"Offering From the Heart" Log Date: 7/23/00 Log Cast: Kaiulani, Naiadre, Okalani Log Intro: It is an agitated Kaiulani indeed who has been informed by her cousin and Decemvir that he plans to have her guardsmen capture her mysterious, loyal protector--and if they cannot capture him, Sarojin has told her, he will have Akane and Ronan kill him. More appalled by this than she has been by anything else in her young life, Kai has sought guidance from anyone who is willing to listen to her; one such person, a Lirite called Loire who is a devout worshipper of Pasiphae, has presented a startling suggestion indeed to the Pandion maiden. Namely, that if she has such a caring protector watching out for her, he may well have been sent to her for a reason. And that that reason may be by the will of Pasiphae Herself. Never particularly religious thus far in her life, Kaiulani is nevertheless ready to accept help from any quarter that will willingly provide it. And since the First Acolyte of the Temple of Pasiphae has offered her advice already, the girl ventures shyly to that place of worship, thinking perhaps that if she makes an offering in Pasiphae's name it will encourage the goddess to protect her protector.... *===========================< In Character Time >===========================* Time of day: Afternoon Date on Aether: Tuesday, October 28, 3906. Year on Earth: 1506 A.D. Phase of the Moon: New Season: Fall Weather: Clear Skies Temperature: Warm *==========================================================================* You step on the dais of Pasiphae's Temple and walk through the illuminated opening. Temple - Korallion - Haven(#1935RJh) Darkness, that and the sense of it being unusual chilly in this coral building is the first impression after stepping inside Pasiphae's Home away from Home. As one's eyes adjust to the dimmed light this impression makes way for something completely different though. The lack of total illumination which blinds the outer world allows the eyes and other senses to pick up the beauty the gentle light of the Moon brings to all. In the middle an open space remains, no benches but cushions can be found on the cold rocky floor for those willing to rest and pray in joined silence. Above the open ceiling is covered by a blanket of seaweed through which' small openings the light sips in and provides an easy seagreen atmosphere. The temple's crescent outer form is copied inside by a rocky formation around this open space so the impression of an underwater cave is given. This strange inner structure does more than give the impression of the 4 states of the Moon, it provides alcoves in all it's walls and a mazelike appearance. In these statues of Pasiphae, symbols of this Mistress of Beasts, the water and other artwork can be admired. All illuminated by small burning globes. Except for the eastern wall, there an emptiness resembling Her Absense is filled with the holy altar from which ceremonies are lead. There, only the darkness of the night remains. There are +views here. Contents: Naiadre Obvious exits: Sanctum Courtyard Okalani steps through the illuminated opening into the darkened temple. Okalani has arrived. One is supposed to be silent in the Temple. Kaiulani is no Pasiphaean, but she's been in the Korallion long enough to have managed to pick this up -- and thus, in a bit of overcompensation in a place she doesn't entirely understand, the maiden treads into this hallowed chamber on almost shy feet. Even her mental presence is subdued for once, though it leaves echoes of effort in the immediate area of her mind. A waterproof pouch clutched in one hand, the young Pandion casts an anxious glance around, waiting for her vision to adjust to the darkness; it does, swiftly, though being able to see what and who is here doesn't yet alleviate her nervousness. Kaiulani With skin just a shade or two darker than the clearest, palest moonlight, and with delicate webbing between her fingers and gossamer fins accentuating her wrists and ankles, this young maiden can be nothing but an Atlantean -- and a noble-born one, if the confidence of her bearing and the beauty of her features is any indication. Her hair is long and flowing, the exact shade of the inside of an oyster's shell: pearlescent white at first glance, gleaming with subtle shades of pink and blue and violet in the right light. Eyes of a deep, rich sea-green meet the world with a regard as apt to change as weather over the ocean, sometimes moody, sometimes gay, but always full of a fearless, vibrant life. When she is actually standing still, she might be noted to stand no taller than five foot two, but her every word and action speaks of a spirit unbounded by her diminutive frame. Like most of the Children of Water, she wears very little. At the moment she's clad in a halter and breechclout of foam-green, around which she's wrapped a loose leyang of coral-colored gauze. A coral headpiece decorated with a single pearl keeps most of her mane of hair out of her face, guiding it backwards to spill in a glimmering wave down past her shoulders. On her feet, in deference to the need to walk upon the land, she sports fine, thin sandals. 