[Hall of the Seasons]
In a loose square at the center of the hall stand four altars clad with jade in the seasonal colors of green, yellow, brown and white.  The wall opposite each altar has been lined in a matching wood: supple young hazel at the east, yellow pine to the south, auburn maoral at the west, and white monir to the north.  Paintings depicting winter, spring, summer, and autumn hang on the four walls, framed in elaborately carved grey monir.  You also see a grey stone arch.
Also here: Blizzerdd, Arpanae, Orison, Arnaster who is sitting, Aydan who is sitting, Ichiko, Lenerius, Prudence, Argaine
Obvious exits: north, down

You say, "Please all be seated."

Lenerius sits down.

Arpanae sits down.

Argaine gives Prudence a lingering kiss.

Orison sits down.

Prudence gives Argaine a lingering kiss.

Prudence sits down near Argaine.

You say, ""Our lecturer for this evening is Argaine, who will speak to us on Phoen."

You say, "Please be kind enough to give him yer full attention."

Blizzerdd sits down.

You say, "And hold all questions and comments until he opens the floor to them."

You smile.

You nod to Argaine.

(Prudence gazes dreamily at Argaine.)

(Iscikella moves to the back of the room.)

You sit down.

Ichiko sits down.

Argaine smiles at Prudence.

Argaine says, "Good evening everyone."

Argaine says, "I will start with what is usually considered general knowledge, but that may or may not be known to everyone here.  Most view Phoen as God of the Sun, an a representation of the masculine side of fertility."

Arpanae nods.

Argaine says, "He is consort to Oleani, the Goddess of Love, Fertility and Spring.  Perhaps the greatest attribute that he personifies is that of manly power...."

Argaine rolls his eyes.

Argaine says, "Or so it is said.  I believe that it is simply a large ego, which leads to good as well as bad results.  Moving along from that which is considered general knowledge..."

You listen carefully to Argaine.

Argaine says, "Phoen is more than what has been said here.  He is as much the creator of life as Oleani, as without the sun, life withers away."

Argaine says, "Unlike some Arkati, Phoen does not typically seek conflict with the darker pantheon.  Though he often finds himself in direct conflict with them, for the dark shrink away from the sun that exposes them to the world.  Where the dark seeks death, destruction, and other unsavory things, Phoen shines light on their doings and brings life."

Mourdeyan just arrived.

Argaine says, "All of that you can find in a book, and I suspect most of you can read, or know somebody who can, so that is the end of the book knowledge I will share."

You smile at Mourdeyan.

Mourdeyan bows respectfully, her eyes fixed firmly on the ground.

Argaine says, "So, if you would like, from here, I will take you down the path of how I see Phoen, and how I came to follow his path."

You nod to Argaine.

Arpanae leans forward.

Argaine says, "Much like the elves, the sylvans do not view the Arkati as "Gods", or as something to be worshiped.  Instead, they are viewed as patrons, protectors and helpers.  They are shown great respect, and generally their will is followed, but not always."

Argaine says, "It was during one of my times, in Yuriqen that my path came to tangle with that of Phoen.  As you may or may not know, Yuriqen is a forest of unique beauty.  The life within its boundaries is unlike anywhere else in the world, and, as such, it would occasionally get visits from certain Arkati."

Argaine says, "The week in question I had pulled the short straw, which meant I had night guard.  That night had been a particularly bad one.  A storm brewed as the sun set, and it was not only the weather that was turning poor.  Other distinct sounds came from the surrounding forest."

You smile at Mourdeyan.

Argaine says, "The sounds of feet.  Not sylvan feet, these fell hard and rough on the forest floor.  These feet were that of orcs and goblins.  Their number was large, a hundred at least, perhaps more."

Argaine frowns.

Mourdeyan sits down.

Argaine says, "It was unlikely that they had intended to come near Yuriqen, but they had, and it would be their undoing.  Guards gathered and watched."

Argaine says, "The rain started to fall, the lightning flashed and the thunder sounded loud booms.  The guards stalked the band."

