[Telka] Saoire's Heroes: The Fire 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 Fire Table

Seated at this table were Natalia, Woe, Hart, Alyssia and Ralgar. Also seated there were Jacien and Galena from the Order of the Adunih. 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 white heat flowers. Their scent was subtle but beautiful. The crystals on the table and nestled in between the blooms were also reflecting the theme and when one looked at them, they flickered like they had flames inside them. The glasses were etched with beautiful engravings of white heat flowers and flames 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.

Daia, for those who recognised her, sat down and smiled. "Hello," she said with a smile. "I am Daia, and I am here to share this course of the meal with you. " She seemed genuinely pleased to see them and she looked at each of them.

"I thought that we could get to know each other a little better, as we eat?" She had a plate of seafood in front of her. "And so, I thought I'd ask a question, which you each answer and, when you give your answer, you each ask questions of your own."

Looking at them all, each one of them, Daia considered it and then, she asked her question of them. "One of the consequences of what happened in the Heart of Scalvoris was that the Immortals can now change. We could not do so before, but now, we can," she said. "And I wondered if perhaps you'd tell me what you think when I ask you this." Stopping to take a taste of her food, she touched a napkin to her lips and then spoke. "What change would you like to see, among the Immortals, and why?"

She seemed to be - because she was - genuinely open to discussion on the topic. It was a whole new world, after all and she wanted to make sure that she understood, the best she was able to, what people thought. After all, these were some of the people who had enacted the change, who had thought outside the box. She wanted to hear their ideas.

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 Daia
• You may ask Daia 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 Daia) . PLEASE ONLY ASK THESE GROUP QUESTIONS this round - we'll direct you to answering them next round.

Next Post: Sunday 22nd August

[Woe]

“Thank you, Iago. Are you ready for the shell-abration?” Natalia jested with Iago, and he audibly groaned, slapping his face as he did so. In spite of his lack of grace at her joke, Woe had to admit he was surprised at the gentlemanly way that Iago was carrying himself with Natalia. He didn't know what to make of that but decided to keep an eye on the fourteen-year-old, to suss out whatever strange mood had prompted his chivalrous mood.

At any rate, when it came time for them to take a seat, and Iago once again showed up with the chivalrous gesture, Woe quirked a brow. Something had gotten into the boy, that was quite out of character for him. Woe would have to get to the bottom of it, but all in good time.

"The medicine was cloying and unpleasant to my tongue. But it worked well." Woe said to Natalia, as she asked about the medicine. He shrugged at her thanks. "I hope you enjoy yourself. This may be a good opportunity to rub elbows with some prominent Scalvoris citizens."

Woe found himself at a table, with Hart, Alyssia, Ralgar, and of course all their own guests. In addition, was a man that Woe didn't know but recognized from the Glass Temple. There was also a gold cloak that Woe hadn't met yet. He nodded to her in greeting.

Apart from the man and the gold cloak, Woe had met all of them at one point or another. It was interesting that three of the Soul Forged were seated at the same table. And the fire table... fire. Which brought Woe's thoughts back to something that had troubled him lately. He didn't know why, perhaps it was the sacrifice of his magic and his Lethroda mark, or else the symbolism of fire, which Emelia was so obsessed by. But his thoughts did drift back toward that woman he'd shared a night with long ago in Etzos. Nevertheless, he brought himself back to the current moment.

The tree that stood as a centerpiece to their table, meanwhile, had garnered the interest of Sod, who materialized beside Woe's shoulder. He began climbing the air, and was visible to everyone there, as he muttered, "Hmmmm..." He climbed toward the tree.

Then Daia greeted them and introduced herself. After a few moments, Woe sent a mental signal to Sod, "What are you doing?"

Sod didn't reply immediately, but Woe turned his attention to Daia. She asked what sort of changes he would like to see in the Immortals. He thought about it. He considered, in his foul mood, to tell them to mind their own business. But that wouldn't exactly be a congruent request for someone who was so heavily marked and used his marks. Instead, he thought on it.

Sod finally responded to Woe after several moments. "Hmm, I'm... Going to... have chat... with flowers."

Woe rolled his eyes at the errant Diri, but then turned his attention back to Daia. "I would have it that the Immortals would feel remorse, and experience self-reflection. One cannot change if they do not have a reason to or a perspective from which they might pursue a change."

Meanwhile, Iago was enjoying the items that he was gifted. Besides the treat, which was simple chocolate with mushroom cream inside, was a decorated miniature fountain. Beneath the table, a great meatbone was left for Botany, which he began chewing on. A bowl of ephemeral fluid was left for Breen, which he drank. Sod found his gift in the tree, a shiny brown opal, polished to perfection. "Hmmhmm... Thank... Saoire!"

At Woe's place, was a simple wafer, plain tasting, the way he preferred. Besides that, his crystal item was a snowflake with carved vines stretching throughout the outer points of the flakes. It was, he found, a pin, that he could place on his cloak's collar, which he did.

Finally, when it came time for them to make a question or a request to Daia herself, Woe was quick once more to answer. Sod sent his disapproval, "Hmm, so hasty to... The answer, Woe... Be polite..."

Yet Woe ignored him. "Lady Daia," He nodded to her, showing her a measure of deference, "In line with my suggestion that the Immortals feel self-reflection, I feel a certain amount of contrition for my own misdeeds. There's a reason I decided to sacrifice my magic. I have decided I'm unfit to wield it, yet that decision is not without good cause, beyond concern for my soul. I once had an initiate, Emelia Enners. I unraveled her tangle. She was unprepared for the magic that I gave to her in a fit of passion, and she ended up fraying. Wherever she is, I do not ask that you bring her here. Only that you replace her tangle, repairing it to where it was before she was initiated and devastated by Mister Magpie's 'solution' to her unfortunate condition."

Woe sighed, "Don't blame Magpie, however. It was my doing, and I only request that you fix my mistake."

