Malvynis not quite sure what the priest is doing. It doesn't seem to be malevolent. Nor especially directed towards Mei.
Again, Meigets the sense of something moving but also nothing specifically that she sees is moving. Malvyncan see the same, but that's it.
Immediately Mei'svision shifts. For a brief moment she is in some unknown location. Wilderness, but rocky, or maybe underground? It's a bit unclear. But she can distinctly see a snarl - a large and luminous one. And there is a feminine form that seems to drink from the energy of it. The form is indistinct, clearly feminine but with no other real features. This moment passes quickly though, and Meiis back to the little clearing, the dim lantern light, and the feeling that whatever was moving has gone past her.
And Meifeels awake! Like really awake - as though she just had the best, most restful sleep of her life. And she is full of energy too. It might be a bit unusual for her, but there is nothing unnatural feeling about it.
The purple-skinned tiefling stays hidden, just watching for now, his worry turning into curiosity over what is really going on with this nightly gathering.
Guardok gratefully accepts the drink from the waitress and takes a glug.
"Well, it was obviously a very successful day for Strixhaven. The team was amazing, especially Zanther, Conys, Brenda and Ipatix. But I had a little success of my own as well", he says with a broad smile.
"I think I might have done even better, but the judges at the competition are less interested in the performance and more in technical. I might have played a little to the crowd in the early events, rather than focusses on nailing my routine", he says a little sheepishly. "But I adapted, and managed to get third place on the parallel bars. That was my first medal, a bronze", he adds proudly.
"But there was better to come with my floor routine", he says, and starts to tell a detailed and very animated account of his floor routine. "And that's what got me the silver medal!", he ends with a flourish.
"Not bad for my first competition, if I say so myself", he says with a proud smile.
I saw--was that..? And the snarl, how did she..? Mei thinks as her surroundings become clear again. She's sorting through the vision, her mind more clear than it's been since her sixth birthday, as a crystalline awareness sinks in.
"Oh. Oh!" she exclaims, then covers her mouth in case the ritual was not yet over. Tears prickle hotly at the back of her eyes as the heavy fog that's lingered over her her whole life is lifted. The sensation of being truly rested feels nothing short of a miracle, like waking from a slumber that lasted not nights, but lifetimes, and the flood of clarity and energy is almost overwhelming. She's hit by a desire to do something with it, to seize this rare gift, but wills herself still until the ceremony is finished. Which is no small task given she feels every bit a snarl herself--full of raw energy and possibility.
"Thank you, Disyn," she whispers in awe and gratitude.
Malvyncan see that Meidoes react to whatever has happened. Her exclamation then covering her mouth is obvious as she looks about, with a clear energy. He cannot tell though if she is in any distress - she doesn't seem to be. One of the other women steps close to Mei.
With her new clarity, Mei has a moment to think about what she saw. But it gives her little additional insight. The form was... perhaps not obscured or blurred though. It was not the same as other visions where things were cloudy. The feminine form she saw perhaps was featureless. Quickly though she is interrupted by Kira. "Are you alright?" She is really close, but there is something in her eyes that tells you she shares the same clear-headed energy that you just felt. "Did you feel Disyn's touch? It is wonderful, don't you think?"
Slowly, Meialso starts to take in her surroundings more. The dim light now seems almost dazzling and even much of the darkness of the place almost looks light it is lit.
(Mechanically, you have Darkvision. And you do not receive Exhaustion from lack of sleep as long as you rest 2 hours in a 48-hour period.)
"Amazing!" Rubina replies to Guardok. "That is a great performance for your first competition." She lifts her glass, "Congratulations, and here's to having the same success in your first theater performance!" Quentillius raises his drink as well. "I am sure our play will be fabulous!"
After the toast, Quentillius continues. "It is nice to hear that our other Strixhaven folks were successful as well. Strange though that being entertaining didn't earn you more points - what is the purpose of doing it if not to delight the crowd?" Rubina gives a grin. "Well, they are trying to meet athletic performance criteria. Not everything is about entertainment." Quentillius seems to scoff at her remark.
