The Telmentarian Celebration

Outside of Alexandria, beyond the Northern Gates, a festival sponsored by the Temple of Althea has begun. Advertised for the past week as a celebration of mothers, the Telmentarian Celebration, as it was dubbed, unusually takes place outside of the city limits, although it's close enough that someone could stagger their way back to the city if they have _too_ much fun. There's a number of stalls that provide family-friendly entertainment and food, but the big draw is a large tent, advertising messages from departed mothers and grandmothers of the past for those who have lost their mothers and grandmothers, whether related by blood or adopted.

Within the tent, a beautiful elven woman in white robes sits at a table as other Althean adherents pace around, getting everything set up. Lines are drawn, offerings are placed in bowls, and the woman in white just smiles serenely, her dark hair tumbling down to her waist. Her blue eyes are almost radiant as she looks around. One junior Hearthguard, a young man, looks almost nervous as he addresses her: "Lady Amalta? Are we ready soon?"

"We will be," she responds in a warm tone. "As soon as the preparations are ready. Please go and gather the questions from our audience."

Indeed, there are seats inside of the tent, and the young Hearthguard goes around with a small wicker basket to collect any forms (provided at the entrance of the tent by other Hearthguards), asking for the name of the departed, the name of the requestor, and the questions they wish to ask.

Mikilos strolls idly through the stalls, not really paying attention to the contents, a small crystal sphere hovering near his shoulder. "Yes, I'm sure she is lovely. But I'm still not interested. We have nothing in common. If we had, we'd have already met. Since we havn't, we obviously don't move in the same circles, do we Mother?"

It wasn't actually, that Zeke had known about this particular festival activity in advance, but he'd been requested by the temple to attend in case anyone had any injuries - heat induced being the most likely cause of most malady's given the time of year and the weather - and now he found himself off-duty and... Drawn to this tent. He stands near the back, his tail flick-flickering in nervousness. There's a tightly-folded slip in his hand and it seems very much like he's reconsidering the idea of giving it up.

Yet when the person comes by to see if he has one, he dutifully hands it over, his tail-tip a veritable blur of anxiety. He nods to them politely and they move on, allowing him to try and calm himself. "Sssaa." He hisses to himself, very quietly.

What's done is done.

Tlanexhuani knows very little of softskin customs, much less festivals. That this one was so broadly announced in advance must mean that it is very important! Out of respect to this, curiosity, and lack of other commitments, the old bluescale visits the grounds. The larger tent seems to be the centerpiece and he peeks within after politely declining any offered forms so far. It may be no surprise that the first he recognizes is the other bluescale. "Peace on your nest, Shaman Zeke."

Recently, a spirit of the dead had gifted Rune with communication from her mother. A mother whom she had been following in the footsteps of for nearly all of her adult life. A mother who had been absent since her childhood, taken away by some sort of illness beyond the understanding of the healers of the time. This is only accented by recent events, which have played into some of the mystery there.

That is enough to draw her to the festival, though with a certain measure of uncertainty. She is dressed in more finery than normal, the simple blue dress she had worn once to a party, but she is not without her weaponry, the twin blades strapped against her back. They are outside the city, so there are bound to be dangers.

"Are you sure I should be doing this?" She asks of the Makari beside her, the question held in her hand. However, even before there is time for reassurances, one of the Hearthguard comes around to collect the form. With hesitant, almost trembling fingers, Rune sets it into the wicker basket.

Harkashan himself isn't too interested in the matter at hand itself. However, it has not been long since Rune was given a message from her very own mother that had seemingly left her with more questions than answers. So, he's here to accompany her instead.

"You should. It will give you some peace of mind." Harkashan bids to Rune upon her question.

As a Deathsinger however, it is good for him to be around in a situation like this. After all, these peoples' hearts are in the right place, and undoubtedly know what they are doing, but these are still the dead. There are always concerns in the Deathsinger's eyes, when it comes to those.

Spotting Zeke as they step up, giving up a piece of paper, he looks to Rune. "I am going to ask Zeke to stand with us." He bids. "I will be back in a moment." Touching her trembling hands - helping still them - before maneuvering over to join Zeke, stepping up to him.

