songerein | Open | November Catch-all & Dream

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Open | November Catch-all & Dream

Who: Trahearne and you!
Which: Open log
Where: Out and about in town all throughout the month, mostly the archives
What: Catch-all for the month! Dreamboard quests in Reverein and reliving the earlier years of his life in a dream
Warnings: The disfigured undead (zombies), ghost peppers, others to be added if they come up

> REVEREIN | LIVE LIFE WELL AND FULLY, AND WASTE NOTHING.

❋ harvest.
[ As much of a bookworm Trahearne is, he does understand that he needs to go outside every once in a while. And what better way to be outside than to make himself useful at the same time?

And so, the sylvari decides to help out with the harvest one sunny afternoon, burying himself among the thick leaves of the ripened harvest to really get in there and get all the goodies out. Nothing like some hard physical work to refresh the mind, right?

Unfortunately, however, the natural colors of his "clothes" and skin blend in quite handily with the rest of the foliage, especially at this time of year. When he feels a firm grab on the leaves that make up his skirt, he shoots upright and whirls around to look at you, bewilderment written all over his face. ]

--Oh! That's--that's me.

❋ photographs.
What a curious contraption.

[ Trahearne will not say no to something novel and interesting. After being handed the dreamotion camera, he turns it over in his hands, studying it. Questions about how it could have been created, how it works roll around in his mind, but he quickly scolds himself--what point is a test if he doesn't actually experiment with it?

He turns to the person nearest himself--that's you--and holds it up with a smile. ]

Let me take a picture of you.

❋ archives.
[ As the one who runs the archives, Trahearne is there all the time. Every day. By the time the sun rises and long after it sets. He rarely takes full days off; it's rare to find him elsewhere. Sometimes, he even brings his cat with him.

And so, if you have any sort of business at the archives, he's there, ready to help. He knows every book on every shelf, and at a healthy six-foot-two he can reach the top shelves. He's happy to tutor anyone who needs assistance putting together an entry. He's happy to talk about work, either in this life or the last. He's just happy to be here, to be honest. ]

❋ wildcard.
[ Feel free to make something else up, or find me on the discord or at unkie for a personalized starter! ]

> DREAM | THE SCHOLAR DREAMT OF A LAND RECLAIMED FROM THE DRAGON'S TOUCH.
[ In his Dream before life, Trahearne saw the dead Kingdom of Orr, a land that had been dragged out of the sea by the undead dragon Zhaitan, green and growing again. Upon awakening, he knew this was his life's mission: to purify Zhaitan's corruption and bring life back to Orr. His goal is impossible. Laughable, even. Yet the call of a Wyld Hunt is irresistible, so as much as he hates it, he spends weeks, months in the dead land alone, scrambling for any lead that might bring him closer to his goal.

He will eventually cleanse this land. He will eventually lead the forces that will fell Zhaitan, but not in this dream. Right now, that is many, many years away.

The land is devoid of life, cramped by unnaturally-shaped terrain, ruins of buildings that are mere shadows of their former grandeur. Oversized barnacles and dead coral from centuries under the ocean cling to the crumbling structures, towering over the soggy ground like otherworldly trees. Unnatrual shrieks occasionally pierce the silence, perhaps seabirds that strayed too close to the corruption. It stinks of brine, of rot and decay. The clouds above take on a sickly green hue, a reflection of the putrescence that permeates the land below. And dotting the landscape, all around, are graying, decaying corpses shambling about, looking for victims to which to spread their corruption.

This is Trahearne's life. ]

❋ research.
[ Orr sat at the bottom of the ocean for nearly two centuries--any original writing that may have existed on the island decayed or was destroyed a long, long time ago. It is exceedingly rare to find any in-tact inscriptions, much less legible ones.

So when Trahearne clambers this tower and finds what looks to be a massive stone tablet partially buried in rubble and debris, he can hardly contain his excitement. The first line peeks out from the dirt--"Darkness pays Orr a visit." Is it a poem? Epitaph? A warning of sorts? He has to know.

