#mulinee

[mulinee]

What A Beautiful Mourning

It was a damned sunny day.

Not that Chialnaoth hated sunny days, but it did not fit the mood of the hour at all. She sighed as she leaned into a post overlooking the cavea below, as Mulinee gathered in the seats and filled the amphitheater with low mutters and idle chit chat. Her eyes were automatically seeking out any potential disruptors to be dealt with, any of her people giving a signal, or just something that didn’t belong. Damn her luck that everything was going smoothly…she really didn’t want to be here, or to hear the news today.

Blue eyes met Green as she spotted Pris across the way, and Chialnaoth knew she didn’t want to be there either. Outward appearances at first glance, she was as proper as ever, neatly trimmed and not a thread out of place. But holding her gaze, she could see the bloodshot eyes and eyebags forming from even where she stood, her mouth set in a thin grim line. Yes, Chialnoath truly did not want either of them here today.

She spotted the Left of Fornis, Andel, as they approached Pris and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, before both disappeared further down to the arena. Chialnaoth returned her attention to the crowd below, noting approaching footsteps from behind.

“Everyone is accounted for and ready, ma’am. The traffic has slowed considerably. We’ll probably only have a few stragglers come in now,” Her new lieutenant stood ramrod straight as she turned, giving his report. Even he was anxious though, his tail sweeping the leaves behind him.

“At ease,” she sighed, turning back towards the arena. “Let’s get this over with.”

She signaled to Solnaoth below to proceed, stepping back into the more shadowed area, but still keeping the crowd in sight. Haidi joined her on the opposite wall, leaning back and crossing his arms. The crowd quieted as they watched the Heads of their two Clans enter, flanked by the Right and Left of Fornis and her own personal choice of guards. They kept a respectful distance, letting the attention fall solely on the Heads as they came to the center podium, Fo Forna’s hand resting gently upon Ki Kanol’s arm. Fo Forna stepped up to the podium first, bracing herself against it, and clearing her throat.

“I welcome you, my people, here today, and thank you for your presence,” she began, voice ringing clear above the horns of everyone. “Spring has finally begun, bringing with it the beginning of change.”She held her head as high as she could, her gaze carefully sweeping the crowd around her.

“At the beginning of winter, I asked for your vote regarding the future of the Fornis. Today, I announce the result and the changes that will follow.”

She carefully pulled a letter from inside her robes. sealed with the official crest of Fornis and held it in the air for all to see, before carefully setting it down, lightly coughing into the crook of her arm and revealing its contents to the held breaths of the crowd.

“We, the Mulinee of Sanctuary, have cast our vote. The Clan of Fornis will be merged with the Clan of Kiga.” She paused as the crowd began to mutter, a few giving outcries before being shushed by their neighbors. Fo Forna held her hand up for silence, the crowd quickly quieting down as Ki Kanol approached the podium.

“We understand this decision was not made lightly, and that some of you may think that this means the end of the Clan of Fornis. As Head of Kiga, I assure you, you are still recognized as Fornis. Your ancestors' sacrifice for your independence is not in vain.” Ki Kanal held himself tall, gesturing to the crowd before him.

“The Fornis will still be Recognized as it’s own Clan, your day to day lives will not be affected.” Fo Forna added. “Only the governmental proceedings are to be changed, which will be handled with utmost care by those I have chosen.” She gestured for her Right and Left to step forward. Both gave a salute to the crowd.

“As her Right and Left, we solemnly swear to you, the Mulinee of Sanctuary, that the rights and liberty of the Fornis are upheld, and every decision made is made with respect for our Clan,” Pris spoke.

“Our traditions and values will still carry the same weight forever forward as they did yesterday. Our Clan will continue to grow as the leaves do on the trees that provide our sanctuary,” Andel swept their hands in the air, gesturing to the surrounding forest.

Both resumed standing tall next to Fo Forna, who nodded approvingly before addressing the crowd once more.

“I will now discuss the changes that are to come, and we will then open the floor to questions.”

Chialnaoth began to zone out the talk, having heard it a thousand times before at the meetings that they had to go over said changes. Her eyes continued to search the Mulinee below, noting anyone that appeared disgruntled by the news.

“Forgive me for not knowing procedures and all,” Haidi spoke up, though his gaze also was distracted by the crowd, “but why are the other Heads of the Clans not here? I would assume this news would bef their attention as well.”

