[Moonoak Thicket] A Heart to Heart
Moderators: (Natopia) Emperor, (Natopia) Chancellor, (Natopia) Faro of Flaventia
[Moonoak Thicket] A Heart to Heart
Moonoak Thicket was a solemn place. Priests of the Jaiesican Order maintained the Trees and listened to the Tree Spirits' voices, writing down their words of wisdom, their anecdotes, their brief recollections of their individual past lives as Hazel living on Micras. Nathan arrived several days before Zakyyr would, so he could speak to his mother and grandfather privately.
Asara's remains were eventually interred in the Thicket, using an acorn from the Great Mother Tree, her actual grandmother as well, but because she was not Planted immediately after death, her voice was weak and her memories faded. This saddened Nathan, who missed his mother dearly. Instead, he spoke directly with Naian, who was now a mighty oak tree himself, and could speak as clearly as any living person.
Grandson, it is so nice to meet you! You are growing up so quickly. It seems just yesterday they Planted my beloved Asara, and you were not more than 3 or 4. But time passes differently for me now.
"Naian, it is an honor to meet you too. I am deeply troubled, and seek your counsel. There is a rift forming in our family, there are terrible radicals organizing throughout the empire, the world itself has become polarized, I fear I am inadequate for the challenges ahead."
So many questions for a young boy. Too many questions. Obviously the first question you asked troubles you most. Do you know why I chose a griffin for our family symbol?
"No, Grandfather."
They are a perfect blending of two creatures into one harmonious, and majestic, beast. A griffin can never be separated into its lion and eagle parts. Nor can the Waffel-Paine family. Do not allow your family to be divided, diluted, co-opted, or coerced. Gather your family together and remind them of their total devotion to the Empire that the Waffel-Paines built. All other disagreements are mere squabbles if all Waffel-Paines can agree to devote and give their lives freely to Natopia. I know it is your cousin that weighs heavy on your mind. I will ask him one simple question when he sees me, and his answer will reveal his intentions.
"Thank you, Grandfather. Thank you so much!"
Emperor of the Natopians
- Zakyyr Angus-Moonoak
- Posts: 493
- Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2016 2:39 pm
Re: [Moonoak Thicket] A Heart to Heart
Zakyyr had finally arrived on "the wicket land" Tarsica. He was very much unwilling to come here as even only in his mind the place was scary. NO, not just scary - it freaked him out. The fact that he could talk with trees was not by itself a problem, but the Waffel-Paine was unprepared to hear what his family members would tell him. In Zakyyr's view, he had done everything what was right and needed to sustain and increase the reputation and power of the dynasty. But to hear their verdict was something he did not want to happen to him - not yet.
Anyway, Nathan II's request felt unrejectable. The weather was strange, humidity levels much higher than what the Tsar was used to. The mood of the place, Zakyyr had to admit, was pleasently peaceful, a tender westerly wind gave the place a sense of moderated dynamism.
"Your Majesty, as you requested, I have come before you in the land of the Hazels" - Zakyyr dared not use the majestic plural in the surrounding he found himself in.
Tsar of The Royal Tsardom of The Marches and The Princely Isle
Metrobosarch of Vey
Lord Triumphant in All Four Quarters
Prince of Natopia
Duke of Haven
Marquis of Klaasiya
Count of Andiopolis
Re: [Moonoak Thicket] A Heart to Heart
"Welcome Zak. Thank you for coming. Please, we're cousins, call me Nate."
Zakyyr was quite taken aback by this new attitude, "I'll try to keep that in mind Yo... Nathan.. uh, Nate."
Nathan pointed up, "This is my grandfather, and your uncle. Have you ever spoken to a Tree before, Zak?" Zak shook his head, "It's alarming at first, intrusive, invasive, kinda scary too. But in an instant they know everything in your mind, and you have nothing to hide, so there's nothing to worry about."
Zakyyr swallowed hard, "I don't know...."
Nephew, how have you been? And in an instant, Naian was in Zakyyr's mind. Naian then spoke to Nathan.
Grandson, your cousin's intentions align with your own, his immediate goals differ and his methods differ, too. Trust him to honor our family and the Empire we built. Now, you speak to him, I will sleep.
Nathan stood up and put his hand on Zakyyr's shoulder, "C'mon Zak, let's go for a walk, there's a really cool school here where they still teach hazkisi magick, they want to teach us a few charms."
Emperor of the Natopians