Difference between revisions of "Dance for the Moon - RPLOG"
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The warthog shakes his head, "You make it sound so very shady. We just don't speak of it. We don't ask you what you discussed at noon mass, do we? Fair is fair."<br> <br>Walden smiles at Felix, glad that his friend is coming with. He nods his thanks, and then he says to the warthog and puma, "I didn't mean to suggest there was anything shady about it. But that being said... all are welcome at noon mass; kindness is something to be offered to all. But aside from even my desire to lend a helping hand, there's the desire to learn. I won't ask you to speak of that which you would prefer not to, but I would like to ask if we- or I, if needed- might be allowed to, um, to stay. See for ourselves, participate if such is called for. Or not."<br> <br>"I think both of us would like to help, apparenty." Felix remarks softly towards the two rolling the barrel as he stays as close as he can to the group "And if it's a troublesome ceramony, the more the merrier and able hands to help!" He adds, apparently trying to help as he can before giving another nod to Walden, along with a smile of his own.<br> <br>"All are welcome," agrees the puma, "If you wish to ask forgiveness of the spirits for your wildly uncaring ways. I am sure they will extend their kindness on this day of all days! We bring their favorite drink and will dance their sacred dance," he says with an excited tone in his voice. The barrel is pushed up along until a subtle path allows them to take a left, going up off the trail, becoming harder to shove the barrel over roots and bushes, to a small clearing.<br> <br>Walden grins excitedly and pats Felix on the back. "Sounds like we've got an interesting evening ahead of us. Thank you, then, sirs. I'm looking forward to this. I believe it's a good thing to understand and respect others' points of view. And... maybe we'll really learn something important."<br> <br>"Indeed it is, I didn't even know this ceramony took place, it will do well for us to learn." Felix remarks with a swift nod as he continues following. If the others needed it, he might even help push the cask of beer a bit in tough spots.<br> <br>The barrel is pushed to the center, and hoisted up onto its end. The puma produces an ornate wooden box, waves over it twice. The warthog bows to the puma properly, waits a few seconds, then flips the box open. A spigot. He holds the spigot aloft, "Hear us, powerful and capricious spirits of the land. We bring offering to you, and good song to please you so you will grant us good crop and spare us your dreadful wrath for the year ahead."<br> <br>Walden crosses his arms casually as he observes all of this. There's a soft smile on his face, and he nods slowly, remaining quiet for the time being out of respect. He sneaks a little glance at Felix though, keeping that smile.<br> <br>The Deer remains quiet for the time being once the group has assembled in its proper location, not wanting to inturupt the ceremony as it takes place. Felix nods slightly as Walden glances towards him somewhat thoughtfully, woderning how the ritual may play out.<br> <br>The pig moves over to Walden first, "We bring two mortals to pray at your feet. Absolve them of their crimes and welcome them to your bosom," He moves to tap Wallen on the forehead with the spigot, then to repeat with Felix, "As the divine liquid washes away our mortal limitations, our sins will be cleansed."<br> <br>Walden blinks reflexively at the tap to his hard scaly forehead. He does certainly look a little nervous about this, but he takes in a deep breath and nods, rubbing his hands together briskly. He shifts his weight from side to side, unsure of what he's going to be doing, though he's trying hard not to speak out of turn and interrupt!<br> <br>"Uhm.." Felix murmurs as quietly as he can as the spigot is tapped to his forehead, trying to restrain speaking up in curiosity about what this blessing is suppose to do, besides allowing them to pass their mortal limitations! He manages to keep (Mostly) quiet though, and continues watching and in part, participating.<br> <br>With all due reverence, the spigot is jammed into the barrel, then tapped twice with an amusingly small, but ornate, hammer, "Let the fluid flow, like your blessings and forgiveness," speaks the puma, who reaches down and gives a twist, letting the first bit of the barrel flow out onto the forest floor. An offering perhaps? While this goes on, the pig sets out two tall mugs at the top of the barrel.<br> <br>Walden licks his lips and breathes in the inevitably aromatic scent that would be coming from the barrel by now. "Two," he whispers to Felix. "Not four? Interesting..." He twitches a little. Part of him is excited about beer. The other is desperately seeking to find meaning in all of this.<br> <br>"Maybe it's just for them, since we're mostly watching" Felix murmurs to Walden as he leans back towards the Armbadillo. He watches carefully though, pondering if maybe he's wrong and their intent is for them to drink of the beer.<br> <br>"We didn't expect visitors," explains the pig, "So we only have two properly anointed chalices. Since you two are guests, why don't you have first?" he invites, "Go on, it's good stuff. We brought it with us from far overland. Quite a journey."<br> <br>Walden looks back and forth between Felix and the other two, and he swallows hard, nervously. "O-oh, us? I... Okay, that's... that's fine! Thank you. I hope it isn't too much of a bother! Um... I suppose I... how rude of me. I should say first, hello, my name is Walden!" He cautiously takes one of the two mugs, glances at the two other men as if making sure he's doing it alright. He then pours the beer into his "anointed chalice", swirls the drink about as he breathes in the aroma, and takes a sip.<br> <br>"I'd imagine so, especially carrying such a cask the whole way with you." Felix offers with a smile towards their two hosts, nodding almost as if in approval of their long journey before he steps up to the cask. "And I am Felix." The deer adds in turn. He's not much of a drinker, but he sure isn't going to be inpolite as he takes it graciously and fills it as well. Seeing Walden taking a sip of his he quickly does the same, although without smelling it first.