It was rewarding to feel the reaction coming from the lady Aesa. Inwardly Elaine's smile grew even more. Even though it was a small gesture, the woman had noticed and understood. She nodded, unsure if Aesa was even still looking her way.
Yet it was slightly discomforting to notice the impact this new arrival had on the woman. Farathorn was the kind of man to radiate a clear presence, not to be overlooked. But what played between the two of them was much more than simply being noticed. Elaine's fresh empathic sense could not help but pick up the strong connection. For a flicker her stomach turned itself into knots.
Oh no...it would not be....not now, not when the Caesar needs her most! Please, let Anochrim have his reasons to return! How can Farathorn do this when he knows this fragile thread of life might be damaged? And at the man's sick bed no less....Mother, I hope this is part of what Ahren told me. I hope this will not mean the destruction of why we are here.
Blissfully unaware of her body language the blind woman stood awkwardly close to Aesa and Farathorn. The whispered words reached her ears, making her fears grow that there were too many people in here with too many different goals. All hopes to have a quiet moment with the Caesar were blown out of the water as everybody stood hovering over his shadow in bed.
To Ulder it would be blatantly obvious that Elaine was far from happy with the situation. Almost she bit her lip, but remembering how easily that gave her away, she let it slip. Yet little muscles moved in her face, making the frown deeper and the set of her mouth more stern.
Shadow...where there are shadows, there must be light to cast them. Yes, that's it. Remember the gardens, remember the Song of life, how it reverberated through everything. Try and find the Caesar's own strand within it and strengthen it...if he wants.
The answers to her vital questions were simply not being given. It shook Elaine to the core that the very people that asked her to come here did not take a moment to explain what they had found. It would save so much valuable time if she did not have to go look for it herself with her rather different abilities.
Give her a moment to recover from Farathorn's entrance. The girl soothed herself. Use your time wisely while she finds her voice back.
With that incentive the blind woman took a deep breath and knelt by the Caesar's bed. She put her staff against the wall and sought out the man's hand. With her sensitive fingers she felt his skin, the texture and the moist. Next she discovered his face and trailed it with her fingertops in search for any clue that might help determine his condition.
Temperature might help. Elaine also remembered the nasty smell of fevers. Carefully breathing the young woman tried to determine what it was she could smell around the sick man. A part would be his sweat, but if he had been poisoned, there would be a particular tang to it, that much she was sure of. It was so obvious to her acute senses when someone had eaten a particular dish, why would this be any different?
While she waited for the answers to come she diverted part of her attention to the soft humming she hoped to find around the man. Where was his song? More importantly: what was his song? Humming a little melody of her own that reminded her of the gardens Elaine searched for clues on any level available to her, opening up the branches that shielded her to make sure she'd not miss the tiniest of glimmers.
Where are you, Caesar Anochrim? What ails you?
A Song for Caesar - Elain & Ulder (Sam 19th ET)
Moderator: Mods
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Guest
Aesa nodded almost imperceptibly in response to Farathorn’s comforting words. It was all so unreal. She was betrothed to a man she barely knew, who now seemed to be dying, and now she was about to attempt to answer questions about him. Aesa felt hopelessly out of her depth, but she knew her duty.
Aesa watched Elaine move to the Caesar’s side, and then stepped beside her and spoke in a quiet voice, “Lady Rioja has determined that it is not any normal sort of illness, nor injury, nor magic, nor poison that ails the Caesar. Those remedies intended to ease his discomfort seem only later to make him worse,†she said, her concern clear in her voice and her crystalline blue eyes as the Trothgardian woman gazed at the man lying so still in the great bed. “It makes no sense,†she added, barely above a whisper.
Aesa watched Elaine move to the Caesar’s side, and then stepped beside her and spoke in a quiet voice, “Lady Rioja has determined that it is not any normal sort of illness, nor injury, nor magic, nor poison that ails the Caesar. Those remedies intended to ease his discomfort seem only later to make him worse,†she said, her concern clear in her voice and her crystalline blue eyes as the Trothgardian woman gazed at the man lying so still in the great bed. “It makes no sense,†she added, barely above a whisper.
As the Lady Aesa moved to speak to Elaine, Rioja motioned with her arms that everyone else should move away and give the two young women some privacy. Fortunately, with such a room as the Royal Bedchamber this was not difficult to achieve. This was not a public performance, after all, but another attempt to bring healing to the Caesar.
Rioja nodded to Farathorn, as if to assure him that the lady was safe. The woman's grey eyes did not seem to miss a thing, including the interplay of emotions between the two warriors. The mystic also noticed Elaine's reaction to it and sent a soothing tendril of reassurance to the blind woman.
“He sleeps comfortably now,†Rioja told Elaine, coming to stand almost behind her. “But his aliment increases with every attempt to aid him.†Aesa and the mystic exchanged a glance and then the young woman moved away. The little black-clad woman leaned over a little to whisper into Elaine’s ear, “Anochrim has been heartsick over a lost love. His heart had not yet healed when this affliction struck.â€
When Rioja stood straight again, Aesa returned to add, “We are very glad of your offer, Mistress Bannon. Do not feel pressured. It is in the hands of your goddess. Perhaps the Mother will guide us to a way to help him. All we can ask is that you try what you may.â€
Rioja nodded to Farathorn, as if to assure him that the lady was safe. The woman's grey eyes did not seem to miss a thing, including the interplay of emotions between the two warriors. The mystic also noticed Elaine's reaction to it and sent a soothing tendril of reassurance to the blind woman.
“He sleeps comfortably now,†Rioja told Elaine, coming to stand almost behind her. “But his aliment increases with every attempt to aid him.†Aesa and the mystic exchanged a glance and then the young woman moved away. The little black-clad woman leaned over a little to whisper into Elaine’s ear, “Anochrim has been heartsick over a lost love. His heart had not yet healed when this affliction struck.â€
When Rioja stood straight again, Aesa returned to add, “We are very glad of your offer, Mistress Bannon. Do not feel pressured. It is in the hands of your goddess. Perhaps the Mother will guide us to a way to help him. All we can ask is that you try what you may.â€
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
Satisfied that Rioja would speak with him later and reveal any information that she thought pertinent to his mode of investigation, Barrett easily ceded room to the ladies. He dropped back to a respectful distance imitating the bearing and manners he had observed in the servants who went so often unnoticed throughout the Palace. He thought of Jill and her quiet manner.
Observing from a distance, he wondered again just what the purpose of this gathering might be. Was Mistress Bannon a healer? That seemed an unlikely reason for this level of secrecy. Especially given the legion of healing staff available to Lady Rioja. The scholar was getting a much more accurate picture of the enigmatic adhiel’s influence.
So not a healer... sorcerer, or priestess?
Intrigued, he opened himself up to the perception of underlying energies and looked to see what formulaic traces of energy were evident in the chamber. Suspecting that Rioja herself would appear as a beacon, he drew on some of the silvery energy that was his gift from the Thinker to create a screen. This one was meant to prevent his being overwhelmed by what he perceived. A filter rather than a mask.
Observing from a distance, he wondered again just what the purpose of this gathering might be. Was Mistress Bannon a healer? That seemed an unlikely reason for this level of secrecy. Especially given the legion of healing staff available to Lady Rioja. The scholar was getting a much more accurate picture of the enigmatic adhiel’s influence.
So not a healer... sorcerer, or priestess?
Intrigued, he opened himself up to the perception of underlying energies and looked to see what formulaic traces of energy were evident in the chamber. Suspecting that Rioja herself would appear as a beacon, he drew on some of the silvery energy that was his gift from the Thinker to create a screen. This one was meant to prevent his being overwhelmed by what he perceived. A filter rather than a mask.
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Caelin
Farathorn responded to the slight nod of the mystic with one of his own in return and slowly backed away towards the wall. From the nod of Lady Rioja he was able to deduct that she had not missed the interaction between himself and Aesa, just as he had suspected earlier. His reasoning that this woman was more then a healer seemed to be confirmed more and more. Of course, he already knew that Manyana treated the mystic as an old friend, which had told him that she held a position of almost absolute trust. Seeing the servants and everyone else do her beckoning was enough to know that her position at this court was earned throughout years of service. He would merely have to check the rumormill amongst the servants to get to know more about Rioja. Asking herself or Aesa would give plently of info. The achadhiel was attentive enough to catch the movement by Aesa, to indicate that she had gotten the message that he tried to convey with his words. At least she seemed calmer and better focussed on what laid ahead of her.
