Harn and Forn Sheedhiel have blessed their children and are so proud of the progress and success of the Flutters. As a special gift, Queen Belwen has been given the authority to welcome the next generation of young Flutters unto adulthood with a special rite and ceremony.
This rite is a special gift and blessing from the Trees and colony. It is representative of the culture and compassion of the Flutters. It symbolizes the growth and education of the young Flutters and their release from the bonds of childhood. This is a celebration for the blossoming into a strong and proud adult. This is their formal welcome into Flutter society .
What is going on? All native and natural flutters that are born from the seeds of Harn and Forn Sheedhiel, and who still live within the colony will undergo this coming-of-age ceremony. It is symbolic, and designed to indoctrinate new adults into the colony so they can become equal contributing denizens of the trees. This rite is designed to give an in-character reason why adult flutters could just show up. After this Notice, ALL NEW ADULT FLUTTERS have to abide by this rule, that they have always lived in the tree, and grew up there. And underwent this rite in order to become an adult. All flutters are familiar with each other as they see each other every day.
Adults That Are Required to Be Present: Marigold - Harn (Antidia) Idalusia - Forn (Seruta) Yesenia - Harn (Teigra) Vaillantina - Forn (HelMel) Nova - Harn (Irish Night Fox) Hyalophora - Forn (Fea Line) Muir - Forn (Daisicle) Amaryllis - Harn (Wolfs Heart) note: He's a Harn lost seed being raised in Forn by Paradise and Lillian These Flutters are new to the shop, but not new to the colony. They are the next generation of seeds to hatch and grow. This ceremony marks the day they became an adult. Please follow the setting when creating their backstories. And also note: no social pariahs, please. They should know each other. They don't have to even like each other, but they know each other.
"Lost Seed" Flutters Xiulan - Forn (Teigra) Elias - Forn (Wolfs Heart) Calanthe - Forn (Menelie) Foxglove - Forn (Irish Night Fox) Melanthios - Forn (Shadica) Siofra - Forn (Dementia Requiem Asumi) These Flutters are scattered over the island and are mentioned because they are growing at the same time as several other seeds from the same generation. This information will be relevant if they ever are to return to their homeland.
The original 12 Flutters will be considered elders of the colonies who will help and mentor the younger members and new adults. You do not have to post in this Notice, but it would be awesome if you did. You are tagged for this RP because your Flutter is present during this ceremony and there is a chance they will be called on. A few will be called on depending on their responsibilities in the colony.
How to participate Respond to Belwen's prompts, or Interact with each other in the context of this RP's subject.
When? Now! ETA for end will come after the new flutters respond to Belwen's final prompt. That doesn't mean the RP has to end, it just means the Flutters will have been grown and there ceremony is over.
Why? To grow teen flutters to adults and introduce new adults. RP is required to grow to adult stage and this is a prime opportunity to do that and ensure growth at the end of this Notice. This also helps to remind players of Flutter customs and indoctrinate new flutter players. Also provides a means to explain where Adult Flutters come from, considering the backstory we've created for them.
Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2016 8:22 pm
A warm breeze gently swept over the tip of a dandelion, catching the little hitchhikers and carrying them towards the cheerful sounds of gathering flutters. Today is a special day for both colonies, as it marks their very first ever Shee Festival. This festival brings the two trees together to celebrate growth and abundance. The colonies grow and thrive as new seedlings sprout and grow into flutters.
The Flutter Queen rested nervously on the seat at the head of the gathered flutters. In a line to her right, both colonies sit together. In a line to her left, the newly grown young flutters sit eager and nervous.
Belwen stands and motions towards both trees"The Sheedhiels have given me the authority to bestow upon the colonies this joined celebration where we shall celebrate growth and abundance." She starts to walk down the aisle between the two rows of flutters.