<br> <br>Not local, for sure. It has a heavy flavor that smacks one across the snout and demands attention. But it's not a bad flavor, just powerful and heady. Truly a drink fit for paganism. "Don't be shy. Drink deep. We have to wash away all the filth we've built up during the year," explains the puma, "Drink like a river and don't hold back." | The warthog shakes his head, "You make it sound so very shady. We just don't speak of it. We don't ask you what you discussed at noon mass, do we? Fair is fair."<br> <br>Walden smiles at Felix, glad that his friend is coming with. He nods his thanks, and then he says to the warthog and puma, "I didn't mean to suggest there was anything shady about it. But that being said... all are welcome at noon mass; kindness is something to be offered to all. But aside from even my desire to lend a helping hand, there's the desire to learn. I won't ask you to speak of that which you would prefer not to, but I would like to ask if we- or I, if needed- might be allowed to, um, to stay. See for ourselves, participate if such is called for. Or not."<br> <br>"I think both of us would like to help, apparenty." Felix remarks softly towards the two rolling the barrel as he stays as close as he can to the group "And if it's a troublesome ceramony, the more the merrier and able hands to help!" He adds, apparently trying to help as he can before giving another nod to Walden, along with a smile of his own.<br> <br>"All are welcome," agrees the puma, "If you wish to ask forgiveness of the spirits for your wildly uncaring ways. I am sure they will extend their kindness on this day of all days! We bring their favorite drink and will dance their sacred dance," he says with an excited tone in his voice. The barrel is pushed up along until a subtle path allows them to take a left, going up off the trail, becoming harder to shove the barrel over roots and bushes, to a small clearing.<br> <br>Walden grins excitedly and pats Felix on the back. "Sounds like we've got an interesting evening ahead of us. Thank you, then, sirs. I'm looking forward to this. I believe it's a good thing to understand and respect others' points of view. And... maybe we'll really learn something important."<br> <br>"Indeed it is, I didn't even know this ceramony took place, it will do well for us to learn." Felix remarks with a swift nod as he continues following. If the others needed it, he might even help push the cask of beer a bit in tough spots.<br> <br>The barrel is pushed to the center, and hoisted up onto its end. The puma produces an ornate wooden box, waves over it twice. The warthog bows to the puma properly, waits a few seconds, then flips the box open. A spigot. He holds the spigot aloft, "Hear us, powerful and capricious spirits of the land. We bring offering to you, and good song to please you so you will grant us good crop and spare us your dreadful wrath for the year ahead."<br> <br>Walden crosses his arms casually as he observes all of this. There's a soft smile on his face, and he nods slowly, remaining quiet for the time being out of respect. He sneaks a little glance at Felix though, keeping that smile.<br> <br>The Deer remains quiet for the time being once the group has assembled in its proper location, not wanting to inturupt the ceremony as it takes place. Felix nods slightly as Walden glances towards him somewhat thoughtfully, woderning how the ritual may play out.<br> <br>The pig moves over to Walden first, "We bring two mortals to pray at your feet. Absolve them of their crimes and welcome them to your bosom," He moves to tap Wallen on the forehead with the spigot, then to repeat with Felix, "As the divine liquid washes away our mortal limitations, our sins will be cleansed."<br> <br>Walden blinks reflexively at the tap to his hard scaly forehead. He does certainly look a little nervous about this, but he takes in a deep breath and nods, rubbing his hands together briskly. He shifts his weight from side to side, unsure of what he's going to be doing, though he's trying hard not to speak out of turn and interrupt!<br> <br>"Uhm.." Felix murmurs as quietly as he can as the spigot is tapped to his forehead, trying to restrain speaking up in curiosity about what this blessing is suppose to do, besides allowing them to pass their mortal limitations! He manages to keep (Mostly) quiet though, and continues watching and in part, participating.<br> <br>With all due reverence, the spigot is jammed into the barrel, then tapped twice with an amusingly small, but ornate, hammer, "Let the fluid flow, like your blessings and forgiveness," speaks the puma, who reaches down and gives a twist, letting the first bit of the barrel flow out onto the forest floor. An offering perhaps? While this goes on, the pig sets out two tall mugs at the top of the barrel.<br> <br>Walden licks his lips and breathes in the inevitably aromatic scent that would be coming from the barrel by now. "Two," he whispers to Felix. "Not four? Interesting..." He twitches a little. Part of him is excited about beer. The other is desperately seeking to find meaning in all of this.<br> <br>"Maybe it's just for them, since we're mostly watching" Felix murmurs to Walden as he leans back towards the Armbadillo. He watches carefully though, pondering if maybe he's wrong and their intent is for them to drink of the beer.<br> <br>"We didn't expect visitors," explains the pig, "So we only have two properly anointed chalices. Since you two are guests, why don't you have first?" he invites, "Go on, it's good stuff. We brought it with us from far overland. Quite a journey."<br> <br>Walden looks back and forth between Felix and the other two, and he swallows hard, nervously. "O-oh, us? I... Okay, that's... that's fine! Thank you. I hope it isn't too much of a bother! Um... I suppose I... how rude of me. I should say first, hello, my name is Walden!" He cautiously takes one of the two mugs, glances at the two other men as if making sure he's doing it alright. He then pours the beer into his "anointed chalice", swirls the drink about as he breathes in the aroma, and takes a sip.<br> <br>"I'd imagine so, especially carrying such a cask the whole way with you." Felix offers with a smile towards their two hosts, nodding almost as if in approval of their long journey before he steps up to the cask. "And I am Felix." The deer adds in turn. He's not much of a drinker, but he sure isn't going to be inpolite as he takes it graciously and fills it as well. Seeing Walden taking a sip of his he quickly does the same, although without smelling it first.<br> <br>Not local, for sure. It has a heavy flavor that smacks one across the snout and demands attention. But it's not a bad flavor, just powerful and heady. Truly a drink fit for paganism. "Don't be shy. Drink deep. We have to wash away all the filth we've built up during the year," explains the puma, "Drink like a river and don't hold back." | ||
