Rinn
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Post by Rinn on Jun 22, 2019 14:51:21 GMT
Rinn nodded to Dhaunmyr, and for a moment it looked like she would respond to him – then Kieran spoke, and what small trace of fake amenability there had been on her features fell away like a shroud. Her expression was simply blank, emotionless, as she was forced once more to turn her attention towards what she was increasingly sure was an unruly child.
“Let us all pray that you are correct.”
Having conceded the point, and in so doing won the argument to her own satisfaction, she opened the carriage door and closed it again immediately behind her. Whilst there had been space enough for all, she was now intent on sharing it with nobody – and sure enough, shortly thereafter, the carriage rolled along at the driver’s urging, the party on their way at last out of Waterdeep.
“Ho there, lad!” The guards said, cheerfully, to Kieran, “Fine weather for the day, is it not? Hope your journey finds you well.”
This, and numerous other cheerful acknowledgements, would dog the unfortunate half-drow as he scouted ahead of the group, met and acknowledged by every common man and guard alike for the first leg of the trip. The roads around Waterdeep itself was busy and well-protected, though; there was at least nothing to worry about for the first day.
(Now would be a good time to establish procedure; clearly Kieran will be doing the scouting ahead, what kind of watch rotation are people looking at? Rinn intends to spend as much time as elvenly possible holed up in the carriage for her part.)
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Jarovbees
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Post by Jarovbees on Jun 22, 2019 16:09:44 GMT
Given that Solstice had serious doubts about her long-term comfort in the carriage anyway, it was something of a relief when Rinn claimed it for herself. She shrugged, her long legs capable of keeping up with a decent pace without leaving her winded. This was far from the worst job or traveling experience she'd ever had...so far, though she didn't dare voice that aloud for fear that the universe would see fit to correct her assumption.
She watched Kieran go scouting ahead, trusting that he'd be able to contribute even if he wasn't particularly stealthy at the moment, then looked over to Dhaunmyr. "Kieran ahead, and I think it best for me to stay relatively close to the carriage, just in case." She flashed a smile, her way of saying don't worry, she'll take the brunt of interactions with Rinn. "Wherever you feel suited is fine with me, just let me know if I can help in any way, aye?"
While she planned to remain alert to their immediate surroundings, this first leg of the journey seemed easy enough that Solstice could move about as need be. She wasn't too concerned with their circumstances, at this point.
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Post by enchilada on Jun 22, 2019 16:32:52 GMT
Dhaunmyr was sort of glad that all of that was... over. Even though he was still travelling with Rinn, he didn’t have to see her, or really think about her, too much. It wasn’t that he found her to be a problem, but he preferred to not focus on certain aspects about himself. Like everything that wasn’t who he was trying to be now. If it happened maybe half a year ago, or before, he didn’t want to know.
“I’ll be entirely honest with you, my dear—“ Dhaunmyr smiled as he watched Kieran, he wasn’t sure why the mongrel had opted to walk like that, but it was enough to amuse him for a moment. “—I really couldn’t care less. It would be nice to hang back with you, but I’m sure I can scurry off if it greases later conversation, although I must assume that I’ll be up and around far more than you or Kieran. Not that it’s a prospect I’m... I’ll have to try to remember how to do the trance thing, haha.”
Dhaunmyr was happy to be as fluid as it was necessary, and he had more of an ability to be so than some, although, he supposed that he would do his best to avoid too terribly much interaction with Rinn. It would make her comfortable, which would make himself comfortable, of course, the drow had their horror stories too. Originally he’d thrown out absolutely everything he’d known for a few weeks, but as he listened and observed... rumours about those who followed the Spider Queen were rooted very heavily in things that, at the end of the day, were true, and for solely that reason, he felt justified being on the defensive around certain peoples.
Mostly because he would gladly rip the heart out of any dark elf he vaguely suspected, so why wouldn’t they do the same? He kept his right hand in his pocket, fumbling around with whatever he had in there, still. “You are right about the weather.” Idle thoughts.
