@Makyna @Quix @Eeya @Amaria @Dark @Al-Addir @Leon @Meredith @Delphine
check out here for more information about this upcoming event! post in either this thread or the linked one to join-- also, have more ideas? have your character suggest them here! this thread will be closed on september 10th, but you can always enter in the other thread if you like!

enna . ratchet . calypso . anan
sweet and soft . bright and cheery . critical and melodic . childlike and loud

let us not deceive ourselves; we must elect world peace or world destruction
"Members of Maji Walezi-- And friends!" Calypso's voice sang out, harsh and shrill then suddenly light and childish, for everyone to gather. Her talons clutched the quartz speaking stone, her eyes sharp on the look out for her group. Her voice shifted, taking on a rougher, serious tone, "This is important!" The bird stood watch, as members came from all around. Everyone was invited-- even the floppy horses.

Once everyone had gathered, she settled down, hushing back the other members of her mind. This was Enna's task, to convince everyone. Calypso didn't see the sense in this-- but she permitted them the chance to try.

"Maji Walezi's goal has always been to make sure that the Waterfall-- which Eeya has confirmed as connected to the entirety of the cave-- continues to run clear and clean. As the Blood of Origin, we must make strives to insure that the Cave can continue to sustain the life of not just our own, but every gembound."

"Things are changing for the cave, and not always for the best. Last Cycle, Canis nearly ran out of water, threatening Bonebound's existence. Now, a horrible monster of fire terrorizes Polaris, the birthplace of many gembounds."

"It is likely that there are many other problems in the cave, and it is Maji Walezi's duty to make sure that the cave's system continues to function. This is not only what Cancer wanted-- but it's what we all wanted, when we first came together as a family. This is our chance to really make a difference. If we can inspire other gembounds to follow in our pawsteps and hoovesteps and wingbeats and, of course, splashes-- then we've done something that mattered with our lives."

She paused, finally, taking a short breath. Would they do this for her? Would they help her make their home a better place for all of the gembounds?

"Here's the plan," her strict voice came back, stern and strong.

"Firstly, I need our Scouts to go out and find the problems. I don't want any of you to take any risks doing this-- scout out the Dragon in Polaris, and parlay with the other groups, Bonebound and... Any others you find. Try to figure out what issues they might be having. If you see anything potentially dangerous, report back. Coordinators, you will be making maps for everyone, as well as helping come up with solutions for what the Scouts come back with. Guardians, once the Scouts report back, it'll be our job to help them out as best as possible with the plans the Coordinators come up with."

"Report back to me and Makyna with what you've found. Our first priority is that Dragon."

"There could be newborn gembounds in danger-- I don't want you risking your lives fighting this Dragon, but save the gembounds that you can," Enna suggested softly, just for a moment.

"In the meanwhile, Makyna, get started on those maps. I also need help getting together supplies-- if we start getting injured gembound in here, we'll want cobwebs and herbs and fresh water-- food too."

The tiny bird cleared her throat. It was a lot to say, and a lot to take in. But this was important to Bevy as a whole. Lastly, Ratchet had one finally thing to say, and he did so, hopping down to the others.

"Lastly, as everyone knows, Makyna and Leon are getting married! The wedding will be very soon, so while we're setting out to do good in the world, be sure to bring back gifts. Those of you staying behind, we're going to need decorations. We want to set an example for the other gembounds and their groups at this wedding-- so do your best, alright? What we do now will set prescience for generations to come!"

.Bevy

Dark had swept down in silence upon hearing Bevy's call, coming as he always did. By now he was at his full adult size--just over two feet from head to tailtip, his wings a good five foot wingspan. His plumage would have been handsome--chestnut at the back, creamy white in the front, ridged and barred with speckled black. But there was still a strange, dull grayness to it, as if the owl was always slightly dirty--and maybe, being blind, he was. Maybe he just didn't preen himself, or maybe the dirt stuck to him in ways it didn't stick to others. The result was that he always looked vaguely out-of-place, as if he'd come from some realm of dust and half-light and not the same, colorful cave as the rest of them.

