Telka
Saoire's Realm
Saoire's Realm
The tribute to Nir'wei was heartfelt and shared by all. The Immortals stood and spoke, each of them - each gave tribute to him, showed their appreciation of him. His own words back were simple. It was his honour to serve. Saoire smiled at him and nodded. Then, she spoke to all in the room. "It is incumbent on us all to not forget, " she said. "I could suggest that we each owe Nir'wei a debt, and that is right. But I believe that the best thing any of us can do to repay that debt is to live our best lives. Those lives, after all, have been earned by the actions of those we are celebrating here this evening. It is the greatest gift."
Then, when things had settled down a little it was time for another entrance. This time, Bao, Darius, and Zoro. They stepped through to applause and it was applause Saoire led. When they were all seated, she spoke once more. "I would ask every person here to remember and celebrate the actions of these brave individuals, " she said, gesturing to Nir'wei, Bao, Darius and Zoro. "To celebrate," she said. "Not simply to remember, but to act on that remembering. To give, without question. To help each other. When we each do that, the world is a better place for it."
That said, she walked over to Ruari. Kneeling next to her, Saoire smiled at her. "This is for you, brave Ruari," she said softly as she handed Ru a necklace with a glittering turtle pendant. Everyone heard her voice, but it was quiet. "It is like the necklace Doran put on you before. It will keep you safe. And for you, Wren, the same." Looking at Hart, she smiled softly. "It also keeps my gaze on them. Should anything ever harm them or try to, I will know. " Standing, she put her hand on Hart's shoulder and then moved back to the main area.
The Water Table
Xiur had paused briefly next to Praetorum’s chair, placing a gentle hand on the Ithecal’s shoulder. “All will be well. Let your heart and soul rest tonight and be light. Hope remains strong.” Praetorum would feel a slender weight rise away from him, as if lifted for a time, and yet the effects were felt by the entire table, something to be shared.
Ziell arrived and joined the conversation, inviting each to consider his question as they dined on their second course of food. The cadouri servers were incredibly friendly and attentive, seeing to all their needs, and before long, fairies came to visit, flitting around the table curiously.
Rand had an interesting take on Ziell's question. "Peace, I feel, had different faces. For me to be at peace, fleeting, as it make be, is to know I've given everything I can. Done everything I can." Eckman considered that, nodding his head gently. "I agree, but additionally, knowing I've given everything to others, seeing to their needs. "
The Immortal listened to Rakvald, nodding gently as he spoke of his daughter and family. “Indeed. Our loved ones have a way to unlocking those little moments of peace that otherwise would go unnoticed. Their presence, I believe, allows the hard edges of the world and life to fall away, leaving us with all that makes us light and free. A soul needs that, now and again, as a reminder. I appreciate your words, Rakvald.”
Glancing as the Ithecal answered, the Immortal sat back in his seat gently, considering what he said. “Those hard edges of the world do seem to always be threatening, so I can see how knowing those you love are safe could be a comfort.” Looking gently at him, Ziell seemed to lose focus for a second before returning his attentions to Praetorum. “There is always uncertainty with that as the dangers are vast and wide. Always working for the betterment of ourselves and others is a good goal. Thank you, Praetorum.”
Xander’s answer seemed to confirm a similar theme, and Ziell chose to recognize it. “Our loved ones provide so much, and sometimes it seems such a simple thing, having them close. It can be easy to take them for granted, but there are the lucky ones that realize this and don’t. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.” Smiling at the man and Gennadiya, the Immortal moved on, listening to what the healer had to say.
Gennadiya had a similar take, but from a different angle, speaking of personal responsibility in the matter of peace. Nodding, Ziell smiled at her gently. “I think, often, we forget about that too. Our obligation for manifesting peace in our own lives and our responsibility to be present in the lives of those we love. Thank you for reminding us of that.”
As they worked their way through the food in front of them, the Immortal had offered up the opportunity to ask questions, but sat silently contemplating those around him until someone spoke up, breaking the ice.
Rakvald spoke first, leading Ziell to consider the individual before him with a smile. “Your daughter sees you every night, just as you see her. Minds are powerful things, as demonstrated during The Forging and beyond. I also believe that those that know and love us, will always recognize us on some level.” Tapping his fingers on the table gently, he continued, thinking about his words. “Beyond that, I think you’ll have to look inside for the answer. The ability to make that come to pass lies with you, does it not? I think you know the answer to your own question. No prophecies needed.” The Immortal gave him a knowing smile, before moving on to the next.
Pratorum’s question shouldn’t have been unexpected, but it did take Ziell a few moments to respond. “That is a complex question. It takes two or more willing parties to achieve peace, but only one aggressive side to prompt war. While world peace is always the goal, I am not sure that it will ever truly be attainable, due to the ease and propensity of people to disagree. I always hope I am wrong, but it’s something I constantly wonder about.”
Looking about the table, Ziell smiled, continuing. “Therefore, I find that people choose to focus more on their personal peace and peace of smaller components, which there is nothing wrong with doing. But as far as peaceful actions leading to overall, encompassing peace in entirety? I….hope, but I think there are too many personalities, variables, viewpoints and perspectives for that dream to realistically happen. I feel also that an enforced peace is no peace at all, but I hope, one trial, to be able to prophesize that peace is coming but, thus far, all I can say is that it's possible, if still very unlikely. ”
The blond healer brought another interesting question to the forefront, about the need to balance growth with peace. “I agree about stagnation, but I’ll get to that in a moment. I believe the answer lies in focus. This question relates in many ways to what I said to Praetorum. When people, I believe, focus bigger, more globally, is when issues most often arise. Where differences and divergences occur. Now, I’m not suggesting to ‘think small’ with growth, but perhaps smaller? There are always challenges and issues to solve on a more local or personal level that would help both the need for peace and growth, and balance that need.”
