[Icemule Temple, Meeting Hall]
The Temple Meeting Hall is an expansive space, although its ceiling barely clears six feet.  Its mithril doors open inward, swinging back to frame a promenade down the center of two banks of hand-carved benches.  Leather cushions on the benches provide a more comfortable seat atop the hard oak, and footrests add additional ease.  At the room's far wall, a raised dais holds a podium and a few imposing oak chairs with wide arms and tall backs.  You also see a pair of wide mithril doors and an ice blue taper.
Also here: Ichiko who is sitting, Lady Noonee who is sitting, Dorac who is sitting
Obvious exits: none

You say, "Allright, we will begin."

You ask, "Who would like to share a story?"

Noonee smiles at you.

Noonee says, "I would."

Noonee nods.

You say, "Allright then, Noonee."

Dorac smiles at Noonee.

You say, "Floor is yers."

You smile at Noonee.

Noonee clears her throat.

Noonee's cheeks flush a deep shade of dark rose.

Dorac cocks his head at Noonee.

Dorac turns an inquisitive ear towards Noonee.

Noonee says, "I'm not good with words, so forgive if I stutter a bit."

Dorac grins.

Dorac waves a hand at Noonee, dismissing her indifferently.

Noonee says, "How I came to follow Leya is a rather mundane tale in some ways.  Still, it is wondrous to me."

Noonee's cheeks flush a deep shade of dark rose.

Noonee says, "I come from Connedale in Dragach."

Noonee says, "I don't honestly know if I was born there."

Noonee shakes her head.

Noonee says, "I don't know anything about my past prior to about my ninth or tenth year."

Bitsie's group just came through a pair of wide mithril doors.

You smile at Bitsie.

Sauthurdig grins.

You say, "Please take a seat."

You say, "Noonee is sharing her tale."

Sauthurdig sits down.

Noonee says, "I was a street urchin.  I wandered about with a group of others."

Noonee says, "We stole food to survive."

Bitsie sits down.

Noonee's cheeks flush a deep shade of dark rose.

Noonee says, "But we didn't know any other way."

Noonee says, "I have no idea who my parents are."

Noonee says, "And honestly survival was all that mattered to me as a child."

Noonee says, "It was a harsh lift."

Noonee coughs.

Noonee says, "Life."

You nod to Noonee.

Noonee says, "Then one day I stole a coin from one of the local village priests."

Noonee's cheeks flush a deep shade of dark rose.

Noonee says, "And the priest caught me red-handed."

Noonee says, "But he didn't take me to the authorities."

Noonee shakes her head.

Noonee says, "Instead he took me to his home and said: You need to learn a bit of right from wrong, girl.  You'd not be such a bad sort if you did."

You chuckle at Noonee.

Sauthurdig appears somehow different.

Noonee says, "I will take you in as my ward."

Dorac smirks.

Noonee says, "He further told me."

Noonee says, "Well, I was too frightened to say no."

Noonee says, "This man was a priest of Koar."

Noonee says, "Part of the Church of the Empire."

Sauthurdig nods to Noonee.

Noonee says, "I mean, he could have be beheaded if he wanted."

Noonee says, "So I figured would be better to just go along."

Noonee nods.

Noonee says, "As it turned out, that wasn't such a bad choice."

Noonee smiles.

Sauthurdig grins at Noonee.

Noonee says, "The priest -- Pitroch by name -- was a harsh disciplinarian, but he wasn't a bad person."

Noonee says, "He taught me to read and write."

Noonee says, "And he told me, "You think you were starved for bread when you wandered the streets, but really you were starved for faith in something."

Dorac rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Noonee says, "I wasn't sure he was right, but I wanted to believe he was."

You nod to Noonee.

Noonee says, "So I studied hard and he complimented me on my learning."

Noonee's cheeks flush a deep shade of dark rose.

Noonee asks, "And then one day he said to me, "If I could promise you, you would never be hungry for anything again, would you believe me and follow my advice?"

Noonee blinks.

Noonee says, "That was a bit scary."

