YE BE INVITED!
Dear Friends~ Let us celebrate this Season of Marriages,
with TWO PARTIES next week!
There be an Engagement Party fer all Females and friends of Lady Sluuph, of the Daughters of Xiosia and Lady Teshia of the House Trayus. Ladies Narthen Droplet and Dannae Renoir of the DoX Be yer hostess fer the evening and be providing Beverages. 'Tis a pot- luck party in Xiosia's Garden, with dancing and friends and festivities. Please to put on yer dancing boots and yer best party clothes and bring yer friends to celebrate these two lovely ladies in their engagements! Please RSVP to any of the DoX if ye can, but if ye don't see them PLEASE COME ANYWAY fer it be Time to Celebrate!
AND UPON THE SAME NIGHT AT THE SAME HOUR
There be a Bachelor Party fer Eelin, Retinue Councilor of the House Trayus, at the StoneHead Tavern. Lady Elady will be on hand to provide libations and edibles. All who know Councilor Eelin, or who wish to celebrate just because 'tis good so to do be invited! Poets and singers are especially invited, and yer host for the men's party, Roled Rolak would love to speak with ye before the celebration! Please plan on attending- gambling games, dancing, beverages and party favors be in store fer all. RSVP to Roled, to Lord Vilthis of the House Trayus or just show up if ye can't find us to respond to!
MAY XIOSIA BLESS EACH OF THESE CELEBRATIONS OF COMMITMENTS UPCOMING,
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and the many surprises in store fer all as they begin the journey to their new lives joined!
Thankee,
Roled Rolak
{OOC the parties are concurrent- Ladies to the Garden and Gents to the Stonehead, next Tuesday June 22 at 11 pm EDT, 8 pm PDT or 3am UTC Wednesday June 23- sorry to everyone across the pond.
These engagement parties are part of the long form improvisational player lead role play. PLEASE JOIN IN! These story lines are open and meant for all who wish to play- oldbies, newbies, middle agers, dark agers! PM Roled if you have questions OOC- please talk to any of the folks mentioned in this notice IC for IG information. THANKS!}
[OOC, but very important: The opinions expressed in this story are those of the characters and not necessarily those of their players.]
Sluuph meditated long, giving devote prayer and careful thought to her ideas. She talked through them with the guild's new High Priestess, but wanted still more advice on a subject of such importance. So it was that when she discovered Roled working by Gardr, she quietly took a seat and waited for a safe moment to speak.
Roled saw her before that moment arrived. "Oh! Lady Sluuph! Ye surprised me!" he cried as he dropped steel stock on his foot. "Ouch!" He jumped around in pain.
Sluuph laughed as she cast a small healing spell on Roled's foot. "I was just asking Gardr to store some stuff for me in preparation for our rededication ceremony. I do hope you will be able to join us."
Sluuph watched for a moment as Roled moved glowing metal objects about. "Roled, you know Xiosia well. And you've known the Daughters longer than I have. Now that the house has been retaken -- by Dannae and me -- I find that there are a large number of powerful people who consider themselves our protectors and are upset to hear us talking of becoming a little more resistant to attack, conquest, and enslavement." She smiled in self-deprecation. "Not that I'm slanting the question or anything. But that ... surprises me. What went wrong, that these protectors were not available before our straits became so dire that we had to take up arms ourselves?"
Roled snorted. "Aye, Lady Sluuph, that has many answers. Ye will find that there be many of us who care deeply fer the DOX."
"I do not doubt for a single heartbeat that there are many who care deeply for the DOX. Not one heartbeat. But it was Dannae and I who went through that door."
"I went through the door the day before ye did, with swords drawn. Did Dannae not tell ye?"
Sluuph was taken aback with surprise. "No. I did not know."
"I also sat outside ye house door for one whole night after ye were returned, and after Teshia were attacked and the DOX sheltered her. Did ye not know this? And I gathered the Crystal Custos to search out what we thought were a poison or charm within ye."
Sluuph holds up her hands in surrender, but Roled's sudden rage could not be stopped.
"Who searched fer ways to help ye? Elady! Qata! Mordaan! Residren! Sacho! Chessire! Me! Who went and got the guards when Ahriman paraded ye back into town! Who tried to convince the guards to keep Ahriman under lock and key? Who then insisted no wrong had been done them and freed Ahriman? Ye did!"
