[Telka] Saoire's Heroes: The Spirit Table

[Pegasus]

Telka
Saoire's Realm

And finally, they were all seated.

Stars lit above them, each one of them found their place setting - and they found that there was room for them, and any and all who came with them. There was a wide open-air space outside them, the ceiling opened up to the skies. The seats were comfortable and there was an incredible attention to detail. Beautiful place settings had small gifts sitting for each individual - and for each one, it was their favourite sweet snack which had been made to the highest standards of taste and presentation. Couples would find small crystal decorations which matched, or made a pair, and were significant to them. Individuals had small crystal objects too - all of which were significant and meaningful. Animal companions were not left out, there was a gift for each one. Even spirits such as Diri were given gifts here - and for them the gifts were the same. With each course, a small vial of ephemera which allowed them to taste the flavours of the feast.

They had a few moments to get settled and they would have drinks poured for them. It was an interesting fact of Saoire's realm ~ or perhaps of just this night ~ that alcohol had no negative effects here. There would be all the experience when drinking, but no feeling of inebriation or consequences the next morning. Each table was decorated with flowers and blooms which were living. No cut flowers here, each decoration was alive. Plants and small trees grew from the center of each table, healthy and living and giving a beautiful scent. Small crystals hung from branches and there were candles flickering at differing heights on each table.

The effect was exquisite.

Of course, the people seated here were also of differing heights - and yet that was another effect of Saoire's realm. Each person experienced the world, and everyone in it, as though they were their size. An ithecal and a cadouri could sit at the same table and be eye to eye and the world fitted them perfectly. It was a means of bringing people together, and it simply worked. When everyone was seated and had drinks, they were given a five-course menu. Each menu was different, it was a selection of the individual's favourite things. The only thing which was the same was that there was a "Chef's Choice" on each, whereby they would allow the chef to put together a bespoke menu for them.

Quickly enough, everyone was seated with drinks and having made whatever food order they wished. There was quiet music playing in the background - a cadouri string quartet - and a hum of conversation. Then, the area at the front of the room lit up more brightly and there stood Saoire.

"I bid you all a warm welcome," she said. Her green eyes were solemn as she looked at them. Around her, fairies fluttered and many of them whispered into her ear or giggled with musical sounding voices. "We are here to celebrate, and to give thanks, to those who worked so hard to save Scalvoris and who, in the process, achieved so much more." She looked around with a smile and it seemed like she looked at each individual, making personal eye contact with them.

"For those who do not know me, I am Saoire. It is my pleasure to greet you here, in my Domain." she gestured around to where they were, her shimmering white dress moving with her. "This is Telka and you are each a gift to the evening." She spoke softly, gently, but her voice was clearly heard by all.

"Although there are many here who know what happened, because they were there, there are equally those of you who do not," she said. "And so, I have provided an option for you to do so. At your place setting, there is a small vial"

Indeed there was - each one of them would find such. A small vial, intricate and beautiful. There was one for everyone, even if they'd been there. Because, after all, they hadn't all been in every place. Inside was a clear golden liquid which looked like honey. "If you drink the contents of that vial, it will show you what happened, in each place with each person." And indeed, it would - but it was up to them if they chose to drink it or not.

"With each course, we will celebrate achievements of specific individuals or groups. The heroes who saved us that trial and groups such as the Order of the Adunih who helped so much in the storm and freeze," With a warm smile, she opened her arms. "There are six of us here, tonight, in this realm and we will visit you, speak with you. Please, enjoy your first course."

And so, The Feast for Heroes began.

The SpiritTable

Seated at this table were Elisabeth, Balthazar, Oram and Kori'än. Also seated there were Professor Fridson and Shania, from the Council. Since their table had on it people who had been involved in the events specifically, it had a large blossom centerpiece growing from the middle of the table. They might notice that there was one empty chair, although it had a place set for it.

There were small crystals and mirrors allowing the lights to reflect, and the theme of the table was fire. The flowers which cascaded down from the central tree, and which grew up and over it, were small winter's breath flowers. Their scent was subtle but beautiful and they seemed so fragile that they might crumble to dust. The crystals on the table and nestled in between the blooms were also reflecting the theme and when one looked at them, they seemed almost ephemeral, like they were not really there - they seemed almost like they were mist made solid. The glasses were etched with beautiful engravings of winter's breath flowers and the effect was stunning. Their plates and cutlery too had the same design etched into them - the plates had it around the rim and the cutlery had the pattern on the handles.

The first course was quickly served and they discovered that the empty chair was for a latecomer.

Ziell, for those who recognised him, sat down and looked at them rather solemnly. "Greetings to you," he said with a slight smile. "My name is Ziell, and I will be sharing this course with you." He seemed genuinely pleased to see them although his nature seemed reserved. When he looked at each of them, his eyes were piercing.

"It seems that we will share this space and time together," he said quietly. "And I would know more of you, of the people you are and the things which bring you peace."

Looking at them all, each one of them, ZIell was quiet for a moment and then he spoke again. "To me, as to Saoire, there is no situation where violence is an answer. Yet," he said, thoughtfully. "I can not deny that in the final Story Which Became Truth, the Forged, the Heroes," he nodded his head here to Elisabeth and Oram, the two who had been there. "had to stop Qylios, to fight for peace."

He was thoughtful, considered. "How do you choose when to fight and when not to?" Ziell asked. "What drives that choice?" He wanted to know, wanted to understand. After all, he could change now, he could choose. Was there ever a time when he might choose to fight, he wondered.

"And, no doubt, you have questions of me, perhaps of each person here. Please, " he said with a smile. "ask."

As the course progressed, the waiting staff were there to fill glasses and deal with any issues. Everyone was attended to - diri and animal and familiar and friend.

OOC Info

• If you drink from the vial, you will see the content of the Forging. That is the threads on Ishallr, Scaltoth & Sweetwine, and in the Glass Temple - then the Forging itself. You will see PC actions, but not know PC thoughts / motivations etc.
• The way this is going to work is:
  • This is being split into 5 threads. Each thread has a designated mod.
  • The main thread will have the "exposition" each week. That will be the stuff that's happening over where Saoire is, and it will be the same for each table. You'll know which one of the three of us modding the event wrote it, as the mod will post it in the main thread.
  • Your individual thread will have a modpost which is split into two. The first half will be the main "exposition" and the second half will be table specific.
  • You should post ONLY in your table thread unless directed otherwise.

Objectives

• Please describe what small crystal item you have.
• Make a menu choice!
• Describe what gifts your NPCs / animal companions get (if applicable. Yes, even you, Nir) These would be non-magical but exquisite and appropriate.
• Answer the question you have been asked by Ziell
• You may ask Ziell up to two things. This may be a request for information, for understanding, or a plea to do something. Up to you!
• You can ask up to one "group" question of everyone at the table (including Ziell) . PLEASE ONLY ASK THESE GROUP QUESTIONS this round - we'll direct you to answering them next round.

Next Post: Sunday 22nd August

[Elisabeth Black]

Previously...

There were moments Elisabeth cherished above all others. Small flashes of time that stood out. Before the pair had left their room, one such moment had gently made its way into existence.

She had been fussing with her dress, but upon seeing Balthazar as she walked into the main room, the young woman stopped. His outfit was simple, but it was very Balthazar, and all she could do was smile, rendered a bit speechless.

Stumbling over his words, Balthazar called her beautiful. Elisabeth blushed softly at the compliment but was secretly pleased he thought so. She, however, couldn’t take her eyes off him. “And you, my love, look very handsome, but no matter the outfit, no matter the room” pausing as she stepped closer to him, “you are the only one I’m looking at.” Lingering in the air, the familiar soft scent of oranges and lavender.

Taking his offered hand, she was pulled close as Balthazar began pointing out the stars in Saoire’s realm, telling her of the night he was initiated into Defiance and his memory of those stars. Slipping her arms around his waist, she leaned against him and simply soaked in the moment. Elisabeth would remember everything about those bits – a quiet moment between two people that loved each other.

Hand in hand, Balthazar and Elisabeth had entered the Ballroom and were taken to their seats.

The Feast

It was all beautiful and perfect. Cerulean eyes took in everything, taking a deep breath as she admired the exquisite manner in which the Ballroom was decorated. Looking up, the young mage smiled, nudging Balthazar gently and pointing out the open ceiling, seeing the stars they had been marveling over just moments before, in their room. Elisabeth loved the stars, no matter whose realm she was in.

They had been the first to arrive at the table, but as others joined, Elisabeth greeted each of them warmly. The first was a man that she knew to be named Oram, and he had been on the Sweetwine team. They hadn’t a chance to speak so Elisabeth was pleased that they were placed at the same table. “Oram, yes? I’m glad to finally get the chance to meet you.” Smiling, she inclined her head gently to the man with Oram in greeting.

Another young man joined the table, one that Elisabeth didn’t know. She offered her hand and a smile, introducing herself. “My name is Elisabeth. And yours?”

As well, another woman approached, introducing herself as Shania. Shania explained that she was a member of the Council, which piqued Elisabeth’s interest. The settlements were of interest to the Council and as such, the woman probably knew a lot about Balthazar and herself, not that it mattered. The young mage just liked knowing who knew what. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Shania,” she greeted. “I confess, I’ve not met many council members. Kura, of course. I know of Nir’wei. The Militant. Bao Bao.”

Professor Fridson then joined them, causing Elisabeth to smile. He had been a friendly face in a moment that she had needed one. “Professor, it’s so nice to see you again.” Turning to Balthazar, she introduced the two. “This is Professor Fridson. He oversaw the research team at the Glass Temple. I worked with him after I was brought back to Scalvoristown. Professor, this Balthazar Black.”

Once the introductions were done, Elisabeth was afforded the opportunity to admire the beautiful attention to detail that their table was lavished in. Next to her empty plate, a small box containing chilled dark chocolate covered blackberries.

Of note were the exquisite crystal figurines placed between her and Balthazar’s plates. Elisabeth’s was clearly a flaming snowflake, created with exquisite detail, reminding her of the ice sculptures on Ishallr that looked alive. What made her smile, however, was how Balthazar’s figurine was obviously intended to coordinate with hers, nudging him to point out the gifts.

Fintan appeared, perching up on the top of the tree of flowers at the center of the table, having found the gift given to him. His voice sounded in her mind, curiously inquiring. “A gift? For me? What are gifts?” Elisabeth briefly considered how to answer the question. “Gifts are ways for us to show appreciation.”

That seemed to appease the diri for the moment, but Storm chose that trill to make his presence known, jumping up into her lap. Everyone at the table was glanced at with the piercing, obviously judgemental gaze that only a feline could offer. Elisabeth scanned the table and saw a small bag with the kitten’s name on the tag. Looking in the bag, she pulled out a stuffed cloth mouse. Before the young mage could offer it to the animal, it was snatched out of her hand, disappearing under the table with Storm.

