CanisMajor

Send to AquaEmperor after Dec 19th

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. This dragon embarked on a trip across Sorneith during Brightshine Jubilee 2020 from June 21 to June 27. He is one of many who are traveling to various lairs and clans in the hopes of spreading love and joy to those they encounter. When it's over, they'll be able to look back at the adventures they had and dragons they met and remember the journey they went on. ____________________________________________ coding // graphics

CanisMajor hails from a highranking city. A custom of his city is that when an alliance is forged, such as the one with SilentSnow, a born child of the leader's lineage is sent to live in the allied lair as an ambassador. Quickly CanisMajor grew in the ranking of SilentSnow and became not only an Ambassador of his old clan, but the Ambassador of SilentSnow. He is embarking on this journey as a peaceful one, here to form alliances and show good will to the many inviting lairs, clans, and realms. He has a warm, lively voice, and has a type of new age charm. He takes his job very serious and can be considered stuck-up or snooty sometimes because of it. He wears his ceremonial garments with pride and enjoys other high quality goods that match his rose collar. He is also here to help his dear friend Tombknife.

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Fighting through a small crowd of dragons, the blue skydancer made his way toward a two-story building. A little sign posted into the ground outside labeled the building as "The Lightfall Lynx Tavern & Inn". From inside one of the windows, he could see many dragons drinking and laughing in what looked to be a Dine-In Bar. The other half of the building (towards the left) was quieter, with only one dragon through the window. The check-in, no doubt.

He had been traveling for a while now, and it was only sensible that he rest up too. He was excited to meet different Clans and learn of their customs, but he had no idea it would involve so much walking. CanisMajor made his way up and through the door of the silent left half. The dragon he had spotted through the window, a pink skydancer, was seated behind a wooden desk. She didn't bother looking up from her paperwork. It was forgivable only because she was rushing through it, and the stack of unfilled papers next to her was dangerously close to falling.

Next to her was a staircase tucked against a wall, leading up to the rooms. To the right of CanisMajor, a doorway connected the restaurant and the check-in. Words and shouts from all sides of that room bumbled into one hum, clearly heard from his side. The ambassador turned back to the desk, where she still hadn't registered his presence.

After waiting a while for the skydancer to respond, CanisMajor took the initiative.

“Greetings, miss.” CanisMajor thought it was best to start off with a formal introduction. “I am CanisMajor, ambassador of SilentSnow." At this, the skydancer lifted her head, noticing him for the first time. A bright smile crept across her face as she listened on."I’m here to deliver these sunflowers to your Clan-"

“Oh yes, yes, of course. Jayded ordered a bunch of sunflowers a while back as decorations for the Brightshine Jubilee. They were almost late.” She talked as if she was in a hurry, and though the words were said with nothing less than friendliness, CanisMajor couldn’t help but feel this older female was staring him down.

"I'd like to drop these off and stay the night in your inn, if that's okay."

She nodded vigorously and pulled out a list, quickly writing his name down. She slid him over a key.

"Your room would be up the stairs. Fourth room on the right. And uh-" She glanced down at the sunflowers in his satchel, "I'll take care of those flowers. "

CanisMajor tilted his head up in a smile, passing over the sunflowers to her. "Thank you for your help, Miss..."

"Arrosa. My name's Arrosa."

"Its a pleasure! Now, if you don't mind, I'll be on my way upstairs-"

A large thunk was heard from the back wall followed by what could’ve only been described as a caterwaul. The skydancer whipped her head around, and he was unfortunate to witness the instant transition from friendless to venom in her eyes.

“Atzel! If that’s you back there, I’m going to make you pay for any property damages out of your own pockets this time!”

Thunk. THUNK.

“Oh, he’s gonna get it this time, “ Arrosa growled under her breath.

“Arrosa! We’ve got two more in the house!”

The call came from the diner, the noise becoming more rowdy than ever. A couple of papers from Arrosa's stack fluttered away as she moved back and forth, trying to decide what she should take care of first. Her eyes landed on CanisMajor, who, by this point, was almost to the stairs.

"Canis -- you don't mind if I call you Canis, do you? -- Look, we're a little overrun here, it is the Brightshine Jubilee after all. Could you help wait tables? I have to take care of too many things, starting with a drunken Atzel in the back."

