It is the day of the Vernal Equinox and Sirena stands high on the mountain top quietly watching the flames. She shivers in the cold wind, but does not don her hood and shawl. She knows that this ceremony is important to Belnus and to herself and she has prepared as best she can. This morning she bathed in the pool by the waterfall and put on her simplest dress; she knows instinctively that it would be wrong to wear her well worn heavy garb when she wants to honor her God. She squints in the perpetual twilight that surrounds The Empire and hopes she will be able to determine exactly when it is midday. She feels the wind increase and looks up to see a round patch of lighter grey in the sky. It is the sun at its zenith and she begins.
She raises her arms over her head and says “Belenus, God of the Flames, please hear your humble priestess. I have tried to do all that you have commanded of me. I have accepted the powers that you have given me to heal and I have been using them as wisely as I can. You have blessed my dance and I have given you all the passion it creates.”
She hesitates as she thinks of the one time she didn’t dedicate her dance to him and she shudders. Then she continues, “You and I have found a balance, even as today is a balance between the light and the dark. For this I thank you and ask that you accept this simple offering of life.”
She lowers her arms and picks up the rush. She lights it from the blazing fire and then lights the candle. She blows out the rush and watches the candle sputter in the wind. Her face falls as she realizes she did not remember that wind is always present on a mountain top.
She quickly picks up the basket, tips it upside down over the candle flame and removes the lid. She crosses her fingers that she has caught only male moths and that no females will be harmed. Then she smiles in satisfaction as she sees all three moths flutter out and head toward the wavering white light of the beeswax candle. The moths plummet down in a spiral flight path toward the white light on a fruitless search to find a female. Their wings alight as they enter the flame and Sirena drops the basket at her feet and claps her hands with delight. Then she realizes what she has done and slaps her hand over her mouth.
She calls “Belenus, I have once again obeyed even though I am not happy about it. Please honor me with your Blessing.”
The winds begin to blow stronger and the candle flame goes out. She turns toward the fire and sees the flames grow and sway with a dance of sparks as they lick the wood. She feels great warmth in her heart and begins to dance.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Sirena Discovers a Startling Fact
Sirena's God always surprises her.
Sirena looks up from the scroll she is studying in disbelief. She shakes her head and reads the script again, hoping she has not read it correctly., but there it is: "Belenus demands that sacrificial offerings be made four times a year: midwinter, vernal equinox, midsummer, and autumnal equinox. " She shudders at the words "sacrificial offerings" and consults her calender. Six days to the vernal equinox! She knows that in order to continue along the path to Priestess she needs to construct a ritual but why does it have to be one involving sacrifice? She rolls the scroll back onto its rod, replaces it on the shelf and leaves the guild hall, wondering how she ever got chosen by such a stygian god and what kind of living being she must kill to please this morbid god of hers.
Sirena looks up from the scroll she is studying in disbelief. She shakes her head and reads the script again, hoping she has not read it correctly., but there it is: "Belenus demands that sacrificial offerings be made four times a year: midwinter, vernal equinox, midsummer, and autumnal equinox. " She shudders at the words "sacrificial offerings" and consults her calender. Six days to the vernal equinox! She knows that in order to continue along the path to Priestess she needs to construct a ritual but why does it have to be one involving sacrifice? She rolls the scroll back onto its rod, replaces it on the shelf and leaves the guild hall, wondering how she ever got chosen by such a stygian god and what kind of living being she must kill to please this morbid god of hers.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Sirena Heals a Sylvan Ranger and Gains an Unwanted Admirer
This all happened in the Torgan Empire much to Sirena's chagrin
---------------------------------------------------------------
First Dancer of The Place Sirena Lauria walks the woods in search of roots and sees a man lying by the foot of a tree. She stops to look at him and sees that he is a Sylvan Ranger. He looks dead. She takes a step back. Then she hears him groan and realizes he is still alive. She mutters "I suppose I must see what is wrong with him, even if he is a Sylvan." She approaches the body and kneels beside it.
Sylvan Ranger Damian (Silverwing Benoir) groans again and says "please help”
Sirena says "I will help you because my God requires me too, but I do you no favor. Tell me what is wrong."