His thoughts wandered slightly, upon the situation that unfolded itself before them. ~ Bethrothed to a man she does not know, who lays ill and might perish of his ailment, but determined to do her part despite hearing that one of the causes is that of a lost love. Something that she herself hasn't experienced yet, determined by what she has told me herself. She must be very strong of will, but with so little friends to share her experiences around this place with, knowing that she cannot trust most of them. No wonder that we are close, as the kinship between us is evident. A true friend is what she needs most and this is what she shall have from me most of all and before anything else. ~ He refocussed and shut off all of his magical skills, as this was safer for himself and those around him, with his inability to shield himself.
Instead he directed his gaze to the man with the carrot colored hair, who's presence here was an enigma to him, having missed what had happened before he had entered the room. Never before had their paths crossed and this made him wonder even more, as he had shared a lot of his time with Aesa, yet had not met this individual. He made no treat this time, but passively observed the man, returning to his habit of using logic to make his observations. ~ I need to find out more of him, who he passes time with and works for, who his relations are around court. I'll be keeping an eye on him, that is for sure. ~
Knowing that Ulder had been inside the room before he was, he briefly shifted his eyes to his friendly opponent from the tourney and gave him a small sign, that he wanted a brief word with him at a later stage. Perhaps he could tell him who this man is. Once the sign was given, he returned to observe Barrett again.
His thoughts wandered slightly, upon the situation that unfolded itself before them. ~ Bethrothed to a man she does not know, who lays ill and might perish of his ailment, but determined to do her part despite hearing that one of the causes is that of a lost love. Something that she herself hasn't experienced yet, determined by what she has told me herself. She must be very strong of will, but with so little friends to share her experiences around this place with, knowing that she cannot trust most of them. No wonder that we are close, as the kinship between us is evident. A true friend is what she needs most and this is what she shall have from me most of all and before anything else. ~ He refocussed and shut off all of his magical skills, as this was safer for himself and those around him, with his inability to shield himself.
Instead he directed his gaze to the man with the carrot colored hair, who's presence here was an enigma to him, having missed what had happened before he had entered the room. Never before had their paths crossed and this made him wonder even more, as he had shared a lot of his time with Aesa, yet had not met this individual. He made no treat this time, but passively observed the man, returning to his habit of using logic to make his observations. ~ I need to find out more of him, who he passes time with and works for, who his relations are around court. I'll be keeping an eye on him, that is for sure. ~
Knowing that Ulder had been inside the room before he was, he briefly shifted his eyes to his friendly opponent from the tourney and gave him a small sign, that he wanted a brief word with him at a later stage. Perhaps he could tell him who this man is. Once the sign was given, he returned to observe Barrett again.
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Andolin
- Caesar
- Posts: 2958
- Joined: Sat Feb 08, 2003 8:09 pm
- Location: Western Kingdom/Citadel/USA East Coast
OOC~ I have received permission from Twilight to enter this thread.
IC~
The waiting in his office was driving him to distraction. There was no word from Caesar and he feared the worst. Anochrim was his patron and Andolin was not about to see the man die if he could help it. He had even considered conversing with daemons to ascertain the nature of the illness. He would save that until all else failed. He assumed that the various gods would assist Anochrim. The Ice Queen had an interest in him marrying Aesa. Illuminatus would aid him as a defender against evil. Pan would likely help him as well. Eilish would see to that.
Wearing his imperial purple tunic and black hose, Andolin marched to Anochrim's chambers. He was not about to be turned back from his quest to see the Caesar. The guards knew him well enough by now.
Striding into the chamber, Andolin was confronted with an odd assortment of persons. I thought few were supposed to know of his condition? This was not good. He identified Aesa, Ulder, Rioja, and was that ... Elaine? What is she doing here? He strained his memory to see if he recognized the others. Perhaps someone would make introductions.
IC~
The waiting in his office was driving him to distraction. There was no word from Caesar and he feared the worst. Anochrim was his patron and Andolin was not about to see the man die if he could help it. He had even considered conversing with daemons to ascertain the nature of the illness. He would save that until all else failed. He assumed that the various gods would assist Anochrim. The Ice Queen had an interest in him marrying Aesa. Illuminatus would aid him as a defender against evil. Pan would likely help him as well. Eilish would see to that.
Wearing his imperial purple tunic and black hose, Andolin marched to Anochrim's chambers. He was not about to be turned back from his quest to see the Caesar. The guards knew him well enough by now.
Striding into the chamber, Andolin was confronted with an odd assortment of persons. I thought few were supposed to know of his condition? This was not good. He identified Aesa, Ulder, Rioja, and was that ... Elaine? What is she doing here? He strained his memory to see if he recognized the others. Perhaps someone would make introductions.
[i]Someone has to be in charge, so it might as well be me.[/i]
Andolin Avatar by the Nice GD
Andolin Avatar by the Nice GD
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Caelin
Farathorn grinned at the latest arrival within the chambers of Anochrim, for this was a face he had seen before. ~ The master of Protocol himself, or Lord Andolin Azarin, if memory serves me well. ~ The achadhiel realised however that the man would unlikely recognise him, as he had been clad in a purple guard uniform at the last time they met and to the master of protocol he would probably have been discarded from memory as 'just another soldier'. The man's star had been rising at court however and probably was to be one of the people to keep an eye on. This was a man capable of being dangerous on a different level then a battlefield, as one could expect from an aspiring and most likely ambitious politician. ~ From the looks of it, he did not anticipate this many people to be here, much less seeing Elaine here, judging by the look in his eyes. The two obviously know eachother. ~
The achadhiel motioned to the empty spot beside himself, which happened to be between himself and Lady Rioja, indicating that he would not object at all to him standing there. He made a curteous nod and smiled in a friendly manner, although he knew that he had to be careful around this man. Sometimes it is best to catch the bull by the horns, so to speak, and he'd get the opportunity to be formally introduced. This was an opportunity he should not pass up on, as it would put his person in a different light to the man, with no ties to their previous meeting whatsoever. He counted on Lady Rioja to make the introduction, if Andolin chose to stand at the spot he had motioned towards. The mystic never seemed to miss these things. On top of it, the carrot head would probably be introduced as well and this would mean getting to know his name and with a little luck, he could deduct what the man was doing here in the first place, based on the information he would obtain through the introduction. It would certainly give him a place to start his own little investigation on this person.
Calmly the achadhiel awaited Andolin to react, while keeping the expression of his face as blank as possible, aside from the friendly smile he had put on. For the first time since he had moved into the Palace, he found himself in a position of advantage and he liked it. He contained the mirth of the idea deep within himself. He did not change his relaxed stance, as this would be considered as being nervous, which in turn would indicate to the man that his standing was below that of his position, which it was in a way, but on the other hand it was not. ~ Careful however, one catches flies with honey, not with vinegar. A little curtesy and a friendly demeanor have opened doors that would otherwise have stayed closed, Farathorn. Stay yourself and stick with what you have learned so far. A man such as Andolin prefers finesse over bluntness and certainly despises arrogance. Do not try and outwit him, but keep him riddled. Enigma's are far more attractive to him then open books. THAT is how their minds generally work and if you do this well, the door to him would be opened. ~
The achadhiel motioned to the empty spot beside himself, which happened to be between himself and Lady Rioja, indicating that he would not object at all to him standing there. He made a curteous nod and smiled in a friendly manner, although he knew that he had to be careful around this man. Sometimes it is best to catch the bull by the horns, so to speak, and he'd get the opportunity to be formally introduced. This was an opportunity he should not pass up on, as it would put his person in a different light to the man, with no ties to their previous meeting whatsoever. He counted on Lady Rioja to make the introduction, if Andolin chose to stand at the spot he had motioned towards. The mystic never seemed to miss these things. On top of it, the carrot head would probably be introduced as well and this would mean getting to know his name and with a little luck, he could deduct what the man was doing here in the first place, based on the information he would obtain through the introduction. It would certainly give him a place to start his own little investigation on this person.