Canis paused, his expression filled with confusion as he tried to process the long string of words Arrosa had flung at him. “You mean… take someone’s order?”

But the pink female had already disappeared out the back door to go retrieve this Atzel person.

CanisMajor turned his head to the right door nervously. Another screech from the same person was hurled into the room.

"Arrosa! Seriously! We're almost at a full house here!"

He let out a weary sigh and made his way into the room. As soon as he entered, he could feel the walls brimming as energy and excitement filled the room. He caught sight of a fazzled looking bartender; an aqua colored pearlcatcher who didn't look like he knew what he was doing." CanisMajor wasted no time in approaching.

"Hi, I'm filling in for Arrosa she went back to-"

"Yeah, yeah, listen, we've got two in the corner who've been without a waiter for about seven minutes now. Get their orders and make it quick."

He was appalled. What was it with these dragons and interrupting him? His gaze was led to two coatls, both who didn't appear to be nearly as aggrieved as the pearlcatcher described. Before he was snapped at again, the normally regal looking male made his way over to the table.

A few blubbering sentences later, he had successfully received and relayed their order. But everytime he tried to sneak out to go to his room, he was stopped, called back in, and made to wait yet another table. For the rest of the evening, he ended up rushing back and forth from customer to customer. Of course, he was a little out of his element, but by the first half hour, he had gotten the hang of it.

He had acquired a little more than what could be considered pocket change (these travelers knew how to tip well!) and by the time night rolled around, the customers began to drain outside for celebrations. When asked by the bartender (who he had come to know as Santel) if he wanted to party with them, free of running around, he declined. A day of doing nothing but walking and standing had left him exhausted and ready for bed.

He slept well, comfortable in the room had been provided with. The background noise of the festival had given him something to fall asleep to, and in the morning, only the birds were demanding of him. Arrosa prepared a free breakfast for him. She was embarrassed he had been waiting tables for the entirety of the early evening, but ever the diplomat, CanisMajor (now called Canis by everyone in the inn) assured her it was completely fine.

All in all, CanisMajor left Wayfarer's Way feeling a little less uptight and more welcomed. Perhaps it was due to the pocket change he had acquired but maybe, just maybe, a bit of his arrogance had dissipated thanks to the little mishap.


Next up on his agenda was the... Florum Familia?

Canis had quite a ways to go to reach the wind clan, and a particular strain for his sore muscles due to the heights at which this place was located. Still, it was a better adventure than the day before, as hopefully it wouldn't involve another fiasco with an inn. If he kept this fatigue, he definitely wouldn't be able to deliver all these bundles of sunflowers.

The first thing he noticed when he landed on the surface of the lair was it's rather empty appearance. The lair in question was a massive floating white rock covered in moss and soft yellow-green grasses, with a single tree somewhere in the center. There seemed to be a garden as well as fresh flowing water from... somewhere above the clouds hovering nearby, which ran into a small dragon-made river lazily flowing around the rock. Hmm. There's no dragons up here, which was the most confusing part. It's supposed to be venerable lair, right? Why, then, was no one here?

There's a bit of a wiggle in the rock as he moved, causing him uncertainty as to how stable a floating rock was miles above the surface. Yet it still hung there, like most of the rest of this bizarre place, unwilling to budge despite it's natural sway in the turbulent winds surrounding it. He's just begun considering leaving the flowers in the garden and flying off to his next destination when there's a lurch behind him and a large shadow cast over him. First glance tells him it's an imperial... second glance tells him they're very close-

"HELLO!"

The volume at which she shouted at him nearly startled the poor ambassador out of his scales. He turned briskly, giving a mildly furious (mostly defensive) glare skyward until met with the happiest grin he'd seen yet. Oh?

"You must be the new ambassador! The sunflower boy, right?" the imperial beamed, "Hello there! I'm AEIOU, nice to meet you!"

She extended one of her large paws, currently unaware that it was covered in dust and grass. At the look Canis must've given, she curled her neck down and laughed, wiping her paws off on her dusty jacket.

"Oh! Sorry 'bout that. I've been working on my flight patterns all day and took quite a nose dive. I'm AEIOU! Uh... I uh. I'm the ambassador of this clan! Or, well, in training... I'm so glad I got to meet you first! I- am the first one to meet you here, right?"

