Shae looks to Katarina, tilting her head as the question takes a few moments to register. "Oh. No, old injury. Hurts more with the shift in seasons. I forget I have it most of the time." Gray eyes look to the woman, curious but benign, moving to claim a seat as well. "I should as you how you fare. Your life has changed course, aye?"

Isabelle, who hates you arrives, following Niklas.

Shae has joined the benches.

Victus arrives with cat and guardsmen in tow. He's taking quick looks around, darting glances here or there as he enters the stone grove. A place he looks surprisingly familiar being within. With a flask in his hand he moves to sit at one of the benches, settling in for a night of interest.

Merek has come to listen to talk about the Shaman and Spirits. He has on his cloak and it covers his coat, while the hood is up. He looks from it and around when he arrives, as he finds a place on the ground to settle in and listen for the time being.

Asger strolls into the grove with a confident stride, the duke wearing a plaid pleated man skirt and singing something with the approximate cadence of a hymn and sung entirely in the shav tongue of the north. The song to those who'd understand it seems to be about the spirits rising up, turning against nebulous oppressors to free the land and usher in an age of peace. Scurrying along beside the Duke is a sea otter who is drenched and seems to have just come from either the ocean or a pond.

2 Redrain novice guards, Simon, the Mastiff Puppy, Chantilly, the demure companion arrive, following Elgana.

Signe had seated herself near Khanne on the grass. Legs were stretched out before her and the dirt smudges were revealed about mid-calf. It was very unladylike, her manner of sitting. Arms were behind her, palms pressed flat against the grass as she leaned back appearing quite comfortable and relaxed giving the natural calming surroundings of the Stone Grove. The skirt of her kirtle was bunched together just below the knees, the summer's warmth demanded less was better as she exposed her pale northerner legs.

Lianne, dressed all in forest green silk of a low-plunging Lycene cut, arrives on the arm of Master Venturo Thane, luckiest among the lucky, brewmaster extraordinaire. Tonight, they're both just spectators, here to watch, to listen, to perhaps ask a question or two of the shamans. As they move to find a seat, the marquessa looks... well, tired. Even her smile's a little dimmer than usual despite the lovely weather.

Drysi, a young shaman apprentice, GusGus, the fluffy Whitehold Mountain puppy arrive, following Khanne.

Oswyn settles down on the ground, opening up his scholar's satchel and pulling forth a book of some sort. Then out comes a quill and some ink. He turns pages quickly.

Ansel arrives, in crimson armor clad, with the tawny-golden form of Ravana perched at his left shoulder. The Telmar's come to be curious as well, it seems, and makes his way for the benches, spotting a few familiar faces in the group gathered to be curious as well. He heads in his brother-in-law's direction, greeting the Marquis with a companionable smile and a polite nod. "Marius, good to see you again."

Trailed by her two guards and a young blonde woman, Elgana enters the Stone grove and glances about for familiar faces--or maybe just one familiar face. But it is clear she is looking for someone as she moves out of the way to do just that so no one is jostling to get around her. Those guards and lady file off to the sides, moving out of the way as well.

"...I think it will be good to come and listen and maybe ask a few questions," Sabella is saying to Niklas as they come strolling in arm-in-arm. She gives a bright wave to Oswyn and starts pulling Niklas over towards where he's sitting, "This is the scholar I was telling you about! The one who sent me the book. You should have him record your journals, he's quite quick with the writing! Might we sit with you?" She asks Oswyn while sitting down. Say no to the Princess. JUST TRY!

Drysi finishes lighting the candles around the stone grove as Khanne settles herself cross-legged in the grass. She sits in front of one of the very large stone pillars, one she almost always seems to seat herself in front of. She is calm, mist grey eyes watching as people arrive. She occupies her hands by weaving blades of grass together in a fragile rope, picking more as needed. Eventually, she clears her throat and says, "Good evening, and thank you all for coming tonight. This is meant to be a very casual evening; a chance for everyone to mingle and talk. I have wanted to hold such a talk for a long time, but now, with so many more shamans in town, and those curious to know more, I felt it was high time to make time for it. Please, feel free to ask questions, talk about your own experiences... what have you. Some of the other members of Spirit Walkers are here milling about to help see that we give you the best information we can." She looks around, smiling. "With that all said... welcome!" She gestures to a nearby crate and says, "and, as a token of appreciation for you all coming.... please, take one bottle of the Master Brewer Venturo's lovely whiskey, offered to you today by the Spirit Walkers."

Marius raises his hand to get Ansel's attention, long after the Telmar Voice has already spotted him it seems. Marius flashes a smile, inclining his head to his brother-in-law quickly. "Didn't expect to see you here, Ansel, but always a pleasure. Been too long. I got to get you out of that tower more."

Sparte has fallen in a little ways behind Victus, where by chance or timing. Whichever the case is he sits near the Highlord, glancing around at the others in attendance. His own hanger ons go gaggle together together where the guardsmen do. Which makes sense, given two of them are guards of one stripe or another.

Khanne drops a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Merek gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Sabella gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

"I'm quite well," Katarina poses in soft assurance toward Shae. Briefly, she adopts a warm smile toward the Keaton noblewoman and shifts aside to make more room for newcomers upon their quickly crowding benches. "It's been a long time since I'd heard any discussions of shamanism firsthand, so I can't wait to see how it unfolds and what I might learn," she discloses to the woman, quieting as Khanne begins to her introductory speech, and watchin gwiht interest.

Ven gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Orland arrives, following Duarte.

Elgana gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Niklas gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Oswyn looks up and smiles, close-lipped, and says, "Of course. Your Highness. My Lord." It appears he recognizes Niklas. "Er... there's plenty of room on the ground, though you might perhaps want a bench? Not that I'm complaining. I would love to sit with you both!"

Shae gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

As he enters along with the Marquessa, the tale end of a story can be heard, "And so despite having lost every coin to my name, tossed into a cell for a week, I wound up in the retinue of Lord Bogart with a closet full of the finest garments I'd ever seen. Luck watched over me, truly. " There is mirth in Venturo's voice, but it quiets as he goes to find a spot along with Lianne, his full attention turned to the gathering at hand.

Victus gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Ansel gives a smile, nodding his agreement with Marius. "It's good to be out and about," he returns. "Any chance to find ways to better understand ways and traditions more unfamiliar to us is a chance I'm glad to take," he replies, politely. "Though, I expect I'll likely be the only member of the family to attend, in all likelihood," says the Telmar Sword, an almost apologetic smile breaking his features.

Jordan is here to watch this conversation about shamanism, not that he looks particularly enthused as he's off to the side, his arms crossed, but there's a bow towards Signe by way of greeting, so maybe there's a reason why he's attending.

"So, would you like to just start taking questions?" Ven asks aloud.

Oswyn gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Marius gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Niklas walks in with Sabella, looking just a little less than wholly comfortable with this whole thing. But if Sabella's here then why not, so he follows along, giving Scholar Oswyn a smile when he sees the young man. "Can I thank you for passing on the good word to the Archlector? She made me a scholar by owl. That was a first. For me, at least. Probably not for the owl."

There's a slow breath that comes from Bliss as she steps in, eyes sweeping over the crowd and stopping on a few people, her mouth turning down for some reason before she shakes her head, turning around and looking for a familiar face. It seems that if anyone has greeted her, she is a bit oblivious to that fact at the moment.

Signe smiles as the prim and proper search for actual seating. "Join us here on the ground, the grass is quite soft. And there is plenty of it to accomodate everyone!" She invites any, patting the vacant space of grass beside her just before giving a small wave of her hand to Jordan .

Steve, an ungainly pelican arrives, delivering a message to Ven before departing.

Khanne hears Ven's question and gives a small nod. "Yes. Like I said, this is entirely casual tonight. Feel free to ask me, or Signe... any others of the Spirit Walkers who decide to mill about. Or, start a discussion." She lifts a hand and smiles towards Ansel. "Do I not count? I am family now, after all..." She winks at him.

Moving off to the side a touch more, Elgana simply finds a patch of ground to sit down on, it not seeming to bother the Redrain princess the slightest as she silently listens to Khanne and she smiles and smooths her hands down along her skirts. A glance toward the entrance notes Bliss' arrival and the princess gives a wave, hoping to catch the woman's attention.