| − | The warthog points at himself, "I am high druid Frudrick. And he is my apprentice, Sapling Timone. We are pleased to meet you."<br> <br>Walden's ears twitch slightly. He considers the taste, then he nods in approval. "Pleasure to meet you two as well. Thank you for the hospitality," he says with a grin. "I know I've done a few things I'm not proud of, but I do my best to be a good person. So... this is for Mom. Sorry for being a pain the last year," the armadillo then says with a grin, lifts his mug, and drinks much more!<br> <br>Felix nods slowely as he glances down at the mug he had filled, thinking for a moment "It's a good idea, I suppose." He murmurs, in regards to what has been said so far before he smiles and chimes up a bit like Walden after a moment "I've made plenty of mistakes too, plenty of people I had the chance to help but haven't." He adds before downing the drink, himself.<br> <br>The two seem pleased, and move up to take their turns. They raise their mugs high to the air, then down them without coming up for air, just greedy gulps of alcohol to set their heads spinning, one would imagine. "Drink as much as you please, until you can't fit any more," assures the puma, "And think on how we can do better in the coming year."<br> <br>Walden just laughs to himself a little at seeing the way the other two drink. He leans over and whispers to Felix, "I like to savor the taste, myself, but I understand where they're coming from." He grins, and as the mugs are offered again, he fills up and partakes. "I've got lots of ideas! Being more charitable, doing things for the kids of the city, maybe seeing where I can get in some good volunteer work. Maybe help someone build a house," he says with a grin, and he drinks down more, enjoying the taste in a manner he's not really used to but seems to be enjoying well enough!<br> <br>"As long as there's plenty for everyone!" Felix remarks somewhat loudly to the druid's statement of drinking as much as possible, he doesn't seem to consider that too much though as he takes another mug full of the brew and drinks it down. With Walden leaning in and whispering though he laughs softly "I think it's pretty good either way you know!" He adds before patting Walden with his free hand "I think there's much to do in that department, my friend, there's so much that can be done to better the city and all the land around it."<br> <br>The two seem to have another part of the ceremony to perform. They touch hands and begin a strange dance, moving at the tips of toes as they circle and throw one another about. It looks ridiculous. Maybe it's why they drink readily during the process. While they twirl and cavort, they sing praises to strangely named dieties, thanking them for bountiful harvests and begging their forgiveness all at once. | + | The warthog points at himself, "I am high druid Frudrick. And he is my apprentice, Sapling Timone. We are pleased to meet you."<br> <br>Walden's ears twitch slightly. He considers the taste, then he nods in approval. "Pleasure to meet you two as well. Thank you for the hospitality," he says with a grin. "I know I've done a few things I'm not proud of, but I do my best to be a good person. So... this is for Mom. Sorry for being a pain the last year," the armadillo then says with a grin, lifts his mug, and drinks much more!<br> <br>Felix nods slowely as he glances down at the mug he had filled, thinking for a moment "It's a good idea, I suppose." He murmurs, in regards to what has been said so far before he smiles and chimes up a bit like Walden after a moment "I've made plenty of mistakes too, plenty of people I had the chance to help but haven't." He adds before downing the drink, himself.<br> <br>The two seem pleased, and move up to take their turns. They raise their mugs high to the air, then down them without coming up for air, just greedy gulps of alcohol to set their heads spinning, one would imagine. "Drink as much as you please, until you can't fit any more," assures the puma, "And think on how we can do better in the coming year."<br> <br>Walden just laughs to himself a little at seeing the way the other two drink. He leans over and whispers to Felix, "I like to savor the taste, myself, but I understand where they're coming from." He grins, and as the mugs are offered again, he fills up and partakes. "I've got lots of ideas! Being more charitable, doing things for the kids of the city, maybe seeing where I can get in some good volunteer work. Maybe help someone build a house," he says with a grin, and he drinks down more, enjoying the taste in a manner he's not really used to but seems to be enjoying well enough!<br> <br>"As long as there's plenty for everyone!" Felix remarks somewhat loudly to the druid's statement of drinking as much as possible, he doesn't seem to consider that too much though as he takes another mug full of the brew and drinks it down. With Walden leaning in and whispering though he laughs softly "I think it's pretty good either way you know!" He adds before patting Walden with his free hand "I think there's much to do in that department, my friend, there's so much that can be done to better the city and all the land around it."