#roisenrot

[inkrp-logs]

Iudrix, Roisenrot

Iudrix and Rottie have a chat about Sikora’s demands; Rottie’s logic fails to prevail. 

Warnings: Illness

raumlet

The air inside the little house Sikora so kindly lent them was stifling, too close, too hot, too dusty; if she spent another minute in there, hunched over some ancient tome with the amulet pressed close to the peeling bark of her breast, she was going to suffocate. Just pass out right over the thin pages, and that was how Dandy would find her - dead of dust inhalation, or whatever it was that was leaving her so short of breath. She kept meaning to leave to visit the Grove, but there was always something to do, something that kept her from leaving even though she was waking up at midnight to cough. She couldn't leave Dandy in Garenhoff alone. So here she was. Up here on the cliffs, the sea breeze brushed across her cheeks, the damp air soothing her ragged throat; without Dandy to dance along the edge of the drop, stupidly fearless, she was calm enough to let her own legs dangle out into space. Each breath was still a struggle, but that horrible, claustrophobic feeling of suffocation had eased, even though the tickle in her chest was constant now and her head spun. Why hadn't she gone to the Menders yet? A few months away from the Grove and she'd completely lost her sense.

Brom

After a little bit of playing, Iudrix's flute outside the house stopped. Just outside hadn't been enough of a walk, he decided, so tucking the little instrument away he went for a walk. A walk turned into a run and soon he was booking it along the edge of the cliffs, the sea breezes battering against his wings and biting through all the holes in his tank top. It felt good to stretch his long legs, and though he couldn't really fly it almost felt like it out here. He almost didn't see Rottie there on the edge, almost running past her only to stop at the last moment, backing up a step and approaching slowly. The sapling looked... nervous, a couple butterflies nearly invisible in the sunlight, his bare toes curling in the dirt. He'd left his boots at home,  which was okay. "I haven't uh, seen you in awhile." The words were only a little breathless, though he'd been running Iudrix hadn't really been pushing himself too hard.

raumlet

Rottie blinked her tired eyes up at the skinny bundle of twigs standing over her. She only wished she could say she didn't remember who he was, but of course she did - what had it been, a month since Sikora attacked him? Thorns, and all she'd done was sleep, get sicker, and learn exactly nothing. The amulet weighed heavily against her chest. "Hello there," she said. Her voice was weaker than she expected, so she cleared her throat - a dry little rasp - and tried again. It didn't help. "I've been very busy. Are you well?" She assumed he was. If Sikora had been at him, she would know about it, wouldn't she? Although honestly, she hadn't seen the Geomancer in weeks. It was making her nervous.

Brom

What did he even say to that? All that focus on things being wrong and insistence that there was something- between Querii and Ren and the looks Duncan gave him sometimes Iudrix almost hesitated. But he didn't, instead just sort of smiled. "I'm fine. Are- Are you?" Staying both a decent distance from her and from the dangerous cliff edge he sat down, folding his skinny knees up to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. The sapling watched Rottie with eyes that were now pink instead of the green they had been.

raumlet

The tickle in her chest kept her from answering right away; turning her head away from him, she coughed into her sleeve, a distinctly unpleasant noise now. There was a rattle around the edges of it that hadn't been there a month ago, and it took her a moment to catch her breath. "Well enough," she said eventually, giving him a glance before carrying on rather breathlessly, her speech broken here and there with coughs. "You're not quite so skittish without Dandy here to terrorize you!  I am sorry about him. Oh! Why were there so many skritt the other day?"

Brom

"It's okay. I don't really blame him for thinking that way. Completely, I guess." He looked down at the ground, then back up at Rottie. She didn't sound okay but he was willing to take her word for it, maybe what had her busy was getting over something worse. He had no idea and it would be rude to pry deeper. Instead of sickness, Iudrix talked about skritt. "They're.... Lillica's friends? They came asking her for help, um, I didn't go with them. I don't like them much, they're a little grabby and they talk too fast. They're weird. And warm. But they're gone now."  A couple butterflies accompanied the description, only to pop out of existence with the last sentence.

raumlet

"Friends?" All she could think of was the feeling of the sand slamming into her in her attempt to catch herself mid-plummet from a deathly height, stripping her bark to the delicate leaves underneath in some places - her opinion of Lillica plummeted likewise. She tried to laugh, but it caught in her chest; instead, she bent over herself and coughed. Was this contagious? Dandy hadn't caught it yet, so likely not. "They aren't coming back, are they? Dandy and I aren't fond of skritt," she said, once she was able to sit up and talk again. "I was worried they'd come to kidnap him again. He's 'shiny,' so they say."

Brom

Iudrix's eyes opened wide, and there was a squawk in his voice. "They kidnap people? No. They're not coming back. I hope not. Uh..." There was a veritable flood of butterflies, being kidnapped had not even crossed his mind and the idea they could drag him away with those little hands freaked him out. Or that they might try to drag him away, because he'd probably end up killing them and that was worse. Trying to not think about it, the sapling ran a hand through the vines  that draped down his face, tugging on them a little. "I don't like skritt either."

raumlet

"I don't know that all skritt make a habit of it, but the skritt we encountered..." She shook her head and pushed the thoughts away as Iudrix's anxiety buffeted her; putting her hand to her breast, where the amulet lay inside her bodice, she shrugged at the other Sylvari. The trip hadn't been a completely horrible experience. Just mostly. "He's fine, as you saw." Thorns, she was getting tired already, even though all she'd been doing for the past half hour was sit quietly and think. "Would you like me to leave so you can play? I've seen you up here with your flute."

Brom

He shook his head. "No, I wasn't planning to play anymore. I was just running." Iudrix shrugged, his wings bobbing up and down with the gesture. "I don't need to play anyways. I just do." And always the one song, no changes. At least he was getting good with that one, he'd managed to figure out all the notes although it... really didn't make him feel better about it. It should have felt complete, but there was still nothing but emptiness to the music.

raumlet

"Oh," was all Rottie could think to say. She certainly was a brilliant conversationalist right now; but she wasn't sure what to say to this gangly sapling. How are you handling being under Sikora's thumb? seemed insensitive - and she was so tired now, she could have fallen asleep right where she sat. Slowly, she scooted away from the cliff and laid back on the soft grass. "I suppose if you play it anyway, you must feel the need to on some level..."

Brom

"It's from my dream but... that doesn't really matter anymore. I should probably get rid of it." He shifted how he was sitting, the idea uncomfortable but what wasn't. It could go in one of the boxes or something. "Everyone's probably tired of listening." Iudrix brought back his sword, holding his palms flat up so that the ethereal weapon could appear across them. He didn't actually do anything with it, just looked it over with a weird sort of sadness.

raumlet

"There's no harm in keeping it around," Rottie said quietly. Her eyes were closed, but she had no intention of falling asleep; every now and then, she coughed, that awful rattling shaking her chest. Just talking about Dreams brought hers back, and a bolt of panic went through her - what if she stopped breathing? What if she started to suffocate, like she had in her pod? Anxiously, she pressed her hands to her breast. After a moment too long, she went on: "It must serve a purpose."

Brom

"No but..." the sword threatened to dissolve into butterflies before he stopped himself, stuffing worry away. Whatever purpose was not something he needed to go chasing after. Catching Rottie's panic he almost stood up, dropping the other subject immediately. "Are you okay? Do you need help?"

raumlet

"I'm fine." Rottie's reply was sharper than she intended, and a flush of shame hit her immediately; the sapling only wanted to help. Sitting up, she dropped her head into her hand and let her eyes shut, blocking out the bright sunshine. "I'm alright," she said, nearly level this time. "I'm used to being sick, but it wears on me sometimes. I don't think you should stop playing. My Dream wasn't very useful so first hand I wouldn't know, but they say our Dreams are important. And I don't mind hearing when you play."

Brom

His wings sagged only to snap back up when she did seem okay. "I guess I can understand that," he said slowly, picking over the words. "I hate when people insist things aren't fine. I'll stop asking." Iudrix sighed, softly enough she probably didn't hear it. "Well. I want to find out what it's about. But I can't, I don't think. I'm- things changed too much. I'm sure by now there's some other sapling waking up to do it instead if it is important. Maybe I'll learn to play something else."

raumlet

Things weren't alright, not in the slightest, but she wasn't in the mood to talk about it; when she got home, she'd ask Dandy to take her to the Grove. With how lightheaded she felt, it didn't seem safe to make the trip to the waypoint alone. "Well..." Dropping her hand, she lifted her head to look at Iudrix. "I don't know that the Dream works that way, if you can lose that Hunt simply because you've changed - if it did, I'd find it hard that any of them would ever be completed."

Brom

That last bit sent a shiver down his spine, the  tips of his wings almost vibrating.  "No. It's not like that. I would know. It's just a stupid tune. And... it's not that kind of changing. It's... different." He fell over the words a bit, a couple flustered butterflies flitting around. "A... thing happened. I didn't just. Get wiser or something." The sapling frowned, banishing that pink sword to who knows where.

raumlet

"Things have a habit of doing that," Rottie said, heaving a sigh that caught awfully in her chest. Once she'd cleared her lungs again, doubled over her own legs, she took few shaky breaths and straightened up; wiping the beginnings of tears from her eyes, she fanned herself, more to give herself something to do with her hands than anything. "Dandy fell off these cliffs and nearly died, you know. That's why I serve Sikora now - I had to beg her to save him. It certainly wasn't something I'd choose, not like this, but... things happen."

Brom

True to his word, Drix didn't offer to help again though that was concerning. He silently wondered if he should somehow direct her to Duncan or Duncan to her while waiting for the coughing fit to finish before answering. "He doesn't look like someone who ever fell off a cliff. Does she, uh, ask you for a lot? I haven't seen her since... that first time. I don't know even what I would do anyways. I'm not very useful."

raumlet

"Sikora did a very good job, and Dandy..." A little smile flitted across her face just thinking about it. "Dandy's quick to recover from things. You know, not long after, he was dancing along cliff edges again? I was the skittish one!" The smile was gone just as quickly - she glanced away, out over the water. "All she's asked of me so far is for an artifact. She wants to know what it's for, how to use it... I'm sure she'll want it should it turn out to be useful. But no, she doesn't ask much, and I don't see her often. Not very reassuring, though, is it?"

Brom

The cliffs were high, Iudrix didn't need to fall off to know that dancing around the edge was a terrible idea. He couldn't really fly, after all. "Well she already took a sword. I don't really have anything else. It is reassuring, a little." The sapling smiled at her, that soft expression that was so often absent. It was true, though his collection of actual items was slowly growing Sikora wouldn't be interested in skritt toys.

raumlet

"More swords?" Rottie spoke without thinking; that it might ruin Iudrix's fragile relief about the whole situation didn't occur to her until she'd already said it, and then all she could do was glance at him, concerned. But then, wasn't it better that he be prepared? Sikora wasn't the sort of threat to up and disappear one day. "Sorry - only, you seem to have an unlimited supply of them, at least as far as I've seen."