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Post by sojourn on Jun 23, 2019 13:29:50 GMT
K ieran had let all of those stupid words get under his tattooed, charcoal skin, under the gruff, protective layer he wore like the hardened callouses on his knuckles from years of training. He knew it. He felt it. Chagrined by his own weakness, the half-drow attempted to simmer in silence instead of coming up with a witty retort, but it was soon apparent that he'd only managed to attract the attention of every guard, woman, child, and damned animal on the busy road leading back to Waterdeep— Back home.
Where he probably belonged.—no matter. He was far too committed now, even if half of that commitment was fueled by a deeply rooted, well-polished form of defiance. It wasn't as though he wasn't aware of how selfish his need to prove himself capable was—he knew it was immaturity revealing itself as cracks in his self-discipline (and his once-master would have kindly pointed such things out had he been alive)—but at the same time, he clearly wasn't the only one of elvish descent with a bit of a chip on their narrow-framed shoulders. It was better to just stay out of the way until necessary, and that's exactly what Kieran counseled himself to do. It was far better than sticking his foot in his mouth again or making anyone uncomfortable with his presence. It also meant he could avoid Dhaunmyr—not that he disliked the man so much as he loathed the reminder of what he was and what he was not that he saw in the full-blooded drow, especially since they'd met once before. Solstice seemed a worthwhile travel companion, however, and most likely the most safe for small talk. Not that the half-drow was at all good at small talk, but the option would be there around the camp fire whether he wanted it or not. They would all have a lot of time on their hands traveling, after all, and while on the main roads, unfortunately, a lot of that spare time was relatively safe and dull. He would, for the most part, make every effort to stay out of the way, sticking to his decision to keep ahead of everyone and keep watch. It was an act of service that kept him out of trouble as much as he hoped it would assist in their safety. Times of rest would find him by himself unless invited otherwise, not one to speak up about his needs so much as act on them and more prone to engage in conversation only when first spoken to. He kept his worries about the forest to himself, wordlessly dealing with his lack of experience outside of the familiar urban sprawl of Waterdeep and other cities to himself because no one needed to know more weaknesses to pin on him once he'd already been born half-blooded. That seemed to be enough for his employer as it was. ( Kieran is happy to scout and stay out of the way as much as possible but will also occasionally want to take a break to avoid overextending himself. He will take a watch when camping and will also require some sleep, but for the most part will do what's asked of him without putting up too much of a verbal fuss ... depending on how it's worded lololol. He actually enjoys cooking and has no problem helping as needed, but I don't see him being talkative now unless people are very, very persistent. Who knows?? )
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Rinn
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Post by Rinn on Jun 23, 2019 14:59:53 GMT
Once on the road, some of the tension could disperse. It was a beautiful day, and whilst that might hurt Dhaunmyr’s eyes a little, it did also make it easier to be outside. Warm, pleasant and clear – the roads around Waterdeep are generally safe enough, and it wasn’t that long ago that a major force of orcs who had been causing trouble in the region were put down with military precision. Since then, the perpetual problem of bandits has lessened somewhat; people just don’t want to take that kind of risk.
Rinn isolated herself from the others as much as was possible, but even she couldn’t stay hidden away forever just purely out of petulance. The interior of the carriage was … fine, but it was also boring, and she grew tired of it quickly.
For the first two days and nights, the trio are left to their own devices; Rinn merely appearing briefly at meal times to take food back to the carriage. No doubt a kind of rhythm had been established by then, with the assumption that their ward would stay true to her desire to have as little to do with her protectors as possible.
It was on the third night, now that they were further from the protection that proximity to Waterdeep offered, and after three full days of isolation, that the High Elf actually took a seat at the fire and stayed there.
She cleared her throat.
“I honestly don’t know how you stand this.” She said, unable to keep the frustration out of her voice. “Travel is simply the worst part of this whole wretched duty. I have barely any privacy, I have to use magic to do simple things like keep myself acceptably clean or make the food basically palatable. The carriage rocks back and forth all day long, and at night, the wind makes it impossible to properly trance, then in the day you have all those other nuisances to deal with if you try to catch up on some rest. Why, all I’ve done all day is try to catch a few hours of uninterrupted meditation, and I can’t even manage that!”
The way she spoke, it was as though she genuinely believed that these hardships were somehow unique to her. The carriage driver just stared in dumbstruck fascination.