Guardok blushes, his stone skin flushing a little purple. He raises his own glass back to Rubina and Quentillius and takes a drink.
"It is a hard concept for entertainers like us to wrap our heads around, that is for sure", he replies. "But Rubina is right, it is about perfect execution according to their rules. Much like you practice lines to make sure you emphasise exactly the right words within a sentence for the most impact, Quentillius. Or making sure our timing is on point. Those subtleties can make a big difference to a gymnastics score just like they can change the nature of a scene".
"And the feeling you get when you achieve that perfect execution is quite euphoric".
Malvyn stays hidden, relieved that the oracle seems to be alright, although he is not ready to cease his secret vigil until she is safely back at the hotel.
"Hmm, I see your point," Quentillius concedes. "I suppose the audience is not always sophisticated enough to understand all that goes into a performance and what makes an exceptional experience." He nods. "I will have to remember that."
Rubina again grins at Quentillius' comments, quickly drinking more from her glass. "Whatever the case, a fine performance Guardok. I hope you might have a competition closer to Strixhaven. Perhaps some of the rest of us would be to see you."
(HOLY MOLY! So cool! Is this something that lasts only until her next long rest or indefinitely?)
Mei rubs at her eyes, blinking in awe at the illuminated darkness. "I-It's... oh, it's amazing!" she replies. "Everything is so clear! And I feel so--so... awake!" The oracle takes Kira's hands and jumps up and down. "I don't feel tired at all! Do you always feel like this? I feel like I could do... a-anything! Everything!"
Kira grins, "Always? Well, I have felt invigorated by the goddess' blessing ever since I started honoring her." In response to Mei's question, she goes on. "You can thank her by keeping up prayers to her," the woman says, a smile on her face as she sees your reaction. "And of course, you should continue to attend these various ceremonies to honor Disyn and continue to receive her blessings."
Malvyn can see Mei grabbing the unknown woman's hands and jumping up and down. But he can't make out the words.
(OOC - As for how long... you'll just have to see!)
"Thanks", Guardok replies taking another drink. "I did feel bad that my floor mates had to travel so far to watch me. I hope they are making the most out of the trip. I would have stayed longer with them if not for the play".
A yawn escapes his mouth, which he covers with the back of his hand.
"It's been a busy day and I am starting to flag. I might not last long this evening".
The purple-skinned tiefling takes note of the jumping oracle, drawing a smile to his face. It seemed that whatever was going on it made Mei excited and grateful, making the tiefling less worried but all the more curious of what was going on. Still he stays in hiding, his fiery red eyes attentively following what would happen next.
Mei looks down at Kira's hands as she releases them. "Oh, stars, w-well... I'll be leaving to go back to Strixhaven tomor--er, †oday. Does she have, um, followers there?" she asks. Then her eyes go wide. "Ah! Dryad's sake, I lost track of time! I should probably get back to our hotel before I worry my friends, too!"
In a worried rush fueled by her new energy, she continues, "Is there a way to hold a ceremony myself? Should I pray a certain way too? You don't have a brochure or, or... a guide by any chance do you?"
"Strixhaven? Oh..." Kira replies to Mei, clearly surprised by the news. "As far as I know, Disyn only has followers here in Silkmeadow. Our ceremonies are always in groups. We would have invited you to our next sunrise celebration. And there's the sunset gatherings. And... I'm not sure." Looking about a moment. She seems worried, almost panicked. "Um, yea, there is a small booklet of prayers to Disyn. I... I can get that for you. Just a moment."
She steps away and speaks one of the other men. She then comes back with the little book, perhaps 5 or 6 pages. "You can say these yourself. I... perhaps you can return sometime? We'll try and figure out a solution to you being so distant. There must be something. Disyn can provide an answer!"
Malvynagain observes all this, not hearing the words. But it is clear Meiis a bit worried, and the other woman seems a bit worried as well.
Rubina shakes her head as Guardokyawns. "Well, understandable. Gymnastics meet in Silkmeadow. Then back to play rehearsals here at Strixhaven. I guess we should have been more understanding." Quentillius scoffs. "Bah! We had to celebrate the genasi's accomplishments. We're hardly dragging him out to all hours of the night." Rubina sighs subtly. "Well, in any case, perhaps we ought to finish up these drinks and get Guardok back to his room."
