Jancis

In the dank edges by Tam Tara, Jancis made her final stop by the barrows that covered the land. Ancient dead, unknown souls and faces buried deep within the soil, person after person. It was here that she found the subtle and soft colored lichen. The texture, the softness of it would add to the paper. The curves and angles of the edges she would try and preserve to give the cover more depth. For the title she was given for this commission, it seemed proper. Her thoughts wandered to Master Lelerano Sasarano, Ojune’s mentor, and what the lalafel had told her. How he walked off to his possible death and the world changed; as the world died in a way. She didn’t know a lot about loss herself; had Ojune known more than this mentor? The thoughts of family rolled into her mind and she wished he had some. For the stories and clear thought he shared about Ul’dah, she would love his voice to speak of family. To help her understand more than what books gave her and what people took as a given. A rumble happened, the grave mounds still dark and damp though the morning came. Jancis stood up slowly, buckling her satchel closed and fixing it to the middle of her back for balance. A large diremite was close, drawn by the fresh scent of broken sap and dew from her gathering. Keeping her calm, she walked by it, despite its warnings. She was smaller than the creature; her confidence making her appear bigger to more senses than just the eyes. Size was only so important. Heading back to her quarters, she prepared the books and papers. Strings bound books together to press the flowers. Strings handed from her walls to let the other items dry. She smiled, if everything turned out well, hopefully Master Ojune would smile, too.

Back from February Jancis watching Lynx play the piano as her ward for a brief time. X'kohu recovering from corrupted crystal shards. .. Faolan... don't ask... OOC shot but happy times with Ilwe'ran Waiting Theme Current! Jancis invited to a farewell ceremony by Vaughn and Angora. Thanks to everyone in the Phoenix Rose FC for allowing her to a touching event. I tried to gray out the picture a little.

I know it! :lol: Lore Goddess o_o I am not worthy. Hehehe no that would be wonderful, but I guess Mirke isn't really the talkative type. We can also think of things to offer pilgrims where she still gets to be quiet. There are guards typically, it's started as Jaques idea and it works as a great excuse for stoic quiet types that'd never go to these kind of things to... go to them. The probably spot for this is in Limsa (I'm still scouting out other points on the map to not be in a city that are related to her we might go to instead) so the ceremonial look will be nice. I remember! Art! This happened with Menphina too it's like some weird Captain Curse... :cry: The tone is always typically inspirational and thoughtful, like a moral story or sharing feelings that are invoked.

Setting up for the pilgrimage for May which is for the sea goddess. I'm looking to have it on Saturday the 23rd at probably around 6pm Eastern. If anyone is interested in sharing their own words, a song, a poem, or how Llymlaen has impacted their lives and speak to the pilgrims, please let me know and we can brainstorm together. There's also time after the performances to speak with others and be approached by pilgrims for anyone who wants to act as a prayer leader or a priest/priestess. Thanks!