Brom

Yeah there was that. A spike of fear cut through his emotions, a jagged butterfly or two popping in and back out in the air above his skinny shoulders. "W-well. I just won't give her any more." That idea was at least a little stabling, he could make them go away as easily as they were created. "It hurt, a lot. The swords are... they're part of me I guess. I don't know if there is a limit I've never really tried to see how many I can make. I try not to do any magic."

raumlet

This time, Rottie kept her thoughts to herself; there wouldn't be any denying Sikora what she wanted, not without serious consequences, but Iudrix had to know that - and if he didn't, he'd find out when she came calling. Brushing her hands over her skirt, she stared out over the bay. "The smart thing to do would be to get your magic under control, you know. The more you know about it, the better you can defend yourself," she said, then, wistfully, "I came here hoping to learn from Sikora. I suppose I got what I wanted."

Brom

"I'm- afraid of it. Nobody seems to know what to do except it's wrong and I shouldn't. They even sent for an asura expert and she even she doesn't seem to be able to figure it out. I think. I almost killed one of the skritt." Iudrix' wings drooped low enough the bottom edge almost brushed the dirt as he looked at his hands and the faint pink in his palms that glowed so boldly when night fell. "I'm not even sure how I do what I already do. I made a portal once, that worked but I don't know how."

raumlet

"An expert in what? A mesmer expert?" Rottie looked him over. "Some expert, if she couldn't give you any advice at all."

Brom

"No. Um. I don't- I don't really know. It's not Mesmer stuff that's the problem. It's chaos, that's what everyone says. There was a gun, and I- broke it. Accidentally. And it did some things and that's what I mean when I say I changed and that's why my dream really doesn't matter.  It's all messed up a-and... yeah." The sapling furrowed his brow, butterflies everywhere. He didn't look up at Rottie, didn't want to see the same sort of expression everyone else had now that he'd 'explained'. "So I can't, and I shouldn't. I don't want to hurt anyone else."

raumlet

"Mesmers deal in chaos," Rottie said, her little brow arching high. It wouldn't be tactful to come out and say it so bluntly, but as far as she could tell, Iudrix was talking nonsense - he wasn't thinking, just letting the fear she felt from him shape his decisions. If she'd let fear rule her, she never would have left the Menders. "Wouldn't having hurt someone make it more pressing that you try and control it? At the very least, it's more productive than saying 'I can't' and stopping there."

Brom

"If that's the case why is everyone saying..." he let the thought trail off, slumping and finally mumbling a defeated "I didn't stay in the Grove long enough for any lessons." The sapling reached up to tuck some of the vines back away from his eye, frowning now. Everything was so complicated.

raumlet

"Maybe it's time to go back for a few." Rottie's voice was gentle enough; this sapling didn't need any more rough handling, even though she was barely older than him. But she'd lacked the option to leave - stranded in the Mender's offices, she'd spent her time on her lessons, reading, practicing her magic. It was the only way to pass time before she'd been allowed out. She didn't regret it; her magic had saved her life.

Brom

Iudrix shook his head quickly, eyes going wide. There was another snap of fear as he replied. "N-no. I can't, actually. I kind of... they tried to lock Ren away. I broke him out and... I can't. They'll lock me away."

raumlet

Rottie stared at him, weighing her energy against the reaction she wanted to have -  who in their right mind broke someone out of the Warden's jails? How had he even done it? Why had the giant marshmallow she knew was Ren been in jail? With what energy she had left, she waved her hand to brush the questions away; that wasn't her problem. "Another city, then, any of them. Mesmers need training no matter their race."

Brom

"I-" Iudrix didn't have a good answer as to why he wouldn't. He went silent, bringing back into being a sword across his lap to stare at. Everything he'd ever done had turned out horribly. "It's complicated," the sapling finally stated miserably.

raumlet

"Isn't everything?" Rottie shook her head, her own vines bumping against her neck in their loose braid. Iudrix was stuck in a holding pattern, just like her, but he had the option to break free of it until Sikora called him back. Slowly, she pushed herself to her feet; she tottered a bit when her sap rushed to her head, but caught herself and forced herself straight - the walk back to their little house seemed so far now, even though she could see the roof from here. "It's up to you, Iudrix, but I would consider it."

Brom

He looked up at her but once again refrained from asking if she needed any help. Even though he wanted to. Finally he said something. "There's a mender staying at the house. He's leaving soon though. He's uh, not much older than me but... if there's an emergency... Hisname'sDuncan." Iudrix gave her a fake, nervous smile, not entirely sure if the info would be appreciated at all.

raumlet

For a moment, Rottie looked down at him without saying anything; the waypoint to the Grove felt so far away, an impossible distance when she didn't know if she could even get home without resting, and the idea was tempting. "Thank you," she finally said. "I'll consider that."

Brom

Iudrix just nodded once. He didn't make a motion to move, the sapling planned to stay out on the cliffs a while longer. It was comfortable out here, and though he didn't plan to run (and definitely didn't plan to play his flute) just sitting was nice too. "Just, um, I'm not sure when he's leaving. It was nice talking with you."

raumlet

"It was. Have a good day, Iudrix," she said, lifting a hand as she stepped around him to make her way back down the path.

[inkrp-logs]

Iudrix, Lion Knight Dandy, Roisenrot, Sikora

Iudrix meets Rottie and Dandy. Unfortunately, he also meets Sikora. Takes place after this RP and before this RP.

Warnings: Sikora is horrible. 

raumlet "Dandy! Dandy, wait." Rottie let herself grind to a halt at the top of the hill and bent over to catch her breath, her hands braced on her thighs. The bag full of borrowed books, skillfully wheedled from the Priory library with her precious scroll as collateral, hung heavily off her shoulders - she looked down at it swinging by her legs and felt nothing but resentment. Oh, how she missed the chill air of the Shiverpeaks! Maybe it was the heat, or the sudden sun after so many cloudy days, or maybe the hill had grown since they'd last been here, but there was a stitch in her side and an ache in her head.

"Carry this, would you?" She said, pulling the bag off her shoulder as Dandy jogged back to her. She offered him the bag and a wan smile. "I haven't been getting enough sun lately! Much longer in there and perhaps I would have met the same fate as your new friend. Doomed to sass."

Lillica Dandy rushed back down the hill to meet her.  "I'm so sorry," he said, flower top flopping as he dipped into an apologetic bow, "It isn't very knightly of me not to notice when my Damsel," he quickly corrected himself, "A damsel is in distress!" After hefting the extra bag over his shoulder, Dandy turned back towards the town of Garenhoff.  This time, he matched Rotties pace, making up for her naturally shorter strides by skipping.  The switch from forward to vertical distance kept his typically quick feet in line. "Remember, if Sikora yells at you, it's not your fault.  I'm the one who insisted we stay longer before setting out.  The other pumpkin would've been too cold without a little longer to grow."

Brom Iudrix stood just outside the town, one thumb hooked into a beltloop, his other hand on that pink sword he never seemed to be without anymore. It felt wrong not to have it, but at the same time it was nothing precious- as evidenced by the fact the tip was firmly in the dirt, a dug line trailing the direction he'd walked. The sapling seemed to be deep in thought, considering his next steps.

raumlet If it hadn't been for the skipping, Rottie would have taken his arm - her chest constricted, pleasantly this time rather than with a sick chill, and her smile brightened as she fell into step with him. Her shoulder bumped his every few steps.

"I'll tell her how you nearly had us thrown out of the library for the sake of a pumpkin patch," she said cheerfully. She drew in as deep a breath as she could; there was a tickle deep in her lungs that threatened to choke her, and she pressed a hand to her breast before raising it to shield her eyes from the sun. The fresh air of the docks would be good for her. It had to be, after the dry dust of the library. They'd reached the edge of town now - and there was a whippet of a Sylvari there, dragging a ghostly sword through the dirt. Rottie eyed him around Dandy's torso.

Lillica Dandy eyed him also.  Dandy's eyes were perhaps more cautious than Rottie's, which wasn't typical.  But nobody dragged a ghostly sword through the dirt like that without being the least bit crazy, it was only common sense.  This could be no ordinary Dreamer.  He was.... A nightmare court spy.  Or maybe a beastly warden of the far shore?  It didn't matter.  Dandy slid his hand towards the sling on his back, ready to pick either Jackie or Gordy at a moment's notice.  "Careful," he whispered to Rottie.

Brom Iudrix took a couple more steps, then seemed to decide against whatever he was planning. The thin sapling turned away, sword dragging a half circle as he turned. And saw the other two sylvari. The faux wings on his back seemed to perk, and he stood up a little straighter. "Oh. Hello! I didn't realize... I wasn't alone." He gave a sheepish grin, reaching back to rub the back of his neck.

raumlet "Hello!" Rottie chirped before Dandy had a chance to speak, sliding her arm through his now that they were standing still - she hadn't missed the subtle movement of his hand. There was an elemental just a handful of feet away, stock still with its blank face pointed out towards the hills, so it was hardly like they were in real danger here. She did her best to smile at him, but it was thin under her tired eyes. "We haven't see you here before."

Lillica "Didn't realize you weren't alone, hm?" Dandy scoffed at the notion, "Hardly possible for you and your ilk.  Everyone knows you're never alone, you've got thousands of voices in your head screaming at you to kill us."

He drew his rifle, Gordy, and a small flutter of insect wings carried glowing fireflies to his side.  "Don't you dare take a step closer to us.  Sheath the sword, and perhaps I'll let you move on."

Brom "W-what are you talking about?" Iudrix's brow furrowed as he tried to figure out what the heck the other was talking about. "I'm- pretty new! I'm not whatever you think I am." And then a gun was drawn. There was now fear in the sapling's eyes. "Look- it's just- it's just-" well he really didn't have a good explanation for the sword. Instead of trying to talk through it he just broke the weapon instead, the glowing blade splitting into an erratic cluster of jagged butterflies. Not sharp, but they looked it. "There! It's gone!"

raumlet "Dandy, stop that! He's not doing anything wrong." Rottie's voice was lightly scolding as Dandy drew the gun even around her hold on him, and she elbowed him  gently in the side. Much more of this and she'd have to resort to tickling, which was an embarrassing but highly effective tactic, given Dandy's choice of armor. Still hanging on Dandy's arm, she smiled over at the other Sylvari, shrugging her mantled shoulders. "I apologize. He doesn't mean any harm, truly. You're new to Garenhoff?"

Lillica "New. Of course he is new, otherwise people would've figured out his true nature by now.  Not all people have the sight and knightly judgement of character," he said in a whispered tone, but purposefully loud enough for the sword shattered to hear.  "I will only return Gordy to my back if he can prove his heart pure... By... Poetry.  Everyone knows the truest Knights, Princes, and Kings of old could turn poetry from all things in this world."

