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Post by Marion Aurea on Jun 5, 2024 10:47:56 GMT -5
Despite being able to grow himself food for the road, Marion's other needs, say, lodging, does require paid fees- and he goes about it like any other respectable adventurer would do: taking up spare jobs and helping around. It is not all sparkles and roses, which is fair, but Marion finding himself not minding the work- he get to go places he would not be allowed in, or would otherwise be just awkward to wander in, if he had not a legitimate job on his hands to do. A kind of qualification, really, to be allowed to mingle in the city or just to observe. Putting down the tools that were distributed for use- the usual, brush and bucket of glue, and propping Idun(he is still weaving it, but the staff is looking more staff than tree now, which is progress) against the wall, Marion looked up at the stone wall in front of him. It had became apparent in his endeavors, in the form of a couple posters, that his height is limiting how high he could put these up neatly. Standing at 165cm, the elf- some would still call him an elfling, to his protest, but I digress- is not exactly what is considered eye level to the common adult male. That being said, though, there is not much he could do about it. Marion did not know where he could borrow a little step ladder, which would have been very useful- but he must make do with what he have. Spreading the newspaper he had collected on the ground to soak up any runoff glue, Marion set about painting the wall.
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Post by Cyran Fenastra-Asiliari on Jun 5, 2024 12:52:21 GMT -5
It had been quite a while since Cyran spent time in Eclipse City – long enough that wandering the idyllic streets no longer felt like home… if it ever had in the first place. It was difficult to say for certain. It was easy to look back on one’s memories through a cloud of nostalgia; when in reality, you had changed so irrevocably that you would never be able to look at the past the same way again, while the past remained immutable and unchangeable. It would always be as you experienced it. But now was not the time for such melancholy musings. Business was what had brought the elven man back to his birthplace, for once. Normally, he would not bother with the ins and outs of subtly slipping into the city under the gazes of the watchmen; today brought him here on a matter of upmost importance. Marlow’s birthday was rapidly approaching. Cyran could not see her in person, but by the gods so long as Cyran was alive he’d never let his little girl go without knowing she was loved and cared for. It was a significant risk, exposing himself to his father’s ire – but one Cyran was willing to take. That would come later, under the dead of night. For now, he was a shadow, wafting through the streets like a ghost. Most paid little attention to him, as little presence as he held… footsteps as quiet as a whispered secret, the shadows protecting him like a blanket. [1,2] Without a goal in mind, he wandered aimless through the streets, until he spotted activity up ahead. A stranger, with a stack of parchment and a vast expanse of wall ahead of them; one they were struggling to reach the top of due to their height. They didn’t seem to be put out by the task… rather, focused, though it would take them some time to finish the task at hand. From here their objective was difficult to parse, though upon closer inspection, it appeared they were hanging up some kind of advert. Cyran had time, and two heads were often better than one. Careful not to startle the stranger, Cyran approached, raising his voice. “Excuse me… I don’t mean to interrupt, but do you need any assistance?”
1. Silent Step 2. Shadow Hiding Quest Name: Posted UpParticipants: Two or more Location: Any city other than Sol City Post Requirements: 5 posts per person, 200 words per post Reward: +1 Renown Description: It is once again time for the summer festival, a celebration of the warmest time of year! Each year Sol City throws a huge, month long festival filled with food, dancing, costumes and combat, inviting the entire kingdom to partake! The Crown is requesting aid, asking for help in posting advertisement's all around, hanging up posters and passing out flyers in every city across the continent! You can help by handing out or hanging up flyers, or you can be a nuisance to those who are, disrupting the advertising however you wish. There must be advertising and some kind of disruption - however, what that disruption is and its outcome is completely up to you.