There's a grin across Marius' face at Ansel's small apology. "Well, your sister will probably join us later, but I don't think that counts. All things considered, maybe just as well." He makes a more symbolic than anything scoot on the bench to leave room for Ansel where he sits. "Speaks well of the future of Telmar, at least. I'll get you all straightened out in due time." The Marquis deadpans the sentence with just the smallest hint of a smile.

"Alright. I have a bunch of questions. Something simple to start with; if you want to talk to a particular spirit who's been friendly, how do you do that?" Ven asks.

Oswyn smiles up at Niklas, head bobbing. "It was my pleasure, Lord Kennex." His answer is quiet, so as not to disturb the others. Ssshhh, the shaman is speaking.

Ansel seems to quieten all of a sudden, shifting slightly nearer to Marius, and turning his attention towards the discussion going on near the center as he occupies his seat near to the Greenmarch Marquis. There's a thankful, wry sort of smile from the Sword at Marius' comments, and he dips his head. "She and you will always count," insists the Redmarcher, but quietly enough to not disturb the question-asking.

Khanne smiles over to Signe and asks, "do you want to take that one?"

Katarina falls into hushed conversation with Shae upon the benches. Her expression turns thoughtful briefly, then chances a look across the fields to spot the Telmar Sword and Marquis of Greenmarch not far. "Lord Ansel, Marquis Greenmarch," she calls out, her hand lifted in amenable salutations before a glimpse of Terese sees her twisting to search the woman out more fully.

Lianne tsks quietly for the tail-end of Venturo's tale, though her disagreement with his deduction is, at best, half-hearted and full-humored. Catching sight of Katarina, her curiosity piques, though she doesn't do anything to draw the princess' attention, not when it seems things are getting under way. As the questions start in earnest, she flashes a smile to Khanne before letting her gaze drift over the rest of the crowd, considering faces both familiar and strange.

Catching Elgana's arrival, Bliss' mouth turns up into a smile as she returns the wave, moving to Elgana and taking a seat near her silently while turning her attention back to Khanne and Signe, curiously listening.

Duarte wanders in and pays but a moment's time to taking stock of the setting. He pads over to Elgana and settles down. His attention primarily on Khanne and himself being silent.

Ansel gives a friendly smile over to Katarina, giving a dip of his head and a little wave in return. He doesn't call back over, though, keeping his volume down to the bench he's seated at, in order to not interrupt the question-asking and question-answering going on.

Arion takes a moment to get over his nerves. Then he moves to sit on the grass, kneeling carefully and watching the Shamans thoughtfully. Looking to Khanne he bites his lower lip and then asks in a gentle tone. "I do not know much about Shamans and spirits but I am curious to know if spirits or outside forces can affect ones dreams? Or is that something else entirely?" He draws in a slow breath looking as though he is stealing himself.

Katarina checked perception at difficulty 8, rolling 1 higher.

There is only a touch of innocence, an enigmatic look that creases Venturo's features at that tsk from the Marquessa, offering no insight as to his own thoughts. His gaze follows her own to Katarina, studying the princess for a long moment. The others at the benches with her are noted, a dip of his head cast towards Shae, but then the brunt of the brewer's focus returns to Khanne as she speaks.

Signe watches as the folks gather to make inquiries of the unknown. Apparently this young shaman is very excited so when Ven started things off with a question the noble Nightgold perked up, nodding at Khanne before answering, "The spirits have a multitude of natures. Even if you try to reach out and speak with a particular spirit in mind they may or may not answer. The methods of spirit talking differs. Some engage in meditation for hours, days even, possibly a week before a spirit, or the desired spirit, may answer at all. Some use various rituals involving runes, old sites of worship, or other means to prepare the body and mind."

Lianne gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Marius shows his appreciation for the Telmar sword with a low chuckle, nodding at him. He keeps quiet though, out of respect for the proceedings and sends Katara a quick wave as he catches attention of, well, her attempt to catch attention.


It seems Terese's arrival has not gone unnoticed as the svelte woman slips silently amongst the gathering as others draw in and around her upon the soft grass. Gloved hands work to coil the long dark curls of her hard, one hands twists within the depths of her man before the pin is reinserted. A few ever present stray wisps fall about her cheeks. She lets her hands fall ever as she smiles towards Katarina, her path winding circuitously in her cousin's direction. A hand reaches out as she murmurs, "It's good to see you again, cousin."

"Interesting. Do spirits come in varieties or types or what have you? Can you tell anything about a spirit by how they appear?" Ven asks.

Ennettia arrives, following Agatha.

Sparte is thoughtful for a while before posing a question of his own, rather than let Ven have all the fun. "Do spirits or, well, does shamanism have holidays? Are any days particularly special?"

Shae looks at Ven as he asks, brow creasing a little before- ....the woman sneezes. She looks apologetic, cheeks red. Abyss-take-it, a tracker -sneezing- outside? Pfft.

Agatha history

Simone enters quietly, pausing to scan the area before moving over to sit next to Marius.

Asger comments idly over to Ven "There are Spirits for everything in nature, my house venerates the great Spirits of the ocean and wilderness above the others, though we've more often then not had dealings with storm spirits given the nature of our region." his piece said he returns to humming the low shav hymn under his breath and watching the proceedings

Terese gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Marius raises his hand to wave over at Simone when she enters, turning his hand to gesture her on over towards the bench where he and Ansel are seated. He takes a stand briefly, ensuring this his wife is seated properly before taking his seat once more with a smile at her.

While Signe fields the question from Ven, Khanne turns to Arion. "They can, yes, in a manner of speaking. If they choose to. We tend to call them visions, even if we are asleep. However, I know people that receive visions from the Gods as well. Have you experienced such things?" She tilts her head curiously, looking into his eyes and handing him part of a grass woven rope before starting a new one of her own. She then looks aside to Ven and Signe again and says, "and some... just chat like you or I. Truly. And yes, they come in many varieties. Usually, you can tell which element they represent by how they manifest."

Victus takes a few moments of observing the spectacle before he to pulls up a question of his own. "I've heard some shamans talk of speaking to the dead. Spirits and ghosts as I understand it tend to be much different entities. Are there spirits that have to do with death itself, rather than something of a more elemental nature that we've seen?"

Ansel stands to give his sister a quick hug in greeting. Or, rather, he -tries- to stand. Instead, the Telmar ends up getting caught on the loop of the ancient-looking sword that's slung over his shoulder, making a bit of a racker and nearly tripping down the stands. He does his best to recover quickly, flashing Simone a welcoming smile instead, and sitting back down.

Oswyn shoots a mildly horrified look at Niklas when he murmurs something quietly. And then he's looking at the page in front of him again, scribbling away with the sort of tidy precision one might expect from a scholar.

It's the arrival of Terese that catches Venturo's attention by the time she's settling next to Katarina, a dip of his head tossed her way in silent greeting. "Spirits for everything in nature?" Oh, well, Asger has his attention, though the question is directed to all of the shamans, with Khanne getting awide eyed, innocentlook, "is there a spirit for luck?" A beat as he glances side long to Lianne, "I'm asking for a friend, is all, you know."

Jordan considers Signe after another, longer moment, and then moves to settle down near her the Shamaness. "My Lady, I trust things are well." He's paying attention to the conversation but, as it stands, doesn't seem like he's going to contribute anything to it.

Briefly, Katarina glances across the fields yet again. The corners of her mouth uptilt in a faint smile, bowing her head toward Lianne should she catch the Marquessa's eye. Terese's hand is seized in rare token of affection from the Valardin, tilting her head back to fully regard her cousin. "I'm glad you could make it." Victus' question earns him a curious look aside, expression pensive.

Niklas gives Oswyn a mild, wholly innocent smile, then looks back to Khanne. At her words he looks back to Oswyn and mutters, "You're writing everything down?"

Agatha must have come in shortly after Terese, what with leading Ennettia in. One has to go at the Lycene woman's pace after all. There's a lot of surprise at the sight of the Oathlander and a wary smile before she moves over to take a seat on the ground, legs folding up like a tailor as she prepares to listen to everything as if it were storytime. Niklas' comments draw her attention and she huhs as she sees one of the scholars writing things down. "Hey, that's a good idea!"

