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 Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2016 9:50 am
Lisian blinked at her question. He'd attempted his best at making them feel like welcomed guests, but apparently their little Xiu had gotten to them more than expected. He kept a sigh from escaping his lips. If only he could tell them everything... Maybe they'd understand it better than Xiu had. Still, he knew he couldn't. His Queen could do a better job of it so he'd leave it be.
He squatted so he could be eye level with her. He hoped it would show her there was nothing to fear out of him. He looked between the pair as he spoke, "The Queen wants to meet you first. It's a great honor." He wrestled with himself trying to pick the best words he could find, "I know this is all a bit confusing for you and its because of that she wants to help you all understand who we are. It's pretty obvious we're similar hmm?" He grinned at them at that comment. "So if you'll just give us a moment..."
He trailed off and motioned towards the table with the bowl of fruit. "Please make yourself comfortable. We have a bowl there with some things to eat if you're hungry. Some times, if you're lucky, there might be some candied pieces in there." He winked before standing back up. "I'd better head back. If you need me just ask. Mazarine will know where to find me."
He gave them a bow of his head before exchanging glances with Mazarine. Due to certain circumstances with the missing Queen, his work load had doubled. Working to help protect both trees had brought him in contact with him quite a bit. Because of this, he had a good feeling he could trust the other to keep it under wraps until the Queen could speak to them herself.
With that, he shifted his box in hand and headed out. He couldn't miss his opportunity to present the younger generation with his gift. It was an honor for him and one he would be sure he wouldn't miss out on! As quietly as he had slipped out he slipped right back into his place at the ceremony. He watched the Queen for a chance to give her a quick nod to let her know they'd done as she had asked.Doing this post on the phone so hope the quotes go through @.@
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Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2016 6:10 pm
Calanthe listened with interest at the other teens' statements. They all seemed to really love living here. How wonderful it must be to truly belong somewhere! She wanted to hear more, but the same adult who'd brought her to the ceremony was now taking her away. Shuffling her out of the clearing and toward one of the trees with a couple of other teens. She wondered if they were newcomers too. One seemed awful familiar...
Another adult joined them, who seemed somewhat more talkative than the first. Calanthe soaked in every word, looking quite a lot more wide-eyed than she would like. She'd be mortified if she knew how naive she appeared.
She fidgeted in this new chamber--she hated to be cooped up like this, but they had said that the Queen herself was coming to meet them! She could only assume that was the beautiful figurehead conducting the ceremony earlier. Calanthe twirled the end of her braid around her fingers. She wished that one day she'd be as beautiful and fancy as her! She took a seat and nibbled on a piece of fruit. Its sweetness only served to amp her up even more--the fruit was a luxury compared with her meager traveling rations.
Calanthe watched the others in the room with her. Did they know what was going on?
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Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2016 7:11 pm
Vaillantina watched the goings on with a lackadaisical attitude. Everyone else was actually picking jobs. He supposed at some point he was told to do that, but he must have been distracted. It was so easy to get distracted when there were so many interesting things around to pay attention to other than blah blahblah blah blah all the time. The teen supposed he would just kind of stand around until someone told him to do something and that would magically be his job. Or a bum. He could totally be a bum. Grow some facial hair. Microbraid his glorious mane. Oh yeah, and a headband; that'd be cool. He could totally learn to play an instrument... maybe he'd need a hat to collect donations in for his starving artist lifestyle. YES! This was all lining up for him! Bum was the best job ever!!!
About this far into his stream of consciousness, the flutter realized that the ceremony was still in swing and other pae were talking. Oops. He hoped there wouldn't be a quiz after. Vail paused to pay attention while Xiulan spoke. He wasn't familiar with this chicky, and her story intrigued him. Another life outside of the colony? He'd make a list of questions for her about it later. He hoped she liked ambushes by strangers, because he was totally ready for it His thoughts drifted again as he mentally prepared a checklist of questions for the outsider. Somewhere amidst his rambling thoughts, he also paused to admire Marigold. Helloooo, nurse!
At some point Belwin had stopped in front of him for the second part of the ceremony. This was something about power and pledging allegiance. Hell, he was down for that. "YES, SIR! Ma'am. Queen... ma'am." Vail then registered the blank stares and curious looks he was getting. OH! He had to drink. "Thank you, your highness," He grinned sheepishly before swigging the offering. The warmth filled the teen, starting from his middle and moving through his extremities; his fingers tingled and his eyes fluttered softly. "Whoa..." was all the boy could muster, silenced in word and thought at last.
