Jaina Sorlis

The Wanderer Jai - 32 - Warrior "My bones can be scorched from fires, broken by betrayals, stained with blood and still I will keep on fighting."

[jainasorlis-blog]

making friends

[jainasorlis-blog]

priestoftheshadows:

The look on the irate townsman’s face made Ade smirk, slightly, his face turned away from him for that single moment, hand clutching the curve of his blade a minuscule of a fraction tighter before loosening his grip and his stance at the man’s profuse apology and retreat, snorting at the honorifics. He gave it a few moments, ensuring that the fellow would not be coming back before dropping his stance and sheathing the dagger. 

He turned to his fellow Warden with a raised brow, sipping from his cup and sighing quietly as the warmth of the drink pooled in his belly. The woman’s thanks were met with a small grin and a nod, watching in amusement as she used the table as a stepping stool, falling back to ground with the ease of a large bear. “It was nothing, I assure you. I was simply stating facts. I remember how our lovely Lady Hand used to be in the mornings, from our time at the Citadel together. It was not…pleasant.” Ade hadn’t been lying when he told the man he wouldn’t want to wake Vaná; it was not a pretty sight, a woman cut short on her rest, and certainly not one who worked all hours as their Lady did. He would bet a handful of gold marks that she had been up late last night, again, searching for answers and planning her strategy.”But, then again, quite a few of our dear companions are not what one would call ‘morning people.’” 

Normally, he was one of them. Sleeplessness changed that about a person.  

He smiled down at his companion, amused that she was so happy to have the drink. “It is passable, made only so by a hint of the Isles.” He winked, hoping she would catch the joke. His accent was faint some days, loud others, but it was loudest in the mornings when he had slept little and dreamed even less. Today was no different. He leaned against the counter top and sipped his drink in a companionable silence for a moment before asking, “What did you do to him, this time?” 

Jai snorted loudly at the thought of the normally composed and elegant leader grouching and grumpy. It was a sight she wanted to see, even if the woman set her alight with holy fire she was certain it would be worth it. 

“I can imagine, what a sight that must be!” She laughed, clutching the warm mug between her hands. “Oh no, you better warn me which ones. I have a terrible record... If you can’t tell already.”

She glanced back at the door, shrugging and giving Ade another cheeky smile.

“Ha! I knew it!” She singsonged, perching on the edge of the table and discarding her now-empty mug before giving him a friendly nod. “Nish always told me the Isles were the best for... well, everything! Seems to include people too.”

“Well...” She started, twisting the hem of her tattered tunic and looking a little uncomfortable as if she were afraid of what he would think of it all, “He was being an ass. The kids were just playing, having a bit of fun yeah? They had a ball see, and maybe they shouldn’t have been kicking it like that but he shouldn’t have left his ‘priceless’ shit out and about. It was just asking to get broken, really. He got real mad at them all, started demanding money they didn’t have n’got all up in their faces. So I may have... Thrown some vegetables at him...”

She paused laughing, “You should’ve seen his face! Redder than the tomatoes honestly...” She coughed and looked a little sheepish, “I mean... it made the kids laugh and they look like they needed a laugh after everything that’s happened yeah? He started cursing and screaming for the guards so I told the kids to bolt and whacked him one with the vegetable crate. Didn’t realise those vegetables were his either, whoops? So I er... Legged it.”

[jainasorlis-blog]

prima-belladonna:

“Or they don’t have a preference for blondes,” she teased shamelessly.  Bell actually flushed at the gentle kiss, ducking her head and smiling.  She fell into the waltz easily enough and laughed alongside her newest Warden friend.  “You’re Jaina, yes?  Lalo’s mentioned you.  He didn’t mention how absolutely charming you are.”

“Their loss.” Jai assured her, twirling the giggling rogue with a bright smile before bringing her into a low dip and responding in a light, teasing voice. “I hope he at least mentioned my daring heroics and dashing good looks? Otherwise he and I are going to have words. If I’d known the wardens had so many beautiful ladies, I would’ve signed up a lot sooner.”