Simone smiles warmly at her husband before moving to take the seat he is offering to her, but ends up putting out a hand to try to steady her brother with the typical motherly move of throwing a hand uselessly in front of him. She tries hard to hide her laugh as he recovers his balance before taking a seat between the two.

Lianne can't help how her smile grows, how it turns sly by a few degrees, at that question from the brewer beside her. That same smile is turned to Katarina as she reciprocates that silent greeting. Her head seems canted to Venturo, though, listening. Something he says catches her curiosity, stealing her attention from her people-watching and question-listening that she might consider him briefly. She murmurs something quiet in return before returning her focus to the shamans, interested in their answers.

Asger wrinkles his nose at that one "You know I've never heard about a luck spirit before but I know there are numbers that are lucky that are different depending on the person." A frown pulling a the Duke's as he mentions "It's an odd thing that." the man tapping his foot thoughtfully as he delves into introspection to ponder this

Oswyn shakes his head, his arm still going. "Gods, no," he murmurs. He's mostly focused on listening, but the nice thing about that is that when Oswyn isn't primarily focused on the fact that he's conversing with nobles, he's much more casual. "Simply adding to some notes," he tells Niklas. He happens to glance over at Agatha and squints at her. Red hair.

Elgana doesn't miss her sister's entrance, giving Agatha and Ennettia a little wave in hopes they see--aw Aggie did not, but there is hope for the Lycene housecat still! Waving in hopes to get her attention, to where she is seated with Duarte and Bliss.


Terese catches Katarina's hand in a warm squeeze. She chuckles softly and dips her head, "It took a little bit of pushing but I've endeavored to try and learn as much as I can." She looks towards their gracious hosts, Khanne and Signe, the latter drawing a smile of recognition along with a short bow to both. She catches Venturo's dip of head and her smile breaks into a grin though Victus' question near by draws a slight noise from her throat that she stuffs back down. With nary the usual quieter seating to tuck into she slips into the grass not far in front of her cousin feet, unmindful even is she's crowding her somewhat or kicked.

"A spirit for luck?" Khanne repeats, glancing at Venturo. "Probably. I mean, it might not be their main aspect, but certainly some are more lucky than others. Asger here is a rather lucky man himself. You two have that in common." She looks then to Victus and nods. "I am a shaman who can speak with the dead... with ghosts. I can see into the shining lands, and my Sight allows me to search souls. I do not know of any Spirits that are directly associated with death alone though. They tend to be more of a living nature. Elements and nature... Though, the First Children are Spirits as well, and are... a little different." Glancing at Sparte she says, "I haven't forgotten about you."

Sparte blinks a few times at Khanne and looks down at the ground embarassed. For some reason.

Ven says, "I've heard about spirits giving warnings at times. Are they always accurate?"

Arion meets Khanne's eyes carefully. There is a look of uncertainity in those emerald orbs but also a burning desire to know and to learn. He nods slowly. "I think I have. I keep having strange dreams, dreams where I wander this city but its different almost like an older version of it. Things are changed but I am not lost, I know exactly where I am and in the waking hours I wonder which version of the city I know better. My dreams are so vivid but the thoughts almost don't seem to be my own. Its strange...and I need to know more about this." He takes the rope and stares down at it thoughtfully. "I have this burning curiousity about these dreams, this NEED to know if the past city of my dreams actually existed. If I could find maps or old history texts maybe I could prove it one way or the other. But I also wonder what is causing it to begin with..."

Ennettia arrives fashionably late - but she arrives on the arm of Princess Bear, so of course she can be forgiven everything. She spots Elgana's wave and, with a grin at noting her company, begins in that direction to fall to the ground near them, well-practiced in lounging. She murmurs towards the group as she lands, only half her attention going towards paying attention to what is being asked.

Victus puts his flask to the side and begins scribbling something down immediately after the fact. He lifts his chin up to Khanne and nods once. "Thank you. We should talk sometime in that case when the setting ain't so large."

"Well, if you should meet one of those, do pass along my thanks to them," Venturo's voice directs those comments to Asger and Khanne, ever so pleasantly content at that particular answer. The grin that is flashed his way by Terese is met with a look of faux innocence and a waggle of fingers, before something the Marquessa next to him says draws his attention back, offering a few whispered words.

Niklas nods to Oswyn. "Well, if I see anyone coming over here to demand you write them a white, I'll wave them off." He glances over as Arion starts going on about his dreams, frowning just slightly before he looks back to Oswyn. "Make sure you get the title correct. An evening with Master Ven and some shamans."

"Sounds like maybe memories of a past life? You could try talking to the Harlequins, that's sort of their specialty." Ven says to Arion. "Maybe you're remember Arx from long ago or when it was being constructed." He gives Niklas an eye-rolling look.

Felicia's late to the proverbial party, the older Harrow prowling into the gathering in her black leather at an unhurried clip to find a place among the crowds to lurk.

Signe's dirty feet swing back and forth in idle movement as the questions came. "It could be something else. The spirits speak just as you and I are now." She takes a moment to offer a smile to Jordan, "I am well. Thank you." She waits when Khanne has finished speaking to answer Ven, "Yes. Their warnings are never to be ignored."

Sabella reaches out to elbow Niklas lightly, "Shhhh!" she tells him, "He has interesting questions!"

Ven says, "I see, thank you."

"So..." Khanne says to Sparte. "Our holidays or days of observances... coincide with nature or astrological events. Like some of the Pantheon observances do as well. We celebrate the conjunctions, eclipses, solstices.... equinoxes. It gives us opportunity to celebrate the Spirits and the world itself." She looks around, noting the newcomers. "If you have not yet done so. Please take a bottle of Amazing Whiskey, courtsey of Master Brewer Venturo and the Spirit Walkers, from the crate. Just one please." Another look to Ven. She smiles. "Of course they are. However... our own interpretation of their warning might not be." Her eyes drift back to Arion then, listening. "Perhaps, if you like, we can arrange a time to meet and discuss those in more detail?" She nods to Victus. "I would always enjoy talking to you."

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Ansel before departing.

Oswyn's shoulders hunch. He avoids eye contact with Niklas. "Mmm-mmn." That's like a 'no' noise.

Khanne has joined the line.

Felicia gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

There's a soft, mirthful sort of snort for Venturo's innocent look if there ever was one but the she is otherwise letting her attention reign upon those that answer. A gloved hand is lifted in Agatha's direction before she drops it and rubs her shoulder for the wary look before letting her shoulder roll as she settles back with the tuck of her heeled boots beneath her. Settled before benches upon the grass her head tilts in profile to speak quietly in between the shamans as they continue to answer the questions called out and asked of them.

Arion has joined the line.

Merek seems to be listening to the conversation, head bowed while his hood covers his features. He doesn't speak and ask questions, instead he seems to just be keeping to himself for the most part.

Sparte gives Khanne an appreciative smile as he glances up at her, relieved by the answer. "Thank you." Eyes flickering over to Ansel, Sparte considers him a moment. "Excuse me, but perhaps I could help you as well. Sparte Fatchforth, I'm pretty good at dealing with maps and mazes. Look me up later."

Agatha's companion... keeps going. Aggie blinks at this unexpected turn of events. But it was such a comfortable bit of earth. There's a low grumble as she lurches to her feet and trots off after Ennettia, and conveniently towards her sister. She only gets a little distracted on the way by stopping to try and look at the notes Oswyn has been taking. "Hey, did I miss anything good? Like the Spirit of Why can I never find my gloves on a cold day?"

"As an aside," Khanne says to Ven, "Not just the Harlequins specialize in that area. As I said... I have the ability to see things. But yes, I do highly suggest people speak with them as well. I happen to adore Mae, for one."

Asger has joined the line.

Turn in line: Khanne

Turn in line: Arion

Terese grumbles at herself for snorting there.

Red hair. Familiar voice. HA! Oswyn glances up and shakes his head meekly at Agatha. "Not yet," he murmurs. "Maybe there are spirits of mischief, though. You could ask!"