Arching an eyebrow gently, Elisabeth glanced at the others at the table. ”Well then, I guess that’s Storm’s.” Yet again, a voice came to her that only she could hear. “Why did you name the fuzzy one Storm? He doesn’t look like a storm.” Sighing softly, she sent her answer back. “He was found in the Stormlands in Rharne. I thought it an appropriate name." The diri looked down at her from his perch on the flower tree centerpiece.

“Your name is Elisabeth. Is it appropriate for you?” Thinking quickly, she tried to think of something that would make sense. “Elisabeth is the name that was chosen for me, like I chose ‘Storm’ for the kitten. The people that gave me that name must have thought it suited me.”

The questions went on for some time, Fintan asked about everyone’s names and the suitability of such. “What about the Fire Forged one? You call him Balthazar. Is it appropriate for him.” Elisabeth gently glanced over at her date, smiling softly. Easy answer. “Yes, it is. It’s an unusual name, but it suits him. He’s like no one else I know.”

Ending their question-and-answer period, Saoire arrived in a flash of light, causing the young woman to smile again. She really wished to speak to the Immortal regarding things she knew now to be true, but the conversation would have to wait.

As Saoire spoke, a furry head popped out from underneath the table, wide-eyed. Storm heard the Immortal’s voice, moving over to an area nearby where he could see the blond, meowing. The kitten had loved Saoire from their very first meeting and it was apparent his affection for her had lingered.

The Immortal spoke of the vials in front of everyone, that would allow them to see everything that occurred with each person. Elisabeth considered the implications of taking the elixir, reaching out and before she could change her mind, drank the contents. She already knew a great deal, but the liquid would allow her to know everything, and perhaps understand in greater detail the events.

The first course arrived for Elisabeth - a plate of assorted fruit bites and berries - as did an unexpected dinner guest – Ziell. The young mage had great respect for the Lord of Winter, and as such, she smiled brightly as he joined them. She attempted to contain herself as he sat and addressed them. Ziell had been one of two Immortals that had spoken to her at the Glass Temple. Well, the first time. There had been a lot of moments in the Glass Temple, but that meeting had been the first one.

Ziell’s question was a tricky one. At least from her point of view. Her first instinct was generally to use her brain to find a non-violent solution. Elisabeth could fight and would if necessary. She was very proud of the skills she had honed, but she knew in her heart that they would be employed in the defense of herself or others. The young mage would have taken up arms against Qylios to save Scalvoris, although she would have taken no joy in it.

“I believe the answer, for me at least, lies in knowing who I am. I confess that I’m not entirely sure of who I am yet. Not completely. We evolve and change over time, just as you are now able to do. I learn with each passing trial.”

Considering the question further, she continued. “I know that I will fight to defend others and myself, if forced. I would not raise my weapon easily, but with great consideration of the situation and only if there are no other options. I am a protector – I know this to be true, and I believe the more we learn and know about ourselves, the easier it becomes to know when to fight, and when not to. People should know peace.” It was, perhaps, an odd comment to end with, but Elisabeth knew what it was like to have peace elude one - all types of peace. 'Peace' wasn't simply one thing for there were many sides to it, and many different varieties.

Falling silent, she allowed others to speak, answering Ziell’s question from their own unique perspective. She listened carefully, but also considered if there was anything she wished to ask of him. Elisabeth was careful about asking things of others, even Immortals, not wishing for people to feel used. She cared deeply about the feelings of others and as such, even taking up one's time was difficult for her.

But there was one thing that kept her up at night. Perhaps it was silly, but she couldn’t help but ask.

“Are the people of Haven,” she began, slightly pausing, hesitating. “Are they happy? I worry sometimes. I want them to be happy and am working to that end. I spend my trials talking to them, making myself available to them, to listen, hoping that they feel valued, it will allow them some small semblance of…well…peace.”

The second thing she asked was something that came to her when the Immortal spoke of being able to change. “How are you doing with this change?” Elisabeth couldn’t be sure, but in her mind, she imagined that being able to break out of their Domains could possibly feel very freeing, and confusing. Maybe all at the same time. She didn’t wish to presume but wanted to ask.

Elisabeth considered the table, curious about something. Speaking to the group, she offered up a quick query. "What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?"

Can do/Must do

• Please describe what small crystal item you have. (Done)
• Make a menu choice! (Done)
• Describe what gifts your NPCs / animal companions get. These would be non-magical but exquisite and appropriate. (Yeap)
• Answer the question you have been asked by Ziell (Done)
• You may ask Ziell up to two things. (Done)
• You can ask up to one "group" question of everyone at the table (including Ziell) . (Done)

[Oram Mednix]

He’s Mr. Icicle, he’s Mr. Ten Below

The table Osric and Oram were brought to was festooned with winter-themed crystals, silverware, and flowers. It was all very fussy. Although Oram did not normally like fussy things, he was thankful for this; it would take attention away from him.

They did not have a table to themselves, of course. Oram smiled as Elisabeth greeted him. He didn’t know her that well, and yet he knew and admired what she had gone through while helping save Scalvoris. He introduced Osric to her, and also to Balthazar, whom he knew somewhat better. The others he would have to get to know first himself. The Professor and Shania he knew by name, but not otherwise. Of the ones at the table at the start of the feast, Osric seemed most enthused to meet Shania. She was on the Council, after all, and Overseer of Gunnvorton. Most likely she is the one Signy would be most likely to want to hear about.

Oram arrived at his seat to find a box containing lemon drops. He knew what they were the moment the smell reached his nose. Of course Saoire would know what all their favorite candies were, and of course they would be there. Which meant he knew exactly what Osric would find on his table: blackberry licorice. The hunter grinned at his older brother’s delight when he discovered it. He himself liked fresh blackberries, but had never developed much of a taste for the licorice.

Next to Oram’s lemon drops was an elaborate crystal decoration that caught Oram’s curiosity. It resembled a miniature frame, in the middle of which a was a tiny hollow glass tube, open at both ends and poised upon a pivot which allowed the tube to see-saw. The ends of the tube were cut at a bevel which caused them to rest flush with the walls of the frame once either end lowered all the way. Oram scowled at it in bafflement for a few trills before grinning in realization: this was a tiny model of a trap for catching mice or rats alive and unharmed.

Osric’s crystal gift was a crystal figurine of a heavyset cat in a blacksmith’s apron hammering on a glass anvil. ”Mr. Tinkles doesn’t think that looks anything like him,” said the ocelot cadouri that suddenly appeared at their side, ”but the rrrest of us all think the likeness is perrrrfect.”

Osric shot a baffled look at Oram and mouthed: Mr. Tinkles?! Oram shrugged, not having any better an idea who that was.

The figurine wasn’t just a static decoration, as Maris gleefully demonstrated. The hammer contained some sort of liquid, and could move up and down. Inside the anvil was a wick and a small reservoir for oil. Lighting the wick would cause the hammer’s head resting on it to heat up, and then rise. The liquid inside the hammer would then cool, whereupon it would fall back with a slight *clink*. Resting on the anvil once more, the hammer would again heat up and rise, and so forth. Maris lit up the ornament and then left the brothers to marvel at the ingenious little candle-powered machine.

A bit later, Osric would realize that there was another gift: a pair of earrings, snowflake-shaped pendants of exquisitely-cut crystal. ”Yourrr wife has forgone an evening of your company so that we might have enjoy the gift of it,” explained Maris. ”My mistress thought it fitting she should get something in rrreturn."

Choir got some sort of soft toy that made a sound like a cuckoo when squeezed. Oram didn’t get a good look at the thing as the song wolf wouldn’t let him near it; he could only assume it looked like an actual cuckoo. The Fireforged presumed that Amoach got something, too, but did not see right away what it was.

Oram took out his reading glasses (he had almost left them in the clothes he had worn here, but the cadouri who helped him change had thoughtfully retrieved them) to look at the menu when presented with it. One of the menus was called the “Huntsman’s Board”. Its soup course was venison goulash. Oram didn’t need to read the rest; he was sold. Osric shook his head. ”You and your goulash”,” he muttered, before ordering the Chef’s Choice.

”That’s right,” retorted Oram. ”Me and *my* goulash, and don’t you forget it! Don’t even think about trying to steal any of my soup when you decide you don’t like yours.” That was, of course, all talk. Oram was happy to share any food he had with his brother, even goulash.

Around that time their hostess appeared before them, beautiful, calm, and kind as always. She welcomed them and introduced herself. She then explained the occasion and told them about the vial that sat before each of them, a vial that contained the memories of all of them, of all their deeds and ordeals during their campaign to save Scalvoris.

After regarding the vial for a bit, Oram pushed it away. Each hero had their own story, and stories should be told as their bearers saw fit. The idea of unceremoniously drinking a memory of somebody else’s experience and exploits, rather than giving them the opportunity to recount those themselves as they saw fit, just didn’t seem right to the Sojourn.

The food began to come out, and Oram realized that even the diris and familiars were to partake in the feast. Curiously, he looked over at Amoach, to see him pouring some fluid from a vial he hadn’t noticed before into his cooking pot. It was then that Oram noticed that the chain that suspended the pot from its frame no longer appeared to be iron, but crystal. It glistened redly as if from an unseen fire below. The hunter had no idea how the diri could have changed out the chain without his noticing.

After the first course, a latecomer arrived. It turned out to be none other than the Immortal Ziell. Osric was flabbergasted. ”Just how many Immortals do you know, Oram?!” he demanded. The hunter shrugged, not wanting to talk or think about it. The Lord of Winter had, it seemed, other things on his mind than dinner. He spoke, and asked the mortals present a question. It was obviously a question he had thought about, and one he hoped to get serious answers for. The Immortals, he had announced, could change now. Was Ziell thinking of changing? Was he actually asking for life advice from mortals?

Oram frowned thoughtfully for a moment. Why did he fight? He hadn’t been in many fights, but the ones he had had were high-stakes enough. He had even killed a man, he recalled, his eyes briefly meeting those of Balthazar. He was grateful that somebody else, Elisabeth, spoke up first, and she struck a sensible tone and theme that he felt he could play off of. Still, the idea of answering the Immortal’s question made him nervous. For several trills he tapped his fork on the table before clearing his throat.

”Lots of creatures fight,” he said, ”for lots of reasons. They fight off predators. They fight for mates. They fight for food or territory. They fight because its their nature, I suppose. Is it something they choose? Maybe, I don’t really know.

“I don’t necessarily think it’s different for mortals. It’s in our nature to fight, too. We can think, and we can choose, or at least think that we choose, but since violence is in our nature, it always presents itself as an option. Someone says something we don’t like or looks at our sister the wrong way, and our nature says: ‘Hey! we should fight. It’s an option. In fact, it’s the best option here. The only option.’ And sometimes that works, because the notion tends to come up when we don’t have a lot of time to think otherwise.”