Calmly the achadhiel awaited Andolin to react, while keeping the expression of his face as blank as possible, aside from the friendly smile he had put on. For the first time since he had moved into the Palace, he found himself in a position of advantage and he liked it. He contained the mirth of the idea deep within himself. He did not change his relaxed stance, as this would be considered as being nervous, which in turn would indicate to the man that his standing was below that of his position, which it was in a way, but on the other hand it was not. ~ Careful however, one catches flies with honey, not with vinegar. A little curtesy and a friendly demeanor have opened doors that would otherwise have stayed closed, Farathorn. Stay yourself and stick with what you have learned so far. A man such as Andolin prefers finesse over bluntness and certainly despises arrogance. Do not try and outwit him, but keep him riddled. Enigma's are far more attractive to him then open books. THAT is how their minds generally work and if you do this well, the door to him would be opened. ~
Last edited by Caelin on Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Andolin found that opening the door into the Caesar’s bedchamber was a little more difficult than usual, as the Captain had been leaning against it. Ulder would have to step aside before the Master of Protocol could continue into the room. This naturally made Andolin’s entrance that much more noticeable.
Both Aesa and Rioja nodded acknowledgment of Andolin’s arrival with calm acceptance. Although he was not expected, neither was he unwelcome. It was the mystic who gestured for him to enter in silence, and then indicated with a tilt of her head and a glance toward Elaine that the Poetess was not to be disturbed.
As the others adjusted to the new arrival, the room began to settle enough for Elaine to focus on the Caesar and define his individual life force from those of the others in the room. Anochrim’s skin was very warm and dry to the touch, with the texture of delicate parchment. The scents surrounding him were as she expected; the sweat of a man in and out of fever, the herbal remedies that had been administered to sooth him. All was in place, except that there was an illusive tang that Elaine could not quite grasp.
As calm finally settled around the young woman and the sleeping man, Elaine began to catch the strains of Anochrim’s song, as though it were a distance melody. Its melancholy refrain made the woman’s heart ache, as she touched the loss that was so much a part of this man. Elaine could sense his longing, but it was neither for life nor death.
Both Aesa and Rioja nodded acknowledgment of Andolin’s arrival with calm acceptance. Although he was not expected, neither was he unwelcome. It was the mystic who gestured for him to enter in silence, and then indicated with a tilt of her head and a glance toward Elaine that the Poetess was not to be disturbed.
As the others adjusted to the new arrival, the room began to settle enough for Elaine to focus on the Caesar and define his individual life force from those of the others in the room. Anochrim’s skin was very warm and dry to the touch, with the texture of delicate parchment. The scents surrounding him were as she expected; the sweat of a man in and out of fever, the herbal remedies that had been administered to sooth him. All was in place, except that there was an illusive tang that Elaine could not quite grasp.
As calm finally settled around the young woman and the sleeping man, Elaine began to catch the strains of Anochrim’s song, as though it were a distance melody. Its melancholy refrain made the woman’s heart ache, as she touched the loss that was so much a part of this man. Elaine could sense his longing, but it was neither for life nor death.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
At the entrance of Lord Andolin, Ulder begrudgingly allowed him entrance, greeted him silently and then resumed his position by the door. Inwardly he groaned at the addition of another into the room. Although the large chamber was not crowded by any means, Ulder knew that more people in the room made this task more difficult for Elaine. He understood that with her confidence level, another set of eyes upon her made things more difficult for her.
He felt somewhat responsible for the event, and wished he would have made it far more clear that Elaine had wanted much more privacy, and only the necessary parties in the room, which by his estimation was the Lady Aesa, Lady Rioja and Elaine. Everyone else was unnecessary. As it stood now, there were far too many in the room for her taste, and his own comfort as well. He made a mental note to apologize to her afterwards, and glanced around at the others. If it was too late to control the number of participants, he would do what he could to ensure as much quiet as possible. He was grateful for everyone's current silence and respect, but he would do his best to ensure that that cooperation continued.
He was no sorcerer. Nor a priest with any type of powers of faith. Yet he'd heard of such things and even on occasion seen them, so as he stood there watching, he willed whatever strength and will that he could offer and directed it at Elaine as he focused his gaze upon her from across the room. He knew she needed more strength and support than ever, and if he could not be right there with her, he would try to send it to her from across the room. He of course, had no idea if it would work, or if she would even be able to sense anything coming from him at all, but he felt compelled to try nevertheless.
He felt somewhat responsible for the event, and wished he would have made it far more clear that Elaine had wanted much more privacy, and only the necessary parties in the room, which by his estimation was the Lady Aesa, Lady Rioja and Elaine. Everyone else was unnecessary. As it stood now, there were far too many in the room for her taste, and his own comfort as well. He made a mental note to apologize to her afterwards, and glanced around at the others. If it was too late to control the number of participants, he would do what he could to ensure as much quiet as possible. He was grateful for everyone's current silence and respect, but he would do his best to ensure that that cooperation continued.
He was no sorcerer. Nor a priest with any type of powers of faith. Yet he'd heard of such things and even on occasion seen them, so as he stood there watching, he willed whatever strength and will that he could offer and directed it at Elaine as he focused his gaze upon her from across the room. He knew she needed more strength and support than ever, and if he could not be right there with her, he would try to send it to her from across the room. He of course, had no idea if it would work, or if she would even be able to sense anything coming from him at all, but he felt compelled to try nevertheless.
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Elaine
- Royal Poet
- Posts: 1435
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2003 4:45 pm
- Location: Citadel, the palace
- Contact:
Do not feel any pressure...Easier said than done.
There was a momentary lapse from her concentration as yet another powerful presence interrupted the room. Elaine frowned. She did not want to turn and acknowledge another person in here. All she wanted was to be left alone with this hiding soul. Obviously that was not the plan, or the others would not have been admitted.
Did they perhaps mistrust her, needing witnesses to what she did? Elaine gulped that particular fear down. All she knew was the precious Songs that permeated all life. It was as the lady Rioja said: in Mother's hands.
Mother of all, you know when to open your arms or when to speak stern words. I ask you to guide me in this, for I do not wish to let this man linger on the threshhold. I will not force him into a decision, but I hope we can at least make him listen and decide for himself.
Mother, I accept the responsibility.
Please grant me the strength.
With a controlled sigh the young Achadhiel turned to the Caesar's song. There was nothing to loose here, only to gain, so she told herself as she went in deeper and deeper until she touched the man's strains. The girl did not withdraw, but she did not grab it either. This was a time to listen and to comfort. The ache echoed in her own heart as she remembered Zaure, who would never wake up again.
The loss was so strong in Anochrim that it was hard to distinguish between her own sorrow and the breaking heart he endured. The longing was equally strong, but the absence of a want to die proved a pleasant surprise.
The evasive tang kept the girl occupied in the back of her mind. It nagged her that she could not place it. Tasting it she tried to find the strands belonging to it. Was this something that belonged to the Caesar or would it need placement outside him?
Leaving it in the background for now Elaine softly hummed a song around Anochrim's wandering song. He was lost. So utterly lost that he did not know whether to go forward or back. The blind woman remembered the few words she had felt a need to utter at the engagement dinner. She remembered her own heart breaking at feeling Zaure's death. She remembered the horrible nights and days afterwards in which nothing somehow seemed worth it all because it would not bring him back.
Next came Ulder and somehow Zaure's presence started to settle in her heart, never really away even though he was not physically there. That simple understanding and sharing of pain and grief had done such wonders. Nothing could bring back her friend, but at least she could think of him now without feeling her heart being wrenched. She could remember his words without feeling the incredibly strong longing to be with him, wherever he was, even though she felt no desire to die. It had not mattered at that time, as long as she could be with him.
All that was changing.
All that the girl wrapped in her song, weaving it around the Caesar's in the hope that he would hear he was not alone.
Never alone.
Lending him the understanding, she shared all her own pain with this powerful man who was mortal after all. She understood the longing. Ahren would not be back either, never again. Yet never would he be fully gone, safe in the arms of Mother.
Perhaps if he can feel that instead of being told...
Again the words came and in her hummed song she wanted to place the words she had spoken before, yet instead another song came out, one stronger than a simple word about love and loneliness. What she grasped was something from deep inside her night- and daydreams, something Elaine recognized as a guide through the darkness of the mind.
She took it up with heart and soul and words started to flow into the melody of comfort and painful understanding. Softly her voice took up a lullabye, carved to fit the ruler's need. The tones were smooth, trying to ease the rough edges of life.
"Hush now
Blackbird’s calling
To guide you through the night"
The blackbird's song sweetened the pain, giving access to both life and death, and a chance to speak with those on the other side. Elaine's voice took on a new clarity for the next little part, something that tried to awaken forgotten senses.
"Look now
Owl is calling
To grant you clearer sight"
Turned into himself Elaine sent Owl to Anochrim to coax him out of his self imposed exile and see the world around. Her voice took up the power of rhytm, one hand softly clapping her thigh in accordance with the song.
