EVENT: The Ogier hold a feast in honor of the Tuatha'an and discovers 
two Treesingers in their midsts.
DATE: January 21,1999
LOGGER: Marith

Secluded Glade: Forest, Stedding Maotai(#330RJM$)
	Trees surround the area everywhere, nearly hiding the path used to come 
into this secluded haven. An aura of eternal peace fills the air due to the 
echoing sounds of the small babbling brook that cuts right through the middle 
of the glade. Small stepping-stones can be seen going across the brook, each 
showing a different color.
	The beautiful blue backdrop changes into a myriad of colors as the sun 
slowly sets for the evening. Ogier still lounge about, patiently waiting to 
observe the stars that will soon come forth. Somewhere nearby, a lantern rests 
on a hook, lighting the small glade. Wildflowers of all sorts seem to dot the 
glade in small patches, ranging in reds, blues, violets, pinks and many, many 
more colors. The fragrant air seems to linger nearby, perfumed by the various 
budding flowers. Somewhere, not too far, birds appear to sing cheerfully. To 
the north, a small path leads out of the peaceful serenity of the secluded 
glade.
                                           
Contents:
Nita
Stone Statue
Obvious exits:
Dark Path  

Nita sits quietly under a tree, eyes closed and humming something sounding much 
like a dirge. Even in its low tone, the sound carries well in the grove.

Marith lingers around the food table, looking over the preparations that others 
have made. She nods approvingly at each selection, a small smile lingering upon 
her lips.

Nita opens her eyes, blinking as she seems at first now that she is not alone 
anymore. She quickly stands, curtseying to Marith. "Eldest." she says 
respectfully.

Marith glances over at Nita, chuckling slightly, "Good evening, child." Marith 
murmurs, her age for once showing for a brief moment, "I see you are early for 
the feast yes?"

Karal walks quietly into the glade from the north.

Karal wanders in leisurely, humming quietly to himself and taking in the sight 
of the food.

Marith stands before the food table, talking to Nita in a quiet rumble.

"Yes, Eldest." says Nita, smiling at Marith. "This event will please me much."

"And it pleases me to hear you say that, Nita." Marith rumbles quietly, her 
ears casually flickering back and forth. It is then that she notices Karal 
entering. She turns and nods her head elegantly, "Speaker Karal... so good to 
see you in attendance. You seemed to have had a busy spell with requests lately 
for the council, if I recall right."

Nita nods respectfully at Karal as well. "Speaker." she says, smiling slightly.

The relatively quiet humming ceases as Karal comes out of his thoughts. He bows 
somewhat deeply to Marith. "Greetings, Eldest. Yes, the occupation is 
getting...busy once again." He smiles and nods to Nita. "Sora'har."

Marith nods her head shortly, "Perhaps some of their eagerness will subside 
when I announce that we will be going to Tar Valon." She wilts her ears a bit, 
"It seems a natural disaster has occured there. High Councillor Alderic has 
written and asked our aid in rebuilding one of their towns that got destroyed 
in a volcano eruption." Her eyes seem saddened as well, "I hope that is not a 
signalling of another breaking."

Nita blinks. "A volcano? But there isn't any volcanic mountains around Tar 
Valon."

Karal raises his eyebrows significantly and nearly spits out, "An eruption? 
How? When?"

"Dragonmount,." Marith speaks, that worried expression never leaving her 
features, "appears to have been quite volcanic. Alindaer is no longer. Many 
people lost their homes. And, since we are in need of spring gardening supplies 
and gold, I've offered our services."

Karal's brow knits together and his ears jitter. "So when will we be leaving? 
Or will mostly be stonemasons?"

Nita shakes her head sadly, ears drooping. "Eldest, may I join the party that 
will go to Tar Valon? If there is anything I can do, I wish to offer my 
services."

"There will be quite a few stonemasons." Marith responds first to Karal, "But,
the main body will be other Ogier as well. I wish for them to get a bit of 
world experience. They might even help in the rebuilding since I can imagine 
hundreds of homes have been destroyed, if they are so inclined." She then turns 
her eyes to Nita, chuckling softly, "You've just heard the news and are already 
in a rush to go."

Karal allows his ears to continue to jitter, and his eyes give the impression 
that he is deep in thought. After several moments, he asks, "When do you plan 
to leave?"

Marith turns her attention back to Karal, "As soon as Narice," The bungling 
young Ogier who can't get anything right, generally, "sends a pigeon telling me 
that the arrangements have been made." The Eldest smirks wryly, "Honestly, I 
think she's as bad as Clara sometimes." Clara is the Eldest's daughter.

Nita blushes slightly. "I do not wish to put a long handle on my axe, Eldest. 
Just give me thought when you select those to go."

"As I said, Nita, I plan on taking a large group for you to learn more about 
the world." Marith smiles at Nita in a motherly fashion, "Eldest Kamala, light 
rest her soul, was a good woman, but she kept us too strictly to the Stedding."

Nita smiles happily. "Thank you, Eldest." she says, inclining her head.

Rasad walks into the glade from the north.

Karal nods thoughtfully to the Eldest and rubs his ears in thought.

Skye walks softly into the glade from the north.