'Tis a warm and sunny fall afternoon, wisps of wind eddying cloud puffs across the sky outside. Within the temple, it is dimmer and a tad cooler. A few novices go about their chores, and a petitioner kneels at an altar alcove. The First Acolyte stands to the rear of the temple, directing a novice in the correct way to refill the incense burners. The High Priestess herself is even here this afternoon, holding her child and settled on the pile of mats and cushions before the altar. For such a holy place and especially for someone who's hold in so high a respect by those who have come here for advice Okalani looks suspiciously down to earth now that she's feeding her young child in a way all mothers tend to do. A cluster of priests has gathered around her however and judging from both expression and mental activity they are discussing Pasiphaean matters of importance. The priestess whose duty it is to greet the new arrivals steps forward now that Kaiulani steps over the dais and her thoughts reach out in a gentle greeting, *Blessings of Pasiphae... what has brought you to Her Home away from Home?* A suggestion is offered that if attention isn't required she will leave the girl on her way. The High Priestess -- mother of Pandion's heir. And the First Acolyte as well, who has offered to teach her control over the cyclone in a crabshell that is her mind. Both of them have shown her kindness, but Kaiulani is not entirely certain of her comfort with them, not yet. The resonance of mental effort grows a little more perceptible about her, allowing nothing else to leak through -- but now she is fidgeting with her pouch, rolling her drawstrings back and forth between her finned fingers, occasionally running its drawstrings between the space between her fingertips unoccupied by those gossamer webs. The approach of the third priestess snaps her attention around, then, and Kaiulani manages to graciously reply, * * There are no words, perhaps another signal of the maiden's barely repressed agitation. Naiadre nods to some silent comment from the novice and finishes her demonstration with a flourish. Leaving the novice to his work, she turns, wiping her hands against the fabric of her sari. Jade eyes peer through the dimness and she drifts towards the knot of priests, or perhaps it's the entrance. Little thought escapes her shields. The mind of the greeting priestess, young and eager to assist, jumps up as she realises what sort of lost soul has crossed the doorstep and she nods eagerly before gesturing further inside. *Gifts can be given to Servants who mean much to you or whom you feel comfortable with.* Not her, her duty for today is to be the welcomer and she is honest enough to admit she'd make a louzy consultante. Glancing at the ones inside she offers, *First Acolyte and the High Priestess are inside, both can assist you.* She does emphasise that the former is more likely to respond than the latter who will soon have to leave to take care of 'other' business, namely Delphi's... something this Pasiphaean isn't too fond of. The High Priestess in the mean time doesn't do much beyond exchanging her thoughts with the messagers from other temples and shifting her daughter's position so her other breast can be releaved of it's contents. Her eyes do registrate the First Acolyte's arrival and in spite of the seriousness of the discussion Okalani's mood softens and warms at the sight of her friend when she privately greets her. *Blessings of Pasiphae Naiadre * Some irritation that they had to bother her right now but so is the law, all who worship Pasiphae have the right to see Her Chosen One at any moment of the day. Kaiulani's mind is more or less in check at the moment, but the effort she's expending upon keeping her thoughts and emotions under control is effort she isn't spending upon similar control of her face. That little grimace she makes, however, might mean anything -- a mirror of the mental work she's doing, or a reaction to the mention of Delphi. Difficult to tell. Still, though, the Pandion maiden sends her gratitude, along with an acknowledgement of Okalani's limited time. Then she inclines her pearl-maned head and cautiously advances into the temple. Square your shoulders, Pandion Kaiulani, hold your head high; these