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Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2016 7:46 pm
Ah, Marigold had been so confident and radiant while giving her speech! If only her own hadn't been interrupted...but, at least her friend had done marvelously instead. Yesenia brushed her hair down and flipped it casually over her shoulder while eyes were elsewhere, preparing for her moment again. She started to wiggle with excitement, but then silently chastised herself.
Remember where you are, Yesenia! You're an adult now! Act like it!
Clasping her hands behind her back, she settled for a tiny, final wiggle before managing to still herself. It was almost her turn, attention would be on her again, the Queen was heading this way...
Yesenia reached out, graciously accepting the bowl to take a sip. The warmth spread through her rapidly and she suppressed a shiver of delight. It was as if she'd lived her life half blind and suddenly her eyes had been opened. She felt...so connected! To the Tree, to the others, to everything! It was a heady feeling and it took all she had not to start giggling with glee. Instead, with a massive show of effort, she bowed her head and handed back the bowl.
"I pledge myself to you and the Sheedhiels, my Queen."
*****
She could sense some of the unease her earlier words had stirred up; however, the effect hadn't been nearly as disruptive as she might have predicted. Likely, the appearance of those other lost seeds had taken the brunt of the Elders' shock and attention away from Xiulan. Be as it was, she'd had her say.
Of course, then there was this step. She'd thought on what she was going to say for a long time, but this step...she'd still not decided by the time she started speaking. Would she drink? Should she refuse?
To drink was to swear to protect the very beings that ripped her from her home and other life. To align herself with them forever. Of course, physically nothing would stop her from breaking away, but... She'd always been raised never to break a promise.
But, if she didn't...would she still appear as the rebellious, petulant child? One who could never be trusted? Never be allowed even the slightest freedom? She had already said her goal was to make herself stronger, and this was a measure of that. It would strengthen her body. Her wings.
But her other goal had been to show these people that their way wasn't the only way...that there was good in the outside world, far beyond this colony. But if they were ever to listen to her, shouldn't she at least make the motion to pretend to acknowledge their ways as well? If she reached out, just a bit, then maybe...just maybe...they'd do the same? It was a vague hope, but a hope nonetheless.
She found herself face to face with the Queen, her dark eyes meeting the monarch's light. Her gaze flickered to the bowl and there was a moment of tense hesitation.
Then, she reached for the bowl and took a tiny sip. The warmth flooded her form and she was filled with the feeling of strength and power, connection to those around her...and she prayed she'd made the right decision.
"I swear myself to the Sheedhiels."
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Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2016 2:50 pm
The Queen had chanced a glance towards Lisian and Mazarine when she'd moved between Idalusia and Nova. So far, there didn't seem to be any trouble and for that, she was grateful and relieved.
"You have all been born anew!" Belwen clapped her hands together and smiled. After a moment she motioned for Shaylee to set the bowl back on the podium/log. "Thank you Shaylee."
"The Sheedhiels thank you for trusting in them, and trusting in me. My promise to you is that I will dedicate my life to protecting and providing for all Flutters, past present and future. By partaking in the Elixir of Life, you have pledged yourself to the same goal. To protect and provide, and to love one another. If at any moment in your lives, you feel down, confused or hopeless, or if you've lost your way, I want you to remember one thing: remember today. Remember how you felt. Remember the love and peace, and the warmth you felt inside. Remember how everyone in the colony was here to celebrate you. Remember how important you are to everyone, especially me. If you should ever find yourself in need, in trouble, or all alone, come to me. You can always come to me, and are always welcome back into my embrace."
Her wings fluttered anxiously as she concluded her talk. She took a deep breath before turning to the elders. Belwen couldn't be more proud of all of her flutters right now. "Delyth, could you join me?"Prior to the ceremony, Delyth was one of the flutters chosen to participate in the ceremony largely due to her role in the colony and to the upbringing of the children. She was tasked in making a garland for each young flutter; Harn and Forn. This garland is to have beneficial flowers and herbs, and other measures of good health. It is also for luck and to help them in the first days of adulthood as they acquaint themselves with the outside world. It is the teenagers first step over the threshold in becoming their "new" self. "Delyth has prepared a gift for all of you." The Queen stepped aside and let her druid prepare and speak.((Delyth was asked to prepare this gift for both trees as Mazarine has been saddled with the added task of leading the Harn flutters, so he was preparing in other, off-camera ways.))