"Swift now
Hare is calling
To lend you greater speed
Soft now
Mouse is calling
When silence is your need"
Her song was gaining strength as the Achadhiel felt all these animals lend their strong points to the melody. Volume was not needed, yet her voice felt the urge to pick up and show as well as tell what she was feeding the Caesar.
All she wanted was to give him a chance to realize it was not over.
If he wanted to.
"Remember when the day seems far
That we are all still here
Remember when the night seems dark
The dawn is always near"
Her Song was not done by far. Elaine felt more energy bubble up from the earth and needed to pour it into the same form. Yet she took a moment to listen instead of sing, turning back to humming and observing what was happening to Anochrim. If she could possibly reach him with Mother's help, with this Song, then she would finish it, including the frightening choice she felt hanging at the end.
There was a momentary lapse from her concentration as yet another powerful presence interrupted the room. Elaine frowned. She did not want to turn and acknowledge another person in here. All she wanted was to be left alone with this hiding soul. Obviously that was not the plan, or the others would not have been admitted.
Did they perhaps mistrust her, needing witnesses to what she did? Elaine gulped that particular fear down. All she knew was the precious Songs that permeated all life. It was as the lady Rioja said: in Mother's hands.
Mother of all, you know when to open your arms or when to speak stern words. I ask you to guide me in this, for I do not wish to let this man linger on the threshhold. I will not force him into a decision, but I hope we can at least make him listen and decide for himself.
Mother, I accept the responsibility.
Please grant me the strength.
With a controlled sigh the young Achadhiel turned to the Caesar's song. There was nothing to loose here, only to gain, so she told herself as she went in deeper and deeper until she touched the man's strains. The girl did not withdraw, but she did not grab it either. This was a time to listen and to comfort. The ache echoed in her own heart as she remembered Zaure, who would never wake up again.
The loss was so strong in Anochrim that it was hard to distinguish between her own sorrow and the breaking heart he endured. The longing was equally strong, but the absence of a want to die proved a pleasant surprise.
The evasive tang kept the girl occupied in the back of her mind. It nagged her that she could not place it. Tasting it she tried to find the strands belonging to it. Was this something that belonged to the Caesar or would it need placement outside him?
Leaving it in the background for now Elaine softly hummed a song around Anochrim's wandering song. He was lost. So utterly lost that he did not know whether to go forward or back. The blind woman remembered the few words she had felt a need to utter at the engagement dinner. She remembered her own heart breaking at feeling Zaure's death. She remembered the horrible nights and days afterwards in which nothing somehow seemed worth it all because it would not bring him back.
Next came Ulder and somehow Zaure's presence started to settle in her heart, never really away even though he was not physically there. That simple understanding and sharing of pain and grief had done such wonders. Nothing could bring back her friend, but at least she could think of him now without feeling her heart being wrenched. She could remember his words without feeling the incredibly strong longing to be with him, wherever he was, even though she felt no desire to die. It had not mattered at that time, as long as she could be with him.
All that was changing.
All that the girl wrapped in her song, weaving it around the Caesar's in the hope that he would hear he was not alone.
Never alone.
Lending him the understanding, she shared all her own pain with this powerful man who was mortal after all. She understood the longing. Ahren would not be back either, never again. Yet never would he be fully gone, safe in the arms of Mother.
Perhaps if he can feel that instead of being told...
Again the words came and in her hummed song she wanted to place the words she had spoken before, yet instead another song came out, one stronger than a simple word about love and loneliness. What she grasped was something from deep inside her night- and daydreams, something Elaine recognized as a guide through the darkness of the mind.
She took it up with heart and soul and words started to flow into the melody of comfort and painful understanding. Softly her voice took up a lullabye, carved to fit the ruler's need. The tones were smooth, trying to ease the rough edges of life.
"Hush now
Blackbird’s calling
To guide you through the night"
The blackbird's song sweetened the pain, giving access to both life and death, and a chance to speak with those on the other side. Elaine's voice took on a new clarity for the next little part, something that tried to awaken forgotten senses.
"Look now
Owl is calling
To grant you clearer sight"
Turned into himself Elaine sent Owl to Anochrim to coax him out of his self imposed exile and see the world around. Her voice took up the power of rhytm, one hand softly clapping her thigh in accordance with the song.
"Swift now
Hare is calling
To lend you greater speed
Soft now
Mouse is calling
When silence is your need"
Her song was gaining strength as the Achadhiel felt all these animals lend their strong points to the melody. Volume was not needed, yet her voice felt the urge to pick up and show as well as tell what she was feeding the Caesar.
All she wanted was to give him a chance to realize it was not over.
If he wanted to.
"Remember when the day seems far
That we are all still here
Remember when the night seems dark
The dawn is always near"
Her Song was not done by far. Elaine felt more energy bubble up from the earth and needed to pour it into the same form. Yet she took a moment to listen instead of sing, turning back to humming and observing what was happening to Anochrim. If she could possibly reach him with Mother's help, with this Song, then she would finish it, including the frightening choice she felt hanging at the end.
Last edited by Elaine on Thu Apr 28, 2005 7:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
There is so much to see, yet so few willing to.
[i]Jonah Bannon[/i]
Avatar by Dorian!
[i]Jonah Bannon[/i]
Avatar by Dorian!
As Elaine focused fully on Anochrim, Rioja wove a sphere of solitude around the pair. It did not in any way interfere, but rather gave Elaine a filter from outside energies. Both Barrett and Farathorn might have noticed this effect, if they were paying attention, despite the apparent lack of effort on the mystic’s part.
The odd tang was very difficult to place. It seemed to Elaine to be within him and yet not. It was puzzling, and even the hint of a savoury flavour was illusive, as if it were only part of a whole that hovered beyond the Achadhiel’s reach.
As Elaine shared her loss of Zaure, Anochrim’s own profound grief at losing Ahren became more tangible. As he unconsciously shared it with the young woman, it became almost too real to bear for both of them. Yet, Elaine’s own experiences and understanding tempered and soothed the raw emotions. Deep within himself, Anochrim felt the woman’s gentle presence, heard her song, and began to understand her message, as another very faint, but infinitely potent presence joined them.
Beyond the pair, the others present experienced the new presence as a tingle over their skin or a shiver down their spine. It was as subtle as a slight breeze, but none of them was left unaffected. The Mother was not directly intervening, at least not yet, but she was near and watching.
The odd tang was very difficult to place. It seemed to Elaine to be within him and yet not. It was puzzling, and even the hint of a savoury flavour was illusive, as if it were only part of a whole that hovered beyond the Achadhiel’s reach.
As Elaine shared her loss of Zaure, Anochrim’s own profound grief at losing Ahren became more tangible. As he unconsciously shared it with the young woman, it became almost too real to bear for both of them. Yet, Elaine’s own experiences and understanding tempered and soothed the raw emotions. Deep within himself, Anochrim felt the woman’s gentle presence, heard her song, and began to understand her message, as another very faint, but infinitely potent presence joined them.
Beyond the pair, the others present experienced the new presence as a tingle over their skin or a shiver down their spine. It was as subtle as a slight breeze, but none of them was left unaffected. The Mother was not directly intervening, at least not yet, but she was near and watching.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
The Aurelian switched to a balanced view of energy and physical perceptions. He had found this to require a means of translating Aether to Tether scale. It was similar to using both hands to write at the same time or telling a story while drawing a portrait: difficult, but Barrett was slowly getting better at it. He arrayed the minute strings of characters that denoted magickal energy and sketched it over the picture painted by his eyes.
The two strongest impressions were from Rioja (as expected) and Elaine. Rioja was shielding herself, so her energy signature was not overwhelming. Barrett suspected an attempt to penetrate the mysterious adhiel's shield would be both unappreciated and futile. Elaine, however, was a different story. Her own diffuse energy was apparent as thin disorganized streams of letters and symbols. She too was shielded, but the influence of the Mother's energy was unmistakable.
Andolin's entrance was not quite enough to break the priest's concentration, but the scrutiny of the newcomer combined with the achadhiel warrior's attention caused him to reflexively weave the silver energies of the Thinker's gift more tightly about him. Not to make himself invisible, just less noticeable.
Elaine's song and the patterns of energy it sent spinning out to connect with those who heard it as well as the ambient energy was quite intriguing. Barrett sensed an underlying mathematical pattern, the graceful proportions of the musical intervals to him resembled shapes defined by formulae encoded in her weaving of poetry and music.
