676-01-01 - Worship in the Woods
Worship in the Woods | |||||||
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Summary: A secret gathering of worshippers of the Old Faith to greet the New Year ends with an announcement that brings about a tempting offer. | |||||||
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The Woods of Woriscant were in winter's firm grasp. Snow had fallen aplenty and covered the bushes and trees - and the Blessed Clearing where trees had not offered shelter. On this particular morning the air is crisp with the chill of the season, a chill that has not kept some people from venturing out into the woods, all the way to this holy place. Indeed, it seems a secret gathering will happen, one of those that have been forbidden by royal decree. A worship of the Gods that have been banished from Two Rivers. Father Serafin is here, clad in a robe of white, below a warm cloak of brown wool. He is a man of about fifty years, his eyes are glowing with an intensity as they drift about the clearing, taking in the numerous followers that have followed his call.
It is the first day of the new year, and old rites demand it shall be welcomed with a ritual, that will include asking the blessing of the Gods for the new year.
Baldwin is here, which may be a surprising fact to some, he a knight of Equis, even though disowned and disinherited. He wears his armor beneath his cloak, and he did not come unarmed, as the illegal occasion may call for perilous situations. And after all, there are still bandits roaming the Woods of Woriscant, which is a known fact to all who ventured here. Sir Baldwin has not come alone however, his wife Rayne is with him. Grey-blue eyes shift to his wife, when Baldwin leans over to her and murmurs: "About half a year ago, a most happy chapter in my life started right here..., remember?" A smile curls his lips, as his gaze lingers fondly on Rayne and the curve of her belly. He truly does not regret any of his decision to wed her back then, it is evident in the way he looks at her with that sparkle in his eyes.
The Blessed Clearing being only a stones throw away from where Devantry Cottage lies, it is often that Rayne comes here with various offerings for the forbidden gods that she has always worshiped. Her childhood started here as well, since her parents faithfully followed as well. Baptised in this holy place, and then further steps taken in various rituals and passages bringing her into adulthood, and finally that new chapter which began half a year ago. A thing which she is reminded of, and thankful for, every day that passes. So when her husband leans over to offer those words, and that sparkle is seen in his eyes she offers a smile back and gives a nod of her head. "Aye, I remember quite well. As it is a most happy chapter in my life as well..." Offering such words before stealing a kiss and then her gaze shifts to Father Serafin - whom she has known her entire life - and she offers him a smile as well.
After a while her gaze shifts to take in all the others that have come to such a ritual. Surprised, in some ways, to see so many - but in a happy way of course. For herself it would certainly not be the first she's attended, but she does wonder on her husband - who had to worship these forbidden gods with more stealth than herself.
The whole crowd of these, who still believe in the old Gods, is joined by two dark figures. One of these figures is quite short and looks as if wearing a bit too large cloak. The hood is covering the figures head, casting a dark shadow on it's features. The other figure is way more taller and looks a bit stronger. That figure quite firmly paces closer to the priest, while the shorter figure almost glides there.
When they reach the priest, the shorter figure tries to tiptoe and whisper something, if allowed. The taller figure just stands behind patiently. When people exchange a few words, hooded humans move to take a place for the ceremony of worship.
Baldwin leans forward, inclining his head to receive the kiss of his wife, which will of course remain within the boundaries of propriety, but then again, can the Gods really mind this gesture that reminds of the bond that had been forged between the knight and the healer, here on this very Blessed Clearing? He will remain silent when the kiss is broken, sharing the gaze of his wife for a moment longer when the hooded figures arrive that will catch his curiosity.
Father Serafin's attention is drawn to the new arrivals as well, he will bend a little forward as to catch the words of condidence the shorter figure offers, a light nod coming when she is finished. He will wait until the hooded one has moved back into the crowd, and start to speak when he sees everyone is assembled.
"We have gathered here in the Blessed Clearing to ask the Gods of Meladrys for their blessing. It is a new year, and it holds new perils and challenges. Also, the year that we have just left behind us has brought new experiences, of joy and happiness - but maybe of pain and loss as well.", the priest intones in his slightly raspy voice that carries well over the clearing.
"Felgurna. We thank thee for improving our crops, for blessing our harvest. For bringing new children on the way. For childbirths that have happened in the past year, as well as animals, having their offspring." His hands are raised towards the heavens, under a clear blue sky of the chilly morning.
There is a moment kept between husband and wife that lingers while others continue to gather for this secret ceremony. Though when she notices something catch the attention of her husband, Rayne would shift her gaze over towards the new arrivals, a brow raising at the one so very much hidden under an oversized cloak. While she figured no secrets would go out beyond this clearing, it wasn't odd (really) to see people take extra precaution - just in case.