<br> <br>The two seem to have another part of the ceremony to perform. They touch hands and begin a strange dance, moving at the tips of toes as they circle and throw one another about. It looks ridiculous. Maybe it's why they drink readily during the process. While they twirl and cavort, they sing praises to strangely named dieties, thanking them for bountiful harvests and begging their forgiveness all at once.<br> <br>Walden laughs quietly, watching the two men dance and sing in such a peculiar manner. "I... I wouldn't even know where to start with... um... I'm an awful dancer," he tells Felix with a grin. "Yeah... Bountiful harvests. Yeah, please, for my family." He tries to at least hum along with the song, bobbing his head as he cautiously wobbles his weight from side to side in something -barely- resembling a dance. Maybe. If you have a good imagination.<br> <br>The song of loud drunken revelry draws the attention of another soul wandering the area. Lady Ironsoul approaches the site where two foreign beings, a warthog and a puma, both male, without clan seals, are jovially dancing around a barrel of beer with a spigot and two mugs placed atop. They sing praises to gods not heard of before by any good Sweetwater citizen.<br> <br>Felix is a rather bad dancer, so he doesn't really try too much in that department, less he end up falling flat on his face, or on another person! He sure doesn't know who they're singing to, either, but like Walden, he hums slightly "As am I, Walden, so let's leave that part to them I say."<br> <br>Kilsa looked at the warthog and puma, "Hello?" She asked a little unsure most of her dealing with apostates have been less than friendly. She carred a small bit of ore in her hand and a pick axe. is slung over her shoulder. She notices Felix and Walden dancing and shrugs, "What... Did I walk into?"<br> <br>Walden smirks at Felix and says, "Then we can be terrible together!" the armadillo exclaims and grabs at Felix's hands, trying to get the deer to dance with him. That's right about when he hears a familiar voice and catches sight of a familiar lady badger. "Uhhhhh."<br> <br>The two come to a halt at the sound of a new voice, looking over and frowning a bit, "You're interrupting a proper ritual," speaks the warthog, "Unless you mean to partake of our new year offerings, we were here first. Rule of the land and all." he insists in his foreign accent before pouring a fresh mug of the beer and drinking deep. The puma takes his turn right after, slurring out something, lost in the intoxication he is already falling deep into.<br> <br>"Awwk!" Felix remakrs as Walden grabs at his hands, as if him dancing might be the end of the world as he knew it, kinda. "Oh come on now, I'm sure those two are enough!" He protests mildly as he hears a new voice chime in, glancing back over his shoulder for a moment yields a response "Oh! Hey, I have no idea!"<br> <br>Kilsa looks serious for a moment and then drops her ore and pick axe, "If by partake you mean enjoy drinking with my friends and shaking my large rump around a barrel of ale. Then I'm in." She begins to remove her normal armor down to a blue tunic with black slacks. "What do I have to do, My good Apostate?" She asked in a friendly manner.<br> <br>Walden breathes a sigh of relief as Kilsa breaks the tension. He grins, grabs Felix's hands tightly again, and says, "Drink for forgiveness for past transgressions! Drink for bettering yourself in the coming year! Dance and pray for a bountiful harvest, give thanks for the land and for good fortune!" He seems to be getting into this alright, and he... kinda dances. Kinda. He's trying, but it's a very wobbly sort of dance. Then again, he has beer in him.<br> <br>The pig nods his head, "As he explained, that is the basic of it. We give our thanks to the spirits of the land and forest for their kind forbearance for our trespasses over the year past and the year to come, and consider how we may improve ourselves while washing away the burden of our sins in these libation."<br> <br>"Aye, it's the basics, a good time as any to get any transgressions off your mind!" Felix remarks as Walden again takes his hands, looks like there's no way he's going to get out of this. He sways some too, any more might be grounds for falling over and hurting someone, mostly himself most likely. Seems like the Deer has had plenty to drink, too.<br> <br>Kilsa nods her head, "Then I have created many transgression and wish to better myself always. So I will need many drinks to repay Promise for the ore I have used in my life." She chuckles and placed an arm around Walden, "My friend you should have told me about your Apostate life sooner, I would have supported you regardless." She chuckled as she moved to take a drink for herself. "To the future!" She shouted before downing her first drink.<br> <br>Walden scrunches his face at Kilsa and grins. "Kilsa, I'm a medic, a would-be social worker, and a scholar. That's all. I'd rather learn about other people before judging them with labels. So, it's not what you say, but rather a life of learning and curiosity. And besides, we share the same cause, the same desires for living a good life, for having bountiful crops and all... I'm a farm boy, you know! Also, beer!" Walden teasingly tugs at Felix's arm as if to pull his friend in close so he can hug both him and Kilsa.<br> <br>The two druids watch the trio a moment before they lean in close to one another, speaking a moment, "We have an opportunity!" exclaims the feline drunkenly, "We haven't had the members for a proper trifecta of sacrifice in almost a decade! The spirits will be so pleased if you will perform the sritual f'us." He wobbles in place, almost ready to pass out even as he finishes his cup.<br> <br>Felix awks again as he's pulled into a hug-thing with Walden and Kilsa, not much he can do about it again though! "It's all about thinking about the bad things and making them better I think, regardless!" He remarks loudy, not really hearing what the druids are saying to one another.<br> <br>Kilsa chuckles, "No offense ment, Walden!" She smiled, "I would have guessed that atleast one of my friends might be interested in this kinda life." She smiled and downed another mug. "Now I must do the dance of my folk." She joked grabbing Walden and doing a poor rendition of a waltz just barely missing the dillo's feet with her own massive feet.