Oram paused, looked at Balthazar again before looking back at the Immortal. ”But when we do have time to choose, to learn everything we can about a situation, to think of all the possible ways we could deal with it, and make arrangements to deal with it that way, do we ever still choose to fight as the best option?” He shrugged. ”Maybe. I couldn’t tell you for sure. Because I’ve only ever fought in the face of urgency, myself. And that can lead to choices that seem rash afterward, choices that can’t be undone.” Act in haste, repent at leisure had been a saying his father had often spoken, but not always heeded in his own actions.

Somewhere under the table, as if in agreement, came the sound of a cuckoo.

Oram peered curiously at Ziell. ”Why do you ask that, anyway? Are you thinking of changing so that you’d fight? I can’t sit here and tell you if that’s a good idea. But I can tell you this: your intervention last season gave us time to find another option, so that we didn’t have to fight an actual war with Slag’s Deep. So maybe you shouldn’t change that about yourself.”

That would have to do, Oram decided. It was time to stop talking.

A while later, when the conversation had moved on to other things, Oram asked the other guests at his table: ”What do you all think should be done with Slag’s Deep now? Or with the Vault? Are there other, better uses we can put those sites to?”

[Balthazar Black]

39 Ymiden 721

Saoire's realm was a sight to behold and Balthazar couldn't help but find himself peering up at the ceiling which opened to the sky every once in a while to take in the view. He could look up every few trills and remember perfectly what sort of thing he was going to see but it never made experiencing it any less wondrous. When it came to drinks, Balthazar got water. He hadn't really drank since forming Haven and he didn't think a celebration was the place to begin again. He didn't know that the alcohol wouldn't have had any negative effects but he wasn't going to chance it and clean, cool water was pleasant enough. Eventually Balthazar's eyes found the living plants growing from the center of the table and he admired it for a few trills before he began to think of the Creep and the reasons he didn't keep many plants around. He was probably safe from such things here but paranoia was strange that way.

The menu provided was larger than Balthazar thought it would be. He had a hard enough time wrapping his mind around meals that were more than two courses, let alone a meal that was five courses long. He looked over at Elisabeth for a trill and then back at the menu. Fortunately Elisabeth was handling all the introductions as others sat down around the table so Balthazar could focus on figuring out what he was going to eat.

What are you going to get? Fuego's voice chimed to Balthazar as he picked up the small crystal that had been made to match Elisabeth's. A small, crystal snowflake that looked as if it were on fire. It held the lines to form the body of the snowflake but along those lines other bigs of crystal weaved upwards like heat coming off the flake. He set it back down beside his plate, and looked at Elisabeth with a little confusion when she nudged him about it.

I don't know. Steak is good. Balthazar replied to Fuego, looking back at the menu.

You always get steak. Fuego said as he

And I'm never disappointed.

You can't just get five steaks.

Says who? Balthazar's gaze shifted to the diri sitting on the table next to him. Fuego's eyes narrowed a little bit. Fine, I'll get other things too. The other things he got were mostly sautéed vegetables and a little salad. He was most excited for the steak but nothing he was presented was disappointing.

When the area in the middle of the room lit up a little brighter and Saoire began to address those who she'd gathered, Balthazar gave her his attention. She welcomed them, explained why they were there, and where there was before directing their attention to a small vial at their place setting. She said it would allow whoever drank it to see everything that had happened which lead up to this celebration. Everything. He had heard Elisabeth's side of the events but there were gaps in it. She knew only what she'd seen and Saoire was offering the chance to see everything... poor decisions were often made due to a lack of information... so Balthazar decided more information couldn't hurt. He was wrong, but it was the decision he made.

He opened the vial and drank from it. He saw. He saw everything and he unfortunately focused on that which had been done to Elisabeth. Anger flashed across his face for a few trills before it seemed to fade and Balthazar looked over at Elisabeth one more time before looking to Saoire. This was no place to air grievances he had about things that had happened and he fortunately had the discipline now to keep his anger in. Fortunately no one at their table had tried to sacrifice or used magic on the woman he loved so he could maintain normal appearances fairly easy with them. Heck, Oram had helped him a few times before and seeing Oram's part in the Forging made Balthazar a little more fond of the fairly straightforward man. Kori'an Balthazar had never met so that one he kept an eye on until he could get a good measure of them.

The first course of the meal arrived, for Balthazar the first course was the salad he'd ordered. It wasn't a particularly fancy or decorative salad but when it was set in front of him there was a telling curve at the edges of Balthazar's mouth that indicated he was happy with it. Fuego's eyes seemed to light up as well when he saw his little vial of ephemera being presented and his stubby arms clapped together in anticipation- but only the forged would see such an adorable show. It was only when the first course was being brought out that Balthazar realized they still had an empty chair at their table and not long after that, someone filled it.

Not just anyone though, Ziell himself. If Balthazar hadn't recognized him, it didn't matter because Ziell introduced himself quickly and got to the meat of why he'd sat down with them. It was very forward, Balthazar could respect that. In fact most of the time he'd have enjoyed the forward questioning but the questions Ziell asked seem to strike a chord in the detective that forced him to think a little more deeply and consequently answer later than Elisabeth and Oram. He wanted to know more of who they were and what brought them peace because they were sharing the course together. What brought Balthazar peace? That was a harder question than he thought it would be to answer. When was the last time he ever felt at peace?

Elisabeth answered first and while Balthazar listened to her answer, he still found himself compiling his own in his head. Most of the information he'd learned from the vial felt too fresh in his mind and he was still sorting it out but the answer to Ziell's question was larger than one event. Balthazar thought of the wars he'd been in, the fights he'd sought out, the fights that sought him out, and how violence both was and was not a choice. He thought of a lot of things because his memory allowed him to and yet he still couldn't quite compile an answer for the Immortal of Peace. Elisabeth finished her answer and asked a few questions, then Oram did the same and Balthazar listened to Oram as well. It was after that which Balthazar tried to provide his answer, fumbling as it might have been.

"Your question is a difficult one for me," Balthazar admit, "My history with violence is complicated. In my life I've been both a violent person and I've been too idle. I fought for reasons I thought were good, but not always. Sometimes I did it for money, sometimes I did it for practice. I've met the most important people in my life while fighting for the wrong reasons." Balthazar paused but he didn't look at Elisabeth because he expected she would know he meant her, "When I was marked by Vri, we made a deal that taught me a lot about restraint and control. However I was too restrained. I didn't fight when I should have and it killed me." He was being literal but it might have sounded metaphorical to those around him. "I've had a lot of time to think about it but even now I don't know, really, when it's right to fight. All I know is that there will always be circumstances where if you don't fight, people get hurt. Good people don't create those circumstances, but the world is not comprised solely of good people. Look at it from the other side," Balthazar turned the question to Ziell,

"What did you think the solution to the Creep in Quacia should have been, if not to fight them? Or to the Flameborn in Rharne? Both were enemies that if left unimpeded, would have rolled over all life in the area. Both were enemies I don't think we could have reasoned with." Balthazar realized then that his answer was probably in that last sentence. "I don't think any of us choose to fight so much as we are forced into situations where we have to fight in order to protect those that are worth protecting. I think if we make the choice to stand by while people are hurt because we don't want to resort to violence then we are as bad as those hurting the people."

Ziell had offered to answer any questions they had which was why Balthazar asked about how Ziell would respond to unreasonable enemies, but he was also curious about something a little more specific. Oram's answer about the nature of people was what had prompted the question. Oram asking if Ziell was trying to change so that he could fight further drove the question into Balthazar's mind. Oram did not seem to think it would be a good idea but to Balthazar, the idea of an Immortal of Peace who was willing to defend peace seemed... good. Then again if Immortals could change they could all probably change for the worse. Hopefully what people said about power corrupting did not turn out to be true."It doesn't seem to take much to make mortals fight, but what peace would you consider worth defending? What would you fight for, Ziell, if you had to fight?" Then Balthazar turned a question out to the group,

"What is one cause you would take up arms in an instant to defend?"

Objectives

Objectives met.

[Kori'än]

His attempt to become invisible was interrupted by a kind voice, and Kori'än looked up at the woman introducing herself, offering the smallest of smiles in return. When he noticed she was offering her hand, though, he looked at it for a moment too long, before he cursed himself in his mind and ― slowly ― took it in a small handshake that was soon broken, the contact more uncomfortable than it had any right to be for something as simple as it was. "Kori'än. It's... nice to meet you." He offered a small nod to the man who was accompanying Elisabeth. "Both. You both, I mean." Ok, he could stop talking now. His eyes shifted to the other guests at the table, almost desperate to recognize someone, as if that would have made any difference. He didn't exactly have friends in Scalvoris ― a small, hopeful voice in his mind added a weak yet, but he ignored this foolishness ― and the faces in the table were completely new to him.

With a small sigh, he focused instead on the tree that seemed to be growing from the centre of the table, just noticing that what he thought were simply decorative plants were, in fact, alive. His eyes widened slightly as he leaned forward, feeling the soft scent of the white flowers that adorned the tree, allowing it to wash over him for a moment, calming him down slightly. Kori'än had never been to an event that was even close to this one, but even he could figure out this wasn't usual. The entire place was dream-like, the crystals and mirrors reflecting the light and making everything seem ethereal. It was just beautiful. As he tugged slightly at his shirt, he thanked Saoire for the attire, the only thing that helped him not feel like he didn't belong in the room at all.

It was only when Elisabeth spoke again, greeting another woman, that his attention shifted back to the guests. While they weren't speaking to him, Kori'än still paid attention to their words, taking in the name of the others at the table, and the name of three other council members that weren't present. He had heard about them in passing, of course, but there was still so much about the city he didn't know, and any bit of information was welcomed. Besides, it may do him good to know the names of the people he was dining with, but he wasn't exactly keen on starting a conversation just yet.

There was a strange creature climbing the arrangement in the table, probably another being of this realm he couldn't quite wrap his head around. More importantly to him, though, was the sudden appearance of a furry face on Elisabeth's lap. Kori'än couldn't help but smile as the piercing eyes turned to him, a small huff of amusement escaping his nose as the woman introduced the cat. "Quite a hearty one." The words were barely a whisper, but the appearance of the cat snatching away the gift finally made Kori'än notice the small box near his own plate. And― His heart caught on his throat as he saw the small ornament. A half-opened oyster shell, with all the tiny imperfections the real thing would have, and so perfect in its imperfection that it was mesmerizing. Inside of it, made of such clear crystal he actually missed it until he touched the figurine with trembling fingers, a small heart.

Saoire couldn't know. It was impossible. She seemed to know a lot from his heart, or maybe it was her realm that did, but this...