"Peace upon your nest, Shaman Zeke." He bids to him, offering a hand. "Thank you once more, for your help last night. By chance, do you wish for support?" Stepping a bit to the side so he doesn't get in Tlanexhuani's way. "I would invite you to stand with me and Rune."

Seyardu was as busy as anyone would be at such an event where they were expected to take part. After tending to making sure the food was cooking properly, people were reassured about their work, and various other small tasks involved were moving smoothly, the cleric finally had some free time to herself. Which led to the hearthguard sitting off to one side, staring at a blank sheet of parchment. A elaborate gold pen hovered over the entry for a given name, before the cleric lets out a disappointed huff of air and flips the form over to begin sketching a surprisingly passable sketch of what was obviously (to some), a makari woman similar to Seyardu in appearance.

"Peace on your nest shaman Harkashan, And the one with you is Rune, yes? I am glad you were able to find her. And peace to you as well, Shaman Zeke." They greet quickly. "Apologies, I must focus and finish this before they come to be collected. Perhaps I may ask for it back after the event?"

"I meet plenty of nice girls Mother. Most of them are less than half my age. Well yes, I knew that moving to human lands. I'm not worried about it Mother, I'm not ever 200 yet, I've plenty of time to settle down. No, no, I do not want to meet the daughter of your book club president... no Mother, I don't want to meet her son either. Look, look, they're about to start, I need to break the connection. Yes, we'll talk later. Uh-huh. Yes. love you too. Bye."

Mikilos sighs, catching the crystal sphere from the air and tucking it into his haversack

The young Hearthguard collects entries from the people who have filtered into the tent, and indeed, he takes Rune and Zeke's entries, and is patient enough to wait for Seyardu to complete hers, offering a respectful nod to his sister-in-Althea. He scurries off to return to Amalta and clears his throat.

"Welcome all! We are pleased to have with us today the Lady Amalta, a priestess of our Star Mother who has traveled all the way from Marniar'nir in the Mythwood to be here today!" His voice is bright, clear, and... slightly nervous.

And yet the warm expression on Amalta's face says there's nothing to be afraid of. She claps her hands together as she rises, addressing the crowd with her sky-blue eyes and sweet smile. "Hello, good people of Alexandria and the greater area of Alexandros!" she greets. "Blessings of our Mother upon all of you. Shortly, I am to begin our ritual for this evening's activity. Please do not be alarmed; I have performed this rite before many a time, and my acolytes are here to assist in the matter."

It becomes quite apparent that this is a bit... more theatrical than one might expect. Several elven acolytes, wearing robes similar to Amalta's, come out of the back of the tent and into the center, casting spells that turn the interior of the tent into a star-studded night sky. Lady Amalta herself casts a spell that turns into a warm and shimmering light that hovers above herself, and then the acolytes and the Lady stand in the middle of the lines that were drawn on the ground. They began to chant an incantation.

Having been finally getting to know the city of Alexandria to one degree or another, Huian finds herself still out exploring now and then. There are times when people watching can teach a person a -lot- about their new home. After all, when one is in exile, one can either be angry about it, or accept it and try to prosper.

She has changed her overall look of late, removing the leather-reinforced armored linens and replacing those with some simple cotton and linen trousers and a long sleeve shirt with button-hooks all the way up to the collar. The trousers are a dark gray while the top is pretty much white as snow. It makes her stand out since the style is not a local one. Combine it with her short height and long dark hair and she can be quite distinctive.

But she finds herself walking out of the gates, giving a smile to one of the guards before she steps off the road to get out of the way before turning to simply observe the comings and goings of others.

Tlanexhuani has said his peace (quite literally) to Zeke and moves aside as Harkashan addresses and invites the shaman. "Peace on yours also," he adds to the Deathsinger, Rune, and Seyardu. He is quite for several moments before he looks between the shamans curiously. "It is a great ceremony to... speak with departed nest-moth-" His words go still, as does his tail, as the shaman of ceremonies begins to ... ceremonize. Tlanexhuani turns his attention there.