[Natalia Gregorios]

Ymiden 39, Arc 721

Natalia marveled at the exquisite detail present throughout the Ballroom as she looked around. The table setting itself was exquisite, crystal and glass combined with the apparent ‘fire’ theme. The young woman had been to a lot of formal events in her previous life, but nothing compared to what she was seeing with her own eyes, although she wasn’t surprised after seeing the level of detail contained within the stunning gown wrapped around her body.

The table was full of people Natalia was unfamiliar with, but she smiled at each, introducing herself as they arrived at the table. There was Woe and Iago, of course, but others came. A young man with two children. A young redheaded girl in a black and red dress. A man with a passive, non-expressive face and a woman that introduced herself at Galena. Finally, a gentleman that looked a bit tribal in nature although she was unable to ascertain where he might have been from. Each was given a polite smile as they took their seats.

Next to her place setting were two gifts, which only could have been for her. A crystal horse, which bore a striking resemblance to Renaissance, sat there, the detail so fine that she could have sworn the figure was running in place. As well, a small container of chilled chocolate covered raspberries – a favorite – waited patiently for her to claim it. She offered one to each of the people at the table, following her natural instincts.

Woe spoke, and if Natalia hadn’t heard it with her own ears, she wouldn’t have believed it came from his lips. ‘This may be a good opportunity to rub elbows with some prominent Scalvoris citizens,’ he had said. If she had wanted that, the easier way would have been to stay in her old life. She had gone to the Feast to support him, and because he had asked her to.

In truth, she couldn’t understand why, knowing what he knew about her past, he would have said that. Natalia had left that life for a reason - to find a life with meaning. Money brought problems she didn't want or need. Her expression strained a bit, and she decided to refrain from replying.

The comment got under her skin a bit more than it might have coming from another, and stung more than she had anticipated. Taking a deep breath, Natalia quickly took a drink of her sparkling water, quickly thinking about situation. Did Woe even want to be there? He certainly wasn’t acting like it, nor acting like he wanted her there with cool indifference, despite the invitation.

Natalia's entire life - almost - had been spent with others grooming her to fit in and be charming in social settings, and as such, she refused to disrespect the others at the table due to her own sudden discomfort and uneasiness. Natalia could put it aside until the end of the event, but not forever.

Saoire arrived and spoke of the evening’s events. Natalia’s eyes flickered over to the where the vial the Immortal spoke of sat, and while she was intrigued at how a bottle could contain so much information, she decided not to partake, although she wouldn’t be able to clearly express why if pressed. The events seemed monumental, but perhaps that was one of the reasons she couldn’t drink the contains of the vial. Seeing what someone else had said or done, even while doing something so important, seemed like a violation of their privacy, and there was no desire to cross that line.

As her first course arrived – Scallion, Bacon and Sweet Caramelized Onion Dip Crudité – Natalia thanked the Cadouri that placed the plate in front of her, waiting for the others to begin eating before she did. They were quickly joined by Daia, who asked a question of the table. Looking down at her appetizer, she wondered what she possibly could say to Daia that wouldn’t end in embarrassment. There had always been knowledge of the Immortals, but until that trial, Natalia had never met one, and now questions were being asked of her.

Another spoke first, which was good, allowing her mind to work as she tried to find an answer. What change would she like to see among Immortals, and why? Natalia hadn’t ever concerned herself with Immortals, nor had they concerned themselves with her, so it was a difficult question to answer.

Or was it? Perhaps the answer was muddled in there someplace.

When it came to be her turn, Natalia spoke with an even voice, attempting to betray none of the confusion simmering below the surface, summoning everything she knew of etiquette for her first words with an Immortal. “M’lady Daia, I confess that I’m not familiar with Immortals, so I feel unqualified to answer your question.” To the young woman, it was not a sin to express ignorance to another, but a responsibility.

“However, if I understand you correctly, you are saying that change is possible now. I’m not exactly sure what type of change you are referring to, but I know from personal experience that the best type of change happens when one is able to change their perspective – see something in a new way to better their understanding.”

Natalia was crawling towards a concept she didn’t quite understand, but it was solidifying as she spoke. “Perhaps, if there was a way for Immortals to view their Domains in a different way, through some other avenue or path, even from the opposing Domain, it would allow them a fuller, richer understanding? Sometimes the best way to understand something is to see if from both sides. “

Not wishing to take up more of the Immortal’s precious time, Natalia only had one small question of her. “It sounds like the events you speak of changed many things. How are you and the other Immortals handling the shift? Is there anything we can do to help?” Protocol was something the young woman was well-versed in, and as such, she felt it appropriate to ask after Daia and the other Immortals.

Questions flew across the table, and each was given the chance to ask the entire table a question. For her, that challenge was a bit easier than the first one. Giving attention to each person, even the small one with red curls, Natalia’s voice lingered across the table. “To you all, I ask – Where do you find inspiration?”

Natalia kept a smile on her face - she demanded it of herself - but she didn't feel it inside.

Objectives

• Please describe what small crystal item you have. - Complete!
• Make a menu choice! - Complete!
• Describe what gifts your NPCs / animal companions get (if applicable. Yes, even you, Nir) Not applicable
• Answer the question you have been asked by Daia - Complete!
• You may ask Daia up to two things. Complete!
• You can ask up to one question of everyone at the table (including Daia) . Complete!

[Hart]

39th Ymiden, 721

Flames flickered lowly in the crystals on the table, and Hart thought that the fire table was very beautiful. The flames set the glassware to flicker; the place settings were engraved with subtle, flame-like etchings, seeming to hold flames within them, despite not being hot to the touch; there was the low but lovely scent of the white heat tree.

There were others seated at the fire table, and Hart introduced himself and his kids to the them, inquiring the others' names; though, for many of them, Hart didn't need introductions.

Seated at the table were Woe Morandi and his guests. Hart thought that Woe's guests were members of his household; the boy was Iago, Woe's son. There was a young woman who was seated with Woe, and Hart looked at the both of them thoughtfully when she spoke. The young woman introduced herself as Natalia Gregorios.

Others from the Forging were Ralgar Warborn and his guest, his translator from the Forging. The both of them were Bro'ky'na, and Hart would inquire whether Ralgar had the ability to speak between languages, like he'd had in the Forging, or whether the ability had gone with time.

