The Mentors at the Elanthian Conclave on Feastday, 2nd Eorgaen at 4:00 pm, welcomed Leyann, Priestess of Leya, to learn about Kai's daughter Leya, patron of Amazons. This was followed by a tour of Leya's shrine.
Documented below:
Carial says, "Welcome everyone and thank you to Leyann for offering to host a discussion during Conclave."
Carial says, "I will allow her to tell you all about it."
Carial smiles.
Speaking to Leyann, Carial says, "The floor is yours."
Speaking to Carial, Leyann says, "Thank you -- I'm honored to be here."
Leyann says, "I named this discussion Strength and Mercy, as those are the two main tenents of following Leya, and I want to talk about that -- but first, I can give a brief history of Leya."
Leyann says, "If those of you here aren't that familiar with her."
Leyann asks, "So tell me to start -- are there any here who know much about Leya?"
Rohese softly says, "I confess, I know little."
Rohese wrinkles her nose.
Clunk deeply says, "Knows stand on step of ancient stair with Kai."
Leyann says, "Aye, as she is Kai's daughter."
Leyann says, "As there are several here who don't know her story, I'll tell it briefly."
Leyann says, "Kai was visiting the elven lands and fell in love with a young elven lass named Learya."
Leyann says, "Learya died giving birth to her daughter Leya, and Kai, in his grief, left the babe to be raised by her elven relatives."
Leyann says, "She never knew about her parents while she was growing up."
Dirvy frowns.
Leyann says, "She excelled at the martial arts and won every tourney among the elven people."
Leyann says, "One day Kai returned to visit the elves and noticed the young lass, beautiful and strong, who was winning every contest."
Leyann says, "Realization hit him that this was his daughter, and they were reunited."
Leyann says, "After that, he and Leya traveled together and he taught her well in the ways of the warrior."
Leyann says, "Just as Kai taught Leya, those who follow her believe it is important to teach others."
You softly say, "So much accomplishment at a young age then."
Leyann nods to you.
Rohese agrees with you.
Leyann says, "Leya met a young elven lad named Egan, and they fell in love."
Leyann says, "Unfortunately, it was a time of great unrest, as Luukos was stirring up all kinds of trouble."
Leyann says, "Leya had a wonderful sword with dark and mysterious powers -- it is said it captured the souls of those it killed, good or bad."
Leyann says, "She used the sword in battle against the forces of Luukos, and the elves won the day."
Leyann says, "But Luukos got his revenge."
Leyann sighs.
Leyann says, "He put a spell on Egan so that he appeared to be one of the enemy, and Leya, in her bloodlust and under the power of Soulingen, slew him."
Leyann says, "When she realized what she had done, she was heartbroken."
Leyann says, "She built a shrine for his tomb and placed Soulingen there with Egan's body."
Clunk blinks.
Leyann says, "She swore never to pick up a sword again."
Leyann says, "But to use only a dagger."
Leyann says, "She wandered the lands for years after that, clad only in a tunic and sandals and carrying a dagger."
Leyann says, "So that just because you are the biggest, baddest warrior around, that doesn't mean you should go around killing everything and everyone."
Rohese smiles.
Cerridween smiles at Leyann.
Rohese nods approvingly at Leyann.
Leyann says, "It'ss a hard lesson for some people to learn -- just like Soulingen caused Leya to have bloodlust that blinded her to Egan's true identity, once a person realizes the ppwer in his sword, he wants to kill more and more."
Leyann says, "I find that even when I do things like escorting travellers, it's tempting to just kill the annoyng smaller critters along the way."
Leyann says, "But then I remember Leya's way and just calm them or put them to sleep."
Leyann says, "My warrior sister just knocks them over with her shield."
Leyann chuckles.
Leyann says, "I was dedicated to Leya when I was born -- my parents were both warriors."
Leyann says, "My father died before I was born, and my mother had no way to care for me, so she took me to a convent and made them promise to raise me as a priestess of Leya."
Leyann says, "And so I've followed her my whole life."
Leyann says, "And I hear from converts that it is sometimes hard to remember to temper strength with mercy -- but I would suggest it is something we all need to do."
Leyann asks, "Quetions?"
Cerridween raises her hand.
Speaking to Cerridween, Leyann asks, "Yes?"
Cerridween says, "Some of what you said reminded me a little about the huntress. The bloodlust and the need for control..."
Leyann nods at Cerridween.
Rohese studies Cerridween, giving her an intense consideration.
Cerridween asks, "Is such a similarity something of my imagining or are there some commonalities?"