Rioja's barrier was also intriguing. The young Dortman had considered attempting something similar to block outside noises from Mistress Bannon's senses in order to help her concentrate, but his inexperience made him hesitant. He had only used the energies to screen his own presence. The mechanics of using it on an area was daunting.
So that's how it's done.
He adjusted his own shielding energy so as not to distract or cause discord in the pattern unfolding before them.
The strange shift in energy as the Mother made her presence known caused Barrett to pull his perception back into the purely physical realm. He gasped aloud at the strange sensation.
The two strongest impressions were from Rioja (as expected) and Elaine. Rioja was shielding herself, so her energy signature was not overwhelming. Barrett suspected an attempt to penetrate the mysterious adhiel's shield would be both unappreciated and futile. Elaine, however, was a different story. Her own diffuse energy was apparent as thin disorganized streams of letters and symbols. She too was shielded, but the influence of the Mother's energy was unmistakable.
Andolin's entrance was not quite enough to break the priest's concentration, but the scrutiny of the newcomer combined with the achadhiel warrior's attention caused him to reflexively weave the silver energies of the Thinker's gift more tightly about him. Not to make himself invisible, just less noticeable.
Elaine's song and the patterns of energy it sent spinning out to connect with those who heard it as well as the ambient energy was quite intriguing. Barrett sensed an underlying mathematical pattern, the graceful proportions of the musical intervals to him resembled shapes defined by formulae encoded in her weaving of poetry and music.
Rioja's barrier was also intriguing. The young Dortman had considered attempting something similar to block outside noises from Mistress Bannon's senses in order to help her concentrate, but his inexperience made him hesitant. He had only used the energies to screen his own presence. The mechanics of using it on an area was daunting.
So that's how it's done.
He adjusted his own shielding energy so as not to distract or cause discord in the pattern unfolding before them.
The strange shift in energy as the Mother made her presence known caused Barrett to pull his perception back into the purely physical realm. He gasped aloud at the strange sensation.
Ulder felt a shudder down his back as he watched Elaine and the Lady Rioja tend to the Caesar. It was an odd sensation and one he'd felt several times in the presence of magic or power. He had no idea where it came from, but was certain there was someone using some sort of talent within the room. It made him glance around to be certain that someone wasn't trying to interfere.
There was little he could do to help at this point, so he settled for watching the reactions of the other guests. He studied the features of everyone in the room and with some focused concentration, looked for anything unusual. He watched for moving lips or hand gestures or any other sign that someone might be using some sort of power, or at the very least trying to follow along with something other than their eyes.
To be honest with himself, he expected to find very little as his trust level was fairly high with most of the people in the room. It was more or less an exercise to stay sharp and alert, and to tune his reflexes and eyes to look for signs of power in people that might use it. Such a thing could save a life someday, and he wanted to continue to train himself to spot such things.
He paid particularly close attention to Barrett, as the man's entrance had given away that he used such a thing from time to time and he found himself watching Andolin as well. Not because he suspected the Master of Protocol of using any sort of Power, but because of their past experiences, Lord Azarin was the person he trusted least in the room.
There was little he could do to help at this point, so he settled for watching the reactions of the other guests. He studied the features of everyone in the room and with some focused concentration, looked for anything unusual. He watched for moving lips or hand gestures or any other sign that someone might be using some sort of power, or at the very least trying to follow along with something other than their eyes.
To be honest with himself, he expected to find very little as his trust level was fairly high with most of the people in the room. It was more or less an exercise to stay sharp and alert, and to tune his reflexes and eyes to look for signs of power in people that might use it. Such a thing could save a life someday, and he wanted to continue to train himself to spot such things.
He paid particularly close attention to Barrett, as the man's entrance had given away that he used such a thing from time to time and he found himself watching Andolin as well. Not because he suspected the Master of Protocol of using any sort of Power, but because of their past experiences, Lord Azarin was the person he trusted least in the room.
-
Caelin
As the magic was woven within the room, Farathorn felt the hairs on the back of his neck raise themselves, which subsequently made him open up his dryad sight and environmental empathy, as his instinct told him to. He saw the tendrils of energy move from Rioja to Elaine, forming what seemed as a bubble around her and the Ceasar. With a raised brow he glanced at the mystic, then to Elaine and back again, as if asking Rioja what she was doing. Since he had witnessed Rioja's power once before, he was prepared for the intensity of it, but he seemed to lose his focus on Barrett, as he too was being surrounded by energy. Then a sudden shiver went through his spine and the eyes of the achadhiel widened, gasping for air and not able to speak due to the new presence he felt.
A somewhat familiar presence, that he had felt during his stay with the dryads, but much more powerful then anything he had ever felt before, including his contact with the earth itself, in which he had almost lost himself once earlier. Gradually the achadhiel sank to the ground, seating himself on the floor while he steadied himself against the wall, not able to turn off his skills and fully in awe, yet without any form of shielding whatsoever, as he did not even know how to accomplish this. The only thing he could think of was to close his eyes, yet this was difficult to him and the achadhiel struggled in his decision.
A somewhat familiar presence, that he had felt during his stay with the dryads, but much more powerful then anything he had ever felt before, including his contact with the earth itself, in which he had almost lost himself once earlier. Gradually the achadhiel sank to the ground, seating himself on the floor while he steadied himself against the wall, not able to turn off his skills and fully in awe, yet without any form of shielding whatsoever, as he did not even know how to accomplish this. The only thing he could think of was to close his eyes, yet this was difficult to him and the achadhiel struggled in his decision.
-
Andolin
- Caesar
- Posts: 2958
- Joined: Sat Feb 08, 2003 8:09 pm
- Location: Western Kingdom/Citadel/USA East Coast
Andolin watched the performance with interest. It was clear that magic was being worked ... but what kind? It did not seem like the familiar sorcery, but he could be wrong. It was ... something else? What sort of power does Elaine have? I must learn it. She had told him she sought the song of the Citadel. Was there a healing power in song?
With little to do but watch, the Master of Protocol felt a sensation on his skin. He was not sure he liked it. It was almost like summoning a demon and, only then, realizing that the ward you had drawn to imprison it might be imperfect.
Noticing Ulder looking his way, Andolin gave him a nod. The soldier was a useful tool that he would need to employ again. Then, he turned back to watch Rioja and Elaine.
With little to do but watch, the Master of Protocol felt a sensation on his skin. He was not sure he liked it. It was almost like summoning a demon and, only then, realizing that the ward you had drawn to imprison it might be imperfect.
Noticing Ulder looking his way, Andolin gave him a nod. The soldier was a useful tool that he would need to employ again. Then, he turned back to watch Rioja and Elaine.
[i]Someone has to be in charge, so it might as well be me.[/i]
Andolin Avatar by the Nice GD
Andolin Avatar by the Nice GD
-
Elaine
- Royal Poet
- Posts: 1435
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2003 4:45 pm
- Location: Citadel, the palace
- Contact:
Something stirred in the Caesar's song. Elaine's heart leaped and cherished the reaction with a continuation of the melody she hoped would bring him what he needed.
A soft blanket surrounded her, shielding her from all the prying eyes that had bothered her before. A little thrill of thankfulness crept into her song, taking the gift and using it to strengthen her bond with the feverishly sleeping man.
Slowly the girl started to isolate the strange flavour from the song. She wanted to finish what she started, to bring Anochrim strength before she would try to analyze the strand that somehow scared her. The most important thing was to detach it from the man under her care. If it was too big to grasp, then she would try to sever this unnatural tie that was pulling Anochrim under.
The deeper she went in, the more Elaine recognized his loss, her loss. The grief was so clear, so obvious. It broke her heart to feel another go through the nightmare she had experienced such a short time ago. Tears welled up in her eyes as Mother joined, hoping fervently that somehow Anochrim would feel Her unprejudiced acceptance and love too.
In order to free the Caesar from this strange note, the blind Achadhiel launched into the next verse, calling upon the Citadel's own Song she had sung in the gardens for Finodborn. He and the Fae had recognized it. Now it was up to Anochrim to go with the flow.
Go...
"Go now
Bear is calling
To walk you to your dream"
Going in deeper, the girl hoped the elusive tang would be unable to follow. If that did not work, there was always a chance that Anochrim's own melody would get more clear and defined now that they went to the very core of the Song. Once defined the false note would have no place anymore and might have to retreat.