Mei again sees that featureless woman from her vision. "I'll d-do my best," she says, clutching the book against her chest as she hugs Kira. "Thank you. For your kindness and guidance." She pulls back and regards the other woman. "I know the threads led me to you for a reason."
With one last little hug, Mei bids the group farewell then bows deeply to the lantern. She places her favorite sketching pencil at the altar as a thank you--an offering?--before scurrying out of the clearing. She pays little attention, however, to the route she takes back, her nose buried in the prayer book as she reads it over. Something she would not have been able to do in the dark just minutes before.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Malvyn quietly follows the petite oracle, don't wanting to disturn her reading but watching over her from some distance, hoping she is finally returning to the hotel.
As Mei walks, there are some sounds behind her. (OOC - Up to you whether you notice as you are reading.) Malvyn can see that the purple-headed girl is more focused on whatever she is reading rather than walking. There are no other complications as you go, with both eventually ending up at the inn.
Rubina smiles when Guardok says he'll stay for one more drink. "Excellent! What are you drinking? That last drink is on my as congratulations for your gymastics performance." She signals for the waitress to come over, asking for more drinks.
Quentillius says, "Not sure when Aurora performs. Doesn't seem she's made it back yet."
Rubina then replies about the band. "Yes, we have a performance coming up next weekend! I hope you will come see us play."
"I had quite forgotten", Guardok replies to Rubina with a grin that shows that was not true at all. "I will take a Frost Fire, please".
"Next weekend", he then exclaims. "So it your turn to be extra busy then. What with the play and the band performance. I remember you saying you have to rush between the two now. Let us know if we can help", he says, feeling a bit of deja vu as he offers help. Had he offered that before, he wonders.
"And of course I will come and see you".
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Malvyn is not quite sure what the priest is doing. It doesn't seem to be malevolent. Nor especially directed towards Mei.
Again, Mei gets the sense of something moving but also nothing specifically that she sees is moving. Malvyn can see the same, but that's it.
Immediately Mei's vision shifts. For a brief moment she is in some unknown location. Wilderness, but rocky, or maybe underground? It's a bit unclear. But she can distinctly see a snarl - a large and luminous one. And there is a feminine form that seems to drink from the energy of it. The form is indistinct, clearly feminine but with no other real features. This moment passes quickly though, and Mei is back to the little clearing, the dim lantern light, and the feeling that whatever was moving has gone past her.
And Mei feels awake! Like really awake - as though she just had the best, most restful sleep of her life. And she is full of energy too. It might be a bit unusual for her, but there is nothing unnatural feeling about it.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
The purple-skinned tiefling stays hidden, just watching for now, his worry turning into curiosity over what is really going on with this nightly gathering.
Guardok gratefully accepts the drink from the waitress and takes a glug.
"Well, it was obviously a very successful day for Strixhaven. The team was amazing, especially Zanther, Conys, Brenda and Ipatix. But I had a little success of my own as well", he says with a broad smile.
"I think I might have done even better, but the judges at the competition are less interested in the performance and more in technical. I might have played a little to the crowd in the early events, rather than focusses on nailing my routine", he says a little sheepishly. "But I adapted, and managed to get third place on the parallel bars. That was my first medal, a bronze", he adds proudly.
"But there was better to come with my floor routine", he says, and starts to tell a detailed and very animated account of his floor routine. "And that's what got me the silver medal!", he ends with a flourish.
"Not bad for my first competition, if I say so myself", he says with a proud smile.
I saw--was that..? And the snarl, how did she..? Mei thinks as her surroundings become clear again. She's sorting through the vision, her mind more clear than it's been since her sixth birthday, as a crystalline awareness sinks in.
