Post by Curiosity on May 23, 2009 23:05:07 GMT -5
Characters Involved:
Jelal, male otter
Sage, female lynx
Zephyr, male kestrel
Johari, female gray fox
Skelaghe, female wolf
Nium, female cougar
=== Clover Lawn ===
[!] The full moon has risen high above the earth in the night-time sky, shining its bright light upon the denizens of the meadows and forests -- at least for now. Indeed, the very edge of her fullness appears to be hidden by an encroaching darkness, but this is barely perceptible to a casual observer.
Follow the river, doesn't matter which way. That's what his ma told him, at least. But sticking to the actual river has yielded next to nothing and nobody! Lots of extra food for him, though, so that he can't complain about. But determined to find at least some of the inhabitants of this new land, Jelal has directed his focus inland. What he finds perks his interest... the land blooming all around him has given him the energy he needs to poke his way into the clover fields here. Sliding through the undergrowth with all the agility and sleekness of his kind, the otter's eyes flicker back and forth, looking here, there, up, down, his whiskers twitching as they brush over dandelion and grass blade alike. A strange smell is here... the smell of a lot of food in one place, and several animals. What could it be? Is he... is he missing out on some kind of *party*? The mere thought is unbearable, speeding the otter's inspection of the area.
In the midst of the wide lawn, there is indeed a spread of meats, fishes, and various foliage for the purposes of drawing in the various creatures of all sorts towards the temporary festival grounds -- and sitting nearby on one of the mossy boulders, looking straight up at the eclipsing moon, is a snowy-furred lynx. There are a few other animals milling about in addition to the new otter who's stopped by, sampling the myriad of foods gathered here and chatting amiably amongst themselves (though a few appear to be talking to only themselves, or else someone else unseen), but Sage seems to take no notice of them for the time being, staring up at the slowly waning moonlight with a subtle expression of concern on her face.
"Sweet creamy cold fish!" is the first reaction that the otter blurts out in response to the voluminous array of foods and treats. He's never *seen* so much food in one place in his life! The gathering of other creatures doesn't seem to phase him nearly as much as the *food.* It's all over! And there are other animals sitting and talking! What kind of place is this? "Well paint me a fuddy-duddy," he says, wringing his forepaws together as he takes in the odd scene. He carefully scoots his way into the middle of the gathering, looking around with an expression of incredulous amusement, chortling and staring unabashedly at the creatures who appear to be talking to themselves. When he followed the river, this was certainly *not* one of the first things he expected to find! "Ahh... 'scuse me," he asks several of those around him, scampering energetically between conversations as he gets the idea that this is a safe place, "who's in charge here?"
[!] The shadowing of the moon is more apparent now, gradually covering up the bright whiteness of Luna's full orb at a much faster rate than the natural phases of the moon. Soon, about half of the moon is veiled in darkness, greatly dimming the amount of light present among the heavens.
The rapidly disappearing moon makes it difficult, to say the least, to fly. Zephyr makes his way back to the lawn, and even with the lessening light, Sage's white coat gives him an easy target. Flying low, he makes the area in time to hear the statement from the otter, but he does not answer orsay anything until after he lands, a little more cautiously than usual, not far from his fellow Merrymaker.
Sage hears a questioning tone from one of the visitors, and her pale blue eyes fall from the darkening moon above to the grounds below, seeking out the source. Finally landing on the otter, the lynx's maw spreads in a smile. "Well, hello there." She wonders where Flume is, as she's sure the water-elemental would be happy to meet another otter. The flapping of wings announces Zephyr's presence as well, and Sage bows her head to him in an unspoken hello. "Well...I suppose any of us would be," she finally answers the otter, the 'us' referring to the five members of the wandering band, though this isn't mentioned explicitly yet. "My name is Sage, and this is Zephyr. We're of the Merrymakers, and this feast and festival is to celebrate Luna and the light she gives to us," the ashen-furred feline explains further, looking back up at the fast-fading moon before her eyes return to Jelal.
Jelal turns his head up and leans back dramatically when he's addressed by the lynx commanding the top of the rock, using his tail as a tripod. Eyes wide and scrutinizing as he takes a second look at the assembly. "The who celebrates the whatnow?" he asks blankly, unassuming and ignorant of anyone called Luna. Perhaps he's heard the name in passing, but never as one to be so celebrated. "Is that what they're *all* here for?" he asks, mouth agape. Merrymakers, were they? Sounds like he can fit right in here! He begins scrambling up the rock face, apparently seeking to join them at the top. "Well... my name's Jelal! New to these parts, I am! Pleasure to make your merry- er, meet your makers, ah, make your acquaintance! What's going on again?"
[!] Slowly, the last of the moon's reflection is hidden from view in a total lunar eclipse, and the lands become distinctly darker in the absence of its light. Strangely, the shrouded moon is faintly illuminated by an eerie red glow, though it provides very little light by itself, and as the clouds pass over the veiled sphere they effectively darken the night sky once again.
