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"I only bite if you want me to, dear"
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Dec 27, 2023 19:47:09 GMT -5
Upon hearing the worried mother's words, Sylvari arose in a smooth motion and began walking over, softly and slowly, so as not to spook her friend. The vampiress sat down delicately beside her friend and raised her hands to show her beneficent intentions.
"I have the ability to heal those worthy of aid, by the power of my patron Ellyria. If you will permit me, I will channel her healing magics over your clutch of young ones. Together we may pray for their survival. My lady's power does not permit me to raise the dead, but short of that, her granted arcana is sufficient to remedy any ailment or deformity. I would not dare intervene without your permission, however. Would you like me to try and minister to them?"
Sylvari looked at Rena with a kind, compassionate smile, her hands already slightly glowing, primed as they were with the radiant positive energy she called from her connection.
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Dec 27, 2023 20:01:02 GMT -5
Those silver eyes blink once, twice, then widen as the meaning behind those words finally hits, "y-you can do that? you would do that?"
she stares for a moment, eyes wide as she considers...then nods, gently pulling the satchel open to reveal the trio of eggs nestled within, each in their own little feather lined pocket...these look like Rena's feathers, actually...
she runs gentle, trembling fingers over the eggs, trilling softly as she glances back up at Sylvari, "...p-please...I...I need to know...I need to know if I should prepare for them, or use them for something"
There's a desperation in the crow's silver eyes, a shining, aching need, a burning desire to have something akin to a clan, a family, to know she's not the lone survivor anymore.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Dec 27, 2023 20:17:57 GMT -5
"Of course, Rena. Even if we weren't friends, and we are, I would be compelled by my oath to save innocents. My patron likewise would expect nothing less of me. Rest assured, if they have not gone to the embrace of the gods, your little ones will be just fine."
Sylvari delicately took the satchel from Rena, placing it carefully on her lap as she prepared to cast her spell. She again looked to her nervous friend and smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, dear. We aren't going anywhere. Give me a little faith, and I will promise you a family to have."
With her piece stated, Sylvari turned her attention to the three tiny eggs within, looking so vulnerable within their meager casing. Sylvari had never tried to remedy the unborn, but she had the utmost faith in her patron's benevolence. Ellyria would not allow her to overwhelm the little ones with positive energy.
Three times Sylvari brought golden hands down to touch an egg within the satchel [Celestial, Holy Gifts (Massive Healing)]. Three times the ambient woods were washed with the radiant light of the explosive healing magics. Perhaps it was her imagination, but the justiciar seemed to think the eggs looked more fortified and solid now. She gently handed the bag back to Rena.
"Let's make sure to get them somewhere warm. I can watch over you, if you'd prefer an inn, or I will gather the materials for a fire, if you're not quite ready."
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Dec 27, 2023 20:26:29 GMT -5
the crow nods, tears shining at the corners of her eyes as she gently, oh so gently takes the eggs back, softly placing them back down into her satchel, carefully adjusting them until she's satisfied they're sitting right...that done, she gently buttons the satchel closed, "...I...I think I can handle an inn, if that's what you'd prefer...passed one on the way here, too"
despite her words, she can feel the thing under her skin squirming, hungry and spiteful and eager for blood and meat and violence. it writhes behind her eyes, just barely visible to anyone looking in as she manages a smile.
"...stars, I don't know how I can thank you for this...you've given me hope again...you may have just ensured my children make it past hatching..."
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Dec 27, 2023 21:54:18 GMT -5
Sylvari smiled brightly and easily, happy to have helped her friend. "You are most welcome, dear. Your heartfelt gratitude is more than enough for me. Justice compels me to act, and your brood is innocent of the tragedy that has befallen their mother. I swear that I will not let you or them come to harm in my company. If you think you're up to it, an inn would be a proper place for you to rest. We can order you as much meat as you'd like, and I will maintain a watchful eye in case you begin to lose control. I find I don't have need for sleep these days."
Sylvari stood to her feet and offered Rena a hand up as well, leading her new friend out of the forest to safer pastures where she might get some much-needed rest and food. The inn Rena mentioned was not very far at all, and Sylvari wasn't prompted to call Mercy, her frigid steed to transport them there. She figured the less new occurrences they broached, the easier it would be for Rena to manage well. The last thing she wanted to do was make the poor mother uncomfortable, after all she had been through.
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Dec 27, 2023 22:15:57 GMT -5
The mother in question seems...far more familiar with the area than a newcomer should be, navigating pitfalls and similar with what almost seems like practiced ease...if not for the constant murmuring of where each obstacle was going to be, as though she were reminding herself...