Except the tablet is nearly twice his size, almost five times his weight, and the rubble that obscures the rest of the inscription is cumbersome--it might even be supporting the rest of the structure at this point. Regardless, he's going to try and pull it free, whether it's a wise idea or not. ]

❋ cornered.
[ Despite how careful he tries to be, Trahearne isn't perfect, and the Risen are very good at popping up where he doesn't want them to be. He's ventured into one ruined structure, keen to map it out and determine what possible use it must have served, but the problem with grand buildings of this scale having been hidden underwater for centuries means the inside is essentially a subterranean maze, interrupted in places by tunnels filled with putrid water and rotting plant matter.

Trahearne should know better than this, and curiosity is coming dangerously close to killing the sylvari. He stands with his back against the wall in this little pocket of air, the only passages in or out are filled with water. Risen stagger out from the water, clawing at the ground to try and tear Trahearne apart. ]

S-stay back! [ He brandishes his scepter, though he knows it isn't much of a threat. His own necromantic minions stand before him to guard him. ] You will rue the day you crossed my path!

[ Despite what he says, the fear is evident in his eyes. The Risen are everywhere, and there are so many of them. If only he weren't alone... ]

❋ respite.
[ Nighttime in Orr is dark. With no real settlements for miles in any direction, the veil of night that falls over the island is thick, impermeable. The only dot of light is the small fire Trahearne has going--he's perched himself atop a crumbling stone structure, just large enough for two people to sit side by side. Not that anyone will come to join him, of course. He's alone in Orr, as he has always been, and he sits with his knees to his chest, as though trying to shrink himself from the Risen's view.

There is a little pot bubbling over the fire. Cooking inside are asparagus, truffles, and ghost peppers--what he always eats. It's all that really grows around here. The oysters and fish are nowhere near safe enough to be consumed.

Absently, Trahearne reaches into his pack and takes a bite out of one of his ghost peppers. He doesn't even flinch. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Trahearne smiles a touch. What does Nier know indeed... ]

Is that your book friend? I wasn't aware he had a name, too.

[ That's kind of funny--the image of affectionately calling out to a book and it...opens its pages to talk to you? Is that how this works? ]

I've been all right. I'm still here and in one piece, which is more than I can ask for. [ And that's putting it very lightly. ] And how about you? Still no sign of your daughter?

Yeah, that’s right. He was pretty specific about not just being called it either. Had a title and everything. But eventually he just accepted me using the name.

[He nods along as he listens. Trahearne certainly looks like he’s in one piece. Shocking considering he’s a plant in the middle of farmland where he almost got plucked right up as if he was an impressively twiggy turnip. When he asks about Yonah, Nier pauses just a moment.]

Uh. No. Not that I’ve been able to tell anyway. I was just talking about her with a friend of mine here, too. Probably better that she isn’t here. Even though I want to see her.

[ That's...an amusing image, really--a book insisting on being refered to a certain way? Then again, it could easily go the other way around--anyone might find it silly that a plant (Trahearne) has a name. He really isn't one to judge. ]

Ah, yes. I recall you saying something similar last time we spoke. [ He offers a sympathetic nod. ] I was so convinced when I first arrived that it was peaceful here, but I've quickly come to discover the darker side of things.

[ Even though they're sitting here in the dirt, in the middle of the autumn harvest on a perfectly sunny day. ]

I do worry for our younger cohort.

It’s kind of hit and miss. [Some of the time in Reverein is incredibly peaceful. So peaceful that it can be a little bit surreal at times. And other times, it’s a little too much for anyone to handle.] Could be worse, though.

[Could definitely be worse. Could be the way things were back home. He could personally be reliving the hell with Yonah and the Black Scrawl all over again. He’ll take the weird things in this world over a repeat of that.]

I don’t think it’s anything to be worried about. But maybe you know something I don’t, so I could be wrong.

[ It is kind of hit or miss, unexpectedly so.