Brom His eyes stayed glued to that gun, even as he answered them both. "I don't know any poetry. I'm only-" he caught himself. "I was just looking for people that might know songs. I'm not anything. Please." A single butterfly manifested near him, flickering in only to flicker right back out again. "Can I just go? I won't come around here again."

raumlet Rottie's eyes flicked between the other Sylvari's face and the gun in Dandy's hands, then up to Dandy's stern frown. Leaning away from him a bit, she reached over and, very delicately, tweaked his side, just under the ridges of his ribs. The resulting jump was spectacular, and Rottie couldn't help but giggle at the wounded expression he turned on her.

"Dandy, let it be," she said in a whisper, leaning back in and returning her hand to his arm. "He obviously doesn't want to fight. And even if he did, there's just one of him, and two of us - plus Sikora's elementals, and my own. Besides, I think you're scaring him."

Lillica "Anyone would tremble in the shadow of a Knight such as I," Dandy proudly declared, "But by the request of Damsel Rottie, I will allow you to walk.  Be grateful, vile murderer, that her eyes haven't the keen senses of mine... Hey! Stop that!" Dandy jumped away from Rottie again, having been prodded in his sides once more.  He lowered his rifle, but remained on guard, this time towards his companion, "I should make you deliver a poem just to be certain of your intentions," Dandy whimpered, "Because no Damsel would trouble a proud knight in such... Such insignificant ways, especially when facing danger!"

He really hated to be tickled.  Rottie was terribly good at it, too.

Brom Iudrix dipped his head when the gun was lowered, his faux wings drooping. "Alright. I'll go. I really was just looking for people that do music." The sword was suddenly back in his hand, though all his did with it was tuck it into a loop at his side. "I haven't even killed a bug." Making sure to not even glance back at Garenhoff he turned a bit to give the two of them a very wide berth and started walking.

raumlet "You don't have to go!" Rottie called after him; she finally let go of Dandy and took a few steps towards the other Sylvari. Placing her hands on her hips, she shot a look back at Dandy, then turned and put on her best smile, which at the moment wasn't terribly good. Her chest was tight, her breath shallow. "It isn't as if we own Garenhoff. I... help the woman who does, sort of, but - oh, I'm all scattered." Pausing for a moment, she looked down at her feet and took a slow, deep breath; her exhale ended in a weak cough. "He's a bit protective, that's all," she said, straightening up. "Don't mind us."

Lillica Dandy's hands had clenched into fists.  If his weapon had to be holstered, then at least he resolved to maintain a strong fighting stance.  "Hello," Dandy said quietly, and quite stubbornly, but otherwise left Rottie to talk.

Brom The sapling stopped and turned back around. "Well, I would kinda like to be able to get home," he replied, a soft smile tugging at the right corner of his lips.  His expression was still mostly melancholy, however. It completely dropped again pretty fast. "I'm really not- whatever you think I am. Even if I don't know any poetry."

Lillica Dandy held up three fingers, "In this many days, learn some.  Otherwise my trust will be forever out of reach.  It is a code I now live by, and the only way I can ensure nobody ever does Rottie harm."

raumlet "Home? You live here, then?" Rottie asked without bothering to comment on Dandy's demands; she stepped back to Dandy's side and hooked her arm through his again, giving it a fond little squeeze. This time, she leaned on him - not much, but enough. Giddy thoughts of sitting down and putting her feet up danced through her head as she started into town again. "That must be recent. I don't recall seeing you before."

Brom "I haven't been around long, a couple weeks." Though it seemed a long time  to him. He awkwardly tried to ignore dandy, too- not that he was any good at it. He mostly just averted his eyes and snuck glances every few seconds or so. "I followed Ren. From the Grove. I uh- I didn't explore too much." Iudrix trailed after them a bit from a safe distance.

Lillica Dandy kept pace with Rottie, though each step was a bit awkward.  She had only started hanging on him like this recently.  The poor green sprout hadn't gotten used to her closeness yet, at least not when it was out of combat and danger.  Still, He liked the change.  "We'd have notice if another Sylvari were here.  With the exception of those few that appear to be scientists or engineers, it's just us."

raumlet Oblivious, Rottie cast her eyes to the sky and thought. Other than Sikora, there were two other Sylvari she'd seen around town. They kept to themselves; if her visits to Garenhoff were more leisurely, she may have attempted to talk to one of them, but as it was... Garenhoff was quaint, but tainted for her. "We have seen a few others... Not you, though. You've chosen quite the place to settle down."

Brom "That's what they are! I help. Sort of." He paused, musing over that statement before continuing his fairly light hearted reply. "I really haven't been out much on my own. R- people get worried. I don't know why, I do perfectly fine." He scuffed at the ground with a leafy-booted toe, a hint of annoyance to his tone. It was better to just get angry at Ren again then to allow the thought that threatened to creep in that maybe the reason has to do with what that green guy was saying. The sapling sighed. "I didn't pick it so much as just ended up here,  I just wanted to get out and go- somewhere. Anywhere."

raumlet "Really? You help? What do you do?" Rottie didn't mean to sound so skeptical, but there was a hint of it in her tone as she looked over her shoulder at the Sylvari tailing them. Simply put, he didn't look the sort - he was certainly a contrast to the other two she'd seen. They were right at the edge of town now, and she forced another deep breath into her lungs. Her head throbbed, setting her swaying on her feet, and she stopped for a moment to put her hand to her head. "The Shiverpeaks spoiled me! I'm fine, I think I've just lost my tolerance for heat," she said with a little laugh as Dandy gave her a look. "And what was your name?" She added to the other Sylvari.

Lillica Dandy smiled at that.  He was also pretty warm out here.  Luckily unlike Rottie, he could comfortably let his chest be bare in the open air to keep cool.  Each gust of wind from the sea was like a delightful breath of the gods specially delivered to stave off the heat.  He couldn't imagine how Rottie felt under all those layers.  "If we have to talk, can we do so while walking?  Rottie, I know you want to talk with him but it's been a long trip.  At least do it inside where you can sit down."

Brom "Well I, uh- I do what's asked I guess." As long as it didn't involve lifting anything heavy. Or trying to accurately use anything mechanical. "It's really not much now that I think about it." He paused, then pressed on. "Iudrix. My name's Iudrix. Where- where are you guys going?" Also unlike Rottie he really wasn't plussed by the heat, even though he was wearing a cloth shirt it was still a cool one, especially with all the extra holes he had to cut into it.

raumlet "Oh, you're right, sorry," she said as Dandy pulled her along. She shrugged off her mantle and the little jacket she wore, baring her shoulders. Although the breeze felt wonderful on her bark, her head continued to throb, so she flung the mantle over her head to block the sun and held it out of her eyes with the back of her hand. If she was getting sick... But this didn't feel like her usual fare. "Oh, Sikora lets us stay in a little place in town when we need to. We're back from the Priory Archives; we have a little assignment from her."

Brom "Who's Sikora? Does she build stuff too?" Iudrix tilted his head, curiosity completely overriding the trepidation he felt towards Dandy and his gun.

Lillica "Hardly.  The only original creation of hers is fear, and in the most dastardly ways I've ever seen.  My dream showed me many things, but never someone as evil as Sikora." He looked straight at the nearest elemental, "And I'm sure you heard me say it.  Just know we're on the same page.  I did some reading too, and I've figured out that little staff of yours certainly doesn't belong to you.  If you dare try and steal from Rottie after making her go so far just for an artifact, I don't care how tough you are, I'll be sure to shatter every last stone in this place so you can't hide when I take my shot."

He was breathing heavily now.  He'd stumbled across a book of relics while trying to come up with a present for Rottie, a little something to lessen the crook she got in her neck from reading so much.

Brom The sapling very slowly turned to also look at the elemental, his eyes wide. It... didn't have a staff? "Is- is she behind it? I don't see her." Iudrix reached up to rub at his eyes with the back of his hand. He couldn't trust them after all. A butterfly or two flickered in and out again, a visible accompaniment to his slight distress. The sword still stayed in his belt though. Not that it really mattered as he'd also demonstrated it could end up in his hand without warning.

raumlet "The elemental is her construct. She has oh, scores? She's very powerful," Rottie said vaguely, aware again of the hum of the stone tucked away in her bodice, its new home since she'd had it. Without thinking, she dropped her hand to it, draping the mantle across her face for a moment before lifting it back up. She looked to the elemental, then up at Dandy - when was this? She hadn't seen him with a book! The ones he'd thrown at her certainly didn't count. "What are you talking about? Her staff? She barely uses it."

Lillica Dandy shook his head at Rottie, and completely ignored Iudrix.  "Yeah I saw her once in town with it.  It was after a mess of Ettin destroyed the elementals at the gate.  She went to make more, but that time had a staff with her, a magnificent looking thing with an orb in the middle and gems hanging from chains.  Rottie, the elementals she made with it were... They were enormous.  I didn't think it was possible to shape a being that big with just magic," he shook his head again, recalling the image of a towering, stone giant.  "And in an instant she just shattered and reformed it into many smaller ones, which went to dragging away the Ettin corpses.  Back in the library I wasn't just raising pumpkins all day, you know.  I'd found a few books for you, too.  Well, scrolls but still.  I couldn't make out much except for a picture that looked exactly like the staff she uses, and a name beside it.  After that, it looked like it said something else, something like missing, or lost, or broken.  All I know is that the name in the record wasn't Sikora's."

Brom All of this was going straight over Iudrix' head. He was getting really used to that. He actually drew the sword now, holding it awkwardly at his side. More of those butterflies flickered around. He just stayed silent, casting his gaze from one sylvari to the other and then back to the elemental. Finally, during a pause, he asked "Should I be afraid of them, then?" The elementals. So far he'd assumed they were... there. Normal or something.

raumlet "They aren't dangerous unless you're fighting her, and it doesn't do much good to fight her," Rottie said with a dismissive shrug. Dandy was leading them down the hill towards the steps into town and she let him, her arm loose around his now. "Where was I during this? Were you able to bring any of the scrolls? I wouldn't mind - " Her eyes fell on the elemental closest to them, and she pressed her lips into a thin line. Where was the line in defying Sikora? She was never sure.

Lillica "It was before we left, and a little after the scratch adventure."  Dandy suddenly flushed deep green, recalling what had happened once they leapt from the highest point, landing in a pond below.  He quickly advanced the topic, "After that.  I think you were sleeping again?  Anyway I was just out speaking with the strawberries when it happened.  And of course you didn't notice the scrolls," he sighed, "You were asleep again when I came to show you!  You've been so tired since we went to the library, you barely notice anything that's not right in front of you and screaming.  It's a problem you know, I can't be very knightly if I'm yelling at a damsel.  Think about what's at stake here."

Dandy stopped as they reached the house, halting Rottie with him.  "I think it's all the time inside that's gotten to you, Rottie.  We need another adventure, a real one to get the life back in your eyes!  What do you say?  Sleep lots today and tomorrow we set out first thing!  I'll even leave Jackson behind to guard the house in case this one," he jutted his chin at Iudrix, "Tries to take anything."