There was Jacien Raque from the Forging, as well, though Hart didn't know if Jacien was forged like some of the others at the table. Jacien had been in the Glass Temple, with Kura Mareth; Hart thought -though he didn't know, entirely- that Jacien was one of Kura's subordinates. The man was exalted of Famula, and Hart thought he had something to do with the Scalvoris military- though once more, he didn't know, entirely.

From what little Hart knew of the goings-on in the Glass Temple, the Order had been involved in the nation-wide crisis throughout the Forging, and so there was a gold cloak seated with them. She introduced herself as Galena Valed.

Other than those whom Hart knew were involved in the Forging, there was Alyssia, a young girl no older than Woe's Iago. Alyssia was seated by herself with no guests. Hart looked at her thoughtfully as well.

Subtle touches on the table let the guests know that they'd been thought of when the table was set. There were little gifts, and Hart smiled at the candied oranges that were in a small burlap bag near his place setting. Wren didn't much like sweets, though there was a butter cookie for the young boy, lightly dipped on one side in cream cheese icing.

For Ruari there was a variety of different sweetnesses of chocolate. Some of the little chocolates were two or three different sweetnesses of chocolate swirled into one.

Other than the sweets, there were little crystalline objects that were left as gifts. Hart and Wren had little stars that seemed, like the glassware on the table, to hold flames within them. They were like the crystal star that Karshe wore on a silver string around her neck. The crystal Karshe wore was lit by Auya's ]truefire. Wren looked at the little stars and said quietly, "Like Auya."

"Like Auya," Hart said.

Ruari had been gifted a statuette of a woman. "Mama," she said, looking at the woman, and Hart looked at it with her, surprised to see that it really was a little statuette of her mother, the woman's crystalline features identical to Ruari's mother's.

Hart was looking at the statuette when Daia was seated at their table. He looked up, and then bowed his head briefly to Daia. "My lady," he said. Daia and Cassion had saved Ruari -and Hart- from the Darkness; that was, from what Hart knew of the goings-on in the Glass Temple. There was much Hart didn't know, pertaining to the Glass Temple. But that knowledge was there, in the little glass vial on the table.

Wren and Ruari weren't going to drink; the entire knowledge of the Forging would be a bit much for the kids. But Hart drank the vial.

The knowledge of the Forging went through his mind, much like the memories of the Forging had gone through his mind in the morning, and Hart sat in place, quiet, looking down.

There was too much knowledge to entirely understand, in the moment. But there was Ruari in the Glass Temple; there she was, with a voice that wasn't Ruari's speaking through her mouth; there was the Darkness looking out from the little girl's eyes when the immortals bade it to leave her; there she was falling like a puppet with strings cut when the Darkness had left.

Ruari didn't have memories of the Darkness, and Hart was very thankful.

"My lady," he said once more to Daia, when he'd drunk the liquid. "Thank you," he said to Daia, quietly. "Thank you for saving my daughter."

Hart had ordered the chef's choice, and water, not wine. He sipped the water, looking at his kids, who were thoroughly happy with their first courses. Wren did look up, briefly, when Woe said the words Mister Magpie.

"Magpie?" Hart questioned Woe, but was otherwise quiet when Daia spoke to the table.

Daia was looking for their opinions on the immortals, and though Hart was distracted by the thought of Magpie, he went quiet, thinking on Daia's question. Hart hadn't really known all that much pertaining to the immortals, prior to the Forging. He'd learned a bit about them thanks to the well-learned people in the Glass Temple, like Doran Thetys and Kura Mareth. Then he'd learned a bit more about them from Cassion, who had spoken in bits and pieces about things that Hart didn't have the prior knowledge to understand.

There was a bit more that he'd learned when he'd drunk the liquid; things he hadn't understood the first time in the Forging. Getting the knowledge he had together in his mind, Hart spoke to Daia.

"I would like," Hart said, politely. "I would like the immortals to be cautious," he said. He looked at Daia, and she would be able to tell that within the politeness of his voice, there was a hesitancy to speak. "I don't know much about the immortals," Hart said. "But from what I learned in the Forging, there's a kind of balance between them. There's a balance of Domains. Of power."

"If the immortals have been one thing, this entire time," Hart said, "Then being another thing now might upset that balance."

"Cassion said in the Forging that immortals are limited to their Domains." Hart looked at Daia. "The immortals were limited to their Domains," he said, lightly stressing the word were. "Because they were limited to their Domains, the balance of the immortals, and the limits to their power, were known. Maybe not to mortals, but I would guess they were known to the immortals themselves."

"But now, I don't know if the immortals, if you, are limited to your Domains. It seems to me that to be different from what you were, you are now -definitively- not what you were, prior to the Forging."

Hart was quiet a moment, thinking. "The more you define what you are now, the more you will know the differences in you; in Domain, in balance, in power. But without caution..." He looked momentarily at Galena Valed. "Without caution, there might be unthought-of consequences, to that power."

Hart knew that he was not like the immortals; the immortals were magnitudes of power and intelligence and forethought more than him. But he knew, as well, that there were consequences to power; and it seemed to him that the immortals had more power now, than they'd had when that power had been definitively limited. Hart had Wished, and the Order had had to manage a nation-wide crisis. People might have died in the cold, without the Order and without the government; because Hart had not thought of what Wishing might do.

He'd thought of what it would do; but not what it might.

Ruari was holding the statuette of her mother to her chest, and Hart lifted the little girl onto his lap. He held her not all that different from how she was holding the statuette.

"I don't know if you know." Hart didn't know if this was knowledge Daia had. "But do you know why Audrae kidnapped Ruari?" he questioned the immortal.

"I'm a bit... worried by things that went on in the Forging," he said, as well. "Things like Audrae and the Warden going back into the Shadows, but other things as well. The vines that choked Reality in Scaltoth. The Fracture and the Rips in Reality. Should I -should we- be worried about them?" Hart asked Daia.

Looking at the fire table, Hart asked the group a question. "What were your dreams, when you were young?" He smiled briefly at Alyssia; she was young. "And do those dreams differ now that you're older?"