Argaine says, "As the storm reached its peak, the first goblin fell.  A flash of light blinds the band for a moment, and when they are able to see again, they are one fewer."

Prudence shivers.

Argaine says, "Again the lightning struck, and the thunder boomed.  Their size was a dozen smaller."

Argaine smirks.

Argaine says, "Panic quickly took hold.  With each strike of lightning and rumble of thunder, their number grew smaller."

Argaine says, "Their enemy unseen, they fled, but not to safety."

Argaine says, "The lightning continued to strike, and their size continued to shrink as the hours passed."

Argaine says, "One by one, they fell to the forest floor.  The sky began to lighten slightly, indicating that sunrise had passed."

Argaine says, "The storm continued though."

Argaine says, "And their numbers continued to shrink."

Jhude just arrived.

Argaine says, "When fewer than two dozen remained, the storm began to break.  I was ahead of the band, which had slowed in a squabble about which direction to flee next.  One that cost them four of their remaining."

Jhude sits down.

Argaine says, "It wouldn't matter anyway, they were surrounded."

You smile at Jhude.

Jhude smiles at you.

Argaine says, "A half dozen more fell as they started to flee toward me.  The hoot of an owl, and the other scouts sat low.  Their number left three goblin and one orc.  The easy shot was first.  A flash of lightning and an arrow appeared between the eyes of the orc."

Argaine says, "It fell dead instantly.  Another strike and I stood from my concealment, directly ahead of the three remaining goblins.  As their vision returned, I let loose three arrows, striking each between the eyes."

Arpanae squints.

Argaine says, "At that moment, the storm ceased and the sun broke through and began to shine down on the guard."

You rub your chin thoughtfully.

Argaine says, "The fight, if you could call it that, was easily won by the guard, but not without cost.  The petrified run of two hundred and fifty orcs and goblins had caused considerable damage to the forest surround.  Entire trees lay on their side, trampled by the large weight of the orcs."

Argaine frowns.

Argaine says, "The bodies were collected and then burned in a small clearing far from the city.  With the task complete, the small contingent of guard, myself included, returned to the city.  On our path back, we heard whistling and humming from the west."

Argaine says, "The first though was more wandering intruders.  The guard scattered and approached carefully.  We were approaching the area that had been trampled by the band.  Much to our surprise, the area was no longer trampled."

Argaine says, "Trees that had fallen now stood upright.  Plants that had been trampled were now restored.  No trace of the chase that had ensued remained."

Argaine says, "Others may have thought they were lost, but we knew exactly where we were."

Mourdeyan acts puzzled.

Prudence smiles.

Argaine says, "As we approached the sound we came upon an even greater surprise."

Argaine says, "A blinding light emanated from the forest ahead of us, and what was at first mistaken as humming was the low singing of a man's voice."

You rub your chin thoughtfully.

Arpanae folds her arms over her chest.

Argaine says, "As we approached further, the light dimmed and more was visible.  A woman of indescribable beauty knelt before a trampled plant, her hands cupping it's leaves.  The man leaned heavily against a tree.  The plant sprung back to life, and the tree returned upright."

You grin.

Argaine says, "In awe of what I had seen, I simply froze.  The man almost immediately noticed me and I came under his gaze.  I felt no threat, so made no attempt to move, and probably could not have anyway."

Argaine chuckles.

Argaine says, "It was then that I began to realized what we were seeing."

You cock your head at Argaine.

Mourdeyan raises an eyebrow.

Mourdeyan turns an inquisitive ear towards Argaine.

Argaine says, "Oleani and Phoen were walking the forests, which they have frequently been rumored to have been seen and to enjoy.  They had found the damage and were repairing it.  ."

Argaine says, "Realizing that I was now staring down Phoen, I froze knowing full well that the light emanating from the area was that of the sun itself, and that at any instant I could be forever blinded."

Argaine says, "The man simply smiled, took the woman's hand and turned to continue their work."

