December 14, 2003

Amber

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Cathedral -- Church of the Serpent...

Tendrils snatch Yosannah forth...

Dark tendrils deposit Yosannah down somewhere close to the Serpent motif, as Magnus favours her with a fond little smile. "Serpent's Greetings, my Saint."

You sense Riva does a double-take, features tugging with a pensive frown as you arrive.

Yosannah blinks and looks about her at the collection of peoples. She eyes Magnus with a sidelong glance and mutters, "...what the hell..." She turns her attention to Riva and regards the woman. A crease forms in her brow, intent...

Riva's eyes become unfocused asYosannah establishes contact with Riva.

The Hierophant is lingering near the motif of the Serpent's maw, looking quite pleased with those gathered. He makes a wide gesture, extending both hands, "Serpent's Greetings to you all, welcome to the Cathedral for this glorious occasion."

To the image of Riva, Yosannah intones in Riva's mind, ~What the hell are we doing here?"~

Agrat slowly moves into the room, smiling faintly when she sees Rhiannon. But she remains silent, waddling towards a seat.

Adramalech moves forward, closer to the front, but not *too* close, and bows, then waits by seating.

The image of Riva carefully uses her mind to speak through the connection, ~ceremony. Don't know what for. Does Magnus often pull you from shadow to him?~

Yosannah's jaw works, her head nods once. A single inclination of her chin.

To the image of Riva, Yosannah says, ~Second time in as many weeks. It's getting rather annoying.~

"We are all gathered here this Sky to bring acknowledgement to the achievement of one remarkable lady, Rhiannon of Cragvale. She has done remarkable service to the Serpent and Its Church, and as such we are here to acknowledge this." Magnus says softly as he makes waving gestures with his arms for people to be seated within the various Coils of the Serpent.

Elektra inclines her head, hands then fold behind her back in a sort of 'at ease' position.

Magnus steps within the Serpent's Maw.

The image of Riva says, ~I don't have to mention that Magnus is a potential threat from where I stand? Nash has started avoiding him. I'm going to see about helping make it a little harder to snatch or spy on He, and if you like, you. I imagine it is annoying.~

Rhiannon drifts between people and along the coils towards Magnus.

Riva absently slips into a nearby seat, head still angled downward.

To the image of Riva, Yosannah intones, ~Sounds like a plan. I've been told that finding someone and pulling them through shadow the way he does is a difficult task. Means he's becoming more aware of my haunts. Let's talk about it more later.~

The image of Riva says, ~Good idea.~ The trump contact vanishes.

Yosannah slides into the Middle coils beside Riva.

The wafting smell of incense fills the air as Acolytes continue to light more of it along the Serpent's coils. Small bits of smoke rise up, making a somewhat eerie as the Holy Motif slithers along the fractal Chaosian sky.

Magnus draws forth the ceremonial blade at his side, sliding the curved weapon into a burning brazier as he intones ancient Thari prayers under his breath whilst people gather. He appears lost in thought, evidently waiting a little longer. Then Rhiannon draws near, and he stirs. The sanctified blade is drawn out of the flames as the Hierophant intones to her: "Rhiannon Cragvale. You have come into the Serpent's Service of your own free will, and have learned of the Will, exercising the Holy Writ and Teachings in your life. You have been a great service to the Serpent and Its Church." There is a pause, before Magnus inquires of her:"Are you still standing here before us, of your own free will?"

Aaron sits very formally, and attentive to the procedings as they flow.

Rhiannon finds herself a spot in the maw and then listens to the question. She nods with a smile "I most deeply doubt I'm worthy of such wonderful words." she then answers "Yes, I am standing here of my own free will."

"Rhiannon Cragvale. Through your studies and your actions within the Church, you have been found worthy of promotion and advancement into the formal ranks of the Cloth." The Hierophant says in musical tone, his words ringing far and wide in this place though he does not raise his voice one iota. Magnus continues, "If you are willing to accept the greater challenges and burdens of the Serpent's Service of your own free will, then you shall repeat a solemn Oath after me." He watches her then, pausing a moment to gauge her reaction and also give her time to say nay before it is too late.

Yosannah slides her gaze down the length of the middle coil, regarding each of it's occupants in turn as if measuring their respective reactions. She, on the other hand, lacks any visiable expression or interest in the ceremony.