[Ralgar Warborn]

Once Ralgar was seated and Saoire spoke to the room around, the Mortalborn listened closely to every word that she said as he seemed to understand it, giving her full attention. Despite the confidence he had felt arriving here, he quickly wondered if this was a situation he wanted to find himself in. Plenty of Immortals could bring themselves to the event and Ralgar would, potentially, have to interact with them. While his experiences of Cassion had been good, and some of the other Immortals had offered him gifts for his services in Scaltoth, he didn't know or like them as well as he did the Immortal of travels. It made him almost uncomfortable, knowing those that worshipped Immortals sat in the same place he did, with views that some Bro'ky'na would spit on.

Once her speech was done, Ralgar glanced around his table and saw two familiar faces. Seeing the two men he had travelled with in Scaltoth, Ralgar nodded his head. "Good to see you both again" he spoke, able to understand them and be understood. When it came to the other four at the table, the Mortalborn gave them a small nod, his intense eyes meeting them for a simple moment before he turned his attention back to his friends. While Ralgar wasn't entirely unfriendly, he was at a table with people that wouldn't otherwise know he existed. As he glanced to them all he noticed the theme of the fire and could smell the flowers from where he sat, feeling somewhat at home with something natural around him.

Then came Daia, the Deathkissed looking as she sat down and smiled to them. It didn't take much to recognize her from the events prior, so as she asked her question while eating a plate of various foods Ralgar was not entirely familiar with, the Mortalborn paused for a moment. It was a heavy question, Ralgar looking to his translator as the two locked eyes, both evidently debating if they should take part in this conversation. Neither of them hated the Immortals like the more fanatic tribe members, nor did they believe fanatics helped fix anything. It was a quick way to become narrow-minded, and in a place like Scaltoth that kind of ignorance would get you killed, either by the wildlife or by an insult that landed poorly.

Others spoke first, and Ralgar glanced to his friends one by one as they did, listening to what they had to say. Hart's point made sense, and Woe's did too. Natalia wasn't someone Ralgar knew yet she also made a good point, so Ralgar assumed now it was his turn, the intense stare of the man falling to Daia for a moment. "Before Scaltoth and all that happened, my people and I had no love for the Immortals, and I have yet to find reason to love or care for most of you" he said bluntly, his voice as harsh as usual, yet those that had been around him long enough knew it wasn't meant as an insult. It was simply the truth of the Bro'ky'na.

"My mother was an Immortal, or so my father told me. A brave warrior. Raskalarn. Yet I did not meet her, not because I chose not to, but because she never came. So I answer your question with another, as one of the few Immortals I have reason to respect. Do Immortals know consequence?" he asked, and meant every part of his question, as he knew little of the Immortals. "Not just consequence of mortals, and their wars and squabbles. But the consequence of their own actions. Of what they can do to the world with just one bad trial or one moment of anger. Because with the power you, and the other Immortals, hold over Idalos - we are at the mercy of Immortals with no punishment for their wrongdoings."

Once he had said his piece, he nodded his head respectfully to the Immortal, showing no ill intent. While he didn't know Daia as he did Cassion, she had been there to help save Idalos. That made her more respectable than half of the Immortals in the world, some of which willing to watch the world fall to anarchy if it meant they got their worship.

At Hart's question, Ralgar glanced to him with a small smile. "I grew up in Melrath, a town called Vorkund. We all worked hard together to fight through the cold, and to have a community. So my dream was to fight, as my father had done, for a tribe of people who all did their part. I would say that dream is achieved, both in Scaltoth and with the Forging."

~~Haltunga~~ Common~~

[Pegasus]

The Fire Table

Daia listened to the answers given to her questions. Jacien answered, his answer concise and clear. "I agree with Woe. Not so much on remorse, but reflection. Consider the past to shape the future." As for Galena? Her answer was thoughtful and considered, also. "I believe," she said, "that the change could be to directly positively impact the people of Idalos better. Simple things, such as harvests and food and warmth. That is what they need, and you are best placed to provide it." Daia nodded, listening to them all and smiled at Hart, especially. "You have all spoken wisdom," she said. "I will take your words - all of them - back to my brethren and, I hope, we will use them to build a better future. "

She had invited their questions, and Daia listened to each one of them. Her golden eyes were intent as she did this, and she answered them each individual. Looking at Woe, she nodded her head. "I will see that her tangle is repaired, Woe," she said. Looking at him with a slightly curious expression, though, she spoke further. "She will know who her benefactor was, as she knows who committed the initial deed," she said. As for Magpie, she gently shrugged. "It is not mine to blame Mr Magpie, or anyone. You made choices, they have consequences."

Natalia had no specific questions, but she did ask if they could help the Immortals in some way. Daia shook her head, "It is most kind of you to offer, Natalia," she said softly. "but the balance we seek lays within ourselves, I believe." But her expression turned more somber when Hart asked his question. "She sought your Wish," Daia said, simply. "Taking you would not ensure your cooperation, but taking your daughter would." She looked at Hart with a sadness in her eyes, but a resolve too.

The Warden is dead," she said, and there was no pleasure to her voice. "The Diri of Destruction obliterated him. The vines were those aspects left over from the vines in the Heart which were destroyed by Arlo and Vega," she said. She smiled slightly as she said, "I believe they were named 'Wilma the Wonder Weed', or some such." She didn't pause, however, before explaining. "They were an affront to balance and were part of what threatened Scalvoris. Moseke has taken care of them." Should he worry? "I believe not," she said. "but if I am wrong, then I will help you."

Ralgar asked if Immortals knew consequences, and Daia looked at him with a half-sad expression. "Some of us, yes. Others know, but do not care, and yet others have no idea at all." She kept her gaze on Ralgar, speaking to him. "Even before the Forging, we were very different one from the other. I can not speak for your mother, Ralgar, but I see you, Woe, Natalia and Hart - all children of the Immortals. Has any one of you been raised by those parents?" She shook her head. "It is not good, and it is not good enough. I can not promise you change from all, but I can promise you it from me. And, I believe, others."