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Post by Marion Aurea on Jun 5, 2024 17:07:42 GMT -5
As it turned out, Marion would indeed do with what he had, but in a somewhat more unconventional way. Well, if, he wasn't on eye-level, he would only need to draw the gaze to the posters then. This logic was sound, and as the blonde scraped the air from under the posters, over the wall, you sort of get what he was trying to do: a wall of these posters, the two variations of base colour forming a grid pattern, as well as the larger area- that would be more eye-catching than a single poster. It was though, easier said than done, and he still somewhat struggled to make sure the top of the posters on the top row were secure-
"W- oh, if it is alright!"
The pointedly approaching footsteps that Cyran made a point to create did its purpose, in terms of not scaring the daylights out of Marion when he spoke up- the ambience of the streets behind him sets an easy mood, and Marion turned around, brush in hand and the other holding the top of the poster against the wall, least it fall and peel off.
"It is very kind of you- could you hold this, yep, this top poster, flush against the wall for a moment-"
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Post by Cyran Fenastra-Asiliari on Jun 6, 2024 7:34:23 GMT -5
Now that Cyran had gotten closer he could see the careful arrangement in which the posters had been organized. The stranger was in the middle of securing one of the fliers in the top row- thankfully, preoccupied enough with his task that he was more grateful for the help than startled by his sudden appearance.
Cyran nodded, spurned forward by the acceptance of his offer. Carefully navigating around the elven man, stacks of paper, and cans of adhesive, he made his way to the wall where the stranger was just barely holding onto one of the topmost fliers in the arrangement.
“Hold on… let me just squeeze on past you there…”
It took some fumbling and awkward navigating, but eventually, Cyran managed to secure the parchment against the wall with the flat of his palm, allowing the young elf to let go and grab the paint. “Are you the only one putting these up?” He asked while the stranger continue his work, almost in disbelief. It seemed an impossible task to get done with just one person. He hummed, lips twisting into an unpleasant frown. This errand might take a little more time than he thought, because there was no way in the world he was leaving this young man to struggle on his own.
Ah, that was alright. He was in no rush to get anywhere.
While he kept the parchment secure, Cyran finally glanced over and skimmed the contents of the adverts which the stranger was hanging up. “The summer festival? I didn’t realize Eclipse City was having any celebration to speak of.” Turning to glance at the stranger, he offered a small smile. There was no harm in making small talk. “Looks like they’ve got you hanging up an awful lot of these. Are you planning on attending? It looks like fun.”
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Post by Marion Aurea on Jun 6, 2024 7:54:43 GMT -5
Offering a wide smile in gratitude, Marion stood on tiptoes and stretched himself ending up juust enough to reach the top, putting his weight against it partly to remain stable in such a pose, and it helps with keeping the glue on without too much bubbles under too! An absolute win, you can see how he had sort of figured things out like this. "Oh, no- there are others too, but for putting up posters they had us go do different parts of the city, you see, but we'd get a bonus too if we had all of these posters that were handed to us put up!"
Seeming rather enthusiastic, the sun elf was bouncy and energetic- you can see his large ears bobbing along as he worked and talked, but also being very attentive to his work- he had asked Cyran to move the posters a few times, to have the corners be lined up as flush as they could get. To be fair he did not need to go such lengths, since as he described it as simply a part-time for some coin so that he could rent decent lodging in the city- "outside would be fine too, I like sleeping on trees, but I don't think cities allows things like these-" but Marion seemed insistent on having a job well done instead of just sloppily finishing things.
"I would love to attend- if I could get to Sol city in time! I wouldn't want to rush too much in my travels though- I havent really explored Moonglade as fully as I'd like, so I'm still thinking about it... well, if it's not this summer, then the next would be just as warm and sunny, for sure!"
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Post by Cyran Fenastra-Asiliari on Jun 6, 2024 20:35:32 GMT -5
Though Cyran had stepped in to intervene before catastrophe, the young elf clearly had a system in place to keep himself from stumbling and falling. Slow and careful was a good way to go about it; Cyran mostly worried that it would take him so much longer to complete this task on his own. He held himself steady while the elf worked around him, pursing his lips. “So they turned it into a game? What kind of bonus do you get if you hang everything up? I still think they should have sent you out in partners…” But the young man didn’t seem particularly plussed about the situation, so Cyran wouldn’t drive it home.