"Well, does there seem to be anyone else?" The skydancer glanced around, a bit huffy over his feathers being ruffled, "where's your clan? I was supposed to come here for a festival, not an empty rock."

"Oh! Right! Well, um. This is our lair!" She gestured with her long neck and large head to the rest of the open area, ears wiggling in delight, "but this is our roof, silly! You haven't found the front door!"

The roof? "Where is it?"

"It's down a good mile or so, near the bottom of the rock! Oh, um! Don't worry though," AEIOU reached up to stop him from wandering off, "we can get in through an entryway up here in the gardens. But... before we do. Do you mind, um. Can we talk for a bit?"

Now this was interesting. Canis wasn't expecting a conversation, but he supposed it wouldn't hurt. After all, it's still very early morning. They've got time, "certainly. What do you want to discuss?"

The imperial fidgeted around, looking a lot more awkward than usual due to her massive size and length. Canis was almost tempted to tell her to hurry up before he saw she was nervous... because of him? Interesting. She wouldn't look away from him, even though she kept swiveling around like a hatchling.

"You're an ambassador... right? I mean, yes, of course you are! I, uh. I'm new to being one. We don't really have anyone who can teach me, so I have to do my best to teach myself," her eye contact with him was getting a bit too intense for his liking, causing him to back up a few steps to relieve his neck of the angle, "Oh! Sorry, it's ok! I won't hurt you. I mean, of course you know that. I just, uh. Mmm. Was wondering if... you didn't mind. Could you spare some tips?" Her claws clenched the grass, then relaxed, over and over in a peculiar rhythm. "Could you teach me how to be an ambassador? Like you?"

He had to stand and think for a moment. A clan without an ambassador? It seemed so instinctual to have one, Canis had no idea there were clans without them. His entire life revolved around being ambassador, and most of the clans he knew kept their allyship through them. But this one? It didn't have one? Impossible, preopsterous, even. The look on her face didn't lie, however, much to his disdain. But here he was, presented with another opportunity: to teach someone so uncultured how to be the better of her clan, to mould her to what he knew was right. Yes, he could teach her- or at least give her some advice, the poor lost soul.

His face softened as he smiled, nodding up at her. "Of course, you poor thing. I happen to be twice the ambassador! Did you know that?" At her awe and headshake, he knew he had her. "Alright, let's sit down and discuss. I'll even give you some formal tips on how to hold yourself better, as the fidgeting has just got to go."

Excited wiggles followed his commentary, and her leaps and bounds over to the tree in the garden came across much more elegant than Canis had anticipated. The two of them sat beneath the tree and got settled for their discussion just as the winds around them died down into a gentle breeze.

~*~

Most of the day was spent working on correcting AEIOU's poor posture and manners. Still, it was good company and good amusement, and CanisMajor ended up enjoying it more than he thought he would. She was a pleasant lady under all those awkward quirks, and she took up his training like a sponge to water. By the time they'd realized how much time had passed, someone had come to get both of them for dinner! It wasn't too big of a feast, but by the gods was the lair so much bigger than he had anticipated. Filled with caverns and tunnels bore from dragonkind, it seemed to never end in some areas! The feast was generous enough for his taste, and he could see the other courrier there getting along quite well with the hatchlings who didn't seem to leave her be. AEIOU practiced her formalities and he gave an approving nod, to which she wiggled happily. A good day despite the unpleasant morning and the soreness in his tired body.

By night, he had already begun settling into a guest room (having decided it would be too dangerous to fly off this exhausted). On his bed, a plush yet bland setup which the clan seemed to do their (somewhat pitiful) best to make feel grand, he found a small gift waiting for him. A tiny bag of sunflower seeds as well as a freshly plucked rose lay on top of a finely etched piece of parchment. If she hadn't signed it, he would've never thought such dainty and elegant handwriting belonged to AEIOU.

"Dear CanisMajor,
Thank you for emparting your wisdom on me today. I promise to use it to the best of my abilities, and I won't let you down! In our clan, it's tradition to take a flower as a symbol of good luck and will. This rose is a gesture of thanks from me to you as a thank you for all you've done for me today. I'm sure I'll get right on track as Florum Familia's first ambassador soon!