Noonee says, "I had no idea what he was about to ask."

Noonee says, "But I nodded, even as I gulped."

Noonee says, "He said to me, "I want you to take up the mantle of preacher."

Noonee says, "I want you to go abroad and teach those who have learned it not, the power of the Arkati."

Noonee looks about with a puzzled expression on her face.

Noonee says, "I'm not the best of speakers."

Noonee shakes her head.

Noonee's cheeks flush a deep shade of dark rose.

Noonee says, "And I had never considered myself persuasive."

Bitsie smiles at Noonee.

Noonee says, "But I gulped again and nodded."

You grin at Noonee.

Noonee says, "But then he said: Still you must find your own calling."

Noonee says, "I cannot tell you which Arkati to choose."

Noonee says, "I can only advise to choose."

Noonee furrows her brow.

Noonee says, "But I wasn't sure what Arkati would have me."

Noonee's cheeks flush a deep shade of dark rose.

Noonee says, "A street urchin."

Noonee says, "I wasn't grand enough for the Church of Koar."

Noonee says, "I wasn't wise enough for the Church of Lumnis."

Noonee says, "I wasn't brave enough for the Church of Kai."

Dorac leans forward and rests his chin in his hand, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Noonee furrows her brow.

Noonee asks, "Where did I fit?"

Noonee says, "Now, in Connedale there is a custom."

Noonee says, "It is centuries old."

Noonee says, "The pilgrimage site of Lanark Falls is a place where those who seek guidance and vision come."

Noonee says, "But the way it must be done is that the pilgrim must wrap him or herself in the hide of a freshly killed red deer."

Noonee says, "Not exactly a... fun experience."

Dorac smirks.

Noonee says, "And then the wrapped pilgrim is left at the foot of the falls to await a vision."

Noonee says, "The water is said to said the way for the pilgrim, to give guidance."

Noonee says, "Now the priest advised this route to know my calling."

Noonee says, "And though I didn't think it would work, I acquiesced."

Noonee nods.

Noonee says, "Father Pitroch himself killed the deer, a great honor."

Noonee's cheeks flush a deep shade of dark rose.

Noonee says, "And then I went through the ritual as thousands from Dragach have over the years."

Noonee nods.

Noonee says, "I really almost fell asleep near the falls."

Noonee's cheeks flush a deep shade of dark rose.

Noonee says, "The sound of the water was so... soothing."

Sauthurdig nods to Noonee.

Noonee says, "And I really didn't think I would come to understand anything in particular there..."

Noonee says, "And then it happened..."

Noonee says, "A plume of water gushed up and took on the form of a great stallion..."

Noonee says, "And I saw in my mind a rose opening..."

Dorac blinks.

Sauthurdig nods to Noonee.

Noonee says, "And then my thoughts were filled with sorrow, as memories not my own filled me."

Noonee says, "Memories of a lover slain by my hand -- or rather the hand of whoseever memory it truly was."

Noonee asks, "And I cried out: Leya?"

Noonee says, "And the rose opened fully..."

Noonee says, "And I knew I had my calling..."

Noonee's cheeks flush a deep shade of dark rose.

Sauthurdig nods to Noonee.

Noonee says, "When they came to get me, I told Father Pitroch about what had happened."

Noonee says, "And he smiled and said: Leya it is then.  Go forth and preach."

Noonee says, "And from that day I have."

Noonee's cheeks flush a deep shade of dark rose.

You smile at Noonee.

Noonee says, "And that's my tale."

Sauthurdig applauds Noonee.

You say, "A truly moving tale to be sure."

You nod to Noonee.

Ichiko smiles at Noonee.

Noonee says, "Thank you."

Dorac smiles.

Noonee's cheeks flush a deep shade of dark rose.

Dorac applauds Noonee.

Dorac breaks out in a silly grin.

You remove an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons from in your spidersilk greatcloak.

You say, "For share."

You say, "Sharing."

You offer your ora anklet to Noonee, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer.  Click CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer.
Noonee has accepted your offer and is now holding an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons.