After seeing the play that took place yesterday, Johari decided it would be fun to come back and see what this group had in store this time. She only wishes that Akseli could come with her, but maybe it's good to get out by herself every now and then. Besides, these Merrymakers may have something fun planned later that she could take him too. As the foxgirl approaches the group, her eyes widen as she spots all the food laying around. Wow. Are they expecting the entire mountain to come or something? Turning her head, Johari sees a few of the performers from yesterday and someone she doesn't recognize. Well, better introduce yourself, right? "And I'm Johari. Nice to meet you all," she says, walking over to the small group with a smile on, bowing her head a bit when she reaches them.
And animals accuse Zephyr of superfluous speech! Not that he minds. Not at all. Indeed, Jelal's enthusiasm is pleasant. Looking up at the last of the moon is covered, casting the land into darkness, Zephyr says, "That is what is happening. That is why we all are here." There is awe in his tone at the reddish light coming from where the moon normally is. His gaze is brought back down when Johari speaks, but he doesn't really look at anyone in particular. "We celebrate to prove to her our love for the light she normally gives us."
Sage visibly shudders when the last of the moonlight is extinguished in the night sky, the ashen-furred lynx perhaps feeling a closer connection to the mysterious orb above as a result of her continued role as the Moon in their traditional performances as well as her own spiritual nature. But this is not a time for mourning -- in fact, it's quite the opposite. "Luna is saddened, and she is hiding her face from us. Our hope is to bring others together for a celebration in her name...which is why all our efforts have been to spread joy among those we have found and those who have come to us on their own." Rising to all fours, she addresses any who will listen: "I should like to offer a dedication to the moon, now, and hope that she will listen and be cheered by my words."
Johari looks up at the moon as it suddenly goes dark, closing off a lot of light down at them. Wow, amazing how dark it suddenly gets without the moonlight cast down upon them. The foxgirl listens intently to Zephyr as he speaks of why they celebrate the moon, trying to follow it all. It just seems a bit to farfetched to actually believe to be true but, then again, she could be the one who is wrong and not them. So she just keeps her muzzle shut and takes a seat as Sage starts to speak, giving him her full attention.
Jelal pauses with his torso on the rock and his bottom half still flopping over the side, watching as everything suddenly gets a whole lot darker. "Um... Hmm," is all he has to say, glancing back and forth and then up at the moon. "... Oh," he says, suddenly comprehending the gravity of the situation. "That is not something I've seen recently," he declares as he finishes his scrabble up the rock face. He listens with rapt attention to the lynx's explanation of the apparently quite dire situation, but he can't really see anything happening except everything being particularly unilluminated. "She seems rather finicky if you ask me," he mutters under his breath. Surely, if the moon was listening, he'd just have to whip out a few of his jokes and Luna would be perked right up! But he quiets down and stands beside the lynx as she prepares to speak, looking out over the gathered animals like he was a bona-fide Merrymaker himself. It's so enilvening to be literally on top of things!
Zephyr remains silent as Sage makes her desire to speak clear. He even distances himself from her, just slightly. He believes, much more than perhaps some animals do... But he does not feel the Moon's pain as Sage does, and more, he is confident that their efforts will have an impact, that the moon's light will return to them as surely as it does after every new moon.
Sage does not mean to distract the gathered animals from their meals -- after all, what good is a feast if it's not enjoyed? -- as her true intended audience is Luna herself. But she is appreciative of those who will listen nonetheless, and so the lynx begins her prepared chant-song, looking up at the shrouded moon with deep hope clear in her sky-blue gaze: "Oh, moon, sad moon, tuck up your trailing robe...there is such magic from your presence here. Against the face of our nurturing globe, your darkness is saddening and so severe." She is no Siri-Flume, and so her words are not particularly sing-songy or vocalized with true melody, but they are genuine nonetheless. "I'll sing for you, oh Luna, if you want me to. If you want me to, I'll give to you. I'll hear your song, oh Luna, if you want me to. If you want me to, I'll sing along." Her pale blue eyes never leave the haunting sight of the reddened eclipse above, and her last verses are spoken more loudly, almost desperately, as she attempts to reach the very moon itself with her words: "Go spill your beauty on the laughing faces of happy flowers that bloom a thousand hues, waiting on tiptoe in the wilding spaces to drink your wine mixed with sweet drafts of dews." As she finishes, the lynx lowers her head, looking almost bashful at having drawn such attention to herself in her earnest efforts to serenade the moonlight back into being.
The journey is long, especially since they have no light to guide them. Skelaghe is silent throughout, but eventually they reach the area directly to the west of where they were, and Skelaghe stops walking as soon as a voice becomes clear to her. She stands there, apart from the group, listening with devout attention to someone who she can only barely see.
As Sage begins to sing, Johari closes her eyes and lets the words and melody wash over her. It's such a sweet and gentle tune that it makes a smile show up on her muzzle. It's almost relaxing in a way, soothing her very soul. The only time she feels this relaxed is when she's with her beloved Akseli, and it surprises her that something like this could make her feel close to the same thing. As Sage finishes, Johari opens her eyes slowly and smiles at her, but not wanting to break the peaceful silence that seems to have drifted over her.
