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Post by Elvira, Wandering Cleric on Jan 2, 2024 18:42:11 GMT -5
In the White Sand Sea, the lone wandering cleric had found herself trekking over the mountainous dunes. It was one of the rare times she had chosen to wander without her thick religious garb, instead opting for a lighter shawl and veil. Coming to the top of the dune she was currently on, she looked behind her to see the Oasis, the place she had just stopped for water and food. She turned back around, making sure to keep her heading the same. She had accomplished this trek a few times already, but each time was dangerous. Getting lost through the seas was rather easy to the untrained wanderer, and she certainly was not taking the path most travel clerics of her order would choose. This way, however, made her rather happy. She felt at peace amongst the ruins of cities old.
Suddenly, something caught her eye. A couple of figures next to a horse. One was laying down while the other waved their arms. They were in trouble, and she was the only one around to help.
She immediately sprung up, sprinting as best as she could through the hot sand. She felt lucky to be wearing boots, otherwise this sand would definitely have filled her shoes with the way she ran. She approached the two, a female kneeling next to a male who was laid out and groaning.
"I am Elvira, what has happened here?" As she speaks, she kneels down and places a gentle hand on the man's shoulder.
"I was riding the horse when she suddenly spooked and came down on top of him! Please, help us," the woman said, standing up to move out of the way.
Elvira leaned her head down to look to the man when something felt... off. The man smiled. The realization came too late for the cleric as she felt the woman's boot crash into the side of her head. She was dizzied, but managed to stand. This was all for naught, however, as the man leaped and wrapped an arm around her throat while the woman began to dig through the elf's pockets and bags. "There better be something of bloody substance or I'll tear the bleedin' throat off of this one and leave her for the vultures!" Her search would be interrupted, however, by the screams of the man as Elvira had dug her dark magic claws into the muscles of his forearm. He released her and she took the moment to back off and stance herself. The female bandit, however, was having none of this. She unleashed a roaring scream, which had alerted her nearby allies. Multiple bandits flooded out from the nearby ruins.
"Days like this, I wish I had wings," the cleric thought to herself.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 3, 2024 0:40:54 GMT -5
It was the screaming she heard first. Sylvari was unsure if she should be grateful that trouble so often fell into her lap. Charitably, one might think that her years of dedication to her mission had simply honed the justiciar's instincts to razor edge, subconsciously alert to any evil that lurked in the world. However, Sylvari harbored a secret fear that Charon was only becoming darker, her oath and journey having done nothing to quell the myriad evils that stalked the land. Whatever the case, philosophical musings would have to wait. Sylvari had a new directive.
Thundering forward on her magnificent frigid steed, Mercy, whose footfalls created little puffs of steam to rise up from the scorching desert sands, the full plate-clad vampiress emerged onto the scene to find a very confusing state of affairs. A cloaked figure was crouched over a man, their fingers dripping with blood, while a woman stood over them rifling through their pockets. Sylvari was honestly a little confused as to who was in need of justice here. The sound of approaching footfalls bid the justiciar to find out where she stood quickly.
"You there," she began in an authoritative tone. "What's the meaning of this? What has occurred here? Speak now, or justice as my witness, I shall smite all of you where you stand."
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Post by Elvira, Wandering Cleric on Jan 3, 2024 15:28:01 GMT -5
Elvira growled in frustration. Surrounded by those meaning to do her harm and she was being threatened? Who was this woman anyways?
The bandits, however, did not get the memo. Instead, they took this as an opportunity for more loot and four of the thieves began to charge Sylvari. Not one to lose even the potential ally, Elvira evoked a bolt of light and fired it to the nearest mugger to the vampire. It streaked, gaining size and power, before crashing into the right leg of the criminal, sending them to the floor.
This only angered those nearest to the cleric. The woman from earlier took out a dagger and swung at the elf, who dodged the main blow but received a glancing blade to the cheek. Elvira moved to gain distance, placing a hand on her cheek and finding oozing blood. "Kuu'Datto!"1 The woman charges in, only to receive the dark energy claws to the stomach, dropping her, but not yet finishing her off. This gives time for Elvira to draw her bow and nock an arrow, standing herself in a more favorable position.
She takes the moment to call to the vampire. "I trust this clears up the earlier confusion, yes?"
1: "Bastard"
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 3, 2024 17:13:55 GMT -5
The chain of events that unfolded before the justiciar did, in fact, clarify the situation for her. Stepping close to the robed woman, Sylvari intoned under her breath in a fell speech. "Protection." A shimmering shield of purple haze leapt from the vampiress' hand to cover the woman's form in its protective envelope [Black Shield].