Noonee says, "Thank you."

Noonee's cheeks flush a deep shade of dark rose.

Noonee put an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons in her grey spidersilk cloak.

You grin.

You ask, "Who else would like to share a tale?"

You ask, "Bitsie?"

You cock your head at Bitsie.

Bitsie smiles.

Sauthurdig nods to Bitsie.

Bitsie says, "Mine is kind of odd."

Bitsie stands up.

You say, "I'm sure we would all appreciate hearing it."

You nod to Bitsie.

Ichiko nods.

Bitsie removes an eight-legged furry spider doll from in her spidersilk cloak.

Bitsie sings:

    "The Itsy Bitsie Spider "

Bitsie put an eight-legged furry spider doll in her spidersilk cloak.

Noonee leans forward.

Sauthurdig turns to face Bitsie.

Bitsie says, "I am Bitsie."

You grin at Bitsie.

Bitsie says, "I was the youngest and smallest of my litter."

Bitsie says, "Is why i am called bitsie."

Sauthurdig chuckles.

Noonee giggles.

Sauthurdig is admiring Bitsie.

Dorac smirks.

Sauthurdig coughs.

Bitsie says, "Many folks ask me if my name is a joke cause i am a giant."

Bitsie says, "But when i was growing up i was the littlest."

Bitsie says, "Then the next thing most folks ask is with all my spiders ."

Bitsie says, "Does i follow Arachne."

Bitsie shudders.

Bitsie says, "I actually follow the Huntress."

Bitsie says, "But the spiders is very strong."

Bitsie says, "Specially for they size."

Sauthurdig nods.

You nod to Bitsie.

Noonee says, "I don't like them either."

Noonee shudders.

Dorac grins.

Bitsie says, ""I have a poem i would like to share with you ."

You grin at Bitsie.

Dorac turns an inquisitive ear towards Bitsie.

Bitsie says, "About the spiders."

You say, "Please do."

Bitsie says, "I hope this goes well ."

Bitsie recites:

    "Felt a tremor
     The web did sway
     Turned most of my eyes
     To look that way"

Bitsie recites:

    "A monster of a being
     Peered down with glee
     Wiggling and waving
     A long stick at me"

Bitsie recites:

    "Hey ugly spider
     The big face roared
     Poking and prodding
     Web coming unmoored"

You cock your head.

Bitsie recites:

    "Who you trying to scare
     The last thing it said
     As chubby arms swung
     To crush in my head"

Noonee gasps.

Dorac cringes.

Bitsie recites:

    "Down a spare float line
     Escape through the air
     Lamenting my babies
     Still caught in his hair"

Bitsie winks.

Journeyman Grimlorn just came through a pair of wide mithril doors.

Grimlorn bows.

Grimlorn sits down.

You nod to Grimlorn.

Bitsie says, "And just like the Huntress ... ."

Bitsie says, "Who found revenge by not necessarily might."

You nod to Bitsie.

You say, "True."

Bitsie says, "The spiders ... usually find a way  to get the last word."

Bitsie curtsies.

Noonee shivers.

You applaud Bitsie.

Sauthurdig grins at Bitsie.

Bitsie sits down.

You exclaim, "Nicely recited!"

Sauthurdig turns to Bitsie and cheers!

You remove an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons from in your spidersilk greatcloak.
You offer your ora anklet to Bitsie, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer.  Click CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer.

You say, "For sharing."

Bitsie blushes a florid shade of crimson.

Bitsie has accepted your offer and is now holding an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons.

Bitsie says, "Thank you ."

You say, "Most welcome."

You grin.

Bitsie raises her ora anklet skyward!

You ask, "Anyone else with a tale to share?"

You exclaim, "Come now, don't be shy!"

You grin.

Dorac grins.

Grimlorn asks, "I beg your pardon, may I ask what it is we're discussing at the moment?"

You say, "Tales of why or how one comes to follow a deity."

Grimlorn nods.

You say, "Or how has affected their lives."

You smile at Grimlorn.

