Mictlan Makari Meeting

Log Info

• Title: Mictlan Makari Meeting

• GM: Seyardu

• Characters: Rune, Un'eth, Rocky, Skielstregar

• Place: Mictlan

• Summary: Shaman Seyardu calls a meeting for Makari, Kin, and the People about what is

Mictlan, late afternoon.

It had been several days since Shaman Seyardu had sent out notice of a meeting to take place on Mictlan grounds. Word travelled quickly through the sith-makari, with their focus on oral traditions, and hunters travelling to and from Alexandria city.

Even in the heat of the summer, the wards around Mictlan kept the area even warmer, a pleasant heat familiar to those from Am'shere. It was not helped, or improved, depending on one's point of view, by the roaring bonfire which occupied one of the clearings, along with several other fires, in various states of heating. Numerous benches and tables had been set up, the surfaces laden with all manner of food, both familiar and unfamiliar to Am'shere, while further dishes bubbled away on the fires or roasted in the coals of others.

Seyardu was tending to the various dishes while she waited for everyone to gather. The heavy Althean robes they wore often were substituted for simple leather armor, more at home among the people.

Rocky stays in his usual breastplate, the metal quite warm as he tends strips of deer roasting by the fire. The greyscale expects no troubles, not here, not now, but being prepared for the unexpected is seldom foolish. Adding a pinch of lemongrass to the meatrub? Wise or foolish depends on personal tastes.

A certain larger silverscaled warrior had been coming to and fro Am'shere to Mictlan for various purposes. Visiting his Chuiaa, friends, making arrangements, visits to Daeus's temple and back all the way to Wuja Docar.

But this notice had him shifting his attention by turn back to Mictlan.

The only notice of his approaching was the thudding of the ground. And then the small silverscale shaman is lifted into air from behind. He's wearing just a tunic and pants, and grinning widely as he spins her around before placing her back down. "Sisster...!" he rumbles warmly in his native tongue. "This all looks very good!"

Though Rune may not be Makari, herself, she had passed a trial held by Sith-Makar and earned her place as one of the warrior caste. Not only that, but her deep connection to the Shaman, Harkashan, means that it isn't uncommon to see her in Am'shere or Mictlan. In this case, her usual lava-scaled partner seems conspicuously absent, leaving rune to represent them both.

With the extra heat both by the wards, the fire, and the warmth of summer, she is wearing little more than her sleeveless mithral shirt and trousers, the straps of her swords crossing along her back. At her throat hangs two necklaces, one a locket and the other looking to be a series of dusky gray scales. Scales which match the ones she currently sports along her cheeks, edge of her hair, and along her shoulders and arms.

Under one arm, she has a box which clearly has Draconic markings on it, indicating a delivery from Am'shere. So, she is quick to deliver it to Seyardu, since they seem to be tending to the food. "Spices from Am'shere. Trade across the portal isn't always easy, so I figured I'd bring some back."

She glances at the food, and ... oddly for her, she looks away, seeming a bit turned off at the moment. Rune, not wanting food? Strange days, indeed.

The heat is delightful for those with scales, which is one reason that the wards upon the area fend off the cold. They do not increase the temperature so much as make its effects no longer uncomfortable. This functions in the other direction, also; while it is not any cooler, any more than what shade provides, the heat is far less oppressive to those with cooler preferences.

Word had spread far and wide, and some may arrive from the same. Some who both spend much time in Mictlan, yet also much time outside of the grounds proper. Ea is no small place. It is home to many small creatures, however.

Such as the tiny robin that darts down through the trees and chooses to alight upon the second-highest perch in the vicinity. That being one of Skielstregar's horns.

"My thanks for the assistance, Rocky." The cleric remarks happily of the large stonelike makari who was working nearby. "It is much more manageable with another pair of hands to help. I do hope you will be able to stop and enjoy it with the others, however."

Others such as the rather large silver makari who was suddenly ending her contact with the ground. Seyardu rumbles a chuckle as she is set down on the ground again, where she gives another hug, just barely able to get Skielstregar a few inches off the ground before giving up with a grunt. "Skielstregar! It is good to see you as always, this one was worried you may not make it, with how busy you have been." They greet, before turning their attention to the human who was joining them as well. "Ah, thank you! This one has had to make approximations for some of the dishes, but these spices are a welcome gift!" They reply with a sharp toothed smile as they accept the box. "You are Rune, yes? I have heard of you from Shaman Harkashan, as well as from others in Mictlan. You are welcome to join, gifts or no."