Roled paused for breath and seemed to calm himself a bit. "Please fergive me losing my temper with ye just now. May I buy ye both a drink and some dinner at the Stonehead?" He bowed humbly to Sluuph and set a gentle hand on her shoulder.
Sluuph nodded. "I would love to."
"Good! Let's sit and work this out please Lady S?"
They walked up the short ramp and were greeted as the entered by Elady, the former High Priestess of the Daughters, who had left the guild when Ahriman was allowed into their house. "Sluuph, good to see you again."
Sluuph sighed as she adjusted the cushions on the bench.
"Anything wrong, Sluuph? Can I get you anything?"
"I would love a cider, Elady."
"One cider and one tea for Roled. Anything for you, Tess?"
Tessra blushed, shaking her head. "Oh, no, no, thank you."
Roled continued, "Elady, perhaps some food too? Oh stew or maybe some...." He added to no one's surprise, "...pie?" He looked hopeful.
Elady left and Roled turned to Sluuph, clearing his throat.
She began. "So, Roled. You were losing your temper on me, which I deserve."
Elady returned and began distributing mugs.
Roled lifted his glass "Here's to Lady Tessra fer passing her examinations!"
Tessra blushed, looking down at her hands.
Elady and Sluuph joined the toast. "To Lady Tessra!"
Roled continued, "And here to the freeing of the Daughters of Xiosia from that terrible evil."
Tessra nodded emphatically at Roled's words.
Roled continued the toast. "And here's to the reuniting of the DOX and Elady!" Roled raised his glass and drinks emphatically.
Sluuph stared into her mug.
Elady looked at Roled with surprise. "I think there is still the issue of Ahriman to deal with first. How are your, ah, party plans coming, Sluuph?"
Sluuph looked baffled. "Issue? Party? I don't understand."
Roled added, "Oh, ye do not know? Sluuph should tell ye...." He sipped his tea, looking at the women.
Tessra looked from Sluuph to Elady to Roled, unsure what any of this meant.
Sluuph said, "Um. I'm confused, so I'll back up, probably too far. Dannae and I independently came up with the same plan to pin Ahriman to a place where we could control the situation. So we voted to let him into the house. If he left, he would not be able to get back in. Elady was upset, but we could not tell her what we were doing. She left the guild."
Tessra looked at Elady wide-eyed. Elady shrugs and looks down at the table. "I didn't understand. I thought Ahriman had gotten to everyone but me."
Sluuph said, "A few days later, Dannae and I heard, again separately, that Ahriman was planning to invite the Hydlaa underworld to our home for a party to gloat over his conquest of us. We decided that we could wait no longer.
Sluuph looked over at the Dermorian. "And, Roled, this goes to what you were saying earlier. Dannae and I felt that we were alone. That we had no supporters. Well, that's not completely true. When I mentioned our plans at Harnsie's, we had plenty of supporters. Including your sister, Tessra."
Tessra burst out, "Tesh was there?!"
Sluuph said, "But in the end, it was Dannae and me who went through the door."
Elady looked confused. "I told both you and Dannae I would do what I could to help."
Sluuph said, "We could not find you, and felt we could not wait. And we were right -- he was already digging around in our ... our things."
Tessra's eyes widened in horror, as she pressed a hand to her lips. Elady simply looked disgusted.
"And now that Dannae and I have retaken the guild house -- by force of arms -- we find that many people are shocked, unhappy, disapproving, of our actions.
Tessra exclaimed, "But... but he is gone now? You have saved the virtue of the priestesses!"
Sluuph looked bewildered. "They seem to feel that we have damaged our guild in some way. He is gone. Our possessions seem to have been recovered. But I need to understand what I have done."
Elady said in a reasonable voice, "Much like Xiosia followers sometimes have to fight to defend nature, so you had to fight to protect the sanctuary of the house. As with all things with the Goddess it is the balance that is important."
Tessra said, "I am sure the Goddess herself will understand...." and nodded to Elady. "Even in nature there is a cycle...."
Sluuph said, "Thank you, Elady. That is what I believe. And that, too, Tessra."
Elady grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm just thankful I don't have to wear that dress to that party!"
Sluuph stated firmly, "I do not believe it is wrong to fight and to kill and if need be to die to defend one's home. And so I say this: I will defend the Daughters. I will place myself between them and their enemies. I hope I can remain in the guild while I do that."
