Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, 2 Grayson House Guards, Clark, an exasperated guard arrive, following Sabella.

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

Drysi, a young shaman apprentice, 2 Redrain Guards, GusGusToo, the fluffy Whitehold Mountain puppy arrive, following Khanne.

Cillian has joined the a secluded alcove hidden by wisteria vines where a large hammock has been hung.

1 Greenwood Tribe Blood Warriors, 3 House Riven Soldiers, white-tailed eagle, Lianna arrive, following Mia.

Drea steps inside, her cat at her feet and she finds a spot to settle and be out of the way. She is here to listen and follow along and so she picks an unobtrusive spot.

Merek has on his crimson-black attire with his cloak on as well. He makes his way to the Augury of the Estate while he takes a drink of whiskey from the flask with him.

Khanne walks into the Augury, carrying a young pup in her arms. Drysi, her ever-present apprentice, and a couple tag-alongs follow behind. She seems to be chewing on something very, well, chewy, and can't really speak at the moment, but she nods and smiles to those she knows while looking for a spot to plant herself. For her part, GusGusToo makes little puppy snore sounds as Khanne strokes her fluffy fur.

Danvir comes in a bottle in his hand and finds a place out of the way to pull up a spot

When Mia arrives, it is as she so often does -- at a brisk pace that tends to kick up the hems of her skirts and give her attendants a somewhat difficult time keeping up with her. Fortunately for them, she has never seen the Augury before, and so is momentarily slowed by her need to stop and consider the surroundings.

Khanne has joined the a lush patch of soft green grass hedged by lavender flowers and chamomile.

Drea has joined the a lush patch of soft green grass hedged by lavender flowers and chamomile.

Sabella comes in chattering to her assistants, but quiets upon seeing the crowd. She gives smiles and waves to those she knows and even those she doesn't as she looks around for a seat.

Cadern is afoot in the Augury having been chatting with Ysiabl but he leaves her to welcome and set up her event. He nods to Cillian who arrived first and then he smiles as he considers some of the arrivals. DAnvir in aprticular gets an easy wave. He then watches as more of the shaman types arrive with curiosity and meanders over.

Cadern has joined the a lush patch of soft green grass hedged by lavender flowers and chamomile.

Sabella has joined the a lush patch of soft green grass hedged by lavender flowers and chamomile.

Danvir has joined the a secluded alcove hidden by wisteria vines where a large hammock has been hung.

Gilroy has joined the a secluded alcove hidden by wisteria vines where a large hammock has been hung.

Entering with broad strides is Brogan. Brogan does not have anything cute and fluffy with him, he has a Felicia on his arm though. He does pause them after a few strides into th Augury to have a solid look around. "Not too city-like, I like it." The sights seen, and a wild bear-man wave towards Khanne, Brogan's going for the food.

Merek has joined the a lush patch of soft green grass hedged by lavender flowers and chamomile.

"Of course you do." Felicia drawls in amusement for Brogan's words, lofting a brow as he detours for the food and taking her time instead. Khanne and Mia get acknowledging and respectful inclinations of her head before she elects to go find somewhere out of the way to sit and listen.

Felicia has joined the a patch of whimsical coppery orange poppies.

Ysbail touches Cadern's elbow, dismissing herself as more guests arrive, a warm smile of greeting curling across her lips as she makes her way to the small makeshift podium set near the fountain. "Welcome to the Blackwood Estate, please make yourselves comfortable, and help yourself to the food and drink provided, there should be something to suit everyone's taste." The young blackwood grinning at each new arrival. "Tonight's topic of discussion is Shamanism, something widely misunderstood throughout the compact. Some of you are intimately familiar with the topic and some of you may just be learning of it tonight."

Now that she is settled on the grass with her puppy nestled into her lap, Khanne has an arm free and so lifts her hand to wave towards Brogan and Felicia. She quiets then as Ysbail welcomes everyone.

Mia dips her head in reply to Felicia, deeply enough to be nearing half a curtsy -- odd, that, given their respective stations. But then she makes note of the man whose arm Felicia is on, and, well, it's rather ironic that she noticed Dame Harrow BEFORE the hulking mass that is Brogan, isn't it? "Lord Nightgold," she greets, and although there's no lack of warmth in her tone, there's a hint of tightness that comes over her face, as though she were bracing. For something.