Never the less, when the priest begins the ritual she is silent and her attention turns to the front. Listening to the words spoken and keeping diligence of silence and respect, though also allowing her wits to remain up. After all, bandits and the like roam the woods - and who knows if anyone outside of this secret circle of followers caught wind of such a gathering.
Two hooded figures remain quiet, somewhere at the end of the group, during the whole process. The smaller figure keeps her hands folded in front of herself. The paleness of her soft fingers can be noticed by anyone, who wants to notice. It's hands of a female. That figure keeps her head lowered and,likely, is drowned into thoughts, brought to her by the words of the priest.
Baldwin's hand reaches for that of his wife. Rayne's fingers will be given a light squeeze when the priest starts off his sermon, and Felgurna's blessings are mentioned. "As she has blessed us...", the knight murmurs into her ear with a warm smile, as he leans over to her. The hooded figures will receive a glance now and then, but indeed, there are some that try to obscure their identity, pointing to people in higher positions that still pursue the forbidden worship of the Gods.
"Oh Mighty Melgrath, we thank thee for giving us courage, and encouraging us to be persistent, to meet the threats from the North with undeterred valor. It has been for a good cause, because peace is finally here...", the priest continues, referring to the recent alliance with the Ningo there. "Oh Allknowing Peetairas, thy wisdom has helped us prevail, in times of need and danger. It is thy common sense that is evident in our doings, even of those who would deny shuch a fact." A pause follows, before Father Serafin raises his voice again. "Oh Jaynos, the Cunning, thy workings have been less in the spotlight, and for that we are grateful. But even so, thy ways have saved us from making ourselves look like fools." A light smirk appears on his mien. "Leevairah, the Lovely. We thank thee for reminding us over an over again of the beauty in life, for creating the bond of deep sentiment and hence the basis for our people to thrive." The smirk has turned once again into a smile. A smile, hat will fade now that Serafin intones: "Oh Grouldon, Lord of Death, you have taken some of our loved once in the year that has passed. Take care of them in your Dark Halls."
That smile would not fade on Rayne's face, and while most others here - especially those in higher positions - hide themselves among the crowds and shroud themselves in cloaks, she does nothing to hide her identity or presence. Finding her husband leaned over her at one point, their closer hands joining and squeezing while he whispers in her ear, she shifts her gaze briefly to him and offers a nod before turning her attention back to the priest speaking. The chill in the air finally getting to her enough a shiver runs through her and she shifts to pull her cloak a bit more tightly around her form. The final respects paid to Grouldon has her bowing her head a moment in memory and respect to such words.
The taller figure leans closer to the small one and whispers something, during the worshiping of the Old Gods. The smaller figure raises her hand up to make that unoatient one creature to freeze. The shirt figure looks indulged into the prayer. Her head is lowered,hands folded in front of her. The taller figure keeps looking around as if being afraid of something.
Baldwin smiles when he sees Rayne’s nod for him, his hand still holding on to hers and not letting go at first when the priest continues. He will notice her shiver, however, which will make his fingers let go, his arm slipping about her shoulders now, his hand rubbing over her upper arm through the cloak, to keep her warm. His attention shifts to the prayer offered for Melgrath, and his features harden just a bit, remembering his own battles of the year that had passed, fighting giant wolves in the Dark Forest, and dealing with barbarians that were know known as Ningo to them - and their allies.
Father Serafin meanwhile extends his arms to the side, palms pointing upwards, in a gesture of supplication. His hands flutter close as his face turns upwards towards the sky. “Now let us pray,” he intones. “Gods and Godesses of Meladrys, bestow your blessing on us, your humble servants. Let us thrive in the year that has just begun, may you give us the strength to deal with the challenges, may you give us many happy moments. This I ask you.” The prayer is given, his voice is raised, carrying far enough to reach the ears of anyone in attendance. When he is done he will lower his arms until his hands join before them, his eyes opening again as he lets his gaze drift over those assembled. “You may add your own silent prayers now, your wishes for the new year,” Serafin remarks then at a lower volume, with a smile.
Feeling her husband's arm wrap around and rub her own through the cloak spreads a new warmth through Rayne's form and she seems to relax a little. No matter how she tries, getting used to the cold in the forest was never something she could do. Much preferring the spring and summer seasons over the cold of winter. Never the less, her attention remains on the blessings being requested of these forbidden gods, and the prayer that is offered shortly after. Her head bows and eyes close soon after, silently offering her own praises and blessings as well as praying for the new year. For her marriage and the child she bears, for her little crops and the good of the forest and of Woriscant. Though she also tries to keep an ear open still, for anything that seems out of the ordinary or out of place among those gathered.
