Episode One: The Order of the Twelve Willows

[eunhathes]

Deus' sword strikes almost dream like into the opening. The dire wolf reared back, taking his blade with it, and belowed in defiance. It lunged forward, opening it's maw wide at Deus.

Deus winced, expecting certainly to join his ancestors, but the monster fell just short. It's eyes rolled back into its head, and its tongue lolled out onto the ground.

The tension of the moment broke almost at once. Recovering both their weapons, the Knight and Tia stepped away. Tia sat down, and placed her head in her hands. The knight approached Deus, and patted him upon the back. "Good work, friend."

Slowly, the people who fled came back and cheered for their heroes.

[sagetim]

As the great beast fell to the combined might of Pol's companions, he let out a sigh of relief.....then he noticed ma'ia's facination with his exorcism talisman. it's like she's transfixed or something....hmmm....maybe I should toss it and see if she follows, I mean, the talisman is going to fall apart once I stop channeling my energy into it, so, I may as well make the most use of it.

holding the talisman at full arms length, Pol twitches it up and down a bit, allowing the shining energy to be fully caught in ma'ia's eyes. then he tosses it about 5 feet from himself, allowing it to fade and crumple after a few minutes (after it lands).

[Lylie]

mi'ia twitches as the pendent is dangled infront of her. she reaches out to it, but befor she could reache it it was tossed. she ran after it trying to catch it. as she was about to reach it again it crumbled and faded into nothing. she sat on the ground and staired at it for a few and then relized that she was supposed to be in battle.

she jumped up and looked around to find that the monster had been distroyed. so she looked around and saw pol. she went up to him looking mad and said to him, "why didnt you let me catch it? it was so pretty."

she pouted as she waited for an answer from him.

[sagetim]

As ma'ia asks pol, his thoughts begin to race uh.....crap....how do I explain this to her....uhm...lets see, I could try going into a fully detailed explanation, but that might take a while....or I could just tell her the truth...yes, the truth! of course, the truth will set me free! or condemn me to pain....lets hope for the free...

"uhm...uh....well, ya see, I thought it might be more fun for you if it were something to chase, instead of something easily obtained...like a challenge of sorts....or would you rather that I had just let you have it for the few moments it would have lasted?"

[Lylie]

she looked at him for a moment and said "yes of course i would have at lest like to of held it for a moment. it was just soo pretty."

she sat down and pouted for a few moments and then got up and asked "so then are we ready to go or are we just going to stand around here like old crones waiting for the sun to drop and give way to the moon?"

she looked around for the knight to see what he said and if he indeed did intend to stand around and waith like the old crones of her grandmothers time.

ooc: ok so shes kinda scatterbrained.

[artemi]

Carefully whiping off his weapons, Deus returned them to their sheth reverently. Looking around, he noted that the townsfolk seemed to be calming down, which meant that the threat was gone, for now.

Turning towards the Knight, he narrowed his eyes as he looked at him. "What... exactally did you do to me just then? What was that?"

[eunhathes]

A single Order robed woman walked up to Deus and the Knight. "It was the Vox, wasn't it? The voice of divinity that, when used, compells mortals to tasks beyond their measure."

The Knight turned to the woman. "Yes, my lady. T'was the Vox." When his eyes met hers, the color drained from his face. He fell upon one knee and uttered a quick blessing. "My forgiveness, Grandmaster Jaya Killard."

Jaya reached over and touched the Knight on his head. "Arise, Knight of the Order of Twelve Willows. There is time for frivolties later. Now, we should make our way to safety."

"Indeed, my Lady," the Knight replied. "Yes, Ma'ia," He spoke to the young Mowershian, "We are leaving. Though be not so rude, child. This is a Grandmaster of the Order." He swept his arm in a wide, low bow-like gesture. "These are my Supplicants. Currently we are on the way to the Sacred Copse for their initiation. Will you accompany us, my Lady?"

The woman, dark haried and tan skinned, spoke to the Supplicants. "It is refreshing to see new faces in the Order. It is not so long ago, I was amongst your ranks. Perhaps someday some amongst you will become Grandmasters, too." She turned her attention to the Knight again. "My team and I were ambushed by that dire wolf while trying to navigate the Dipham Bluffs. It seems there have been a rash of odd reports surrounding the Bluffs recently, but it is the only way to the Copse without trudging through the Moors."

It only took the Knight a moment to ascertain what Jaya was asking. "Indeed. My Supplicants and I shall render aid to you and your team. How many have survived?"