The large cougar, initially leaving the celebrations, has returned. Sweet Rain is completely oblivious to their previous encounter here hours before. She is more interested in it now than before, finding the absence of a moon difficult to believe. She asks not exactly why Skelaghe brought her back here, but it isn't hurting anything so she continues to watch in silence. Unfortunately, due to Nium's tattered ear, listening from a distance can be difficult. Making out exactly what Sage is saying from this distance is impossible.
Jelal rocks slowly back and forth to the chant, enjoying the tune. He's never really known that someone could sing like that, much less a big cat (the most he's heard from them is yowling, when he had the misfortune to cross their path). He watches and waits patiently for the moon to become happy and shine on them again, wondering if that's all they needed to do. It was beautiful, but merry he's not sure of, and merry he can provide quite a bit of. He pokes his head over the rock and waves down at Johari, despite having absolutely no idea who she is. "If the moon wasn't listening," he says to Sage with a smile, "you certainly got everyone else's attention!"
Zephyr's head is turned to Sage throughout her chant, but when Jelal speaks, the bird's head turns in his direction, no matter how little his daylight-accustomed eyes can pick out. His beak opens even though he does not speak, perhaps pleased that there were others here to witness Sage's performance, her absolute devotion in what she does. What he does do, since he doesn't speak, is let out a short series of klees, a combination praise of the speech they just heard and a call to the moon to return, as he hops to the air. Flying may be difficult in the near total darkness, but at least he knows there is nothing here he could inadvertantly crash into.
[!] After what seems to be an agonizingly long time of darkness, with nothing but the stars glimmering in the midnight sky, the western rim of the moon suddenly illuminates in a cusp of blinding white light. Slowly, but surely, more of Luna's soothing reflection becomes apparent, appearing very much like the moon is peeking out from behind her concealing shroud.
Perhaps Jelal should be a consideration for when Flume retires from her spot in the wandering band, as the otter has indeed brought a smile to the lynx's face despite her great concern that the moon will not return this time. Sage can't help but utter a little laugh at his words, and she bows her head politely to him. "Thank you for your kind words, river runner." Her eyes return nonetheless to the darkened moon above, searching its lost shine out among the pitch-black night sky. "But I hope she heard me, too." The suspense is harrowing, but finally the pregnant pause is ended by the rebirth of the moon's beautiful light, and Sage can't help but utter a wild, instinctive yowl in celebration of her return, the snowy-furred cat beginning to dance happily in place on top of the mossy boulder she's perched upon.
Did Skelaghe feel a call to this area, or was it only because she knew the leaders of this celebration were here, animals infinitely more schooled in the waning and waxing and disappearing of the moon than she? If she knew of Nium's inability to hear well, she would have moved closer. As it is, her ears are simply trained on the creatures she cannot see, while her gaze is devoted to the reddish glow where the moon once was. She draws in a breath as the slightest bit of white comes back into view... And as it grows, slowly, she opens her muzzle, howling harmoniously almost in time with the yowling of the feline. It lasts for several seconds before it quiets, and by the time she again lowers her head, she can actually make out the shapes of several animals off in the distance.
At the Clover Lawn, Skelaghe howls.
Johari smiles sweetly over to Jelal as the otter waves a bit at her, feeling far too happy to care if she knows him or not. "Yes, it was a very beautiful song," the foxgirl says over to Sage. "It seems to have gotten everyone in a very good mood." She bows her head a bit as thanks to Sage, then looks up at the moon as everyone else does the same. Well whatever she did, it seems that the moon is once again back, bathing them all with it's light. The foxgirl smiles sweetly up at it, surprisingly finding a lot of warmth from seeing it's light again.
The cougress adjusts her ear as Skelaghe howls, but doesn't budge otherwise. Though if she were to hear a wolf howling anywhere else but here and now, it could mean trouble. Now however, it's nice. Calm, pleasant, but in an eerie way Sweet Rain hasn't heard before. The moon returning, it all feels magic! The sliver of the moon returns, and Sweet Rain is bewildered. "It's actually returning..." She whispers, audible only perhaps to the wolf.
"Ohhh," Jelal says as the moon's light tears across the landscape once more. Is that it? Did it work? Seems so! "Looks like it- whoa!" He ducks his head as the cat begins celebrating right near him, grinning as everyone seems to jump into life along with the moon. "Can hardly believe it," he murmurs to himself. He's *definitely* glad he showed up tonight of all nights.
Everyone here is free to celebrate in their own way. With Zephyr, it is primarily his flight, and with the return of the moon, he flies happily around Sage, at times many feet above her, and at times diving so that he is right beside her. His aerial dance involves more movement that Sage's dancing in place, but it is something he has practiced many a time, flying a circle around someone so his colors are shown to all others in the area, which, combined with the periodic rises and falls, make it a very expressive show indeed.
Sage continues her dance to music that is apparently heard only by herself, leaping down from the rock to continue her celebration on a wider expanse of ground. Her ruffed cheeks are swung back and forth as her head bobs from side to side, her stocky frame moving in a manner that's rather tribal, her paws thumping rhythmically against the dirt with each merry bound. The ashen lynx prances nimbly around the spread of foods, caring not if she looks like a fool for moving about in such a way, dancing with anyone else who cares to join her in celebration.