"Oh. Oh!" she exclaims, then covers her mouth in case the ritual was not yet over. Tears prickle hotly at the back of her eyes as the heavy fog that's lingered over her her whole life is lifted. The sensation of being truly rested feels nothing short of a miracle, like waking from a slumber that lasted not nights, but lifetimes, and the flood of clarity and energy is almost overwhelming. She's hit by a desire to do something with it, to seize this rare gift, but wills herself still until the ceremony is finished. Which is no small task given she feels every bit a snarl herself--full of raw energy and possibility.
"Thank you, Disyn," she whispers in awe and gratitude.
Malvyn can see that Mei does react to whatever has happened. Her exclamation then covering her mouth is obvious as she looks about, with a clear energy. He cannot tell though if she is in any distress - she doesn't seem to be. One of the other women steps close to Mei.
With her new clarity, Mei has a moment to think about what she saw. But it gives her little additional insight. The form was... perhaps not obscured or blurred though. It was not the same as other visions where things were cloudy. The feminine form she saw perhaps was featureless. Quickly though she is interrupted by Kira. "Are you alright?" She is really close, but there is something in her eyes that tells you she shares the same clear-headed energy that you just felt. "Did you feel Disyn's touch? It is wonderful, don't you think?"
Slowly, Mei also starts to take in her surroundings more. The dim light now seems almost dazzling and even much of the darkness of the place almost looks light it is lit.
(Mechanically, you have Darkvision. And you do not receive Exhaustion from lack of sleep as long as you rest 2 hours in a 48-hour period.)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"Amazing!" Rubina replies to Guardok. "That is a great performance for your first competition." She lifts her glass, "Congratulations, and here's to having the same success in your first theater performance!" Quentillius raises his drink as well. "I am sure our play will be fabulous!"
After the toast, Quentillius continues. "It is nice to hear that our other Strixhaven folks were successful as well. Strange though that being entertaining didn't earn you more points - what is the purpose of doing it if not to delight the crowd?" Rubina gives a grin. "Well, they are trying to meet athletic performance criteria. Not everything is about entertainment." Quentillius seems to scoff at her remark.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Guardok blushes, his stone skin flushing a little purple. He raises his own glass back to Rubina and Quentillius and takes a drink.
"It is a hard concept for entertainers like us to wrap our heads around, that is for sure", he replies. "But Rubina is right, it is about perfect execution according to their rules. Much like you practice lines to make sure you emphasise exactly the right words within a sentence for the most impact, Quentillius. Or making sure our timing is on point. Those subtleties can make a big difference to a gymnastics score just like they can change the nature of a scene".
"And the feeling you get when you achieve that perfect execution is quite euphoric".
Malvyn stays hidden, relieved that the oracle seems to be alright, although he is not ready to cease his secret vigil until she is safely back at the hotel.
"Hmm, I see your point," Quentillius concedes. "I suppose the audience is not always sophisticated enough to understand all that goes into a performance and what makes an exceptional experience." He nods. "I will have to remember that."
Rubina again grins at Quentillius' comments, quickly drinking more from her glass. "Whatever the case, a fine performance Guardok. I hope you might have a competition closer to Strixhaven. Perhaps some of the rest of us would be to see you."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
(HOLY MOLY! So cool! Is this something that lasts only until her next long rest or indefinitely?)
Mei rubs at her eyes, blinking in awe at the illuminated darkness. "I-It's... oh, it's amazing!" she replies. "Everything is so clear! And I feel so--so... awake!" The oracle takes Kira's hands and jumps up and down. "I don't feel tired at all! Do you always feel like this? I feel like I could do... a-anything! Everything!"
"How can I thank her for this?"
Kira grins, "Always? Well, I have felt invigorated by the goddess' blessing ever since I started honoring her." In response to Mei's question, she goes on. "You can thank her by keeping up prayers to her," the woman says, a smile on her face as she sees your reaction. "And of course, you should continue to attend these various ceremonies to honor Disyn and continue to receive her blessings."
Malvyn can see Mei grabbing the unknown woman's hands and jumping up and down. But he can't make out the words.
(OOC - As for how long... you'll just have to see!)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"Thanks", Guardok replies taking another drink. "I did feel bad that my floor mates had to travel so far to watch me. I hope they are making the most out of the trip. I would have stayed longer with them if not for the play".