GAME: Mikilos rolls spellcraft: (10)+39: 49
GAME: Zeke rolls Spellcraft: (13)+4: 17
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls spellcraft: (4)+8: 12
GAME: Seyardu rolls spellcraft: (8)+6: 14

Mikilos watches the castings with professional interest. Certainly they're different from his own castings, but magic is magic. To a point, at least. The magus doesn't seem concerned, just curious.

Zeke takes Harkashan's hand with gratitude and nods to Tlan. "Peasssce on your nessstsss. Thisss one will gladly join you." He moves toward Rune with ease, his tension fading with the welcome of others of his own kind. He nods politely to her and perhaps a touch lower than he had before. "Peassce on your nessst." He offers her very politely.

Given that the ceremony is taking place now, he elects not to say anything further, but rather watches the strange and unknown magic with interest.

"Peace on your nests." Rune offers to each of the Makari, some familiar and some less so. She offers a sort of shy smile, her eyes moving over to Zeke with a bit of confusion written there. She had thought to have encountered his mother in Mictlan, but perhaps she had been mistaken somehow? It really does not seem the time to press that particular matter.

"Yes, I'm Rune. I don't believe we've met?" She cants her head.

Then, as it seems the ritual is beginning, Rune turns her attention forward. At her throat is her mother's necklace, the one that has only ever been partially unlocked and still holds so many secrets. The one that had glowed in the presence of the goddess Eluna. For Rune, it is a source of comfort, a piece of her mother that she still has with her.

Oh, a ceremony. And one Huian is unfamiliar with. She perks up and eases her way towards it to observe silently. She cranes her neck to try to get a good look here and there. Sometimes it sucks to be short.

But either way, she is mostly just curious. Her hands clasp behind her back as she does her best to navigate closer that she might eventually get a clear look at things.

"Peace upon your nest, Shaman Seyardu." Harkashan bids the woman welcome with a polite bow of his head. The lavastone hanging between his horn jingling along its chains. "It is." He then bids, in regards to Rune, looking to his side.

A glance towards Tlanexhuani as he speaks of nestmothers, but he's a bit more concerned in how that applies to Zeke. After all, he and his nestmother have a rather... contentious relationship.

"You are of course welcome as well." He bids, both to Seyardu and Tlanexhuani. Unfortunately, he's not as familiar with Mikilos at this time. But it doesn't help that he ends up a bit distracted by the display of soothing stellar spellcraft strewn shadewards scaping stars.

It is not long before he joins Rune once again with the rest, and looks down at her once the first display has finished.

He does notice Huian after a bit, whom he does have more familiarity with, and motions his hand at her in greeting.

"Yes, it is certainly an honored opportunity to speak with ancestors in such a way. I do not believe I have met you before, but you are welcomed all the same." Seyardu nods to Tlanexhuani, and Rune as well. "No, we have not, but Harkashan told me about you to a degree, and you seem to match the description, along with Harkashan being right over there."

"I am curious to what she seeks to do with this process." The silverscale wonders out loud as the theatrics begin.

The question that Seyardu asks is answered quickly enough within the span of minutes. A brilliant white light floods the tent, and what appears in the center of the formation that Amalta and her acolytes make is an impossibly beautiful figure of androgynous form, wings curled around their body. The figure is a tall, tall humanoid, taller than even Tlanexhuani, and looking at them inspires a sensation like an aching in the chest that forces one to avert their gaze even slightly. It's strangely impossible to register much in the way of facial details as a result--an artist would have to invent them if they wished to create a portrait in the wake of this figure's appearance.

"I am--and all that is," the radiant figure says gently, their voice rolling over the crowd like soothing rain in the wake of a drought.

"We greet you, O Beloved One," Amalta exalts, arms raised. "I beseech you to begin your communing spell, so that the departed of mothers past may speak through You."

It's a moment before the figure responds, a gentle smile on their lips. "As you will it," they respond. Another hum of power thrums through the tent.

Amalta takes the basket from the young Hearthguard who had been collecting entries. She draws one...

