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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 16, 2023 10:31:17 GMT -5
The trove of worries that festered within Sylvari was finally allowed to be released as Lo slipped into unconsciousness. Her face tore into an exaggerated frown, and she let out a little yelp of surprise as she moved, lightning-quick, to catch Lo before they hit the ground. Luckily, Lo held their staff in an iron grip despite their weakness and unconsciousness, so Sylvari didn't have to worry about the logistics of carrying the stick separately.
She quickly hoisted them over her left shoulder, leaving her hammer arm free should the worst come to pass, an eventuality that seemed ever more likely as she could hear the snarling and howling of an encroaching group of hellhounds. Getting caught in a fight with Lo like this would be bad. I need to get to the city quickly.
Sylvari quickly summoned the frosty magics of her bloodline to coat the soles of her boots [Frozen Feet] as she began skating to escape the pack, her exceptional balance training the only thing that kept the pair of them from tumbling into a disjointed heap as she navigated the uneven ground. She was making good time, and the cries of the demon dogs were receding, causing her to relax her pace just a bit, hoping to spare Lo from excessive jostling. That is, until Sylvari began to hear the laugh-like yips of a group of Ashland Jackals to her left flank. Hells, they're too close. Way too close.
Sylvari had tussled with the creatures before, and fighting semi-corporeal beasts was not high on her list of pleasurable activities. Now, weighed down by an incapacitated friend, she was even left inclined to meet their jaws, which always seemed all-too-physical. She bent low to the ground, resuming her breakneck skating pace, further bolstering her escape with her honed physicality to escape the beasts [Knight, Rushing Charge]. In short order, the pair rocketed out of the grasp of the hungry beasts and was nearly at the city gates.
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Post by Loex on Oct 25, 2023 5:38:17 GMT -5
The figure turned, showing she was carrying something heavy and unwieldy. A wicked howling echoed across the landscape as she turned and fled, chased by shadowy beasts. They felt defeated, barely able to put one foot in front of the other as the glowing apparition disappeared behind a hill. Lo cursed inwardly, shoving their staff into the dirt and dragging themselves forward. The mage was loathe to understand how they could look so gaunt yet feel so very heavy. They trudged on, following the baying calls of hounds and glimpses of a glowing figure. Lo wanted to remember why it was all important but the answer seemed as distant as the girl.
As the lizard dragged themselves through the wasteland, a soft, gentle chime rang through their mind. It's echoing tone pushed against the muted grey haze, bringing bits of color to the scene. Lo stared hard, willing their memories to return, to answer the dizzying questions. Another soft chime, this one resonating through every fiber of the mage's being. Their next step sent them skyward, as if they'd been hurled from a great siege weapon or tossed by some unseen hand. Flying over the landscape, they spotted the glowing figure, and it's shadowy pursuers. One by one the hazy beasts vanished as the glowing woman's speed increased many times. At first Lo thought they'd end up landing some distance ahead, near the gates, to wait for answers. The sudden burst of speed changed all that, causing the mage to 'crash' into the glowing figure.
Lo stirred, clinging to Sylvari's back as the mental fog cleared away. That hadn't been a dream... not really... something was off about it. The bells? The haze? It made the lizard's head ache, joining with their pain stricken body. They weren't going to last very long if they couldn't stay awake, or on their feet... not without a lot of help they had no clue how to get...
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 25, 2023 16:41:12 GMT -5
Lo was in and out of consciousness as Sylvari carried them through the gates of Darkveil City. She quickly hurried over to the inn nearby the gates, where she had a room, to place Lo in her bed and give them an opportunity for a proper rest. She softly exited the room, locking the door to safeguard her sleeping friend and ran through the taproom and city streets to fetch a healer, ignoring the disgruntled looks of patrons and servers as she interrupted the early evening mealtime.
Sylvari searched street by street, unfamiliar with the city's layout until she finally found an apothecary who was closing up shop, a kindly-looking older human. After explaining the situation, the doctor agreed to make a home visit to help Lo, to which Sylvari was eminently grateful. She provided the name of the inn she was staying at, a revelation that was met with blessedly little surprise from the old gentleman. Sylvari agreed to meet there in an hour.
In the time that she had during the interim, Sylvari retrieved the personal effects she had collected on her mission and began returning them to the family members. She was always terrible at this part: trying to convince people that she helped out of duty and not for personal enrichment. After she had haggled her employers down as low as she could, she turned heel and quickly raced back to the inn, remembering that she had locked Lo in the room.
She returned to the room, still finding Lo tossing and turning. She sat with them, idly radiating worry as she counted down the minutes until the apothecary arrived.