One glance goes to the bird now on Skielstregar's horns, and the cleric laughs again. "They must feel safe there with you, that nothing will attempt to harm them with you around."

Rocky chuffs softly, but nods. "Thank you for allowing me to help. Is good to stay busy." The greyscale nods his greetings to the others present, including, after a moment hesitation, the tiny robin. Birds and lizards are sort of cousins, right?

Skielstregar waves to the others. "Peace on your nest, River Stone," he greets warmly before he's barely lifted off the ground by his sister. There's a warm laugh, him patting the shaman on the head before ambling over towards the food and sitting down.

His tail sways from side to side at seeing Rune. "Ah, Peace on your nest Rune! This one is glad you can amke it! Thank you for the gift."

And then a little bird alights on his horn. He suddenly stills, glancing up at the bird. A warm rumble echoes in his chest, and he reaches up to offer a perch with a finger. "Hmmm... this one usually has wildlife avoiding them, but it is a nice happenstance. Or... it is..." he squints harder at the bird. "... a... shaman...?"

A quirk of the lip shows as Skielstregar and Seyardu exchange their enthusiastic sort of affection. However, most of her attention is respectfully on Seyardu as she inclines her head. "That's right. I'm Rune, Shaman Harkashan's cihuaa. Warrior caste." Though some may find it strange that the rogue has a caste, but she does seem to have adopted the Makari. As a half-sil, she doesn't much belong to any people outright. "He gives his appologies that he could not attend. He's currently working on communicating the most recent Charneth threat out to the villages in Am'shere."

"Peace on your nests." Then, blue eyes turn to look at Skielstregar, eyes darting up to the bird in his horns. "A Shaman?" She tilts her head, "A shapeshifter, then?"

Then, with a smirk, she adds, "You should sit near me, Skiel. It's gotten to the time of year that I could use the cool air you give off. It's almost as hot here as it was in Am'shere."

The robin does not seem to be fearful, nor even especially timid. It hop-flutters down from the horn to the silverscale's snout. Thiss means he doesn'tneed to roll his eyes so far to see it, at least. There is then a single peck, a little *pink* upon the tip of his snout. Then it chirps.

"Peace on your nest, Warrior Skielstregar." The head rotates to the others. "Warriors. Shamans."

"Yes, it is. Always something to be done, and ideally, people to do it. Thank you again, River Stone." Seyardu chuckles. "A shaman would make sense, wouldn't it? And-"

The cleric snorts as the robin speaks. "Ah, the mystery explains itself, then! Peace on your nest, shaman Un'eth, it is good that you made it, your knowledge and wisdom is welcome as always." She greets to the tiny bird, before her attention returns to Rune. The cleric's expression brightens for a moment, then darkens, and she nods. "Harkashan's cihuaa? That is quite pleasant to hear. As a cleric of the celestial mother, this one wishes you both a long, and prosperous life." She says to the half elf. "But this one understands, that is important business, which should not be interrupted. If there is anything this one can do, do not hesitate to ask."

Rocky chuffs as the robin speaks, amused rather than surprised. Rubbing a final layer of herbs onto the strips, the deer skewers are removed from their place by the fire and laid out on a tray. Prehaps a bit undercooked by human standards, but that just makes certain they're nice and juicy on the inside. Mmmmm, meat juice.

Skielstregar bobs his head in Rune's direction. "Give this one their regards to Brother Harkashan. This one knows he is so very busy." He blinks, then laughs heartily, scooching himself closer to Rune. A subtly, rolling wave of chill washes over Rune as he plops himself beside her. "There," he grins.

He visibly flinches as the robin pokes Skiel's muzzle, him blinking before snickering. "Ahhh. Shaman Un'eth, peace on your nest," he rumbles warmly, patting the top of their head with a finger before putting placing the bird on the table.

He finds the closest bit of food, a hearty stew of some kind, and gatherings himself a premeal bowl. "So. Sister. What is it that you wish to speak with us about?" he asks.

Despite having some minor experiences with shapeshifters before, every time one of them talks, it always comes across as quite strange to Rune, so she does stare briefly at the small bird before inclining her head, "Peace on your nest, Shaman." Then, her nose twitches slightly, perhaps imagining a quite literal 'bird nest' in this particular case.

A glance is given towards the food, then Rune's lips press together as she looks away. Oh, she normally /loves/ Makari food, but the Charneth may have ruined that for a while. When Skielstregar settles, the Half-sil does as well, seeming to enjoy the wave of cold. Mmm. Refridgerator lizard.

