Salinye

Yep, I made sure to note that in the info I sent. I believe "street thug" might have come up. *grins* ~Salinye

I'll volunteer, DragonQueen. :0) I'll pm you the info today. ~Salinye

Okay, It's been like 6 weeks, but my muse fought me terribly that whole time. However, I was finally able to post the next section. All thoughts and comments are welcome. :0) ~Salinye

Yesterday The warm light from the various torches around the room flickered and danced casting a soft glow over the grand hall of Serubia. Almost everyone from the village had come for the seasonal celebration of life. The women carried lilies, or wore them in their hair. They were considered sacred, representing purity and the divine nature of femininity. The men in turn carried oak leaves, or walked with ceremonial oaken staves. The oak, being the strongest tree in the forest, offering protection as much of their village was housed within it’s branches. It represents the strength and protective nature of masculinity. Together the lily and the oak leaf represent balance in all things. The various gods and goddesses were represented about the great hall in murals, statues and various other works of art; even the handles of the torches were ornate, symbolism threaded into their design. The deities were revered for their abilities to embrace one another’s differences and rule together in harmony. A great mural of T’thal, the god that ruled the two suns hung over the main entrance to greet all who arrive, just as the great suns greet each new day. The goddess Elrihara, mother of all living, stood out in many of the various murals and other works of art that adorned the room. The very fact that their main place of worship was housed within the living branches of a mighty oak paid tribute to the nature goddess. The elven people that had inhabited these mountainous hills for centuries were a peaceful people. They believed the gods favored them because they never forgot to honor them and show their gratitude. The mystical teachings and beliefs in their deities were deeply engrained among the Serubian wood elves. The elves tried hard to emulate the example shown to them by their gods. They believed in equality between the sexes and strived to embrace each other’s differences and live in harmony despite them. The Grand Hall was used for many things such as celebrations, banquets and village meetings. Although usually lavishly decorated with all the grace and elegance of the elven culture, the Celebration of Life was different. Most spiritual ceremonies took place within their temple, however, since this particular celebration was so much larger than any of the other spiritual ceremonies, it was held in the Grand Hall. In honor of this celebration, the room was relatively sparse save for the tributes to the deities that never left the walls of the hall. The people took great care to try to keep the décor as natural as possible. Families sat on hand woven mats on either side of the room. An aisle, scattered with flower petals, lay between them leading to the front of the hall. Sitting at the head of the room, facing the crowd and capturing the attention of all in her presence, was the village seer. Although the Serubian wood elves were known for their lithe forms, she was an especially petite woman. The holy woman sat cross-legged, her violet eyes scanning over her people as her mind pondered on each of their spiritual natures. A crown of ivy sat atop her long flaxen hair adding a touch of elegance to her already beautiful countenance. She wore a white ceremonial robe that, much like the walls, was adorned with mystic symbols of the various gods. Two scribes, one male and one female sat to either side of her, parchment and quill in hand. The gathered bodies began humming a reverent song of praise and gratitude as they waited for the ceremony to begin. The celebration of life took place four times a year, once every season. The purpose was to celebrate any new life they had been blessed with in that particular season. The ceremony started with the farmers of the valley bringing forth trays of their best crops and harvests. Depending on the time of year, sometimes this was fruit, such as apples, figs or the favored elder berry along with all manner of vegetables and grains. During the winter months when there were no harvests to be reaped, they prepared warm meals of meat, such as lamb, venison, poultry and beef along with steamed vegetables and home baked breads to show how abundantly blessed they were throughout the cold season when Ka’Thor, the god of the storms ruled. Next the best of the newborn animals were paraded through and all gave thanks for the new calves, lambs and other livestock they had been gifted by the gods. Meals prepared from the fish that sprang forth from the life giving waters of the river Fluvius was brought forth next and set before the holy seer while all paid homage to the lesser goddess of the river, L’uinda. Great hand crafted, clay jugs of wine were carried down the aisles, for the grape and elderberry vineyards had been prosperous that year. As the last of the crop offerings had been set before the holy woman, a reverent hush fell over the room as Velohna gave voice to a long prayer of thanks and appreciation, her tone ringing with her piety. As she ended her words, music filled the hall as dancers performed their tributes to the four seasons and their accompanying gods. All in attendance enjoyed the festivities as they shared a meal from this summer’s blessings. The cool summer breeze blew through the treetops and open windows, a welcome sensation after a long hot day. Everyone had eaten their fill of food and sat upon their mats socializing and enjoying the great content feeling that comes after a good meal. Velohna stood, causing murmurs of anticipation to mingle through the crowd. All eyes watched as she bowed her head to them reverently before departing into a small room that was connected to the large main room of the hall. Her scribes followed her, shutting the door softly behind them. This was by far the best part of the celebration. The time when babies born that summer were brought to the Holy Seer by their parents to be presented and blessed. An excited murmur passed over the people as they turned to congratulate the three families that had had new babies born to them that summer, two daughters and one son. The infants were dressed in the traditional ceremonial clothing of the season. The outfits were made up of a delicate white cloth with symbols of the ruler of the two suns, T’thal, embroidered in a fine golden thread. While it is believed that all the gods rule equally and without jealousy, it is T’thal who tends to rule over the summer months. For this reason, babies born in the summer are adorned with ceremonial clothing in praise to him. All heads turned as the door to the small room opened and the female scribe stepped outside with a soft smile. “Velohna is ready for Lenara and Pitan to present the newest blessing in their family to her.” The happy couple stood, the mother cradling the newborn infant who held a lily clasped in her tiny