lessons have been long-ingrained in her, but for all the born and bred unconscious assurance of one who has been raised by a noble family, there's still shyness in her eyes, and restlessness in the fingers that fiddle with the pouch. She stops before coming too close to the gathering of priests and priestesses, grimacing to herself again as she opens up her thoughts just enough to register her presence, and then she waits to be acknowledged. Naiadre drifts to a spot several yards from High Priestess and the new arrival. A twining of her signature colors returns Okalani's greeting warmly, but the flicker of curious jade eyes is towards Kaiulani, a separate greeting spun out for her. *Welcome to Pasiphae's Temple.* She bids. *Can I help you, Kaiulani, or would you rather speak with the High Priestess?* She inquires. Almost immediately does the circle around Okalani break up. Perhaps the priests aren't as stoic as they look and decide to heed their leader's mood but those who know Pasiphaeans know they've got an inkling to enjoy arguments of the mind so it is more likely that their discussion has finally come to an end. They each greet the three young women before dissapearing between the temple's walls, though two remain behind to pray in the prayer centre itself. *Pasiphae's Blessings Kaiulani* her mind is quite pleased to see the youngest cousin of her lover and she gestures to the empty pillows around her, *Join you two.* Unless the princess has come in order to deal with Pasiphaean matters which require more privacy than can be offered here. A tentative little smile curls up the corners of Kaiulani's mouth at the greeting from both of the priestesses, and her greeting is for both of them as she casts a sea-green glance back and forth between the two older women. * * is her first burst of a reply, and then it's followed by a chagrined expression and a more carefully formed, *I mean... my greetings to you both. If either of you could aid, I would be most grateful... I've... come to make an offering.* The taste of effort in her thoughts is still there, though now that her effort is diverted into making words, a bit more of her agitation leaks out through her thoughts. Naiadre extends a link towards Kai, offering to strengthen both shielding and sending to lessen the burden for a brief span of time. *The High Priestess may have to return to Delphi soon...* She glances at Oka uncertainly. *But I will help you all that I can.* The young priestess holds herself back a little so that her assistent can deal with this student who's strong telepathic powers most certainly need training. She is confident that Naiadre can do this even though she shields her own thoughts so as not to bother the mind of the young Pandionite. *By making an offering you speak with one of us, reveal the reasons for the gift and why you chose this one. Then we will take it with us.* She explains the very simple procedure while her subconscious thoughts hint that not much needs to be revealed and that if some wish to keep their reasons private that too is accepted. *Pasiphae knows it allready* after all, *We Servants are here merely to help and guide you if you do not understand yourself.* Lehua is placed over a shoulder as she falls silent, watching the two younger women most curiously. Kaiulani is proud -- but she is not entirely unwise, and not unwilling to accept a bit of help when she needs it. With a rush of gratitude and eyes that drop shut in relief, she stretches out a line of contact towards Naiadre's proffered strength. As soon as the contact is made, a good measure of the strain vanishes from her features... though agitation still colors her thoughts. * * Once more the girl's gaze flashes back and forth between Okalani and Naiadre, as she goes on in subdued tones, *I... have... had it suggested to me that... someone of importance to me... might have been sent me by Pasiphae. If this is true... * And then she steps unconsciously forward, hands wrestling with the pouch to open it up. *I've brought an offering... I don't know what's appropriate, so I brought some of the lander money Mother and Father have sent me... and this...* Swallowing hard, Kai brings forth a sizeable pearl from the pouch. Naiadre cants her head, glancing a moment at Oka, and then back to Kai. She knits the binding of their minds into a strong cord, through which comes the yellow sparks of curiosity. *Do these things have meaning to you? Personal meaning?* *All that comes in our life is due to Her Waves.* is Okalani's solemn reply. With the answer comes the image of huge waves storming a little version of herself, bringing with them people of importance in her life (Sarojin and Naiadre among the recognisable) and together they're drawn beneath the surface due to the fierce currents underneath their webbed feet, *All because of Pasiphae.