"Seyardu? Seyardu. Please, come forth and speak aloud your question."

GAME: Harkashan rolls Knowledge/Religion: (6)+5: 11
GAME: Seyardu rolls knowledge/religion: (9)+9: 18
GAME: Mikilos rolls knowledge/religion: (5)+17: 22
GAME: Zeke rolls Knowledge/Religion: (17)+20: 37

Brows lifting in reaction to all of this, Huian steps off to one side. She doesn't approach closer, but does not back away. This could be innocent and harmless, but at the same time, things that look innocent and harmless have an annoying tendency to change forms with alacrity.

Her left hand slides to rest on the scabbard of her sword. The scabbard that is tucked through a silk sash about her waist. And her body grows just a bit more tense, as if coiled and ready to spring. But other than that, she does and says nothing.

GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls knowledge/religion: (2)+5: 7

Any further introductions or questions seem to fall silent from Rune as she seems to focus on the sight of something seemingly being summoned before them. Matters of the gods, celestials, and magic all seem to be well beyond her understanding. Averting her eyes, Rune turns to watch the lady Amalta.

As the first among them is called up, anxiety seems to thrum through Rune, tempered only by curiosity as she seems to show interest in the ritual and what it may accomplish for others who are taking their turns.

Zeke takes a breath at the sight of this being, his eyes fixated on it for a moment before he bows his head. He turns to Rune, murmuring in her ear words that can barely be heard to her before fixing Harkashan with a look that speaks volumes. It asks silently if the other male knows what this thing is, and offers an explanation if the other draws close enough for Zeke to whisper such information without interrupting the ongoings. Tlanexhuani is further away at the moment so he merely offers that male a comforting nod.

As the radiant figure appears, Harkashan remains quiet in that moment. The impossible beauty meets with that strange sensation when trying to gaze upon its eyes. So each time, Harkashan just ends up looking away. Unable to recognize a entity such as this, from a different Dragon's following.

For what immortal hand or eye, could frame its beautiful symmetry?

His head shifts, noticing that Seyardu wished to speak to one of its own family as well. Or perhaps someone beyond that. The Sith-makar bonds with 'family' more oft speaks to their cast than those who laid the eggs, so it's always a question of how tight those bonds were.

When Zeke looks to him, he shakes his head slightly.

He takes Rune's hand. "It's okay."

Mikilos blinks as the celestial appears, mildly surprised, but not shocked. He listens with a faint smile, looking to Seyardu.

Tlanexhuani blinks at the shining form. Thrice. First in surprise, then in awe, and lastly due to... well, it is shining! His eyes avert for that reason, though his head and shoulders lower in deference. A high servant of any of the gods is a aweing and honoring presence, though there is some worry in the overwhelming nature of it. Tlanexhuani looks to the shamans, foremost Zeke, and takes some peace in the return gesture. With the calling of one to speak their words, he looks for Seyardu, yet curious of, well, all.

"Oh, it seems I was chosen first. Well, perhaps I should put the others at ease to know that it is okay." The hearthguard notes with a small puff of air.

As Seyardu stands up to approach, but before they take a few steps, a black scaled makari who was nearby in various tribal leathers brusquely shoves their way past and behind all who where nearby to place one hand on Seyardu's shoulder.

"Mind your questions." They hiss low, before just as abruptly turning and moving back into the crowd with less urgency. <Draconic>

The silverscale blinks once, and sighs, before making her way up to where she could bow. "You honor us with your presence." Seyardu begins once they stand back upright. "There are so many questions I may wish to ask. I would just like to know if you would approve of my actions in coming here, since I know so little."

There's a moment where the radiant figure just listens to the question. It's a moment longer before they respond, in the comforting but brief way that a communing spell can be: "Yes."

"Return to your seat," Amalta says gently, a smile on her face. "Next!"

A few more members of the audience are selected by draw of ballots. They come up to the radiant figure, ask a question about the maternal figure in their life, and return to their seats, all visibly touched (and most with tears in their eyes). One person walks away with a teary-eyed grin after receiving the missing ingredient to their grandmother's cookie recipe: a pinch of cinnamon.