Danvir sips from is whiskey as he sits and listens to Ysbail.

Gilroy walks into the augury along with some random nameless NPC. His name is probably Jimmy Legs, because he's got two of 'em. "No, I have no idea what an augury is. Please stop asking that or suggesting things it might mean. I don't know what it means, but it probably doesn't involve cutting birds open." He rolls his eyes and waves dismissively toward Jimmy, then heads over to sit down at a nearby alcove, giving Jimmy a grimace of apology and mouthing 'no more room here, buddy!' and then pointing toward any other place to sit. When a server comes around with food he liberates them of their plate, then sits back and enjoys some fine Northern cuisine. "Mm. Gamey."

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

Cadern glances to Sabella and smiles, "Falling asleep is the joy of being comfy." He offers and he smiles to Khanne and Drea nodding as he drops to his backside onto the grass lightly smiling at the others. He looks to Ysbail and he asks curiously, "Are there some particular questions you wish people to indulge in or just general information. I'm in particularly curious how we see... Shamanism changing in an era where the hands of the spirits and the Pantheon are so very visible in the world. It takes less faith when beseechers and Godsworn walk so clearly amongst us..."

Khanne reaches into her pouch with her tongue stuck out in concentration as she tries to discreetly and one-handedly unwrap a candy. Once she succeeds, she pops that taffy in her mouth and chew, chew, chews.

Cillian leans forward his elbows on his knees as he Ysbail starts to speak his hazel eyes are on her as he seems intent on listening.

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

Lille, the dauntless companion arrives, delivering a message to Mia before departing.

"Mia Riven!" Brogan's advance to food and drink has been temporarily halted. Her bracing is wise, for Brogan performs a prompt Brogan Man-Bear Hug on the woman. He at least remembers to put her back to her feet. "How is Thesarin?" A torch goes off above his head and he gestures towards Felcia to Mia and back again. "You two know each other? This is good. I'll be back though, I must attend to life-critival importance!" He doesn't immediately depart, leaving a pause for response or recover. The importance apparently was Brogan-Speak for he was getting himself alcohol and food.

Merek takes a piece of some bread he keeps with him, and bites at it to chew, then he swallows. He is listening to Ysbail while he watches some of the others come into the Augury. He sips at his whiskey flask to chase the bread, while he relaxes on the grass.

Danvir looks around at those arriving and sitting around, he is listening and watching Ysbail

"We do," Mia replies, after being set back on her feet. And remember to breathe. That last bit is rather important; good thing she remembered to inhale while she still had the opportunity. "When a woman has saved your life, it is nothing but shameful to forget her. Dame Harrow," she says, even while straightening out her gown again. It takes less fussing than she gives it, but her hands flutter over skirt and bodice alike. "The Count is quite well. And quite pleased with himself, I think. Though he will be happier still to hear of me seeing you. Please." A gesture. To the food, surely. It must be very important, if deemed life-critical.

Ysbail nods to Cadern, "We will start with a few quick definitions and then a line for specific questions." (+line/getinline when you have a question.) Taking a slow deep breath, "For those of you who have never had the privilege of seeing a Northern Augury, it is usually a space in which one can reconnect with the spirits of nature, either through meditation or contemplation. Older stories suggest that it was also a space used for interpreting omens but that is getting a little ahead of ourselves." She pauses, shifts around her notes, "To start with, we should perhaps define Shamanism itself, Which is at its core the worship of the spirits of the natural world. Unlike the faith of the pantheon, we do not have a formal structure of belief, though it is important to point out that Shamanism and The Faith of the Pantheon are not incompatible separately."

Danvir gets up and goes over to the food table and builds a sandwich before heading back to his spot to sit down and start munching on it

Felicia grins briefly at Mia and shakes her head after Brogan, nodding towards the poppies,"I was going to sit here, you're welcome to join us? I don't know whether the count has told you, but my brother has been taking lessons from him with regards to the Crownlands dialect, in preparation for some exploration." she offers as she settles down comfortably to listen.

Drea settles back on her heel near Khanne, smiling up at Ysbail and just listening to the setup. Her cat settles at her side and she absently pets her while she regards everyone who has arrived.

