6/12 Dragon Ritual- SF Dev

[19:16] The Elder Drakan leads the troop of younglings that trails behind her outside of Levengard's city walls, outside of its housing district, and to the untamed wilds beyond.

And untamed they certainly are. The growth of trees, brush, and grasses is thick and only a narrow path leads the way through it all. All the forest teems with a sense of life and tranquility and, through the branches, one can catch glimpses of wandering spirits; none of the specters mean them any harm and watch from a safe distance, inquisitive of the guests that tread there.

When the path ends it ends in a clearing, a wide circle clear of most trees in front of a moss-dappled tower that looms above. In the center rests a towering sapling, bathed in blue light that descends from somewhere high above in the clouds. Around it is a circle of overgrown, protective thorns, and around -those- is a painted circle on the ground. Five symbols are equally spaced around its perimeter.

"Now. Before we begin, please take a place on the edge of the circle," Ohtli explains, gesturing to the blue painted marker in the grass.

"We can settle in and get comfortable. Have any of you undergone a ritual before? And do any of you know much about the dragon Spirits?"
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:22] Without any real understanding of what was to take place, the teen followed her thirteen year old guide to whatever ryuujinite ritual was to take place. Elaine stood at the sides and listened attentively to what the spiritmancer had to say.

She could answer, yet she decided against it, opting instead to hear what another might respond with. The Burke girl shuffled on her spot and looked at those in the crowd who answered the given questions.
(Elaine Burke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:23] Maybe a last minute tag along. But he'd finally join the group to a lesson of some sort. It was exciting! Even if not something he knew much of, or had much interest in.

But learning was learning. Through the spirit filled woods and out to a colossus of a tree. He stayed pretty quiet, not knowing much of the others in the crowd, looking at the painted circle.

He'd take a small seat at one edge. When they were all asked about rituals, he'd shake his head no.
(Alyas)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:25] This wasn't the first time he's been to Ohtli's forest... Tower thing, nor would this probably be the last time he comes here, but uhh.. He was getting a bit off topic! What matters was that the forest tower thing was rather impressive.

Without wasting much time, the blacksmith would move to take a seat towards the edge of the circle. He didn't know many of the people here, nor did he actually have anything to add. He was simply a spectator of Ohtli, doing Ohtli's thing.

Once settled in, his green eyes would focus on the elder Drakan, as he waited for whatever was to come next. This should be fun.
(Saba)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:25] Coming up to the ritual spot, the boy's eyes grew a tad bit wider.

Whistling to himself as he glanced around, before slowly making his way over towards the circle. Stopping to plop down at the edge of his, sitting cross-legged on the grass.

"No, I've never done a big ritual like this, Miss Ohtli. And, uh.."

A slight pause, his gaze drifting off to the side,

"I don't know much about dragons, I just wanted to help. You know, Dryad stuff.."
(Ilui Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:25] A ritual about the dragon spirits? All that Celestine needed to hear was the word 'spirits' before she wanted to sign up. The recent lessons with Adsila and with what Ohtli taught her made the little lady a bit more conscious about where she stepped and what she did.

There were lake spirits, nature spirits, sky spirits probably- and Celestine wanted to learn as much as she could about these creations.

And possibly earn one's blessing.

She'd wander in with Ohtli and the group that trailed behind, all of them finding their way through some sort of overgrown area. Forests filled with life and.. unlife even. Ghosts! The Elisheva child watched just as curiously as the spirits wandering at a safe distance did.

Her eyes travel down to the painted circle on the ground, and then over to the tower. Had Ohtli created this all? The circle was obvious, but a tower like this? It was certainly possible, but Celestine didn't want to interrupt the upcoming ritual.

"..Have done one. I think. To purify the lake nearby." Rituals were still a new concept to her. This might be a great learning experience! One last look to the circle was given before her legs caused her to wander, taking a place on the circle, knees bending for her to sit down.

"Like this?"
(Celestine Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:26] Magdalen makes sure to sneeeaaaak over to her nerdy brother and give him a sisterly hug, before sneaaaaking back to stand next to daughter and friend. One arm hugs her daughter close, possessively.

MINE. No dumb Belialites are gonna hurt her.

Also, she's not really paying attention to Ohtli's question, suddenly remembering something's going on! She speaks up, the distracted thing saying;

"Oh! Yeah, like tons."
(Magdalen Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:26] A wide circle clearing seemed to open up to the group and the elder drakan. Half-absentmindly following along with the group. But it could turn out to be something even more. Taking a small seat at one of the edges like the others that joined.