Marith is standing in a group with Nita and Karal, her voice rolling out in a 
low rumble. Nearby is a table filled with foods and various drinks. "You are 
welcome Nita." She glances sidelong toward Karal, "And would you be interested 
in such a trip Speaker Karal?"

Skye enters the clearing, a grey-haired tuatha'an man escorting her. The middle 
aged couple walk toward the Eldest proudly and stop a few paces in front of the 
tall Ogier.

Farida walks to the north, toward the dark path.

Rasad arrives in a group of laughing tinkers, his arm caputured by a smiling 
young lady, he whispers something to her as they walk along, resulting in a 
blush and a scandalized giggle, while the young lady glances over her shoulder 
at Farida. He makes his way farther into the clearing, glancing around at all 
the Ogier, his eyes alight at the sight of all that food.

Farida walks into the glade from the north.

Nita turns at the sound of the arrival of the tinkers, her face lighting up in 
a smile.

Karal slips out of his thoughts once again. "I believe I may want to do that... 
It would be an enlightening trip."

Ears perk up and twist about at the voices. The Eldest slowly turns, taking in 
the guests entering the glade. She nods her head to each and all, lifting a 
brow at some she does not recognise, "Be welcome to our feast." She murmurs 
quietly, adding, "The blessing of the Light and stillness upon you."

More and more of the tuatha'an arrive in the clearing, their brightly hued 
outfits making them stand out among the greenery like songbirds. There is much 
laughter and jesting as they fill the area.

Skye curtsies to her hostess. "Peace be upon you and your people, Eldest 
Marith."

them come toward the glade. Four bring in at least another table, and others 
some chairs for people to sit should they wish.

Karal lifts his head and focuses on the Tinkers. He puts on a smile and ends 
his deeper thoughts.

One person is clad in clothes which seem boring compared to those of the other 
people here. Farida looks a bit uneasy but she's the first time here and thus 
looks around with huge eyes at the clearing. She moves a bit to the side and 
listens to the ceremonial greetings.

Marith opens her arms wide, that smile lingering upon her features, "Peace...." 
She comments, stepping back to further her spead arms, "Enjoy our food and 
hospitality. A few of our Ogier will provide some entertainment in a small 
bit."

Skye curtsies again to the eldest. "I, on behalf of the River Band, Thank you." 
She turns to her people, and gestures for them to find places to sit and to 
indugle.

Marith's gaze turns toward Farida, eyes curious. She walks over to the rather 
odd looking woman and bows her head slightly - like a regal gesture, "Be 
welcome to Stedding Maotai. I am Marith daughter of Paloa daughter of Altar, 
Eldest of the Stedding. I do not believe we have met, Mistress." She greets 
Farida.

Peron escorts Skye to one of the chairs near the Ogier's eldest. "I'll go and 
find us something, my dear." he tells her fondly. She smiles at him and he 
beams before heading to the food tables.

Nita smiles, walking in among the Tuatha'an and mingling, exchanging words with 
those who wish.

As Skye waits for her food, she gives Nita a smile. "Good evening, do you know 
of the song?" she tells the tall ogier woman.

Farida follows the elderly matrons of the band, not the people don't mix with 
eachother but she makes sure that there is some distance between her and the 
merry youth. When she notices Marith's attention her eyes look rather... 
paniced before she takes a deep breath and curtseys deeply."I am honoured to 
meet you Eldest Marith, daughter of Paloa, daughter of Altar." she answers and 
straightens, looking up with amazed eyes at the large Ogier. "I'm called 
Farida, a traveling herbalist."

Nita turns to Skye, offering a smile as well. "Be welcome to Stedding Maotai. 
My heart sings in joy of our meeting, but I do not know the song."

Skye nods kindly to the ogier woman, "Then seek I shall continue and in seeking 
so shall I find." The middle-aged woman informs her formally. "And thank you 
for your welcome. I and my people have been overwhelmed by the hospitality of 
the Stedding."

Karal slips through the groups of people, making his way to some bit of food 
that he likes before trying to find someone to chat with.

"Your name sings my my ears Mistress Farida," Marith responds in a formal 
manner, all politeness. Her featurs seem to resonate an aura of calm, her eyes 
slightly saddened at the other woman's paniced state, "Welcome again. All are 
safe in Stedding Maotai." She speaks that as if it were some sort of formal 
decree. She then moves to the next bunch of people, greeting those that she 
does not know.

Peron returns to Skye's side with two plates of food. The food consists of 
nothing but fruits and vegatables since like all tuatha'an, they are 
vegatarians. He takes a seat beside the Mahdi and smiles at her before 
beginning to eat.

Other Ogier mill about, mingling with the Tuatha'an. Some of those younger 
Ogier that happened to attend the first gathering appear to find themselves 
closer to the 'dancer' who performed the tirganza, perhaps getting pointers of 
how they can get some of the young ladies in the Stedding to dance that dance.

"Light willing, it will be found." says Nita. "I am Nita, Daughter of Corian 
Daugther of Morani." she says, offering a seat to the woman.

After Marith makes her rounds, she finally finds herself back near the Madhi of 
the River Band, "Madhi Skye, tell me, are you finding your visit to the 
stedding peaceful? I have not had much time to come speak with you and make you 
welcome. I am afraid I am not a very good hostess." A blush touches Marith's 
cheeks, "I am not quite as knowledgeable of all the world customs as yourself."

