#durmandpriory

[alexandrialacoria]

...No One Knows

“What just happened?”

Small arches of purple energy crackled in the air around the stone workroom. Measurement devices and tools lay scattered about the room, a few showing signs of damage from impacting the surrounding walls rather than an explosion.

“Gods my head hurts,” the Magister groaned and began assessing her own status. Coughing only made her chest feel worse than it already had, and it already felt like someone had struck her full force with a mace. Grateful that she was resting against the wall, lead-like limbs were added to her mental list. Tilting her head forward made the dizziness worse in addition to the slightly damp feeling on the back of her neck.

“Great…” groaning internally she pushed past the pain of raising her arm and ran her fingers along the back of her neck. Bringing them back into her sight, it was a relief to see that while there was some blood, it was a minimal amount, meaning that whatever had happened had caused only a small cut on her head.

“Minthe is going to be pissed,” that realization hit her about the same time as the one that made her remember that if there was an explosion, someone would be arriving soon to check what had caused it. Coming full circle on her thoughts, she turned her attention back to what had brought her to this moment in the first place.

“Heavy limbs, either caused by a blow to the head or an external shock of some sort. Confusion and short term memory loss, also a blow to the head. Wait…” Pushing her body against its urge to remain against the wall, she rose slowly. Once on her feet, she could see the small metallic orb on the desk, the only object remaining. “It was supposed to create a high density chaos field, wasn’t it?”

The ten steps to cross the room to the desk took much longer than it should have. Between the heavy, sore limbs and the dizziness, each step was a battle against the urge to just collapse. Reaching the table, she braced herself with one hand, using the other to pry the metallic sphere open. Inside were four small Mist Energy crystals surrounding a singular Chaos Energy crystal which had lost its lively glow.

“Magister LaCoria!” Naxxa shouted, rushing to her side as he looked around the room. “What happened?”

“Side experiment with the Mist shards,” looking at the worried blue-grey Novice she couldn’t help but grin. “I need you to find my notebook; I need to note the effects of this thing. It creates a high density chaos field that appears to cause extreme disorientation. Additionally, it emits a powerful energy pulse as you can see, it also seems to stun anything with a nervous system… or maybe that was caused by hitting my head against the wall.”

“You hit your head?” Picking up her notebook, he hurried over to her. Spotting the blood his eyes went wider, which for an Asura was a remarkably impressive and terrifying feat, and took her hand. “First we get you to a medic, and then we can go over the results of your experiment. Then we can get back to this and see if we can’t control it a little better. I can’t wait to see what it does in a controlled test.”

“Chipper as always,” she thought as he led her to the medical facilities. “Oh… Minthe’s going to be pissed.”

[alexandrialacoria]

An Old Project

        Follow-up Assessment on Crystal Nodes from Mount Maelstrom                      Assessment on Application forCommunications

Beginning in the middle of the Season of the Zephyr in the year 1327 several crystals mounted into various devices were given to members of the Krytan Military branch known as the Shining Blade and members of a private company under the operating name of Dockside Placement Agency.

In regards to the Shining Blade, the tests were run, with full disclosure and permissions, on the direct subordinates of High Exemplar Cristian Eskara. For the duration of the tests, they were to wear the devices a minimum of ten hours a day, the average duration of one shift of duty. However, several members of the Shining Blade chose to wear the devices in durations exceeding eighteen hours, some never removing them at all.

Of the eight Shining Blade involved, none showed any signs of negative reactions to prolonged exposure to the crystals. To further confirm these results, all crystals and mounting were returned to my possession for two weeks wherein I kept careful watch on all participants for signs of dependency and withdrawal. 

At the end of the third week no abnormal signs showed and all devices were returned. As of the time of this report, the Shining Blade control one node crystal, located somewhere within the palace walls of Divinity's Reach, and twenty crystals and mountings of which only six are presently in use.

In regards to members of the Dockside Placement Agency. Five crystals and mounting were given to their members operating within Divinity's Reach. The node remained in my previous residence in Salma District. Of the participants in this study, again, none showed any abnormal signs.

In addition, running these tests simultaneously was in fact a test in and upon itself. As  members of both these test frequently crossed paths and were often in between the pair of nodes, it showed that while these crystals all share a source and qualities, they do not interfere or resonate with one another. At no time did members of either test experience difficulties or complications at having two nodes in close proximity.