Grimlorn smiles.

You ask, "Ichiko?"

You ask, "Sauthurdig?"

You ask, "No?"

Sauthurdig clearly asks, "Well, ma'am i wish i did?"

Ichiko nods to you.

Sauthurdig coughs.

You nod to Ichiko.

You say, "Allright then, Ichiko."

You say, "The floor is yers."

Sauthurdig clearly asks, "It a little one mebbe?"

You smile at Ichiko.

Sauthurdig nods.

Ichiko nods to Sauthurdig.

You say, "After Ichiko then, Sauthurdig."

You grin.

Sauthurdig nods.

Ichiko says, "Be advised, I can't vouch for all of this."

You say, "No worries."

You smile at Ichiko.

Ichiko says, "But I think it is true, nonetheless."

Ichiko says, "It began when I did, many years ago."

Ichiko takes off a pair of white puma hide gloves.

You nod.

Noonee turns an inquisitive ear towards Ichiko.

Ichiko says, "The night I was born, actually..my parents told me the story later."

Sauthurdig turns to face Ichiko.

You grin at Ichiko.

Ichiko says, "It was night, in a place far east of the Dragonspine where a newborn elf's cries first echoed."

You lean forward.

You lean forward and rest your chin in your hand, a thoughtful expression on your face.

Ichiko says, "And then, as Liabo's light entered the room, mixing with that of the candles, something happened."

(Noonee holds her breath.)

Ichiko says, "The light shifted, appearing as though it were shining through water."

You say, "Oh my..."

Sauthurdig peers quizzically at Ichiko.

Ichiko says, "And the baby turned, looking at something her parents couldn't see."

Noonee slowly empties her lungs.

Ichiko says, "Then she held up a hand."

You cock your head at Ichiko.

Ichiko says, "The light shone around that little hand, and faded back to normal with the sound of the tide receding."

You blink.

Sauthurdig nods.

Noonee bites her lip.

Ichiko says, "And this has been on my hand ever since."

(Ichiko raises her right hand, showing off a silvery dolphin-shaped mark)

Grimlorn smiles.

Sauthurdig gasps.

You exclaim, "Oooo!"

Noonee gasps.

Noonee places a hand over her heart.

Sauthurdig applauds Ichiko.

You say, "Truly a mark of faith."

You nod.

Ichiko nods.

You smile at Ichiko.

Ichiko nods to you.

You remove an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons from in your spidersilk greatcloak.
You offer your ora anklet to Ichiko, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer.  Click CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer.

You say, "For sharing."

You smile.

Dorac nods.

Ichiko says, "There is more I could tell, but it is not really related to the Arkati."

Ichiko has accepted your offer and is now holding an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons.

Ichiko attaches an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons to her ankle.

Ichiko smiles.

You grin.

You turn to face Sauthurdig.

Ichiko says, "Perhaps later."

Sauthurdig stands up.

You nod to Ichiko.

Sauthurdig coughs.

Speaking to Sauthurdig, you ask, "Ye have a tale?"

You grin at Sauthurdig.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "I was drawn to this festival and wasn't sure why."

Sauthurdig rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "As you know as a sylvan i am drawn to Imaera."

Grimlorn nods to Sauthurdig.

You nod to Sauthurdig.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "But my tail is of one different."

Noonee grins.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "Tale."

Sauthurdig coughs.

You smile.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "When i was a young wizzie and very weak, i went on the mountain."

You shiver.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "And was crushed by a giant."

Noonee blinks.

Noonee exclaims, "Ouch!"

Ichiko winces.

Bitsie rubs Sauthurdig gently.

Kralc just came through a pair of wide mithril doors.

Kralc sits down.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "As i lie there ready to depart, 3 women walked in."

You bite your lip.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "One looked at me with warmest eyes i ever saw."

Sauthurdig clearly says, "Sah said "arise young sylph."

Noonee leans forward and rests her chin in her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "And i did."

You exclaim, "Oh!"

Sauthurdig clearly says, "I was in total awe."