<br> <br>Walden laughs a little at his friends, and he stumbles about in an approximation of a waltz (he never really learned this stuff!) while saying to Kilsa, "I just like to be open-minded." Usually. Unless the term sacrifice is brought up. He blinks and peers over at the warthog and the puma. "Whoa, haha, friends. Unless you're talking about breads, fruits, and vegetables as an offering, you might wanna calm down with that one!" he says, trying to maintain a grin. Though it's a bit forced at this point.<br> <br>With the cat slumping against the barrel, his friend takes over. Seemingly immune to the effects of his booze, the warthog explains, "We require three, who are not initiated in our ways, to perform this ritual, but it almost ensures a bountiful year of blessing."<br> <br>"I don't think any of us will probably be spilling our blood, if that's what you mean." Felix remarks, his attention turning back towards the druids for a few moments, an ear twitching "And I dunno even then."<br> <br>Kilsa gasps and stops the walts, "Do this involve our death?" She glare at the warthog knowing that even with her little bit of alcohol she could probably reach her pickaxe and embedded it in his face. "I'm hoping that we won't be, Felix because this won't be good for them, a badger with alcohol in her veins and math at her finger tips can cause alot of problems." She growls the last part out.<br> <br>Walden pats Felix and Kilsa reassuringly, and he clears his throat and says to the warthog, "Before tempers start flaring, maybe it would be best if we discussed what exactly this ritual entails. This is reasonable, wouldn't you say?" He manages to keep a pleasant demeanor, though his voice cracks just a little. He's nervous deep down, that's for sure. |
Revision as of 01:48, 17 October 2012
Participants
Date
16/10/475
Log
A fine friday afternoon. The sun is warm, the wind is cool, and the adventure, you can taste it in the air. Or is that beer? Yes, that's beer. Two men are rolling a casket down the road at an appreciable rate, oddly forest bound with the beer keg.
Walden is with Felix, coming from the other direction on the road in good spirits, perhaps having spent time in the local farmlands. The sight of two men rolling a keg along the road causes him to stop and stare in confusion. "What in the world? You don't see that every day," he considers.
Felix is indeed walking along with Walden, the Deer probably taking the time to explore a bit more of the farmlands himself. "I have absolutly no idea...Some festival going on?" He would muse softly as he watches, arms going to cross before his chest for a few moments.
Rainer sits up out of a patch of tall grass, fists balled and teeth clenched as he stretches arms high over his head. Breathing deep of the crisp autumn air that rolls over the fields then, he finds himself smacking and licking his lips, greeted by a curiously appetizing scent. It isn't long before he's on his feet and emerging onto the road, wandering aimlessly onto the road and into the path of the two gentlemen with their rolling cask, still in a just-awoken daze and rubbing sleep from his eyes.
"Woah woah woah!" calls out one of the two, but Rainer's presence is too abrupt to actually bring the barrel to a stop, and it bumps right into the poor being, threatening to topple him as the heavy casket makes a brave attempt to roll over the obstruction.
Walden shrugs at Felix, but when he sees a figure walking into their path and getting potentially into trouble, he pats Felix's arm and says, "Hey, let's go check it out. Maybe they could use a hand!" With a wink, he starts jogging down the path to meet up with the "trio" and the beer barrel, though he's likely out of range to do anything to actually help yet. "Whoa, watch it, man!" he calls.
Felix is quick to return the shrug, moving to job off after Walden after a moment causing his various equipment to clank gently against the armor he wears when out of town "Oy, what's going on over here, anyways!" He chimes up as he approaches nearer the barrel and those about it, a little more curious about the cask itself than anything.
Rainer hits the ground with a startled yelp and then a whole lot of oofing and owing as the cask steamrolls his torso and only finally comes to a halt when it collides with his jaw. Still, somehow, the wolf seems not too badly off, as he's able to plant his paws onto the barrel almost immediately after and roll it back enough that he's able to lift his head and groan, "Why do these things keep happening to me?..."
The two beings, a puma and a warthog, are swift to assist, rolling the barrel back off Rainer and slowly tipping it up onto its short end. "Sorry about that, guv," says the pig with a foreign sounding accent, "Decidedly unsporting like, running a gent over without so much a warning."
No clan seals are visible on the duo.
Walden catches up to the scene, panting just a little from a bit of quick jogging. "Is everything okay?" the armadillo asks just in time to see things working out without his aid. "Oh, Rainer? I... can't say that's much of a surprise, seeing you under a beer barrel." He chuckles and looks at the two unknown fellows curiously. "That is beer, right? Sure smells like it. What's the occasion?" he wonders. He keeps glancing at their clothes, perhaps starting to notice the lack of something that's usually visible at a glance.
Felix takes a moment to eye the puma and warthog before moving to help Rainer up from the ground, if they needed assistance that is having been bulldozed. "Hey there, you okay then?" He would ask of Rainer before looking back to the two pushers once again "Some sort of festival outside of town I would assume?"
Rainer grumbles up at the dillo, "Just because I enjoy the occasional drink~" At last he climbs to his feet with Felix's aid, slowly but steadily, once the offending cask has been hefted off of him. He takes turns rubbing his chin and stomach, fighting down cringes, until at last he straightens back to his full height. "No harm done, except to my pride." the wolf offers amicably, bearing a sheepish grin at the other four.