Woe did not ask the group a question, but Natalia did. It was an interesting one. "In my work," Jacien said. No more and no less than that. Galena smiled at the young woman. "In healing. In seeing someone being brought in to the Order in one situation, and leaving in a much better one." Daia, too, answered. "I am inspired by the passion and actions of mortals," she said. "A mortal killed me, but mortals resurrected me, mortals dance and grow, and help me understand. "

But, of Hart's question, she smiled and shrugged slightly. "I do not dream," she said.

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 Fire Table

When Saoire gave thanks to Nir'wei, Daia stood up and, when it was her time to speak, she did so. "I thank you, Nir'wei," she said quietly. "Your sacrifice took us to an outcome I could not have imagined. You have taught me so much, and I am thankful to you for it." When the tribute to Nir'wei was done, she smiled and looked at the people on her table. "I must bid you farewell. My thanks to each of you for your companionship, honesty and insight."

And, as Daia 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 Xiur. The Immortal of Hope, of Dusk and Stars looked around and he beamed at them. "A good trial to you all!" Xiur made a flourishing bow as he introduced himself. "I am Xiur, and it is my pleasure to greet you this fair evening." Gesturing to the table, he explained. "I will be joining you for your second course, it seems."

Before he had a chance to say much more, Saoire announced the arrival of the four latecomers. Bao, Darius, Zoro and Joy. Xiur stood and he clapped loud and hard. He was obviously enthusiastically proud of Bao and his companions and he more or less bounced in delight. When the applause had finished, however, Xiur sat down.


"Oh, look, fish! That is my favourite thing!" That was said to the waiter. Then, Xiur looked at them all. "And so, like my esteemed companions, I will be asking you a question, and inviting you to ask any questions you have of me." Lifting his knife and fork, he began to tuck in. "Delicious! Now, then, my new companions," he said. "My question to you is a simple one," he said. "If I were to create a new constellation to shine over Scalvoris, with the aim of giving tribute to these events - what should it be?"


That asked, he spoke briefly once more. "And please, ask of me what you will. I am happy to answer." he gave a wide grin. "Come to that, ask a question of all at the table, if you so wish."

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.
Alyssia: you have missed one round.

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 Xiur
• You may ask Xiur 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 Xiur) . PLEASE ONLY ASK THESE GROUP QUESTIONS this round - we'll direct you to answering them next round.

Next Post: Sunday 29th August

[Woe]

Woe felt a tug at his conscience, as he made the comment about rubbing elbows with the Scalvoris notables. It wasn't ill-intended, but something in his mind called him to attend to Natalia, and indeed he saw her emotion play on her face. She couldn't hide it, at least not from him. He'd known her for some time now, and even if she hadn't he'd see the signs of mingling disappointment and indignation. This made him wonder what was wrong, but it was dismissed as they had to move on. He would address it later if it continued to be an issue.

She was of course wonderful at maintaining an outward appearance of cordiality to the others. Yet Woe could tell her heart wasn't all into it. He reached over, not touching but just giving his hand to her side of the table, "Is something wrong?" He asked. But then they were introduced to Daia.

He listened to Natalia's question, about where he found inspiration. It was an interesting question, and one he didn't have an immediate answer to. It took him a few moments, but he got there, "Children, their potential, their future, it very much inspires me. That they have so much growing to do, it sparks the imagination."

When Hart quietly queried about Woe's mention of Magpie, Woe answered him, "Magpie is a mage of great power. I met him in Etzos. It's good to see you again, by the way. And you as well Ralgar, and Alyssia." Woe nodded to the other two as well. Then he fell silent, listening to their questions.

Hart came with another hard but interesting question. Woe wasn't sure if he should answer honestly, what he wanted when he was a child. He'd been somewhat disturbed as a youngling, but in the end, he opted for clarity and honesty. "When I was young, I dreamt of taking over Rynmere as a tyrant king, so that everyone else would know what it means to be a slave. Later on, well into adulthood and not long ago, I discovered that power is a prison unto itself, and discarded such petty ambitions. Now, I'd be happy to watch the world prosper in peace and see people leaving well enough alone. I want to watch my children grow into adulthood. That's enough for me now."

Woe listened carefully to Ralgar's question of the Immortal Daia, and found it as well constructed and thought of as the rest of his companions. The consequence was something Woe often wondered if the Immortals concerned themselves over. Especially short-term. Daia answered, interestingly enough, and soon enough got to Woe's concern and request, regarding Emilia. His breath caught in his throat, as he listened to her answer that she would restore her tangle. Just like that. He was overwhelmed with gratitude, or rather should've been. Yet somehow he still felt his pride dig at him. It should have been his doing which brought her back from the brink. Even so, the important thing was that Emilia was fine now, or would be, with her mother.

And then, a minor wrench was thrown in the works, as Daia let it out that Natalia was Mortalborn. Woe froze for a moment, and turned to Natalia, concerned that she might take it poorly. "Natalia? I... I meant to tell you..." He began, "I believed that you might be like me. But I wasn't entirely sure at the times we were meeting. But Daia is correct, you are Mortalborn." It was hers to react to that as she would, and he would give her space if she needed it. But equally, he wanted her to know he was around for support if she needed it. The early evening grumps Woe had already evaporated in the time between their arrival and then.

When it came time for Nir'wei's tribute, Woe did indeed stand. Once he had a chance, he would speak to Nir'wei, offering his congratulations. "Well done Nir'wei. Your sacrifice was wisely spent."

Then, shortly after, Zoro, Darius, Bao, and the girl, now known as Joy, entered the room. Woe gave a small smile to Joy, glad that she'd managed to claw her way back to life through all that they'd done. That was perhaps the proudest he'd been of the events that occurred. That they'd all saved a child that was so ill-put upon.

Finally, it was time for the second course. Woe received a filet of flounder, baked and seasoned with pepper and lemon juice. It was garnished with a lemon peel shaped like a tulip. The juice provided tasted of lemonade. Before he ate anything, he looked to Xiur. But before he could say anything, Iago said, "Lord Xiur, how do you talk to girls you like?"

