Another Festival

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Kaote Bruchedaine
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Another Festival

Post by Kaote Bruchedaine »

(( If you happen to have a character that fits the locale, feel free to join.))

Kaote Bruche'daine made his way through the foremost crowd as he came upon the festival he was already a couple hours late for. It was his first time at this particular glade but he was already noticing a few familiar traits. There was an area set up for performances with an audience that was currently showing the effects of having been used even though it was vacant for the moment, which had meant this month's graduation ceremony was over.

The Graduation ceremony each glade handled was dependent on local needs but it was fairly universal that all the ceremonies were a formal event handled in generally the same way. Any individual looking to graduate had to meet two requirements. Having come of age for their respective race, and having able to fight well enough to have several important individuals vouch for their value, at least one of which needed to be a priestess. For humans the age was 16, for Drow it seemed to be slightly over fifty, for most other races it fell somewhere in between.

Late or not, Kaote's arrival didn't remain unnoticed for long. After all, he did not quite come alone. Along behind him came a pair of horses and a wagon loaded down with food, drink, and supplies he had intended to have delivered before the start of the festival. Nobody had any reason to expect him but it would be hard for them to ignore a large wagon arriving in a glade that was supposed to be rather difficult to find.
Last edited by Kaote Bruchedaine on Sun Mar 15, 2015 6:31 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Another Festival

Post by Bhaern Quel »

Kaote an Orc steps toward you from the gather, her hair silver in color. A sword at her side though you can see a battle axe also carried.

"Vendui, your horses must be weary. Would you like me to take care of them?"
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Re: Another Festival

Post by Kaote Bruchedaine »

Kaote gaze towards the Orcish woman with an arched brow. Having an Orc around a glade as a participant was surely an oddity, and silver hare was twice as rare on any but Drow in which is was still rather rare. It took half a minute before the scene settled with him and he raised the reigns of the horse as if to lift them into the conversation.

" Once the wagon is delivered to the cook, the horses can be tired for the night. At that point, consider them as part of the donation. I do not ride, I purchased them for the singular purpose of bringing this wagon load here. " He jerked his thumb up towards the wagon's riding bench where a leather backpack sat. " All the receipts are up there, I find they are useful tools to silence someone that is to eager to cry theft. I have had to defend purchases to dishonest merchants and doubtful priestesses in the past. "
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Re: Another Festival

Post by Bhaern Quel »

Kaote She smiles to you, noting your arched brow.

"I am sure the cook will be glad for your delivery. He is over there would you like me to escort you? You have a long walk alone after you depart?"

Her eyes study you a moment longer before she speaks again.

My name is Dragania and if you are still surprised by the hair, it is dye for I have returned from a Run. As for the receipts and your gift of horses I can only show you to the cook right now. Be welcome in Peace and the cook is over there." Points to a cook fire at the edge of the glade.
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Re: Another Festival

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He offered a light bow as she gave her name. " Kaote Bruche'daine, I travel from glade to glade. A few weeks of taking any paying job I can find, then a few days of filling a wagon just in time to delivery it the nearest glade I can find. " With that he motioned to the wagon behind him indicating it as the subject he had just mentioned. " So, yes I would like very much if you could show me to the cooks while they are still in the mood to make good use of it.. "

He trailed off with his eyes wondering back up to her hair once more. " Dyed? The only way I can think of producing a die of that shade would require actual silver powder. Doesn't that get to be be unreasonably expensive? "
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BaravarImrathiln
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Re: Another Festival

Post by BaravarImrathiln »

The sounds of the celebration in the glade filter through the trees, louder and louder as they walk their horses toward the light and sound. They’d been riding for a week with little break and both they and their horses would be glad of a respite, even if only for a night or two. Hopefully, the air of celebration would grant them an indulgence as outsiders to the gathering. They would leave if pressed, but very much looked forward to a fire and music. And sleep where neither of them would have to keep good watch.

They were both dressed as rangers, and equipped well, despite their travel-stained and weary appearance. One of them was taller than the other, his cloak blending with the shifting, mottled shadows of the forest, almost making him seem to shimmer into invisibility when he passes through a spot of shadows. Beside him, a large black horse walks placidly along under its saddle. There is little on the horse that glitters or even looks new. On the saddle there is a longbow in a scabbard and a long sword with a shining silver basket on the hilt. His cloak seems to hide a pair of weapons, but the outline is vague, only hints here and there. He keeps his hood up, hiding his face in the deeper shadows with the help of a scarf wrapped close.

