Speak one's heart and mind
Jun 14, 2022 14:57:51 GMT
Queen Merla, the Sun-Blessed, Velania Kalugina, and 2 more like this
Post by Glade on Jun 14, 2022 14:57:51 GMT
Co-written with the magnificent Lucky
This is an aftermath of Gå Over Fjell og Gjennom Torner for å Tilbe Demoner
It's late in the afternoon in Daring Heights, the sun basking the city in the yellow-orange light of the evening, making stark dark shadows across the streets.
It is around this time that Glade finishes a sermon in the name of the Great Mother Chauntea, in hopes of bolstering the spirits of not only the soldiers who will be on the front line during the invasion, but also of anyone who is willing to listen.
The sermon went decently well. She hadn't expected much here in the bustling city. Usually sermons to Chauntea have the most appeal in villages and smaller communities, those that actually need her blessing to make their livelihoods. But today there was a particularly increased interest in it. Clearly the invasion is having its toll on people and many seek words of calm and encouragement in these agitated times.
But even with such a success, Glade's mind is still clouded by recent events. She wishes for someone to talk to. Of those who were there with her, Lucky seems like the right person to talk to about such matters. And thus she strides along toward the Gilded Mirror.
Lucky has spent the day helping people in Daring Heights. In the Gilded Mirror, Glade notices him sitting at a table with a couple of other patrons, talking jovially. He sees Glade, and he beams with delight and stands up to wave her over. "Glade, my dear," he says effusively and opens his arms to embrace her. "What brings you to the Mirror on a fine afternoon like this?!"
Upon seeing Lucky, Glade gives him a warm smile, but as she approaches him he can see her eyes betraying her saddened heart. She accepts and returns his embrace, but sits there a while longer.
Seeing that something is on Glade's mind, Lucky nods to his companions and excuses himself. A number of faces glance over in the Tabaxi's direction as he hugs Glade. Some are visibly curious, others feigning disinterest. A couple of whispers are passed between those hungry for the latest nugget of gossip.
Lucky ushers Glade over to a comfortable corner of the Saloon, where the curtains dampen the sound and give them some privacy. "We can sit here, or go for a walk if you'd prefer."
Without a word, Glade gently sits down on the soft cushion of the sofa, her gaze towards the ground, heavy with thought.
After a few, uncomfortably long seconds, she finally takes in a deep breath and, in a low soft voice she asks Lucky, "Did we do the right thing by stopping to bury the smithy girl when we did?" her gaze still facing down towards her naked feet.
Lucky nods sadly, understanding now how much this experience must have been weighing on Glade. "I sense you are feeling a lot of turmoil, Glade. Is there another course of action you believe we should have taken?"
With an equally sad voice, she responds, "I- I feel that if we hadn’t stopped but continued forward, we could have gotten there in time to stop the ritual, and we could have buried her afterwards. We- We could have saved the others. What if Jacky wasn't the only one who was confused and innocent, what if they were more among them?" As she asks the question, Glade's voice has a small tremor to it, her eyes slightly watery as tears threaten to come out.
"Maybe. It's possible," Lucky acknowledges gently. "The others did seem more committed, and they did make the choice to go expend their lives on summoning this devil. But you are right, we don't know if others among them could have been diverted from this path." He leans forward on the table and rests his paws in front of him. "It seems like you're feeling overwhelming remorse about this choice. Did you come to find out what I felt about that day, or to try and make sense of how you're feeling in this series of events? I'm at your service, Glade, and I'll hear whatever you need to talk to me about."
"Both, I guess?" she responds with a slight confusion in her voice and wiping the would-be tears from her eyes. "I admit... I did come here for a more... selfish reason." she adds sheepishly. "I... just wanted someone to talk to about it, and you seemed the right person to talk to. However - finally lifting her gaze towards Lucky - I do think I owe you an audience. How do you feel about that day?"
Lucky regards the young Genasi with a kind, sad smile. "Glade," he says, "people tell many stories about the valor and nobility of knights. And whilst there is often a degree of truth in them, over my years I've met many a thug or villain drawn to the lifestyle. And there's a reason…" He deftly proffers a handkerchief to Glade. "… it is a messy profession. Justice isn't easy. Unfortunately, the question of right or wrong is often eclipsed by alive or dead. But. If you are a person with a conscience – a good person – then you will be questioning your decisions for years. That is never easy. And I don't believe it is meant to be. Not if you are sincerely trying to do good by others. But the way I have found to best navigate those waters is to always ask this: Were you true to your heart? So I ask this of you, Glade. In the moment, we discussed our options. We made a choice – together. Were you, do you think, being present and honest to yourself, and being true to your heart about what to do in that moment?"