His eyes cast around the table, considering all those with him. Continuing with the answer to Gennadiya’s question, he glanced at each person in turn. “Life will always put challenges in your path, therefore I feel that stagnation is more of a perception for someone that isn’t trying very hard to find something to do. So, my advice would be, open your eyes and look around you. Find a way to help, be it large or small. Once that’s done, find something else.”
Questions were asked of the table, and conversation continued to flow. Rakvald’s question about change was tackled by Eckman first, laughing a bit. “I’d like to be taller.” Rand considered the question a bit but followed up quickly with a serious look. “I wish I could relate to people a bit better. Sometimes when you focus on logistics and scenarios, you can lose touch of the people involved in such.” Nodding, he appeared satisfied with his answer. Ziell considered the question, and he too had a brief response. “What I wished for has already come to pass – the ability to change.”
It appeared that Rakvald was the only one that had a question for the table, catching Ziell off guard, but he continued his meal and quickly enough, focus turned back to Saoire.
Telka
Saoire's Realm
Saoire's Realm
As the plates for the second course were cleared away, Saoire once again rose and spoke to them. Again, as she did, there was a small palate cleanser ~ this time in the form of a rice-spoon with a perfect quenelle of sorbet with a flavour which would please them. Looking around at them, she smiled once more. "It is a gift," she said, fairies chattering and twinkling around her. "To be able to celebrate the achievements of our friends and companions. So much was achieved, so much was given. It is fitting that we do so." The sky outside now was dark - it was night, no longer dusk - and there were stars shining in unison with them and their celebrations.
"There are so many ways to give, and all of you gave so much." There was no doubt of this in Saoire's mind. "But now, we will celebrate two who stood and gave more in the Forging than we truly could have hoped for. When the Induks were first imprisoned, there were six Forgings. The four we know of and, of course, Life Forged and Death Forged. We must give thanks to the two who stood in the Forging and took those roles. The Forging itself was painful and uncomfortable for all, but these two suffered in order to bring balance to Scalvoris, in order to free the Induks. They gave their own energy, their own strength - one in song and one in story." She smiled at Elisabeth and Arlo as she spoke.
"And, of course, we must remember that, arcs ago it was Arlo's willingness to sacrifice himself for others which freed the trapped souls. That action allowed one to stay behind," she gestured to Ledas, the tiger at Darius' side. "To guide you through the caves of Ishallr." She gestured then, to the two of them, first Elisabeth and then Arlo. "Please, accept our thanks for taking on the very difficult and painful role, for giving of yourselves and doing so with an unwavering commitment" She gestured for the two of them to stand. As they did, Cadouri brought them each a small gift box. They had no lids so inside the beautiful and delicate boxes they could see, nestled on some organza fabric, a chainstone. "From the Induks, and from us all,"
Then, she gestured around. "Please, join me in giving thanks to Elisabeth and Arlo for what they did." She lifted her hands and began to clap -- she was joined by all the Immortals and, again, there was rather that feeling that someone, somewhere, expected a speech from them both.
The Water Table
Ziell stood and spoke to the pair, individually. "Elisabeth," he said, addressing the woman first. "From the first steps of this, in the Glass Temple and even before, you showed a commitment to balance. Your actions were focused on others, sometimes even to your own detriment, and you did not allow yourself to fall, even when the attack was inside your very soul. Your courage is beyond words and you have my gratitude." Looking to Arlo, then, he spoke. "You willingly and unquestioningly sacrificed yourself to free others and, in that action, you set in motion the events which led to the freeing of the Induks. You gave up part of your soul, so that others may be free of their prison and you acted without thought for yourself. " His smile was one of pride as he addressed them both. "I am Ziell, Immortal of Prophecy, and I wish you both the happiest of futures."
Soon after, Ziell bade farewell to the table, offering final thoughts. “I must leave you now, but I’d like to leave each of you with a thought. Tell those you love what they mean to you, and of the light they bring you. Allow them to help you heal from any wounds life brings your way. Strive for peace and balance.” Gifting each a small smile, he inclined his head. “I thank each of you for your words of wisdom. I was honored to share this meal with you. I wish for all a pleasant evening.”
They wouldn’t have to wait long for their next guest, who seemed to be having the time of his life as Cassion walked up to the table, grinning at the group.
“Well, well, good evening to you all!” Taking a seat as their third courses were delivered – his being a hearty bowl of steak and potato soup – he glanced around to those at the table. “I’m Cassion, and I was there at the Forging with Xander, Praetorum and Eckman here. We had some fun, that.” Giving those three a mischievous smile, he moved on.
“I have a question I’d like you all to consider and give me your thoughts on. Everyone is asking these deep questions, but I think it’s time for something fun as we get to know each other better. There are many ways to travel and experience all that is around us. What is your personal favorite way to travel, and why?”
Tucking into his soup, he looked up again, grinning. "Oh! And if you have questions for me, happy to answer! Almost forgot that part. The table too! I've heard some amazing questions asked at other tables. I'm sure you lot can come up with something so we can learn a bit about each other.“
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