"Today, we not only welcome and celebrate the next generation of flutters to adulthood, but we also recognize and celebrate our founding flutters." She turned to her right and smiled at them. "You've all worked so hard to ensure a safe and bountiful life for all us. Our success is all because of you." Belwen stopped midway down the aisle and opened her arms as she addressed everyone. "You've all played a part in raising and teaching our young ones, and it is because of your love and dedication that we sit here today. I'd like to thank you all. And the Sheedhiels thank you and would like to impart upon you the title and mantle of Elder. You'll always be known as our founders and be the mentors and guardians of our future. Your words and actions carry special weight now among the colony."
Queen Belwen turned to address the young flutters seated across from the Elder flutters. "The bright future of our colony sits before me. The first of the new generation; the evidence of our success and growth. Sitting before me, is a blessing from the Sheedhiels. We've survived our first year!" She glowed with pride and excitement addressing the group. All the preparation and planning was finally coming to fruition. She'd had the whole colony preparing for this day. It was also the first time they'd celebrate out in the open in the Fae Clearing. Belwen decided to do this as a measure of trust for the whole colony.
"Our ceremony today is a symbolic induction into the colony. You were all sprouted here, yes, and it's your home, but you will no longer be young flutters still learning to navigate through life. The next step is to join the ranks of our respected mature members."
Taking her place at the end of the line of inductees, Belwen motions for them all to stand. Prior to this ceremony, each one was tasked in writing a small statement containing their thoughts about the past, present and future. Joining her by her side was Shaylee, holding the beautiful woven basket containing the wildflower wreaths that Belwen herself crafted, with a little help from young Xuilan.
"This wreath of wildflowers sits upon your crown. This represents unity and your selflessness. A desire to connect fully with the colony." Belwen gently placed the wreath on Marigold's head. She then placed her fingertip on the young flutter's forehead and a small glow emanated from under the touch. A shimmery dot, very reminiscent of the Sheedhiel's bark remained. "This represents your mind and your commitment to serve nature and the Sheedhiels. You gain insight and the ability to see deeper and understand the spiritual connection."
Belwen just buzzed with nerves and excitement, but kept it under control. This was the first time performing this ceremony and she prayed to the Sheedhiels that the flutters could understand and appreciate the sacredness of these symbols. For the final symbol, Belwen placed her finger tip on the center of Marigold's chest, and a warm glow would radiate from the touch. In it's wake would be another small and shimmery dot. "This represents your soul and the love you display. Love for self, love for family, love for others. It means inspiring kindness and compassion towards others. May you always feel the unconditional love of of the Sheedhiels and know your true self.""
The Flutter Queen leaned forward to kiss the dot on Marigold's forehead before shifting her attention to Muir. She repeated the symbols, first giving him the crown and then the gifts from Forn Sheedhiel. She stood on tiptoe to kiss his forehead to complete his introduction for the ceremony.
One by one, she moved down the row of standing flutters, offering the crown of wildflowers, and the gifts and the promises of their trees. The offered kiss sealed the bonds.
Of course, each of the flutters present were given the option to not participate in the ceremony if they chose. By being here today, they are swearing loyalty to Belwen and the Sheedhiels. Swearing to abide by colony rules and laws. And above all else, keep the secrets of the Flutters.
When the last of the new flutters received their symbols and tokens, Belwen returns to her seat cuing the recital of the small prepared statements from each of them.
Include the prepared statement about what the past was like for them (growing up in the tree), how they feel presently towards the colony, Belwen and the trees, and their hopes and plans for the future in your response. Reactions and introspection about preparing for this day can also be included.
For those witnessing, you are welcome to include RP posts, too. heart
There will be a prompt to follow in a few days for the next step to adult-hood.
Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2016 8:29 pm
All invited Players.
Oziandra
Titus
Twitchapher the 3rd
Lillian
Daisicle
Delyth, Muir
Irish Night Fox
Lisanthus, Nova, Foxglove
Tartara Seabreeze
Shaylee
Wolfs Heart
Paradise, Amaryllis, Elias
Seiana
Indilwen - to let you know of the notice. If you want to participate, contact me.
