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Crescent Isles
"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 17, 2023 2:33:29 GMT -5
A guilty smile crept across Sylvari's face as she came to sit next to Taki, folding her legs and nestling up close. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your meditation, Taki."
A companionable silence followed, for as long as Sylvari could bear, which was about three minutes. She had never been exceedingly patient. Even with the tactics mindset of her people, her father had to all but beat the lessons into her, where other pupils understood within weeks through meditation.
"So... this is a nice garden you've found for yourself. Very... flowery and quiet..." If Sylvari could sweat, she would have been. Gods, you're terrible at small talk when you've got something on your mind, Sylvari. Just tell Taki your piece honestly and hope she accepts it.
Sylvari took a deep breath to steady her whirling mind before she began, looking up at the stars as she spoke. "Taki, I wanted to say I'm sorry for dragging you through all that. I never asked if you were ok with crowds or parties, and I just dragged you along, subconsciously knowing you were too kind to deny me. But willingly or not, it's not right to take advantage of others, so I want to offer my apologies." Sylvari swallowed thickly before continuing.
"I was just so excited to have a partner, a friend, that I didn't want the time to end so soon. I haven't had any companion I trusted, or could trust myself with, in a long time, but that's not any excuse to throw tact and consideration for others out the window. I'm very grateful for all you've done for me, and I hope I haven't damaged our relationship in my carelessness."
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 17, 2023 3:24:59 GMT -5
Taki smiled softly, reaching out and placing a hand on her shoulder. "Your apology is accepted, even if it's a bit misplaced. I'm glad you are able to relax, be a part of the life that seems difficult in your circumstance. I hope this journey helps you find more people of such caliber to rely on in the future. You've got nothing to worry about between us Sylvari, and you're always welcome to visit or message me to come visit. We just met, and you know little of my life before that moment... I would be a sorry individual if I held that against you for some reason." Replied the shaman, who also appreciated the variety of plants and their arrangements in the garden. She could understand Sylvi's worry, particularly if this wasn't a common occasion. Each relationship with a person was as fragile as the weakest moment shared between them, and for some folks that often is too much to handle.
She let her hands rest on her lap as she sat comfortably and watched the stars overhead. Their light dimmed by the bright bonfire in town, Taki still marveled at the splendor.
"Each of us walks a path in life that is unique to those taken steps, but each step is a part of the whole... one interwoven web of choices, actions and change that rides on the tides of forces barely understood. Like stars in the sky, each is a tiny speck of light dotted on a grand canvas of darkness... yet no matter how it looks to us here from our place in our time... so much is left unknown about what those stars are actually doing, where they are or even how they exist in the first place. From my own experiences and understanding, anyone trying to make the best of their own path while paving the way for others is a kindred spirit. No matter your past, circumstances, or upbringing, the actions you take and choices you make today and into the future are all I will ever know... and all I will ever begrudge a person... not that I do that well to begin with. So far, you are someone I can happily call friend, and will continue to do so as long as possible. I'm glad this has been a positive experience for you, and hopefully our paths will keep crossing in such ways."
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Fighter's Guild
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"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 17, 2023 13:26:35 GMT -5
Sylvari leaned back in her sitting position on her hands as she listened to Taki speak. "You remind me of my mother."
A beat passed before Sylvari realized the unsavory implications such a statement carried. "Not that you're old or anything! And I'm not looking for someone to fill a maternal role in my life..." Sylvari took a breath, heaving out a great sigh. Smooth, Sylvi. She decided to try a different approach, looking up to the stars as she spoke.
"Dad always said that Mom was smarter than the two of us put together, and I should heed well her advice when she gave it. I was an impatient, active child, though, and so many of my mother's lessons fell by the wayside as I charged off to combat training. I lost her too young to understand the value of her words." Sylvari paused and grimaced at the painful memory.
"She would have liked you. She too always talked about how our actions impacted others and shaped the world around us. I remember once being in a state of melancholy over some failed exercise or test. My mother told me that every experience we had shape us into the people we are meant to be, and wishing to have changed something in our life was akin to wishing that our current selves never existed. Through all the pain and hardship my road has inflicted, I think it would be ungrateful indeed if I neglected to give thanks for the blessings as well: friends like you."
Sylvari gave Taki a happy smile and returned her gaze heavenward.
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 17, 2023 20:37:52 GMT -5
"It sounds like your mom was a wise lady, and it's good that you have some fond memories of her." Taki replied, relaxing in the quiet as the sounds of music floated through the town. Watching the stars and resting in a place away from the main crowd helped calm the shaman immensely. A few folks with young families had begun to make their way home, while others still celebrated. The smell of food had waned, but the strong smell of alcohol seemed to linger undisturbed on the air. After a few moments, the shaman stood up and stretched out. She let out a deep sigh and smiled.
"I think I'm gonna start for home Sylvari, I'd like to sleep in my own bed this evening and be able to tend my garden and keep the house come morning. I hope the rest of the festival is a good one and your adventuring goes a little smoother from now on. Have a wonderful night, and I hope we meet again soon." Taki said after a moment. She had done all she could and the desire for rest was growing stronger by the moment. Thankfully, the trip home with Hanehiko could be a swift one thanks to her enchanted gear. She gave the young girl a gentle hug, and a vial full of a dark, crimson liquid sealed with magic.
"Just in case you ever find yourself needing an emergency snack..." She said, closing it in the vampiress' hand.
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Fighter's Guild
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"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 17, 2023 23:27:38 GMT -5
Sylvari returned the hug gratefully, drawing Taki close. She took the offered vial reverently and tucked it into her pack before returning her attention to her friend. "Sad to see you go, but I'm glad for the time we had together. Take care of yourself, Taki. If you ever need a- well a cold body, I suppose, in front of you, I'm your girl."
Sylvari was glad she had met Taki. The shaman had made her reconsider a great many things about the world and her place in it. More than anything, she believed in the good of Sylvari's heart, a vote of confidence desperately needed. She wouldn't soon forget her friend's kindness, and hoped she would be able to return the favor someday. When I'm stronger, I'll be there for her. At the very least, I'll spread more kindness and good in the world in her name. She's given me that chance.
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