"Leap now
Salmon’s calling
To guide your life upstream"
Leaping back to life, to his own soul to repair with the patience and help of those that truly cared.
Elaine cared.
Her own Song called out to the Caesar to not give up on life. As she had been shown new possibilities so she wanted to be there for this man who had suffered so much, who had had to wear so many different masks that he might have finally lost himself.
No, I will not let you loose yourself. I can see you, Caesar...Anochrim...I am here. We are here. We can hear your Song. We know who you are.
There wa scomplete acceptance in her statement. With renewed vigor the determined woman took his hand and went for the very last straw, opening up to the man completely and showing him what it meant to BE.
"Turn now
Dawn is calling
For another dance
Wake now
Life is calling
Won’t you take this chance"
She could not force him. It had to be his decision. But the moment he decided to make it, she'd be there to out-sing the discordance that caused the darkness in his Song. She waited for it to show, wanting to end her melody before throwing it out.
"Remember Mother’s arms around you
In your darkest mark
Remember that the stars still shine
Especially when it’s dark."
It did not matter if her shields were down with this man. It did not matter at all. All that did matter was that he Knew.
"Come back if you will
Leave if you may
Whatever your choice
Her Love will stay"
With a last sigh she added the final verse, accepting his choice and offering her all. A tear fell on their hands.
With great power comes great responsiblity. I know, Mother, and accept. Now show yourself, False Note. You are no longer part of his Song. You do not belong here. Go back to where you came from!
Mother of all,
Giver of comfort
Stern Mother
Chastising the wrong
Grant me the chance
To send back what has been attached wrongly
In such a way that it is harmless
To all involved
A soft blanket surrounded her, shielding her from all the prying eyes that had bothered her before. A little thrill of thankfulness crept into her song, taking the gift and using it to strengthen her bond with the feverishly sleeping man.
Slowly the girl started to isolate the strange flavour from the song. She wanted to finish what she started, to bring Anochrim strength before she would try to analyze the strand that somehow scared her. The most important thing was to detach it from the man under her care. If it was too big to grasp, then she would try to sever this unnatural tie that was pulling Anochrim under.
The deeper she went in, the more Elaine recognized his loss, her loss. The grief was so clear, so obvious. It broke her heart to feel another go through the nightmare she had experienced such a short time ago. Tears welled up in her eyes as Mother joined, hoping fervently that somehow Anochrim would feel Her unprejudiced acceptance and love too.
In order to free the Caesar from this strange note, the blind Achadhiel launched into the next verse, calling upon the Citadel's own Song she had sung in the gardens for Finodborn. He and the Fae had recognized it. Now it was up to Anochrim to go with the flow.
Go...
"Go now
Bear is calling
To walk you to your dream"
Going in deeper, the girl hoped the elusive tang would be unable to follow. If that did not work, there was always a chance that Anochrim's own melody would get more clear and defined now that they went to the very core of the Song. Once defined the false note would have no place anymore and might have to retreat.
"Leap now
Salmon’s calling
To guide your life upstream"
Leaping back to life, to his own soul to repair with the patience and help of those that truly cared.
Elaine cared.
Her own Song called out to the Caesar to not give up on life. As she had been shown new possibilities so she wanted to be there for this man who had suffered so much, who had had to wear so many different masks that he might have finally lost himself.
No, I will not let you loose yourself. I can see you, Caesar...Anochrim...I am here. We are here. We can hear your Song. We know who you are.
There wa scomplete acceptance in her statement. With renewed vigor the determined woman took his hand and went for the very last straw, opening up to the man completely and showing him what it meant to BE.
"Turn now
Dawn is calling
For another dance
Wake now
Life is calling
Won’t you take this chance"
She could not force him. It had to be his decision. But the moment he decided to make it, she'd be there to out-sing the discordance that caused the darkness in his Song. She waited for it to show, wanting to end her melody before throwing it out.
"Remember Mother’s arms around you
In your darkest mark
Remember that the stars still shine
Especially when it’s dark."
It did not matter if her shields were down with this man. It did not matter at all. All that did matter was that he Knew.
"Come back if you will
Leave if you may
Whatever your choice
Her Love will stay"
With a last sigh she added the final verse, accepting his choice and offering her all. A tear fell on their hands.
With great power comes great responsiblity. I know, Mother, and accept. Now show yourself, False Note. You are no longer part of his Song. You do not belong here. Go back to where you came from!
Mother of all,
Giver of comfort
Stern Mother
Chastising the wrong
Grant me the chance
To send back what has been attached wrongly
In such a way that it is harmless
To all involved
There is so much to see, yet so few willing to.
[i]Jonah Bannon[/i]
Avatar by Dorian!
[i]Jonah Bannon[/i]
Avatar by Dorian!
((OOC: Sorry for the delay. Syra's post is a very hard act to follow!))
To those observing, it appeared that Elaine was merely singing to the Caesar, despite her obvious state of deep concentration. Barrett, Farathorn and Andolin could sense, according to their abilities, that there was more to it, although they could not grasp what it was. Only Rioja had any certainty of what the Achadhiel was attempting, and yet it was beyond her experience as well.
The strange, foreign strand that Elaine was trying to isolate continued to elude her. It was not its size but rather its dispersion that prevented her from grasping it. Although it was one, this exotic tang, it was like a mesh that was interwoven with the stricken man’s own.
It seemed almost as if Anochrim shied away from the gentle presence of the Goddess at first. Yet, as Elaine continued to sing, to move deeper within, she could sense him listening to the offer of renewal and vitality of the song, and the complete acceptance of the Mother. The Achadhiel’s reassurances were touching the man at some level deep within. Sharing with Elaine had begun the process of healing for Anochrim’s grief-stricken heart.
But Anochrim had not yet chosen. First he had to fully understand, and then he had to accept, before he would choose.
And the tang remained: a sweetness that should not harm, but did; an essence that should protect, but did not; and a bitter undertone that bonded them.
To those observing, it appeared that Elaine was merely singing to the Caesar, despite her obvious state of deep concentration. Barrett, Farathorn and Andolin could sense, according to their abilities, that there was more to it, although they could not grasp what it was. Only Rioja had any certainty of what the Achadhiel was attempting, and yet it was beyond her experience as well.
The strange, foreign strand that Elaine was trying to isolate continued to elude her. It was not its size but rather its dispersion that prevented her from grasping it. Although it was one, this exotic tang, it was like a mesh that was interwoven with the stricken man’s own.
It seemed almost as if Anochrim shied away from the gentle presence of the Goddess at first. Yet, as Elaine continued to sing, to move deeper within, she could sense him listening to the offer of renewal and vitality of the song, and the complete acceptance of the Mother. The Achadhiel’s reassurances were touching the man at some level deep within. Sharing with Elaine had begun the process of healing for Anochrim’s grief-stricken heart.
But Anochrim had not yet chosen. First he had to fully understand, and then he had to accept, before he would choose.
And the tang remained: a sweetness that should not harm, but did; an essence that should protect, but did not; and a bitter undertone that bonded them.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
-
Caelin
(( OOC: I'll try and follow the tough act myself, if I stray too much, then please correct me and i'll edit.))
Gradually growing accustomed to the refined power that was woven inside the room, Farathorn regained his breath and got up again, a little shaky at first, but gaining in strength as the burns passed by. A lot had happened as he had watched the proceedings and from the looks of it, today would not be the miraculous recovery of the Emperor, despite the hard work that had been done by Elaine and the attempts of Rioja to aid her in her chosen task. As far as he could tell however, it seemed that some form of progress had been made, although he could not decipher what this would entail, nor could he tell what exactly had been reached. It was a feeling he had, which he could not define, nor did he have any control over it, but somehow he knew that Elaine had given all she could in order to try and cure his liege.
Sadly enough it did not seem to have worked, at least not to it's full intent. All that was left was to either repeat the process another day, or hope that whatever the blind woman had tried to do would turn out to be sufficient. In every case, this would have to be before the adhiel monarch perished from what ailed him.
With mixed feelings he turned his gaze upon Aesa, partially sad that the attempt to cure his liege had not worked, but the majority of his emotions was feeling sorry for the insecurity that the trothgardian woman would now have to endure even longer. His heart ached for Aesa, only wanting to see her happiness, but this he kept hidden within himself, visible only within the eyes of the achadhiel, which were readable only to those that knew him very well. One thing he did realise from all this, his conversation with the mystic would be a lively one, in regards of magic and their weavings. He needed to learn to control the gift he had been given, in order to use them to his advantage, but this as discretely as possible. Aside from Rioja, who he would approach later today, the only persons that knew of this were a friendly mage and one very ugly achadhiel. Perhaps soon he would inform his friend of this, but she had other things on her mind at the moment. Her needs came first and she was bound to be in need of a friend after this was concluded. Farathorn aimed to be there for her.