However asked about dragon spirits they gave a small shrug. No absolute clue. " Uhm...Nope! I uh..only know about Quetzlelcoatl.."
(Skye Roberts)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:27] The young Drakanite followed Lady Ohtli out of Levengard and down the various winding trails that lead away from the demi-angels city. She'd followed some of these paths before on her travels to and from Dawn, but never to the lengths that they were heading now. It was untamed wildlands, the kinds that just radiated danger. . yet they seemed soothing to her, as though she had nothing to worry about. Her spine tingled as she turned her head, catching sight of a wandering, earthbound spirit that had made its way from the realms of the dead down to the materium. Interesting. .

Eventually, they made it to the area overlooked by Ohtli's tower, a place she'd visited a few times via a different route. She had to be stealthy around these parts, due to her unfortunate affiliation with the City of the Damned, so she'd never spent time to take in the surroundings before. Her slitted eyes marvelled at the huge, almost glowing tree, surrounded by twisting thorns and then, further out, a blue, runed ring. Definitely seemed to be a ritualistic place. An offering to the tree, perhaps?

Arlei walked over carefully and slowly lowered herself to the ground, sitting just before the beginning of the circle. As Ohtli spoke, she turned and spoke her piece.

"Never before, Lady Ohtli. And, I only know of what you've told me in the past." she stated, her face scrunching up in irritation. It still pained her that she'd spent her life in complete ignorance of the Drakanites patron deities, but it was definitely time for her to fix that mistake.
(Arlei Therus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:29] While their interaction involved hair ruffling and her mother's usual blithe disposition towards Elaine, Lailah giggled plenty. She was content about their meet, even though the drakanite had stayed in their home the night before.

"Don't be sad, Elaine. She's just being motherly. That's how my mom is." Another giggle is sounded from the young one eight angel girl before the group was led off with Ohtli and the others for her tribute.

The group traverse through thick forestry and blades of fine grass to find themselves all spreading out among an opening. The young teenager's eyes settle on the sapling amidst the thorns, gleaming with an awed expression.

Thereafter, the teen's eyes drift below to the lands where a painted sphere surrounds it all, accompanied with five symbolic creations around its perimeter.

Curiously, Lailah stands between her mother and Elaine in the proper formation as Ohtli suggested.

Eventually the young Elisheva removes her sight from that ritualistic circle to find themselves staring at the Elder, shaking her head.

"This would be my first ritual, Miss Ohtli, and I don't know anything about the Dragon Spirits." Speaking with a grin, if anyone know the little angel well, they knew she'd already have her notebook and quill in hand should there be an explanation of each to jot down and learn from.
(Lailah Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:34] The drakan blinked in surprise; no one was there to speak up about the patron dragons of Eternia? It was absolutely shocking to her. This wasn't a matter of learning anymore, but racial pride.

Elaine stepped forward, clearing her voice as she adjusted her collar. She had situated herself near the symbol dedicated to her own patron- assuming it was a form of the symbol she recognized.

"Within our world, there are five divine dragons, each symbolizing one of the base elements of Eternia," begun the noble girl. It was as if she was reciting knowledge straight from a book.

"The most commonly known would be Ryujin, who embodies fire, and is commonly known as the Lord of Spirits. Within the East, representing lightning, is the dragon Shenlong, the Skywarden."

She adjusted her collar almost nervously as she prepared for the much harder names, ensuring that she was ready to properly enunciate the strange, foreign names. "Within Gehenna is the dragon of wind, Quet-zal-Coa-tl. And within the ocean, the dragon of water, Jor-mun-gan-dr. It is commonly overshadowed by the sirenian dieties, and thus we know little of him."

And for the finale- the most important part. Again, she filled with the ruffled collar.

"Lastly would be the patron dragon of the Earth, which there is much discussion over, according to scholars. Gehennans believe it to be a being known as Huatl, while those within the North believe it to be Garjling, or perhaps some being which created them both.

The speaker bowed her head, hearing already the applause in her ears.
(Elaine Burke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:41] The Drakan Elder nods as each testifies to their experience or lack thereof. Some of course know more than others, and Elaine gets a small, warm little smile from Ohtli.

"As you say. There are five of the Divine Dragons," she repeats, and as she goes on she points to each of the five symbols.

