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The Pool of Dreams - 3 (temporarily a closed RP)
#517020 - Thu Sep 30 2004 08:19 AM
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Previous threads: 1 | 2
OOC: This is my home thread, both for 'business' and social activities. To RP here with Ceera Darkwynde, post your message here, and send a PM to Ceera to 'summon' her. You may also seek Ceera at the Welcome Center, where she has a room (3Z), and where she is very active as the Assistant Director of the Center. BIC:
In the woods, not far from the Welcome Center, there stands a large outcropping of stone. One face of this stone has been cleared of plants and debris, revealing a large crack that leads deeper into the hill.
Next to the crack is a sign. At first it appears to be green stone, set into the face of the rock. on closer examination, the stone itself has been transformed, and the sign is lettered in inlaid gold.
A smaller sign below that one reads:
Here can the paths of dreams be changed,
induced, dispelled, or rearranged.
I can remove a nightmare fell,
or, cause one to descend, as well.
See dreams created, changed, or lost,
for any who will pay the cost.
If you would visit the Pool of Dreams
to learn what e're your vision means,
come through yon crack into my hall,
or, if that path is much too small,
then from above you'll find a way,
fit for a dragon's winged display.
Ceera Darkwynde
Dreamwalker
Other spells and transformations by request.
As you enter through the crack in the stone, it leads first to a large, open topped chamber, where once a great bubble held back liquid stone as it cooled and hardened. It is apparent that larger flying guests might enter via this opening, and there is a wide stone ramp spiraling down one side, for those large visitors who lack the power of flight.
Farther back, under a roof of stone, there is a large, round pool, filled with a silvery liquid, surrounded by twelve lit torches. Several rather comfortable looking chairs and couches of various sizes are placed in the area beyond the pool.
Signs placed around the rim of the pool warn the unwary :
Touch not the liquid here within,
lest poison seep into your skin.
The pool of dreams is Mercury,
and poisionous, to such as thee.
Yet in this mirror, by magick's spell
can dreams be seen, and changed, as well.
A faint smell of Lavender flowers hangs in the air. At the far reaches of the chamber large round tunnels, lava tubes, can be seen to lead down, at odd angles.
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We open the thread with a 'Business Session' where Ceera is guiding Levantine on a Dreamwalk. The thread is temporarily closed, for Ceera and Levantine. New arrivals can only get as far as the edge of the main chamber, where a warded barrier prevents entry, but allows you to see Ceera as she works beside the Pool of Dreams.
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As Levantine gets comfortable, Ceera touches her bracelet, and a charm enlarges to become a beautiful and slender sword. She uses this to inscribe a four foot diameter circle on the cave floor. The tip of the sword traces a path of purple flames where it passes. She places Levantine's robe within this circle, and incants a spell which results in the circle being enclosed in a faintly shimmering sphere of pale purple light. After the spell is complete, the sword returns to it's place on her bracelet, as a small silver charm.
"There. The robe is now isolated, and I can use it as a focus to help guide you."
She walks over to Levantine and looks down at him.
"Are you sure you're comfortable there? When you are, look deeply into my eyes. You'll feel a sort of falling sensation at first, as a compulsion spell draws your mind to mine. It's harmless, I assure you. Just relax and trust me, and you'll soon find yourself deeply asleep, and in a dream. I shall be watching, and we can proceed from there."
OOC: Do as requested, and describe your initial dream state for us to begin.
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With a deep breath and a smile more to reassure himself than anything, Levantine leans back into the bench trying to lie down even flatter, before looking up and meeting Ceera's gaze, an endless emerald green hue. They seemed to grow, expanding to fill all of the meerkat's vision. Instantly unaware of anything else all around him, the meerkat fell into the deep pool of green that was Ceera's eyes and found himself surrounded by nothing but eyes staring out of the void.
Eyes of all sorts staring back at him, myriad shades and shapes. None were quite so vibrant as Ceera's but they were all vivid and familiar in some way to the meerkat. Golden pupils staring with a kind compassion and wisdom rarely seen, the slant and bearing of coal black eyes commanding respect as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Pale auburn eyes staring forward with an innocent and wide-eyed curiosity, and suddenly a pair of silver eyes flash with surprise and anger disappearing quickly. A white shape like an elongated diamond appears in the air above where the eyes were, and three more come into being putting the four diamonds into a star-like pattern.
. . . . /\
. . . . \/
<=>. . .<=>
. . . . /\
. . . . \/
They glow more and more brightly until they wash out the colors of every eye causing them to disappear altogether, and there is darkness again.
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In the Caverns
As Levantine falls under her spell and begins to sleep, Ceera makes herself comfortable in a low-backed chair, with her wings over the chairs back. From where she is seated, she has a clear view of Levantine, his isolated robes, and the surface of the pool itself. She murmurs another incantation, and the magelight torches surrounding the Pool flare brightly, then dim to almost being extinguished. The surface of the mercury pool ripples for a moment, then becomes a smooth, perfect mirror. A glow forms and spreads in the surface of the pool, and images form there - the images of Levantine's dream.
Ceera reaches out one hend in the direction of the robes, and a tendril of purple light snakes from the robe's containment sphere to the surface of the pool. She looks about one last time, apparently satisfied, and closes her own eyes, as she enters's Levantine's dream.