This is not to say however that interference is not possible. There are many factors to take into consideration before we can say with certainty that this phenomenon is not possible at all. My primary concern is the concentration of nodes and shards in use within close proximity to one another. While they may operate on different etheric wavelengths, the core of the wavelength is still common enough to warrant concern.

With that in mind, I feel comfortable and confident in allowing more open testing in respect to the communications application of the crystals. I believe that the Pact may find this method of communication to be extremely useful in field deployments and would be willing to personally present my findings to any teams interested in making use of it. Within the Pact we can control the number of crystals being used, and make use of their medical staff to further focus on any side effects that may yet be unknown.

While I will personally maintain control of this project, I will be enlisting the aid of the Research Division of the Pact Team Noesis to assist in this and future tests. As we now have a general understanding of both the communication applications and reactions to metals used for housing the crystals, I feel it is time to expand our research. In a short time I will begin testing the effects that various magic’s have on the crystals in order to better understand them. Once that series of tests has concluded, we will take the metal and magic reactions data and begin looking into other applications for the crystals whether they be weaponization, utilitarian, or medical.  

Magister Alexandria LaCoria Zephyr 49, 1328

Setting the pen down on her desk, she looked over the notes and old files that had piled up over the past year in regards to the Maelstrom Crystal Project. It had been a project that she had kept running over the past few seasons, but really had never planned any further ahead than collecting the results.

Now, she finally had a potential use for restarting the research on the crystals. If Noesis could find a use for the crystals, then at least all the effort wouldn't go to waste. Gathering up the full series of reports and shuffling them into order, she slid them into her leather satchel. First she would file a copy at the Priory, and then she'd discuss the project with Ruo.

[alexandrialacoria]

A Series of Clues

If it had feelings, the stone bowl containing the mixture of rice, fish, and vegetables would have felt sorely neglected. Spread out around it on the large wooden table were several pieces of parchment, each written in an unfamiliar text to the blue eyed young woman staring at them.

Sitting across from the bowl was his much luckier counterpart, a similar stone plate piled high with large slabs of dolyak steak, some still sizzling from the spit they had just been cooking in. Slowly but surely, Ruo Nightrend was making the stack of slabs vanish as she eagerly devoured her food, only pausing between swallows to take a drink from her mug.

"I still don't get it," Alexandria sighed as she grabbed the pair of chopsticks she had been tapping the table with, finally taking a bite of her own food. They had been at the table for nearly twenty minutes after having spent several hours digging through the depths of the Priory libraries in search of any clue that would tell them more about Renshu and the symbol on the piece of paper he had left with Alexandria. "I'm certain it's Canthan, that much makes sense. But why translate it into ideograms? Like you said, hardly anyone knows how to read them."

"If they are trying to hide clues in plain sight, then naturally they will make it difficult for any outside the intended recipients to make sense of them." Ruo grunted and attacked another slab of steak, eyeing Alexandria who had fixed her gaze back on the similar symbols they had found in various tomes.

"The Brotherhood of the Dragon," she sighed, "like I said earlier, I'm sure the Zephyrites out in Dry Top should be able to help us out there. So I'm not too worried about that right now. Though this passage you translated," lifting the paper she read it once more, the expression on her face still confused:

"Look unto the Dragon's Maw and be not afraid, for it is salvation."

A few curious onlookers sat several seats away, wary of the black furred Charr whose hair and eyes burned as blue as the Foefire that had cursed her. For the first few days, Ruo had snarled every time she caught a Priory member staring at her, now she had settled for annoyed growls.

“So,” Alexandria spoke up again after taking another bite of her food. “Dwarves, Dragons, and Cantha. Honestly, the three have nothing in common between them except for Renshu.”

“I believe if we find how the Empire of the Dragon, and Wen no Su are linked to the Dwarves, we should be able to find our answer.”

“Right,” the Elementalist leaned back with a deep sigh, linking her fingers behind her head. “I still think it might just be easier to summon Renshu directly.”