Skelaghe sits where she is, remaining still now, and silent after her single howl. Still, the celebration she can see causes her to smile, and after a short while, she glances to the cougaress who accompanied here here, to see if Nium is also enjoying herself.
Johari can't help but let out a cheery laugh as she watches Sage prance around happily in a somewhat of a dance. The happiness seems to be contagious because soon the foxgirl is getting the urge to go join her, but doesn't want to make a fool of herself. Even if she's not really sure why simply seeing the moon shine it's light down upon them makes her feel happy, she can't deny that it's making her smile. Her tail flicks casually behind her, simply watching Sage dance around and laughing happily.
[!] Finally, the whole of the moon is returned to its luminescent glow, its glow seeming even more vibrant than before it was hidden away. The peace of the night is returned to the lands, Luna's calming light shining once again over all of the earth's inhabitants.
With her nose pointed straight up in the sky, Sweet Rain's contented tail swings at the tip. Clearly she is pleased, though something is clearly on her mind; missing Ashen is plaguing her thoughts. Meeting her mother again and nuzzling her is also fresh in her head. This celebration and feast definitely was a good thing for Sweet Rain. She looks down at Skelaghe with a smile. "I better get going."
Jelal watches everyone else getting into the mood, and decides that if he can't figure out exactly what's going on, he might as well join in! With a happy hop, he drops down onto the ground, rolling and tumbling athletically as he vaguely follows Sage's path, but merely joins in the festivities himself, hopping about and even managing a few backflips off the large boulder. He doesn't know quite what he's celebrating, but if this is a happy time, he's never been one to miss out on celebrations! He's never been one to make a fool of himself either, but he's never seen enjoying hopping around as a sign of foolishness.
It is a fair time before Zephyr's wings finally tire, to match his tired, diurnal brain. It does happen, though, and after only a few more stunts in the air, the avian finally lands on the ground, away from where he might accidentally get stomped. He will remain for a while and continue to watch, with that same open-beaked smile that he often has.
Skelaghe's attention is drawn back to her feline companion. She's leaving? "May I accompany you, Sweet Rain?" She still has much to tell this cougaress, after all, and she would hate to lose Nium because she decided to stay here for a while longer.
Sage is caught up in her dance, so happy that the moon has decided to return her light to them that she is past the point of minding what others may think of her silly festivities -- or even noticing their presence, aside from those few woodland creatures who have decided to dance along beside her, which is a sight in and of itself. Several moments later, as the moon returns to its full brightness, the silvery-white lynx finally slows her feverish movements, panting through her broad smile as she catches her breath and recovers her usual reserved nature...though, tonight, she's content to let a little more of her inner Merrymaker shine through. As the prolonged night takes its toll, some growing tired while others grow restless, Sage takes the moment to address those gathered here: "Thank you all for your help. Your mere presence alone on our festival grounds has no doubt cheered Luna immensely. We could not have done it without you." She pauses to swallow, her throat parched from her chant and ensuing dance. A trip to the river will be in order soon, no doubt. "We will be taking our leave of you in the next couple of days, but make no mistake, we have thoroughly enjoyed meeting each and every one of you. We hope our celebration will be remembered fondly for generations to come...and that you will not forget to offer your thanks to the moon for her guiding light when the nights are particularly dark."
Sweet Rain is delighted at the offer of her newly met friend to come with her. "Yes, please do!" The large cougress stands and stretches her back, rather glad to have met such a sincere wolf. The moon shone bright and Skelaghe once again quite visible. Without another word, but one glance at another wolf there who didn't seem to know Skelaghe, Sweet Rain leaves the celebration for a second time, headed... somewhere.
Johari blinks a bit at Sage's announcement. Wait, that's it? That's all they were celebrating? Well, maybe she shouldn't complain since she /is/ feeling rather happy at the moment. Exactly /why/ she is so happy is a total mystery to her but, hey, who cares right? Chuckling slightly, the foxgirl simply says, "Thank you for a great time. It was wonderful." For some reason.
Skelaghe does not normally make a habit of ignoring anyone, but what she has to tell Nium is of singular importance. She follows alongside Nium, smiling as she does so, but still silent, for the time being.
"Oof!" Jelal gasps as he lands on his back from a failed somersault. Is everyone done already? Well! That was a little lackluster, but if they did what they came here to do, good stuff, everyone! He smiles and watches the others, wondering what he's supposed to do now. He glances back to Sage. "Are you taking the food with you?" he asks, actually seeming a little *anxious* that such a bounty would disappear as easily as the moon and all these strange beasts. Everyone coming and going so suddenly! "Well, *I'm* not going anywhere until I've eaten some of it!" he says, nodding to Johari and falling upon the pile appropriate to his kind.
Sage grins at Jelal once again, and she nods her head in allowance of his 'request' (which is really more of a demand, but at least it's a friendly one). "Please, feel free to eat as you wish. But if you decide to sample the stew...take only a little. It is potent enough as it is," the lynx replies with a coy wink. Her words may be mysterious, but the mild warning is conveyed nonetheless. She'd join the otter, but she's already eaten some of the feasting delicacies recently, and right now she's more interested in quenching her thirst than her hunger. Turning from the group, she pads her way over to the riverside for a brief rest by the trickling waters.