fist. The father held the hand of their first daughter, an exquisite looking child, four years of age. She stared up at her parents and new sister, her vibrant green eyes wide with wonder as she trailed along beside them, her little legs quickly jogging two steps to each single long stride of theirs. Inside the small room, the decorations were as sparse as they had been within the great hall itself. “The beauty of the new life should not be outshone by inanimate objects.” Lenara remembered her father explaining to her once when she was very young. In the center of the room sat a large woven mat, large enough that Velohna, her two scribes and the family could sit on it. As they entered he room, the Seer stood and embraced each of them in turn. They all sat upon the grass mat and Velohna took the infant from her mother’s arms. The baby’s newborn fair skin contrasted against the bronze sun-kissed skin of Velohna. Gazing down at the sleeping baby, she smiled and tenderly stroked the side of her face. “I love how their skin is pale when they are first born; it shows they’re pure, like the lily. She’s very beautiful.” “Yes, just like her mother and sister.” Pitan said. “Yes, you are truly blessed to be surrounded by such beautiful women all the time, Pitan. Which god have you been bribing?” Pitan laughed at the holy woman’s good-humored ribbing and winked. “Ahh now, that is sacred information that I am forbidden to reveal!” Velohna’s lavender eyes twinkled, as they always did when she got the opportunity to bless a new baby. She looked at the proud smiles upon the parents and the wide-eyed innocence of their eldest daughter Melinda. “She has the mark of Elrihara on her. She’ll be one who stays close to nature.” Melinda smiled pleased that her druidic arts, or her husband’s ranger skills would likely pass on to this child. “What name shall she be known by?” Her father smiled softly subconsciously fiddling with his brown leather-clad knee. “We’ve decided to call her Ellowyn.” “Ellowyn.” Velohna let the name roll off her lips, sounding beautiful when spoken with such obvious adoration. “A beautiful name for a daughter of Elrihara.” She paused letting a pleasant silence settle within the room before sharing her thoughts. “I foresee a sense of mischief in this one.” “She’ll have gotten that from her father. You should hear the stories his mother tells.” Melinda laughed remembering. Velohna turned her eyes toward Pitan. His light brown hair fell about his shoulders framing his strong jaw. She could hardly imagine this responsible ranger being a mischief-maker. “I think this mischievous streak may even rival the one from her father’s youth.” “Oh Elrihara have mercy!” The child’s mother murmured to herself. “This mischief stems from a strong mind. You must teach her to control her impulses. Once she masters her own weaknesses, the strengths left behind will be the kind that could lead and inspire those around her. People will be drawn to her charisma. I sense some challenges ahead for her, but no life is without challenges. I’m sure I’ll gather more insight to that at her blessing when she becomes of age.” Velohna considered the child a few more moments before looking back up to meet the expectant eyes of her parents. “She is beautiful and special. I sense great things for her. Are you ready for the prayer? I’m going to give special thanks to Elrihara. If she starts showing signs other than that as she ages, we’ll be sure to offer the proper homage at that time.” Her parents nodded well pleased and the scribes took down every word spoken. An hour later, Melinda and Pitan stood amongst a gathering of people proudly sharing some of the things the great and wonderful Velohna had said about their daughter and in her prayer. The other baby girl and her family were in with the Seer while the last family waited anxiously with their son. “A daughter of Elrihara! Oh Melinda, how wonderful! That fits into your family so well.” Tisa, the mother of the newborn son, gushed. “Yes, we’re so thankful. The gods are too good to us.” Their conversation was interrupted as the second family entered back into the great hall. The attention shifted to them as everyone enjoyed celebrating the blessings bestowed upon the child. The soft voice of the female scribe rang out over the gathering. “Velohna is ready for Tisa and Ru’Fan to present the newest blessing in their family to her.” The couple quickly gathered their first-born son and weaved their way through the crowd to meet with the holy woman within the sparse chamber. “Tisa, Ru’Fan” Velohna cooed as she embraced them before settling once again onto the floor. “I saved you for last because you have the only boy of the season. That makes me think there must be something very special about him.” She gently took the infant from his mother and smiled at the oak leave that was smashed against his chest. “A first born and only male of this summer.” She said more to herself as she ran a finger over his soft dark hair and delicately pointed ear. “Determined, this one will be and strong. Once his mind is set on something, it will be hard to persuade him otherwise.” “Ahh, stubborn like his father. Just my luck!” Tisa teased, her pleased smile betraying her true feelings. Velohna smiled. “What have you decided to name him?” It was his mother who smiled and answered. “We’re naming him Lendarion.” “A nice strong name. Good choice, definitely inspired….Hmmm, difficult to determine the blessings on this one. I see strong marks of both the warrior and the mage in him equally yoked. We will pay homage to both gods, for now. The infant stirred within her arms and opened his eyes, violet like hers, a rarity among the wood elves. Velohna’s heart nearly skipped a beat as an odd energy quickly passed between the child and herself. It cannot be. The fallen one, it has been centuries since any elf was born with Navox’s touch! She thought to herself. The obvious drop in the Seer’s features coupled with the uncomfortable silence drew worry from the parents. “Is everything alright? Is there something we should know?” The father asked his voice laced with concern. Velohna, being an expert at masking her emotions stroked the child’s cheek and smiled to them. “The ways of the gods can be confusing. I suspect we’ll learn more about this child as he comes of age. For now, I can tell you it is rare to find a child equally yoked between a warrior god and magical god and as you know, lavender eyes are always a sign of incredible potential. I expect great things from him.” The parent’s relief was visible and their smiles revealed the pride they had for their first-born. They had tried to have a child for 6 years. It was only after multiple magical and spiritual aids from the Seer that they were finally blessed with their child. After Velohna said a prayer and blessing over the baby, she sent them out to join the others to be congratulated. It was only in the privacy of her own home later that night that she allowed herself to brood over the mark of darkness she was sure she had seen within the child. She only hoped, for everyone’s sake, that she was wrong.

