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"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 12, 2024 12:23:19 GMT -5
As she and Lo pulled the spear out of the beast, Sylvari braced her friend to stand again. The great cat looked at them with eyes of interest, rather than predation, seemingly understanding that it was they that quelled its pain. Sylvari could only stare in amazement at what happened next: seeing Lo press against the wild creature and they beast accept the embrace, flicking its long tail forward to curl possessively around the mage's waist.
Given the cat's seemingly peaceful intent, Sylvari relaxed slightly, slowly circling to the site of the wound. It seemed that the intense heat of the creature's body had cauterized the wound shut, but treatment would not restore internal organs that may have been pierced by the weapon, or forestall any poisons that might have entered its blood.
Tentative armored hands were placed on the beast's glossy hide, and a quiet prayer was offered up. "Lady Ellyria, by your light and radiance, make whole this noble beast. Purge it of any infirmities or ailments that might have come of its wound." Golden light poured from Sylvari's outstretched hands, rivaling the beast's own glow as positive energy was poured into it, cleansing and rejuvenating the wound wholly [Celestial, Holy Gifts (Massive Healing)].
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Post by Loex on Jan 18, 2024 6:41:51 GMT -5
Sylvari's healing magic flowed through the feline, it's arcane energies stitching and mending the cat's body in seconds. Eventually Lo stopped even the smallest shuddering, the heat from the creature warming them through. As the frigid haze cleared, they leaned back and sat partially up to take stock of the situation at hand.
"This... might be a hindrance to our journey." They said in a spaced out tone, understanding that once more their own actions had made life difficult.
Or so they thought... The Magma Ignalis stood up, turning about and nudging it's head under Lo's arm insistently. They moved said arm, only to have the creature occupy most of their lap with it's front half. It pushed against Lo, not to topple them again but to lift them to their feet. There was a moment of panic on the mage's face, but they caught on and stood up. Unsure what might happen next, they stood still and watched each other a moment before the big cat started walking around Lo, crouching close to the ground.
"Uhhh... nice... kitty?!" The surprise in their voice was matched by the wide eyed expression as the big beast shoved itself under Lo's legs. Thick limbs lifted the mage from their footing as if they were no more than a twig to be shooed away. They clung tightly to the cat's back and shoulders for a moment, steadying themselves. Huffing it's discomfort, the cat wrapped it's tail around Lo's waist and pulled them up into a more proper riding position. It was all the Draconynh could do in the moment to keep their body and mind from panicking. What in all creation was such a creature doing out here? More importantly, why were they not devouring the hapless mage instead of helping?
Lo looked at Sylvari with this swirling thoughts, the last days' hazy memories playing in their mind.
"Could I ask something? There is too much I don't understand at the moment... though it might be a personal question." The mage said after a moment of contemplation.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 20, 2024 18:20:18 GMT -5
Sylvari was on edge as the feline began to move after her healing spell. Though she could see the spark of intelligence evident in the beast's eyes, perhaps even a glint of appreciation, the justiciar was very much aware this was a wild animal: not tamed and definitely not domesticated. Even so, the beast never displayed hostility overtly, its movements slow and precise, as if to demonstrate its willingness for peace.
Sylvari tensed as Lo mounted the beast with its assistance, but relaxed as the draconynh was clearly borne willingly. She looked to the feline with a nearly imperceptible nod: a gesture of respect and a silent threat of vengeance should anything happen to her dear friend.
Lo's words startled Sylvari out of her silent conversation with the beast. She cocked her head as she looked up to where the mage sat upon the beast. A personal question, at a time like this? You have some strange timing, Lo. However, any distress they exhibit may provoke the beast to violence.
The vampiress schooled her tone to keep it pointedly neutral as she responded. "You are always permitted to ask questions of me, Lo. I cannot promise you shall always like the answers I give, though."
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Post by Loex on Jan 20, 2024 20:06:59 GMT -5
It took another long moment for Lo to swallow the lump in their throat, afraid they'd caused some displeasure in someone who was putting in such effort. The feline must have picked up on this as well, as they gave the mage a gentle squeeze that broke the train of thought.
"You spoke of a friend's words, and presumably deed associated, that inspired and affirmed the path you walk... but how does one turn such a kindness, a moment, into a path forward? I hope this doesn't seem unappreciative... but I genuinely have no clue what to do or how to appreciate what you've done and are doing... all I've known is a world of being owned, beaten, told who and what I am, where and when I'm allowed to be... This is an overwhelming situation in more ways than I know how to express, and no part of me feels deserving, worthy... even now, days afterwards, my mind cannot comprehend why your hammer did not fall when so many others would have done so with passion and glee..."