"Ryujin, the Great Dragon of fire and Shepherd of Souls. Shenlong, the Warden of the Skies, the master of lightning. Huatl, as I know his name, the Lord of Earth with the heart of Magma. Jormungand, the Great Leviathan of the Deep, who oversees the waters and the furthest trenches of the ocean. Quetzalcoatl, the Serpent of Wind."

Once more the Elder gestures to the circle with a sweep of her hand.

"Please. If you wish to participate, join the circle. You are encouraged to make an offering to the Spirits, but it is not required. Offerings of blood are not required either, if you are not comfortable with them. Words, ideals, items, mana. All sacrifices to honor those that made the World are welcome.

"And of course, if you have any further questions before we begin, I will be happy to answer."
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:50] Five symbols, five dragons. That much made sense, and with how much the world focussed on elements, it didn't surprise him. They seemed the quintessential five. He'd come to join in, even if it wasn't something he knew much of.

Or followed. As for an offerring? He could do that. Before he approached, he closed his eyes, drawing a bit of focus. And there, a small little batch of crystal formed inbetween his hands. Glowing faintly with energy. Then he'd step forwards, clutching the crystal in his hands.

It sparkled nicely, it should be nice for them.
(Alyas)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:52] "So many.."

That's right, there's way too many spirits. It made the little Dryad's head spin just thinking about all the things he was having to retain to memory. Going from normal, everyday spirits - to the Divine Dragons, and even those known throughout Gehenna. It's confusing, but it's something he took seriously.

It was his duty to know these things, after all.
And to help uphold their respect, while making sure they're receiving proper nourishment.

Shuffling a bit closer, the boy finally joined the circle. Sitting himself down as he reached into the sleeve of his shirt, removing a small knife that he kept handy. It's rested atop his lap, a faint smile finding it's way onto his features as he glanced over towards those who had joined him, and those that were still standing in the crowd.

"Mn, is the reason there's so many Dragon spirits the reason that people have different kinds ofwings?"

A shift of his head to the side, those overly large eyes of his glancing up at the elder.
(Ilui Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:53] An offering to the spirits. Everything seemed...a bit strange really. But wasn't it something they should do regardless? But even so..Offering up something, it should have a bit of value to the person offering it up.


Even then thats why the boy had a bit of trouble figuring out what to offer. The gears grinding in his head before a lightbulb popped in his head. The perfect offering, well from him anyway.

And that was offering up some of his candy! Some held faint traces of energy and those were the ones they walked up and would offer. Walking up with a bit of candy filled with loose traces of energy's in hand as they soon joined the circle.

Hopefully it wouldn't look too bad on his part..it was all he really had.
(Skye Roberts)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:53] Not one to be left in the dust, the snowy-feathered, alabaster-cloaked Elisheva would advance as her daughter undoubtedly does! Her offering is a silvery bar of... Mythril.

It's held in hand, having her other hand hold that doted on daughter of her's own! Totally maybe a little clingy.
(Magdalen Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:54] Five Divine Dragons? This was the first time Celestine was exposed to a class about dragons. She might have seen a couple tiny dragons floating around but inquiring about the Divine Dragons wasn't ever a top priority for her.

Her optics view each of the five symbols that Ohtli points to, nodding along to each of the five. Ryujin was first. A dragon which took Celestine's interest immediately. Her sister was a pyromancer. Perhaps learning about that dragon could assist in learning all of those techniques and abilities? Next was the master of lightning, which didn't give off the same impression that Ryujin did. Lightning was not an element that her siblings from the orphanage could control. At least not to her knowledge.

The third dragon was Huatl. The Elisheva child perked up, turning her head over to the right. Earth? Focusing on that dragon might be ideal to an Earth magi such as herself. The rest of the dragons certainly didn't catch as much attention as the first few did.

Nature and earth were Celestine's domains.

Wishing to participate, she moves a small amount closer to the circle, momentarily standing from her seated position and walking just a tiny bit closer. One arm is stretched out for herself to examine, remembering Ohtli's ropey scars. Blood meant the most. Blood would be the sacrifice of choice.

Maybe trying out this ritual business would get the little lady closer to the spirits just as she desired. She reaches into her cloak, fingering a long line of thorns and plant life hidden just under, waiting for the right moment to prick her fingers and spill her sacrifice.

