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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 18, 2023 13:58:37 GMT -5
It was the nature of an adventurer's life to go where the work was. Often, this meant traveling to unsavory locations. Such was the case for Sylvari, when she made for the Crescent Isles. For nigh anyone else in the world, a beautiful island chain teeming with exotic flora and fauna could be considered a vacation by the standards of the less-choice places that adventurers wandered, but the land did not concern Sylvari: it was the people. Specifically a roaming band of nomads that occupied the more mountainous regions of the area south of the Bamboo Woods. It was the reason that Sylvari kept herself limited to only Starlight City and its surroundings.
Strangely enough, it had been the first time Sylvari had ever been to Starlight City, despite living on the Isles most of her life. And to think, my first excursion to the big city was to kill rats and skeletons. Admittedly, she had come to the Isles in search of larger prey, but the contracts available were all small-scale creature extermination requests.
Sylvari sighed in frustration at the thought, as she continued her training, sparring against illusory opponents in the woods just outside the city limits. Truthfully, she much preferred training with others, but the list of people she trusted herself with were few and far between. The rigors of physical exercise provided too great a risk that she would expose her secret.
Proximity to home seemed to jog memories, unbidden, to Sylvari's mind: helping small communities in her travels with her people, enjoying the camaraderie of the other young warriors, and sparring with Xeltrice, Banbraith, and her father. Try as she might, she was unable to dispel the lingering thoughts, tinged with emotion, and her whole mind was committed to their banishment and her motion. She danced in combat beneath the twinkling starlight as iridescent crystals flowed freely from her eyes.
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Post by Seiya on Sept 18, 2023 22:57:45 GMT -5
Somethin’ always seems to bring Seiya back home.
As much as he talks about travelin’ across the continent in search of greater beasts, lookin’ to test his mettle against whatever wild creatures he can find in the endless sands of Zeinav or the bitter cold of the Frost Gale, that desire to wander, to run to the far reaches of every nation and test the limits of his strength until he’s broken them always winds up tempered by the love he feels for his homeland, for the familiarity of bamboo forests and sparkling sands and cities suspended in eternal spring. So even though he really shouldn’t, he always winds up comin’ back after a trip out, called back to the familiar after even the briefest brushes with the strange.
He can’t help it; he was born here, he’s lived here his whole life, and he suspects that one day he’ll die here, when enough centuries go by or enough things go wrong in just the right way. No other nation gives him the same comfort or the sweet rush of victory when he’s lookin’ for it, either– whatever they’re drinkin’ up north ain’t the same as down here, and a walk even through Zeinav’s oases or the Frost Gale’s cold woods ain’t gonna clear his head like a walk by the beaches or woods down here do.
So, no matter how far out the monsters he’s chasin’ are, Seiya always winds up back in the Crescent Isles one way or another; sometimes it’s to celebrate a victory with a little bit of plum wine or a walk by the blue lantern-lit woods he wandered as a kid, sometimes it’s just ‘cause he can’t stand bein’ away from it for too long, and this time ain’t much different.
It’s late, this time– the moon’s high in the sky, watchin’ over her isles with half-interest, her audience of stars sparklin’ brilliantly beside her, all their light filterin’ through the trees in that half-eerie, half-beautiful way he’s come to expect from home. It usually scares a lot of humans off, stirrin’ up all those stories about monsters and yokai, so Seiya ain’t expectin’ to run into anyone on a late night walk like this, so he’s all too happy to take his walk through the woods as slow and blissfully thoughtlessly as he wants–
That is, until he bumps into a fairly short but incredibly solid pillar of steel.
Seiya blinks, steppin’ back a short bit, claws sparkin’ to life just in case– but then he gets a good look at the person in front of him and immediately relaxes his stance all over again, not wantin’ to startle her. She ain’t too tall, but she’s well-armored– hair soft and ash-blonde, lit up all pretty with the moonlight, clearly some kinda knight or paladin or somethin’. He ain’t sure what she’s doin’ out this late, but it’s still his fault for bumpin’ into her.
“Oops, sorry, wasn’t expectin’ anyone to be out here,” he says sheepishly, managin’ a smile as he awkwardly scratches at the back of his neck– only for it to instantly fade as he notices the traces of what have to be tears on the lady’s face, sorrow warpin’ her face. “Whoa– hey, hey, I’m sorry… are you alright?”