There was no point dwelling in the past. Better to get the task at hand. Cyran was grateful to be in good company, at the very least – where he was still, serene, and careful to move and act, the young elf bounced around like life was a dance. He had to admit, the positive attitude was infectious. As he obediently followed directions, he found himself smiling as he listened to the stranger chatter. About his living situation, that he was just visiting – “You’d be surprised, there are plenty of druids and shamans here who build gardens for public use –“
And so on and so forth.
The sun elf clearly cared about being thorough, that much was certain. It didn’t just seem to be a job for coin for him.
Still. Now that he was looking at this parchment again, it appeared that these weren’t adverts for a party in Moonglade, but in Sol City itself. How ridiculous was it that the crown was forcing people to spend their time and energy spreading the news of a party they most likely wouldn’t be able to attend?
He nodded in agreement, a small smile on his face. “There is always plenty of time next year, for certain. There’s no point in missing the life in front of you when you can enjoy the present. Besides,” He paused with a laugh, “If it makes you feel any better, I attended with my fiancé last year, and there’s nothing special about that festival you can’t find anywhere else.” The enjoyment had come from the company, not the event.
Before he even realized it, they’d already covered a majority of this wall in bright pieces of parchment depicting the summer festival.
“So if you’ve never been to Moonglade before I suppose that means you’re only visiting… what brings you here?”
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Post by Marion Aurea on Jun 6, 2024 21:02:54 GMT -5
Marion certainly perked up at the mention of druids- those ears matching in his expressions. If the flowers worn in his hair was any sign- it was a spray of small white flowers that dotted through those golden locks like stars- this elf was the sort that loves being in touch with nature. “Oh, I would love to visit those- after I’m done, certainly! It’s actually partly why I came too Moonglade too!”
He went on to explain how he left home, and his adventures across the marsh and in Moonglade itself- all in the pursuit of the simply joy of learning, and experiencing new lands. Marion dug around in his satchel to bring out a string pouch, pouring out some seeds onto his palm for the other to see. “It is so wonderful to be able to feel the earth and how much it can change and the life on it adapts- isn’t it! These are ghost gourd seeds, from the marsh flats. They are wonderful to look at and good for a snack too! If you want to plant them, though, you will have to soak them first and start in wet cloth for a sprout before moving them into soil. From what I have gathered they do just as well in regular soils even as they are able to tolerate salt and flooding-“
Marion, thus launched a spiel into the cultivation of these plants and the comparisons of them to more regular pumpkins and gourds. He seemed to easily forget the tasks at hand when he start to talk about these things, simply being too eager to share with others what he considers to be the most interesting things in the world.
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Post by Cyran Fenastra-Asiliari on Jun 7, 2024 10:13:45 GMT -5
Aside from Eclipse City, which was relatively civilized and advanced given the breadth of time Moon Elves had inhabited these lands, the rest of the country was filled with serene forests and wildlife. In the months following his exile, Cyran had gotten to know them well. The retired assassin liked to fashion himself as adept at reading people… he’d met enough druids in his time to recognize those who’d been touched by nature, carried it with them wherever they went. Even in a place as urban as this, the young sun elf moved with an air of someone who would be more at home in sunflower fields and gardens than this city sprawl.
“Have you been to Moonveil Forest? Or better yet – Stargazer’s Field?” He asked, perking up at the prospect of talking with someone about the night sky. Though he was not much in tune with wildlife itself, he’d always held a particular fondness for the constellations aloft in the sky. They… called to him, for reasons he could not place. Perhaps because their light was a distant beauty; never changing, always a guiding, serene force. Until recently, that was, but that was neither here nor there. There was no place for him to get lost in his thoughts while his impromptu companion began excitedly discussing what brought him from his home to travel the world.