Oh how exciting! The day had finally come after all their preparations. At first she worried about not having anything to do, but their loving Queen had more than kept her busy over the past few days. And now she was seeing its fruition.
Holding the basket in hand, Shaylee was positively glowing with excitement, paling only in comparison to Belwen. She moved in time with the Queen so she wouldn't have to reach far for each wreath. How she loved the bright eyed faces of the young ones, earning their right to progress in life. It filled her heart with such happiness and comfort. Their family was thriving.
With each teen she smiled her brightest smile, wanting to congratulate each and every one but kept in mind it was not her place to start talking. There would be plenty of time for that after the ceremony.
Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2016 9:17 pm
Siofra stretched, pulling on one arm with the other in the air. She was getting a head start on the travel Mom was forcing her to take part in. Why she had to go to school of all things, Siofra wouldn't understand. She hated it! Even if the pae who taught were really pretty and cool and nice. It was still boring! No matter what she thought of it, being so small it took longer than usual to get there.
A gentle tugging at the back of her mind called her attention. She always felt it walking along this part of the path. Always. But this time it seemed different. Maybe it was just because she really didn't want to go to school? Who knew. The teen glanced to her side, starting to veer off course. The pull was getting stronger. Like something big was going down. She shrugged, saying forget it and followed the soft calling of whatever it was.
It was utter shock that Siofra saw others inside the fae clearing. She stood on the outskirts of it, frozen as she watched whatever was going on out there. They were... There was others like her. Like Elias! And the were doing something! Her eyes were wide with excitement, trying to take in the sight of everything. What was going on here? Who were all these gorgeous pae? Did they know what they were? Did they know what she was? Why she didn't look a thing like her family? Why Elias looked sort of like his, but not all the way? Oh Guardians, what was going on here? Siofra was dying to know!
What would they do if she just burst into the clearing? She paused, chewing on her lip. Surely they didn't know she existed, even if they all did have the same kind of wings and feet and ears she did. Maybe she should just watch from behind this tree? That sounded like a good idea... Nice and safe... Where was Soliel when she needed her?!
Calanthe had become ever more adventurous in her exploration of the great, wide world. In fact, it had been some time since she'd even gone home this time around. It seemed she'd inherited her mother's wanderlust. She'd seen so many wonderful things and been so many places, that going home now just seemed....boring. Not that it had felt much like home lately. Things were better than they'd been before, but everyone was still very much on edge, and everyone had been effectively 'gathered in', like chickens in a coop.
Calanthe just wanted to be free!
Wind in her hair and a smile on her face, she shouldered her knapsack and kept walking. She'd already learned so much in her travels. How to build a fire, how to make shelter with nothing but tree branches, how to discern which fruits were for eating and which ones ought to be left alone. She loved this nomad's life! She went where she pleased, ate and slept when and where she liked, and was beholden to no one.
And yet, as many her age did, she felt a keen need to fit in somewhere. It had been increasingly clear to Calanthe that the Great Tree wasn't where she belonged. There were Faun of all shapes, sizes, and colors, with wings and without, with cloven hooves and solid, and she'd sworn she'd seen a Faun who didn't look like one at all! But she knew in her heart she didn't belong there. She'd only ever met two other Faun with antennae like hers. She gnawed her lip as she walked. She'd been so awkward around him...wonder where she could find him again and make amends.
Calanthe found herself walking towards a stand of trees, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. She was sure she'd never been here before, but somehow it felt familiar, and curiosity demanded that she check it out. It was eerily silent in here, and she felt the need to be quiet also. Carefully she picked her way through the forest, sensing that a clearing was near the middle. As she drew nearer, she heard voices. Who would live all the way out here?
