Pagan Gods: Of Brotherhood and War

03:37 Dahvin_the_Defiant: I step foot in My Forest, returning from a long hunt as I prowl still even in My home. The scent of the Forest, the feel of the soft rain coming down through the dark sky overhead, the Moon and her soft moonbeams raining softer than the water.... It moves me to return and feel such life in the Forest....
03:37 minotaur21560: *suddenly looks up, hidden behind a tree...
03:38 Madison_Jones: I sense a powerful presence nearby... I start traveling there to see what it is.
03:41 Madison_Jones: "Could this be...." I wonder realizing it is miles away.
03:42 Dahvin_the_Defiant: I sniff the air, inhaling deep the scents on the wind.... I smell the tangled smell of Rut and War and Blood...coming from behind a tree not too far away.... And then the smell of Rut and Contest and Magic approaching from another direction.... It is time to unveil My Home among the Forest to these new denizens.... With a growling summons rumbling from my chest. my arms wave through the air, I bring forth the Hunting Lodge from its slumber. It is time to stoke its fires and make warm the Hearth that has stilled for many moons, but a Hearth that will know warmth and the sound of Life again soon.
03:45 minotaur21560: *I step out from behind the tree, Dark General of the Woods, proudly in helmet and the double red cord of my rank. I drop to one knee to salute the Lord of the Forest and acknowledge his summoning of the lodge.
03:48 Dahvin_the_Defiant:
03:49 minotaur21560: (mm beautiful)
03:50 Dahvin_the_Defiant: The lodge appears as a reverent one kneels behind me. I feel his strength and smell deeper his tangled smell of Rut and War and Blood. I grin and growl as I feel his power. An excellent new member to the Forest. "Greetings, mortal warrior," I say as I proceed towards the lodge entrance.
03:52 Dahvin_the_Defiant: "I smell My Son upon you...." I say as I open the door and a small fire blazes to life, the Lodge suddenly coming out of hibernation slowly upon my return. "I hope you have shown him more than just a good time...."
03:54 minotaur21560: I stand, head bowed and following the god to the peaceful entrance of the lodge. I pause at the threshold, unsure if i am worthy of entry.
03:59 Dahvin_the_Defiant: I notice the hesitancy, but I say nothing. In the Old Ways, nothing is given - you hunt and take your quarry, and this one will understand the Old Ways and be with them...or he will stay out in the cool rain.
03:57 COPPER_WOLF: Rushing in with an amber trail of light flowing from the copper tips of my fur, you see a large wolf hybrid running on all fours with immense speed. I come to a stop, the momentum causing me to slide a little as I taking the sight of Dahvin the Defiant. I also see The General nearby, but my eyes stay focused on the god before me... I stare in awe with my head cocking to the side.
04:01 Dahvin_the_Defiant: The Wolf spirit runs in My Forest tonight, and he rides upon a mortal that comes bounding to My Lodge. The fire grows in the Hearth, casting more light out into the cool, wet night. I throw off my furs at the fire so they can warm and begin butchering tonight's kills that will feed those who come. But what offerings shall those who gather at the Father's table bring?....
04:04 minotaur21560: I watch the wolf, and the God with his attitude of confidence. I take a step over the threshold, but all that i can bring to the Father's table on this day is anxiety about the future and a penitent heart.
04:06 COPPER_WOLF: Cautiously I approach, unsure how open this invitation is. It is clear to me that this entity is absolute, power unrivaled, comparable to but few I have encountered. Coming to the threshold on two legs, I look through to voice a simple question. "Is this a closed gathering?"
04:07 COPPER_WOLF: You are not logged in.
04:07 Dahvin_the_Defiant: "It is...." I say as my knife cuts through meat and begins to prep it for roasting over the fire. "Closed to any but those who would swear their lives to the Forest that gives them Life," I answer as the knife cuts the meat with ease.
04:11 COPPER_WOLF: "I have been visiting these lands for a time now, and I appreciate their splendor and untainted qualities. I would offer assistance in protecting them as the world I come from is being destroyed by pollution." I sniff the air and the meat that Dahvin prepares. "I would like to join this gathering, but pledging my life a commitment I am not yet able to offer. Would you still have me?"
04:11 minotaur21560: The general speaks his heart in low tones... "these are strange times."
04:08 Garras: The bear stands at the treeline. Watching. Silent for a moment. Observing.
04:13 Dahvin_the_Defiant: I smile at the mild bull's words. And another is in our midst.... The gentle warrior bear.... And another....this one is most familiar and intimate to me...My Son.... But there are the Wolf's words.....
04:14 Dahvin_the_Defiant: "Would you not fight for your home, wolf, if someone sought to destroy it?" I ask as meat goes on the fire in the Hearth.
04:17 minotaur21560: Unbeknownst to the God, his simple words pierce the general's heart
04:17 Garras: Entering the clearing now, the bear's gaze looking far beyond the eaves of the lodge.. Seeing the wintered greys coalescing through the canopy.
04:17 COPPER_WOLF: "My home is something that is in question. As of late the nature of my home feels torn. I come from the land of humans and have a life there, but this natural land is something that appeals to me. I must admit, there is part of me that wishes to abandon my human life to retire here." I sigh as my low gravely words echo forth, confliction in my voice apparent. "My life has been pledged to another already, but I would fight to protect your land if you needed to." My head then turns to that of The Bear, one I am associated with from the outside realm.
