Iudrix: A dissonance. Thin fingers that curl and hesitate, hiding faces-that-aren’t and thoughts and fears that brighten and burst into a thousand shards of mirror. Wordless notes of music you know but you don’t, settling into cracks where butterflies live. Fireflies and bits of quartz strung up between sheets and blankets, reflecting a bold glow that ebbs in soft breaths of empty sleep.
Tasedyn: Structured shelves and footpaths trod a thousand times. Jars that hold unstructure things to be guided into form by measured touches that smooth and sort. A lonely minimalism, world lit only by the memory of light previously seen. Practical dreams that cage quiet yearnings and divide wishes into what is and isn’t. Friendship offered freely from a boring door that few bother to seek.
Llyiss: Walls upon walls upon walls built from bitter bricks. Warmth nibbled away to nothing by lives long lost, what remains tucked far away to be enjoyed by no one. Ruined homes that bounce back echoes of pasts lost. A ghost of mist that haunts itself held together by weary stubbornness, a resentment of what is coagulating into resentment of what was. Splinters of an old self worming their way into new scars. Life despite itself.
Rieathain: Impulses that snap with white bright teeth in dark intentions and the howl of empty static that draws to crescendos and there is nothing only teeth and tearing and biting. Disconnected feelings in high pitched tones that sting and sting and sting and sting. A starving dog that turns on anyone near it until it only has itself to devour. Bruised lips that spit awful words. Bruised hands that commit awful acts. Destroyed rooms where licking lash wounds tastes sweeter than reasoning. Fighting fire and fear with metal blades until they heat and brand themselves deep into skin. Hate for hate's sake.
Criudyn: Books and blankets that quietly gather dust untouched. Nothing matching but everything comfortable, things second hand and gathered curiosities. The smell of dried plants and the warmth of carefully chosen teas stirred with shaky fingers. The sway of a crystal as it nudges the way among motes that whisper silent suggestions. Decks of cards that cannot fix what was. Sleep that cycles not by the sun but strength, a subconscious no longer allowed to take control and the tides of lucidity that wax and wane as a result. A form pressed into acceptability by the pressure lent by thread. A pair of cracked spectacles.
Sylvari hang out with the bamboo. Riva is an out of guild player, thank you for joining us!
Warnings: None, really? Blind Sylvari.
Tasedyn sat quiety in the misty garden, a small green dagger in his hands. He ran his fingers down the shape of the blade, eyes closed as he searched out any chips and weaknesses.
Yavril had entered the grove of bamboo quietly, looking around with a smile. She hadn’t visited in a long time - too long. She was startled by the other Sylvari; she was usually alone. “Hello,” she greeted him, looking around.
Tasedyn lifted his head when greeted, opening his cloudy eyes. “Ah, hello, didn’t hear you coming. Waterfall.” He smiled. “Did NIall send you to find me? I told him I’d be awhile.”
Yavril tilted her head. Niall? “No, I don’t know Niall. I’ve just been away from the Grove for a while and thought to visit. I’m sorry if I’ve bothered you?”
Tasedyn just shook his head, wrapping the dagger in leather and tucking it away. He reached back behind him for his staff, using it to pull himself to his feet. “Nonsense. That must be why I didn’t recognize you voice. I assumed he’d sent someone, always worried.”
Riva Delmare sighed happily, looking around the garden until she spotted the two Sylvari. Curious, she decided to go say hello. “Hello. Sorry to interrupt, but I don’t believe I’ve seen you around before. Who are you?”
Yavril smiled, “I’m sure he means well.” She opened her mouth to continue, but the new woman spoke, and Yavril swiveled to look at her. The bamboo grove certainly was popular today. “Hello! My name is Yavril. You likely haven’t seen me because I’ve been in and out of the Jungle on orders from the Pale Tree. This is-?” She cut herself off, looking to the man.
Tasedyn turned to the sound of the second voice, nodding to her. “Tasedyn. I tend to hole myself away too much, you not recognizing me is probably my fault.” He smiled. “It’s a little hard to hear in here, so if there are any others watching, hello to you as well.”
