Into the New World, Chapter 1: Amongst the Verdant Towers

[WarShrike]

"You are not the only one who was brought up in the wild, Thane. And while i recognize the danger in our task, i don't get a feeling of our impending doom. As long as we all rely on each other in situations each of us are best suited to, and work together, i see no reason we shouldn't return safely. That said, the forest we must travel through, where the dark spirits dwell, will be quite dangerous. Tis a place where the struggle between life and death are daily occurences, and there will be no room for arrogance or petty bickering. Artemisia, Thane, and myself are in our element there. I expect compliance if one of us gives a directive, as i would comply with Enko on matters concerning the spirits who speak to him. For i lay it out plainly now, so there are no misunderstandings. As far as i myself am concerned, if you can't or won't heed those who know the particular situation best, you are on your own. The very survival of all of Cuirlen and the surrounding hamlets may well depend on the success of our mission, and i personnaly won't be throwing all that away for one person's pride."

Ryon looks around the room as he speaks, making eye contact with every person present. When he's finnished, he looks stoicly towards the entrance, waiting for the elders to return, and munches on some more cakes.

 

[Masquerade]

Cleyra nods as Ryon turns his eyes in her direction. "I agree," she announces as he completes the speech.

Although she does agree that they must work together, she is made a bit uncomfortable with the idea of taking orders from the others in the group.

 

[Lorthanoth]

Alistia goes to the old woman, and misses Ryon sounding off about something or other. He was going to be insufferable she realised.

 

[Shayuri]

Erin's expression darkens at Ryon's declaration.

"Expect compliance...Alistia, wait up!"

She hurries out to accompany the girl. Outside she calls to Lempetie and goes to tug on the old woman's sleeve.

"Wait! I'm sorry. I...I'm just really excited, and a little scared and I wasn't watching what I said. I didn't mean to make you angry."

There...maybe NOW they won't all hate me...

 

[Zurai]

Alistia goes to the old woman, and misses Ryon sounding off about something or other.

...

Erin hurries out to accompany the girl. Outside she calls to Lempetie and goes to tug on the old woman's sleeve.

"Wait! I'm sorry. I...I'm just really excited, and a little scared and I wasn't watching what I said. I didn't mean to make you angry."

Lempetie turns to face you again, leaning on a crooked stick, and lets out a soft sigh. "There are lessons and then there are lessons, young lady. Let this be your lesson from me, then, since a lesson you wanted: Respect given is respect earned. You will be going out far beyond where anyone in living memory has travelled and interacting with beings no one here has ever interacted with. If you treat them without thought to the consequences, your worries will go beyond hurting poor old Lempetie's feelings. I do not wish you ill, child; go now back to your companions and wait for Artemisia and Pantheras. They should not be long; I can feel in my bones that it's nearly time for my nap, which means the sun has almost crested the sky. I wish you all well in your journey." So saying, she turns and shuffles off deeper into the building.

"Bring me back your story, so that it can be sung for the following generations as an example to all..." She half-whispers as she disappears around a corner.

 

[Dire Lemming]

Enko gets up and follows Erin a short way, wondering just what she is up to, but stops a few feet away from them when her intentions become clear. Thank the spirits, I knew she wasn't hopeless. he thinks to himself with a faint smile.

 

[Zurai]

Shortly after Alistia and Erin return from apologizing to Lempetie, the outside door swings open and a swirl of ash-laden air gusts into the room, followed closely by a tall, cloaked figure. The figure turns and closes the door securely, then lowers the hood of its cloak, revealing itself to be Artemisia. The huntress shakes the ashes off her cloak then looks around the room at those gathered.

"Well. At least everyone's here. Where is Pantheras? We should be on our way soon, if we want to get anywhere today."

 

[Dire Lemming]

Enko returns to the main room to greet Artimisia. "Hello Artimisia! Pantheras still has not arrived. In fact, I have not seen him since he made the lists yesterday though I sought him afterwards with questions." He slowly shakes his head. "Um, so, how is the storm out there? Is it getting any better?"

 

[Masquerade]

"Lempetie said Pantheras was communing with Old Man River," Cleyra adds. "I'm not yet worried by his absence."

 

[Shayuri]

Erin watches the old woman leave, not sure how to feel.

She gives Alistia a look, then shrugs and heads back into the meeting place...not saying a word for once.