"From the Shards of Their Lives Before"
Log Date:
8/3/00
Log Cast:
Riva, Kaiulani, Akane and Ronan (NPCs emitted by Kaiulani),
Adrianna, Artin, Okalani, Tanith, Makani, Alamoana, Ashai, Shalestra
Log Intro:
In the time-honored manner of infatuated young people everywhere,
both on the land and off, Pandion Kaiulani has been absolutely enrapt as of
late with thoughts of the mysterious man who's been watching over her since
her childhood. But since she's come to Haven, her guardian has been in
small signs and glimpses been revealing more of himself--and moreover, he
has started to give her gifts. A lovely comb has drifted right down into her
hands in the water, and Kai treasures it now, wearing it proudly in her
hair in defiance of her family's insistence that her unnamed protector is
a threat.
In the meantime, however, life goes on outside the preoccupied
girl's sphere of existence. Two others at the Korallion are experiencing
romance of their own, and for all that the ceremony can't help but encourage
her to daydream about her guardian, Kaiulani cheerfully goes to attend the
marriage of Makani and Artin in the Temple of Pasiphae in her people's
embassy in Haven....
*===========================< In Character Time >===========================*
Time of day: Evening
Date on Aether: Monday, November 18, 3906.
Year on Earth: 1506 A.D.
Phase of the Moon: Last Quarter
Season: Fall
Weather: Clouds
Temperature: Cool
*==========================================================================*
You step on the dais of Pasiphae's Temple and walk through the illuminated
opening.
Temple - Korallion - Haven(#1935RJh)
Darkness, that and the sense of it being unusual chilly in this coral building
is the first impression after stepping inside Pasiphae's Home away from
Home. As one's eyes adjust to the dimmed light this impression makes way for
something completely different though. The lack of total illumination which
blinds the outer world allows the eyes and other senses to pick up the
beauty the gentle light of the Moon brings to all. In the middle an open
space remains, no benches but cushions can be found on the cold rocky floor
for those willing to rest and pray in joined silence. Above the open ceiling
is covered by a blanket of seaweed through which' small openings the light
sips in and provides an easy seagreen atmosphere.
The temple's crescent outer form is copied inside by a rocky formation around
this open space so the impression of an underwater cave is given. This
strange inner structure does more than give the impression of the 4 states
of the Moon, it provides alcoves in all it's walls and a mazelike
appearance. In these statues of Pasiphae, symbols of this Mistress of
Beasts, the water and other artwork can be admired. All illuminated by small
burning globes. Except for the eastern wall, there an emptiness resembling
Her Absense is filled with the holy altar from which ceremonies are lead.
There, only the darkness of the night remains.
There are +views here.
Contents:
Shalestra
Artin
Riva
Makani
Obvious exits:
Sanctum <SA> Courtyard <CT>
Ashai steps through the illuminated opening into the darkened temple.
Ashai has arrived.
Tanith steps through the illuminated opening into the darkened temple.
Tanith has arrived.
A brisk fall wind can be heard blowing in from the sea though inside the
TEmple the sound is muffled adn far off. Within, there are gathered many
people, mostly Atlanteans but some from the other races that occupy Haven.
The soft thrumming of waves can be felt rather than heard and a quiet thread
of excitement runs through the crowd.
Perla steps through the illuminated opening into the darkened temple.
Perla has arrived.
The darkness outside is mirrored within the walls of the temple..
Riva stpes in through the opening, pale limbs showing in stark contrast to the
darkness beyond. Head is held high and on htis occasion, no crown is worn or
staff of law. In fact, only the minimal garb to keep landsider guests from
feeling embarassed and gawking is worn. Riva makes no production of her
entry followed by a few of the off duty Sentries, just makes her way over
toward a spot from which she can view the proceedings well.
Adrianna steps through the illuminated opening into the darkened temple.
Adrianna has arrived.