Fingers curled over the crystal gift, both to protect it and hide it from his own view, Kori'än turned to the small, black box. Opening it revealed small mahmouls side by side, beautiful swirls on top of it. Kori'än had to smile at that, although it was a bit of an uncomfortable smile. Somehow, yes, she could know things like this. Sweets weren't something Kori'än enjoyed most of the time, and something that he had rarely had the opportunity to eat, anyway. And yet, somehow, here was not only one of the few sweets he did like, but his favourite ones, as well.

When the menu was offered to him, he wasn't surprised to see the selection of his favourite dishes. It was more food than he could ever hope to eat, so he assumed he wasn't supposed to order everything. Probably. He had no idea how fancy dinners worked. Taking a quick look around the table didn't help any, as Oram had ordered one single dish, but Balthazar ordered more. So, hesitantly, Kori'än turned back to the caudori serving him and asked for the vegetable-stuffed mushrooms with cheese and the flatbread with spicy beef. He could always order more if it wasn't enough and if it was more than he could eat... Well, he would deal with that when the time came.

The sudden bright light in the front of the room was hard to miss, even for him, and Kori'än looked, blinking as he saw a woman he had never met before. Soon enough, though, she introduced herself as Saoire, and the surprise hit him stronger than he imagined possible. Never before had he ever met an Immortal, and while there was no doubt in his mind she was speaking the truth, somehow the perfect owner of the domain they were in, it was also surprising at how... human, she looked. If that was the right word. It wasn't, but none other was occurring to him, and soon, his thoughts were preoccupied with something else.

Kori'än looked down once again at the side of his plate, to a small vial filled with a golden liquid. His lips pressed together, and it didn't take much deliberation for him to drink it as soon as the Immortal had finished speaking. This was a more reliable source of information than he was likely to get from rumours and gossips in Scalvoris, and he wasn't going to waste it. And, while Kori'än didn't regret his choice, he certainly hoped he had given it more thought.

Images, memories, seeped into his mind, now both his and not his. Intimate scenes of a man touching a pendant, sadness that didn't need to be felt to be known, the loss of a child. The concern for her, the hesitant concern for the daughter of the Warden. Words that were so personal, telling things of people he didn't know and that hadn't been shared knowing he would hear them. Names that he shouldn't know, faces that were now imprinted in his memory. A murder and a suicide, because of Chrien, a name that was often spoken. Moseke. The first time he was seeing her, and it was a memory that wasn't even his.

It was too much, and he quickly focused on the plate of mushrooms being delicately put in front of him alongside a glass of wine. So much to know, so much to think about. More information about the Immortals than he could process at the moment. At least the wine and food were better than anything he had ever had before. It was a small consolation.

His mind was sent spiralling again when someone else joined them. Ziell. An Immortal. One that he had seen in the memories of others. Suddenly, the small comfort he was feeling evaporated, and he was tense again. How was one to behave in front of an Immortal? Everyone seemed to have some experience with that but him. He picked at the corner of his nails, listening to the answers given by the others. They all made sense, in a way, and Kori'än wasn't sure if he could explain it better, but he wasn't sure their answers encompassed what he himself thought. When everyone else seemed to have answered, though, it was his turn, and he swallowed.

"I think... that while it's in mortal's nature to fight, we have also been gifted with the capacity for thinking. There's nothing else to blame for needless violence other than our choices," he whispered, looking briefly at Oram before averting his gaze. He wasn't disagreeing with the man, not really, and he didn't want the other to think so. Truthfully, even though he couldn't say he knew Oram ― or couldn't he? He had seen the man's actions, had been given a chance to get to know him while Oram knew nothing about him, and that was a strange, very strange, situation ―, Kori'än respected the man. The other seemed fully capable of speaking with Immortals as if they were equals and, after everything, perhaps they were. "But if anyone or anything I care about is in danger, I fight. If there's a better solution and time to think about it, I'd like to think that I would take another route. But if I'm faced with immediate danger and there's something I must protect, I'll fight. After all, I believe we can only figure out if an action was right after we are faced with its consequences." Besides, right and wrong were subjective, hardly a hard truth, as far as he was concerned. To him, fighting to protect those things he cared about was his right path.

If it turned out that he had made the wrong choice, then he'd do his best to correct it and atone for it, but he could at least say that he had tried to do his best. Sometimes, that wasn't enough, and this was just how life was. "I agree with Balthazar in that to stand by while people are getting hurt is the same as hurting them ourselves. The outcome is the same. But, at the same time, violence can lead to more violence, and taking up arms may end up hurting people all the same. So what I ask myself is who I am willing to protect with everything I have, and who I am willing to allow to get hurt." Or even hurt, himself.

It wasn't a gallant answer, but it was his truth. The truth he realized when he had to choose between trying to save his mother from a fate worse than death or leading his baby brother to safety. He had to choose who he would see get hurt, and who he would try to save. And he had made his choice.

And his mother was suffering the consequences of it.

"Do you really believe there's a peaceful answer to every conflict? That people will always listen to reason and not emotion?" he asked Ziell after everyone had asked their own questions. It was a whisper, uncertain words coming out as he tried to figure out precisely what he wanted to know. In his heart, Kori'än wanted this to be true. No, he didn't believe it, but it didn't mean he didn't wish for it. It was a dangerous thing to ask, because if the Immortal answered in the affirmative, then perhaps he would believe it. And perhaps, believing it would lead to holding back when he couldn't. But still, he asked. Clearing his throat, he looked up at Ziell, following his first question with a second one. "What is even peace?" This, he felt, was the definition he needed the most. Had he ever felt it? Perhaps. Kori'än didn't think he would be able to identify it even if he had. But perhaps the Immortal's answer could help. In so many ways. "Is it peace if we don't resort to violence, even if this means we can't stop violence from ocurring? Is it peace when people aren't suffering, or it's only lack of bloodshed?" He could go on, but Kori'än forced his mouth shut. He had said more than he should've, in a table full of strangers. They didn't need to know those questions were actually important to him, but it seemed kind of obvious.

But then, the group began asking questions to each other, and something else nagged at the back of his mind. He looked at Elisabeth for a moment, before focusing his eyes on the flowers at the center of the table.

"If you had to choose between two equally important people to protect, and choosing one would harm the other, how would you make this choice?"

ooc

All objectives met ― no companions that would receive a gift, so this one is non-applicable.

[Pegasus]

The Spirit Table

While introductions were being made, those seated at the table smiled and greeted each other - some knew each other, others did not. But it was Professor Fridson who spoke up in response to something Elisabeth said. "Oh no, no that is not what I was doing!" He smiled at Elisabeth, "You are very kind to me, my dear, but I was working under the instruction of Professor Thetys. He was in charge, and I am very pleased he was. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Black." Professor Fridson looked at Elisabeth and asked, kindly, "I trust you are fully recovered, Miss Angelus?"

Ziell then listened, carefully, to the answers which they gave to him. Each one of them, he considered, was thoughtful and considered. Professor Fridson had a simple answer, "I don't fight. I'm not a violent man, nor am I trained." Shania, though, answered more than the Professor. "I believe that the time to fight is when there is no other option. A good leader, a true leader, they are not reactionary, but proactive. They fight for peace, if to fight is to put ones energy to something. If violence is a first resort, then peace is the last one. Thankfully, the same is true in reverse." Ziell nodded. Many of them spoke wise words and he seemed to hone in on Elisabeth's. "Yes," he said softly. "your words reflect what I have always held to be true." He looked at Oram, and Ziell shook his head. "No," he replied with a smile. "While the actions of the Forging have allowed us change, I will not fight. I believe in peace, as well as embodying it." It was a clumsy explanation, but it was the best one he could give.

Balthazar's question to him, specifically about the Creep and the Flameborn, was one which he considered. "I believe there are different answers there," he said. "I think that the solution to the Creep was not to fight. People died and it achieved very little. The answer there was to learn.Fighting did not solve things, did it?" As for the Flameborn? "You could not reason with the Flameborn, no. But their creator? Yes." He spoke slowly, thinking as he spoke. "I believe that Oram is right," he said. "on two levels. Kori'än, too. Fighting is in the nature. But as there are different kinds of peace, there are different kinds of violence. They are both things which are choices." He nodded and he smiled at Oram. "The peace which Bao needed and Hart granted bought you time to find a non-violent solution. Less people died. Many less." His eyes grew distant, and he seemed - momentarily - far away. "I foresaw the deaths had it come to battle, and I believe we all owe a great debt to Hart and Bao."

He looked at them all and nodded. "I thank you for your answers. They are most enlightening and give me much to consider."

And then, they had questions for him. Elisabeth's first question caught him somewhat by surprise and he smiled. "I believe that 'happy' is a very difficult thing to measure," he said by way of a preamble. "And is a choice. Even when you can not change your situation, you can choose how you react to it. However, " he said, looking at her with ice-blue eyes which seemed to swirl with winter's snow. "I know that they are richer for you being in their lives, and you give them reasons to choose happiness."

As for her second question? Ziell's smile was warm. "I like it," he said. "It breaks an equilibrium which had endured too long. It gives choice, and that, I believe, is a very empowering thing."

Balthazar's question also caused a slight smile and he regarded the man with interest. "I believe, no, I know that there is no such situation," he said, referring to the last part of Balth's question. "I would defend many things, but defense does not need to be violent. I would strive and act for many things, but in a non-violent manner. " He gestured slightly. "The wish was for peace. I could have given it by simply killing those who stood against Hart and Bao. I would not do that. They wished for the peace, but I chose its form."

To Kori, then, he nodded. "Your question has layers, I think." He considered it and nodded. "But yes, I believe that there is always a peaceful resolution. The question of what peace is, is the key," he explained. "And that is the first step towards it. Defining what that peace is, what it looks like - that is what is important. Because it means you think before you act, really think about what is important and what the big picture is. Those who fight first, think later? I believe that is a tail wagging a dog. Apologies to you, Storm, for mentioning the unmentionable creature," he said, a slight smile whispering at his lips. "But no cat would 'ere be so foolish."

Their questions to the group were interesting ones, and Ziell answered them also. "I was once told that even winter could be warm, " he said to Elisabeth. It had been good advice then, and had taught him about the importance of considering his options. Oram's question was good and Ziell answered it, too. "I do not know, but I believe that there should be benefit to all of Scalvoris from them, " he said. "and those who have most need should have most benefit."

Kori's question was interesting. "I believe that, in that situation I would try and find a third option - to save them both." It was his way. "No situation is impossible, after all."

Telka
Saoire's Realm

The food was served, the music played quietly in the background and the tables were visited by the Immortals. There were the noises of general conversation, chatting and eating.