Conscious of the oncoming tide of attackers that edged ever closer with each passing moment, Sylvari incanted again, her whispers unnaturally carrying to each person on the battlefield. "Eruption." A rolling wave of darkness exploded out in all directions from the justiciar's armored form [Death Wave], passing harmlessly over the woman, the protective purple breaking the hostile magic apart likes waves on the shore.
The aggressors, however, were not so lucky. Each of them were knocked off their feet with the force of the dark wave. Some fell to the ground screaming, wreathed in lingering black flames. Others fell as burnt corpses, never to rise again.
Sylvari's stoic gaze could be felt even from beneath her softly waving half veil, piercing each person before her. "Justice has arrived. Evildoers, tremble before the light of righteousness!" Given the eruption of foul magics that she had unleashed, the armored woman's words seemed quite at odds with her actions. Nevertheless, she stood in defiant certainty, looking larger than life.
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Post by Elvira, Wandering Cleric on Jan 3, 2024 20:42:25 GMT -5
Elvira relaxes, looking around the desolate field and watching the bandits burn. She grimaces at the thought of being the victim of such a spell, though marveled at the power of it. Placing her hand on her cheek to assess the wound, she winces as the sharp, burning pain presents itself from the loss of adrenaline. Looking around the now silent battlefield, she shakes her head. "Shame, I would have given a few coins should they have asked. I grow weary of the violence as of recent." As she steps over to the bodies, smoke begins to flow from her hands. She waves the smoke over the bodies, whispering incantations and prayers.(Last Rites) With a huff, she turns to the new woman. The upper half of her face is almost entirely concealed, only the intense blue of the elf's eyes making themselves known from the darkness, but the gash from the blade was rather prominent and dripping blood down her face. Regardless, she was thankful for the intervention that had prevented a most certain death. "Thank you, warrior. I am certain that would not have fared well for someone like myself. Your aid will not be forgotten, nor will it pass without aid in return. As for me, I am Elvira, Wandering Cleric from the Temple of the Moon. May I ask your name?"
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 4, 2024 10:58:43 GMT -5
Sylvari nodded her head in somber agreement at the cleric's words. "Indeed, I wish the same. If only the world were such that I was not needed, but unfortunately, too many choose the path of iniquity and trample upon the honest work of the righteous." The justiciar gazed out to the field of battle, seeing as all the combatants had been vanquished with a small frown. "Their hope for redemption was lost as they couldn't withstand the fires of justice. Pity."
At this moment, Sylvari swiveled back to the hooded woman, concern evident even from the visible bottom half of her face. "I'm terribly sorry about the confusion earlier, dear. The hearts of the righteous should not feel the scourge of justice's scrutiny. Were you hurt?" Without waiting for an answer, Sylvari reached out and delicately drew Elvira's face up to inspect, seeing the nasty gash on her cheek.
Sylvari's lips pressed into a deep frown. "By the grace of the celestial Ellyria, be healed of your ailments." Along with her words, the justiciar channeled the holy power of her patron [Celestial, Holy Gifts (Massive Healing)], funneling a frankly excessive amount of positive energy into the wound. The dunes around the pair became awash in the rays of the holy light, as the flesh on the clerics face closed under the direction of the golden magic. Once her deed was done, Sylvari smiled and stepped back.
"A pleasure to meet you, Elvira. I am a justiciar of the light, Sylvari Dawnsage."
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Post by Elvira, Wandering Cleric on Jan 9, 2024 19:20:58 GMT -5
As Sylvari apologized, Elvira would wave it off with a smile. "All is forgiven, I apologize myself for being ill-mannered towards you as you had approached the situation. I might have done the same should I have been in your position. As for my wounds, I have taken a- Oh.." She paused as the justiciar had gently lifted her chin. It was a simple gesture, but took her entirely by surprise. She was surprised even further by the healing spell. Once it had fully healed her, she blinked a few times to readjust her eyes from the burning holy light.