Tessra nodded quickly to Sluuph.
Elady said, "It is a shameful thing that there was the need for violence in the house but it sounds like it was justified in your actions, Sluuph. I doubt the Daughters will kick you out."
Roled tore off a hunk of pie, dipped it in the stew, and munched slowly, listening to the women.
Then Tessra mused, "You told Teshia something once... and she never forgot it. You said that some even go so far as to believe that Xiosia and Dakkru are one and the same.... With all creation, there must be a death..."
Roled looked at Tess wide-eyed.
Sluuph corrected Tessra in a gentle voice, "I don't believe They are the same. But They are sisters." She turned to Roled, waiting for him to swallow the bite of pie. "What do you say to a Daughter with an axe, Roled?"
Roled answered slowly his words soft but his voice hard, "Sluuph, 'tis not my place to judge. It just took me by surprise 'tis all, Sluuph, last night at the oathing, fer ye to bear the axe and not the charmflower...." He turned to look Elady in the eye, and repeated with emphasis. "Last night at the DOX Oathing and Induction in the Garden."
Elady's face tightened in shock.
Sluuph, unaware of these first breaths of the rising storm, boasted, "Even when some seek to destroy us, we grow. Elady, I stood in the roots of the ruqua and held the labrys. And the Daughters initiated two new members while I stood as Guardian."
Tessra agreed, "Surely there is a time even for the axe?"
Roled looked sharply at the student. "Aye, indeed... and a time fer peace and cleansing."
Sluuph continued in her naivete, "Aye! And I will be doing that as well."
Elady looked sad as she pointed out, "There has never been a need for a 'Guardian' in the past. It saddens me to feel there was the feeling that one was needed this time."
Tessra asked, "But, Elady, has there ever before been such an attack on the Daughters?"
Sluuph went on, "I spent last night in the Garden purifying my spirit. Tonight I purify the house. Evict his stench. Tomorrow, I reconsecrate and seal it."
Roled asked sharply, "Sluuph, ye alone?"
Sluuph instantly replied, "No."
Roled asked again, as is if unable to hear Sluuph any more, "Ye alone does this?"
Sluuph repeated, "No! As many of the Daughters as can attend should." She stared at Roled, sensing a change coming over him. "But it seems that I am the one who most feels it necessary. And I do feel it necessary. I cannot sleep in that place now."
Elady agreed, "I mentioned to Dannae when last we talked that a ceremony to resantify the house would probably be a good idea."
And Tessra also added, "It is time for the house to have a new beginning... just as the daughters have new found freedom...."
Roled, however, was not hearing what was being said. He took a deep breath. "Ye have been through much, beloved Daughter of Xiosia. But ne'er before have I ever heard any Daughter refer to sacred ceremonies as "I will do this or that". 'Twas always 'We will...we shall...' not 'I...'."
Sluuph looked worried at the one she called a friend. "Roled, I hear you. May I tell you why I say it the way I do?"
Roled nodded, his face grim.
Sluuph watched him carefully as she explained. "Because the Daughters are riddled with doubt and distrust. Because with the single exception of Dannae, I do not know who I can count on to be true."
Roled looked significantly to Elady. Tessra frowned, watching Roled.
Sluuph continued. "Ellessa and Leicace I presume to be loyal, but they are so new they do not know how to help. Elady has my deepest respect, but Elady is not a Daughter of Xiosia."
Elady drew herself up and instructed Sluuph. "Remember the Daughters are supposed to act as a group, every Daughter getting an equal say in how the guild is run."
"Even the ones under the control of evil forces? So if Ahriman had gained control of a majority of Daughters, he would be the legitimate Lord of the house?"
Elady retorted, "If the Daughters don't follow their own rules then there are no Daughters."
Sluuph snapped back, "Our rules are not a suicide pact. And if they are, then I will be Her priestess still but Her Daughter no longer."
Elady said, "That is not for you to decide on your own, Sluuph. That is for the guild as a whole to discuss and vote on."
Sluuph repeated, "Then I will be Her priestess still but Her Daughter no longer. That is for me to decide on my own. Just as it was yours to decide on your own, Elady."
Tessra begged Sluuph, "Talk to the other Daughters. I think you will find they feel as you do."