Damian is partially delirious, hears her voice but does not understand her words. He cries out in pain. She quickly checks the man and sees that there is blood beneath his head. She places her hands on his skull and gently runs her hands around his head, feeling for bumps.
Damian feels hands on his head and partially regains consciousness.
Sirena sees his eyes flutter open and she says, "Can you hear me Sylvan?"
Damian says weakly "I am an apprentice Sylvan Ranger. I have had only three lessons in fighting. I came upon a red dragon attacking helpless people and tried to fight it. The people were saved. They ran away while I was fighting the dragon but the dragon was too strong for me and left me for dead."
Sirena says "Pffft, stupid ranger. The only red dragon around here in Inq and he is too old and wise to attack helpless people. You should be more careful. It does not appear that you are burned. All I feel is a bump on the back of your head. I will be back. I need to get some water to wash the blood away."
Damian says, "I don't remember fire. The dragon threw me with it's tail."
Sirena stands and says, "I told you the dragon was wise. He probably knew you were inexperienced and didn't need to waste flame on you." She walks to the pool to fill her mug with water. When she returns she kneels, puts the water on the ground and opens her pouch, pulling out a clean rag and some astringent herbs. She speaks as she gently touches the wound. "I am going to wash the blood off the back of your head. I don’t see anything else wrong with you except foolish pride."
Damian feels the cool water on his face and responds. He feels a bit stronger with the lady's treatments.
Sirena asks "Are you able to sit up or do you need help?"
Damian says "It was not pride m'lady, I could not let those people die. And I don't think I can sit yet."
Sirena snorts and soaks the rag in the water again. She wrings it out and applies it to the back of his neck.
Damian feels his strength slowly returning. He asks "Who are you, kind lady?"
Sirena says "I will help you sit up." She puts her hands under his oxters and drags him out from under the tree root. She maneuvers him to the tree trunk. Damian wobbles to his feet. Sirena puts her hand on his chest and pushes him down. "You need to sit. You need to stay quiet and rest for a day." Damian tries to sit but falls on his face. Sirena looks at him in dismay "Oh for Belenus' sake! Can you not stay upright?" Damian pushes himself up to a sitting position. Sirena looks at him again and says "I suppose it hurts."
Damian says "Yes it hurts and I have no place to stay."
Sirena says "Let me see if I can take some of the pain away." She casts Sea of Flames and restores 10 points of health to him.
Damian relates "I am new to this land and have been sleeping under trees."
Sirena says with a grunt "Trees are good enough for the likes of you."
Sirena is prompted to restore some of his stamina. She casts Flames of Passion and restores 10 points of stamina to him. She casts Blazing Sparks and restores 7 points of health to him.
Damian says "I feel much stronger. What did you do?"
Sirena shrugs "I have learned certain skills from my God."
Damian says "Your god must be great indeed. I feel like new again!"
Sirena says "Well, Sylvan, stay away from these lands and you will not be attacked again. I cannot guarantee that I will be around to help next time."
Damian says "What is your name fair lady. I must thank you."
Sirena responds "My name does not matter, since we will not meet again."
Damian exclaims "But I owe you my life. I must know who you are!" He muses for a moment. “Wait a minute.. haven't I seen you at The Place?"
Sirena exhales "Aye, I work there."
Damian exclaims "Yes I have, you are Sirena the dancer!" Sirena lowers her hood. Damian bows to Sirena. "My name is Damian. I will forever be in your debt m'lady."
Sirena grins to see the man bow to her. "There is no debt. I am commanded by my God to heal, so that is the only reason I did not leave you for dead at that tree root."
Damian says " I saw you dance. The smoke from the hookah was strong but I would not forget such a beauty as you. Please tell me how I can repay my debt to you."
Sirena, having heard such comments before, pays the compliment no mind. She says
"I have told you, no debt exists. I have done what my duty called for. No more, no less."
Damian notes her aloofness and wonders why.