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 18, 2023 23:18:18 GMT -5
Sylvari was not expecting to see anyone out here so late at night. Most people preferred the safety of cities, and she was far off the beaten path besides. Even less was she expecting to bump into a small giant with flowing hair and canine ears on his head. So startled was she by the unorthodox nature of the situation, she was unable to speak, merely gazing up at the stranger. This did not, however, prevent her unconscious mind from coloring her cheeks a dark shade of scarlet.
Sylvari took a few moments to process the stranger's words. Am I alright? Is he asking about the training, or... It was at this point that Sylvari reached up to touch her face, and she felt the tracks of tears running down her face, visible for this man to see, even past the veil. Gods, this is so embarrassing.
She quickly wiped away the evidence and turned to face the newcomer. Sylvari briefly considered lying, but her sorrow had been too plain to see, and this man seemed especially perceptive, barring the whole "bumping into her" incident. "I, er, I apologize. A most unseemly oversight on my part. I should keep better control of my emotions."
Sylvari tried to put on a convincing, close-lipped smile and extended her hand to the man. "Sylvari Dawnsage. It's a pleasure to meet you. May I ask why you're out in the woods so late?" Sylvari hoped to deflect the attention from herself by asking the stranger about himself.
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Post by Seiya on Oct 1, 2023 23:12:53 GMT -5
The silence that lingers in the air between them is definitely awkward.
Seiya’s never opposed to silence– he thrives on it, loves the comfort of stillness, the peace that comes from everythin’ fallin’ still, like when the lakewater’s all quiet and the only ripples on the surface come from the fish swimmin’ around underneath, the gentle whistle of the wind and the rustlin’ of the leaves providin’ the only sounds around. There’s a comfort in companionable silence, too– in sittin’ next to someone you love while they busy themselves with somethin’ or other, like embroidery or some other kinda silent craft, the air all still and warm with the weight of them beside you, no pressure to say a word.
The kind of silence that stretches between him and the stranger with ash-blonde hair ain’t like that, though– it’s long and awkward, her face flushin’ like the roots of Rose Ginger, just faintly visible beneath the edges of the veil coverin’ her eyes. It ain’t easy to tell whatever’s goin’ on inside her head, whatever prompted the tears, whatever’s got her so flustered, but it’s enough to stir up a deep sense of worry within Seiya– a worry that’s barely assuaged as the stranger swivels, evidence of her tears quickly swept from her face, her voice smooth as she lays forth an apology, like she’s committed some great crime for weepin’ in the woods on her own.
“Hey, hey, you ain’t gotta apologize for anythin’,” Seiya is quick to say, holding up a hand in an attempt to seem comfortin’, his voice soft and even ‘round the edges, as gentle as he can make it. “Feelings are feelings, and sometimes ya just gotta feel ‘em, yea?”
Just as the stranger offers a strained smile, he offers one in turn, sharp teeth pokin’ out a little as he grins back at her, extendin’ his hand forward to take hers in his own. The armor she wears is heavy, powerful, but her hand feels awfully small held in his own– though, that ain’t exactly an uncommon thing. ‘S all part of the territory when it comes to havin’ the blood of a demon flowin’ through your veins, after all– everythin’ starts to seem small or delicate when weighed against you.
“Sylvari,” he echoes, givin’ a short nod as he tests the name. “Nice to meet ya, Sylvari– the name’s Seiya. I ain’t up to much, just out on a walk– I just like it when it’s a little quieter out, y’know? Ain’t as stressful. Not as crowded. Didn’t mean to startle you or nothin’.”
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 3, 2023 19:07:49 GMT -5
"Seiya..." Sylvari felt the stranger's name linger on her tongue for a moment longer than it should, prompting another blush. "It's a lovely name." Sylvari quickly looked away from Seiya, acutely aware of how he towered over her, yet failed to be imposing. He had a calming aura about him, and it set Sylvari's lingering worries at ease. Sylvari sighed.
"I enjoy quieter spaces as well, at least recently. And I appreciate your concern, but your arrival was not what addled me so, I just haven't been back to the Crescent Isles in some time. A bittersweet homecoming you could say." The sad smile that Sylvari displayed conveyed more pain and sorrow than did her tears, as she was unable to restrain the raging emotions that roiled just under the surface.