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Post by Loex on Nov 12, 2023 10:29:38 GMT -5
Lo dreamed of an odd place, one that reminded them of the Marsh Flats... but different... less muddy and far more vibrant. They stared for some time at a shallow puddle at their reflection, trying to cope with the reality that stared back at them with gaunt, bleary eyes. Kneeling, they placed a boney hand just above the surface, only for their reflection to reach out and pull them into the mirrored pool. Below the serene comfort of the surface was a splendor that would make even kings and queens weep.
The mage drifted through a sea of stars and light, great wisps of dust being pulled together til burning brightly in the night sky. Passing through one such nebulous formation, a great dance unfolded. Countless lights drifted among clouds in every conceivable color, gathered in great whips of mass that swirled around a bright disk of cosmic matter. At it's core was an unknowable darkness that spewed great gouts of energy from both ends far into the surrounding area. The dance kept growing, first a few clusters dancing about each other in great, slow loops. Then dozens, strung along by an unseen web that grew more endless with each connection to another strand. A soft chime rang out, and the vision receeded. Lo stepped back from the pool slowly, then knelt on the long grass beside it and tried to sort their emotions. With the Tome gone, Lo could genuinely start a new life... perhaps even find some serenity in doing something other than the gory nightmares swimming in their memories... even replace them, in time.
Lo could not forget though, they had to learn to steel their mind and soul against influence. Another chime sounded softly, and the peaceful scene faded to an aching reality. That ache came with a comfort the mage hadn't experienced before though, a soft pillow and a proper bed. Noticing Sylvari's worried look, Lo pushed themselves up, albeit reluctantly.
"Not to startle you from your thoughts, but thank you for not leaving me in that field." Lo said, their voice sounding rough but better. Even much of the spasming and jitters seemed to have calmed from their nerves.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 12, 2023 18:24:12 GMT -5
"Oh, Lo! You're awake! I was worried for your welfare when you didn't wake up for so long, but I suppose you were probably exhausted from your ordeal. Here, I have a mug of water for you. Drink slowly. I also have an apothecary on the way to look after your condition."
Despite her excitable speech, a habit Sylvari had developed for dealing with stress, her movements were practiced and careful, with all the tenderness of a mother, as she righted Lo to be able to drink and held the cup to their mouth. Sylvari smiled and sighed with relief as they began to drink the water, given some assurance at last that they would make a recovery. She had no idea the level of emotional harm that had been heaped upon her new friend with the demon's occupation and was concerned that physical infirmity to boot would be too much to bear.
"How are you feeling? You were pretty out of it on the way back to the city."
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Post by Loex on Nov 20, 2023 21:38:20 GMT -5
"Still not great... but not as bad either." They replied, their mouth moving oddly as they spoke, as if one had a mouth full of soot or sand. Trying to sit up proved fruitless, so Lo did their best to indicate they'd like a drink. Cupping their hand and making a drinking motion, Sylvari caught on and brought over a glass. With small sips, the mage managed to wash the gritty feeling away before trying to talk again.
"Um, while I'm not fully sure what all happened back there... when the Shadow left, it didn't do so quietly or kindly. I imagine this is the physical reflection of the damage it had done and was doing... which is still a lot to be aware of, and altogether maddening... but at least this is my own mind now, my own soul... as much as one could ever truly call something their own." It looked like Lo wanted to say more, but the exertion was becoming too great. They lay back against the soft, warm cushions and tried to steady their breathing. How long until the apothecary? Would they even be able to help? Why was she going to such lengths for a stranger? Questions piled on top one another until it was a hectic mess to even consider so Lo simply stopped trying to figure it out. There would be time for that later, they needed to fix their body first...
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 20, 2023 22:09:26 GMT -5
Sylvari nodded with a pained smile laced with empathy, fluffing the pillow as Lo laid back. She did her best to keep them comfortable, but honestly, the soft bedding and attentive administration of the water was all she could do.
Blessedly, it was only another few minutes before there was a light rap at the wooden door to the room. Sylvari jumped up to answer, allowing the bespectacled, medical briefcase-toting doctor entrance to the tiny room. There was only a single chair, which Sylvari offered immediately to the old gentleman, eager to give him every advantage in caring for her new friend.
The man sat and opened his satchel, methodically retrieving powders and tinctures and various looking glasses with which to examine Lo. Sylvari watched with intense interest and bated breath as the man leaned forward to assess Lo's condition.
"Alright, let's see how the patient is. If you wouldn't mind, my friend, would you please describe you condition and fatigue level?"
Sylvari was quick to jump in and supply the gist of what had happened, leaving out the bits about demon possession and the pair's flight from hellhounds.
"Lo is very weak right now, sir. They have endured quite the trial out in the sands, likely suffering from malnourishment and sleep deprivation."