“This was more of a formality to the general public rather than the government,” Chialnaoth stated, turning her attention to Fo Forna.

“They will be receiving official letters and statements right about now, although to be honest, I don’t think they’ll see it as a surprise.” She stared at the Fo, noting how she clasped her hands in front of her. To the untrained eyes, she was statuesque, no part of her body giving away weakness. But Chialnaoth could see her slight lean on the podium, the clasping of her hands keeping them from shaking. She could even see the worried glances both Pris and Ki Kanol spared occasionally.

“The Fo’s health has been failing for a while, but it only just recently became worse.” She turned her attention to Haidi, his head tilted.

“Maybe Surna will have something to say about not being invited, but then again, they always seem to have something to say…no offense.” She shrugged at him.

“None taken. My former Clan tends to stick their nose in everyone’s business, especially if it affects their gold…which I already know won’t. Too much at least.”

“True. All this is going to do is to make a headache of paperwork for a few months before everything goes back to running smoothly, not that the average Mulinee is going to see that. Be prepared, by the way, half of that’ll end up with you,” she winked at him, which he dismissed with a casual wave of his hand.

“How are the Right and Left handling the news?” Haidi nodded in their direction, the floor now being open to questions and those in the arena doing their best to answer. Chialnaoth sighed, switching her gaze to them.

“Andel seems to be fine, they’re usually quick to calm the masses and have been doing this longer than I or Sol have. Pris on the other hand…” She let her gaze linger. She could see she was trying so hard not to be annoyed, hackels raising and deep breath exercises not helping as she answered the next round of questions.

“This is all one big ‘in-your-face’ confirmation that she's about to lose her mother. I can’t imagine how she feels.”

Chialnaoth tore her gaze away before motioning for Haidi to follow.

“I…can’t imagine either.” Haidi sheepishly rubbed a hand against his neck as they ducked and weaved around the amphitheater into a courtyard behind to await the others as they finished with the crowd. “Is it really so soon?”

“No, not within the next months or so. They did this now to avoid making a minor paper headache now into a bureaucracy migraine later,” she paused, listening as the crowd began to disperse. “But the treatments for her corruption aren’t working as well anymore. She says she can feel her time is running out.”

“Such is the sacrifice she paid to beat the Bloody Mother.” Haidi nodded solemnly. Chialnaoth merely hummed in agreement, standing at full attention as the Heads and their entourage exited to the courtyard. Fo Forna’s hands were resting in Ki Kanol’s arm, both relaxing their guard away from the eyes of the crowd and appearing weary of it. Fo Forna smiled at them, the sunlight dappling her spotted cheeks.

“Well, that certainly went better than expected!”

Chialnaoth snorted. “What did you expect? A revolution rival to when Fornis first declared independence?”

“Mm, more or less.” Fo Forna chuckled. Ki Kanol merely shook his head, the ornaments on his horns clinking together.

“I’m sure we’ll see something pop up with the next few months,” he grumbled. Fo Forna merely patted his arm.

“Nothing we can’t handle. They aren’t being forced into this. They can leave the Clan if they wish. Besides, there was a majority vote for this.” Ki Kanol shook his head again, pressing a kiss to Fo Forna’s temple.

“Well, I can certainly say this has been enough excitement for one day my dear. I believe we shall take our leave and return home, yes?” He chuckled, turning his gaze towards Chialnaoth. “I trust you have everything wrapped up here?”

“Just waiting on word from you, sir. Portal is ready and waiting.” Chialnaoth nodded, motioning for the guards to escort the Heads to their destination. Ki Kanol bowed his head, leading Fo Forna away, idling chatting about tomorrow’s activities, followed by Solnaoth. Andel bowed their head as well, moving to follow, leaving Pris, Chialnaoth, and Haidi the only ones’ standing in the courtyard. Chialnaoth looked at Pris and clasped her shoulder, who sighed and placed her hand over.

“I’m fine, I’ve known this was going to happen for a while…I just wish I was more prepared,” Pris answered the silent question, squeezing Chialnaoth’s hand in affirmation.

“No one ever truly is.”

They finally started moving towards where the other’s had gone, Chialnaoth and Pris side by side, Haidi bringing up the rear. They were quiet, each lost in their own thoughts, the blue sky above ever stretching, mindless of the mortal lives below. Before they reached the portal, Haidi piped up.