It warmed the old elf’s heart to see the excitement for life and the joys of seeing the world in the younger man’s eyes. He didn’t quite understand the intricacies of the plant life the young man was describing, but he enjoyed listening to his passions nonetheless – Cyran nodded along, listening intently and asking questions where he could. “What’s so special about ghost gourds?… Do they have any medicinal properties? … Do they grow anywhere else besides the Marsh Flats?”
It seemed for a moment that Cyran, too, had forgotten about the task at hand. Though as he paused his work to listen to Marion speak, the darkness stirred around him – a cool, constant touch, like the relief one felt stepping under a tree’s protection during a hot summer’s day. And as the shadows shifted around him, so too did the paint can and one of the posters, which hovered delicately over the two elves, going through the motions of plastering the poster up while the two were preoccupied.[1] 1. Telekinesis
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Post by Marion Aurea on Jun 7, 2024 10:34:59 GMT -5
"I am... actually abit nervous to visit Moonveil Forest. I've put it off to the returning trip, from here to the marshes' port."
Marion looked abit abashed to admit, as his ears drooped slightly in tow with that sentiment.
"I have heard of the druids there, with their traditions and wisdom and everything I- I would love to learn from them, really, but I don't know if I'll qualify. Maybe they'd chase me out with burning brands because I am a heathen?"
Chuckling nervously, Marion rubbed his cheeks with his palms, as he breathed out in an attempt to calm himself down.
"I have never really... met proper druids before, I mean. I eat meat, and I killed swarming wasps with spike moss, and my staff is an uprooted tree- I guess, I am just afraid that they may think of it differently from me." Pausing for a moment, he searched for the right words, before continuing.
"It's not that, though, not really. People are always bound to think differently of things. But maybe it's just that... I don't really know what to do, when it happens. I care about nature as much as anyone does, but- to me the happiness of people and the order of nature can be balanced, but when it cannot, I think- I would still want to strive for the happiness of people in the end. I cannot speak as purely for nature as they do- "
Marion's brows were furrowed, as he sighed, somewhat dejected.
"-I wonder if they'd hate me for that."
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Post by Cyran Fenastra-Asiliari on Jun 9, 2024 22:36:26 GMT -5
Though such meetings were few and far between, Cyran had actually encountered druids in his travels before. His recent meeting with Galvynn came to mind… though the idea that someone might turn away someone trying to learn their ways and create connections simply because their beliefs differed made his stomach turn.
Especially when he saw how anxious the young man was at the prospect.
He paused, setting down the papers in his hand in favor of putting a hand on the young man’s shoulder. “Hey, now, don’t fret.” His voice was as gentle as a whisper. The father’s instinct was something that never quite left him - all he wished was to soothe, help ease the worries and hurts where he could. He’d not expected the young man to grow so anxious, but it was clear this burden weighed on him… and that made Cyran’s heart ache. “There is nothing to worry about. The experience and perspective you bring to the world is so very wonderful and kind. More than anything, the druids of Moonveil would want to learn of your way of life just as you might want to learn theirs.“
Above him, the shadows stirred once more as a another poster was plastered against the wall.
“Do not shy away from what makes you unique. Embrace it. Let it be a guiding light for the people and the world around you. If you ask me…” He offered what he hoped resembled a reassuring smile; as small and unseemly as it was. “I don’t believe they’ll hate you at all. Your positivity is infectious and you clearly love what you do so much, and that’s just what I’ve gathered from an afternoon of small talk. Don’t stop being yourself, as different as you may think that is, because it is that part of you that makes you special - as a druid, and as a person. If we all thought and acted the same way, life would be terribly boring, don’t you think?”
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Post by Marion Aurea on Jun 9, 2024 23:06:28 GMT -5
Marion took the touch well, and leant into it naturally- it seemed that he does find physical contact with other people grounding. he listened, and thought, as the other talked- getting alittle flustered at the praise and all, but he seemed to be able to take the message, none the less.