"..Ready. No questions."
(Celestine Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:54] The blacksmith would give a small nod to Ohtli, as he brought a small dagger out from his bag. He wasn't entirely sure where he'd make this sacrifice, but surely draining a small amount of his blood into the just... The middle of the Circle was the correct place... Right?

Oh well, only one way to find out right?

With one quick motion the palm of his hand was cut open. Blood sacrifices were the norm back in Gehenna, so this wasn't really that strange for him. So slowly but surely he'd let his blood trickle down into... Wherever the offerings were going.

"Uhh… Well I kinda worship the other Huatl… Cause for some reason there's two deities spirits named that. Oh well, I'm sure he wouldn't mind me giving a bit of blood to the dragon gods."

He'd simply shrug after that, as he let some more blood flow, before heading back to the circle. One there, he'd focus some holy magic on his hand tohelp speed up the natural healing process.
(Saba)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:55] The ivory dryad arrives only slightly late to the party, dragged along by her younger sister.

It takes her a moment to adjust to what she's seeing- okay, her dad and Ohtli are standing by the tower, and the rest of her siblings are watching in the crowd.

Someone talks a lot about these 'Divine Dragons', to which Ohtli then elaborates further on- which clears up a lot of the confusion she had about what was happening.

She had known it was a ritual of some kind, and her dad had mentioned that he and Ohtli were going to be purifying something earlier...so, she can only really assume that these are the same things.

Which means that this is a cleansing ritual. She's done one of those before!

Her eyes glance over, looking to her brother as he steps forward- and then her sister, Celeste.

Following the blonde dryad over, she stands next to her in the circle.

And prepares herself to sacrifice something possibly unorthodox.
(Alesia Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:57] Arlei listened intently to the explanations given by both Elaine and Ohtli, burning the words they spoke into her mind as best as she could. Ryujin, her patron spirit, was the lord of fire and the shepherd of souls. She knew of that much from speaking with Lady Ohtli. She wished she could meet him some day, but she wasn't entirely sure that he was even a physical being anymore. Perhaps in time, her studies and adventures would prove fruitful in that endeavour. Either way, he was her patron deity, and the one she looked up to the most.

And then there was Shenlong, the great dragon of lightning, with his title of the Skywarden. She'd never met a lightning Drakanite that she knew of, though she had a good feeling there were some here; her ignorance of her own race and its offshoots still irritated her. Perhaps with this, she could begin her path of knowledge. Lightning was a wonderful element, fast and quick. It held much power, but was uncontrolled; as opposed to fire, which could be controlled but never precise.

As they moved to Jormungand, Arlei tilted her head. Whilst she wasn't sure if she'd met a lightning drakanite, she was SURE that she'd never met a water drakanite. Perhaps they resided in the sea with him, in their own colony separate from the rest of Eternia. She made a mental note to search for them one day. Much knowledge could be gained from meeting with such a race.

Quetzalcoatl was a spirit she'd heard of before, but only in passing; he was the divine spirit that governed the winds. His reach was far and vast, just like his element. She wondered if his knowledge was equally as vast as his reach.

And then, the final Divine Spirit. Huatl, or Garjiling. The first thing that came to Arlei's mind was how they did not know of his true name; had his worship faded over the years? That was information they most certainly should reacquire. However, his name wasn't important, what he stood for was. And that was what she was here to learn about.

The young Drakan reached inside of her coat, pulled her blade just slightly from its sheath and nicked her palm, allowing her blood to flow upon the ring. She also withdrew three water crystals which she dripped her blood onto, signalling that they were also for an offering; it wasn't much, but it was what she had on hand at the current moment.
(Arlei Therus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:57] Moves the tree.
(Elaine Burke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[19:57] Ilui Elisheva says, "Do."
[19:57] Ilui Elisheva says, "Not."
[20:00] Every note was written down in her notebook regarding the five Divine dragons. Their titles, their semblance of the five elemental magics, and what have you.

And while Lailah had been doing that, the little Elisheva steps forward towards the outer circle of the painted field with her mother, and assuming Elaine as well, to partake in the offering.

Blood? Definitely not. She'd already discussed her belief and position on the usage of blood in any offering. It was disgusting, but mana? That'd do it for sure.

Celestial energy fades into existence around the teenager's body, readying herself for when she'd exude more of it soon for the ritual.