“You weren’t kidding about the paperwork, were you?”

Pris snorted while Chialnaoth barked a laugh, the sun bouncing with her shoulders

“Nope!”

[mulinee]

Just One More Mourning

The wisps of smoke were still twirling off the remains by the time she arrived.

Blackened stumps crumbled at the slightest breeze where humble homes once stood, roofs partially collapsed under the weight of the night’s snow, and save for the howling wind, the once lively little village nestled in the mountain side was forever silenced.

Chialnaoth shook her head to try and rid her mind of the unwanted thoughts, trudging forward through the snow while spotting a tawny figure in the middle of what had once been the village’s center. Blue eyes met green, and a partial nod exchanged between the two of them.

“Right of Kiga.”

“Right of Fornis.” The other scoffed and glared at an offending snowflake, brushing it off her green cloak.

“You and I both know that’s just an honorary title now, not a functional one.”

“And I know I’ve told you that I don’t care. You’re still my equal Pris, regardless of the merger, and the amount of paperwork you have to do proves that. Also, I’ve told you that you don’t have to address me by that.” Chialnaoth lightly punched Pris’ shoulder, before placing her hand on it in silent support.

“How are you holding up?”

Pris waved her own hand dismissively, shaking her head while ignoring the question, and gestured to follow, picking her way to avoid unturned snow.

“Formalities aside, how did you get here so fast? I only just sent word last night.” She crossed her arms as she spoke. Had she not been shivering and pressing her hands further closer to her body, Pris may have looked intimidating, but the cold sapped it away like heat and turned into a quivering mess.

Chialnaoth shrugged and made a vague gesture with her hand, “Took a...detour.”

Pris shook her head in exasperation and finding the path ahead clear of obvious obstructions, turned to walk backwards, facing Chialnaoth as she spoke.

“Already sent some scouts this morning to pick up what and who they can, but the blizzard probably hid whatever’s left. Small luck the humans nearby had already sent their own people, but they were looking more for survivors, not attackers. They’ve got a few possible leads, but…nothing we can confidently go after without causing further incidents.”

They neared a small crevice in the mountainside, long ago carved into a simple temple that had been well cared for. Chialnaoth grimaced as she noticed the row of white sheets obscuring the dead, a few Mulinee attending to final rites with low murmurs that interrupted the silence, and a few straggling humans assisting with what they could.

“Is it too much to hope for survivors?”

“No. The human allies nearby saved who they could. There’s ten currently being tended to, though the Matron brought in doesn’t have high hopes for a few despite her efforts.”

“Only ten?” Chialnaoth shook her head in disbelief. Pris stared at the row of sheets before continuing.

“Records state there were at least thirty here, and fifteen have been found, including survivors. No pups on record though, just adults...Mother provides small mercies I suppose.”

Chialnaoth pinched the bridge of her nose, turning away. She gestured to the remains of the village. “I suppose you’ve already checked most of the homes?” Pris glanced behind her before stepping forward, muttering, “Most, not all. Still have a relief effort digging through.”

Gently placing a hand on the small of Chialnaoth’s back, Pris began guiding her away. Chialnaoth didn’t have to be told, and rather quickly followed the direction indicated, pretending not to notice as a new body was brought to the temple for final rites. The snow clung to their feet as they walked away, like heavy chains trying to weigh them down.

The first house they searched was mostly collapsed, and despite furiously digging, yielded no answers. The second had been partially destroyed by fire and the rest too far burned, only yielding the remains of a broken arrow, too charred to identify friend or foe. The third was the one most intact, farthest from the village. The roof still had partially caved in, some timber and other debris had fallen through with a thick layer of snow to boot, but it still stood- albeit grimly- against the stark white of the surrounding snow.

Pris rubbed her hands together, huffing warm air on them and looking rather jealously at Chialnaoth’s own that were built far better for this weather. Chialnaoth smirked and produced a pair of mittens that were wordlessly accepted, and pushed open the door. It started to swing backwards, before breaking free of its hinges and slamming to the ground, puncturing the silence, causing both to jump backwards and approach more cautiously.

“Chialnaoth. I thought you were a spy?” Pris snorted, giving an amused raised brow that was returned with an eye roll , and they entered, both uttering a small prayer at the same time at what greeted them.