"What this definition means is that much of the traditions practiced vary from Shaman to Shaman, and tribe to tribe. There are a few universal themes which are held commonly and we will get into those as the discussion progresses. Any questions so far? Or would anyone like to add to that definition?"

"Ironically, Dame Harrow, I also learned the fundamentals of the Crownlands' dialect from my husband. Though he'd never meant to teach me. It was a question of learned what he was muttering under his breath, and how often he was swearing at me, when he thought I couldn't understand him," Mia retorts. And though she doesn't grin, there's a spark of mischief in her eyes that says she ought to. "If you've an interest in other Abandoned dialects, I speak more of them than not, and could teach you."

Cadern smiles at Sabella, "Well I can't promise they were my own questions. I do like to listen in on people far smarter than me." He says easily and nods as Ysbail explains the event and the location. He seems more than content to listen. It's likely that this is information that the Shamans tried to get him to absorb while a youth. And like then he looks distracted his eyes crossing various people watching them with curiosity to how they respond to things.

Felicia can't help the laughter at Mia's words, though she is endeavoring to pay attention to Ysbail, dutifully raising her hand as if she were a third of her age when it comes to questions, even if the look and motion at Mia is 'don't go too far'.

Ysbail says, "Yes Dame Felicia?"

Khanne licks her lips and clears her throat. "For myself... I do not call it worship. I leave worship tot he Pantheon. It is a belief system for me, just as an example of how varying we shamans can be. I work with the Spirits, I honor them. I do not worship them."

"I will have to visit. I am woefully behind" Brogan admits such to Mia since he's gotten the Bear Necessities of Life in hand now. "I promise I will catch up with him." He grins at Mia and goes to settle himself. On the mention of the Faith and Shamanism and compatability he cannot stop his loud snort of derision and mumbling. Clearly he's remembering something in regards to that particular topic.

Ysbail nods to Khanne, "Yes an important distinction and poor word choice on my part."

Gilroy eyes Danvir's sandwich, then looks down at his pilfered charcuterie. He narrows his eyes at the man and says, "I like the cut of your jib." He then hops up and goes to make himself a hefty Dagwood.

Drea nods at Khanne. "There is placating in there, I should mention to add to that. I believe very much in the pantheon of Gods and respect them, as well."

Danvir grins at Gilroy with a mouthfull of sandwichh and mumbles "tanks goo stuf" then looks back at Ysbail and pays attention

Khanne shakes her head and looks to Drea. "I am not placating, Mother Bear. It is my belief system. I worship the Pantheon. But... anyway, Sorry, I said I wouldn't interrupt and I am interrupting.... Apologies." She reaches into her bag for another taffy, actually grabbing two so that her cheeks resemble a chipmunk's once she stuffs them into her mouth.

"When you say worshipping... or... honoring, the spirits, what does that mean exactly? Forgive me, I was raised under the Faith and my exposure to Shamanism is admittedly... ah, limited. If one wanted to honor the spirits, how would they go about doing so? And... how do you know, if they've heard you?" Felicia asks as she lowers her hand,"And when you say spirits, you don't mean like... ghosts, you mean spirits of other things? Or ghosts, too?"

Ysbail nods to Khanne, "I think the Princess means that sometimes we have to Placate angry spirits." Taking a breath to shift through her notes to address Felicia's questions more fully.

Brogan has joined the a patch of whimsical coppery orange poppies.

Drea nods at Ysbail's translation and then nods. "That is what I meant, yes. That they can get out of sorts and bad things happen. I do not mean to be a bird on a tree, please excuse me."

Mia has joined the a patch of whimsical coppery orange poppies.

Trying to enter as quietly and unobtrusively as possible, being late and all, Angelo gives Ysbail a bright smile in greeting. Then he takes a seat in some grass, opening up a blank journal with quill in hand to write down whatever strikes his fancy.

Angelo has joined the a lush patch of soft green grass hedged by lavender flowers and chamomile.