Sirena continues "But if you want to save me or another some trouble, be careful who you engage in battle and where you wander. Do you realize where you are? You are deep in the heart of the Torgan Empire. There have been too many Sylvans ranging these woods and we are getting tired of you acting as if you own The Empire as well as the Sylvan realms. This is not yours to protect. Go guard your Queen. Our Empress needs none of you."
Damian says “M'lady, I was just exploring the woods. Is it just me or do you not like any people? You seem full of disdain yet you saved me."
Sirena curls her lip "I do not like...some people and Sylvan Rangers, especially."
Damian smiles. "Then m'lady I shall make it my quest to change your opinion of at least one of us! It is not right that such a beautiful lady should have such fear in her heart."
Sirena ignores his words and asks "Are you well enough that I may escort you to the border?"
Damian says "I am feeling much better, thank you. Lead on and I will follow. But please avoid red dragons."
Sirena turns and heads for the village. She says “This path leads to three bridges. you will know you are on the right road when you pass by the tavern."
Damian says "Is this the tavern you speak of?"
Sirena says "This is the tavern. The road leads under that pass and to the left. It will take you back to the Sylvan lands."
Damian says "Thank you for saving my life. I owe it to you and dedicate it to you. I can not leave without buying you a drink for your troubles "
Sirena stares incredulously at the Ranger "You are not serious are you? "
Damian whispers hoarsely "I am indeed serious."
Sirena says "You Sylvan Rangers are a strange bunch. I was merely doing my duty."
Damian repeats "Just one drink..and I'll be on my way."
Sirena raises her eyebrow "I do not advise spirits for a concussion."
Empress Lexie (lexie.lukas) appears in a hissing mist.
Damian smiles "I am strong and well now thanks to your powers”
Sirena hears a rustle behind her and turns "Greetings Empress."
Damian nods to the woman who just appeared.
Sirena turns back to the Ranger and says " Well, have your drink, then be off. There are Torgans in the tavern and they might not welcome your presence."
Damian smiles and says "I'll take my chances." Sirena marches into the tavern, wishing the ranger would not follow. Damian notes to himself they can't be worse than the dragon who knocked him out.
Linwe (Linwe Zifanwe) says 'Vedui again S'rena'
Sirena smiles "Vedui Linwe. Greetings Swith!"
Damian says "By your leave m'lady"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) looks over her shoulder. 'Oh.. greetin's miss.'
Sirena whispers "This Sylvan Ranger… I am sorry. He insisted on a drink."
Linwe raises a brow at the unknown person following in the dancer's footsteps.
Damian says “Greetings ladies. This kind woman saved my life. A drink is the least I can offer her."
Sirena takes a seat on the end of a bench next to the minstrel.
Linwe says 'Vedui, stranger...I dunna think I have seen ye before'
Swith rests her head on her hand and snoozes a little, drunk.
Linwe says 'Saved ye from...what?'
Sirena scowls at the Ranger and then says to her friend "This is Damian. I found him lost and unconscious near the crossing to the hive."
Empress Lexie (lexie.lukas): Greetings Torgans, and friends
Damian tells his story again "I came upon a dragon attacking unarmed people and tried to fight it off"
Linwe performs a low curtsy to the Empress "Yer majesty”
Sirena says "Damian, this is Linwe, a great Shaman and Swith, the best minstrel in the realm"
Empress Lexie: What dragon sir?
Damian continues. “I am but an apprentice and could not withstand his power but the people escaped. It was a large red dragon."
Sirena rolls her eyes, not believing the man's story.
Snow (snowblind.infinity): Interesting, would this dragon be one who demands tolls at the bridge?
Linwe says 'I havena heard of any people fleeing dragons this day'
Swith’s chin slips off her hand and she wakes with a start. She looks around, then blinks at the Empress, wavily. 'Greetin's, Empress..' She hiccups. She tries to bow and nearly does a forward roll off the bench, managing to catch hold of the table in time to right herself.
Empress Lexie winks at Snow: Greetings Swith
Linwe says 'Snow..have ye been marauding agin?'
Snow: Not I, I have no need to attack unarmed people, nor do I demand tolls for the passages which are not mine to control.
