Lecture by Lady Tanager
Pan Arkati Fest 5102
Recorded and edited by Morgiest Frostgiant



Iscikella recites:

"Ladies and Gentlemen, our speak tonight will be Tanager."

Tanager curtsies.
Iscikella recites:

"She will be speaking on the deity Tilamaire."


Tanager surveys the area.
Tanager takes a deep breath.
Tanager says, "Good evening, all."
Iscikella sits down.
Tanager says, "I have never before lectured formally before a group, and my words may be somewhat awkward. If so, I hope you will forgive me, and remember that I am a songsmith, not a speaker."
Tanager smiles sheepishly.
Tanager says, "It is not my custom to speak of the Arkati by their true names save in prayer, for it was said in the village of my birth that to do so will draw the direct attention of the deity, and that to do so is rude-- at best."
Tanager says, "Nevertheless, I will set that custom aside for clarity tonight, and pray not to offend any of the Arkati, or draw a dangerous eye."
Tanager surveys the area.
Tanager slowly empties her lungs.
Tanager says, "I am not a cleric of Tilamaire, for I have not been called to such a position by Him or by any other god. Nor am I a worshipper, for, in my understanding of Common, a worshipper acts to glorify and enhance one or more of the Arkati, and these are not my ways."
Tanager says, "It would better be said that I am a 'follower'-- for I seek to follow the paths set by certain of the Arkati, and I research Their ways."
Tanager says, "It might be better said that I am indebted to certain of the Arkati, for gifts I know I bear, and I seek to learn more of them while I await the day for repayment."
Tanager says, "Cholen, the Bardic Lord..."
Tanager covers her lute-etched ring with her hand.
Tanager says, "Jastev, the Somber Lord..."
Tanager covers her brush-inscribed ring with her hand.
Tanager says, "And Tilamaire, the Lithe, of whom I now speak."
Tanager places her hand on her spinel amulet.
Tanager says, "Tilamaire is not one of the greater Arkati, but a spirit of such power as to be deemed among the numbers of the gods."
Tanager says, "He is Cholen's chosen companion, and the patron of dance. He manifests most commonly as a slim young man with golden hair, and He favors an elven guise."
Tanager says, "He most commonly uses a yellow musical note set on a field of blue as His symbol." The young Faendryl's lips curve to a smile as she adds, "...matching the colors of House Loenthra, some may note... though I'll speak more to that matter later."
Tanager says, "Other of His symbols are a treble-clef or a bass-clef sign... again, in yellow set upon blue."
Tanager says, "It is said that, upon rare occasion, He will seek out the most skilled of singers and teach them something of His gift, and change their voices forever thereby."
Tanager says, "This is the most common knowledge that surrounds Tilamaire, and it must be taken as a foundation before discussing the nature of the Lithe in greater depth."
Tanager smiles.
Tanager says, "On the other side of the DragonSpine, Tilamaire is slightly better-known, and I have been researching His nature with the aid of several of the citizens of Ta'Loenthra. There are three aspects of this god that I would like to address tonight..."
Tanager recites:

"Tilamaire, the Elf.
Tilamaire, the Warrior.
Tilamaire, the Teacher."

Tanager says, "It is known in local legend that the Huntress was elevated to Her position among the greater spirits through the intervention of one of the Arkati, known only now as 'The Guardian'. Like the Huntress, Tilamaire was mortal long before He claimed his place in the heavens."
Tanager says, "There is a single legend that relates the Huntress's ascension, but Loenthran legends conflict at length-- I found no less than six different versions of Tilamaire's ascendance."
Tanager says, "One among them appealed most to me, and I shall relate that tale to you now, in brief form."
Tanager says, "Among humans, it is said that Tilamaire sang a song so full of joy and laughter that, upon hearing it, Cholen could not bear to let him go. Among the elves... well."
Tanager says, "Perhaps a heart counts for more than a song... and perhaps the greatest beauty comes, not from love, but..."