Riva Delmare smiled. “Pleasure to meet you both. I am Riva. I too have been out and about in the Jungle, helping a friend of mine, but I returned here about a week ago after she went to Tanged Depths. So, what brings you two here to the garden?”
Yavril grinned up at the waterfall, “I try to visit when I come back to the Grove - it’s beautiful here, even if it is loud.” Upon consideration, she turned back to Riva. “I happen to know a lot of the Sylvari in the jungle. There aren’t many of us, after everything. What’s you friend’s name?”
Riva Delmare: “Her name is Lilia Sombrea. She prefers Lily, though. As for the lack of Sylvari, I’d assume so… most I know have either turned, or went out into the Jungle to help fight back.”
Tasedyn tapped his scarred chin, considering their words. “I come down here when I want to work sometimes, if no one can find me they won’t pile more tools nearby, right?” he paused. “Is the jungle interesting? I… have never actually left the Grove, to my regrets.”
Riva Delmare: “Yes, it’s quite gorgeous once you get past the mordrem and giant jungle creatures. There are waterfalls, and up in the canopy you can glide for hours…”
Yavril nodded politely with Riva, but there was a frown on her face. “Travel from the Grove all you like, brother, but to be quite frank… I would recommend that as few Sylvari enter the jungle as possible. It is gorgeous, I admit, but the carnage… and the close proximity to Mordremoth is hard on some. I’d wish that on none of our brothers or sisters. And the Pact forces are frightened of us.” She turned to Riva, “I’m afraid I can’t say I know your friend.”
Riva Delmare: “True… As for Lily, I wouldn’t be surprised. She tends to keep to herself, unless she’s with those she trusts. She also sticks to the shadows when moving about. How far into the Jungle have you been, Yavril?”
Tasedyn laughed softly. “You don’t need to worry about that, I’m not traveling anywhere anymore. I can’t even imagine the logistics, getting out there.” He gestured to his face. “Besides, I wouldn’t be able to properly appreciate the beauty.”
Yavril: “Ah, fairly far, but I only go so far as the Pale Tree needs. I keep busy.” Yavril cocked her head at Tasedyn, totally oblivious and finding his remark a little odd. “Oh, What makes you say that?”
Riva Delmare: “What did she ask of you, if I may ask?”
Yavril: “Ah, some of it is confidential, but I mostly assist the Pact forces, keep the Pale Tree and Sylvari informed.”
Riva Delmare: “Ah…” She then turns to Tasedyn, waiting for his response.
Tasedyn shrugged. “I wouldn’t be able to see it. And from your words all I’d hear is screaming and demands.” He smiled again.
Riva Delmare: “Oh, that’s unfortunate. But lucky in another way, I guess. That way you won’t feel the Call as strongly, if at all.”
Yavril paused a moment before she read between the lines. “Oh, I see.” she muttered, finally getting it. She frowned at Riva slightly in disagreement. The Call was not something that required sight.
Riva Delmare sees the frown, and as if reading her mind, speaks. “I know the Call doesn’t require sight, but if he doesn’t travel anymore, then he wouldn’t be going to the Hungle. Which is why I said it wouldn’t be as strong.
Yavril groaned to herself - she really was out of it today, and totally oblivious. She must have been more tired than she’d thought.
Tasedyn: “Here? No, I can barely feel it. Though it does bother me, at times. Not being able to trust what was always there is… disarming.”
Riva Delmare: “Indeed… we must overcome it, though, if we are to win this battle.”
Yavril shrugged. “you must be one of the lucky ones. Some Sylvari hear it strongly even here, including me. Though it is strong in the Jungle. I envy you, honestly.” She turned to Riva, “I agree.”
Riva Delmare: Honestly, the only reason I go to the Jungle is because I need materials from there for my experiments, as well as helping out Lily and her Order. Other than that, I stay here and research.”