Rhiannon smiles and inclines her head "Do continue and I shall repeat."

With a curt inclination of his head and a fond little smile for Rhiannon then, Magnus says gently: "Repeat the Oath after me, then, and take your place among us." There is a pause for effect then as the Hierophant slices into his own left palm with the sanctified blade and lets some of his black blood drop. "By my life's blood I swear to honor above all the Serpent who manifests the Logrus and the Realm of Chaos from whence It spawned. To abide by and revere the teachings of the Church of the Serpent, to serve the Serpent's will and adhere to Its wisdom. To uphold and proliferate the teachings of the Serpent. By this oath I am made whole - In the Eye of the Serpent ever Vigilant." Shuffling closer to the Priestess to be, Magnus shifts the blade in his other hand, extending it towards Rhiannon with purpose.

Adramalech taps his lips, with a finger, as he listens.

Vassago watches, stony faced. His posture erect. His hands folded neatly in his lap.

Agrat's nostrils flare as the blood is spilled, her attention increasing.

Aaron sits up a bit as he watches intently.

Riva whispers "We should make him think twice about yanking you through shadow. How much weight you think you're 'saint' status carries?"

Yosannah slides her gaze to the woman sitting next to her, Riva. Yosannah blinks once or twice and then coughs, hand going to her mouth.

"Enough," *cough*, "that I'm not dead yet."

Riva's lips turn into a smug smile.

Riva whispers "Well. It's time to ham it up. Honestly, even if Magnus only invented it to help his agenda with the church, how DARE he go yanking a *saint* to attend ceremonies at *his* whim!"

Elektra glances at Riva and Yo for a brief second, her head not rising with the motion, considers them a moment then returns her gaze downward again.

Rhiannon nods softly, once. Her voice is as smooth as the frozen lake, as she offers her own palm to Magnus, not even glancing at the dagger, repeating his words with a smile. "By my life's blood I swear to honor above all the Serpent who manifests the Logrus and the Realm of Chaos from whence It spawned. To abide by and revere the teachings of the Church of the Serpent, to serve the Serpent's will and adhere to Its wisdom. To uphold and proliferate the teachings of the Serpent. By this oath I am made whole - In the Eye of the Serpent ever Vigilant."

Yosannah's cough continues. It is a light dry cough which she seems unable to control. As her right hand remains over her mouth, her left is raised to her chest in an effort to silence herself.

Magnus slices into Rhiannon's hand ceremoniously as their blood mingles and her Oath is sworn. The Hierophant waits until all of her words are spoken, and then there is something of a silence which fills the Cathedral.

Kita is purring and being quiet.

Riva whispers "Now. I'll start, Follow me and bring Pestilence out as we approach."

Adramalech turns his head, and looks behind him, at Yosannah.

Riva rises and waits for Yosannah to rise as well before boldly striding towards Magnus.

Agrat smiles gently as the Oath is said, a hand lifting to wipe a tear from her eye. Then she looks over at the coughing Yosannah with minor concern.

Amidst the silence, the auburn haired woman rises, cough suddenly ceased. She pauses, regarding the gathering within the Cathedral. It is at this moment that one might notice her eyes are void of color, black and lifeless. She blinks, turning her attention to Riva and following after the woman.

Vassago looks at both women as they rise and move. His own gaze narrows slightly.

Elektra picks her head up as the pair rise, her look goes from a curious "What the?" to "Not a happy camper"

Aaron lets his attention flow from the alter for the first time to follow the two women who get up.

Kita looks at everyone and says quietly "be quiet not get grounded."

Rhiannon doesn't look that way, yet, but one would be mistaken if one would think she ain't aware of women and others.

"The Serpent has heard your words, and accepted them." Magnus says solemnly as he withdraws the bloodstained blade from Rhiannon's palm, along with his own grasp after a squeeze and fond smile. "Welcome to the Cloth, Rhiannon of Cragvale. Priestess of the Serpent."

Riva comes to a stop and quietly waits for Rhiannon's welcome into the church to be concluded. Her eyes shine with a possessed light, hands clasped before her.

Rhiannon inclines her head softly, with a smile "Thank you for welcoming me, m'lord."

Vassago glances to Elektra, and then back to Rhiannon, Riva, and Yo.

Adramalech begins to mutter, softly, in Sumerian, nothing jarring or offensive. His fingers flicker, as well, and his purple eyes swirl.