Tanager says, "Before attaining divine status, Tilamaire was a Loenthran prince, whose original name has since been lost in time. To seal an alliance, his hand was promised in marriage to a Vaaloran princess."
Tanager says, "Tilamaire was one of the most skilled poets ever born in Ta'Loenthra, and he grieved greatly that he would be setting aside the quill in exchange for the arts of war. At the same time, he had grown over time to know and love the Vaalor princess, and he was torn between the two loves-- his love of the woman, and his love of the art."
Tanager says, "The night before his wedding, Tilamaire composed a sixteen-verse poem cycle of such stunning beauty that it shadowed every verse written before and affected every verse written after. He memorized these verses, and, when the priest asked if he consented to the marriage, he began to recite."
Tanager says, "Listening to the beauty of the elf's words, and hearing his sorrow where formerly he had been joyful, Oleani, watching, was moved by his plight. She brought Cholen to hear, and She and Cholen lifted the Loenthran free of the mortal plane, rescuing Tilamaire from his conflict of loves. In resolving Tilamaire's plight, they returned joy to what had been joyful, and brilliance to what had been brilliant, in ending the shadow of conflict upon him."
Tanager says, "This version of the tale appealed most to me because the 'Tilamaire Cycle' is the first recorded Loenthran sonnet-cycle in existence."
Tanager says, "The elves tell me that translating the cycle into Common cripples its beauty, but the cycle begins..."
Tanager takes a deep breath.
Tanager recites:

"Upon the plain of midnight, vast and bleak,
Like horsement, silent stars above me ride--
Within the hall waits my rose-cherished bride.
Her skirts of gilt-edged red caress the teak
;
Beneath her smile s caress, my will grows weak.
She beckons me to seek her silk-sheathed side,
But dreams wash over, bright, euphoric tide.
A hunting-horn is not the song I seek."

Tanager recites:

"A nightlark calls, a whisper on the wind
Seducing me towards thoughts of blue and gold.
My joy here s tattered, strung apart and thinned
By faenor gauntlets fisted tight of old.
All holy force, I pray, this fate rescind:
To perish blood-soaked, silent, scarred, and cold."

Tanager says, "Whether you study this legend or another, however-- I have not found any version of Tilamaire's birth that does not state that He was mortal before He was immortal... and, unlike the legends of Leya and Voln, none of the tales claim that Tilamaire's blood was immortal from the beginning."
Tanager says, "He exists as an example of the greatest achievement possible to any artist, though it may well be that one akin Tilamaire will never be born again."
Tanager takes a few steps to her left.
Tanager says, "I will shift now in my discussion to address Tilamaire in His aspect of the Warrior."
Tanager says, "When people hear of dance, they think most often of waltzes and jigs and other dance-floor measures. It was greatly to my surprise that I learned of another facet in this matter...."
Tanager says, "Those at Shiril's lecture last night may be anticipating this explanation, somewhat."
Tanager smiles.
Tanager says, "If I were performing at Bardfest right now, I'd draw twin daggers, but I'm here to lecture and I'm not armed with such."
Tanager says, "As well as joying in common-dance, Tilamaire is the patron of blade-dancers-- of those who use no shield, and who strike as many times as they may in the blink of an eye."
The Symbol of Thought begins to burn in your mind and you hear Azerius thinking, "to arms Northern Fury"
Tanager says, "I am not on this list, I should add. I have enough trouble with my defenses with my shield, and I cast in battle rather than swinging a blade."
Tanager smiles ruefully.
Tanager says, "There was a time when Ivas was termed not the Seductress, but the Dancer-- or, even now, some call Her the darker Dancer, to distinguish Her nature from that of Tilamaire. Lady Shiril spoke of this matter yesterday."
Tanager says, "There is a tale in which a cult of Ivas formed on the outskirts of an elven village. The citizens of this village were much beloved of Tilamaire, for they were of Loenthran blood, and they loved the arts and they loved the ways of Cholen, but the cultists believed they had been wronged. The full of the tale is too long to tell, but..."