In Levantine's Dreams
For a moment, another pair of eyes appears to Levantine, glowing green eyes, Ceera's eyes. They fade away, and he feels, yet does not see, her presence beside him.
# Have you dreamed this before? Has it meaning for you? # her voice whispers in his mind.
# Tell me of it, if you can. Or if not... follow the brightly glowing thread. It leads back whence you came. #
As she mentions the thread, a glowing tendril of purple light appears for Levantine. It seems to float, drifting slightly in a breeze that he can neither feel nor hear. Levantine gets the impression that if he reaches out to touch the glowing thread, he will be drawn by it to some other place in his dreams.
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Not sure about mental communication, Levantine only knows that it was Ceera speaking to him, but unsure about projecting thoughts Levantine speaks aloud in his dream, though the physical body is still.
"I've not seen these eyes before."
Grasping several times for the thread of light, Levantine grabs a hold of the light and is drawn onward. The meerkat's feet feel like they are touching firm ground, but he cannot see anything, only hear two voices.
"--Now tell me, what do you see?"
"My eyes are closed."
"It doesn't matter, tell me instead, what do you sense?"
It wasn't really dark, just predawn, and as Levantine's eyes adjusted to the dim light he sees a pair of meerkats sitting under a tree beside a stream. One clearly past the prime of his life, but still with a certain vitality. The other rather young, preteen at least. Beside the older meerkat sat a cloth wrapped bundle with a flute resting on top. Beside the younger was an empty cup, still warm from a hot brew that it contained just a few moments ago. There was an expectant chill in the air.
"I hear a stream nearby."
"And what does this stream sound like?"
"It is like a sort of music?"
"You hear music, in the stream?"
"Yes."
"Is there music elsewhere?"
The young meerkat listened for a few moments in silence. "In the tree, above us, there is another kind of music. Quieter, less, less, persistent. Peaceful."
"Peaceful. There is music in the tree. What is making the music?"
"There are two birds singing. Leaves are rustling in the wind. There is something else I hear, from the top extending into the earth below."
"And all these sounds are music?"
"Yes."
"The last song you mentioned, 'from the top extending to the earth below', how far does it go?"
"Um . . . a long way."
"Follow the music. Where does it come from?"
"East. I feel something to the east."
"You don't hear the music?"
"Yes, I hear, no it's not hearing. I feel the music. In the ground."
"Can music be felt but not heard?"
"I feel it."
"You feel music?"
"Yes."
"In the earth?"
"Yes."
"From the east."
"Yes."
Despite the repetition, there was still a growing excitement in the young meerkat's voice as if he was eager to hear something else. The older meerkat however held his voice and bearing in perfect calm.
"Now, see if you can feel something farther away, farther to the east than what you feel now. Sense the song of the earth. Is it different?"
"I feel sadness, concern. Worry."
"Keep going, farther to the east."
"I feel voices, I hear them now too. They're singing the same four notes over and over again."
"And what are they singing?"
"Ha-no-san-te . . . What does it mean Daromo?"
"Don't trouble yourself, just listen, and drink this."
The older meerkat reached back and picked up the empty cup beside the younger. It was now mysteriously filled with a steaming beverage, which the young meerkat drank without opening his eyes as soon as it was handed over to him. Now even Levantine, watching the scene began to hear the voices, exactly as he had reproduced them in the cavern before. A chorus, rising and falling in unison, and now there was another level. A flute was accompanying the singers in perfect melody, the older meerkat had picked up the instrument from on top of the wrapped bundle and was followed the voices of the east as though he heard them too. As the sun threw its first rays over the horizon on the two figures, the chorus of voices from the east grew louder, almost deafening. The young meerkat swooned, and a diamond appeared in the field of Levantine's vision in the dream. Three more came to complete the star pattern again and there was a sudden silence. As the older meerkat bent down to pick up the young child who was now quite unconscious, he spoke something, but Levantine could not hear. The diamond shapes floating in Levantine's vision grew brighter again, washing out the scene until there was darkness again and they faded away.
"What did he say?" Levantine asked the void sure Ceera was beside him.
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OOC: My apologies for allowing this to sit unanswered for so long... BIC:
When Levantine's asks a question of Ceera, he hears her reply in his mind - though he still can not see her.
# Very interesting. That appears to have been your homeworld, and the older meerkat - that 'Daromo', as you addressed him - he seems to have been some sort of mentor or spiritual guide. He tested you, and you displayed an afinity for Music - an ability to sense things as music. A fascinating ability. I think that, when you come to grasp this gift, the meaning of the song that haunts your mind will become clear. It is not for me to say what that song means. #
# There is something else, however. I sense another. One who would prevent you from seeking your destiny. Or perhaps... one who would shape it to their own ends. We must continue. There is more yet to be seen. #
# Dream again, and if you must, reach out your hand to me, and draw some measure of my power to strengthen your own. #
The dream continues...
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Note on appearance: My wings and tail can appear or be concealed at will. Card shows my 'Phoenix Draconis' form.
