Aoide's Geasa
4/26/2011: Notes - Prior to this event, Aoide had already received The Spider's Mark.
A Midnight Garden
Exit Vnums: South: 04692.
[Exits: south]
The breathtaking loveliness of a midnight shadowed garden embraces you. The
night sky is filled with stars... no, not stars, but strands of light which
shimmer at the edges of sight. The soft call of unseen birds provides sweet
melody to please the ear and the low hoot of an owl echoes out of the trees,
only to be answered by the harsh, mocking scream of a carrion crow. A thick
tangle of web-shrouded crimson briar roses marks the boundaries of the area
and every conceivable variety of flower blooms within, despite the darkness.
At the center of the garden lies an ornate multi-tiered fountain, ebon fire
lighting the cascades from within. Benches have been placed invitingly in a
semi-circle around the stone basin of the fountain, set just inside a thick
band of mithril.
(White Aura) A distressingly large, shiny black spider weaves webs here.
Katrana slowly walks out of a chaotic burst of light, a bone-white hound following closely behind.
Aoide arrives from the south.
Aoide smiles happily.
Aoide says (in common), 'the every opening door!'.
Katrana grins Wyldly.
Katrana says, 'Thank you for making haste my bardling.'.
Aoide curtseys gracefully.
Aoide says (in common), 'always for either of you, but definitely for both'.
You say, 'Welcome, Bard.'.
Katrana nods.
Aoide says (in common), 'hello lady Weaver'.
The Guardian Spider regards you.
Aoide says (in common), 'and Guardian'.
The spider dips its thorax in a semblance of a bow.
Aoide nods to the Guardian Spider.
Katrana says, 'My dear, the Pattern has several truths regarding you...'.
Katrana says, 'Your present and future intrigues me...Wyld you are yes, but also...not.'.
The Wyldess steps to Aoide and snatches her wrist quickly.
Katrana says, 'As I'm sure you've noticed'.
Katrana raises an eyebrow.
Aoide says (in common), 'yes, it would have been difficult not to'.
Katrana giggles Wyldly.
Aoide says (in common), 'this duality has been a source of consideration for me for some time'.
Katrana nods.
Katrana looks slowly to the Weaver, the color within her eyes shifting.
Aoide says (in common), 'plus that I am still young and unsteady in my own self'.
Katrana says, 'You have noticed her Thread as well Sister?'.
Cordir nods slightly.
Katrana nods slowly.
Katrana says, 'I also had one marked by our Silent Sister...'.
Katrana says, 'Interesting times...chaotic times we are in.'.
Katrana says, 'Alas, I am always getting distracted...back to the task.'.
Aoide smiles happily.
Katrana giggles Wyldly and turns to Aoide before turning solemn.
Cordir says (in old-common), 'I have been expecting something like this.'
Katrana raises an eyebrow at you.
Cordir says (in old-common), 'There have been Cycles, when Three were embodied in One.'
Cordir says (in old-common), 'And times, that Three were Three.'
Katrana says, 'This is true.'.
Cordir says (in old-common), 'During such transitions, more often than not, mortals seem to take up some of those Aspects.'
Katrana nods slowly, as if in thought.
Her lips twitch in what - on anyone else - you might think was a smile.
Cordir says (in old-common), 'Almost as if the Incarna ... seep outward. Spilling over, when transitioning between states.'
Katrana nods.
Katrana says, 'The Pattern will weave as it will...This is something you taught me as a mortal Sister.'.
Katrana says, 'Very interesting times...indeed.'.
Katrana says, 'The Pattern...the Incarna...the emergence of some old ways.'.
Cordir nods slightly. 'Where, then, is Wyrm?'
Katrana whispers...in the most shocking of Threads....
Katrana looks to her Sister.
Katrana says, 'My Avatar.'.
Cordir arches an eyebrow inquisitively.
Katrana says, 'Has shown the Wyrm's Blessing.'.
Cordir tilts Her head to one side, lost in thought a moment.
You say (in old-common), 'Very well.'.
Aoide says (in common), 'what a Wyld wyrm he will be'.
Katrana says, 'He wishes to Teach, and gain Knowledge...'.
You say (in old-common), 'His name?'.
Katrana says, 'Tagnik.'.
Katrana says, 'I believe you saw in the Pattern the events that occurred the night...Sagan and Ashendarei merged. Rebirth, in some form.'.
You nod.
Katrana shakes her head as if confused.
Katrana says, 'He quests for the Wyrm now.'.
Katrana says, 'As for you my bardling.'.