She could see through the trees a whole gathering of Pae....and they all looked like her! Every last one had the same solid hooves, the same pointed ears, the same gauzy wings...right down to the curly antennae! Her mouth fell open in surprise, and she couldn't take her eyes off the leader, who was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen. Calanthe came as close as she dared, and then hunkered down in the tall grass to watch. It looked like some kind of ceremony was happening.
Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2016 10:08 pm
Irian had been doing her damnedest not to get on Belwen's bad side after the talking to she had gotten at the fireside. She did her duty and reported to the Queen of the other tree when needed. Fortunately things seemed to have gone relatively smoothly of late, so like her fellow tree-mates Irian had been preparing for the coming of age ceremony. She had spent extra time making sure the area was secure so they may enjoy the ceremonies in the clearing instead of inside like they had in past seasons. Now the big day was finally here and like all her fellow adult flutters, Irian was standing watching with pride as the teenagers received the blessing from Belwen and got their opportunity to say their piece.
Even though her attention was focused on the teenage flutters in front of them, Irian's attention often drifted to the treeline. Call it habit or maybe instinct but she felt she always needed to keep her eyes open, and today of all days they needed to be certain of the security of the clearing so they may not be disturbed. Feeling like she (and the others) were being watched her eyes scanned the area even more closely, nothing... nothing... noth.. wait, was that a flitter of a wing at the edge of that tree over there?
The tan flutter slipped out of her place with the other Elder adult flutters and moved towards the edge of the clearing towards where she saw the movement. She had moved in a skirting manner so as to come up behind the pae in question rather then head on and alert them they'd been noticed. Within a short time Irian discovered she'd been right, it was another teenage flutter. She didn't recognize this one it must be one from Forn she thought to herself, as much as Irian had been at Forn unlike the past she had not made a point to get to know all of the flutters inhabiting that tree.
Irian walked up behind the pretty young flutter female and set her hand on it's shoulder, "I know this is a daunting time in a young flutter's life but sweetie it's also a joyous one, you should rejoin the others" she said and moved to lead the flutter to the end of the line of teenage flutters waiting to receive their blessing from Belwen.
Mazarine sighed softly as he stood up with the rest of the Elders. He was content standing here with the rest of his brothers and sisters... He may be acting "Queen" of Harn, but he was still uncomfortable holding the soul attentions of all Sheedhiel.
His eyes scanned over the budding new adults and his figure seemed to swell with some pride. The new generation. It was a beautiful thing...
And also an odd one...
Movement to the side caught his attention and he watched in silence as Irian slipped off to the side to bring back a shy Forn child. At least, he assumed it was a Forn child.... He didn't recognize the face...
He saw another flutter of movement not too far from his own position and silently rolled his eyes. What was it with the Forn children? Were they all this shy and prone to hiding when they needed to be basking in the joy of the ceremony with the others their age?
Carefully and quietly, he too slipped to the ring and held out his hand.
"C'mon, then." he whispered, and gestured towards the line of growing youngsters. "No need to be scared or shy!" He offered one of his own soft smiles.
Menelie
Mazarine -> Calanthe
Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2016 10:28 pm
Siofra's eyes had drifted to the lady holding something. She was almost tempted to leave her hiding spot from behind the tree to get a better look at the dark beauty, when a quiet rustling sounded behind her. Not thinking anything of it, Siofra's eyes remained glued to the gorgeous pae in front of her. A hand touched her shoulder, followed by words she barely heard.
Siofra jumped.. Okay more like flew, into the air at another pae touching her. Guardians, what the hell was going on!? Siofra was floored, shocked, having a heart attack. Whatever. She couldn't believe she'd been noticed! Guardians help her this wasn't good! Sheer panic was plastered on her face, looking up at the female telling her to join the others. Rejoin them? "O-okay?" She squeaked, completely terrified of the pae that was talking to her. Did she just get called a young flutter? What was that? Is that what they were?