Brom "What? No. I'm not-" Iudrix shook his head, the sword dissolving away again as he held up both hands in a sign of surrender. Arguing about it was pretty useless. "Thank you for not shooting me. It was nice meeting some new people. Even if we aren't... friends." He nodded to Rottie once, giving an awkward smile. The sapling turned away, obviously having followed them quite far enough.

raumlet "It was nice to meet you, Iudrix. Tell those engineers we said hello. Oh! I'm Roisenrot," Rottie called after him. She whipped the mantle off her head and lost her balance, falling into Dandy - making the best of it, she patted his chestplate before pushing away. "And this one is Lion Knight Dandy. You're being very silly," she added to Dandy. "He seems younger than us, even."

"But you're right," she continued. "I've been dull, haven't I? It's just that I'm so tired lately... I can't seem to sleep enough. And..." As if summoned by the very thought of it, the tickle in her chest caught on her next breath, and she hid her face in the mantle while she coughed. "I - I wonder if I shouldn't visit the Menders instead. They'll be wondering where I am anyway."

Lillica Dandy considered it for a moment, then finally said yes.  "Take the day to rest.  Write a report about your findings.  I don't know too much so I can't explain it to Sikora myself, but I promise to deliver whatever you write first thing tomorrow, that way you can get a head start on traveling back to the Grove.  We should be alright, I think?  Just let me know if you think you'll need my help getting back to see the Menders, Sikora can always wait until after I've escorted you safely!"

Back outside, Iudrix noticed something peculiar happening. The elementals had always just stood there, idle and without a shred of emotion or intention behind them.  Today, as he walked away from Rottie and Dandy's house, there was a change.  They were watching him.  Noticeably.  The boulder that made up each elemental's head scratched on wherever it touched the body as it turned, tracking Iudrix.  He may have noticed there were more lining the street than usual, too.  Six for a single alley, and every one of them made from earth.  Before he could enter the main road, a seventh elemental stepped forward, blocking the road out.  Iudrix was surrounded.

Brom Were there always that many? He just assumed so, never having paid much attention to the silent makeshift soldiers before now. It was clearly just him noticing more now that they'd been thoroughly explained. Iudrix just continued on his way- the sword was in his hand again as the door was shut but that was definitely normal. As he wandered haphazardly wandered down the alley the sapling started to whistle the first few notes he knew of his song- only to get cut off from even that much. He looked up at the elemental in front of him, giving a quick nod and turning sideways to try to slide his skinny body past it. Probably just doing something programmed. They were like pebble golems right?

Lillica The elemental shattered into dozens of large rocks, each floating and spreading to cover the gaps.  Iudrix then faced a wall of earth, and just behind it a woman walked up to speak.  "Your sword is something I rarely see out of an illusion's hands.  How are you able to hold it?" It was Sikora, a petite Sylvari with blue leaves, purple polka dots, and white hair.  Six small stones clung to the edges of her face.  Today she wore a little top, without enough cloth to cover her stomach or back.  She had on gloves though, and her skirt, like her top, was small, green, black, and blue.  There was no staff in her hands, only a dagger and focus at her side.  They were of Ebonhawke craftsmanship.  The remaining six elementals had also broken into pieces, and their combined body components circled Iudrix to form a cage of floating stone.

Brom The sapling stared at her with wide round eyes. Immediately he shattered the sword in question, scattering butterflies. "I- don't know how to explain it. I just do. I- please let me go. I'm not causing any trouble." Iudrix stepped back, almost running into the wall behind him. His voice caught up in his throat.   A cage. "Please," he begged.

Lillica Sikora shook her head, "Not until you explain it to me.  I'm sure there's more to it.  I saw when you first entered this place empty handed, but two weeks pass and from then on you'd never been without it.  Give the sword to me, or explain it yourself."

Brom He turned to face the back of the rocky encirclement, then back to Sikora. Jagged butterflies popped in and out, more and more malformed as he started to panic. "There was a gun, but it dissolved and- I made it, it's mine- it's me. I don't know if-" He held up his hands palm up, another copy of the chipped pink blade appearing, the hilt in his left hand. "H-HERE." The sapling immediately offered the copy to her.

Lillica Two rocks extended from the wall like a hand, and ten pebbles gathered as fingers to take it.  "Good.  Let's see..." Sikora closed her eyes and scratched a glyph in the stone at her feet, it was the shape of a circle with seven triangles arranged inside of it, spiraling inwards, each smaller than the next.  The top line of Iudrix's prison broke off, the rocks and pebbles redistributing to form a larger, identical shape overhead.  Suddenly all the rocks above began to glow white hot, as did the glyph at Sikora's feet, and the sword in her elemental hand.  Then all three disappeared in a flash.  Iudrix felt it, too.  The sword was a part of him after all.  With the disappearance of one, there was also a small portion of his power sapped away forever, irretrievable.  "Good.  I'm beginning to understand."

Brom Iudrix watched with wide eyes and silence as she built her glyph. He had no idea what she was doing, and not having done anything ill-willed to that blade himself (or even seriously hit anything) he was entirely unprepared for what happened. The nervous silence from him was broken with a horrible yell as he doubled over with the sudden burning. And then it was gone, the piece that  hurt just ripped off from his Self like a band aid.  It was a few shaking moments before he was able to say something. "Don't do that. Please. Let me go."

raumlet Rottie had dropped herself onto the worn couch in the small living area, her body one grateful ache, when she heard the scream. Popping up like a jack in the box, she pushed the door back open and peered out - and there was Iudrix, surrounded by elementals and cowed by Sikora. Horribly, her first impulse was to shut the door and ignore it. She knew what it was to fight Sikora; the geomancer would do as she pleased, and there was little Rottie could do to stop her. And Sikora had made one thing very clear: Rottie's actions threatened Dandy more than they did herself. Here was Dandy now, right by her side and leaning out to see for himself.

"Hello, Sikora!" Rottie called before she could change her mind. Elbowing Dandy oh-so-casually back into the house, she shut the door on him and stepped into the alley proper, one hand holding the door firmly shut despite Dandy's protests. Oh, she wouldn't fight Sikora; but if she could distract her, that may serve just as well. "I believe we've made progress, if you have interest in a report."

Lillica Sikora eyed Rottie for just only a second before looking back to Iudrix.  "You've taken more steps back than I think you're aware," she smirked, still not giving Roisenrot another look, "Oh never mind.  You'll figure it out.  Now you, sword boy, you may leave me.  If I want more from you I will call you and you WILL come.  For now know that in exchange for your tribute, I officially grant you safety in this port.  Don't spoil it." With that, the ring dropped, clattering and shattering against the cobblestone floor.  Sikora turned her back on both Rottie and Iudrix, beginning to walk away, and my how her steps shook the earth.  Although a terrifying thought, Rottie must have realized.  The geomancer was even stronger.

raumlet Rottie kept her smile in place until Sikora had disappeared, then beckoned to the shellshocked Iudrix. "Come on, come in," she said, opening the door into Dandy's face and stepping inside. "You're alright. She won't hurt you. Not right now, at least."

Brom He hunched his shoulders as the rocks fell, still doubled over enough that his wings poked out all directions. The tips of them quivered, he was still scared. Mutely Iudrix just followed the far nicer lady sylvari, only whispering when he was inside. "How do you know when she's gone?"

Lillica Dandy grumbled an answer, "She's never gone.  Every one of those elementals is just another her, or she's connected to them, or something.  I wouldn't be surprised if every stone in the town is just another eye, ear, or hand of hers," Dandy recalled some of the more enjoyable reading he'd done at the priory, on knights and the great evils they fought, "She's no Mage.  That Sikora is an evil Witch."

raumlet "You can feel when she's gone. Not that it guarantees she isn't still listening through her elementals," Rottie said as she dropped back onto the couch and let her head fall against the cushions, her hands folded across her breast. This certainly derailed their plans. "She has some way of moving between them. I wish I knew how. Are you alright?"

Brom Iudrix summoned a new sword, the familiar weight in his hands a little bit of relief. It stung momentarily- but it was worth holding it again. He hugged the blade against his chest. "She wanted a sword. And then- broke it?" Once more he lacked the words to explain. It was all too common a situation. Side stepping from the door he pressed his back against the wall, sinking down to sit on the floor and compose himself. "If I leave she'll hurt me again, won't she."

raumlet "Oh, you're free to leave. If she calls and you don't come, though, then she'll hurt you," Rottie said. Sikora's words about 'steps back' were running through her had, and she pressed her fingers against the weight in her bodice. She'd seemed more amused than annoyed, but with Sikora, who knew? After a moment, she lifted her head and eyed the sword Iudrix was clutching to his chest before catching his eye. "I wish I could offer some reassurance, but I have none. I threw myself on her mercy; you simply caught her eye. Warn those two you're staying with. Sikora's a nasty surprise to spring on someone."

Lillica Dandy's lips turned down into a frown, "Sorry again, Rottie.  I know that it's my fault you got involved with Sikora in the first place." There wasn't much else to say that he hadn't gone over a million times by now, regarding the Witch.  Ah, so frustrating.  Lately it was hard to imagine a future without being tied to Garenhoff, without the geomancer' shadow lingering over them wherever they went.  Even Dandy had started to feel her pressure.

Brom After a few minutes of silent processing, Iudrix picked himself up off the ground and tucked the sword in the loop of his pants. "I should probably get going then," he said quietly. "As long as you think those things aren't gonna lock me up again. I- I- didn't mean to cause any problems." He looked at Dandy a quick moment then looked away. "Maybe you aren't as wrong as I thought you were." The sapling went to the door, shivering as he peeked outside for elementals.

raumlet "I've told you it isn't your fault. I was the one who fell first, so please don't apologize," Rottie said softly with a frown up at Dandy. They'd had this conversation before, and she'd never quite convinced him that Sikora was at fault. As Iudrix reached for the door, she sat forward, pale and tired but with concern creasing her brow. "Iudrix, don't you be ridiculous as well. Do you need us to come with you?" She was in no shape for it, with the exhaustion weighing down her limbs, but she pushed herself up even as she spoke.

Brom The answer was hesitation. Finally Iudrix shook his head. "Ren wasn't even sure if I'd be welcome. I can't just go dragging other people back with me. And. I've got a lot of explaining to try to do anyways." He peeked back outside again, a few stray butterflies twisting in and out of his vicinity. They were almost as comforting as the sword in a way, even if they were mostly accidental. Magic and emotions had been tied in an increasingly complicated knot, one without the other was just not happening.

Lillica Dandy didn't try to fight with Rottie on this one.  Again, he'd not so easily be convinced.  "Anyways you can go now if you're ready, but I won't stop you from staying awhile.  I can make some very good tea, pumpkin spiced."

raumlet Nodding her assent, Rottie sank gratefully back down onto the couch. "You're welcome to go, you're welcome to leave," she said. "That Ren can come here if you can't explain it. If you're staying, pardon me, though. There are a few things I need to do, and then -" She paused to cough, the back of her hand pressed to her mouth - "I'll likely fall asleep." The way outside was clear; the elementals had departed after Sikora, leaving only the usual scant few scattered about as guards; inside, Rottie and Dandy sat and stood respectively as they waited for Iudrix to decide.