Even the bright green of the gem eyes he now levelled at Bevy, as he hopped forward on clicking black talons and folded his wings, seemed unnatural. The calm with which he listened, silent and unseeing, detached from the rest, was also otherworldly. He only spoke once, voice soft, at the tail end of Bevy's speech, and even then only to give a quiet bit of information, and an offer.

"I think I can find my way back to the monster, if anyone needs me to show them how to get there. It sounds very big, and it burns, from far away."

Other than this, he said nothing; the idea of meeting these "bone-bound" interested him, something about the way the word rolled off the tongue of his mind, but other than that, he remained disinterested.

________________

MAKYNA
"let's sing a song for the heart"

Makyna had been in her den tidying up and rearranging flowers all around the space. Her paws deftly picked up one blue flower and placed it on a large rock at the corner of her den then she swiftly found a purple rose and placed that at the den entrance. Ah! She just adored cleaning the den! It was so fun to find more and more things to add to it. Some might call it hoarding but she liked to think of it as giving new things a home. Besides, her plants died after a set period of time and she had to replace them.

It was then that she heard the call from Bevy. She dropped the flowers and what she was doing and headed straight down towards the gathering area. The lioness liked to think of herself as a sort of right paw to the bird and thus sat at the front of the crowd of gembounds. Her head was held high and her tufted tail wrapped neatly around her paws as she sat and listened to the announcement. Her head nodded in agreement to what was said. Yes. They did have a duty to look out over all that were within the caves. Things had happened because they'd gotten complacent under that horrible monster. It still angered her to think of his name... Still, she had to admit that his original plan had been to look over the water supply which all in the cave needed.

The dragon...

She had merely thought of them as cub-tales and had at first put Dark's fears off as fear of the unknown but now they couldn't ignore it. He had been right and now the beast lurked in Polaris. It had to be dealt with but how? Maji Walezi couldn't do anything against it, no one was strong enough to fight it. However, she would do her best to save any that were caught in its path whether it put her in danger or not. The babes came first.

Her ears pricked when she was called on a second time, this time given direct orders. The lioness nodded her head and spoke a simple, "Yes, of course!" Food, water, medicinal supplies. She could do that easy! Truth be told hunting was a favorite pasttime of hers and she would love to bring back extras for the group.

The last announcement brought warmness to her cheeks and ears and made her glow with happiness. Decorations! This would be so wonderful but there was also something else she wanted to say. The lioness raised one paw in the air and said, "If I may, Bevy," She turned to address the crowd of gembounds behind her. "This wedding will be a fun thing. Not just for me and Leon but for all! As such... I'd love it if there was a choir for the wedding and perhaps volunteer singers for the wedding party afterwards. If anyone is interested in being part of the choir then let me know, I'll host a little practice session." With that she dipped her head and gave a shy little grin before turning back around and sitting, facing the small bird.

______________________________________

"This is how I talk!"
"This is how I sing!"
This is how I think!

533
@Bevy @Amaria @Dark @Delphine @Meredith @Clover @Booker @Quix
---
6/10

It had only been a few days since Makyna's departure from Eridanus, and in the meantime, Booker had told his family all about her, about Pisces, and about the wedding that was to take place. After securing Diot away, the Rider and his Dragon set off for the territory of Maji Walezi, Booker alternating between riding atop Baratheon's head and scurrying along beside him. Now, nearing their destination, the numbat scampered down from his perch between the massive dragon's horns, trotting the rest of the way just in front of his brother, communicating through their bond with steady waves of contentment and happiness.

Ain't it lovely, Bara? A weddin'? It's so sweet, he gushed, not bashful at all about his love of, well, love! 's nice of Ky to invite us, after the whole trial thing, the scribe added, taking in the sights of Pisces with wide eyes. It was nice to take their time now, appreciate the place, rather than the muddled, half-recalled memories of the time before. Booker's memory had yet to return fully, and probably never would, but the sparkle of the water, the damp air, and the slick stone were familiar, comforting. The biggest thing he associated this place with was Quix, not the trial, and so he relaxed, practically skipping along.