A yawn escapes his mouth, which he covers with the back of his hand.
"It's been a busy day and I am starting to flag. I might not last long this evening".
The purple-skinned tiefling takes note of the jumping oracle, drawing a smile to his face. It seemed that whatever was going on it made Mei excited and grateful, making the tiefling less worried but all the more curious of what was going on. Still he stays in hiding, his fiery red eyes attentively following what would happen next.
Mei looks down at Kira's hands as she releases them. "Oh, stars, w-well... I'll be leaving to go back to Strixhaven tomor--er, †oday. Does she have, um, followers there?" she asks. Then her eyes go wide. "Ah! Dryad's sake, I lost track of time! I should probably get back to our hotel before I worry my friends, too!"
In a worried rush fueled by her new energy, she continues, "Is there a way to hold a ceremony myself? Should I pray a certain way too? You don't have a brochure or, or... a guide by any chance do you?"
"Strixhaven? Oh..." Kira replies to Mei, clearly surprised by the news. "As far as I know, Disyn only has followers here in Silkmeadow. Our ceremonies are always in groups. We would have invited you to our next sunrise celebration. And there's the sunset gatherings. And... I'm not sure." Looking about a moment. She seems worried, almost panicked. "Um, yea, there is a small booklet of prayers to Disyn. I... I can get that for you. Just a moment."
She steps away and speaks one of the other men. She then comes back with the little book, perhaps 5 or 6 pages. "You can say these yourself. I... perhaps you can return sometime? We'll try and figure out a solution to you being so distant. There must be something. Disyn can provide an answer!"
Malvyn again observes all this, not hearing the words. But it is clear Mei is a bit worried, and the other woman seems a bit worried as well.
Rubina shakes her head as Guardok yawns. "Well, understandable. Gymnastics meet in Silkmeadow. Then back to play rehearsals here at Strixhaven. I guess we should have been more understanding." Quentillius scoffs. "Bah! We had to celebrate the genasi's accomplishments. We're hardly dragging him out to all hours of the night." Rubina sighs subtly. "Well, in any case, perhaps we ought to finish up these drinks and get Guardok back to his room."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Mei again sees that featureless woman from her vision. "I'll d-do my best," she says, clutching the book against her chest as she hugs Kira. "Thank you. For your kindness and guidance." She pulls back and regards the other woman. "I know the threads led me to you for a reason."
With one last little hug, Mei bids the group farewell then bows deeply to the lantern. She places her favorite sketching pencil at the altar as a thank you--an offering?--before scurrying out of the clearing. She pays little attention, however, to the route she takes back, her nose buried in the prayer book as she reads it over. Something she would not have been able to do in the dark just minutes before.
"I think I have one more drink in me", Guardok says jovially as he stifles a yawn. "But after that a good nights sleep sounds just the thing".
"We should at least stay for one of Aurora's songs", he adds. "Speaking of which, you're in the band right, Rubina? Any performances coming up?"
Malvyn quietly follows the petite oracle, don't wanting to disturn her reading but watching over her from some distance, hoping she is finally returning to the hotel.
Stealth: 19
As Mei walks, there are some sounds behind her. (OOC - Up to you whether you notice as you are reading.) Malvyn can see that the purple-headed girl is more focused on whatever she is reading rather than walking. There are no other complications as you go, with both eventually ending up at the inn.
Rubina smiles when Guardok says he'll stay for one more drink. "Excellent! What are you drinking? That last drink is on my as congratulations for your gymastics performance." She signals for the waitress to come over, asking for more drinks.
Quentillius says, "Not sure when Aurora performs. Doesn't seem she's made it back yet."
Rubina then replies about the band. "Yes, we have a performance coming up next weekend! I hope you will come see us play."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"I had quite forgotten", Guardok replies to Rubina with a grin that shows that was not true at all. "I will take a Frost Fire, please".
"Next weekend", he then exclaims. "So it your turn to be extra busy then. What with the play and the band performance. I remember you saying you have to rush between the two now. Let us know if we can help", he says, feeling a bit of deja vu as he offers help. Had he offered that before, he wonders.
"And of course I will come and see you".