*laughs* My ego is satisfied now. I'm glad you had such a great birthday. ~Salinye

I would be willing to bet that ours are QUITE different. *winks* I wouldn't worry too much! ~Salinye

*sniffles* You forgot about my gift. After all that hard work learning to solidify a shadow! ~Salinye

Mirror of my soul, Unleash those beautiful words to me. Shall they inspire, awe and entrance Every soul that finds them. ~Salinye

A few lines of this came out of me about a week ago during a random rp in mirc. Ever since then those lines have been tickling my brain begging me to put them into poetic form. So, here is what resulted. I thought a lot of my husband as I wrote. Poetry isn't my strong point, but I still like to write when I feel the need. :0) Feedback is welcome. I am… The hot jagged rocks that defend the coastline Beaten down by the unending waves of daily warfare- Winning and failing, hurting and weary, Ready to stand alone if need be, never giving up. You are… The misty ocean breeze that rushes over the waves To kiss my skin at dawn’s first light- Invigorating, refreshing, peaceful, Yet full of unpredictability and strength. We are… The glow from the setting sun that washes over the sea Gently massaging out the watery kinks and stresses of life- Warm, beautiful, awe-inspiring, Forever-entwined in celestial harmony. ~Salinye

Salinye looks smugly at Mira. "I hate to say I told you so, but...." ~Salinye

rofl see how tired I was last night? ~Salinye

I sing this now! (Which is a horrible diservice to the lovely song! lol) However, for those who would like to read the lyrics as they are played, here is a link to her original work. Turn your speakers way up and play it! :0) On the Necks of Giants-Quincunx ~Salinye

Celes, what time period will this be in? Will this be in Europe or America? I have some schemes in mind, but needed just a wee bit more info. :0) ~Salinye

