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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Nov 13, 2023 21:53:15 GMT -5
“Well, as some folks like ta say, ‘teamwork makes the dream work’!” Astrid says with a grin. “I’ll help ya with yer armor, but we’ll hafta get back to a town or back ta Sky Peak fer that. I ain’t exactly devised a good way ta make a portable forge yet. I’m gettin’ close though!”
Happy to give Sylvari her mount back, Astrid clambers over to Buttfellow’s arm and perches herself back on his shoulder while his other, less damaged hand drags the frosty webbing behind them. Whenever the spell starts to falter, the golem recasts the magic to keep it from failing during their trip back to the researchers.
“Training regimen?” Astrid echoes. She drums her fingers against her chin as she thinks. What exactly has she done to get better? “Hmm… Well, just regular practice I guess? Havin’ yer life depend on whether or not ya can swing yer hammer makes it easier ta get good at keepin’ yerself alive with a weapon. Far as magic goes… um… I dunno, I got struck by lightnin’ in the Lightnin’ Fields, which kinda helped me figure out how lightnin’ magic works. I’ve blown meself up in me backyard enough times tryin’ ta learn new spells. Though me gran helped me learn stuff that ain’t Sky arcana.” She offers a shrug because that’s about it. “It’s mostly just tryin’ not ta die if I’m bein’ rightly honest.” Astrid leaves out the part about fighting two gods.
Looking at Sylvari, she throws the question back at her. "How'd ya learn how ta... do all the stuff with the bony guys?" That was not at all an awkward way to ask that.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 13, 2023 22:26:28 GMT -5
Sylvari let a good-natured smile rest easily on her face as Astrid mused about making a portable forge. "I'd be most keen to see such a thing, dear, especially given the punishment I put my equipment through."
Sylvari tried, and failed, to suppress her utter shock at Astrid's pronounced lack of formalized training in combat. To be this powerful and to have learned purely by combat experience is... insane. I thought Father's training was intense but this... it's on a whole other level. What kind of horrors must she have faced over how long? And did she say she survived a lightning strike only to happen to figure out the derived arcana from it?!
Sylvari amazement was cut short by the cold tendrils of dread that worked their way over her heart at Astrid's question. It was always such when someone broached the subject of her curse or its derivative powers. Particularly given Astrid's slight distaste for the undead, she was reticent to share that particular aspect of herself.
"Oh, I couldn't say for certain, exactly... It's just a talent, I guess. Maybe it's in my blood." Sylvari's fake smile and nervous chuckle desperately attempted to cover how close she was getting to the truth.
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Nov 13, 2023 23:38:15 GMT -5
"Aye, if I can get it figured out, I'll try ta let ya know!" she says excitedly, always loving any opportunity to talk about smithing and invention. "Me best bet is gonna be either makin' a smaller version of the lightnin' forge since I can power that meself easy enough or findin' some powerful fire cores ta power a regular forge. S'pose if I can get that figured up with the right Formulae then it could work just fine."
It doesn't take long for Astrid to notice the shock on Sylvari's face. Part of her wants to feel embarrassed, and the other part wonders why other people always react that way. It is also kind of fun though, if she's being honest. Real life experience has always been good enough for her, and practice makes perfect, though she often does not account for how much time she actually spent practicing things. The only thing that ever felt natural on the first try was swinging a hammer, particularly targeting kneecaps in battle considering her short stature. It is very Dwarven of her to find experience is the best kind of practice whether she realizes it or not.
What she does not expect is for Sylvari to be dodgy and almost kind of awkward about the question of how she controls undead. Astrid leans her elbow on Buttfellow's head and looks at her. "I think me only natural talent is swingin' hammers," she says. "Everyone's got theirs. Don't mean ta be all… Erm… icky about yer fellas. Me gramps has a couple a' ghoul servants that rightly spooked me the first time I met 'em. Weren't a great experience. An' the big fella? Last time I saw one of them or somethin' like 'em was here in the Flats. A cursed tree used a buncha dead people ta attack us."
But that's only part of what feels off putting to her. It's hard to just ask, but childish curiosity overcomes the need to be tactful. "Ain't it weird? Usin' dead folks with magic like that?" There's no judgment in her voice, only genuine interest. Most other necromancers are not exactly friendly, so to meet someone like Sylvari challenges Astrid's perception of the dark magic, and honestly, she doesn't mind. Half-dwarf as she may be, Astrid refuses to stubbornly shun people just because she doesn't understand them. The red horns on her head gave her enough experience on the other end of that stick.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 14, 2023 10:58:44 GMT -5
Sylvari took a moment to compose herself and pondered how she would answer Astrid's question, as the pair's mounts plodded along in silence, the golem's heavy footfalls contrasting starkly with the small tinkles of ice magic that erupted from Mercy's dainty hooves. It's always this way when I use the dark arts. People are afraid of things that are unusual that they don't understand. Granted, the abundance of evil necromancers doesn't do me much service. Is the power afforded to me by these talents worth the scared stares and hard questions every time?