04:19 minotaur21560: The wolf's simple wish only adds to the complex feelings the general carries like a burden, yet he remains silent, having fallen to one knee to watch what transpires
04:19 Dahvin_the_Defiant: The smell of cooking venison fills the air as I take a portion of raw meat and eat it as I regard the wolf's words.
04:20 Dahvin_the_Defiant: "You mortals.... Always complicating the simple and simplifying the complex.... Enter or not. But if you take, you must give. That Law is Eternal no matter what mortals may wish to believe...." More sizzling as I begin skinning a wild hare.
04:23 COPPER_WOLF: "Ah yes, equivalent exchange. I think I can manage that. Considering this gathering seems to be clothing optional..." My maw twists into something resembling a smile. That quickly changes as my clawed paws come to my sides with pain overtaking me, a grimace on my face as my change begins.
04:25 COPPER_WOLF: The copper tips of the fur begins to fade, the brown fur receding into my body. Bones shift and my body contorts, a cry of pain I try to conceal obvious. After a moment the metamorphosis completes, the form of a man left in the position naked and, holding his side, breathing heavy as the pain fades. The Copper Wolf is gone...
04:26 Madison_Jones: And Madison Jones remains.
04:26 Dahvin_the_Defiant: I smirk at the naked man in the place where the wolf stood moments ago. "Every day is clothing optional in this Forest," I say with a grin.
04:24 Garras: The bear takes a seat nearby, nodding in recognition. "This is my home. This lodge. This forest. With all this talk of sides, it is here that I am centered." He stares at the campfire. "I cant imagine calling any other place home. My memories rooted and my hands gnarled. Rooms have been appearing lately. And with rooms come purpose. Patterns are emerging."
04:25 Dahvin_the_Defiant: My godhood stirs at the Bear's wisdom.... Such power in that one's body, mind, and soul.... I nod in agreement as the hare is prepped to be spit roasted.
04:26 Carbonel: Carbonel pads silently into the clearing, called forth by the general
04:27 Madison_Jones: I look up from my crouched position, sweaty but recovering. With a namber flash a wooden staff appears in my hand that I use to help raise me with. I step forward, "I will help and contribute to this feast."
04:28 Dahvin_the_Defiant: I nod in approval.
04:28 minotaur21560: The general, whose only non-optional clothing is the ball cords that mark his rank, reaches a hand round the neck of the big cat and strokes.
04:31 Carbonel: Defiant One, I have enjoyed these woods for many days now, I thank you for the grant you have given me of admission, and would contribute also to the feast.
04:33 Dahvin_the_Defiant: "Then join us, great warrior cat.... And know you are welcomed in these towering arbors....."
04:34 Carbonel: I get up and walk back to the edge of the clearing, bringing back a large buck
04:33 Madison_Jones: Having recovered from my transformation, my breath lighter now, I work to contribute to the feast. The staff I hold glimmers with amber light and changes form to that of a bladed cloth. "I'm still kind of working the kinks out of this." I smile gesturing to it, but then I lay it flat on the floor. I grab it with a single hand much like a magician, and pull up with flair, revealing a few bottles of the famous Honey Mead as well as a dozen glasses to drink it with. I smile looking at the reactions of those present.
04:34 Dahvin_the_Defiant: A growl of appreciation rumbles from my chest as I smell the honey mead. "Impressive."
04:35 Garras: The bear smiles slightly. "Guess that means Madison's got me covered. This gathering was sudden."
04:35 Madison_Jones: With a flick of the wrist, the bladed cloth disappears into amber light.
04:35 Carbonel: wrinkles my nose appreciatively at the smell of the mead
04:36 Madison_Jones: I begin pour some glasses for whoever wishes to partake of the mead.
04:36 minotaur21560: The general sees the apparition of the mead, and begins to tamp down a heavy heart, knowing this is a time of special celebration - decreed by serendipity and dice roll.
04:30 Rodney_McAllister: Meanwhile, in another part of the forest, I nestle back against a boulder beside the lake of crystal-clear water that Madison had shown me to earlier. Cleansed, refreshed, healed, and at peace, I am content to lay back and soak in the tranquility of this most unique forest, my eyes searching out the stars twinkling far overhead.
04:36 Dahvin_the_Defiant: I feel the presence of another far off in the forest. A warrior...tending wounds and resting.... Blood spilt, mending weaving closed wounds and bringing rest. His reverence of Nature is all I need to feel to know he is where he belongs - with us.
04:37 Madison_Jones: "That would be Rodney I believe. I left him at lake Crystarium to recover from his injuries and to clean... his is a complicated story I'm afraid. I suspect he would happily call this land home given where he came from."
04:37 minotaur21560: The General stands, recognizing his mission now, preparing to contribute verse and orison as spice for mead and venison
04:38 Fenrich: "Which is why i have come bearing sauces from our cave to your hearth Dahvin." Fen sits next to Garras and is holding two earthen jars, one simply dabbed green while the other daubed red. He can't help but notice his brother's stormy brows lighten at the scent of spicy mixtures within.
04:39 minotaur21560: The General nods welcome to the wise and thoughtful bear, brother of ScareBear.
04:40 Madison_Jones: I make note of the the Wise Bear, not yet making his acquaintance. "Greetings wise one, I am Madison or as Bjarg has named me... The Dark Magician." I can't help but to smile as I state the title aloud.