It's not often that Kaiulani has been able to enjoy such a great gathering of
her people -- but ever since she set foot in Haven, she's found a number of
opportunities, and she's revelling in them, even if it means her guards are
still keeping a close eye on her. Today, in either blithe ignorance or
disregard of where it might be proper for a young noblewoman to place
herself in the gathered throng, she's simply settled for a vantage point
reasonably close to the front, settled comfortably upon one of the cushions
near the two young Pandion guards whose duty it is to keep an eye on her.
Akane and Ronan have placed themselves such that Kai has easy elbow room,
and enough room to sit up and crane her neck to get better glimpses of what
is about to befall the happy intendeds if need be.
Alamoana steps through the illuminated opening into the darkened temple.
Alamoana has arrived.
Adrianna's father tries to keep quiet as he carries in his daughter, followed
by his wife, and smaller son. He sets Adrianna down on a cushion, seating
his family around her.
Kaiulani
With skin just a shade or two darker than the clearest, palest moonlight, and
with delicate webbing between her fingers and gossamer fins accentuating her
wrists and ankles, this young maiden can be nothing but an Atlantean -- and
a noble-born one, if the confidence of her bearing and the beauty of her
features is any indication. Her hair is long and flowing, the exact shade of
the inside of an oyster's shell: pearlescent white at first glance, gleaming
with subtle shades of pink and blue and violet in the right light. Eyes of a
deep, rich sea-green meet the world with a regard as apt to change as
weather over the ocean, sometimes moody, sometimes gay, but always full of a
fearless, vibrant life. When she is actually standing still, she might be
noted to stand no taller than five foot two, but her every word and action
speaks of a spirit unbounded by her diminutive frame.
Like most of the Children of Water, she wears very little. At the moment she's
clad in a halter and breechclout of foam-green, around which she's wrapped a
loose leyang of coral-colored gauze. A coral headpiece decorated with a
single pearl keeps most of her mane of hair out of her face, guiding it
backwards to spill in a glimmering wave down past her shoulders. On her
feet, in deference to the need to walk upon the land, she sports fine, thin
sandals.
Today, in honor of the celebratory occasion, Kaiulani has woven a good deal of
her hair into elaborate braids, while leaving the rest to cascade freely
down her back. In the midst of the pearlescent strands, securing the ropes
of hair in place, is a comb apparently crafted from a single large shell,
decorated with bits of coral... and the tooth of a shark.
Normally at home in this place of peaceful worship, Artin seems oddly
discomfitted by the crowd of people entering. He shifts from foot to foot,
trying not to glance at the elderly couple near the front that are his
parents. Parents who none the less beam with pride and happiness at the
occasion. Only when he looks toward his bride and the priestess does he gain
any semblance of ease, his gills fluttering placidly.
Most people are seated in the spacious area in the temple's body known as the
praying centre. Pillows have always been scattered throughout this place and
even with so many attendants it is easy for the sensitive members to find
several cushions as protection against the cold stone floor. Though the
ceiling is nearly closed there is some illumination by glowing bulbs of
light placed against the walls leading to the side arches. Running water can
be heard coming from beneath but for the most part things are quiet, this is
a bastion of the Atlanteans after all.
Standing behind the altar is the young woman whom the Pasiphaeans refer to as
High Priestess. For once she is clad in full ornate with her black hairs
piled up high upon her head, a small silver tiara set with diamonds holding
them in place. They reflect that tiny beam of light that falls down through
the one opening left in the ceiling on the stone she's leaning against while
blue eyes swirl throughout the area, waiting for things and people to come.
Okalani
Light casts a shadow of pale white in the deepest dark of a starless night, a
treasure of darkness in which splintering threads of silver and spin
moonlight. A circlet is woven with them in this entangled mass of darkness,
it's middle forms a crescent moon, standing out like a beacon light on a
treatening sea. Beneath it thick brows and lashes frame 2 large eyes of an
exquisitive aquaramine colour, which seem fit with the somewhat blue glance
casting over her face's pale complexion. Between beautifully shaped pink
lips ivory white teeth shine in a dreamy, knowing smile.