Skye smiles at Nita. "I am Skye Avery, Mahdi of the River Band."

Hondar walks into the glade from the north.

Rane walks into the glade from the north.

Hondar walks into the gale

Rane walks in behind Hondar, rubbing a rising lump on her head.

Darius walks into the glade from the north.

Farida nods and curtseys once more to the Eldest. "I thank you for providing us 
Shelter and may you have a Fair Wind." A very strange greeting but she now 
watches the Ogier and then moves back to the other Tuatha'an. The sight of the 
younger Ogier with the dancer makes her laugh however and she suddenly feels 
far better as she strides further.

Nita smiles at Skye, inclining her head respectfully. "Your name sings in my 
ear, Mahdi. Is there anything you would like to have? There is much food and 
drink to be had."

Skye chuckles fondly at the Eldest, "Oh no, Eldest Marith. Our stay here has 
been most pleasant. It is rare that communities are as generous in their 
hospitality as Stedding Maotai."

Various Ogier mix and mingle with the Tuatha'an guests. A young group of males 
seem to be trying to extract 'secrets' from one of the tinker dancers - without 
much luck. A group of children are off playing in the corner, Ogier and 
Tuatha'an alike, all getting along rather well.

Karal slips a bit of cheese into his mouth and makes his way over to the 
Tuatha'an. He notices the more drably dressed girl, and decides to talk to her. 
"Greetings, and welcome to the Stedding. I am Karal son of Terent son of 
Comin."

Thud comes bounding into the glade, tongue lolling from the side of his mouth 
after a long romp through the forest.

Darius follows Hondar and Rane, a bit trepiditous. He is dressed in a swirling 
mealange of reds and yellow and purples and greens, and looks a great deal like 
the other Tuatha'an.

Relief passes over Marith's features, her ears perking up in a bit of pride, 
"It warms my soul to hear you speak with such kindness Madhi." The Eldest 
responds, her voice pleasant in manner. She does not see the newcomers to greet 
them into the Stedding - particularly the one she has never seen before. "And 
may it continue to be as joyous and pleasant as it has been." She speaks still 
with a formal tone.

Hondar moves through the mix, watching himself to insure he doesn't hurt any of 
the smaller humans.

Rane stays by Hondar's side.

Farida blinks when she realises Karal is talking to her and she turns around, 
curtseying again and now her eyes widen even more, this one is even taller. 
"Your name eh.." she bites her lips and then pulls herself together, "Your name 
rings my ears Karal son of Terent son of Comin, I am known simply as Farida" a 
shy smile before she extends a hand.

Nita smiles gently, leaving the elders of the two societies to speak as she 
wanders through the grove towards the new arrivals. "Be welcome to Stedding 
Maotai." she greets, ears twitching joyously. "I am Nita, Daughter of Corian 
Daugther of Morani."

Skye smiles at the Eldest Marith. "I was hoping that one of my musicians, young 
Aedigar, might be granted not only access to your music library...but perhaps a 
translator? There has been much interest expressed by the musicans about Ogier 
music."

Thud bounds his way up to the newcomers, playfully running between Hondar's 
legs when he does so. He sniffs at Darius' feet.

"What, where, how?" Hondar's voice booms out for a moment as he attempts to 
regain his balance.

Rane giggles.

Karal grasps Farida's hand in his much larger in the strange custom. "Your name 
sings in my ears, Farida. I have not seen you in the stedding until today. Have 
you been here since the arrival of the other Tuatha'an?"

Darius blinks at Thud, leaning down to pet Thud. "There's a good dog..."

Nita's ears twitch as the dog storms around them, a smile seeming to 
permanently linger on her face, ever growing bigger as more people arrive.

Thud moves his head and haunches around in order to teach Darius the places to 
pet. He seems happy enough, and not put off by the new person.

Marith glances over at Farida as she tries the Ogier greeting. A small smile 
quirks on her lips as the Atha'an Miere woman mangles it slightly, though she 
nods to Farida as if in approval for trying. She then glances back to Skye, a 
brow lifting slightly, "I am certain Master Leoris will be most happy to hear 
someone has interest in his music. He is guardian of the oldest and most 
important songs within the Stedding." Marith answers. Her attention is then 
drawn toward Honda as Thud takes up refuge around the other Ogier.

Skye simply nods in reply to the Eldest, realizing that she is being drawn into 
the crowd. She returns to her plate, speaking softly with her companion.

Farida chuckles when her hand disspaers completely in Karal's. "Yes I have 
been, but I was..." she blushes but keeps her eyes steady on the Ogier's face 
to explain this and show her honesty, "Well I have never been used to the land 
and your trees are, though beautifull, completely..." searching for words she 
unconsciously begins to arch her neck a little higher, "strange and unsettling 
for me."

As the evening progresses the promised entertainment arrives. Several of the 
Ogier come into the glade with various instruments of their own - most notably 
the reeded flute. They set up in a corner not so far away and start to get 
settled in for a long night of playing.

Karal blinks and his ears twitch slightly. "The...trees? They bother you? 
What..is wrong with the trees?"