Gradually growing accustomed to the refined power that was woven inside the room, Farathorn regained his breath and got up again, a little shaky at first, but gaining in strength as the burns passed by. A lot had happened as he had watched the proceedings and from the looks of it, today would not be the miraculous recovery of the Emperor, despite the hard work that had been done by Elaine and the attempts of Rioja to aid her in her chosen task. As far as he could tell however, it seemed that some form of progress had been made, although he could not decipher what this would entail, nor could he tell what exactly had been reached. It was a feeling he had, which he could not define, nor did he have any control over it, but somehow he knew that Elaine had given all she could in order to try and cure his liege.
Sadly enough it did not seem to have worked, at least not to it's full intent. All that was left was to either repeat the process another day, or hope that whatever the blind woman had tried to do would turn out to be sufficient. In every case, this would have to be before the adhiel monarch perished from what ailed him.
With mixed feelings he turned his gaze upon Aesa, partially sad that the attempt to cure his liege had not worked, but the majority of his emotions was feeling sorry for the insecurity that the trothgardian woman would now have to endure even longer. His heart ached for Aesa, only wanting to see her happiness, but this he kept hidden within himself, visible only within the eyes of the achadhiel, which were readable only to those that knew him very well. One thing he did realise from all this, his conversation with the mystic would be a lively one, in regards of magic and their weavings. He needed to learn to control the gift he had been given, in order to use them to his advantage, but this as discretely as possible. Aside from Rioja, who he would approach later today, the only persons that knew of this were a friendly mage and one very ugly achadhiel. Perhaps soon he would inform his friend of this, but she had other things on her mind at the moment. Her needs came first and she was bound to be in need of a friend after this was concluded. Farathorn aimed to be there for her.
-
Elaine
- Royal Poet
- Posts: 1435
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2003 4:45 pm
- Location: Citadel, the palace
- Contact:
There was a simple, pure truth in the Song Elaine involved Anochrim in. Mother would always be there for him, no matter what, without prejudice or conditions. It touched her when the man turned to listen, even to hear. The tears falling were not of sadness, but rather of hope that whatever happened, Anochrim was being given a fair chance to make his own choice. This was the most important thing of all: it had to be his decision, not something forced upon him by others or the conviction would not be strong enough to bring him back to his life.
She understood his grief so well, the longing to simply go and leave everything behind because somehow it did not matter anymore. Yet there was the tricky part of wanting to believe thatl: it did matter. The blind Achadhiel did not believe Anochrim's part was played out.
The girl felt how they connected at some level of understanding. Softly humming without the need for words Elaine simply reached out her hand, offering the man company and a mirror. She gently wove the melody with what she heard reverberating in Anochrim himself. Living with the firm belief that all people had a song to which their soul resonated, the girl went for gut instinct and blind trust, knowing that Mother was here to catch them, whichever way the man would choose.
She mirrored what she heard, strengthening what she Knew to be Anochrim. The bitter sweetness was so entwined into his very being that the girl started to hesitate about it's origin. Was this perhaps something triggered by the Caesar himself? Had something somehow inserted itself, only to make his own doubts and pain grow? Something that should protect, but did not; a sweetness that should not harm, but did...It was bonded to him, to what he believed to be, but was this the truth? Was this really him?
Elaine took up a different voice, not trying to banish this false note from Anochrim's Song, but rather trying to turn it, to sooth it into what it was supposed to be instead of a harmful influence. One hand clenched, her mind holding Mother's hand in her own in a sing-song prayer.
Beloved Mother, I am your conduit. I will accept what comes. He deserves this chance.
Again she gave herself to the strands surrounding them. In order to understand them and to help Anochrim understand, she would have to Be instead of hear. No longer did she try to grasp the strange undertone. Instead she searched to know it, to understand and if possible to lure it into the strong melody that belonged to Anochrim's being.
Elaine remembered her mother's explanation when she had wondered about a scrape healing.. "Your body will remember what it is to be whole, love, that's how it knows what to do: it is simply following the pattern."
Following a pattern. A song is a pattern. Anochrim will know his song and I will help him remember. The young woman embraced his song again and nurtured it into strength. Whenever she encountered the countermelody, she gently offered it the memory of what the Song was supposed to be. No longer did she try to throw it out. If it was such a deep part of this man already, it would have to learn the proper melody instead of drawing him in deeper.
With her reinforcement of what she heard in Anochrim Elaine kept her promise to the man: she would be there for him, no matter what choice he made, mirrorring Mother's loving arms.
Understanding might come if he Heard his own song complete again. Elaine would be there to help him fill the holes, simply drawing from the memory of his own being.
Remember.
Be whole.
Be.
She understood his grief so well, the longing to simply go and leave everything behind because somehow it did not matter anymore. Yet there was the tricky part of wanting to believe thatl: it did matter. The blind Achadhiel did not believe Anochrim's part was played out.
The girl felt how they connected at some level of understanding. Softly humming without the need for words Elaine simply reached out her hand, offering the man company and a mirror. She gently wove the melody with what she heard reverberating in Anochrim himself. Living with the firm belief that all people had a song to which their soul resonated, the girl went for gut instinct and blind trust, knowing that Mother was here to catch them, whichever way the man would choose.
She mirrored what she heard, strengthening what she Knew to be Anochrim. The bitter sweetness was so entwined into his very being that the girl started to hesitate about it's origin. Was this perhaps something triggered by the Caesar himself? Had something somehow inserted itself, only to make his own doubts and pain grow? Something that should protect, but did not; a sweetness that should not harm, but did...It was bonded to him, to what he believed to be, but was this the truth? Was this really him?
Elaine took up a different voice, not trying to banish this false note from Anochrim's Song, but rather trying to turn it, to sooth it into what it was supposed to be instead of a harmful influence. One hand clenched, her mind holding Mother's hand in her own in a sing-song prayer.
Beloved Mother, I am your conduit. I will accept what comes. He deserves this chance.
Again she gave herself to the strands surrounding them. In order to understand them and to help Anochrim understand, she would have to Be instead of hear. No longer did she try to grasp the strange undertone. Instead she searched to know it, to understand and if possible to lure it into the strong melody that belonged to Anochrim's being.
Elaine remembered her mother's explanation when she had wondered about a scrape healing.. "Your body will remember what it is to be whole, love, that's how it knows what to do: it is simply following the pattern."
Following a pattern. A song is a pattern. Anochrim will know his song and I will help him remember. The young woman embraced his song again and nurtured it into strength. Whenever she encountered the countermelody, she gently offered it the memory of what the Song was supposed to be. No longer did she try to throw it out. If it was such a deep part of this man already, it would have to learn the proper melody instead of drawing him in deeper.
With her reinforcement of what she heard in Anochrim Elaine kept her promise to the man: she would be there for him, no matter what choice he made, mirrorring Mother's loving arms.
Understanding might come if he Heard his own song complete again. Elaine would be there to help him fill the holes, simply drawing from the memory of his own being.
Remember.
Be whole.
Be.
There is so much to see, yet so few willing to.
[i]Jonah Bannon[/i]
Avatar by Dorian!
[i]Jonah Bannon[/i]
Avatar by Dorian!
The room hummed with a subtle energy, as well as with the sound of Elaine’s voice. The young woman’s emotions were almost palpable, her focus completely upon the Caesar. Those who watched could not know why she cried, but it did not seem to be from despair. Rioja’s calm attendance and the subtle presence of the Goddess did not waver. There was nothing to fear from Elaine’s efforts, as strange as they might seem to those who looked on.
Despite her deep concentration, the Achadhiel maiden was beginning to feel fatigue creeping up on her. Her efforts now were becoming more difficult to formulate and to maintain. The impressions that she had received of the exotic strand continued, as if an invisible hand continued to guide her back to them. It was not part of Anochrim’s song, but it was far to entwined for the young woman to separate them. This would have to be done another way.
Yet the Caesar’s song had taken strength from Elaine’s gentle devotion and the approval of her goddess. He would not leave this life just yet, and his will to remain was growing slowly, as his grief finally found acceptance, completion, healing. Somewhere deep within the man, he now knew that he was not alone, that someone truly understood and accepted him unconditionally; something he had never before allowed himself.