Jelal, male otter
Sage, female lynx
Zephyr, male kestrel
Johari, female gray fox
Skelaghe, female wolf
Nium, female cougar
=== Clover Lawn ===
[!] The full moon has risen high above the earth in the night-time sky, shining its bright light upon the denizens of the meadows and forests -- at least for now. Indeed, the very edge of her fullness appears to be hidden by an encroaching darkness, but this is barely perceptible to a casual observer.
Follow the river, doesn't matter which way. That's what his ma told him, at least. But sticking to the actual river has yielded next to nothing and nobody! Lots of extra food for him, though, so that he can't complain about. But determined to find at least some of the inhabitants of this new land, Jelal has directed his focus inland. What he finds perks his interest... the land blooming all around him has given him the energy he needs to poke his way into the clover fields here. Sliding through the undergrowth with all the agility and sleekness of his kind, the otter's eyes flicker back and forth, looking here, there, up, down, his whiskers twitching as they brush over dandelion and grass blade alike. A strange smell is here... the smell of a lot of food in one place, and several animals. What could it be? Is he... is he missing out on some kind of *party*? The mere thought is unbearable, speeding the otter's inspection of the area.
In the midst of the wide lawn, there is indeed a spread of meats, fishes, and various foliage for the purposes of drawing in the various creatures of all sorts towards the temporary festival grounds -- and sitting nearby on one of the mossy boulders, looking straight up at the eclipsing moon, is a snowy-furred lynx. There are a few other animals milling about in addition to the new otter who's stopped by, sampling the myriad of foods gathered here and chatting amiably amongst themselves (though a few appear to be talking to only themselves, or else someone else unseen), but Sage seems to take no notice of them for the time being, staring up at the slowly waning moonlight with a subtle expression of concern on her face.
"Sweet creamy cold fish!" is the first reaction that the otter blurts out in response to the voluminous array of foods and treats. He's never *seen* so much food in one place in his life! The gathering of other creatures doesn't seem to phase him nearly as much as the *food.* It's all over! And there are other animals sitting and talking! What kind of place is this? "Well paint me a fuddy-duddy," he says, wringing his forepaws together as he takes in the odd scene. He carefully scoots his way into the middle of the gathering, looking around with an expression of incredulous amusement, chortling and staring unabashedly at the creatures who appear to be talking to themselves. When he followed the river, this was certainly *not* one of the first things he expected to find! "Ahh... 'scuse me," he asks several of those around him, scampering energetically between conversations as he gets the idea that this is a safe place, "who's in charge here?"
[!] The shadowing of the moon is more apparent now, gradually covering up the bright whiteness of Luna's full orb at a much faster rate than the natural phases of the moon. Soon, about half of the moon is veiled in darkness, greatly dimming the amount of light present among the heavens.
The rapidly disappearing moon makes it difficult, to say the least, to fly. Zephyr makes his way back to the lawn, and even with the lessening light, Sage's white coat gives him an easy target. Flying low, he makes the area in time to hear the statement from the otter, but he does not answer orsay anything until after he lands, a little more cautiously than usual, not far from his fellow Merrymaker.
Sage hears a questioning tone from one of the visitors, and her pale blue eyes fall from the darkening moon above to the grounds below, seeking out the source. Finally landing on the otter, the lynx's maw spreads in a smile. "Well, hello there." She wonders where Flume is, as she's sure the water-elemental would be happy to meet another otter. The flapping of wings announces Zephyr's presence as well, and Sage bows her head to him in an unspoken hello. "Well...I suppose any of us would be," she finally answers the otter, the 'us' referring to the five members of the wandering band, though this isn't mentioned explicitly yet. "My name is Sage, and this is Zephyr. We're of the Merrymakers, and this feast and festival is to celebrate Luna and the light she gives to us," the ashen-furred feline explains further, looking back up at the fast-fading moon before her eyes return to Jelal.
Jelal turns his head up and leans back dramatically when he's addressed by the lynx commanding the top of the rock, using his tail as a tripod. Eyes wide and scrutinizing as he takes a second look at the assembly. "The who celebrates the whatnow?" he asks blankly, unassuming and ignorant of anyone called Luna. Perhaps he's heard the name in passing, but never as one to be so celebrated. "Is that what they're *all* here for?" he asks, mouth agape. Merrymakers, were they? Sounds like he can fit right in here! He begins scrambling up the rock face, apparently seeking to join them at the top. "Well... my name's Jelal! New to these parts, I am! Pleasure to make your merry- er, meet your makers, ah, make your acquaintance! What's going on again?"
[!] Slowly, the last of the moon's reflection is hidden from view in a total lunar eclipse, and the lands become distinctly darker in the absence of its light. Strangely, the shrouded moon is faintly illuminated by an eerie red glow, though it provides very little light by itself, and as the clouds pass over the veiled sphere they effectively darken the night sky once again.