Sylvari sighed. It was a moot question at this point, considering Astrid had already seen her magic. She smiled weakly up at Astrid. "If I wanted to be petulant, my dear, I could point out that, for the vast majority of people, shooting lightning from one's fingertips or spawning spontaneous blizzards would be out of the norm, but I see your point for what it is. I imagine my necromancy is quite unusual given my oath and demeanor. For many months after I discovered this talent, I resisted using it for fear of what others would think, but ultimately, I think, that was a selfish urge. I have since decided I care more about being effective in combatting evil than appeasing people's whims of what a justiciar 'should' be."
Sylvari stopped short, not wanting to break into a lecture. "In short, I use my servants because I would rather put soulless husks in harm's way than people, and I have vowed to resist the lure of the darker sides of the discipline."
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Nov 15, 2023 17:24:22 GMT -5
Of course it’s to be expected that asking a question bluntly about a topic that’s uncomfortable would lead to an awkward silence. Astrid accepts that and the accompanying awkward silence that follows. Finally, Sylvari looks up at Astrid, and the half-dwarf meets her eyes with curiosity shining through her own.
Not at all to Astrid’s surprise, the paladin offers her a thoughtful answer, and one that doesn’t seem to just be honeyed words describing what could be called callous and evil actions. She props her chin in her hand while considering exactly what Sylvari said. “Huh,” is all she manages at first. Using the dead to protect the living? “S’pose I didn’t think of it like that. Ain’t a bad idea, honestly.”
Then she relaxes her posture, leaning on Buttfellow’s head and looking ahead. “Gonna real honest, I don’t know what a ‘justicar’ is,” she finally says unabashedly. “Or what yer oath is.” Looking at Sylvari, Astrid asks outright, “What’s all that mean? How come ya don’t like yer own magic?”
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 15, 2023 17:54:56 GMT -5
Sylvari sighed and smiled, wishing she could hug her tiny friend. She was just too cute, and the fact of her obvious power, accented by her current position as the makeshift rider of a hulking wonder of magic and artifice, made her all the more appealing. Sylvari thought for a moment, trying to ride the line between respect for a comrade in arms and explaining her situation to one who was, for whatever else, a child.
"The people I come from train from the time we can walk to be servants of the light in the world. We safeguard common folks that can't protect themselves against the big, bad monsters of the world, and make sure everyone is dealing fairly with people."
Sylvari paused, thinking what her next words should be. "It makes me happy to know other people have peace and can find flourishing in their lives. So, I promised myself and the gods that I would try to make people safe and happy wherever I went. To that end, the kind of magic I use is very often used by bad sorts of people, so common folk, the kind who don't know any better, or can't afford to mistake evil for what it is, are afraid when I use it. I've taken a long time to decide whether being stronger to protect them, or seeming more trustworthy is better, and honestly? I'm not too sure myself."
It was an open-ended question, and one that Sylvari was certainly open to Astrid's thoughts on. She wouldn't pose it straight to her little partner, however. How terrible it would be to pawn one's sorrow's off on children, even exceedingly capable ones.
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Nov 19, 2023 18:07:55 GMT -5
As Sylvari explains a little about her origins, or at least the origins of her training, it reminds Astrid of the various knighthood orders around Charon. She hasn’t run into many of the knights, but one particular knight, a woman from the Knights of Duros, caught both her and Blue Raspberry’s attention. Whatever Sylvari comes from sounds similar to that, so she says as much. “Sounds like yer from a knighthood order! Or at least, somethin’ like ‘em.”
Despite Sylvari’s use of magic that most people, herself included, find unappealing, Astrid thinks she’s a person with a good heart, or she seems to be as far as she can tell. The girl chooses to believe that Sylvari is telling the truth about herself based on what she’s seen. Besides, doubting people’s intentions and not trusting them makes the world a harsher place. Morrigan Moonweaver notwithstanding.
“I think lots a’ folks want ta do the right thin’,” Astrid says thoughtfully. “Just that most of ‘em don’t exactly feel like they can. Maybe they’re scared a’ gettin’ hurt or maybe they don’t think they got enough power ta make a difference, but… In me own opinion, ya don’t need power ta be a good person. Showin’ a little kindness ta folks can make a world a’ difference. It did fer me. I was just a scrappy kid from the streets. Ain’t no one showed me much niceties ‘cause they were superstitious.” She taps the little red horns on top of her head. “Ain’t many a half-dwarf with horns like me. An’ weren’t much I thought I could do fer meself ‘til a few good folks gave me a chance. Rest a’ that’s history.”