Lianne breathes a brief, breathy laugh at something Venturo says. Or maybe it's that face he's making--for just a moment--with one eye squinted as he seems to be counting or considering. When she quiets, her head dips in concession to whatever he's said, nothing more of her own contrinuted at the moment.

Kaldur has joined the line.

Sparte has joined the line.

Sabella shakes her head at Agatha, "We haven't gotten to that one or why my left stocking is always missing after washing day."

Drawn here, perhaps by the bright flowers, or the serenity, or maybe someone said there'd be a buffet, Kaldur ambles into the Grove, bluegreen eyes wide at the vast array of folk. He joins the melange of people. Perhaps this is the line for the omelet station?

Vald arrives, following Sina.

Arion considers for a moment then nods to Khanne. "I would appreciate that. Thank you. Let me know when you have time to speak more of it." He smiles faintly. "I'm also curious about spirits in general and how they interact with us, how to best interact with them, and many other such things. But that would probaly be too broad a topic for tonight. I will badger you with questions another time." He smiles softly once more.

Shard slips in near the back of the gathering, where she mostly settles. She's quiet and watchful, but doesn't seem inclined to speak up.

Turn in line: Asger

Sina quietly makes her way into the grove, lingering at the edges somewhat shyly, to take up a position where she can listen and observe quietly. Her silvery eyes glance about with curiosity, her hands folding before her.

Felicia elects to make her way around towards the gathering of Agatha, Elgana and Ennettia, offering the trio a smile and a nod but turns her attention towards Arion and Khanne, folding her arms absently before her as she listens observantly for now.

Khanne nods to Arion and says, "I will have Drysi jot your information down and contact you in the coming days. I like questions. I ask a large number of them myself, usually. It is how we begin to learn about one another, understand things we may not have before... it is how the unknown becomes known.... well." She smiles. "The first step, the second being answering those questions." She looks to Asger then. "Did you have a question?"

Asger wait till he gets a chance to speak and asks of Khanne "So I've been thinking about a lot of things really, ya know the thoughts you get when you're verifying blueprints for ten hours straight and ya go to that special place where ya get your best thinking done." levying a look at Khanne he says "So here's what I'm wondering do ya know of any paths that venerate the moon in particular? Also where do spirits come from...Obviously they reflect nature so there must be endings and beginnings. Do they manifest knowing all they should on a lot of things or do they have to gradually learn? How are they formed, what causes it? Is it like the forming of storms with a bunch of different factors and tell tales showin' when it is happening?"

Jordan nods to Signe, just listening. He spots Sina in the crowd and flashes her a grin, though, followed by a nod of his head.

Agatha will have to educate Oswyn on the proper spelling of HAH! another time! She does smile politely enough at him. "I may try to catch you when they finish. See what I missed." But then she's going to be drawn back towards family and Little Red, who gets an arm around the shoulder. Not often Felicia can be the mini-me after all.

When Felicia wanders close, Elgana smiles and gives a wave for her to join the little group that herself, Ennettia, Duarte, and Bliss--and then Aggie returns!--comprise there on the ground listening intently to the questions and answers.

Felicia has joined the line.

Shae has joined the line.

Niklas clucks his tongue as Agatha wanders off and looks back to Oswyn, "Cruel of you to hide her gloves on a cold day like that, Scholar Oswyn."

Ennettia gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Simone gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Lorna gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Sina has joined the line.

Shard folds her arms over her chest and lifts her eyebrows faintly at Asger's series of questions. She studies him for a moment before her gaze sweeps over the rest of the crowd.

Sina spots Jordan, and returns his smile with a soft smile of her own. She also gives a little respectful bob of a curtsey in Victus' direction, though she doesn't approach anyone for the moment. She is listening to what is said with a focused, scholarly curiosity, however. Eventually, she moves a little further in to join the line of those who have questions.

Signe smirked at both Agatha and Oswyn before her attentions shifted to Arion who was soon answered by Khanne then it was the next Asger. "How spirits come to be are a mystery to but I suspect they are children of the old ones."

Oswyn nods quickly to Agatha, sort of wide-eyed. Another sidelong glance at Niklas and he murmurs, "I-I don't, ah, I haven't... I'm going to keep writing now." Yes. He dips his quill in ink again and keeps going, shoulders tense.

Lorna slips into the crowd gathered at the stone grove, moving with quiet caution and finding a place for herself somewhere near the back of the gathering. She's a commoner and she's tall enough; no need to draw too much attention to herself by trying to snag a seat nearer the shaman so late into things.

Ven says in Eurusi, "Happily, I'll be in touch."

Katarina squints at Ven.

Lianne turns a curious look to Ven, brows arched.

Sparte glances at Ven briefly. "Gods bless you." Then returns to focusing on his shoes.

Ven directed whatever that was at Katarina, whom he'd been speaking with quietly.

Victus snorts in amusement toward Ven, his eyes trailing back to rest upon the shamans as hushed words are exchanged.

Jordan rises to his feet after a short exchange with Signe, inclines his head to her and heads out, nodding in goodbye to both Sina and Bliss on his way out.

Katarina just throws Ven a lingering side-eye, before resuming her quiet conversation upon their benches.

Kaldur gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Was that...? Kaldur's eyes narrow at someone he glimpsed in the crowd. He searches her out, scanning. Sometimes it's handy to be tall. He tips up onto his toes and scans.

Merek settles a bit in while he listens to the conversation, and notices Oswyn who is another scholar and settles next to him, while he takes his time to continue listening, "Hmm," he takes out a book and takes notes, "Grove is beautiful this morning."

Felicia offers Arion a brief grin after a nod for Agatha, offering in a low murmur to the gathering,"Good evening." but electing, for once, to be mostly quiet and observational right now.

"Good questions..." Khanne says to Asger. "As you know... we shamans, and shamanism in general, is intensely individualized. There are many traditions that do not have a... dogmatic path, so to speak. There are variations that drift more into the worship of sun or moon... of trees or water... of everything in between. Some are totem worshippers. Many talk of nature Spirits... I know, it is hard in an organized world to sometimes understand that... really, shamans are of thousands of belief systems. It is why we remain so willfully unorganized." She paises. "That said... the origins of Spirits is unknowable...Some say they are called First Children because they are the oldest beings in the world, and came before all else. Of course, some are younger... and come, much like storm clouds form... but, we don't know how, or why."

Turn in line: Kaldur

Oswyn's head bobs; he turns a page in his book and holds it up to let the ink finish drying with his right hand. Apparently, he writes with his left hand. "Quite, Sir Black," he responds to Merek, offering a faint smile the other Scholar's way.

Signe lifts a pale leg off the ground about a foot or so, pointing a dirty toe at Kaldur, "I believe you are next." She smiles then says sideline to Khanne, "This is perhaps the most organized you can get out of us."

Merek nods a bit towards the other Scholar and takes his time to write some more on his book, all while he looks towards Khanne from beneath his hood, and considers for a moment. He offers Oswyn a pat on the shoulder, then considers getting in line, however he rubs his bearded chin instead.

Khanne chuckles and nods to Signe. "Very true. So, very true. You know that saying about herding cats?" She glances at Asger. "No comments."

Kaldur finds himself designated by foot point to ask his questions. This is definitely not the omelet station. Kaldur will have feedback for the Arx Tourism Bureau. He looks around, left and right, to Signe, then Khanne. "Who do the spirits speak to and why?"

Oswyn has joined the line.

Merek looks at the drink, as it was given out to those attending. He then inhales a small scent from it, "I imagine they talk around to whoever drinks a whole bottle of this stuff, you'll be meditating for days, good smell, quite well made alcohol."

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Felicia before departing.

Lianne has joined the line.

Signe takes to answering Kaldur's inquiry. "Those who are or will be shamans. They are particular, fickle, their will is entirely foreign to us. Sometimes they may answer us with warnings, desires or wants. They do not speak us to share what happens in their day like so many of us do with one another. Their visits usually come with wisdom to be gained or if a boon is to be asked, a sacrifice is made in exchange for blessings or abilities."

Asger is overheard praising Khanne for: To paraphrase the wisdom a spirit once imparted "A journey of a thousand questions is started with a single answer." and Khanne embodies this marvelously

Niklas grumbles something to Oswyn and Sabella before returning his attention to the lecturers. Though after a second thought he looks back to Oswyn and says, "That was a joke."