Tanager says, "Through the arts that they loved, Ivas struck out at them. Her minions came in the night, dancing in sinuous ways, and their dances were so powerful in beauty and in seduction that none who observed could refrain from joining."
Tanager says, "When villagers went to dance with Ivas's Dancers, their blood-drained corpses were found in the mornings after."
Tanager says, "Knowing that the village would be destroyed if he did not do something, Tilamaire went to them in the guise of a young warrior and taught their strongest how to fight gracefully with twinned blades-- to make a battle from the dance, and a dance from the battle."
Tanager says, "Confronted with Ivas's minions, the warriors Tilamaire trained were entranced, as the other townsfolk had been, and they stepped into the rhythms of dance..."
Tanager says, "...but they danced with their blades, with Liabo's light behind them, and they cut Ivas's dark Dancers down left and right in pools of ichor and rot."
Tanager says, "Where did Tilamaire learn such matters? From Leya, from Kai, from his Vaaloran love, from... there are a thousand possibilities."
(Tanager spreads her hands gracefully and shrugs.)
Tanager says, "Where all legends weave together, though, is around this fact: Cholen's attention and joy lie with merriment and wine, but Tilamaire has a secret care for those who please His master. If brewers, songsmiths, dancers and musicians may defend themselves from Lornon's attack, it is by Tilamaire's will."
Tanager says, "Legend also attributes the weaving of song in combat to an art learned first by priests of Tilamaire... but such legends are too lengthy to recount, now. I have only limited time to speak, and I would not talk my throat dry and talk you all into slumber."
Tanager smiles.
Tanager says, "The third aspect of Tilamaire that I wish to address is His aspect as the Teacher."
Tanager says, "Among the Arkati, only Lumnis truly approaches Tilamaire in this aspect. There are others among the Arkati who teach Their followers, but all with an eye to an external goal..."
Tanager says, "Tilamaire was mortal once. Recalling what it was to be mortal, and recalling how He was lifted from that state, He works to aid those who still exist in that state and who are still in need of knowledge."
Tanager says, "Lumnis delights in the discoveries of mortals, and She seeks to observe and to learn what wisdom they have gleaned from the world."
(Tanager inclines her head slightly to Iscikella.)
Iscikella smiles quietly to herself.
Tanager says, "Tilamaire searches for those few in this world that He finds most worthy of instruction, and He teaches them whatever He may teach that will make their lives better and more full."
Tanager says, "There are a number of stories linking the two. In most of them, Tilamaire serves as a go-between for Cholen, but, in some, Tilamaire and Lumnis walk side by side as companions while they investigate the mortal world."
Tanager says, "Tilamaire is most noted for teaching the most talented among mortal singers-- but why would He not be? He is, after all, Cholen's companion-- it is in music and in the other performance arts that His greatest skills lie."
Tanager says, "All those who teach for no cause save the sake of aiding another, fall under the eye of Tilamaire, and they walk upon the path in which He joys."
Tanager smiles softly as she adds, "Arguably, among the Arkati, Tilamaire is the patron protector of the Order of Lorekeepers... but there are doubtlessly those who would argue otherwise."
Avrinet smiles.
Tanager takes a few steps back.
Tanager says, "Some of those who discuss the Arkati, in the next four days, will seek to convert you to their way of belief."
Tanager says, "I see no cause for such... particularly as I myself do not 'worship', as such...."
Tanager says, "I seek only to educate. In my words, I hope you have learned something more of Tilamaire's nature, whether His paths appeal to you or not."
Tanager says, "I am not a lecturer, but I hope I have not bored you overmuch."
Tanager places her hand on her spinel amulet.
Tanager smiles.
Tanager says, "Following Lady Shiril's lead..."
Tanager asks, "If you have a question... could you whisper to me?"
Tanager says, "Or just say it out loud, if there's a dearth of them."
Tanager chuckles.
Tanager says, "About Tilamaire, that is, Nevrek."