It didn't take long for the pair to reach what looked to be a gathering, presumably of Maji Walezi. Staying at the back of the crowd, Booker watched on, fascinated by the clan and its members. There were so many different beasts - so many possible new friends! Listening intently, the scribe perked up when Makyna began to speak, hurrying forward as her announcement ended, breaking through to the front of the crowd and waving an exuberant paw, sitting back on his haunches. "Oh, oh! I'd love ta help with the singin'," he offered with a bright, honest grin.

@Baratheon

The three of them, Ambrus and Pounce and she, had made it to Pisces after a while of chatting and playing and talking, for the express purpose of finding both hers and Pounce's names, and giving the little jaguar cub a bath. But when a clear voice had rung out through the room, her curiosity drove her to follow it. How could she help it? It was important. So the three of them, with Pounce hugging her neck and Ambrus resting lightly on her back to they could see easily over the crowd from the back, had listened intently to the news. She had no idea that there was a dragon in Polaris! She'd only been to that beautiful place once, more's the pity for her. And the water was running out? Why? It was different hearing these things applied to real life rather than to concepts or plots. She bit her lip, feeling worried. Should she help? She would have no idea what to do. She couldn't even hold anything to bring back. And when a wedding was mentioned, her ears lifted straight up. Singing? A choir? Decorations! That was something she could do! "Oh, I would love to help with the wedding! I can sing and make lovely lights and illusions!" She spoke up from the back, hardly containing her excitement. A wedding, a wedding! Oh, how wonderful a thing to see for herself! @Vicktor @Ambrus "This is how I speak."

"Baratheon Speech"


His brother had told him nonstop about the lioness and the wedding that was supposed to happen. He said nonstop because they shared thoughts, he knew pretty much all the time what Booker was thinking... and it was ninety percent about the wedding. Baratheon's eyes would have rolled if he had pupils to roll but he didn't. Instead he just groaned inwardly. By the many smells he could smell heading towards Pisces apparently a lot of gembounds thought this wedding was just the best thing. He begged to differ. What was so fascinating about two gems making googley eyes over each other? He didn't understand it. Brotherly love like his and Booker's was one thing but this thing that Leon and Makyna had was... strange. He tried to wrap his brain around it but just couldn't.

Now as he took a seat at the back of the ground, so as not to block everyone else's vision, he listened to the announcements. Well, he did at first before being distracted by the design of the cave. He remembered when he had come here and practiced flying for the first time with Quix. That had been quite fun! His eyes then roamed to the little lagoon... Perhaps the Maji Walezians wouldn't mind him taking a dip in that pool after this bore of a meeting.

"Oh, oh! I'd love ta help with the singin',"

An audible grunt came from his throat as he turned to the numbat, now at the front of the proceedings, with a confused head tilt. Sing? Oh... That lioness' announcement. Had it been about singing? Must have been because the deer next to him piped up about wanting to sing too. Puh... He wouldn't sing for anyone. Not unless Booker asked but that was different. He kept his mouth clammed shut for he had nothing to offer. If Booker wanted him to sing then he would but he couldn't put on a light show or do anything fancy. Except hanging up decorations, maybe but still... only if they asked.

Leon too had been quick to come to the bird's call - he was tending to one of the cave's many lagoons, searching for a fish or two to catch and bring back to Makyna. Thankfully, he hadn't snapped one of them up before Bevy's summoning rang through the waterfall cave - he could leave the task of hunting for now, putting it behind him as he set off to follow the sound of her voice. It seemed that a few others had, too; once he arrived, several others had already beat him, including Makyna. Orange eyes pinned to the lioness, eagerly weaving his way towards her. Leon rumbled a quiet greeting, bumping his nose against her shoulder before sliding down onto his stomach and cocking his head towards Bevy. He had to sit, lest he block the view of all others behind him - his short, round ears twitched curiously as he glanced back to see those gathered, then looked at Bevy again.