A string of black-white pearls clings jealously around her neck, forming both
the only jewelry and cover of her upper body above the sarong. Thus both her
gills as webbed fingers and fins on the slender arms are quite visual to
all. The white bodice's wrapped tightly around her, barely veiling a young
mother's breasts before snugged tightly around a small middle. From there
the simple cloth sweeps down over the gentle curve of her hips down to her
sandaled feet in loose waves, giving her both a dignified appearance as well
as enough movement to swim quickly.
Upon her left breast a button is clapped, formed of shining coral in the form
of a jumping dolphin. It holds a sling deftly wrapped around her neck and
beneath one shoulder so she may carry a small babe within it.
Artin
Artin is a typical youngish Atlantean, gills and webbed fingers are easily
visible due to his pale white skin. Unlike many sea-people, he has chosen to
shave his hair, his bald white dome making his deep green eyes even more
startling. Other than the eyes, his most distinguising feature is a short
series of circular scars that run from his jaw to the base of his neck. Lean
and wiry rather than muscular, the way he leans slightly forward as he
stands gives the impression he is ready to leap into motion at any moment.
Unlike many guards, who look bulky even without their armour, Artin is leanly
built. His entire body shows signs of agility rather than strength.
Alabaster skin shows a number of scars on back, thighs and chest, but to
those who know the difference, the scars look more like those caused by
creatures of the deep and other natural hazards than the scars of war. The
only clothing he wears is a wispy triangle of cloth, ocean blue, in a
compromise between religion and propriety. Tied at his left hip with a
single knot, it covers those things that drylanders would find
objectionable. As long as he stands still or walks slowly. For
ornamentation, he has only two things. One is a crude coral shaping of a
swordfish on a cord around his neck. The other is a new addition. On his
bald head, starting at the base of his neck, where he line of scars end,
begins a line-drawing tattoo of an octopus. Stylized tentacles reach forward
and over his scalp, but end before obscuring his face.
Carrying:
Nautalus(#2305IVp$)
Makani
Tall and elegant with the translucent skin that immediately marks her as an
Atlantean. As do the gills at her neck and the deceptively flimy fins that
sprout from her calves.Her skin is the shimmery gold of sand shining in the
shallows and her gills flare with a delicate coral with each breath. Makani
carries herself with a graceful confidence and the air of one who knows her
place in the world. Her oval face is finely featured and her eyes; the
bright silver of the moon over the sea.
Today she choses to be a woman rather than a warrior. Gone is her
uniform..the articulated armour and weapons. Her hair is unbound and falls
to her waist shining like black coral. A small diadem of intricately carved
rose coral set with tiny pearls holds back her hair and is the only nod to
her noble status. The only covering her torso has are the ropes of pearls
and rose coral beads she wears about her neck that falls just below her
breasts...barely enough for dry lander modesty. About her hips is wrapped a
length of sheet water colored silk. It ties in a simple knot below her navel
the ends trailing down to the hem at her ankles. She wears no shoes but
encircling each ankle is a length of silver sea-creatures.
Sent by some well-known Sylvan merchants, Tanith Gaze-Goes-Dark, elder, takes
a place at the back of the Temple. A young sylvan boy accompanies her
carrying a long flat box that would contain a traditional gift for the
couple. Amongst the finery of the gathered and of the Atlantean Temple
itself, the two Sylvans look rather rough, and Tanith, having seen many such
occasions looks upon the gathering with a kindly smile.
Makani arrives quietly and with little fanfare from a side door. For the first
time in a long time without her customary uniform and weapons. She pads
quietly over to Artin and smiles..her eyes skittering across the crowd. Not
uncomfortable perse but un used to being this much in the public eye. Her
eyes search the crowd for her family..her mother, father and twin Pandora.
When she spies Riva she laughs a bit inwardly as she fights the immediate
kneejerk response to to salue. An image perhaps Artin catches. She turns
back to the High Priestess and simply waits expectantly.