Oh, we also are including sunflower seeds in our gifts this festival, as a symbol of prosperity and all potential growth for the new year. Please don't eat them! Or try not to. I'm sure they would be icky anyways, but they're for you to remember us by back home. And to start your new year's journey!

Thanks again,
AEIOU, Ambassador to Florum Familia."

How quaint. It did make him smile though, allowing him to rest even more at ease that night than he would've before. It felt good to make another connection outside his clan, as well as pass on his knowledge to someone new.

Blinking, CanisMajor dusted off what seemed like-- petals?-- off his wings. Frowning, he picked at one of the limp debris and found, upon closer inspection, that it was a plucked sunflower petal. Where was he? And why did he end up here? His memory was a bit rusty, but he recalled that he was on a peaceful journey across Sornieth as an ambassador to try to form more alliances. He had an entire plan written up and mapped out, but the stormy skies last night combined with his fatigue had resulted in him collapsing and apparently landing somewhere unexpected. He hastily checked the compass, but to his dismay, found it spinning out of order. As he sat there, stupified, a friendly guardian walked up to him and said, "Aye mate, are you lost?"

"Hmm..not lost, persay," CanisMajor started. The guardian raised his eyebrow skeptically, and said, "eh? is it not so? Why the compass then? And crash landing in yonder meadow fields? That is not the reception area."
"Well, let's just say I had a little adventure incident," CanisMajor admitted. "I'm traveling across Sornieth to different clans to try to form alliances, and it seems like I conked out last night and ended up here. But I don't know where 'here' is."

"I see," said the guardian thoughtfully. "Hmm..not really sure how much I can help ya, but from one seafarer to another, I can tell you that this is a place like no other. The secrets and complexities that reside between these stone pillars are unknown to all but a few. Not even I know the inner workings of this place and I've been stranded here for over a hundred years. So much so that now I just lead a team of border patrol; actually we needed to pull you out of the meadows and into this area next to the sea."

"I see..." CanisMajor responded. "though...do you know why the compass doesn't show this place? Or this map that I've constructed and thoroughly engineered over the past decade?"

"HMMM..." the guardian leaned a little closer. "I don't know for sure, young one, but it is rumoured that this place is a 'specially looked after by the ancient deities. And it has strong magiks that conceal it from detection from even the most powerful sorceress. It is nigh impossible to navigate here. Ya can only land accidentally, I suppose."

"Ah," CanisMajor replied, taking this all in. "And do you know why I may speak to..for ambassador or official meetings?"

"Almost busy I see.." the guardian muttered. "ay never mind that; we haven't had a visitor in centuries. You will find Beacon--or rather, she will find you, by the main pavilion where the sundial stands."

CanisMajor bid the guardian a farewell and thanked him for the information and advice before heading east to Sundial Terrace.


As CanisMajor approached the seashore, he kept an eye out for any sign of a dragon lair. He didn't see any, other than, well, dragons flying about near a large rocky promontory studded with caves. He landed near the shore and looked up at the cliffs, wondering what to do.

A small party approached him, consisting of two Mirrors and two Guardians. "Greetings, ambassador!" the Mirror in the lead said. "Welcome to Clan Aquaurora."

So this was how it was going to be? Despite the lack of accoutrements, this underdeveloped clan managed to retain their sense of formality and pride. Canis bowed formally. "I bring Brightshine Jubilee greetings from my home clan and the Light realm." He offered sunflowers to each member of the group.

"Thank you," the Mirror said gravely. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Aoide, leader of Clan Aquaurora. With me is Boreas, the Clan Guardian, Melete, our daughter, and Aquarius, my mate."

Canis felt the aura of the Firstborn surrounding each of the dragons except Melete. He nodded, and responded with his own name and title.

Aoide was about to reply when Melete nudged her mother, nearly knocking her over. "Are we going to stand here all afternoon exchanging pleasantries, or are we going to show our guest around the lair and entertain him properly?"

Boreas grinned. "I agree."

Aoide huffed in exasperation, then smiled. "You're right, of course. All right, Melete, you show our guest around. We'll prepare the banquet for the evening. I may even have Quartz cook something!"

Melete nodded to the Skydancer. "As you can see, we're still a developing clan. But we almost have the infrastructure in place to begin turning these caves into a real dragonhome."