Woe, slightly nonplussed by this question, waited for the air to clear, and perhaps Xiur to answer it, before going on to answer Xiur's question about a constellation. "I believe a broken chain, or broken manacles. Maybe that's just the former jailer talking, though." Woe said, with some amount of self-consciousness about his choice of constellation.

Then he turned to the rest of the table, and asked, "I have a question of you all. Has there ever been a moment, when you've felt most trapped, and without hope? Lord Xiur, have you ever felt without hope, or that there was nowhere else to turn but down?"

[Natalia Gregorios]

Ymiden 39, Arc 721

Natalia sat, the perfect picture of good manners and grace. She intently listened as others answered her question. The quiet man, Jacien, said his work inspired him. The young woman wasn’t sure what type of work he did but she was sure it must be important, which sparked a follow up question, showing curiosity but also having a genuine interest in the answer. “I would enjoy hearing about your work sometime.” Adding the ‘sometime’ allowed the man a way to decline answering if he so desired, or at least that was what she had been taught.

Galena too had a longer answer, although still concise, which suited Natalia just fine. Concise conversations were efficient. “It must be gratifying to have the ability to help others in that way.” The smile was genuine, for she understood the necessity of healers, for both body and mind, and respected their unique talents.

Daia was a wonderful conversationalist, although considering she was the first Immortal Natalia had ever spoken to, the young woman wasn’t sure if it was just Daia herself or all Immortals that had that talent. The passion and action of mortals? Well, certainly they could be passionate, about a variety of things, although most of the people she had known simply existed, so Natalia could appreciate the subtle nuances of that answer. Smiling, she inclined her head in gratitude for the words. “I thank you for your thoughts, M’lady. They are very insightful.”

Woe spoke, lending his thoughts to her question, and while not a surprise to her, for she knew from their past conversations that he felt genuine affection and responsibility for Iago, his words made her want to explore the subject in depth with him. Her path, for most of her life, had been predetermined for her. Only recently had she been able to forge a path of her own and still stumbled, attempting to figure out what she wanted to do with her life.

Nodding gently, she replied. “Indeed. I believe sometimes, even as adults, we sometimes find ourselves struggling to figure out our own potential, but children, I find wonder in watching them grow, learn, and explore. Seeing the world through their eyes.”

His answer to Hart’s question had been interesting as well, nodding in agreement with his sentiment. “Purpose, to me, is a good goal. Power has always been a meaningless term to me, or perhaps vague is a better way to phrase it.”

Glancing over at the young man with the children, giving another smile to the little girl, Natalia listened as he asked his question, and considered what she would say. “I grew up in a life where I wanted for nothing material but lacked almost everything emotional. My dream was to break free, and I did. It’s not the easy path, and there are struggles trying to capture or understand that which has been missing, but it’s a life of meaning and purpose, and it’s mine.”

A movement at the corner of her eye got her attention. Woe was focused on her, and she could tell that he was concerned. Perhaps knowing the boon he had asked of Daia would be done had shaken him out of whatever foulness had consumed him earlier, but he was paying attention now. Nodding her head in reply, she gave him a small smile and began listening as the Immortal conversed with the tribesman, sipping on the cranberry juice that had arrived on the table.

And then, her world turned upside down.

For all the grace and knowledge she had about social settings and being appropriate, nothing could have prepared her for the moment Daia told her that she was the child of an Immortal. All the air left her lungs in a flash of emotion, very little of which was conveyed outwardly. Golden eyes flashed in shock as the words echoed in her ears, and she felt the need to say something. Anything.

“Excuse me? You..must be mistaken.” The soft hesitation in Natalia’s voice was a dead giveaway at the turmoil beneath. Everyone at the table would easily be able to tell she was surprised. Woe, who knew her, would have the knowledge that whatever was slipping free was a very minor indication of the storm inside.

Her eyes immediately went to Woe, listening to his words, trying to focus on them. Natalia scanned back to their meetings and conversations. Was that the reason he had asked her how she felt around him? Why she was so comfortable around him. Or hearing him in her mind – was that because of what she was?

What was she?

Natalia didn’t cry out or reach out to him, for that would have been overly dramatic. He was the only one at the table that knew her, so her attentions were focused on him. In fact, she used that to anchor herself, allowing his voice to bring her back where she needed to be. He said that she was indeed a Mortalborn, and she responded with the only thing she could think of, speaking softly, but keeping her eyes raised to his, refusing to lower them despite the uncertainty within.

“I thought I knew who I was. That was the one certainty I had in life, and now that’s gone.”

She wasn't upset with Woe, understanding that he hadn't been sure and thus, hadn't said anything. This wasn't his fault, but she had a pretty good idea where to start looking for information. Shaking her head gently, she glanced across the table to Woe. "I'm not upset with you. The responsibility of this lies elsewhere."

Everything else that happened after that point was something of a blur. She recalled Saoire saying something about a man and a sacrifice. People stood up, and if those around her did, she did as well, reacting almost unconsciously.

Daia continued to another table, and they were joined by another Immortal – Xiur. Natalia’s eyes lifted a bit, listening to what he said to them. Was he her father? The only thing she knew for sure was that Daia apparently wasn’t her Immortal parent. Was that parent in the room? Why hadn't her mother or father claimed her?

Natalia listened to the conversations at the table, quietly dining on the salad with crisped Parmesan flower that she had ordered. It was something of a contrast from the first round, but she simply didn’t trust herself to speak yet, although her thoughts circled back to Ralgar's words on responsibility and consequence.

Xiur asked the table about a new constellation, and while Natalia didn’t have an answer for that, she did have one thing to contribute, although her voice was still soft. “Whatever form it takes, perhaps one star for each person that stood for Scalvoris?” Regardless of her predicament, she refused to be rude to the Immortal, gifting him what she could in the way of an answer.

As for questions, she had none - for Xiur or the table - still dealing with the fallout of Daia’s revelation.

Objectives

• Make a menu choice! (Second course) - 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 Xiur - Done!