[align=center]Jancis Milburga beams a smile, waving up to the guards on the ledge, "Would like to thank our guards for ensuring peace in our festive night, please show them the great appreciation for their time. And to all who decided to share words for our celebration in story and song." She claps, raising her hands up and looking at each group in turn.[/align] [align=center]Jancis Milburga: "Lady Eva shall be here to hear your prayers and your words and give blessings if you wish to speak to her in person. I shall be up on the cliffside to bid you all safe travel when you decide to go on your way. Also, if I may bring your attention to Lady Cliodhna and Lady Iskierka, they will both have wonderful tokens to take with you before you go."[/align] [align=center]Jancis Milburga rings the bell, signaling the end of the performance![/align] [align=center][/align] Cliodhna Eoghan "Well then! Would you all like one?" Shifts the basket on her arm and pulls back the cloth covering them, showing an assortment of fortune cookies dipped in white and pink chocolate. Ikuri Aratani waves his hand at Cliodhna Eoghan, examining the basket. Cliodhna Eoghan Gives a small wave back to Ikuri before handing over a cookie with the following fortune "Your circle of friends will soon grow larger." Ikuri Aratani looks at the fortune in surprise, "Oh, well, I hope that that comes true." Ikuri smiles at Cliodhna Eoghan and gives a polite bow. Nathan Telluride looks to Cliodhna. "Tokens, you say?" Nathan Telluride: "Let's see what you have there." Cliodhna Eoghan Passes over a cookie to Nathan the fortune reading "You will be pleasantly surprised tonight." Nathan Telluride: "I should hope not to be unpleasantly surprised, then! Pleasantly unsurprised, I can accept." Leanne Delphium: "May I have a fortune, myself? Indulge my superstitious side." Leanne Delphium snickers. Cliodhna Eoghan "Oh me too Leanne, that's why I volunteered to hand them out!" Gives one with the fortune reading "You always bring others happiness" Leanne Delphium laughs upon reading the fortune. "I like to think I do, yes!" Xenedra Ambreaus stands at the ready in front of Clio, chin tipped up in interest at the cookies. Xenedra Ambreaus: Can I have one? Cliodhna Eoghan Pulls out one and hands it to Xenedra "You will soon be surrounded by good friends and laughter" Xenedra Ambreaus: Thank you kindly~ Cliodhna Eoghan: Of course! Cliodhna Eoghan: Lottie would you like one as well? Xenedra Ambreaus: Gonna get one~? Lottie Forsaidh smiles at Xenedra once the fortune was read, "Mm? Oh, I suppose it couldn't hurt.." She grants Clio a curious blink. Cliodhna Eoghan Grins and passes one to Lottie. "You are in good hands this evening." Xenedra Ambreaus snickers. Xenedra Ambreaus: Hear that? Nathan Telluride coughs. Lottie Forsaidh 's blink is slow and her cheeks redden, "Oh." Leanne Delphium doesn't get the meaning until a second later. "Oh? Oh...oh!" Xenedra Ambreaus beams with delight at Nathan Telluride. Cliodhna Eoghan Giggles. "Now I should find more people to hand these out to!" Grins and skirts around the group, still giggling. Nathan Telluride shrugs. "We'll just go with hands, for the sake of keeping the event to its proper theme." Lottie Forsaidh: "I already know she's having too much fun with this." Leanne Delphium: "Well, I'd hope so!" Xenedra Ambreaus: You're behaving? I'm confused~ Leanne Delphium: "So am I!" Nathan Telluride grins wide enough for a crocodile. "I have to keep you all guessing, sometimes. And consider it the pleasant surprise." Lottie Forsaidh: "Hah~" Xenedra Ambreaus: Keep trying. It'll take more than that for a real surprise~ Lottie Forsaidh: "Speaking of surprises - I loved that story, Xenedra." Xenedra Ambreaus: Did you? Thanks. Leanne Delphium smiles warmly. "Agreed. Was a very lovely story. Made me wish I had one myself to share." Xenedra Ambreaus: I thought all of them were fairly touching. Nathan Telluride arches a brow, cutting of whatever reply he'd had in mind for Xen's comment. "She's right - that was a magnificent performance, Xenedra." Xenedra Ambreaus: Had a little bit of inspiration this time. Xenedra Ambreaus: I wondered if anyone would call me on veil - (she mimes a face veil) versus veil- (she mimes a wedding veil). Lottie Forsaidh: "Ooh! I hadn't thought of it that way." Leanne Delphium: "May you share?" Xenedra Ambreaus: Share? My inspiration? Lottie Forsaidh: "It reminds me of a very interesting night we all had on a round of truth and dare." Lottie Forsaidh 's smile curls. Xenedra Ambreaus: That may have been part of my inspiration. Xenedra Ambreaus: But I don't remember ever seeing an imagine of Nymeia, so... wedding veil, it was. Leanne Delphium: "Aah..." Xenedra Ambreaus: Lottie squeezed out of my poor boyfriend that he'd eventually like to get married. Xenedra Ambreaus: To explain. Leanne Delphium: "...Aaaaah." Lottie Forsaidh adopts an innocent smile. Leanne Delphium looks to Lottie, face brightened with clarity. Leanne Delphium scratches the back of her head. "Good gosh, now I feel inappropriate. Me and my lack of a proper love life.." Nathan Telluride looks between Xenedra and Lottie. "We really must do that again soon." Lottie Forsaidh: "If I may be so bold, Miss Leanne - I'd like to believe you haven't found one suitable for you yet." Xenedra Ambreaus: I~ would like to. But no wussy bets! Lottie Forsaidh: "And even then, I find you to be a wonderful soul - with or without a lover." Nathan Telluride grins at Leanne. "I think maybe the hat is a jealous companion." Xenedra Ambreaus: Don't feel bad, Leanne, it's simply~ fate. Xenedra Ambreaus grins broadly. Leanne Delphium laughs awkwardly. "Perhaps so, Ms. Lottie. I for myself do not find myself wanting a lover. As for fate, who knows." Leanne Delphium: "My belief of fate is ever unsure of itself. I rather say that's how things ended up being." she chuckles. Xenedra Ambreaus: Mm, possible. Xenedra Ambreaus: Anyhow~ Xenedra Ambreaus: I'm going to pinch another cookie and head home. I've got some official business to deal with tonight. Lottie Forsaidh: "Promise you won't work too hard?" Nathan Telluride: "Official, you say? That sounds enticing." Xenedra Ambreaus: I'll work juuust the right amount. Lottie Forsaidh smiles, "Good!" Leanne Delphium smiles, tipping her hat. "A pleasure to see you once more, Ms. Xenedra. And a pleasure to hear another one of your tales!" Xenedra Ambreaus: See you about~ Xenedra Ambreaus: Could I grab one for Cestus~? Cliodhna Eoghan "Of course," Pulls one out that's pink and hands it over with the following message "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." Xenedra Ambreaus: Thank you, sugar. See you about. Cliodhna Eoghan: See you later! [align=center]♣♣♣♣♣[/align] Cliodhna Eoghan Taps Array on the shoulder. "Would you like a fortune cookie?" Aurelian Ashanti: Oh, yes! I was just looking around. Cliodhna Eoghan Hands over a fortune cookie dipped in pink candy coating, the fortune reads "You are a true romantic." Aurelian Ashanti takes the cookie, breaking it open and reading the fortune. She snorts and laughs, then eats the cookies. "Thanks, Clio." Cliodhna Eoghan Grins. "Of course Array. See you once I finish handing these out?" Arrelaine Fashonti: Sure! Arrelaine Fashonti looks around at those still milling about. Cliodhna Eoghan Looks up. "Would you like a cookie boots? They have fortunes in them" Oscare Iono: "Uh. Sure." Cliodhna Eoghan Hands over a cookie dipped in white chocolate. The following fortune within "Look for happiness and you will find it." Oscare Iono stares blankly at it. Oscare Iono: "... Look for happiness and you will find it..." Oscare Iono: "Hello, Jancis." You smile at Oscare Iono. Jancis Milburga: "Oscare did you get any cookies? Are you legs feeling better? I suspect you ran here." Oscare Iono: "I did run over here, so my legs feel amazing." Oscare Iono: "... and. Yes. I did get a fortune." Jancis Milburga: "Glad you were here, Oscare. We can speak later? I would be grateful for your ear another time." Oscare Iono: "Of course." [align=center][/align] Cliodhna Eoghan: Did you want one too Gwannes? Gwannes Oskwell: Sure. Can I get three, actually? I need two more for Bulwark and somebody else. Cliodhna Eoghan Nods "Of course." Passes over three cookies dipped in pink and white coating, each containing a fortune "You are the star in someone's eyes" "You will soon be crossing great waters." "Your life will get more and more exciting" Gwannes Oskwell nods, taking the three. "Thanks." Cliodhna Eoghan Looks to Reima. "Would you like a fortune cookie?" Reima Awen drops into a light bow to Cliodhna. "You've prepared token for the pilgrims. I'd feel rude to leave without taking one after so much care. Cliodhna Eoghan Smiles. "I just pass them out, but still they're lovely." Draws a whit and pink one from the basket and hands it over, the fortune reading "Be prepared! You will receive a romantic message from a secret admirer" Reima Awen 's cheeks turn a vivid red as she stares down at the message in the cookie. "O-Oh". She squeaks out. Cliodhna Eoghan: Good fortune? Reima Awen clears her throat and tries to laugh off her embarrassment, dropping into another light bow. "Th-thank you, Lady." Reima Awen stares down at the cookie thoughtfully, shaking her head with a faint smile. Reginald Ozrik took a few steps toward Cliodhna and offered each of the women there a polite smile. Cliodhna Eoghan Turns to Reginald. "Would you like one too?" Reginald Ozrik: "Please." Cliodhna Eoghan "Of course," Pulls out a white chocolate dipped cookie containing the following fortune. "Never fear! The end of something marks the start of something new." Reginald Ozrik took the paper out of the cookie and read it over. "I thank you." He offered a polite smile and bow. Cliodhna Eoghan Nods. "You're welcome" Reginald Ozrik managed a bit more restraint, eating his cookie in a few bites. Cliodhna Eoghan: "I have more if anyone wants a cookie!" W'reina Yue slowly approaches Cliodhna Eoghan with a shy smile, "m-might I have one of those," she asks softly, glancing down to the basket then back up at the woman. Cliodhna Eoghan Smiles and hands over a brightly pink dipped cookie, the fortune within reading "A fresh start will put you on your way." W'reina Yue smiles at her, "thank you," she says before stepping out of the way and reading her fortune. O'jirho Tia shrugs. "Eh, no problem." He sniffs the air, searching for cookies. O'jirho Tia doesn't seem to notice the bow even though his eyes are about in the right direction. He goes to hunt for cookies. O'jirho Tia is also carrying a cane that he uses to navigate his way to the cookies--er, the person HOLDING the cookies. W'reina Yue munches on her cookie, smiling and looking at the other Miqo'te who had approached. Cliodhna Eoghan: Did you want one too? O'jirho Tia: Two, actually. One for my friend, too. O'jirho Tia lowers his ears as it starts to rain. Again. Cliodhna Eoghan "Sure thing." Hands over two pink cookies with white sprinkles. "Stop searching forever, happiness is just next to you" "You are a person of another time." O'jirho Tia takes the cookies and pockets one. He fingers the other cookie without looking at it. "So there's fortunes on these things or something?" Cliodhna Eoghan Nods. "little scraps of paper in the cookie so break it open first before eating it." O'jirho Tia: Ah, that's why people were breaking them. O'jirho Tia breaks the cookie in half, feels for the paper scrap, and holds it up. He sighs, seeming ashamed. "Need you to read it for me," he mumbles. Cliodhna Eoghan Smiles and takes the paper. "Of course....It says "Stop searching forever, happiness is just next to you." O'jirho Tia frowns thoughtfully. "... Huh. Well, thanks for the cookie." He pops one half into his mouth and then twitches his ears, listening to the area around him. Cliodhna Eoghan: Of course. O'jirho Tia makes his way back up the hill, munching on the cookie. O'jirho Tia takes his place at his old guard spot and sits in the wet grass. ... Not his smartest idea, if the look on his face has anything to say about it. [align=center][/align] Cliodhna Eoghan Approaches Caen and Eva. "Would you two like fortune cookies?" Eva Zelorius: "I'm convinced the parable sounds slightly different with each year. Oh- a cookie! Certainly, but only one!" Cliodhna Eoghan Passes over a pink dipped one for Eva reading "The star of happiness is shining on you" Eva Zelorius motions joyfully, eating the cookie as she reads her fortune. Eva Zelorius: "Thank you Dearie, for the cookie, and for the fortune both!" Bravaden Warder waits for Clio to finish before speaking "Do you still have some tokens left Clio?" Cliodhna Eoghan: I do Bravaden, would you like one too? Bravaden Warder nodded with a smirk "I would" Cliodhna Eoghan Passes over one striped pink and white reading "All your hard work will soon pay off." Bravaden Warder takes the cookie and eats it as he reads the cookie over "Well... this is a pleasant thing to read." Cliodhna Eoghan: A fitting fortune? Bravaden Warder: "Yeah... it says all my hard work will eventually pay off. So it's nice to know something will come from all this nonsense lately" Cliodhna Eoghan: That's good to hear then! Cliodhna Eoghan Hands one to Caen dipped in white chocolate. "What you decide today will be your good fortune." Caen Macleod worded quietly the same words he just read. Caen Macleod: thank you. Cliodhna Eoghan: You're welcome. Bravaden Warder: "What about you? It feels like forever since we've spoke." Cliodhna Eoghan Grins and holds out her right hand, showing off the engagement ring. "Quite a few things have been happening." Bravaden Warder notices the band and smiles "Its about time! Tellah told me his plans and I've been waiting to hear about the bloody thing coming to pass for what feels like months now..." Cliodhna Eoghan: You knew....and didn't tell me??? Cliodhna Eoghan: Do you know what he did?! Cliodhna Eoghan: Right in the middle of the biggest crowd ever! Cliodhna Eoghan huffs, cheeks slightly pink from blushing Bravaden Warder coughed "By him I mean Erik's plans and not Tellah. And of course I wouldn't tell you! Although I'm sorry I missed it." Cliodhna Eoghan Gives Bravaden a shove. "Still if the old man knew and told you, SOMEONE should have told me!" Bravaden Warder smiled "I didn't mean to ignore you ma'am. It was nice to hear such a fitting story. SOMEONE..." he looked to Clio "Could take the hint that some things need to be left to the Spinner. We can't know everything." Cliodhna Eoghan Still slightly pouting in a huff. "I had expect it eventually, but not...that flashy..." Bravaden Warder: "Listen... nothing brings a smile to a man's face more than proclaiming something he's certain of. It was a fitting event to let everyone know his intentions." Cliodhna Eoghan Frowns softens a bit. "Still though...In the middle of the Royal ball?" Tucks a lock of hair behind her ear, biting back a smile threating to break her grumpy mood. Bravaden Warder: "Wear it proudly ma'am. If anything it will lend itself to some interesting tales later. Erik is a man who clearly understands, that a strong memory of earnest love will help carry you through darker times." Bravaden Warder looked shocked to himself "That... was pretty good... I need to write that down." Cliodhna Eoghan Nods, letting the smile break through. "I suppose you're right....I'd be lying if I said that didn't help in the past when we had....issues..." Bravaden Warder: "Well there you have it then. So other than enjoying an embarrassing scene, how have you been? And what of the old man?" Cliodhna Eoghan: I've been doing well....Just work, planning my next binge drinking event, a wedding...." Frowns slightly. "Lenna's here so Tellah has been spending a lot of time with her when she's not with Erik....Can't really bring a kid into a bar." Bravaden Warder: "Lenna" Erik's child right?" Cliodhna Eoghan: Yeah... [align=center]♣♣♣♣♣[/align] Cliodhna Eoghan Glances over to Y'rhen. "Did you get a fortune cookie yet?" Y'rhen Tia nods. "Yes I did, it was well interesting." Cliodhna Eoghan: Oh? Y'rhen Tia nods." It said Fear is er." checks his bags." I think I dropped it." Cliodhna Eoghan: Oh if you lost it I can give you another if you like? Y'rhen Tia blinks."Ummsure okay yea." Cliodhna Eoghan Smiles and hands over a whit chocolate with pink sprinkles cookie, the fortune contained within "Forget yesterday, tomorrow will be a golden day for you" Y'rhen Tia blinks and takes it, he opens it and reads it smirking."Oi..these cookies know me." Y'rhen Tia bows his head. "Thank you." Cliodhna Eoghan: So you got a good one? Cliodhna Eoghan: You're welcome. Y'rhen Tia: I got a good one to me I think.." Y'rhen Tia mumbles something playing with the paper. Cliodhna Eoghan Nods to the group, excusing herself. "I'll be back in a bit." Cliodhna Eoghan Takes a seat next to Jancis in the slightly damp grass. "Did you get a cookie yet?" Jancis Milburga looks off to the trio by the water for a minute before looking up at Clio, "Ah, no, no I have not." Cliodhna Eoghan "You should! They were a wonderful idea." Passes over one that's dipped in white chocolate with pink sprinkles. The fortune reading "Be patient - the true love you seek will appear." Jancis Milburga smiles, "Thank you. Oh O'jirho, Did you get one?" She looks over to the miqo'te across from her, offering it. O'jirho Tia: Yeah, I got one. Jancis Milburga nods, and breaks her open. "..." Half laughing, she looks wistful at the message within. Cliodhna Eoghan: Did you get a good fortune? Jancis Milburga rubs her cheek absently, "Ah.. yes, yes I believe so." She repeats the message out loud, her voice growing softer. "Is not something I had expected." Cliodhna Eoghan: It tends to be that way with fortune cookies, I've noticed. Jancis Milburga: "It is a curious thing that we immediately link ourselves to something so simple sometimes. Just eager to relate." Cliodhna Eoghan Glances into the nearly empty basket and spies a broken one. "Oops...Looks like one didn't make it." Picks up the fortune reading it. "Your difficulties will strengthen you." Frowns slightly. "Hmm..." Cliodhna Eoghan: True enough but I overheard Chachanji's was less relatable O'jirho Tia seems content with staring out towards the horizon, listening to the conversation next to him. He yawns. Jancis Milburga smiles, "The man crying for help being trapped in a cookie factory? That was well worth its weight in cookie." O'jirho Tia snickers. Jancis Milburga: "What was yours, O'jirho?" Cliodhna Eoghan Chuckles again. "That one was interesting." O'jirho Tia: "Stop searching forever, happiness is just next to you." Jancis Milburga blinks at O'jirho. O'jirho Tia shrugs his shoulders. "Not sure if I believe it." Jancis Milburga: "Same. I am clearly not happiness." O'jirho Tia chuckles. Jancis Milburga smiles as he laughs, "Lady Cliodhna knows happiness. Ah! Maybe it means a good meal or a warm pillow and a safe place to be. Oh, ah, hm..." Cliodhna Eoghan Chuckles. "I'm sure happiness can be interpreted in many ways...Our minds just tend to jump to one type first hmm?" O'jirho Tia looks out towards the horizon again. "Well, if that's the case, that's all the way back in the Shroud." Jancis Milburga: "Surely whatever is on top of our minds." Jancis Milburga nods in agreement with Clio.