Sluuph answered Tessra but looked at Roled and Elady. "I have been talking to them at great length. They do."
"Then it seems like the proper thing should be done and a meeting called and votes taken. Not a single person stating on their own what needs to be done." Elady stated.
Sluuph repeated her concern again, "And if those votes are for turning the guild over to Ahriman? What then, Elady? Our rules cannot be a suicide pact."
Elady stated the obvious, "If changes need to be made, then so be it, but those changes need to be voted on and discussed openly between all Daughters."
Sluuph shook her head in confusion. "Elady, I must have been unclear. Please let me explain. I am not attempting to dictate anything to the guild." She looked around her, seeing only disturbed faces. She began to wonder if the words she was speaking were the words that reached their ears. She continued. "Everything I have said, has been said to the guild. Even in the Garden, I asked all the Daughters present if they wanted me to stand as I did. Their approval was unanimous. That I need to purify my home before I can sleep in it again is my personal problem. That the house will be reconsecrated has been unanimously agreed to."
Roled stuffed another piece of stew sodden pie in his mouth, his face dark.
Sluuph looked each in the eyes and sighed. "So I'm wondering why you think I'm the new Ahriman, giving orders like some sort of tyrant."
Elady ignored all that Sluuph had explained. "It is disturbing to hear you saying I'm going to do this and I'm going to do that. Especially for something so important as sanctifying the house."
Realizing that communication was no longer possible, Sluuph said, "I'm sorry. I came for advice. Instead I've angered you. Thank you for the cider, Elady.
Roled stopped her. "Do ye really wish my advice, Sluuph?
"I have been trying to ask for it for some hours."
Roled looked at Sluuph, then at Elady, then at Tess. "This be what I know to be true. I know that Ahriman be the most evil sorcerer we have seen in a while. I know that ye Sluuph, and Narthen and Dannae and Zayla all succumbed to his torture. I know that that injury is not quickly healed, e'en if the mind be healed. And I know that Elady is a true Daughter of Xiosia, and the Highest Priestess, and has taught me much about our Lady."
Sluuph was expressionless, her eyes resting calmly on Roled's. Tessra looked wide-eyed from Roled to Sluuph.
Sluuph calmly stated a fact. "Elady has left the guild, Roled."
Elady put in, "I had hopes of returning to the guild but I'm beginning to wonder if that will be possible now."
Roled went on, "I know that Elady has truly the heart of Xiosia in our world. She only left the guild because of the evil those who were under the spell were bringing on yerselves. I know that the Goddess Xiosia has talked directly to Elady, has blessed her and has given her her ring as a sign of bonding. And I know Elady and Siteya founded the Daughters. So my advice is, Sluuph, submit yerself to Elady."
Sluuph looked down, her jaw setting. "And agree to the suicide pact."
Roled continued, "Take time to pray and heal. Take time to heal the other Daughters. Bring Elady back into the DOX. And each of ye find the Peace of Xiosia."
Sluuph stared at Roled, stammering, "I am healing the other Daughters. I am healing the guild. I have bled and wept and been tortured for the Daughters!"
Roled snarled, "Ye are not healing the guild, Sluuph! Ye are tearing the Guild apart! Just as Ahriman wishes ye to! Ye are still doing the will of Ahriman -- yer captor."
Sluuph's jaw dropped in shock and disbelief as Roled's slander ripped into her. His cruel words felt like teeth tearing her open from heart to womb. An eon of agony passed before she could force her shaking legs to lift her from the bench and flee from the one she had trusted to be a friend and mentor. She staggered blindly down the steep ramp from the Stonehead, scalding tears pouring down her cheeks.
[OOC, but very important: The opinions expressed in this story are those of the characters and not necessarily those of their players.]
Sluuph stumbled toward the Garden, tears rolling down her cheeks. Turning the corner she collided with another person and stumbled. Dannae instantly saw Sluuph's distress. "Sluuph...what's happened?"
Sluuph could hardly speak through her sobs. "Roled ... and Elady ... say I'm -- that I'm still...."
Dannae took Sluuph in her arms, listening carefully as the distraught Nolthrir gulped for breath. "That I'm doing Ahriman's work. By trying to heal the -- the guild. Elady says I've destroyed the guild!" Sluuph moaned and collapsed to the soft turf outside the entrance to the Garden.