Nita smiles gently, leaving the elders of the two societies to speak as she 
wanders through the grove towards the new arrivals. "Be welcome to Stedding 
Maotai." she greets, ears twitching joyously. "I am Nita, Daughter of Corian 
Daugther of Morani."

Darius glances several times at Marith, and nods to Nita. His eyes go from 
nearly blank to being light within a curious light. However, for the moment, he 
keeps quiet, petting Thud.

Rane smiles. "I'm Rane LaFey. Your name sings in my ears." She's been about the 
stedding for a bit.

One of the guests, not of the tuatha'an, breaks away from the rest of the 
party, moving off to investigate the Great Trees that seem to be lingering not 
too far away.

Nita's ears perk up at being greeted in her own form. "And yours in mine, Rane. 
Please, come. There is much food and drink here. Be welcome."

"Welll..." Farida begings to realise she's walking on thin ice but the Ogier 
approve honesty, don't they? "They are so high, and so many. It is almost like 
an ocean of trees and where I am from it is usually to be above an ocean." A 
nervous giggle escapes her throat and eyes sparkle misschievously though she 
lays another hand on the Ogier's closet body part she can reach, "But they are 
beautifull and perhaps you and your people can teach me to feel at ease?"

Rane grins and says, "Thank you. I didn't even remember there was a festival 
until Hondar here reminded me."

Thud takes a couple of steps away from the timid Darius and turns back to look 
at him. Another few steps and he turns back again, "Woof."

Farida looks tentavely over her shoulder at the barking of the dog and she 
nearly jumps up, yet another thing which makes her nervous.

Karal smiles hugely. His ears lay back in a satisfied expression. "I would love 
to help you become comfortable with the trees." He takes her free hand and 
points it to the Great Trees. "Have you ever seen those before?"

Darius blinks at the dog. "What is it boy?" he asks, following the dog.

Skye turns from one of the Ogier that she is speaking to as she hears the 
barking of a mastiff. She frowns at the animal. She leans over to whisper to 
her escort, Peron, "I thought that Thud was tied up? We don't want to embarrass 
our hosts..."

Thud tries to lead Darius into the camp.

Nita smiles at Rane and Darius. "As long as you are here." she says, turning 
sideways and extending one arm in invitation. "Come, let us eat." She looks at 
the dog, then to Darius. "Something is wrong?"

Karal glances slightly quizzically at the dog, turns away, and grasps Farida's 
hand in a more comforting way.

Darius blinks at Nita. "No no. I'm just a touch tired, is all. I had a long 
day, before coming here."

Rane trots over to the tables.

Farida shakes her head, "NO I have only heard stories but they are nothing 
compared to reality." Again she lifts her head up to the skye and then at the 
Great Trees, "How did you manage to make them this huge? They must have been 
made aeons ago."

The Ogier off in the corner start to play a quiet, saddened melody, but not so 
sad that it's not enjoyable. In fact, it's a peaceful little ditty. Meanwhile, 
that human guest that has broken away appears to be lingering near one of those 
great trees, back tot he rest of the party. From time to time the young man 
looks upwards, as if in disbelief that something could be -that- tall.

"There is rest to be found here." says Nita to Darius. "Will you come?" she 
asks, nodding in the direction of the tables.

Farida squeezes Karal back which in general means that he probably won't see 
it. "I guess that once you are under them you can't even see the skye."

Several other Ogier and tuatha'an linger near the food table, talking and
conversing quietly over various topics of conversation. The current one appears 
to be the Ogier's up and coming trip to Tar Valon to rebuild Alindaer.

Karal smiles and nods to the trees. "Yes, those trees have been growing for 
centuries. Our gardeners keep them alive and growing, though they usually grow 
that tall without assistance." He looks happily at Farida. "They do offer quite 
a bit of shade. Perhaps you would like to grab a small bite to eat, and bring 
it to the trees so you cans ee them more closely?"

Darius blinks at Nita. "Erm... alright." he says, glancing toward the table. 
Food, and lots of it. A dilemna starts to appear on Darius' face as he glances 
at Marith again.

Skye's attention wanders to the Ogier musicians. She seems taken by their sad 
melody and listens to it with a delighted smile for a few moments, before 
returning to her conversation with a pair of Ogier weavers.

Marith glances over at Farida, commenting, "There is a clearing within the 
stedding, where no trees grow. Any sapplings that happen to make their way 
there are transplanted further in the forests." Her eyes then turn to Darius, 
the latest newcomer. She moves to stand near him, though not too closely. She 
nods her head in a regal manner, as if she were an important figure, "I am 
Marith, daughter of Paloa daughter of Altar." She smiles lightly, "Be welcome 
in Stedding Maotai."

Marith adds belatedly,"Eldest of the Stedding.

Darius blinks, and bows formally to Marith. "Your name rings in my ears, 
Marith, daughter of Paloa" he replies carefully. "I am Darius Solluman of Tar 
Valon." he adds.

With Darius finally getting involved, Thud runs off into the surrounding forest 
to ensure that no one else isn't taking part in the excitement.