Khanne grins and says, "and here, is where you will see just how individualistic things are for us. I know of those who are not shamans that hear from Spirits. There are those who are Spirit Touched, who are nor practicing shamans. Also, Signe and Freja, may the Wheel keep her well, are of the thought that boons and sacrifices are made... and no, not blood. Never blood. Whereas I often speak to Spirits, just because. I need not ask for a boon. I do not always make offerings... Literally, sometimes, I just chat."

Turn in line: Sparte

Sparte looks at his shoes for a little while longer, giving Katarina a nervous look before glancing to Khanne. "Do spirits, well... Do they grow? Fall in love, change their purpose, mourn, hate, forgive. Feel. Do they have the potential for that, like us? Or is it just an eternal existance of being the same thing?"

Oswyn exhales with apparent relief, nodding to Niklas. Then he's raising his hand until he's acknowledged as being part of the line. At which point he begins to look quite nervous.

"For that matter, what motivates them?" Ven adds to Sparte's question.

Simone looks over and watches Ansel after a hushed conversation then quietly reaches over to give her brother's hand a squeeze before turning to listen to the questions and answers once more.

Signe's answer takes Kaldur aback, his mouth opens and he blinks at Signe before the young knight's eyes slide to Khanne. "'...who are or will be shamans?'" Khanne's reply seems to set him at ease. He nods at them and withdraws, an uncharacteristically thoughtful expression on his face. Who was he looking for...? He's rather forgotten.

"Oh... huh. Well, I have seen some act like siblings.... They can grow, yes. They can mourn, I have seen that. They feel pain, and anger." Khanne's brow furrows, recollecting her own experiences with Spirits perhaps. "They feel heartache... fear... so yes, emotions. I do not know if they fall in love. I've never asked... What motivates them? That in itself is a bit of a mystery. They are a bit alien to us... we don't always understand their thought processes... so, knowing what motivates them is difficult. However, they seem to want to see us thrive, they are, for lack of better terminology, on our side."

Merek has joined the line.

Turn in line: Felicia

Sina toys with a brass bangle on her wrist while she waits for her turn, though she continues to listen to the other questions, and their answers. The quiet handmaiden doesn't engage any any extraneous conversation, seemingly in her own little world of thoughts.

Merek has his attendant make a note to have delivered to the Shaman that he wishes to ask a question, and settles back as he listens for now and waits his turn, writing in his book as he allows his gaze to from person to person. He notices Shae and tilts his head a bit for some reason, and inclines respectfully that direction, then is looking elseplace.

Khanne looks to Felicia and smiles. "Do you have a question?"

Signe nods at Khanne through the displayed differences of their practices. "Something must be given to receive. A fair exchange." She comments easily on her own beliefs. She listens as Khanne takes to answering Sparte's question, her head nods, agreeing what was said. "To live. They have fears of their own as well."

Felicia lets her arms unfold, stepping forward to make sure she's at least visible to Khanne and the others and returns Khanne's smile with one of her own,"Does the spirit of the mountain... or... mesa, I guess, now, still speak to the shamans?" she enquires,"And why is there an aversion to blood in shamanistic practices?"

Khanne blinks at Felicia, her eyes opening wider, then blinking again. "Uh... sort of. Sometimes.... Rarely. Very rarely." She shakes her head and takes a deep breath. "The Spirits are angered by blood magic," Khanne says simply in that regard. "And so, we do not condone it."

"Why don't they like it?" Ven asks.

Rising from his seat, Venturo flashes Lianne smile, his head dipping at somesoftly spoken words, but offers none in return. Carefully the man picks his way through the grove and towards the collection of Oathlanders, careful not to get in the way of the questions and answers. A warm, crooked grin is flashed to the pair he knows there: Shae and Terese, but it is the princess he stops at briefly, leaning over to offer a few whispered words.

Lorna watches and listens with rapt attention while each person steps up to ask their questions of the shaman on the grass. The entire event and proceeding was fascinating. Of course, from where she stands at the back, she's also afforded a fair view of all the assembled people, and her blue-eyed gaze sometimes settles on one or two fancy folks here and there.

Felicia can't help but arch a brow at something in Khanne's response, even as she nods for it gratefully, subsiding back once more in seeming contemplation and folding her arms again.

"The spilling of blood for the purpose of working magic will anger them... sometimes to violent reactions, and we do not really know why," Khanne says to Ven with a small shrug. "It's, a trigger point for primal Spirits."

Turn in line: Shae

Stojan, the assistant arrives, following Denica.

Teonia Redreef, Aryka Wyrmfang, Denica arrive, following Sorrel.

"Oh!" Khanne says, looking about even as she beckons Shae closer. "If anyone has further need or desire to talk, please, do feel free to send a message."


Shae looks conflicted, pausing when it's her turn. Then she makes a decision, leaving the bench and moving to scoot forward, to stoop low until she's near crawling, asking her question quietly of Khanne, gray eyes intent on the woman's face, the Keaton focused.

Niklas sits up when he sees Shae scoot up to ask her question quietly and looks to Oswyn, "See, I didn't know we could do that."

Arik walks into the Stone Grove with a leisurely pace. It seems the crowd isn't to disconcerting for the Halfshav Sword because he just makes his way on over towards the edge of the crowd while lifting a hand to wave at Khanne whether she notices or not.

Signe watches as Shae makes a quiet inquiry to Khanne. Not at all bothered the Nightgold Shaman comments to Niklas, "Of course you can. We are also available for private audiences for inquiries sensitive in nature. Some times people are not aware just how much we can help with the unknown. At worst we are the best listeners."

Felicia has joined the line.

Lianne watches Venturo depart, studying his trajectory, the exchange he has over thattaway, but her attention is turned easily enough by the lull in the question and answer, her study turned toward Shae as she hesitates.

Khanne smiles to Shae as she approaches. Her mist-grey eyes set on the Keaton woman's own. She nods to her, eyes wide. She takes a breath, but continues wearing her smile as she leans in to whisper back to Shae.

Sorrel wanders into the discussion area quietly, arm-in-arm with another Thrax princess, Denica. They've come to learn and listen, even if they're rather late to the party.

With Sorrel's arm looped through hers, Denica and Sorrel arrive, with Denica peering around curiously at the surroundings, she regards Sorrel curiously. "So what's all this then?" She wonders, looking over at the gathering crowd, she spots Katarina and gives a little wave in her direction.

Oswyn watches Shae approach Khanne and glances over at Niklas. "Nor did I. Tempting."


While most of Terese's attention lies upon those asking questions, her azure gaze slipping back and forth between Khanne and Signe as they answer, her body is partially twisted to her cousin just near with a few quiet words in between the hushes. The tilt of her head lifts as Venturo ventures near and leans in. Her lips quirk instantly into a smile and the barest of a chuckle is heard escaping her throat. Her weight shifts in the grass as she leans forward, one gloved hand braced against a folded knee. Her lips move but the words are quiet and hushed towards the man.

Lianne murmurs toward Oswyn and Niklas, "It rather seems a bit like torture, doesn't it? To know a question was asked and yet wonder at its shape, the shape of its answer. Absences we can only begin to guess at given the context."

Sparte looks around and suddenly seems to notice something he hadn't before. Standing up he gives hurried goodbyes to the others at the bench with him, before taking off.

Shae's brow furrows but she accepts the answer, bowing once, deeply, in respect, hands on the ground, hair falling over her shoulder, before scooting back and reclaiming her place on the bench.

Sparte has left the benches.

Wilhelm the Iron Messenger, Gene Erique, Guardsman, Ibbeth leave, following Sparte.

Oswyn rubs the back of his head, letting his hopefully dry page fall in the midst of doing so. "Yes and no," he tells Lianne. "While the sharing of knowledge is valuable, so is privacy. Consider the journals - there are whites, but there are also blacks."

Merek adjusts his attire and waves politely.

"Consider the venue," Lianne counters to Oswyn with an easy smile. "We wouldn't watch her scribbling down her entries in her blacks, would we? And yet we're privy to the whispering." With a dip of her head, she adds, "Not that I think any less of her for it. It's merely an acknowledgement of my own intense curiosity, how it itches when not well-fed."