[align=center]"And now I would like to present a song to end the eve. Lady Iskierka, you have all of our ears." Iskierka Stormspeaker comes forward, I've prepared a song. Now, I'm not any kind of bard. I'm not very good at singing songs, but let's hope the gods value fervor over execution, shall we?[/align] [align=center] Iskierka clears her throat and straightens her back, ready for the song. ♪♫♪♫♪ ♪ He deals the cards as a meditation, and those he plays never suspect. He doesn't play for the money he wins. He doesn't play for respect. ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ He deals the cards to find the answer. The sacred geometry of chance. The hidden laws of a probable outcome... The numbers lead a dance. ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ I know that the spades are the swords of a soldier. I know that the clubs are weapons of war. I know that diamonds mean money for this art... But that's not the shape of my heart That's not the shape, the shape of my heart. ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ And if I told you that I loved you, you'd maybe think there's something wrong. I'm not one of too many faces. The mask I wear is one. ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ But those who speak know nothing and find out to their cost. Like those who curse their luck in too many places, and those who fear a loss. ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ I know that the spades are the swords of a soldier. I know that the clubs are weapons of war. I know that diamonds mean money for this art... But that's not the shape of my heart. ♪ ♪♫♪♫♪ Iskierka bows. "Thank you all for coming to praise Nymeia." ZuI61cTNbAk [/align]