"The blessing of the Light and stillness upon you." Marith responds formally to 
Darius. "Your name 'sings' in my ears, Master Darius." She appears to correct 
the young man, amusement touching her eyes. Every now and again her tufted ears 
can be seen twitching back and forth, no doubt catching bits of other 
conversation.

Farida humms and then looks at the food, "Allright," she decides but" she lifts 
a finger as if to warn him, "I do want you to tell me what kind of food it is 
since that too is unknown for me."

There is a lone figure over by one of the Great Trees - a perfect vict-... 
suspect for Thud should he desire to go observe him. Every once in awhile he 
glances up and back down, as if admiring the large tree.

Nita halts as Marith speaks, smiling at Darius and then at Marith. You would 
think nothing can break that smile away from her face. Her ears twitch amusedly 
at his twisting of the greeting.

Darius flushes a bright red. "Excuse me Eldest Marith. I am ignorant of your 
ways, and had little time to learn."

"That you tried to emulate them warms my heart. Not all guests would try to fit 
into the Stedding." Marith pauses her words thoughtfully, "With the exception 
to the Aiel. They fit nicely."

Skye excuses herself from the two weavers regretfully and ventures out into the 
main party. Walking up behind Farida she smiles. "Have you found a use for 
those dance steps yet?" she asks in amusement.

Farida turns towards Marith for a moment and she smiles at the Eldest, "I would 
like to hear all about this Eldest. But not now, I can't listen to everything 
at once." Now her eyes look at the tress again and she shakes her head in 
disbelieve, "Light, the amount of rakers one could make from that."

Darius blinks. "Trully? Interesting... There wouldn't be any now, would there?" 
he asks, before shaking his head slightly. "Never mind, idle curiousity. Eldest 
Marith, I have to beg a pair of favors from you."

Thud finds someone all by themselves and makes it his duty to entertain them. 
Raising onto his hind legs, he places his paws on the man's chest and makes to 
lick his face.

The music the Ogier creates appears to change into something lighter and more 
upbeat. Some of the others humm along with it, as if knowing the song being 
played - an old folk piece amongst the Ogier. Even one or two attempt to sing 
it, however their voice tend to mix and mingle, becoming a strange mix of bird 
trills.

Karal laughs, a loud, deep rumbling sound that carries throughout the glade. 
"Of course, Farida. We have a huge assortment of food." He points to a few area 
of the table. "Most of those are vegetable dishes, with vegetables hand chosen 
for their ripeness. Many of them are excellent, and light on the stomach, as 
will. The rest are varying meats. Any you would like I can tell you something 
about..." He then turns slightly and raises an eyebrow at Skye, though he says 
nothing.

The man over by the tree splutters, backing away from it. He tries to get away 
so fast that he falls to the ground, "Argh!." He manages to say as he hits the 
ground, harmlessly knocked over by the weight of the mastiff. As he falls, he 
clears the view of the tree, a mangled carving found deep inside the bark - a 
replica of the Great Tree that he was observing etched.

Nita's ears twitch again as she decides to leave the two to speak of their 
matters, going towards the table - and freezing. She stares towards the man and 
the dog, but her eyes are on the tree, not the man.

Skye looks up at the tall Ogier with a twinkle in her eyes and looks about to 
speak to him, when the Mahdi catches sight of the errant Mastiff bothering yet 
another one of her people. She says, "Excuse me," to the girl and Ogier and 
then walks briskly toward Thud.

Farida grins, "no, not yet Mahdi, I am currently talking with this Ogier and I 
would not offend him by going on a dance." As Skye leaves to grab that scary 
mastiff does the veiled woman look at Karal again with a warm smile, "Shall we 
go there? I do think we'd both appreciate being here."

Karal cocks his head slightly. "You would like to go to the trees now?"

Marith shakes her head at Darius's words, offering a smile of sympathy, "No. 
None of the Aiel are visiting the Stedding." She then spies Nita's expression, 
"Is something wrong Nita?"

Skye's jaw drops in surprise and her steps slow to a halt. She stares at the 
defiled as the mastiff sits atop the man beside it. Her eyes close and she 
seems to count to an indetermainate number. Somehow, the Mahdi just KNEW 
something was going to happen today.

A silent moan escapes Nita's lips, still loud for human ears, as she half runs 
towards the tree. Hand trembling, she traces the engraving marring the bark of 
the Great Tree.

Rane blinks several times at Nita. "I say, are you quite alright?"

Farida shakes her head this time, "No, first I will take your advise and have 
something to eat." Secretly she looks over her shoulders, would the Tuatha'an 
people, with whom she stays as a guest, be very upset if she took some meat? It 
has been ages since she last had some. At the silence however she drops and 
looks at Karal with questionate eyes.

Thud pauses his playing and looks up at the Mahdi curiously.

The man attempts to wriggle free of the dog, "Get off me you bloody oaf." He 
tries to push the mastiff off him, unknowing that others have seen his work of 
art.

Karal slips his eyes momentarily from Farida to glance at Nita, then follows 
her stare to the tree. A quiet, shocked sound escapes his lips, and he looks 
visibly shaken. "Ummm, ummm, yes, we may wish to go get some food now. Ummm, 
what do you, umm, wish to eat?" His eyes are only partially on her.

Rane stares at Hondar. "I say, what /is/ going on?"