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Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 3:25 pm
Upon being motioned and called to join her queen before the newly-initiated members of their colony, Delyth nodded and shifted in her seat to carefully collect the small pile of garlands she had with her. From the outside, they might have been seen as simply a gorgeously sort of string of miscellaneous flowers and leaves without any purpose other than the sheer beauty of it, but each of these flora had a specific purpose and symbolic meaning. They were small blessings of continued good health.
The druid had spent much time considering the best of the local plants to include, and she hoped they would appreciate it. Smiling as she stood, she held out her handmade garlands for them to see. "I-I..." she paused, breathing in once, then out. This was her family, and she was one of their elders. After a moment, she continued, her voice almost uncharacteristically calm and eloquent. "I have spent much time thinking about what would be best..." she looked down at the plants, a soft smile on her face, "...nothing on here is without meaning; each is good for health, yes, but... each also was chosen with one of you in mind." She looked back up to them individually, shrugging. "I hope you find a fondness for them as I have."
Marigold was the first of the teens for Delyth to approach. Smiling, she draped a garland over her shoulders and motioned to one of the larger orange and yellow flowers. "Marigold for skin radiant as the sun."
Then to Idalusia. Placing the plants across her skin, she motioned to one of the numerous white flowes. "Feverfew to relieve aches and pains."
Next in line was Yesenia. Considering her clear stress earlier at the ceremony interruption, the druid found her choice for the teen even more appropriate. She pointed out some very small, purple flowers as she continued on. "Alfalfa for a strong stomach."
And Vaillantina. This time she pointed at some white flowers similar to the feverfew before, yet distinctly different in shape. "Bacopa to stimulate a sharper wit." Perhaps he'd come properly prepared next time, not that she imagined it would happen.
The next one she approached was Nova. Giving the girl a quick wink, she presented the garland about here and pointed at streams of purple-colored flowers. "Lavender to bring calmness in sleep."
Then Hyalophora, another of their more energetic ones. She figured the girl would already be familiar with the green herb she pointed out, which served as the base of the whole thing, as Delyth had used it on times when her injuries were not severe enough to warrant her healing powers. The young had to learn, after all. "Marjoram for quick healing."
Little, awkward Muir was next. She knew just as well as the others how he ventured away from the tree to explore their surroundings (within some bounds, of course). He would likely find the yellow flower puffs she motioned to next particularly helpful. "Tansy to protect from insect bites and forest stings."
Continuing on, she approached Amaryllis, the first of their lost ones to come home. What a joyous occasion that had been. This time she pointed at a different herb that was occasionally dotted with white flowers. "Thyme to keep the sickness away."
And at last, Xiulan. Little, little Xiulan... Delyth never had felt she could do enough for the girl, but she hoped even a token as little of this might provide some relief. Looking to her first, then to the last garland she carefully draped on those blue shoulders of her, she pointed at some beautifully blossoming yellow flowers. "Golden poppy (St. John's Wort) for soundness of mind and heart." She pulled away from her more slowly than she had the others, offering a gentle smile before backing back towards her queen.
Pausing, she glanced over to Belwen, not sure if her role in the ceremony was thus finalized of if there was more wanted of her.
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Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2016 2:18 pm
Marigold stood in waiting, taking in the queen's words and watching the Forn druid take her position. She seemed a little nervous, which was slightly amusing to the teenager. Even the elders can be nervous talking to each other. She'd never have that issue, but it was an endearing quality for Delyth. Mari hoped someday she'd be as gifted.
"Marigold for skin radiant as the sun."
Mari didn't know what to say. Was Delyth being facetious or making fun of her name? Although, the reason did say otherwise. Mari decided she deserved such an honor and thoughtful gift from the druid. The elder recognized Marigold's radiance after all.
"Thank you, it is an honor." she bowed her head in respect and as Delyth moved to the next teen, Mari lifted the flower up in her palms and sniffed. She smirked thinking about how her own markings looked exactly like this flower. Cheeky druid.