Leyann says, "I think there a lot of commonalities among the teachings of the gods -- and that's why discussions like this are good."
*After the discussion on Leya, Leyann took us on a trip to her Shrine in Wehnimers Landing*
(Within the four main rooms of the Shrine,there wer four statues depicting Day, Night, Strength and Mercy. Also the very sword Leyann discussed in her lecture)
[Shrine of Leya, Northwest Wall]
Against the curved wall sits a marble altar, its contours echoing the arcuation. Light from the dome above plays across its polished surface, dappling it as clouds drift past outside. A formidable sword rests upon the altar, and although the altar's dimensions seem perfectly contrived to bear the weapon's span, the sword lies there askew, as if casually discarded. You also see a whimsical snow spirit that is flying around.
The weapon is massive, leaving one to marvel at the strength required to swing it in battle. Its shining blade, although unsheathed for who knows how long, bears no trace of corrosion. The hilt is heavily carved with interlocking flourishes inset with precious jewels. Incised upon the blade in archaic lettering is the name "Soulingen." A faint aura of holy light radiates from the sword.
*Strength Statue*
The majestic form of "Strength" displays an unearthly power. His pose, both watchful and aloof as he glances back over his shoulder, suggests a force of will matching his physical prowess. Despite the indomitable nature implied in his demeanor, his expressive features evoke a sense of sorrow, an image of the body as the earthly prison of the soul.
Leyann says, "They say Strength is modeled on Egan."
*Day Figurine*
Stooped and elderly, the man has long hair and dons flowing robes. The natural dusky grey hue of the inner wood has been exposed to provide hue to the hair, each strand carved in detail as it cascades down his back and over his shoulders. Where the robes puddle at his aged feet, a half moon of argent moonstone is set into the base of the figurine, its surface reflective much like water.
Leyann says, "Here's another handsome warrior for Day."
*Sculpture for Mercy*
The two figures comprising "Mercy" are carved from a single block of ivory marble. A seated female figure holds the lifeless body of a young man. Her attitude of calm, mournful resignation combined with the elegant proportions of the forms generates a beauty of classical serenity.
Leyann says, "Mercy is Leya holding Egan's lifeless body."
*Statue for Night*
The figure of "Night" is both monumental and winsome in her repose. She leans against the tree in an attitude at once tense and calm. Her weaponry suggests she is a warrior, for a great sword hangs at her side.
Leyann says, ""Leya before she killed Egan, with her great sword."
Documented below:
Carial says, "Welcome everyone and thank you to Leyann for offering to host a discussion during Conclave."
Carial says, "I will allow her to tell you all about it."
Carial smiles.
Speaking to Leyann, Carial says, "The floor is yours."
Speaking to Carial, Leyann says, "Thank you -- I'm honored to be here."
Leyann says, "I named this discussion Strength and Mercy, as those are the two main tenents of following Leya, and I want to talk about that -- but first, I can give a brief history of Leya."
Leyann says, "If those of you here aren't that familiar with her."
Leyann asks, "So tell me to start -- are there any here who know much about Leya?"
Rohese softly says, "I confess, I know little."
Rohese wrinkles her nose.
Clunk deeply says, "Knows stand on step of ancient stair with Kai."
Leyann says, "Aye, as she is Kai's daughter."
Leyann says, "As there are several here who don't know her story, I'll tell it briefly."
Leyann says, "Kai was visiting the elven lands and fell in love with a young elven lass named Learya."
Leyann says, "Learya died giving birth to her daughter Leya, and Kai, in his grief, left the babe to be raised by her elven relatives."
Leyann says, "She never knew about her parents while she was growing up."
Dirvy frowns.
Leyann says, "She excelled at the martial arts and won every tourney among the elven people."
Leyann says, "One day Kai returned to visit the elves and noticed the young lass, beautiful and strong, who was winning every contest."
Leyann says, "Realization hit him that this was his daughter, and they were reunited."
Leyann says, "After that, he and Leya traveled together and he taught her well in the ways of the warrior."
Leyann says, "Just as Kai taught Leya, those who follow her believe it is important to teach others."
You softly say, "So much accomplishment at a young age then."
Leyann nods to you.
Rohese agrees with you.
Leyann says, "Leya met a young elven lad named Egan, and they fell in love."
Leyann says, "Unfortunately, it was a time of great unrest, as Luukos was stirring up all kinds of trouble."
Leyann says, "Leya had a wonderful sword with dark and mysterious powers -- it is said it captured the souls of those it killed, good or bad."
Leyann says, "She used the sword in battle against the forces of Luukos, and the elves won the day."