"I... It makes sense. We are bound to be different, and... druids, at least, me- seeing from perspectives that are really different from ourselves, like the earth and the creatures- well, that's what we do!"
Nodding to further reassure himself, Marion smiled and sighed, abet exasperated at himself.
"Even if I still can't help but become nervous, but... you know, this thought is a really good one to have with me going ahead. Sometimes back at home, there are always people that disagree with us, and sometimes that doesn't... it really doesn't turn out well. I just- perhaps you just do your best, and the rest is up to them."
Of course, the Aurea name was received well and they are welcomed to practice in the area- but there are also times where they meet children suffering from their parents upholding traditions that are long proven to cause harm than good, or when his father's suggestions as a healer was seen as an insult, or when mother's efforts to help the deprived seen as a disruption, or an attempt to win favour for her own gains- but they carried on none the less. Marion watched when distrusting families threatened father with violence, and sometimes mother would come back home positively fuming- she never let it out on them- but he knew. And even as they carried on with their work, that uncertainty still troubled Marion.
But the young elf smiled up to Cyran, and he chose to believe. "- Mn, I'll try my best!"
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Post by Cyran Fenastra-Asiliari on Jun 10, 2024 11:31:50 GMT -5
“It is okay to be a little nervous.” Cyran murmured, grateful that some of the young man’s anxieties seemed to have abated. “I used to tell my daughter when she was frightened at the prospect of a course of action. Do it scared. Take those anxieties and turn them into something that excites you rather than scares you. Because if you do it once, if you cross that uncomfortable hurdle… you’ve proven to yourself you can do it again.”
It was taking that first step that was the hardest part.
He frowned at the prospect that things hadn’t always gone so smoothly for the young man in the past. No life was without its hardship. But to see the scars born from such trials and tribulations firsthand was a bitter pill to swallow. “I am sorry to hear that.” He replied. “I have no advice to offer save that I hope you know such hardships make you stronger than you think.” The elven man paused, thoughtful. Remembered a time where he had been cast away from the only facsimile of a home he’d ever known… the decision to pick up a blade, end lives in service of his own. The silent vow he’d made, a promise that no one would suffer the same choices he’d had to make.
“If the trip seems too daunting to make by yourself, perhaps some company would ease your worries.” Cyran offered after a moment’s thought. “I find travel often feels less daunting when you’re not alone. Even when the destination - the task at the end - might be something you have to take on yourself.”
He paused once more.
“And if you’ve yet to make friends in the area, but still wish for someone to make the journey with you, I would be happy to assist. No pressure, of course. I merely offer in case you need it.”
He gave a satisfied nod as the young man expressed his willingness to at least try. He had a good spirit, that much was certain.
Unfortunately for Cyran, he’d gotten so wrapped up at the task at hand that he’d forgotten that he was not exactly welcome in the city anymore. A decade though it had been since his exile - his name a mockery, now faded into obscurity - there were still those who remembered his face. One such person, an old elven city guard who'd spotted Cyran, recognized his face from the old days. While sun and moon elf chatted on, he was whispering to his companions, an ominous chill clinging to the summer wind.
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Post by Marion Aurea on Jun 10, 2024 12:08:11 GMT -5
"Oh! I have made friends- in fact one of them had headed here before me! I'm not sure if he is still around, though, he had said his ship is here for repairs, I suppose there is the chance of the repair being done already and him already being on his way- but I won't really know if that happened or not. I'm still looking for him while I'm staying in the city- would you happen to know a man named Everett? A half-elf, I mean."
Thinking back again to the conversation at hand, Marion quickly added.
"I'll also be really glad to get to know you more all the same! And it's always nice to have company, but I tend to linger, and often get side-tracked—— I don't really have places that I absolutely need to be, so I like taking my time. It wouldn't be a very good escorting trip, but if you have the leisure and the patience for it, I think it will be really good fun to go together!"
