The Nesting Grounds
Log Info
- Title: The Nesting Grounds
- Emitter: Cryosanthia
- Characters: Cryosanthia, Seyardu
- Place: W02: Mictlan - The Nesting Grounds
- Time: Friday, November 12, 2021, 6:38 PM
- Summary: Cyrosanthia goes to the Mictlan Nesting Grounds to prepare her nest, Seyardu comes along to help. They are challenged by Xochicotzin, an Egg-Watcher who is on edge because she's expecting also. The Great-Gran, or Nest-mother to the nest-mothers, Nahuatl, who is in charge and overseeing things, intervenes and explains some of the obvious. A mango peace-offering is offered to Xochicotzin, and then two other pending Nest-Mothers are met, Zama and Papalotl, respectively a Lore-Keeper and Crafter-Caste, whom Cryo is acquainted with. They catch up on what has been going on and Cryo is given some more basic advice.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* W02: Mictlan *>-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
Located within the Deep Woods, and hours past Wilderness Pointe, in the heart of its northern woods, bones frame this hollowed-out space. Massive and heavy, they reach towards the sky, meeting--almost--in the center like great and worn stalagmites. Or giant teeth. After a few seconds--it's quickly evident that this is a space carved from a dragon's bones. A very, very large...dragon's bones. The air smells of ash, brimstone, and earth. Underneath the apex of the bones lie the workings of a central Fire.
The grounds are run by shamans of the sith-makar, and the sacred space dedicated to the Death Singing Dragon, one of their names for the goddess, Vardama. There are always a number of them about, from a mixture of tribes. Formally, the sith use it to sing the souls of their dead back to the land of Wing and Flame, and celebrate the Memory of Blood. It was here that brave heroes stood, and vanquished the ashen warriors of old, thereby freeing the land from Thul's curse. Informally, it is a gathering place.
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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Appearing, in Order =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Cryosanthia 6'9" 291 Lb Sith-Makar Female A tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman, gravid. Seyardu 5'6" 150 Lb Sith-Makar Female A friendly silver sith-makar with a perpetual squint. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= NPCs of Note =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Nahuatl Sith-Makar Female A copper-scaled, elderly, grand dame, Nest-Mother mother. Xochicotzin Sith-Makar Female A red-scaled, mesomorphic, Egg-Watcher, gravid. Cozamalotl, 'Zama' Sith-Makar Female A brass-scaled, stringy, Lore-Keeper, gravid. Itzpapalotl, 'Papalotl' Sith-Makar Female A bronze-scaled, squat, Crafter, gravid. Little Fang, 'Lily' Kobold Female A pinkscale youngling in a leather dress, Cryo's daughter. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
Mictlan - The Nesting Grounds
The Sith'Makar do not build permanent structures in the Mictlan camp. Despite their skill at solid architecture, an edifice must be large and durable to hold back the jungles of Am'shere, they have decided against erecting zigurrats and stone temples. This may be in deference to the nearness of Alexandria, to sooth soft-skin sensibilities about a potential new city on their frontiers.
However, this is unacceptable for the Nesting Grounds. The new mothers, and their hatchlings, are too anxious to live 'unprotected' in a tent. They have a structure which isn't exactly permanent, but also isn't easy to broach.
First, there is a palisade, formed by living trees which grow quite close together. Their branches are interwoven, the growth accelerated by Druids. Where there are gaps, there are hedgerows and logs buried in the dirt to fill the space. Circular, it looks firm enough to hold back a charging dinosaur, and just in case the outer perimeter has sharpened stakes angled outwards to make such an attempt disastrous.
Inside, there is a dome formed by shaped rock, with pie-slices to the cardinal compass points. It's thick at the base, and tapers overhead to meet at a circular opening for a central fire. It has armoured leather flaps, 'doors', that roll up, and near the top there are bundles of plate armour that can be released that will seal it. Neither look like they have been let down for some time.
Inside, it's wide and expansive, with space for several nests. Although getting in make take some effort.
"Who are you? Why are you here?" An angry looking red-scale stands in one of the entrance ways. She has a warrior's build, a Korrite's ferocity, and an obvious swelling in her belly. Another mother to be.
"Uh..." A white-scale, Cryosanthia, has halted in front of the red-scale. She's holding a bag, and has a backpack, but otherwise has nothing but a loin cloth. Her carnation-scaled youngling wears more, a pale leather dress. She leans a little to one side, a posture that emphasizes her condition. "This one is Cryosanthia, and will need a nest soon. Also." <draconic>
Seyardu had never been to the nesting grounds in mictlan before, but she was aware of the location, and was able to find it easily enough. She was returning with supplies she had gathered, and after a moment to sort out the entrance, she makes her way into the fortified area.