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((OOC: No problem at all))
Levantine sat in the stillness between dreaming wondering how he would proceed, how to continue to dream after the last memory had been cut off so abruptly. He reached forward as he had done before for the strand that had been in front of him, and the darkness shifted. There was a single candle lighting what appeared to be a den. The young meerkat was sleeping with profound stillness in a small depression covered in leaves. Watching over him holding the candle was another older meerkat, stroking the young one with a father's tenderness. There were other depressions in the den for sleeping, but their occupants were all out. The father just kneeled there stroking the young meerkat with a look mixed with concern. It might have stayed like that forever if a meerkat female hadn't come down the brief passage connecting the den to the outside world and put a paw on his shoulder. She had a beautiful smile.
"Will he be alright?"
"He'll be up soon, I'm sure."
"Let him sleep, we need to talk."
As the father rose and began to head outside, she paused and kissed the young meerkat on the forehead before following the father outside. By the sun, only a few hours had transpired since the dream had been interrupted. There were other dens nearby in the community, and a diverse mix of species were stirring out of their dens making preparations for the morning. Several of them seemed to make a point to work near the meerkats' den, though neither of the meerkat pair outside seemed to mind or try to hide their conversation. At least some of those listening in had the courtesy to get a fire started.
"So what did the Daromo say?"
"Well he was a little cryptic on the details--"
"--of course--"
"And he told me what happened, but that's all meaningless without him to tell me what it means."
"Well did he?"
"He did, but vaguely."
"Stop stalling Trian, what will happen to our son?"
He paused, and the people busying themselves nearby trying rather ineffectually to act like they weren't really there to eavesdrop held their breath.
"The Daromo's exact words were, and I quote, 'your child Levantine is bound to the earth. He is bound to the winds and the song of life from the east. He shall be a healer. He shall learn the craft of herbs from Mentanaye, tutored in the--' and that's where I interrupted him.
Rumors don't take long to spread through a community, and having heard what they wanted to many of the onlookers suddenly remembered other chores to attend to, usually at other dens where someone was waiting outside clearly wanting word but with more tact than to listen in directly. By midmorning the whole community knew, or thought they knew, more about the young meerkat's future than he did, still being asleep. Trian and his wife however kept talking.
"You interrupted the Daromo? Trian how could you?"
"I had to."
"Why? Is there something wrong with being a healer?"
"No, it's a respected position, and a fitting one. I'm sure Levantine would make an exce--"
"Well there's only so much more you would interrupt him for. Mentanaye perhaps. Do you have something against Mentanaye after all that he's done for our community?"
"No no. I respect him. He is an excellent teacher, an excellent alchemist, herbalist, and I'm sure he would be an excellent teacher. But some of his pupils--"
The diamonds interposed themselves over Levantine's vision, and there was a white noise like static over the conversation which was becoming a more heated argument.
"Ceera" Levantine called out and reached forward not wanting to lose another memory that seemed so important. Before the meerkat could really reach out though, the voices returned, but something seemed wrong, parts out of sync like a poor quality dubbing.
"--rumor. Even if it is true Mentanaye will be looking after him."
"These aren't just idle rumors, Falleh is interested I'm sure, what it she tries to get to close."
"Trian, don't be absurd. She--"
The diamonds flashed and the static returned briefly, then was gone along with the distortion.
"Sarah, I just want to protect my son."
Trian grasps her shoulders and they stop looking into each other's eyes for the answers they both seem to need, but just fall into each other's arms embracing one another. Neither saw the Daromo approaching, and the four diamond pattern manifested itself again this time surrounding Levantine and a voice echoed from somewhere uncertain as the dream, including Levantine stood completely still. The meerkat was unable to move and seemed quite unaware of what was happening.
"Don't force my hand. He's not meant to hear this."
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Ceera's power flares slightly, and Levantine's dreaming is suspended, his flow of consciousness held in the space between heartbeats. She speaks to the entity that interferes with the Dreamwalk, though Levantine will remain unaware of this moment.
"So. You can sense me here. Very well. This is just between us then. The Meerkat shall know none of it - at least for now. Show yourself to me. Tell me why you interfere with this Dreaming."
Ceera manifests in the Dream in her Solar Phoenix form - a beautiful, non-anthro bird of golden flames, with smouldering green eyes.
"I am called Ceera. By what right do you interfere with my craft?"
OOC: This is one of Ceera's 'true forms' - one of great power and beauty.
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The diamond patter flashes briefly and the memories come back into view with a conversation that had just been repeated.
"Sarah, I just want to protect my son."
The memory drops back to darkness and the diamond pattern floats in the void. A pair of curved eyelash lines materialize under the pattern, and open to silver eyes trying to put on a display of confidence. The perspective shifts and they seem to shrink with the diamond pattern, then becoming the face of a lynx anthro with the silver eyes and four-diamond marking as a fur pattern on his forehead. He stands with one hindpaw placed in front of the other like a dancer in a pose trying to appear to defy gravity. He looks up to Ceera trying to appear congenial yet defiant, darting to avoid her eyes.
"If you were to tell me first by what right you have then to interfere in my affairs. The memories of this meerkat belong to me, and you're treading a very dangerous line my dear trying to give them back. I'm only trying to protect him."
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"His memories belong to you? Strange, you don't look like him at all. I would think that his memories belong to him, and to him alone. If anyone has a right to memories, it is the person who experienced them."