After seeing the play that took place yesterday, Johari decided it would be fun to come back and see what this group had in store this time. She only wishes that Akseli could come with her, but maybe it's good to get out by herself every now and then. Besides, these Merrymakers may have something fun planned later that she could take him too. As the foxgirl approaches the group, her eyes widen as she spots all the food laying around. Wow. Are they expecting the entire mountain to come or something? Turning her head, Johari sees a few of the performers from yesterday and someone she doesn't recognize. Well, better introduce yourself, right? "And I'm Johari. Nice to meet you all," she says, walking over to the small group with a smile on, bowing her head a bit when she reaches them.
And animals accuse Zephyr of superfluous speech! Not that he minds. Not at all. Indeed, Jelal's enthusiasm is pleasant. Looking up at the last of the moon is covered, casting the land into darkness, Zephyr says, "That is what is happening. That is why we all are here." There is awe in his tone at the reddish light coming from where the moon normally is. His gaze is brought back down when Johari speaks, but he doesn't really look at anyone in particular. "We celebrate to prove to her our love for the light she normally gives us."
Sage visibly shudders when the last of the moonlight is extinguished in the night sky, the ashen-furred lynx perhaps feeling a closer connection to the mysterious orb above as a result of her continued role as the Moon in their traditional performances as well as her own spiritual nature. But this is not a time for mourning -- in fact, it's quite the opposite. "Luna is saddened, and she is hiding her face from us. Our hope is to bring others together for a celebration in her name...which is why all our efforts have been to spread joy among those we have found and those who have come to us on their own." Rising to all fours, she addresses any who will listen: "I should like to offer a dedication to the moon, now, and hope that she will listen and be cheered by my words."
Johari looks up at the moon as it suddenly goes dark, closing off a lot of light down at them. Wow, amazing how dark it suddenly gets without the moonlight cast down upon them. The foxgirl listens intently to Zephyr as he speaks of why they celebrate the moon, trying to follow it all. It just seems a bit to farfetched to actually believe to be true but, then again, she could be the one who is wrong and not them. So she just keeps her muzzle shut and takes a seat as Sage starts to speak, giving him her full attention.
Jelal pauses with his torso on the rock and his bottom half still flopping over the side, watching as everything suddenly gets a whole lot darker. "Um... Hmm," is all he has to say, glancing back and forth and then up at the moon. "... Oh," he says, suddenly comprehending the gravity of the situation. "That is not something I've seen recently," he declares as he finishes his scrabble up the rock face. He listens with rapt attention to the lynx's explanation of the apparently quite dire situation, but he can't really see anything happening except everything being particularly unilluminated. "She seems rather finicky if you ask me," he mutters under his breath. Surely, if the moon was listening, he'd just have to whip out a few of his jokes and Luna would be perked right up! But he quiets down and stands beside the lynx as she prepares to speak, looking out over the gathered animals like he was a bona-fide Merrymaker himself. It's so enilvening to be literally on top of things!
Zephyr remains silent as Sage makes her desire to speak clear. He even distances himself from her, just slightly. He believes, much more than perhaps some animals do... But he does not feel the Moon's pain as Sage does, and more, he is confident that their efforts will have an impact, that the moon's light will return to them as surely as it does after every new moon.
Sage does not mean to distract the gathered animals from their meals -- after all, what good is a feast if it's not enjoyed? -- as her true intended audience is Luna herself. But she is appreciative of those who will listen nonetheless, and so the lynx begins her prepared chant-song, looking up at the shrouded moon with deep hope clear in her sky-blue gaze: "Oh, moon, sad moon, tuck up your trailing robe...there is such magic from your presence here. Against the face of our nurturing globe, your darkness is saddening and so severe." She is no Siri-Flume, and so her words are not particularly sing-songy or vocalized with true melody, but they are genuine nonetheless. "I'll sing for you, oh Luna, if you want me to. If you want me to, I'll give to you. I'll hear your song, oh Luna, if you want me to. If you want me to, I'll sing along." Her pale blue eyes never leave the haunting sight of the reddened eclipse above, and her last verses are spoken more loudly, almost desperately, as she attempts to reach the very moon itself with her words: "Go spill your beauty on the laughing faces of happy flowers that bloom a thousand hues, waiting on tiptoe in the wilding spaces to drink your wine mixed with sweet drafts of dews." As she finishes, the lynx lowers her head, looking almost bashful at having drawn such attention to herself in her earnest efforts to serenade the moonlight back into being.
The journey is long, especially since they have no light to guide them. Skelaghe is silent throughout, but eventually they reach the area directly to the west of where they were, and Skelaghe stops walking as soon as a voice becomes clear to her. She stands there, apart from the group, listening with devout attention to someone who she can only barely see.
As Sage begins to sing, Johari closes her eyes and lets the words and melody wash over her. It's such a sweet and gentle tune that it makes a smile show up on her muzzle. It's almost relaxing in a way, soothing her very soul. The only time she feels this relaxed is when she's with her beloved Akseli, and it surprises her that something like this could make her feel close to the same thing. As Sage finishes, Johari opens her eyes slowly and smiles at her, but not wanting to break the peaceful silence that seems to have drifted over her.
The large cougar, initially leaving the celebrations, has returned. Sweet Rain is completely oblivious to their previous encounter here hours before. She is more interested in it now than before, finding the absence of a moon difficult to believe. She asks not exactly why Skelaghe brought her back here, but it isn't hurting anything so she continues to watch in silence. Unfortunately, due to Nium's tattered ear, listening from a distance can be difficult. Making out exactly what Sage is saying from this distance is impossible.