Seyardu had leathers on back in Mictlan as she often did, and before she entered the area all of her weaponry was put away in her satchel. She holds up a hand, accompanied by a calming scent.
"Peace on your nest, nest mother. This one is Shaman Seyardu, and is here to see their friend Cryosanthia. They mean no harm, and wish blessings upon you and yours. If there is anything this one can do to be of assistance, you need only ask, this one is a cleric as well."
Seyardu looked over to see her friend, and she nods. "Cryosanthia, yes, this one is here to support her if needed. They have brought fresh fruit and nesting supplies from Am'shere for them. How are you doing of late?" She asks.
"Xochicotzin, Peace. You are not Egg-Watcher now, you duty is to prepare." An elderly copper-scale woman says, appearing behind the red-scale. She has a head heavy with century horns, several sets, indicating age and experience.
"Greetings, Speaker Cryosanthia, Shaman Seyardu." She continues, "this one appreciates you are available, as your friend must. The expecting mothers will be more aggressive. Patience is necessary."
She glances at the redscale, "yours also."
Finally she says, "This one is Nahuatl."
"Peace... on your nests. Xochicotzin, Nahuatl." Cryosanthia says, dipping her head slightly, then turning to look at the red-scale, her nostrils flare. "Did you train this one? Your scent is familiar."
This prompts a look of surprise, a return scenting, a long inhale, then exhale. "Yours is." The red-scale thumps at her chest, a Warrior-caste greeting. She doesn't seem to relax much.
"I can only hope that my presence is helpful in some way, this one has experience tending to various nest-mothers back in Am'shere, but due to the nature of being a shaman, it was usually a need for those who required healing."
The silver sith makar sighs. "The actual, rest of the process, this one has little experience with. But they will do their best to be of assistance. Peace on your nest, Nahuatl and Xochicotzin"
Seyardu looks between the two sith-makar, and her head tilts. "You know each other? Then, that should be good. Cryosanthia is trustworthy, and knowing her already should make that acceptance easier, if you are both preparing."
"This one has overseen many layings, prepared many nest-mothers and trained their clutch-mothers." Nahuatl says, addressing Seyardu, "you wish to help Cryosanthia, you will need some instruction."
"She will need more, of a different sort." She adds, looking at the whitescale.
"Xochicotzin showed me how to be an Egg-Watcher," Cryo explains, nodding towards the red-scale. The edges of her mouth curl, a small smile, "We are, it's unexpected."
"It is the first time, for both." Nahuatl says, eagerly embarrassing them, "They are experiencing the expected changes."
This causes Cryo, then Xochicotzin to shift awkwardly, looking at copper-scale.
"Then both are fortunate to have your guidance, Nahuatl, as am I. This one should not need further, yes." The silver makari nods, looking to Cryosanthia. "There may be others chosen by Cryosanthia, who need similar guidance. Then this is good fortune as well, yes? You will both be their to support each other again."
"First time or no, I am sure that things will work out with your guidance, Nahuatl. You have many years of experience to assist. This one is surprised they have not seen you before."
"Yes, this one has several more." Cryo says, then adds carefully, "... some are softskins, not of the people."
Which prompts a strong hiss from Xochicotzin
Nahuatl is more diplomatic, nodding to Seyardu, "Mictlan is large, this one concerns herself with the Nests and does not leave them. There are others here you have met."
She turns to Cryo, "Softskins. Unusual."
"They are kin," the whitescale says, curling her tail around, "close to this one and involved."
"This one knows many who Cryosanthia spoke of well." Seyardu states, allowing her own tail to thump once against the ground. "You may remember a large group of kin coming here, who were taken to Charn."
She looks around to make sure none were within earshot, as she remembered several had had young with them. "One came with this one to rescue them, and they trust them with their life. They will cause no trouble in Mictlan, and have proven themselves a staunch ally."
Best not to mention the fact that they were a Mul'niessa, yet. "Would you like a, mango? If Cryosanthia would like to share some of them."
"This one recalls those." Nahuatl says, "Thank you for your service. Your recommendation carries weight."
Xochicotzin straightens, her head turning at the mention of a mango. She sniffs, her nostrils flaring, her posture is interested. Yet, she refuses, "This one is fine."
Cryo looks at the Red-scale, stares, evaluating her, then glances at the grand or great-gran-nest-mother and Seyardu, "Does this one need to meet all the nest-mothers one at a time? I have enough mangos."