"Thank you." A hint of color shows on Rune's freckled cheeks, likely still not /quite/ used to making the claim so public, but she nods, "If you know of anyone who might volunteer time to make potions or scrolls that can remove disease, the kin in Am'shere may have need of it sooner rather than later. From what Harkashan has told me, it's rather expensive, though."

Then, she quiets, perhaps picking up on Skielstregar's question and allowing the silver-scaled female to take the 'floor' about why she had summoned them.

With everyone settling in, Seyardu finally stops her cooking, with everything at risk of burning already served now. The cleric takes a platter of tlahcos, stopping to make one disappear near instantaneously, while she considers the question. "I am not capable of making potions or scrolls for such a purpose, but I will see what I can do, and speak to the temples to see what aid they may offer. Failing that, I would not hesitate to spend what I have for such a job." Seyardu answers, before turning to the others, and nodding once. "Yes, while this one is happy to see you all well, and healthy, and enjoying a well cooked meal, that is not the only reason why this one wished to consult with you all."

"This one has been thinking for some time since the wards were put up around Alexandria, and the undead threatened the walls. There are many who call this place home, more than Alexandria, and such restrictions have caused many issues." She elaborates. "Mictlan and the surrounding area have become more than just a meeting ground for rituals, it feels. There are those who live here now, for reasons of their own choosing not to live in Alexandria, or return to Am'shere. In fact, there are makari here now who are growing up here having never seen Am'shere, where they call this home."

Rocky nods. "Here, at least, it is done willingly. For The People to spread to new homes is not strictly a bad thing, but does bring troubles with it. Independance and self-reliance has served well in the past, but as nations spread, isolation is less an option."

Skielstregar tilts his head at Rune's decision to not partake, but he doesn't question it, him just reaching over and patting her on the back. He couples that with a deep inhale. And gently blows a visible cloud of chill over the half-sil. There! A perfect way to beat the heat!

His attention shifts back to his sister, him perking as he spies tlachos. Several are taken. Several vanish. Mmmm. But he blinks at Seyardu. "... yes. Hatchlings that have hatched and grown here. Many of the People from many tribes have came here, in almost their own tribe. History building here. Lore-keepers forming. This one even lives here, none too far away." He scratches his head. "So what are you proposing, sister?"

"I'll fill you in more on the specifics later." Rune promises, knowing that what threatens Am'shere may eventually come to threaten the rest of the world. Surely, even Makari who have decided to live elsewhere still have concerned for their jungle kin.

Relaxing a little, Rune pulls one leg up to her chest and wraps her arm around it, eyes turning to Seyardu, brows lifted curiously. That's when she gets a blast of lizard-breath air conditioning, which seems to cause little goosebumps to rise on her flesh. Compared to sweat, it's a nice change of pace.

Listening to Seyardu, she nods her head, "It's important for young ones to have a stable place they can call home." She taps her fingers slightly against her knee. Her eyes flick to Skiel as he asks the question on her own lips, so the half-sil quiets, waiting to hear the next steps.

"No, it is not a bad thing at all, River Stone. And thank you Rune, this one would like to be looped as the softskins say on such matters" Seyardu nods with another sharp smile. "This one is happy to see how this place has developed and flourished, in spite of so many troubles. It is as much of a home as Am'shere to this one, and, in many ways, even more so, at this point. This one should join you and Vaera for dinner in the future, Skielstregar, it has been some time."

"But, that is a tangent for another day, yes." The silver cleric chuffs. "What this one is proposing is not set in stone yet. And it is a desire to hear from all of you that is equally as important. This one believes that the people of Mictlan could benefit from more permanent structures here in some fashion, and this one would hear of you all what needs would be best to be met."

Rocky falls motionless for several moments, considering. "Whatever structures are built, or not, I would see them done in as traditional style as is reasonable. The world has changed, is changing, and we will change with it, one way or another. But traditions offer a firm foundation upon which those changes can be made. We draw strength from our history, and learn from it. It is important to retain what we can."

Skielstregar's tail thumps the ground in agreement. "Sssa. Much growing and spreading. Our people recovering after much strife," he nods towards Rocky.