Meanwhile, any other questions asked by others, and their answers, were also written down.
(Lailah Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:05] Lailah shifts her arm in a manner that makes her mother hold her arm rather than her hand since she was writing down notes. What the heck, mom??? :(
(Lailah Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:08] The golden drakan stands in the circle, everyone seems to be ready but he wasn't.. What he could offer to the sacrifice? What he has that worths so much? It was confusing for the teen..

Looking at each one, from blood, to items, to just words? Blue confused hues starring at Ohtli. Giving it some thought he grabs his blade and nail it in the soil. Getting on his knees while looking to the sky.

"I.. don't have money or nothing of worth to give. B-But.. I only my word to promise that each day I will give the best of me to honor all of them efforts.

My word is everything I have."
(Cecil)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:09] "Each Drakan is blessed by a different member of the Divine, yes. That is why our wings are all different," she explains gently to Ilui nearby.

The Drakan Elder stoops down, taking something from within her pockets. She takes a long, broad fang from her coat and uses it to cut a shallow stripe down her forearm. The tooth, taken from the once-risen Kalurex, is set down on the circle as her sole offering. Her head remains solemnly low. Yet still she watches, with pride, as all those gathered resolve to join her in paying tribute through sacrifice.

"If you have not set your offering onto the circle, now is the time to do so," she advises before falling silent.

So many encircled around the little grove, so many eager to listen and learn. It does her old heart good to see.
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:13] Arlei nodded, shunting the water crystals onto the circle with a small blood offering.

"I don't have much, but I will spare what I have." she muttered, keeping her head held low just as Ohtli did.

"Lord Ryuujin, I pray that one day you will forgive me for my ignorance."
(Arlei Therus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:14] A small nod came from the sugary drakanite before tossing the pieces of candy with loose mana into the circle. Keeping his head low just as Miss Ohtli did.

"Mr Quetzelcoatl..p-please accept these small tokens, I'll do my best to uhm..t-try and be better.."
(Skye Roberts)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:15] Alyas looked up to Ohtli, then nodded. He stepped forwards, scratching himself lightly with the crystal he formed... Adding his own to it. He didn't really have words to say, but instead took to watching what the others offerred.
(Alyas)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:16] The ivory dryad thinks for a few seconds, eyes glancing around to the various offerings already laid out- and her sister, about to offer blood.

Then an idea strikes her.

Hesitantly, she reaches up to her head, and pulls her crown of flowers from it.

She holds it at eye level, looking over the kind-of shoddy construction for a few seconds, before she steps forward and, leaning down, places the crown into the offering circle.

Stepping back, she goes to stand next to her sister again, although just a little bit closer than before, and trembling slightly. She's doing her best to hide the trembles, though. And only kind of succeeding- her siblings would be able to spot them for certain.

And they'd also know that she had been using what meagre dryadic powers she knew how to use to keep that crown mostly alive for months now. That she wore it everywhere.

To everyone else, though, she just looks a bit emotional over sacrificing a shoddily made headpiece.
(Alesia Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:16] The row of sharp thorns just under her cloak is brushed up against, digging into flesh in in order to find the spiritual gift that flowed beneath. That was the sacrifice intended, and that was the sacrifice that she was going to give.

Her hand reaches out, patting the inside of the circle, letting her sacrifice drip down. Her blood had an effect on Agartha's life nearby, funneling perhaps too much mana into the sacrifice and causing a small mandrake to burst from the dirt, staying rooted in place.

Fetching a cloth to wipe off the remainder that spilled on her flesh, Celestine sat back down, wrapping her hand in the cloth.

"Hope this is good."
(Celestine Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:18] An offering.

Most religious practices were dedicated to Azrael; her kind had largely broken away from Garjling's ways, despite having done their utmost to maintain blood purity. Nonetheless, she sat before her patron stone and bowed her head.

The drakan reached into a satchel at her side and produced a small trinket she had crafted: iron that had been banged into the shape of a claw. A single talon, curved like a dragon's might be. With a silent prayer, she offered the sacrifice forward.
(Elaine Burke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:18] "Hm, hm..!"

A few nods of his head were given, the boy's gaze drifting across those that had gathered. Waiting to see what they were going to sacrifice, only for him to finally get started on his own.

Grabbing for his knife, it's placed in the palm of his hand. The little Dryad wincing out in pain as he ran it across his palm, allowing for crimson ichor to flow freely onto the ground below atop the circle,

"Accept this offering of blood, Divine Dragons..! There's nothing I ask of you, only that you see this offering as a kind gesture."