Glade gracefully accepts the handkerchief and the mention of the heart, her other hand goes to her own heart and then upwards towards her amulet, holding it gently as if in prayer. "Yes,” she says so low that Lucky almost misses it, “but... somehow it still aches. It still hurts knowing that you may have had a chance to save more, that if you'd done things differently, that more lives could have been saved, that –" She stops herself before she becomes overwhelmed again and takes a deep breath, spanning for a few seconds.
With a more composed voice she continues, now staring at the handkerchief in deep thought. "It's not the loss of life that saddens me. It never is. My time as a druid has taught me many, but most importantly that death is necessary, that it is needed for life to exist. It is the wasting of a life that saddens me, – the pain in her voice returning – it is knowing that there was no need for said life to be taken. And knowing that said life could have been preserved."
Lucky listens quietly and nods as Glade is speaking. "Like you, I mourn that poor girl. I am sad for what happened to Jacky, and to the others, for the waste of good life. You are a devotee of Chauntea, right? Whatever designs she – or any of the other gods – have set in motion for this world, we will always see mess and chaos around us, waste and loss. Of the precious commodities of life, of love, of time. There is no way to get around that fact. It hurts to see it. It hurts every single time. You cannot escape that – only know this: You are not your sadness. That is but one part of you. The more you acknowledge this, the easier it becomes to accept its presence."
Then he smiles encouragingly. "And, despite your doubt, I just watched you say 'yes' with certainty. You are good at listening to your heart, Glade. That was an honest answer. And one I agree with. We did our best in the moment. We listened to our hearts."
After Lucky finishes, Glade, still clutching her amulet, closes her eyes to take in Lucky's words of wisdom and then lifts her head to look at Lucky and smile. This time, she smiles with her eyes as well "Thank you."
After a brief pause she continues again, offering Lucky's handkerchief back to him. "Although, I do not think the mess of chaos, waste and loss, is the work of the gods, but of us, the mortal races. I felt this when I left the grove. I started seeing such wastefulness when I entered the civilized world. At times, I see where Sylvanus' hatred for civilization comes from. But I also feel a tinge of pity, for it is within this civilized world that new life stems, where Chauntea lends her warmth and blessings. But you are right, though, - she continues, smile returning to her lips - I should expend less of my heart on the sadness of loss, even if at times it proves to be difficult."
Lucky gestures her hand away. "Keep the handkerchief; I have plenty. As for sadness, be careful with the way you approach that. Do not let the sadness of loss consume you. But do not deny its place within you either." He grins ruefully. "Unfortunately, mastering that is a balancing act you will be practicing your whole life. Such is the way of the world…"
The Tabaxi leans forward, an interested smile on his face. "Tell me more about this grove. Is it the Feywild you speak of? I'm curious to know what it is like where you come from that shielded you so well from the chaos of the external world."
Glade's expression shifts, as if the load that has weighed her down all this time has suddenly dissipated into nothingness, as if it was never there. "Oh, it is lovely! It's the grove, or more like the forest, of my mentor, Fernen Stormhoof. She is the one who found me and raised me since I was an infant too small to remember. The forest, while it may not be as vast as others, was my -home." As she says that last word, Glade is hit with a wave of nostalgia, homesickness and something else not quite immediately visible, but is quickly brushed away as she continues. "But no, it isn't in the Feywilds. I've never been to the Feywilds before. In fact, – her cheeks slightly blushing a light shade of pink - my first visit may be in the Court of Harmony... after the nervous meeting with Queen Merla."
Lucky grins wide and joyfully. "Ah, forgive me then. I was mistaken about where you came from. I've been to the Feywild a number of times, and I am certain you'll love it. It's a place of immense power and wonder, where your senses might be overwhelmed at first glance, but soon after, you'll feel that this is the level on which all life should be lived." He looks dreamily into space for a moment. "Queen Merla is a delight, isn't she? What a wonderful host for your first visit! You are fortunate indeed. And do send her my warmest regards, won't you?"
At the mention of Queen Merla, the pink in her cheeks returns for a moment "I will."
"Oh,” she says, as if a sudden realization has hit her, “one last thing. Where will you be when the invasion starts?"