Realizing she got on a tangent, she focuses again on Sylvari’s ponderings. “I think helpin’ people, even if they ain’t happy about the way ya go about it, is always the right thin’ ta do. Folks can be ungrateful an’ rude no matter what we do, but at least they ain’t dead.” Her mind wanders back to the village of people that she and Blue Raspberry spent a lot of time helping when their farms were doing poorly. The same village that was later attacked by an Ur-Beast that was hunting her down turned on her so quickly. It took a lot to try to help them, especially when they were so angry with her, but at the end of the day, she did help them. They’re back on their feet, even if they blamed her for what happened.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 20, 2023 14:53:43 GMT -5
Sylvari's eyes creased and one corner of her mouth quirked upward in a forlorn half-grin. I wish I still had that same innocence. That child-like belief that everyone would do good could if they could. I've seen too many avert their gaze at evil, or watch with active interest. I've seen despicable things that I shouldn't care to repeat amongst hardened company, let alone to one so young as Lady Astrid. I've seen the darkness of monsters and men, and found the latter to be more cutting. But Astrid should hold onto her hope for as long as possible, for such things are precious and good.
Sylvari put on a brave face and smiled fondly at her little friend. "I think you have wisdom beyond your years on the matter, my dear. Better bitter than dead indeed. Thank you for advising me on this matter. I only indulged my talents because of the support of wise friends, and it seems even now that I am still supported by advice. I truly enjoyed fighting by your side, Astrid. I hope that we can be friends. I want you to know that you have my hammer whenever you have need of me."
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Nov 24, 2023 13:02:12 GMT -5
Sylvari’s compliment doesn’t fall on deaf ears as Astrid considers how exactly to respond to that. She doesn’t feel particularly wise. In fact, she makes plenty of mistakes while adventuring, which is why she usually opts to do things with at least one other person to watch her back. Still, she’s had a lot of experiences shoved into a very short time which have more or less given her a particularly unique outlook on life, at least she likes to think so.
“Yer welcome,” she says with a gap-toothed smile, glad that she could at least give Sylvari some peace of mind. “I had a load a’ fun too! Ya know, in all my time adventurin’” –She says as if she is battle-hardened by years of experience when it has, at best, been only a year.– “I ain’t met no one else usin’ a hammer like meself. Yer the first! I’m happy ta swing the best weapon known ta man alongside another person who likes ‘em as much as I do. An’ if ya ever need me, I live up in Dragon’s Cradle. Sky Peak Village, actually! I ain’t that hard ta get a hold of.”
She looks ahead as they near the camp where the rescued researchers reside.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 24, 2023 20:49:40 GMT -5
Sylvari eyed the gathered researchers from a distance with a slight frown. The fear, evident in their gaze at her previous display of talents, was still fresh in Sylvari's mind, and it was not a reaction she was keen on seeing again so soon. Better bitter than dead, indeed, but better still that there need be no bitterness at all.
Sylvari smiled weakly at her young friend. "I've actually a pressing matter to attend to in Moonglade, dear Astrid. Would you mind terribly tying things up here? It would save me a load of trouble down the line." Sylvari paused, conflicted about the proper way to say goodbye to her new friend. It was a recent partnership to be sure, but one forged in the fires of combat and solidified with mortal peril and dashing heroics. A simple 'goodbye' seemed inadequate in light of such consideration.
Still, Sylvari was unsure how comfortable Astrid was with physical intimacy, despite how she longed to bid her a fond farewell with a hug. It was a moot point currently, anyway, considering the vast height differential between their mounts. Finally, Sylvari opted to simply fondly pat Astrid's leg as she passed by on the left.
"Farewell, my friend. I hope to meet you next in glorious battle or earned relaxation. Take care of yourself on the road, you hear me?" With her statement and a smile, Sylvari beat a hasty retreat through the trees, avoiding contact with the mundane research group ahead.
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Post by Lady Astrid Stormstone on Nov 24, 2023 21:36:32 GMT -5
“Hm? Oh, sure thin’,” Astrid says chipperly. The life of an adventurer is a busy one, after all. If anyone understands that, it’s Astrid. “I don’t mind it. I’ll make sure those guys get back ta town safe too.” She punches her fist into her palm. “Won’t no one or nothin’ mess with ‘em while I’m around.”
Buttfellow half-raises a fist in agreement.
The half-dwarf notices Sylvari puzzling out a thought or two, but she figures it’s her reflecting on the conversation or even just thinking about whatever else she has going on in Moonglade. When the warrior woman pats her knee, Astrid looks down at her as she rides past. “It was real good ta meet ya! I’ll be home in a jiffy, don’t worry about me. Ya better take care a’ yerself too! Call me if anyone gives ya a hard time! I’ll rough ‘em up a bit!” Playfully, she raps her knuckles against Buttfellow’s mismatched metal head, and it echoes hollowly through his body.
With their partner gone, Astrid and Buttfellow saunter over to the researchers to explain how they’ve captured the ooze and help them while they collect samples and write reports on the happenstances of the last couple of days. Then she does exactly as she said she would: escorts them to town and heads straight home.
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