Speaking in full confidence, a faint smile was found etched upon the Dryad's visage as he watched his blood flow down. Just happy that people were giving back to the spirits.
(Ilui Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:20] Celestial mana is offered up while the teenager continues scribbling down question and answer, until no more words are spoken. Instead, her eyes drift off the page to observe Ohtli's tribute of blood and the object used to break open her flesh.

It churned the girl's stomach, and her expression turned into that of a disgusted look, clearly not content with the action done. Regardless, that doesn't stop her from utilizing more mana, causing the Elisheva's forehead to damped with sweat from its continuous production.

Lailah was no master of magic; she didn't delve more into those abilities and tap at her circuits to learn more. Not yet at least, and thus far she could only produce an ambiance of her cosmic abilities, allowing that of the stars to be offered as that for the Divine Five.
(Lailah Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:20] The motherly Magdalen is honestly pretty terrible for leaving the circle multiple times. She's only tangentially participating in this ritual, watching over her daughter and smiling at those luminous little bits of light ebbing from her!

However, she notices Alesia's hesitant sacrifice and the little trembles, leaving the circle after squeezing Lailah's hands, and striding over to the shivering Dryad-child.

She'll absolutely give her a huge hug, opting to walk around the circle and enwrap long-sleeved arms around the youngster, a gentle pat-pat give the way of her head as she leans down!
(Magdalen Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:22] {NARRATION} As each offering is giving, a calm and cool breeze blows through the ritual site.

When the last one is offered, a bigger breeze emerges. Lifting up each of the offerings into the air and swirling them about.

Bursts of wind come from the North, South, East and West. All coming together and caging the offerings, forming a miniature tornado that’s suspended in the air.

A pale green glow forms at the center of this wind storm - and it starts to grow brighter and brighter!

In time something is born from the winds. An etheral serpent is given shape. Its body spiraling in place as it looks down upon those gathered.

The Serpent looks to the air and releases an emerald flame. Not destructive as normal dragon fire but rather as cool as the spring’s breeze. A token of gratitude, perhaps?

It wouldn’t take long for the spectral visage to disappear once more. Splitting into the four wings once more.

[20:23] Celestine pumps shotgun..
(Celestine Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:23] Celestine Elisheva says, "Have dealt with monsters before."
[20:26] Alesia definitely calms slightly as her aunt wraps her arms around her in a hug, then pat-pats her head. There is still a little bit of trembling, but- she's better. Her head is definitely bereft of flowers now, though.
(Alesia Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:30] Naturally, the girl didn't expect much of this ritual. Azraelites were entirely used to their prayers being completely unanswered, given the nature of their imprisoned lord, and Elaine had not once seen any sort of religious response otherwise. They could have merely been superstitions to her, were it not for the obvious blessings upon those around her.

And yet she could feel it; that familiar sensation. A spirit of the world itself was moving, one essentially opposite to her own. The drakan of earth held herself tightly as divine winds passed through the group and sent their hair flying all about. It was beyond any gale that she had ever felt before.

"Incredible."

That was all she could manage out through the loud, bustling winds. What was to come of this; was this some sort of trick? A ploy?

But it seemed all too real when emerald fire splashed down upon them all. For just a moment, Elaine's life flashed before her eyes as she expected to be utterly incinerated, yet the outcome was far different.

Nothing more than, really, a light kiss.

She smiled.
(Elaine Burke)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:30] A sudden whirlwind. Was the ritual starting? After the last was offerred? Alyas watched with quiet amazement, as his crystal rose up, joinning with the others contributions.

Green glows. A serpent... Was this one of those divine? He looked hastily down to the symbols, and then rememberred.

The winds. The one with the impossible to pronounce name. At least he didn't know how. A startling flame. But no, it felt as if a refreshing air. He said his first word since joinning the group then.

"Amazing."
(Alyas)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:32] While still trembling, her aunt's hug and patting goes leagues towards calming the ivory dryad. She definitely isn't okay- the shaking of her eyes attests to that, but she isn't just holding back tears now.

She hadn't noticed the cool breezes flowing when she gave her offering- or the other ones, either. She does take notice of the breeze that pulls the offerings into the air.

And she'd be a dullard to miss the bursts of cardinal winds, forming a tornado to collect and conceal the offerings.

Her eyes widen as she witnesses the green glow form, and form larger into a giant, ethereal emerald serpent, body spiraling around.

A meek, hesitant wave is given up at the Visage, and a sense of awe is instilled into her as she watches the emerald flames flow through the air, cool and calming.