As the first course was finished, Saoire spoke again, stepping into the open area with the tall windows behind her. The night sky glimmered with the light of a thousand stars and she smiled in pleasure as she spoke. "I hope you all enjoyed your first course," as she spoke, fairies fluttered around her and their giggling was tinkling music. As the waiters moved around, clearing the tables of the first course, Saoire's voice rang out clearly in the room.

"As I said, we will be celebrating achievements of individuals and groups," she explained. "And the first of those is the most important, I feel." Her shimmering white dress caught the starlight and it glistened rainbow colours. "Every one of those involved stepped forward and gave all they could, but there are two who deserve the greatest of accolades and all the thanks we have to give." Her green eyes were serious as she looked at them.

"Two people stepped forward and offered themselves in an act of bravery," she said. "And their sacrifice meant that there was less death, that a child was given the childhood she deserves. But it is important that the first thing we do is to acknowledge the bravery of the two."

She gestured to the table where Nir'wei sat and she spoke directly to him. "You stood forward and sacrificed yourself in full knowledge of what you faced. Your bravery is beyond compare and every person on Scalvoris, and each Immortal owes you a debt that can never truly be repaid. Your gift was freely given, even though you knew its cost so well. Please, join me in giving thanks to Nir'wei. Those who were there may speak of it, if they wish" Immediately, Eckman stood. One might have thought that he was going to clap, but that was not what he did.

"Your bravery that day" said Eckman, his eyes on Nir'wei, "was a light in a time of darkness and I am inspired by you." He remained standing, as Stan, Jacien, Rose and Professor Fridson stood. They did not speak, for they were not there, but they stood in thanks to him. Saoire stood and watched as every person who wished it thanked the man who had given his life. Each of the Immortals did, standing up at the table they had sat at for their first course and giving their personal thanks dealt with at each individual table

When it was done, Saoire moved over to where Nir'wei was and she leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek. "Your bravery is without doubt, without question," she said to him, her voice serious as he green eyes regarded him. "The actions of all those present meant that we Immortals can change, can grow. It is my hope that in doing so, we are inspired by actions such as yours."

With a smile to him, Saoire put a small gift next to his plates. It was wrapped and tied. "No thing, no item or trinket can give thanks to you, but this token is just that," she said to him, "a token. Thank you, Nir'wei."

She kissed him again, and then walked back to the stage. Eyes turned to Nir'wei as those gathered more or less expected a speech, it seemed. If he gave a response, though, was up to him.

Telka
Saoire's Realm

Once everyone had sat back down, the waiters had cleared the first course. There was a small glass left on each setting, a palate cleanser - a refreshing drink which tasted of fruit. Each taste was different, of course, and was the juice they liked the most. Saoire spoke again. "There is another," she said. "who willingly sacrificed himself that trial. His soul was turned into a wisp, and this trial, in Zuudaria, the realm of Famula - a new body was made for him. His soul was carried by two brave men who bore him to the realm of the unquiet dead, so that he could be restored."

Behind her, a portal opened and Saoire smiled. "Please," she said. "join me in welcoming Bao, Darius, Zoro and Joy." This time she did applaud, as did the Immortals and those seated at the tables. When they came through, they were shown to their table, to their seats. They, too, had the small gifts and snackssee the mod post above for clarity and once they were seated, Saoire spoke again. "There are no words to say how proud I am of you, Bao, nor how grateful to the three of you." The three of them would find small wrapped gifts waiting for them. "There are tokens of thanks at your table, but the world owes you each a debt."

As the new arrivals settled down, the second course was brought out for them all.

The Spirit Table

When Saoire gave thanks to Nir'wei, Ziell stood up and, when it was his time to speak, he did so. "What you did," he said to Nir'wei. "was incredible on so many levels. I am the Immortal of Prophecy and I could not foresee a man so brave. You have my respect, my admiration, and my thanks." Then, when it had all been said, he bowed to the table. "It has been my pleasure," he said. "I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening."

And, as Ziell moved off, they were joined by another Immortal. A different one for each course, it seemed. The Immortal who strode over to them for this course was Cassion. The Immortal of Storytelling, Hunger and Adventure looked around and he beamed at them. "Well, hello to you all!" Cassion grinned as he sat down. "I am Cassion, and I am delighted to share this part of the meal with you." Gesturing to the table, he explained. "I will be joining you for your second course! It will be great fun!"

Before he had a chance to say much more, Saoire announced the arrival of the four latecomers. Bao, Darius, Zoro and Joy. Cassion stood and as he clapped he also cheered with loud whooping shouts. He was obviously delighted by the arrival of the four of them and he gave them a wave from across the room as they sat.

"I don't know how she does it, but that's exactly what I was hoping for!" Cassion said that to the waiter as the cadouri put a plate of slow roasted lamb shank with minted gravy and small roast potatoes in front of him. "Is there anything better than good food, good company, good drinks and a beautiful woman or two to gaze upon?" Chuckling, Cassion lifted his knife and fork and he began to tuck in. "Oh, this is excellent!" he exclaimed, and then he looked at them with an interested expression. "I have a question for you, if you would indulge me," he said. Judging by his expression, he thought they would. "Everyone here seems to be thinking that this is an ending," he chuckled as he said that.

"But we all know that this is but one step in a journey of a thousand lifetimes. So! My question to you is this! These events, whether you were involved in them or not, they will enact and enable change. New stories. New beginnings. New paths to tread. What will be next chapter for you?" He looked intrigued, and he was.


That asked, he spoke briefly once more. "And ask me your questions! I look forward to them!"

OOC Info

Please split your post into the following sections.

• First Course:
  • Here you should answer the questions posed by other PCs.
  • You may also respond to the Immortal more (but no more questions, cos they're leaving in a bit)
• Between Courses:
  • This is where you respond to Saoire's tribute to Nir'wei.
  • If you were in the "Life Forged, Death Forged" thread where Nir'wei died, you are invited to speak to him directly.
  • Please make sure you state if you stand up or not. All NPCs stand.
• The Arrival
  • This is where Bao et al arrive. Please respond to that as you see fit, but let us know if you stand / clap etc. Bao, Darius and Zoro - please start your post from the point of your arrival.
• Second Course
  • Here you get to answer the question of your new Immortal table-mate.
  • Also, you get to ask your own question of the Immortal.
  • And each of you may ask a new Group Question.

Note: To keep this thread on track and moving, we are asking pcs to post weekly. If you do not post by the 'next post' date, you will be considered to have missed a round. If you miss one, you will simply be considered to have been quiet that round. If you miss two, you will be written out of the thread. Please let Pegasus, Avalon or Vulpes know if you will have trouble meeting a deadline.

Specific Gifts

• Bao, Darius and Zoro - you have the crystal gift from last round. Please describe it in your post.
• Nir'wei, Bao, Darius and Zoro also have a wrapped gift next to their plates. This is an item which is additional to the crystal gifts from last round. The wrapped gift is an item with an enchantment on it - the nature of the enchantment will be revealed in the review, but you get to decide what item it is. Please describe it.

Objectives

• Make a menu choice! (Second course)
• Describe an edible decoration on your second course meal
• Describe the flavor of juice your small glass contains
• Answer the question you have been asked by Cassion
• You may ask Cassion up to two things. This may be a request for information, for understanding, or a plea to do something. Up to you!
• You can ask up to one question of everyone at the table (including Cassion) . PLEASE ONLY ASK THESE GROUP QUESTIONS this round - we'll direct you to answering them next round.

Next Post: Sunday 29th August

[Oram Mednix]

What’s the Average Rainfall of the Amazon Basin?

First Course

There was plenty of food and plenty of questions at Oram’s table. He liked the food better. His venison goulash was delicious. There did not seem to be nearly as much as the traveler would have liked, but he was able to finish it just as the cadouri staff came to take the bowl away. Oram had heard that, when fancy many-coursed meals like this were served, they sometimes took away your soup after the guests had only been able to taste just a few spoonfuls. He was relieved that that did not seem to be the case here. He did not feel rushed to finish it, and there was time a plenty before anything else food-related happened to listen to and answer the questions of the others at the table.

Elisabeth had asked what was the best piece of advice one had ever received. Oram considered while others were talking. It was actually a pretty interesting question. At last he said: ”My father used to always say, whenever we were deciding what to take with us on a hunting or fishing trip: ‘Make sure you have everything you need, and nothing you don’t.’

“He meant that mainly for packing stuff when you have to carry it, but I think it cuts to the heart of a lot of problems in life, right? Making sure you get and hang onto what’s essential, and that you don’t get weighed down by what isn’t.” That probably sounded profound or something. The hunter wasn’t sure.

Oram had his mouth full when Balthazar asked his question about what they would fight for. Oram found it an odd question, given what he had just said to Ziell. It left him unsure what to say -after he swallowed his food, of course. But before that happened, Osric surprised him by speaking up. “My family,” the tinker said. Oram looked at him; he would have expected the respose, but not the unusual edge in Os’ voice when he said it. Mutely, still holding a mouthful of goulash, Oram pointed at his brother and nodded his agreement with what he had just said, all the while wondering what was behind that tone.

Oram liked Kori, but he didn’t like the young man’s question; it sounded too much like a stumper. The traveler didn’t want stumpers with his dinner. After wrinkling his brow a few trills in thought, he shook his head. ”Not enough information,” he said curtly. ”Too abstract. I’m sure I could make up a list of rules I would want to use in making such a call, but it would all be rubbish. I would need to be in the situation and know the particulars before I’d ever make any kind of decision. And my actual choice then would have little to do with anything I blabbered at you now.”

Between Courses:

The next course on the so-called “Hunter’s Board” was some sort of goat-cheese and potato dumplings. That didn’t sound very hunt-themed to Oram, but it did sound delicious, so he selected it.
Saoire addressed the company and announced and welcomed Nir’wei. Oram felt briefly embarrassed as their hostess mentioned Nir’wei’s sacrifice. In his preoccupation about Bao, he had not given much thought to what the man he had known far too long as “Vaid’ner” had done during the Forging. He had tried to take a powerful spirit into himself and control it, only to find that he could not, at least not and survive.

After Nir’wei was introduced, everybody rose and clapped, and Oram unhesitatingly joined them. People took turns talking at the poor man, pelting him with praise and congartulations. He knew Nir’wei as one who disliked ceremonies, crowds, and fuss, much as he himself did. So when he got the chance, he simply nodded to him and said: ”It’s good to see you in one piece. Scalvoris is much better off thanks to having you around.”

The Arrival

Oram had made a point of grinning reassuringly at Nir’wei, but when Bao and the others were introduced, he smiled as he rarely did, and clapped as loudly as anybody else, maybe louder. He had had a great deal of worry on account of that little furry guy, and now he was here, alive and well and seemingly happy, and receiving a much-deserved ovation. Good! Darius and Zoro he regarded as friends as well, and he aplauded them also.