Entering not long after the rest of the crowd, Kaiulani's older sister first
seeks out the precocious young'un. Upon spying her at the back, Alamoana
offers a slight shake of her head, then breaks through the crowds to head
that way. Settling on a cushion, she necessitates the movement of Akane
farther away from Kai to make room.
No sound can be heard as the dark, cowled figure enters the temple. One could
think, the mere presence of this being dampens the sounds around him as it
moves like a living shadow, melting into the darkness of this place of
worship and sits down quietly away from the thickest crowd, resting on the
floor. Not the faintest movement can be seen as soon as the being has
settled down, it's staff resting on it's knees and the dark void of his hood
looking towards the altar.
The arrival of her sister prompts a brilliant smile from Kaiulani to Alamoana,
and the younger Pandion turns to shoot her sibling a look which doubtless
goes with a silent thought sent to her alone. It seems Kai's been practicing
her mental control -- all that leaks out of her to touch the minds of those
nearest her is a sense of rosy anticipation, though that's easily gleaned
from her expression as well. Not for this Daughter of Water is a visage kept
neutral as many Atlanteans bear, her family notably among them.
Telepathy to Alamoana>> Kaiulani thinks, "You came! <pleasure/delight> This
should be lovely, should it not? I hope they like the gifts I picked up in
the Rialto!"
Over to one side and out of the way, sitting slightly awkwardly on the
cushions, Shalestra watches the room with a silent interest shining in her
pale gaze. All the little movements and gestures, paricularly of the
land-dwellers, are noted with alert eyes, the real purpose for the gathering
here not yet begun, and so her attention is free to follow its own musings.
Telepathy>> Alamoana thinks, "Well, I must keep an eye on you, of course.
<Faint amusement, hitning this is not an entirely unpleasant task>" An eye
goes to the comb in your hair, and a brow lifts, "And I see we're getting
brave..."
With the arrival of landdwellers decisions had to be made and thus the
Pasiphaeans have chosen two young priests from their midst to translate the
mental thoughts sent to the Atlantean attendants as well as provide the
ignorant ones with an explanation of things done here. Okalani herself
doesn't speak up as she lets her gaze drift to the couple in front of her,
separated only by that stone block. Arms are spread and extended, palms
opened and fingers spread wide so she may invite Artin and Makani to form a
circle with her. *Let us pray to Pasiphae and ask Her to Shine down on you
this evening.* comes the thought and she lifts her eyes upwards to where the
sky is, currently hidden.
A glance finds Kaiulani's hair for a moment, and Alamoana lifts a brow in
concurrance with a question heard only by the younger Pandion noble's mind.
There is a mused disapproval in the pale eyes of the woman, and she offers a
slight shake of the head to accompany.
Makani steps forward one pace and clasps hands with Okalani and Artin. Moon
bright eyes shining.
Artin takes Okalani's invitation, glad for the calming presence of ritual to
turn his attention from the spectators. He turns from the crowd to close his
eyes and look to tward the unseen sky above.
Kaiulani's face, for a fraction of an instant, does now actually shift to
something almost like a neutral set as she meets her sister's gaze. Then, as
the thoughts of the High Priestess roll forth in benediction of the
betrothed couple, the Pandion maiden's sea-green stare flashes swiftly back
towards Okalani's radiant figure. If the sisters are continuing to converse,
Kaiulani's managing to hide it; yes, indeed, the girl's learning to lock her
errant thoughts down.
Telepathy to Alamoana>> Kaiulani thinks, "<determinedly, doggedly> It goes
well in my hair."
Telepathy to all the area>> Makani 's mind is relatively calm by comparision
though they seem to dance and spinthrough the links. *Goddess Bless..thank
you High Priestess*
Riva watches with quiet respect for the proceedings, her observant gaze
seeking out a few of the others attending and nodding to them in greeting.
Shalestra's pale eyes focus on Okalani for a long moment as she calls for
Pasiphae's blessing, silently offering up her own thoughts of thanks.