:smiles to both Drea and Khanne, "No need for apologies you are both wise Shamans with years more experience, and I am happy to have you helping with the discussion." A beat, "Honoring." Ysbail notes, adopting Khanne's verbage purposefully when addressing Felicia's questions. "And this is one of those answers that varies greatly depending on the shaman you ask. It may be something as simple as burning ritual herbs, or as complex as a rite. Often times it is as simple as leaving their wildernesses undisturbed. It should be noted however that Blood offerings should never be used to appease the Spirits. Blood magic especially angers them." She tilts her head as she considers the answer for the second half of the question. "As to how much you might notice, that depends on largely on inherent abilities and the traditions you follow. Many who follow this system of belief never directly feel the influence of the spirits while others are quite sensitive to them." Ysbail takes a moment before adding. "As to your question, Spirits would best be described as the souls of a place or thing. Rivers, mountains, Forests, might have a single spirit, or you might encounter a spirit of a particular tree or stone. They are as varied as the inhabitants of Arvum. Ghosts - are something else entirely, and I hope you never encounter them - " She glances to Khanne for confirmation, "I believe, though others may know more than I but to my understanding Ghosts are souls that have been trapped and stopped from returning to the wheel."

There's a shift in Felicia's expression at Ysbail's words on ghosts, a sudden, toothy grin,"I speak with the dead quite frequently. It's... the idea of... ah, honoring places and things that I guess I struggle with, but... thank you. That at least clarifies a few things for me."

Mia listens intently to Ysbail's explanation, nodding once, sharply, in confirmation of the words she'd quietly offered to her companions. However, she then adds, "If you'll both please excuse me. Unfortunately, there's a meeting of the Bisland lords I'm required at, and so I've only enough time to lend my support to the Lady Blackwood's lecture, and pay my respects to the Princess Mother for extending an invitation."

Danvir continues to munch on the sandwich and when Ysbail talks about never doing a blood sacrafice he nods and says quirtly "Yep that is bad mojo piss off spirits real bad if you do that"

Khanne's fingers tap on her knee and her eyes are large and round. Her chipmunk cheeks stop moving for a moment while she catches her lip between her teeth.

Ysbail says, "Thank you for joining us Lady Mia."

Drea tips her head toward Mia at mention of her and she smiles. "We will meet soon, I hope, Lady Mia. Do send me a message and we'll work out a time."

Cillian watches Mia for a long moment as she speaks, his head tilting to the side slightly then after a moment he looks to Drea, Khanne and then Ysbail as she speaks.

Departing from the side of her companions, then, she offers a curtsy to both her host and to the Princess Drea. "It was enlightening, albeit brief. Thank you for welcoming me here, and for your letters. My lady. High Shaman."

Mia has left the a patch of whimsical coppery orange poppies.

1 Greenwood Tribe Blood Warriors, 3 House Riven Soldiers, white-tailed eagle, Lianna leave, following Mia.

Cadern glances over at Danvir and grins, "Eloquent as always oh great sandwhich eater." He teases his cousin lightly and smiles in bemusement but seems pleased at Danvir being engaged. He watches Mia go curiously and then looks to see how people react to Ysbail's statements with interest.

Sabella has left the a lush patch of soft green grass hedged by lavender flowers and chamomile.

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting have been dismissed.

Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting have been dismissed.

2 Grayson House Guards have been dismissed.

Clark, an exasperated guard have been dismissed.

Danvir finishes off the sandwich and fills his a glass of fire whiskey and sips at it offering up the bottle to his Cousin then shrugs and grins pleased with the ribbing.

Drea is sitting so quietly, though she leans over to Khanne and surreptitiously asks her to share her taffy. She's almost totally silent. Though she does cast a smile at Ysbail.

Khanne pulls her bag of taffy from her pouch and offers some to Drea. It's a special honor, she does not really share her private stash of taffy. It's apricot, of course, and made by her protege, Lottie. She chews a bit more, enough to get a manageable piece in her mouth and push it to one side so she can talk, though it is not very eloquent, what with taffy in her mouth. Covering her mouth with one hand so no one has to SEE her chewing. She mumbles, "Ghoshtsh are not necessarily 'trapped', they just have not passed on to the wheel for one reason or another. They might have unfinished business... they might not even realize they are dead... they are not scary... as for Spirits... I see them as energy, not souls. They are the energy of all around us in nature... and they, for those who can see them, manifest as nature itself. There are, however, more powerful energies, called the Old Gods that are... well, beyond... They are like the elements themselves...."

