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Post by Smith on Mar 4, 2014 2:01:27 GMT
The Fall of Ingktar was once a great ship of the fleet, but its holds have been emptied for refugees. The Caspyans and the Pachyde are together in the holds. The crew have asked them to stay below deck as they cross the Sea of Souls.
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Post by Meander, The Soul's Echo on Mar 5, 2014 1:51:43 GMT
The Caspyans, huddling together fearfully, trying to calm their children, wait below decks. Many of them weep openly, though they try to be considerate towards their fellow passengers by keeping as quiet as possible.
After a time, Meander, the high priestess and leader of the Caspyans, approaches a nearby group of the Pachydae tentatively;
"Excuse me, but would you like to join us in prayers for safe passage?"
She glanced around them earnestly.
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Post by Matriarch Mola Thickskin on Mar 5, 2014 2:17:06 GMT
Mother Mola was one of those pachyds approached by Meander, she herself had been having a rough time keeping her family calm.
"It would be an honor..." Mola smiled. "Though our gods may not be the same, I believe they shall feel glad in our communion."
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Post by Meander, The Soul's Echo on Mar 5, 2014 12:15:17 GMT
"Thank you. I agree," Meander smiled.
She extended her hands, gently taking hold of Mola's. Her eyes closed, and she began to speak, in a clear voice, so that all around could hear, and join in, if they wished. Some of the Caspyans who were not occupied moved to offer their hands in prayer to other members of the Pachydae group.
"Gods, Goddesses, and benevolent spirits that watch over us all, please bless and protect us on this journey. Blessed be this ship that carries us, and the brave people who steer it. Help them deliver us from danger, and let us find safe haven."
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Post by Matriarch Mola Thickskin on Mar 5, 2014 13:56:07 GMT
"Oh Great Mother of the Forests" Mola continued. "Of the Sea and the Earth, of the Skies and of the life that permeates this good land, we beg you guidance in this hour of need. For both these folk who stand here in communion and those lost in this Cataclysm. Our lives to thee pledged a long time ago now are found threading a dangerous path, sweep this world of evil and we'll follow your light through eternity."
The Pachyds kneeled and in unison they gave out a trumpet.
(Apperantly that's what the elephant sound is called.)
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Post by Meander, The Soul's Echo on Mar 6, 2014 18:17:11 GMT
The Caspyans who were engaged in the joint prayers also knelt, bowing their heads respectfully.
When the prayers were complete, Meander readdressed Mola specifically;
"Thank you, we are honoured to have shared your prayers. Might I ask your name?"
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Post by Matriarch Mola Thickskin on Mar 6, 2014 18:57:40 GMT
"I am Mola, Matriarch of the remaining families of the Pachyds..." Mola said in a deep strong voice and extended her four fingered hand in a greeting, she'd usually be reluctant towards other people from the Empire but these, especially this woman, emanated a different, much more tranquil, energy from the others.
"And you are?"
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Post by Meander, The Soul's Echo on Mar 6, 2014 23:34:13 GMT
Meander took Mola's much larger hand gently in both of hers, with a sincere smile;
"It is an honour to meet you, Matriarch. If only it were in better circumstances. I am Meander, The Soul's Echo. I suppose my role is similar to yours, I am the 'leader' of my people, though that is not quite the right word."
She gestured to the small number of people she had boarded with;
"These are what is left of the Caspyans. We hail from a small island called The Leap, at the very furthest edge of the Empire's reach. From where have you travelled?"
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Post by Matriarch Mola Thickskin on Mar 7, 2014 0:01:07 GMT
"We fare from the jungles in the southernmost borders, a sacred land our ancestors have been calling 'The Tribes' since long before the Empire was even thought of."
One little Pachyd child came to hug her thick grey legs, she gave him a fond smile and with the help of her trunk lifted the kid to her soulders.
"These are dark days to live in." She frowned. "Some fortnights ago, the Pachyds were many; The Cataclysm came during our yearly pilgrimage, our most sacred day, when all the Families are united in the Mother's Scar... Just like your kin, these are the last of us."
Making a parabolic gesture with her staff, Mola pointed the Pachydae behind her. Of course there were others spread throughout the boat, for it's hard to fit many in a single room, but the message was given.
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Post by Meander, The Soul's Echo on Mar 7, 2014 0:43:58 GMT
"I am so sorry," said Meander, looking sadly around at the Pachyds, though she smiled kindly at the little one on the Matriarch's shoulder.
"Let us hope that our times will not remain so dark, that we may find a new beginning at the end of our voyage."
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Post by Matriarch Mola Thickskin on Mar 7, 2014 1:10:49 GMT
Mola nodded.
"Have they told you anything about our destination? I fear they hide information from me and my kin, the Pachyds are never well seen among these imperials."
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Post by Meander, The Soul's Echo on Mar 7, 2014 15:51:05 GMT
Meander shook her head sadly;
"I am afraid I know nothing also. The Caspyans and the Imperials do not have a friendly history. Why do the Imperials treat you so?"
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Post by Matriarch Mola Thickskin on Mar 7, 2014 16:55:49 GMT
"Only a few centurys ago, in the times of my grandfather, the Tribes were a free and independent region. But the hunger of the Empire for lands and riches is always at growth, they saw in my people strong and hardworking laborers... So, they decided to subjugate us, or as they prefer 'Tame the savages'."
Mola spat in disgust.
"They came in their hordes into our forests, but with the help of the great mother we fought them out for years and years. Until, one day, a fool named Orellon persuaded our people to fight them in the open field. As expected, they had the numbers... and their war machines... and their magic. My people didn't stand a chance, those who were not butchered were taken as slaves; Those who were not involved directly in the battle were given the chance to bend the knee, and that is the only reason I live today, otherwise there'd be no 'free' Pachyds anywhere."
Now all the pachyds in the room had turned their attention to her, with grim dark expressions.
"They name us monsters. They slave our kind. Their children grow hearing of how a bloodlusting Pachyd will come into their houses and eat them if they don't obey their mothers." She said starting to get an alteration to her voice. "HAH! US! The once labeled 'The most peaceful'. Us, who had long traded with them and received them with open arms to the Tribes!"
Her fist clenched even thighter on her staff.
"We are not the bloodthirsty savages they claim us to be... But we can, and will, become that if they want." Her eyes were fiery with anger.
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Post by Meander, The Soul's Echo on Mar 8, 2014 13:55:55 GMT
The tale of the Pachyds' oppression and slavery moved Meander deeply, not just because it was so close to the story of her own people, but also because it pained her to see such a noble and gentle race as stood before her tormented so.
"I am so sorry, Matriarch. Our peoples' histories with the Empire are sadly similar."
She looked earnestly into Mola's face;
"Your anger is understandable, justified. But please, I can see that you and your people are good, do not let rage consume you. Do not let yourselves become like those who oppressed you. When we reach new land, let us find a way to redetermine our people as their own."
She gave a hopeful smile.
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Post by Matriarch Mola Thickskin on Mar 8, 2014 16:26:40 GMT
Mola loosed the grip, Meander was right there was no need of anger at that moment, the Caspyans had done nothing to the Pachyds, actually she'd never seen nor ears of one before.
"I'm sorry, my friend... Those are old and deep scars, I sometimes lose my mind over them."
The matriarch sighed, she hated ships, she felt compressed by those wooden walls even in this gargantuan one.
"I wonder how long this journey will take... My people need some arboreal air."
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