Lucky frowns with fierce determination. "The invasion is already upon us, Glade. It began the moment the Gith first set foot upon our soil with ill intent. To be honest, I know not where my work is taking me from one moment to the next, but Calculus is sure to let me know what I have committed to. I am often here at the Mirror, or in Port Ffirst at the Flourished Hook. If you cannot find me, leave a message at either of those places and it will certainly be forwarded to me post haste."
He smiles at Glade tenderly. "You remind me of my daughter. She's a little older than you – and certainly a lot more hot-tempered! But she has always had your kindness and thoughtfulness. I think you'd like her, if you met her some day." His expression becomes wistful and happy, before he shakes his head and brings himself back to the conversation with a grin. "Will you be here in Daring Heights most of the time, then?"
"You speak so fondly of her." continues Glade with her warm smile "I pray that one day I will get to meet your daughter. But until then, yes, I will be here in Daring Heights, tending to the preparations. And, when the forces hit the city, I will be tending to the wounded. I will do my best to keep as many people alive as I can.”
Glade pauses once more for a few seconds, choosing her words “My heart also wishes for one last thing. She wishes for me to meet my friends after the chaos of war passes. So…" Glade gets up from her seat and walks over to Lucky, plucking one of the flowers from her feylac branch, a purple lilac with three white buds at its end. "Will you accept this as a token of luck?” She says that last word with a smirk on her face. “Also, I didn't get to properly thank you for helping me and Lolli at the Feylight Gardens."
"Glade!" Lucky's eyes light up at the flower. "This is stunning. I'll treasure this always!" He stands up to formally address her, with his paws resting over his heart. "It was my pleasure and my honor to assist you and Lolli at the Theatre. Please, know that you may come and talk to me any time. I will do my utmost to help, whenever you ask it of me." He bows formally and politely, before opening his arms to hug Glade again with warmth and joy.
Glade gladly returns Lucky's warm hug. "Thank you! You're a great listener."
Later, as night is about to settle completely, Glade decides to take a closer look at the handkerchief gifted to her by Lucky. It is a very soft white linen handkerchief, with floral patterns also in white embroidered across it. She sees that there is an initial and a coat of arms embroidered in the corner in fine-looking silver thread. The coat of arms is a shield styled like a heart. Within the escutcheon (the field of the shield), there is the outline of a cat in the upper section, and a dragon in the lower section. The initial is not an 'L' as Glade might have expected, but 'Z'.
“Huh, that’s odd.”
This is an aftermath of Gå Over Fjell og Gjennom Torner for å Tilbe Demoner
It's late in the afternoon in Daring Heights, the sun basking the city in the yellow-orange light of the evening, making stark dark shadows across the streets.
It is around this time that Glade finishes a sermon in the name of the Great Mother Chauntea, in hopes of bolstering the spirits of not only the soldiers who will be on the front line during the invasion, but also of anyone who is willing to listen.
The sermon went decently well. She hadn't expected much here in the bustling city. Usually sermons to Chauntea have the most appeal in villages and smaller communities, those that actually need her blessing to make their livelihoods. But today there was a particularly increased interest in it. Clearly the invasion is having its toll on people and many seek words of calm and encouragement in these agitated times.
But even with such a success, Glade's mind is still clouded by recent events. She wishes for someone to talk to. Of those who were there with her, Lucky seems like the right person to talk to about such matters. And thus she strides along toward the Gilded Mirror.
Lucky has spent the day helping people in Daring Heights. In the Gilded Mirror, Glade notices him sitting at a table with a couple of other patrons, talking jovially. He sees Glade, and he beams with delight and stands up to wave her over. "Glade, my dear," he says effusively and opens his arms to embrace her. "What brings you to the Mirror on a fine afternoon like this?!"
Upon seeing Lucky, Glade gives him a warm smile, but as she approaches him he can see her eyes betraying her saddened heart. She accepts and returns his embrace, but sits there a while longer.
Seeing that something is on Glade's mind, Lucky nods to his companions and excuses himself. A number of faces glance over in the Tabaxi's direction as he hugs Glade. Some are visibly curious, others feigning disinterest. A couple of whispers are passed between those hungry for the latest nugget of gossip.
Lucky ushers Glade over to a comfortable corner of the Saloon, where the curtains dampen the sound and give them some privacy. "We can sit here, or go for a walk if you'd prefer."
Without a word, Glade gently sits down on the soft cushion of the sofa, her gaze towards the ground, heavy with thought.