04:40 Dahvin_the_Defiant: "It pleases me to know the Hearth will witness a bountiful feast this night...." I say in appreciation for all the offerings made.
04:41 minotaur21560: And as the others continue with their preparations, the general pokes his nose about the facilities, looking for the Disco Inferno and the UV lights. But after fruitlessly searching, he returns to the main hall.
04:42 Carbonel: I pick up the buck again and drag it onto the table "Apologies for not dressing it, I was invited late"
04:43 Carbonel: "I hope at least some will enjoy venison tartare"
04:44 Dahvin_the_Defiant: "Come, Carbonel.... Let me show you what many eons of experience have taught me," I say as I draw my knife again with a smile.
04:45 Garras: The bear gets to his feet
04:46 Garras: "I will seek out the traveller. He should be present for this."
04:46 Madison_Jones: "Would it be permissible for me to help guide the lost warrior to this location? It would be regrettable if he missed out on such a gathering would it not?"
04:46 Garras: He looks at madison and smiles "perhaps we should go together."
04:46 Madison_Jones: "It would seem we had the same notion Gar... Oh Bear Spirit."
04:47 minotaur21560: *grabs a horn of mead and takes a swig, cock pointing upward, having been tapped by the God. All gray clouds of complex penitance and Pre-Nietzschean cosmology flushed by the wine...
04:48 Garras: The bear tilts his head, then follows the scent. The path.
04:46 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Bows to Dahvin
04:49 Dahvin_the_Defiant: My Son joins us finally and I drive my knife into the table as I walk up to Him, wrapping my arms around Him firmly as I lift him from His bow. Father and Son, reunited again.
04:49 Rodney_McAllister: I stand up, stretching my limbs, feeling refreshed, cleansed, but now the rumbling of my stomach informs me that it is time to find food. I scan the horizon of these woods, considering my options. But ... in the distance, I see a warm bright glow, a beacon, welcoming almost.
04:49 Madison_Jones: I move to accompany Garras, "I have another idea sir.. I mean Garras."
04:51 Madison_Jones: I summon forth my weapon while outside the the hut, a human firearm. I focus on it and shoot it straight up into the sky, an amber light following the bullet. The light lingers in the air much like a flare, something that should be visible to the Warrior to follow. "I think that will do sir." The weapon disappears.
04:51 Rodney_McAllister: Curious... that light was not there before. Slowly, carefully, cautiously I begin to make my way towards it. I have felt nothing threatening in these woods since my arrival, but instincts honed over years of fighting for survival die hard.
04:52 minotaur21560: The hall fills with warmth from that paternal hug; Hearth crackling, smells turn in the air, around the torches wheel the bugs
04:52 Carbonel: carefully lifting my tail, I sit next to Minot and take one of the glasses of mead, enjoying its colour and smell, then taking a sip
04:52 Carbonel: warmed by the scene
04:52 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Rejoicing in the strong bear hug of Dahvin who returns at last to his Home and Lodge.
04:54 Dahvin_the_Defiant: I release the hug and clamp my hands on My Son's shoulders, looking him up and down. "You've been eating well, I see." With a grin I turn to the minotaur. "And you've been having fun...." With that, I turn back to Carbonel showing how a God of the Hunt dresses a massive buck.
04:55 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Then just as he releases the hug, I tighten my grip and lift him off his feet. "Yes, I have. And it has make me even stronger." *grins
04:55 Madison_Jones: With my signal in place, I return to the comforts of the inside, making note of all those in attendance. I then take a seat next to Carbonel and lean my head against his shoulders.
04:58 Carbonel: I wrap my arm around the Dark Magician, his familiar smell gratifying, the note of wolf stirring memories. A deep joy wells up in me, and the dark mood of the past days vanishes like smoke.
04:56 minotaur21560: Reaching down I also pat the head of this big cat, raise my drink, slosh down a splat, libation to the gods, with a wave to all who upon the benches sit.
04:54 Rodney_McAllister: And then a flare, bright and familiar... a thing of the past ... illuminates the sky, over the warm glow, confirming that I am on the right track. Making my way through the woods at night, the soft forest loam beneath my feet, the rustle of the leaves above, and the growing sound of voices. Finally, a few yards away, I see a lodge, welcoming with warmth and light. I stand for a moment, in awe.
04:56 Garras: The bear emergent, he sees Rodney and nods, stoic, but not unkind offering a beckoning paw. "Come. You must be hungry. Stay with us a while this night." A smile finally dawning on his grizzled muzzle.
04:56 Rodney_McAllister: Carefully, cautiously, I approach the threshold, my steps hesitant, until I see the familiar form of the Bear.
04:58 Rodney_McAllister: I slowly start to smile, "You are not wrong... it has been many a day since I've had my fill."
04:58 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "And we have a new arrival." Is this the Warrior I have heard about?", nodding to McAllister.
04:58 Madison_Jones: I gesture to the spot next to me as I see The Warrior outside the threshold. "Come Rodney, I think you should be apart of this. Hope you liked the flare."
04:58 Rodney_McAllister: I approach carefully, and step inside, willing my hand to stay away from the hilt of my sword as I cross the threshold, hit full in the face by the smells, the sights, the sounds.