The girl, whom Saoire called “Joy”, he felt ambivalent about. She looked only vaguely like the Girl they had seen, the Girl who had tried to kill them, and whom they had killed in return. The hunter could not sense anything like the evil and corruption that had radiated from the Girl when she had appeared to confront them in the Heart of Scalvoris. He wondered what Joy knew or remembered about what had happened before. Or was she truly a blank slate? He could not tell; he could only hope so. Should they make eye contact, he would give her a non-committal nod.

At some point, while everybody was congratulating everybody else, Ziell took his leave, and Cassion arrived at their table. Oram gave the Man of Roads a respectful and warm greeting. Then they all sat down to their second course.

Second Course

Before the second course arrived, people were tasting the fruit juice that was in a glass near at hand. The juice seemed to be different for each person: their favorite? Oram's was a tart lemonade-like drink, but lighter. His brother looked and sniffed at it, then made a face. "My brother," he said, his voice a mixture of mild disgust and amusement. "No other kid ever said 'lemons' when asked what their favorite fruit was." He shook his head, but smiled, before trying his own peach-flavored drink.

The dumplings Oram had selected arrived on a rustic-looking wooden serving paddle, in the center of which stood a four legged figure made of parsley. The hunter guessed that it was supposed to represent a goat, but to him it looked more like a ram. Along either edge of the paddle was a row of semi-circular dumplings. Whatever quibbles he may have had about the edible artwork, he had none at all about the food itself. He offered one of the dumplings to Osric, and grinned when his brother’s eyes lit up upon tasting it.

”That’s the only one you get, though,” Oram warned. He didn’t necessarily mean that, but it looked like Os had his own food to attend to, which he seemed to like at least as much as the dumpling.

Cassion spoke to them, seeming to delight in the fare and the company equally. Cassion always seemed to delight in the simple joys of life, something Oram liked greatly about him. When Cassion asked his question, Oram mused a moment before saying: ”Ralaith came to me after the Forging and asked me to help him learn why the bumble bears on in the Sweetwine are dwindling. I have mixed feelings about this. My father died hunting bumble bears, and that’s one endeavor I’ve never followed his footsteps in. I don’t even know that much about them, and if I did this I would need to learn a great deal about them, including things not generally known.” He glanced at his brother. ”I’ll almost certainly need to go to the Golden Cliffs to make my own discoveries, one of the few places in the Sweetwine I’ve steadfastly avoided in all my wanderings there.”

That announcement caused Osric to gasp. ”You never told me that!” he hissed, quietly yet angrily.

Oram patted his shoulder in attempt to placate him. ”I only recently figured it out myself,” he assured Osric, who didn’t seem at all convinced. Nonetheless, the tinker had the decency not to make a scene.

Once that particular crisis had passed, Oram looked at the first Immortal to have marked him. ”You have always been a patron of my travelers,” he said. ”They are by nature an itinerant people, yet most of the ones currently in our camp have lived and worked in Scalvoris for some time, longer than we have ever stayed in one place in recent memory. There have lately been rumblings among our camp about moving on at long last. Where would you recommend they move to, if they were to ask your advice?” Osric paused just a tick when he said that. It was something he knew about as well, though he may not have expected his younger sibling to bring it up to Cassion like that.

After thinking a bit more, Oram also asked: ”Ralaith asked me to do something for him, to help him with something. Is there anything you would ask of me, Cassion?”

He didn’t have another question for now to pose to the rest of the group. Doing so was starting to feel like a parlor game, and Oram didn’t like parlors, especially not after his recent experience with EWWW.

[Balthazar Black]

39 Ymiden 721

First Course

The professor corrected Elisabeth, stating that he was working under Professor Thetys. Doran. Balthazar had sorted opinions about the man but he could not deny that based on what he'd seen, Doran had played a large role in protecting the islands. For that reason, Balthazar was willing to ignore his prior opinions. People changed and other people had to learn to accept it. It didn't mean he would visit Doran again in his lab but if there was an applause for him, Balthazar would be willing to stand. "A pleasure to meet you as well Professor." Balthazar said politely.

While the table ate their first course, a small salad for Balthazar, they answered the questions that they'd posed each other. It was a nice conversation all and all. Balthazar found himself listening to the answers others provided a little more than he thought about his own. Elisabeth asked what the best advice they'd ever been given was and Balthazar didn't really give an answer, only a shrug and "I'm not sure. I'd bet it was about the order of drinks to keep your stomach settled." He was deflecting the question a little but it was easier than figuring out what advice he really thought was best. If Elisabeth wanted to prod him for a better answer, she could try at a table that wasn't full of people.

Oram asked if there were better uses for sites like Slags Deep and the Vault and Balthazar shook his head a little. He didn't know if he was disagreeing or if he was just thinking, but he thought the two places served the purpose they should have just fine. The Vault was a mystery still to be explored and Slags Deep was still as valid a prison as before, it just needed someone better to manage it. "I'm not sure I know enough to speak on either of the locations, Oram, but I think that with someone who wouldn't exploit the role both places could serve their original purpose. Though for the Vault I'm less sure." Balthazar kept his thoughts brief and vague, hoping to listen more than he spoke.

Kori'an asked the same question Balthazar often found himself contemplating. The more things he cared about, the more things his focus would be split defending. He was beginning to think the solution was to make sure you were never defending what you cared about alone. Finding people who cared about the same things and were willing to work to protect them, that was how he thought that they would be able to avoid decisions like the one Kori'an was asking about. "I think the best goal would be to avoid getting into one of those situations, but if you had to choose..." Balthazar found himself reduced to a shrug again, "Just make sure you can live with the choice you make." That was the best advice he could give on it because there really was no correct choice in that situation. All you could do was your best and if you did that, you could sleep at night. At least that was what he told himself.

It was Ziell's response to his questions which caused Balthazar to think the most. Balthazar had already had similar thoughts about the creators of the Flameborn to those that Ziell expressed. As he fought and helped kill them he couldn't help but think how useful their minds would have been if they could have been convinced to turn their work to a better purpose. No one tried. Not a single person who was dropped into that plane of battle tried to reason with the enemy and maybe if they had it could have gone differently. He imagined a Rharne with Flameborn creatures helping rebuild but that was as far as his imagination extended. He did not know what other good those two might have been able to do if not struck down.

The Creep was a different issue. Balthazar had never thought to learn about them, he only ever considered fighting them and perhaps that was a mistake but when he was in Quacia it seemed like peace was never an option. The way the Creep infiltrated and turned things against them convinced him but he only saw it in battle. Everything else was a story and everyone who told the stories in Quacia was bias. It was strange to think that there was not a single moment during the war where he thought they could learn something that would alleviate the need for bloodshed... but now that Ziell said it Balthazar realized that no one had tried- at least no one he knew about. He could argue he didn't have a choice but he knew he didn't try to find out anything other than the most efficient way to stop the creatures. Stone turned out to be more useful than flames.

Regardless when Ziell spoke of the peace that had been granted, Balthazar thought of the people in Haven who had been cold and huddled together for shelter in the house he built that Elisabeth lived in alone most of the time now. It was peace in that there was no violence but were people happy? Was happiness peace? You probably couldn't ever make everyone happy but you could make them all stop fighting physically. Ziell's finally answer to Balthazar's question further highlighted the difference between the Immortals who wanted peace and the humans who did. Most people could not do what Ziell had done, they could only aspire to and it was dangerous. Alas, he ate his salad and listened to the others.

Between Course and The Arrival

When Saoire spoke again, Balthazar listened and when the room rose in applause for him Balthazar did. He'd seen what the vial had shown them and saw no reason to try and stand out from the crowd by sitting. He clapped his hands with the others and sat down as they did. Unfortunately his thoughts were overshadowed by what Saoire had said about Immortals and their ability to change. Balthazar hadn't looked hard, but he did not see Vri among the Immortals present. He couldn't help but wonder what Vri thought about the situation. What would Vri change if he wanted to change anything? The thought came and went shortly after the applause ended and Balthazar sat back down. He listened to those who spoke of Nir'wei's bravery but his eyes wandered his table to watch the faces of those around him.

Balthazar rose to his feet again to applaud the arrival of the second group but most of his applause was for Darius. He was proud of the man in an odd way. Maybe it was their work together in the past, but Balthazar was glad to see others applauding Darius- even if he was in a group. For a few trills Balthazar's focus fell on the girl called Joy who seemed the least familiar of the group. He wondered about the girl and where she would go from there but he dismissed the thoughts. Surely there was some plan in the works.

Balthazar sat back down and the staff had already cleared off the places from the first course. He'd been given a small cup of a juice that he didn't think he'd ever seen before. It looked like a light alcohol and while he didn't know it, it was the juice that was produced from crushing an apple. He drank it and Elisabeth would see a look of confused wonder wash over his face for a few trills before he composed himself. Apple juice. He didn't know he liked it before then. He didn't normally drink juice. They were preparing to bring the second and Balthazar looked around at the table to see what others had ordered. His first course was a salad and his second... well it wasn't steak.

Second Course

Balthazar's food, a small plate of sautéed asparagus, carrots, and small roasted potatoes arrived and the dark eyed man gave it a curious look before glancing at Fuego who'd helped with the second decision. Fuego seemed excited but he moved over to Balthazar plate and pointed at an orange piece that was cut to look like a flower. Balthazar understood the question and picked it up curiously before biting it and discovering it was a carrot. Fancy carrot. He told Fuego telepathically. Before either of them could try it anything else, another immortal arrived to the table. Ziell'd departure was polite but abrupt and Cassion's entrance was... noticeable. "Hello there," Balthazar said when Cassion arrived and greeted the table.

Cassion spoke quickly and he said a lot of things ranging from his greeting, to applauding Saoire's excellent celebration-throwing skills, to inquiries he had for the group. The core of the Taleweaver's question was something probably on most of the minds in the room. What came next? Everyone probably had a different answer to that, no matter how they might have aligned in some aspect. There were many things to sort through before Balthazar would really know what he wanted to do next. The vial had shown him everything but he was still processing it all. Big things stood out; Jacien and Elisabeth, Woe, Prae, and things of that nature. As people mentioned other things, he was able to recall what event they were talking about but it was still a lot to think about. Cassion said everyone was thinking of it as an ending but Balthazar hadn't. Elisabeth's memories returned, a lot would change going forward, and new problems would arise but the old problems hadn't gone away.

Oram answered while Balthazar was thinking and spoke of the task he'd been given by Ralaith. He told Cassion of the dwindling bumble bears and how he lost his father, a story which prompted a sad look on Balthazar's face for a trill which only lingered when Oram spoke of the possibility that he'd be moving away. Balthazar understood the urge to travel. He'd done enough of it to know the world was a small place and they'd probably meet again regardless of where Oram went. Balthazar was intrigued by the task Oram had been given but he didn't say anything because he was still thinking about his own answer.