Elektra watches the pair with a narrowed gaze, sitting upon the edge of her seat as if waiting like a cat stalking it's prey.

The Hierophant's shattered gaze drifts from the freshly minded Priestess to those ladies who rose from their seats and approached. Those sensitive to such things can tell that the Gift is being raised once more, the Holy Sign of the Serpent in all its power and glory manifest amongst its people.

Vassago's hand seems to drift slowly to the hilt of his sword. Looks like even he doesn't realize it's there.

Agrat begins to look a little agitated as the women approach the Serpent's Maw.

Aaron seems to have a like father like son ideal going on, as he isn't far behind Vas's lead there, but is ends on Rhi instead of Riva and Yo. Then he smiles a bit and stands to make his way down towards Rhi and the alter. Hand resting on the hilt as if it were an arm rest.

Riva waits for everything to be settled, then her voice loud and full booms into the silence following the sacred induction of the newest priestess of the order, "Lord Hierophant, Saint Pestilence, One of the Four!" she bows and steps aside out of Yossanah's way as she's announce, "Wishes to know for what purpouse she has been disturbed and summoned before you this day!"

Elektra seems to ease up slightly as the formal part of the cerimony is finished before anything said.

If the creature that manifests itself through Yosannah is daunted by the Hierophant or the collection of his clergy, she makes no indication, stepping forward now and standing tall before the man.

Adramalech finishes gesturing and muttering, and his purple eyes cease swirling. They glow only slightly.

The Sign wavers before Magnus, as he marks the air and sanctifies Rhiannon in a blessing in ancient Thari words. Then his shattered gaze slides to the ladies who rose from their seats, and he replies to the question: "You have been summoned, my Saint, to stand a Witness to this new Priestess in her raising ceremony. A thing which is not only glorious before the Serpent, but also important and relevant to the Four themselves. You will find in Rhiannon a sharp mind and wit which shall assist all of you."

Agrat nods slowly to Adramalech, her nervousness decreasing slightly. She does cradle her stomach in a protective fashion, nevertheless.

When the auburn hair woman speaks it is as if a multitude of voices sing from her lips, layers upon layers of sound hiss forth, "This creature is of no consequence to me." Would that the green pupils remained visible in her eyes, one might think she glared at Rhiannon, "Call me not again, Magnus, my efforts in the Courts are finished!"

Adramalech hmms, and begins to mutter, again, and his fingers flicker once more.

Rhiannon stands still, observing the newest happenings with her hands folded, and with lack of any reaction. One who doesn't know her might even think she lacks to give needed interest to this development.

Riva says "Rhiannon is a worthy woman, Lord Hierophant. We are certain she shall serve her duty well" she lifts her chin and raises her voice, eyes burning with more fevered passion "You have trangressed against my mistress, summoning her like some mongrel to her master! Who are you to treat the divine instruments of the Greater Will?!"

Now it is the Hierophant who appears the one possessed, as he clenches his ring absently, looking somewhat vaguely surprised a moment. The Sign grows darker, bold and more pronounced as if weeping. Magnus' eyes gleam with an inner light, as a halo of fire and darklight bursts from him. Those senstive can tell this is being Serpent touched in some fashion. His words are not soft now, they are richand heavy and commanding. ~BOW YOUR HEADS!~ The words echo like thunder in the wind, ricocheting about this Holy place.

Vassago's features turn cold and hard when Yosannah/Pestilence introduces herself. The hand on the hilt of his sword tightens to the point his knuckles are white.

Aaron stops his dirction down the aisle as what was once Yo is speaking now and he looks for another avenue down away from her. He murmurs something under his breath...and it's not polite for those close enough to catch it.

Agrat becomes nervous again, as the possessed talk, back and forth. And then, when Magnus himself is no longer himself, she shudders. Her eyes roll up in her head and she faints dead away.

Riva's baggy pants and hair lash about her wildly with the winds. She winces, but her posture remains rigid as she remains just a step to the front and to the side of Pestilence. She Cries, "Who are YOU to summon such devine presences against their will?! Do you think it is you they serve?!"

Vassago murmurs, "Just this once, I wish I had a gun. And that it worked the way it's supposed to."

Adramalech finishes muttering, and his fingers still. Purple sigils rise from his nearly hidden bracer, and twirl about himself and Agrat, spinning into a barely visible purple globe.