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Jarovbees
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Post by Jarovbees on Jun 23, 2019 18:34:03 GMT
Rinn's perspective strongly reminded Solstice of certain members of the Summer Court, who believed the multiverse revolved around them, or should do so. Her mentor and mother had taught her to be careful when challenging them, due to the power (arcane and political) that they wielded. A careful touch was often needed, or chaos would break out in the court, leaving them weak to their enemies. While the carriage driver gaped, she merely shrugged, keeping her tone light as she fed more twigs to the fire and then took a sip from her newly-filled waterskin.
"Ah, but using magic gives you the chance to show off, doesn't it? A little flair can be entertaining. The road can take time getting used to, though, surely. Dhaunmyr, Kieran, how far out are we now? What's the road ahead look like?"
The latter was more for the half-drow who has more often than not been scouting ahead, but the firbolg is also interested in Dhaunmyr's perspective as well. Not to mention it's good for Rinn to see Solstice include her companions, as she wasn't going to encourage sidelining them. They were part of the team, and though Rinn didn't have to like it, she might as well accept it at this point.
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Post by enchilada on Jun 25, 2019 11:02:49 GMT
Dhaunmyr choked on the air when Rinn listed her complaints, and then had to cover his smile, hoping those around him would chalk up the waves of subdued laughter in his shoulders as continued issues relating to the initial one. Then he took a breath, and held his hands between his knees. Perhaps he could answer this question with a little hint in it.
“Well, Solstice, I believe it to be much of the same, however, I wouldn’t be sure on my part. I’ve been unable to really see that far, and the sunlight is definitely bringing a migraine on. I don’t mind so desperately, I mean, I’ve had the pleasure of making my way along with a most enchanting young lady — I presume. I uh- I haven’t upset you have I? I shouldn’t have said anything. It was just — I wanted to be nice, and um. You’re nice to talk to.”
Success, perhaps, but he did end up more embarrassed than anything. Solstice seemed incredibly good-natured, so he was sure that she wouldn’t be too angry with him. If at all. He chuckled at himself and shook his head, and then his shoulders sagged in a sigh. He had no idea what he was doing anymore. Maybe that was okay. Dhaunmyr was looking forward to maybe learning something, and the journey seemed to have been wonderfully uneventful. This was exactly what he needed, probably.
He still had no idea.
“Uh- um. Kieran? How are you coping up there, littlie? Anything special to note?” Just — change the subject. He was much calmer when he could focus on something that wasn’t kind of messing up a bit. Dhaunmyr smiled at Kieran, mostly for the sake of being friendly.
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Post by sojourn on Jun 25, 2019 15:27:46 GMT
T he routine of travel had just begun to settle in after Waterdeep proper had faded from view behind them. The sight of other travelers was still not an irregular one, but they'd left behind any city guard at least a day or so ago to simply enjoy the open road, clear skies, and decently warm weather for spring on the Sword Coast. Kieran, for the most part, was true to his decision to keep to himself whenever possible unless spoken to, though when he needed a break from scouting ahead, it was his preference to ride with the coachman and make smalltalk with the other man about city rumors such as the most interesting thing dredged out of the sewers this year or what kind of stupid fashion trend the nobility was trying to start up again in the Castle Ward. He seemed far more comfortable talking with the commoner than, say with Dhaunmyr or even Solstice, despite their otherwise good intentions. On the third night, they'd found themselves camped by a stream and the half-drow had made use of himself by making sure all of their waterskins were filled without being asked and taking a moment to wash the road dust away by unceremoniously dunking his head and letting the chilled water run down over his neck and shoulders once he sat up again. He made his way back slowly, wringing out his shirt and hastily tying up his still-wet hair while carrying everyone's full skins. Depositing them near the fire for redistribution, he arrived in time to note that Rinn had made the unfortunate decision to join them instead of hide away in the carriage again. He couldn't entirely begrudge her, to be honest—Kieran wouldn't have fared well crammed in the small space for hours on end, either—but at the same time, he'd been quite content to not be bothered with her judgmental company. The tone of her voice bordered on whining and he made no effort to hide that he