And then the next name that comes up is another familiar name. "Zeke?" Lady Amalta calls out. "Please come forth and speak aloud your question."

Mikilos frowns mildly as Seyardu is... encountered. But holds still, listening to the celestial... calmly, but perhaps lacking the radiant bliss common to most of the audience.

Angelic things are... angelic. Huian lets go of her scabbard, and re-clasps her hands behind her back. It is evident that this is not some invasion. Either that or, if it is, what good is one woman with a sword going to do against power like that?

She just smirks a bit and steps back to observe how things evolve. Having the servants of gods just show up and talk to folks seems... way outside of her bailiwick...so she remains silent.

The sound of Zeke's voice near her ear draws Rune's attention away from the angelic creature and Lady Amalta, if only for a moment. She listens, giving a small, quiet nod of her head before glancing back. It is the first time that she has seen anything of the sort, and whatever it is that the blue-scaled Makari had told her, seems to set her mind at ease, at least somewhat.

The strange interaction between Seyardu and the darker scaled Makari have Rune looking between the two, brows furrowing, but eventually she waits and watches. Rune has never been good at sitting, or standing, still. When Harkashan takes her hand, it draws her eyes away, likely distracting her from the answer to the cookie recipe.

A light squeeze seems to indicate that she appreciates the support, but it is followed by Rune looking more introspective, likely still trying to find the right questions to ask. An attention that gets pulled, once again, as Zeke is called up.

Zeke hesitates now that he's been chosen. Frozen for a moment where he stands indecisively. As if uncertain if he should even move forward. As if he hadn't expected that he might be called at all. In fact he half expects some other Zeke to come forward, but none does. Then, realizing after an eternity - in reality only a second - that he is possibly holding things up he moves. Just a little forward. He clears his throat low, then asks the question. "Why did you hurt your child?"

It's the question of a much, much younger being. The question that has haunted his childhood. A question to which he feels he knows the answer, but to which he has never felt fully resolved to. The question chokes him a little, and his shoulders hunch slightly under the weight of unfamiliar eyes.

The way the question is asked he could be asking for someone else. Maybe. Surely.

Those that know him know differently.

There is a momentary tilt of the head from Harkashan when Seyardu reminds them to consider their questions, and he isn't sure what to take away from that. But when Seyardu's answer comes back, he quickly understands it. Questions are more complicated than they might seem, when an answer is so restrictive in form.

Harkashan shows a little grunt of worry, looking to Rune for a moment. But as Zeke's name is called, he touches tails with him for a brief moment. "She can no longer harm you. Your Caste is here for you." Harkashan reminds him, and then leaves him to move forward and ask.

The ... interjecting of the darkscale to Seyardu is a surprise to Tlanexhuani, but maybe it is just concerned kin of hers? He does not know. The question and answer seem simple and direct enough; who would not want to know that their nest-mother was proud of them?

Then Zeke is called forth, drawing Tlanexhuani's full focus. He is not surprised that Zeke has questions for Nona, but very much is that he asks here. His head lowers further and he slouches as he looks from shaman to the glowing entity (as much as he might) for a response.

Seyardu slowly returns to her seat from before, and bows her head to the others as she passes. "I am very sorry for the rudeness and interruption. I was not expecting that." They apologize as they settle back in to watch, more than a bit on edge.

An edge that passes quickly as others come to ask their questions. And then Zeke is called up. The silverscale tilts their head one way, and looks to them, before nodding. "Yes, we are here to listen and speak if you need. Please do not hesitate to do so." They offer before they leave.

The question Zeke asks puts an immediate silence onto the tent from all of the other people attending in the audience. All of those eyes turn onto Zeke, because they cannot look at the radiant figure that is here, and their eyes are filled with... compassion. Pity. Some with more knowing looks than others. One of the acolytes looks like they're about to speak up, but Lady Amalta holds her hand up to stop them.

It's a moment before the radiant figure responds. The answer is in their voice but it is the unmistakable cadence and way of Nonantziné:

"This one did not birth a child, but a monster."