04:59 Garras: He nods and there are flickers of something behind his lone eye, but there is no tension in his shoulders, of words unspoken as he returns with the man to the fires of brotherhood.
04:58 minotaur21560: As I approach the Demigod, complex feelings intrude, before him i kneel, salute, my loyalties renewed.
04:59 Bjarg_the_Demigod: And greetings to you my General
05:00 Rodney_McAllister: There are so many currents of power flowing through this room it is hard to keep hold of one's identity. Magic... of a higher and more mysterious nature than I have ever encountered. Gratefully, I slide in beside Madison, appreciating a friendly, known face.
05:00 minotaur21560: Then I stand and eye this traveler from a grim future, eye him with some concern, yet extend a forearm to be grasped as friend.
05:00 Rodney_McAllister: I clasp forearms with the stranger, looking deep into his eyes, feeling the current of connection at the contact.
05:01 minotaur21560: "there are clouds gathering, we must beware." I whisper it quickly. "but now is a time for celebration of good fellowship and magic."
05:00 Bjarg_the_Demigod: And to the chief Bear!
05:02 Garras: Taking his seat, smiling and nodding to Bjarg.
05:02 Carbonel: I reach across Madison and offer my own hand in friendship, claws withdrawn
05:02 Carbonel: "Greetings Warrior"
05:01 Dahvin_the_Defiant: The Hearth fire resonates with this kindred brethren, growing brighter, warmer....
05:00 Madison_Jones: I place my hand on The Warriors thigh with a smile, and offer him one of the glasses I poured earlier of honey mead.
05:03 Rodney_McAllister: I nod in response to the words of the stranger. It feels as though I've known him all my life, yet we have only just met, I am sure of it. I turn to Madison, chuckling, "Thanks my Yankee friend, you know the way to a man's heart, that's for sure." I take the mead and sip it, my hand dropping down on his as it rests on my thigh, giving it a welcoming, warm squeeze. The contact feels good.
05:04 Madison_Jones: "We shall have to talk about much later Rodney, I had hoped to share something at the lake. So many things to do though."
05:04 Rodney_McAllister: I reach out to another stranger, this one a magnificent Panther, walking and talking, and take his offered paw, "Thanks mate, you fellows know how to make a man feel at home."
05:05 Carbonel: A deep purr of delight at the frank and open nature of the Warrior, the strength of his grasp.
05:07 Rodney_McAllister: I nod at Madison, "Somehow, I get the feeling that time works differently here. Things just happen... in their own time."
05:07 Madison_Jones: "Oh no, I am DONE with Time Travel." laugh a little talking to The Warrior.

A Toast

05:04 minotaur21560: "Good creatures, spirits, gentlemen and gods, I would propose a toast to honor these woods, to start this feast, to memorialize the spirits who created the refuge we here enjoy.
05:05 Dahvin_the_Defiant: The minotaur speaks and I nod at him.
05:06 minotaur21560: "First to God and Demigod, they are the delight of earth, the cruelty of heaven. And the god, man becomes paralyzed before his face. Before him exist neither question nor answer."
5:06 Dahvin_the_Defiant: Mortals gathered at this hallowed table, man and beast alike.... It reminds me of the times before.... And the times that come again....
05:07 minotaur21560: "And the Demigod," I raise my horn with mead, " He is the love of man. He is the speech of man. He is both the radiance and the dark shadow of man. He is deceitful reality."
05:08 minotaur21560: "to the Lord Maintainer and his Father" I raise the horn to my lips
05:08 Carbonel: "Hear Hear" taking a draught of the mead
05:10 Madison_Jones: I raise my glass as well to the toast. "To the Lord Maintainer and his Father!"
05:11 Dahvin_the_Defiant: I raise a glass of the honey mead to the toast. This one could be a bard as well as a general....
05:12 Bjarg_the_Demigod: I raise my horn and toast, "To the General who has worked so hard and, if one judge by his compliments this hour, is bucking for a promotion and another cord!" *laughs and drinks it all.
05:14 Madison_Jones: I again raise my glass to the new toast, though my eyes wander to the cords in question and how uncomfortable they might be...
05:10 Rodney_McAllister: I try to follow the eloquence of the toast, the words weaving poetry and fire through the brain, but it's a lot to take in all at once. So I lift my cup, and simply say, "Cheers, mates!" And drink. Then, my eyes fall on a magnificent being who is at the center of this gathering, and yet not, at the same time. The sight of him makes my loins tingle and my heart start to beat faster, sweat pops out on my brows, and I swallow in awe, and take another drink.
05:10 Rodney_McAllister: I nudge Madison, whispering, "Who... or ... what ... is ... he?"
05:14 Rodney_McAllister: I consider the words, The Lord Maintainer and his Father. That must be The Lord Maintainer, the one who is speaking now. And the other one must be the Father.
05:14 Rodney_McAllister: In time, I'm sure I'll get it all sorted out.
05:15 Garras: The bear leans over having raised his mead as well. "Dahvin. Yes."
05:15 Dahvin_the_Defiant: My nose smells a new beast in the forest.... A wild one.....
05:16 minotaur21560: The General also leans towards the handsome refugee from dystopia to clarify, "Eros flames up and then dies away; the tree of life, however, grows slowly and reaches stately stature throughout countless ages. Good and evil are united in the flame. Good and evil are united in the growth of the tree. Life and love oppose each other in their divinity."