And then the visage vanishes. Just as her parents walk up. And her parents would definitely notice, if they looked at her, that her flower crown is missing.

A short wave is given to them, too. And a weak smile.
(Alesia Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:32] Oh gosh, it was happening again..

As a breeze passed through the area, the boy's gaze panned up. A look filled to the brim with wonderment washing over his expression as the spirit was brought forth. Swirling up their offerings in a torrent of wind, before releasing another torrent of it's own.

It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see something as amazing as this.

Yet this time, it wasn't here to attack them; no. It was here to give it's thanks for their offerings, showing them that it had heard their calls.

"W-.. Woah.."

Barely able to get his own words out, the little Dryad reached over to pinch himself. Just to make sure he wasn't having some kind of strange dream. Nope, yeah.. This was real.
(Ilui Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:34] Celestine just quietly sits, tending to the biological summons she held within her coat, a grand smile donated to them. They still looked a sickly pale from all of the punishment they went through, but that could be mended sooner or later. Celestine hoped- no, she knew.

This spiritual donation however, was given in hopes of gaining some trust from the spirits that controlled various domains. A building of trust. A building of spiritual connection and something which was given freely in hopes of connecting to nature itself a bit further.

It was in her blood, of course.

Her eyes close for a slight rest, something welling up in her throat for a moment. She coughs a moment later, clutching her chest. Was she coming down with something? Magi didn't usually get sick, did they? It most likely wasn't anything to worry about.

And suddenly something unexpected happens, wind passing from each cardinal direction, blowing Celestine's hair up and around, causing both eyes to open again. She'd squint, finding some sort of ethereal serpent growing, mouth nearly dropping.

The power of sacrifice was showing itself once again!

Without a word, the little lady examines the spirit, toothy grin not daring to cease. Even she knew that the ritual would be counted as a success.

Now Celestine had two rituals under her belt.
(Celestine Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:36] Magdalen's actually pretty surprised at the appearance of such a major spirit. A soft hum of is uttered, as she looks up from over her gentle embrace of the tiny Dryad, resting her chin atop the other's crown as white-cloaked arms enshroud her!

No words are given towards it, just a soft smile, upholding that hug of adopted youth - so as to serve as a ward against further sadness. Instinctively, runes are projected around her form, shining out from her cloak as a defensive field of luminous light - though, such protective radiance isn't needed, and it dissolves as the Angel-blooded realizes no children are injured by the emerald flame.

A different rune is drawn in the air - to take that little blessing and attempt to store store it in glittering series of gylphs that float before her - moving the pattern, once finished and pressing it into her notebook to bleach the page and impart itself!

The Magdalen presupposes that it's merely another form of energy - albiet exotic - and she could convey and store it within a lightly-sustained network of glyphs created to be sensitive to ambient mana in the area and change to accommodate that emerald fire!

Book is closed, whether this instinctive attempt is successful or not, and slipped under her heavy robes, and she returns to hugging the tiny Dryad!
(Magdalen Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:36] Wind, rather..a cool breeze blew through the site for the ritual. Practically calming in its sense of amusement. Even as offerings went in it seemed as if the breeze remained, until the last offering was in place.

Just until bursts of wind came in from all around them. Mainly the areas on a compass. Northern wind, Southern wind, Eastern wind and even weastern wind came to the ritual spot, Something felt wrong, yet it was quite the opposite.

A miniature tornado that soon grew into a vastly pale, etheral green glowing form. And in its breath stealing glory even the feathered drak couldn't forget its name.

Quetzalcoatl, The serpent of the wind

Even as the visage let forth an emerald flame the drakanite bowed in respect. He'd actually seen it..a visage of his drakanite deity, and his first ritual to boot!"Miss Ohtli..w-was that really..was that Quetzalcoatl?"

He just had to be certain. A small price for being dense.
(Skye Roberts)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:36] Huh, was it just him or was it getting rather windy out here? Huh, was uhh… Something appearing behind Ohtli. Wait, WAIT! Something was actually forming behind the elderly drakan!

Anything he had to say, or was planning on saying was gone. The appearance of what he assumed to be Quetzalcoatl had knocked the wind out of him... Pun not intended.

He'd heard tales of the majestic serpent, but he'd yet to see them in person, and holy crap was this better than he expected it to be. He was stunned, and in silence, taken aback by Quetzalcoatl's beauty.