Turn in line: Sina

Aneka, 3 Iron Guardsmen, Meeka leave, following Merek.

Niklas tilts his head toward Lianne, then nods. "I think I will have to seek her out. My questions are a little too specific to be asked here."

Sina tilts her head curiously as Shae asks her question quietly, and when at last it's her turn, Sina steps forward a little, with a shy smile toward Khanne. "My question is a little more mundane," she says, after a moment. "I am simply curious to know more about this Grove," she says, with a gesture around at the standing stones. "I have heard that it is a sacred place, and just wanted to know more about it. How long has it been here? What sort of rituals do Shamans perform here, if any?" She waits with quiet curiosity, silvery gaze partially veiled by her dark lashes as she looks toward the redheaded shaman.

Oswyn inclines his head to Lianna. "True," he concedes. "I'll admit to a likely regrettable amount of curiosity, myself." He nods to Niklas as well. An apologetic look is turned Shae's way, and the he continues writing. His turn is coming up soon.

Simone has joined the benches.


Renato arrives very late, the man wearing nothing but plain commoner linens as he takes a look around, just peeking his head past the rocks for the time being, "Whoah..." He says to himself, "It's crowded as all get out." He smiles wryly and then slips around the rocks to find a place to stand and observe out of the way if at all possible... with this many people though, and so many nobles... He is the sore thumb, sticking out.

Having made his goodbyes to Marius and Simone, with whom he's sitting with at the benches, Ansel stands, and makes his way back in the direction of the city.

Ravana the tawny eagle leaves, following Ansel.

Lianne breathes a quiet, brief laugh to Niklas, eyes glinting with delight as she quietly declares him a, "Tease," for declaring the existence of his questions and choosing to keep them all to himself. Oswyn earns a nod for his admitted similarity, but her attention is turning forward again, her curiosity turned toward the question-and-answer once more.

Khanne keeps that smile on her face, nodding towards Shae as the woman bows and retreats. She looks up to find who is next, seeing Sina step forward. Her question makes Khanne's smile broaden and grow lighter, more natural. "It is extremely sacred, yes. It has been here longer than the city itself. Since the time of the Reckoning. Some say it was raised for the Spirits, blessed by Petrichor himself. And yes... we do rituals here. All sorts. We have held weddings here, performed funerals, asked for the Spirits aid, simply offered them gifts, recognized the passing of seasons... everything."

Agatha looks up from all her listening, out of the blue looking between Elgana and Bliss and blurting out, "Elgie, did you remeber to ask her that question? You need to do that." She waves to the champion preparing to take her leave and then looks back at Khanne, giver of wisdom

Turn in line: Oswyn

Elgana lifts her gaze to Agatha and she blinks. "What question, sister?" she asks.

Signe watches the exchange back and forth between Lianne, Oswyn and Niklas, amused. Always happy about something. Then it was Sina's turn to make an inquiry on the history of the grove she looks to Khanne who answers. Signe murmurs proudly, "Even intimate rituals."

Lianne's chin ticks upward at the answer Khanne provides to the question about the grove, a gaze flicked toward the standing stones before dropping. Whatever her thoughts, she selfishly keeps them to herself. Hypocrite.

Sina smiles at Khanne's answer, and bobs a little curtsey. "Thank you," she says pleasantly. "Perhaps I may have more questions for you another time as well," she adds, but she quickly ducks out of the way when her turn is up. She glances briefly toward Signe for a moment, and maybe her cheeks color, just a little? But she gives Signe a quick smile, before finding a place to sit in the grass finally.

Niklas gives Lianne a wan smile and says, "I don't do crowds." He turns and offers a supportive cheer as Oswyn goes up, exactly like how didn't happen with anyone else at all. He's so thoughtful! Back to Lianne he says, "If you're genuinely curious, we can talk at another time."

"Question?" Bliss asks as she stands slowly, stretching her back and turning to get ready to leave, though she looks at Agatha and Elgana both with a curious look.

Agatha finds another apple in her bag. Takes a big bite after murmuring a reminder to her sister. She doesn't notice that Elgana is rapidly turning about the color of her apple.

Khanne glances at Signe with surprise, then laughs, a blush painting across her slightly freckled cheeks. She nods to Sina and says, "feel free to reach out, whenever you wish." Looking around. "That goes for anyone." She looks around and says, "Drysi tells me an Oswyn is next?"

Elgana just invented a new shade of red on her cheeks as she stares at Agatha a moment and then glances to Bliss and then just sits there glowing.

"And yet," Lianne answers Niklas with good humor, a little tip of her hand indicating, well, the rather notable crowd which surrounds them. There's a nod for the offer he extends, silent assurance that she'd like that.

His turn. Oswyn is clearly startled by Niklas' cheering. Possibly slightly embarrassed, if the pinkening of his cheeks are to be believed. Once he recovers, he clears his throat awkwardly and raises his voice to ask, "Speaking with spirits... what tongue is used to communicate? Do spirits, ah... speak Arvani?" He sounds dubious of that.


Renato can't help but grin widely at Signe's comment about what sort of rituals are performed here and he absently checks his appearance, plucks at his linens and then shrugs. He straightens them up and then messes with his hair to try and get the mane of black curls /just/ so.

Ennettia kisses her fingertips, flicking said kiss towards Bliss as the other woman rises, "Do have fun at your next appointment, darling!" She says, before glancing towards Elgana's tomato-red face with some amusement. "That seems like quite a question. If you'd like, I can ask it for you." She says, slow smile wicked.

The curious gaze remains on Bliss' face, before she shakes her head and rolls her eyes, a grin spreading at Elgana's reaction. She just says, "Oh, I'm sure you'll get a chance to ask me later - I really must be going." And she's off, having caused quite enough of a distraction in the crowd, turning to look over her shoulder still as she walks off.

"Ah," Khanne says when Oswyn speaks. "Pleasure to meet you then, Oswyn." She nods to him and says, "I believe they understand and can communicate in many if not all languages. I have never had trouble understanding them... nor do they seem to have trouble communicating with me. Um.. even heard them speak languages I did not know... but I understood."

"Thank you," Oswyn says, brightening a little. "That's fascinating!" And he bows his head to write more in his book. Maybe it's a journal.

It seems something about the question regarding the spirits native language gets a chuckle from Arik as he loiters a few steps behind the benches, still standing and peering after the departing champion.

Turn in line: Lianne

Contining to sway her dirty feet from side to side, Signe gives a wave of her hand to Oswyn who starts to ask his question. A friendly wave. A smirk was returned to Renato before she contributes "I've had images once. Flashes of still events when words were not used. It was very strange and difficult to understand at the time."

Asger casually adds in "When I spoke with a spirit of the storms on the sea and played its game of seeking wisdom it felt more like it was speaking into me rather then anything I could hear. Looking back I can't remember what language it was in just that I knew what it was saying."

Niklas glances over when he hears a familiar voice, offers Ennettia wave and then rather significantly looks at her feet. He tuts softly to himself and looks back over as Lianne boldly shows him up by heading up to ask questions. "Oh, cheeky."

Oswyn squints in Signe's direction. He murmurs, "Is someone waving at me, or someone else? I'll look rude if I don't wave." So he thrusts his free hand up and waves. "I hope they were waving at me."

Lianne turns her verdant attention forward, curiosity gleaming in her eyes at Khanne's admission of hearing a spirit speak strange tongue and understanding it despite unfamiliarity. "Much as I might want to press you about where consistency is found amongst the disparate practices of such diverse practitioners as there must be some commonality, some /truth/ at the core..." She pauses, lips pursed, her expression grown a touch serious. And perhaps faintly apologetic, her head dipped ever so slightly. "Do spirits have reflections?"

Oswyn also nods gratefully in Asger's direction when he offers his experience.

Duarte has joined the line.

Sina sits cross-legged in the grass now, glancing around. She listens curiously as some of those present speak on what it's like to speak with the spirits, and what language those spirits speak. She tilts her head slightly, squinting a bit. But she keeps her thoughts to herself, wrapping her arms about her legs and just listening now that she's asked her one shy question. She's fairly quiet throughout, though she does perk up curiously as Lianne asks her question. She glances toward Khanne to see what she says.

