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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Jan 4, 2024 1:50:14 GMT -5
Rena smiles softly, wings fluttering a little as she trills happily and gently presses into the touch, softly chirping as she sighs, "...thank you. it's...good to hear that. makes it a little easier to ignore the Beast..."
the crow shivers, tailfeathers flicking as she feels the beast squirm under her skin, "...on that note, I believe some fresh meat is in order...'s getting restless..." one dull-taloned hand comes up to scratch at her neck as she shudders, eyes flashing white as the beast gnaws at the inside of her skull.
she stretches a little, wings flaring backward before she takes to the air, soaring up to get a bird's eye view of their surroundings, hovering there for a long minute before swooping back down to rejoin the red-eyed woman, glancing around...then a bayonet slides into her hand, a shift of her arm leaving the blade resting at the wrist of a hand poised to slip into her clutch-satchel, "...I wouldnae do that, if'n I were ye...what's in there is far more valuable t' me than anything ye could possibly give me in return. and the minimum payment for 'em is your life," she glances back at the pickpocket, eyes burning pale white and utterly devoid of warmth and empathy.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 4, 2024 12:44:03 GMT -5
Maternal instincts were a truly formidable force. For as quickly as Sylvari summoned her warhammer to her hand [Spell Blade, Always There], ready to engage the thief for trying to take from her friend, even from her high vantage in the air, Rena was there first, a slender knife already pressed to the offending pickpocket's hand. The blade was already poised for a nasty cut, at the very least, sure to render his hand unusable until he received magical healing and very possible slicing an artery that would threaten death.
The justiciar figured she had better step in for both of their sakes. She walked forward, weapon still in hand as she addressed the figure. "My friend is very protective over the contents of her pack, for good reason. Recant your criminal intentions and we will let you walk away unscathed."
Sylvari's brows knit together in suspicious frustration as the thief's hand took no motion other than to tremble slightly. The vampiress moved forward and pulled back the figure's hood to reveal the reason: this thief was a boy, barely on the cusp of manhood, and he was scared witless. All the color had drained from his face as his eyes darted between the vampiress and threatening crow woman in terror. Sylvari sighed and fashioned her face into a comforting smile.
"There are better ways to fill your belly than taking from others, dear." She reached into her pouch and fished out a couple of Solars and pressed them into the boy's non-threatened palm. "This will take care of you for tonight. In the morning, go to Starlight City, to the Twilight Titan Inn. Ask for Gemma and tell her Sylvari sent you. She'll take care of you."
Still to frightened to say anything, the boy gently extricated his arm from the pressing knife, gave a quick bow and dashed off into the night. Sylvari frowned slightly, seeing him disappear into the darkening woods. "I'm sorry, Rena. Boy didn't know any better."
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Jan 4, 2024 13:19:17 GMT -5
Rena stares after the boy, eyes wide and hands trembling slightly, "...I...perhaps...but that's not enough to excuse what I nearly did. I pray that child finds some other path before he gets hurt..."
she shudders, wings folding tight around her as the bayonet slides back up her sleeve, clutching her egg-satchel close and the crow lets out a low, plaintive whine, "...stars, I nearly killed a child..."
The crow slowly curls in on herself, eyes wide and unseeing, flickering between white and silver as she shudders and whimpers, the beast squirming under her skin as her wings twitch erratically.
"I...nearly killed...a child...stars, I need to be more careful..." she murmurs, holding her egg-satchel close, her fingers faintly crackling with frost as she takes long, slow breaths to try and calm herself down. she lets out a broken, mournful trill, shuddering and wrapping her wings tight around herself as she struggles to come to grips with what almost happened, what she almost did.
she almost killed a child. it would've been so easy, too. just a little more pressure, a little bit of frost, and there would have been warm blood pouring out over the bag holding her clutch. She...she needs help. more than just with her curse, she needs help help. Help processing the things she's been through, help breaking out of the destructive mindset forced by Fimbulwinter. She...Rena's not okay...
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 4, 2024 14:47:53 GMT -5
Sylvari's brows knit together in concern for her friend. The shock of empathy that the vampiress felt, as real a burning metal rod in her heart, was the sort of emotion that could only be born of precise understanding. As much as Sylvari wanted to pull Rena into an enveloping embrace, she knew all to well how shame made you want to shrivel up and disappear. Physical affection could sting worse than a branding iron at such times.
Instead the justiciar walked over to a nearby tree, slumping against it and sliding to the ground. She didn't look at Rena as she began to speak. Indeed, for how her eyes took on a glazed appearance, it might have been reasonably assumed that Sylvari completely forgot her surroundings in that moment, transported by memories years ago and not so far away. Words leapt into her mouth, unbidden, and even is the vampiress had the presence of a conscious mind, she doubted she could have stopped them.