[align=center]"Lady Xenedra, please take the stage and share one of your delightful stories with us all. Shall be happy to hear one of your wonderful fables." Xenedra Ambreaus nods and waves to the crowd, "Hello, everyone! Are you pleased it's finally Spring? I *certainly* am." Lottie smiles widely. "Yes m'am!" Ikuri waves. Mikha calls out, "Yes!" Arrelaine smiles and Reima lets up a quiet, laughing cheer. "I'll try not to bore you with cliche words about how SPring is a new beginning... but that's what my story is about today." "So I'll get right to that, shall I~?"[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center] There once was a young woman, strong and joyous in body and mind. She was strong because life is hard and what better way to deal with it than to be an immovable rock yourself? She was joyous because she had found happiness, both through her strength and with a young man who she'd fallen in love with. The two were slated to marry as soon as the woman finished weaving a tapestry for the region's royalty. It was a huge thing, intricate in pattern and color and it had already taken her half a year to piece together all on her own. There was no one else in the land with quite the hand for weaving that she had. and so it was demanded that she be the only one to touch the work until completion. And~ she was almost done. As the days ticked by, the two lovers grew more and more impatient to wed, until they eventually decided they simply couldn't any longer. With only a few more days' work left on the tapestry, what could the harm be? It was always best to finish a work contentedly rather then hurried, anyway, right? Against the wishes of their Ruler, they set their wedding date and began the preparations. On the day of their wedding, the woman stood proudly at the alter, swathed in the best and brightest silks of white she could manage with her master weaver's hands. ....But her lover never came. Time passed, the sun falling lazily toward the horizon and the crowd began to buzz. Something had to be wrong. He would never stand her up, the two were inseparable. But, then... where could he be? Those gathered for the celebration dispersed to find the missing groom. The young woman found him first, bloodied and beaten, on her doorstep. He was already gone. No final words. No bright future. Something in the woman snapped and she rounded the body of her deceased love to enter her home and workshop. Her eyes fell upon the barely unfinished tapestry and she knew who'd done this. Selfish, selfish nobles who'd never known strife. Well, they'd not have this tribute, and if it cost her her life to take that small joy from them, so be it. She ripped the tapestry weft from wain, threads filling the corners of the room, tangling around her fingers, arms, her throat. She struggled against the enormous thing to destroy it and free herself from the cutting pain of its grip and the anguish in her heart. But it wasn't enough. What was some wall rug throw together by a back-water to the royals? How did laying waste to her work do ANYTHING to make others understand the loneliness.. the EMPTINESS she now felt!? She sank her knees with a hollow cry, her head falling backward. When she forced her eyes open again she saw her solution blinking back at her. "The stars. I'll take them. I'll make the very Night's tapestry empty and everyone will know the bleakness that I feel." And so she began the long, arduous process of lassoing each and every twinkling bit of light in the sky. Tangled in her ruined work as she was, she had no need for rope. She simply pulled each frayed thread from where ever it had made its home and looped it with horrific accuracy around each delicate teardrops of light. A swift tug and each was pulled tight and added the growing army of celestial leashes. This was to be a grand gesture. They'd all come down at once. Xenedra nods grimly. Finally, the last star joined her collection of captors and she gave their lines a tremendous pull, shifting the very heavens. With one, great, frightened voice the stars called out to her: "Please! We know you are wounded, but don't do this!" "Why!?" she bellowed back. "Everyone should be made to know this pain!" And the stars called back, "Everyone does know this pain, child." One by one, the stars told her of what they'd seen from their vantage. Of the great joys and sorrows of the world and of how she wasn't alone even in her emptiness. Their words stilled her and her lariats slipped from her hands. "This was a mistake," she intoned hollowly up to the listening stars. "Or could have been, but I think now I know what I was meant to do. I was meant to come and catch you this way, but never to pull you down..." With each word, her voice grew stronger and her lungs refilled with life. She was no longer empty, brimming now with knowledge instead of joy. "I accept," she told the stars and they nodded their approval. "I understand life, I have come to understand true misery, and now I understand Fate. I will see to it that people receive what Fate has in store for them, just as I have accepted my own." She knelt to bid a final farewell to her lover, for she knew that he could hear her now, then bowed her head and was in our realm no longer. To this day, the spinster woman still wears her veil to remember her lost love, but we don't call her a spinster anymore. Instead, she is The Spinner. Xenedra bows her head, signalling the end. Reima lofts a hand, trying to paw discreetly at the moisture in her eyes before applauding. Lottie calls out through the applause, "Lovely!" [/align]