Already one leg is starting up with a dull ache due to the way she sits, but
she is determined not to move and call attention to herself. Her thoughts
are now completely focussed on the little group at the front, as she watches
attentively, the rest of those gathered around paid little mind for the
moment.
The temple's silence is abruptly shattered when stone plates begin to slide
over each other and the structure holding them up. Silver moonlight spills
down, the opening directed so that it may illuminate the happy couple before
other beams of light may fall upon various persons scattered throughout the
temple, blinding some at first. Others open their eyes only moments later
after ending their prayers to the Goddess who is now shown openly to them.
The priests, silent hitherto, now speak up in unison, "She who shines on all
has come so we may ask Her Blessing for the union of Makani and Artin." They
fall silent and turn their heads so they may see how Okalani squeezes in the
hands of the betrothed two before lifting their arms upwards. "They must now
open their minds to the other and prove themselves worthy."
Young Kaiulani has her gaze pointed towards the front as all else in the
Temple do, and she can be seen to start as the ceiling parts to admit the
moonlight. Pasiphae's faith is not hers, and thus, she is distracted enough
by the newness of this to shoot a curious glance skyward -- at least, until
the priests address the crowd. Then, something uttered in that relaying
seems to catch her fancy, and she draws in a silent sigh, eyes turning full
with what can only be a kind of dreamy pleasure.
The boy beside her begins to wriggle, but with a gentle lay of Tanith's hand
on his shoulder makes him square his shoulders and sit still. His bright
green eyes are wide with the experience, his bowed mouth slightly open. Many
things he sees here the Elder will later have to explain to him. A People of
ceremony, the Sylvan understand the great beauty of these moments, and both
saying their own prayers to their Goddess Sedna for these Children of the
Sea.
Ashai sits unmoving like a statue and the shadows seem to be one with him as
his hood appears to be locked on the strange doings of Okalani, and
obviously he pays no attention to anything or anyone, save the words and
movements of the high priestess. As the light strikes down on some near him,
he shifts a bit uneasily, only to return to be a statue seconds after.
Makani swallows briefly..not that she's never shared her thoughts with Artin
before..but never this publicly. She lifts her eyes to the moon, the color
of her eyes reflecting the moons brillantly soft light. Her lips curve into
a smile and her eyes close briefly as she lets down every barrier and bares
her mind to both her beloved and the priestess.
Artin seems to have forgotten the crowd now that the ceremony has begun.
Makani recieves a small smile, and then he closes his eyes, brows furrowing
as he takes the time to try to open his mind to the one before him.
Adrianna moves as slowly as she can, untying the still wet peice of cloth from
around her waist and laying it on her quickly drying skin. She stays focused
on the ceremony with a large smile, keeping her own mind open.
Makani opens her eyes with a nod and looks at Artin, her lips curving in a
smile. How to begin??
Artin takes a deep steadying breath, then dips his head, offering his thoughts
to her.
Telepathy to all the area>> Makani 's mind searches for where to begin. Artin
has known her her entire life and knows her better than anyone. Her mind
flits easily to childhood...hours spent side by side exploring, fighting
imaginary monsters, hiding from parents..
The priestess overseeing the ceremony continues to hold on to the couple's
hands and her eyes drift from one person to the other one. Due to the fact
that the moonlight surrounds the trio those blue orbs don't glow as eery as
they are wont to do in the darkness yet they too reflect the light cast down
on them. Not much of what is going on in the temple is noticed by her and
one of the priests speaks up, almost against his will. "Since this is
private nothing will be shared with the visitors." His voice suggests that
this is quite natural but well, one never knows with landdwellers.
Shalestra glances up only briefly to the moonlit sky, the trio now illuminated
in its gentle radiance quickly pulling her attention back downwards. She
sits in thoughtful silence, wondering just what might be passing between
those minds, a soft little smile forming in appreciation for the simple
beauty of the ceremony.
A young Atlantean boy makes his way through the audience as quickly and
silently as possible, carrying a small bucket of water. He stops for a
minute at Adrianna, setting down the water and making his way back to the
wall where he originally stood. Adrianna wuickly makes use of the gift,
wetting her cloth again and wetting down her tail. A dreamy look comes upon
her face as she watches the two.