The puma gestures at the forest, "We must move swiftly, to appease the forest spirits." Forest spirits? "The offering must reach them before sunset, to say nothing of the ceremony. We don't want them getting riled up."
Walden shoots a quick glance at Felix and Rainer in confusion. Then, he asks the puma, "Ceremony? Forest spirits? Uh... what forest spirits exactly?" he asks. This certainly sounds unusual to him.
"Appease the spirits? That sounds a bit strange, anything we could do to help, maybe?" Felix suggests, glancing from Rainer to Walden as if asking their opinion and thoughts on the matter.
The pig nods his head gravely, "It's a grave matter, gents. The spirits will rise up and devastate the countryside if we don't do it right." They tip the barrel back onto its long end and resume pushing it towards the forest, "Tally ho!" he calls and both get to pushing it, building that momentum back up.
Walden looks to Felix again and blinks a couple times, trying to comprehend this. "Grave matter? Wait..." He picks up his pace to keep up with the puma and the warthog. "If this is so important, m-maybe we can lend a hand?" he asks, glancing at the others. "Or I can. Or whatever. I mean, you can't just tell us something like that and not expect me to be concerned!"
"I've not really heard of some sort of grave matter like this before, let us assist you though, I'm sure we'll be able to lend a hand with setting up, or the like!" Felix remarks in turn, moving as quick as he's able to keep up with the others "Aye! We would be responsible if something went wrong now!"
The two are not prevented from coming along, babysitting the barrel as it rolls up into the forest path, "Of course you haven't," says the puma, "It's a little bit of a unspoken secret. Not an outright one, of course, just..." he shrugs.
The warthog shakes his head, "You make it sound so very shady. We just don't speak of it. We don't ask you what you discussed at noon mass, do we? Fair is fair."
Walden smiles at Felix, glad that his friend is coming with. He nods his thanks, and then he says to the warthog and puma, "I didn't mean to suggest there was anything shady about it. But that being said... all are welcome at noon mass; kindness is something to be offered to all. But aside from even my desire to lend a helping hand, there's the desire to learn. I won't ask you to speak of that which you would prefer not to, but I would like to ask if we- or I, if needed- might be allowed to, um, to stay. See for ourselves, participate if such is called for. Or not."
"I think both of us would like to help, apparenty." Felix remarks softly towards the two rolling the barrel as he stays as close as he can to the group "And if it's a troublesome ceramony, the more the merrier and able hands to help!" He adds, apparently trying to help as he can before giving another nod to Walden, along with a smile of his own.
"All are welcome," agrees the puma, "If you wish to ask forgiveness of the spirits for your wildly uncaring ways. I am sure they will extend their kindness on this day of all days! We bring their favorite drink and will dance their sacred dance," he says with an excited tone in his voice. The barrel is pushed up along until a subtle path allows them to take a left, going up off the trail, becoming harder to shove the barrel over roots and bushes, to a small clearing.
Walden grins excitedly and pats Felix on the back. "Sounds like we've got an interesting evening ahead of us. Thank you, then, sirs. I'm looking forward to this. I believe it's a good thing to understand and respect others' points of view. And... maybe we'll really learn something important."
"Indeed it is, I didn't even know this ceramony took place, it will do well for us to learn." Felix remarks with a swift nod as he continues following. If the others needed it, he might even help push the cask of beer a bit in tough spots.
The barrel is pushed to the center, and hoisted up onto its end. The puma produces an ornate wooden box, waves over it twice. The warthog bows to the puma properly, waits a few seconds, then flips the box open. A spigot. He holds the spigot aloft, "Hear us, powerful and capricious spirits of the land. We bring offering to you, and good song to please you so you will grant us good crop and spare us your dreadful wrath for the year ahead."
Walden crosses his arms casually as he observes all of this. There's a soft smile on his face, and he nods slowly, remaining quiet for the time being out of respect. He sneaks a little glance at Felix though, keeping that smile.
The Deer remains quiet for the time being once the group has assembled in its proper location, not wanting to inturupt the ceremony as it takes place. Felix nods slightly as Walden glances towards him somewhat thoughtfully, woderning how the ritual may play out.
The pig moves over to Walden first, "We bring two mortals to pray at your feet. Absolve them of their crimes and welcome them to your bosom," He moves to tap Wallen on the forehead with the spigot, then to repeat with Felix, "As the divine liquid washes away our mortal limitations, our sins will be cleansed."
Walden blinks reflexively at the tap to his hard scaly forehead. He does certainly look a little nervous about this, but he takes in a deep breath and nods, rubbing his hands together briskly. He shifts his weight from side to side, unsure of what he's going to be doing, though he's trying hard not to speak out of turn and interrupt!
"Uhm.." Felix murmurs as quietly as he can as the spigot is tapped to his forehead, trying to restrain speaking up in curiosity about what this blessing is suppose to do, besides allowing them to pass their mortal limitations! He manages to keep (Mostly) quiet though, and continues watching and in part, participating.
With all due reverence, the spigot is jammed into the barrel, then tapped twice with an amusingly small, but ornate, hammer, "Let the fluid flow, like your blessings and forgiveness," speaks the puma, who reaches down and gives a twist, letting the first bit of the barrel flow out onto the forest floor. An offering perhaps? While this goes on, the pig sets out two tall mugs at the top of the barrel.