She looked towards the gathering, and then up to the frightening woman once more. Okay, play along and she might not get hurt. That sounded like a good plan. Siofra turned her back, walking towards the gathered group of... flutters? her own age. Blend in. She had no idea what was going on here, but she most certainly did not want that scary woman to eat her or something. At least she got a better view of the basket holder from the unexpected vantage point.
Paradise reached down into a bucket that was between her hooves, pulled out a thin leaf and dabbed her cheeks with it. She was already starting to cry and nothing had even happened yet. It was a good thing she had brought a whole bucket full of leaves, she was going to need them.
There was nothing she needed to do now but watch the ceremony, she had done her part already. Her part had been raising many of these young flutters who were standing here today. Paradise looked down the row of young flutters, smiling at all of them, even the ones that must have been from the other tree, she was so proud.
It had been quite the learning experience, she really grew with these kids, learning how to take care of them. They were the first generation apart from her own. Paradise knew she had messed up plenty of times, but overall they had turned out great. And she had done that! (With Lillian of course.) There would be a brief period of rest before the cycle began anew. She hoped that the kids knew her well enough to know that they could still come to her for help when they needed it, even if they were adults now.
Paradise watched as some of the Harn elders reigned in some of their teens. How sweet, the Harn teenagers were shy. The female giggled into her hand, before she sniffled and wiped away more tears. It was such an emotional day.
Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2016 11:08 pm
He was never at the tree anymore. He had hoped that his "mom" had understood, she didn't like being cooped up either, but that didn't mean that it hurt any less. However, the true reason he left the tree wasn't because of being cooped up, but because it was getting too hard to visit his best friend. His friendship with her had become the most important thing, spending time with a pae that was just like him. Perhaps there was more to it than that.
When Elias came around looking for Siofra, her sister had told him that she had just left for some sort of school and had pointed him in the right direction. He wasn't sure what this school thing was all about, but he could at least keep her company on the trail there and back when he caught up with her.
It wasn't long before Elias felt that tugging feel which had become incredibly familiar to him, but not something he had really figured out yet. Was it Siofra, was it this place, was it both? It felt even stronger this time though. Siofra must be close!
And she was, Elias had just spotted her up ahead, only to see her jump off the trail and jump behind a bush. He had no idea what she was doing, but he got a playful smile on his face, deciding that he would sneak up on her.
Elias never got the chance to, someone that looked like... Him! had emerged and led Siofra out of his sight. The male paused, a puzzled look crossing his face. Siofra's sister hadn't mentioned that it was a school for their kind, it was an important bit of information, he would have thought she'd have mentioned it. That female that had taken Siofra appeared to be older than either of them.
Elias moved to the bush that Siofra had been behind, cautiously peering into the clearing. His eyes went wide as he was blown away by the number gathered, and they all looked just like him too. His eyes focused in on Siofra who had joined a line of pae her size... His size. What was going on here.
Amaryllis was playing with one of the flowers on his crown, flicking it and watching it bounce. He was already nervous about what he had prepared to say, how could he know the right things to say when they were the ones setting the standards. Now he had to say it, and in front of Harn flutters he didn't know, to make it worse. Harn had some really pretty girls in it too from what he could tell in a quick glance, that was all the look he would give them. The girls in the Forn tree felt like sisters to him, so it was unusual to see girls that he didn't know like that... But Harn... Ick.
He had been waiting for this day for what had seemed like an eternity. He wanted to grow up so desperately. Now that it was here, he wanted to go back to yesterday and enjoy the days of his youth for just a little bit longer.
He tried not to look at any of them as he began to speak. When he had rehearsed it the whole spiel had come out in one word, so he tried to focus on saying every individual word. "In the past, I have seen a lot of change. I was kind of lonely for a little while, but then everything got real crazy, real fast." It was something he was proud if, being first, and maybe he drove the others a little nuts with it sometimes. "It was really awesome getting to see that transformation take place in our tree. It seemed like a whole new life came over Forn, and that's because it did." Amaryllis smiled, puffing out his chest slightly. He glanced over at Paradise and could see her crying.