Marith's eyes widen brightly as she sees what all the fuss is about, "By the 
Tree and stillness." She comments, her ears wilting, "The Greet Tree!" She 
moans quietly.

Skye frowns at the man. Her eyes narrow. "You were a guest of my people and 
were asked to respect not only our customs, but the customs of our hosts." Her 
voice is soft and smooth, but clearly the woman is upset. "You are no longer 
welcome at our fires. Do not return the River Band again."

Darius blinks at the fuss, but stays silent. He doesn't seem talkitive. 
Instead, his keeps his gaze turned inward.

Rane peers very closely now. "Oh my."

Thud looks down at the man he's sitting on and then up at Skye. Sensing her 
emotions, he gets off the man and walks over towards her, pressing his muzzle 
against her hand.

Farida swallows when she realises just exactly what she's seeing. She shakes 
her head to Karal, unable to speak and merely stares at the man who dared to do 
such a thing. TO think that he could disregard the rules of other nations?? 
Light, this is outragious even for a drylander.

Skye turns her back on the man, not bothering to call the large mastiff off, 
but when he muzzles her hand, she simply pets the giant dog with sadness.

Nita rests her forehead against the tree, arms reaching around it as to embrace 
it for comfort. She has started humming a slow, sad dirge, recognized by the 
Ogier who know her as the one she so often hums to herself when alone.

The Ogier playing the music stop as soon as they realize there's a rather large 
fuss over something. Several Ogier curses can be heard muttered amongst them, 
all having to do with Trees and the Light. "Eldest..." One speaks up, "Maybe if 
we can get one of the treesingers from Tsofu to come..." He offers a suggested 
fix, "They can fix it?"

Hondar shakes his head, "there is no need to go to Tsofu." he says softly.

Thud stops comforting Skye and turns his head towards Nita curiously.

Rane looks up at Hondar, head tilted.

Hondar looks down at Rane, and gives her a reasuring smile.

Skye makes her way to Marith, her head bowed and her steps slow. "Eldest 
Marith..." she begins, "I can not apologize enough for what has been done to 
your tree...we will depart you lands and trouble you no more."

Marith starts to answer the Ogier who spoke up, nodding a bit, "Yes per-" She 
stops her words as Skye walks up to her. She shakes her head, "You are not held 
responsible for the actions of others Madhi Skye. To make you leave would be 
hasty decision on my part. You are welcome to stay yet still." Shock still 
seems to register in her eyes however.

The man appears to wince at Skye's words, "As you wish." He speaks, voice 
tight, "I was just trying to decorate this area some. All there is is trees and 
grass, grass and trees." He sneers slightly, "Needed something different."

Hondar steps forward, towards Marith, "Eldest?" he says, almost tentivly.

Skye nods to Marith, although the joy in this evening has clearly left her. 
"Then stay we shall...for a short time more."

The humming stops as Nita does what she has not done for so many years, never 
since entering Stedding Maotai. Her voice launches into song, a sad hymn of no 
words.

Farida winces and seems terribly ashamed as the man dares to say something like 
that. Sure she likes a good tattoo, but not this way, no not at all. "I am so 
sorry for the breaking of trust this man brought upon you." she murmers to 
Katal next whom she still stands and she now looks up at his face. "I do assure 
you this is... outragious."

Karal grasps Farida's hand tightly, without even knowing it. His gaze is intent 
on Hondar.

Both of Thud's floppy ears perk up as far as they can and his head turns far to 
the side as he listens to Nita sing. A puzzled expression that dogs sometimes 
show when listening to high-pitched noises. He takes one step forward and his 
head cocks the other way, listening rather intently to her sing, more so than a 
dog might normally.

Karal looks worriedly at Farida. "None of this is the fault of you. It is him." 
A slight note of anger touches 'him', but it quickly dies. "You are in no way 
responsible."

Marith turns her attention to Hondar, a brow raising slightly, "Yes Hondar?" 
She inquires, too distracted to notice what Nita is doing. Her eyes do go to 
the man speaking though, narrowing slightly. Her ears twitch in irritation.

Hondar stops as he hears Nita's singing, a look of indescision hitting his 
face.

Several of the Ogier musicians move away from their spots, walking forward. 
Some have curious features as they notice Nita singing, others wide eyes.

Farida Lays her other hand on Karaul's arm now as if she wants to ease him, 
"Maybe not, but do not loose yourself because of him. He is not wor" she stops 
and turns a brow towards Nita, looking at her with interest. "Is this a song to 
honour the tree and it's loss?"

Gildain comes rushing into the stedding, winded almost, "I heard there was a 
commotion...." He pauses midstride as he sees the tree and his jaw just drops.

Skye turns at the strange music that Nita sings. She watches the ogier woman 
with curiousity, although she suddenly is showing every year of her age and 
seems somewhat frail.

Once again, there is change in Nita's voice. It drops several registers, ending 
up in a deep rumble, lower than most women would have, even for Ogier. The 
thundering rumble of her voice echoes clearly throughout the grove. This 
strange, wordless song srings clear in every ear, touching heart and soul 
deeply. Slowly, the earth itself seems to begin to sing in response, the wood's 
usual noises quiet except for the song.