After a few, uncomfortably long seconds, she finally takes in a deep breath and, in a low soft voice she asks Lucky, "Did we do the right thing by stopping to bury the smithy girl when we did?" her gaze still facing down towards her naked feet.
Lucky nods sadly, understanding now how much this experience must have been weighing on Glade. "I sense you are feeling a lot of turmoil, Glade. Is there another course of action you believe we should have taken?"
With an equally sad voice, she responds, "I- I feel that if we hadn’t stopped but continued forward, we could have gotten there in time to stop the ritual, and we could have buried her afterwards. We- We could have saved the others. What if Jacky wasn't the only one who was confused and innocent, what if they were more among them?" As she asks the question, Glade's voice has a small tremor to it, her eyes slightly watery as tears threaten to come out.
"Maybe. It's possible," Lucky acknowledges gently. "The others did seem more committed, and they did make the choice to go expend their lives on summoning this devil. But you are right, we don't know if others among them could have been diverted from this path." He leans forward on the table and rests his paws in front of him. "It seems like you're feeling overwhelming remorse about this choice. Did you come to find out what I felt about that day, or to try and make sense of how you're feeling in this series of events? I'm at your service, Glade, and I'll hear whatever you need to talk to me about."
"Both, I guess?" she responds with a slight confusion in her voice and wiping the would-be tears from her eyes. "I admit... I did come here for a more... selfish reason." she adds sheepishly. "I... just wanted someone to talk to about it, and you seemed the right person to talk to. However - finally lifting her gaze towards Lucky - I do think I owe you an audience. How do you feel about that day?"
Lucky regards the young Genasi with a kind, sad smile. "Glade," he says, "people tell many stories about the valor and nobility of knights. And whilst there is often a degree of truth in them, over my years I've met many a thug or villain drawn to the lifestyle. And there's a reason…" He deftly proffers a handkerchief to Glade. "… it is a messy profession. Justice isn't easy. Unfortunately, the question of right or wrong is often eclipsed by alive or dead. But. If you are a person with a conscience – a good person – then you will be questioning your decisions for years. That is never easy. And I don't believe it is meant to be. Not if you are sincerely trying to do good by others. But the way I have found to best navigate those waters is to always ask this: Were you true to your heart? So I ask this of you, Glade. In the moment, we discussed our options. We made a choice – together. Were you, do you think, being present and honest to yourself, and being true to your heart about what to do in that moment?"
Glade gracefully accepts the handkerchief and the mention of the heart, her other hand goes to her own heart and then upwards towards her amulet, holding it gently as if in prayer. "Yes,” she says so low that Lucky almost misses it, “but... somehow it still aches. It still hurts knowing that you may have had a chance to save more, that if you'd done things differently, that more lives could have been saved, that –" She stops herself before she becomes overwhelmed again and takes a deep breath, spanning for a few seconds.
With a more composed voice she continues, now staring at the handkerchief in deep thought. "It's not the loss of life that saddens me. It never is. My time as a druid has taught me many, but most importantly that death is necessary, that it is needed for life to exist. It is the wasting of a life that saddens me, – the pain in her voice returning – it is knowing that there was no need for said life to be taken. And knowing that said life could have been preserved."
Lucky listens quietly and nods as Glade is speaking. "Like you, I mourn that poor girl. I am sad for what happened to Jacky, and to the others, for the waste of good life. You are a devotee of Chauntea, right? Whatever designs she – or any of the other gods – have set in motion for this world, we will always see mess and chaos around us, waste and loss. Of the precious commodities of life, of love, of time. There is no way to get around that fact. It hurts to see it. It hurts every single time. You cannot escape that – only know this: You are not your sadness. That is but one part of you. The more you acknowledge this, the easier it becomes to accept its presence."
Then he smiles encouragingly. "And, despite your doubt, I just watched you say 'yes' with certainty. You are good at listening to your heart, Glade. That was an honest answer. And one I agree with. We did our best in the moment. We listened to our hearts."
After Lucky finishes, Glade, still clutching her amulet, closes her eyes to take in Lucky's words of wisdom and then lifts her head to look at Lucky and smile. This time, she smiles with her eyes as well "Thank you."
After a brief pause she continues again, offering Lucky's handkerchief back to him. "Although, I do not think the mess of chaos, waste and loss, is the work of the gods, but of us, the mortal races. I felt this when I left the grove. I started seeing such wastefulness when I entered the civilized world. At times, I see where Sylvanus' hatred for civilization comes from. But I also feel a tinge of pity, for it is within this civilized world that new life stems, where Chauntea lends her warmth and blessings. But you are right, though, - she continues, smile returning to her lips - I should expend less of my heart on the sadness of loss, even if at times it proves to be difficult."