Chialnaoth circled the body that had since frosted and snowed over, obscuring who they once were. She quietly murmured a prayer before carefully moving on to check for what killed them. Pris called out to other relief workers for an extra hand and a priest, then moved aside to start digging through the partially collapsed side of the building where timbers and various objects had piled up.

“What did the humans say happen again?” Chialnaoth kneeled gently turned the body, eyes lost in thought but her ears perked in Pris’ direction.

“They heard screaming start in the middle of the night, sent those they could up here, and by the time they arrived the whole place was burning. From there it starts becoming conflicted, but they all agreed that whatever it was that started it was gone by the time they got here. Dhamon- a human- was the one in charge I think.”

“Did any of them say anything about Demon Hunters?”

Pris glanced over and shook her head.

“Said by the time they got here, they’d decided to focus on saving who they could,” she sighed. “Please don’t tell me…”

She trailed off as Chialnaoth fully turned the body in her direction, exposing the handle of an intricately carved knife, the symbol clearly engraved.

“Damn them all!” Pris kicked a board, tugging at her ears. “I’ll question the humans again, but it’s been a while…” She sighed, staring at the knife. “…They said Dhamon used to be one of them, but when I questioned him, he said they’ve never came out this way, nor had a reason to, and he kept it that way.”

She sighed once more, absentmindedly rubbing the back of her neck. A sound outside drew their attention as a priest, wizened by the long years, entered. He was followed by a rather haggard Mulinee and a human, the human carrying an empty stretcher. They had all stopped at the doorway, and even the old wood seemed to sigh. Silently, the body was loaded and carried away, now covered and lost under another white sheet.

Chialnaoth and Pris stood in silence for a few moments with the priest before filling him in on their findings. Soon they resumed digging through the home, keeping the silence between them as they all cursed the cause of the destruction around them.

“Looks like someone here was a Matron,” Pris broke the silence first, pulling out a pin that was stamped with the official seal. She gently brushed off the debris clinging to it and placed it in her pouch to examine closely later. “The body looked a little young for that rank though.”

“Perhaps an assistant. I believe there was a record of one,” The priest suggested as he dug through debris and snow for a clear path to the other end of the home. Not long after, he stopped and sighed. “Just confirmed that my dears, definitely an assistant.”

With more time, the new body was removed and checked, and little by little they cleared the debris from house, finding another arrow, though largely intact. They eventually reached the other undamaged side of the home, though there was little but a bed and a wardrobe that had remained unscathed, everything dusted with snow.

They finally stopped, sharing a flask of water between them as they let the silence reign once more. Chialnaoth let her head thump back onto the wall next to the wardrobe and sank to her hindquarters, rubbing her eyes. Pris took the opposite wall and held her head in her hands, pressing the palms of her hands into her eyes and blinking away stars, and the priest knelt and began to utter a prayer for the departed. Time seemed to stop, even the wind no longer howling in protest.

Chialnaoth didn’t know how much time passed, losing which verse the priest had reached- not that she was paying attention anymore- but she eventually lulled her head to the side and stared at nothing underneath the wardrobe…Or at least, what should have been nothing. Her brows furrowed, and she reached for what appeared to be a handmade doll, clumsily made with mismatched buttons for eyes and a rather crooked stitch smile.

“Pris...didn’t you say that there weren’t any pups here?” She turned the doll over and over in her hands, thoughts beginning to race into a dark place. Pris looked equally as confused, and scratched the back of her head glancing over at the priest for an explanation.

“Not that the records stated. And none of the bodies indicated anything, and there wasn’t any pup-related anywhere else…” the priest rubbed his chin as he spoke, and stood. “The original priest of this village still survives. I shall see what records he may have missed.”

He excused himself as he hastily returned to the temple, Pris moving to keep an eye out by the door. An uncomfortable silence followed, both pairs of eyes staring at the doll.

“It might just be an old doll, a keepsake from childhood, ya know?” She said half-heartedly, but more to herself than to Chialnaoth, who merely shook her head.

“Stitching is new, it’s barely even worn and you and I both know that Matrons or their assistants aren’t allowed anything from their past lives.” Chialnaoth rattled off in quick succession, brows furrowing even further. Her mind was quickly running through every scenario she could think of that would end up with the doll here, and just as quickly shoving those thoughts away as they brought more darker thoughts.