[align=center]"Others have stepped forward to share stories that have touched them and inspired them to share with us all this even. I ask Lady Edda to please step forward and share hers." [/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center] Edda Eglantine fidgets nervously. “Th-thank you... Pray forgive me everyone, for I am not much of a speaker, nor storyteller. I would be honored if you all were to listen, to this tale I was told as a young child, about the gifts of the Goddess that watches over us all.” Before starting, she sighs. “Long ago there lived a trader in Eastern Thanalan. He was simple, well-to-do man that made a humble living traveling to the far reaches of the Shroud to bring back and sell food and supplies that were not so readily available in his hometown. It was a full sun’s journey he made each day as he travelled on foot. Though his feet cried out in protest each night at the end of his route, he was a man of great ambition and not so easily deterred.” “On his way home one sun, the trader stopped to rest in a flower bed at the edge of the forest. It was there he noticed a large, budding briar rose, and peeking out from the bud was a small spindle of golden yarn. Surely thinking it to be a gift from the Gods, the man removed it from the flower and made his way home. He set the spindle on his nightstand, and that night he had a very strange dream.” “In his dream the man saw the entirety of a sun stretched out before him, from when he woke, to when he fell asleep. It was a normal sun, and unlike one he had ever had before, and so when he woke from his dream he was very puzzled indeed. Yet as he rose and went about his business, the man found that the events from his dream were exactly as the ones he was now living. Realizing he had seen the future, the man hurried home at once to dream again." “And so the man would dream the future of the next sun as he slept. It was a wondrous thing to him at first, but he became quick to use his dreams to his advantage – what would sell the most, people and areas to avoid, and so on. He quickly became complacent, and soon there was nothing that could surprise him.” “Walking home from the Shroud one evening, the man saw a young female trader, whose goods had spilled out of her cart and onto the road. He had not seen himself helping her the night before, and so the man passed her by without a second thought. Seeing this, Nymeia became angry, and as he slept she frayed the end of the woolen spindle, with two distinct strands breaking off.” “As the trader slept he had not one dream, but two – and both vastly different. But as there are only so many bells in a sun to sleep, each dream was cut short, and the tail end of his route in each dream was absent. He awoke in a fret, unsure of what to do. He became frightened, and in that fear he holed up in his home, unsure of what to do.” “That night, Nymeia frayed the thread again – now countless strands branching from the end of the yarn. The man saw many dreams that night, and they only lasted until he set his foot out of the door in the morning. As he awoke, he was even more afraid, and could scarcely decide what to eat. He starved himself of sleep that night, to avoid seeing so many dreams.” “As the night went on and he fought to stay awake, Nymeia appeared before him, taking pity on him. She said nothing as she looked on at the trader, and so he spoke to her, angry: ‘Why have you polluted my dreams so? At first you had shown me my fate without fail, and now you taunt me with false paths!’” “’I have shown you nothing false, trader,’ Nymeia said. ‘Each dream was true, and no matter how different, they were all your fate. The future is not constant. There are as many paths in your future as there are on the end of a frayed rope. It is your choices that decide your fate – not your dreams.’ Nymeia left him there, and as sleep overcame him, the man no longer dreamt.” “It was with uncertainty that the man left to work the next sun. He was not sure if Nymeia appearing before him had been from lack of sleep or not. But he set off, and there were many things that day that surprised him. On his way home, he saw the female trader from two suns past, who had fallen on the side of the road. The trader did not spare a second thought. He approached her, and held out his hand.” Edda gives a nervous, sweeping bow. "Th-that's it! It's an abrupt ending, I know... Thank you for listening!"[/align] [align=center][/align]