He opts to slurp on stew, swaying from side to side and occasionally nudging Rune. He's a happy lizard at present, surrounded by friends and family. There's a deep bow of his head. "Sssa. This one warmly invites you to over to our home, Seyardu," he rumbles warmly. But the true topic is made known. And his brows shoot up. "... a permeant structure..." he echoes. A look to Rocky, and he chuffs once in agreement. "Yes. This one is young. But this one spent much time enjoying our traditional buildings as of late."

The prospect of turning Mictlan into a proper settlement with more permanent structures is met with a nod of the head and a thoughtful expression as Rune plucks at a portion of her trousers in an idle fashion. The haphazard bump from Skielstregar has her lift her head slightly. "Agreed. Making sure that the Makari people maintain their culture is important." Says the one who began as an outsider.

"Though... I have an idea that isn't exactly traditional." There is an appologetic nod to Rocky at that. "Maybe a green-house? Alexandros' climate usually doesn't work well with jungle plants, but the heat and humidity of one might allow the Makari to grow their own spices and vegetables without being as dependant on imports through the portal."

She scratches at a patch of scales along her cheek, "Which would allow for more traditional cooking, or medicines."

Seyardu stops, and waves one hand slowly in front of her. "No, this one would not wish for our history and culture to be forgotten. What will be built will be built by us, with techniques and style from home." She agrees finally. "But there is only so much that can be done with open air and fires at times. One thing this one has come to realize from spending time at the Althean temple, is the value of well made ovens and facilities, much like in Am'shere."

One ridged brow raises at the suggestion, and the cleric smiles again. "That would be an interesting idea to incorporate, yes! It would bring us closer to home, and it could be incorporated with discussion on how best to do so. The crafting caste is not adverse to new ideas when they are sensible, for certain."

Rocky nods to Rune. "Some changes will have to be made. Local materials, weather, climate, are all different, a greenhouse sees that difference and offers a solution. I think it is a good idea, and thank you for making it." Turning more towards the group, the greyscale offers. "Mictlan itself is a holy site, of shaman and ritual. That role has expanded as needs has grown and changed. Does Mictlan itself need change further? Changes must happen, but would it be better to establish a village some distance away; near, supporting, but seperate? Or would it be better to build within Mictlan itself? To keep everything centralized and unified? I think both have merit, and am uncertain which is better."

Skielstregar looks down to Rune, him taking her suggestion just as seriously as if she was one the People. His tail thumps once. "That is an excellent idea, Rune!" he grins. "This one was going to suggest a ziggurat. Maybe that could be turned into a green house? Many shamans and keepers can utilize it."

He regards Rocky, him bowing his head somewhat. "Sssa. Mictlan is a holy site of a sacred dragon," he intones, gesturing off to the massive bone spars jutting from the earth. "River Stone, you speak true. Hrm. Perhaps a mix of both? Maybe Mictlan is for important buildings for the People? Villages around can be erected. But here for holy and traditional sites?" He's spit balling.

With a bob of her head, Rune quiets and listens as Rocky raises important points regarding holy sites and rituals. This, at least, is beyond the scope of what the half-sil normally dips her toes into. Her hand moves to lightly turn a platinum ring she wears on one hand, thoughtful.

"I'm sure the Shaman know far more about the importance and significance of the ritual site, so I don't know that it's something I should speak on but..." And Skielstregar offers the same suggestion of mixing the two somehow. So she nods a that. "Perhaps a settlement with a cultural and religious center, and expanding out from that?"

She reaches to rub at the back of her neck, showing some obvious uncertainty there, "I'm sure Harkashan would have some suggestions there."

"That is a concern, and one which needs to be addressed, yes." Seyardu agrees. "This is holy land, but used for many purposes, as so many have begun living in the area around it. This one hoped that the wards around the area would provide further protection, which would be of aid to those coming here. And outside of the wards, this one would need to communicate with Alexandria to determine the ownership of the land. If purchases need to be made for such matters, then that is not an issue, but it is something to be considered. "

The cleric closes her eyes for a moment, running a hand underneath her snout. "A ziggurat that houses facilities for our needs sounds like a good idea, and would prove defensible if the need was there." She considers. "But either way, it must start with a single building. This one has some experience with running a village, and it does not grow all at once."

Rocky nods. "I would keep Mictlan... pure, for lack of a better word. Focused on tradition, ritual, the spirits and gods. Accessable, but not... mundane. And certainly, yes, we need not make a choice today, nor are any choices made set in stone. But is good to talk, to plan, to consider, before the stones need set."