[ardenwccd-blog]

{ open – 2/3 spots filled }

The guards left Arden chained up as usual, leaving him alone in the dark and cold and damp.  He shivered, arching his back to keep the still-fresh gashes from pressing too close to the rough stone of the wall.  He knew he was falling ill - clued in not only by the number and severity of his wounds paired with the damp and cold, but also the way his body swung from too hot to too cold with alarming regularity.  

Arden breathed, resting his chin against his chest, watching the tattered, bloodstained remains of his shirt move as his chest rose and fell.  He closed his eyes.

Somewhere, in the distance, thunder began to rumble.

[jainasorlis-blog]

Jai had been exploring the lower levels of the castle, creeping through the dimly lit corridors and checking for any sign of their missing warden. She was grateful to escape the swarms of nobles above, tired of their gossiping and spiteful exchanges. She had enjoyed a few dances with the other wardens but quickly tired of the comments her appearance drew. When the opportunity arose to slip away, she wasted no time in fleeing the lavish ballroom and began the search. No doubt others were also looking, she had seen the desperate look in Eirin’s eyes ever since the news broke and was certain he would tear the castle down if he had to. 

Sticking to the shadows, she pressed herself tightly against the stone walls and listened intently for any sounds of movement. The temperature was dropping rapidly the further she descended and she thanked the stars again she’d had the foresight to swipe one of the guard’s cloaks. It was eerily quiet and dread crept up inside her with every step she took. Reaching a heavy wooden door, she slid the deadbolt free and turned the handle, shoving it open to reveal a dank, dark dungeon.

The stench of damp decay assaulted her nose and she took a deep breath to steel herself, the scent bringing unwanted memories of her own brushes with the law and the dungeons she’d been thrown in as a young child. Shivering a little, she pushed the thoughts aside and refocused on her task. She would find Arden and they could leave this netherforsaken place forever.

Checking each cell as quickly and quietly as she could, she could feel rage bubbling inside her at the sight of them. Each cell was tiny, containing only heavy chains shackled to the walls and disturbingly blood-like stains. Heart pounding wildly in her chest, she reached the last cell and nearly collapsed with relief at the familiar sight of blonde hair.

“Arden!” She breathed, worrying overtaking her rage at the bloody rags covering his shaking body. “Arden, it’s Jai. I’m gonna get you out, you’re gonna be okay!”

Finding a heavy metal bar, she grunted as she lifted it as high as she could. Fumbling at first from the adrenaline coursing through her veins, she missed the locks and hissed in frustration. Steeling herself she remembered her training and took aim, repeatedly slamming the metal against the locks until they shattered. Ripping them from the door she tossed them aside and rushed into the cell, dropping to her knees in front of Arden.

“I’m gonna get you out of these chains okay?” She told him, her voice cracking as she saw the still-bleeding wounds through his torn clothes. “I’ll get you out, you’re gonna be okay.”

[jainasorlis-blog]

warriorcasalis:

Gonzalo raised his eyebrow at Jai’s red cheeks and shy voice. She was always so easy to read, like a little child, still angry, baring her teeth to protect herself. He remembered when she had just joined the Guild and how long it had taken for her to trust him but now they were almost like siblings, a family that protected each other no matter what. “Jai…” he sighed disapprovingly, shaking his head. Of course she had gotten out without a second thought. She was always so impulsive, but so incredibly honest. “It doesn’t matter. Blademaster Dorn didn’t mention anything about it so I’m guessing he’s keeping your little adventure a secret,” he reassured her with a soft grin. “He cares about you, so I hope you don’t mind me writing him a letter letting him know you’re here.”

Her grin was fake, another one of the indicators of her nervousness. He understood her need to see if they were safe, so he couldn’t blame her for it. Instead, he reached forward and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, holding her close. “You’ll get your fair amount of glory,” he said as a reply but he knew Jai would be able to read between the lines. He was safe and sound and happy, and very glad that she was too. Joining the Wardens was a good and noble cause and Gonzalo was honestly happy to see someone he considered a sister fighting by his side. If only Nish… “Wait,” he suddenly said, pulling back and looking at Jai with big, surprised eyes. “Nish is here too? I haven’t see her.”