Karal thanks Farida for the support with a gracious look. "I don't know...I 
don't know. If I didn't think I was wrong, I would have to say it is 
Treesinging."

"Why do you think it was wrong?" Curious does she look up at his face, her eyes 
alight with fire, "To me it seems like.." she furrows her brows, "what is 
Treesinging actually? Does it have to do with Sungwood?" Farida inquires.

Rane simply listens, eyes half closed as she tries to almost physically take in 
the song.

Distracted away from Hondar's indecision, Marith turns her attention to Nita as 
she sings. Absently she murmurs, "It looks as if we do not have to go to Tsofu 
after all." She stares in wonderment at the young Ogier woman singing.

Walking up behind Skye, Peron puts his hands upon her shoulders and gives her a 
small squeeze. The Mahdi looks into his brown eyes gratefully and leans against 
him.

Karal's controlled face slips as the song changes. "It...it is Treesinging... 
She is singing to the tree...working her music with it to restore it." His eyes 
are like saucers.

Slowly, almost miraculously, the marred lines in the Great Tree's bark close, 
fresh wood replacing what was lost and hardening, reforming what was lost. 
Nita's face lifts up towards the towering tree's crown, tears streaking her 
face as she sings.

"I honestly do not know what all the fuss is about." The man insists, glancing 
toward gawker and trees, "It's -just- a tree!" He seems exasperated almost, 
particularly when a group of Ogier takes him aside and starts lecturing him. 
Some of the others just gasp and gape at him further at his outlook on things.

Rane wipes a few tears away from her own face.

"Is.. is that possible?" as to confirm Karal's words does Farida now stare at 
Nita and the Tree she is changing. She gasps and moves a hand to her throat, 
"Light" she shakes her head in disbelieve and her grip on Karal's hand 
tightens. Her next words however are only a mutterer.

Hondar steps forward and lets out a deep baratone song, matching Nita's in a 
harmony that rings out of the ground.

The Eldest's own eyes appear to close. She wrings her hands before her, 
allowing herself to get caught up in the song. Anything that's spoken to her 
appears to go unanswered as emotions flicker across her own features. At the 
new voice her eyes fly wide open. Surprise and bewilderment show when she looks 
at Hondar, mixed with disbelief.

Both Skye and Peron look on in amazement as the tree is healed of its damage.

Rane brushes a few more tears away; then looks out of the clearing, seeming to 
reach some sort of resolve.

Nita's hands begins to gently stroke a part of the tree in a circular motion. 
Once again, the tree responds to the song, now aided by Hondar. The tree seems 
to willingly give up a piece of itself, half a foot in diameter, beginning to 
come loose from the tree.

Karal wraps his arm around Farida in an attempt at mutual comfort. "It is 
indeed..." The eyes open even wider as Hondar joins in, and the tree begins to 
shrink.

Rane jerks her attention back, leaning forward, too intrigued by this process 
to miss it. Her hands twitch, as she finds herself without a single writing 
utensil.

Hondar drops his voice a little lower, now . Now his song seems to shake the 
trees around it. Slowly, his song adds to Nita's, supporting her and her work.

Even the man seems to have grown quiet when the male Ogier added his voice to 
the singing, however that does not stop the prattle of the other Ogier 
lecturing him on behing hasty, then apologizing for reminding him since he is, 
of course, human afterall.

Thud spends the entire song cocking his head side-to-side and listening to some 
pitch only he can hear.

Farida is nearly crushed by the unexpected feeling of an huge arm going around 
her but she doesn't even pay attention to this and merely watches Nita and now 
Hondar sing to the Great Tree and the sight of this miracle seems to have an 
unexpected effect on her. As she unconsciously leans against Karal's arm she 
nods to herself, having reached a decision.

Carefully, Peron helps Skye to one of the chairs nearby and kneels before her. 
The Mahdi seems tired and smiles at her companion with gratitude.

Long moments pass before the Eldest shakes herself of the shock that's been 
written upon her features, "It seems..." She speaks hesitantly, ears twitching 
excitedly, "That the Stump will have a great deal to speak about after this 
evening." Amazement however never leaves her face, and her eyes are just as 
wide as Karal's if not wider.

The Great Tree gives up its gift, a half-foot disc of wood falling loose in 
Nita's hands, new wood forming where it once was. Nita and Hondar's voices lift 
in what can only be described as a joyous hymn of thanks to the tree before 
they fall quiet, utter silence in the grove for a few moments before the birds 
again start to chirp. Nita walks over to the man, pushing through the throng of 
Ogier. "You do not need to take when you can be freely given." she says, 
extending thesmooth wooden disc to him. "Take it. It is a gift of the Great 
Tree."

Rane 's mouth makes another quick 'o'. She then touches Hondar on the arm. 
"That was beautiful," she murmurs.

Hondar turns towards the man and Nita, he nods, "That it is." a small tear 
rolls down his cheek, he starts to push his own way through the Ogier, away 
from everyone.

The Ogier around the man blink and gawk at Nita, "You -can't- mean to be giving 
this to him, not after what he did...." One of them protests.