Ennettia looks up at the wave in her direction, a smile growing as she waves towards Niklas. A brow is raised when he looks downward, but she only blows him a kiss, before turning towards Duarte, Elgana and Agatha - whom she has been chatting with quietly much of the time. "I don't think I have very many questions to ask, I think. but it is interesting to hear what people wish to know."

Sorrel has joined the line.

Standing back up straight, a low rumble of laughter comes from Venturo. "Well, if you do? Let us hope it is spectacularly so. It will make a grand story." A hand lifts to run through his hair as he flashes a mirthful smile towards Terese, but then the brewer is moving on, taking a longer, circular path along the edges, before finally making his way over to slip out.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Felicia before departing.

Zane, a tall and silent servant leaves, following Venturo.

"It is fascinating," Elgana offers to Ennettia with a smile as she shifts somewhat on the ground and adjusts her skirts as she does. "Are you sure there is nothing you can think of to ask?" Her gaze shifts between the three of them--Agatha, Duarte, and Ennettia--before she smiles and looks back over toward Khanne and those asking questions.

"The truth is Spirits, Lianne dear." Khanne smirks and gives her friend a wink. "It is what we have in common. Or, rather, they are." She takes a deep breath and says, "sorry... the hour is growing late, so I will have to end this soon...." She looks into Lianne's gaze. "Do the Spirits have reflections? Some certainly cast a reflection... None of them seem to understand when asked if there is a mirror of them though." She shrugs.

Turn in line: Felicia

Lianne breathes a quiet laugh for the first half of the answer, for its simplicity, her head bowed in gracious acceptance. She easily holds Khanne's gaze as she fields the trickier topic, chin lifting for that little revelation. As with so many answers, it serves only to inspire more curiosity, but she knows her manners well enough and sinks back with that thought, mulling it over in silence as the discussion moves on.

"What is the Great Lone Wolf?" Felicia chooses to enquire, when her second turn comes up, keeping the question at least reasonably short in the interest of the lateness of the time.

Shard has been entirely silent, and almost as still, but at this question, she turns her head toward Felicia, one eye narrowing.

A movement out of the corner of his eye catches Kaldur's attention and his head lifts. The young man's attention rivets on Shard.

Kaldur is overheard praising Signe.

Khanne blinks a little at Felicia. She studies her for a moment, then shakes her head. "I'm... not sure I know the answer to that."

Signe laughed as Oswyn struggled to return a wave of the hand. As the next inquiry is made the Nightgold Shaman is raising her brows at Felicia's question, "Some believe it to be the old god of First Choice, of freedom. He is called Skald."

Oswyn blinks and glances up at Khanne as she admits she's not sure she knows the answer. There's a thoughtful nod, and Oswyn pauses to dip his quill tip in ink again before resuming his notes. He has to hold the quill awkwardly to avoid smudging the ink.

Simone is overheard praising Khanne.

Marius is overheard praising Khanne.

Elgana is overheard praising Khanne.

Shard visibly hesitates, before finally breaking her silence for the first time since arriving. "...That sounds like Skald."

Agatha cuts some slices from the apple she's been working on, offering them up to those nearby. When Signe chimes in on the answer about the Great Lone Wolf, her nose crinkles. "Why do the gods have to go trying to collect all those names and ... titles, and all that confusing stuff? It seems like it would be easier to just pick one."

Elgana accepts a piece of that sliced apple from Agatha nibbling on it thoughtfully as she listens. "Maybe people in different places have different names for them?" she offers quietly.

Khanne looks at Signe with a bit of uncertainty, but shrugs and looks for the next person in line.

Felicia opens her mouth at Khanne's response, but an immediate clarification is forestalled by Signe's words, which merits a quiet noise,"That's what I'd heard." she affirms with a dip towards the Nightgold,"But I profess no familiarity with spirits and had been advised of such by... not a shaman, so I was curious as to whether or not it was accurate. Thank you." she offers with another tight smile before subsiding again.

"There are some wolf related references that aren't Skald, and indeed Skald himself doesn't claim any relation to wolves in any way. We could discuss it privately if you want." Ven says.

Lianne poses to Agatha, "I believe we're to blame for that. At a guess. We give them name after name, title after title. New stories, new aspects. It would not be gracious to refuse our gifts."

Turn in line: Duarte

"Perhaps already well known to others more studious than I. I came woefully unprepared and understudied - and for that I aplogize," Duarte begins, as he stands from his spot on the ground. "I am curious to know what sorts of insights are provided by the spirits to those with whom they speak? I assume it is largely wisdom gleaned from the passage of history - but do they also offer ideal, virtue and vision - or even omen - to guide a future path?"

Shard's attention flicks from Felicia to Ven for a moment. And then, briefly, as she catches him staring, Kaldur.

Khanne gives a nod to Ven. "Very true. A lot of references about wolves all over the place. Good and bad even.

Lianne is overheard praising Khanne for: Grace and insight in fielding even the most challenging inquiries.

Lianne is overheard praising Signe for: Warmth, humor and experience in her answers.

Shae is overheard praising Khanne for: For grace and clarity.

Felicia gives the slightest shake of her head, largely to, or at least, for, herself. Seemingly content with the answers she's received.

Sina is overheard praising Khanne for: Such an enlightening experience. I have always wondered about the Shamans and their Spirits.

Shae has to smile a little at the discussion of wolves.

"Forgive me," Khanne says to Duarte with a sheepish grin. "Your question is coming far late in the night for me, and I may not be as eloquent as I was in the beginning, if I was at all..." She chuckles at her self-efacing humor. "But, that said... they provide, to me at least, all sorts of insight. Wisdom from times gone by, yes, but also, yes, direction, warnings... even asking us, or me, for... things to help them. It is not just us who ask for aid, but they do as well. "

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Oswyn before departing.

Niklas is overheard praising Khanne for: Patiently answering a lot of questions in an orderly fashion.

Katarina is overheard praising Khanne.

Katarina is overheard praising Signe.

Oswyn is overheard praising Khanne for: Hosting a meeting and answering so many questions. Fascinating!

Duarte bows his head gratefully. "A more than servicable answer and plenty lucid. I thank you for that, and for this gathering." He sits.

Elgana is overheard praising Signe.

Turn in line: Sorrel

Terese is overheard praising Khanne.

Terese is overheard praising Signe.

Signe gave a nod at Shard before starting to laugh in hearing Agatha's frustration. "They have as many names as there are languages Princess Agatha." As the topic branches on wolves Signe offers, "It depends on context really." Then Duarte is up to ask his question and the young shaman listen as Khanne provides an answer, one she agrees with by nodding her head.

Sina senses that the session of questions and answers is about to draw to a close, so she quietly rises from her seat in the grass, and makes her way discreetly toward the grove's exit, moving with a preternatural grace and slipping through the crowd with ease. Soon, she's making her way back home with a thoughtful expression on her face.

Niklas is overheard praising Signe for: Bringing the assists.

"So, I know that spirits are pretty upset when blood magic is used, but blood magic is considered one of the most basic sorts of magic due to the easy accessibility of ...magical energy... in blood," Sorrel says curiously, tilting her head to one side. "Do you know what sorts of erm, magical energy that spirits prefer? Are they workers of magic or part of the magic itself?"

The line has been dismissed by Khanne.

Simone is overheard praising Signe.

Asger slips away and begins to stroll from the Stove Grove whistling that same shav song quietly to himself as he departs

Teiddwen the Otter, A fiery headed prodigal named Gwddfgwyn leave, following Asger.

Marius is overheard praising Signe.

"Any other sort," Khanne says with a smile to Sorrel. "Primum can be found in anumber of ways, albeit more expensive ways, harder to find ways... but worth it to not piss off the Spirits. Trust me... You don't want to piss off the Spirits." She tilts her head and hmms. "I see them, personally, as part of the magic itself..." She looks around at the others gathered. "In so far as magic exists... " She grins and gives a wink at that. Old habits die hard.

Signe is overheard praising Khanne for: Generous in Spiritual Wisdom

Agatha has joined the line.