Tasedyn dismissed it with a gesture. “I’m lucky in the fact I can easily pick out what is ridiculous and what is not. Leave for the jungle? It’s silly. Though I have had to work on more weapons lately. I almost miss fixing shoes.”
Riva Delmare tilts her head slightly. “What is it that you do here, besides work on weapons?”
Yavril smiled cheerfully, “Are you a Shaper, then?” She had deep respect for the Shapers, and was always happy to meet another one.
Tasedyn nodded. “That is what I do, yes. Though nothing grand, anymore. I’m quite good at weapons, I would like you to know.”
Riva Delmare: “That sounds fascinating. Do you enjoy it?”
Tasedyn gave a shrug. “Ah, it’s really all I know. I let myself get too wrapped up in my work when I started, and now, well, it keeps me useful.”
Riva Delmare smiled. “Cool. What do you do, besides help out with the Pact and such, Yavril?”
Yavril smiled, ready to answer, until she had to pause. What /did/ she do other than help the Pact and the Tree? “I’m a Ranger,” she finally said, “I’m rather old - I travel quite a lot.”
Riva Delmare: “What places were your favourite to visit?”
Yavril grinned, suddenly on rapid fire. “Oh there are so many! I loved the major cities, especially Divinity’s Reach. Oh or the Norn lands - there’s a hot steam sauna… somewhere.”
Riva Delmare: “Oooh… you’ll have to show me someday.”
Yavril: “Absolutely!”
Riva Delmare: “I’ve only traveled to a few places… my favourite being Brisban Wildlands, or Queensdale.”
Tasedyn just listened quietly, not having much in common to talk about. He really hadn’t ever left the Grove, it was always some other day until he couldn’t.
Riva Belmare turned, noticing Tasedyn’s silence. “What was your favourite thing that you crafted?”
Yavril looked back at her dog and gave him something out of a pouch on her hip.
Tasedyn shrugged a little awkwardly. “I don’t really have a true favourite, I suppose. I’ve never done anything grand. Mostly I repair more than I begin.”
Yavril nodded, “That’s interesting. I imagine there’s a lot of market for repair, with the conflicts lately.”
Riva Delmare: “Ah… that’s cool. Do you have any other hobbies?”
Tasedyn held up a hand, palm out. “My life isn’t that interesting, it’s okay.” He dipped his head, closing his eyes for a moment. “I’m fine just listening to you discuss what goes on outside of home.”
Yavril chuckled, “Well, honestly, I don’t know what to say much. I don’t know what is going on in the Grove lately. I could tell you all about the drama of a Pact Sylvari and a Pact Human, though.”
Tasedyn turned his head in Yavril’s direction, more out of courtesy than anything. “Is that what you’re hiding from?”
Yavril chuckled awkwardly - “H-hiding?”
Riva Delmare looked between the two, being silent for a moment.
Tasedyn just smiled at her.
Yavril didn’t really know how to respond to that. Maybe she was hiding - she didn’t really find she could connect with anyone after leaving for so long. Being so connected to the Pale Tree made her distant, and after time… she shook out the thought; now was not the time. “I don’t think I’m hiding.” Before anyone could argue with her, she smiled at Riva, “What is it you do?”
Riva Delmare blinked in surprise, but smiled. “I do many different things… I work with the Durmand Priory, and helped uncover new places and artifacts, as well as clues of Tyria’s past. Lately, I’ve also been experimenting on different things using a mixture of jungle plants and water. I’m hoping to find a way to reverse Mordremoth’s corruption, or at least slow it down, if that is possible. I tend to travel various places as well.
Tasedyn: “With water? That’s interesting enough, I suppose. I’m not sure how using what’s possibly corrupted will find a way to stop it.”
Riva Delmare shrugs. “I’m fighting fire with fire and hoping for the best, I suppose. If that doesn’t work, though, I might try some other ingredients. I won’t stop until Mordremoth is dead, or I have found an answer.”
Yavril nodded along, until something sparked in her eyes and she jolted. “Oh! I’m so sorry, but I’ve just remembered that I have to take care of something.” She bowed, and then ran off without a reply.