She began by explaining the purpose of their group and their new goals - to help everybody else in the cave, not just Maji Walezi. That made sense. It rang true with Cancer's initial purpose, though Leon had to admit that in his earlier days, his sights were really only set on Maji Walezi. If it was the wish of the bird, his new leader, to help everyone - then so be it, he would. She explained the tasks of those ranked, and he tuned it to her suggestion for the scouts. She intended to dispatch them throughout the cave, primarily to gain information on the monster that plagued Polaris - a dragon, she said. Leon narrowed his eyes slightly. He knew that some terrible beast lurked in Polaris and cast it ablaze. He had avoided it for that reason. But he was more than ready to plunge into the flames to help those in need.

His attention was once more grasped as Bevy mentioned the wedding. Leon's grin broadened into a smile and he nudged Makyna's leg with his nose once more. The path of his thoughts diverted when the little owl spoke up, and the bear turned to him, listening. He knew where the dragon would be. The dragon - Leon's task. His brows furrowed slightly; while the rest of the group proceeded to fawn over the wedding, Leon found himself plagued with the responsibility of finding the dragon. Of course, he rose and smiled again as everybody poured forth their happy offerings. After a moment, Leon leaned closer to the lioness. "I'll be right back. I'm sure you've got this covered." He murmured, his voice full of jest as he spoke of the wedding. It was no surprise that she had jumped on planning it, and that was perfectly okay with him. She was a lot more organized anyways.

The bear made his way back over to Dark, cocking his head down to look at the tiny little owl. "I'll need you to show me this dragon, once we're done here." Leon said, casting a sidelong glance back at Makyna.

@Makyna @Quix @Eeya @Amaria @Dark @Al-Addir @Leon @Meredith @Delphine
check out here for more information about this upcoming event! post in either this thread or the linked one to join-- also, have more ideas? have your character suggest them here! this thread will be closed on september 10th, but you can always enter in the other thread if you like!

enna . ratchet . calypso . anan
sweet and soft . bright and cheery . critical and melodic . childlike and loud

let us not deceive ourselves; we must elect world peace or world destruction

"I want to sing!" Bevy's voice took on a pitch higher than usual, excitement filling her vibrant feathers in a large poof! This was going to be so exciting-- even a few gembounds from the trial had come, sharing in the warmth of the moment.

Many had come to gather, to listen, to decide on what to do. It was so easy to focus on the wedding, but the pressing danger of the dragon in Polaris did not distract the once-Runt Scout, who was determined to prove himself. Bevy's eyes leveled with Leon's, the comment to Dark full of meaning. Both of the Scouts seemed determined to take care of the largest, most dangerous problem facing the caves... And for a good reason. It made her uneasy, but she knew she had to trust them.

"Right, if all of you would take care of things here," the pitohui bird chirped, casting their red-tinted gaze to Makyna. "I'm going to set up a healing station-- in case anything goes wrong with Polaris. In case you find anyone. Remember, I don't want you to fight this dragon. Not alone. We're not ready for that." Things finally said and done, she took to the air and flew off-- they had their instructions.

;; bevy exit
(if anyone needs her, feel free to tag, she won't be leaving pisces just yet) GO OUT AND MAKE THOSE THREADS LOVELIES :D and donate to the spire!! :D :D :D

.Bevy

Dark hardly heard half of what was going on; unlike those who could use their eyes to watch the arrivals, the comings and goings of others, and to identify him, he had to use his ears. And that meant that he actually caught very little of the information sent his way, as distracted as he was.

When Leon's bulk padded toward him he froze, turning and rotating his head to stare wide-eyed upward, despite the fact that he couldn't see. But the bear's voice came gentle enough, and after a moment, he clicked his beak and responded, his voice quite soft and polite.

"I have to talk to Bevy, first. Then I will lead you there."

Without further ado, and not wanting to make the bear wait, Dark turned and flapped off after Bevy.

________________

((exit Dark))