Argaine says, "After we recovered...."

You nod.

Argaine says, "We returned home, cleaned and replenished, and slept, preparing for the next night.  From that day on, my path, as well as all the others present, has twined with that of Phoen, and I follow him willingly."

Mourdeyan ponders.

(Argaine rests a hand on Prudence's shoulder.)

Argaine says, "Now....if anyone has any questions, about the story, about my thoughts on Phoen, or anything related, please indicate so and I'll be happy to answer them."

(Prudence reaches up and places her hand over Argaine's.)

Argaine smiles at Prudence.

Speaking in Sylvankind to Argaine, Prudence asks, "Do you mind the dark?"

Argaine looks over at Prudence and shakes his head.

Argaine says, "I do not mind the dark."

Argaine says, "For it is Phoen's brother that rules it."

Mourdeyan raises an eyebrow.

Prudence asks, "Is Ronan a good parent too?"

Prudence whistles tunelessly to herself.

Argaine chuckles.

Argaine says, "I don't really know."

Argaine grins at Prudence.

Mourdeyan places her hand on her silver crystal pendant.

You raise your hand.

Mourdeyan smiles.

Argaine says, "But I'll refer you to Berdragow, I suspect he does."

Argaine nods to Prudence.

Argaine raises an eyebrow.

Argaine asks, "Yes?"

Argaine nods to you.

You ask, "It is said that Phoen and Ronan cannot coexist in one place...  Yet isn't there any point at which they may meet safely?"

You cock your head at Argaine.

Mourdeyan shakes her head.

Argaine says, "Certainly, they pass eachother greetings at least twice a day."

Aydan says, "Twilight, I would think."

Argaine says, "As the sun rises, and the night departs.  Then again as the sun sets and night returns."

Argaine nods to Aydan.

Argaine asks, "Any others?"

Prudence says, "The father just isn't as interesting as his wayward son."

Arpanae rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Argaine tickles Prudence into laughing.

Arpanae raises her hand.

(Prudence leans against Argaine's leg.)

Argaine nods to Arpanae.

Arpanae asks, "In regard to that, is there any lore existant on how Phoen and Oleani met?"

Arpanae asks, "Under what circumstances?"

Argaine says, "Written lore?  None that I know of.  However, I do have my own theories, if you would like to hear them."

Lenerius nods.

Arpanae nods to Argaine.

Arpanae says, "I would."

Argaine says, "I suspect you have all heard of the war between the drakes and that which came through the veil...."

You nod to Argaine.

Mourdeyan quietly says, "Indeed."

Orison ponders.

Argaine says, "And I suspect you all have heard of the great destruction caused by that war."

Arpanae says, "Most definitely."

Arpanae nods.

Ichiko nods.

Argaine grins at Prudence.

Mourdeyan rests her hands on her knees and breathes deep to relax.

Argaine says, "It was then that the Arkati became most promenent."

Argaine says, "Some healed the lands, some took it upon themselves to organize the Arkati....others....  Well, others did what they usually do."

Argaine says, "Phoen, being a bit of man of habit, as you might imagine...."

Argaine says, "He continued to soar through the sky each day.  He was far from pleased with the damage he saw below, as his vantage point was often one of the most beautiful views available."

Prudence says, "All men have habits."

Argaine says, "He once enjoyed the view of vasts forests, waving plains, and crystal blue lakes...."

Argaine says, "Now with each day he say only destruction, fire, and blackened earth."

Arpanae leans forward.

Argaine says, "However....."

Argaine says, "One day, he saw something different."

Argaine says, "Something caught his eye, standing in the middle of some of the worst damage."

Prudence flirts with Argaine, tossing him an inviting smile.

Argaine says, "A closer look revealed a true beauty among the ruins."

You cock your head at Argaine.

Argaine winks at Prudence.

Arpanae says, "Ah..."

Argaine says, "She smiled, and the ground at her feet turned green."