Her tone sounds amused, but soon turns serious.
"I am a Goddess of Dreams. Levantine came to me freely, and requested my aid in recovering his lost memories of his past, memories that come to him only in the edges of his dreams. He has made a suitable offering to me for my aid, and I am minded to grant him that aid."
"Who are you? And by what right do you claim posession of the memories of another? And in what way does preventing him from knowing his own past 'protect' him? Has he sold his soul to you? What claim do you offer?"
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Note on appearance: My wings and tail can appear or be concealed at will. Card shows my 'Phoenix Draconis' form.
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The lynx pauses momentarily considering his situation and answer.
"My name is Morgon, and I am the appointed protector of the meerkat you so thoughtlessly seek to aid. Levantine is here on a discovery, and the memories of his past are obstacles to his finding himself. I am here to protect him from his past so that he can find a future of his own in sanctuary. In particular to protect him from--"
The lynx turns from Ceera with a dramatic sweeping gesture calling up still images of individuals as he speaks. First is a male lion anthro, clearly young yet coming of age and very vibrant by the rusty mane.
"Fetsune, the tempter, seducer. He is but one reason for the need for sanctuary, a free and clear mind. Away from his particular influences."
With another sweep another image is conjured up, this a venerable panda with golden shining and expressive eyes. In this pose, he holds his left forepaw over a bowl containing a violet glow.
"Mentanaye, the so called tutor. That he would allow what he did, a careless old fool with his head in his own interests. Dawner!"
Thrusting a paw forward, Morgon brings and image of a female koala, robed in midnight blue and an understanding smile full of wisdom.
"Dawner. The eldest pupil of Mentanaye, a heart I suppose but misguided. And most necessary of all, I bring sanctuary from Sent."
The aged meerkat from the first vision is brought forward, sitting in the same predawn pose he was first viewed in. Morgon's voice takes a new tone of malice and disgust, even rage.
Sent, the manipulator. Liar, conman. Well respected member of a community too blind and under his rapture. Always he will claim the ideal path, LIAR.
With a peal of thunder the image shatters like glass rather than fading into darkness as the other had, and Morgon turns back to Ceera still trying not to meet her eyes.
"Levantine was sequestered in this Dream entirely to protect him, and I to look after him. Until he can find his own path, these memories and these people will be a chain, tying him to a life not meant for him. Stop this Ceera, let him live."
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Ceera listens to Morgon with interest. When it is clear the Lynx has said his piece, she looks directly at him, eyes glowing.
"Indeed? But I have still no proof of your claim or authority, save your own words. The least imp from hell could make the appearance of just as good a claim. For all I know as yet, these people you present may all be mere illusions, manifestations of your own mind. I could produce a hundred such likenesses, all exquisitely believable, and yet utterly false."
"Or they may be quite real, but it could be you who lies about their nature. But there is one way to be certain..."
The dream shifts, and the distance between Ceera and Morgon becomes less than an arm's reach between them. The Phoenix that is Ceera stands before Morgon comfortably - confident, her wings blazing like the noonday sun.
"You say that you are his appointed protector? And that if he is to know himself, he may not do so by first knowing of his own past? A most difficult path to self knowledge that you would set him on - bereft of past and of mentors. If you would have me believe you, then I ask you to look directly into my eyes. Let me see the truth of the matter in your mind. If you let me into your mind freely, you shall not be harmed. There is no reason as yet for me to harm you, and if indeed you have Levantine's best interests at heart, you have nothing to fear from me."
"Tell me, mind to mind, where you can not lie, that you truly have his best interests at heart. Tell me then, what it is that you would have me tell him, if indeed his path to self knowledge may not first lead to a knowledge of his own past. If you speak truth, I shall consider your counsel, and do what is best for the boy. Truly, it matters little to me what his fate may be. However, it suits my purposes that he should live, and grow in power. He is of no use at all to me dead."
"But if you are false, then you would be wise to flee now, and interfere no longer. Levantine has asked my aid, and he shall have it. If you seek to cause him harm, or dare to raise your power against me, I caution you to think twice, and twice yet again. I am more than you can comprehend, and you would not wish to be mine enemy."
"Choose then. Will you open your mind to me, as proof of your sincerity?"
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As Ceera advances suddenly on Morgon, the lynx loses his mental balance and seems to stumble backwards a bit before finding his grace once more to balance on the tips of his hind paws once again. He looks away briefly before bringing his eyes directly into Ceera's full of defiance. It melts instantly into submission. As he speaks, his mind replies with an echo immediately after.
"I have the best interests of the meerkat at heart."
I have the best interests of the meerkat at heart.
"The images I have shown you, the people in them are all real, and all as I have described."
They are all real, and they are all as I have described.
"I have not lied"
I have lied
"Alright I have deceived"
Deceived
"In the conversation between Levantine's parents."
In the memory you just viewed with the meerkat.
"I did it because the meerkat was watching, and would learn something not meant for him."
I don't wish him to know
"They were in fact discussing the young lion Fetsune, apprentice to Mentanaye. Falleh does not exist."
They were discussing Fetsune, apprentice to Mentanaye. Falleh does not exist.