Brom Those silly faux wings slouched, but Iudrix gave no other sign of wanting to stay. "I really should go. I'm okay now. And it doesn't look like... she's waiting." He opened the door the rest of the way, then nodded to the two of them one at a time. A little awkwardly. Then he was gone, somehow managing to walk and not run down the road like a frightened rabbit.

[inkrp-logs]

Roisenrot, Lion Knight Dandy

Rottie is on the hunt for information about her fancy new stone. Dandy’s on the hunt for some entertainment, which is hard to find in a library when you don’t like to read...

Warnings: None.

Lion Knight Dandy threw a book at Rottie. Despite his accuracy with a rifle, the poor salad had a throw on the weak side. It landed three feet to Rottie's left. "I'm bored, let's go find a traveler to eat!" He quietly added, "With us!", then winked

Roisenrot watched the book sail off to her left before turning her attention on Dandy. The tome spread open on her lap was as dry as the dust that had coated it before she'd taken it off the shelf, but it had promise - it spoke of creatures in the wastes who commanded the earth itself through living fragments of stone. "The travelers in this area will all be academics, Dandy. They won't be the exciting sort."

Dandy scoffed at her, "Maybe that's what you think, but just look - I’m here, and I’m as far from being academic as one can get!" He waved his hands in excitement, though the excitement started a few chilly fireflies from their resting place in his gourd.

Rottie giggled, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. "Shhh! Keep your voice down before you bring that librarian down on us again. She's -” She paused to cough into her sleeve. "She's truly vicious." Marking her place, she shut the tome with a thump and a cloud of dust. "You've barely touched any of the books since we arrived - how do you know there aren't a few exciting tales?" Dandy jumped from his couch to the open spot on Rottie's, bouncing her into the air. "Now SHE is dull, I'll say. You know, she tried telling me to leave my dear Gordy at the door? I nearly up and tossed her from the balcony. But when I was there, I noticed a mess of pumpkins down below, some carved, some rotting, but some still lively as can be. Rottie, honesty, I was so heartbroken to see young lives condemned to rot like trash down there, despite never having a chance to grow. So the reason I’m not reading is..." Dandy looked left, then right, making sure the coast was clear before leaning in to gently whisper, "I'm raising some of them in the top shelf at the far wing!" He hoped Rottie didn't realize that was the reason he'd been tossing books at her all day. The shelves simply couldn't fit both pumpkin patch and volumes 1-6 of "How To Observe Grass, the Scholarly Edition."

Rottie covered her mouth to stifle the giggles - Dandy, raising pumpkins in the library! "Oh no! Dandy, there isn't enough sun in here to grow plants. If they find you, they’ll kick us both out!" She was grinning as she pulled him down on the couch beside her, though. “Those pumpkins had been grown specifically for Halloween, and they'd served their purpose as decorations. But Halloween is over, and now the pumpkins can rest. I suppose, at least, I don't know what a pumpkin does with its free time." She turned her head to cough again. "This dust..."

Dandy glared at her, drawing back to the other end of the couch, “Served their purpose? They can rest? How would you feel if I said that about you, plant woman!?" Dandy slipped from the couch to start towards the far wing, "Well, if this is how you think then I think I’ve found someone, or someones more in need of a champion than you. I’ll be at the other end of the hall if you need me - oh, but do you know where they might keep ladders, hammers, and chisels? I probably should get some light in here."

Rottie sighed and looked at the book in her lap. "Sometimes I think it'd be nice to have served my purpose, personally, whatever that may be." She swung her legs up onto the couch and crossed them at the ankle, letting the book fall open at random. "Perhaps ask the librarians? Although they may wonder what exactly you need a chise for in a library. I saw a ladder in the west wing, though."

Dandy smiled and bowed before leaving, "Thank you Rottie, and I was kidding before. I will always be your loyal knight." He bowed.

Rottie gave him a warm, fond smile as he left, then coughed, covering her mouth with her sleeve, before she looked down at the page before her. "Oh," she said, and her eyes widened as she skimmed the page. "Oh! Oh, Dandy! Dandy -" Jumping to her her feet, book in hand, Rottie went to chase after him - her foot caught the edge of the rug and she went sprawling. The book dropped to the floor and shut with a thump, the page lost among the thousand others, and Rottie stared at it glumly for a moment before climbing to her feet. "Hmph. Well, I can find it again."

Dandy realized that despite his best efforts, the ladder was still too small. With chisel alone, he'd never reach the ceiling. In a moment of unique thought, Dandy raised his rifle and took aim at the stone above, "And they think I'm not smart. Hows this for problem solving?"

Rottie toted the tome into the west wing - no Dandy. "Dandy?" She called as loud as she dared. "Dandy? I think I found something!"

From the far end of the hall, Rottie heard a loud shot ring out, its echoes resounding throughout the structure, and doing a number on her ears. Next she heard three quick pangs of a bullet ricocheting across stone, ending in the dull thud as it lodged in a text, "When The Doves Never Roost: A Guide to Self Appreciation."

Rottie dropped the book in her surprise. Oh, she knew that sound! What was he doing?! "Dandy!" She hissed, racing for the stairs. She stopped herself by slamming into the railing as she came around the corner. "Dandy!" She hissed furiously, her knuckles pale with her grip on the banister; she was breathing heavily. "What are you doing?"

Dandy swung around, careful to keep his rifle pointed in the air. “The chisel… Ladder… Not tall… Shoot till I see the sun?”

Rottie: "That's solid stone, Dandy, you can't shoot through it! Put that away and let's get out of this wing - the librarians will already be on their way!"

Dandy grumbled, "Fine. But I'm hiding the ladder for later," he quickly set it neatly against the tree, and started bounding from shelf to floor to shelf to floor down the aisle.

Rottie shook her head as she watched him go. "Be careful!" She called, then followed more sedately along the walkway. "He certainly doesn't do well indoors." She paused at the foot of the stairs to catch her breath. "Oh, you win. Let's go find something more interesting to do for a bit." Dandy: "Are you sure? I thought you had something to talk about."

Rottie blinked at him for a second before her eyes widened. "Oh! The book! It said something about a ritual with a stone that sounded like that pendant we found - I dropped it back there..." She glanced back to towards the west wing. "Wait here, I'll go get it."

Dandy took a seat. After ten seconds of waiting, he was bored, and started up a quiet chat with Gordy. "I know, I know," he whispered, "It’s itchy, but the fireflies need to stay somewhere while we’re inside. It’s good manners, as any Knight should have."

Rottie looked around - no book, and no librarian anywhere in sight. Startled, she spun in a circle; nothing. And what had the title been... ? She chewed on her lip. "Oh, drat."

"No book?" Dandy sighed, "I guess that means we’ll be here awhile longer, huh..."

Rottie shook her head sadly. "They must have put it away - you don't remember the title, do you?"

Dandy shook his head, "I don't believe you ever told it to me. Gordy says it started with an L."

Rottie rubbed her forehead in frustration. "Well... That's something to start with. We'll take a break," she said sadly.

Dandy was about to smile before Rottie's sigh dampened the mood. He wasn't the type to be insensitive easily, not if he was aware of it anyway. “Don't worry, tomorrow we can get back to it. I’ll… I'll even help."

Rottie gave him a smile. "Thank you... I appreciate that. Well," she gestured down the stairs, then paused to cough again, pressing her sleeve against her mouth. "Out with us. This dust is bothering me anyway."

Dandy nodded. "Let's go. I can only imagine how the dust must irritate those with noses."

Rottie giggled. "Terribly. They get full of all sorts of things." She took his arm and started down the stairs.

[inkrp-logs]

Sikora, Roisenrot, Lion Knight Dandy

Rottie turns in her quest and crashes; Dandy gets bored and pokes her a bit.

Warnings: None. The conclusion of this story arc.

Roisenrot clutched the stone to her chest, the subtle hum working its way through her fingers. This was worthy, she reassured herself, letting her hands drop to her sides; Sikora would have to see that. “Excuse me,” she called out to the figure standing at the edge of the balcony. Without Dandy at her side, she felt vulnerable, especially with how battered she was; she’d begun to heal, but waiting until she was fully healed was out of the question. "I need to speak to Sikora."

Sikora || Rottie’s call must have gotten through, because the elemental at the balcony began to shake and crumble within seconds. At its core was Sikora, seeming to have materialized there, as always. Sikora smiled at the scroll at Rottie’s belt, “I sincerely hope that's not all you brought back,” she smirked while flicking a pebble in the direction of the marketplace, where Dandy was out purchasing snacks.

Rottie shook her head. “The scroll is a trinket, something Dandy found for me," she said, then stepped down the stairs; she held out her hand with the rock settled in her scabbed palm. “This is what we brought for you." A jolt of nervousness went through her. The worn, dusty thing in her hand wasn’t exactly impressive.

Sikora’s hands were at her waist, pressed to her hips for a thoughtful pose while she gazed out towards the sea. The fingers on one hand curled open and in an instant Rottie's prize stone shot into the senior Geomancer’s grasp. Sikora held it tight, rubbed it against her thigh, and tossed it in the air once, twice, three times. “This… Will do. Thank your friend. It seems saving his life wasn’t a waste after all. One more time, let me hear your name? I think it’s time remember it, disciple."

Rottie’s knees went weak with relief, though her heart had just about stopped when the stone flew off her palm. Taking a deep breath, she forced her voice to remain steady. “It’s Roisenrot,” she replied. She let her hand fall back to her side.

Sikora tossed the stone back for Rottie to catch. "Roisenrot," Sikora repeated, "Your training begins now. It is time to study. You will learn everything you can about that artifact of yours, what it is, why it was made, and in doing so discover exactly how to use it for our magic, for a stronger geomancy. You will also study that scroll. Even things that seem worthless may have value. Just look at you and your friend. Once you've learned all you can about those two objects, you will find me again and I can start instruction."

Rottie fumbled the stone and caught it awkwardly in her skirts, scooping it up and holding it close again; she turned it over in her hands for a moment before looking up at Sikora. "I understand," she said. Relief warred with uncertainty - Sikora had accepted her gift far more easily than she’d expected, but now she was unsure what to do. Thank her? That seemed... unsavory, and Rottie doubted Sikora would appreciate it. Dropping her eyes, she retreated a step back toward the stairs.

Sikora waved Rottie off, and after scraping a symbol in the dust at her feet, several rocks broke away from the nearby hillside to encase her. Rottie could tell that somehow or other, Sikora had vanished from within the stone.

Rottie, dismissed, scurried up the stairs with a backwards glance towards the hulking figure. Tucking the stone back into her shirt, she went to find Dandy - they had a new task, and she didn't want to dawdle.

Lion Knight Dandy crept upstairs, having seen Rottie return home minutes earlier. By the time he reached her, the thorn-topped salad was already asleep! Dandy, catching sight of opportunity, snuck into place to rest Gordy right beside her so that his face was eye to eye with hers. Then at once he whispered in her ear, "Boo."