Nahuatl laughs, "it might help."
"This one did what any would, they are just happy that those displaced were able to be saved and cared for." Seyardu sighs. "It is those who would stand to aid despite not being kin who are of note."
Seyardu looks over to the other expecting nest mother, and she squints. She pulls a mango from her bag, squints, and prods it with a finger before it is put away and another is pulled out and prodded, looking much more ripe. This is offered to Xochicotzin "Eat, keep up your strength and spirits. If Cryosanthia should meet the others, then so be it. I am sure there will be more than enough time to meet one at a time later."
The Red-scale silently takes the mango, scenting Seyardu again. She doesn't have pockets, so she ends up holding the fruit in both hands. She smells both angry and embarassed at the same time.
"Say thanssssss." Lily pipes up, drawing an instant look with a raising of spines.
Cryo hisses, "Thiss is Little Fang, my foundling." Her tail has moved straight behind her.
"Yessss..." Xochicotzin responds, glaring at Seyardu, "Thiss one iss grateful."
The elderly copper-scale pats the silver-scale on the arm, "You have a good heart. Your wisdom is appreciated. Patience, even more. Xochi is used to guarding. The passive role is hard."
She looks at Cryo, "You will have to surrender control too. The natural course does not bend easily to will."
"Yes, this one was coming to terms with that." Cryo says, sliding one hand down her front and over the curve of her belly. She bounces on her toes a little, but no amount of adjusting her posture hides the swelling. "They are good mangos."
Seyardu looks over when Lily pipes up, and the silver makari chuckles, reaching to pat the kobold on the head. "It is alright, Little Fang, but this one appreciates it. It is important to be extra understanding of those here, as their state can effect many things."
"It is as Nahuatl says. Just as you have guarded others, you must allow yourself to be helped now. You did not think less of those you guarded, did you?" The cleric asks with one brow raised. There was assurance on the air, and the lingering scent of season. "If you need to speak of your feelings and concerns, this one is open to listen. The mangos are quite good, and meals are best shared with kin and friends."
"This one respected them! Of course!" Xochicotzin answers quickly, her scents of embarrassment growing stronger. Warrior-caste often pride themselves on their strength and bravery. The whitescale is strong, solidly built, but the redscale seems even larger and more physical than Cryo. Much like red dragons, they pride themselves on being the biggest, and strongest.
As a guardian of the vulnerable, their egos would be easily gratified. As one of the vulnerable... they are forced to accept their own weakness. A strong challenge to their self image. She hunches at the suggestion of talking about her feelings. "Later... Maybe."
"It happened so fast." Cryo says, more willing to talk about herself, "The season, being with a male, then I got caught up in my adventures and suddenly I have to rethink my life and I can't do forward flips anymore."
The true tragedy, no more front-flips for the whitescale.
"So, if that is the case, why would you expect others to respect you less now?" Seyardu asks, her brow raised. "You answered that quickly and effortlessly. You believe what you say. Let that belief extend to yourself, for it is no less true."
"Later, yes, this one will listen whenever you need. Peace on your nest, Xochicotzin" She adds, flashing a smile to the red makari before turning her attention back to Cryosanthia. "Yes, things can pass quickly, can they not? Though I imagine it will not be too long before you may return to your acrobatics."
"Not too soon." Nahuatl says with a knowing smile, "She has much nest sitting to do. Both of them."
Xochicotzin hunches a little more, "mmmm." She glances at the whitescale, the silverscale, the copperscale. "Peace on your nests." She trundles inside the building.
Cryo watches her leave, then turns to the elder matron, "So... this one should carefully approach each inside, then pick a nesting spot after?"
"Yes. Choose your company wisely. The nest can be moved, but once you lay, it can't. Choose a good view also." The copperscale advises.
"Yes, this is true. But they will be able to move better, at least, right?" Seyardu notes, chuckling just a bit. "That is good advice, yes, you would not wish to be forced to be near those who would be unpleasant to stay next to, yes? Not that this one expects any are unpleasant. And of course, this one will make sure you will have anything further you may need, yes? Books and letters and the like." You have requested RPP: 'White and Gold' from staff. Please allow for some time to process it. Do not page staff about it--you will hear back soon. RPP requests will be publicly posted unless you let us know otherwise by replying to the queue.
"Well..." Cryosanthia curls her tail around Little Fang, looking at both metallics, "This one will want Lily close, and a place for her to play. This one may need to do some magics, and will have a scrying bowl. There might be visitors."
The copper-scale laughs, shaking her head, "You have many plans. You need to focus on your eggs. The other things if there is time."