Empress Lexie: There was this senile dragon earlier but I think he went away to die in the wild.
Sirena snorts "Maybe that is the one Damian here says attacked him." She sees that the man has not had his drink yet and scowls. She will never be rid of him at this rate.
Damian notes "The dragon I saw was not weak and feeble."
Swith goes back to snoozing a little at the table, hiccuping every now and again.
Empress Lexie turns to Snow "who might that be.. a red dragon? Do you know of this one?"
Linwe says 'Tis strange there havena been any reports of such..especially since King Eecho has been back and forth from the Hive all day'
Damian asks "How does one get a drink here?"
Sirena stands up and goes to the bar. She draws a mug of rum for the ranger and brings it back.
Empress Lexie looks to the Ranger: "A good start at being served is the word please"
Sirena slams the mug in front of the man "Here. Drink this and be off."
Damian asks graciously "Please a round of ale for all on me!"
Sirena looks at the man "Serve them yourself. I am not a barmaid"
Linwe wrinkles her nose "Nay thankee”
Swith cheers and knocks a plate on the floor. 'Free ale...'
Damian laughs. Empress Lexie giggles knowing that Swith will indeed enjoy this
Sirena looks at Swith and smiles "Are you sure you want another?"
Swith frowns, 'It's free lass... course I does...'
Sirena chuckles "I am not sure I trust you to stand up. I will get you a refill"
Swith grins, wavering. 'Most kind miss...'
Sirena takes Swith's mug to the barrel and fills it to the brim with rum. She carries it carefully back to Swith and sets it in front of her "There you go Swith."
Swith nods, 'Very kind.. very kind...' She grins at the man opposite, black-toothed, then winks at him drunkenly.
Damian notes that everyone here knows each other and he begins to feel unwelcome.
Sirena looks to see if the man has finished his rum yet
Damian says "I'd best be going fine people"
Swith, a little slow on the uptake, asks the stranger, 'Are yer Sirena's new man?'
Linwe snorts. Sirena says to Swith "My man? You are really drunk Swith. I need no man!"
Damian says "I know not what that means but Sirena saved my life today so I will dedicate mine to hers."
Swith looks between them. 'I's hearin' two conflictin' answers... I thinks...'
Linwe says 'How..gallant'
Sirena throws her hands in the air "You are daft, man! Go dedicate your life to someone else."
.
Damian says 'a pleasant day to all of you' He laughs as he leaves.
Swith gives a wave. Linwe says 'Vendaust' Sirena watches him leave with a sigh of relief and sits down.
Empress Lexie: Lady Sirena, is everything ok with you? Do we need to get you a guard?
Sirena says "I am fine. why do you ask?"
Empress Lexie: That .. Sylvaran.. I just wanted to make sure he isn't hassling you
Sirena says "I need no guard. I have my tongue and my God, but thank you Empress, I will remember your words."
Linwe says 'The women of Torg be a plucky lot, Empress'
Empress Lexie: Yes * her eyes glimmer in happiness*
Sirena says "Will you excuse me? I left my basket in the woods where I found that ranger and must go retrieve it"
Linwe says 'Aye, S'rena..take care'
Sirena says "dark paths"
---------------------------------------------------------------
First Dancer of The Place Sirena Lauria walks the woods in search of roots and sees a man lying by the foot of a tree. She stops to look at him and sees that he is a Sylvan Ranger. He looks dead. She takes a step back. Then she hears him groan and realizes he is still alive. She mutters "I suppose I must see what is wrong with him, even if he is a Sylvan." She approaches the body and kneels beside it.
Sylvan Ranger Damian (Silverwing Benoir) groans again and says "please help”
Sirena says "I will help you because my God requires me too, but I do you no favor. Tell me what is wrong."
Damian is partially delirious, hears her voice but does not understand her words. He cries out in pain. She quickly checks the man and sees that there is blood beneath his head. She places her hands on his skull and gently runs her hands around his head, feeling for bumps.
Damian feels hands on his head and partially regains consciousness.
Sirena sees his eyes flutter open and she says, "Can you hear me Sylvan?"
