#Serot vc: icb I have to call on the supernatural to find a decent drinking buddy

[deathbind]

( the dark nest // accepting ) LAWRENCE HIGHFIELD [ @cordbound ] WROTE: ❝They're wondering what you're doing. To tell the truth, so am I.❞

MEKETI LOTUS DID NOT GROW here. They were brilliant flowers, more blue even than the waters they inhabited. In Meketi, they were mhad apcioy, cradle of stars, for it was said their golden stamen were sleeping stars not yet old enough to adorn the heavens. A myth made more believable by the best tended of these growing as large as a man's head. They were the life to balance death, and often thrived where there was a great confluence of spirits. Thus they had found their way into many a ritual.

He would pay a pretty penny for the petal of one now — or at least some decent incense. He needed answers that mortal lips could not supply, but there were not many spirits here. Either that or they were shy. He'd had to get creative in attracting a few. He'd spent the better part of the day gathering the most fragrant flowers and polishing the few bowls they had with them. They glinted now in the falling sun. He'd nestled them among the flowers, most filled with his share of the sweet wine. The remainder burned with teal flame that gave neither heat nor crackle. It only sang softly.

At the heart of this sat the simple brass cup dangling always from his belt. This he kept empty for now. It was not yet time. Instead, he sat to the side carefully carving a humanoid figurine from wood. Not traditional materials but one learned to make due.

He turned the figurine toward Lawrence as first answer to his question. ❝Shabti. One who will answer.❞ He pointed off to the horizon. ❝When the sun is set halfway, I'll invite the spirits to share a drink with me. If any accept that invitation and answer my questions honestly, they'll have this as thanks.❞ He did not stipulate the answers had to be useful, of course, only honest. Best to be reasonable in such circumstances.