Leyann says, "But Luukos got his revenge."
Leyann sighs.
Leyann says, "He put a spell on Egan so that he appeared to be one of the enemy, and Leya, in her bloodlust and under the power of Soulingen, slew him."
Leyann says, "When she realized what she had done, she was heartbroken."
Leyann says, "She built a shrine for his tomb and placed Soulingen there with Egan's body."
Clunk blinks.
Leyann says, "She swore never to pick up a sword again."
Leyann says, "But to use only a dagger."
Leyann says, "She wandered the lands for years after that, clad only in a tunic and sandals and carrying a dagger."
Leyann says, "So that just because you are the biggest, baddest warrior around, that doesn't mean you should go around killing everything and everyone."
Rohese smiles.
Cerridween smiles at Leyann.
Rohese nods approvingly at Leyann.
Leyann says, "It'ss a hard lesson for some people to learn -- just like Soulingen caused Leya to have bloodlust that blinded her to Egan's true identity, once a person realizes the ppwer in his sword, he wants to kill more and more."
Leyann says, "I find that even when I do things like escorting travellers, it's tempting to just kill the annoyng smaller critters along the way."
Leyann says, "But then I remember Leya's way and just calm them or put them to sleep."
Leyann says, "My warrior sister just knocks them over with her shield."
Leyann chuckles.
Leyann says, "I was dedicated to Leya when I was born -- my parents were both warriors."
Leyann says, "My father died before I was born, and my mother had no way to care for me, so she took me to a convent and made them promise to raise me as a priestess of Leya."
Leyann says, "And so I've followed her my whole life."
Leyann says, "And I hear from converts that it is sometimes hard to remember to temper strength with mercy -- but I would suggest it is something we all need to do."
Leyann asks, "Quetions?"
Cerridween raises her hand.
Speaking to Cerridween, Leyann asks, "Yes?"
Cerridween says, "Some of what you said reminded me a little about the huntress. The bloodlust and the need for control..."
Leyann nods at Cerridween.
Rohese studies Cerridween, giving her an intense consideration.
Cerridween asks, "Is such a similarity something of my imagining or are there some commonalities?"
Leyann says, "I think there a lot of commonalities among the teachings of the gods -- and that's why discussions like this are good."
*After the discussion on Leya, Leyann took us on a trip to her Shrine in Wehnimers Landing*
(Within the four main rooms of the Shrine,there wer four statues depicting Day, Night, Strength and Mercy. Also the very sword Leyann discussed in her lecture)
[Shrine of Leya, Northwest Wall]
Against the curved wall sits a marble altar, its contours echoing the arcuation. Light from the dome above plays across its polished surface, dappling it as clouds drift past outside. A formidable sword rests upon the altar, and although the altar's dimensions seem perfectly contrived to bear the weapon's span, the sword lies there askew, as if casually discarded. You also see a whimsical snow spirit that is flying around.
The weapon is massive, leaving one to marvel at the strength required to swing it in battle. Its shining blade, although unsheathed for who knows how long, bears no trace of corrosion. The hilt is heavily carved with interlocking flourishes inset with precious jewels. Incised upon the blade in archaic lettering is the name "Soulingen." A faint aura of holy light radiates from the sword.
*Strength Statue*
The majestic form of "Strength" displays an unearthly power. His pose, both watchful and aloof as he glances back over his shoulder, suggests a force of will matching his physical prowess. Despite the indomitable nature implied in his demeanor, his expressive features evoke a sense of sorrow, an image of the body as the earthly prison of the soul.
Leyann says, "They say Strength is modeled on Egan."
*Day Figurine*
Stooped and elderly, the man has long hair and dons flowing robes. The natural dusky grey hue of the inner wood has been exposed to provide hue to the hair, each strand carved in detail as it cascades down his back and over his shoulders. Where the robes puddle at his aged feet, a half moon of argent moonstone is set into the base of the figurine, its surface reflective much like water.
Leyann says, "Here's another handsome warrior for Day."
*Sculpture for Mercy*
The two figures comprising "Mercy" are carved from a single block of ivory marble. A seated female figure holds the lifeless body of a young man. Her attitude of calm, mournful resignation combined with the elegant proportions of the forms generates a beauty of classical serenity.
Leyann says, "Mercy is Leya holding Egan's lifeless body."
*Statue for Night*
The figure of "Night" is both monumental and winsome in her repose. She leans against the tree in an attitude at once tense and calm. Her weaponry suggests she is a warrior, for a great sword hangs at her side.
Leyann says, ""Leya before she killed Egan, with her great sword."