Walden licks his lips and breathes in the inevitably aromatic scent that would be coming from the barrel by now. "Two," he whispers to Felix. "Not four? Interesting..." He twitches a little. Part of him is excited about beer. The other is desperately seeking to find meaning in all of this.
"Maybe it's just for them, since we're mostly watching" Felix murmurs to Walden as he leans back towards the Armbadillo. He watches carefully though, pondering if maybe he's wrong and their intent is for them to drink of the beer.
"We didn't expect visitors," explains the pig, "So we only have two properly anointed chalices. Since you two are guests, why don't you have first?" he invites, "Go on, it's good stuff. We brought it with us from far overland. Quite a journey."
Walden looks back and forth between Felix and the other two, and he swallows hard, nervously. "O-oh, us? I... Okay, that's... that's fine! Thank you. I hope it isn't too much of a bother! Um... I suppose I... how rude of me. I should say first, hello, my name is Walden!" He cautiously takes one of the two mugs, glances at the two other men as if making sure he's doing it alright. He then pours the beer into his "anointed chalice", swirls the drink about as he breathes in the aroma, and takes a sip.
"I'd imagine so, especially carrying such a cask the whole way with you." Felix offers with a smile towards their two hosts, nodding almost as if in approval of their long journey before he steps up to the cask. "And I am Felix." The deer adds in turn. He's not much of a drinker, but he sure isn't going to be inpolite as he takes it graciously and fills it as well. Seeing Walden taking a sip of his he quickly does the same, although without smelling it first.
Not local, for sure. It has a heavy flavor that smacks one across the snout and demands attention. But it's not a bad flavor, just powerful and heady. Truly a drink fit for paganism. "Don't be shy. Drink deep. We have to wash away all the filth we've built up during the year," explains the puma, "Drink like a river and don't hold back."
The warthog points at himself, "I am high druid Frudrick. And he is my apprentice, Sapling Timone. We are pleased to meet you."
Walden's ears twitch slightly. He considers the taste, then he nods in approval. "Pleasure to meet you two as well. Thank you for the hospitality," he says with a grin. "I know I've done a few things I'm not proud of, but I do my best to be a good person. So... this is for Mom. Sorry for being a pain the last year," the armadillo then says with a grin, lifts his mug, and drinks much more!
Felix nods slowely as he glances down at the mug he had filled, thinking for a moment "It's a good idea, I suppose." He murmurs, in regards to what has been said so far before he smiles and chimes up a bit like Walden after a moment "I've made plenty of mistakes too, plenty of people I had the chance to help but haven't." He adds before downing the drink, himself.
The two seem pleased, and move up to take their turns. They raise their mugs high to the air, then down them without coming up for air, just greedy gulps of alcohol to set their heads spinning, one would imagine. "Drink as much as you please, until you can't fit any more," assures the puma, "And think on how we can do better in the coming year."
Walden just laughs to himself a little at seeing the way the other two drink. He leans over and whispers to Felix, "I like to savor the taste, myself, but I understand where they're coming from." He grins, and as the mugs are offered again, he fills up and partakes. "I've got lots of ideas! Being more charitable, doing things for the kids of the city, maybe seeing where I can get in some good volunteer work. Maybe help someone build a house," he says with a grin, and he drinks down more, enjoying the taste in a manner he's not really used to but seems to be enjoying well enough!
"As long as there's plenty for everyone!" Felix remarks somewhat loudly to the druid's statement of drinking as much as possible, he doesn't seem to consider that too much though as he takes another mug full of the brew and drinks it down. With Walden leaning in and whispering though he laughs softly "I think it's pretty good either way you know!" He adds before patting Walden with his free hand "I think there's much to do in that department, my friend, there's so much that can be done to better the city and all the land around it."
The two seem to have another part of the ceremony to perform. They touch hands and begin a strange dance, moving at the tips of toes as they circle and throw one another about. It looks ridiculous. Maybe it's why they drink readily during the process. While they twirl and cavort, they sing praises to strangely named dieties, thanking them for bountiful harvests and begging their forgiveness all at once.
Walden laughs quietly, watching the two men dance and sing in such a peculiar manner. "I... I wouldn't even know where to start with... um... I'm an awful dancer," he tells Felix with a grin. "Yeah... Bountiful harvests. Yeah, please, for my family." He tries to at least hum along with the song, bobbing his head as he cautiously wobbles his weight from side to side in something -barely- resembling a dance. Maybe. If you have a good imagination.
The song of loud drunken revelry draws the attention of another soul wandering the area. Lady Ironsoul approaches the site where two foreign beings, a warthog and a puma, both male, without clan seals, are jovially dancing around a barrel of beer with a spigot and two mugs placed atop. They sing praises to gods not heard of before by any good Sweetwater citizen.
Felix is a rather bad dancer, so he doesn't really try too much in that department, less he end up falling flat on his face, or on another person! He sure doesn't know who they're singing to, either, but like Walden, he hums slightly "As am I, Walden, so let's leave that part to them I say."
Kilsa looked at the warthog and puma, "Hello?" She asked a little unsure most of her dealing with apostates have been less than friendly. She carred a small bit of ore in her hand and a pick axe. is slung over her shoulder. She notices Felix and Walden dancing and shrugs, "What... Did I walk into?"