Well, I don't mind that you stated ic that you were the baner. :0) It's well within the rules and you certainly played your part well! My thoughts are that if I were modding, I would probably make it a rule that you can't reveal your parts. :0) But again, it's not bad one way or the other. Which is why the mods get to choose their own rules. Keeps the games shaken up a bit. *grins* ~Salinye

Salinye runs in throwing her arms around her partner in crime in a hug before she can protest. She then hands the huntress a rolled up greyish black flimsy material that is tied with a bow. "Here, Yui-Sama. This is for you." Yui blushes slightly while untying the ribbon. "Thank you, Sali-Chan. Errr...." She unrolls the gift revealing a large filmy peice of cloth and tries to decide what it is without looking like she doesn't know-not wanting to hurt Salinye's feelings. Salinye smiles knowing the gift is odd. "It's a blanket." Yui inspects the organdy-type material and thinks it doesn't look much like a blanket but smiles. "Oh, see, it's a peice of solidified shadow. Something I've been working on." She then leaned forward and whispered so only Yui could hear her. "I thought it might bring some comfort to some of those bad dreams." She then smiled proudly at her handi-work and stepped aside so as not to hog the time of the guest of honor. She knew that later, upon closer inspection, Yui would find the material quite unique. ~Salinye

Katz: Well, my plan was simply one of self preservation! Deggy and I knew we had a lucky baner, so we decided whoever accused one of us heavily first would likely be the baner and we should kill them next! So, when Ayshela accused Deggy, I was sure she was the baner, but NO she was the Seer! My plan of desperation at the end was that if I could get their votes changed, I would get one more person out of the game, then kill you during the night round. I would then plea that the killer was simply intelligent and killed Katz in an attempt to frame me because they knew you would all lynch me instead of them. It was worth a try, neh? About Tanny's question. I really like that the moderators are given the ability to choose the rules each round. We play this in RL a lot over the years and we never let baning a wolf result in no kill, but that's all preference. I think if I was modding,I'd probably have it not result in a kill or at the very best a 50/50 situation. Also, I would also say you can never reveal who you are ic because that is similiar to pm alliances, yes? Saying I'm the baner, this is how I know this isn't any different to me than if they pm'd everyone and told them that. Takes away the ability to sway people based on your creativity or to defend yourself. BUT again, that's only my opinion, since the question was asked. :0) However, I would play and abide by any rules set regardless if they are my preference or not. :0) Great game everyone! Way not to let us werewolves win!! ~Salinye

Celes, do you want the info about our characters and who they have murdered before listed here or in pm? ~Salinye

I'd like to play, please. :0) Great ideas, there, Celes. *goes to think about a character.* ~Salinye

MWAHAHHAHA! I would have gotten away with it, too. If it weren't for you pesky kids! *runs off for a werewolf snack* ~Salinye

This is very beautiful, Finnius. I really am enjoying it. You have a very romantic soul, Devestating Blueness! ~Salinye

Uhg, I wish I would have read this before the voting was over. It's one of the finest pieces of poetry I've read. Kudos to you, sir almost dragon, ~Salinye

Interesting poem. I'm trying to decide if the person commit suicide of if they were ill and just knew it would be their last. I'm guessing suicide? OH, also, I think you're missing one word in this sentence... Nice to see poetry coming from you, Crichon! Keep them coming! ~Salinye

See! Even the boards are on my side!!! ~Salinye

Not if who we vote for *IS* the werewolf. Besides, I've heard werewolves can't control their compulsion to kill. She looks back to Walter in the corner. ~Salinye

Serena sits down shaking her head in frustration. This is ridiculous, locking an innocent person away in hopes of finding a killer. I can understand why I might look suspicious, considering what you've told us, but I implore you all to reconsider your vote! Why not allow me my freedoms for 24 more hours to prove myself. If we don't catch the killer in that time, then you're free to take me if you still think I'm it. But I *KNOW* one of you is the killer and you're misleading people! Perhaps we could have Jaqui bane my room again, tonight. If there is no kill, then you will know she is right! If there is a kill (which there is likely to be anyway, since you're about to lock an innocent person away!) then at the very least you will have narrowed it down. What about that gentlemen in the corner? He's been rather reclusive, refusing to socialize with anyone. He's been very nervous, constantly sucking on his inhaler. I don't know who he is, and hate to point an uneducated finger, as I have no idea how to identify a killer. I only know it's not me and you're making a grave error. Why not try things this way? Error on the side of caution. At least this way we'de have a chance of actually capturing the killer rather then locking away an innocent! OOC: I vote Mereles' character Walter