"Just after my exile, I was at my lowest point. My family had turned me out for being a monster. I was still holding onto childish notions of being able to withstand the curse by my willpower alone. I was still too damn proud to seek help. I wore myself to the bone, wandering, searching for an unnamed end, starving myself in shame.
"That was when I found their little farm. The Winterseals. I can remember everything as if I'm still there: the smell of Julia's homemade apple pie, causing me to curse the fact I couldn't eat normal food anymore, the look of love in Tristan's eyes as he looked at his wife, just like Father used to look at Mom, and Finn's excitement, so genuine you could feel it, as he asked me about my weapons and training.
"They took me in, tried to feed me and tend to my wounds, ignorant that such efforts were wasted. I was a shell of myself. I don't think I spoke more than two words to them at a time. They never gave up on me, though, even as I refused to eat, even as my injuries refused to be healed. Julia tried to show me how to bake. I helped Tristan plow his fields with his stubborn mule, Starlight Puff, named by Finn when he was only a few winters old..." Sylvari smiled softly at the memory before drawing her lips into a stony mask as she continued.
"Tristan and Julia didn't know Finn was a mage. He wanted to surprise them with his talents when he had mastered them, you see. He had begged some dusty novice sea domain tome from a passing trader and had worked every waking free moment to master the basic spells in the book. He was terrible, but he had such a determination that I know he would have been an archmage one day.
"He made the mistake of showing me one day. He was so excited to get a warrior's opinion on his talents. The smell of his blood, the delicate arcane webways crisscrossing its depths as it churned through his body: I will never in my life again know such a wonderful, terrible scent. He tried to defend himself, but he was so nervous that his water whip flew wide.
"I was upon him before he could get a second spell off. My mind only returned to me as I knelt, gore-splattered, over his desiccated corpse. The only remnants of his scent were covering my face and claws. I ran. I was well and truly a monster, a curse sent as some cruel joke to these wonderful people. I couldn't stand the thought of facing them. I dreaded the look of horror on their faces. I dreaded that fact that they might forgive me. They were just that type of people."
Sylvari sagged slightly, her mind returning to her present body. Despite the emotional weight of the suffering Sylvari felt, she couldn't manage any tears. Why couldn't she cry anymore? Further proof of my monstrosity. She leveled a razor sharp gaze on Rena, her crimson eyes seeming to see too much.
"Listen Rena, only one of us here is a child murderer, and every god and hell as my witness, while there is still life, or whatever twisted form of existence I have, still in my bones, that will not change."
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Jan 4, 2024 16:06:53 GMT -5
Rena blinks, eyes refocusing a little as she listens, tilting her head and trilling softly, "...I...that wasn't your fault, though? did...did we not just spend the last few months trying to get me to realize that I'm not at fault for the things that the beast makes me do?" those silver eyes narrow a little as the crow straightens, "...or did you not actually believe any of the things you told me? why am I not at fault when you are? how is that meant to make sense, Sylvari?"
The little crow stands tall, cracking her neck and glaring with pale white eyes at the vampiress, "you said it yourself; you were foolish enough to try and starve yourself months on end. if foolishness is punished, then I'm seeing a lot of people getting off scot-free. or is it that you refuse to listen to your own teachings?"
At this point Brighteyes is glaring up at the taller woman, feathers fluffed and wings twitching in what seems to be barely-contained rage...if it is, then she's gotten a lot better at containing it. feels like only last week the little crow would be going for someone's throat at similar provocation.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 4, 2024 16:49:55 GMT -5
Sylvari shook her head sadly, rising up to place a gentle hand on Rena's arm. "It's not about blame, Rena. It's about grief. I may not have been 'responsible' for what my dark thirst made me do, but that does nothing to quell the scars on my heart that are rent open every time I think about that poor boy. The heart isn't persuaded by logical arguments, and no amount of clever reasoning will take the scent of Finn from my nose or the pain of his loss from my bones. I don't want you to bear this pain. I want you to master your beast so you never have to feel the hurt that comes from losing control."
Sylvari turned away, wordlessly forging ahead towards her home, desperately hoping the familiar halls would allay the erupting agony in her soul. It was clear the justiciar hoped to spare Rena from the dark fate she was subjected to, and in her salvation, perhaps a trickle of hope could be felt by the vampiress as well. Her memories tormented her; the ghosts of her past haunted her vision at all hours since she never slept. She didn't want that for Rena. No. A mother should be able to raise her children without regrets.
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Jan 4, 2024 17:25:41 GMT -5
The crow calms at the justiciar's words, eyes fading back to silver as she trills softly, wings tucking back in and beak clicking a little, "...alright. grief. I...suppose that makes sense. I suppose I'd feel the same way you do, if'n I'd followed through and struck that pickpocket...but that doesnae change that you're not practicin' what y' should be," she jabs one dull, icy talon into Sylvari's breastplate, "the only decision you could've possibly made to prevent that boy's death would have been to not hurt yourself by refusing to feed. stars, you've more'n redeemed yourself for that, so far as I can tell!"