Dannae remained standing for a moment, stunned by the words. She frowned in disbelief. "Ahriman's work...I don't believe it...how could you be?"
Sluuph wailed, "I don't know! I'm working so hard.... I want my home back. I want you back. Roled kept shouting that I was still--" She broke down completely, her words dissolving into heart-tearing sobs.
Dannae quickly sat beside her friend, holding her close. "We have our home...you have me, Sluuph."
Sluuph shook her head violently, tears flying. "He-- And she says-- I can't purify my own home! We have to vote to defend--!"
"Sluuph... wait... don't listen to them."
"I just wanted his help. I asked for advice. And he says I'm Ahriman! And she says I'm destroying her guild. As if she owns us. What have I done that wasn't voted on?"
Dannae slowly murmured, "I need to speak with them." Then to Sluuph, "Maybe it was the ceremony...the axes?"
Sluuph nodded but said, "I asked you four. It was unanimous. Everyone said 'aye.' Everyone!"
The two sat silently for a time as Sluuph's tears fell.
She spoke again, her voice much softer. "But, Dannae? He controlled our minds. If we had voted to make him our Lord and Master, and he got a majority, would that make it right? If we then voted to never vote again, would that be the new law?"
Dannae looked surprised, but answered quickly. "No...no, I hope it wouldn't...we have not foreseen this kind of thing. We obviously need to make more changes to protect our ways. I say, no vote shall go against Xiosia's teachings."
"Yes!" Sluuph agreed loudly. "I have to keep telling myself that none of them were Daughters. Their opinions are just opinions. That no matter what happens, I will be Xiosia's priestess still. They cannot take that from me." Sluuph's anxiety grew again at that thought. Her voice rose, a panicked edge to it. "I am not doing Ahriman's work. I am not!"
Dannae interjected, "I know Sluuph... I do," but Sluuph was not listening to her.
"I just want my home back!" she wailed.
Dannae pulled Sluuph's head to her shoulder. "We had to do what we did...no one else was able to. Would it have been better to do nothing and let Ahriman corrupt us all? Of course not!"
A new voice caused both women to look up as Dannae's friend Detiey greeted them. Sluuph tensed in Dannae's arms; she and Detiey had not gotten on well before.
Detiey smiled and said, "Hi!" as Dannae spoke too. "Sluuph is upset." Sluuph wiped her eyes and smiled as best she could.
Detiey frowned, so much like Dannae that Sluuph looked back and forth between them. She sat with them, still just outside the Garden. "Oh? Why is that?"
Dannae began to say "Something Elady and Roled have said to her," as Sluuph took a deep breath and tried to steady her voice. "I tried to ask for advice, and was told I'm doing Ahriman's work, is all."
"Hmmm ... what did you ask?"
Sluuph swallowed and rubbed her nose. "Um. Well, I wanted to talk to him about why so many people claim to be protectors of our guild, but in the end, it was Dannae and I who went through the door to get the fiend out of our house. And what we might do to protect ourselves a little better. I guess just asking that question means I'm no Daughter of Xiosia."
Detiey shocked Sluuph when she shrugged. "People like to say nice things.. but when it comes to getting dirty hands...."
Sluuph blinked at Detiey's words, so much like her own thoughts, and added, "And Elady kept saying that every action must be voted on, even defending ourselves."
The other two spoke together. "Qata seemed to be all right with what we accomplished," observed Dannae and Detiey snapped, "That is not true, according to the oath." They continued speaking over each other. "That's ridiculous." "I mean, aggression is not an option, but defense is!"
Sluuph continued, "And Roled accused me of trying to destroy the guild. He said I am doing Ahriman's work for him."
The two continued to speak together, their statement intertwining. Detiey looked stern as she said "Elady left the guild. It is not her province anymore." "Elady left us in our time of need...that's how I feel." Dannae matched Detiey's expression and Sluuph nodded to them both. "It is not her decision to return, she must start again, like a fresh person." "That would need to be voted on."
Sluuph's expression turned angry, her voice bitter and sarcastic. "But she doesn't need votes, you see. Oh, no! She's a founding member! Xiosia Herself gave her a ring, Roled says!" And as quick as the wave of her anger rose, it broke and crashed down. Sluuph looks suddenly ashamed. "I'm sorry. I do respect her."