“I would enjoy killing him for what he did,” Ruo snarled angrily. “But right now, we should learn as much as our enemy as we can before we confront him.” Alexandria’s sighed in acceptance and turned her attention to her food. “Let us see what we can learn from the Cloud People in Dry Top, then we will decided what to do with Renshu.”

[alexandrialacoria]

Mk II M.E.W.

Naxxa had conveniently placed himself on the opposite side of the nearest table in the Mist Research and Application Teams workspace. Between his height and the shadows of the table, his bluish-gray skin allowed him to sink into the perceived safety of the shadows, only his wide brown eyes standing out as he stared at Magister LaCoria.

Bohern was, as usual sitting at his desk in the corner, surrounded by numerous open tomes. Like Naxxa, he would have been almost invisible if it weren’t for his purple and blue coloration which contrasted violently with the brown leather, and tan parchment of the tomes. Looking towards the pair of Magister’s near the door, he found his gaze momentarily fixed on both of them and their guest.

Magister Vere stood her ground, one hand cupping her elbow while her other rested beneath her chin. Studying Alexandria first, her gaze then settled on their hulking guest. Immediately she could tell there was something different about this dark furred Charr, her hair was not simply blue, but at times seemed almost as though it was pulsing. “Alexandria. Are you going to introduce us to your companion?”

“Of course!” Alexandria stepped to the side, as though the Charr behind her had been invisible until she did so. “Everyone, this is Centurion Ruo Nightrend of the Blood Legion, and Commander of Noesis.”

“Is she a ghost?” Naxxa asked nervously, still not daring to leave his chosen hiding place. “Because I’m fairly sure you’ve told us on quite a few occasions that she and everyone else from that group were dead.”

“Naxxa.” Bohern sighed as he rose from his desk and walked over to join Ruo, Vere, and Alexandria near the door. Giving a polite bow to the Centurion he straightened up and studied her carefully, taking notes of his own about her appearance. “It is an honor to meet you Centurion.”

“Ruo,” Alexandria said with a happy squeak in her voice as she pointed to her colleagues. “This beautiful woman here is Magister Vere, our Sylvari friend here is Explorer Bohern, and the one hiding back there behind the table is Novice Naxxa.”

“Right.” Ruo grunted, her uncovered eye darting between the three Priory members. “Don’t let me stop you from working.” With that brief introduction, she moved to a nearby corner which was only occupied by a metal crate. Deliberately sitting with her back to the wall, she kept her eye on the going-ons of the room.

“I can’t believe you guys finished the modifications so fast.” Giving Ruo an encouraging smile she stepped over to the table where Naxxa had been hiding. Resting in the middle of it was the Pact designed staff that she had left with her team, now modified with the Mist Enhancement System.

“It was pretty simple,” Naxxa piped up nervously, still eyeing Ruo warily. “Pact tech seems to operate on the same principle as our design. So all we had to do was fuse the energy flow system that was already in place with the Mist flow system we designed. Not only should it work well, it should also be a lot more stable than the Mark I.”

“Mark I?” Alexandria titled her head as she asked.

“Yes. Our original design was the Mark I; this is the Mark II, even if it is a hybrid of Pact tech.”

“We’ve already done a few preliminary stress tests.” Vere offered a small file. “Naxxa is correct in that it seems far more stable than our original design. There are a number of factors that contributed to this, firstly the number of engineers on the project helped a great deal. Secondly, the materials used in construction are far more resilient to magical energies.”

“If you’d like, we can modify the one you kept while you begin field tests with this one.” Bohern gestured towards the unmodified staff on Alexandria’s back. “We may be able to learn more about it as well and make it more effective as well.”

“You’re powering a weapon with Mist Energy?” Ruo grunted from the corner.

“That’s correct Centurion,” Bohern confirmed. “Alexandria has proven to have an incredible affinity for the Mists and that affinity allows her to use Mist Energy to enhance her already considerable magical abilities.”

“Interesting,” Ruo rose from her crate and crossed the distance in two long strides. Looking at the staff, it seemed as though she were watching it rather than taking in the specifics of what it did. “So you’ve made a system that can be implemented into large weapons. What about smaller weapons? Armor?”

“We had been considering how to implement this system into smaller weapons.” Vere studied Ruo carefully as she processed the statement. “However, at least for me personally, I hadn’t considered attempting to make an armor system. Though, it does seem to be a practical next step.”