05:18 Dahvin_the_Defiant: I look at My Son who has fostered much Growth in this Forest...and a swelling of gratitude and pride fills me. With a look into his eyes and my right hand on his shoulder gripping tight, I smile with the greatest gift a Father can have: a Son that could one day surpass him.
05:20 Dahvin_the_Defiant: I nod at the wisdom of the minotaur again.....except one part.... "Life blooms all that you bear witness to....and yet Life opposes nothing but the emptiness of the void," I say as I raise my horn to the minotaur's near perfect ministrations.
05:22 Rodney_McAllister: I nod slowly at the General, remembering the thrill of contact as we greeted one another. His poetry flows through me. I understand the meaning somehow in my hindbrain, but the words sound like nonsense. I sit back against the wall and drink more mead, contemplating his words. Good and evil, life and death, ... over the last twenty years, there has been survival. No room for extremes. Only room for being in the moment, and the next, and the next.
05:22 minotaur21560: I raise my glass, grateful for error corrected by the god, adding it to the list of penances to be served in future.
05:23 Madison_Jones: I lean towards The Warrior with a smile and touch his glass, it refilling. "Drink more, it makes more sense on the third glass if you ask me."
05:24 minotaur21560: *leans over to squeeze the shoulder of the young Dark Magician
05:24 Carbonel: rubbing my back against the arm of the General as he reaches behind me
05:24 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Nod's as he hears his Father add to the General's poetry
05:24 Rodney_McAllister: I clink glasses with Madison, "Ain't that the truth mate." And take another drink.
05:17 Garras: The bear then turns and nods at the Father. "His hybrid spirit will join us shortly. There is much activity.. And the night still yet draws more."
05:18 Madison_Jones: "A hybrid spirit you say. There are just so many interesting things out here." I smile while taking a drink.
05:18 minotaur21560: *Stands, waves to Gruff the Wild, "Join us, beast!"
05:26 Gruff_the_Wild_One: And with that a loud howl would be heard from deep within the forest, very noticeable to Garras' ears before the hybrid makes his appearance. Standing alongside his brother, taking a gander of who he is surrounded by. In good company needless to say as they haven't attacked him yet. The long maned wolf smirked and gave a gentle wave to everyone. "Evenin."
05:26 minotaur21560: *gets up to pull out a bench for the hybrid next to the Bears, gestures for him to take his place.
05:30 Garras: The bear stands and a broad genuine fanged grin appears across his muzzle as he claps the familiar beast into a rib crushing back clapping squeeze, that dark brown flaring wild and ecstatic as his drives his snout in against his nape before growling and toothing his throat, snorting and then bucking his forehead into a solid thunk against the canid's. "Don't knoe how in the fuckher mangy ass found me but ya made it on a damn fine night o celebration. Mead. Meat. Brothers. You will soon come to know them all." And then chuckles as he lets go, the moon once more slipped into his toothy grin.
05:34 Gruff_the_Wild_One: Well that is a damn good welcome! The hybrid would bear fangs and growl at his fellow beast as they bumped heads. "Aye.. can always pick up on yer scent when I'm nearby." Patting him before he had let go. "Sounds like a damn good celebration especially with all these fine gentlemen and beasts alike."
05:26 Madison_Jones: I make note of the Wild One with a smile. "Have a drink." I say as I gesture to one of the unclaimed glasses.
05:27 Dahvin_the_Defiant: ....a wild one appears....
05:27 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Welome, Wild One!
05:29 Dahvin_the_Defiant: "It seems our toasts have run dry," I say with a cracked smile as my tongue flicks over my fanged teeth. "Let us enjoy today's hunt," I say as the cooked meat is brought from the Hearth and passed down the table for all to enjoy.
05:30 Dahvin_the_Defiant: Venison, hare, squirrel - all game of the Forest present to meet our needs to fuel another day.
05:31 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Ah, venison is exactly what I need tonight!"
05:32 Madison_Jones: I almost go to take a bite before realizing my manners. I smile anxiously awaiting the The Lord of the land and his son to take the first bites of the meat before I take my share.
05:34 Rodney_McAllister: The smell of roasted meat makes me start to salivate as plates loaded with the game get passed around. I take mine, but follow Madison's lead ... waiting before I start feasting on the food.
05:36 Bjarg_the_Demigod: I stand alongside Dahvin and raise a leg of venison, "Thank you all for joining together tonight in brotherhood...Now feast until your bellies can stand no more food or drink.."
05:37 Madison_Jones: With permission to eat, I mutter under my breath "Itadakimasu..." and then bite into the cooked venison, a smile growing on my face.
05:37 Dahvin_the_Defiant: With no hesitation, I begin feasting, feral teeth ripping the cooked game apart as I savor the flavor and focus on the meal and the gratitude for this bounty.
05:38 Rodney_McAllister: I sink my teeth into the rich, gamey meat, savoring the salty taste of the offering of the forest, continuing the circle of life.
05:38 minotaur21560: Immeasurable like the host of stars is this company! Every star is a god. Every space occupied by a star is a devil. Only the unreal opposes us! Let us eat.
05:39 Fenrich: Producing ladles and offering the jarred sauces, a plentiful bounty. Small intricate ladles with cunning carved elk adorning the handles. One herbal and savory, the other spicy and hearty.