Jelal rocks slowly back and forth to the chant, enjoying the tune. He's never really known that someone could sing like that, much less a big cat (the most he's heard from them is yowling, when he had the misfortune to cross their path). He watches and waits patiently for the moon to become happy and shine on them again, wondering if that's all they needed to do. It was beautiful, but merry he's not sure of, and merry he can provide quite a bit of. He pokes his head over the rock and waves down at Johari, despite having absolutely no idea who she is. "If the moon wasn't listening," he says to Sage with a smile, "you certainly got everyone else's attention!"
Zephyr's head is turned to Sage throughout her chant, but when Jelal speaks, the bird's head turns in his direction, no matter how little his daylight-accustomed eyes can pick out. His beak opens even though he does not speak, perhaps pleased that there were others here to witness Sage's performance, her absolute devotion in what she does. What he does do, since he doesn't speak, is let out a short series of klees, a combination praise of the speech they just heard and a call to the moon to return, as he hops to the air. Flying may be difficult in the near total darkness, but at least he knows there is nothing here he could inadvertantly crash into.
[!] After what seems to be an agonizingly long time of darkness, with nothing but the stars glimmering in the midnight sky, the western rim of the moon suddenly illuminates in a cusp of blinding white light. Slowly, but surely, more of Luna's soothing reflection becomes apparent, appearing very much like the moon is peeking out from behind her concealing shroud.
Perhaps Jelal should be a consideration for when Flume retires from her spot in the wandering band, as the otter has indeed brought a smile to the lynx's face despite her great concern that the moon will not return this time. Sage can't help but utter a little laugh at his words, and she bows her head politely to him. "Thank you for your kind words, river runner." Her eyes return nonetheless to the darkened moon above, searching its lost shine out among the pitch-black night sky. "But I hope she heard me, too." The suspense is harrowing, but finally the pregnant pause is ended by the rebirth of the moon's beautiful light, and Sage can't help but utter a wild, instinctive yowl in celebration of her return, the snowy-furred cat beginning to dance happily in place on top of the mossy boulder she's perched upon.
Did Skelaghe feel a call to this area, or was it only because she knew the leaders of this celebration were here, animals infinitely more schooled in the waning and waxing and disappearing of the moon than she? If she knew of Nium's inability to hear well, she would have moved closer. As it is, her ears are simply trained on the creatures she cannot see, while her gaze is devoted to the reddish glow where the moon once was. She draws in a breath as the slightest bit of white comes back into view... And as it grows, slowly, she opens her muzzle, howling harmoniously almost in time with the yowling of the feline. It lasts for several seconds before it quiets, and by the time she again lowers her head, she can actually make out the shapes of several animals off in the distance.
At the Clover Lawn, Skelaghe howls.
Johari smiles sweetly over to Jelal as the otter waves a bit at her, feeling far too happy to care if she knows him or not. "Yes, it was a very beautiful song," the foxgirl says over to Sage. "It seems to have gotten everyone in a very good mood." She bows her head a bit as thanks to Sage, then looks up at the moon as everyone else does the same. Well whatever she did, it seems that the moon is once again back, bathing them all with it's light. The foxgirl smiles sweetly up at it, surprisingly finding a lot of warmth from seeing it's light again.
The cougress adjusts her ear as Skelaghe howls, but doesn't budge otherwise. Though if she were to hear a wolf howling anywhere else but here and now, it could mean trouble. Now however, it's nice. Calm, pleasant, but in an eerie way Sweet Rain hasn't heard before. The moon returning, it all feels magic! The sliver of the moon returns, and Sweet Rain is bewildered. "It's actually returning..." She whispers, audible only perhaps to the wolf.
"Ohhh," Jelal says as the moon's light tears across the landscape once more. Is that it? Did it work? Seems so! "Looks like it- whoa!" He ducks his head as the cat begins celebrating right near him, grinning as everyone seems to jump into life along with the moon. "Can hardly believe it," he murmurs to himself. He's *definitely* glad he showed up tonight of all nights.
Everyone here is free to celebrate in their own way. With Zephyr, it is primarily his flight, and with the return of the moon, he flies happily around Sage, at times many feet above her, and at times diving so that he is right beside her. His aerial dance involves more movement that Sage's dancing in place, but it is something he has practiced many a time, flying a circle around someone so his colors are shown to all others in the area, which, combined with the periodic rises and falls, make it a very expressive show indeed.
Sage continues her dance to music that is apparently heard only by herself, leaping down from the rock to continue her celebration on a wider expanse of ground. Her ruffed cheeks are swung back and forth as her head bobs from side to side, her stocky frame moving in a manner that's rather tribal, her paws thumping rhythmically against the dirt with each merry bound. The ashen lynx prances nimbly around the spread of foods, caring not if she looks like a fool for moving about in such a way, dancing with anyone else who cares to join her in celebration.