"So are the spirits not terribly fond of the Nox'alfar?" Ven asks.

As the event looks to be winding down, Lorna leaves her place at the back of the dwindling crowd and looks to slip in closer to the midst of the remaining throng, closer to where Khanne sits.

"Ah, of course," Sorrel replies with a little nod and a bow. "Thank you for the time and the information."

Denica nods a little to Sorrel's question, and giving Khanne a satisfied nod to her answer.

Khanne hmms and looks to Ven. "I can't imagine they are... I've never asked though, to be honest." She looks to Agatha and says, "okay, last question, then I have a husband to get to."

Arik coughs rather loudly at Khanne's last remark.

"Might be worth asking the Nox'alfar how they feel about spirits," Lianne muses with a shallow arch of her brows as she looks toward Ven.

Shae arches an eyebrow at Khanne at that last, before her brow furrows, wondering.

Signe's smirks immaturely at Khanne's remark. Then at Lianne's talent the shaman taps her nose, right on the money with that one.

Ven nods to Lianne. "That's a good question, I'll have to add it to the whole notebook of questions I've got for the Nox'alfar."

Agatha scoots over towards Oswyn, preparing to try and get a chance to look at notes from the class. But then there's a chance to ask a question. "If it got asked, I'm sorry, you know me! I get distracted! But how do the spirts relate to, you know, the Big Bad Guys and Stuff and all the weird stuff? How's that all fit together?" She scratches the back of her head. "That might not be a late night question."

Niklas snorts at Lianne's comment. "I was told asking one about comedy might end with me dead, so I can't suggest getting into spirits." He muses for a moment, then adds, "Then again, it might be worth if it was /really/ funny."

Oswyn looks vaguely horrified again by the newest question. He glances down at his hand.

Kaldur's attention shifts from Shard to Agatha and the shamans, curious about this answer among the many asked.

Shard's eyes narrow a little. She takes a few steps forward into the thinning crowd, passing between two people before she comes to a stop again, though most of her weight remains balanced on her toes.

Katarina checked composure at difficulty 8, rolling 3 higher.

"For sleep, brother dear." Khanne chuckles his way then looks to Agatha. "Well, from my perspective, since they keep helping us fight them... they are on opposite sides. It seems. They helped us defeat the Silence. They helped against the Gyre. They help in many areas of this nature. So, they do not seem to like the Big BAD Guys. I mean... can you blame them? The BIG BAD GUYS have a tendency to want to destroy the Spirits... so... they fit together about as well as... nothing. I was going to try to think of some anecdote, but fuck it. I am too tired. They just don't."

Ennettia has been half-drowsing, really, and yawning lightly - to the surprise of no one, surely -- she makes her way aways, possibly to find a less noisy place to take a nap. The sudden silence doesn't make up for the lack of pillows, it seems.

Katarina picks up a flourishing flowering wintergreen suncatcher sorrounded by stones.

Katarina drops a flourishing flowering wintergreen suncatcher sorrounded by stones.

Agatha walks over and offers Khanne one of the pieces of apple. "I didn't know if there was some sort of ... secret spirit talking where they've been trying to thump the rotters for the last few evers or something. Or if there was some sort of... I don't know. It's all way over my head. But I like that answer! Thanks for all the lessons."

Lianne's glint with mirth at Niklas' comment, murmuring quietly in reply, "It's all a matter of how you ask." She flashes a wider smile before looking to Agatha with some small touch of... admiration, it would seem. Appreciation, at least. Certainly not horror. Curiosity turns toward the shamans, toward Khanne in particular. "Reminds me of a conversation I had some long while back with another shaman." It sounds like maybe there's more, but it's late, and she leaves it be.

Katarina gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Victus has left the benches.

"Well done Vala Khanne." Signe laughed as she gave up partially through trying to explain it, clapping. "They don't necessarily help the big bads that are trying to harm them. Safe to say if they are threatened they will communicate to those that will help them." Signe watches as Shad draws closer into the thinning crowd, a head nod is made in a silent effort of greeting. "Let it not go without saying that while yes, we speak with the spirits, we help in other areas. Restoring the balance in one self as nature intends."

Signe gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

Felicia slips off for now.

Shard gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Spirit Sojourn from a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

As the Grove begins to clear out of guests Arik remains near the benches standing with one hand on the pair of hilts hanging from his right hip. He seems to be people watching or at the very least Shaman watching.

Khanne smiles to Signe and says, "thank you. You did well too. Thank you for helping me with it." She rises up, motioning for the ever helpful Drysi to get the crate of things. "For anyone who has more questions, or just wants to talk, I look forward to receiving a message from you. Good night to you all."


Terese smiles as the gathering slowly comes to an end though a myriad of thoughts seem to tumble around in her gaze. She turns and rests a hand lightly on Katarina's knee, "I leave more enlightened than ever with an extra few hundred questions to add to the list. Hopefully we shall catch up soon though for now I ought to slip off myself." She slowly uncurls then from her kneeling position upon the grass and rises to her feet. It's a slow course of movement for sitting as such for so long, a arc given to her back before she dips to those nearby she'd been partially conversing with in between before nodding to the shamans that host.

Lianne lingers a little longer as the crowd begins to break. She waits for a moment when she might catch Khanne's eye and blows the shaman a kiss, just a little pucker of her lips to send that invisible affection across the grove.

Khanne is overheard praising Signe for: She was a phenomenal help, and I am grateful for her return.

Niklas watches as Oswyn goes running off and shakes his head. "Going to need to borrow those notes." He pulls out a sheet of paper, scratches some words onto it and hands it off to a handy pelican who goes flapping off with the message. "Okay, well. Thank you, shamans. I will have to seek you out some day when there's no audience. Other than the spirits, I suppose." Then he pushes himself to his feet, helps Sabella up and makes his way out.

Khanne stops and catches that blown kiss from Lianne. She smiles at her and says, "YOU, by the way... I really need to have a chat with, soon. So soon."

Shard idles where she is for the moment, but she's clearly watching the others who are departing.

Khanne picks up a simple wooden storage crate decorated with trailing ivy vines.

"Very soon," Lianne promises Khanne, even as she lifts a hand to shoo the woman off.

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, Valor, a small brown and white corgi puppy leave, following Sabella.

Isabelle, who hates you, Sabella leave, following Niklas.

Signe glazes over those that remained and pauses her sights on Shae. "Did you find an answer you were searching for?"

Shae checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 6 lower.

Shae looks to Signe, seated at the benches, gray eyes dark, expression distressed. "No."

Agatha has no puppies. But a few spare Bear Scouts run around the grove. One may even run into Lianne's legs. YOU NEVER KNOW.

Tempest, Signe's wolf, pads further into the Grove only after the gathered herd that thinned out.

Kaldur is lingering amongst those who ... linger. Is that a /wolf?/ He looks between Signe and the wolf and Shard and the wolf.

Ven catches sight of Tempest and gives it a long, searching look. "What are you doing here?"

Simone chuckles at Shae and takes Marius' arm to leave, waving goodbye to the others still gathered there.

Shard's attention shifts from people watching to the entering wolf, although not entirely. She's still keeping at least part of an eye on the others. Part of one. Still, her head tilts ever so slightly to the side.

Simone has left the benches.

Signe cants her head to the side, hard to miss the distress weighing heavily upon Shae's features. "The Nightgold manor is not too far from here. We can speak there soon if you wish. Should it help."

Shae has left the benches.

Tempest is rightfully cautious about the eyes focused on him. Atila, the husky, is a whole different persona. The fluffy breed comes charging in, weaving around in circles around the bodies because there were people here and they needed to know that Atila was present.

Shae moves to stand, hands at her side, closing and flexing and closing again where they hang. "If she says you can provide insight, then yes, we can speak."

Lianne sidesteps a Bear Scout as she gets up, watching the little ball of energy for a second before the curiosity turned toward Tempest turns her attention that way. How very warmly she smiles for the wolf. How very sadly. She looks to Signe for a moment, then to Shae... and then toward the exit, where she slowly heads, following the exodus back out into the city.

Fajra leaves, following Lianne.

Marius leaves too, because Simone left and he left with her, so technically he already left.

Marius has left the benches.