After listening carefully to Ysbail, Angelo takes notes with in a deft, elegant script, his eyes focused upon the page. When done, they turn back to the Blackwood lady. "Is there something that determines whether a forest would have a singular spirit or multiple? Or any location, for that matter. And how many shamanistic traditions are there? Do they differ substantially?" Stretching out his legs, a glance is given to Khanne and Drea with a longing look at the taffy. Khanne's taffy-laced statement brings another question, "Can you speak more on the Old Gods?"

Cadern looks more than a little amused as Khanne and Drea share taffy amidst sharing various shaman insights. His head tilts curiously as he listens sitting up a little more. At that question he begins looking more curiously around the room studying those there.

Gilroy is listening. Really he is. But then he sees Drea from across the space and his expression changes. Hunger. Desire. Want. Is... is that taffy? He leans over to Danvir and whispers, "She's got taffy." Looks to the question asker, nods thoughtfully, then adds, "I'm going to go get some taffy."

Danvir grins at Gilroy and sips from his glass and says "candy is dandy but liqure is quicker"

"How do the old gods differ from the Pantheon? Or are they other names for the Pantheon?" Felicia elects to chime in with regards to questions, offering little more than a nod for Khanne's words on ghosts, as if that at least is a topic quite familiar to her.

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

Ysbail nods as Khanne speaks, "A better definition I think." Scribbling it down and adding it to her notes, Oh yes she sees that taffy. And Yes, Ysbail knows better than to ask. A smile spreads as Angelo asks his question and she nods. "I'm not sure to be honest, that is an area of research I must delve more deeply into." She flips through the pages on her stand, "As to traditions, there are literally as many as there are Shamans, Shamanism lacks the structural heirarchy of the Clergy. Each path is defined by the Shaman's own innate ability, and personal experience as well as whatever knowledge has been passed on to them. While some posess what is called the Second Sight, and the ability to commune with spirits most go their entire lives without actually communing with them. We are quite fortunate to have several gifted Shamans in this city, but that is not the norm." The second portion of Angelo's question and Felicia's addition takes a little longer to compose.

Drea knows it is a rare thing for Khanne to share and so she gives her a grateful smile. She slides down to sit right on the grass, tucking her legs beneath her.

"The old gods, sometimes referred to as Great Spirits, and possibly Primal Spirits, though I've yet to verify that with my research were born before the Creation of the pantheon, there are legends of new great spirits being born from the breath of the great dreamer, Aion, and the Druids - Such as Pena Stormryder the Last Hierophant are believed to have had the ability to call on them. But for the most part any which still exist today are very - alien. It is not commonly spoken of amongst Elder Shamans but there is a belief that everything in our world, the Primal World has something mirrored in the Spirit or Shining lands, Many hold that the old gods are the mirrored souls of the lands they embody and that the ancient great shamans were the Druids whoe communed with them more directly. Able to harness the spirits of the land wherever they traveled." She pauses, "But again that depends on the path being discussed."

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

Ysbail says, "Anyone who has more research on the topic is welcome to share it, and I would love a copy of your notes at a later date."

Khanne looks apologetic to Ysbail and swallows her taffy. She is trying to help Ysbail, but not take the focus off her. Her eyes then shift from Angelo to Felicia. "Um, well, the Old Gods are... I am unsure why they are called that, it is the name I have known passed down from generations of shamans.... They are not Gods. The Gods are the Pantheon. They are.... well, you know... the Gods. They are... at least as far as I have ever been taught, humanoid? They have always been represented to me in a human-like form.. not like, I have seen them, but they have been described as such, represented as such in art.. and stuff... Granted, I probably do not know as much about them as say... You." She smiles at Felicia. "But, that is my understanding... and the Ancient Ones, are... the least understood... It would take a whole discussion to speak about the complexities of them alone. To put in in the most basic idea... they are all that encompasses. While someone might meet a Spirit of Water... they would not be as powerful as Water itself. While some might come upon a Rock Spirit... it would not be as powerful as Mountain. Does that.... help?"

Felicia looks more than a little bemused,"So they would be... like the ultimate expression of that thing?" she asks, itching absently at her chin,"I guess I understand... logically... but I just..." she presses her lips together,"Sorry, it's something I'm still... trying to understand. But it helps... thank you for indulging me." she offers to Khanne and Ysbail both.