The elder priest came shortly after with another younger priest in tow, both stopped at the doorway as they were basically interrogated by Pris. The new priest insisted all paperwork was filed correctly and there should be no pups, demanding more proof than a doll. He pushed his glasses up his nose and sniffled, looking crossingly at Pris. Chialnaoth had a hard time believing him, as his gaze shifted too quickly around the room. The elder priest gently suggested that they look through again, but that only made the younger priest dig his heels more, insisting that there was no mistake.

There was no use trying to placate Pris as she began to clench her jaw, hands already balled into fists but staying at her side. At the very least, she was keeping her temper under check and her voice even as she agreed with the elder to look again.

Chialnaoth returned her attention to stare at the doll, turning it round and round in her hands, hoping it was both a sign of possible survival, or that it was nothing. But either way, there would be no more despair. She glanced around the room, ignoring the heated voices from the others.

Nothing else in the room seemed to indicate there was a pup, no crib or clothes, a rocking chair or even more toys, as the younger priest pointed out, and yet here, of all things, was a small toy out of place.

So deep in thought was she, that she barely heard the tiniest sniffle, the smallest shuffle. In fact, she thought she had imagined it at first, glancing at where Pris stood in the doorway arguing with the new priest about his records possibly being lost to the fire, only to be rebuked and have him insist that even so, his memory was perfect.

She didn’t stand, but awkwardly shuffled in front of the wardrobe, bracing herself for the worst before slowly pulling the doors open. At first, all she could see was a rather messy wardrobe, clothes haphazardly balled and thrown into a pile. She blinked and continued to stare, until she realized the clothes were moving, and suddenly, she realized she wasn’t staring at a pile of clothes at all, as golden eyes met her blue.

“...Pris?”

Her voice cracked and fell to mostly deaf ears as the young priest continued to argue that he didn’t miss anything, crossing his arms and standing tall, but Pris stood taller, the cold no longer sapping away her intimidation.

Chialnaoth quickly scooped up the pup, gently shushing as it whimpered. Only the elder had noticed, and was working quickly to get the other’s attention. The two tempermental Mulinee failed to notice as a sling was made out of her cloak, and the pup tucked carefully inside, a hand holding them close. They weren’t even aware of Chialnaoth marching towards them, the two of them practically locking horns as they argued as the elder priest gave up and moved to get out of Chialnaoth’s way.

Only when she forcefully knocked them against each other’s head, causing both to step back and hiss in pain did they notice her presence. As Pris turned to cuss the Chialnaoth out for the unnecessary force she finally glimpsed the pup peeking curiously over the sling, eyes wide and afraid, but blinking at her, the words died on her tongue. The younger priest stammered an apology, muttering about how there was no way. He quickly snapped his mouth shut and looked up at Chialnaoth, who glared and merely gestured for all of them to get out of the way. The five of them slugged back through the snow to the small temple, their feet barely seemed to mind the snow clinging to them now.

A few hours later, after the relief Matron was summoned and the pup checked for injuries, fed, and carefully tucked back into Chialnaoth’s cloak, they were all in a warmer, unoccupied hut in the human village.

The Matron clucked and muttered under her breath while stirring a stew over the fire, while the elder priest was frantically going through various papers to see where and how the pup was missed, cursing the younger priest’s name. He had earlier hastily excused himself earlier under the pretense of combing through the charred records and possibly gathering eyewitness accounts. Pris sat next to Chialnaoth on the floor, the later playing with the pup still wrapped in her cloak.

“A cute one isn’t she?” Pris cooed at the pup, whose attention was solely on the hand lifting the cloak over her eyes and off of them, trying to catch it in her own tiny hands. Chialnaoth merely smiled, taking a moment to rub the pups cheek where horns would soon grow.

“I don’t think I’ve seen anyone have coloration like hers.” Pris gently moved a stray lock out of the pup’s face, catching her attention and bringing the tiny hands to her finger. Pris absently rubbed the tiny sliver of white on the pup’s forehead, ignoring the small protest the pup put up and chuckling as it’s face scrunched. “Definitely would remember someone having that…shade of coloration, here or anywhere, and no one here had spots on their forehead that I saw of either.”

