Dave Black> He begins humming softly. After a time he begins
to rock slightly from side to side. Over the next while Mawth employes
various rattles, bone castings, and the like. All the while his humming
intensifies and the rocking becomes more pronounced. Finally his body stops
rocking and stiffens somewhat. Silence falls over the site. Long
moments pass. Nijehl and NoBison exchange worried glances...Huff however
seems quite unconcerned. You get the immediate impression that he has seen
this done before and that everything is aok.
Varjeela> This is roughly what he did before, right?
Dave Black> No. Mawth has never done this before.
Varjeela> Oh. The stiffening sounded like what he did at Skull
Rock.
Dave Black> That much is correct. After some passage of time
Mawth's bodies suddenly slumps back into a normal posture. Without a word
he turns towards the group. Varjeela, Joss, and NoBison all catch a
momentary glimpse of Mawth's eyes as he does so. For a fraction of a moment
only the whites are showing. As the group looks to Mawth expectantly
he says, "We are best to avoid this place. Here dwells the soul of a giant.
We have heard tales of him before. He is most powerful and 'defends' this
place as his own private mourning place.
Varjeela> "What is his name, and what does he mourn?"
Joss> "A... a giant?"
Dave Black> "This is indeed Feroda. Long ago the God Learners
captured a cradle here and killed its occupant. The spirit here is that
child's parent. He had come to wreak vengence upon the God Learners for
having killed the infant."
Joss> "A real giant?" joss looks somewhat in awe
and ever so slightly terrified...
Varjeela> Varjeela is definitely NOT looking scared at the thought
of a giant. At all. Not even a little bit.
Dave Black> "In the process he himself was slain. His spirit
remains however - such was the force of his will. This spirit has told
me not to come any closer. He will keep us out if we try..."
Varjeela> "Poor child, to be slaughtered at just a young age.
Is there anything we can do for the father?"
Dave Black> Mawth is at a loss. "Do you know anything about
Giant culture?" he asks. "Myself I know not how to honour the child or
lay it to rest..."
Varjeela> "I know very little of Giants, but I could probably
find out more in Pavis. I could of course pray to Issaries to guide the
child's soul to safety, though I do not know if this will help after such
a long delay.
Dave Black> "it is something at least...," says Mawth.
Varjeela> If this giant would like me to pray to Issaries on
behalf of his child, I will happily do so. Would you ask him, Mawth? And
find out the child's name, if you can.
Dave Black> "Perhaps if we were all to conduct some sort of
last rites for the child and then for the grieved one?" says Mawth pensively.
Joss> "Zola Fel may be able to guide 'is spirit downstream to
where it's s'posed to go..."
Dave Black> Mawth's eyes brighten at that suggestion.
Joss> "Whichever, we should 'onour t'dead. Only reet an' proper."
Varjeela> Yes, that's a good idea Joss. That was the original
journey the child was making, after all.
Dave Black> "You are closest to Zola Fel Joss." Please lead
us in the rite the way Zola Fel prefers it to be done."
Varjeela> A joint ceremony, then? Prayers to Zola Fel, to Issaries
the Guide, and who else? To whom do the Praxians pray for the souls of
the dead?
Joss> "Uh, well, I don't know all t'proper rites an' all that.
Maybe someone from Corflu? One o' t'village elders?"
Dave Black> Nijehl pipes up. "The only way we would get an elder
here is to reveal what we found - but if we do that the place will be swarming
with Lunars."
Joss> "I'll do me best if y'thinks it'll be enough, but I reckon
this ought to be done proper, like."
Varjeela> "I know how to lead ceremonies in general, Joss, though
I know little of Zola Fel. Perhaps we could work something out together?
Joss> "But if we don't want the Lunars 'ere, I guess I'll 'ave
to do." 'Okay, Varjeela. If I tell you what sort o' stuff we ought
to do, you put it into proper, formal priest stuff, aye?"
Varjeela> I think the spirit of a giant could well resist any
Lunar incursions, and any information we give them will be of little use
to them. But they would disturb the peace of this place: a way will have
to be found to avoid that.
Dave Black> And so a ceremony is planned between Joss and Varjeela.
Is said ceremony implemented right away?
Varjeela> Do any of the others wish to add anything? NoBison,
with some Praxian additions?
Dave Black> NoBison and Huff are content to let the proceedings
unfold.
Varjeela> Can Mawth find out from the giant what he would wish
to be done, and how, and what the child's name is?
Joss> "A boat! We need a boat! Well, a little one or summat.
I'll make one. To carry them spirits downstream. Like one o' them cradles,
too."
Varjeela> Also does the giant wish his own soul to be
prayed for? Surely he has spent long enough here, and would wish to join
his child?
Joss> Joss starts pulling marsh grass and eyeing stalks and
leaves critically.
Dave Black> "The giant's name was Niz-ymaksoll and the child's
name was Valloakar." says Mawth.
Varjeela> Varjeela just wants to know if she should also be
praying for the giant's soul to depart? She won't try this without his
consent!