Sauthurdig clearly asks, "I said thank you, my lady, cud i have yer name?"

Sauthurdig clearly says, "She smiled and said Lorminstra."

Iscikella smiles warmly.

Grimlorn smiles.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "Now i had no idea who that was."

Noonee says, "Ah, the Lady herself."

Noonee nods.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "But i asked if i cud give her something in return."

Sauthurdig clearly says, "Ans she said no."

You nod.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "But i noticed that her companion was chilly."

You say, "Cold on that mountain."

You nod.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "So i gave Lorminstra a sweater for her."

Noonee flashes a wide grin.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "She took it and gave it to her sister, and they walked off."

Sauthurdig clearly says, "Now everyone has said it wasn't her, but i know it was, and now i know why i came."

Sauthurdig clearly says, "To remmenber and share the story."

Grimlorn nods.

You grin at Sauthurdig.

You exclaim, "And a good story it is!"

Sauthurdig grins.

You nod to Sauthurdig.

Bitsie beams happily at Sauthurdig!

Sauthurdig clearly says, "Thankee."

Grimlorn smiles at Sauthurdig.

You remove an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons from in your spidersilk greatcloak.

Sauthurdig coughs.

You offer your ora anklet to Sauthurdig, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer.  Click CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer.

You say, "For sharing."

Sauthurdig has accepted your offer and is now holding an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons.

You smile at Sauthurdig.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "Thanks m'lady."

You exclaim, "Most welcome!"

You say, "And thank ye for sharing."

Sauthurdig attaches an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons to his ankle.

Sauthurdig sits down.

You ask, "Anyone else have a tale to share today?"

(Iscikella glances about the room.)

You say, "Come now, don't be shy."

Noonee starts chuckling at you!

You ask, "No?"

Grimlorn says, "I have a short one and only half-remembered if ye wish."

You grin at Grimlorn.

You exclaim, "Aye, please share it!"

Grimlorn nods.

You nod to Grimlorn.

Grimlorn says, "I was born in Ta'Vaalor."

Grimlorn says, "I am human."

Grimlorn smiles.

You say, "Difficult combination."

Bitsie winces.

You nod to Grimlorn.

Grimlorn says, "My mother I never knew but was given to udnerstand she was neither rich nor well of being."

Noonee cocks her head at Grimlorn.

Sauthurdig nods.

Grimlorn says, "I remember being born in an odd way."

Grimlorn says, "I was floating."

You blink.

Noonee says, "Hmmm..."

Noonee rubs her chin thoughtfully.

The brilliant luminescence fades from around Ichiko.

Grimlorn says, "There was light sparkling for all the world like water but I don't remember feeling wet at all."

Grimlorn shakes his head.

Ichiko puts on a pair of white puma hide gloves.

You bite your lip.

Grimlorn says, "I remember singing, although I don't remember words, only a mournful melody."

Noonee leans forward and rests her chin in her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face.

Grimlorn says, "A woman reached down to touch my face, the most beautiful I had ever seen even though I had never seen one before."

Grimlorn smiles.

Grimlorn says, "She had such kind eyes and they seemed to know, what they knew I have no idea but that was the impression I got from them."

You smile quietly to yourself.

Noonee says, "Kindly eyes are always beautiful, aye."

Noonee nods.

Grimlorn says, "She whispered to me as I floated and I understood that this was not where I was meant to be."

Grimlorn says, "I felt like I had come home but too early."

You nod to Grimlorn.

Grimlorn says, "And then there was a feeling like I was rushing through air and I remember nothing after that."

You lean forward.

Sauthurdig nods to Grimlorn.

Ichiko raises an eyebrow.

Grimlorn says, "The people at the orphanage were kind to me and when I told them of my memory they took me to the Temple of Koar and in his name dedicated me to the service of Lady Winter."

You say, "Ah..."

You nod.

Sauthurdig nods to Grimlorn.

Grimlorn bows.

You say, "A fine tale."

You nod to Grimlorn.

You remove an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons from in your spidersilk greatcloak.