She cringed a little at the disapproval in his tone but knew she deserved it. She had been more than unkind to the blademaster, spitting undeserved venom and rage at the man. Her head whipped up in shock at Lalo’s words, her breath catching in her throat and her eyes stinging with unshed tears. It was hard to believe anyone truly cared for her, let alone the Blademaster and whilst Lalo and Nish had always assured her she was truly loved there she had always doubted, feeling she was always just a poor decision or exchange of angry words away from being kicked out. She had admitted to herself somewhere along the border she had left before she was made to leave, the fear of rejection hanging heavily in her mind. But the Blademaster had said nothing of her departure? Not even to Lalo, his second? A vicious voice in her mind told her it was because she didn’t matter enough to even be considered but she knew that couldn’t be it. He told Lalo everything and the Guild always knew whenever anyone left, though the event was rare it had happened and they always knew. 

“I... Yeah...” She said lamely, unsure how to deal with the revelation, voice softening to a whisper,”T-thanks, Lalo.”

She welcomed the hug, leaning into his warmth and taking strength from his familiar scent. It reminded her of home, or at least the place she had come to know as one. Taking a few moments longer to compose herself, she simply nodded knowing he would understand. She lingered for a moment before they pulled apart, a complex set of emotions running through her but her heart feeling lighter than it had in a long while. 

Jai’s eyes lit up as she realised he hadn’t seen Nish yet, delighting in his surprise and eyes alight with mischief.

“You thought you could be rid of us two that easy, huh?” She teased, grabbing his arm and pulling him toward the newly erected training ring where she knew the woman would be. 

“Reunion drinks are on Nish!” She exclaimed with a laugh as they neared the training grounds.

[jainasorlis-blog]

prima-belladonna:

“Oh, quite easily, I’d think.”  She grinned.  “But I appreciate the gumption.”  She curtsied flawlessly and offered a hand.

“Anyone who refuses you is either blind or stupid,” Jai told her, taking her hand and holding it to her lips to plant a gentle kiss before wrapping an arm around Bella’s waist and lifting their clasped hands to lead her into a waltz with a cheery giggle, “My lady.”

[stellantes-blog]

ashtree.

[jainasorlis-blog]

stellantes:

     In spite of Twil’s best efforts to reassure the woman, she was still being fussed over. The tripping and cursing was endearing and though Twil’s eyes were shining wet and her throat constricting itself in the way it does when she attempts to stifle sadness, she could not help the tiniest of smiles. The air that burst from her when Jai attempted to console her with a comment that was more than poorly phrased could have been mistaken for the freeing of a sob, more particularly the shaky breaths one takes and give before they begin to weep, but Twil knew it to be a weak, almost disbelieving laugh.

     “Of course.” With another sniff, Twil found more footing in her voice. She took Jai’s hand, giving it a light squeeze. “Tuilelaith Rinne. You can shorten it however you’d like.” There had been plenty of stumbling over her name not only with the other Wardens but with those she met on her travels. The old ones called her Tuile, the younger ones Twil, the change in pronunciation slight enough. A few young village children had called her Twilth, combining the beginning of her name with its end. It was new to her and she enjoyed it, mostly because the name was attached to the adorable group. “Thank you. I think your nervous fumbling calmed me down and it was comforting to see.” She smiled, this one fuller, thankful. “I don’t mean to offend by that, if you do take offense to it. I think you’re very sweet and that’s good especially considering all that’s…” Twil trailed on, glancing aside in silence.

Jai smiled wider when she realised the woman’s eyes were drying and her grief was lifting. She didn’t fool herself into thinking the woman was happy, anyone arriving to the scene of Miwor Town could not be described as happy, but she the tension in her shoulders had eased and Jai took comfort knowing she had brought a smile and an-almost laugh from the petite woman.

“You’re already short enough, ay?” Jai teased, before smacking herself in the face for her insensitivity, “Sorry, sorry! I’m great at first impressions, can you tell?”