Katrana says, 'It has been foretold, that you shall take upon Geasa.'.
Aoide nods solemnly.
Katrana says, 'This ritual, favored by my Sister and once a requirement to enter the Chosen of Fate, is one NOT to be taken lightly.'.
Katrana says, 'In my mortal existence I took upon four Geasa. I remember them to this day.'.
Katrana says, 'Learn of hometowns and new areas.'.
Katrana says, 'Try to rid myself of a horrid nickname, through kindness.'.
Katrana blushes -slightly-.
Katrana says, 'Never kill one who is enslaved.'.
Katrana says, 'Quest to find my true self.'.
Katrana slowly looks to her ever bloodied shears.
Katrana says, 'Aoide, Geasa are a promise, an oath that is to be followed, to be honored at all times.'.
Aoide nods.
Aoide says (in common), 'I understand'.
Katrana says, 'Being of the Wyld as well, you will at times find it extremely difficult to keep an oath. '.
Aoide says (in common), 'since we last spoke, I have been living as though already sworn'.
Katrana says, 'As a lava flow running into the ocean...you may yourself struggling with your own fire and water...'.
The Guardian Spider shifts restlessly, glancing at both the Bard and Weaver.
Aoide says (in common), 'in order to prepare myself'.
Katrana raises an eyebrow.
Aoide nods.
Katrana says, 'My dear, do you wish to speak your Geasa in front of those present? And are you prepared to give them?'.
Aoide says (in common), 'I do not expect them to be easy'.
Hano arrives from the south.
Hano gives a spell score to Aoide.
Aoide says (in common), 'yes, I am prepared and I do wish, if it is your collective desires'.
Hano gives Aoide some gold.
Hano hugs himself in a vain attempt to get friendship.
Hano rests.
Aoide blinks.
Katrana raises an eyebrow.
Aoide says (in common), 'well, I'm not sure about that one'.
Aoide says (in common), 'should he stay?'.
Hano says (in common), 'I'm just a fly on the wall, delivering scores and gold'.
Hano whistles a little tune to himself.
Cordir glances at the Elf.
Katrana says, 'If he can behave himself, and you do not mind.'.
Aoide says (in common), 'I have nothing to hide from him or any other'.
Aoide says (in common), 'lady Weaver?'.
Aoide says (in common), 'Guardian, what do you think? Can he be trusted?'.
Cordir finishes examining him.
Aoide looks at Hano.
The spider snorts inelegantly.
Aoide beams a smile at Hano.
Hano says (in common), 'i have to go anyway :P'.
Aoide laughs.
Hano stands up.
Cordir utters the words, 'teleport'.
Hano slowly fades out of existence.
Katrana claps excitedly.
Aoide says (in common), 'very well then'.
You say (in old-common), 'soggy... but alive.'.
Katrana blushes.
Katrana nods.
Aoide laughs.
Katrana looks disappointed.
Katrana sighs loudly.
Katrana says, 'Anyway...'.
Aoide clears her throat.
Katrana says, 'I believe it is only right that Guardian weaves the Geasa into the Pattern. And you bear Witness Sister...'.
Katrana says, 'Would that be acceptable?'.
Cordir nods gravely.
Aoide says (in common), 'very well. I am not certain how these things are normally done, so please correct me if I err.'.
Katrana says, 'My Wyld nature may...taint the Geasa.'.
Cordir nods to Aoide, gesturing for her to speak.
Aoide says (in common), 'I, Aoide Mathwin, Ebon Bardling of the Hunt, come bearing oaths'.
Aoide says (in common), 'In honor of the Wyrm and in the sight of her sisters...'.
Aoide says (in common), 'I vow to record my current and future knowledge as Scribe of the Hunt, including but not limited to:'.
Aoide says (in common), 'mob mastery, location quest, spell effects and bard details'.
Aoide says (in common), 'In the presence of the Weaver, I vow to speak no word that is not true.'.
You ponder the question.
You say (in old-common), 'And if the truth will bring *needless* cruelty and pain to others?'.
You say (in old-common), 'Will you simply speak it, and damn them?'.
Aoide says (in common), 'I have considered the cost to my following and others with this vow'.
Katrana nods.
Aoide says (in common), 'but seek to represent honesty and respectability as does the Weaver'.
Aoide says (in common), 'I believe that there will be ways to protect while still speaking truths'.
You nod.
Aoide says (in common), 'although if there is no other choice, I suppose I will have to accept the pain it will bring'.
Aoide says (in common), 'for do we not bring pain and suffering with our lies as well?'.