Jaya waved over three weary and battle worn people. There were two women and a man. She motioned to one woman, youthful and vivacious, with short cropped sienna hair. "This is Mehm Ryth, Knight Skirmisher. She is a Warrior" Mehm nodded at the group, but said nothing. She motioned towards a sickly looking man, who wore a large cloak over his frame. "This is Freel Tiilgato, Knight Interloper. He is a Itinerant." Freel sat, facing away from the party, and looked instead at the carcass of the wolf. He remained quiet. Jaya gestured at the remaining woman, who appeared elder than the others and full of sage wisdom. "And this is Minaret, a Knight Scribe. She is a Scholar."

Minaret bowed low, as was the custom of the Scribes. "A pleasure to meet you all."

Jaya turned back to the Knight. "I am intrigued to know the names of your team, but now is not the time or place. Tell me as we leave the open. We must make it to the Bluffs before nightfall. We will be vulnerable to the dragons out here if we tarry too much longer."

"I agree," the Knight responded concernedly. "Supplicants, we need to move." He sheathed his blade and shouldered his shield and prepared himself to march the distance to the Bluffs.

Tia placed her pole-arm on her shoulder. She walked up to Mehm and marched beside her, asking questions about the Warriors. Mehm, though flattered by this attention, remained silent. Eventually, Tia caught on and quieted up herself, marching in tandem with Mehm.

[Lylie]

'rude? how was i being rude? i was asking an honest question.' mi'ia thought as she truged along with the others. she looked up and thought to ask the knight bet saw that he was with the grandmaster.

she was begaining to wonder if she belonged here at all. she thought siglently and wondered if this is what really she was ment to do. she figured that something soon would happen to tell her if she did belong here or if she was needed some place else. her goddess would tell her.

[celest]

ooc: sorry this has taken so long

Looking over her shoulder and seeing that the danger is gone Kiley slows from her run. She turned and lowers her head and she returns to the group. WHile she knows that she has no skill in fighting she can not help but feel sorry for the fact that she could offer no assistance with the fight. Returning slowly she stands a bit away from the rest of the group. She keeps he head bowed. Apon hearing the order to move she immediately begins packing up anything she might find wanting to be as helpful as possible and also knowing the many reasons for leaving a camp the way you found it.

[artemi]

Following after the group, Deus looked around at the sky above. He had never even seen a dragon, let alone faced one in combat. He had heard that his distant ancestors were related to those great beasts, but he was not willing to test the family ties tonight.

Shivering in wonder of what else he might see in his journey, he grabbed his pack and set off, following the group. Seeing Mi'ia's distress, he moved over towards her, dropping one hand on her shoulder. He leaned in close, a toothy smile on his face. "Do not worry, little one. You shall have your chance to prove your worth soon enough. Perhaps the next fight shall last a little longer..."

He stepped back then, giving her a little space. He knew that some species were rather particular about their space, and could not help but wonder if Mowershians were one of them.

[celest]

After making one final check to make sure the old rest site was well covered, Kiley ran to catch up with the group. Still keeping her head down she followed behind the group watching the others. She wished to say something but dind't know what. She felt as if she had nothing to say after running from the battle.

Feeling unsure about her self, she pulled from under her shirt her small crystal pendulem. She held it in her fingers for a moment before removing the necklace from her neck. Taking a moment to stand still she stopped and let the pendulem hang at the full length of the chain. She watched carefully to see what gidence the crystal would give, if any, as it glistened slightly in the light.

[sagetim]

As Pol follows the others on the trek he notices Kiley's downtrodden appearance. He makes his way over to her and places his hand on her shoulder, " everything alright there?"

[celest]

Startled for a moment at Pol's sudden apperance she lifts her gaze from her crystal. "I'm sorry, I am lagging behind. I only wanted to see if I was heading in the right path." She places the chain back around her neck and tucks the pendelum back into her shirt. "I only wish that I had been able to serve some purpose in the battle, instead of fleeing like I did. I have no battle skills like the rest of you. I was never taught to fight. I have no weapons and no magic ready for battle." She sighs. "Because if this I wonder if I am in the right place. I am different than everyone else in this one way and wonder if it will only cause to hinder the rest of you."

[Lylie]

mi'ia looks ups and see that it was deus that had spoken to her. she lags back a little to talk to him.

"its not that i want to prove my worth. its that i was not being rude when i had stated that we needed to be going. it is common for the mowershians to say that when it is time to leave."

she walked along side him, lost in her own thoughts.

[eunhathes]

Tia eventually fell behind to speak with Pol, only to find him already conversing with a quiet type person. Hearing the woman's words, and replied, "Do not worry, friend. Each of us has a path. We walk it in the hopes of finding Pantheon. If you felt your path was to join the Order, then most likely you are right." She smiled and faced the sun, beaming like a giant beckoning eye in the heavens. "A Scholar once told me that the Willow does not discriminate the paths of the Mortals. Instead, she allows them to choose their path." Her eyes, rich blue in hue, opened and looked directly at Kiley. They bespoke the optimism and hope of her faith. "I think we have all chosen well."