"Now, I'm surrounded by my fellow flutters", he looked at the line of teens next to him, he was literally surrounded. Sometimes he wanted to be on his own again, it was something he had hated, but missed once it was gone. "This tree is my home and I would do anything to keep it safe. I feel ready to find my place within it." He had felt ready for a while now, really, but he had to wait until the right times.
"I think in the future..." 'I'd like everyone to stop seeing me as a little boy'. He did seriously wonder if the elders would ever accept him as an adult and functioning member of the tree or if he would always be that first little caterpaelar. "...I would like to look after the tree." Amaryllis knew that was what Lisanthus did, but he had a really hard time coming up with something. The tree seemed to function so well as it was, where was his place now that his place wasn't 'care-free child'? How did he fit in now? Maybe it was himself that needed to stop seeing him as a little boy.
Posted: Mon Feb 29, 2016 6:34 am
Idalusia smiled softly from where she stood in the center of the line. She watched in silent awe as Queen Belwen began the ceremony and felt all aflutter as it dawned on her that she was finally growing up! She'd spent many days and nights dreaming of this day. The day in which she could join her Elders in their labors and efforts to continue thriving.
Life was important to her. Learning to become a valued member of their society was very important too... so much so that she was always a sort of an over-achiever. She made countless attempts to go above and beyond all expectations. She was always early to lessons. She was always asking questions to better her knowledge, even if the others her age didn't seem quite as enthused. She was always looking out for others around her, protecting them and nurturing them, encouraging them to do better.
To see her fellow flutter-mates all achieving this rare and momentous occasion beside her made her own chest rise with some small bit of pride. She couldn't be happier for her brothers and sisters, Forn and Harn alike. Looking to her Queen, she could only guess she felt the same.
Ida listened intently to Belwen's words and soaked them into her memory for safe keeping. When it came to be her turn to be donned with the crown and imbued with the glowing symbols, she smiled and bowed faintly to Belwen in thanks for such an honor and gift.
She waited patiently, listening to the others before her present their prepared speeches. When it came her time, she took a deep breath and looked around at everyone.
"I think I speak on behalf of all of my fellow brothers and sisters here when I say that today could not have come any sooner. As a Paeterpillar growing up under the watchful eyes of our Elders, I know we were all a little anxious and excited to be alive and wanted nothing more that to fly like them one day. And after all this time. All the sleepless nights making sure we didn't crawl out of our beds. All the food our growing "Grub" bodies consumed. All the temper-tantrums, trouble and curiosity they've had to endure, I'm more than certain that each and every one of you," she cast a glance towards the Elders as she said this bit, "couldn't be any more proud of each and every one of us."
"As a 'Grub', I watched everyone. I studied each and everyone's tasks as they bustled about and around us. I more than likely caused a few headaches, I'm sure, in asking endless rounds of questions." she giggled at her own tease. "But as a kid, that was my job. To learn. To find my place. But each and every question I asked and each and every observation I made only fueled my desire to be bigger, better and more like all of you."
She paused briefly.
"My goal for the future would be to give back to the community what each and every one of you have already given us. Your time, devotion, dedication, and protection. This is my dream. This was the only thing I've thought about since I first witnessed the sun." She smiled sweetly and looked to the others in her own line. "And to my fellow brothers and sisters, I hope that after this ceremony, we are each just as passionate and caring to all life in Sheedhiel as each and every Elder before us."
Irian noticed the scared look on the teen's face and chalked it up to nerves and being afraid of the future. "It's all ok no need to be afraid" she told the youngster softly and then moved away from the teen leaving her in line with her 'peers'. She didn't move directly back to the line of elders rather she just moved a short distance away not wanting to draw too much attention to herself as this was the teen's day.