[Alyssia]

Alyssia moved and sat down at the table where she was instructed to. The teen saw her name on the card and smiled as she could actually read it. Her time at Saoire’s school had truly been helping her learn new skills along with the basic skills that she needed. The teen was happy to see Woe again. Their last encounter had been her giving him the gift of nature from around Scalvoris. The teen looked at the menu curiously as she had never been to such a formal feast. As the other chairs began to move, she put the menu down to see who all had joined her at the table.

A tinge of intimidation ran down her spine when she realized that she had yet to recognize a single person. If there was ever a time that the girl had wished to have Novus with her it would have been then. But the nightpup would not be able to come to every single event she went to. And they would both have to learn to accept that, even if the dog would be mad at her the rest of the night. A soft sigh escaped her lips when Woe sat down at the table. Though they had only met once before, it was a calming sight to know she recognized someone.

The others to join had been a beautiful woman with black hair and a man with the same-colored hair. Next came a man that looked like he was from the forest. She had never seen someone like him before. It was turning out to be intriguing as the others arrived. Many of the adults recognized each other. The teen was surprise to see that Woe appeared to have brought his children. He had mentioned once before that he had them, but the girl had not pressed further. It appeared to have been a sore subject for the man. Leaning back against the back of her chair, the girl felt more alone seeing that everyone appeared to have at least one person with them.

She looked over when another woman joined the table after the group had made their menu choices. Alyssia was curious and had picked the chefs choice while looking back at the group. From the way the woman was talking, the teen could just about guess that she was one of the Immortals. If she was not wearing the circlet her long red hair would be in front of her right eye while looking at her quietly. What would she want the Immortals to change about themselves?

How could the teen even begin to know what to say? Alyssia did not know of the Immortals beyond their names. Only one she had met in person and had conversation with was Lady Saoire. When the course was done the girl was glad to know that Daia was leaving the table. It kept her from having to come up with a question for her. Taking a quiet deep breath, she turned and looked when Saoire announced they had some late arrivals. Her head tilts some while her eyebrows scrunched up showing her confusion, but she did not turn and ask anyone at the table who it could be.

A bright smile appeared on her face when she saw Darius arrive. It had been some time since she had a chance to talk with him since he become a baron. But that was understandable with all the things that had been going on. The young Aukari was very glad to see that he was able to do more than just work to make Hopetoun great. But to know he was in danger mad the girl sad. When the time came Alyssia clapped with anyone else in the room that did the same the three that had been mentioned had gone above and beyond what was asked of them; and that deserved recognition. She did not want anything bad to happen to anyone she knew. Though she had a last name it did not mean much when she was still very much alone.

“Thank you,” Alyssia said when the second course was brought out, “hello Mr. Xiur. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

The teen stated and bowed her head to him when the Immoral of stars sat down with the group. She picked up her fork seeing the beautiful salad that had a mix of greens, cheese, and some kind of fruit that she did not recognize. Making sure to be careful, the teen poured the red dressing over it. Alyssia used her fork to quietly wipe the tip of the container cleaner and put it down to the side. A small piece of fruit that appeared to be shaped like fire made the teen smile.

Even in the meal the food reflected the table she sat at. She allowed the others to ask their questions or offer their ideas for new stars. While waiting her turn, the teen sipped the drink in her cup and was shocked to find that it tasted like a strawberry of all things. It had been quite some time since she was able to enjoy the fruit.

“If it is not rude to ask, how did you come up with the ideas for the other constellations in the sky?” Alyssia asked, “I know that Immortals give marks to people that do something grand for them. Do you have anyone that bares your mark? As for the constellation perhaps make a constellation of the symbol of the Forged?”

[Hart]

39th Ymiden, 721

first course

Daia said Ruari had been kidnapped because of Wish, and Hart looked surprised. He would have liked to respond to Daia politely; to politely thank her, despite what she'd said. But he really hadn't thought that was what she'd say.

"I thought," Hart said. What had he thought? He'd been locked in the vault with Ruari. He'd spoken to the Warden. "I thought," Hart said once more. Then, "The Warden said."

What had the Warden said? The Warden had said that he hadn't kidnapped Ruari; that Ruari's ransom had been opportunistic, when the Warden had learned that Ruari was Hart's daughter. It had been the Warden's opportunity to stop Hart from Wishing; the Warden's opportunity, not Audrae's. Not Ruari's kidnapper's. Hart had thought, because of that, that Ruari's kidnapping was not because of Wish.

He'd thought, because of that, that his kids weren't in danger because of his ability.

But, from what Daia had said, he'd thought wrong. "The Warden said it was to stop me from Wishing," Hart said tiredly.

Natalia inquired what it was that inspired them, and Hart sipped water. He'd not really touched his

first course

before, but he tried it now; it was salmon and avacado tartare. It was delicious, and Hart thought about the food momentarily; thinking about it let him cleanse his emotional palate.

When he spoke, it was tiredly, but with little emotion. "I'm inspired by others' goodness," Hart said. Maybe it was an off response, when he'd learned that his daughter had been kidnapped in order to manipulate him, but it was the response that Hart had.

"I've met more people who were good than bad," Hart said. "Or rather, I've met more people who -when given the opportunity- do good, despite the opportunity -and maybe, in some, the propensity- to do bad."

There were numerous examples of people doing good in the Forging, despite the opportunity to do bad. There was Doran, reminding them that Chrien was grieving her mother; Bao, reminding them that the Warden was -in his manner- a man grieving his daughter; all of them in the forging, who had decided that the Warden's daughter -despite the grief the Girl and the Warden and Audrae had given them- would be saved.

"It's inspiring to know that most people are good not because they are," Hart said, "But because they wish to be; it's inspiring to know that all people, if they wish it, are able to be redeemed."

His Fractures ached, when he spoke; or maybe the aching was his heart.

To Ralgar's answer to his question, Hart nodded, though he looked momentarily surprised by what Ralgar had said. He hadn't known that Ralgar wasn't originally of the Bro'ky'na; he questioned wordlessly why Ralgar had left Vorkund in favor of the Bro'ky'na, and the jungles. Was it because he was a mortalborn?