Rena sighs, shaking her head as Sylvari moves ahead, the crow stepping forward to follow the justiciar, holding her egg-satchel close and warding off curious looks with irritable caws and hisses.
She'd save Sylvari, like Sylvari saved her. that's the only option. she's got a debt, and it will be repaid or the crow won't rest even in death. Grief shouldn't be allowed to fester like the justiciar's so clearly has. something's holding her back...perhaps she doesn't think she deserves forgiveness? that could be it...grief shouldn't be allowed to fester and eat at someone's insides. it's just...wrong.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 4, 2024 17:50:22 GMT -5
Sylvari turns back with a sad smile. "I'm aware, dear. Chalk it up to one more failure to throw onto the pile. No matter how many people tell me to forgive myself, my heart just doesn't seem to be willing to heal. Every time I try to justify my grief it only bites me with failures, further and further back, all culminating in that moment, in the one before that, and all the times afterwards. Besides, if I don't remember them, if I don't honor their sacrifice by etching their names on the tablet of my heart, then it really feels like senseless murder. At least, this way, their memory lives on..." The vampiress trailed off, continuing to speak words too quiet to hear.
Once a building came into view, an impressive, cathedral-esque edifice, the justiciar visibly brightened, as if the sight of her home alone had quelled any lingering sadness she carried. Either that, or she was well-acquainted with concealing grief...
"Well! Here we are! Now, it's a little threadbare at the moment. I just acquired it in the spring, and I haven't been around much to mind it, so it's certainly wanting for decoration." Sylvari moved purposefully to the door, infusing a small orb of light around her fingers, creating a resonating sound as she touched the handle. "Please, come in."
Sylvari led the way into the home. It was massive, well in excess of what a single person would need. It was also as the justiciar mentioned: bare to the point of feeling empty. There was a sitting area, and a cursory glance of the rooms would reveal them furnished with sturdy yet simple beds, but there was no other furniture or adornments about.
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Jan 4, 2024 23:17:53 GMT -5
Rena frowns a little, trilling worriedly at the justiciar's words, "...and what happens when there's no heart left to etch? when there's nothing left but pain and grief? I...I cannae stand t' watch ye destroy y'rself like this..."
she shakes herself out of her funk, chirping softly and gazing up at the great cathedral of the vampiress' home, silver eyes widening as her wings flare in mild surprise, "I-wait-you live in one of these places?! v-vas ne' te'ta'f?!1"
The kenku shakes her head again, muttering something about, "bloody rich, self-flagellating tor'idri2," as she walks past Sylvari and into the...house.
Rena glances around, trilling softly and slowly nodding, "...alright...I can work with this...does it have a basement or a cellar of some sort? perhaps an attic?"
she...doesn't wait for an answer, dull talons clicking on stone floor tiles as the crow begins exploring the massive building, letting out soft trills and chirps of interest as she glances around, searching for a cozy little nook up high or down low for her to tuck away her little ones so they'll be nice and safe during the decoration process.
It's pretty easy, actually. there are nooks and crannies - to say nothing of crooks and nannies - all over the place, leaving her with all sorts of options for stashing the clutch.
1 - what in the [redacted]?! 2 - idiot/affectionate
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 7, 2024 20:58:47 GMT -5
Sylvari smiled shyly and chuckled good naturedly as Rena took a look around her noble manor. "Yeah, it's a lot... Part of the reason I haven't done much with the place is that it's so big I don't know what sort of things to decorate it all with. Maybe you can help out with that, Rena." The vampiress smiled kindly at her friend, any trace of previous pain washed away in the tide of boundless goodwill she seemed to emanate.
"As far as attics or basements go, I don't know that I have either, but there are a few windows set into high places of the vaulted ceilings with little landings. I sure if that is what you prefer, we can fashion one into a safe place for you." Sylvari moved past Rena to the small kitchen area, poking her head in various cupboards and cabinets. She frowned, seemingly not finding what she was looking for before returning to Rena with a rueful smile.
"It seems I don't have much food in the way of entertaining guests either. I'll head into Starlight City in the morning and purchase some suitable food items for you. Do you have a favorite cut, dear?" As Sylvari made mental notes for the things she would shop for in the city she buzzed around from space to space, a constant busybody of motion, as if the previous, continent-spanning journey wasn't enough for her.
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Jan 8, 2024 9:49:09 GMT -5
The crow hums to herself as she putters about the massive house, silver eyes darting around and taking in every little detail as she moves, dull talons clicking on the stone floor with each step. First thing…probably rugs. Nice and soft, perfect to come home to and rest one’s feet on…then furniture. This room here with the fireplace needs a few couches and chairs to lounge in, this smaller one over here could be a cozy little dining room…yes, she can work with this.