But Dannae's next words shocked her. "She gave me a ring as well. And Detiey too."
Sluuph looks from one to the other. "Xiosia did?" she said, and giggled a little wildly as both women simultaneously held out their hands toward her.
Sluuph admired the rings as Detiey continued, "It is only I did not choose to join DOX; it does not mean that i don't believe in Xiosia."
Deeply impressed by the divine gifts, Sluuph said slowly, "Um. So, Detiey, what -- if anything -- would you do? Does the DOX need to get better at defending itself? Or should we rely on outsiders to protect us?"
Dannae grinned. "Detiey would have protected us."
Detiey shrugged. "I think you need to defend... I would defend you all... but it must be subtle, non-aggressive. I mean, it was not necessary to show steel in the garden."
Sluuph nodded, slowly, and remained lost in silent thought, chewing on her lips. Finally, she spoke. "Dannae? You are our High Priestess. If I did wrong, I will make restitution. Tell me what I should do."
Both women shook their heads in unison. Dannae stated, "If you did wrong...then I did worse" and Detiey replied "You did what was necessary."
Sluuph looked at Dannae and shook her head, "You did not bear weapons in the Garden. No, Dannae, I think we should consider this opportunity to show Hydlaa what we intend."
"Sluuph," Detiey looked intensely at her. "There is no need to show anyone anything." Dannae nodded in agreement as Detiey continued, "People like Ahriman are rare. It is not needed to give outward signs of strength."
Sluuph replied with matching energy. "No ... I disagree, Detiey ... I think we have a good opportunity here. Hear me out, please." She grinned "And then all we Daughters will vote, and I will abstain." Sluuph smiled at the only other Daughter of Xiosia present.
Sluuph drew a deep breath, steadying herself. "I could not possibly care less about the laws of Hydlaa, so just forget that part. I am coming to agree with Detiey, that an outward show of strength is not necessary. I think that the axes were a mistake. Done in the heat of battle, with the concurrence of all, but a mistake. I think that you, Dannae, should realize that."
Detiey interrupted Sluuph's speech. "Emotions were high."
Sluuph continued, almost without pause. "Yes. But! I was the one with the axes, and no one else. You need to make it clear that we all know it was a mistake. So--"
Detiey interrupted again, repeating, "Sluuph. Your blood was high. It is excusable." Dannae joined in. "I granted you my agreement."
"I'm not trying to defend myself, Detiey -- on the contrary! I think Dannae should reprimand me." Sluuph smiled at the High Priestess. "Gently, please. And I think you should set me a task of restitution. That will show the city that the DOX recognize the error that we made. We made a mistake -- okay, Dannae, all of us. Emotions, tension, yes, all that. I was the one with the weapons, though."
Detiey looked into the distance and spoke softly. "If indeed there was an error, I would say the DoX brought a service to all women of Hydlaa and beyond."
Sluuph's eyes went wide and she smiled with delight. In that moment, Detiey changed in Sluuph's mind, going from a distant and often cold stranger to one she would call a friend. "Detiey, I think that is the nicest thing you've ever said to me. Thank you!"
Detiey looked her in the eye. "Sluuph, I know more than most about male aggression."
Sluuph bowed her head as she replied, "I know more than I did before."
Dannae returned to the question. "Everyone there saw me agree to the display...it would not be right for me to reprimand. If any recompense is necessary, it should be brought by the law of Hydlaa. For the crime of drawing a weapon in Hydlaa, the sentence will most likely be insignificant. There were many at the ceremony, and I heard none reject your idea, Sluuph. And, Sluuph, you broke no law of DoX."
Sluuph stared at the guild's High Priestess, those last words ringing in her ears. After a long pause, she murmured, "I will turn myself in, if that is what we agree to."
Detiey shook her head. "You acted in defense... it is not a crime."
"No one was being attacked when we were in the Garden."
Detiey smiled as Sluuph argued against her defender, "Sure, but as I told the situation was unique. And no one made a complaint. Even Roled was silent." Detiey took Sluuph's hand as she spoke. "Do not feel guilty. There is no cause for it. I believe this."
Sluuph squeezed Detiey's hand. "But just the hearing will make the point that we now believe we were wrong, won't it? Dannae, I just want to show outsiders like Roled that I'm not trying to destroy the guild. I don't feel guilty, Detiey. I feel misunderstood."