You nod.
You say (in old-common), 'Continue.'.
Aoide says (in common), 'and finally, in the presence of the Wyld...'.
Aoide says (in common), 'I vow to aid the Hunters in every means available, including observing and aiding the cutting of threads.'.
Katrana shear's run with crimson as she looks at Aoide.
You ponder the question.
You say (in old-common), 'Is that not already a command of your Lady?'.
Katrana gets a golden seal ring bearing the Sigil Odegra from a brooch of a hollow-eyed mask bearing stag horns.
You say (in old-common), 'Do hunters not already vow to aid one another?'.
Aoide says (in common), 'it is her command that we aid one another. It is her specific request that I learn and observe the Rebirth of those accross the realm'.
Aoide says (in common), 'for my natural tendency is to fear my corporal weakness'.
You nod.
Aoide says (in common), 'and aid my following in other ways'.
Katrana sits down and thinks deeply.
Cordir observes as two of the Wyld bay in the Hunt.
Aoide says (in common), 'After our discussion lady Weaver, I considered the weight of Geasa'.
Aoide says (in common), 'and do not wish to take my vows lightly'.
You nod.
You say (in old-common), 'Thus My questions.'.
You say (in old-common), 'to ensure that you have thought through the possible repercussions.'.
Aoide says (in common), 'there were some in the histories whose vows seemed...frivolous'.
You say (in old-common), 'There have been many who took them and discarded them as soon as the words left their mouths.'.
You say (in old-common), 'and others, who sought the easiest of paths.'.
Aoide nods.
Aoide says (in common), 'I believe that I have, but am willing to reconsider any which do not please either of you'.
Aoide says (in common), 'have considered the possibilities, that is'.
You say (in old-common), 'Then, there are those who made them a part of their very self.'.
Aoide says (in common), 'not forgotten them as soon as they were said'.
Aoide looks down at her feet, blushing.
Aoide nods.
You say (in old-common), 'Your vow for Wyrm -- you say you will make record: But will you vow to share it with your brothers and sisters?'.
Aoide says (in common), 'ah, I suppose that was left unsaid'.
Aoide says (in common), 'I suppose I will leave that up to my Goddess'.
Aoide says (in common), 'I will help those that ask, always'.
Katrana nods.
Aoide says (in common), 'even those not of my following with mobmasteries and such'.
Aoide says (in common), 'I believe it is a bard's duty'.
Aoide says (in common), 'as we know the realm better than most'.
You nod.
Aoide says (in common), 'and if she deems it acceptable, then yes, all of the Hunt may have what I know'.
Aoide says (in common), 'and if they, or I, fall short...'.
Aoide shudders from the sheer thought of it.
You say (in old-common), 'and for Wyld - so I assure my understanding - your vow is to *learn* and *practice* the ways of the Hunt? Pushing yourself into danger?'.
Aoide says (in common), 'I imagine we will have more to deal with than simply my lists'.
Aoide nods slowly.
Aoide says (in common), 'as I said, I intend to stretch myself'.
Aoide says (in common), 'when I asked to join the Hunt, I begged my lady accept me in my weakness'.
Aoide says (in common), 'and she did, allowing me to serve the following in other ways'.
Katrana says, 'That dear Sister...was a large....restraint of hers.'.
Aoide says (in common), 'however, things have changed'.
Katrana says, 'She fears Rebirth'.
Katrana says, 'Well feared rather.'.
Katrana says, 'She is working on that.'.
Aoide nods.
Aoide says (in common), 'but I will get better'.
Aoide says (in common), 'and what is Rebirth but simply that: a fresh spinning of the Pattern?'.
Aoide says (in common), 'others have taken vows of poverty in the past'.
Aoide says (in common), 'I find them to be restrictive to a bard's progress'.
Cordir tilts Her head to one side, afixing the Bard with a gaze of ebon emptiness.
Aoide says (in common), 'but in this way, I am releasing hold on any worldly possessions'.
You say (in old-common), 'In younger times, I would have fretted over you, watched constantly, to prevent that Rebirth.'.
Aoide says (in common), 'and also expanding my very self to encompass each aspect of the Triat'.
You say (in old-common), 'Now...'.
Aoide says (in common), 'as I am learning, without each aspect, a soul grows stale...or dangerous to itself'.
Cordir shrugs slightly. 'I am minded to kill you each and every time I see you, to help you embrace that Change.'
Aoide shudders from the sheer thought of it.
Katrana giggles Wyldly.
Aoide giggles.