She gave a self-depreciating laugh and rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly, hoping she hadn’t wrecked the tentative friendship she was building. Really need to work on my people skills... 

“Tuilelaith,” She sounded out the name, smiling as she said it, “It’s a beautiful name. Suits you.”

“I’m glad my embarrassment is good for something! Though you’re gonna have to come up with better than that to offend me, Tuilelaith.” She said with another chuckle before turning serious, heart breaking at the young girl’s anguish.

“But hey now, it’s okay. Well... I mean,” She paused and gestured vaguely at the destruction around them, “It’s not okay but... the Wardens are okay? And they stopped it before it got anymore more not okay? The townsfolk are rebuilding and it ain’t perfect but... It’s not the end, yeah?”

Taking a step toward her, she opened her arms in offering and hoped she wasn’t overstepping. When Tuilelaith didn’t immediately tell her to shove off or bolt the other direction, Jai hesitantly wrapped her arms around her petite frame and gently pulled her into what she hoped was a comforting embrace.

[exroguethalia]

Drunk and Disorderly

[jainasorlis-blog]

exroguethalia:

“No, you are cute. Well um yeah very nice looking.” Thalia would have been slightly embarrassed without the edge the alcohol had given her. So blunt and so clumsy, she tripped over how to get the idea across, “Like I would kiss you cause you got nice er….” Yeah she was up the creek and her paddle was broken across her knees at this point. Thalia actually cracked a smile as the other calmed her off the edge of the bottle she was riding on. All drunken rage aside the girl was a nice relief. Thalia felt the mood lighten little by little until she was red faced and chuckling with her word. 

“Yes mysterious and norther. Norvik actually. Where did they breed a beauty like you?” Her slurred speech and hiccups paired with idle conversation were even more comical than the way they clumsily walked down the street holding onto each other. 

“I always wanted a knight in shinning armor to sweep my off me feet and carry me over the threshold.” She laughed with genuine emotion in the conversation now. She was truly making thalia feel better by the minute. “I will tell you all about the mystery when we get to my room. You are going to stay right?”

Jai grinned with delight at the blonde’s awkward compliment, always relieved when the reaction to her casual flirting wasn’t a punch in the face. She missed the carefree attitudes held about pleasure and sex back in Varthal, finding the other Eldrissian nations were overwhelmingly prudish and uptight. 

Chuckling with delight as the blonde tripped over her words and turned a deep shade of red, she gave her a light squeeze with the arm still settled around her shoulders.

“Save me one for when you’re sober, yeah?” Jai suggested lightly, not wishing to take advantage of the clearly imbibed woman.

“Pffft, divine knows,” Jai said with a shrug, “Fishermen picked me outta the sea down south after the ship sank, dunno what I was doin’ there or where I came from. They dumped me in Vellin with the priests so I guess I’m a Vartheli girl?”

“Yeah, course.” She said, having already decided it would be better to keep an eye on the girl. She had seen too many drunkards in the slums choke on their own vomit in their sleep to walk away from her with a clear conscience. She also knew a woman in a state such as Thalia currently was would be a prime target for unsavoury men. “Lead the way, Thal.”

[jainasorlis-blog]

making friends

[jainasorlis-blog]

priestoftheshadows:

Ade had risen early, earlier than normal. He couldn’t sleep anyway. He supposed trying to be productive would be better than simply loafing about. The books he’d been meaning to take a look at had been shuffled from our beneath his bed, where he had placed them for safekeeping. They lay scattered across one of the tables in the Two Bucks now, notes scattered among their pages. He’d just gotten up to stretch and grab another coffee when a woman had torn into the room, door slamming against the wall behind her.

His eyes watched her movements, gauging her to not be a threat when she turned at he recognized her face, the cheesiness of her smile and the hand that shushed him. She faulted a table and he turned to finish stirring his coffee with one hand, listening as her breathing became deeper and quieter, clearly trying to hide from something or someone. He heard her whisper a d chuckled, about to retort when another individual burst through the doors his fellow Warden had just come through.