The Guardian showed the ambassador around the lair. There was a large cave that functioned as a common room, with a large opening that did not keep out the light and air. Many smaller dens were carved into the sides that served as private or semiprivate rooms for couples and their children, or merely for conversing quietly.

The other important caves in the clan were only accessible from the outside. Being a Water lair, this was not much of an issue for most of the occupants even if it was raining.There was a cave where unbonded familiars were kept. There was a small cave for the clan healer, and a tiny one where a Fae candymaker worked alone. There was a large and ever-expanding cave that served as a laboratory, where a chaotic troupe of Banescales, Spirals, and facet-eyed dragons conducted their volatile experiments. There was a secondary large cave where the Flight representatives and guests stayed, "although of course you are welcome to stay in the big cave if you wish," Melete offered.

Canis thought a moment. "While the Embassy seems quiet and secluded, which is quite right, if I am to take a full and proper report home, I think I had better stay in the main cave. Particularly since it is just for one night."

Melete nodded. She showed him the Training fields, where the Warriors and Tidelings bivouacked in even rougher quarters than the caves. "I think that's everything," she said. Then she slapped a claw to her face. "Honestly! I'm getting as forgetful as my mate. Speaking of which, he's the one you need to see."

She led him to a small cave where a Tundra sat, dusting off a large book. "CanisMajor, this is Opalstar, our Clan Recordkeeper. And my mate," she added as an afterthought.

The dark Tundra gave a befuddled smile. "You don't smell familiar," he said.

"He wouldn't," Melete said. "He's a guest. If he should want to read the records, let him. Our clan may enter into an alliance with his."

Canis looked at the tome. For such a young clan, their records were impressive."Before you go, I have just one comment. You know our clan would never enter into an alliance with any that discriminates against any particular breed of dragon. I have seen a few of every type of dragon in your clan--some more than others, but that is only natural. I can see why few Snappers would care to make their home here, for instance. But I have yet to see a single Gaoler. Can you tell me why this is?"

Melete looked a little uncomfortable. "It's not through any fault of the clan," she said. "You'll have to read the records if you want more detail. Suffice it to say that our first Gaoler family did not approve of us welcoming Banescales. As tensions rose, we were forced to exile them from our clan. We did not take sides on the issue, yet the Gaolers took the first offensive action, and so were exiled. We would be welcoming of any unrelated Gaoler or family; that just has not happened yet."

"Hmm," Canis said. He took the offered tome from the claws of the Tundra, and settled down to read. The records read like a fair account; they did not appear to be biased in any way. He copied down a few notes, then returned to the main cave, where quite a few of the Flight Representatives had turned out to greet him, dressed in their full regalia. Canis felt a bit awkward at first, since the burden of sunflowers had forced him to leave most of his own diplomatic regalia at home. But the representatives made him feel welcome right away.

After a fine feast, Canis found himself a sleeping den off the main cavern. It was rough, but not too uncomfortable. Still, he was glad he had feathers.

The next morning he gathered his bundle of sunflowers along with his notes and headed out. Aoide met him as he left the clan entrance. "Whether your clan decides to formalize an alliance with us or not, we have enjoyed your visit, and we hope you've been comfortable during your stay."

Canis held up his notes. "I will have to present your case to the clan elders," he said, "and I cannot guarantee a response. But I do thank you for your hospitality."

"You're welcome to stop by any time you happen this direction again."

"Thank you." As CanisMajor took off and wheeled over the beach, he felt that perhaps he might just do that...

The skydancer's next stop was in on of the more darker parts of Sornieth, the Tangled Woods. Not many flowers grew there, practically none. While the landscape didn't have flowers, it was peppered with softly glowing blue mushrooms. I'm sure this lair will be happy to have some bright flowers around.

CanisMajor checked to be sure he was going the right way when he spotted a purple startlight coatl dressed in gold. Approaching the dragon, he called out a greeting, but the coatl didn't turn around. Walking closer, he tapped the dragon, startling him.

"I'm sorry!" the ksydancer said quickly. "I didn't mean to startle you. I'm just looking for someone from the Dawn of the Blood Moon clan. I have flowers for them."

He held up the flowers and watched the coatl. The starry dragon smiled and nodded. "Name's Haiayden," he said with a broken voice. "I'm deaf." The coatl proceeded to take out a notebook and handed it to CanisMajor. It would be easier for Haiayden to have the skydancer write what he wanted to say, unless he know draconic sign language.