She blinks, leaning out from behind a corner that Sylvari could swear she hadn’t gone down, “anything’s fine, as long as there’s meat. Raw is better for placating my curse, but I don’t really have a preference as long as it’s seasoned. Maybe something with a dry rub or marinade?”
Rena ducks back away, humming to herself as she resumes her explorations. Seems there is an attic, all musty and dusty and full of spiders. She takes a moment, considering, then ducks back down and shudders, “...come back with a fire spell, then cut out some windows for a nice breeze…not goin' up there again without the tools for the job..."
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 8, 2024 14:12:57 GMT -5
Sylvari smiled, sitting in one of the plain wicker chairs she possessed as she watched Rena flitting about to and fro within her home. The vampiress was pleased that her guest seemed to be in high spirits and had no qualms about feeling at ease in her house.
"Duly noted, dear. I'll see what the markets will offer up." Sylvari rummaged through her bag at the reminder of quelling curses for the small box of blood vials she carried, discovering it half empty. "It seems I will need to replenish my own supply in the city, so all the better to..." Sylvari trailed off blushing at the idiom that threatened to leap from her lips. 'To kill two birds with one stone' was what she intended to say, but given her friend's heritage, the justiciar decided better of it. "To have many reasons to go."
Hoping to change the subject quickly, Sylvari noted Rena's murmuring about various seating and decorative pieces. "Any recommendations for furniture or decorations while I'm out? Might as well grab everything in one trip, even with the relatively short journey."
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Jan 8, 2024 15:36:15 GMT -5
The crow tilts her head, rushing back into the room, “that won’t work at all unless you’ve got a Space Pocket! There’s just too much stuff to get! We’ll need to do one room at a time, if that!”
She shakes herself, grinning and glancing at her sister friend, “...that said, there is another thing we could do…instead of one room at a time, we could do one flavor of item at a time. Do the rugs, then the chairs and so on, y’know?”
She hums softly, trilling and chirping as she idly spins a bayonet in her hand, “...aside from that…I think I’ll spend some time exploring the area, try and find good spots to hunt, y’know?” the crow trills, flecks of white visible in her eyes as her dull-taloned feet click-clack on the way out of the house.
She hums to herself as she moves into the forest, bone white eyes glancing around in search of prey/meat/food as she walks through the underbrush, her relatively minuscule height allowing her to hide in the brush with ease just by ducking down.
she doesn't find much this time, but the Beast seems pleased nonetheless, and so she heads back inside before dark with a skip in her step.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 9, 2024 10:42:07 GMT -5
The next morning, Sylvari prepared herself to go into the city. Luckily, she was armed with Rena's décor suggestions and a purpose for the day, so she would be able to move through the city efficiently. The justiciar had written out a small list of the items she would need to purchase, had sent ahead a request for a horse and carriage, and had steeled herself for the trials that the marketplace was sure to throw her way.
As she moved to the small adjoining stables her house had to house Mercy, Sylvari looked back to the manor, happy to have a friend inside that would be waiting for her upon her return. The vampiress had come from a close-knit community of nomads, so now, with Rena here, it was the first time her house felt like a home.
Atop her frigid steed, Sylvari marched forward to Starlight City, into the future. She felt fulfilled that finally her pain from dealing with her curse would be turned to noble purpose, in helping her friend. She silently thanked the gods as Mercy's footfalls created small puffs of frost, making the already chilly morning air all the more frigid. This is my purpose. My reason for being. To spin joy from sorrow and to use the wounds of the past to forge a future of love for all those under my care.
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Post by Rena Brighteyes on Jan 9, 2024 16:18:51 GMT -5
Rena hums softly in what's...probably the kitchen, carefully draining the blood from the morning’s hunt into vials for her sister landlord’s consumption. She’s not really sure if Sylvari can subsist off animal blood, but it’s…probably worth a shot. In any case, the boar needs to be drained anyway, and this way the blood…probably won’t go to waste.
She’s using one of her bayonets - of course she is, why wouldn’t she? - to make careful cuts across various large veins and arteries, positioning a vial under each cut to allow them to fill with blood. She’s had to change out the vials a few times, so if this works then her sister friend won’t have to worry about going thirsty for a while…as for the crow herself, she’ll just have to hope that cooked and preserved meat will sate her own curse.
she chirps and trills, occasionally glancing anxiously at the spot where she's hidden her clutch away. it still feels wrong to not have the little ones on her hip at all times, but...that's probably not going to be a healthy mindset to have once they're all grown up and looking to make their own lives...
...in the meantime, this will be her purpose. to protect and serve this little family she's slowly rebuilding. to make sure that none of them ever have to experience the suffering that she's gone through. to make sure they all live the happiest, fullest lives they can. and if that means getting her hands dirty...well, it wouldn't be the first time.
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