“Do you think you could pull that off?” Alexandria asked as she removed the staff from her back and set it on the table. Lifting the Mark II, she tossed it between her hands and twirled it, getting a feel for the weight of the weapon. “Especially if these field tests provide useful data?”

“Of course.” Bohern nodded. “The more data we have, the more we’ll be able to do with the Mist Energies we’ve harnessed.”

“Okay. I won’t be able to start field tests for a few days though. Ruo and I need to head down to the Library and Special Collections and see if we can’t dredge up some information. But I’ll stop by and let you all know before I leave again.”

“Very well,” Vere nodded, noticing that Naxxa had shrunk away from Ruo again. “May the Gods guide you Alexandria, and you as well Centurion.”

Nodding happily, Alexandria couldn’t fight off the giggle that began because of Ruo’s agitated grunt at the mention of the Human Gods. Bidding everyone farewell, she and Ruo departed the workspace.

[alexandrialacoria]

So Much to Do

Alexandria slipped out of bed just as the sun began to rise, feeling a little bit better than she had in a few days. Looking down at Renita still sleeping peacefully, a shy smile crossed her face. It wasn’t fair to either of them, clinging to each other this way, but neither of them wanted to be alone, so for now it was what it was.

Leaving the room as quietly as she could, she hurried to her room, her bare feet slapping against the cold wood floors she was trying to avoid. Pulling off her nightgown, she laid it out on her unused bed before sitting down at the small wooden desk in the room. As much as she enjoyed having someone to sleep next to at night, the fact that clothes were required was an annoying downside.

With a wave of her small hand at the small stove in her room, the dry wood inside burst to life, crackling happily as warmth filled the room. With the gentle light from the stove filling the room, it was easier to write a few letters that she needed to.

Yuki,

I’m so sorry that we haven’t been able to get together for our lunch date yet. Things have been a bit rough lately and I’ve been neglecting several important things, including the ravishing Minister of Triskellion. So, my dear, I was hoping that perhaps this upcoming Tuesday or Wednesday you would be free for our lunch date? Naturally since I have been so remiss in setting this up I will bring more of those chocolate strawberries, and I can pick us up some lunch, tea, and wine. Simply tell me where you would like to meet and I will gladly be there and all yours.

Love, Alexandria LaCoria

Folding the letter into it her customary origami bird form, she thought of Yuki’s house in Triskellion as she touched it with air magic. As it took flight and circled around the room, she too rose from her seat and opened the window in her room long enough to allow the bird to soar into the gently falling snow that had set itself upon the city. Returning to her desk, she wrote another letter, this one however would need not fly anywhere.

Renita,

I have to head out to the Priory today, I’ve got several reports and such that I need to deliver. I pray that the Six bless your day and I’ll be home tonight. Also, could you keep an eye out for my ring? I don’t know how or when, but somehow I lost it and… I know it’s silly but right now, I feel like a little piece of me is missing. I’ll have some chocolate filled croissants downstairs that I want you to try, I’m going to be sending those and some cupcakes to that tea party with you tomorrow.

See you tonight, and I love you, Alex.

One day, hopefully no time soon, Renita would ask for the ‘I love you’s’ to stop. It was inevitable, but until she asked, Alex couldn’t help but say it. Gathering up her reports and travel gear, she set it all on her bed so that she could grab it all as soon as she was done cooking. She’d leave the letter in Renita’s room so she didn’t panic or wonder where Alexandria was for too long.

[alexandrialacoria]

Job Offer

Covering her mouth as the yet another cloud of dust blew towards her face, Alexandria did her best to remain leaning casually against the simple wooden bench beneath the billowing canvas canopy. Sitting at the desk across from her were a tired looking Human, every telltale sign of exhaustion visible on his tanned face; and a stern, somewhat angry looking Sylvari woman, her blue skin contrasting sharply with her worn Vigil armor.

“Alright, so a Vigil rep, and,” pausing and lowering her hand as the dust settled once more, she took a moment to look the man over. His clothing was ragged and battle worn, simple in appearance at a casual glance, but crafted to be durable beyond the expectation of normal cloth. “I’m guessing you’re Vigil or Whisper.”