“You’ll find no ‘vulgar beast’ up at this hour, my friend. Only me. I suggest you lower your voice, lest you want the true beast to awaken. The Lady Hand does not like to be disturbed at an hour like this, and certainly not by someone such as yourself.” The dark-skinned man’s voice was low and calm as it always was, but there was an edge to it, biting as he stirred his drink. One would not be able to tell if it was the intrusion or the sleeplessness but Ade’s hand curled around the dagger he had slid from beneath his tunic, just out of sight behind the countertop.

The man spluttered indignantly before he registered both the threat in Ade’s posture and his words, the colour draining from his face. 

“I... I apologise Lord Warden. I did not mean to disturb you or the Lady Hand, please. I beg your forgiveness!” He stuttered, staring up at the man in fear. “I... I will leave you in peace. M’apologies Lord.” 

He hesitated a few moments longer, before bowing deeply and then making a hasty retreat out of the Warden quarters.

Jai listened with bated breath as the man ran back down the stairs into the inn, unable to help a chuckle escaping at the sound of him huffing and cursing quietly to himself. Another grin spread over her face and she sighed in relief, uncurling herself from her hiding spot.

“Thanks! Remind me not to piss you off,” Jai said to the taller man, looking impressed by his intimidation tactics, “You mind if I camp out here a while? He’s not gonna be back here anytime soon, probably off to piss his pants and beg the Divine for forgiveness or some shit.”

Without waiting for a reply she climbed up onto the table to reach a mug before jumping back down with a heavy thunk, whistling a tune as she poured herself some of the leftover coffee. As the scent of the drink hit her nose she practically salivated, groaning in delight as she clutched the warm mug between her hands and took a long drink of the familiar liquid.

“Oh netherballs that’s good,” She said with a happy smile, “Didn’t think the Northerners were capable of a decent brew!”

[prima-belladonna]

“Would you care to dance?”

[jainasorlis-blog]

“With a pretty girl like you? How could I refuse.”

[jainasorlis-blog]

[jainasorlis-blog]

First Impressions

[jainasorlis-blog]

malika-el-hashem:

Malika ambled down the streets of Miwor, her practice staff resting on her shoulders. She had relaxed for long enough after her voyage, and she could already feel her muscles getting stiff from lack of use. Someone had been kind enough to inform her that a practice arena had been set up for the Wardens to use. So with staff in hand, and a few daggers strapped to her as well, she had set off to see for herself. She wondered how it would compare to the Arm’s Guild, but given the struggles the town had been through she knew she shouldn’t be expecting too much. Their resources were devoted to far more important things.

As she neared the clearing she could her the sounds of grunting and metal clanging and she eagerly sped up her pace. Nothing better to get back into the swing of things than having a sparring partner to train with. She hopped over the practice area’s fence, eyes searching for whoever it was that was training here.

A huge grin broke out on her face as she instantly recognized the sword-wielding woman who was the source of the sounds. Malika would recognize that fighting form and curls that lightened like the sunrise sky absolutely anywhere. “Jai!” she excitedly called out, and in her excitement she failed to notice the pile of clothes until they smacked into her face. She snatched them off and yelled, “Jai what the fuck!” She couldn’t even pretend to be mad though, her excitement at seeing one of her closest friends was too much.

“You’d think I’d have learned my lesson when I was training with you in the Guild!” Malika teased, planting her staff on the ground and placing her other hand on her hip.

Hearing her name called by a familiar and warm tone made Jai’s heart beat even wilder. A huge grin took over her face, her dark eyes shining with joy and disbelief at seeing one of her best friends standing only metres from her alive and well.

“Nish!?” She yelled, closing the distance between them in seconds and embracing her tightly, lifting the smaller woman off the ground in her excitement and spinning her around as she laughed almost hysterically. 

She finally returning the darker skinned woman to the ground and released her crushing hold, unable to wipe the idiotic grin from her face. Her entire body had relaxed, tension bleeding away with the reassurance her dearest friends were safe and unharmed by the rifting. 