05:39 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Reaches into the carcass of venison on the big platter with his knife and picks out the backstrap then offering it to the Warrior.
05:41 Rodney_McAllister: I look up, my eyes wide with gratitude as the Maintainer of the forest offers me the choicest morsel. "Thanks mate! Top notch... Honored."
05:42 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "You have travelled the farthest, perhaps the hardest journey, enjoy with our respect!"
05:43 Madison_Jones: "Yes he has... one I wish to learn more about." I say again putting my hand on The Warriors thigh next to me.
05:44 Rodney_McAllister: My eyes grow shadowed as Madison puts his hand on my thigh, and once more I cover his hand with mine, enjoying the contact. I nod at Madison, swallowing more meat, "In time mate, in time."
05:44 Dahvin_the_Defiant: I watch them all feast at My table, feasting on the game that I blessed before arriving.... And I hope these men will all enjoy the robust combat vigor this feast will imbue them with...and the deepened need and capacity for Rut that will come with that vigor. "Yes.... Feast all.... Feast today and Live tomorrow."
05:44 Carbonel: Enjoying the feast, entering into the healing joy of the gathering.
05:46 Garras: Wrenching off a haunch, the bear too partakes and gives silent thanks for the company and hospitality, grease dripping his maw that he laps at before chasing with mead.
05:46 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Protect, Hunt, Rut and Grow Stronger!"
05:47 Gruff_the_Wild_One: I can't help but find a good morsel of meat for myself, and with those ivory daggers of mine I dig into the hunk of meat. Nodding back at them in thanks for the hospitality. Grabbing a drink himself and placing it off to the side for later.
05:47 minotaur21560: Nods, eating with gusto, all is as it should be...
05:49 Fenrich: Partaking of the hare, softspoken but heartwarmed, the bear.
05:51 minotaur21560: Then I get up as if remembering something. I head outside, to the tree where I had put down my pack, then return with a wooden traveling case. I place it on the table, opening the two halves to reveal a bottle of cut crystal. "My travel flask, a red liquor distilled on the shores of our lake, world renowned, and to be shared here with each. Madison - will you do the honors to conjure up some snifters for the company?"
05:52 Madison_Jones: "But of course General." The glasses appear.
05:52 Dahvin_the_Defiant: Snifters? I think to myself. Even I am curious to see what a snifter is.....
05:54 Gruff_the_Wild_One: A curious look falls upon the Wolfdogs face, questioning what it is himself.
05:57 Madison_Jones: I take the bottle of red liquor and give it a smell, pour a few glasses of it to those who desire. With the crystal bottle now lower I touch with a smile, a glint of amber light on my hand. The bottle refill. "I call that trick 'Refill'. Please help yourself."
05:58 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "With you here, Magician, we will never want for food or drink.
05:54 Carbonel: I turn to the General "May I offer the toast after the meal?"
05:56 minotaur21560: Yes, please, shadow of the forest - it is most fitting.
05:57 Rodney_McAllister: I take one of the snifters... my belly now full of good red meat, sniffing at the liquor it contains, allowing the scent to tickle my nostrils.
05:57 Carbonel: I stand and lift my glass
05:57 Carbonel: Father of Hunt and Rut, Lord Maintainer, Brothers beast and human, I thank you for welcoming me here. From the day of my birth, I was taught to celebrate my twofold identity as human and panther; my parents even gave my human form the name LaGrange, that point between two orbiting bodies where the gravitational pull between them is balanced. I have lived happily all my life in two worlds.
05:58 Carbonel: In spite of this, there has always been isolation and struggle, a sense of being disconnected from others like me. Discovering this place, and the many rooms of this universe, and encountering Garras, Minotaur, Madison and others has been a blessing
05:58 Carbonel: Here what some call myth lives and enriches reality, and pataphysics (*looking with a smile at the Dark General*) actually means something.
05:59 minotaur21560: *smiles back at the reference, but then listens closely to the continuation, nodding in agreement...
05:59 Carbonel: I pause and take a deep breath
05:59 Carbonel: In the past few days, however, a dark spirit had settled upon my brow, a sense of exclusion and jealousy. Being here with you has dispersed that spirit like so much smoke, and I am myself again. I thank all of you, and raise this glass to wild brotherhood and the power of deep life!
05:59 Garras: "At least the thrill of the hunt is not so easily distilled brother Bjarg" the bear chuckles softly.
05:59 Carbonel: To Wild Brotherhood and Deep Life!
05:59 Madison_Jones: I raise my glass of the new potent drink with a smile on my face, happy to toast to the big cat's speech.
06:00 Dahvin_the_Defiant: "To Wild Brotherhood and Deep Life!" I echo proudly!
06:00 minotaur21560: "To Wild Brotherhood and Deep Life!"
06:00 Garras: He looks up shortly after at Carbonel's toast and raises his glass, the resonation rippling as his voice joins the call.
06:00 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Well said brother Carbonel!"
06:00 Madison_Jones: "To the Wild Brotherhood and Deep Thro... er Deep Life!"
06:01 Carbonel: *discreetly slaps Madison upside the back of his head after sitting down*
06:01 Gruff_the_Wild_One: "To Wild Brotherhood and Deep Life" Raising the glass up for the toast
06:01 Rodney_McAllister: I raise my glass, shrugging, when in Rome... but the words caused a tingling in my groin and caused the blood to pound in my veins as I joined in, "To Wild Brotherhood and Deep Life!"