“That’s not important right now, we’re here to discuss you Magister.”

“Discuss me?” Immediately more wary at the man’s comment, her eyes narrowed as she studied both of them more intently. “I’m curious as to why two Pact representatives would want to discuss me. I’ve already made it abundantly clear that I’m willing to assist in anyway despite the fact that I wish to remain solely a member of the Priory.”

“Magister Alexandria LaCoria, born to Exemplar Orlandu LaCoria and Queensguard Tietra LaCoria in 1302 A.E.” Seeming to ignore her, he spoke, reading from a piece of parchment stacked on top of several others on his desk. “Studied under former Arcanist Albert Thindrid in Garenhoff from 1317 until 1319 whereupon she joined the Durmand Priory.”

Alexandria’s gaze grew colder and also more confused as she watched the pair. As he continued to read, the armored Sylvari seemed to be staring at the open air between the three of them, her arms folded across her chest.

“In 1322, promoted to Explorer and immediately joined the Mist Energy Research and Application team, which she remains a member of to this day. In 1323 promoted to both Arcanist and then Magister. Between promotions was captured and tortured by Dredge inhabiting caves near Tribulation Rift in Dredgehaunt Cliffs. The attached medical report of the injuries you sustained was three pages long.”

“Spend three days having Dredge carve at your back with dull blades and whips fabricated from Gods know what.”

“I’d rather just avoid being captured in the first place,” the Vigil soldier finally said, her voice raspy and almost devoid of femininity.

“In 1324 was one of the first to encounter a Graveling in the Ascalonian Catacombs during a routine exploration. Joined the Orr Campaign in 1325, where she joined with the Night Warband under the command of Centurion Ruo Nightrend, subsequently forming the strike force Noesis. Remained a member until almost the entire force was lost during a cleansing operation.”

“Yeah,” Alexandria snapped, “definitely Whisper.”

Still the man continued to ignore her as he moved onto another page, continuing to read as though he were just speaking to himself aloud. “Early 1326 dispatched to Wayfarer Foothills to assist in the study of the magic that was used in the forging of Molten Alliance weaponry. Later joined with Krytan forces after the attack at the Queen’s Jubilee to track down and eliminate the Clockwork creations and their creator. Was then sent to Kessex Hills as part of a three Priory team investigation into the unprecedented and rapid landscape changes. Remained there until the Tower of Nightmares was felled, and accompanied several Pact teams on assaults inside.”

“Is there a point to all of this, or are you just going to keep ignoring me?”

“Returned to the Priory during the assault by the Watchwork Marionette, and sustained several life threatening injuries during this defensive. Returned to active duty around the time Lion’s Arch was attacked, and constantly accompanied teams from the Lornar’s Pass Refugee Camp on missions into the city, and remained active on the frontline until after the fall of Scarlet Briar and the Breachmaker. Currently aiding Priory teams in research and exploration in both Dry Top and the Silverwastes.”

“I’m curious,” the Sylvari asked, “what exactly is a Combat Magister?”

“It’s a very nice way of saying that I’m a lot better in a fight than most members of the Priory. I’m as well versed in research and study methods as I am in combat. My parents are both members of the Shining Blade and felt that I needed to learn to defend myself at a young age. That combined with years of studying elemental magic made me as valuable on a battle field as in a library.”

“You would have made quite the impression in the Vigil,” while her tone remained flat, hidden behind the rasp sound of her voice, a slight shift of her features showed that she was at least a little impressed with someone from the Priory.

“We have an opening in the Third Exploration and Research Team,” drawing out another piece of parchment, this one not related to Alexandria’s resume, he offered it to her. “The team is comprised of three leaders, one from each respective Order. Unfortunately, the Priory lead was killed during the Entanglement of Prosperity, and we’ve yet to find a viable candidate to replace him.”

Pushing off the table, Alexandria slowly crossed over to the table and lifted the job description off the table. The look of suspicion remained in her eyes as she gave the parchment a brief once over. “How long do I have to accept or reject this offer?”

“As long as you need,” the Sylvari woman sighed. “Though informing us of your decision quickly either way would be preferred.”