rolled his eyes at it all, reminding himself that silence was perhaps the better option in this so-called conversation. Until everyone turned their attention in his direction, his name on their lips. His smile was thin, uncomfortable to be put on the spot, attention gliding from Solstice to Dhaunmyr before briefly glancing at Rinn again, shrugging back on his shirt instead of laying it in front of the fire to dry. He sat slowly, stretching sore legs as he did so with a long sigh, "I haven't seen any guards 'r horsemen 'n well over a day, so we've left Waterdeep's patrol behind 's, I'd say." He answered the firbolg instead of at all speaking to the high elf's complaints which seemed so shallow for someone supposedly of such importance, tilting his head at his full-blooded counterpart at the unwelcome diminutive form of address, "I'm no wilderness guide, but I've got no complaints. Th' sun's no enemy 'f mine, but I think you'll get a bit 'f shade once we're in th' woods. M'haps you'll get some cloudy days comin' soon—I'm thinkin' some rain, too." What was there to say to the questions of his need? The stars at night were quite grand out here in the open. The noises were strange and new. The smells of spring far from the usual odors of the Dock Ward were refreshing. The quiet was meditative. Finally, he glanced back at Rinn, unable to help but comment, though it wasn't in vehemence. There wasn't a hint of empathy, either, but at the same time, Kieran wasn't actually the most comfortable this far from the city he knew like the the backs of his calloused hands, "Every experience has something t' teach you 'f y' bother t' listen. 'Least, that's what an old friend once really wished I'd learn. Y' could get out an' walk some, enjoy th' scenery. Break up th' day a lil'—jus' sayin'. A lil' physical activity tends t' make 't easier t' relax." Oh. He'd said a bit more than intended and none of it was actually meant to sound as condescending as perhaps it might, but he shrugged without any remorse and looked back to Solstice, not avoiding Dhaunmyr so much as attempting not to draw too much attention to more conversation opportunities, "Eventually, th' road's gonna get rougher, bumpier an' a lot less maintained. Then, there'll be wildlife an' bandits t' look out for, I s’pose."He surely added that bumpier in just to rub a bit of salt into the high elf's troubles, but he didn't look at her for emphasis despite the temptation.
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Rinn
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Post by Rinn on Jun 25, 2019 18:12:15 GMT
There was no ‘verging on’ about it. Rinn was definitely whining. She wasn’t accustomed to anything like this kind of misery. Even the voyage from Evermeet itself had been more tolerable; at least then she’d been able to enjoy the company of her fellow High Elves and the bard who was making the journey with her. Here? There was only herself for company.
If she accepted walking, there was the distinct possibility she might have to spend even more time with these, these…
Drow.
The hateful look she levelled at Kieran’s criticism spoke volumes about the extent to which her attitude had improved over the days of travel.
“I don’t want to show off.” She said, cool as ice, to Solstice. “And I can’t believe that the law extends such a short distance from Waterdeep. It is a disgrace. I thought Waterdeep was supposed to be one of the human’s greatest cities, but you still only need to travel less than a handful of days from its walls and suddenly you’re having to watch over your shoulder? It is sheer laziness. You can travel anywhere you like in Evermeet and you’ll never find a single bandit. Everyone there is a civilised soul, at least.”
She set her food bowl down, and folded her arms across her chest. Apparently, she’d quite lost her appetite after her little rant, and from the truly impressive scowl now marring her features her mood had merely gone from bad to worse. Every time she thought of home, she felt as though she were remembering some great loss; something she’d never get back again.
That was sheer foolishness, though. No doubt her time on this accursed continent would only last a few years. A handful of decades at the most.
Nobody was going to expect her to be away for a century or more, were they? That’d be utterly unacceptable.
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Jarovbees
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Post by Jarovbees on Jun 25, 2019 19:21:12 GMT
"Ah, right, the sun. Stay close to me until we have some tree-cover and at least I can give you some shade, aye?" Solstice winked at Dhaunmyr, though her smile was sympathetic. Sadly, she couldn't do anything about his sensitivity to the sun, but maybe that kind of exposure would eventually pay off, if he could acclimate himself? She wasn't sure how it worked, and held back from asking since it might not be an issue he wants to speak about in front of Rinn.