A smile spread across the young blacksmith's face as he watches the green flames do their thing. He had no words.

This entire thing was just beyond wonderful.
(Saba)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:37] Now, Arlei didn't know what she was expecting here. She had came along at the insistence of Ohtli, so that she could learn more about Ryujin and the other deities. Patch up holes in her knowledge, knowledge she should really have already learnt as a child due to being a Drakanite.

Whatever it was that she expected, it was most certainly not this.

Her eyes widened as the breeze picked up, lifting their offerings into the air, twisting them slowly about. She attributed this to Ohtli's magic, but when the breeze began to come in from each of the four cardinal directions simultaneously, she let out an audible gasp.

The winds twisted and tangled, merging into a turbulent typhoon in the centre of the circle, emerging from the floating offerings. And as the winds picked up, the ethereal light from the centre grew brighter and brighter until it was like a magnesium flame to her raw eyes.

A great serpent held itself, born from the tornado created throughtheir sacrifice. Its eyes scanned over all of them, drawing a noticeable shiver from the young Ryuujinite who stared up with childish wonder.

Arlei lifted her arms through sheer instinct as the emerald flames bathed over them all, not burning but soothing them. It felt like life energy itself had washed over her, cooling her like a summers breeze. She had no idea what it meant, but by the fact she hadn't been killed, she viewed it as a positive thing.

As fast as it formed, it faded once more. Arlei just. . sat there, staring upwards, blinking.

What. . just happened?
(Arlei Therus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:37] The golden drakans blue hues closing to feel the breeze while the others continue the offering. His hair moving more violently each time, he frowns opening his eyes to see what was going on. Eyes opening widely as he saw what was just emerging from the breeze..

A smile on his face while his golden wings extent, arms widely open as he feels it all surrounding him.

"This mean they approve it! This means they're happy!" A soft jump while he raise his fist with eagerly looking at the serpent.

"Hi! I'm Cecil! Nice to meet you!"
He exclaims, waving with both arms before giving Ohtli a wink. He wanted to be remenbered by the spirit! Of course he would.

Both hands moving to his houlders like a X, trembling momentarily from the breeze while he keeps giggling. Heart beat accelerating and it all felt like some sort of dream for him.
(Cecil)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:37] As the final tribute is offered, winds blow in from all directions, creating a whirlwind within the center of the gathered Levengard inhabitants.

All offerings elevate in the tangible cage of that magic, as Lailah assumed it to be. Her golden ability cuts off eventually, allowing the finale of her mana to join with the rest of what had been taken up in this ritual.

A soft glow of green illuminates the sky, shining on the peoples, growing brighter with each passing second until a serpent forms, spiraling around and gazing upon all involved.

It was almost not realistic for Lailah. Her eyes widen with surprise, and that notebook is used once again. A new page is turned to, and without a second thought, a sketch of the serpent is etched down on the page, along with a description of its features thereafter on the back of that very page.

Her emerald eyes occasionally glance up for details with where it floated above them all. She was awestruck. It was phenomenal,and she couldn't have been anymore stoked to have joined her Elder in this occasion.

The ethereal form of the patron disperses into the winds shortly after it's arrival, allowing the young Elisheva the time to flick her gaze upon Ohtli, inaudibly conjuring an abundance of questions that she could ask her, yet the girl remains silent for now.
(Lailah Elisheva)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[20:39] The stirring of the wind doesn't escape the Elder's notice. The first one she writes off as an errant breeze, but when the second gust passes through the grove it has her full and undivided attention. Her first thoughts go to what might have gone wrong; was the circle improper? Had something wrong been said? An offering unfit?

The specter coalesces in the center, born of ether and divine gales.

Ohtli has caught glimpses in dreams, has heard the Serpent's voice, but to see them in full?

Never. Even the long-lived Drakan is struck with sheer and utter awe to look upon the divine she so fervently serves. There's trepidation as it opens its jaws to unleash a gout of flame, but no heat or destruction comes of it; instead there is cool calm breath that pervades the clearing.

As the Serpent begins to fade Ohtli bends her head low, deathly near to a bow by Gehennan standards. When she moves again it's to nod to Skye, albeit stiffly. A smile is cast to Cecil, as gregarious as ever.

"The Spirits are pleased. Thank you, thank you all for what you have given today. If you remember one thing, I encourage that it is this; the spirits watch over us always."
(Ohtli Tezcacoatl)