The other was a beauty, even by Drow standards. She wore her hood down, her face unhidden. She moved with grace and a seductive fluidity, but her movements were nothing as smooth and careful as her taller companion. Her hair was kept in a long braid, shimmering like golden silk, even in the forest’s shade. There was a flint arrowhead mounted to a glittering silver chain at her breast, swaying silently. At her hip, there was a dagger and an intricately made rapier. Her horse was smaller, a pale gray that almost glowed like moonlight. They observe for a moment as Dragania speaks with the fellow with the wagon. They were content to wait for their turn, considering it only polite.
The woman turns to her companion as they wait.

“Are you sure we will be welcomed, Istryl?” Her voice is smoothly accented, though she is careful to speak the common tongue, despite her obvious heritage. Her accent is light, but to any who knew such things, would pick her out as being raised in Menzoberranzan. Her companion’s reply is a soft, patient voice, with just a pleasant hint of a lilt to it.

“We can only ask, Lady. Sometimes that is enough.”

She nods a little, chewing the inside of her lip. She had come to respect and value her companion’s advice over the past few months. He’d earned her trust, such as she was able to give it. The surface world was still strange to her, and her companion no less so. The idea of trust still made her nervous.

“If you say so, Istryl. I will ask.”
I do not love the bright Sword for its sharpness,
nor the Arrow for its swiftness,
nor the Warrior for his glory.
I love only that which they defend."
~ JRR Tolkien
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Re: Another Festival

Post by Bhaern Quel »

"Kaote indeed sounds like a fine name." Smiles to you. Considers the words you speak. "So you have no place to call home? A gift here is always welcomes, may the Goddess bless you. Of course I will..."

Eyes turn to the sound of the new comers.

Baravar: Eyes study the two of you. Eyes clearly noting the horses, the weapons and what can be seen of the faces.
"We welcome all that are in need and come in peace. Have you need of food and shelter? Clearly your horses need a rest, they have been hard ridden for days." Eyes look to the flint arrowhead." "Lady an interesting token you wear. Perhaps, if you wish we might speak about it later." For now be welcome and let your needs be met. There is food enough and shelter for as long as you might need it. It is our way."

Looks at all three then smiles again.

"All are welcome and I was about to lead Kaote to the cooking fire, you surely will also come and be received in peace. Come this way."

Turns toward the cooking fire and starts to walk to it, back turned to all three trusting them to follow.

The gather at the edge of the glade might have been noticed by others at the festival by now.
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Re: Another Festival

Post by Kaote Bruchedaine »

He shook his head with a smile. " A home awaits on the Sword Coast, it was suggested I take a pilgrimage of sorts. " He trained off for a moment shifting his attention back towards the pair as the Orc woman turned to speak to them. He remained silent listening to the conversation word for word. Years ago he learned to see hidden meanings and such within conversations. During this particular conversations he had taken notice of some incomplete truths but no lies outright.

Once their guide turned to escort them into the camp he lead his wagon along giving the horses wide enough area that the wheels combined with the soft dirt did not become a danger to those horses walk along side. Once they had arrived near to the cooking fire he took the time to lock the breaks on the wagon and begin unhitching the horses. His hands were working the buckles but his eyes were roaming over the migrating crowds instead.
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BaravarImrathiln
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Re: Another Festival

Post by BaravarImrathiln »

[quote="Bhaern Quel":21uew1ws]"We welcome all that are in need and come in peace. Have you need of food and shelter? Clearly your horses need a rest, they have been hard ridden for days." Eyes look to the flint arrowhead." "Lady an interesting token you wear. Perhaps, if you wish we might speak about it later." For now be welcome and let your needs be met. There is food enough and shelter for as long as you might need it. It is our way."

Looks at all three then smiles again.

"All are welcome and I was about to lead Kaote to the cooking fire, you surely will also come and be received in peace. Come this way."

Turns toward the cooking fire and starts to walk to it, back turned to all three trusting them to follow.[/quote:21uew1ws]

The two rangers nod their thanks, bowing slightly as well. The taller of the two, the male, shifts his cloak a little, and a small head, shaped like a red dragon, but in miniature, and jet black, pokes out from the folds of the scarf, sniffing at the air in small figure eights. It chirrups slightly at the blonde-haired ranger before retreating back into the warm folds of the tall Ranger's hood.