Prudence says, "What he doesn't tell you is that it took her two years of standing there waving at him way up there to get his attention."

Prudence examines her fingernails.

Argaine chuckles.

Prudence says, "Typical male."

You chuckle at Prudence.

Argaine tickles Prudence into laughing.

Arpanae blinks at Prudence.

Arpanae rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Argaine says, "She sung, and the trees around her sprouted leaves."

Mourdeyan smiles.

Argaine says, "What had originally been a slow descent to see what was there, became a distracted stare...."

You say, "Typical male allright."

Prudence mutters crash-and-burn.

You cough.

Argaine says, "It was not long before he, quite uncerimoniously, fell at her feet."

Arnaster ponders.

Arnaster says, "Not the best entrance..."

Argaine says, "This brought great laughter to her, and the lands around her grew more."

You grin.

Ichiko giggles.

Argaine says, "The best he could manage was a crooked grin back."

Aydan says, "I'm sure he meant to fall down like that."

Argaine says, "I'm sure he claimed as much."

Argaine chuckles.

Mourdeyan raises her eyebrow, the blue diamond ring set within only enhancing her skeptical expression.

Argaine says, "He is know for his ego afterall."

Arnaster chuckles.

Aydan says, "His story and he stuck to it."

Argaine says, "She pulled him to his feat with a grin."

Argaine says, "He stammered a bit but managed to gather his wits and introduce himself."

Argaine says, "And, so they first met...."

You say, "Big man to pull to his feet."

You chuckle.

Arnaster chuckles.

Argaine says, "Strenght of the Arkati and all."

Argaine grins.

You grin at Argaine.

Arpanae says, "Hmmm... interesting."

Arpanae rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Argaine says, "And...."

Argaine says, "The best part...."

Arpanae turns an inquisitive ear towards Argaine.

Argaine says, "He felt a bit of a tickle around his ankles and he looked down....  Growing around his feet was a large patch of Morning Glory, staring directly up at him."

Argaine says, "I'll leave it to you to figure out that piece."

Argaine winks.

Argaine says, "Unless my wife feels so inclined as to tell...."

You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.

Argaine leans softly against Prudence.

You chuckle.

(Prudence stifles a giggle.)

You raise your hand.

Mourdeyan begins to breathe less deeply.

Prudence glances at Argaine.

Prudence says, "That's Momma's job."

Prudence says, "Flowers."

Speaking to you, Argaine says, "Feel free."

Argaine gives Prudence a lingering kiss.

You ask, "I was just wondering about cults that believe gold to be sacred to Phoen, and what is yer opinion on that?"

You cock your head at Argaine.

Orison stands up.

Orison just went down.

Argaine says, "Well, it certainly shines with the color of his hair, and he is known to wear it."

Argaine shrugs.

You nod.

Argaine says, "In the end, I sort of doubt he cares."

Argaine chuckles.

You say, "Some say because it reflects his light so well."

You say, "And thus touches him."

You say, "But not something I am intimately familar with my self."

You nod.

Argaine says, "There are many things that reflect quite well."

Argaine shrugs.

You smile at Argaine.

Argaine says, "I don't know him to be particularly fond of mirrors."

You ask, "No?"

You ask, "With that ego?"

You chuckle at Argaine.

Arnaster chuckles.

Speaking to Argaine, Prudence says, "I could see him installing one over the marriage bed."

You nod to Prudence.

You laugh out loud!

Argaine says, "He's got quite an ego, but I don't believe him to be vain."

Argaine tickles Prudence into laughing.

Mourdeyan clears her throat.

Arpanae rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Mourdeyan cocks her head.

Argaine says, "Besides, most mirrors are used to spread light, and he makes his own."

Argaine stares off into space.

You say, "That's a good point."

You nod to Argaine.

Argaine asks, "Any other questions?"

You say, "Well, I'll close down the panel then with Argaine's permission."

You smile at Argaine.

Argaine nods to you.

Ichiko stretches.

You say, "A round of applause for our speaker."