Trahearne speaks as he absently brushes the dirt from his hands. ]

I find we are often or own worst enemies, if not our fears and insecurities. Perhaps it isn't something a young child needs to worry about, but...watching others fall to nightmare might not be a pleasant experience for one so young.

[ Watching has friends turn noctaere has only made him an even bigger worrywart.

A pause. ] But you're right. It could be worse. [ There could be Elder Dragons. ]

We are our own worst enemies.

[In Nier’s case, quite literally, at that. If that’s how he wants to start spinning that tale. Does he even really get what was going on with the Shadowlord? Not being human. More like a husk with sentience? He hates thinking about it like that.]

Some of the things here, I wouldn’t want Yonah to see. But… [Poising a hand at his chin for some moments as he considers how to put it, he pushes forward.] She’s tough. Hasn’t had a real easy time. So sometimes it feels like she could take on the entire world and not really know how difficult that’d be for most kids her age.

[Although he’d also venture to say that the world they come from isn’t exactly an easy one to grow up in. That Yonah was able to hold onto as much of her childlike demeanour as she did was nothing short of impressive.]

It’ll be a bridge to cross if it comes up. Until it does, no sense in worrying about it. We’re best looking at the here and now.

[ Trahearne watches and listens as Nier speaks, coming to make himself comfortable sitting on the dirt itself instead of on his heels. He drapes his arms over his knees, trying to picture what sort of girl this Yonah might be.

That tenacity obviously doesn't come from nowhere, he thinks to himself. He wants to believe she learned it from her father.

But Nier brushes past it and Trahearne nods. ]

Indeed. No use worrying over what may or may not be. [ He just hopes his new conversation partner's child is doing okay in the waking world. ] How about this, then--do you hope to keep some of this harvest for yourself? I'm surprised by how much there is.

That's. A good question.

[Nier cracks into a smile. How much would any of the excess be eaten if he actually brought some home for Kainé and himself? He wouldn't be brave enough to claim that they eat together often. They don't. She's got her own things to do and her own places to be. But when they do eat, it's not usually very spectacular. That's what people like 76 are around for, after all.

Tipping his head this way and that, he looks over to Trahearne.]

Guess I'll have to ask the lady who lives with me if she wants anything. I also don't want to take too many things from others. Plenty here need to eat, after all and can't hunt for themselves. But if she wants any, I'll make sure to bring some home for her. What about you? It's not like... uh. Weird for you to eat plants, is it?

[Plant cannibalism.]

[ Ah--there's one Trahearne hasn't heard in a very long time. First time he's heard it since coming to Songerein, in fact. He's a little surprised it's taken so long. A grin cracks across his face, and he gives a quiet chuckle. ]

Of course not. Is it weird for you to eat other animals? [ There were some who had the luxury of not wanting to eat animals, but many on Tyria did not have a choice. ]

But I don't think I will. I'm not much of a cook. They're better off in the hands of someone who knows what they're doing.

[ Or he'd probably just eat them raw... ]

[At first, Nier has to wonder if maybe, just maybe, he's stepped over a line he shouldn't have. But when Trahearne smiles, that concern fades away. Doesn't seem like it's the most crazy thing he's heard. The laughter helps and after a moment, Nier can't help the quiet one that escapes him.]

No, I guess it isn't. [Grinning from ear-to-ear, he continues.] Just thought I'd check. Not every world is the same, right? I might not seem like it, but I'm not really interested in makin' anyone upset.

[And if he's honest, he doesn't know Trahearne well enough to understand where those lines are. He can get away with being sarcastic to some. He can get away with being caretaker to others.]

You know 76? He's an amazing cook. He'd probably make you something if you asked. I can cook, but it's nothing fancy. Maybe just grill something from the fields. Put it on the fire. Easy as that.

[Although probably not as good without seasonings.]

[ Trahearne shakes his head. It's still amazing how polite everyone here is, to even have someone like his new conversation partner who even clarifies that he isn't interested in insulting him. A single Tyrian could have more colorful "nicknames" for him than the number of times he has been insulted in Songerein for being sylvari. ]

No offence taken.