Lucky gestures her hand away. "Keep the handkerchief; I have plenty. As for sadness, be careful with the way you approach that. Do not let the sadness of loss consume you. But do not deny its place within you either." He grins ruefully. "Unfortunately, mastering that is a balancing act you will be practicing your whole life. Such is the way of the world…"
The Tabaxi leans forward, an interested smile on his face. "Tell me more about this grove. Is it the Feywild you speak of? I'm curious to know what it is like where you come from that shielded you so well from the chaos of the external world."
Glade's expression shifts, as if the load that has weighed her down all this time has suddenly dissipated into nothingness, as if it was never there. "Oh, it is lovely! It's the grove, or more like the forest, of my mentor, Fernen Stormhoof. She is the one who found me and raised me since I was an infant too small to remember. The forest, while it may not be as vast as others, was my -home." As she says that last word, Glade is hit with a wave of nostalgia, homesickness and something else not quite immediately visible, but is quickly brushed away as she continues. "But no, it isn't in the Feywilds. I've never been to the Feywilds before. In fact, – her cheeks slightly blushing a light shade of pink - my first visit may be in the Court of Harmony... after the nervous meeting with Queen Merla."
Lucky grins wide and joyfully. "Ah, forgive me then. I was mistaken about where you came from. I've been to the Feywild a number of times, and I am certain you'll love it. It's a place of immense power and wonder, where your senses might be overwhelmed at first glance, but soon after, you'll feel that this is the level on which all life should be lived." He looks dreamily into space for a moment. "Queen Merla is a delight, isn't she? What a wonderful host for your first visit! You are fortunate indeed. And do send her my warmest regards, won't you?"
At the mention of Queen Merla, the pink in her cheeks returns for a moment "I will."
"Oh,” she says, as if a sudden realization has hit her, “one last thing. Where will you be when the invasion starts?"
Lucky frowns with fierce determination. "The invasion is already upon us, Glade. It began the moment the Gith first set foot upon our soil with ill intent. To be honest, I know not where my work is taking me from one moment to the next, but Calculus is sure to let me know what I have committed to. I am often here at the Mirror, or in Port Ffirst at the Flourished Hook. If you cannot find me, leave a message at either of those places and it will certainly be forwarded to me post haste."
He smiles at Glade tenderly. "You remind me of my daughter. She's a little older than you – and certainly a lot more hot-tempered! But she has always had your kindness and thoughtfulness. I think you'd like her, if you met her some day." His expression becomes wistful and happy, before he shakes his head and brings himself back to the conversation with a grin. "Will you be here in Daring Heights most of the time, then?"
"You speak so fondly of her." continues Glade with her warm smile "I pray that one day I will get to meet your daughter. But until then, yes, I will be here in Daring Heights, tending to the preparations. And, when the forces hit the city, I will be tending to the wounded. I will do my best to keep as many people alive as I can.”
Glade pauses once more for a few seconds, choosing her words “My heart also wishes for one last thing. She wishes for me to meet my friends after the chaos of war passes. So…" Glade gets up from her seat and walks over to Lucky, plucking one of the flowers from her feylac branch, a purple lilac with three white buds at its end. "Will you accept this as a token of luck?” She says that last word with a smirk on her face. “Also, I didn't get to properly thank you for helping me and Lolli at the Feylight Gardens."
"Glade!" Lucky's eyes light up at the flower. "This is stunning. I'll treasure this always!" He stands up to formally address her, with his paws resting over his heart. "It was my pleasure and my honor to assist you and Lolli at the Theatre. Please, know that you may come and talk to me any time. I will do my utmost to help, whenever you ask it of me." He bows formally and politely, before opening his arms to hug Glade again with warmth and joy.
Glade gladly returns Lucky's warm hug. "Thank you! You're a great listener."
Later, as night is about to settle completely, Glade decides to take a closer look at the handkerchief gifted to her by Lucky. It is a very soft white linen handkerchief, with floral patterns also in white embroidered across it. She sees that there is an initial and a coat of arms embroidered in the corner in fine-looking silver thread. The coat of arms is a shield styled like a heart. Within the escutcheon (the field of the shield), there is the outline of a cat in the upper section, and a dragon in the lower section. The initial is not an 'L' as Glade might have expected, but 'Z'.
“Huh, that’s odd.”