Sylvari allowed herself to linger in her sadness for only a few moments longer before forcing a brave smile onto her face as she considered her new companion. I'm a poor excuse for a justiciar if I burden others with my pain when I've just met them. I need to be available in case Seiya has anything I can be helpful with. Not that it looks that way; he seems exceedingly... capable. But I know firsthand that appearances are often deceiving.
Sylvari changed tacts and returned the focus of the conversation to Seiya. "A walk, you say? I take it that you're a native then? There are not many who would wander the Bamboo Woods alone unless they were familiar with it."
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Post by Seiya on Oct 12, 2023 0:53:18 GMT -5
For a moment, Seiya just blinks when Sylvari speaks his name all softly, followin’ it up with the gentle insistence that he’s got a lovely name, but his surprise quickly gives way to joy, a grin splittin’ his face all over again, tail at his back swishin’ back and forth. He hasn’t known this girl long, but somethin’ about her seems real sincere– there’s an earnestness to her that’s apparent just from the way she speaks, from the way she carries herself, from the words she chooses. It ain’t often that he runs into people out here who’ll throw him scraps of kindness without a second thought like that, but… Heh, well. He sure could get used to it. “Yea? Well, thanks,” he says brightly. “Your name’s nice too. ‘S pretty– can’t say I’ve heard anythin’ like it before.”Some of that brightness ebbs away as Seiya notices the strain behind Sylvari’s smile, the restrained tremble to her lower lip, the sorrow burrowin’ deep in her expression; it’s rich with sadness in the same way the sea’s rich with salt, deep and boundless, so ingrained into her that it’s hard to imagine one without the other. It ain’t too hard to imagine why, either– he may not have the whole story, but he knows the weight of a bittersweet homecomin’, how easy it is for the bitter to outlast the sweet.
He knows that weight well-- it lingers in the form of distant shadows and familiar howls, things that skirt the edges of his dreams even in the safety of the cottage he grew up in, in the comfort of the bamboo woods the Dog Prince ain't gonna tread. Seiya doesn't think there'll ever come a time when he won't know it.
“...Eh? Oh, uh, yea, born and raised here,” he says, nodding quickly. “I mean, you ain’t gonna find any half-yokai anywhere else– least, I don’t think so. I take it it’s the same story for you, then?”
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 12, 2023 12:44:57 GMT -5
Sylvari stifled a sudden laugh, eminently grateful for the surprise distraction from her melancholy. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to laugh at you. I was just surprised by the phrasing of your question." Sylvari's smile came easier now, the natural light of her heart more evident on her face since she was jarred out of the mental mire she fell into.
"Barring the difference in our heritage, yes, born and raised. I never had the pleasure of exploring the woods like this. My people were more focused in the plains region and helping the various villages scattered there. It is beautiful here. I didn't realize how much my heart yearned for the place of my birth after a year of absence. It makes me realize how lucky I was to grow up in this place, and selfishly, I must say I think the Crescent Isles is the most beautiful place in the world."
Sylvari looked up at the faint starlight, peeking through the impossibly tall canopy of the plant stalks around them, a smile on her face. She looked back to Seiya, after a few moments of taking in the gentle ambiance, an impish grin on her face. "It also has the most interesting people."
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Post by Seiya on Nov 4, 2023 7:22:31 GMT -5
It takes everythin’ Seiya has not to let out a little sigh of relief at the way Sylvari’s tune changes– her voice has gotten a little bit lighter, her expression softer ‘round the edges, some of the signs of her sorrow startin’ to fade away as their conversation carries on, as she talks about the beauty of their homeland, the differences between the places she called home when she was little and the woods that he did. Her sadness ain’t quite makin’ a break for it through the door or anythin’, ain’t quite high-tailin’ it home, but it is startin’ to depart, easin’ its way out in slow strides, the mood slowly liftin’ with every word the lady speaks.
It’s… good. It’s nice watchin’ her smile go soft at the edges, seein’ her start to relax, the subtle points of tension ironed out of her face, her stance. It sends a little surge of pride through him, bein’ able to make anyone relax like this; he’s not exactly the sort strangers take comfort in seein’, after all. Being six-foot-nine, built like a fortress, and a half-demon will do that.
