(no subject)

 Greetings sleepers! <small> [A soft warm voice belonging to a youthful face with a gentle smile appears on the network. With two fingers lightly pressed into his temple, sitting on a tree stump looking just off center. His long white robes flow off camera, hiding the dirty  bottom edges from sight. ] </small> My name is Xie Lian. I've been here for the greater part of the winter season, and it's been <i> quite </i> <small> [tilting his head a raising an eyebrow] </small> the experience. <small> [Managing a small wry smile at the loaded statement. ] </small> But I'm afraid I'm still at a loss about a few things, and could use some clarification on two matters. <small> [With his free hand he raises one finger up.] </small> First off, how does one know who their patron is exactly?  And what purpose do these patrons serve, or rather what purpose do we serve the patrons? <small> [Quiet for a moment mulling the thought over in his own mind before continuing. Another finger pops up. ] </small> And the second question is more general. <small> [Honey brown eyes flash directly forward with an inquisitive gleam.] </small> What do you all make of the pthumerians? Honestly I'm still trying to figure out my own thoughts, but getting different perspectives seems like a good place to start.