06:02 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Nor the Rut", brother Bear.
06:03 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Or Deep Brotherhood and Wild Life."
06:04 Carbonel: I bow to the DemiGod, acknowledging that this too is truth

On the need to beware

06:07 minotaur21560: There is cause for celebration - there is also cause for care and concern and for work to preserve these woods we so deeply cherish. I know all here join me in thanking the men of the armed forces that protect and grow stronger, as is our motto." I raise my glass to Bjarg, commander of the army
06:08 Rodney_McAllister: My ears perk up... it has been twenty years since I knew the camaraderie of brothers in arms... before the collapse.
06:09 Madison_Jones: "Yes, these woods lands need to be protected..." I raise my glass to Bjarg the Demi-god, "You have my word, my staff, and my claw."
06:11 Dahvin_the_Defiant: So many truths, so much brotherhood.... These mortals will yet find themselves and bloom into what they were seeded from.
06:12 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "We are honored to have men and beast of the army who bring vast experience. The General is one such. And there are others. Some who should be in positions of leadership." he pauses and looks directly at McAllister. "I think the General may have an announcement."
06:14 minotaur21560: "Yes, Lord Maintainer, It is my honor to welcome Rod McAllister, soldier, gentleman, Dystopian Refugee, now to enter our armed forces with the rank of Captain, in recognition of his deep experience. " And here with a flourish I lift up the blue cord of his rank to present to the company..
06:14 Rodney_McAllister: I look up in surprise, my eyes wide with shock.
06:15 minotaur21560: If it is your wish, please approach so that i may institute you to your rank before us all!
06:15 Madison_Jones: I again grip The Captains thigh with a nod. "You are experienced are you not?"
06:15 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Will you accept the commission?"
06:15 Rodney_McAllister: It has been many a year since I have been truly stunned, caught off guard. I stand up, and whisper to Madison... "Twenty years experienced, I guess..." Then, I step forward.
06:17 Rodney_McAllister: I nod a the General, and the Lord Maintainer. It was time to stop running, time to stand up for something again. Something worthwhile.
06:17 Rodney_McAllister: "I'd be honored to serve."
06:17 minotaur21560: I gesture for him to come forward, clearing a place for him to lie back against the wooden table, once he has properly disrobed.
06:18 Rodney_McAllister: I step forward, eyeing the wooden table, not quite following what I'm supposed to do.
06:18 Madison_Jones: "Clothing optional around here." I grin.
06:19 Rodney_McAllister: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
06:20 Rodney_McAllister: Slowly, I unstrap my sword, and lay aside my bow and quiver. Then, I remove the clasp holding my loincloth in place, letting it drop, revealing my manhood and my hairy balls as I stand before the table.
06:21 minotaur21560: I gently put hand on your sternum pushing you back to the table top, then reach to work the skin of your scrote, moving each ball to position. I hold the bright blue cord up for all to see, deftly wrap it round the bag, 1x over each ball and over the cock hilt to secure. "Rise now as Captain of the Forest!"
06:23 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Protect and Grow Stronger!"
06:24 Rodney_McAllister: I lay back on the table, as the General shifts and fondles my crown jewels. Yesterday I was on the run from a werewolf down in Kent... and today I'm getting commissioned as a Captain of the Forest as my balls are tied off. That's life for ya. Good thing the SAS taught me to be adaptable. I rise up, shifting my balls, "An honor to serve the forest!"
06:25 Carbonel: *I am stirred by the example of my brothers here, and the commitment of Rodney, and stand up again.* "Bjarg, the General and the Dark Magician, as well as Garras, know this about me already, that in my human form I am a healer. I am prepared to fight for this land, and I will defend it, but I would be honoured to also serve as shaman pataphysician for the army and for the denizens of this forest, if you would grant me this boon."
06:27 Madison_Jones: "I can vouch for the big cat, he is a really nice guy. I'm sure you would not regret taking him on."
06:29 Garras: The bear watching the proceedings, the embers of the campfire reflected in his grin. "I knew tonight was a special one.. And yet still i am in awe. Humbled by the spirit of my brothers."
06:29 minotaur21560: I am heartened by the jaguar's wish to serve yet do not know how properly to capture this rank. I look at my case with its various cords, somewhat at a loss.
06:29 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "The Army is in need of a Shaman Pataphysician. You would be a good choice. You are commissioned a Captain. General, do you have another cord?"
06:32 minotaur21560: Yes, of course, what color, Lord Maintainer?
06:33 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Blue of course for the Captain.
06:34 Carbonel: I get up and lean back against the table, the moonlight rippling across my black fur.
06:34 minotaur21560: I hand over another cord, just like the one that now adorns Captain Rod, bright blue like the sky
06:35 Madison_Jones: "Always did like the look of blue on black." I grin looking at the cord.
06:37 minotaur21560: "He will look marvelous."
06:39 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Nods in approval
06:39 Rodney_McAllister: I settle down in my chair, next to Madison, enjoying the commissioning of another Captain. Medics and healers... are more valuable than gold in an army. Slowly then, lulled by good food, and good company, my eyes drift close, and I start to snore.
06:41 Madison_Jones: I look over to The Warrior. "It's best to let him rest here. I fear what happens if he leaves the forest..."