As Hondar pushes, Rane stumbles back, to avoid getting knocked over. Instead, 
she manages to bump her back into the corner of the table. With an 'ow,' that's 
more resigned than anything else, she steps forward, rubbing her back. She 
trots after Hondar, not at all worried about it.

"Yes...yes, I do not doubt it..." His face is held in a mask of surprise. He 
turns his face to Farida and speaks as quietly as possible in her ear. "Are you 
alright?"

Hondar keeps moving through the gathering, heading for the edge of the 
clearing.

Nita looks back towards the tree, now whole again and looking more vibrant than 
ever. "Why not? Should we deny him this, when no harm was done?" she says 
quietly, still holding out the disc.

Farida can only nod once before she tries to speak, "Yes, yes I am, a bit shaky 
though." LOoking at the others she shakes her head and then asks, glad that her 
red cheeks can't been seen on her dark features beneath the cover of the veil, 
"I do hope you are allright though. Now however" she looks worried, "I think I 
need to take a look the Mahdi who needs help."

Rane ,in her attempt to follow Hondar, stubs her toe on a large rock. "Ow, ow, 
ow," she mutters, hopping on one foot in her attempt to follow. "Excuse me, 
pardon me, sorry, excuse me..." through the crowd.

Skye rises to her feet and with Peron's strong arm to lean on, makes her way 
toward the Eldest. The pair of tuatha'an wait while the Ogier finishes speaking 
with her people.

Karal unwraps himself from Farida. "Of course. Please, help your Mahdi."

Hondar leaves the clearing.

Hondar walks to the north, toward the dark path.

Rane walks to the north, toward the dark path.

The Ogier protesting splutters, "He -carved- into the tree. A -Great- Tree." 
Indignation touches his features, "That'd be like telling one of the children 
that it's alright to start forest fires." The Ogier actually appears to be 
stricken.

However the man pushes forward, smirking at him, "Sure... I'll take it." He 
attempts to 'grab' the object from Nita - roughness about him.

Softly, the Mahdi tells the Ogier Eldest, "Forgive me, Eldest Marith, but my 
old bones sometimes can only hold on so long in the evening. It is time for me 
to seek my rest for the night."

Marith glances away from the occurance to nod to Skye. "Of course Madhi. The 
blessing of the Light and stillness upon you." She speaks at the departing 
woman.

Nita heaves a slight sigh, holding firm onto the disc. "You are right, Haral." 
she says to the Ogier. "He does not seem to understand the word 'gift'." she 
says sadly, simply turning the back on the man and walking towards the Eldest 
and the Mahdi.

Skye holds onto Peron's arm as the two Tuatha'an exit the clearing together, 
walking slowly back to their wagons.

Skye walks softly to the north, toward the dark path.

Thud looks around, curious and confused. THen, by some animal instinct, he 
walks over to the tree and curls up at it's base. Lying his muzzle on a paw, he 
takes a nap.

Marith sniffs indignantly at the man and his attitude, "I think Watchman 
Gildain will escort you from the Stedding now. Your attitude is most unpleasant 
and unwelcome." Her word seems to be command

And as commanded, Gildain starts across the glade to escort the nameless man 
from the Stedding without his 'gift' from Nita. Other Ogier don't hesitate to 
help, safety in numbers in making certain he's properly escorted.

Nita stops as she comes up to Marith, placing the disc on the table in front of 
her. She has a look of weariness to her, sitting down with a bit more thump 
than usual. "Was I wronged to do this, Eldest?"

The Eldest watches the man leaving, a darkened expression on her features. She 
then blinks at Nita, eyes widened, "Wrong...? No child, why would you think 
that?"

All around the other Ogier begin to clean up and clear away the debris of the 
evening, to make the glade as beautiful as it was before they brought all the 
food and tables into the area.

"Why is it that he would not accept? Why did he just insist on taking?" asks 
Nita dejectedly, shaking her head sadly. "I thought he would understand."

Marith gently places a hand on Nita's shoulder, consolingly, "Not all humans 
understnad our ways, nor should they be expected to. They are oft times hasty 
and uncouth." That's Eldest Kamala speaking there, "However we should teach 
them better, as we do our own children. Remember, they live such short lives 
that they try to cramp everything together so quickly...."

Karal approaches the Eldest, rethinks his thoughts, and nods respectfully to 
Marith and Nita on his way out of the glade.

Nita nods at the wisdom of the Eldest's words. She looks around at the Ogier 
cleaning the clearing; she should be part of those, but even now she makes an 
half-effort to stifle a yawn. "I wish to give this to the Tuatha'An." she says.
"I think Madhi Skye would like that. It would honor the River Band to have have 
a piece of sung wood." Marith murmurs gently, her eyes shining brightly, "But 
for now, we all must get our rest."

Karal slips quietly out of the glade.

Karal walks quietly to the north, toward the dark path.

Nita 's fingers gently slide across the perfectly smooth wood. "I still do not 
understand what happened. It just came to me." she says quietly.

"We'll discuss it later child... later. After we've both slept." The Eldest 
seems to stifle a yawn of her own, "It has been a tiring day for us all."

Nita nods slowly, standing lumbersomly. She doesn't bring the disc with her as 
she steps away from the table, curtseying to the Eldest. "Good night, eldest." 
she says, one more glance going to those she should have been helping.