Sauthurdig applauds Grimlorn.

You offer your ora anklet to Grimlorn, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer.  Click CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer.

Grimlorn says, "One day when my service is complete I shall return home."

You say, "For sharing."

Grimlorn has accepted your offer and is now holding an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons.

Grimlorn says, "Thank you."

You grin at Grimlorn.

Grimlorn smiles.

Grimlorn attaches an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons to his ankle.

 (Iscikella looks about the faces in the room once more.)

You ask, "Any further tales this afternoon?"

You smile at Kralc.

Speaking to Kralc, you ask, "Have ye a tale to share?"

Kralc says, "Ummm ."

Kralc says, "Its a small tale ."

You nod to Kralc.

Kralc says, "It wasnt long ago."

Sauthurdig smiles at Kralc.

You exclaim, "No matter how small, it is welcome!"

You grin at Kralc.

Kralc says, "I was on a hunting quest."

You nod to Kralc.

Kralc says, "And i came across some war griffins."

You shudder.

Kralc says, "Huge ugly beasts."

Sauthurdig nods.

Noonee exclaims, "That they are!"

Noonee nods.

Kralc says, "I thought i can handle these easily."

Kralc says, "Wow ."

Kralc says, "Was i wrong."

Sauthurdig chuckles.

You flash a wide grin.

Kralc says, "Their huge wings."

Kralc says, "Flapping knocked me down ."

Noonee shivers.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "Not good."

Kralc says, "With a great rush of aitr."

Kralc says, "Air."

Kralc says, "I couldnt move."

You nod to Kralc.

You lean forward.

Kralc says, "He swooped down and picked me up."

Noonee gasps.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "Yikes."

Kralc says, "I didnt last much longer ."

Kralc says, "But it really opened me eyes up."

A pained expression crosses Grimlorn's face.

 (Iscikella chews her lip nervously.)

Kralc says, "The lands passed beneath so quickly."

Kralc says, "It was like i was in a trance."

Kralc says, "I didnt want it to end."

Sauthurdig nods.

You nod.

Kralc says, "I could see for what seemed like 100's of mile."

Grimlorn smiles.

Noonee smiles.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "Kewl."

Kralc says, "These are no small lands we live in."

Kralc says, "I can attest to that."

You say, "That they aren't."

You nod to Kralc.

Grimlorn grins.

Kralc says, "And so many griffins flying i couldnt count them."

Kralc says, "How small we are."

You sigh.

You say, "Very true."

You nod.

Sauthurdig clearly says, "Ah."

Kralc says, "And in no time it ended."

Kralc says, "Dropped and crushed."

Noonee exclaims, "Eek!"

Noonee ducks her head.

Grimlorn winks.

Grimlorn winces.

Grimlorn blushes a nice shade of dark red.

Kralc says, "But its like i want to go back and just be picked up agins."

Kralc says, "The gods have made a great lands ."

Sauthurdig nods to Kralc.

You smile at Kralc.

Grimlorn nods.

Kralc says, "Animals and people."

Kralc says, "Its not much of a tale but it woke me up ."

You say, "The world is a wondrous thing, aye."

You nod to Kralc.

Sauthurdig turns to Kralc and cheers!

You smile at Kralc.

You remove an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons from in your spidersilk greatcloak.
You offer your ora anklet to Kralc, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer.  Click CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer.

You say, "For sharing."

Kralc has accepted your offer and is now holding an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons.

Kralc says, "Thank you very much."

Kralc bows.

You exclaim, "Most welcome!"

(Iscikella looks about the room once more.)

Kralc attaches an ora anklet incised with images of opposing crescent moons to his ankle.

You say, "Well, it looks as if all have shared their tales today."

You grin.

You say, "I thank ye all for doing so."

Grimlorn smiles.

Sauthurdig nods to you.

Grimlorn nods.

You say, "Wear the anklets in good health."

You grin.

Grimlorn smiles.

Speaking clearly to you, Sauthurdig says, "Thank you m'lady."