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Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2016 4:42 pm
As Delyth dropped the garland over his head, it caught on his ear and hung there like a lopsided headdress. Vaillantina looked upward at the flowers on his head. Sharper wit, huh? So if he made this into a tea it would be like a genius potion? This could work, granted he didn't get too smart. He would have to experiment with different levels of smartitude, lest the populace find out and clamor for his potion. Plus, there was something to be said in ignorance being bliss. The flutter would have to consider this.
He blew upward, the air moving a leaf from in front of his eyes before one of the other teens, a little exasperated, freed the garland to fall around his shoulders.
"Thanks, bro."
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Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2016 4:46 pm
Hya watched as Delyth handed out the garland, unable to keep the excitement growing as Del made her way towards her. A smirk spread across her face as the druid came near with a wreath of familiar leaves. Oh yes she recognized those. She had been treated with them many times. An almost sheepish grin replaced the smirk as Delyth placed the garland around her shoulders. "Thank you! Because of you.... now i know what to use if I ever get a scratch kickin' butt and takin' names!" Hya laughed softly then bowed gently, sneakily tossing Delyth a thumbs up and a wink. "Of course that wont ever happen." she added in a whisper as she straightened herself up, placing her hands gently but proudly on her garland.
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Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2016 9:00 pm
Nova leaned as far forward as she dared in order to watch the other tree's druid present them with their next gifts. She grinned to herself when her friends received theirs, admiring their beauty. She giggled and Mari's, but did agree. The Flutter's skin was something to be jealous of! Really, all of her. She was absolutely stunning.
She stood straight again as Delyth got to her. She smiled brightly up at the other, waiting as still as she could to hear what she would be receiving. A kind of unlady like snort escaped the teen when the garland was placed around her neck and the other winked. No way! Oh man, that was both hilarious and totally embarrassing! She playfully wrinkled her nose up at the other and made a face. She had totally gotten her right, and even in this very moment!
She brought the flower up to her face and took a huge whiff, letting the scent rush over here. Maybe this will help her make it through the rest of the ceremony without bursting, “Thank you!” she lowered her voice, grinning at the other “I will try to remember what these beauties symbolize! Thank you for the kind reminder.”
She was growing up! Taking the next steps. It didn't mean she couldn't be herself- bubbly and outgoing- but there was a time and place for it. Reminded of this she stood straight with the biggest smile plastered onto her face. She could do this! She'd make them proud.
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Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2016 10:57 pm
The warm glow lingered on as the Druid stepped forward to speak to them. Yesenia had to wrangle her attention back into control to focus on Delyth at first, but as she began addressing them individually, it was easier not to zone out. A grin touched her face as her friend was addressed. Perfect for Marigold! She was always so radiant and glorious!
Unaware of Delyth's thoughts behind the choice, especially regarding the ceremony today, Yesenia took a moment to think about what the Druid said to her before she grinned, coming to her own conclusions. "And that is why we need someone like me taking over in the kitchens! So we'll no longer need such things when all we have are delicious, delectable treats coming from the larders!" Grinning, she fluffed her hair after the wreath had been settled over her shoulders, chest thrust outward proudly as the Druid moved down the line of teenagers.
*****
Xiulan watched warily as each of the other young adults was given a wreath of fitting flowers and thoughtful words. Likely each had much thought behind them as well as consideration of the young flutter to which they were being given, based on some aspect of personality or thought. She wondered what they would say to her. She hadn't really opened up or let anyone too close here, so what would the Druid say about her?
They couldn't really know her, as much as she'd shut herself off from them all.
Delyth's words sounded sincere, and something in her expression and gesture spoke to meaning beyond the surface. Xiulan frowned, accepting the garland over her shoulders with a bowed head. Soundness of mind and heart, hmm? Do they think I'm crazy after all this time? Heh, maybe I am...
Her expression softened slightly as the druid stepped back. Xiulan had been asked to try and trust...then the Queen would do the same. Perhaps this extended to the others as well. Besides, the druid had never struck her as one to be cruel or snippy. Surely her words weren't meant harshly. Maybe, she simply wished the poor 'troubled' child some peace.
Well, that much would be appreciated, if she could find such peace.
With a silent bow, Xiulan accepted the garland and the words gracefully, reaching up to touch the petals thoughtfully as the druid moved aside for the next phase of the ceremony.