“I’ll have an answer for you by the end of the week.” Alexandria replied as she tucked the parchment into her journal which she then returned to its holding place on one of her many belts. As she stepped back into the fiery touch of the suns light she felt conflicted, this job would be perfect for her but would keep her away from the city for even longer periods of time. What would Cristian think? What would Renita think?

“Well… time for another trip home,” she sighed aloud.

[alexandrialacoria]

You've Got Mail

Dear Minster As of now my name is not important. What is important is that I have some information that I wish to share with you. Information that you will not find from any other source. Information about why the Pale Tree was attacked. The real reason behind it and also what the Pale Tree was not telling the Tyrain people. Information that could of stopped the recent dragon awaking in its tracks if only she would have told us ahead of time. This is all that I wish to tell you for now. I will tell you more later when we meet. This information was never meant to get out. But I am tired of the Pale Tree and what she has done to my people. And this is the only way I know to let the world know what she is hiding. I wish to arrange a meeting between you and I. I prefer your office but it can be anyplace we can be alone. That is the only requirement is that we are alone because I fear once this news gets out that I will be on the wanted list by my own people. But it is a risk I am willing to take. Sincerely M.S

Alexandria stared at the letter in a combination of irritation and disbelief. It was unfathomable that anyone, especially a Sylvari would do or say anything to cast suspicion on the Pale Tree and its Avatar after what had transpired at the World Summit. The letter had reached her about midday during a conference with the Seventh and Eighth Priory Exploration Teams, and bearing both the seals of House Eskara and the Shining Blade had distracted her for the rest of the meeting

Vere had already agreed to remain at Camp Resolve and send her updates while she returned to the city. Both of them agreed that this matter was not only a concern for Kryta, but possibly for the whole of Tyria depending on the sender’s intent.

The opening of the letter was more than enough to raise alarms, someone unwilling to share their name and signing a letter with only their initials. Wanting only to meet with a Minister alone; it was difficult for Human citizens of Kryta in good standing to get a meeting alone with a Minister. Not only was the letter vague, but it included no instruction on how to send a reply, leaving her with only the senders initials and race to go on.

Tucking the letter safely into her leather satchel she carried documents in, she grabbed the next letter waiting for her on the table.

Dear Alex,

In a phrase, I miss you. That night at the Shaemoor bar, while ending up with me a bit too tipsy to walk home alone, was the best night I have had in a long while. I never thought I could feel that at home around people, I’ve been so used to being on edge that the relaxation was amazing. It made me realize something: that I am probably overdue for some time off. I know you mentioned about moving to Garenhoff, have you moved in yet? If so could I stay with you? If not, I guess I could go hide away from the Reach in Lion’s Arch, but I figured less people would follow me there in Garenhoff. Don’t need Gregory or Flixxa keeping tabs on me during my time off.

Also I hear from Lady Denton that Minthe wants me back in the Priory. It doesn’t surprise me at all, but she knows I can’t. I don’t have enough control of my abilities to be allowed back, in fact, it’s becoming worse again since I’ve been alone. As are my dreams getting stranger, but at least I don’t have to worry about hurting him at night or seeing that look he gets on his face. That look that tells me he’s trying to not worry so I don’t worry. In any case, I hope this letter arrives soon with a response. I’d like to get out of here sooner rather than later.

  Love, Renita

Setting the letter flat on the wooden table, Alexandria tapped her pursed lips with her forefinger. Something more was bothering Renita than she was letting on, or she wasn't willing to disclose it in a letter. During all of their exchanges, she couldn't recall Renita ever signing a letter "Love, Renita."

Snagging a piece of blank parchment she was momentarily distracted by the call for a medic as another Pact Strike Team returned to the camp. While losses were considerably less than the Orr Campaign, they were still there, and crippling injuries were far more common. Returning her attention to the parchment in front of her she replied to Renita's letter.

Renita,

I can't help but agree that night in Shaemoor was quite a bit of fun, though I think Cristian might be a bit irked at me for trying to set him up with Yuki. I also can't help but agree that you are, in fact, due for a break and have been for quite some time. I haven't moved down to Garrenhoff yet, for two reasons. First, with everything that's been going on in the Maguuma, I've been running back and forth between Pact camps and the city nearly every other day. Secondly, the house isn't quite finished yet. They've finished construction on the first and second levels, but they probably won't be done with the third level for another few weeks. But, if you need a place to stay, the workers won't bother you and the house is weather proof and all that.