Chialnaoth simply shrugged in response, continuing to play with the tiny pup, her face barely changed at Pris’ comment. Pris raised an eyebrow, well aware of the thoughts going through the other’s head despite her rather excellent and convincing poker face.

“I can see the smoke up there, Chialnaoth; you’re thinking of keeping this one too.” She teased, ignoring the half hearted glare in favor of a face splitting grin.

“I...I would have to talk to the girls first. I don’t want to force a new sibling on them, and they would definitely need to be prepared to adjust to having one so young if they agreed.” The poker face finally began to crack, as her brows furrowed in slight concern. Pris began to speak, but was quickly interrupted by the Matron.

“The pup would be in our care, regardless, for a few weeks before any adoption would take place.”

The Matron didn’t even look in their direction or pause in her stirring, though she had gently begun to hum a familiar lullaby. Pris’ grin merely grew wider, wagging her eyebrows as her companion avoided looking in her direction, the pup becoming the most interesting thing in the whole universe at that very moment.

“What was it Takoma wished for last Year's End Day?” She ignored another frosty glare and tilted her head mockingly, as she ‘tried’ to recall what was said, “Something about a little sister or brother?”

Chialnaoth merely huffed, and shifted to accommodate the pup as it crawled into her lap, absently stroking its ears soothingly as it began to curl up against her, tiny hands clutching the fur of her cloak tightly and eyes drooping, lids staying closed longer and longer.

“Still need to give them a talk, Pris.”

“...You do that Chialnaoth.”

[mulinee]

The Heads of Mulinee Clans

Each Clan is led by one representative, either elected by their peers or trained by the previous Head. They are expected to keep the well-being and wishes of their flock in mind when voting and creating the laws which govern the Mulinee body.

Aqui Virye leads the Clan of Aquila, small and scattered as they are. Though many find him a quiet sort, his people have their complete trust in him, even if at times he may do things untraditionally, taking no Right or Left, though he claims it’s more to do with the fact there is no one around to assist. The most open minded of the Heads, he is the first to welcome outsiders into their fold, making many consider him a bit more naïve. When not taking care of official matters and tending to his people, he can be found visiting his daughter Aya.

Tor Kola leads the Torja Mulinee of the Torajan Jungles. While it is common for many Torja to become necromancers, Tor Kola is considered their best and powerful example, though a bit rather unnerving and enigmatic. They consider it their prime duty to assist the Dead as well as the Living, and instructs others in their craft when not tending to business. Many also rumor that before they had become the previous Right of Torja, they had been an assassin sent to kill the previous Tor Belol, though Tor Belol denied this claim and would dismiss any further questions.

Su Mori Al leads the Surna clan, who make their home in the Dry Steppes. She is the youngest of the Heads, and the most rather headstrong. To convince the Mulinee of Surna of change, one must convince her first, as the people of Surna hold tradition to the highest esteem, only second to gold. Once she is convinced however, she is the quickest to adapt and implement methods for the rest of Surna to do the same. As she was not trained by the previous Su, she relies heavily of her Left and Right of Surna, and consider this a weakness for the Clan, though they will not outright say this, as she more than makes up for it by constantly working.

Ki Kanol is the eldest of the Heads, and his leadership approaches the record for longest in the Kiga Clan. As one of the group that slew the Bloody Mother Flemythan, he is given much respect by all Mulinee, even if they think he is a tad…eccentric. While he may be convinced easily to welcome newcomers to the Kiga, none have been able to convince him to get rid of the fake beard, not even his late mate or his daughter. Eccentricity aside, his wit is as sharp as ever, and many are surprised on how well informed his is, no small thanks to his Right, Chialnaoth. When not attending to official matters and business in the Heart of Kiga, he is found at the Outpost in the middle grounds of Fornis and Kiga territories, and loves entertaining the pups with stories of his younger days.

While not officially Head of Clan Fornis, Pris is considered the de facto leader when her father Ki Kanol is not around. Many Fornis appreciate her level-headedness and know that she carries their best interest to heart. At the time of the death of Fo Forna, she was not considered ready to take the role of Head of Forna, by both her and her father. Thus, the Fornis clan merged with the Kiga clan, though is still recognized as it’s own clan. When not assisting in Clan matters, she leads the Fornis Scouts at the Outpost, protecting it and the families that reside within.