Roisenrot startled awake at the noise, but seeing only the broad, familiar grin of the pumpkin rifle, she simply made a sleepy noise of protest and pushed it away; she let her arm hang limply off the bed once the offending overgrown fruit was out of her face. "Dandy," she mumbled into her arm, "I am so very tired." She hadn't realized how tense she'd been until the threat of Sikora’s anger had lifted.

Dandy frowned down at her, "I see that," he mumbled, "But that doesn't make it any more fun. I suppose it’s to be expected though. All of the leading sources inform me that Damsels need their beauty sleep.”

Rottie smiled against her sleeve, then pushed herself up onto one arm. "Damsels who outran Mordrem, fell off cliffs, and crawled through skritt holes especially." She rubbed her eyes with the back of a hand. "Sikora accepted the stone."

Dandy clapped his hands together in joy, "That is great! You know it’s a given that she'd like it, right? You've got a true Knight by your side. Valiant, courageous, loyal... How could it not be a relic worthy of the local Tyrant."

Lion Knight Dandy cheers.

Rottie giggled. "I know - silly of me to worry, hmm? But I did," she said, smiling blearily up at him. With a massive yawn, she eased herself back down onto the pillow, and her eyes drifted closed again. “Thank you, Dandy. She wants us to study it now. We’re to learn everything we can about it, and I am to apply it to geomancy.”

Dandy signed, resigning himself to an afternoon without adventure. He knew it was a necessary evil. Rottie’s wounds were still visible as various scabs,  scratches, and scars. “That’s a task that I might not be so useful on," he admitted while fluffing a sheet to tuck her in, "It sounds like research, and Knight though I may be, my word is still so small when it comes to the work of scholars.

Rottie hmm’ed in response. She hadn't bothered to undress or even kick her shoes off, just fallen on the bed with the intent to rest and fallen asleep immediately. "I'm sure there will be complications. There always are. We can find some excitement in it," she said.

Dandy smiled at The Damsel, "I'm sure there will be. There is one place, The Priory, I think it’s called, with a massive library isn't there? We could try seeing what we can find there."

Rottie nodded, then suddenly pushed herself up again with the determination of one who has a goal. "I was thinking the same." She went to begin the process of pushing off her shoes but stopped and looked up at Dandy. “Do you mind if I sleep? I know we should get started,” she said guiltily. "I was coming to find you, but I made the mistake of laying down."

Dandy laughed and pushed her head back into the pillow as gently as he could, “Rest, Rottie. I’ll watch the doors, there will always be adventure for us the next day and the one after that.”

Rottie fought his hands off and sat back up, but this time she went about the process of undoing the buttons holding her shoes on. She kicked them off and dropped them on the floor next to her, then shrugged off her jacket and did the same. The stone rolled out and bounced on the covers; she stared down at it before picking it up and holding it out to him.”I feel that Sikora wouldn’t appreciate such an approach to our task, is all."

Dandy took her shoes and coat, folded them, and tucked them into the drawers nearby. "It seems to me she cares most about results, more of an ends than a means lady, in my eyes," Dandy said.

Rottie flopped back down onto the pillows, dislodging her vines so that they draped over her face. “If those means take too long, though... I suppose I’m worrying too much,” she said, looking up at him. How could she not?

Dandy patted Rottie's forehead, "Fear not dear Damsel, everything will be alright. If the wicked witch of earth comes storming through in a fury, I’ll defend you to the end. Don't worry. We will be fine, and soon enough you'll have learned her tricks and traps.”

Rottie’s brow furrowed under his hand. He could be as confident as he liked in this; he hadn't fought her, hadn't thrown himself against her power. "I'd rather, if it came down to it, that we both ran away,” she said, forcing a laugh.

Dandy grinned at her, taking aim at nothing with a rifle of air, “Well I see no issue with that either. I can cover your retreat if it must be done, or should you be wounded, I’ll carry you to safety slung over my shoulder! You are in good hands, I promise."

Rottie brushed her vines away from her face and smiled up at him. "That is very reassuring," she said warmly. With a stretch, she slid under the covers and kicked her skirts out of the way. "Thank you, Dandy."

Dandy somewhat awkwardly reached to the other end of the bed to take her skirts, folded them, and added them to the drawer of her clothing. "Anything for you Rottie. We are truly an excellent team.”

Rottie nodded into her arm. "We are," she said muzzily, already falling asleep again now that she was comfortable. She sleepily repeated, "Thank you..."

[inkrp-logs]

Roisenrot, Sikora

Rottie makes a bargain to save her friend.

Warnings: Injury, violence, blood. Continuation of this RP.

The townspeople could see what a sorry shape Lion Knight Dandy was in. His companion, Rottie, wasn't much better, though she was more an emotional wreck than a physical one. Her frantic cries for help were finally met by a group of townsfolk, cautious, but unable to ignore the salad. "You should find Sikora," they said, helping to lift Dandy. “Just look for one of the earth elementals. She seems to hear anything happening around them.”

Roisenrot nods a shaky thanks. "Please... Please take care of him. Dandy, I'll be right back - as soon as I can." Giving his hand a gentle squeeze, she steps away reluctantly and dashes towards the first elemental she sees; its impassive, featureless face brings her up short. "Ah. E-excuse me? I need to speak to Sikora. Please. It's urgent, my friend is injured." Her voice trembles - tears well in her eyes again, and she brushes them away. "Please."

The middle elemental seemed unwell after Rottie said her piece. Its legs failed, sending it straight to the earth… The stones composing its body began to tremble, first just a little uneasy in their placement, then violently until at last they all burst apart at once and crumbled into dust. In the construct’s place was a sprout, or at least what looked to be one. Blue, with purple spotted leaves and white hair. It was a sylvari. Sikora turned to face Rottie, then waited. She didn't feel it was worth putting in the first word.

Roisenrot steps back in surprise her eyes wide - this had to be Sikora, then, as... unimposing as she looked now that the stony exterior had fallen away. “Hello," she said, voice feeble. "You... I assume you're Sikora? P-please," she says, her voice threatening to break again, "My friend, he - he fell, he needs healing. Please, I can pay."

Sikora felt a little tug at her leg. She looked down, spying the bug at her feet. A small flick of her finger bent the earth underneath, sending the beetle ten feet to her right. "Well now you have two friends that need healing. I do not like being disturbed, and do not like being touched. You and that insect should have considered this. Did you even bring a gift? No? Then it’s not my concern, whatever problem you have."

Roisenrot makes a small cry of distress and dashes to the beetle, lifting it with gentle hands; she'd raised it from a grub in the long, lonely hours in the infirmary. "How dare you!" Cradling the beetle, Rottie stands and turns to face Sikora, her eyes bright and angry. But... The image of Dandy's injuries fit through her head, and tears threaten again. "You - Please. /Please./ If I could heal him myself, I would." The beetle wriggles in her arms. This one, at least, will live; she sets it down so it can skitter away to hide. "I'll… do anything." The words are sour in her mouth, but if Dandy died because of her - she can't bear the thought.

Sikora clicked her tongue at Rottie, "I assure you, there’s nothing you can do that I’m not able to do myself, and far better, too. We're done here." She began to walk away into town.

Roisenrot: "No, wait!”

Roisenrot grabs Sikora’s arm, pulling her back - touch-me-not be damned. "He'll /die!/"

Sikora sparked with fire across her body, searing Rottie's hands before launching her body into the stone steps. "DO NOT TOUCH ME, SPROUT.”

Roisenrot throws up her shields, quick as she had on the fall down into the water, but the impact knocks her breathless anyway. Dazed, she struggles upright on the stairs.

Sikora pressed the attack, walking up to Rottie, waving her hands this way or that way, materializing earthen spears from the walls and floor.

Roisenrot dodges away, scrambling up the stairs towards level ground; she can only keep the shields up for so long. What had she gotten herself into? "Stop! Help him, please, and l’ll leave!"

Sikora was never one for mercy. "Why don't you just learn to heal him yourself, him? What’s the point to always asking somebody else?" Sikora stomped the earth, materializing two elementals to send after Rottie.

Roisenrot can feel herself shaking. Reluctantly, she draws her dagger, raising it defensively; she looks between the elementals and backs away. "There's no time. Please, what do you want? What can I do?"

Sikora shattered her elementals into a rocky storm, nicking Rottie with their parts as they returned to Sikora, encasing her in jagged armor. "Prove that it’s worth doing, and maybe I'll hear you. If his life is worth it, you should have something to offer."

Roisenrot pales as Sikora approaches. This time, the impassive face seemed menacing - but she couldn't back down, not with Dandy's life in danger. Hesitant, she looks up at Sikora's blank, armored face. "I only have myself. Will that do? One little sprout's life for another’s?”

Sikora extended a massive hand, gripping Rottie's body between three stone fingers. She squeezed. "And what will I do with this life? Do I look like a blood mage?"

Roisenrot gasps in pain as the fingers begin to crush her. No, this was too much - Rottie tears her arm free and grabs the stone fingers around her, ripping them away and stabbing them into the armored slabs in front of her. As soon as she hits the ground, she summons her shields and rolls away, raising her dagger defensively once she hits the ground "We came here to see the mighty elementalist who had conquered this town. She doesn't have any use of another geomancer, sprout she may be?" Despite her words, Rottie is shaking: her various nicks and scratches are leaking sap, and the ever-present fatigue is beginning to creep up on her. Still, she can’t back down.

Sikora: Rottie heard a booming cackle from inside the armor, the type villains use, the type so many terrible Sylvari were predisposed to letting out right after a sick joke. As the armor rushed her, Rottie got to see the punch line. A mass of boulders slamming her into the wall, and behind them, one bleeding but barely harmed Sikora. She smiled. "Maybe you're right. Maybe having you would be nice. But... I don't like having worthless assistants. Wash yourself, and meet me here tomorrow... if I can fix you, then your friend will live. If I can't, I'll just kill him myself." With that, Sikora started down the path towards Dandy, jets of water dancing on her fingers.

[inkrp-logs]

Roisenrot, Lion Knight Dandy

Rottie and Dandy go for a walk. Tragedy strikes!

Warnings: Injury, blood. Very, very long RP.

Roisenrot eyes Dandy, her brows raised. "And I cannot convince you to try the gates?"

Lion Knight Dandy shook his head, "No, not even for gold and glory. You saw that Asura in charge of them, he looked down on our sister who was asking a simple question."

Roisenrot makes a helpless motion with her hands, but there's a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "That one's always prickly. I think were too much for him. Let's get started, then."

Dandy grumbled, "Well Gordy and I think that he's too much for us..."

Roisenrot giggles. "Gordy? You've named it?"

Dandy was taken aback! “It!? You mean HIM! My, you have no sensitivity about you… Just as the mandrake is a joyous root, Gordy is of a plant variety that is rather talkative." Lion Knight Dandy added, "And also very bright."

Roisenrot struggles to keep pace. "Of course he's bright, you've put a candle in him! ...Does it - he, really talk?"