Tanager snorts.
Tanager asks, "Anyone?"
Tanager chuckles.
Tanager glances at Iscikella.
Thexion says, "You spoke of the sixteen verse cycle."
Tanager asks, "I've bored everyone to sleep. Now what?"
Tanager flails her arms about.
Tanager turns to face Thexion.
Tanager nods to Thexion.
Iscikella says, "Nae ye haven't."
Thexion says, "And recited the first verse from it."
Iscikella begins chuckling at Tanager.
Tanager blushes a nice shade of rosy pink.
Thexion asks, "Are the other fifteen verses still in tact in Elven?"
Tanager says, "They are."
Tanager says, "As you may or may not know..."
Tanager says, "And now all know..."
Tanager gazes heavenward.
Tanager says, "My Elven is atrocious, and mostly adds to, 'I don't speak Elven.'"
Thexion nods to Tanager.
Thexion says, "Your translation, whether it was your own, or provided, was lovely."
Tanager says, "One of my Loenthran contacts translated the first verse for me, and then waited for me to make it acceptable... over the course of two weeks."
Tanager smiles ruefully.
Thexion nods.
Tanager curtsies to Thexion.
Iscikella asks, "Do ye believe Tilamaire manifests in many forms? Or does he have no need for that and stick mostly to his own form to manifest?"
Thexion says, "Thank you."
Thexion smiles at Tanager.
Iscikella cocks her head at Tanager.
Tanager says, "It is truly hard for me to say. I have never encountered a manifestation of Tilamaire."
Iscikella asks, "But ye believe he manifests often, nae?"
Tanager says, "Nor have I ever met anyone in the Landing or the Trace who has spoken to me of such."
Iscikella asks, "To teach as ye say?"
Tanager says, "I believe that He does."
Tanager says, "I suspect that it depends upon His motive."
Tanager says, "Many times, it is better to learn from one you do not know, than one you do."
Tanager says, "If Tilamaire showed up tomorrow to give me voice lessons-- and, mind, I'm not so full of ego as to think He would--"
Tanager chuckles.
Tanager says, "I would be so overwhelmed by knowing the identity of my teacher that I'd just squawk."
Tanager says, "I suspect I'm not the only one, either."
Thexion says, "Perhaps he teaches in disguise."
Tanager says, "I have encountered an avatar of Cholen."
Ferrius says, "if one knows that they are in the presence of divintiy.... makes concntration a bit difficult"
Tanager says, "This avatar came among a Cholen's Eve celebration without announcing Himself... or, perhaps I should say, herself, as he came garbed as a female elven jester."
Jacinto nods.
Tanager says, "I suspect the best-known image of Tilamaire-- the young, blond elf-- is simply a reflection of His mortal days, and that He walks most often disguised and unannounced."
Iscikella asks, "Well though would Tilamaire actually cause the same kind of... reaction of awe? I mean isn't his whole demeanor more... down-to-earth as it were?"
Jacinto says, "She was a pretty lass, too."
Jacinto grins.
Iscikella asks, "Or am I understanding that wrongly?"
Tanager asks, "If you encountered Voln tomorrow, would you deal with the matter casually?"
Tanager raises an eyebrow in Iscikella's direction.
Iscikella says, "Voln would frighten me."
Iscikella says, "I'm not a warrior."
Iscikella chuckles.
Iscikella says, "I'm not sure Tilamaire would do that."
Tanager chuckles.
Iscikella says, "I think would be more... a pleasure."
Tanager says, "A point, indeed."
Tanager laughs!
Tanager says, "Now you're echoing some of my teachers from Loenthra."
Tanager says, "Who all feel I take this far, far too seriously."
Tanager stares off into space.
Tanager says, "I suppose it depends on the person."
Iscikella smiles at Tanager.
Tanager blushes a nice shade of rosy pink.
Tanager turns to face Jacinto.
Tanager asks, "Your question...?"
Iscikella says, "I'm not saying meeting any deity wouldn't be... a bit disconcerting."