As the melding of thoughts goes on between the intendeds, Kaiulani is
perfectly content to only guess at what union must be going on between them
and what it must be like. Her head turns slightly, her gaze going a little
absent... oh yes. Her active imagination does indeed provide her with all
sorts of fascinating suggestions as to what the joyous couple must be
experiencing, though after a few moments something about Kaiulani's gaze
suggests she's stopped really seeing Artin and Makani. Perhaps the maiden's
mind is going elsewhere?
Ashai shifts slightly, tilts his head and his hand plays with his staff as he
wonders what is actually going on between the two, the concept of this
ceremony obviously utterly alien to him. Despite this fact, one can nearly
feel like the eyes hidden in the darkness of his hood monitor and resgister
all movements of the couple and the high priestess.
Telepathy to all the area>> Makani 's mind echo's the memory..also echo's is
fear. Soul crushing, mind-numbing fear..and a part of that memory of which
she is ashamed. For she was not brave. When she saw you caught by the
Octopus all she wanted was to swim away as fast as her fins could take her.
She was terrified of the creature. It was only until fear of losing you
overrode her fear of the monster that she was able to act. Bile rising in
her throat the entire time...for camadraie had grown for her as well though
she did not acknoweldge it. When she was sent away? Lonliness..lonliness
colors the link now. Some part of her convinced that it was heavenly
punishment for nearly failing you. She channeled that into her training..but
those were lonliy years without you.
Makani flushes a light blue as that memory is shared with High Priestess.
"What's going on?" The boy whispers, prompting Tanith to hush him with a fond
smile. She raises her finger to her lips and then opens her hand to focus
his attention on the happy couple. He peers forward at them, wrinkling his
nose, then looks at the Elder, tapping his head. Tanith nods.
Artin's eyes widen in surprise at the sharing, some things it seems he had not
known. Still he continues to watch Makani, unblinking.
Telepathy to all the area>> Makani 's disconcernment with losing track of you
after she left. Their association being frowned upon by their
parents...somehow every time she came home to visit you were not there. She
got caught up in her Duty. Duty became her life. Determined as she was to
emumlate her adored cousin Riva in every way. * a bit of slef-mocking
laughter there now..for she now knows Riva is far from perfect* She had no
close friends, she sought none. Then the day when you arrived in Haven. Her
joy at seeing you and yet also a disconcernment that you would be the cink
in her armour.
Telepathy to all the area>> Makani 'thoughts open further including the High
Priestess. Images now and feel9ings not so much any words. New strength
found in Artin..a joy that was lacking before. The image of a race through
the waves, and opening of hearts and minds. Discovery after long loss.
Lonely no more, a sense of invincebility when together. Friend, hero,
partner, love..all these things he is. Lastly, the image of her dream of the
Goddess..fading at the end where her face becomes his and the sense that he
is a gift. She is unaware of the fading presense of the High Priestess, her
thought firmly twined around Artins
Riva quietly and reverently watches, silence of word and thought as she shares
these special moments with her cousin, Makani and Artin.
Tanith begins a quiet cough and stands, leaving the boy to stay at the
pillows. She makes her way to the archway of the temple and passes through,
not wanting to disturb the sanctity of the moment.
Artin closes his eyes for just a moment, then dips his head, in
acknowledgement and acceptance of the bond they have shared.
Tanith steps on the dais leading to the courtyard.
Tanith has left.
As the sharing progresses, primarily unfelt by the quiet crowd basking in the
solemnity and joy of the occasion, it would seem that Kaiulani's attention
has most assuredly wandered. Oh, aye, she's still more or less looking
towards the High Priestess and the pair over whom she officiates... but her
gaze has drifted off and turned inward, a crooked little smile curling one
side of her mouth. No doubt about it, this is the look of a girl lost in
rapt contemplation. It is not difficult to surmise that she may be fancying
_herself_ in a similar joining... and as she absently plays with an errant
lock of her pearlescent hair, the only question might well be with whom the
spirited lass might opt to share _her_ thoughts.