Yahoo Clubs! :lol: I started there role playing characters based off the world of Pern. Good times... I think it's great to not know every MMO, get some better experience with investment. In truth I'm awful with alts so definitely good luck to you in that endeavor. It's only a little over a month for the expansion and considering what Franz said about getting on both of those realms it might be worth using the fantasia and maybe even a namechange cost to get a character started and maybe even leveled up a little to be prepared for what you want to do. Some nice people who manage to notice will post here when Balmung actually is open, otherwise the thread doesn't get replies. http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/showthread.php?tid=8957 Welcome :geek:

Please try to be annoying; I think people like it the attention. Lalalala I have to agree with the background as that was my original idea with Jancis. It's fleshed out a bit more now that I have a better understanding with some of the lore layout (which is luckily still pretty open to interpretation and generous) and spent a lot of my new time just learning.

Cici! And me, Jancis

Looks okay to me. I'm comfortable with the wordage being in favor of the moderators. Overall I've seen them very lenient and shouldn't have policy held against them for unattractive spectacle behavior. If enforcing it to the letter ends up feeling off, then people will leave regardless. Thanks for taking the time to refresh and rehash what the forum needs.

[align=center]"I am very honored to once again welcome a true priestess. Devote of Nymeia and kind enough to give us her time and her words this day. Lady Eva you have all of our ears and attention."[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]Eva Zelorius advances to the boulder, pressing her hand to it, then to her forehead, lips, ear, and chest each in turn. A ritual of some sort. She then turns to face the people, looking around for several seconds and then takes a deep breath.[/align] [align=center]"I come to speak a parable of the Spinner... mine own matron deity and the one whom speaks to me the most clearly.. It has been told in many ways but this is how I have heard it told..."[/align] [align=center]Eva bows her head then speaks slowly, "A child sat at the foot of his grandmother's rocking chair as she worked her embroidery. He was full of energy and questions, having just returned from his play time..."[/align] [align=center]"The woman was elderly and well underway in a project she had been working on for many evenings. And he had watched her but something this very evening prompted him to ask. 'What is it that you are doing, Grandmother?' And she smiles and patted the boy's face gently and told him that she was making something beautiful for him."[/align] [align=center]"The next day, he noted as he played with his blocks beneath her rocking chair that several threads and yarns dangled haphazardly from the underside of the hoop she held in her hands, and he asked again, 'What are you making?'"[/align] [align=center]"Again, she replied that she was making something beautiful for him. Dubious, he reached up and touched one of the strings that dangled beneath. 'It doesn't look very beautiful, Gramma!' he remarked. The elder woman only smiled at his curiosity and inquisitiveness."[/align] [align=center]"The third afternoon, the young lad came in from playing and sat beneath his grandmother's rocking chair. There were even more yarns and knots and the underside of the hoop was a mess of threads, many cut short, others tied off and knotted. 'Grandmother,' he spoke up, 'that doesn't look beautiful at all. It looks quite ugly!' The elder woman only smiled."[/align] [align=center]"My precious, precious child... it is done. And it is yours to cherish. But you are gazing upon the thing from the wrong direction.' And with that she lifted him upon her knee so that she might see the tapestry she had been working on. A beautiful sunset over the fields and oceans and forests. A thousand thousand colours splayed out before the pair. And it was beautiful."[/align] [align=center]Eva pauses for a moment, then gives a nod of her head before continuing, "Too often it is easy to complain about life, or about things not being the way we would like. For we are like that child, looking upon something similar that has been woven - for us - and not recognize the true beauty of it simply because of perspective."[/align] [align=center]"What I would challenge each of you to do this sun, and each sun thereafter... is to find the beauty in Nymeia's ever-woven tapestry, even in the places where it may appear marred or ugly. Alas, none know better than I that threads must be knotted or cut sometimes... but there is a beauty in Her pattern, if we choose to perceive it.."[/align] [align=center]"Thank you for bringing all of these colorful threads to this place in Her pattern this eve, Miss Jancis. And thank all of you for bringing vibrance and colour to the tapestry."[/align] [align=center]Eva smiles warmly, presses her lips to her hand, and then hand to the stone, before she steps away once more.[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]Smiles also echoed from the pilgrims that listened to her story, growing more vibrant as the story ended, even one obnoxious guard, moping in a bored manner up on the slope started paying attention with interest. The group applauded happily. Eva bows her head modestly before taking her place again.[/align]

The amount of little tree blossoms was immense and there were still many bright petals to gather despite the steady fall of them from the branches. Deeper and deeper Jancis traveled into the Shroud, past where the Wailers would go to the colder northern reaches of the Black Shroud. Where what little light peeked through and reflected into the ground was the elusive and lovely lily of the valley, the little bell-shaped white flowers dangling in strings. She had told Leanne about her plans to go gather the flower previously, thanking the fancy hat lady for offering to pick up any her adventuring feet would come close to. As if by habit, Jancis had reminded the miqo'te that the plant itself was poisonous. Cutting off the little blossoms she came across, the conjurer was not concerned if the the sappy toxin. It was one of the first she had been subject to over and over in her training. She recalled the nights sitting in great pain, her body trying to expel the toxin ingested and the slowed heartbeat. What had Master Ojune done? He certainly wasn't like this flower. He was strong and smart, not poisonous or noxious, even though he had a subtle beauty to him. The vivid green of his eyes and highlights in his braids came to mind briefly with a fond smile. The man was quite the opposite; he was invigorating and wholesome. What knowledge he had was shared as if Thaliak was speaking through the man. He wanted to write down stories. Spirits. For two little girls to help them have hope as well as cope with the hardships life was bound to give, but didn't have to. Why Jancis had chosen these flowers to add to it, to carefully press the entire stem to highlight it on the cover of the book Master Ojune had asked for and detail the title, was for the return of happiness they symbolized. As the nightingale would return from the darkness and death of night to the warmth of day, this flower covered the welcoming archways. Had he been upset when he was injured? Though he bore his limp with no malice or pity now, and the reason why it had happened wasn't important, but she couldn't help but wonder. More she thought about Master Ojune, the more she wanted to know about his life. The dark and light parts of it. She could not imagine not having feel the disappointment of dreams he mentioned to her before, to travel the land to places unseen and map them. To find the secrets folded into the earth of Eorzea and scale the heights of the world. But to what depth was the pain? She could not see the vision of his face in tears. To Jancis' best guess as she finished gathering the last stems, Master Ojune must have sat recovering in his bed and came to peace with the future. Even more so, gathering allies and kin would still be able to in varying degrees. Picking up her supplies, she trudged out of the deep forest, the wilds loud in the morning dawn as hunts began. She had one more place to go to before returning to the Mist.