"I was desperate"
I was desperate
"He can't know yet"
I don't want him to know ever
"I have the meerkat's best interests at heart."
I have the meerkat's best interests at heart.
"He cannot live a proper life burdened with the past"
His life would not be ideal with the memories of the past.
"Influenced by wicked ways"
Wicked ways
"Distorted concepts of love"
Distorted concepts of love
"He was seduced"
He was seduced
"And I am protecting him."
I am protecting him
"From those who would do him harm"
From those who would do him harm
"And from himself."
I am protecting him from himself.
"I act to protect him with the permission of his father"
The father has given me his blessing
"And after the agreement of Levantine himself"
Though he did not know just what would happen.
"HE AGREED WILLINGLY!"
He accepted my protection willingly.
The conversation paused, but Morgon could not stem the thoughts of fear and hatred flowing from his mind for the moment. He gradually brought himself under control and quieted his mind before continuing.
"I am trying to protect him"
I am trying to protect him
"And to do so, I must save him from his past for the past shall do him harm"
The past shall do him harm
"Only without the past and the corrupting influences can he develop a proper path"
The past corrupts.
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OOC: My apologies for letting this lie unanswered for so long... BIC:
Ceera considers Morgon's responses, and her own sense of them. There seems to be quite a delay before she replies, though in fact little if any time has passed.
"Very well then. I shall encourage him to find his path here in The Dream. I shall not encourage him to seek his path in has past. At this time. He and I shall go no farther together in this Dreamwalk, that he will see. His mind is now held apart from us, unknowing. But you and I shall go farther. Show me now that which you feel would harm him so, were he to know it. I shall not tell him of it, until and unless I deem him fully ready to receive such knowledge. You may even specify what he must achieve on his own to be 'worthy' of gaining access to this information, or to do so 'safely'. But I would rather have that knowledge myself, now, than be bothered with chasing you down across the dimensions and timestreams. And don't doubt for a moment that I could chase you down, if I felt I had the least reason to do so."
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OOC: Not a problem. I understand other issues arising.
A certain confidence, even smugness returns to the lynx's face at Ceera's reply, and the smugness leaks through in what would otherwise be a gracious bow.
"I appreciate your understanding. I won't be so vulgar as to offer something in exchange for your consideration; I highly doubt I have anything you could want. Rather, I offer you the details, for your own purposes. I trust your judgment in keeping the meerkat free of these . . . deplorable events as we get to them."
The lynx turns and with a pair of outstretched forepaws recalls from the void an image of the lion anthro he had shown earlier, only now he was sitting cross legged under a tree, holding a flute to his lips.
"The part of the story that you will find of interest revolves around this young aberration, Fetsune, the seducer. A pupil of the herbalist Mentanaye, but we're not quite to his part in the young meerkat's life yet."
Morgon dismisses the image with a wave of his forepaw. He folds his arms and turns back to Ceera as an image of the meerkat Morgon introduced as Sent comes up behind him.
"I should explain first for your purposes the role of the manipulator, the dear Daromo in the community. He is a shaman, a stage magician with the gall to consider himself attuned to the paths of time as he so conceitedly puts it. Daromo is nothing more that a title of course, this man is only Sent. He, like all Daromo's, goes through his ceremonies, using his powers to see the various twists and paths of life to find the ideal future for the subject. Not the subject's ideal future mind you, the ideal for the Daromo. How the lad will best serve the Daromo's interests. Despite this, the Daromo is a well-respected pillar of the community, and they blindly follow his wishes. Of course, the Daromo doesn't use his powers to control lives, merely to see possibilities and give suggestions, which among such a blindly dutiful community is no less the power of any dictator you care to name."
Continuing like a slide show, the image behind Morgon shifts to Levantine's father.
"You recall no doubt the young Levantine's father, Trian. He is not blind, but lacks the backbone to protect his family at the ire of the community. He saw the danger that Sent was leading Levantine to, straight into the clutches and mal intent of Fetsune. He couldn't defy Sent's recommendations directly of course, oh no, that would break the precious established tradition of blindly following the direction of that manipulating--."
Pausing in his growing rage, the lynx recomposes himself and the image of the Daromo that had begun to bleed in faded showing just Trian once more.
"The community would not look kindly upon any direct refusal of Sent's orders. Hence, Trian, to protect his son, sought me to do what he was unable to do, try to shelter his son from the corrupting influence of Fetsune."
The image of Trian is wiped away, now replaced with hundreds of scattered images that call themselves to attention during the lynx's monologue, all brief snippets and scenes of the timeline he describes.
"And so after receiving the layout of his future from the Daromo Sent, the years passed. Levantine was of course much too young to truly start an apprenticeship, but it is tradition to ready an individual for a future apprenticeship at a young age. Mentanaye came to the community so that they could get a head start on training. Several times he came over and took the young meerkat for a few days, trips to the wilderness to get the meerkat accustomed to what lay ahead, the life of an herbalist. Basic survival, a little alchemal herbalism, the natural healing arts, and so forth. When Mentanaye was not around, the meerkat was encouraged to study with Lockfrost, the village herbalist and a fellow student of Mentanaye when they were both apprenticing. In addition, Levantine took to wandering the plains and woods, hills, mountains, and tracts of wilderness alone for days a time, which his parents encouraged. It was a good sign, and good experience for the young meerkat to be out on his own, and he enjoyed it. Six years pass, and young Levantine is now eighteen years of age and ready to leave the village to accomplish his apprenticeship in earnest. He has yet to meet any of the other pupils of Mentanaye, but we are getting there."