A change comes over Okalani's expression and she straightens just slightly,
loosening the grip on first Artin's and then Makani's hand. Her face is
tilted so she may glimpse on the moon above before finally returning her
attention to the ones who've come to witness this silent, motionless
ceremony. Things have changed however for while she first was keeping her
own emotions at bay they now show approval and it is with a sweep of her
mind that she shares her findings with all telepaths gathered here. *I <and
Pasiphae> feel they are true to one another and linked in hearth and mind.*
The thoughts are naturally translated in vocal speech by the two young
priests. They have turned around so they may see how the High Priestess'
arms fall down along her sides. No longer does she hold the two Korallion
guards but instead she takes the time to unsheathe the knife tucked at her
hidden hip. The weapon is placed upon the stone in front of her, the
'sacred' blade shining with a bright light.
"Now they will each destroy something that the other one holds dear." The
priests declare.
Ashai shifts and tenses slightly, looking up at the words, his hand closing
around his staff. Still silent, a very faint rustle comes from his cowl as
he straightens his upper body, ensuring a view on the happenings before the
altar. Destroy? The word makes him shiver, unnoticed by those around. To
them, he still seems to be a moving shadow, odd and not quite belonging here.
Pandora, Makani's twin steps forward and gives something to Mak. It's her
first blade. A small child-sized dagger that she made with her very own
hands. It is with this that she fought the octopus..well perhaps fought is
the wrong term..more like annoyed enouth to get it to let ARtin go. It
symbolizes all that she's held on to from her childhood..good and bad. It's
old and fragile now. She lays it upon the altar.
What--? Where--? Oh. She is in the audience, not standing before someone with
tousled dark hair and broad shoulders and--pay _attention_, Kaiulani! The
maiden starts, just a bit, enough to earn her a narrow-eyed look from her
older guard. But she does not show any other sign of her thoughts having
wandered off, and now that Okalani has drawn the throng back into active
attention by guiding the couple in the next phase of their binding, she
gazes upon them with renewed concentration.
Artin does not hesitate, removing the small token from his neck, the small
crudely shaped swordfish is placed on the altar, with a mental explanation
for those present. *A gift from my mother on the day my parents allowed me
to join into the guards...* Parental acceptance, a past that could never be
reclaimed, a future he clung to for more than half of his life, this is what
he sets on the altar. He looks down at the dagger, then back toward Makani.
Makani smiles in her quiet Atlantean way. Pandora comes forward again with a
rock. Makani looks at Artin as if asking silently ( which she probably is )
who goes first?
It is very hard for those born with the affinity to pick up not only thoughts
but also emotions to translate just how important these objects are for the
ones who're now allowing these items to be destroyed. But the priests do
their best, putting as few words as necessary so that the tensed silence
will not be broken for too long. "The dagger which served the Captain as a
child when she fought to protect the one she is now allowing it to shatter."
Artin responds by reaching out for the child sized knife. He holds it
delicately for a moment before lifting it. He considers it a moment before
shifting his stance and striking the altar sharply. The old blade snaps with
a crack that s startlingly loud in the silence of the ceremony.
Ashai freezes at the noise, those sitting nearest to him noticing a sudden
movement of his staff. Why do they shatter what is dear to them? An odd
custom indeed. May the spririt of the blade forgive them. After some
seconds, he relaxes visibly and once again watches the ceremony unmoving.
Breaking something dear to them.... hrmm. Kaiulani has to quirk her head at
this, not entirely sure whether to be intrigued or simply relieved that she
does not follow Pasiphae. The things dear to _her_ would not be things she
would wish to break upon an altar; unthinkingly, she trails a hand up
backwards to the shell comb which nestles within her hair. But she continues
to drink in the scene, nevertheless, along with everyone else around her.