She darted a warm smile at the half-drow; his refilling the waterskins hadn't gone unnoticed, and even though he didn't draw attention to it she was still appreciative. "You've wise company there, all experiences can teach us something. Even when we're not in the mood to listen, sometimes the lesson sinks in later. You never know." Chin up, Kieran. Rinn may become less insufferable once she has the wild elves to focus on. "Wildlife doesn't bother me, I can negotiate with them if I must. Bandits, though, they can be pretty relentless. We'll have to all be on alert, just in case."
Not having any real expectations of Rinn thawing out any time soon, Solstice just shrugged as the high elf's torrent of complaining continued. The firbolg herself remained calm and unbothered; short of a magical disguise which wouldn't last long anyway, she couldn't be a high elf and neither could her companions. If that continued to get under her employer's skin, well, that was a 'her' problem. But she didn't want to ruffle any feathers, not when they had more days together ahead of them. So, she latched on to one particular subject in hopes that it might distract Rinn. "Oh, aye? You're welcome to share more about your homeland, if you like. I've heard but little, and not enough to separate truth from myth. The perspective of one native to there is a rare thing on the mainland."
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Post by enchilada on Jun 29, 2019 22:08:12 GMT
Dhaunmyr nodded along with Kieran, somewhat glad of his report. Cloud, rain, shade. Marvellous inventions of nature. And, now it was rather warm, he assumed he wouldn’t face the troubles that came with making his way in slightly hostile weather. “Thank you very much, dear. You are most helpful. As always.”
He wasn’t sure what to say, and certainly didn’t want to discourage Rinn from making her first attempts at... civil(?) conversation, and in Dhaunmyr even opening his mouth, he feared that it could well run the risk. All the same, Dhaunmyr showed that he was actively listening, watching between the three, nodding, smiling, whatever felt appropriate. In the mean while, he afforded himself very brief glances towards a sketchbook in his hands, near-sightlessly creating lines that gestured at the forms around him, and a fair bit of foliage, where possible. Quietly, Dhaunmyr hoped people would simply assume the page was completely detailing leaves, or whatever, though he wasn’t entirely sure why. He just knew he felt that way.
Another thing he felt was interest — Dhaunmyr may have been listening, but now he was focused, almost like someone had lightly pulled at his puppet strings, just a little more taut than they were before the prospect of a description of Evermeet came up. Of course, as far as his own knowledge went, it was evil, a horrible place where they use evil magic to blind you, because they can’t make you fall unconscious, and then they take you captive, and demand of you answers you don’t have, or, if you do have and choose to give, the Spider Queen herself manifests in your nightmares, or dying delirium, whichever comes sooner, and tortures you for buckling under torture. When you die, they parade your body, leave you as an example. Some even say that they keep you to starve to death, publically. And they do all this, without realising the position of privilege they have over the poor dark elves. The majority of those who are captured and unlawfully killed by the high elves were simply refugees, and no matter your side, drow or dark elf, there are none crueller towards you, none more stubborn. A group of good-inclined mercenary orcs would be more accepting, and supposedly the high elves were... cultured.
But, all that came from a place of anger, or fear, or the remnants of a dying education, and he wanted to listen. Would it be that bad? If she did say anything, Dhaunmyr would ask. Probably. Maybe she’d already know he had the question, burning in his mind, maybe she would just assume that any dark elf, or drow, or whatever, would be interested in how their cousins fare. Which is... what they were, really. Perhaps closer. But there wasn’t a word for that.
Dhaunmyr waited.