“Divine’s shining buttcheeks, I have better aim than I thought!” She chuckled to herself, kicking the messy pile of clothes to the side (and ensuring they didn’t hit any other unsuspecting passers by). "Hey, you kept volunteering to train with me! If you still haven’t learnt after all these years I can’t be held responsible.”

She shrugged helplessly, placing her hands on her hips, a wicked grin spreading across her face.

“Speaking of... Wanna kick the shit outta each other?”

[jainasorlis-blog]

making friends

@priestoftheshadows

Cursing loudly as she tore through the inn, heading for the staircase leading to the Warden’s quarters, running as fast as her long legs could carry her. She barrelled into the makeshift communal area, shutting the door as quickly as she could and vaulted over the table before wedging herself under it with little consideration for anyone else inside the room. 

Her heart beating wildly, she briefly peered out to check the coast was clear and locked gaze with a tall man pouring himself a dark liquid which smelled distinctly like coffee. It appeared that he was the only other occupant of the room, clearly puzzled by her entrance and perhaps shocked into silence by her bizarre display. Giving him a cheeky grin, she put a finger to her lips in a ‘shh’ing motion.

“I’m not here!” She told him in a whisper, ducking her heard again.

Whatever he was about to say was interrupted by the door swinging open to reveal a furious man swearing and demanding the whereabouts of that ‘vulgar beast of a woman’. Jai bit her lips to hold in the giggles threatening to spill out and prayed the man wouldn’t sell her out.

[jainasorlis-blog]

first impressions

Gently rolling her blade between her hands, Jai got a feel for the weight and shape of her new weapon. She eyed it up carefully, admiring the sharp and shimmering metal. It was a beautifully crafted sword, the length and width intimidatingly large (as she had requested) and the leather wrapping on the hilt a soft, comforting texture in her calloused hands. 

With practised ease, she stepped toward the well-used training dummy in the makeshift practice area that had been set up for the Wardens use and went through a series of moves, the blade making a satisfyingly loud clang as it made contact with her target. She went through a series of drills, as familiar to her as breathing, and soon worked up a sweat. 

Breathing heavily she sunk her new blade heavily into the soft earth and peeled off her outer layers, stripping down to a light vest and breeches. Rolling the rest of her clothing into a ball, she tossed them in the general direction of the nearby fence, intending to deal with them later. To her horror, she heard a muffled cry of surprise and immediately whipped around to find not only did she have company but that company had a face-full of her sweaty clothing. 

“Oh netherdicks, sorry! Teaches you for sneaking up on me though, ay?” She said, blushing furiously and immediately cracking a joke to try and diffuse the tension. 

[exiledranger]

Bryn sat at the Two Bucks Inn, officially a part of this group.  The Wardens.  He didn’t plan on doing much.  He wasn’t a hero.  He nursed his ale, his fifth one of the night, head hanging low while he stared at the bottom.  He’d been there most of the night, bored out of his mind, wishing for his temporary home back in the Exotic Islands.  

He wasn’t sure how long he’d stay or how long the chairs around him had been empty.  Until it wasn’t.  He glanced up after a moment, frowning at the face he saw.

“Seat’s taken,” he lied.

[jainasorlis-blog]

Jai had spent the afternoon training with the new weapon crafted for her by the town’s blacksmith, getting used to it’s weight and familiarising herself with the feel of it’s swing. Whilst it could not be compared to the quality of the Guild’s smithy, it was a well-crafted sword and certainly an improvement on the pitiful excuse for a blade she had been carrying. The Guild’s smith had crafted her a beautiful weapon only a few months prior but her travels across Eldris, or rather her altercations, had taken a toll on the fine weapon. After a particularly violent struggle involving a group of rogue priests, the weapon had cracked and split in two. Whilst still technically usable as it retained a sharp point to stab people with, it was not ideal and certainly would not last many more battles. She was selfishly grateful the town’s smithy had survived the rift’s assault, pleased to have a new blade forged for her within days of arriving and even better - at an almost criminally low price, the smith insisting he would take no more money from ‘the people saving our arses’. 