* Not all is good nor is everything without pain or horror but that is the way life has to be experienced, played with so to speak. As if to emphasize this Lehua burps right at this moment, ruining her mother's clean sarong when the milk streams alongside the priestess' bare back. In spite of this the young woman doesn't seem to mind and instead holds her daughter very close to her heart, thoughts and emotions revealing just how much pain she and others have gone through just for this little one to be born and breath. *What you think is appropiete is appropiete Kaiulani.* comes the reassuring thought and she adds, *Most who are rich offer valuables... those who cannot do this give food and clothing to us.* But sometimes this changes. Like Naiadre she asks, *Is this pearl of special importance to you?* As the tie between the First Acolyte's mind and that of the young princess entwine more fully, Kaiulani's agitation takes stronger form now. Dominant in her emotions is a profound concern for someone's safety, someone for whom she has neither name nor face nor station. And at Naiadre's question, there arises in her mind a sharp spike of a reply. The lander money is inconsequential; Kaiulani understands its function, but its only attraction for her is the pleasant clink the coins make if she runs them through her fingers, and the way sunlight or moonlight sparks off the stamped images the landers have put upon the little circles of metal. But the pearl... ** A pause, and then, crystalline and clear: *_He_ gave it to me...!* Naiadre gives Okalani a sharp glance, eyes narrowing, but her face retains its calm expression. She angles her glance back towards Kaiulani, a brief smile flitting across face and thoughts. *The mysterious protector, hmm?* She hazards. *And it is for him you make this offering, is it not? If this is so, I can think of no better offering.* Okalani has at least the decency to look away from her assitent's face. She's taught Naiadre too well, it's extremely difficult to keep things hidden from her these days. And so Kaiulani gets her first introduction to the strange order of Pasiphae which, rigid as it may be, allowes a mere acolyte to embaress and question the High Priestess herself. The young priestess herself considers other things in the mean time however as her thoughts race through her memory, searching for what exactly Sarojin brought up when the three of them had met... Her emotional status turns abruptly from warm and slightly erotic to pure shock and coldness, *He wishes to kill one who protects you? Who gives you gifts?* Blue eyes look at the young Pandionite in disbelieve which slowly sinks in as she realises what this may mean. *It is a good gift yes.* she echoes Naidre's thoughts and smiles, fingertips reaching out as if she wishes already to touch this pearl which has so much emotions going on around it. *I will speak with him about this?* she offers. Anxiously Kaiulani holds out the pearl for Okalani's consideration, since the High Priestess has reached out for it. It's a magnificent specimen, a good half-inch in diameter, almost perfectly spherical, gleaming with the same hues captured in the maiden's own hair. Emotions swirl behind her eyes, distinct to Naiadre whose mind now strengthens her own, yet also palpable to lesser degree for Okalani as well, for they're radiating up from deep within her. *Cousin Sarojin does not trust him , since he will not reveal himself ... my guards are ordered... to catch him, and if they can't...* She trails off, eyes liquid, the conclusion of that thought distinct in her mind even if she can't make herself put it into words: the distinct possibility that Akane and Ronan might have to kill her guardian. Then she asks, tiny and plaintive and wordless, * * Naiadre sighs, shaking her head and glancing away. Her thoughts are abruptly shielded, although strength continues to buoy Kaiulani. But no other comments are shared; perhaps the First Acolyte fears what might emerge from her mind. Complete understanding of the situation will perhaps never be reached for much of the background is still hidden from her yet Okalani does understand the situation Kaiulani has found herself in. *He cares too much for the safety of those he cares about.* A quick glance to Naiadre, *Do not hide those emotions from me my friend, I know you do not like him for this.* She herself is far from pleased by Sarojin's protectiveness as well yet has accepted it by now. *It is wrong to kill someone for being a mystery.