...when they get to the inn, they find it to be a somewhat run-down building, ash piled atop the roof and worked into the cracks of the stone. the doors swing open easily, admitting the pair of newly-minted friends to a quiet room occupied mostly by tables and chairs, a person manning the bar at the back polishing a glass.
Rena chirps softly, eyes flashing bone white for a moment as they zero in on the meat person standing behind the bar before shifting back to silver as she glances at Sylvari, "...perhaps it would be best if I got that meat sooner rather than later...just being able to see the barkeep is making my...condition act up"
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Dec 27, 2023 22:34:16 GMT -5
Sylvari nodded in sympathetic understanding as she comfortingly patted her friend's arm. "I understand, dear. I will procure rooms for us and food for you. In the meantime, if you'd like to find a secluded table to claim or wait by the stairs for me to finish business, I will be sure to have everything delivered on your terms. Coming to grips with the boundaries of your comfort is an important step in seeing where training must begin."
With an eminent level of confidence and grace, Sylvari strode quickly over to the bar to begin securing accommodations. If Rena is paying attention, she would notice the seeming abandon that Sylvari has for disposable funds, evidenced by the hefty bag of Solars she produces to weigh on the bar. She would also notice the strange intuition that Sylvari has when it comes to matters of hunger, or else the extreme caution the justiciar exercised in fearing to procure too little. It was obvious that she paid a hefty sum more than the goods were worth, for no sooner had the vampiress returned to Rena's side with room keys in hand than several barmaids emerged from the kitchen, laden with serving trays of several roast chickens, a couple generous cuts of lamb, and a prime, steaming suckling pig, arrayed in immaculate presentation.
Sylvari sat down at a table with Rena, making no motion to partake in the bounteous feast before them and pointedly and politely looking away from her friend, though it was clear her attention remained steadfast.
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Dec 27, 2023 22:42:38 GMT -5
the crow doesn't hesitate before digging into the meat, the thing beneath her skin squirming in delight as she tears into the feast, her beak easily cutting the cooked flesh as she shudders, seemingly eating without stopping to taste so much as a single bite. it's barely two minutes in that the meat is gone, at which point she begins cracking open bones to suck at the marrow within, intent on squeezing every last scrap of nutrition out of the meal.
Once it's all gone, Rena sits back and sighs, closing her eyes and relishing the feeling of...not fullness, she hasn't experienced that since before the curse came to her, but...of being less hungry. of the gnawing, insistent pain softening to a simple niggling irritation in the back of her mind.
she glances at her new friend, smiling softly, "...thank you. this...this has helped. we'll still need to hunt on the way, but it'll be more manageable, I think..."
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Dec 28, 2023 11:58:04 GMT -5
Sylvari turned once her friend began to speak, no longer averting her eyes to preserve Rena's privacy. She gave a soft smile. "It's no trouble, dear. We'll get you a hearty breakfast before we head out, and I am happy to hunt for you on our journey. For tonight, though, lets get you up to the room for some rest. I will watch over you until morning light."
Sylvari pressed a gentle hand over her friend's, assuring her of proximity. Sylvari suddenly remembered with a sudden pang her own dark thirst to be slaked. She gave a slightly embarrassed smile and turned to Rena once more. "Actually, Rena, if you'll excuse me briefly. I shan't be more than a few minutes." Wihtout waiting for an answer, Sylvari quickly strode to the door and out to the adjoining stables.
Given her familiarity with her feeding routine after years of engaging in it, convincing the stable boy to allow a pretty girl to feed was an easy and quick endeavor. Once the vampiress had taken her portion, taking special care to ensure the boy would experience no adverse affects, she quickly returned to the taproom. There was no difference in her visage, and the uninitiated would have no reason to suspect the true reason for her sudden exit.
She came to her friend with a smile and gestured toward the stairway. "Shall we? I procured a large double room, as far removed from the others as possible. I pray that you will find it to your liking."
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Dec 28, 2023 18:05:18 GMT -5
Rena tilts her head - more/meat/devour/flesh - then nods, standing and stretching, her hand going to the satchel containing her clutch as she trills. her tailfeathers flick a little with each motion as she carefully stacks the used dishes for the waitstaff to have an easier time bussing the table, then moves to follow the vampiress, "...that...sounds good...been a while since I felt safe enough to sleep properly...maybe I'll be able to tonight..."
she hums softly to herself, heading up the stairs with slow, careful motions so as not to jostle her clutch, silver eyes glancing around warily as she moves toward the room she and Sylvari will be sharing for the night.
once she gets there, she moves quickly toward a bed and begins to form a nest of the blankets and pillows, humming softly to herself as she works, silver eyes slightly unfocused as she allows her avian instincts to take over for the moment.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Dec 28, 2023 18:24:02 GMT -5
Sylvari watched her friend's nighttime ritual for a time with a kind smile before averting her eyes for privacy's sake. To occupy her attention and make it seem as if she wasn't just waiting to finish, Sylvari began painfully peeling her sundered plate from her body: her dented shield, her slashed breastplate, her scuffed gauntlets.