Elaine felt a loving caress upon her cheek; an unseen act of approval. The Mother heard and was pleased with her servant. Yet the presence did not leave the room. Elaine had not yet completed her task here, despite the fatigue that now gripped her.
Despite her deep concentration, the Achadhiel maiden was beginning to feel fatigue creeping up on her. Her efforts now were becoming more difficult to formulate and to maintain. The impressions that she had received of the exotic strand continued, as if an invisible hand continued to guide her back to them. It was not part of Anochrim’s song, but it was far to entwined for the young woman to separate them. This would have to be done another way.
Yet the Caesar’s song had taken strength from Elaine’s gentle devotion and the approval of her goddess. He would not leave this life just yet, and his will to remain was growing slowly, as his grief finally found acceptance, completion, healing. Somewhere deep within the man, he now knew that he was not alone, that someone truly understood and accepted him unconditionally; something he had never before allowed himself.
Elaine felt a loving caress upon her cheek; an unseen act of approval. The Mother heard and was pleased with her servant. Yet the presence did not leave the room. Elaine had not yet completed her task here, despite the fatigue that now gripped her.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
Ulder continued to watch carefully, his concern for Elaine's health and well being growing with each passing flicker. The strain on her was evident and obvious, and he looked on intently, watching for any sign that her load might be too much to bear.
The tears that streamed down her face were both a cause for concern and a source of much endearment for him. Unlike most women, he thought that Elaine might actually be more beautiful when she cried. It made her startling eyes more blue and her tears looked like tiny pieces of fragile crystal against her skin. He longed to go to her, and tear her away from such a difficult task, but the act might cause more harm than good, and might spoil any chance she had of helping the fallen monarch. He settled for an uncomfortable shifting of his weight from one foot to the other.
He knew there was little he could do to help her, but he silently vowed to assist her in any way he could when this was over. He hoped it would all be over soon.
He prayed a silent prayer. It was not to any god, but rather to all of them, as was most prayers he'd ever uttered.
Please let the man find peace. In life or death, please let him find some peace.
The tears that streamed down her face were both a cause for concern and a source of much endearment for him. Unlike most women, he thought that Elaine might actually be more beautiful when she cried. It made her startling eyes more blue and her tears looked like tiny pieces of fragile crystal against her skin. He longed to go to her, and tear her away from such a difficult task, but the act might cause more harm than good, and might spoil any chance she had of helping the fallen monarch. He settled for an uncomfortable shifting of his weight from one foot to the other.
He knew there was little he could do to help her, but he silently vowed to assist her in any way he could when this was over. He hoped it would all be over soon.
He prayed a silent prayer. It was not to any god, but rather to all of them, as was most prayers he'd ever uttered.
Please let the man find peace. In life or death, please let him find some peace.
Aware (however vaguely at first) of both the underlying energies and the events unfolding in his physical presence, Barrett's astonishment gave way to his sense of obligation. He centered his awareness and entered a state that allowed him to be receptive to the maximum amount of input, recording both music and magick in his memory for later analysis. This particular meeting was too important for him to get lost in the small questions that generally pulled at his attention.
Elaine's lullaby etched itself into his memory and gave him a framework around which to pattern the energies and atmosphere of the event. It was a complex task, and one that he did not fully understand. Each word, each breath, each change in the pattern of energy required his entire concentration. No opinions, conjectures or feelings of his own entered into the equation. Just observation and the attempt to fit each one into the pattern of memory.
Tears fell from his cheeks, although he could not have said why. Surely the activity of his intellect did not leave room for his own emotions.
His own prayer was a soft whisper.
"Make the pattern right."
Elaine's lullaby etched itself into his memory and gave him a framework around which to pattern the energies and atmosphere of the event. It was a complex task, and one that he did not fully understand. Each word, each breath, each change in the pattern of energy required his entire concentration. No opinions, conjectures or feelings of his own entered into the equation. Just observation and the attempt to fit each one into the pattern of memory.
Tears fell from his cheeks, although he could not have said why. Surely the activity of his intellect did not leave room for his own emotions.
His own prayer was a soft whisper.
"Make the pattern right."
-
Elaine
- Royal Poet
- Posts: 1435
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2003 4:45 pm
- Location: Citadel, the palace
- Contact:
Her muscles trembled. It was a strange sensation when all she had been doing physically was sitting and holding the Caesar's hand. Breathing became deeper, more controlled instead of instinctively while the young Achadhiel tried very hard to postpone the fatigue spreading through her overworked system. She needed a few more moments. All the observations she could make were worth something. Maybe the lady Rioja could make sense of what the blind woman had found wandering through Anochrim's health.
Mother's touch came as a surprise and yet it did not shock her. A smile curled her lips up, knowing she was doing the right thing. The smile strengthened as her song was echoed back softly from the man she was trying to save. He would not die just yet, that much was clear. How she wished for him to wake up and yet she knew that right now the best for him was to sleep a more healthy sleep.
Mother did not leave. Elaine frowned. What was it she was missing here? It was so hard to keep her focus, her mouth feeling dry and her limbs so heavy. There was no completion yet. What was it that was needed?
A few more moments, just a few more moments.
All the Achadhiel could think of was somehow involving Aesa. She did not know if it was the right thing, yet since these two were supposed to live together, it might well be worth it to give them a little peek into the energies surrounding them and binding them.
Mother of love
Mother of life
Bringer of comfort
Taker of sorrow
I thank you for your guidance
I thank you for all
Yet I feel blinded by this last emptiness that needs to be filled.
If there is a way
In which I can be shown
What needs to be done
I will open myself up to it
To you
To all
Reaching out to the loving presence of Mother Elaine hoped fervently that she was making the right decisions here. Even more so she hoped that if she did indeed miss something crucial, she'd be given the chance to rectify it. If there was a price to pay, she'd pay it without hesitation. This needed to be done. It needed to be done now.
One trembling arm lifted up towards the man's betrothed, inviting the woman to join Elaine and the Caesar.
Mother's touch came as a surprise and yet it did not shock her. A smile curled her lips up, knowing she was doing the right thing. The smile strengthened as her song was echoed back softly from the man she was trying to save. He would not die just yet, that much was clear. How she wished for him to wake up and yet she knew that right now the best for him was to sleep a more healthy sleep.
Mother did not leave. Elaine frowned. What was it she was missing here? It was so hard to keep her focus, her mouth feeling dry and her limbs so heavy. There was no completion yet. What was it that was needed?
A few more moments, just a few more moments.
All the Achadhiel could think of was somehow involving Aesa. She did not know if it was the right thing, yet since these two were supposed to live together, it might well be worth it to give them a little peek into the energies surrounding them and binding them.
Mother of love
Mother of life
Bringer of comfort
Taker of sorrow
I thank you for your guidance
I thank you for all
Yet I feel blinded by this last emptiness that needs to be filled.
If there is a way
In which I can be shown
What needs to be done
I will open myself up to it
To you
To all
Reaching out to the loving presence of Mother Elaine hoped fervently that she was making the right decisions here. Even more so she hoped that if she did indeed miss something crucial, she'd be given the chance to rectify it. If there was a price to pay, she'd pay it without hesitation. This needed to be done. It needed to be done now.
One trembling arm lifted up towards the man's betrothed, inviting the woman to join Elaine and the Caesar.
There is so much to see, yet so few willing to.
[i]Jonah Bannon[/i]
Avatar by Dorian!
[i]Jonah Bannon[/i]
Avatar by Dorian!
Aesa was startled at Elaine’s attempt to include her. It often seemed to her that she knew Anochrim the least of all, despite their betrothal. He had never truly allowed her to see beyond his courtly facade. Yet she moved to take the woman’s hand, as was her duty.
Anochrim was beginning to stir in the bed, and Elaine could tell that the man was in some measure stronger; that much she had achieved. The poetess had helped to restore the man's desire for life; she had bought some time, but he was not yet safe.
The presence of the Mother did not waiver, and yet there was nothing more forthcoming to guide Elaine. Perhaps what came next was not hers to do.
Anochrim was beginning to stir in the bed, and Elaine could tell that the man was in some measure stronger; that much she had achieved. The poetess had helped to restore the man's desire for life; she had bought some time, but he was not yet safe.
The presence of the Mother did not waiver, and yet there was nothing more forthcoming to guide Elaine. Perhaps what came next was not hers to do.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)
(avatar by Talon Yoseijo)