"She will not be the only one wanting books. Come, there are two more you should meet and share scents with." Nahuatl heads inside expecting to be followed.
"A place for Little Fang to play but remain close, yes, this is the most important." Seyardu nods. "Your Sassa will need you to be patient for a bit, Little Fang, but that does not mean she will not have time to spend with you."
"It will go well, this one thinks, Cryosanthia." Seyardu rumbles, giving her friend and foundling both hugs, before she follows the elder sith inside.
"Uh-hhhhhuh." Little Fang nods, pushing out her belly and shaking from side to side, holding her little hands to imply she's larger. "Ssseeen beforesss."
Cryo watches, adjusting her posture to be a little taller and straighter. "This one is not that ungainly." She protests, looking at Seyardu, "She's talking about Kobold nest-mothers. She's seen those. Not the People."
Lily gives her Ssassa, then Seyardu a glance witha grin, then tugs on Cryo's hand to pull her inside.
Inside, a scent that is familiar to all of the people permeates the area. Nests. Mothers nesting. There aren't any nests with eggs, nor many set up. Yet the scent lingers and recalls feelings of being a nestling, of being secure and cared for, which is odd as there is an undercurrent of anxiety to the admixture of smells. The area has been cleared, with a few of the late season expectant staking out spaces.
Two, who look over at the new arrivals. A brass and a bronze, and if body type sterotypes are true, a Lore-Keeper-Caste and Crafter-Caste.
"No, you still look fine, Cryosanthia. It is not nearly so obvious." Seyardu chuckles before following them inside. "It is similar, Little Fang, but not quite the same. I am sure that Nahuatl would share what she can with you, if you ask her nicely. She is quite wise this one feels, and likely well used to curious young ones such as yourself."
Seyardu dips inside to the secure building, and the scent is taken in, before the silver makari chuffs and relaxes. She waves to the two who look over. "Peace on your nests. This one is here with her friend Cryosanthia, it is good to meet you both." She greets.
"Cryo?" They say in unison, turning. They're both very young, by their horns, not much older than twenty years.
"Zama, Papalotl? You were successful? That's wonderful." Cryosanthia recognizes the pair, and makes introductions and an explanation. "This is Cozamalotl Lore-Keeper, and Itzpapalotl, Crafter. We met preparing for the Mating dance. They did my flower crown and this one made theirs."
"But you didn't show up," Zama laughs, coming up to the group.
"How did you manage? You said your mate left you." Papalotl asks, following.
"Well... ah... he had." It gets colder around the whitescale, "this one was lamenting that, to a Hunter-caste friend, also that this one was considering the invitation dance. He offered to fulfill his duty to the People."
She laughs nervously, with a wide grin, "It was not romantic in the least, but... well..." She gestures, he was clearly effective.
Lily, meanwhile, is looking at the redscale who is eating her mango without sharing it.
"You made their, flower crowns? I imagine they looked beautiful on you both." Seyardu states, smiling to the other two makari women. Though it is tempered when the air grows cold, and Seyardu reaches to take one of Cryosanthia's hands. Her other hand take a mango to offer Lily. "And on Cryosanthia as well, this one is happy to hear that things worked out for all of you. There is so little this one even seems to know, about the ritual and, everything, but this one is happy all the same."
Cryo takes Seyardu's hand, and squeezes it. She's gazing at the ground for a moment, and then it passes. She's under-dressed compared to the other two. Zama the Lore-Keeper has layered robes, and a sash, and a satchel that's full of books. Papalotl has less, a simple leather dress, along with a crafter's tool-belt, though it's currently empty.
The whitescale, in simple a loin cloth, appears almost uncivilized. "Yes, well it's traditional, the flowers, when seeking a sire." She tilts her head, looking at the pair, "do they remain?"
A pair of heads shake, Zama answers, "we're in this alone. Hoping you brought some clutch-mothers, is your friend one?" The two smile at Seyardu.
Seyardu squeezes the hand, and continues to hold it after the moment passes. "Well, this one will keep that in mind." Seyardu nods at the explanation. Though at the answer, the silverscale sighs. "That is, this one is saddened to hear that. But, you both seem like you can support each other still, and there are many to do so as well." Seyardu replies, before returning another sharp toothed smile in return. "In name only, this one still has much to learn. But,that being said, if either of you are in need of anything, do not hesitate to ask this one either. I am sure I will be by here somewhat regularly in the coming days."
"The males do not always stay." Nahuatl states, re-joining the conversation, "Especially the young ones. This is why the female chooses, and the older matings have a better chance to pair."