Cadern looks between the speakers and admits as he reaches for whiskey from Danvir. He admits to Khanne, "I'm certainly not more confused than I was when I started." He says lightly teasing in amusement. He asks curiously, "Are there examples of people touched specifically by one spirit an Ancient one or a lesser one? Like we have the godtouched?" HE asks curiously, "And when the spirits are called upon for assistance for say cleansing tainted lands, is it more or less the same as when done by the faith or different. Like... what occured with the Lodge?" He doesn't ask the question to anyone in particular but more openly continuing to look across the group.

Angelo chews on the nib of his quill, then reapplies ink and resumes writing when Ysbail addresses his questions. "Why is it, do you think, that there are more shamans here than usual? Does something draw them? Can you explain more on Second Sight?" Ever the voracious scholar, the questions come one after another. Turning his head to look over at Khanne again and trying hard not to stare at the taffy, he asks, "So, it would be a singular, archtypical expression of a certain type of element? All water, all stone, all grass, what have you from nature?" Kicking a foot up in the air back and forth, the Fidante lord's curiosity is even more sharpened.

Danvir looks upwhen Angelo speaks and says "Before traveling here I spent time in the grove back home meditating and coming here just felt right so I think yes some are drawn here by the spirits."

Khanne chuckles softly to Cadern's quip about not being 'more confused'. She then tilts her head and asks Angelo. "Are there? More shamans, I mean. I have always been surrounded by them... I actually have felt lately that there were fewer in Arx than there have been at other times... " She leaves the other questions for Ysbail to field for now.

Cobalt Blue eyes go a little wide at the sudden flood of questions and she blinks at Khanne. HALP.

Gilroy has joined the line.

Merek looks to the others all asking questions, while he listens to Angelo and some of the others, then his gaze looks to Ysbail. He relaxes back and seems to think while he takes a drink from the flask of his. He offers a polite nod to Drea who is beside him.

Drea nods back at Merek from her spot beside him. She is not interrupting. Thankfully, Khanne has helped her mouth stay full.

"Oh, no. Apologies, I meant...Lady Blackwood mentioned that the city has an unusual amount of particularly talented shamans," Angelo explains with a lazy twirl of his quill in Khanne's direction. "I was wondering why. And apologies, I don't know you. Lord Angelo Fidante. I should have said that before."

Merek blinks a bit, and looks over to Angelo, "M'Lord," he offers politely and quiet as he inclines that way and settles to listen to the questions. He takes a nice bite of his sweet bread while he listens.

Ysbail frowns at Khanne for a moment. "I'm not sure - I've seen them sometimes as places, but also more than - somewhere between being the land itself and something more humanoid." She offers a rueful smile. "Spirits are weird. Like, hungover and suddenly your horse has six legs and two heads weird. It's hard to describe how they appear to someone who can't see them. Even when I interact it's usually only after a lot of meditation."
Ysbail, draws a breath, slowly. "I'm not sure as to the singling out - the closest thing to what you are describing would be the Druids, but I know very little about them though if anyone else knows more I welcome them to speak up, and request a copy of the notes later on." As to the definition of the Old gods, "I think so - but again that falls under druids. I would agree with Khanne that there are less of us present than ever before in the city, it is far more common the further from Arx. There's also something which affects the spiritually sensitive who might have the inherent ability to call more directly on the spirits and Old gods, it sickens them when they attempt it. I believe it claimed a few of us during the cleansing rite at the Lodge." Ysbail adds, "If your looking for a magical system, as close as I've been able to tell it would more strongly resemble Beseeching, but again that falls under Druids, and we have precious little knowledge regarding them." She glances to Gilroy, "Your question?"

Turn in line: Gilroy

Gilroy stands up and waves to Ysbail. "Hi lady Ysbail! So this is a simple one. Lots of people talk about druids and such. What's a witch? Is that even a term that means anything? Does it have to do with the spirits or is it just nonsense?" He then sits back down.

"The primum's poisoned in the city." Felicia offers bluntly,"There's... a ritual going around, that's supposed to help cleanse it. But it's going to take years even then to try and make it... safe." she mumbles, electing to lean over and snag Brogan's drink so she can steal some of it.