Jacinto says, "Well..."
Tanager blushes and babbles a few incoherent words, looking sincerely flustered.
Tanager says, "Didn't mean to overrun--"
Iscikella says, "Just some have more... personable personalities."
Tanager nods to Iscikella.
Thexion says, "I think finding yourself in the presence of a being so great as to transcend your ability to comprehend their true nature might be a bit...ah, intense."
Thexion nods to Tanager.
Tanager asks, "Did I anser your question well enough?"
Jacinto says, "You said Tilamaire was the patron of swashbuckling shieldless fighters..."
Iscikella nods to Tanager.
Iscikella says, "Aye, ye did."
Iscikella smiles.
Tanager turns to face Jacinto.
Jacinto asks, "Do you consider Tilamaire the patron of two weapon swashbucklers only?"
Jacinto asks, "Or all that swashbuckle? Or all that fight shieldless?"
Jacinto grins.
Tanager chuckles.
Ferrius says, "I suspect that the gods know us and will disguise themselves if need be or simply appear if that will evoke the reaction they desire..."
Tanager says, "This after I already pointed out I wasn't an expert on the matter..."
Tanager smiles ruefully at Jacinto.
Jacinto grins evilly.
Jacinto leans on Tanager.
Tanager says, "To answer your question."
Tanager says, "I think what matters is... how you fight, more than what you fight with."
Jacinto nods to Tanager.
Ferrius chuckles.
Tanager asks, "Is it a matter of grace? Do you dodge the blows, or shrug them off? Do you strike a thousand times, or cleave your enemy through?"
Tanager asks, "Are you more akin a butterfly, or more akin a roa'ter?"
Tanager winks at Jacinto.
Jacinto grins at Tanager.
Jacinto says, "Depends on how much I've had to drink."
Jacinto winks at Tanager.
Thexion says, "If grace and song guide you as much as strength and courage, perhaps it is Tilamaire's dance that courses through your veins."
Jacinto chuckles.
Jacinto nods to Tanager.
Tanager says, "That's a better way to put it than I could have."
Tanager nods to Thexion.
Tanager says, "But it's the essence of what I was thinking, at the least."
Tanager smiles.
Ferrius asks, "you also spoke of how he joyed in folk teaching for the sake of teaching... what of those who want to learn for the sake of learning?"
Jacinto says, "Lumnis."
Jacinto whistles tunelessly to himself.
Tanager says, "I would say Lady Lumnis would be a more appropriate patron."
Tanager nods to Jacinto.
Tanager says, "It is said She walks among mortals for the sheer joy of learning of their ways..."
Tanager says, "There's an expression about fish, and broken nets, that I can't recall the full of in this moment."
Thexion grins at Tanager.
Tanager says, "In essence-- Lumnis does not fish for you. She sits down beside you, shows you how to craft a net, and joys when you reel in your take as much as you do."
Tanager says, "And probably helps you cast the net, as well, if your arms are weak."
Tanager says, "This analogy is about to fall apart."
Tanager stares off into space.
Tanager asks, "Am I making sense?"
Tanager blushes a nice shade of rosy pink.
Ferrius says, "hrm... not sure that's how I meant it... one who doesn't know much yet, can not be much of a teacher... so, learning in order to share that knowledge with others"
Jacinto grins.
Thexion nods to Tanager.
Tanager says, "Nothing says that the spheres of the Arkati are separate and detached."
Tanager smiles.
Ferrius says, "but you were making perfect sense"
Tanager says, "Or, in this case, of the spirits."
Tanager says, "I would see it less as a matter of Tilamaire, and more as a matter of a follower of Tilamaire... if that makes sense..."
Tanager says, "There are no teachers if there is no one to learn."
Tanager says, "The one stems from the other, and back again, in a cycle."
Ferrius says, "I am new to these lands... trying to figure things out"
Tanager nods to Ferrius.
Tanager smiles at Ferrius.
Tanager turns to face Thexion.