The Grand-dame examines Cryo, looking her up and down, asking, "What of your egg-sire, does he remain?"
"Oh yes!" She answers, "Tenoc is wonderful! He fetched the mangos. Well, Tenoc, my friend Seyardu, her clutch-mate and my clutch-mate, Boaz, all did. This one has another, Rocky, who will also help. All have been supportive."
The list of names get appreciative nods, and Nahuatl says, "You are fortunate to have so many. The males will not be allowed in during certain times, but all assistance is welcome, especially for the Nest-Mothers that do not have your connections."
"Mmhmm, thanks." Zama and Papalotl echo, "yes, very much thanks."
"This one, would not like that." Seyardu sighs after hearing the explanation. There was a lingering thought in her mind of concern that was shook away just as quickly. Especially when she looks to Cryosanthia on the admittance. "Tenoc? That is good they are still around then, this one thought they were helping due to being a friend of yours. And, yes, my brother, he will likely try to avoid this place. He is concerned the effect his presence may have. This one did not know there was a concern having the males here, but this one understands, if this one ever needs to not stop by, just let this one know."
"Of course, think nothing of it. This one is happy to help. For a servant of the nest mother, they know frighteningly little about family, but the desire to support it is still strong."
"Tenocsss." Lily says happily, reaching up towards Cryo. She nods and takes a mango out and hands it to her youngling. Her scents are content, "Yes, his is a friend, and he is wonderful with Lily. He tells her stories and showed her how to carve beads so she can remember them. He plays with her, is strong and gentle."
Cryo smiles, her tail swaying, "This one had overlooked him, but was very pleased to take his offer. I am happy he startled my eggs." She looks at the elder copperscale, "Why can't the males come?"
Nahuatl clasps her hands together, sighing, "Some are not well tempered, find the scents of some nestlings offensive and act to cull them. Others, are clumsy. It is easiest to keep them away during critical times. Not all hatchlings will survive, the pressures on them should not be more than necessary. Even the mothers and Egg-Watchers must practice taking care with feet and tail, but have a sharper instinct for it."
Seyardu nods, allowing her tail to swish gently. "They are a good soul, and this one is happy for them and yourself. I hope they will continue to be good to Little Fang, and the rest of your young."
The thought makes the silverscale pleased for a moment."This one, missed their chance, but there will likely be other times. This one is still happy to have been able to state their feelings to Sjach. They liked this one before that. Though this one is, still not used to all the compliments."
She listens to the explanation, and there is a low growl, that disappears, and is replaced by an air of concern. "This one did not think such a thing happened, but understands. I would not wish to put any here at unnecessary risk. Though this one, this one is clumsy, themself."
"Not all males. Not even most." Nahuatl says, "Only a few, but the risk remains. It was not so long ago the tribes of the people fought. Some instincts remain strong. Awaken at the scent of rivals."
"He'd never, even... none that this one knows would. They are all careful and gentle." Cryo says, shaking her head, looking at Seyardu, and shaking once more.
"It is also so vulnerable nest-mothers do not over-react." The elder dame says quietly, close enough to a whisper she will not be overheard. A nudge of her head in the redscale's direction indicates a likely over-react-er. She claps a hand on Seyardu's shoulder, "there will be practice, to not step on hatchlings, so you will be more agile."
"Ah, that is, understandable, yes, if concerning. But if it is the case, I will trust your expereience and judgement, Nahuatl. There will time for certain for them to meet them, Cryosanthia."
Seyardu sighs, and allows herself to hug the elder makari. "This one appreciates what you do, Nahuatl, and if there is practice and training, this one will do everything they can to learn and improve. Thank you."
"Of course, dear. We all have our time here, if we are blessed, and it is my joy to guide the young mothers." The elder makari says. With her horns, she can call Cryo 'young' also without irony. She makes a small bow, "Take your time, get familiar."
She leans close to the whitescale, glancing meaningfully at Xochicotzin again, "with all here, you share the same journey, worries and thoughts."
Nahuatl moves away, to tend to other things.
Cryo is left holding a bag and tugging at her loin cloth string, looking very obvious in comparison to the others, finally saying, "So, my friends got some moss and stranglevine, this one will have extra."
"Oooo!", "Oh! Can they get some more?" "What about mangos?"
The requests come quickly; there will be many tasks for the helpers.
Extras
Names and Meanings
Nahuatl - Goddess of Water and rivers
Xochicotzin - Fire serpent
Cozamalotl - Rainbow
Itzpapalotl - Obsidian butterfly
Life Sized Kobolds
https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6shvo