Damian says weakly "I am an apprentice Sylvan Ranger. I have had only three lessons in fighting. I came upon a red dragon attacking helpless people and tried to fight it. The people were saved. They ran away while I was fighting the dragon but the dragon was too strong for me and left me for dead."
Sirena says "Pffft, stupid ranger. The only red dragon around here in Inq and he is too old and wise to attack helpless people. You should be more careful. It does not appear that you are burned. All I feel is a bump on the back of your head. I will be back. I need to get some water to wash the blood away."
Damian says, "I don't remember fire. The dragon threw me with it's tail."
Sirena stands and says, "I told you the dragon was wise. He probably knew you were inexperienced and didn't need to waste flame on you." She walks to the pool to fill her mug with water. When she returns she kneels, puts the water on the ground and opens her pouch, pulling out a clean rag and some astringent herbs. She speaks as she gently touches the wound. "I am going to wash the blood off the back of your head. I don’t see anything else wrong with you except foolish pride."
Damian feels the cool water on his face and responds. He feels a bit stronger with the lady's treatments.
Sirena asks "Are you able to sit up or do you need help?"
Damian says "It was not pride m'lady, I could not let those people die. And I don't think I can sit yet."
Sirena snorts and soaks the rag in the water again. She wrings it out and applies it to the back of his neck.
Damian feels his strength slowly returning. He asks "Who are you, kind lady?"
Sirena says "I will help you sit up." She puts her hands under his oxters and drags him out from under the tree root. She maneuvers him to the tree trunk. Damian wobbles to his feet. Sirena puts her hand on his chest and pushes him down. "You need to sit. You need to stay quiet and rest for a day." Damian tries to sit but falls on his face. Sirena looks at him in dismay "Oh for Belenus' sake! Can you not stay upright?" Damian pushes himself up to a sitting position. Sirena looks at him again and says "I suppose it hurts."
Damian says "Yes it hurts and I have no place to stay."
Sirena says "Let me see if I can take some of the pain away." She casts Sea of Flames and restores 10 points of health to him.
Damian relates "I am new to this land and have been sleeping under trees."
Sirena says with a grunt "Trees are good enough for the likes of you."
Sirena is prompted to restore some of his stamina. She casts Flames of Passion and restores 10 points of stamina to him. She casts Blazing Sparks and restores 7 points of health to him.
Damian says "I feel much stronger. What did you do?"
Sirena shrugs "I have learned certain skills from my God."
Damian says "Your god must be great indeed. I feel like new again!"
Sirena says "Well, Sylvan, stay away from these lands and you will not be attacked again. I cannot guarantee that I will be around to help next time."
Damian says "What is your name fair lady. I must thank you."
Sirena responds "My name does not matter, since we will not meet again."
Damian exclaims "But I owe you my life. I must know who you are!" He muses for a moment. “Wait a minute.. haven't I seen you at The Place?"
Sirena exhales "Aye, I work there."
Damian exclaims "Yes I have, you are Sirena the dancer!" Sirena lowers her hood. Damian bows to Sirena. "My name is Damian. I will forever be in your debt m'lady."
Sirena grins to see the man bow to her. "There is no debt. I am commanded by my God to heal, so that is the only reason I did not leave you for dead at that tree root."
Damian says " I saw you dance. The smoke from the hookah was strong but I would not forget such a beauty as you. Please tell me how I can repay my debt to you."
Sirena, having heard such comments before, pays the compliment no mind. She says
"I have told you, no debt exists. I have done what my duty called for. No more, no less."
Damian notes her aloofness and wonders why.
Sirena continues "But if you want to save me or another some trouble, be careful who you engage in battle and where you wander. Do you realize where you are? You are deep in the heart of the Torgan Empire. There have been too many Sylvans ranging these woods and we are getting tired of you acting as if you own The Empire as well as the Sylvan realms. This is not yours to protect. Go guard your Queen. Our Empress needs none of you."
Damian says “M'lady, I was just exploring the woods. Is it just me or do you not like any people? You seem full of disdain yet you saved me."