What a busy weekend. Thank you to Osric and Kanaria for inviting Jancis as a company acquaintance, even if she's in the dark to the true shadows that circle around the city of gold. http://imgur.com/a/oAZxg ~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~ To Berrod and Caleb! Truly a beautiful wedding and even though I missed the awesome reception I had a blast for what I made! http://imgur.com/a/IyIO8 Also I am a master at capturing the moment... Fffffff.....

x_X Biting the new people. :dazed: Welcome aboard! I know there's quite a few people here from GW2 and I use to play WoW for many years on Moon Guard then on Wyrmrest Accord I also enjoy cooking so please to share any recipes with us that would help us avid RPers as we spend a lot of time thinking of stories and/or loitering. :blush:

Random Screenies It's Sigurd! Being Free like Faolan... Enjoying time in the Goblet Jancis had the honor of attending a cultural geography class taught by Master Ojune! ♥

[align=center]"I would like to welcome up now Lady Ciel, who has prepared a song to start off our celebration to Nymeia."[/align] [align=center]Jonathan calmly clasped Ciel Sauveterre's hand for the time he could. [/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]"As we well know, Nymeia is the Spinner, the keeper of fate. She, alone, knows the paths which lie before us when our own eyes haven't revealed what comes next."[/align] [align=center]"Oft in life, we think we know what we want. Where we're going. To whom we shall be bound and have in our company for our entire lives. Seldom do these plans ever go as we want."[/align] [align=center]"And then, sometimes, she blesses us. She finds who and what we need most and brings them to our side as others move on their own paths..." [/align] [align=center]Ciel readies her harp and strums at the strings lifting her voice.[/align] [align=center]AGaTy2ZgGCg [/align] [align=center]♪ Somewhere the leaves on the trees look like lace~ ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ Falling in shadows across your face. ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ Sunshine and darkness in perfect harmony~ ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ Shadows now live where light used to be. ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ A spinning wheel where our memories were spun~ ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ Weaving our way through the fabric of time. ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ Winding the wheel back to where we had begun~ ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ Spinning away to when you once were mine. ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ Here in my chamber, waiting for the dawn~ ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ I turn away, the curtains are drawn. ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ Somewhere in time when the night began to fall~ ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ Just for a moment... we had it all. ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ A spinning wheel where our memories were spun~ ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ Weaving our way through the fabric of time. ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ Winding the wheel back to where we had begun~ ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ Spinning away to when you once were mine. ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ We choose our path never knowing right or wrong~ ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ Ribbons get tangled within the storm. ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ Just like the widow was weaving her web~ ♪[/align] [align=center]♪ The Spinner’s wheel holds tight ~ to ~ the ~ thread. ♪[/align] [align=center]Ciel finishes her song and bows. [/align] [align=center]"Thank you, everyone. Pray enjoy the rest of the Celebration."[/align] [align=center][/align]

[align=center][/align] [align=center]In the square of the Moraby Docks, pilgrims gathered out in the spring rain. Though raining, the wind was calm, bringing down soft raindrops on the people as they showed up either alone on in groups. Some got caught out on the dirt roads, slipping and having mud stains on their clothes. But as dock's bells rang out to signal the hour, little bells also chimed.[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]Jancis Milburga rings a bell over her head. "Welcome! Welcome pilgrims!"[/align] [align=center]"Ah, it's startin'!" "Ah!"[/align] [align=center]"It is with warm heart and high spirits that I greet you all this night!"[/align] [align=center]"Nymeia can mean many things to us. Some see Her ahead of them as a guide, some beside them like a partner, others behind as watchful eyes."[/align] [align=center]"Being here and finishing this pilgrimage together, pray reflect upon those who have given you guidance in life. Where your steps had led you and to them."[/align] [align=center]Cliodhna glances up at the rain, thankful for the cloth over the woven basket she was carrying. Solis watches Jancis with the bandanna on his head protecting his hair from the rain. Eva looks around at the gathered masses, giving a slow nod of her head and exhales, her fingers drumming absently against the robes at her legs. [/align] [align=center]Jancis rings the bell over her head, heralding the start of the pilgrimage.[/align] [align=center]"O' course, lass, I'll tell her ye said so. We'll be leavin'...ah, now!" "Hoo! Looks like I made it just in time!" O'jirho keeps his ears perked as he scouts. "You both are very ceremonial, Lords. Thank you"[/align] [align=center]"Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all."[/align] [align=center]"Actions are the seed of fate deeds grow into destiny."[/align] [align=center]"I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act."[/align] [align=center]"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart."[/align] [align=center]“There is nowhere you can be that is not where you are meant to be...”[/align] [align=center][/align] [align=center]O'jirho seems to stumble a bit on the cliff. Other pilgrims follow suit, holding hands and bracing other more delicate companions, the guards watching over their steps on the grassy sea slope. "Toh!" "Wet ground!" Reima takes a slow step alongside Ember, peering up sheepishly.[/align] [align=center]Jancis encourages everyone to make themselves comfortable, ringing the bell lighter as a chime. "Pray sit and relax, pilgrims. There are hats if you are in need." Leanne adjusts her hat. She had hers right there as always. Solis examines the Spinner's stone. "I'm ok with my bandana here!" Arrelaine eyes Gwannes' hat warily, making sure she's a bit off to the side of the water spout from it. Not like it matters much since they're already wet.[/align] [align=center]"I should have brought another of these hats for you, love." " Not nearly as bad, as a sea storm...I'll live dear." "I hear the wet look is in this season anyroad.."[/align] [align=center]"We have quite the crowd, again! So many delightful people in one place."[/align] [align=center]"It is all very good to be here upon the coast in the presence of the Spinner's Stone as we celebrate what we have done with our fate, the way we have guided one another, and most importantly how we choose to react and respond with what fate has given us. Today heralds times that were not free and we worked hard to earn." [/align] [align=center]As she speaks, a guitar player comes up and prepares, playing a soft background music to the sea. Their pilgrimage a success, the celebration of the Spinner began![/align] [align=center]s378lPVCB-w [/align]