[sagetim]

As Tia finishes Pol nods, " I couldn't have put it better myself ". Turning back to Kylie he says, " just keep in mind, that whatever path you choose in life, you will accomplish something. Even things that seem insignificant at the time can have an incredible impact later on. So whatever your skills may be, I am sure that they will be helpful. " after he says this Pol pulls foreward a bit, tucks his arms into his sleeves and begins staring off into space. heh, doling out words like that, maybe I should have become a guru instead of an exorcist. hehehe, ahh....but then who knows if I would have met these people. had I chosen another path, or even slightly changed a single thing in my life, what consequences could that have had.

[celest]

She smiles. "You're right. Thank you. I suppose I'm still not used to being able to choose my own destiny. Before it was always choosen for me." She looks up to the sky. "I suppose there is still time for me to learn as well." she breathes in deeply. "It is all very new to me."

[eunhathes]

The road wound long and arduous here and there. By nightfall, the party arrived at their destination. Though no camp was set up, everyone felt oddly at ease with Jaya around.

Once camp had been set up and a meal on the way, Jaya finally spoke aloud. "I know we have many Supplicants here with us. Please, introduce yourselves." Her voice echoed sincerity. She noted each individual name as they were spoken to her. When the introductions were finished she said, "I am Jaya Killard, Grandmaster Mage of the Order. Though I am a Grandmaster, I expect you not be timid. We in the Order each pull equally in our endeavors." She smiled as if anticipating the arrival of an old friend. "Someday soon, you shall all be Constants of the Order. Do you know the Dream?" She listened for each response. Even in their inexperience, they should at least have had some idea of the Dream. "Listen closely, my friends, for this is the Dream as it is written and told by Her Mercy, the Holy Willow.

The Three-Fold Dream of the Willow

[/b]

In the deeply serene hours of the morn of the world, I walked across the Ether, divining the final words of wisdom to the mortals. Even in this moment, the world seemed to me frail and simplistic. Without the light I had brought, this world of Citadel was doomed to irrevocable darkness. Yet I knew then of no way to bring this light to the world.

As the Dawn ended and the First Age, the Age of the Dreaming began, we of Pantheon slumbered, aloof to the concerns of the world we had made. It was during this time that I dreamed of the goal. This dream, this express goal, I will elaborate.

It was dark and dim around me. Seeing that here there was a void, I filled it with my essence. When this was done, the mortals came. They came one race at a time, to behold me and contemplate my meaning. When the first day had faded to the first night, I had explained my reason for coming. A single man stood before me. He had a sword across his back, and his hair was wild and dark, his eyes shone fiery and bright. He asked me "What, then, is the purpose of this existence?"

I looked into his eyes, and understood that he did not see the reasoning Pantheon had used for creating Citadel. I tried to explain, "Words have long held the will of Pantheon. In this alone, faith is tested by the deities. The reason to be is to exist."

He wrinkled his face in confusion. He did not understand. "Then, we would live an empty existence, bored and uninspired. What beauty could there be in that, Willow?"

I saw this wisdom, and I realized; He was correct. Without purpose, without reason, there was nothing giving these mortals hope. Quickly I thought that if mortals were given purpose and meaning, that they would then persist to seek this meaning. "Child," I said to him, "Know that the answer to your question is locked in Citadel itself. You must seek it to learn it."

He nodded in affirmation, but then was perplexed again. "Then our only purpose is to seek this truth hidden in reality? Why then are we each different? Surely there would be no need for masses of people."

This man's vast knowledge and wisdom intrigued me. I felt very close to him in that instant. I looked again into his eyes, and saw a glimmer in them. I replied, "My dear child, each soul bears its own path, its own truth and trials. To seek it, you must actively look for it. It may be neither simple nor comforting. But it must be traveled."

He raised his eyebrow. "So each path is narrow and hard, and each is different. Why would we look for it? If it will not be simple, then why would we try? It does seem pointless."

I saw the relevancy in this question. "To learn one's path is to understand the will of Pantheon. Acknowledging this will, one may be reborn to follow a different path. Thus, may we all walk the paths eventually, and learn the truth of Citadel." I smiled at him. "And then you may rejoin the Pantheon. This will reveal the truth of Pantheon and Citadel."

Finally, he crossed his arms and peered into the stars, splayed like diamonds on black velvet. He spoke after a moment of silence. "So we must seek this truth on our own? Or will you help us understand?"