As the sun had set in the sky and evening drew in, Jai had returned the blade to it’s sheath on her back and headed for a drink in the crowded inn. Sweaty, breathing hard and feeling the burn in her muscles she dropped ungracefully into one of the few remaining seats at the bar. She had barely noticed the man beside her until he spoke, his voice gruff and cold. Jai signalled the barkeep for an ale and purposefully made a show of getting comfortable on the stool she now occupied.

“Yeah,” She said, taking a long swig of her freshly poured drink and wiping the foam from her mouth with her sleeve, “by me!”

[exroguethalia]

Drunk and Disorderly

[jainasorlis-blog]

exroguethalia:

“I wasn’t going to kill em. Just scare him a little.” Thalia was relieved by her half-hearted tone. It made her seem far less intimidating. She wouldn’t resist her now given her laughter and was that a compliment? Thalia blushed at the thought of being cute. She wasn’t cute she was a fighter. Women couldn’t be deemed attractive while wielding weapons and spilling blood for the mere enjoyment of it. 

“Cute girls do not enjoy spilling blood as much as I do.” She grit her teeth as the fact broke the air around her behind a snarl. The woman who had a hold of her, touching her, she made Thalia look like a child. She was strong like a mountain it seemed. Why was she so happy? Thalia couldn’t even remember the way it felt to be happy. 

“Thalia the Risen, because I died and came back for more torture.” The arm around her shoulder made her feel like she was speaking to an old friend. “What are you then, are ya protecting me?

“I think you achieved that,” Jai giggled, giving her a teasing nudge. 

Her eyes lit up at the red tinge staining the pale blonde cheeks, pleased with the reaction she’d coaxed out of the solemn girl.

“Then I must be very un-cute,” Jai pouted, her shoulders slumping at the woman’s comment. She could sense the rogue’s darkening mood, eyes turning dark and cold as she tried to pull away from the friendly half-embrace Jai had caught her in. She knew it was fruitless to argue, the woman was clearly drunk and whatever had sparked the foul mood wouldn’t disappear if Jai cracked a few jokes, but she was never one to back down from a challenge (however unachievable). 

“Mysterious, oooh! I knew it!” Jai said happily, deciding the ‘risen from the dead’ part was a discussion for another day: preferably when Thalia was more sober and she was not - it seemed like something she’d need a few drinks to hear. 

“Thalia. I like it, even if it is northern.” She said, flashing her another grin and a wink as she leaned in closer as if to share a secret.

“You bet, I’m your knight in shining armour! ...Except I’m not really a knight and I’m not wearing armour. Okay, the analogy is bad. I didn’t really think it through.” She said with a shrug. “Oh! I’m Jai, by the way.” 

[stellantes-blog]

ashtree.

[jainasorlis-blog]

stellantes:

     Whatever Twil had been expecting, she had not been expecting that. Disappointment was quick to show on her face, the bracing of herself to accept the news sinking with the apology. Already of a petite frame, she appeared even smaller as she deflated. Her hands clasped in front of her chest and worked over one another as she looked away. “I see.” It was barely above a whisper and slid into the silence like fish into water, almost gone soon after. But there was some comfort.

     Twil caught the other’s words from behind the thumping of her thoughts, the worries in her rising with the answer that was not yet much of what she sought, and she breathed some relief. “So, they’re fine. I suppose if they weren’t there would be,” she stopped before saying burials, “a lot more going on with the, uhm, preparations.” It was then that she lifted her head, seeing the color that burned the stranger’s cheeks and realizing that it was her that had made them. 

     “I’m sorry.” She sniffed, the relief that had crept through her coaxing tears to the corners of her eyes. They sat there as Twil leaned over slightly, glancing up to try and meet the person’s eyes. “You’re new and I’ve come here all worked up asking you all these questions.” With a blink, the tears that had balanced themselves atop the edges of her eyelashes fell and their spaces were full again. Twil shifted back and stood straighter again, wiping at her face with the sides of her hands. “This isn’t very comforting is it? Sorry again. I thought everyone was gone.” She talked with a quaver and a breathy air that could have easily been a laugh or a cry. “It’s fine, the Leader is probably busy and what am I but a very late, crying fool?” Twil tried to chuckle, dropping her hands to flash what could have been a smile. “This is not much of a welcome, forgive me.” 