When Balthazar thought he'd figured out a somewhat accurate answer he gave it. "I don't know that I'm entering a new chapter, really. I'll continue the work I've been doing. With the Elements, with people who need help. I'll always be willing to help those who ask, including any of you should something arise," he cast a brief glance around the table before focusing on Cassion, "but I had commitments prior to this which I'll have to see through and there are still plenty of things we don't have explanations for that I think are worth looking into. There is a new chapter around the corner but I don't think it's quite time yet... for me." Balthazar wasn't sure it was the answer Cassion wanted but it was honest. The timing of the celebration fell into a strange period for him

"I'll admit, I'm curious, what is the next chapter for you now that you can change?" Balthazar asked when the Taleweaver gently insisted that they ask him questions. It was the first one he could think of but a few trills later he thought of another and asked it as well, "You said the events would enact and enable change, I understand what that means for the immortals but what about the islands themselves? What does this balance really mean for Scalvoris?" However like Oram, Balthazar did not ask anything of the rest of the group. Admittedly most of it had to do with the Immortal at the table. It was easier to focus on them.

Objectives

1. Veggies and potatoes.
2. Carrot cut to look like a flower.
3. Apple juice.
4. Done.
5. Done. (What's next for Cassion and what does balance mean for Scalvoris )
6. Did not ask the group a question.

[Kori'än]

First Course

Different kinds of peace and different kinds of violence. Yes, that much made sense. There was a lot to think about, many details and small nuances that Kori'än couldn't stop to consider at the moment ― not if he wanted to avoid a headache and remain functional for the rest of the Feast. It was the first time in a long time ― perhaps the first time ever ― that he was genuinely considering other's people experiences and answers without asking or needing to know their true knowledge on the subject. It was obvious that the Immortal of Peace would know what he was talking about when peace was ― had been? ― his very essence. But the others in the table were mortals like him, their views and perception could be skewed and tainted. But still, he didn't doubt the sincerity of their words.

And while Kori'än didn't know of Haven, Ziell's answer to Elisabeth's first question made him falter. If happiness was a choice, sorrow and sadness were, as well. He didn't want to believe that he was choosing his worries and his regrets, but if he had decided not to act, then it had been his choices that led to how he was feeling. Kori'än bit his lip, fingers tightening briefly around the crystal shell near his plate before he forced himself to let go of it. Relax. Breathe. He could think deeper on that later.

When the Immortal spoke to the cat, Kori'än didn't fight the amused smile that appeared on his lips as he turned to Storm. He wondered if the cat could understand the Immortal. Well, that was an interesting question to pursue, sometime. It wasn't all that important. For now, he focused on Ziell's answer to his own questions, fear and relief battling inside of him, contradictions that he couldn't quite understand. There were many types of peace, many types of violence. Ziell hadn't given him a straight answer, but he knew that, often, there was no such thing. Maybe that meant that they could craft their own definitions. As long as they thought about it and didn't act in haste, then perhaps the Immortal was right. There might be situations where there would be no time to think, but if he truly understood himself and his morals ― as Elisabeth had mentioned ―, then maybe the answer would come quickly enough that they could still make the right choice.

Elisabeth's question to the table made his heart clench for a moment, the feeling of loss never completely leaving his chest. He looked at the shell, then, with a tiny smile on his lips. The pain and the fondness made him unable to focus on the Immortal's answer enough to understand the advice he had been given, but that, too, could come with time. Oram's answer and his elaboration on it was an interesting one, wise, even. The issue would be to identify what was what, but that didn't make the advice lesser. Balthazar didn't really answer, but Kori'än couldn't blame him. It was a highly personal question, indeed. He himself would have deflected it, under normal circumstances, but maybe the wine was getting to him. It had been a long time since he had last drinked any alcohol, after all.

"To enjoy the journey, because we never truly arrive on our destination." Kori'än answered with a small smile, remembering the many times his mother tried to drive this home to him. "I used to think this was quite gloomy, but, in the end, I guess it just means that we always have room to improve, to reach a little further." This didn't mean he followed such advice himself, but he tried to.

Oram's question was harder to answer, though, way harder. "I don't know enough of Scalvoris yet to know what people here are in need of. But as far as I could tell from..." Kori'än motioned at the empty vial that had shared the events that led to the Induks' release, "Those places can hold many secrets we aren't aware of, so perhaps you should proceed with caution, regardless of what you decide to do." He stayed quiet for a few trills, thinking about Balthazar's suggestion to use the Slag's Deep for its original purpose. "If you're going to keep the Deep a prison, though, could I suggest that you think of it as a place to reform criminals, instead of simply punish them? People can change, and it may be more effective to prevent whatever happened there to cause this all..."

Balthazar's question made him pause for a moment, pressing his lips together and staring and his now almost empty plate. He didn't know if he could give the other man a full answer to this question. There were many things about himself he didn't know yet. Kori'än lightly tapped the plate with his fork, before sighing. "To defend my fam― the ones I care about." He nodded in agreement at the man next to Oram. Were there more things? Probably. He just needed to figure them out for himself, first.

And then, came Ziell's answer to his own question, and Kori'än smiled, sadly, before nodding. Perhaps no situation was impossible for an Immortal, but there were many things that he knew he couldn't do. Still, to try and save them both was an option. The only issue was that, if he failed, then he'd fail both of them, instead of only one.

Was it worth it? He didn't know. Like Balthazar said, it was about making a decision he could live with. He couldn't help but chucke at Oram's words, though. "You are a practical man, I assume? But you're right. The question is very abstract." He wasn't going to share the specifics, though ― Kori didn't think he would ever get that drunk.

Between Courses

Kori drank the last drop of his wine, feeling the alcohol sweeping away some of his tension. There was no accompanying headache, though, strangely enough. He wasn't sure whether that was because the wine was a special one, or if this was just another perk of this quite strange place. Regardless, he only hoped it wouldn't mean that he had no way to gauge how much was too much. Kori'än wasn't looking forward to making a fool out of himself.

Soon enough, almost as if on time, the waiters began cleaning their table, and Saoire spoke again. He looked up, back at her table, listening to her words. As she gestured towards a table, Kori's eyes followed her movement, taking in the guests. Most he recognized, from the memories that weren't his and― Oh. Rose was there? Well, that was interesting. He quickly averted his eyes, not keen on being seen by the librarian. The library was being almost his second home, and he needed to study and work, not chat about the feast. He still paid attention to Saoire's words, however, and when he saw other people standing up, he frowned, before slowly moving to his feet.

He didn't speak, of course. Even if he knew of what had happened, he hadn't really been there. Kori wasn't sure why people were standing up, either, but if this was a shown of respect, well, Nir'wei deserved it.

When everyone had spoken, Kori mimicked the others, sitting back down, nodding as Ziell said his farewells to them. "I hope you enjoy it as well," he offered, a bit unsure of how to say goodbye to the Immortal. Such a brief encounter, and it had affected him more than he dared to think at the moment. A simple thanks seemed unfit to express his gratitude, but he didn't know how else to say it. "I appreciate your answers. Thanks." The words sounded terrible after he had said them, so Kori shifted his eyes to the table in front of him, only then noticing the table had been completely cleaned, and a small glass filled with a clear, yellowish liquid had been placed in front of his chair.

The Arrival

After staring at the glass for a few trills, Kori sighed and brought it to his lips. White grapes juice. And, just like the wine and the food, the best he had ever had. He was starting to understand how people could eat huge amounts of food, now.

As if summoned by that thought ― although he knew that was foolish thinking ―, Cassion approached. Not only was he easy to spot now that Kori knew what he usually looked like, but his energy was unique enough that it was hard to misplace. Before this trial, Kori'än had never spared even a thought to the Immortal ― oddly enough, since his mother loved to tell stories and tales so much, and that he had spent such a huge part of his life travelling. And that he felt trapped within a city if he couldn't explore. Now that he thought about it, Kori couldn't help but frown at himself. Why had he never thought about the Immortal, when it seemed like his domains encompassed his life so thoroughly?

Well, this wasn't the moment for such questions. Regardless of his previous thoughts about the Immortal, the memories imprinted in his mind gave him a great deal of respect towards Cassion. Both him and Daia ― an Immortal that he hadn't even heard about before this trial. As Cassion sat down on the table, saying this course would be great fun, Kori'än found himself believing in it. Usually, he didn't think anything that required conversation could be fun, but it was hard to remain skeptical when the Immortal sounded so sure of it.

Saoire was speaking once again, though, and Kori's attention turned to her, eyes widened slightly as the portal opened, four individuals stepping out of it. The room erupted in claps again, and, well, it was well-deserved. Standing up once again alongside others, he mimicked their movements, feeling oddly out of place. He was thankful for what they had done, but clapping and cheering weren't how he usually expressed such gratitude. Still, his eyes followed the girl he had seen only on other's memories before. Joy. That was a fitting name, he supposed. He truly hoped she could feel it. If not now, eventually.

Kori was more than relieved to finally sit down again for the rest of the meal.

Second Course

As his second choice was placed in front of him ― flatbread with spicy ground beef ―, Kori'än bit back an amused smile at Cassion's words. He could think of many better things than gazing upon women and eating, but he kept his thoughts to himself as he focused on the many little golden spheres spread around his dish. He frowned, moving one of them around before hesitantly placing it on his mouth. Even as he tried to reign in his reactions to everything that was going on, he couldn't help but let out a small hum of surprise. Peas. But not like any he had had before ― they were crispy, their crust spiced up with something he couldn't even identify. Kori had to admit Cassion was right ― the food was great, and however Saoire did this, it was more amazing than he could have imagined.

For a bit, he allowed himself to be grateful he hadn't stayed at home. Even Cassion's constant remarks ― something that usually would annoy him to no end ― just sounded like pleasant conversation and company. Even the beer that accompanied this course wasn't too bitter, meshing perfectly with the food.

The Immortal's question, however, turned his attention back to the conversation. Oram's mention of Ralaith picked his attention, and he was more than impressed that the Immortal had asked for Oram's help. Well, not because it was Oram, just because he thought the task could be an exciting journey. Balthazar's almost hand-waved offer of help surprised him just as much. It wasn't like Kori would deny help to those who asked it of him, but he wasn't sure if he would offer it so freely, either. Well, all that made Kori'än sigh, feeling almost ashamed of his own answer. He pushed it away with a long, deep gulp from his beer. Some people were exciting, some were boring. It was just how things were.

"There are many things I want to do, but I think," he looked at his plate as if the food would save him from answering that. Well, he was aware that he could stay quiet if he wanted, but something was compelling him to speak. Everyone was sharing, and this seemed a moment without worry, a dream where he could say anything and hear their thoughts. Once he awoke, it would be over, and whatever connection he felt with his table would dissipate, and everything would go back to normal, "I need to go to Desnind. Finally get to know my mother's home. Maybe even..." He trailed off, shrugging slightly. Maybe even meet Moseke. His mother used to say that the people of Desnind had a special connection with the Immortal. Once, he had doubted he could ever meet one, but after this trial, this didn't seem so impossible anymore.