Tanager asks, "Did you say you had another question?"
Jacinto just arrived.
Iscikella says, "Frivolous question, Tanager, when ye have a moment."
Iscikella chuckles.
Jacinto chuckles.
Tanager chuckles.
Tanager says, "By all means."
Tanager nods to Iscikella.
Iscikella says, "In legend, is Tilamaire said to favor any one type of instrument? Always wondered."
Tanager says, "Voice."
Jacinto nods.
Tierus smiles slightly.
Tierus nods to Tanager.
Thexion says, "I am sorry madame."
Tanager says, "Beyond that... no, no particular favor, in any writings I have found."
Iscikella asks, "So voice without accompaniment then?"
Thexion says, "My question was answered in prior discussion."
Iscikella nods to Tanager.
Tanager nods to Thexion.
Tanager nods to Iscikella.
Tanager says, "Actually..."
Tanager looks lost in thought.
Tanager says, "Thinking on the matter, just now..."
Tanager says, "I have no writings to support this, just considering."
Tanager says, "Given that Tilamaire is the patron of dance, He may have a special favor for percussion instruments-- without rhythm, there is no dance, after all."
Jacinto nods.
Iscikella nods to Tanager.
Iscikella says, "Can see that."
Tanager says, "A guess, however. I'll have to ask around among those more educated than I."
Tanager smiles.
Ferrius says, "mayhap just the percussion of say a bass part of a song? if done in multiple parts..."
Tanager smiles.
Iscikella says, "And has there ever been any legends about the types of dances that Tilamaire himself did when... non-immortal? Just curious about types of legends that exist."
Tanager chuckles.
Tanager says, "Yes. I did run across one of those."
Tanager says, "Though I wasn't sure whether the legend sprang up to explain a custom, or the custom sprang up around the legend..."
Tanager says, "Tilamaire was most skilled at courting-dances. Apparently He was quite the flirt, while mortal."
Iscikella asks, "Can ye tell us?"
Iscikella says, "Ah..."
Iscikella grins.
Tanager chuckles.
Iscikella says, "Nothing wrong with flirting."
Iscikella chuckles.
Tanager says, "There's a custom that still lives in Ta'Loenthra called 'Courting Tilamaire'..."
Iscikella asks, "Oh?"
Iscikella cocks her head at Tanager.
Jacinto grins.
Tanager says, "Only I'm still not sure to what degree it's serious, and to what degree it's all a joke."
Tanager says, "Asking too many times, 'Are you serious?' with a bloodline like mine... well..."
(Tanager glances ruefully down at her dark-skinned hands.)
Jacinto grins.
Tanager says, "You can imagine."
Jacinto says, "Least its not a bloodline like mine."
Jacinto grins at Tanager.
Tanager glances at Jacinto.
Tanager says, "Fair enough."
Tanager smiles affectionately at Jacinto to take back some of the sting of that last comment.
Tanager says, "In any case..."
Iscikella asks, "What does the custom entail?"
Iscikella cocks her head at Tanager.
Tanager nods to Iscikella.
Iscikella says, "Forgive my curiosity."
Iscikella blushes a delicate shade of pink.
Jacinto grins at Iscikella.
Jacinto asks, "You want another like that Halfling one?"
Jacinto whistles tunelessly to himself.
Tanager says, "About a week before the Day of Voaris and Laethe, certain among the young women of Ta'Loenthra set off their everyday clothing in exchange for garb of a more, hmm, gypsy flair..."
Iscikella begins chuckling at Jacinto.
Tanager says, "Silks, gossamers, very bright colors, many flowers."
Iscikella nods to Tanager.
Tanager says, "They believe that, if they draw sufficient attention to themselves, then Tilamaire will watch over them for that week."
Tanager says, "Or they claim to believe this. Again, it's all a bit tangled from my perspective. Especially because some of my informants don't speak Common."
Tanager says, "And SOME of my translators kept breaking up in laughter..."
Iscikella asks, "To draw them to a lover?"