* she declares, frowning slightly and hinting that Akane and Ronan might need constant reminders of this fact. With such a 'loud' mind as the princess has been gifted with it should be easy for the girl to trouble them with it every hour she's in their presence. Aquaramine eyes search for Kaiulani's, *I promise I will sway him... but can you give more information? You consider him someone who protects you? And* she did indeed pick up a sign of the attraction and her thoughts turn misschievously teasing, *he looks good? There is nothing wrong with a romantic involvement... Good enough to celebrate Pasiphae's Full Ceremony with him?* Abruptly she shuts of her mind when she realises some intimate scenes between her lover and herself during the last full moon are brought up. Naiadre exhales another sigh, glancing at Okalani and Kaiulani and then turning away, leaving them to their conversation. Her strength remains present for Kai, but she withdraws herself from the conversation effectively, moving to replace a few of the burnt out candles. A rich flush of coral sweeps across Kaiulani's pale cheeks then. There's a flare of distaste for Akane, the older of her two guardsmen, with whom she has apparently already argued hotly at least once. But hard and fast on the edge of that, a bigger wave breaking over a smaller, comes the maiden's intermingled uncertainty of her protector's true appearance... and her rising fascination for the tantalizing glimpses she's had of him thus far. Still blushing, she proffers up for the High Priestess a taste of those glimpses: * * And then Kaiulani concludes, brow furrowed, *I... do not know what the Full Ceremony is...? * Elder guards are meant to have constant arguements with, it's what she and Eldred are doing most of the time, though admittingly they have grown quite fond of eachother over the years. The bottem line for Okalani is that she should not give up her persuasive ways. Indeed, the high priestess recognises much of herself in this plaryful youngster. Eyes close to savour the memories shared with her so she can use them to convince a stubborn man who cares too much for his innocent loved ones. Yet she enjoys the visions as well and her curiosity and sense of pleasure are both sparkled by the images presented. *Yes... he is worth sharing yourself with.* she determines in all innocence, only to break from revery now that it is revealed that the girl has no idea what exactly goes on in a Full Moon ceremony. Lips form a grin and while she craddles her now sleeping daughter against her does she show how much she enjoys this aspect of her faith. *Many men I have had during such times .* There is some confusion sensible, as if she's not sure whether she's glad or not that an end to her orgies has come... it is part of her religion after all. Naiadre listens quietly, thoughts still shielded as she goes about replacing the candles and lighting them, waving the novice away when he comes, offering to take the job for her. Darkness is falling without, inviting more movement in the temple as worshippers become more frequent with the coming of the moon. Kaiulani drinks all of this in, eyes going round in her face now, and a bit of a blush still bringing delicate hue to her cheeks. For a moment or two there is a surge of reaction, as her young body, still new to such concepts of sharing in pleasure, cannot help but react involuntarily to the wealth of implications in Okalani's sendings. But while Kaiulani's an impulsive lass, there's a mind at work there as well, and so she reluctantly has to point out, *Such... a thing might be premature, High Priestess... my guardian... has never revealed himself to me...! * Sending this, the Pandion maid stands as dignifiedly as she can... though her fingers still fret with the drawstrings of the pouch which still contains her store of lander coins. An acolyte scoots closer all of a sudden and gently takes Lehua in her arms so that Okalani herself can rise as well. She chuckles and replies evenly, *I often shared myself with men I never knew before .* Oh, she's quite amused when revealing this particular information with the young princess. *Delphi calls for me* she regretfully returns to the business of everyday life. *You can leave your gifts with Naiadre?* she suggests before stepping around Kaiulani on her way to the outside world of the landdwellers. Fingertips brush against the maiden's arm, a silent gesture which is meant to strengthen the girl's resolve. *May Pasiphae bless and watch you both.