Lady Amalta does not dismiss Zeke like she does with the others. Her mouth is drawn into too tight of a line. It's a look of an empathetic pain as she regards Zeke, and gives him only a nod.

Mikilos draws a quiet hiss of breath at that. But exhales slowly. Not his place, not his business... but still…

There's an echoing silence in the wake of Zeke's question and the response that is given. For a moment, just a moment Zeke is bolstered by his kin. By those around him. He has faith that he will receive an answer.

He should have known better.

The sith-makar could have borne the weight of the answer, but not the weight of those around him looking at him. All those eyes. Amalta nods to him and he steps back. There are no tears for the sith-makar. No way to express the raw pain that lives and beats inside his throat like an apple swallowed whole.

'She can no longer harm you.' He should have never given up the slip of paper he had written his name on. He steps back again, wishing beyond wish that he could disappear.

Zeke does not deserve an answer beyond the one he's already been given.

The answer that is spoken from the radiant being is enough to cause Rune's features to wince. Though she had only encountered Zeke's mother on one occasion, the words seem just as cruel. Her free hand clenches slightly, a bit of anger on behalf of the blue-scaled cleric who certainly did not deserve such harsh words.

She knows very well that it wouldn't be prudent to call further attention to the Makari, as there would be enough eyes on him in that moment. But boy is there a good amount of righteous wrath that she has on Zeke's behalf. "That woman is an absolute asshole." She whispers.

Tlanexhuani does not know this magic. He did not know what Zeke would ask, nor that he -would- ask. He did not know what answer might be given.

Now that it is, though, he KNOWS that it is WRONG.

"No!" He straightens fully upright; though he does not use his spear to help in that rise, he taps the butt of it firmly on the ground in time with a slap if his tail. Eyes may need to be narrowed to slits as he stares at the glowing figure as firmly as he can.

"The only monster hatched was within YOU!"

He did not come to seek words of his own nest-mother, but he won't allow words from one once lain by the same to harm more with her words.

GAME: Harkashan rolls Sense Motive+2+3: (1)+12+2+3: 18
GAME: Harkashan rolls Sense Motive+2+3: (13)+12+2+3: 30

Were this a different circumstance, snacks and beverages might be called for. At the moment, Huian settles for simply remaining quiet and doing her best to learn by observing only. That is something she has learned over time. Remain silent and let the others make noise. Let them speak and simply figure out what they mean to work things out.

Harkashan was afraid of this answer. This kind of madness caught so deep, that it has infected a Sith-makar's very soul. Harkashan's expression grows dark, but as a Deathsinger, he knows very well that there are enough bonds, enough spirits, who are not kind to others.

His words had meant to be a kindness. To give Zeke the reminder that he's amongst Kin. Harkashan does approach Zeke, as he almost slinks away. He's reminded of Zeke's hesitance towards touch still. And in a moment like this, comfort isn't something Zeke seeks.

Instead, Harkashan bids words to Zeke. "Know I will be ready when you wish to speak and be amongst your true family." But for now, he will leave the lizard alone.

He agrees with the others, but he's not going to draw further attention to Zeke or this moment.

Seyardu huffs once under her breath at the question and answer. The silverscale shakes her head. "Take this as a reminder at the very least Zeke. This one would just as easily be considered as such. But this one had others to raise them when things were difficult, even if they never knew their own nest mother. Her failing was not seeking help and assistance when needed, until it worsened into something she believes."

"If there is something to be taken to heart, just remember that. Do not shoulder your burdens and worries alone." They finish, falling back to silence to watch the rest after a sympathetic look to the others.

There's a hard and difficult feeling in the air and in the tent. Lady Amalta observes the group that steps forward to console Zeke, and she seems like she might try to stop the whole thing altogether, but then her eyes spy Harkashan and Rune... and she just nods.

She calls out the names of a few more people. The feeling of difficulty lingers in the air as one asks for approval regarding their new occupation away from the family's shop, and another asks for approval of their spouse, met in their life after their mother's death. But finally...