Sirena curls her lip "I do not like...some people and Sylvan Rangers, especially."
Damian smiles. "Then m'lady I shall make it my quest to change your opinion of at least one of us! It is not right that such a beautiful lady should have such fear in her heart."
Sirena ignores his words and asks "Are you well enough that I may escort you to the border?"
Damian says "I am feeling much better, thank you. Lead on and I will follow. But please avoid red dragons."
Sirena turns and heads for the village. She says “This path leads to three bridges. you will know you are on the right road when you pass by the tavern."
Damian says "Is this the tavern you speak of?"
Sirena says "This is the tavern. The road leads under that pass and to the left. It will take you back to the Sylvan lands."
Damian says "Thank you for saving my life. I owe it to you and dedicate it to you. I can not leave without buying you a drink for your troubles "
Sirena stares incredulously at the Ranger "You are not serious are you? "
Damian whispers hoarsely "I am indeed serious."
Sirena says "You Sylvan Rangers are a strange bunch. I was merely doing my duty."
Damian repeats "Just one drink..and I'll be on my way."
Sirena raises her eyebrow "I do not advise spirits for a concussion."
Empress Lexie (lexie.lukas) appears in a hissing mist.
Damian smiles "I am strong and well now thanks to your powers”
Sirena hears a rustle behind her and turns "Greetings Empress."
Damian nods to the woman who just appeared.
Sirena turns back to the Ranger and says " Well, have your drink, then be off. There are Torgans in the tavern and they might not welcome your presence."
Damian smiles and says "I'll take my chances." Sirena marches into the tavern, wishing the ranger would not follow. Damian notes to himself they can't be worse than the dragon who knocked him out.
Linwe (Linwe Zifanwe) says 'Vedui again S'rena'
Sirena smiles "Vedui Linwe. Greetings Swith!"
Damian says "By your leave m'lady"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) looks over her shoulder. 'Oh.. greetin's miss.'
Sirena whispers "This Sylvan Ranger… I am sorry. He insisted on a drink."
Linwe raises a brow at the unknown person following in the dancer's footsteps.
Damian says “Greetings ladies. This kind woman saved my life. A drink is the least I can offer her."
Sirena takes a seat on the end of a bench next to the minstrel.
Linwe says 'Vedui, stranger...I dunna think I have seen ye before'
Swith rests her head on her hand and snoozes a little, drunk.
Linwe says 'Saved ye from...what?'
Sirena scowls at the Ranger and then says to her friend "This is Damian. I found him lost and unconscious near the crossing to the hive."
Empress Lexie (lexie.lukas): Greetings Torgans, and friends
Damian tells his story again "I came upon a dragon attacking unarmed people and tried to fight it off"
Linwe performs a low curtsy to the Empress "Yer majesty”
Sirena says "Damian, this is Linwe, a great Shaman and Swith, the best minstrel in the realm"
Empress Lexie: What dragon sir?
Damian continues. “I am but an apprentice and could not withstand his power but the people escaped. It was a large red dragon."
Sirena rolls her eyes, not believing the man's story.
Snow (snowblind.infinity): Interesting, would this dragon be one who demands tolls at the bridge?
Linwe says 'I havena heard of any people fleeing dragons this day'
Swith’s chin slips off her hand and she wakes with a start. She looks around, then blinks at the Empress, wavily. 'Greetin's, Empress..' She hiccups. She tries to bow and nearly does a forward roll off the bench, managing to catch hold of the table in time to right herself.
Empress Lexie winks at Snow: Greetings Swith
Linwe says 'Snow..have ye been marauding agin?'
Snow: Not I, I have no need to attack unarmed people, nor do I demand tolls for the passages which are not mine to control.
Empress Lexie: There was this senile dragon earlier but I think he went away to die in the wild.
Sirena snorts "Maybe that is the one Damian here says attacked him." She sees that the man has not had his drink yet and scowls. She will never be rid of him at this rate.
Damian notes "The dragon I saw was not weak and feeble."
Swith goes back to snoozing a little at the table, hiccuping every now and again.