Detiey smiled with compassion. "You know something, Sluuph? More store is taken by someone's actions than their words. Study the oath, and live by it... maybe even take the oath once more. But live to Xiosia's oath. No more than that will be needed."
For the second time that night, Sluuph's jaw dropped in shock, but this time it was the shock of her joy returning. She laughed happily. "I always prefer the big dramatic way --"
Dannae giggled, "Don't I know!"
"-- but I've learned that ways like you suggest are better. I don't like them! But I know they are better."
Detiey smiled and said, "The touch of a gentle finger has more goodness than a fist, and its effects are remembered longer."
Sluuph stared at Detiey with new respect as Dannae reached to gently touch Detiey's face.
Sluuph whispered, "I wish you had chosen the DOX, Detiey." She sighed in contentment. "Got your amethyst, Dannae?"
Detiey said, "I have chosen Xiosia, so in effect I chose DoX. But I don't need to wear the badge, it is in my heart."
Sluuph looked thoughtful for a moment, then shrugged. "Okay, wise women ... should we invite anyone else? Or will you give me the oath with only Detiey to witness? I fear Roled and Elady would try to continue their attacks on me, but I will bow to your wisdom."
Dannae sounded surprised. "You want to renew your oath?"
"Yes. As soon as it can best be done. I need to show something, Dannae. I need to refute Roled's words. They burn me."
Detiey cocked her head. "You do not need to say the words, Sluuph. Only live the oath from this moment."
"I don't think I ever stopped, Detiey, but I want to renew it. I want to say it aloud."
Detiey leaned forward and gently hugged Sluuph as Dannae smiled and whispered to Detiey, "You always know the right thing to say."
Detiey grinned. "I only say what I feel. You know that."
Dannae returned the grin, giggling. "Then, you always feel the right thing."
Sluuph stood. "Let's do this. Right now, just us three, let me say it to you and the Goddess. Will you do that for me?"
The three entered the Garden and stood under the ruqua, Detiey holding Sluuph's hand warmly.
Dannae faced the ruqua tree and raised her amethyst high above her head, then in great sweeping motions ascribed a pattern in the air, then pointed the amethyst to the ground ascribing the same pattern in the grass with a flourish. In a deep tone Dannae shouted, "Air and earth, fauna and flora! As we stand in unison and harmony, we achieve the strength needed to survive. In this same spirit of unison, harmony, and strength, we, the Daughters of Xiosia, stand here before our Goddess's mighty ruqua tree effigy to welcome in Her name, our renewing sister."
Detiey stepped to the side, a happy smile on her face.
Dannae smiled warmly, "Sluuph, do you take this oath of your own free will, with no reservations nor hesitations?"
"Yes, I do."
"Do you promise to honor the teachings of the goddess Xiosia, and to live in unity with all Her creations to the highest extent of your ability?"
"Yes."
"Do you promise to protect nature and to defend against those who would abuse and squander those gifts the Goddess has so lovingly bestowed upon us all?"
"Yes."
"Do you promise to respect the lives of all Yliakum and to never attack another citizen except in matters of self defense, to protect the life of an innocent, or to prevent abominations against nature?"
Sluuph drew herself up and proudly shouted, "Yes!"
Detiey felt a tear of happiness fall down her face.
"Do you promise to respect your fellow daughters, to give them support and encouragement when in need, in times of both happiness and crisis?"
Sluuph took a deep breath, blinking back tears. "Yes, I will."
"It is our great honor and privilege to welcome you into our guild, the Daughters of Xiosia." Dannae stepped forward placed a single kiss on Sluuph's forehead. "Welcome, sister, may the Goddess bless your path always."
Sluuph kissed Dannae, whispering, "I like the kissing part."
Detiey sniffed emotionally.
Sluuph said, "Thank you, Dannae. It's a little silly, but it helps me a lot."
Detiey hugged both women, smiling through happy tears.
Dannae smiled to Sluuph, "I don't mind at all, I enjoy doing the ceremony."
Detiey grinned slyly, "Is this the part where the High Priestess gets thrown into the fountain?"
Dannae turned to run, but the others seized her quickly.
A joyous time passed, a time in which Sluuph learned more fully that strangers may be closer friends than they appear, and in which she was able to forget for a moment that those who once appeared to be friends may become enemies.