"We are running low on the number of questions that can be asked. This is the final one that can be answered. Leirune, please come forth and speak aloud your question."

A call goes out across the distance between Zeke and the entity that is only speaking his mother's words. A rebuttal. Zeke shrinks under the return of attention and Seyardu's words only seem to make things worse. He looks toward Harkashan and manages a faint nod of understanding, but it's a strained thing. He won't leave, to do so now would be rude beyond reason, but he can become as unobtrusive as possible. Something he's had a lifetimes experience with.

Unobtrusive seems to be the name of the game for Huian. Not to draw attention, but to -pay- attention. Her dark eyes are raptly focused on the goings on before her. I mean this is a super rare treat to be allowed to observe even if not interacting with it. So she does just that. Remains as 'out of sight' as she can.

There is almost a feeling of relief when Lady Amalta says that they have reached the final question to be answered. It's that feeling when you aren't really sure you want to go to something, and you hear that it is canceled.

And then her name is called.

"Right... let's do this." Rune whispers.

Taking a deep breath, Rune releases Harkashan's hand and approaches, wiping her hands off on her dress an anxious way. "T-thank you for having the time for me." Not looking directly at the celestial being, she looks more towards the floor instead, "My question is for Kiira Theran."

A pause, then her hand lifts to her necklace, "I've carried your necklace with me, because it always felt like keeping a part of you with me." That isn't her question, but it somehow seems important to Rune to start there, "I know that it means something. That it is something you wanted me to find. I have so many questions but..." Deep breath. "Where do I go to solve the next piece of the puzzle?"

Yes, Rune had many, many questions, but it was clear to her that they had to be kept simple. That is the most simple one she can think of asking.

GAME: Huian rolls perception: (9)+7: 16
GAME: Harkashan rolls Perception+2: (15)+5+2: 22
GAME: Zeke rolls Perception: (7)+5: 12
GAME: Zeke rolls Perception: (19)+5: 24

The answer was wrong... and now Tlanexhuani realized that his response was also wrong. Wrong place, wrong time. If it is just sharing words from another and not the one creating them... A flick of eyes to Shaman Zeke. The bluescale deflates with a long, quiet hiss, lowering his stance back to hunched.

GAME: Rune rolls perception: (13)+15: 28
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls perception: (17)+9: 26
GAME: Mikilos rolls perception: (19)+29: 48
GAME: Seyardu rolls perception: (3)+8: 11
GAME: Harkashan rolls Sense Motive+2: (2)+12+2: 16
GAME: Harkashan rolls Sense Motive+2: (2)+12+2: 16
GAME: Zeke rolls Sense Motive: (14)+5: 19

As Rune steps forward, Harkashan notices the way the priestess seems to gaze at her with such heavy fervor. Tilting his head for a moment. It has not been lost on him that Rune has been made to wait until the last moment.

But his attention eventually returns to the angelic being instead, awaiting the response to Rune's question. Wondering just... what is going on. It was not but a day ago that Rune met Eluna herself, making that necklace glow. Now this.

Mikilos blinks at Rune's question and stands a bit straighter. Might be a very interesting answer.

Seyardu watches as Rune steps forward, but already they were feeling uncertain of what to do after Zeke's question and answer, so the cleric remains silent. They did not know Rune particularly well, if at all, and the question felt relatively personal, so perhaps it was best to let it be.

There's... a moment with that radiant figure. One that grows increasingly longer. Much longer than the other answers. As no one in the tent can look at the angel's face directly for very long, the only source of confusion on the figure comes with that answer:

"I cannot reach that person--"

"You," Lady Amalta says, in a voice that is deeper and more commanding than her own. Gone is the warmth that an Althean priestess generally carries, herself included, and she... straightens herself up in a way that reminds one, a little, of a marionette on strings. Her blue eyes are hollow, and they stare only at Rune, like the rest of the room is gone.

"We will be _waiting_ for you among the golden sands."

And then... the Lady falls backwards, her eyes rolling into the back of her head. The audience gasps, and the young Hearthguard who collected everyone's responses catches her as she falls.