About to continue, Morgon pauses, his right paw in midair as though ready to continue conducting the orchestra of slides and images. He stops and dismisses them all however with a wave and turns back to Ceera.
"Before we continue however, I've glossed over a great deal of material that you'll be just fine without. As we're about to get to the real crux of the matter however, I felt it best to take a moment to see if you are ready to move on to the real issue threatening the meerkat, or perhaps you would like a clarification on anything I have said thus far."
He stands patiently, ready to move on but in no real rush to do so. Any delving into what he has said thus far reveals that there is not a trace of falsehood in what he has just described. Morgon does not place the least bit of doubt on a single word.
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"Do continue, Morgon. I am listening intently, and remembering all."
She thinks to herself He tells me much. And more than he might wish, by the ardor of his speech. One to be treated carefully, and for whom both sides of every truth must be examined.
"Your narration has been sufficient thus far. Pray continue, for thus far, I have seen little to remark upon."
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"Very well, I bring you now to the point where Levantine departs from his family and travels with Mentanaye."
Bringing his forepaws together then moving them both to the left with a glance to the right, Morgon disappears though his presence is still felt. Now as real and encompassing as a dream is the village again. A crowd has gathered around the den of Levantine's family, and at the center is Levantine himself receiving embraces and well wishes. He is clearly older now, approximately in the late teens. The Daromo Sent stands in the center with the family with everyone else in the village in a fairly close knit mass around them.
Morgon, while present, stands apart however. He stands at least thirty feet away from the group in his robes the color of pink sandstone with silver runes. The lynx stares directly into the crowd toward the family and Sent. Everyone present seems to try to make a point of ignoring his presence, but every so often someone will cast a suspicious and speculative glance toward him.
Every eye save Morgon's turns to the den as a figure emerges, and the few people standing near the entrance make room as the golden-eyed Mentanaye emerges. The den wasn't made with him in mind and he has to stoop quite a bit, though Sent and Trian both quickly lend him a paw.
"Well young one, I've gathered all of your possessions that you will need. Are you ready to go?"
"Yes mentor, I am ready."
"Good, say your final goodbyes and we will be off."
Sent steps forward to be the first to shake Levantine's paw, and steps back as the family rushes forward. Three boys and a girl, brothers and sister to Levantine all cling to him while Sarah, his mother, gives a fierce embrace. Levantine stoops to permit her to kiss him on the forehead. Once everyone else let go, Trian steps forward and puts a firm paw on Levantine's shoulder.
"Look after yourself Levantine."
"Yes father."
"Be careful, cautious, courteous, and in control of yourself.
"I will."
"Come back and see us when you get the chance, and learn from your guide Mentanaye. I can no longer be the one to guide and protect you now."
"He will keep me safe."
"I know you will be safe."
Trian moved his paw from Levantine's shoulder and traced the top of the fur markings above Levantine's right eye with his finger. He then embraced the somewhat confused meerkat with his left forepaw as the right finishes tracing and follows a path over Levantine's head to the base of the neck. As he pulled his son close, Trian looked over Levantine's shoulder and met the eyes of Morgon through the crowd with a slight nod. The lynx returned the look, nodded, and left. No one seems to notice the subtle exchange of looks, least of all Levantine. As they release each other, Levantine looks at his father with a look of concern.
"Are you alright dad?"
"It just hurts to let you go. That's all."
Sent then stepped forward again and took the meerkat's paws into his.
"My blessings Levantine. You are stepping on the path of your future, and it is your own to choose. May you grow and prosper in wisdom, strength and grace. May you find all that you seek, and may all that you need seek you when you do not know to look for it. By the earth that has bound you to it and the winds of the east that laid their claim, I hereby bless you Levantine. May you learn from Mentanaye and your fellow pupils all you need to know."
It was rather informal for a ceremony, but it was complete. Levantine stepped by Mentanaye's side, and they walked out of the gathered crowd. Everyone who could gave Levantine a pat on the back, and there were words of encouragement all around. Several women came to Sarah's side to give solace, and the crowd dispersed. No one noticed Morgon's absence, and the meerkat and mentor made their way to the mountains of the north.
(OOC: A brief pause to allow Ceera to interject if she so chooses. The story will continue in a few days if you have not posted.)
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Ceera speaks to Morgon, with a voice that only he can hear.
"A touching scene, I am sure. But tell me, Morgon, what is your role in this village, and your place among these people? I can not help but notice the way you stand apart from them. It would almost seem that you were... an unwelcome presence among them. Why is that, pray tell?"
--------------------
Thank you, Kai, for the gift of this lovely card!
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The scene continues to unfold in silence somehow passing through days in just a few moments time without missing a detail. Levantine and Mentanaye travel to the north, and the meerkat demonstrates the skills he has picked up by himself and with the help of the village herbalist Lockfrost over the past several years. As this happens however, Morgon, still unseen, speaks with Ceera.