[mulinee]

The Four Mothers

“Among the Mulinee, the highest of the Order of The Matrons is The Mother Matron. While many have been elected to the position, none have remained long, to the point of rumors circulating that the position has been cursed. Notably, there have been only four Mothers that have lasted beyond ten years.”.

“Mother Paldina (pictured top) was the founder and First Mother. She set in motion the makings of the Order after receiving the book of Adius, the Patron of Just in their Pantheon. The Order began and flourishes under her guidance, although it was very different from the Order today, focusing upon the individual an promoting the seeking of knowledge of the world. The records unfortunately do not indicate when or how she died exactly, only that it was unexpected and left the Order floundering until one of her daughters, Mattia was elected. “

“Mother Aruna (pictured right) was Mother Paldina’s successor after her sister Mattia disappeared some years after the loss of Paldina. Due to some undisclosed event, Aruna had many of the history records sealed, where only the highest of the Order may view and gain their knowledge. She did however, continue her mother’s legacy and promoted the arts as well, and helped turn attention to knowledge of the stars. Her reign continued longer than her mother’s, and during her later years sought peace with mankind. However, it was her undoing as during a peacekeeping mission, she and her guards was struck down and murdered. Only a few survivors remained to carry back the word before succumbing to their wounds as well, leaving the Order in turmoil again.”

“Mother Flemythan (pictured left) became the next notable Mother, as ten mothers before her all mysteriously died or disappeared within two years of their election. She began to reform the Order itself, idolizing and praising the Pantheon after she claimed to be blessed by the God Mazras, who she claimed was the God of Unification (despite early records stating his domain was of Chaos). She believed she was chosen on his behalf to unify all Mulinee. Her early reign was spent swaying the hearts and minds of many, drawing numerous people to the Order and igniting a flame for many. Slowly into her later years, she begun to overstep her boundries, making the Order the primary ruling body of the Mulinee by force, conscripting poor souls and using them as sacrifices for her own power, corrupting others and leaving them to infect many. She earned the title ‘The Bloody Mother’ and was soon slain by the Heads of the time, Ki Kanol, Su Torellum, Aqui Yua, Tor Belol, and Fo Forna. Unfortunately, Aqui Yua and Tor Belol succumbed to their injuries, and Su Torellum and Fo Forna becoming infected, leading to early deaths.”

“Mother Niridrul (pictured bottom) is the most recent mother, reaching 50 years before her recent disappearance. Under her guidance, the Order was brought back to it older roots, focusing on the sciences and arts, as well as stepping back from its frequent meddling in the business of the Heads. Many who grew up or became used to the old rule have voiced their displeasure, but agree with her assessment that the Order was to far feared to be part of the ruling body, and needed to focus on earning the peoples trust again. Her last known records indicated she was make the pilgrimage to the Temple of Sacred Tears to pray to the Gods and experience a period of self-reflection, however she never arrived. Her and her Honor Guard vanished without trace, leaving the Order yet again in a precarious position.”

-Excerpt from the Brief History of the Order of The Matrons written by Adarr Noie. The more detailed novels can be found in the Grand Library of Torel in the Torja Homelands

[mulinee]

☮ - Do they have an idol or someone they look up to?

Vili?

The most obvious answer would be her mother. Oh sure, most of it’s leftover childhood idolizing, when parents are infallible in their eyes.

But Vili grew up in the halls and rooms of diplomacy, and watched her mother time and time again walk into a storm of shouting and papers and end it all within seemingly minutes, without having to raise her voice.

She’s also watched her walk towards the most barbaric and violent of Mulinee tribes and clap them on the shoulder like an old friend, and leave like she was leaving a family reunion rather a negotiation.

And Sanctuary is not without it’s dangers, in battle her mother is a carefully controlled beast. Both a shadow on the field and a raging bull, enemies usually dead before they realize or fleeing in terror.

And all on top this she sees how much her mother cares for her and her siblings, making sure she has time enough for them, rarely budging on interruptions of said time. She sees her compassion for her neighbors and friends, helping them whenever she can.

She’s everything Vili wishes she can grow up to be

[mulinee]

Vilinaya of Kiga, Descendent of Tal’ Vazen, youngest daughter of Chialnaoth, Magical Prodigy

Currently is a scouter for small patrols and of the outside world. She is well known within the Mulinee as the youngest of three adopted daughters of Chialnaoth, Right Hand of the Kiga. Vili is a passionate, loyal, and kind individual. She is curious of the world around her, and when not scouting can be found exploring areas outside of Mulinee territory.