Quietly reflecting and listening is Brogan. He seems not to have a horse in any particular race since the earlier grumbling he made. So he's lounging back, consuming food, and drinking his... now stolen drink. The normally grinning man puts a dramatic sulky look upon his face towards Felicia. Then turns a more normal expression back to the rest of the folks in observation.

Drea has brought a bottle of whiskey with her and she pops the top and offers it to Khanne. Good Northern whiskey can't be missed.

1 Crimson Blades Lieutenant arrives, following Eilonwy.

Cillian blinks looking at Gilroy a small frown coming to his lips when the question is asked, he looks back over the people gathered silently watching and listening.

Slipping in, Eilonwy looks about with a surprised look at all the people about. Counting on her fingers she realizes the day with a look of realization and finds a spot to lean up and watch with a hasty rub to smudge the ink off her hands.

Cadern seems content to listen in to what's being discussed and he looks thoughtful, "I wonder if the druids will return like the other such things." HE looks thoughtful and curious tracing his thumb against his jaw. He waves a hand repeatedly at Eilonwy when she arrives.

"Vala Khanne Halfshav," she says towards Angelo with a smile. "Did she? I missed that part... I don't think we are so unusual. In the North, there are many, many talented shamans...." She quiets to listen again to Ysbail. Her brow furrows and she gives a soft, gentle shake of her head. "Here... I have to disagree on a lot..."

To Cadern, Khanne looks first. "There are those we call Spirit Touched. They are those who the Spirits seem to visit often... they don't even need to be a shaman in practice, but often follow the beliefs of them. But, like Ys said, there are many different ways we ask for assistance... often by rite, which well, it's up to the Spirits if they want to help or not. They might not. There are many ways to do so, for example, I offer them gifts to honor them, I recognize their nature... etc, so forth. "

Khanne looks then to Angelo. "Second Sight is... well, like... my ability to meditate on a person for a length of time until I am able to see a bit of their soul... Is there something in particular you wanted to know about it?"

Lastly, Khanne looks to Ysbail. "I don't think he is speaking of the sort of calling the Druids did, but some of the rituals we have done in recent years... like he said, the ones at the Lodge, I did a storm calling at Stormwall, there have been many... Helping heal the blighted lands... that is different than the Druids. They were far, far more powerful." She nods to Felicia. "Yes, the primum is poisoned and what we do is... well, touches on the very fringes of that, so it... can hurt us... anyone who attempts to do things... " She nods again, "and many are trying to help heal it, yes... It is why it is so dangerous to try... but at times, also necessary for the well being of the Compact, to indeed, try.... Scary shit." She nods, seriously. Scary. She's seen some stuff.

Gilroy has left the a secluded alcove hidden by wisteria vines where a large hammock has been hung.

Comfortably lying on the cozy grass and scribbling away on the paper before him, grey-green eyes listen carefully to Ysbail, and then Khanne answers many questions. The writing grows more frenetic at that, Angelo apparently trying to record all that he possibly can. "I can imagine there are many talented ones in the North. One day, I shall make a trip there," he mentions to Khanne with a crooked grin. When Eilonwy enters the Fidante lord upnods her in greeting, then raises a hand, politely waiting his turn.

Angelo has joined the line.

Felicia gives a respectful nod towards Khanne,"I remember Stormwall." she acknowledges,"And yes, sometimes it's important to try despite the danger." not that her words are needed as support, the redheaded Harrow drinking deep of Brogan's drink before passing it back to him. Unrepentant for the sulky look he was directing at her.

Ysbail nods, "Thank you Vala, your wisdom and experience is always appreciated."

Cadern inclines his head to Khanne at her answers, "Thank you." He seems to be mulling on that rather than asking more immediate questions. He grins at Khanne, "I knew there was a reason I kept meaning to come talk to you." HE says as he tilts his head. "So more similar to the pantheon worship than different."

Drea dips her head in agreement. "As was said earlier, they work well in concert. I do not know of a Shaman who does not also respect the Gods." She glances at Khanne as if to ask if she would have the same assessment.

Turn in line: Angelo

Khanne finally notices the offered whiskey and smiles appreciatively to Drea, accepting the bottle and taking a nice long drink before handing it back. She smiles at Cadern and when she us about to speak, she instead ends up nodding to Drea's words. "Precisely."

Ysbail nods to Drea, "Indeed. Lord Angelo, you have another question." A small smirk crawling across her lips with this for some reason.