She smiles a little bit, brushing an errant hair back behind her elegantly pointed ear again. She needed a break. Illorya wasn't sure about her companion. He never seemed to feel the miles the same way she did. Her hand drifts unconsciously to the flint arrowhead on her neck. While the onlookers from the rest of the camp don't bother her companion, she can feel herself shrinking a little under the gazes of those around her.

"Thank you. Your hospitality is very appreciated. My name is Illorya. " She gestures to her companion as they walk together. "This is Baravar."
I do not love the bright Sword for its sharpness,
nor the Arrow for its swiftness,
nor the Warrior for his glory.
I love only that which they defend."
~ JRR Tolkien
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BaravarImrathiln
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Re: Another Festival

Post by BaravarImrathiln »

((OOC: Sorry if the bump bothers, but I thought about it and I didn't really give anyone much to work with on my last post. Just consider this a seamless addendum. :) ))

"It must be hard to be so far from home, sir. I have never been to the Sword Coast, though I have heard much. A rugged place, well-suited to the pirates and brigands that populate the thousand rocky islets. Or so the rumours would have us believe. " Illorya shrugs a little bit. "The very idea of that much water still seems incomprehensible to me." She smiles again, nervous. Small talk was not something she had taken to naturally on the surface world. There was no small talk in Menzoberranzan before she left. And there hadn't been any after she'd left, either. Baravar was pleasant company, but they'd moved past small talk long ago. They were not lovers, but they had grown to be more than friends. Illorya hadn't yet made peace with the idea that her Istryl was married. Or that, if he followed any deity at all, it was a dragon god she'd only read about in dusty tomes of old lore. The surface was, in many ways, more complicated than the world below. Here she feared fewer daggers in her back, but had found that there were other, subtler hazards here.

"We are travellers, and I am sorry if my question seems impolite. It seems, from the lanterns and fires that there is a celebration in the offing." She pauses, her eyes scanning the glade and the preparations. "May I ask what you are celebrating?"
I do not love the bright Sword for its sharpness,
nor the Arrow for its swiftness,
nor the Warrior for his glory.
I love only that which they defend."
~ JRR Tolkien
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Re: Another Festival

Post by Bhaern Quel »

Kaote, Dragania nods to your reply when you make it, but only speaks again when the cook fire is reached and the wagon braked. The gather is clearly mostly Drow and a few fair elves. "Praigan is our head cook this eve." An male Drow looks up as Dragania speaks. His eyes look to the Wagon, then turns his attention back to the cook fire. "I am sure he will receive you well Kaote."

Barava, The appearance of your dargon-kin pet is at best noticed , does not receive any comment.

Illorya, Dragania listens to your comments to Kaote about the Sword Coast, however when you ask about the Festival speaks in reply. "Illorya, we are celebrating being alive and among friends. A Full moon is this eve when the Goddess sees us all at our best and that is always a reason to celebrate."

She looks a little toward the edge of the Grove. Nods her head as might be a slight bow. "If you three wish I can lead your horses to a pasture where there is good water and sweet grass for them. They will be safe there and cared for," *Grins at you "I promise none of them will be in the cooking pot." Winks.

Never sure how any will react to her jokes, more often had to deal with people upset that she was orc.
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Re: Another Festival

Post by Kaote Bruchedaine »

Kaote nodded slightly for the moment with a faint smirk at the quip that was offered by the orcish woman. Kaote took the suggestion and took the horse to the pasture in something of a mild hurry. Once he had turned them loose leaving only enough of the harnesses in place to make them easier to pick out later, he would return to the wagon in the same mild hurry. Once there he pulled a travel pack and a canvas covered shield from the wagon. The shield was carefully secured to the back so he could carry them both over the same shoulder.

There was a short conversation with the chef in which Kaote had made it a point to insist the Wagon be as empty as possible before sunrise as the entire load had been purchased with the festival in mind. Moments later Kaote wandered off in search of the local priestesses. He had a sneaking feeling he was going to be running into that Orc with silver hair yet again.
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Re: Another Festival

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Illorya smiles again, relieved that she hasn't given offense, and grateful for the offer of tending and pasture for their horses. Her tall companion seems less at east with having someone else tend his horse, but he nods his assent and hands over the reins. His red eyes twinkle slightly at their hostess's joke. It reminded him of home, and the humour of the dragons there. Illorya doesn't quite get what makes it so funny to Baravar, her puzzled expression lingering as they remove the saddles and most of the tack from the horses. Supplies and weapons didn't go to the pasture with the horses. Illorya hands the reins over as well, meaning to ask what Baravar found so funny.