Magnus appears a man possessed for only a brief moment, the darklight halo and flames soon fading from his midst as he blinks. Looking more a puzzled Hierophant than anything else, Magnus then clears his throat as his emerald gaze flickersto all around. When he sights the passed-out Agrat his brow furrows in concern. He blinks again, before saying to Riva, "What was that?"

Elektra rises from her seat as the voices continue to raise, her expession is harder then usual as she moves to an open aisle between the coils and decending towards the lower coils carefully.

Kita looks at Lek "I go bite bums?"

Aaron swallows and gestures to Rhiannon to get of the alter from an aisle or two abowe . He remains silent though, as his other hand is on the blade hilt.

The sound that comes from the woman's lips is a cacophony of a noise; more of an impulsive reaction then a statement of sorts. About Yosannah's person, a glowing aura is cast. Is this the true from of Pestilence? An empty vortex of dark swirling cumuli-nimbus peers out amidst a mane of wild midnight hair. Ashen feather wings flutter rhythmically about the transparent figure that appears before you, skin-tone a hew of gray and blue that is somehow both intriguing and repugnant. No words are forthcoming.

Elektra waves a hand to keep Kita where she is for now.

Riva lowers her voice, "You summoned my mistress, who's words alone themselves she deems unworthy for you. I, humble in service, speak for her. I do not believe I spoke too softly, or unclearly. Do you think it is *you* these divine beings serve? It would seem so, the way you treat them. Like exotic pets. NO MORE, will this be tolerated!"

Magnus draws a breath or two, before stating flatly, "This concludes our ceremony for this Sky. Let us all congratulate and welcome Rhiannon now into the ranks of the Cloth." His head cants to one side, studying Riva and Yosannah before he states softly: "We shall speak of this, anon. There is a time and place for such things. This is not it." The Sign weaves before him still as he proclaims a formal end, "May the Serpent Guide your varied paths."

Vassago moves out silently and behind Elektra. Then he walks up next to her, his hand still on the hilt of his sword. He speaks to whatever it is Riva is supposed to be. "Take it from someone who doesn't consider them gods, only pains in the ass. I suggest you back away from his Emminence. Now. Or you'll be hunting for new bodies."

Aaron moves quickly away from the growing clouds of Pestalience...and down a few coils between people standing there, appearently too awed, or scared to move either way.

Rhiannon seems worried about Agrat, looking that way for a second, while she follows every move and word said, like she'd observe someone playing chess. She bows her head to the Saint. Whispering a prayer only the closest ones can hear:

"I serve to the Serpent, and I serve to the Saints that were chosen by the Serpent's wisdom beyond my own. I serve the wisdom that guides our paths and leads us to our fates, for it knows the way better than any other creation."

Rhiannon slithers away, towards the people coming this way "I'd consider an opposite direction" is her advice to them.

Pestilence turns her head slowly over her shoulder to regards Vassago. She spats in his direction, "As if he needed your aid, indignant brat."

Agrat is still unconscious, but breathing steadily and surely.

Adramalech is holding Agrat's wrist, at this point, keeping tabs on her pulse...but his eyes are on the brewing conflict.

Riva moves backwards, hand on her weapon as if to protect Yosanah from those who approach from behind her. "Again you presume authority over the divine. There will be no more, Lord Hierophant, least you'd risk divine rath for your arrogance. Pestilence has spoken her will, and no more will she find herself here unless of truely divine will. This matter, is concluded." she looks to Yosannah, for verification.

Magnus' attention is directed at Yosannah, now as he states softly: "You are a Saint of the Serpent. This means you have certain obligations and responsibilities to Its Church. You will attend certain ceremonies, you shall perform various good works for the Serpent's Children. You will do these things because it is in your nature, it as a part of what you are. These are soft duties, if formal ones. They are just as important as your other functions as Pestilence or as Yosannah."

Vassago smiles at Yosannah. "He probably doesn't." He removes his hand from the hilt of his sword, putting them behind his back. "But the man has a point." He says with a smirk. "Goddess." For those who can't tell, yes, he's mocking her.

Elektra stands where she is, seemingly silent, but knowing her place within the Church she is aptly capable of doing her duty should it come to it, particularly with other Clergy and visitors within the walls.

Aaron finds a vantage point away from the mess on the front row then and watches for now.