But Miss Sylvari here doesn’t seem too bothered by that– hell, if he’s readin’ things correctly, she just called him interesting.
“I’d agree with you there,” Seiya says, a quiet laugh followin’ the words. “‘S why I can’t seem to stop comin’ back here. Lots to see across Charon, but there ain’t no place like the Isles, yea?”
He moves to sit down at the base of a few of the bamboo stalks, pattin’ the earth beside him in an invitation for Sylvari to sit with him, if she wishes. Shame he didn’t think to bring some wine or somethin’ with him– well, he really shouldn’t make a habit of that to begin with, but the air’s nice and the stars are out, and this is the right kind of scenery for at least one nice drink. Ah, well– somethin’ about wins and losses.
“So, Sylvari,” he starts. “You a knight or somethin’? That’s some fancy armor you got.”
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 4, 2023 11:36:08 GMT -5
Sylvari smiled and happily took a seat on the ground next to Seiya, crossing her legs and looking over at him as she noted how he continued to tower over her even in a sitting position. A light laugh escaped her lips at her new companion's question.
"A knight. I suppose that's not too far off the mark. When I was with my people, I was training to be a justiciar, a sort of wandering judge who arbitrates matters of justice and helps the downtrodden." Sylvari's pleasant visage morphed into an expression of pain.
"I didn't pass my trials, so I guess I can't rightly name myself among that number. I still saw a need in Charon, even after being exiled, so I've carried on with the duties, though I imagine a fully-fledged justiciar would be much more adept than me. So, in answer to your question, yes, 'knight' is a title I wouldn't balk at, though neither would I claim it in the city, given the political ramifications."
Sylvari idly twirled a blade of grass gently between her armored fingers as she spoke, her thoughts wistful, as she then turned to Seiya with a question of her own.
"And what of you, my dear? You mentioned 'coming back', leading me to believe you spend more of your time elsewhere. What is it that you do in the world? I can see from your..." Sylvari blushed slightly and looked away. "Impressive physique that you take physical training seriously."
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Post by Seiya on Dec 21, 2023 12:05:16 GMT -5
Ah, shit.
Seiya frowns a bit when he catches the way Sylvari’s tone shifts all over again, her expression turnin’ all pained– she gives a little laugh at first, sure, but there’s a somberness weighin’ on her tongue, somethin’ wistful clingin’ to every word that leaps from it as she weaves fragments of a tale, of the pursuit of justice, of exile, of flyin’ so close to a branch that won’t let her settle. She’s vague about it, polite, but the pain’s there all the same.
He should’ve known that somethin’ like this might be a sore subject– people ain’t always keen on talkin’ about the places that built them, the foundations of their life as it is. There’s always a reason for the path people take, after all, and the road’s often rough, unkind to those who traverse it; he should’ve expected that askin’ would summon that sadness right back up. It’s kinda strange, honestly, to see her speak of devotion beyond dismissal with such conviction, to mention her exile without wincin’ away from it– it takes some real belief in what you stand for to toss shame to the wind and keep chasin’ after what you’ve been cast away from. It’s strange, but it ain’t a bad strange– it’s the respectable kind.
“I see,” he starts, pickin’ his words carefully. “Can’t say I blame ya for not wantin’ to call yourself that in the city and all. Still, you sound like one hell of a knight to me. Takes a lot of dedication to keep up somethin’ even after you’re expected to keel over and give up, y’know?”
He gives a little smile he hopes is encouraging, hopin’ there ain’t too much awkwardness packed into his expression, before he pauses at her own question, humming softly to himself as he seeks the right answer to give. She ain’t wrong about him takin’ his strength seriously, at least– though he doesn’t really get why she’s actin’ all shy about mentionin’ it. Ain’t no shame to be found when it comes to talk of strength.
“Ah, ya ain’t wrong,” Seiya laughs a little. “I’m a traveler– ain’t lookin’ for much in particular, just… whatever challenges I can sink my teeth into. Can’t give all the credit for strength to brawlin’ and the like, though– some of it’s just in my blood.”
He leans to the side a bit at that, liftin’ a finger to tap at one of his ears, which twitches a little as soon as his fingertip brushes against it.
“I just… do what feels right. What I feel needs to be done. That too vague?”