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Post by sojourn on Jul 1, 2019 20:10:06 GMT
K ieran didn't entirely want to enjoy antagonizing the elvish woman he'd agreed to escort for pay, but—godsdamnit!—if she didn't make it horribly easy to do so. He didn't even blink at her blatant dislike for him anymore, so used to such expressions tossed in his direction on the basis of his obvious mixed heritage, let alone his life as some unwanted urchin on the streets, that he simply served himself something to eat and made a point to sit down and shove food in his mouth without another word until spoken to. For the moment, eating kept him from saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. He wasn't sure if it was the words that were hard to swallow or if it was because he hadn't done the cooking, but at least he managed to keep his displeasure off his face. It was so tempting to comment about Rinn's thoughts on Waterdeep as if there wasn't a whole world outside of it with different principalities and different laws and different dangers and different—Selûne forbid!—opinions. As if he knew the schedule of every patrol and every military maneuver Waterdeep took part in to ensure it's protection. He didn't. He could guess. He just knew he hadn't seen too many signs of patrols this far from the city walls, but that didn't mean they were in imminent danger— Ah, but she said civilized and his face twisted just a little, the hint of a sneer while he swallowed something before chewing it thoroughly. He coughed, "Civilized 'nough t' shoot folks on sight, eh? B'fore even gettin' t' know their intentions. Y' come from a land 'f jus' elves in general agreement with each other, while cities like Waterdeep 're full 'f diff'rent races an' diff'rent interests. Y' can't treat everyone th' same once they're not actually th' same. Outside th' apparent comforts 'f your magical home, folks can't just sing an' dance an' insult their way into perfect peace accords up an' down th' Sword Coast. That's jus' not how life works, 's far 's I know." He chuckled, clearly teasing and utterly unconcerned about the repercussions, having not forgotten the high elf's previous judgments, "I'll take m' chances with th' bandits. At least I know they're shootin' me 'cause they want what's in m' pockets, not because I don't meet their standards 'f heritage."He rolled his eyes and went back to eating with what could only be called a bit more enthusiasm as if he knew he'd said too much again, taking silent note that Solstice could apparently speak with wildlife and offering a quick smile at her acknowledgement of his hard-earned street wisdom. His violet gaze flicked to Dhaunmyr for just a moment who, surprisingly, said nothing, and then Kieran looked back down to his meal, perhaps choosing to do the same lest he get his foot in his mouth too far instead of another bite of food. He'd rather not choke on either, honestly, and so he sighed when the firbolg asked after Evermeet. As if the half-drow wanted to hear any more about somewhere so supposedly perfect. It sounded like total bullshit, to be fair, and he couldn't imagine life where jewels lined the streets or patrols actually gave a damn about common folk against bandits. Then again, were there any common folk in the lands of the high elves? Did anyone go hungry? Was anyone born into nothing? How was there anywhere where that wasn't even an option? He couldn't imagine. Not at all. And the thought that anyone could actually grow up without fearing where their next meal would come from and when was such an alien thought to him, the thought that everyone in Evermeet was approved of and cared for such kindling to a spark of half-elven jealousy that he narrowed his eyes at the fire for several long moments of silence. Surely, everywhere had their secrets. Nowhere here on the material plane could boast of such actual perfection. And even if they could—wasn't it boring? Maybe he was boring. Maybe he was far too bitter for his own good. Maybe he should have given Rinn and Dhaunmyr the benefit of his very selfish, protective doubts, but ... then what? Dhaunmyr had proven himself genuine, at least, and while staring into such a perfect mirror of what he wasn't, of what he could have been, when looking at the full drow's face didn't feel any better than being told what he wasn't, what he would never be off the lips of a high elf like Rinn. Solstice was a necessary anchor, and he was thankful for her, though he certainly wasn't in a place to say that out loud. Instead, Kieran resolved himself to finishing his meal. It was, obviously, better if he was out of the way of everyone's company and, especially, everyone's conversation sooner rather than later.
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Rinn
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Post by Rinn on Jul 1, 2019 20:45:02 GMT
Rinn’s gaze settled on Kieran, and it was like she was seeing him for the first time. The weight of her scrutiny fell upon him like a boulder. She, finally, was not just reacting to justify her disgust but was listening to what he had to say. It was difficult, especially as it took her away from the far more pleasant topic that Solstice had been urging her towards, but it seemed like it was an important thing to discuss. Perhaps she could help him understand. She didn’t know that it made much difference, in the long run, but it was worth a shot.
“Life works how we decide it works.”
She sighed, softly, and closed her eyes. Trying to frame these thoughts and expressions in the imperfect common tongue was a truly arduous trial; she would have difficulty enough with it if she were using her maiden language, but she had best try.
She opened her eyes again.
“You are obviously quite ignorant as to the ways of the Drow, and the Tel-quessir.” She said, “So, please, allow me to explain somewhat.”