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Post by Loex on Nov 26, 2023 2:10:24 GMT -5
Lo nodded in agreement of Sylvari's description, unfamiliar with proper medical treatment. In their life, doctors had been one of two things: An agent of torture and experimentation, or a signal one's life was waning. They watched the man intently, trying to discern their intent even if the mental exertion was straining. Each time the man's hand would get near, they'd flinch or seem visibly apprehensive. Without the strength to bolt out of bed, there was little else they could do but hope that the doctor shared Sylvari's care giving nature.
Some time during the examination, Lo's concentration got the best of them and they dozed off exhausted once more. They could hear muffled voices, but they sounded far off and distorted as one might hear echoes on the wind. The mage didn't dream so much as drift through a hazy emptiness. Oh well, at least it wasn't the chaotic mess that their life had been up until that point. Maybe this doctor would be able to give Sylvari a way to give Lo some strength back, that'd be great. Otherwise, there was a long road ahead... which brought back memories of training when Lo was young. The constant exhaustion, combined with fatigue and pain, the harsh discipline of the overseers... but they at least followed their own rules, and for that Lo had respected them more than most.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 26, 2023 22:52:56 GMT -5
The apothecary frowned, seeing Lo drift back into a state of unconsciousness.
"I can see that you did not exaggerate their condition, Miss. Based on my examination, they are in need of good rest and sustenance. It's as if their body had atrophied from non-use, and they will need to exercise in small doses to rehabilitate. I have a tincture of green herbs for energy, but truthfully, time will be the only effective healer in this case."
Sylvari made mental notes of each of the healer's observations, paid him handsomely for his services, and thanked him as he left. She collected the small vial provided by the doctor and stored it carefully by a nearby mug of water she had procured. No point in feeding them the medicine tonight. I will hold vigil over Lo and be available if they should need anything during the night.
Sylvari settled into the small, uncomfortable wooden chair and stoically kept watch over Lo, intent to see any changes in her friend's slightly irregular breathing.
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Post by Loex on Nov 27, 2023 0:38:59 GMT -5
As the first rays of day began leaking into the heavily curtained windows, Lo stirred awake wearily. They stretched against the aching in their body, groaning weakly at the effort. Protesting, their joints popped and it felt like they were tearing the muscles from their own bones. With an exasperated sigh, they stopped and looked around. Day had come, they'd slept through the night... and there was Sylvari, watching from a chair with a great deal of focus.
"Morning... did you get any rest?" Lo asked, then realized how little he actually knew about Sylvari. Did she even need to sleep? What did she do for a living? Who was she, besides a mysterious and elegant adventurer smiting hellish forces? The questions themselves didn't strike the mage as strange, but this line of thinking was unfamiliar. How long at it been since Lo thought about the substance of another life? The depths of their experiences? Had they ever? There were too many questions, the lizard's brow furrowing in frustration as the flood of new ideas and emotions rampantly filled the emptiness left behind by the Shadow's absence. Was it even okay for someone like Lo to ponder the world at large, or their own personal quandaries, in spite of all the horror they'd wrought? Perhaps they'd find answers some day... but right now they needed to be able to stand on their own two feet.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 27, 2023 10:45:52 GMT -5
A kind, relieved smile spread over Sylvari's face as her friend arose looking much better than yesterday. She was touched that their first thought was for her welfare, particularly given their situation.
"A very good morning indeed." Sylvari removed the veil she wore to reveal her crimson eyes, having forgotten to remove it again after the apothecary's departure, and looked at Lo. "I find that, these days, my need for sleep is less and lesser. I typically only sleep a few hours per week, so, rest assured, no extra strain was put upon me for keeping watch. I am pleased that your condition seems to have improved. The doctor has left medicine to help you regain your strength. We will also need to go through some exercises to begin to build up your strength. Allow me to go and procure some breakfast for you. Consuming tinctures on an empty stomach is a recipe for nausea."
Sylvari arose in a smooth motion, bowed slightly, and headed downstairs to procure some food for Lo, closing the door behind her. She quickly ordered the meal and took it up to Lo as soon as it was ready. She set the tray down on the small table beside the bed, scooted the wooden chair forward, and held the utensils for her friend.
"I am happy to assist you in eating if you need it, but I understand if you would like to exercise your appetite on your own."
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Post by Loex on Nov 27, 2023 23:17:54 GMT -5
Lo took them and set them beside the plate, their appetite usually slow to get going so early. Things still didn't make a lot of sense to the mage, from the Tome's absence to the drive motivating Sylvari to be so helpful. There was an extensive list of things Lo wished they could grasp in that moment, but nothing would appear so easily. For so long, life had been turmoil and darkness, a hazy pain just behind the eyes that ate at every bit of the soul. Lo was all too aware that they didn't have the first clue how to be a functional part of society.