"Very astute of you, but in fact I am not of this village. Unwelcome? You might say that. I am not a part of that village, or their society. I have cast it off, living under the silken yoke of a Daromo. You see, the Daromo have a gift, a gift for magic of a sort. I have that gift as well, but I do not fit the ideals of a Daromo, they called me undisciplined, arrogant cretins. You heard Sent speaking to the meerkat of having his own path to choose, but it's a lie. I chose not to follow the path the Daromo of my village would have laid out for me, and was outcast for it. I encourage people to find their own paths, question the words of the Daromo, and am made an outcast for it. Not quite an outcast perhaps, but unwelcome. Yes, that seems a fitting term. But listen, a flute plays."
Mentanaye and Levantine travel through forests in the mountains, following an active stream. Although the vision was silent as Morgon spoke, now the senses are complete again with the sound of the pair treading lightly over the shaded ground, the rushing stream, and the rustle of leaves by an unseen wind. Also carried on the wind is the sound of a flute, which seems to have caught the meerkat's attention. It is close.
(OOC: Again, feel free to interject at this point, or the story will continue in a few days if there is no new post)
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"Ah." Ceera replies to Morgon. "I have some... sympathy for your case, then. I have been 'cast out' on several occasions myself, and will not hold that against you. Do continue."
And yet, she thinks privately to herself your outcast status speaks much about your attitude, and about how you percieve the world. Most instructive.
--------------------
Thank you, Kai, for the gift of this lovely card!
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Even though Morgon is unseen, Ceera can still detect his nod of acknowledgement. As the meerkat and panda make their way upstream, the music of the flute abruptly stops and Mentanaye turns to Levantine.
"We're close."
Stepping away from the stream to what could easily be mistaken for just another animal run, the pair passes through a screen of shrubbery and into a clearing. Standing in a loose group facing the pair is a collection of anthros. Clearly Levantine and Mentanaye had been expected.
"Levantine, it's time to meet your fellow pupils. My senior apprentice Dawner."
At a wave, a female koala stepped forward.
"A pleasure Levantine."
"Betdun."
A male badger gives a quiet grunt and nods his head in acknowledgement.
"And Fetsune."
Lastly a young lion stepped forward, and walked all the way up to Levantine with a paw outstretched. Second to Levantine, he seemed the youngest of the group.
"Levantine. It's nice to meet you."
The meerkat took the lion’s paw into his own.
"Fetsune, it's nice to meet you too."
Levantine moved on to the koala with an extended paw.
"Dawner?"
"That's right, don't be shy."
"Shy?"
Taking the meerkat's paw, Dawner gives a controlled tug and drops the meerkat into a hug. Being about a foot shorter, her arms encircle his lower back as the meerkat caught off guard drapes his arms over her shoulder down to her waist. Levantine stiffens straight with embarrassment as Dawner pulls away with a slightly coy laugh and pats him gently on the shoulder.
"I told you, don't be shy."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to."
Clearing his throat, Mentanaye stepped forward.
"Alright Dawner, you've met the new student, and are free to leave if you wish."
"How gracious of you. So long Papa Bear, Spike, Ruggie."
Dawner turned to Mentanaye, Fetsune, and Betdun in turn as she stepped away toward an exit to the clearing. Betdun cringed at being addressed as Ruggie but said nothing.
"Wait, where are you going?"
"The full moon is out tonight, and I should hurry if I'm going to pick glycamide by the Silver Spring."
Seeing the lack of comprehension in the meerkat's face, Dawner just turned and kept going with just the time to shout back before disappearing into the undergrowth.
"Ruggie can explain it!"
The badger cringed again but remained silent. Mentanaye stepped beside Levantine again.
"I'm sure you learned over the past few years just how broad a discipline herbalism is. So broad in fact that one person cannot hope to be a true expert in everything, so you'll find an opportunity here to find your focus. Dawner looks to the natural properties of plants as they are by themselves on living beings. Betdun is more an alchemal herbalist like myself, and tends to remain here. Dawner however prefers not to remain, and learns her craft best in the wilds. It's useful for Betdun, because she also collects special materials, some of which must be collected under the right conditions. It is a beneficial partnership, and teaches them both more lessons than just herbalism."
"Oh, alright. Was she the one playing the flute?"
"The flute?"
"Before we got here, someone was playing a flute."
Catching up to the rather sudden change of topic, Mentanaye nodded.
"Oh, that was Fetsune. That's another aspect of healing, and even herbalism in a way, music. Even Betdun plays the drums, but the flute is Fetsune's instrument."
Even without being asked, the lion had already pulled a well-fashioned wooden flute from his robe and held it up.
"Would you like to hear some more?"
"I would love to."
Fetsune put the mouthpiece to his lips, and was soon drawing a full and rich song from an instrument that seemed so simple and small. The meerkat was enraptured almost instantly and began to sway in place. Noticing the interest of his audience, Fetsune played on and kept the tune flowing. Levantine was brought out of his reverie when a pair of drums was heard, played by Betdun almost as if as an afterthought. Levantine gradually resumed his trance like state, and remained passive even after both had stopped playing. Fetsune looked a little honored at the greater than expected response, but a little concerned as well.