She glanced, briefly, to Dhaunmyr. She hoped that such wasn’t going to be too offensive to him. He seemed to be trying hard not to offend her, and she wasn’t blind to that. Nevertheless. Perhaps he would find her understanding of their shared history illuminating.
“In the beginning, we were all as one people. We lived in harmony with the Gods and with each other. In that time, Araushnee was the consort of Corellon, who created all Elves and watches over our people in the Heavens as He trusts us to watch over the world in His name.”
She spread her hands slowly. “You may not grasp this, but we Elves are closely linked with our Gods. Araushnee was the patron diety, the sponsor if you like, of the Dark Elves. And she grew ambitious. She wanted Corellon’s power for her own, and she betrayed Him, and when she did, she almost caused the destruction not only of the Gods but of the whole world.”
She brought her hands together in a hard clap.
“Corellon cast her down for her treachery, and cursed her with the form of a hideous giant spider that all would know what she had done. Araushnee became Lolth. And as she went, she dragged your ancestors down with her. She claimed their souls, and their minds and bodies were twisted by her hatred. The drow now live in a spiteful hell of her creation. The world that she would have made for all of us, where life is cheap, and all is torture and betrayal.”
She looked to Solstice then, and smiled a sad little smile.
“Evermeet is the opposite. There, we live in harmony with magic, with the Feywild, and with each other. We are guided by the best of us, but we have the freedom to live life according to our desires, answering only to the simplest laws. We trust one another, help one another, provide for one another…”
And then her gaze was settling back on Kieran. She didn’t know why his disdain bothered her so much. It wasn’t as though, in the grand scheme of things, his opinion mattered. But she had to make him understand.
“… and if the Drow would return to the ways of the Tel-quessir, rather than seeing such as weakness? Corellon would open our gates to them gladly. But until then, would you have us risk a second betrayal? Gamble the lives of the innocent on… what? Hope?”
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Jarovbees
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Post by Jarovbees on Jul 2, 2019 0:51:35 GMT
Solstice leaned back and listened to Kieran as he spoke; the firbolg was trying to keep tensions from escalating and yet, she couldn't deny him his voice. Personal freedom was one of the central tenants of her upbringing, whatever the result. It made for some chaotic times, to be sure, but from what she had seen there was always more suffering when the needs of the individual were constantly denied. Besides, a little push-back could possibly be good for Rinn...though she wasn't going to say that aloud, fearing that would ruin the outcome of the moment.
Her gaze momentarily shifted to Dhaunmyr, seeing he was taking the opposite approach through silence. The urge to keep a low profile was one she could understand (if almost never achieve); confrontation could be exhausting and given weeks of close proximity, it made sense for her friend to avoid burning out as perhaps Kieran might. She had no idea which angle was the 'best', if any where, but they were both valid from her perspective.
In both cases, she also kept Rinn's reaction in mind. When the high elf began to explain the ancient past of the elves, she nodded along; it wasn't unknown to her, at least the general strokes, though she was quietly intrigued with the differences in focus from the tale she had learned. She held back from her own contribution, listening to Rinn describe Evermeet. It sounded a bit idealistic even to her, but Solstice enjoyed the vision provided all the same...at least until she remembered who was excluded from paradise.
Solstice was silent for a moment, listening to the crickets. "I know a version of that, told to me by the eladrin of the Summer Court. I was raised in the Feywild, so what I know of elves largely comes from them. Much of the tale is the same, but their focus was on mutability versus fixed forms, fixed ways. Corellon as an ever-changing being who taught the elves to be just as changeable and audacious as their god, and Lolth, who thought some individual freedom was worth sacrificing in favor of attaining greatness, persuading elves to take static forms. After Lolth's rebellion and treachery, Corellon sent the primal elves forth, giving them mortality and the fixed forms they adopted in defiance of his will. Elven souls would only see Arvandor between one lifetime and the next, and it will remain so until the rift is healed. How, I don't know, but some say that the many lifetimes given -and the length of them- are Corellon's way of showing some optimism." She took another sip from her waterskin and shrugged, oddly self-depreciating in the moment.