06:40 minotaur21560: I position the cat carefully, somewhat nervous of his strength, holding the back feet, i raise the blue cord for all to see, then as with the man, once round each large cat ball, separating and up over the cat cock, securing. "Rise Shaman Pataphysician!"
06:41 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Protect and Grow Stronger! And Heal"
06:41 Carbonel: My cock rises to the occasion, the penile spines fully deployed as you cord me. "I am proud to serve"
06:42 Dahvin_the_Defiant: I nod to the back rooms of the lodge as Madison tends to the sleeping warrior. "You are all welcome to sleep here as you please. But clean up after yourselves....or I will skin you...."
06:43 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Bjarg points with his knife to the hides adorning the chairs they sit on.
06:43 minotaur21560: *nods dutifully, full of peace and goodwill
06:44 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Now are there any other nomination for positions in the Forest Army?
06:44 minotaur21560: The Beast Gruff the wild has put his name forward to be recruited but this may need a delay
06:44 Madison_Jones: "Unfortunately I must return to my mundane dwelling. Thank you for the invitation oh Lord of the Land."
06:45 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Good night Magician, Safe travels"
06:44 Carbonel: Sleep is making my own lids heavy, Cats and food.....
06:44 Dahvin_the_Defiant: I nod simply to Madison.
06:46 minotaur21560: *gives a friendly wave to Madison
06:44 Carbonel: "I accept your invitation m'lud with joy"
06:45 minotaur21560: *strokes the cat's neck relaxing him... letting him ready for his rest.
06:45 Carbonel: curls up and is instantly asleep, though he has to get used to that unusual sensation DOWN THERE
06:46 Carbonel: soon snoring gently as Minot strokes my neck
06:46 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Then prepare the Black cord for Gruff"
06:47 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Quickly, before the snoring drowns out your words."
06:47 Dahvin_the_Defiant: "It appears the Silver Goddess lulls us to bed.... Rest well when you find it tonight, mortal brethren. But for now.... I go to Hunt...." I grab my bow and arrows from above the Hearth and make my way out towards the door of the Lodge, my hand grazing over My Son's shoulders as I pass on my way out. "Be well, all....." I say as I leave for the Hunt.
06:48 Madison_Jones: "Thank you all for having me." With my secrets revealed to this group I depart over the threshold into the silver moonlight.
06:48 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Rises and salutes Dahvin
06:48 minotaur21560: Rises for the god's departure
06:49 minotaur21560: I take the cord for Gruff when he is ready.
06:49 Dahvin_the_Defiant: Grins and nods at My Son and the General as I leave....
06:52 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Is the Wild One ready?"
06:56 minotaur21560: Looks over "He is, Maintainer, and he has consented to join as our newest recruit. Stand, Beast, show yourself and your strength and the size of your balls! We know your prowess will be an asset to our cause."
06:57 minotaur21560: "Come forward, Gruff the Wild!"
07:01 Gruff_the_Wild_One: The hybrid perked his ears upon Bjargs question, standing tall upon request. Strutting on over towards Minot, a mountain of battle scarred muscle ending up in front of him with those big and low hanging balls. Placing his paws behind his head and flexing those gargantuan biceps. True strength will be shown when needed to serve this forest for such an amazing group of men and beasts. "It will be an honor to serve you." He says over to everyone that's left awake.
07:03 minotaur21560: This one's size means he will not fit easily across the table. I glance and realize i will institute him into rank while he stands. But first as usual, I present the cord, black as the night for all to see. "Would you touch it, Wild One, to catch the feel of duty before it is fixed on you?"
07:05 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Impressed by the size of this recruit, Bjarg walks over to the table and hefts the Hybrids scrote. "By the gods, this weighs as much as any beast I have encountered."
07:05 minotaur21560: "Yes he will serve well, Lord, and the bear vouches for his courage and loyalty."
07:09 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "That cord may barely reach all the way around to complete the binding.
07:10 Gruff_the_Wild_One: The Wild Wolfdog nods as he would touch that black cord and get a good feel for it. All the while Bjarg gets a good feel of those heavy nuts in his grasp. A low rumble coming from deep within Gruff as that was such a titillating feeling to him. "You have my word Lord Bjarg, I will stand and defend this forest through and through. Stand by your hand and fight tooth and claw to keep this place safe." Smirkin at the Demigods comment. He can't help that he was given such good endowment
07:10 minotaur21560: "Lucky we do not need to wrap each one, but only put it round the scrote entire."
07:11 minotaur21560: I bend now, with the office vested in me, and holding with one hand, wrapping easily around with the other, then securing round the cock hilt.
07:11 Bjarg_the_Demigod: Yes, a recruit does not enjoy the separation ... that will come next with promotion.
07:11 minotaur21560: "Rise now, Beast of the Forest, new recruit, Gruff the Wild!"
07:15 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "Protect and Grow Stronger!"
07:16 Gruff_the_Wild_One: Upon the securing of the cord, the hybrid would turn away and let out a victorious howl of being recruited. Life now having more purpose never felt better for the hybrid before he turned back to them both. "Beast of the Forest. Nice ring to it."
07:17 minotaur21560: Our forces now will surely meet the rising tide of challenge as it burgeons around us.
07:17 Bjarg_the_Demigod: "You will be a valuable warrior"

Published: 2021-11-17, viewed 57 times.