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Dec 21, 2023 12:32:45 GMT -5
"You do me too much credit, Seiya." Sylvari's blush deepened as she spoke, trailing an errant strand of silver-white hair behind her ear with a finger. "In truth, this is all I've ever known. From the time I was old enough to walk, I've trained for the pursuit of justice. My people molded me to be what I am... well, the whole of it, not the shadow I am now. As such, while I appreciate your kindness, I feel it is misplaced. One does not praise the birds for flight, for that is their nature and what is expected."
Sylvari sat in rapt attention as Seiya revealed a bit about his training and travels, crimson eyes gleaming behind the half veil. There was a ghost of hesitation as he mentioned his heritage, and the obvious power that flowed from it. It was clear the man took training and feats of strength seriously, and held them in high regard, but something about his natural advantages rubbed him the wrong way. Is it possible he feels bad for his birthright? Or perhaps there is some pain associated with the parent that gave him such blessings. I need to tread carefully here. Sylvari placed a gauntleted hand lightly over Seiya's own and put on a kind, sincere smile.
"The world needs more people like you, doing what's right. Virtue can be taught, but the desire to pursue it is something every individual must choose for themselves. I pray the gods light your path to tomorrow with all the blessings you deserve for your soft heart."
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Post by Seiya on Jan 21, 2024 20:53:00 GMT -5
The shadow I am now.
That’s an interestin’ choice of words, there– it’s hard not to hone in on it, to linger on it, to wonder over what the hell Sylvari might mean when she says it, but Seiya knows that if she wants to tell him, she’ll probably just tell him. He ain’t riskin’ causin’ her any more undue stress tonight; he keeps askin’ the wrong things, pryin’ in the wrong places, and the last thing he wants is to see any more sorrow darken that expression. He hates bein’ the reason for anyone’s misery; he doesn’t wanna dig too deep and strike a nerve when he’d only been tryin’ to get a better idea of the bigger picture.
“I dunno,” he says, shruggin’ his shoulders a bit. He’s gotta choose his words carefully– if she wants to refute his compliment again, then that’s okay, but he does want her to be able to tell that he ain’t just idly pickin’ words. “Yea, I guess no one tells the birds they’re doin’ a good job or nothin’, but people admire ‘em. That make sense…?”
Seiya huffs out a quiet, awkward laugh– he ain’t the type of person who’s overly skilled with dolin’ out wisdom, ain’t the kind of person who can fix anythin’ with a couple of well-placed words. He ain’t the sharpest sword in the rack, and he’s always been pretty well aware of it, too; he knows the world with his heart before he knows it with his brain, does more with his hands than he can ever do with his mind. He’d like to be better, someday– would like to be the kind of man who can give words of comfort with ease, but… it’ll take work.
He’s shaken from his thoughts by the feelin’ of Sylvari’s armored hand over his, the steel cold and yet gentle against his bare skin. It’s weird how contradictions like that work, how paradoxes can be as they are, but… he ain’t the type to think on it.
“Heh, uh… thank you,” Seiya manages, ears twitchin’ a little. “Soft heart, huh? That the kinda impression I give off…?”
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 22, 2024 14:12:45 GMT -5
Sylvari blushed at Seiya's insistence on giving her a compliment. In a demure voice, she expressed her gratefulness. "Thank you, Seiya. You're very kind. It's not often I receive admiration for my mission, so I will treasure your words."
As Seiya mused in thoughtfulness about Sylvari's impression of him, the justiciar gave him a gentle reassuring squeeze where her hand rested overtop of his own. "Yes, that is a perfect description of the impression you give. It's evident in your dedication to improving yourself, and how you feel conflicted about the advantages of your blood. It's evident in how you carefully word your responses to preserve the feelings of even one such as me, when you also give the impression of being used to brash and bold statements." Sylvari grinned playfully as she continued.
"Having a soft heart is a dangerous enterprise in a world such as ours, and all the more precious because of that fact. People may marvel at your skills for an afternoon, perhaps even a week if you're exceptionally flashy, but soon their fascination will fade. Words from a heart, truly and carefully spoken, however, will last for years and lifetimes. Every day we chart the course of the rest of our lives, and sometimes a word spoken in kindness is the only wind needed to guide a wayward ship into safe harbor."
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