Skielstregar rumbles, tail thudding against the ground again behind Rune. "Cultural and religious center... yes... to help encourage tradition and learning..." he muses aloud. But he shifts to look at Rune, ducking somewhat to be at eye level with the woman. "As we as a People grow and learn, and make homes outside of Am'shere, what is the People has come to grow as well."

He puts a reassuring had on her shoulder, rumbling softly. "You are a Warrior. It matters not if you have no tail nor horns. Your opinions matter just as much as ours. You are People." He smiles.

His attention shifts to the group. "Sssa. Something to think about. A single building, for all to use well. This one agrees with River Stone. Mictlan should be of Ea and the gods. As Rune said, a religious and cultural center. But this all need not be decided today."

Propping her chin slightly on one hand, Rune seems to grow quieter at the discussion regarding such cultural significance. Ultimately, the Makari would choose for themselves, but Rune isn't one to pressure one way or the other. It is part of how she lives on the outskirts of so many different cultures without truly being fully part of any.

"If nothing else, I've seen Skielstregar fell many trees in a single day. So at least we have capable hands for those sort of raw materials." Rune suggests, leaning over to nudge the silver-scaled male with her shoulder, offering him a soft smile. "I'm sure Harkashan could help with diplomatic measures or negotiations with land-owners if we need to. He's got a silver tongue on those sorts of things."

"Yes, I understand the concerns River Stone. This one was thinking from what they have seen of Mictlan of late, it is certainly something, more, than simply a religious center to this one now." Seyardu replies softly. "But perhaps instead of supporting that, this one merely needs to help them have places of aid outside of the ceremony grounds instead. It would make sense, but it should still be close enough that it is not out of the way for people's needs."

"There are many still to talk to, and things should not be rushed, we are in agreement there. This one would appreciate shaman Harkashan's input as well, and aid with such matters, when he is free to do so. And certainly, Skielstregar could gather enough lumber to build a grand structure all on his own, yes?" She grins again. "But, it will not put that all on him. This one needs to speak with Sjach as well, to know how he feels about this."

Rocky nods again. "This is a work of The People, but it may be wise to speak to others as well. Those who have help make villages in this climate, who know what is needed to support what, in what size and such. We have allies. Let's not ignore them."

Skielstregar snickers as he's nudged by Rune. "Sssa. Thiss one can offer much in that regard, after business is concluded in Am'shere." There's a nod. "This one knows Alexandria has strong relations with Mictlan. Doubly so after the wight invasion and our involvement. This one thinks that expansion might be easy with talks. After their Alliance with the Mythwood, this one thinks they'd like more. Brother Harkashan can certainly make a good impression for that. Like River Stone says, we have allies. Their input would help too."

He bobs his head towards his sister, getting another round of food, certainly eating Rune's portion. "Mmm. Yes. More talks. What is needed, what others think. This is a grand idea, sister. Just like this food..." he grins widely. Tail swaying.

"Agreed." Rune taps her free hand against her leg again, "I'll make sure Harkashan knows of what's being proposed. Matters in Am'shere are more pressing, but I'm sure he'd be looking forward to something interesting to attend to when he returns."

Rune makes no argument when Skielstregar easily eats her portion of food, not even giving it a second look. "I have some contacts among the crafters and merchants of Alexandria as well, so if there's specific needs, I'm sure we can arrange something. Aelwyn also has connections as a messenger that might be helpful."

"This one, will not forget to look for aid from outside as well. These are all good considerations to make. this one is glad for all your council." The cleric smiles. "This one at least feels it is a good idea, and it is good you are all open to such things. The food however? This one will take a bit of pride and say they are not surprised the food is good, however. A feast could be summoned with magic, but it does not match creating something with your own hands. Please, help yourselves to as much as you wish, this one will make sure what remains is brought to Mictlan."

"Having a portfolio of those to contact for work before we begin would be wise, yes? This one would appreciate any that you could point us towards. As for Aelwyn, This one hoped he might be around, but this one will seek him out another time. The input from a makari like him would be valuable, as well."

Rocky once more nods in agreement, but has nothing further to add at the moment. Instead he turns his focus to the prepared food, rumbeling happily.

Whatever remains is brought to Mictlan. That phrase hits Skiel as he's on his fourth helping, muzzle buried halfway into a bowl of stew. He withdraws, black tongue licking his snout clean. "Mmm, yes, Dragoon Aelwyn's ideas, while eccentric, are well."

He grins. "Thank you for the meal, Sister. And for including all of us in this."

-End Scene-