I saw Minthe just a few days ago, she seemed pretty upset. I think most of it has to do with what happened to the Pale Tree, but I think there are some other things going on in that leafy little brain of hers too. I'd suggest you sending her a letter or something, but I don't know if that would be a good idea right now.

Anyway, I'll be back in the city tonight, Cris sent me something he wants me to look into and it's urgent enough even the Priory has an interest. So if you'd like to leave tonight or tomorrow for Garrnehoff just let me know and I'm sure me and my elementals can give you a hand.

Love you more, Alexandria

[alexandrialacoria]

Another Tour

With a drawn out yawn, Alexandria slumped over the table. Nearly nine years in the Priory, and the campaign in Orr still hadn’t gotten her used to the ceaseless fighting endured by soldiers. The Silverwastes were much like Dry Top, everywhere you looked there was dirt, rocks, more dirt, vines, dirt, Mordrem, and well, dirt. The only difference was the armies of Mordrem pouring out from every crevice, canyon, and hole that you could see, and one’s that you couldn’t.

On top of that, she had run into Minthe the day before. Renita’s closest friend and fellow member of the Priory; the adorable, green Sylvari had joined her on her first tour of the Silverwastes. Like most of the Sylvari, her distress over the current state of the Pale Tree’s Avatar was very obvious. Her attacks against the Mordrem had not only been relentless, but outright savage and her mood, especially when the subject of Renita came up had not been any better.

Alexandria groaned as she added another thing to her mental ‘to do list’. Send a letter to Rentia, let her know that Minthe was less than happy with her at the moment. If she had known Minthe better, she would volunteer to help improve her mood, but she didn’t, so a warning was all she would be able to provide.

“LaCoria, you look unwell,” a low, cool voice said from above her. The hand belonging to the voice appeared in front of her, placing a small glass of chilled omnomberry wine on the table next to her face. As the hand left her sight, she heard the dragging of cloth robes on the ground next to the table, the sliding of a chair, and the sound of another glass being set down opposite her.

“I’m not unwell, I’m just exhausted.” Returning to an upright position, she glanced at the dark skinned woman sitting across from her, dressed in the formal robes that identified one as a member of the Priory. With a shake of her head, she took a sip of wine before she spoke again, “Vere, how can you wear that out here, aren’t you hot?”

“My ancestors were Elonian, we are people not easily phased by the heat.” Vere gave a respective bow of her head, as though she had just revealed the secret of the Dragons themselves to her colleague. “I would ask the same of you; I cannot imagine metal is comfortable to wear in such a climate.”

“It doesn’t really bug me all that much.” Both women looked to the corner where Alexandria’s shoulder plates and gloves sat resting on a table. Gleaming in the low glow of the crystals in the room, the armor appeared somewhat eerie. Hulking metal pieces of armor, contrasted by the light blue crystals incorporated within them. “Besides, they have a built in cooling system. It wouldn’t surprise me if they pulled the heat my skin and the metal to enhance my fire magic.”

“It is a shame that you were not able to learn more about those systems. You have my deepest condolences in regards to your friend. I spoke with Librarian Agnor before I left; he seems to be doing well, as does their daughter.”

Alexandria sighed and nodded. She remembered the look on Adrian’s face when she had told him about Whitney’s death. It was a great sadness, accompanied but what she could have sworn was relief. Very few people had known that Whitney was married, and almost no one knew about their two year old daughter who lived with her father at the Priory.

Whitney was a genius when it came to medicine, firearms, and magical enhancements. But she didn’t know how to interact with people, and it was glaringly obvious to those that had met her. It wasn’t that she was a bad person simply that her life growing up had forced her to rely only on herself. Whitney had loved Adrian she knew that, she knew that she had loved their daughter, but she had no idea how to be a wife or a mother.

“LaCoria?”

“Sorry,” waving a dismissive hand, she slid a map of the Silverwastes across the table to Vere. “Right, so, shall we get started?”

Vere nodded and gave her full attention to the map in front of her as Alexandria began pointing and explaining the individual areas around the Silverwastes.