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Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2016 4:21 pm
Ida managed to contain herself as the next part began. It was interesting that the Forn Druid had made garlands for everyone here. But then, she guessed that the Harn Druid had enough on his hands with their Queen missing... Yes. That had to be it.
She dipped her head for her garland and looked at the feverfew flowers with great interest. To relieve aches and pains? Interesting! "Thank you...!"
At some point, she decided to take a few notes on the other flowers, but quickly found herself completely enthralled by the Druid's attention to each flutter present. All the flowers chosen were compliments to her fellow brothers and sisters. All of them were things that particular flutter could easily use!
It was genius!
Ida felt a small twinge of admiration for her tree's Druid! Definitely someone she'd have to visit soon.
***** Mazarine sighed softly as the tension in the room seemed to slowly rise. He could see the rising uncertainty and panic in the young flutters. He could feel it...
Part of his job was to read people like books, make note if they were hiding pain or worried of something that might upset them in other ways. He frowned a little but then softly cleared his throat.
"Are any of you injured? Got any cuts or bruises? Upset stomachs?"... he then cringed slightly at the next bit, "Broken bones?"
Please don't have any broken bones! Please don't have any broken bones!
"Or, perhaps, do any of you have any questions of the Sheedhiels? Or of us in general?"
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Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2016 4:33 pm
Hands clasped and resting her cheek, the flutter queen could only watch with pure joy and love for her flutters. To see them sharing and growing was amazing. And the thought and work Delyth put into those garlands was beyond what was asked of her. Belwen liked this and hoped to have it become a part of next year's ceremony. Moving to stand beside Forn's druid, Belwen reached out for an embrace and to show gratitude for Delyth's contribution. "You did wonderfully, thank you, Sweetheart."
Addressing all those gathered, once more Belwen asked for one of the elders to join her. "Our main Watcher, Lisian has been working tirelessly and putting in long hours to ensure a safe and meaningful ceremony for all of us. I'm afraid I've dominated practically all of his time," she snickered and gave the sentry a wink. "So Teigerian has been thoughtful enough to do Lisian's rounds for him."
"While fasting and meditating on how to prepare our precious young ones as they join us out in the world, the Sheedhiels told me they need to be protected and safe. They also need to be allowed to explore to help the colonies. So Lisian became tasked with creating a special gift to help in fulfilling that request from the trees."
Belwen's eyes flicked towards her home tree and she took a quiet breathe. She fluttered towards Shaylee while Lisian prepared and leaned close to whisper in her. "Shaylee, hun, could you go check on our guests?"
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Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2016 7:06 pm
Something wasn't right here. There was a sinking feeling in her gut, making her start to worry. Would they even be leaving here? Siofra's eyes narrowed a little at the candied fruit comment. Should they trust anything offered for them to eat? But it looked mostly harmless... Siofra couldn't help but eye it suspiciously. And then the dark guy left, without telling them a whole lot. Just some fruit and something about a Queen wanting to talk to them?
Siofra cast a quick glance to Elias and the other teen with them. And then to the flutter standing there with them. "Who is this Queen? Why does she need to talk to us? Is it because we interrupted what was going on out there?" A stream of questions poured from her. Cope. It was all she could do, that icky feeling in her stomach was telling her something huge was happening and they were just standing there letting it. "What do you mean Sheedhiels? She mispronounced the word again, "What are we? Who are you? What are we doing in here? How did you manage to get so big when we're stuck so small? Did we shrink to get into this tree? What is going on?!" Siofra was barely pausing to take a breath, her words speeding up as she started to panic. Thank goodness Elias was right there next to her. She needed a rock to keep her steady. Or maybe to keep herself calm to help him keep calm too?
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Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2016 9:05 pm
Calanthe couldn't help but blink bewilderedly at the adult. Broken bones? What an odd thing to ask about--their physical health when they were obviously all utterly confused and wanted to know what was going on. They clearly had questions--hell, Calanthe had about a million already--and he was asking about cuts and bruises?
She did have a few from her travels but that wasn't super concerning to her.
Ooh! Maybe he was a healer! Maybe that's why he was asking! She peered at him. Maybe he'd heal her if she asked.
She almost spoke up, but then her attention was grabbed by the other girl's outburst. She blinked at bit at her now, and then looked back at the adult.
"Um, yeah. What she said."
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