Empress Lexie turns to Snow "who might that be.. a red dragon? Do you know of this one?"
Linwe says 'Tis strange there havena been any reports of such..especially since King Eecho has been back and forth from the Hive all day'
Damian asks "How does one get a drink here?"
Sirena stands up and goes to the bar. She draws a mug of rum for the ranger and brings it back.
Empress Lexie looks to the Ranger: "A good start at being served is the word please"
Sirena slams the mug in front of the man "Here. Drink this and be off."
Damian asks graciously "Please a round of ale for all on me!"
Sirena looks at the man "Serve them yourself. I am not a barmaid"
Linwe wrinkles her nose "Nay thankee”
Swith cheers and knocks a plate on the floor. 'Free ale...'
Damian laughs. Empress Lexie giggles knowing that Swith will indeed enjoy this
Sirena looks at Swith and smiles "Are you sure you want another?"
Swith frowns, 'It's free lass... course I does...'
Sirena chuckles "I am not sure I trust you to stand up. I will get you a refill"
Swith grins, wavering. 'Most kind miss...'
Sirena takes Swith's mug to the barrel and fills it to the brim with rum. She carries it carefully back to Swith and sets it in front of her "There you go Swith."
Swith nods, 'Very kind.. very kind...' She grins at the man opposite, black-toothed, then winks at him drunkenly.
Damian notes that everyone here knows each other and he begins to feel unwelcome.
Sirena looks to see if the man has finished his rum yet
Damian says "I'd best be going fine people"
Swith, a little slow on the uptake, asks the stranger, 'Are yer Sirena's new man?'
Linwe snorts. Sirena says to Swith "My man? You are really drunk Swith. I need no man!"
Damian says "I know not what that means but Sirena saved my life today so I will dedicate mine to hers."
Swith looks between them. 'I's hearin' two conflictin' answers... I thinks...'
Linwe says 'How..gallant'
Sirena throws her hands in the air "You are daft, man! Go dedicate your life to someone else."
.
Damian says 'a pleasant day to all of you' He laughs as he leaves.
Swith gives a wave. Linwe says 'Vendaust' Sirena watches him leave with a sigh of relief and sits down.
Empress Lexie: Lady Sirena, is everything ok with you? Do we need to get you a guard?
Sirena says "I am fine. why do you ask?"
Empress Lexie: That .. Sylvaran.. I just wanted to make sure he isn't hassling you
Sirena says "I need no guard. I have my tongue and my God, but thank you Empress, I will remember your words."
Linwe says 'The women of Torg be a plucky lot, Empress'
Empress Lexie: Yes * her eyes glimmer in happiness*
Sirena says "Will you excuse me? I left my basket in the woods where I found that ranger and must go retrieve it"
Linwe says 'Aye, S'rena..take care'
Sirena says "dark paths"
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sirena explains Belenus to Jordon
Sirena says "Jordon, I know I have tried to explain about my god to you, but perhaps this story will make you understand." Jordon settles on the ground to listen. Sirena sits on front of him and continues. “I placed a poster on the wall at Sylvhara advertising for a position and a man answered it. He paid a lot of coin and asked me to dance for him. So I did what he had paid for. I dedicated the dance to Belenus as was proper, and when I was finished I bowed to the man, ready to leave. But the man asked for one more dance because the hour was not yet gone, so I danced just for the man." Sirena hangs her head and whispers "That was my mistake. Later, Belenus came to me in the fire again and said he was not pleased. I had danced for another other than Him. So he took the dance from me for three days and took the memory of that night from the man who watched me dance." Sirena cries softly as she remembers, "Every time I took a step on the sand, my feet felt as if they were on fire. They burned and ached and I could not dance for three days." Tears fall from her eyes. "He can be a cruel God, Jordon."
Jordon reaches towards her as if to comfort her, retracts his hand wondering if it is safe to touch her, or if her god will call down anger upon her. He tries again and hesitates just short of touching. "A horrible experience for you my friend."
Sirena watches his hand pull back from hers and sighs. "I think you should go from me Jordon. Suppose he should remove all memory of me from your mind? What would I do with no friend here in this dark land?" She whispers, “I could be the death of you.”