She also is an occasional informant to Leomius, marking out hidden caches and camps in Pandemonium, and sometimes uses her older sister’s contact to dig for more information.

[mulinee]

Pssst

Do the Mulinee have any winter celebration things?

Most certainly! It all depends on which Clan though,

seeing how they’re spread across Sanctuary.

The Fornis hold a “Great Hunt” typically after the third week of winter, with one Mulinee being selected as the “Prey” and a group of “Hunters” to catch them. If the “Prey” is caught before sunrise, it’s seen as signaling in a short winter and a bountiful harvest next year. If not, a longer winter is ahead. Either way, a week of feasting and general merriment is had. This is also the time many Fornis courtships processes begin, gift giving to those you intend to court. If the gift is accepted, the “Chase” begins!

The Surna don’t typically experience snowfall in the desert, but do experience colder temperatures and less humid days. It’s seen as a nice quiet time to reflect, and share stories. Storytelling Gatherings are often held around bonfires, some of events past, others fantasy. Food and drink are often shared amongst each other, and some smaller groups also hold food competitions. This time is then followed as the time to visit the Oracles, learning what they can for the next year in preparation, from potential heartbreak to a good or bad financial year. Tribute is paid to these Oracles, from food and wine to coin. There is no truly set days of these celebrations, just more of a period during colder months.

The Torja see this time as a celebration of the dead, with festivities in their honor, typically held for three days. This first day is taken as a quiet day of mourning, and on the first night many toasts are made to those departed. The second day is seen as a time to share stories of those departed, to celebrate the life they lived. If those passed left something behind to remember them by, it is typically given now. That night, a parade takes place to usher souls into the other plane, many dressings up a ghosts and other supernatural beings, others in mourning clothes. Food and drink are broken out at the end of the parade, with a wave of lighting lanterns and candles following in their wake. The Third day is a celebration of the Living, typically the liveliest hah part of the celebration. Gifts are given to each other as a show of gratitude that they are still here.

The Kiga have an all out week long celebration at the end of winter to usher in spring anew to kick off a New Year. It is encouraged that grudges are taken care of before the final day, typically by challenging the other in a match of choice, from fighting to even a card game. Feelings are hashed out and bonds strengthened, with a sense of comradeship around. Much singing and dancing takes place, with a main focus for the final day, seen as a grand spectacle as different groups perform and amaze spectators.

With the Aquila be both stretched thin and more nomadic than the other Clans, most Aquila partake in the celebration in the Clans closest, sometimes bringing parts of the other celebrations with them, forming new traditions. A strong sense of family is about them, and they bond closer to the clans during these times.

[mulinee]

Chialnaoth for the char thingy? :)

1: Bi or Demi-bi? She’d rather get to know someone first before bedding with them, but that can be as far as “friends with occasional benefits” than “I wanna have a relationship with you”

2. She currently doesn’t have an official S/O. More longtime friends-with-benefits than anything else

3. She and Pris are thicker than thieves. She confides in her troubles and also is a shoulder for Pris to lean on as well, along with some elbowing and general teasing on both ends. Chialnaoth does get along with most of the other Heads and Hands of the other clans, though only a few she would actually invite over for dinner.

4. I’m not really sure. She would probably never take on a human partner for personal reasons, but given she’s not actively looking for a relationship, probably anyone at this point

5. For the longest time she couldn’t understand why she was picked to be the Right, until Ki Kanol explained he needed someone who could read people, get inside their heads, predict if they didn’t have the right intentions. Being able to adapt to situations quickly and read the room before entering were even bigger bonuses in his book. He didn’t want a diplomat that merely was going to parrot his words, he wanted someone who could easily gain the knowledge needed to negotiate a fair deal for everyone involved without having to go into a three hour session of back and forth.

6. I wanna make sure my friends and family are safe too.

7. She carries the equivalent of a wallet with pictures of her daughters, and shows them off whenever she gets the chance. She also is guilty of taking a while to catch up with someone she hasn’t seen for a bit, which may take longer than she intends much to her daughters’ chagrin.

8. XL Cinnamon roll…with a hidden knife