"Alright?"
"Yes, it was beautiful."
If a blush could be seen under the lion's furry mane, it seemed likely that it would be there.
"No, I meant you. Are you alright?"
"Sorry, I was just enjoying the music. Yes, I'm fine."
"Alright, you seemed a bit out of it. You should get settled in, and I have some herbs I need to collect. I'll play some more later."
"I'd like that. Thanks."
"Tonight then."
Now Fetsune too was gone leaving Levantine with Mentanaye and the badger Betdun. Betdun was busy preparing what looked like a poultice of some kind, and after a brief pause, Mentanaye spoke.
"Well, like I said, there's a lot to learn and if you're going to find a focus there's no better time to start than now. Betdun can teach you a little about the alchemal properties of the herbs he is working on now or you can come with be to obtain provisions for this evening's meal."
A small flash and a wisp of violet smoke rose from a bowl Betdun was tending, and looking at the unattended drums beside the badger quickly made up the meerkat's mind.
"I'll stay here."
"Very well. Betdun, are you willing to look after this one for a while?"
"As he wishes, I've no objection."
Mentanaye turned to leave, and Levantine took a seat beside the badger, casting an eager glance every so often over to the drums. They remained untouched however.
"Now, let me tell you about glycamide . . ."
((OOC: Another brief pause to allow an interjection if you choose, or the story will continue in a few days))
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The vision fades as Betdun discusses alchemal properties with the meerkat, and Morgon makes himself heard over the scene.
"I'll spare you the sordid details, but suffice it to say that the lion took gleeful advantage of the meerkat's weakness. Frequently playing like a siren, drawing Levantine in deeper and deeper under his spell . . ."
The view jumps around from scene to scene, all featuring the two of them. Fetsune playing the flute, Levantine listening. By the backgrounds it is happening many places, and over several seasons. Although Morgon silences the sound of the flute, the tunes are implied. A few seem lively with Levantine in motion, sometime the meerkat is sitting quietly listening, and several that Morgon seems to pause on show the meerkat in an embrace underneath the lion's forelimb, head resting on Fetsune's chest. It would seem an awkward position to play from, but both seem content with the arrangement.
"And Mentanaye, the young meerkat's mentor? What does he do to protect him? What of Betdun, Dawner, nothing. They turn a blind eye and let that despicable beast do his work . . ."
A scene of Levantine and Mentanaye relaxing under the trees as Fetsune stands in front of them with the flute, in another Dawner and Levantine are dancing in an energetic circle, and another with the embrace, Betdun working quietly in the background on his poultices, glancing up every now and then.
"And so it was necessary for me to intervene, I was sworn to protect Levantine and acted as necessary."
Morgon is silent as the vision takes on a full reality again, touching all the senses. Levantine and Fetsune appear alone beside a coastline in a misty summer morning. Both hold each other softly as Fetsune plays his flute. Levantine appears so relaxed as to be asleep, until a melody is heard being played on a harp toward the surf. Despite the lack of solid obstructions, whoever the harpist is appears to be hidden in the fog. Although both melodies are pleasant enough to listen to by themselves, they seem to come into conflict together. Morgon whispers to Ceera from beyond the vision.
"A song of awakening, to bring the meerkat to his senses."
Levantine looks around still resting his head on Fetsune's chest, and the lion stops playing as they both try to find the elusive harpist. He remains unseen however, and the music continues to resonate from somewhere in the mists. Soon they both rise and begin walking away from the beach somewhat uneasily with a distance between them.
"It wasn't enough however, I couldn't watch them both all the time, and the meerkat would fall again and again under the melody. So I began to meet with Levantine alone. It was easy enough to arrange, as he had taken up going far a field in search of herbs. He never did take much to the alchemal herbalism of Mentanaye and Betdun, but preferred Dawner's travels. She was with him tutoring often, but when Fetsune wasn't following him or Dawner wasn't teaching, I began to meet with Levantine myself.
The scene shows Levantine approaching Morgon wearing his pink sandstone robes sitting on a fallen log in the woods. Morgon holds a lap harp that seems carved from the same type of wood Morgon is sitting on.
"You know how to make yourself invisible in the woods don't you Ceera? How to lose yourself where no creature can find you. As a tree, even the most dedicated hunter loses you, and you can become as a shadow, completely overlooked for as long as you need, forgotten to the world as long as you wish. Of course, Levantine was not a mage, and he cannot be taught something which he is not capable. There are however principles connected between magic and the purely mundane. So that is what I began to teach him, protection. Shielding himself hiding his mind from outside influences . . ."
Levantine and Fetsune are seen in an embrace again.
"It didn't work, but the lessons were not entirely without their use."
((OOC: An opportunity to interject, or the story will continue shortly))
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The music, it's just remarkable. Simple remarkable.
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Ceera continues listening patiently. It is clear that she is attentive, and yet she does not interrupt, prefering to let the teller set the pace.
OOC: Wonderful details so far, my dear! You leave me at a loss to add anything just yet, but you certainly are crafting an interesting tale...
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Thank you, Kai, for the gift of this lovely card!
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((OOC: My schedule seems just as busy after finals as before. Just a quick note letting you know I will continue when I get the chance.))
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