Perhaps there are too many landdwellers and water worshippers around for the
priests do not simply explain that what Artin allows to be offered but also
reveal the reason behind such destruction. "By allowing the other one to
destroy something that is important in the life previous to this joining
they proof their willingness to start a new life together." The other priest
adds, more severely, "It is the way to show complete trust in the other.
They have faith that together they will build something from the.." he
searches for the correct landdweller term, "shards of their previously
lived, separate lives."
Riva continues to watch quietly, her smile of joy showing steadily.
"Artin was given this item on the day his parents finally allowed him to join
the guards. At last they accepted his wish to be a warrior, a way of living
which has brought him Makani."
After these beautiful words the more solemn priest falls silent and, like all
of his order, pays attention only to the destruction which is about to come.
And although shattered pieces of wood have flown up to her earlier Okalani
continues to stay close to the altar, risking yet another shower of
potential damage.
Makani steps foward..taking the rock from her sister. She raises the stone
high and then brings it down with one powerful blow. The carving shattering.
Her eyes on Artin the entire time.
Artin smlies broadly as Makani smashes the token, the sadness of losing it far
outwieghed by the joy of this ceremony.
Makani grins at Artin, the loss of the knife nothing compared to what she has
gained.
Enlightenment dawns! Kaiulani lets herself grin a bit, though something of
that daydreamy look returns to her eyes even as she considers what the
priests relay out to the crowd. All right, she can perhaps understand what
the point of the destruction of cherished objects is -- but she's still not
sure she'd do it. After all, why not carry the cherished objects forward
into the new life? Then she makes a small face to herself. Then again,
certain aspects of her current life she might well be willing to sacrifice,
if she could do as Artin and Makani are doing now....
Ashai again shivers at the sound, looking down for a few seconds, his thoughts
circling around the sense of this. But a thorough meditation will have to be
done to understand this. Very, very odd. But there seems to be only joy. His
thoughts move away, concentrating to think of someone who will explain this
to him later on.
The priestess smiles and once again reaches out so the may take the hands of
the ones she is here to bind together for the rest of their lives. Her
thoughts are filled with joy, though thinly overlayed with relieve that she
didn't get any wounds this time, as she declares to all who're gathered
here, *Pasiphae looks down on these two who wish to be together.* Her hands
move closer to one another and her eyes drift upwards so she may look up at
the light which continues to surround the threesome with a silver glow.
*Pasiphae, <Goddess and Order> Bless this joining of Makani <warrior and
leader> and Artin <warrior and aid> so they may be together." As she prays
to the deity whom she worships Okalani places the hands of the two warriors
against each other and steps back into the darkness so that only the light
will only brighten the married ones.
Adrianna leans forward on her hand, with an even larger smile than
before...The same dreamy look plays over her features as she gazes on the
two.
Makani smiles..her thoughts clear to all..a shining becon of happiness and
joy...
Artin takes Makani's hand, barely noticing that Okalani has stepped back, his
thoughts and mind are on his... wife/mate. The concept is thought over
carefully, Artin's thoughts shine happily in approval.
Makani 's eyes shine into Artins. She may have scoffed at the nesscessity for
this formality but there is something about it that has deepened her sense
of you and she does not regret it for a moment.
It's official; she's charmed. Kaiulani draws in an involuntary sighing breath
at the boundless joy she can sense coming from those who have been joined
under the sight of the Mistress of the Moon. That by itself, along with her
fertile young imagination, is more than enough to bring an answering
pleasure out of the Pandion princess' thoughts. Someday, perhaps, her time
will come. For now, she beams upon those whose time this is.
Artin steps forward to embrace Makani, enfolding her in his arms. For long
moments the couple stands there, bathed in moonlight. Slowly, realization
that others are still there breaks through to Artin as thoughts of approval
and well-wishes flood the chamber. Pale skin darkens in a blush as he moves
from Maknai, taking a moment to present his bride and himself before the
onlookers. Eager to get out of the center of attention, he leads makani down
and into the gathered witnesses.
[End log.]