"Our thanks. They could use a rest and good forage." Baravar's voice is soft, slightly lilting. "I have not before met an Orcish priestess of the Dancing Maiden. I am pleased to see her tabernacle is so inclusive."
I do not love the bright Sword for its sharpness,
nor the Arrow for its swiftness,
nor the Warrior for his glory.
I love only that which they defend."
~ JRR Tolkien
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Re: Another Festival

Post by Bhaern Quel »

Kaote Praigan replies to your demand that all the wagon be empty. "Indeed, the wagon will be empty. What you provide will add to the Festival, if not all though consumed this eve, good use will be made of it later."
As you turn to your search for priestesses there are many females within the gather, though all male included wear some token of the Lady of the Dance, by eye it is rather hard to tell which is priestess or just a devote follower of the Dark Maiden.


Illorya, Dragania returns you smile as she takes the reins handed to her. "Here you are among friends".
Baravar, As you complete taking what is desired from the horses she waits holding the reins. Once that is completed and you speak your words of thanks. "They will be well cared for as will Kaote's one who speeds though life it appears, the grass is sweet and the water pure. Our own have assured me of that." Shakes her head a little as if trying to get her hair to float about her head, the effort not effective. "Lady Silverhair accepts of good heart as you are. Those that strive harder are accepted into her service. A choice offered to all, but requires a dedication of duty only some can achieve. For now take food, rest, dance if you wish, this is Festival and all are welcomed. I am sure to see you later as the eve passes, for now your horses to care for." With a smile leads the horses away to join those of Kaote's and between them all concentrates on their health that they find the food and acceptance on the pasture the mounts are kept. For now it clearly appears she is making ever effort to make sure the horses are as welcomed as those that brought them.
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Re: Another Festival

Post by BaravarImrathiln »

((OOC: Sorry for the delay. Life happened and I lost track of time. ))

Illorya bows her thanks, brushing a lock of golden hair from her face as straightens. She had been avoiding others who followed the Dancing Maiden. For reasons of her own, she had never been comfortable counting herself among them. She had come to the service of Eilistraee through a heretical sect. So heretical, in fact, that her powers had been stripped from her for a time. She followed the music that she heard, but she had never again really found the rhythm of the Maiden again, perhaps because her own heart beat uncertainly. Her goddess had spoken to her once, giving her back her powers, forgiving her for what she had done. But Illorya wasn't sure that she truly followed that path anymore.

That was why she travelled with this tall ranger. Baravar seemed to understand the turmoil in her heart. Eventually, she had become his apprentice of sorts, following him, learning from him, while she attempted to learn her inmost heart once more. She touches the arrowhead unconsciously, considering, feeling her unease subsiding a little as she remembered the first night she had spent with Baravar. He had asked for nothing from her, knowing she had had little to offer. Even now, she knew, when her debt to him had only grown, he would never ask for payment. She knows her face shows her unease as the horses are led away.

Baravar's eyes catch her nervousness, more from her body language than her voice, which was as smooth and lovely as ever. He pauses, letting her catch herself. She would ask for help if she needed it from him. Only months had passed since the first night, when her questions had assaulted her all at once, breaking down the ramparts of her assumptions and razing the carefully constructed identity to the ground. She had potential still, this one. But she wasn't ready. She needed to rebuild the foundation before anything lasting could be built from the ruins.

"I apologise." The Priestess looks at the Orc. "Your hospitality is...overwhelming. I do not know how to thank you properly." The whole idea of thanks, of not being indebted for small things was still alien to her, despite the years she'd spent on the surface world. "I have not spent a great deal of time among others who follow the goddess...And I'm not sure I'm..." She sighs. She was a priestess, for heaven's sake. But even speaking of Eilistraee still made her feel nervous and unwelcome. She'd never made peace with the Maiden's acceptance, though it had been delivered by the Lady herself, in the flesh, as it were. Most, she knew, would have felt more at peace after such a welcome. What was wrong with her that she did not find peace in that? "Thank you, for your gracious welcome. We will lwt you tend to the horses and perhaps see you later during the festival."

She stands away and she and Baravar move off together to find a place at the edges of the clearing for their own little camp.
I do not love the bright Sword for its sharpness,
nor the Arrow for its swiftness,
nor the Warrior for his glory.
I love only that which they defend."
~ JRR Tolkien
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