Skelaghe sits where she is, remaining still now, and silent after her single howl. Still, the celebration she can see causes her to smile, and after a short while, she glances to the cougaress who accompanied here here, to see if Nium is also enjoying herself.
Johari can't help but let out a cheery laugh as she watches Sage prance around happily in a somewhat of a dance. The happiness seems to be contagious because soon the foxgirl is getting the urge to go join her, but doesn't want to make a fool of herself. Even if she's not really sure why simply seeing the moon shine it's light down upon them makes her feel happy, she can't deny that it's making her smile. Her tail flicks casually behind her, simply watching Sage dance around and laughing happily.
[!] Finally, the whole of the moon is returned to its luminescent glow, its glow seeming even more vibrant than before it was hidden away. The peace of the night is returned to the lands, Luna's calming light shining once again over all of the earth's inhabitants.
With her nose pointed straight up in the sky, Sweet Rain's contented tail swings at the tip. Clearly she is pleased, though something is clearly on her mind; missing Ashen is plaguing her thoughts. Meeting her mother again and nuzzling her is also fresh in her head. This celebration and feast definitely was a good thing for Sweet Rain. She looks down at Skelaghe with a smile. "I better get going."
Jelal watches everyone else getting into the mood, and decides that if he can't figure out exactly what's going on, he might as well join in! With a happy hop, he drops down onto the ground, rolling and tumbling athletically as he vaguely follows Sage's path, but merely joins in the festivities himself, hopping about and even managing a few backflips off the large boulder. He doesn't know quite what he's celebrating, but if this is a happy time, he's never been one to miss out on celebrations! He's never been one to make a fool of himself either, but he's never seen enjoying hopping around as a sign of foolishness.
It is a fair time before Zephyr's wings finally tire, to match his tired, diurnal brain. It does happen, though, and after only a few more stunts in the air, the avian finally lands on the ground, away from where he might accidentally get stomped. He will remain for a while and continue to watch, with that same open-beaked smile that he often has.
Skelaghe's attention is drawn back to her feline companion. She's leaving? "May I accompany you, Sweet Rain?" She still has much to tell this cougaress, after all, and she would hate to lose Nium because she decided to stay here for a while longer.
Sage is caught up in her dance, so happy that the moon has decided to return her light to them that she is past the point of minding what others may think of her silly festivities -- or even noticing their presence, aside from those few woodland creatures who have decided to dance along beside her, which is a sight in and of itself. Several moments later, as the moon returns to its full brightness, the silvery-white lynx finally slows her feverish movements, panting through her broad smile as she catches her breath and recovers her usual reserved nature...though, tonight, she's content to let a little more of her inner Merrymaker shine through. As the prolonged night takes its toll, some growing tired while others grow restless, Sage takes the moment to address those gathered here: "Thank you all for your help. Your mere presence alone on our festival grounds has no doubt cheered Luna immensely. We could not have done it without you." She pauses to swallow, her throat parched from her chant and ensuing dance. A trip to the river will be in order soon, no doubt. "We will be taking our leave of you in the next couple of days, but make no mistake, we have thoroughly enjoyed meeting each and every one of you. We hope our celebration will be remembered fondly for generations to come...and that you will not forget to offer your thanks to the moon for her guiding light when the nights are particularly dark."
Sweet Rain is delighted at the offer of her newly met friend to come with her. "Yes, please do!" The large cougress stands and stretches her back, rather glad to have met such a sincere wolf. The moon shone bright and Skelaghe once again quite visible. Without another word, but one glance at another wolf there who didn't seem to know Skelaghe, Sweet Rain leaves the celebration for a second time, headed... somewhere.
Johari blinks a bit at Sage's announcement. Wait, that's it? That's all they were celebrating? Well, maybe she shouldn't complain since she /is/ feeling rather happy at the moment. Exactly /why/ she is so happy is a total mystery to her but, hey, who cares right? Chuckling slightly, the foxgirl simply says, "Thank you for a great time. It was wonderful." For some reason.
Skelaghe does not normally make a habit of ignoring anyone, but what she has to tell Nium is of singular importance. She follows alongside Nium, smiling as she does so, but still silent, for the time being.
"Oof!" Jelal gasps as he lands on his back from a failed somersault. Is everyone done already? Well! That was a little lackluster, but if they did what they came here to do, good stuff, everyone! He smiles and watches the others, wondering what he's supposed to do now. He glances back to Sage. "Are you taking the food with you?" he asks, actually seeming a little *anxious* that such a bounty would disappear as easily as the moon and all these strange beasts. Everyone coming and going so suddenly! "Well, *I'm* not going anywhere until I've eaten some of it!" he says, nodding to Johari and falling upon the pile appropriate to his kind.
Sage grins at Jelal once again, and she nods her head in allowance of his 'request' (which is really more of a demand, but at least it's a friendly one). "Please, feel free to eat as you wish. But if you decide to sample the stew...take only a little. It is potent enough as it is," the lynx replies with a coy wink. Her words may be mysterious, but the mild warning is conveyed nonetheless. She'd join the otter, but she's already eaten some of the feasting delicacies recently, and right now she's more interested in quenching her thirst than her hunger. Turning from the group, she pads her way over to the riverside for a brief rest by the trickling waters.