And even if he couldn't, perhaps he could come to understand her a little better. Other than the tales and stories that his mom told him, the Immortal of Life was a strong bond between them.

Once again, as the talk died down, Kori drummed his fingers on the table as he looked at Cassion. "Why did you help them release the Induks? Did you feel it was the right thing to do or was it just because it was an interesting story being told?" Now, it seemed that the Immortals had more of a choice in how they acted than before, but at the time, Cassion was still bound by his domains. Did he actually have the choice, or he just acted as he had to?

"And if something like this would happen in the future, would you help because you feel is the right thing to do or just if it's another interesting story?"

As the questions were asked and answered, Kori's gaze turned back to the table where Joy was sitting. Balthazar and Oram refrained from asking a question to the entire group, and Kori'än wondered if he would be prying too much. Still, he couldn't help the sympathy he felt for Joy, that dull sadness of knowing her childhood was robbed from her, and that now, even if she could start her life anew, it would be without her mom or dad. So he turned to the table."Does anyone know what will happen to Joy? Who will take care of her now?"

ooc

1. Make a menu choice! (Second course) Flatbread with spicy ground beef
2. Describe an edible decoration on your second-course meal Golden peas
3. Describe the flavor of juice your small glass contains White grapes
4. Answer the question you have been asked by Cassion Done!
5. You may ask Cassion up to two things. Done!
6. You can ask up to one question of everyone at the table Done!

[Elisabeth Black]

First Course...

Part of Elisabeth’s joy in life was experiencing it at Balthazar’s side, and as such, watching him take in everything around them as they entered the room and took their seats at the table filled her with an indescribable feeling. In truth, the man had seen far more than she in their lives, but always present was his insatiable curiosity, and it continually made her smile.

She smiled at both Oram and Osric when they greeted her. The introduction of Professor Fridson was a bit off, but Elisabeth didn’t think too much of it – a lot had been going during the time they had met. “Oh, my apologies, Professor.” When he asked about her, she gently nodded. “I am. Physically, at any rate. I think this will all take some time to process. Thank you for asking – it’s very kind of you. And you are well? How are things at the University?” The young woman was aware of the purpose they had all been brought together, but she also wished to learn more about the kindly professor.

The young man, whose name was Kori'än, seemed uncomfortable, and Elisabeth wished to help with that, if she could. Usually asking questions of someone that was uneasy with their current situation was not the best way to ease things, so the young woman did something that Balthazar had repeatedly told her she did very well – talk.

Smiling at him, Elisabeth spoke gently. “Kori'än, yes? The pleasure is mine.” Looking about the room, she gave him a bit of a mischievous grin. “I don’t know about you, but this is just about the fanciest event I’ve ever been to. Everywhere I look, there’s something even more fantastical.”

Tilting her head a bit, she thought of something to share. ”It reminds me of how I feel when it snows. I grew up in Viden, and for as much as it snows there, I’m still captivated by it. Every time. There is something magical wrapped up in those little snowflakes. I’m feeling that same feeling now.” Whatever his response, Elisabeth decided that keeping an eye on him might be a good idea, as she had no desire for Kori'än to be overwhelmed.

Returning her attention to the others, she turned her head just in time to see Fuego’s adorable little dance. She grinned brightly at the Diri, but chose not to say anything. Looking up, Fintan was still elegantly perched on the centerpiece, watching the room.

Balthazar drank the potion - she knew he would - and her whole body tightened with the knowledge of what he would see. Everything. There had been only so much she could tell him, and now he would know as much as she did. Watching the face of the man she loved, Elisabeth saw the flash of anger, and understood.That conversation would have to wait though, because they had been joined by a guest.

Ziell’s question brought a lot of different viewpoints and opinions together. Shania’s thoughts echoed Elisabeth’s own, and for that she was thankful. Balthazar’s thoughts, Elisabeth understood. He was still dealing with the fallout from a very different things, trying to find the right path for him. She listened carefully, giving him a smile when he fell silent.

Oram and Kori'än’s comments ended up being no less profound, and the young mage found herself riveted by the conversation and varying perspectives.

She hesitated asking her question, and momentarily wondered if she should have asked something different. Everyone else seemed to have deeper queries, but the one Elisabeth asked felt right to her. The settlement was important to her, and as the Immortal answered her, a brilliant smile slipped across the young woman’s face. “Thank you. That answer means more to me then you know.”

Regarding Ziell, Elisabeth reconsidered her thoughts on the Lord of Winter. Winter was a time of relative isolation, and perhaps a time of solemn reflection. However, the Immortal she had met at the Glass Temple, and the one before her, were reminiscent of a fire’s warmth in the heart of winter. One could be serious and reflective, yet still warm and inviting, and Elisabeth felt that when she spoke to Ziell.

Storm, it seemed, was mulling about the table, trying to figure out where Saoire had gone when he heard his name being uttered by Ziell. Flicking tail gently, the regal feline strode over to the Immortal and rubbed against his leg with insistent ‘meow’ issuing forth. Apparently, Sir Storm of Haven didn’t hold the comment against the him, but scratches were always welcome to defer any future grievances.

Others asked questions of the table. Oram had been first, contemplating what Slag’s Deep could be used for. Elisabeth wasn’t very knowledgeable about the site, other than its connection to what they had been through, so she didn’t have anything definitive to offer. “I think that all things can be re-purposed. It was a prison and mine, yes? I’m not familiar about such things, but the resources will still be there. Transforming it into something that can benefit Scalvoris as a whole, perhaps? Education or research? As others have pointed out, there are still mysteries to be solved there, so I think caution is warranted.”

When Balthazar’s question came, Elisabeth gave him a soft grin. He would know her answer already, but she offered it up anyways. “The defense of others, without question. Not a ‘cause’, exactly, but true…”

His question led into Kori'än’s, although that question was more difficult to answer. Oram’s answer to it was actually very similar to hers. “It’s possible to have two equally important people, yes, but when making decisions like that, there are a lot of variables that come into play that adjust the equation. Equally important doesn't equate to equally skilled or equally needful of your help. And most of the time, you won’t be able to make that decision until you are in the moment.“ Remembering back to the Element Hall, the choice made between Kura and Ruari. Fortunately, Woe had been with her that trial and both had been able to be saved.

Small little glasses had been brought to the table for each, and upon sipping, Elisabeth realized that hers was pomegranate juice. A soft smile appeared, realizing the connection.

Between the Courses...

Before Ziell left, Elisabeth offered one last thing to him – gratitude. “Thank you, for everything. I hope we can speak again soon.”

Saoire spoke again, honoring Nir’wei. Elisabeth stood with the others, listening to their words of tribute. There was nothing more that she could offer the man that hadn’t already been said, and as such, she remained silent.

It seemed that they were to be gifted a new table guest, and while she wasn’t as familiar with him as others, Cassion’s presence made her smile. He had been with them at the end, and she held sincere affection for him.

The Arrival...

Darius, Bao, Zoro and the girl made their way into the room, eliciting a bright smile from Elisabeth as she stood and clapped. Darius was a strength for her, and their bond had only deepened during the course of the event. There was happiness at the resurrection of Bao, who was undoubtedly the bravest of them all. And then, seeing the girl they had all fought so hard to save. Something resonated within her, but Elisabeth was unable to figure out what. Perhaps the girl reminded Elisabeth of the little one she had been with for a time. Cerulean eyes scanned the room, looking for Ruari’s father, hoping at some point she would be able to check in on them. Children were not something the young mage had given much thought to before her experience with Ruari, but something about it had changed Elisabeth, yet she still wasn't sure in what ways.

Second Course...

Their second course arrived, and for Elisabeth, it was a cup of delicious broccoli cheese soup, topped with delicate little croutons that were shaped like stars and snowflakes. Snow and Stars. That’s who she was. And now Fire and Ice as well, and the young woman marveled at how much people could evolve and change, and all the bruises one could get along the way. She had started out believing herself to be one thing, but over time, had begun to transform into something more complex. Perhaps that was simply the way people evolved? With time, they had greater understanding of themselves and others?

The Immortal’s question was an intriguing one, and something the young woman had thought long and hard on. Balthazar and she had been through so much in such a short period of time, and it still felt like she was trying to catch up. And now, the mission for Ethelynda, Haven and other opportunities were waiting for her, but one glance at Balthazar and she knew her answer. His answer had been to continue on, mostly, and hearing that almost made Elisabeth rethink her own, but in the end, she could only speak her truth.

Returning attention to Cassion, the young mage smiled. “A moment to breathe, and appreciate what I have, and the opportunities in front of me. I was gifted more life, and I refuse to waste it, but I think, there are brief snippets of time when it’s appropriate to stop and make sure the people that make our experience in life richer, fuller, know that they aren’t taken for granted. Living in the now.” Smiling softly at Cassion, she continued. “At least until the next adventure comes along. I suspect it won’t be long. After that? Working with Haven, and my task. Helping whoever needs my help. I don't know what the future holds, but I'm very happy, and humbled, to be here to experience it.”

As Ziell before him, Cassion offered to answer any questions they might have. Thinking about it, one did pop into her mind. “I was tasked with helping to find a way to honor and remember those that died during the events, from the beginning forward. You’ve traveled, most everywhere I suspect, and know the stories of Scalvoris. I have plans, thoughts for how to begin, but perhaps you could tell me one place to look for information that I wouldn’t think of or know about?” Immortals, from her perspective, thought differently than mortals. Being as widely traveled and knowledgeable as Cassion was, there was likely a resource or piece of information he knew that would help her with her task.

As for anything else? Just an offer. "Cassion, you did so much for us. I'm grateful to you. Please know if you ever need anything, I would be honored to help."

As for the rest of the table, she considered her query carefully before speaking. "Speaking of that, I'd like to ask the rest of you your thoughts. I was tasked with finding a way to honor and remember all those lost over the course of this event, which started so long ago. In your minds, from your unique perspective, what does that mean to you? Honoring and remembering, that is. To do what I've been asked, I need to understand what those terms mean to people. I know what they mean to me, but this isn't about me." Elisabeth, of course, was determined to do what had been asked of her properly, in reverence to the traditions of Scalvoris, but to do that, she needed to know people's thoughts.

Can do/Must do

• Make a menu choice! (Done)
• Describe an edible decoration on your second course meal (Done)
• Describe the flavor of juice your small glass contains (Done)
• Answer the question you have been asked by Immortal (Done)
• You may ask the Immortal up to two things. (Done)
• You can ask up to one "group" question of everyone at the table (including Immortal) . (Done)