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Post by Hadassah on Dec 1, 2023 15:59:20 GMT -5
It felt as if only a few minutes had passed before Hadassah’s relaxed posture was interrupted suddenly by distant yelling coming from the tavern down the hall from where she was bathing. As she jolted up at the sound, the water of the bath rippled, both with the natural movement of her body, and the magical energy that erupted from her in surprise.
She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to slow her panicking heart which kicked into fight-or-flight mode at the yells of a male voice, and the accompanying voices of Blair and the women who worked at the establishment. What could be happening now? Hadassah thought as she hurried out of the bath, trying not to make a mess of puddles on the floor as she dried off as best as she could and slipped into her red “battle gown”, as she’d decided to name it, ignoring as the fabric clung to her damp skin.
“I can always bathe another time,” Hadassah said to herself as she picked up her hair sticks and yanked her wet hair into a sloppy half-up-half down situation before hurrying in the direction of the action. As she entered the taproom, which was previously full of life and wonderful music, she froze as she felt the room oozing with tension as there appeared to be a standoff between Sylvari, hostess’, and a strange and disheveled man. She watched in horror as Sylvari was attacked, feeling utterly useless as knives were embedded in her friend’s body.
Her mind raced along with her heart as she tried to make sense of what was happening and why no one seemed to be doing anything other than watching, including herself. She looked desperately toward Blair, a newly familiar face, wanting to ask what she’d just walked into, but her questions caught in her throat, as most of them did. She watched cautiously and curiously as Sylvari held the man who attacked her as he cried. Whatever has just occurred, she thought, loosening up a bit, this man is grieving.
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"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Dec 2, 2023 12:18:16 GMT -5
Sylvari noted Hadassah's hurried arrival into the taproom with a gentle nod, still embracing Martin, while rubbing small, comforting circles on his back. After another few minutes, the man finally calmed down, elicited a promise from Sylvari to avenge his brother, one easily given, and left in a hurry, embarrassed and quickly sobered by the situation. Thus, freed of her mandate to comfort those who needed it, Sylvari gestured for Hadassah to sit beside her where the remnants of her drink remained. She downed the contents quickly, causing her wounds to supernaturally close, as the throwing daggers were pushed out of her by the skin reknitting together. She then regarded Hadassah with a fond smile.
"Sorry to disturb your bath, Addie. There was just a small misunderstanding. That gown looks even lovelier on you in the lantern light, by the way." Sylvari's tone was kind and nonchalant, as if she had totally disregarded the fact that she was just assaulted. The hostesses, very apparently, had not, however, as Blair and several of the staff lingered close by, casting worried glances toward Sylvari, who seemed oblivious to them.
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Post by Hadassah on Dec 5, 2023 7:39:42 GMT -5
Hadassah immediately relaxed once the man left, hurrying to sit beside Sylvari as she motioned to her. Her eyebrows furrowed in concern and astonishment as she watched her friend heal effortlessly from her wounds, her flesh pushing the blades from her body as her wounds closed. Though she was aware Sylvari could heal herself like this, it still impressed Hadassah to see it happen in front of her. She returned Sylvari’s smile, remaining calm despite her continuing confusion at the entire situation.
“It’s really no problem, I was just worried, that's all. What happened anyway? Why was he attacking you?” Hadassah asked before glancing down at her dress, acknowledging her general dampness after rushing from her bath to see what was going on. “Why thank you, Sylvi. I very much appreciate the compliment. It’s a very comfortable dress.”
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"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Dec 6, 2023 10:42:00 GMT -5
Sylvari sighed, swirling her glass and looking at how the liquid stained the vessel as she pondered how to answer Hadassah's question. Unable to meet her friend's eyes after the encounter, even through her veil, Sylvari merely stared straight ahead as she began to speak.
"That man was subjected to a great evil. His brother was... his life was taken by a monster, another of my kind. He recognized by type by the way I covered my eyes, and his rage at the injustice bubbled over onto me. His sentiments were misplaced, but they were no less real for it. A tragedy has befallen him, and a justice's hands in the world, I must respond."
Sylvari turned to her friend, then, still avoiding her eyes for the shame she felt in her heart. She took Hadassah's hands into her own, and softly traced comforting circles with her thumbs. Her voice was soft and hesitant as she spoke.
"I gave him my pledge that I would hunt the monster that took his brother from him. My oath compels be to see this matter resolved at morning's first light. I will be leaving, Addie, and I daren't bring you to the lair of the beast. My heart would be aggrieved if you were to fall victim to the creature as well. I will have to wait to continue fulfilling my promise of training to you. I am very sorry. Is there a place you would like for us to meet, when my trial is over?"
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Post by Hadassah on Dec 8, 2023 7:24:57 GMT -5
Hadassah listened to Sylvari intently, her mind calming at the softness in her friend’s voice. As she explained the situation that just occurred, an expression of understanding flashed across Hadassah’s face. Sylvari’s oath called to her, and though Hadassah respected that and found it deeply honorable, she couldn’t help but feel a tad worried despite Sylvari’s abilities which protected her. A small frown formed on her lips as Sylvari took Hadassah’s hands comfortably in hers, continuing to speak. Of course, Hadassah wanted to help, but she understood that her training had only just begun and she was not ready to take on something like this, even with Sylvari by her side. If anything, I would be a distraction, she thought, forcing herself to smile a little as she listened. Distractions can be deadly.
“I completely understand, Sylvi, there is no need to apologize. Do what you need to do, just…be careful,” Hadassah trailed off, her mind trying to convince itself that there was truly nothing to be worried about. She can handle herself of course, I’m the one in training after all. She was alone before she’d met Sylvari and she would find something constructive to do alone until Sylvari returned. Perhaps she would find a quiet spot to practice what she’d learn today after a short rest. “I don’t mind where we meet. Near the marketplace perhaps?”
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Dec 8, 2023 13:38:25 GMT -5
Sylvari smiled warmly, lifting her veil slightly at the corner to show how her fondness crinkled her crimson eyes.
"Thank you for your graciousness, Addie. And your concern is heartwarming, but I'll be fine. I've fought more than my fair share of fiends and will continue to do so long after this one fades to ash. Besides, the best way to deal with a monster is to send one."
Sylvari adopted a melancholic smile as she gave Hadassah's hands a final gentle squeeze and stood up. She looked over to the witch who was conspicuously cleaning a glass nearby with her head cocked toward the conversation.
"Blair, if you would be so kind to attend to Addie while I'm gone. It would do my heart good to know you are looking out for each other."
Blair moved over smoothly, not attempting to feign innocence about her eavesdropping. "Of course, Sylvi. Addie is welcome here as long as she likes." The witch gave Hadassah a wink and a smile before returning her attention to the vampiress. "Take care of yourself and come back to us soon, you hear?"
Sylvari merely nodded solemnly, gave Blair a quick hug, and did an about-face to begin heading to the door.
"Within a week. I will return and fulfill my obligations to you both at that time. Let's see how far this rat has scurried."
With that, the justiciar unceremoniously left the taproom, seeming to deflate the ambiance of the inn just a little in her absence.
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