It was a laborious process, made all the more difficult by the awkward angles her gear was hammered into. The justiciar was by no means an armorsmith, nor would she try to work her armor while sharing a room even if she was, so she resigned herself to merely polishing the darkened plate once she had fully doffed it.
Beneath her metal casing Sylvari wore a simple cream colored top and nondescript breeches. She cut quite a stark contrast in her civilian clothes than her imposing plate would suggest, the light underclothing accentuating her gentle curves and giving the vampiress a much softer, more vulnerable air.
Once she was satisfied with her preparations, she took up residence in a corner of the room, a hefty tome spread across her lap, as she sat in a wicker chair.
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Dec 28, 2023 19:28:23 GMT -5
Rena blinks, eyes refocusing as she glances up at the sound of scraping armor, wincing a little each time metal scrapes on metal. she shakes her head, refocusing on the task of nestbuilding as she does her best to ignore the horrible sound of Sylvari's armor being removed.
after a few minutes of work, she gently takes the eggs from within her satchel and places them within the blanket-nest before carefully nestling in and curling around them, silver eyes drifting shut as she holds her unborn children close, settling in for the first restful sleep in...in weeks.
She sleeps there, curled around her clutch and dreaming of a better, safer future for her family, of a time when she won't have to fight against the squirming thing behind her eyes, when her children can run free without threat of predators or starvation.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Dec 28, 2023 19:45:45 GMT -5
Glancing over, Sylvari noted that Rena was sleeping in her makeshift nest of blankets and pillows. She smiled fondly at her new friend, glad that she was able to get some proper rest. She knew firsthand how hard the first few months of living cursed were. At least Rena isn't starving herself like I was, but not getting a wink of sleep isn't healthy either. I wonder if her curse will progress to sleeplessness like mine has. It's insensitive to ask about now, but perhaps, when she's ready, we can compare our conditions to see if there are any similarities. Perhaps I'll be able to find a cure for her as I look for one for myself.
Pushing away her idle thoughts, Sylvari nestled in deeper into her chair, reading her tome of arcana. She hoped to open new avenues of power that she could use in the completion of her mission. So engrossed was she in the subject matter that it was only the first lights of dawn crossing the parchment that alerted her to the morning. Rena slept through the night without any serious sleeplessness to speak of. That's good.
Closing her book and tucking it into her pack, Sylvari began doing her routine of morning stretches. Since crossing the barrier into unlife, her ritual didn't particularly impact her physically one way or the other, but the exercise helped the justiciar focus her mind for the day ahead.
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Dec 28, 2023 20:00:34 GMT -5
Rena's already up, humming softly to herself as she gently packs away her clutch and spreads the blankets back out across the bed, doing her best to give the workers as little work as possible. she spends a few minutes preening herself, running a special comb over her feathers to straighten and clean them as best as the ash allows. Then it's time to go over her glaive, softly chirping and trilling as she runs a whetstone over the feather-forged blade. The process creates a soft scraping sound with each pass of the stone over the cutting edge of the blade, almost inaudible even in the relative silence of the room.
Her thoughts are hopeful for the first time in a while, this new friend of hers having given her the idea that her curse might be something she could learn to use, instead of it using her...but in the meantime, she'll need to control herself as best she can, remind herself that people are not meat, that there's more important things than sating one's hunger...
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Dec 28, 2023 20:10:25 GMT -5
Seeing Rena rise and begin her morning routine alongside her, the vampiress smiled brightly at her friend. "I hope your night was restful, Rena. I intend to make our way towards the south today. Whether you determine yourself to be comfortable with sea travel or to go the whole way overland, that's where we'll need to head. I talked with the stable boy last night and managed to procure a horse for you. I don't know how familiar you are with riding, but walking the whole way will add many weeks to our travel. To get you started, we can lash the horse to mine, if you need."
Sylvari began donning her armor as she spoke, grimacing at how the dented pieces dug into her flesh. Once her ensemble was completed she looked back to her friend. "Our travel will also give us ample time for questions and answers. I need to know more about the specifics of your curse to establish a plan to help you overcome it. I'm going to head downstairs. I'll have the staff prepare breakfast for you."
With that, Sylvari quietly exited the room and made her way to the taproom, still quiet in the early morning. A quick conversation with the owner was all that was required to get the fires of the kitchen going in preparation for the small feast the justiciar again ordered for her friend.
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