Dandy stopped, walking up to examine the lionguard. He answered Rottie, but without much focus. He was enraptured by the golden suits in front of him! "Yeah, of course he speaks, all plants have something to say if you really listen..." He tugged Rottie over by the sleeve, "Rottie, these men, who are they? To be out here amidst all the insects and disease, despite being fleshy and vulnerable... Are they knights?”

Roisenrot shakes her head. "They're called Lionguards. They protect Lion's Arch. I don't know exactly why they're stationed here, to be honest! I've never asked."

Dandy grinned at them, "Well then surely, they must be knights. Wearing gold, and sacrificing their days for some good all the way out here, I... “ Dandy caught sight of the Lion's head adorning each of their weapons. "...I too, shall declare myself a knight henceforth, a Lion knight, in their image!"

Roisenrot said, more to herself than anything, "And I meant - audibly, out loud. Of course all living things have something to express - although I don't recall the Wardens having talkative rifles..."

Dandy cheers.

Roisenrot can't help but giggle; she raises her hands to cover her smile. "Lion Knight Dandy! Very fitting. Are you sure you wouldn't like to visit Lion's Arch instead?”

Dandy shook his head, "No, I've heard from the travelers. It looks to be more like a theme park than a castle, certainly no place to learn of being a knight."

Roisenrot: "Hm... So wouldn't you rather be a Seraph, then? They're knightly. Although their armor is silver, if I recall."

Dandy laughed, "A Seraph? Me? We both know the chances are slim. I am Sylvari."

Roisenrot’s cheerful smile drops off her face. "...I supposed forgotten. It's easy to, in the Grove. The anxiety is there but... so is Mother."

Dandy nodded. "Yes. But maybe we should get back to the road? This talk has Gordy starting to frown."

Roisenrot nods firmly. "Let's. Im excited to see how far we can get!"

Roisenrot detours off the path and shades her eyes against the rising sun. "Quite a view!"

Dandy grinned, "Isn’t it? I love our home. The air is magnificent."

Roisenrot nods again, the smile back on her face. "Ah, here I am distracting us! I couldn't resist."

Dandy chased after Rottie!

Roisenrot looks over her shoulder and grins back at Dandy. She stops and glances between the paths. "I don't remember..."

Dandy points right, "Surely, Right is right!"

Roisenrot: "Right it is!" She nods up at the little camp on the hill. "Have you ever seen a tengu?”

Dandy shook his head. "No, not even in my Dream. Are they frightening?"

Roisenrot bounces excited;y. "They're wonderful. There's one right over there! Want to see?”

Dandy was already starting up the hill, "Of course!"

Roisenrot points at Shou. "See?”

Dandy: "It is... We eat those, yes? In soup, with ginger."

Roisenrot giggles. "Don't let him hear you! No, smaller and less, ah, sentient. Self aware?”

Dandy: "I am certain all things are self aware, Sister. There was a time when plants weren't believed to be. But look at us. As I see it, all things are equally deserving of being food, with the exception of friends."

Roisenrot taps her chin. "But there's a difference between us and, say, those ferns at your feet. Would I let you step on me so placidly?"

Dandy put a finger to his chin to ponder the answer, "You... Would if your limbs weren’t working."

Roisenrot chuckles. "But I would still yell at you. The fern doesn't mind so much."

Dandy sighed, "Well, there’s no way for you to know if the fern doesn't mind. Jack would certainly mind."

Roisenrot eyes the rifle on his back. "Jack is more expressive than regular plants usually are. As you said, though, everything can speak if you take the time to listen."

Dandy nodded, "All things have a right to grow. Or, be eaten. Prejudice, I believe that is the point of the saying.

Roisenrot purses her lips. "Perhaps, with the whole... Sylvari situation at the moment, we should refrain from eating members of other races."

Dandy nodded, "Very well. Maybe we should be going then? They are starting to stare."

Roisenrot nods and waves to the tengu before heading back down the path.

Roisenrot: "I always wondered what happened here! - oh! Fire imps!"

Dandy: "Hmmm.... They seem fierce?"

Roisenrot: "This seems like it's under control."

Dandy: "We are an excellent team, Damsel Rottie."

Roisenrot: "Why, it's a pleasure to fight alongside you, Sir Dandy."

Dandy: "Shall we away?"

Roisenrot: "Let’s."

Roisenrot slows, pushing her brambles away from her face. "...I'm getting a bit tired..."

Dandy: “Perhaps we should rest in that fort then. We can always Keep going after having a snack!"

Roisenrot locks up the path, then back at the fort. She purses her lips. "...That would be wise."

Dandy smiled, "Then let us go back to the fort, Damsel. Adventure awaits in days coming."

Roisenrot nods. "Wise words. Ooh, I think there are Lionguards stationed there as well - perhaps you can talk to one."

Dandy: "Sounds exciting to say the least!"

Dandy waved to Rottie when she exited the fort, "About time you woke, we've still got a ways to go. I hear the land just beyond this bridge is quite dangerous, so make sure you're ready."

Roisenrot wipes the sleep from her eyes and stretches her limbs. "As ready as I’ll ever be! I feel much better now," she says cheerfully.

Dandy turned on his heels to lead the way, "Alright then! Let us away, Damsel"

Roisenrot covers her mouth to stifle a yawn. Human beds just weren't as comfortable as a good hammock. "Not so fast, Dandy, I’m still waking up..."

Dandy intentionally sped up, "Adventure waits for no one! Here, it is just ahead!" He walked through the pass.

Roisenrot jogs to catch up. "It'll have to wait for me! I'm not a dawn bloom, after all."

Dandy took but one look across the landscape, or what he could see of it, before a frown crossed his lips. "It is as they said, Rottie. This land appears more dead than alive, the trees are bare, and only jungle fowl of fierce stature roam the open hillside. I am wondering now, which way do we proceed?”

Roisenrot peers over Dandy's shoulder at the open plains, noting the tree stumps scattered about. "Due north, isn't it? We can just follow the path. Look, we can follow her!" She points at a trader further up the road.

Dandy was a bit skeptical, "Who is to say the trader is going where we are? Then again, it is a knight’s duty to protect the damsel on her travels. Go ahead. Rottie." Nevermind that just earlier he had claimed his duty to lead the way. How loose it was, his code of knightliness.

Roisenrot giggles as she steps around him. "Well, who's to say they arent? We could ask them for directions, even if they aren’t." She leads the way down the path, a leisurely pace that won't actually catch them up to the trader.

Roisenrot pauses to scrutinize the road signs. "Divinity's Reach... Hm..."

Lion Knight Dandy fought off an encounter with three wargs, no thanks to the Damsel!

Roisenrot was busy staring at faded signs, and didn't notice a thing! She taps her chin. "There's a fort to the east, and... not much to the west, but it may be quicker. Which way should we go?"

Dandy decided after looking alongside her that perhaps heading right was the correct option. He pointed east, "The fort. We may benefit from knowing where backup is, should we need aid."

Roisenrot: "East it is then!”

Dandy stopped by the fort.

Roisenrot studies the fort. Not much of a structure…

Dandy asked Rottie, “Should we see what’s inside, very quickly before moving along?"

Roisenrot nods. "May as well!"

Dandy looked over the various traders, guards, politicians, and others in the fort. It was a surprising variety. From the side, Rottie heard something that may interest her.

"Did you hear about Wizard's Fief? They say a mad sylvari has hijacked the mass of elementals there," one person said. The other replied, "No, no, not mad, just huge. The size of a small boulder, and with tendrils from its legs and eyes to engulf all who try to oppose it." Naturally, a third disagreed, and being an asura, it may have been one of the more levelheaded assessments, "She was not large, she was small, and she was a geomancer. Stop spreading such rumors, or you'll get us in trouble with the Watch Captain. She’s just an immensely powerful mage."

Roisenrot distracted, doesn't notice Dandy's attempts to catch her attention until he touches her arm. She glances back at him, her brow furrowed and her lips pursed. “Dandy, how would you feel about a bit of a detour?" Her eyes are bright despite her expression, a spark behind her usual evening glow.

Dandy grinned, "Of course, where did you have in mind? As I said before, I am here to be your sword and shield. And, er, rifle. You know what mean.”

Roisenrot giggles, the serious expression lifting. "Yes, yes. Wizard's Fief! Give me just one moment. Excuse me!" She waves at the group and strolls up with a spring in her step. "I couldn't help but overhear. Where is Wizard's Fief?”

Dandy watched as the group answered her, "It is east, east, east of here," said the asura, "If you can handle the wilds, you don’t even need to follow a road. You’ll know it from the cliffs and water.”

Rosenrot thanks the group and dashes back to Dandy. "East! Right along the the cliffs. I didn't see a path headed east, though, so we may have to rough it. Isn't that exciting!"

Dandy was eager to get started, "Sounds exciting plus four! Do you think we are fit for the trek?"

Roisenrot looks between the two of them. "Oh... I didn't think to ask how long of a walk it is. We have rations. Although, I do hope we won't have to sleep out in the open... Oh, we’ll be fine."

Dandy took her word for it, and was already starting out the door. "My my, from what I see there’s danger just ahead. We may have to fight, Rottie."

Roisenrot taps the dagger at her hip. "I'm alright with that! I have my Knight at my side, after all." She gives him a fond smile and heads down the hill.

Dandy charged after her, rifle at the ready, and sword on his back! He pointed a finger, "Watch out, Rottie! Wild moas ahead!"

Roisenrot laughs. "They're just birds, Dandy, they won't attack us."

Dandy frowned, "Shows what you know. How about that with the two heads?"

Roisenrot squints into the distance. "I think it's... an ettin? We should go around."

Dandy loaded Gordy, "Just in case..."

Roisenrot lifts her skirts delicately as they cross the water.

Dandy looks away, just in case.

Rosenrot looks around, a bit lost. "Well. This way!" She points and dashes off.

Dandy points ahead, as usual, at some creature. "Bats. What do we do of bats?"

Roisenrot: "Oh dear... I don't think we can go around this one."

Dandy: "Should we..."

Roisenrot nods. "Might as well... They're dangerous anyway, aren't they?"

Dandy: "Gordy is ready. Shall we blaze through?"

Roisenrot: "Let's."

Dandy cheers.

Roisenrot cheers.

Dandy: "Do… Do we take like, a tooth? Or an eyeball, as proof of our valor?"

Roisenrot: "... if you like. Seems rather gory."

Roisenrot: "What are these...? Do you think we're on the right path?"

Dandy: "THESE FLOWERS BURST! OUCH!"

[ettin fight]

Roisenrot: "That hurt!" She kicks the dead body, then hops back, nursing a bruised toe.

Dandy coughs a bit, "More than that ... I'm feeling somewhat nauseous." He kneels.

Roisenrot touches his shoulder. "Oh no. Should we rest? This isn't a very safe area, though. Let's make it a bit further up the path."

Dandy struggled to his feet. In times like these his stature showed most fully. He was skinny, weak, and if it weren’t for the ease of marksmanship. he'd be defenceless. Thank the Pale Mother for letting me grow a rifle, thought Dandy.

