Charisma's Return|Raynham, Reave

[Kender Bard]

Making an elegant swoop, Charisma arrives at the dawn of the day, the morning rays glinting against her crystal hide. Landing lightly she waits patiently for the Clears to arrive, noting with approving the fire types that were gathered.

[jhaal]

Jhaal waits a little nervously. Telling his fellow Clears what they must do to gain the forgiveness of the Elements and indeed to survive will be easy, but getting them to do it may not be so simple.

[Kender Bard]

Many of the villagers gather about, calling out their greetings to Jhaal, anxiously wishing to know how it went. Charanth joins some of his men on the fringes of the group.

[Northen Light36]

Tres and her compainions wander over to join Charanth and his men. "Well he doesn't look to have any burns, so I doubt he got on Honoured Leader Damien's bad side," she comments quietly to Charanth.

[jhaal]

Using a short breather to gather courage as well as to ensure he has the attention of the crowd, Jhaal clears his throat and addresses the assembly.

"Under the instruction and with the assistance of the Dragon Charisma, I have travelled to the Leaders of each Elemental nation and asked them what it is we must do to earn their forgiveness, and a lasting peace. Some have given their forgiveness freely, and others have certain conditions we must accept. I urge you all to do as we are asked, so we can rebuild our city in peace. None have asked us anything impossible or unfair, and complying is essential to peace."

Consciously, the Clear pauses to assess the mood of the crowd. He imagines that while he's been away negotiating peace and possible aid, they have been working to survive and might resent further tasks given to them by outside nations.

[Kender Bard]

There are some looks of wariness, even a few of doom, but for the most part, the crowd remains receptive and curious to here what Jhaal says. It's apparant they trust him when he says that what they've been asked isn't impossible - and it can't hurt to listen, right?

Charanth tilts his head, eager to hear what the terms are.

[jhaal]

Jhaal nods and continues, his tone even. "The prevalent condition for forgiveness is that the practice of slavery amongst us must stop. Any slaves remaining amongst us must be allowed to return home, and no-one is to capture another. As slavery brought this misery upon our city, I'm sure there must be very few among us who can disagree with this request."

[Kender Bard]

Charisma surveys the reaction of the crowd. Charanth tenses as he does the same, and both are pleasantly surprised at the looks of relief, even amusement, amongst the people.

"I think after the incident with Ronnie and that young Mind we can all agree to the terms that slavery will be put to an end," a Clear speaks up. "However... This will severely slow our efforts to rebuild."

"Then let those willing to stay do so," Charanth puts in. That is met with murmurs of reluctant assent. The people are not looking forward to all the hard, grueling work they'll have to face short handed. Even with all the Fires helping, it was a mighty job.

"So you agree?" Charisma inquires. The cry of assent pleases her greatly and she continues, "Then I have two points to bring up. The first, is that you will all need a missionary to act as liason between yourselves and the other elementals. This is crucial, even prior to having any true leader. I nominate Jhaal to this task, as he has done beautifully at it. Are there any that disagree?"

Nobody raises even a whisper of doubt.

[jhaal]

Jhaal smiles in an open and genuine display of pleasant surprise. Not only had the Clears accepted the conditions, but they had showed a confidence in his abilities that warmed him right to the core. He hadn't really been aware that other Clears had such a level of respect for him, and it was deeply and almost embarassingly gratifying.

[Kender Bard]

"Good," Charisma says, in almost a purr. "So long as you continue to adhere to your promises, then I will allow you to keep the blessing of the Elements. Receive it, my humbled people, and use it well."

Opening her mouth very widely, Charisma lets out a deep bell tone that resonates deep in the core of every Clear that hears it. In the distance, the tone echoes softly as it continues to spread, covering the whole of Naruta.

And, inside each Clear, something changes. There's a sense of control where there was none; an awareness of the power they have that had so long gone unchecked.

At last, the Clears of Naruta could control their alluring, entrapping auras.

[aivea]

Madison runs over and bows to Charisma while saying breathlessly with a fear of being mauled plain in his voice, "I'm very sorry, dragon Charisma, but I can't free my only slave, Cecilia, just yet. She is gravely ill and I do not wish for her to travel until she is well enough to last the journey home. Please let me keep her until I go let her go without fearing for her life."

[jhaal]

Stunned, Jhaal simply looked at Charisma with such thankfulness that he had no words to express. Perhaps the Clears could gain not only the forgiveness of the Elementals, but their friendships, too.

[Kender Bard]

Charisma smiles upon Madison, lowering her muzzle to his level as she says, gently, "Your concern is very touching. Call her not your slave, but your friend, and I will let you keep her until she is well."

Charanth grins widely as all around him Clears begin to laugh, cheer, and cry with joy, most of them immediately figuring out how to switch off their auras.

[aivea]

Madison straightens up, no longer looking like he was expecting to be eating for mentioning Cecilia, and says, "Thank you. I will remember to call Cecilia my friend not my slave."

He bows again before making his way back to his tent while experimenting with switching on and off his "aura".

[jhaal]

Jhaal laughs with joy as he realises he has truly learnt how to completely 'turn off' his ability. Now, perhaps, he can work something out with Cascata of the Waters without frightening her to death - and even meet up with Emera without being asked to sit on the far side of the room. He grins; that last idea certainly does seem a good one!