She lowered the hood of her robes to reveal the golden headpiece of a Sister of the Moon from the Temple in Moonglade, heavily contrasted by the soft cheeks and long and flowing black hair which had spilled out once the hood was lowered. Shifting her weight and crossing her arms, she tilted her head curiously and gave an odd look the to warrior in front of her. Her accent (similar to that of a posh Greek accent) thickened as she confusedly addressed Sylvari, occasionally waving her arms to accent her words. One might have thought she had gone mad upon seeing the holy light if she were not a cleric herself. "Who exactly are you, Miss Dawnsage? One does not simply call upon a patron and receive great powers, I can sense there is much more to you than may be revealed upon an initial inspection of your person." Her eyes darted over the justiciar, taking in her presentation. Shifting her weight once more, she gave a slightly pleased look before lifting her chin. "Mysterious. I might like to get to know you myself. I rather enjoy the thrill of a mystery," the cleric said with a grin.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 9, 2024 19:36:36 GMT -5
"You mean to say it isn't this easy for everyone?" Sylvari inquired, an impish smile plain on her lips as she teased her new companion. She enjoyed the friendly interaction after days of scorched earth and hostile beasts.
"I am but a person dedicated to the mission of justice; that is all that is required of me. I am the fist of the righteous, the scourge of the wicked, and the comforting hand of mercy. I am all of these things and none of them, for, at the end of the day, I am merely an acolyte of these virtues and stumble in my own ways as everyone does. Even so, by the grace of she who chose me, and of the gods that continue to grant us time here in this life, I strive towards perfection."
Sylvari cocked her head to the side, trying to get a better look at the elven woman beneath the hood, equally intrigued by Elvira's own mysterious aura. "You speak of mysteries as if you weren't an enigma yourself. I know enough from my travels to spy a priestess of Moonglade when I see one, but this doesn't explain your presence here, on the other side of the world. Won't you please tell me your purpose? Perhaps I can aid you in your pilgrimage."
Despite the fact of cleric's duties being arduous at times, the prospect did not seem to bother the justiciar in the slightest. Sylvari gave the same warm-hearted smile as before, as nonchalant about her offer as if she had agreed to go to the local marketplace with a friend.
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Post by Elvira, Wandering Cleric on Jan 15, 2024 21:51:24 GMT -5
"Typically, it is not how one acts when doing what is required of them that determines their character. It is how they act in times they are of free choice. 'Down time,' if you will. Actions taken when you have the ability to choose are your true identity. As for what my purpose of being here is, I am returning from aiding my mother with a job and decided to meet up with someone who..." - she pauses here, weighing the next words carefully - "...well, in truth it is someone who has had my eye for some time now. I wish to ask for her to be mine." She looks off to the horizon, blushing lightly.
Looking back, she offers a smile. "I see nothing wrong with you following, however. As a wanderer, I am tasked with helping those in need and guiding spirits of those fallen to prevent undeath. It's not as glorious as some seem to think, but I am most certain you can handle it should you wish." Once more, her intense blue eyes seem to inspect the justiciar. It was as if something was on her mind and she simply couldn't quell it. Her smile shifts to a playful curiosity, featuring a smirk and a raised eyebrow. "As for my statement a moment ago, the one of actions taken in free time, what kinds of trouble do you get yourself into in your free time, Miss Dawnsage? You certainly seem to be one prepared for trouble, one might think it follows you where you go, hmm?" Her eyes soften as she looks to Sylvari, seemingly understanding. The smirk soon follows suit in softening.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 16, 2024 12:14:25 GMT -5
Sylvari internal despondency, growing with each word Elvira spoke, was manifested only in the slimmest downward turns of the corners of her mouth. It seemed as if the cleric had peered into the vampiress' soul to pick out all her insecurities and pain points: those of love, of righteousness, of purpose, of identity. It was such a perfect storm of culminating disabling strikes to her being that the justiciar was left stunned and speechless for several seconds after the cleric finished speaking. At last, Sylvari was able to power through by moving to gather the bodies for the cleric to perform her rites on.
"I... see." She managed a bare, weak smile to provide her new companion. "It is good for one to find love in this world. It is the foremost thing worth living for. In regards to your question, I'm afraid by your definition, I am rather lacking in identity. I embody my mission to the exclusion of all else. Perhaps that is as it should be. The arm of justice should be nothing more than an idealized tool. Where a woman may be cut down, an ideal is immortalized forever. So I am willing to become for the sake of my oath."
Sylvari's words were low and tinged with doubt, as if she were trying to convince herself more than relay her true thoughts to Elvira.
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Post by Elvira, Wandering Cleric on Jan 21, 2024 9:27:49 GMT -5
Picking up on the broken tone of the woman in front of her, she freezes for a moment before looking down. "I am sorry, heldo,1 I did not mean to open any wounds, I had only wished to gather information about your inner workings and how you think. You and I are not so different, in truth. Maybe one day I'll tell you how. What I can say is that I originally wished to be a composer. Then... well. Some... how should I say? Some family matters needed to be attended to."