Words tumbling out of him like a stream, Marion was bouncing again- as he continued to tell the other about his plans to visit various forests at various times of the day, his thoughts about the rumors of monsters in them, and how he looks forward to encountering these unique flora and fauna in the region- how he had seen items for sale at the marketplace in the city, and is contemplating about making some purchases (which is partly the reason he had taken up the job at hand)-
And thus with his thoughts coming back a full circle, Marion remembered that he was supposed to be putting up posters, finally, and looked around to find much of the work already magically being done. Upon that discovery, he looked at the posters on the walls, and then back to you, to the posters, and back to you again.
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Post by Cyran Fenastra-Asiliari on Jun 12, 2024 12:05:49 GMT -5
“Oh - that’s wonderful!” He really needn’t have worried; Cyran had already learned firsthand that the young elf was quite sociable and positive to be around. The name itself was not familiar… he shook his head, quite sorry that he did not have any information for the young lad to go off of. “I’ve never heard of him, though you’ve a good chance of finding him at the port. Eclipse City has one - if your friend’s ship is in for repairs, it would be there.” He mused. “Apologies that I don’t have more to go off of.”
He rubbed at the back of his neck, sheepish. “I wouldn’t want to impose…” He supposed it had been awfully presumptuous of him that the young man wouldn’t have anyone to help. “I would be happy to join, if you’d like the company.” He shouldn’t stay in the city for long, and the trip to Moonveil Forest was on his way back to his intended.
It seemed that the young man was keen on the idea, though, as he immediately started chirping about his excitement like a lark, Cyran leaned back and listened, only chiming in every once in a while.
“As far as I understand it, Moonveil itself is quite peaceful. It’s the Shadewoods you need to look out for.” He shuddered, thinking of the creatures he’d encountered within that darkened copse of trees. Those were the days where he was not as equipped to defend himself. “And the Lantern Light Woods are simply gorgeous this time a year…”
It was then the young man finally seemed to notice that the work had been progressing while they were conversing. He paused, falling silent, looking between Cyran and the posters like he was putting together a puzzle.
“Oh!” Cyran waved his hand, and the shadows fell still. “Sorry, I just - I didn’t mean to scare you, but you were rather excited to talk, and - I didn’t want you to get behind on your work.”
Suddenly it occurred to him that they’d been talking for some time and they’d not even exchanged names.
“Oh, where are my manners? I am Cyran… I didn’t mean to intrude on your work, but, you know how the saying goes; two hands are better than one.” He chuckled, as if he’d just thought of something amusing. “Or in this case, no hands.”
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Post by Marion Aurea on Jun 12, 2024 12:38:31 GMT -5
Marion, promptly, combusted into a fit of laughter. He seemed extremely susceptible to catch a horrible case of funnies from the lamest of jokes- and he was down so bad it had him bent double in stitches, wheezing, as he wiped a tear from his eye.
"No hands- ahaha, hahah- ah, I-" He had to take a moment to put himself back together, and you could see he tried not to think about the joke- and how he failed to, which resulted in more giggling- when he finally was able to get a word out without laughing again, you could still see the mirth glittering in those dark eyes.
"Mn, it is fair, though, you got it done much faster than I'd be able to- I'll split the pay with you after I've claimed it!"
Nodding to himself, Marion held out a hand to the other- he did remember that shaking hands is what city people do when making acquaintances.
"I'm Marion Aurea- and I'd love to travel with you, as long as you'd have me."
The young elf's smile was warm and genuine as a summer's day, his silhouette painted gold with the stretching sunset- and he had always been such, unarmed and unguarded, but perhaps there is a certain charm to this naiveness, how he is so easy to trust in people who had been strangers to him only moments ago, so ready to smile, so eager to share.
"- oh, it'd be nice to plan where to go next, and if you have any plans- over a meal! I'd finish this up quickly and we can find a place to sit down, perhaps? -"
And as he spoke, Marion did not notice how Cyran's presence here had begun to become more known to the city- nor would he know why it would be a bad thing for the both of them.
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