[ His quiet utterance is quickly overshadowed by his brightening expression at the mention of a familiar name. ]

I do! Seventy-Six is kind, and an excellent chef, I agree. You and I have similar skill, it seems. And personally, given the choice, I would much rather eat at the Wild Harvest than my own paltry cooking.

[ ... ]

Not to insult your cooking, of course. Your grilled dolyak could be heavenly, for all I know.

Yeah. I feel the same way. If he's willing to make me a meal, I'm happy to take him up on it.

[Nier laughs. It's a little rough, just like him, right around the edges, but filled with a warmth that's undeniably him.]

I have no idea what a dolyak is, but I'm gonna let you know now that anything I cook isn't anything special. It's edible, but maybe just barely. He's been trying to give me some pointers— [76, he means.] —and I keep them in mind, but I just don't have a taste for flavours the way he does. He's also a lot more committed to it than I am.

[ Trahearne can't help but chuckle a bit at Nier's admittance. That sounds familiar. ]

I could have said the exact same thing. I take it most of your cooking has been for survival, then.

[ Making available ingredients edible. That sounds like him. ]

It's that commitment that keeps the rest of us happy, I'd say. We're lucky to have someone like him willing to cook and feed the rest of us.

[ Everyone has a role in the community--someone has to make food. It may as well be someone who enjoys doing it, too. ]

That’s right. [He confirms it without even a moment’s hesitance.] Never really needed to do it for much else.

[He doubts 76 ever really needed to do anything else with it either. If anything, he’s probably just done it because he enjoys it. Other people benefit, which is a bonus, and while Nier would say 76 is the type to be that altruistic, it probably is centred around being something pleasant to do and not purely obligation.]

We are pretty lucky. It’s a good thing doing that kind of thing makes him happy. Can’t imagine he’d be forcing himself to do it otherwise. Should find a better way to thank him for everything he does.

[ That's the beauty of a community like this one--people naturally gravitate towards their strengths, what they know best, and they eventually fill specific niches. And in 76's case, it so happens to be that the good man fills a role that all residents of Reverein can appreciate. Trahearne momentarily feels a bit silly at the thought, knowing his skills and specialty fall squarely in a category not wholly necessary for survival, but he hopes it serves others somehow.

Anyway, this is about 76. ]

We should. [ It's only fair. ] Cooking, and cooking well is not easy. I admit I don't know him all that well--but it sounds like you do. You must know a thing or two about what he might appreciate.

Huh, does it seem that way?

[Nier’s not sure he knows him well, by any means. Nier seems to know of people. He knows he’s close enough to know the man’s real name. He tries not to ask too much about his past, though he’s willing to hazard a guess that he knows a hell of a lot more about 76 than the other way around.

…The only person who probably knows him particularly well is Kainé. Nier has continuously been very careful about keeping information to himself. What would be the point in talking about it anyway?]

Maybe. Not sure what he’d like, though. Anything I think he would he’d probably just be able to do himself. He’s stupidly self-sufficient. Kind of hard to find a thing to do when he can basically do it all, you know?

[He laughs.]

[ Trahearne chuckles lightly in turn. He's absolutely right. 76 has a network, a lay of the land, a handle on all these fantastical creatures, and is even a fantastic chef. Since when could there be anything Trahearne could do to help him? If his new harvest friend doesn't know, then it's unlikely Trahearne will. ]

I'm inclined to agree. I suppose I'll set aside that idea for now.

[ There must be something else, but he can think about it another time.

He straightens himself as he sits. Time to prod because he's still curious. ]

Who is it you live with?

Hm? Oh, uh.

[Nier lifts a hand and poises it at his chin with some thought. She probably won't care if he says it, but it's not like he knows for sure. She's private in her own way. And honestly, he has no idea if she talks about him. If she does, then he has no idea what she would say.

Given the recent days... He doesn't even know where they stand with one another.]

