, eh?"
Carina Lir , after a while, takes out a small sheet of paper, neatly folded, takes the mittens of from her left hand, and, with this hand, holds the paper aloft in front of the stone. She looks up to the moon in the sky.
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa: Carina doesn't understand such an abstract concept as love. She needs time and maybe her Goddess' answers
Caen Jabari just smiles.
Carina Lir | Just moments later a bright flame erupts in her hand, consuming the paper, the wind carrying the ashes up to the sky, towards the moon. She smiles, then turns around to walk back to the group.
Jancis Milburga echoes the smile.
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa looks at Carina silently, his face expressionless
Jancis Milburga: "I shall stay here awhile longer and make sure all of these prayers and blessings are tended to. Travel safely together."
Jancis Milburga smiles warmly at everyone, excusing herself with a bow.
Carina Lir arrives back at the group, putting her mittens back on again. She smiles towards them, seemingly very content.
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa: Are you sure you will be fine, Lady ? I can take care of Carina then come back to you if you don't want to go back at the same time.
Carina Lir: I, somehow, think she will be fine, Ilwe'ran.
Jancis Milburga smiles and nods, "It is appreciated, but others will be here soon. I shall be safe, you have my word."
Ilwe'ran Hlaiwa nods to Jancis then turns to Carina, his voice growing softer "What do you want to do ?"
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