Jordon heaves a great sigh. "I can not leave so easily after finding you again Sirena. I care too deeply for you to do so. The memory of you has sustained me for years. I will try not to do anything that will anger your god.”
Sirena says, "I have thought of you often since you left. I often wonder how different my life might have been with someone to laugh with and take away the pain. But I must behave as He asks. It is like my father all over again."
Jordon says "Oh gods, I do not know. I wish I did, but I fear the knowledge would hurt both of us.” He shakes his head at old memories "I wish I could spare you this. Is there no way?"
Sirena shakes her head "I do not know. I have been commanded by Him to study, so study I shall...all about Him. I will find a way to be free of Him."
Sirena says "I know it is nearly time for you to leave again, but I would give you something before you go" She draws a small stone out of her pouch. "This is for you. Keep it safe and hold it in your hand when you think of me." Jordon holds out his hand and watches a small shiny stone drop in it. Sirena says "I do not know what it does, but I was told by the mage who gave it to me that it was powerful. I want you to have it."
Jordon folds his fingers about the stone, unfolds his fingers and brushes it with his lips feeling her warmth radiate through it. He looks at the face of his dear friend. "I will treasure this small bit of you"
Sirena blushes "I will keep this picture of you in my mind ‘til we meet again." She touches the back of his hand with her finger and sighs.
Jordon sighs "And you are correct, it is time for me to depart my dear."
Sirena stands "Safe paths to you my friend. May Belenus keep you warm and fed and far from trouble."
Jordon rises to his feet. "I think I would prefer being watched over by a more kindly god."
Sirena says "He is a powerful God. You could do worse than have him on your side"
Jordon nods "I might, but I do not want to be beholding to him." He touches her lightly on the shoulder and turns to leave
Sirena watches him leave with sorrow and turns toward the dark again.
Jordon reaches towards her as if to comfort her, retracts his hand wondering if it is safe to touch her, or if her god will call down anger upon her. He tries again and hesitates just short of touching. "A horrible experience for you my friend."
Sirena watches his hand pull back from hers and sighs. "I think you should go from me Jordon. Suppose he should remove all memory of me from your mind? What would I do with no friend here in this dark land?" She whispers, “I could be the death of you.”
Jordon heaves a great sigh. "I can not leave so easily after finding you again Sirena. I care too deeply for you to do so. The memory of you has sustained me for years. I will try not to do anything that will anger your god.”
Sirena says, "I have thought of you often since you left. I often wonder how different my life might have been with someone to laugh with and take away the pain. But I must behave as He asks. It is like my father all over again."
Jordon says "Oh gods, I do not know. I wish I did, but I fear the knowledge would hurt both of us.” He shakes his head at old memories "I wish I could spare you this. Is there no way?"
Sirena shakes her head "I do not know. I have been commanded by Him to study, so study I shall...all about Him. I will find a way to be free of Him."
Sirena says "I know it is nearly time for you to leave again, but I would give you something before you go" She draws a small stone out of her pouch. "This is for you. Keep it safe and hold it in your hand when you think of me." Jordon holds out his hand and watches a small shiny stone drop in it. Sirena says "I do not know what it does, but I was told by the mage who gave it to me that it was powerful. I want you to have it."
Jordon folds his fingers about the stone, unfolds his fingers and brushes it with his lips feeling her warmth radiate through it. He looks at the face of his dear friend. "I will treasure this small bit of you"
Sirena blushes "I will keep this picture of you in my mind ‘til we meet again." She touches the back of his hand with her finger and sighs.
Jordon sighs "And you are correct, it is time for me to depart my dear."
Sirena stands "Safe paths to you my friend. May Belenus keep you warm and fed and far from trouble."
Jordon rises to his feet. "I think I would prefer being watched over by a more kindly god."
Sirena says "He is a powerful God. You could do worse than have him on your side"
Jordon nods "I might, but I do not want to be beholding to him." He touches her lightly on the shoulder and turns to leave
Sirena watches him leave with sorrow and turns toward the dark again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)