Memories of those same faces played in Lo's mind, overlayed by the Tome's maniacal laughter. A line of people that had seen them as little more than trash to be disposed of, still tormenting their mind. Some part of them didn't want to accept this new reality, some unseen and traumatized corner wanted to cling to the simple world where everyone wanted the same thing of Lo. More so than the months it would probably take to rebuild their strength, the idea they would have to undo a lifetime of understanding the world through such a lens felt insurmountable.
Lo was nonetheless glad to have the warmth of the big cat surrounding their body, which in turn may never have happened if Sylvari hadn't stumbled into their life. In a few short days, Lo's life had been upended in every possible way... it probably would overwhelm all but the most stoic of minds.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 22, 2024 10:42:57 GMT -5
Sylvari sighed, gently resting her armored hand on Lo's leg as they sat upon the beast.
"Lo... I am no great rhetorician. Perhaps there are some in the myriad lands of this world that could find the right line of words to say that would convince you of the worth of your own soul, but I am not among them. I am certainly no great thinker either, so I can only present my own experience in the hopes that it helps you along your way." The vampiress paused, frowning at her explanation, but deciding to forge ahead regardless.
"Every moment in our lives is as diverging paths in a shaded wood. Very often we cannot see the consequences of selecting each way when we make them, and only find our lives constructed in retrospect. However, there are those, further along the path than we that offer some guidance on which way to select. We can ignore their advice, of course, even stop walking the path altogether, but they represent flashes of insight that we may take hold of. I can't prove to you that the way I am trying to chart for you in the woods will see you to its exit. I am merely providing a map and a request to trust me. Very often we find our fate before we've even realized we'd reached it."
Sylvari gave a sad little smile as she patted Lo's leg once more and turned to mount Mercy, who had approached a short distance away. The justiciar's face was somber as she turned away from her friend. I want to do honor to Taki and everyone else who has helped me find the strength to move on, but I certainly am in no position to be giving advice. Even if I am further along the way of healing, I am still a most hopeless invalid.
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Post by Loex on Jan 31, 2024 22:30:39 GMT -5
Between the warmth and the gentle thrum of the great cat beneath them, Lo's thoughts felt as if they were as clear as the night's sky. It wasn't just her words that seemed to stir some part of the mage, but her own sadness and difficulty. The depth of it in her voice and expression... something they probably wouldn't have noticed before encountering her. There was a long moment of silence as they put their next ideas together.
"I think I understand... at least a little... that it is when someone chooses to do something because it's difficult that it proves worthwhile. There is no guarantee for tomorrow, but I can very gratefully... at least I think that's the right word or emotion... say that I appreciate being here. This moment, the clarity and warmth..."
The Draconynh looked skyward, the iridescent green in their eyes reflecting those few stars that defied the clouds overhead. Some part of this felt like it was an illusion, a dream that stretched on for days. Even if it were a dream, it was far better than the days before.
"Thank you for your help, your effort and your faith that these things are not wasted."
Beneath them, the big cat trotted up beside Sylvari and her steed. With no saddle, and no clue how they'd even go about this, the mage suddenly was aware of their lack of means to ride such a creature. It didn't seem to bother the feline though, whose body shifted and moved about on it's surface. The interlocked plates had changed their arrangement, which allowed Lo to lay almost flat against their back. This meant all the mage had to do was not get bucked off accidently, and the weight would evenly be spread for it's bearer. Plus, pressed into this 'heat-rock', the howling winds and bitter cold would be more tolerable. Looking up sheepishly from one side, Lo gave the barest of nods.
"I think we're ready to go, please show us the way."
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Feb 1, 2024 10:56:32 GMT -5
Sylvari smiled kindly at her friend as she began trotting into the darkness atop her frigid steed. She didn't entirely agree with Lo that level of difficulty was what made something worthy, though it could certainly enhance things that already were, but she wanted them to chart their own path. For someone as laden with sorrow and grief as Lo, grasping at any happiness they might was crucial for their continued mental well-being. Time and distance would close their wounds, and the time for discussion and debate would fall subservient to their healing.
The justiciar idly thought about how far she had come in her journey since her exile: how she had gained wisdom and patience whereas before she had little of either. If she had met Lo much earlier in her path, she doubted she would have been able to help them and likely would have brought them quite a bit of misery with her naïve shortsightedness.
She smiled, feeling the woven threads of fate carefully set to lead her to this moment where she might help a new friend. It gave the vampiress comfort to know that there was purpose, even in a world as cold and dark as this one. With renewed hope in her heart, she led her friend and their new mount along the path to the future.
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