* With Naiadre having been close by she doesn't need to broiden her telepathic reach for she is sure that as much as her assitent has been shielding herself she could have picked up all that she was curious about. No secrets from the First Acolyte after all... at least, not about her personal experiences. Okalani steps on the dais leading to the courtyard. Okalani has left. Naiadre turns, her face and mind unreadable, watching Okalani go with eyes of palest jade. She glances at Kaiulani with the same expression, nodding to the pouch. *I will take it for you, if you wish,* She confirms. *Unless you'd rather another do it.* Left with pouch and pearl, bemused by what she's absorbed from the mind of Okalani -- Waters, but the woman is... sensuous, isn't she? -- Kaiulani turns back to regard the First Acolyte. Her presence in her sight is augmented by her presence in her mind, and an immediate surge of gratitude for the offer is Naiadre's first reply. * * Naiadre turns her gaze aside a moment, struggling with a growing weariness to reinstate her own shields. The strength is retracted at last, leaving Kai to deal with her own shielding and projection. *You are welcome.* She says simply, lifting her eyes and coming forward to take the pouch. Kaiulani sways for a moment on her feet, as though she's on board a ship and needing to ride the bucking of the deck upon the waves. But she does not otherwise falter, for all that the withdrawal of the mental support in her thoughts leaves her a little light-headed. Pouch and pearl are willingly surrendered, the one weighty with the coins stored within, the other gleaming and smooth and bright. With this, the Pandion princess inclines her head, giving the pearl one liquid look before lifting her attention back to the face of the First Acolyte. * * Naiadre smiles wispily, folding her hands over the offerings carefully. *You may bring more if you wish; they are always welcome. But perhaps we should schedule a time for your training, no? Even the High Priestess has remarked upon your need.* Once again Kaiulani blushes, in acknowledgement of her erratic mental control, but she keeps her gaze up in willingness to face this deficiency of hers. Her anxiety to please her family as well as a deeper but no less potent conviction that if she were a stronger mindspeaker she just might be able to contact her mysterious guardian ring behind her thoughts as she replies, *I am at your disposal, First Acolyte; I have no real duties as of yet in this place which would prevent me from visiting you when your own duties permit.* Naiadre exhales a sigh, weighing the offerings in her hand with gentle motions, then focuses intently on Kaiulani. *There is something which does not require much training from me, and that is the building of your shields. This is your most immediate need. You broadcast widely to all what you think and feel. This is a static many of us do not need. It is not your fault.* She reassures. *It merely takes practice. Try to envision yourself building boundaries around your mind and any part of yourself you wish to keep private. Practice building and taking down these boundaries, preferably in solitude, so you have no distractions. Think of other thoughts as sliding off the shields like water in oil.* Tilting her head slightly as she listens, Kaiulani nods slowly -- another lander-like echo of the acknowledgement bubbling through her thoughts in response to this advice. Are shields a new concept for her? Not entirely, it would seem, for she sends a recollection of the kinsman in her family with the duty of training the young to school their minds addressing the basics of how to keep one's thoughts to oneself. *I have tried this in the past,* she admits sheepishly, *but maybe I learned something wrong...? * Naiadre shrugs minutely, tossing a strand of blue hair behind her shoulder. *Perhaps. It matters not. But you must learn concentration and discipline. This is the first step. Perhaps even before the shields, if that troubles you. You must learn control. Focus your thoughts, focus on what you send to others, and controlling what you send when.* This isn't an entirely new concept either -- after all, Kaiulani's kin have been telling her over and over these past few years about the vitality of her learning self-discipline. * * Now that her hands are empty, the maiden seems a trifle uncertain what to do with her fingers, and winds up fiddling with an errant lock of her pearlescent hair. Naiadre sighs wearily. *Perhaps tomorrow. We are preparing for the New Moon Ceremony now. I will take your offerings with me to prepare them. Until then.* She bows her head and turns, heading for a knot of priests. Acknowledgement is once again sent... and with that, her mind awhirl with what she has shared and sensed in this place, Pandion Kaiulani respectfully withdraws to let the First Acolyte go about her business, taking herself... and her agitated thoughts of her mysterious guardian... out into the burgeoning night. [End log.]