You say (in old-common), 'What say you, Wyldess?'.
Aoide says (in common), 'I have also noticed the pkers of the realm grow soft'.
Aoide says (in common), 'perhaps I will fare better than expected'.
Katrana says, 'Well my apologies Sister, I'm a bit excited over the idea of the Rebirths.'.
Katrana says, 'Her Geasa were well thought out. They will be difficult to follow.'.
You say (in old-common), 'Did you grant permission for her to share her lore with her fellow Hunt?'.
Katrana sits down and thinks deeply.
You say (in old-common), 'I may have missed your answer.'.
Katrana says, 'She shall. And depending on Tagnik...they could work together to share that knowledge with the others. Should he succeed in his questing.'.
You say (in old-common), 'Then I accept and Witness these Geasa.'.
The spider nods.
Katrana nods.
Aoide cannot contain her pleasure. She is positively beaming.
Katrana says, 'Witnessed'.
You hear the spider's voice in your mind: *Witnessed*
Aoide says (in common), 'thank you, lady Wyld'.
Aoide says (in common), 'thank you, lady Wyrm'.
The spider tattoo upon the Bard's arm begins to shift once more, flowing upward.
Aoide blinks.
Aoide says (in common), 'thank you, lady Weaver'.
Aoide touches her arm, lost in thought.
It crawls the length of the Bard's arm, the sensation burning torment, until it pauses over her heart.
Aoide winces. Ouch!
Aoide holds her breath, waiting.
Katrana nods slowly in understanding...something very unlike her.
It shifts, orienting itself so that its gaze is turned upward, then falls quiescent.
Aoide releases her held breath.
Cordir glances down at Her scar-covered palm, the corners of Her mouth twitching slightly.
Cordir murmurs, 'One mark that doesn't have My blood in it.'
She glances over at the spider, reprovingly.
Katrana nods slowly.
Katrana says, 'My dear Aoide...I expect you to follow the Geasa that were Witnessed here today. This request is something...not of my nature. But is very much of my Past.'.
Aoide nods.
Aoide says (in common), 'yes my lady, on my very soul.'.
Katrana says, 'I will Respect those old ways.'.
Katrana nods in recognition to Aoide.
Aoide says (in common), 'I believe I can bring strength to the Hunt and to myself with them'.
You say (in old-common), 'It reminds Me that My own geasa need tending.'.
Katrana raises an eyebrow at you.
Aoide nods.
Cordir answers the glance, 'They were bound up in My Chosen.'
Cordir says softly, sorrowfully, 'And my Chosen are no more.'
Katrana nods.
Katrana says, 'That was long ago Sister.'.
You nod.
Katrana says, 'Shall we leave you with your thoughts on the matter?'.
Cordir nods slowly.
You say (in old-common), 'Aye. '.
Aoide says (in common), 'thank you'.
Katrana grins Wyldly...
Aoide curtseys gracefully.
Cordir glances at the Bard.
You say (in old-common), 'You honored Me, with your oaths.'.
You say (in old-common), 'I thank you for it.'.
Aoide's cheeks flush.
Aoide says (in common), 'it is I who am honored'.
Katrana giggles happily at her Bardling.
Aoide smiles happily.
Katrana says, 'I am proud of you my Dear, and give you my Blessing...'.
Katrana utters the words, 'bless'.
Aoide says (in common), 'thank you'.
Katrana says, 'Now off with you my dear, Hunt well.'.
Aoide curtseys gracefully.
Aoide waves happily.
You nod.
Aoide invokes recall magic.
Aoide gasps in astonishment.
You cough.
Manatheren nips at Guardian before chasing after you.
Aoide says (in common), 'no recall?'.
Aoide laughs at herself. Let's all join in!!!
The spider swats at the Hound.
Aoide looks down at her feet, blushing.
Aoide leaves south.
Katrana smiles happily.
Katrana says, 'Thank you'.
You nod.
You say (in old-common), 'It was my pleasure.'.
Katrana grins Wyldly.
Katrana says, 'Perhaps a Geasa to grant Rebirth to Bards who need encouragement?'.
Katrana giggles.
Katrana curtseys gracefully.
You chuckle.
You say (in old-common), 'Mayhap.'.
Katrana says, 'I hope your Hunt for new Geasa ends with success Sister'.
Katrana curtseys gracefully.
You say (in old-common), 'I thank you.'.
You say (in old-common), 'Hunt well.'.
Katrana grins Wyldly as she hears the call of the Hunt, and vanishes.
(end scene)