Khanne nods again to Ysbail as well, adding in a brief, "anytime... Ys."

Danvir sips a his cup and watches the conversation taking it in.

After returning Khanne's smile with a graceful dip of his head, Angelo asks, "So, these Spirit Touched. How are the ways in which they can help? Is it just specific ways, or is it fairly open ended? And you can see a bit of their soul? What does that mean, exactly? What can you see?" Curiosity sparked, the questions keep coming. Digging around in his messenger bag, a bottle of Setarco red is pulled out, the cork yanked out and a large swallow taken. "Lady Ysbail, are any druids still around? If not, why are they gone? Did the Old Gods go away or grow distant, or did we lose connection?" Ysbail's smirk brings an amused squint in return. "I cannot help it, there is so much to know..."

Felicia suddenly has a messenger come up and lean in to whisper to her,"The goat did /what/?" being the perhaps entirely too loud question offered. Cheeks flaming crimson at her own outburst before she leans to kiss Brogan's cheek and roll smoothly to her feet with a sigh and prowl towards the door, muttering and shaking her head.

Felicia has left the a patch of whimsical coppery orange poppies.

Drea leaves her bottle of whiskey with Khanne and then rises to her feet. "Please excuse me. I have a few duties that I must see to. Thank you for holding this meeting, Lady Ysbail." She nods at the rest and then makes her way out.

Drea has left the a lush patch of soft green grass hedged by lavender flowers and chamomile.

Siggi, a small lynx cub leaves, following Drea.

Listening to all the questions, Eilonwy looks at Angelo curiously. Her gaze shifts to Ysbail and she quirks a brow at her in a curious expression. She doesn't chime in to answer but Eily does go to collect a glass of whiskey for herself.

Cadern shrugs, "The Druids are to Shamans what the Metallics are to mages. Most of the last known stories of them end in the Reckoning, and the North doesn't have the protected library's to preserve stories." He suggests though he looks to the others to provide more thorough answer. He pauses, "As for the Spirit-touched I imagine it's like with the God-touched they have some ability related to the sphere of influence of the granter. For reasons that are not our own to know." He seems more and more thoughtful, "So it seems like if one truly wants to understand the world it would be best to learn about the spirits and theology." He complains as he realizes he has more learning to do.

Ysbail bids thanks and farewells to those departing. "I would have to Differ to Khanne on the spirit touched, as I'm not as familiar with them. As you can see - the gifts and abilities vary widely from shaman to shaman." She glances to Cadern, "I'd love to see your notes on the Druids and Metalics sometime, but To the best of my limited knowledge, the analogy feels right." She looks to the Vala again. "Were there any last questions before I close out the meeting?"

"I have a lot of questions, but perhaps I ought to bother people in smaller doses. But I always have questions, so that's....hardly a concern, really." Languidly twirling the pen before taking another drink of wine, Angelo chuckles at Ysbail and Khanne before nodding at Cadern's explanation with a thoughtful sound. Eilonwy's curious gaze is returned, unsure of who she happens to be.

Cillian has left the a secluded alcove hidden by wisteria vines where a large hammock has been hung.

Cillian gets up and moves over to Eily to stand next to her and leans into whisper to her.

Khanne smiles softly to Angelo and says, "perhaps we can have a conversation some time to speak more on the things you have questions about?"

"I would appreciate that, Vala Khanne. It's a subject I know little of but wish to learn more about. I rather think that one should be well-educated in many things, and religion - whether of the Pantheon or the shamanistic paths - is infinitely interesting." A foot lazily swings back and forth in the air, Angelo apparently quite comfy in the grass.

Eilonwy whispers back to her twin and looks about the gathering. She seems pleased by the turn out and gives a small thumbs up to Ysbail the hostest with the mostest.

Ysbail nods "You are of course welcome to stay a while Lord Angelo. I imagine it's possibly some pennance for the number of times I've asked a never ending stream of questions to someone." Giving Khanne a knowing look and a bright hearted smile. "With that you are all welcome to stay and socialize."

Danvir has left the a secluded alcove hidden by wisteria vines where a large hammock has been hung.

Danvir stands up and looks over at Ysbail and says "thank you for hosting this. I appreciate your hospitality"