Rhiannon stops at the safe distance, a few steps away from the rest of the crowd, and observes Yo...or whoever...rather fascinated with the scene. Her head tilted and arms folded behind her back now.

The creature tilts her head in the direction of Rhiannon, seemingly intrigued by the woman. When she speaks it is in response to Magnus' comments but is directed toward Vassago, "The test of Chaos is over. . ." At this, a pale green mist begins to pour from her mouth, slowly, billowing in the direction of the man, "My duty is complete."

Kita stomps her paws and is trying to holds still. "No hurt Mr. Vassago-not-kitty."

Riva says nothing further, stepping closer to Yosannah. She's not minding the mist as she interposes herself between Yosannah and Vassago and Elektra.

"Chaos remains weak, and fractured. In the thrall of Amberite philosophies and influences. Your duty is far from complete, my Saint. Do not speak in vanity and think your work is concluded so easily; why there there threats to Chaos which make your own recent adventures pale in comparison which even as we speak the Church combats." Magnus says with a vague gesture to the mist, smiling somewhat grimly. "You are not dismissed. All of the others present, are. You may all go, all save Pestilence may depart their Cathedral as they see fit."

Adramalech crouches, and lifts Agrat, very carefully, using his legs. He moves her as far as he can from the mist, and the conflict, without unduly distressing her.

Vassago simply stands there watching the mist. He frowns slightly. He takes a step back.

Rhiannon tilts her head, watching the mist and Kita with great interest, fighting the urge to get a closer look, it seems.

Rhiannon actually seems to have no desire what_so_ever to stop observing.

Riva whispers "We need to beat a retreat. Now."

Aaron slowly and safefly tries making his way toward Rhia...if possible after finding her in the mess of people.

If Pestilence hears Magnus' words, she makes no indication. Instead, she lifts her hand and rests them on Riva's shoulders. She nods at the woman, agreeable. Slowly, the two women appear to flicker...

 

Pasture Behind Webber's -- Banished Sun...

Riva notes, "Well, He's an arrogant asshole, isn't he?" she hrrms, "How long before I know if I touched that mist or not?"

Pestilence stands erect and breaths slowly, evenly; as if these things require effort and thought. Even the act of blinking seems incredibly unnatural. She extends a hand to Riva, meaning to touch the woman.

Riva frowns and keeps near, slipping a hand about your waist as if to offer support.

"No." She intones, "You need healing. I am fine. Be still for a moment, Lady..." She mutters softly, voices rise and falling from her lips, tonal quality changing as she chants.

Riva keeps still. Where the woman's hand rests, a pulse of warmth begins to flow of her skin. And then, nothing.

Riva smiles, "Thanks." she hrrms, "Want me to stick around? Magnus won't be pleased by this, and he will try to keep control of you and the others." she makes a face, "And Nash is going to Kill me."

Pestilence shakes her head, breath remaining an audible and controlled inhale and exhale, "I am weary. To be sure, however, I do not fear my destruction at the hands of Magnus." She considers for a moment and then adds, as if reciting, "I serve the wisdom that guides our paths and leads us to our fates, for it knows the way better than any other creation." She nods, "Magnus is but one part of that creation. Though I haven't the will left in me this evening to ponder such things."

Riva says "My protection costs you nothing. Lets get you someplace you can rest."

Pestilence nods at the woman, "I am already home..." With that, the black depths of her eyes seem to fill with an emerald light, fading until all that remains is the soul of Yosannah. Her shoulders slump and her breath comes easy again. She sniffles and blinks, eyes fluttering. "Oh dear god."

Riva frowns with concern, "Yosannah? You alright?"

Yosannah purses her lips, closes her eyes and nods, "Yeah." Her voice is its usually tenor, soft and short. She swallows, "I'm not so sure that was a good idea, Riva."

Riva sighs, "Hindsight being twenty-twenty..." she winces, "I'm sorry Yo. There are probably better ways to have made it clear the four were't his puppets. I'm sorry I polluted you with my bad idea. I should have done it on my own, would have just been rantings of a madwoman."

Yosannah lifts her hands to her head and rubs her face, "Ah, it's done. And you have something of a point. I remember what it was like when we were bound to Dalt. I don't want it to be like that again. Thing is, I don't know how much Pestilence is effected by my emotions and my desires. I think both of our perspectives are rather clouded."