"I don't claim to know more than elves, only what I was told. I also know that eladrin see themselves as having the closest connection to the first elves and thus Corellon. Strangely enough, they have little affinity for Arvandor. Eladrin don’t long to end their cycle of rebirth and rejoin Corellon, but rather to meld with the Feywild when they are reincarnated. They believe that an eladrin who excels in life throughout a series of incarnations can eventually come back as an archfey.
But Lolth isn't the only influence for the drow, is there? Doesn't Eilistraee guide those drow who seek freedom and song?" She shifted her gaze to Kieran and Dhaunmyr, curious as to their affiliation with her. Her knowledge of surface drow or half-drow wasn't enough to say whether that was universal among them or not.
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Post by enchilada on Jul 4, 2019 17:47:44 GMT
Dhaunmyr sighed when he knew the story was coming, and then waited for it to be told. It wasn’t exactly something that was changing any time soon. History was history, his existence was proof that it wasn’t some kind of metaphor or cautionary tale of myth. It didn’t feel like other stories of the gods, glorified and passed down as things to learn from. What could be learned from Araushnee? Perhaps — do not betray others — but it’s not like she was ever truly punished, and those who live on her side of the issue... all they do is betray and harm.
He was hardly surprised the story seemed to be needing explanation to Kieran. Even his name, the way he talked, all of it was so utterly human. Dhaunmyr doubted that Kieran would ever understand the way that he did, or that Rinn did. Solstice, too, had an incredibly botched idea of what the event was, what it lead to, how everything worked. To be honest, that... kind of made him annoyed at her. To speak so much on a subject she had no place to talk about, in front of two people who did. A high elf, and a dark elf. Echoes of the motifs that one may paint or weave to recreate the event in media.
There was one thing that bothered him more, though, and it would not do to whine about this topic. So he had to prioritise one thing to say. And he was going to say it completely plainly, so nobody could misunderstand his intentions.
“Have you ever heard a tale of a creature, whose name you say, and then they appear? Or they take notice of you, from miles and miles away, perhaps even between realms? Have you ever heard of a creature who’s so cruel and repulsive, that the mention of their name may take such horrible shape in the mouths of those who dare to speak it in spite of the fear she commands? What I mean is — Araushnee, and what she became, is not a light topic for me, and it would be absolutely wonderful if we used a... a... pseudonym! The Spider Queen is... perhaps I have an irrational fear of her name, but I’ve been told she will turn me into a beastly creature for the smallest thing for fifty years, I’m not about to change my habits around what is a demon, just because I’m on the surface of this dismal place, than below where the lighting is more forgiving. If you would all not mind just... easing off the ‘L’ word, I would be most gracious.”
Dhaunmyr sighed. He spoke far more than he had intended. He supposed that it was a little nod to his increasing anxiety as people so calmly discussed something that had more or less ruined his life, as though he wasn’t there.
“But — yes — Eilistraee. Every drow and dark elf is touched by Eilistraee at some point. All of them and all of us dream of her, sometime, see her light, feel the warmth, hear the melodies of rejoicing elven brothers and sisters in the woods where we belong, singing and dancing with the Dancing Lady and having her song wash over them, their spirits, their essence of being, her grace cleansing the sins of a lifetime of slavery before it was broken. Yes. Eilistraee is the kindest example of any. To follow Araushnee... just to bring a spark of love and light... without her, the Underdark would be worse. I don’t know how it could ever be worse, but it would. Eilistraee guided me out of there, she showed me to Waterdeep, she brought me to my dearest friend in the world, who I know in my heart is a saviour sent by the gods to me. Eilistraee isn’t just a guide, or a goddess, she is my lifeline, my new existence — I’m rambling, my deepest, most sincere apologies, I— did it again.”
Dhaunmyr cleared his throat, and cowered into himself a little, speaking so much after saying nothing but apologies and assurances was... well. He felt rather uncomfortable, to say the least, and to lay bare what he felt was his entire fate, his life, mapped out before him (although he could not see it) — it was a bit of an overshare. Too much information. That was enough.
But now he had thoughts of Eilistraee, and Kara, and... although destiny was surely involved in their meeting, who she was as a person, them getting along so well, his devotion to her and his ability to assume she at least reciprocated in halves, all of it felt so unreal and, well, he was much more interested in his own thoughts, at that stage, than lending even half an ear to whatever debate there was about his existence, or whatever.
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