Looking back up now, she smiles softly. "Do you wish to leave this area? I'm sure the vultures will take care of them. We could perhaps find a site to camp at. I'm sure one of these fallen temples will provide enough shade, and I have copious amounts of food and water for the travels, so I don't mind sharing. Come on, we can have a... what is it the noble women say? 'A girl's night out,' was it?" She laughs, but the offer was clearly genuine. She was obviously tired, but she still reaches out for companionship. Charon was lonely without friends, and she could definitely use one. She wouldn't doubt if Sylvari needed one, also.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 22, 2024 12:26:30 GMT -5
Sylvari chuckled darkly, a macabre sense of humor overtaking her somberness as the truth of Elvira's statement was plain to her to see. "'We often find our fate on the road we take to avoid it.' Musings of an old man that proves to be frustratingly more reliable as I age. I know well the path of duty... and of family's impact on our lives." The justiciar's face fell once again as her thoughts lingered on her father and of her people back home.
Some strength was returned to her at the cleric's kind offer, however. "You are very kind, dear. I'd be pleased to accompany you. Do not worry about sharing your rations. You are wise to be so prepared, and I've a special diet to observe besides. Nevertheless, your suggestion to take cover and make camp in one of the dilapidated structures is a good one. Wicked things walk the wastes in the dead of night, and there is a keen difference between being ready to face evil and walking foolishly to its den."
Sylvari moved to her frigid steed and petted Mercy's muzzle affectionately. She looked back to Elvira with a small smile. "I see no mount of your own, and the desert sands are liable to make overland travel uncomfortable. May I offer my noble steed as transport?" Sylvari swung up easily into the saddle, a practiced motion of strength that belied the difficulty of mounting in full plate. She reached a hand down to Elvira invitingly.
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Post by Elvira, Wandering Cleric on Jan 29, 2024 15:03:31 GMT -5
After a moment of figuring out how to stretch in her particular choice of clothing, and another moment of building up her confidence, Elvira took the outstretched hand of the woman into her own and leaped up with all her might. To her surprise, however, Sylvari's strength did the brunt of the work. As she landed on the steed with little grace, she gave herself a moment to recoup and gain her bearings. "Alright, I believe I am settled."
And with that, they were off. As the blistering heat of the sun slowly cooled with its setting, they trekked over miles of sandy dunes. One might have thought they had gone in circled with the similarities of each mountain of silky sand, but soon they had arrived at a large building, half covered in the next dune. This building had massive pillars of worn-down stone encircling a cavernous interior, turned slightly askew by the winds blowing away its foundation. The interior had been partially buried in the dune, causing some sand to trickle down inside. Within it was shattered pottery, likely from a raider or traveler.
Once the frigid steed had stopped, Elvira slid herself off. She immediately turned to Sylvari. "Does your horse need water? I wish not for the heat to harm the beautiful creature. I'm unsure if they would get dehydrated or... well... melt?" As she speaks, she reached out to pet the horse's head.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Jan 29, 2024 17:49:08 GMT -5
A light blush of scarlet graced the justiciar's cheeks at the cleric's question, feeling slightly foolish as to her solution to this problem in the presence of another person. "I appreciate your concern, Elvira, but, in lieu of you being able to conjure up springs of water from the earth, Mercy and I have little makeshift solution while we travel. Rest assured, while she is attuned to the frosts of the north, Mercy is still a flesh and blood creature and will not melt." Sylvari smiled, clearly amused, before dropping her voice to a cautionary tone and continuing. "Um, you may want to step back."
Working quickly in concert, with an efficiency that spoke of a practiced habit, Mercy and Sylvari excavated a sizeable basin in the sand, large enough to bathe in. The justiciar then coated the bowl with a layer of ice [Ice Bridge], and made sure her new friend was sheltered underneath the dilapidated structure before calling a blizzard of snowfall down [Sheer Cold], only severing the magic once the created basin was filled with snow. In the absence of the frosty magic, the desert sun quickly melted the nascent snow and converted it to pure drinking water, which Mercy began to drink up heartily.
Sylvari leaned down to affectionately scratch her steed's muzzle, focusing on her mount to hide her slight embarrassment at her little spectacle. She was vaguely aware how extravagant her use of heavy arcana in the simple task of watering her horse was, but it aided her in traveling light and surviving harsh environments like this one.
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