"I'll get to the food in just a bit, my appetite is slow." Lo replied, sitting up slowly and propping their aching body against the wall. Steadying their breathing, they stretched and moved as much as was comfortable. The sensations returning through their nerves felt even stranger than the night before, the ache was dull but lacked the straining tension and tearing sensation. Curious, they tried to stretch and flex further than the day before. The lizard's body moved about fluidly, perplexing their situation even further. An incredulous look on their gaunt face, the mage tossed the thick blanket aside and slid to the edge of the bed. With an uncertain hand bracing against the bedpost, they stood up. Suddenly aware that the robe they were wearing was too big and trying to slip off, they sat down again and pulled the garment back up their shoulders as best it would sit. Taking a few deep breaths, they relaxed and moved the tray of food over before digging into it. While they still weren't particularly hungry, the elation and embarrassment mixed with social ineptitude to drive the action. Every part of Lo wanted to vanish with the wind in that moment... so they filled their face in hopes it might be overlooked.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Dec 10, 2023 14:29:49 GMT -5
Sylvari allowed herself a few fond moments of watching Lo eat before sensing their discomfort and rising smoothly.
"Well, I'm certain you don't want an audience while you eat, dear. I'll be just downstairs if you need anything. When you feel up to it, join me, and we can discuss how you want to proceed, okay?" Sylvari voice was soft and full of empathy, as if she was coaxing a wild animal or a lost child to trust her. Her eyes spoke only of a deep and abiding solidarity, however, of another who knew such pain and wanted only to share the burden so other wouldn't have to go through it alone as she had.
As Sylvari indicated, she left the room with little ceremony, softly closing the door behind her. She went downstairs and sat at the table nearest the stairs to keep watch on anyone going up or coming down. Having an understanding with the bartender of this tavern, she was sent over a fine glass of a deep red liquid, that any casual observer would know to be wine, of course. Nursing her drink slowly, Sylvari patiently awaited Lo as her heart went out to them in kindness.
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Post by Loex on Dec 10, 2023 15:06:55 GMT -5
Distracted from what was happening, Lo was slow to catch on to what Sylvari said. Only as she was shutting the door did he try to stammer out a few words... but it was already too late. The mage sighed, staring at the partly eaten plate before them. Why was this so difficult? Frustrated with themselves, they finished eating and sat their staring at the staff leaning against the wall. Downstairs seemed like a daunting prospect at the moment, when their legs would barely stand them upright.
For the first time in countless years, Lo's heart and mind were heavy with guilt and pain... and a hollow emptiness they could not begin to express. How pathetic they were, barely able to move about now that the Tome had been destroyed. It weighed on their already fractured and anxious mind, like some shadowy hand squeezing their soul with the might of the cosmos itself. Their thoughts spiraled, memories of so many faces and voices shouting their displeasure at the Draconynh's very existence eroding what little calm they'd found in exhaustion...
Somewhere in the swirling chaos, a soft clear tone gave a gentle ring. Lo looked around the room, half expecting to see a pair of beady yellow eyes staring from a darkened corner... tormenting them... but there was nothing, only a strange calm that seemed to cut through the chaos. Understanding such a moment might strike again at any time, Lo took hold of their staff and leveraged themselves from the bed. The weight of the meal swayed in their gut, which now looked oddly swollen against their otherwise emaciated appearance. After taking a few deep breaths to steady themselves, they carefully made their way down to common area of the Inn. Spotting Sylvari sipping what looked to be some sort of thick wine, they clacked and stumbled awkwardly towards her table. She would be able to spot how they'd rearranged their outfit, tying the sash about most of their torso to keep it in place. Sitting across from her stiffly, they tried to catch their breath for a moment before saying anything.
"Somehow, I have made it here... though, you didn't necessarily have to leave, I appreciate the privacy and candor. Tell me about your plans going forward, and I'll ask questions as needed... voice any concerns..." They paused for a moment, winded again. "that might come up."
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Dec 10, 2023 15:44:21 GMT -5
Sylvari smiled gently as she saw Lo hobble down the stairs. Despite how greatly she wished to assist them, she didn't want to encroach on their recently found freedom. She was also wary of frightening them with sudden movements. So, she remained where she sat, waiting until Lo sat with her as she listened to their words.
"My plans, darling?" Sylvari raised an inquisitive eyebrow above the covering of her half-veil and allowed a small smirk to accompany the motion. "Rest assured, dear Lo. I have no designs on your future, other than helping to facilitate where you want to go. To this end, I will ply what assistance I may offer you for as long as my oath allows before I must regrettably part with your company and continue my mission. Therefore..."
Sylvari scooted just a bit closer and slowly placed her hand over one of Lo's giving a light, reassuring squeeze. "What do you want, my dear? In this moment, you have the total attention and assistance of a justiciar of the light, and I will do all I can to facilitate your dreams, so long as they are righteous." Sylvari punctuated her statement with a small, impish grin.
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