Roisenrot lets her hand hover near his elbow as they walk. She knows what it's like to feel weak.

Dandy graciously accepts the help. "Two ahead. You advance, I'll take the critical shots."

Roisenrot nods.

Roisenrot: "Are you alright?"

Dandy smiled weakly, "Well done, Damsel. I’m fine, but... They weren’t joking. I'm not sure how I'll handle this cliff."

Roisenrot blinks at the open sky where the ground drops away. There's the town... far below. "I may have led us astray..."

Dandy looked down, "There is water, right?"

Roisenrot steps close to peer down at the water below... and the rocks below her feet slip, sending her tumbling down with a shriek.

Lion Knight Dandy immediately dove after her, leaning as he could into the fall, hoping to catch up!

Roisenrot struggles to the surface - her rocky shields protected her, but they weighed her down.

Roisenrot: "Dandy? DANDY!"

Roisenrot dashes into the town for help.

Dandy was, in his state, unable to succeed. Rather, he plummeted into the earth with all the force of a multi-story drop, and as such his body became entrenched beneath rock and sand. Dandy was lucky though, he had enough skill with nonstandard growth and vine use to pull himself before impact using the cliffside vegetation. But he knew it wouldn't be enough alone.

Roisenrot leads the way along the cliffs with a group of humans. "There he is! Oh, Dandy, are you alright?" She kneels beside him.

Dandy could not speak, only blink once or twice, with eyes nearly shut. His arm had been twisted, his leg gashed, and lacerations dotted the salad's chest.

Roisenrot drew upon the water below to soothe Dandy's wounds as best she could, but water had never been her strong point - the liquid struggled in her hands. "Help me get him into town, please?" She asked, looking up over her shoulder at the humans behind her. Golden tears welled in her eyes. "There must be a healer!"

Dandy barely made out what happened next. In response to Rottie's pleas, the humans nodded silently in agreement. They knew someone, but she was no healer. Even so since she, Sikora, had swept through the town three things became clear to all who didn't leave. She could heal, or conjure, or shape fire and ice and storms, but met not because she was a student of it. Instead, it was because Sikora Soothsayer had amassed so much strength, so much raw focused arcane power that even a small water blast, the type any novice would do, became charged to a point of destructive force matching the battering coastal waves. She could heal in the same fashion as Rosenrot had attempted, with the very same spells, but to much greater effect. They had also learned that this Sikora was a student of geomancy, one of the rarer fields often overlooked by aspiring mages for being too dull, or not strong enough. In the face of her arrival at Wizard's Fief, quicker than its residents ever believed possible. This brought the last lesson since she’d arrived. Sikora is the boss, and she only did things with benefit. As Rottie was about to discover, proving the worth of a life would be much harder than she'd ever expected.

Roisenrot hovers anxiously as the humans gently life Dandy's battered body and carry him back along the cliffs. "Please be careful," she whispers fretfully. “Please be careful..."

Dandy gets on his suit to watch how Rottie convinces Sikora in style next time.

[inkrp-logs]

Lion Knight Dandy, Roisenrot

Dandy wants to GET STRONK and forget he got punched in the nuts. Rottie wants to help him. Takes place after this RP.

Warnings: None. These two are adorable babies.

Lion Knight Dandy wiped the sweat from his brow. Even since his first defeat, he had decided to seek out places to train his strength and demeanor. He settled on training with the Wardens as a good starting point, but alas, he never expected the axe to feel so weighty after just a few swings...

Roisenrot leaned on her staff a few feet behind her fellow sapling; a little smile danced over her lips. He was starting to feel the limits of a physical form! The Dream never left you tired.

Dandy was referred to head west by the Wardens. Something about magic mushrooms to help his muscles grow stronger? Whatever it meant, Dandy took their advice and set off to the west.

Rottie trotted along after him, her staff in hand. She hummed quietly to herself.

Dandy found that, much to his dismay, the mushrooms did the exact opposite of what he had been told. He was visibly smaller for eating them, and it didn't boost his confidence much.

Rottie cheerfully munches on a mushroom. She was small anyway and strong enough as it was, so what difference did being smaller make?

Dandy eyes a great, beastly arachnid... and then beat its eight legs in with the help of a few heros.

Rottie paused a few feet behind the other Sylvari. ...Had he really not noticed yet? Well, no matter.

Dandy had a sinking suspicious he was being followed. Since his previous encounter, new people were a bit less of an interest to little Dandy. He decided that, all the same, he wanted to discern whether or not he had a tail. Spying a veritable pit of undead ahead, the Not-Exactly-A-Knight leapt in, fully believing that only someone out to pursue would follow after him.

Rottie leapt cheerfully after him, though she was careful with the rocks below her. What fun - she hadn't been out for a romp like this since that Norn hit her and knocked her down the stairs!

Dandy was sure of it now. The spiky little thing behind him as still there even after reaching the beach. As a final test, Dandy began to climb Morgan's Spiral and see if he'd shake her.

Rottie kept pace with him easily, although she had to hook her staff to her back to do so.

Dandy paused on a ledge to abruptly that little stones tumbled when Roisenrot tried to stop. "You are following me. Why? Did the short one send you to finish the job...?"

Rottie nearly bumped into him; she had to catch at the wall to keep from knocking him off. "Oh! So you did notice. I was beginning to wonder." She titters. "The little one - you mean the Asura who hit you in the, ah, twigs and berries, so to speak? No, she didn't." She presses her fingers to her mouth to hide her grin. "What /did/ you say to her? I've never seen an Asura that angry!"

Dandy instinctively covered his sensitive planty parts when Roisenrot's hand moved. Hardly a knightly habit, but one that he'd picked up after a single fateful evening. "I only asked for a bite of her cookies..."

Rottie: "Oh, was that all? A very long conversation you had just to ask for a cookie." She giggles again. "Are you very young? I am myself. The Asura aren't very friendly, but oh! You should meet a Norn. They're wonderful. Mostly."

Dandy kicked another rock over the ledge, "Yes, I guess I am young. He, er, she made a point of that. I hadn't thought it would matter, given how much I know from my dream."

Rottie pursed her lips, though there was an amused cast to her brow. "What do you mean, how much? Mother does her best but there's only so much we can learn while asleep."

Dandy grumbled, "Enough to know those cookies had lemon, and that she didn't share them..." He felt a little disgruntled remembering it all, and decided to set off running again to clear his head. It didn't sit well being so unknightly in front of this salad.

Rottie pressed her hands together and pushed her fists against her mouth to keep herself from giggling. She didn't want to hurt his feelings, but... ! How old was he, exactly? She chased after him. "Oh, don't be mad. We all make mistakes! There's a lot to learn in this world."

Dandy grumped at her, "Yeah yeah, but you know, I heard that giggle earlier. And I don't need to learn what that means." He jumped a few islands away before shouting, "It means you're having a good laugh at me! Your thorns aren't for show, sister."

Rottie: "No, no! Not at you! Well, sort of but not at your expense! Hey!" She ducked, her hands coming up to cover her head. That could have hit her! "I want to help you, that's all. No need to throw things!"

Dandy stomped and shook his head, "Sure you are. Just leave me alone okay? I'm trying to cool my head, okay!?" He slipped, tripped, and fell. So much for a cool head.

Rottie went to jump after him, but missed, her foot sliding off a loose slab of rock. She fell and barely managed to catch herself with a gust of air. Rubbing her elbow, she got to her feet. "Ooh.. ow... Oh! Oh, are you alright? Oooh, no, don't cry! See? We're both alright!" She patted him comfortingly on the shoulder.

Dandy shouted, "Does it LOOK like I'm okay? Honestly, what's the point of even trying... Every time I meet somebody new I get hurt!"

Rottie: "Oh, that can't be true. Did you get hurt after you met your Mentors? Or your classmates?"

Dandy thought it over. "Well, my mentor's advice did lead up to confronting the short one... So yes, yes I did."

Rottie planted her hands on her hips and squinted at him. She hadn't wanted to be blunt, but... "Now, understand, you'll have to be told this eventually. I heard that entire conversation. You were very insulting! I almost understand why she hit you. If you don't take the feelings of others into consideration, well, be ready for more of the same."

Dandy wasn't about to give up on his position of rightness. Oh no, he had a word or two of his own for Rottie! "So you're saying that if somebody insults you, whether they mean to or not, no matter their age, it is okay to hit them? Not only to hit them, but to do so without warning, without challenge, without throwing down the gauntlet and meeting at an appropriate location?" He spat, "I think that if you believe so, then you, spiky salad, are in the wrong. It makes you unworthy of the title damsel, whether in distress or not, and even farther from holding the title of hero, much less, of knight." He shook his head, "You know, perhaps not even of friend."

Rottie: "Oh, and you're that much closer? You called her stupid and ugly. Is that knightly behaviour, to you? Some knight, then! This damsel would rather save herself than have you come for her."

Dandy's eyes widened in surprise. "And after all I said you refer to yourself as a damsel? You know, you should think before bestowing a title like that on yourself! It shows no tact!"

Rottie crossed her arms, her legs planted defiantly. "I'll call myself whatever I like! I hardly care what a childish knave like you thinks of me. You're the one with no tact here, that's why she punched you!"

Dandy's jaw dropped. "Knave? KNAVE!? You DARE to call someone such as myself a KNAVE!?" He stepped up to Rottie's ear, "Um, sorry but, what is a knave? I never learned that word."

Rottie couldn't help but giggle, her irritation gone in a flash. "It means - it's more or less the opposite of an honorable knight. That is what you want to be, isn't it?"

Dandy was taken aback, "How did you know I wished to become a knight!?"

Rottie shrugged, giving him a smile. "All this talk about honor and damsels and heroes. I assumed. Am I wrong?"

Dandy shook his head slowly. "No, you are absolutely correct, I just never thought one could figure that out from a conversation without asking it of me. Are you perchance a mesmer, a mage of the mind?"

Rottie shook her head. "An elementalist. Of the earth variety." She tapped the butt of her staff on the ground.

Dandy leapt backwards, half expecting a rock to hurl straight from the earth to his neck. "Again, sorry. I'm a bit jumpy. You understand. But if you are a mage, then perhaps... Perhaps you would consider adventuring with me? You may know more about being knightly than I do, and I'm sure you could use a little muscle now and again!" He flexed his wimpy beansprout arms, then winked. He slowly began to tear up, because Rottie seemed unimpressed.

Dandy, running away: "FINE FORGET I ASKED!" (here he went and cried behind a bush)

Rottie: "Oh! Hahaha... hee, no, I'm sorry! I shouldn't laugh, now I'm the one being rude! I'm not laughing at you! You're very..." She giggles and jogs after him. "You're very amusing!"

Dandy ran away, dropping a trail of big baby crocodile tears behind him. "Whatever, just don't let me see your face again~!"

Rottie dropped to a slow walk, her staff bumping against her back and a conflicted grin on her face. "Oh, if you insist... ! If you want to see me again, just ask the Menders. They'll know where I am."