Baldwin's eyes are lowered, as his own personal prayers form in his mind, a brief glance is shot towards his wife, a smile curling his lips with a fondness that intensifies in taking in her obvious state - which will certainly be the subject of his first prayer. That smile may dim a little, when his thoughts turn to his plans for the year next. He was, after all, a knight without employment. Disowned, aye, with loyalties that technically still lay with House Lenouvi, even if his current habitat was in the Duchy of Woriscant, far from his former home.
The unrest of Rayne he notes, his own gaze coming up to sweep their surroundings. The clearing is quiet, with only a murmur here and there indicating some prayers the people gathered are still engaged with. He flniches when there is a sudden soud, wings fluttering when a conspiracy of ravens leave there resting place, the old beech tree in the center of the clearing. It is enough to have Baldwin's attention shift to the line of trees surrounding them, his eyes narrowing as he tries to glimpse anyone lurking there.
And yes. There is movement there. A man in a cloak appears, and enters the clearing at a hurried pace, his breath going heavy as he hurries towards them. He will stop only when he reaches Father Serafin, offering him murmured words that are too low to catch. The man's gaze turns to the direction from whence he came, his demeanour showing a certain urgency and worry. It seems his message has brought some unrest to the holy man as well.
"Our gathering is about to be disturbed," the priest says then, addressing the people with a frown. "They are coming from the direction of Caldrian's Crossing. But we have a little time, still. Enough to..." And here his gaze drifts towards the two hooded figures. "...Make an announcement, I believe." The priest bows towards the smaller figure of the two, beckoning her to step forward, while the messenger moves off once again to check the road of the forest.
The two hooded figures move forward towards the crowd. The taller one looks more worried than the smaller one. When they appear in front of the crowd, the small figure takes off her hood. It's former Princess Barbeta Brais, who is now Patricia, the wife of Barbarian's "King".
She speaks loud enough for everyone around, but not loud enough for the words to reach wrong ears, "Brothers and sisters, I am so sorry, that I won't be able to have enough time to explain everything, but this fear to pray freely will no longer torture us. I explained to my dear husband our position in this Kingdom and he decided to build the temple for our old gods in Unitas. Anyone who wants is welcomed to find a new home in Unitas, where we will be able to pray for our Gods freely. Of course, the building itself looks just as one of other buildings of Barbarians, but inside is like we used to have. And here I wanted to invite our priest to take position as High Priest in there and that place will be our new home..."
In the middle of prayer, the commotion that begins to seep into the clearing is enough to draw Rayne's attention as she lifts her head and glances to the front. The healer is a bit surprised when the priest calls for an announcement and one of the hooded figures reveals herself to be the Princess Barbeta. Unknown to Rayne that she is no longer the former perhaps, but something more, the woman gives a shake of her head. Though a glance is afforded towards her husband as she leans against him. "What shall we do? I do not know where Unitas is, and am not fully certain I should travel great distances in my condition..." Saying as much before leaning her head onto his shoulder. "This forest, this city...it's all I've known...what do you think we should do, my love?" Asking his opinion, even if the threat of being found looms and shortens their time to linger in the clearing. She wonders if perhaps this conversation should be put on hold until they find themselves and the others safety from would be suppressors.
Baldwin’s eyes widen when the messenger appears, narrowing next when words are exchanged between the man and the priest. A breath is drawn at the announcement of their gathering to be dissolved soon, in the face of being found out and… hunted down? Such a thing had not happened before, at least as far as Baldwin knew. So his first instinct has him reach for Rayne’s hand and move off. Noting her reluctance to leave has him shoot the smaller hooded figure a glance, and once that hood is shed, pause in his step. “The princess…”, he gasps, unable to hide his surprise. It does not matter she may bear a different title now.
A murmur goes through the crowd, when Barbeta speaks, a murmur that will grow after she has finished to bring forth her announcement. Father Serafin will listen as well, his hands folded before him as he digests the news. He will offer the Patrizia a smile, before he lowers his gaze with a thoughtful expression.
Baldwin meanwhile will frown a little, muttering: “Unitas is in the Dark Forest, Rayne… It’s far to the North… No… we need to think about this…We will speak of it later...” His arm has slipped about her form to steady her as he leads her away from the clearing, heading for a path that will bring them to their cottage while avoiding the road, which may be crowded with officials coming from Caldrian’s Crossing.
If they should come past Barbeta he will offer her a nod in greeting, little more, as time was a luxury they did not have much of at the moment.
And indeed, the people who had given a cheer for their beloved former princess suddenly remember the approaching danger and scatter, vanishing between the trees, less terrified perhaps by the officials as hope has been offered, and a perspective to continue their worship of Gods that are forbidden in Two Rivers.