“Oh shit!” Jai said, face falling as she heard the emotion cracking in the petite girl’s voice. “Netherballs, you don’t need to apologise. I’m the one who should be apologising! I’m so bad at this. Oh, please don’t cry.”

Jai made a face, a mixture of crushing guilt she had reduced the petite girl to tears and panic as she didn’t know how to comfort her. The woman took a deep breath and within seconds she had controlled the tears slipping from her eyes and had steeled herself, strength and resilience radiating from her. Something in Jai stabbed painfully at seeing such a rapid suppression of feeling and for the woman’s repeated apologies. 

“Better late than dead?” Jai offered, immediately regretting the comment and shaking her head at herself in frustration. Stupid, stupid. “I mean, I didn’t mean to say that... I just. I’m an idiot.”

Jai closed her eyes briefly and took a calming breath. Reopening her eyes and looking down into the pale face of the slender brunette, she gave her a sheepish but warm smile.

“Can... Can we start again?” She said softly, extending a hand. “I’m Jai, it’s nice to meet you.”

[jainasorlis-blog]

alyaenawynn:

When a something large—a person? —practically jumped out from the shadows of the forest and landed in front of Alyaena, she instantly got up on her feet and straight into fighting position with her hands ready to cast a telekinetic spell. She lifted her chin up, squinting her eyes to the stranger who claimed that they were a Warden. “You are a Warden?” Alyaena tilted her head to the side, eyeing them carefully. The firelight glowed around the stranger’s appearance as they had their hands close to the flames for warmth. The stranger was an olive-skinned woman who stood tall before her, looking just as strange as any human she had encountered so far. Long, unkempt ragged curls framed her beautifully scarred face. Her muscular body was cladded in dark leather, seeming as if she was ready for anything. Overall, though, the woman did not look familiar at all. Was she a new recruit or a liar prying for something to steal?

The woman did not appear to be a threat, but Alyaena still refused to let her guard down. “Well, if you really are an Warden like you say are, then state your name, stranger.” She commended. “And what would your business be out here so late of the hour.” If the woman was really a Warden, then Alyaena wondered if the woman had followed her out here because either suspicion or curiosity. If so, then good thing Alyaena had not removed her hood out in the open before the woman showed up.

Jai was completely oblivious to the woman’s power, too distracted with attempting to return feeling to her frozen fingers and too naive to realise the potential power the woman possessed. She still shivered despite the warmth of the fire, her body aching at the rapid change in temperature and she desperately wished for the warmer winds of the south. Finally looking up to meet the other woman’s gaze, she was pleasantly surprised to discover just how beautiful the woman was. She had an elegance to her, her features delicate and refined in a way Jai could only dream of. She couldn’t help but stare, enraptured by the beautiful tone of her voice. She was well-spoken, her voice clear and each word careful considered. She did not seem a woman who would suffer fools lightly and Jai couldn’t help but feel a little intimidated. It was rare she met women with such poise and grace and she immediately felt her tongue tying into knots.

“I am!” She said, a feeling a dread and resentment building inside as she realised the woman didn’t believe her.

“I mean... I’m new so I’m not a full Warden yet but, I’ll get there.” She added in a quiet tone, her mood dropping considerably. 

“Oh. My name. Right. Jaina Sorlis. But everyone calls me Jai.” She finally answered after a bout of awkward silence, flashing a small smile at the dark haired woman across from her before speaking again. “I couldn’t sleep, the bed is too soft and the room is too stuffy. I needed to get some fresh air and the woods seemed like a good a place as any... Except it’s cold. So cold.”

She pouted, shivering again and shifting closer to the fire. 

“What about you? Do you have a name? What’re you doing out here?” She asked, tone curious and light as she met the woman’s gaze across the fire.