Walden smirks at Felix and says, "Then we can be terrible together!" the armadillo exclaims and grabs at Felix's hands, trying to get the deer to dance with him. That's right about when he hears a familiar voice and catches sight of a familiar lady badger. "Uhhhhh."
The two come to a halt at the sound of a new voice, looking over and frowning a bit, "You're interrupting a proper ritual," speaks the warthog, "Unless you mean to partake of our new year offerings, we were here first. Rule of the land and all." he insists in his foreign accent before pouring a fresh mug of the beer and drinking deep. The puma takes his turn right after, slurring out something, lost in the intoxication he is already falling deep into.
"Awwk!" Felix remakrs as Walden grabs at his hands, as if him dancing might be the end of the world as he knew it, kinda. "Oh come on now, I'm sure those two are enough!" He protests mildly as he hears a new voice chime in, glancing back over his shoulder for a moment yields a response "Oh! Hey, I have no idea!"
Kilsa looks serious for a moment and then drops her ore and pick axe, "If by partake you mean enjoy drinking with my friends and shaking my large rump around a barrel of ale. Then I'm in." She begins to remove her normal armor down to a blue tunic with black slacks. "What do I have to do, My good Apostate?" She asked in a friendly manner.
Walden breathes a sigh of relief as Kilsa breaks the tension. He grins, grabs Felix's hands tightly again, and says, "Drink for forgiveness for past transgressions! Drink for bettering yourself in the coming year! Dance and pray for a bountiful harvest, give thanks for the land and for good fortune!" He seems to be getting into this alright, and he... kinda dances. Kinda. He's trying, but it's a very wobbly sort of dance. Then again, he has beer in him.
The pig nods his head, "As he explained, that is the basic of it. We give our thanks to the spirits of the land and forest for their kind forbearance for our trespasses over the year past and the year to come, and consider how we may improve ourselves while washing away the burden of our sins in these libation."
"Aye, it's the basics, a good time as any to get any transgressions off your mind!" Felix remarks as Walden again takes his hands, looks like there's no way he's going to get out of this. He sways some too, any more might be grounds for falling over and hurting someone, mostly himself most likely. Seems like the Deer has had plenty to drink, too.
Kilsa nods her head, "Then I have created many transgression and wish to better myself always. So I will need many drinks to repay Promise for the ore I have used in my life." She chuckles and placed an arm around Walden, "My friend you should have told me about your Apostate life sooner, I would have supported you regardless." She chuckled as she moved to take a drink for herself. "To the future!" She shouted before downing her first drink.
Walden scrunches his face at Kilsa and grins. "Kilsa, I'm a medic, a would-be social worker, and a scholar. That's all. I'd rather learn about other people before judging them with labels. So, it's not what you say, but rather a life of learning and curiosity. And besides, we share the same cause, the same desires for living a good life, for having bountiful crops and all... I'm a farm boy, you know! Also, beer!" Walden teasingly tugs at Felix's arm as if to pull his friend in close so he can hug both him and Kilsa.
The two druids watch the trio a moment before they lean in close to one another, speaking a moment, "We have an opportunity!" exclaims the feline drunkenly, "We haven't had the members for a proper trifecta of sacrifice in almost a decade! The spirits will be so pleased if you will perform the sritual f'us." He wobbles in place, almost ready to pass out even as he finishes his cup.
Felix awks again as he's pulled into a hug-thing with Walden and Kilsa, not much he can do about it again though! "It's all about thinking about the bad things and making them better I think, regardless!" He remarks loudy, not really hearing what the druids are saying to one another.
Kilsa chuckles, "No offense ment, Walden!" She smiled, "I would have guessed that atleast one of my friends might be interested in this kinda life." She smiled and downed another mug. "Now I must do the dance of my folk." She joked grabbing Walden and doing a poor rendition of a waltz just barely missing the dillo's feet with her own massive feet.
Walden laughs a little at his friends, and he stumbles about in an approximation of a waltz (he never really learned this stuff!) while saying to Kilsa, "I just like to be open-minded." Usually. Unless the term sacrifice is brought up. He blinks and peers over at the warthog and the puma. "Whoa, haha, friends. Unless you're talking about breads, fruits, and vegetables as an offering, you might wanna calm down with that one!" he says, trying to maintain a grin. Though it's a bit forced at this point.
With the cat slumping against the barrel, his friend takes over. Seemingly immune to the effects of his booze, the warthog explains, "We require three, who are not initiated in our ways, to perform this ritual, but it almost ensures a bountiful year of blessing."
"I don't think any of us will probably be spilling our blood, if that's what you mean." Felix remarks, his attention turning back towards the druids for a few moments, an ear twitching "And I dunno even then."
Kilsa gasps and stops the walts, "Do this involve our death?" She glare at the warthog knowing that even with her little bit of alcohol she could probably reach her pickaxe and embedded it in his face. "I'm hoping that we won't be, Felix because this won't be good for them, a badger with alcohol in her veins and math at her finger tips can cause alot of problems." She growls the last part out.
Walden pats Felix and Kilsa reassuringly, and he clears his throat and says to the warthog, "Before tempers start flaring, maybe it would be best if we discussed what exactly this ritual entails. This is reasonable, wouldn't you say?" He manages to keep a pleasant demeanor, though his voice cracks just a little. He's nervous deep down, that's for sure.