Jancis waved farewell to the student group and to Ojune, walking back down to the Hustling Strip. Much as she wished to join the others for gathering and food, the time was perfect. There had been enough sunny and warm days of the spring to bring about little budding blooms and tiny petals. The trees would only be flowered for a short while and the sky danced with the last of pink and white petals. She had to gather up enough for the book he wanted. Beforehand as she promised by Thaliak’s stone, the oath was a difficult one. Corruption, poison, voidsent influences ran in her veins and in her mind. While she didn’t lie about the flowers being available, it became clear that the battle within nearly ruined her window of time to fulfill the sincere request. It left her weak and nearly shattered in her mind. Leaving Ul'dah for the groves of the Twelveswood, her thoughts drifted to the lalafel. By chance she had answered Ojune’s request for help in an unburied ruin. He was curious yet careful, diligent yet easy to work with. The original concern of his limp in such a dangerous place and thoughts of how to pick him up should things turn for the worse faded from her mind as over and over he dealt with it well and showed no embarrassing pride to his handicap. It was impactful to the healer who was use to many stoic forms who refused treatment and therapy. To elders that insisted their bodies could run themselves into the ground. He had accepted what had come to pass and those around him. That giving and receiving were a pair; pride coming from the amount of trust instead of from pushing people away. Which, of late, Jancis had all too strong of a push from many people she considered close. The curious delightful man she re-met in Gridania, vibrant as the colors of the season under Nophica’s moon. Though most had eyes for Xenedra and Oscare up on the stage, Jancis checked through the crowd and kept her eye on the storyteller. Walking through the trees, she climbed up to the brightest petals, as pressing them their color would fade into the softer tones Jancis desired. Ojune was quite creative and she tried to compensate for it. Pinks, whites, yellows were her color palette. Quietly in her ear he shared his plan; but would these blossoms match the colors he had in his mind for two little girls? [align=center][/align]

So I got asked if one other big "fan" could take a picture with Milly Red... .. and I thought about it. ...wait... I'm already dressed and hiding in the Rose house ready for it! Who could turn down such a request? :blush: OMG OMG OMG Vaughn! :love::love::love: Dressed up like Milly Red.. but more beautiful. Also the bonus of meeting the lovable and amazing Ojune!

Album is complete for the Nymeia Event. Thanks again to everyone who came. http://imgur.com/a/qyXz2

Jancis got some help from Sir Gegenji, then Memeli and Virara came along. Nothing heals the heart like a trio of lalafels. Here's Chachanji reading the girls a bedtime story. ♥

This is going to be some kind of something. :lol: I'm going to bring so much champagne! And bubbles!

Letter sent via moogle to Coatleque Crofte. Dear Cici, I miss you. I miss sitting together and talking until the moon is at the top of the sky and we both drift off. These things that are happening within the walls of the Jewel are overflowing, are they not? Why can you not speak to me? Where is Lady Deneith? What duress is she under? Are you not her friend and close companion as I perceive; there is naught of reason. She is a compassionate woman who does absorb all woes and pains to herself. Like a pillar in the sea that muscles and creatures cling to in the merciless beating of waves. For the few times I have been in her presence, I can feel the tension and purpose. She is our kin and must needs not be lost in the laws and loopholes of one city under the weight of such a useless metal as gil. Why do misinterpreted words on parchment, poisoned upon the very fibers of the page, hold so much weight over the moral pounding in my heart? Of yours? The other eve was like a blissful wrinkle in time where we got to sit and eat as if the cares of the world were at peace; but as we sauntered off to slumber you were distraught. Who is this Taeros you pine on about? He is why I fail to find you; no love can come from such mistrust that even I who hold you and cherish and love you above others can see in my blind bias. Were he worthy I would know who he was. Even at the pilgrimage through the others I saw you with no smile, that practiced one does not count, and demeanor pale as if you are isolated and alone. The dull throb of your heart is torn. Where does the line come that friends and allies fail to uphold their own intentions and grounds in the pursuit to be victorious? Are not these answers easy where the goodwill and welfare create a common goal? Pray do not become lost within a community that is shallow and complex; focus and remember true answers are simple and deep. You are strong enough and capable of upholding that. Your vows are both simple and deep; your heart. Lady Edda herself did urge me to reach out to you twice-fold for the both your sake and Lady Deneith's. Her practiced smile is by far one of the saddest expressions I have ever laid eyes upon. The amount of sobbing and withheld pain the delicate mouth holds back like an intricate dam on a swelling river. And that is for you in part. I feel great failure by her side. The few requests she has made of me have slipped through my fingers. Her latent abilities to control conjury and arcanist powers is untapped and untrained; that her father neglected that need with his possessiveness is infuriating. Thaliak only knows how she managed to return to us; I know she will not elaborate on it. She asked me to assist Franz. Cannot write all the things I have discovered about that man; simply that anything I try and supply is not good enough. He does seem to be moving about again so mayhaps he can rebuild his own life. All I have on it now is hope; written words and a scroll to go from. My heart fails to write more about him right now. Would I not fail you as well, Cici. I have felt weak and empty since that voidsent. Endless struggle to fight her influence and reject the possession has taken its toll. I am failing, mistrusted, and more of a liability. I shall recover and overcome; shall not let lies and pain overwhelm me. Pray not let it overcome you, either. Nymeia does favor our fate and our destiny; it is bright and strong and many others will be carried by it. I will see you soon. Know I care and love you as much as ever I have; that the word sister in its purest form implies to you. Jancis