His question struck me at that moment. I had no answer for I had not intended to take any affairs in the world of Citadel. I stared at him for what seemed an ceaseless amount of time. When finally I had thought I had an answer for him, we of the Pantheon had awakened. The Age of Dreaming was over.

I took to the Pantheon the dream I had. They listened and agreed that the mortals indeed had to have a purpose. Without it, the had not progressed far out of the Age of Dreaming. We decided to place in Citadel the Three-Fold Dream. Mortals exist to hold faith in their world. This faith is used to walk their path. This path is used to reunite with the Pantheon.

During the Second Age, the Age of Completement, I walked on the world, teaching the ways of the Order. These ways are designed to help all who will hear the path to follow without fail and aquire the knowledge of truth. It was during my travels in Citadel that I discovered the man from my dream. He told me his name was Aranas, and he found that the path had become his only meaning. He expressed a desire to serve me, protect me, and defend my dream. After lengthy discussion, the foundations of the Order had been placed into records.[/size][/quote]

When Jala finished, the air grew quiet. Two of the moons had come out and played high in the evening sky. Crisp and clear, the stars burned infintely far from the Supplicants. At peace, but so small, the Grandmaster looked at each Supplicant in turn. "Our path is to further the Dream, to help others who would want helped. Long ago, we learned not to impede upon other's paths. Each is our own to walk. Without the free choices that Pantheon has given us, we would cease to be Mortals." She stood and cast her gaze to Eidram, the Extant Moon. "But I suppose I have spoken enough tonight. Good evening, my friends. Get some sleep; We must journey through the canyons tomorrow." With that she turned and ventured off to her tent, leaving each of the members of the Order to their own devices.

Mehm prepared her gear for the morning, sharpening every blade and polishing her armor. Freel simply smoked a pipe by the firelight. Minaret studied out of a decrepit looking book. The Knight, who had introduced himself to Jaya as Kraln Massaed, began to stroll out towards the brush, almost as if to retrive firewood for the evening.

Tia Tashine sat beside Mehm Ryth, determined to make conversation. Mehm, who now had food in her stomach and relative safety, was more open to chatter. They talked at length of weapons and theology; of war and peace. In Mehm, Tia believed she had found a mentor.

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OOC: This is a good time for Celest to introduce her character. Also, if your character is doing anything of particular note this evening, post it. Otherwise, morning comes next post. =]

[celest]

Kiley sat for a moment thinking of the story she had heard. "Mortals exist to hold faith in their world. This faith is used to walk their path. This path is used to reunite with the Pantheon." she repeated quietly to herself. She pulled the glove from her hand and stared at the tattoo. "Am I a seer?" she asked herself, "or something else?" She stood and again took the her pendulem form her neck. She watched the steady swing to see where it pointed. Slowly the swing came into a rythum as it pointed towards her. "Back?" she questioned as she turned away from the group. Still it pointed to her. "No" she smiled and let the crystal drop. "You point to me. The answer is inside me." She looked up atthe moons in the sky. Thinking again of the story of the dream she spoke softly "The answer is locked in Citadel," she looked back at the group, "my answer lies in me."

She smiled as a new wisdom came over her. She walked over to Jaya's tent and stood outside it, "We are Citadel. All mortals, everywhere, are Citadel" she whispered smiling. She walked over to the fire, and watched it. She had once been taught to watch the fire and it's smoke of omens and signs of the future. For the first time she notice the plain beauty of the flame it's self.

She looked at the memebrs of the group and spoke out. "I apologize for not introducing myself before. My name is Kiley Forrest." she bowed slightly to the group as she whispered to herself. "I am whatever I want to be."

[artemi]

Deus lay on his back, watching the sky above. It seemed that his path was much deeper then he thought it would be. 'Hold faith in the world... to walk our path. And our path is to help others on their journey...?'

Absently toying with a rock he had found next to him, he brought it up to his face, staring at it intently. 'Faith with the world...?'

Looking back at the cool night stars, he noticed that the rock looked... small, as if it's strength did not matter. And yet... 'You persist, even if no one notices...'

He rolled over onto his side, large hand idly trailing through the grass. There was truth to be had, here... But... '...Truth? What is truth? What am I trying to find, here?'

Holding up the rock, he dropped it back to the ground, watching the light scatter off of it as it fell. A brief life of color and movement, then a crunch as it met its end on the hard ground. 'But, even then... support for others that tred.'

Watching the horizon dip into the darkness of night, he furrowed his brow, deep in thought. 'Truth, life, support... Is truth the helping of others? Is... life supporting life?'

Shaking his head, he sighed. Perhaps it was not yet time to know his path; only to know things he would expect to see on it. 'One day, I shall know... I only hope it will not be too late...'