The Pilgrimage: Mass RP Part 1

Linna stood on the surface of the Moonpool, gazing out intently at the gathered fawnlings before her. Her heart was fluttering and her mouth felt dry with the excitement of it all - she could see her daughter, the Moonseer Ravn, her pupil Enne, herd members she did not recognise, more guards and shamans than she had thought possible, and they were all here to join her on the pilgrimage which she had so desired.

Slightly away from the main group were friends and families of the pilgrims, come to see their loved ones off. This would be the last time they saw each other for a season, and Linna could well understand the tears on the faces of some of the parents and children. To go out, above the ground, was almost unheard of for shamans and herd members in these times and there were many who would never have been on the surface themselves. They need not worry. The pilgrims would not come to any harm. Gealach should not allow it, for they were on a pilgrimage to see the god’s light, but if Gealach was not watching, then Linna and they guards would be.

The Oracle had come to see them off as well, she noticed, seeing the small dark figure towards the back of the group and when Linna saw a gentle nod from the younger doe she smiled, despite her racing heart, and cleared her throat.

“Friends, pilgrims,” she said, her reedy voice just barely piercing the murmuring of the crowd and the soft noises of tearful goodbyes. “Join me on the water.”

They stepped forwards slowly, some nudging others who had not heard and those still wrapped in the embrace of a parent or child tearing themselves away. Linna’s magic was strong but not strong enough to support the entire group upon the surface of the Moonpool and she was glad to feel those who had magic strong enough supporting her. Soon they were gathered around her, some looking at her shining face expectantly, others still glancing back to the fawnlings that remained on the shore.

The pale doe cleared her throat once again, adrenaline flushing through her and setting her heart to skip. She had never thought it would be this many that would follow her, and the realisation of how many of her herd - her family in moonlight - she would be responsible for drew a tightness around her neck and chest she had not felt before. It had always been her, alone, then with her little love Lanny and her beloved one Berserkir, but never more than three; but she must remain calm. She was the leader her, the one who would take them to the sea. They were pilgrims because she had asked for it and they must feel her strength, not her fear.

“We stand under Gealach’s full blessed moon as we become pilgrims,” she said, her reedy voice wavering. She frowned slightly but continued, growing louder and more confident.

“We go from the tunnels to see the sky and to see the sea that Gealach gave to us in the long ago. We will see the full light of the moon shining onto the ocean and we will bathe in Gealach’s grace.”

The very words she spoke gave her strength. Her voice was strong now and she smiled as she spoke, looking at her pilgrims with renewed confidence.

“Follow me, fellow pilgrims, and we will search out the Eggbreaker upon the water.”

With that she stepped forward, her long legs as awkward and stilted as ever, and began the journey from the darkness of the tunnels into the light of the sky, lifting her head and her voice as she walked.

“Eggbreaker. Fawntaker. Never forget the Oathbreakers!”

She heard the swelling voice of the pilgrims and their families behind her, echoing the ancient prayer and she nodded. The Eggbreaker would watch over them on this pilgrimage.