GAME: Harkashan rolls Knowledge/Religion: (6)+5: 11
GAME: Zeke rolls Heal: (6)+19: 25

Mikilos was right. The answer was interesting. He nods thoughtfully, keeping watch of the Celestial as the Lady is... indisposed.

The long wait leaves Rune counting every heartbeat. It is one of those moments where you wonder if they really are talking a long time or if it is just your anxiety playing with you. She presses her fingers into the necklace, if only to feel something as she waits, not daring to look towards the celestial being.

And then, when Lady Amalta speaks, Rune lifts her head, confusion and shock written there. What happens afterwards, that shift in the woman's body and the words that sound almost like a warning and a promise, it leaves Rune with her mouth slightly parted.

Then, the Lady falls. Rune steps back, eyes darting around. They stop on the Hearthguard, then on the others, each one getting a look in turn before she sends her gaze back to the front again, "I--- I'm sorry. I didn't know. I-- I didn't mean..."

Rune is quickly backpedaling, looking as if she might just make a run for it.

The moment that the lady falls Zeke forgets everything else. There's someone that needs his attention. Many of them perhaps. The mien of a healer falls to his shoulders and he moves. "Peasssce!" He says loudly to the crowd so as to be heard over any panic that might be incoming. "The lady is fine."

This is to Rune as well, a gentle placating gesture as he moves toward the Hearthguard and the fallen lady. He gives Lady Amalta a quick look and motions for the Hearthguard to lift her up. "Only exhausted. Leave in peassce. All isss well."

What's taking so long? This shouldn't be that difficult for a proper Psychopomp, Harkashan considers in that moment. But then...

That. That is an answer Harkashan did not expect. Especially with the recent contact of another ghost, professing Rune's name. Harkashan's head tilts a bit.

His head practically rubber-bands when the Lady suddenly speaks. Eyes shifting. His heckles rise in that moment. He isn't familiar with the Golden Sands, he believes. Not immediately. But as usual, it tugs at the edges of his mind.

Noticing Rune 'freaking out' as it may be called, he steps in. Walking up behind her and putting his hands on her shoulders. "One who stands as close to the Gods as Lady Amaltha, assuredly understands when the powers have need of her like this." He bids to the Half-Sil.

GAME: Harkashan rolls Diplomacy: (7)+11: 18
GAME: Zeke rolls Diplomacy: (15)+11: 26
GAME: Seyardu rolls diplomacy: (12)+25: 37

Lifting her brows, Huian steps back a bit, if only to stay out of the way. Things always get dramatic when gods, angels and the like get involved. Okay, so it's not like she knows that from experience. This is her first time.

What was mostly a polite avoidance of any further prying was not to be dismissed for a complete lack of attentions for the goings on. When the priestess takes on a different role and promptly passes out, Seyardu is quick to leave her seat and squeeze her way into the main area to check along with the others. "That was a good job catching her. Zeke is right, she will be okay." The silver cleric nods, before looking to the main area. "My sincerest apologies to all of you who have come here today, such magics can cause exhaustion to set in at times. Thank you all for your time coming out here today, and I hope that all of you can find what comfort and closure within what was shared as you need. May you all find such succor from Althea whenever you are in need."

The cleric turns to the angel, then. "And thank you for your part played as well. If you do not wish to wait for Lady Amaltha's rousing or the ritual to finish, I can return you to your plane prematurely. I would like to hear what may have happened before then, however, to know how best to proceed."

Zeke's words to the crowd put people at ease, and with Seyardu's further words, the audience disperses out of the tent, albeit murmuring with worry for the Lady Amalta and what had transpired moment ago.

The angel peers down to Seyardu and shakes their head. "I am called elsewhere and cannot linger here," they respond. "The Lady will be well. All will be well." It is a promise of sorts, one that might soothe the hearts of those gathered here--and they disappear in a burst of light.

The Lady remains unconscious. She may be like that for some time to come. The mystery of the words she imparted to Rune, and the hurtful words that were given to Zeke through the angel, are for those who have heard them to wrestle with and work through.

-End