Name's Kainé. Not sure if you know her. White hair. Guess she can be a bit mouthy when she wants to be, but she means well. Hard to miss her if you know her.

[ Trahearne's gaze drifts briefly in thought. Yes, he has heard that name somewhere before. It's been a while, but he feels like-- ]

Oh! Yes. I have met her. [ He looks back at Nier with a smile. ] We met once. She was rather... [ What is the word. ] ...intense.

[ Even though he had been purposefully made to be more cowardly at the time, he feels like he would be just as intimidated by her if he saw her again now. ]

Give her my regards the next time you see her.

[ A beat. ]

My name is Trahearne, by the way.

[A small laugh escapes from Nier. Intense. That’s probably the nicest way he’s heard someone describe her. He’ll have to go to her later and let her know that she’s still making a good impression on the others.]

I can do that. And you’re right. She’s a bit intense. Probably more so for people who aren’t expecting that. She can be a little abrasive, I guess.

[Although he sort of likes that about her. She knows what she wants and she’s fiercely loyal. He couldn’t ask for anything more from a friend or someone he considers family, at the very least.]

Trahearne, eh. [He tries not to butcher it in the gruff gravel of his voice.] Good to have a name that goes with the face. I’m Nier, though I guess ‘old man’ works just as well. A few people call me that here. Call me whatever you want.

[ Well. She didn't do anything bad to him, per se, and they did share the extremely embarrassing experience of linking arms and singing and dancing, so...she's in his good book. They share an awful secret, at least.

Trahearne smiles, and gives him a dip of the head accompanied by a good-natured chuckle. ]

Then well met, old man. [ There's something about Nier that tells Trahearne he'd fit right in on Tyria. That's possibly because there are a good handful of friends back home he'd refer to as "old man"... It's a bit nostalgic, in a way. ] And likewise. Though we met seasons ago, this feels more like the true beginning of our friendship.

[ They are friends now. ]

[Nier snorts out a laugh. Trahearne says it so easily. And maybe Nier is just a really easy-going guy, but it's not taken him long to determine that he likes this walking, talking plant.]

Friendship, huh. Yeah. You've got me there.

[It does kind of feel that way. Friendships are formed over sometimes the most simple of things. Sometimes it is adversity. Sometimes it is merely in gardening.]

Hard to believe that flower festival was some time ago, though, isn't it? Sometimes doesn't feel like much time has passed here at all, but maybe that's just me.

[ There is plenty of friendship and joy to be found in the simple act of digging things up from the dirt.

When Nier affirms their friendship, Trahearne absently begins collecting the vegetables he'd harvested earlier, placing them in neat piles. ]

There are some days I feel as though I arrived yesterday. [ He looks up at Nier, neutral smile on his face. ] And sometimes I feel as though I've already spent a lifetime here.

[ He chuckles at the thought. ] I suppose our perception of time can't be trusted in a dream world.

Yup.

[Nier could resonate with that deeply. It's the same for him, of course. Some days it feels like he's just arrived all over again. Some days it feels like he's completely forgotten what time is even like.]

For a long time, I wasn't keepin' track, honestly. Tried to when I first arrived because of the moon— [He pauses for just a moment before explaining.] —somethin' we don't have back home. So watching the day turn to night and back to day took some adjusting. I guess when I got used to it, I stopped counting, so I forgot how long I'd been here. Even now, I can't put a number on it.

[But maybe Nier is just so laid-back that the passage of time didn't matter to him. What was time to a man like him?]

[ Trahearne gives a hum of intrigue when Nier brings that up. He's heard about all sorts of worlds thus far, but this? This is a first. For a moment, he studies Nier before tilting his head quizzically. ]

Your home doesn't have night? That's...fascinating, if you don't mind me saying. [ It seems to be such a given. When else were sylvari supposed to glow? How else were sylvari supposed to determine personality without Cycles?! ] Seeing the moon and the stars and the darkness must have been bewildering.

Open | November Catch-all & Dream

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