To Woe's answer to his question, Hart nodded as well. There, once more, was the decision to be good; there, once more, was redemption. It looked like Woe hadn't noticed that both Hart and Wren knew Mister Magpie, and Woe's response to Hart's question about the man was unexpected. Hart hadn't known Magpie was a mage. Wren said to Woe, "I lived with Magpie in Viden."

The young boy spoke matter of factly, but Hart knew that the statement really wasn't so matter of fact for Wren. Wren had looked up to Magpie, but he hadn't spoken to Magpie since Viden. It was likely because there was something off with the dreaming world, of late.

"You okay?" Hart asked him.

"I'm okay," Wren said.

To Natalia's answer to his question, Hart nodded as well. When Daia said that Natalia was mortalborn, Hart was quiet a moment.

Then he spoke. "I learned that I was a mortalborn in Vhalar, 718," Hart said. He spoke politely. "It wasn't so surprising to me, because I'd thought that maybe I was mortalborn before my immortal mother told me I was."

"Despite that, I would have liked someone to speak to, when I learned I was mortalborn," Hart said. "If you'd like someone to speak to, Natalia, I'd be glad to speak to you. There are, like Daia said, other mortalborn here with you." He thought Natalia would speak to Woe, because she was his guest and he was mortalborn. She'd looked to Woe in her surprise and shock. But Hart was mortalborn as well, and so he'd thought he'd offer.

between courses

Nir'wei was the first to be honored and Hart, standing with the others, spoke.

"I didn't know Nir'wei before the Forging, and -despite having been in his group in the Forging- I don't know Nir'wei well," Hart said. "But despite that, I know of him. I know that, despite the difficulty and despite the danger to himself, Nir'wei has given all that he has -at times, his very life- to save the lives of others. He gave himself in the Forging, to save the Warden's daughter. But I know of other times-"

Hart thought of the Fall, where Nir'wei and the others sacrificed of themselves to save the world; the War of Death and Souls, where Nir'wei died saving the world from the lich Ellasin; the Fire Forging, where Nir'wei and the other fire forged saved Scalvoris;

"-where, time and again, Nir'wei gave himself so that others might live."

"I'm not able to understand what it was like to look death in the face like you did," Hart said to Nir'wei, because the man had more than looked death in the face; he'd looked death in the face knowing what it was like to die.

"But I am able to thank you," Hart said. "Not only for the life you gave, and for the life you saved, but for all of it." Hart was thankful for Nir'wei; in the Fall, the War, the Forgings. He was thankful for him as a Councillor and as a forged.

"Thank you," Hart said to him. "Thank you."

the arrival

They'd spoken their thanks to Nir'wei; but, like Saoire said, Nir'wei was one of two who had given their lives so that the girl would live. Now Bao arrived, as well as his soulbearers Darius and Zoro, and the Warden's daughter who was named Joy. Hart clapped with the other guests when the four arrived, though their arrival was unexpectedly emotional for him.

He was thankful that Bao and Joy, like Nir'wei, were alive; thankful that Darius and Zoro had been Bao's soulbearers, and had borne his soul to Zuudaria, so that he was able to live.

second course

"Thank you," Hart said politely to the waitstaff, when the first course was over and it was time for the second course. Hart's second course was thin, roasted potatoes garnished with sour cream and chives. On top of each bite-sized potato, was a black diamond of pressed caviar. The potatoes were delicious, of course, and beautiful. There was also a glass of sparkling grape juice, like but not like champagne. The juice was not too sweet.

Daia left the table, and Hart bowed his head to her, briefly, as she left. Xiur was there for the second course, and Hart bowed to him as well. Wren, though he bowed to Xiur, was pleased as punch -as the fruit punch in his glass- to see the immortal.

Xiur said that he was thinking of making a new constellation to honor the Forging, and Hart thought on the immortal's question while he had a couple of the potatoes.

"For me, the themes of the Forging were those of balance," Hart said, when it was time. "There was the balance between the induks, and the balance between the immortals. So, because of that, I would say a constellation representing balance." He was quiet a moment, thinking. The imagery had been important to him in the Forging, and so he said, "A constellation like the turning of a wheel."

"If it's possible- when viewed from different angles, the wheel should turn in different directions. Forward one direction," Hart said, "Back another. The turning of the wheel would speak once more, to balance- that balance is, when viewed from different angles, as mortal as it is immortal; as past as it is present, and as present as it is future."

"The wheel might represent progress, as well; progressing from what was, to what is."

"There was a story I learned once," Hart said, looking to Xiur. "About the turning of a wheel." He looked at the immortal thoughtfully. "Would you like to hear the story?" Hart questioned. If Xiur did, and if the immortal didn't know the story, Hart would tell him the

story

he'd learned of in the

dreaming world

two years back.

When he had told Xiur the story, Hart asked him conversationally, "Do immortals really not dream? Daia told me, when she was at the table, that she doesn't dream. But I've met immortals in the dreaming world a number of times." They were in the dreaming world this moment; there was Xiur, sitting at the table with them. The immortals' Domains were in the dreaming world; what were their Domains, if not their dreams?

Thinking on what Iago had asked Xiur, Wren asked the table, "What's the most important thing when making friends?"

When Alyssia questioned Xiur, Wren said quietly, looking to Hart and Xiur to speak, "I know two people who have Xiur's mark. Vega has it. She's Xiur's champion and Xiur gave her a dragon made of stars." He really was pleased by this. "Xiur marked Professor Doran too."

Objectives met in this post are
- all objectives

• first course, Hart answered Natalia's question
• between courses, Hart was standing when he spoke to the room and to Nir'wei
• the arrival, Hart was standing and he clapped when Bao, Darius, Zoro, and Joy arrived
• second course, Hart had potatoes and sour cream and diamonds of pressed caviar
• second course, he had sparkling grape juice
• second course, Hart said the constellation should be the turning of a wheel
• second course, Hart asked Xiur if he'd like Hart to tell him the [original, lol! get it] story of the wheel
• second course, he also asked if immortals really don't dream
• second course, Wren asked the table what's the most important thing when making friends