CanisMajor shook his head. "I know some signs, if that would be preferred? My name is CanisMajor, by the way."

Haiayden's eyes lit up and a grin broke out over his face. He shook his head rapidly. "Yes! CanisMajor? That's a wonderful name. I've been studying the stars for some time now. If you'd like, I can show you my favorite place once the sun goes down?"

"That would be nice," the skydancer responded. "In the mean time, where can I drop these off?"

"Follow me," the coatl said as he made his way through the trees. The two dragons wove their way through the woods on winding paths. Despite being daytime, fireflies danced around them, creating a soothing atmosphere. He heard toads croaking and bugs buzzing. A stream was bubbling nearby, and by the sound of it, they were getting closer.

The two dragons soon arrived to the outskirts of the small town. Haiayden stopped in front of a small fountain and told CanisMajor to stay here. The coatl fluttered away and returned moments later with a vase. Setting it down, he said, "You can place the flowers in here. They will look nice by the fountain."

After dropping off the flowers, CanisMajor and Haiayden took a tour around the territory until it became dark. The skydancer could tell the his guide was getting antsy and excited to show him the stars. "Ready for the stars?" he asked.

Haiayden nodded and took off. They traveled out of town and into a clearing. It was the perfect night and CanisMajor could already see the twinkling lights, but the coatl kept going. He lead the guest up a ridge and onto a hill. Sitting down, he beamed. This was his spot, the spot he sat at every night while gazing upon the stars. It was breathtaking. CanisMajor could see almost every star the sky had to offer. The trees created a boarder between the sky and land. He could see why the coatl wanted to show him this. He gazed upon the stars, taking note of the constellations he knew. A flash of light caught his eye, and he saw a shooting star right before it vanished.

"Make a wish," the coatl said.

CanisMajor closed his eyes and made a wish.

On the 6th day of BSJ2020 CanisMajor came by the meadows of the RaiStarDragon clan. Once a meager little plot has now expanded as far as the eye can see in either direction. While nestled close to the contested borderlands of the Nature flight and the beastclans the clan does it's best to live in harmony with the land and those that occupy both sides of the border. Quick to assist both dragon and beast the clan is a happy and friendly bunch (well, for the most part). The BSJ festivities begin with a breakfast feast at day break. Ripe fruits, cakes, colorful eggs, sizzling strips of meat and seared fish and crunchy insects adorn the tables at every den or tree house in the area. Pomegranate, the clan's party planner, bounces up to greet CanisMajor and suggests a multiple array of festivities the clan is holding in honor of the Lightbringer. "If you hurry you can reach the leeward side of the hill where the Prism Crocuses will be opening as soon as the light touches their petals, then there’s the giant sunflowers Hana is tending!" She continues on to other exciting events as well as some places to go for solitude or for later meals. "Don't forget your travel guide, Dewdrop. He'll give you the clan's history and answer any questions you may have. As the founder of this clan he knows a thing or two about the history though he does ramble on just a bit." She laughs as she points the little fae out who looks more like a firefly than a Nature clan progenitor. "We'll expect you back here at sundown. The clan has a special present they'd like to present to you before your rest and departure from our lands."

After a day of feasting and celebration Dewdrop leads CanisMajor back to the guest house set up at the base of an old oak tree standing tall in the middle of the meadow. "The house also stands for our clan meetings and regularly holds our celebrations. We are so pleased to have you with us. I promise the celebration won't go too late into the night. It is the light festival after all. And you will be leaving no later than the first thing in the morning if I'm not mistaken. So why don't you come inside and have some dinner with the rest of the clan. Everyone wants to wish you happy trails."

After dinner a furry tree, no a tundra that looks like a tree, comes over and presents a wrapped package to CanisMajor. "We hope that you have enjoyed your company here and ask that you take this as a reminder of your time here." RiverWillow bows and hands it over. "Safe travels!"


When CanisMajor set foot on the land of the Shifting Expanse's nameless clan, he was met with a hurricane of garments and black feathers.

The hurricane's name apparently was Darksight, and he was one of the leaders of the clan -- the First of Dancers, as he set it, with Dancers being the creators of the clan -- artists, sculptors, dancers, musicians... Politicians.

In the last day of his journey he was among those who understood him.