(Tanager gives Jacinto a reproachful look before turning her attention back to Iscikella.)
Iscikella works her fingers under her carved ivory haircombs and scratches her head.
Tierus says, "Or bees."
Tierus nods to Iscikella.
Iscikella begins chuckling at Tierus.
Tanager says, "Actually, to improve their voices. Most of the young women who take part are not actually paired, and there is some hope of drawing teaching from Tilamaire, if they are skilled enough."
Iscikella says, "Ah..."
Iscikella nods to Tanager.
Tanager says, "In practice, from what I can tell... it's a time to relax and strengthen friendships among the other girls of their age."
Iscikella says, "So flirting with the teacher is good policy."
Iscikella grins.
Tanager nods to Iscikella.
Tanager says, "Pretty much."
Tanager chuckles.
Jacinto chuckles.
Jacinto says, "Nothing wrong with that."
Jacinto grins evilly.
Tanager says, "There's actually a 'maiden's code'-- a second language, that is sung, rather than spoken. Used to address prayers during this time, or communicate with other participants in the ritual."
Tanager says, "Or... again, so I was told."
Jacinto smiles.
Iscikella says, "Would make sense. Wouldn't want anyone else knowing what were asking the teacher."
Iscikella chuckles.
Tanager says, "Between communication difficulties, and the fascination the Loenthrans have for seeing what I will and won't swallow, and..."
Tanager chuckles.
Tanager nods to Iscikella.
Jacinto grins.
Tanager says, "Perhaps I'll find someone willing to teach me part of it, someday. I can hope."
Ferrius begins chuckling at Tanager.
Tanager grins impishly.
Iscikella flashes a wide grin.
Tierus says, "If'n ye're lookin' fer a volunteer..."
Tierus chuckles.
Tanager raises an eyebrow in Tierus's direction.
Tierus takes a drink from his pewter goblet.
(Tanager inquires archly of Tierus, "You've an eye to winning Tilamaire's favor?")
Iscikella asks, "Also, I'm sorry if I missed this, but have been a bit harried... Did Tilamaire die before became immortal? Or did Cholen make him immortal while yet living?"
Jacinto grins evilly.
Iscikella cocks her head at Tanager.
Jacinto starts chortling.
Ferrius says, "i would think that as long as it is heartfelt and the meaning is there... even if the form isn't quite right, the message will get through"
Tanager says, "In the version I most favor... Tilamaire ascended while alive."
Tierus nods.
Iscikella nods to Tanager.
Jacinto says, "There's other stories about Tilamaire."
Tanager says, "In others-- not necessarily."
Jacinto nods to Iscikella.
Jacinto grins evilly.
Thexion comes back into focus.
Iscikella says, "I wonder about the lesser spirits."
Iscikella says, "I know Jaston was dead."
Iscikella says, "Amasalen I don't know."
Jacinto says, "Some about him and that Vaalorian princess."
Tanager says, "One of the human versions actually claims that Tilamaire was an old man when he ascended."
Iscikella says, "Always wondered about Tilamaire."
Tanager says, "He refused to stop dancing at a celebration when his heart stopped."
Iscikella says, "Ah..."
Tierus says, "Hrm."
Tanager says, "And so Cholen took him, because his joy in music was greater than his death."
Jacinto says, "I like the tales of the princess and the music teacher."
Jacinto grins.
Iscikella says, "That is actually a rather sweet sort of sorry. Went to immortality happy."
Tanager says, "You would."
Tanager just tickled Jacinto.
Iscikella smiles.
Tierus says, "Ah've quite a few tha' begin tha' wiy."
Tierus nods to Jacinto.
Tanager asks, "Is there anything else anyone would like to ask?"
Tanager surveys the area.
Tanager says, "With that volley of responses ringing in my ears... perhaps we should end there, and the festival can resume in half an hour with the next speaker."
Tierus says, "Ye did a fine job, an' tankyas many times fer comin'."
Tanager says, "Thank you for asking me."
Tanager smiles.