raumlet

The air inside the little house Sikora so kindly lent them was stifling, too close, too hot, too dusty; if she spent another minute in there, hunched over some ancient tome with the amulet pressed close to the peeling bark of her breast, she was going to suffocate. Just pass out right over the thin pages, and that was how Dandy would find her - dead of dust inhalation, or whatever it was that was leaving her so short of breath. She kept meaning to leave to visit the Grove, but there was always something to do, something that kept her from leaving even though she was waking up at midnight to cough. She couldn't leave Dandy in Garenhoff alone. So here she was. Up here on the cliffs, the sea breeze brushed across her cheeks, the damp air soothing her ragged throat; without Dandy to dance along the edge of the drop, stupidly fearless, she was calm enough to let her own legs dangle out into space. Each breath was still a struggle, but that horrible, claustrophobic feeling of suffocation had eased, even though the tickle in her chest was constant now and her head spun. Why hadn't she gone to the Menders yet? A few months away from the Grove and she'd completely lost her sense.

Brom

After a little bit of playing, Iudrix's flute outside the house stopped. Just outside hadn't been enough of a walk, he decided, so tucking the little instrument away he went for a walk. A walk turned into a run and soon he was booking it along the edge of the cliffs, the sea breezes battering against his wings and biting through all the holes in his tank top. It felt good to stretch his long legs, and though he couldn't really fly it almost felt like it out here. He almost didn't see Rottie there on the edge, almost running past her only to stop at the last moment, backing up a step and approaching slowly. The sapling looked... nervous, a couple butterflies nearly invisible in the sunlight, his bare toes curling in the dirt. He'd left his boots at home,  which was okay. "I haven't uh, seen you in awhile." The words were only a little breathless, though he'd been running Iudrix hadn't really been pushing himself too hard.

raumlet

Rottie blinked her tired eyes up at the skinny bundle of twigs standing over her. She only wished she could say she didn't remember who he was, but of course she did - what had it been, a month since Sikora attacked him? Thorns, and all she'd done was sleep, get sicker, and learn exactly nothing. The amulet weighed heavily against her chest. "Hello there," she said. Her voice was weaker than she expected, so she cleared her throat - a dry little rasp - and tried again. It didn't help. "I've been very busy. Are you well?" She assumed he was. If Sikora had been at him, she would know about it, wouldn't she? Although honestly, she hadn't seen the Geomancer in weeks. It was making her nervous.

Brom

What did he even say to that? All that focus on things being wrong and insistence that there was something- between Querii and Ren and the looks Duncan gave him sometimes Iudrix almost hesitated. But he didn't, instead just sort of smiled. "I'm fine. Are- Are you?" Staying both a decent distance from her and from the dangerous cliff edge he sat down, folding his skinny knees up to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. The sapling watched Rottie with eyes that were now pink instead of the green they had been.

raumlet

The tickle in her chest kept her from answering right away; turning her head away from him, she coughed into her sleeve, a distinctly unpleasant noise now. There was a rattle around the edges of it that hadn't been there a month ago, and it took her a moment to catch her breath. "Well enough," she said eventually, giving him a glance before carrying on rather breathlessly, her speech broken here and there with coughs. "You're not quite so skittish without Dandy here to terrorize you!  I am sorry about him. Oh! Why were there so many skritt the other day?"

Brom

"It's okay. I don't really blame him for thinking that way. Completely, I guess." He looked down at the ground, then back up at Rottie. She didn't sound okay but he was willing to take her word for it, maybe what had her busy was getting over something worse. He had no idea and it would be rude to pry deeper. Instead of sickness, Iudrix talked about skritt. "They're.... Lillica's friends? They came asking her for help, um, I didn't go with them. I don't like them much, they're a little grabby and they talk too fast. They're weird. And warm. But they're gone now."  A couple butterflies accompanied the description, only to pop out of existence with the last sentence.

raumlet

"Friends?" All she could think of was the feeling of the sand slamming into her in her attempt to catch herself mid-plummet from a deathly height, stripping her bark to the delicate leaves underneath in some places - her opinion of Lillica plummeted likewise. She tried to laugh, but it caught in her chest; instead, she bent over herself and coughed. Was this contagious? Dandy hadn't caught it yet, so likely not. "They aren't coming back, are they? Dandy and I aren't fond of skritt," she said, once she was able to sit up and talk again. "I was worried they'd come to kidnap him again. He's 'shiny,' so they say."

Brom

Iudrix's eyes opened wide, and there was a squawk in his voice. "They kidnap people? No. They're not coming back. I hope not. Uh..." There was a veritable flood of butterflies, being kidnapped had not even crossed his mind and the idea they could drag him away with those little hands freaked him out. Or that they might try to drag him away, because he'd probably end up killing them and that was worse. Trying to not think about it, the sapling ran a hand through the vines  that draped down his face, tugging on them a little. "I don't like skritt either."

raumlet

"I don't know that all skritt make a habit of it, but the skritt we encountered..." She shook her head and pushed the thoughts away as Iudrix's anxiety buffeted her; putting her hand to her breast, where the amulet lay inside her bodice, she shrugged at the other Sylvari. The trip hadn't been a completely horrible experience. Just mostly. "He's fine, as you saw." Thorns, she was getting tired already, even though all she'd been doing for the past half hour was sit quietly and think. "Would you like me to leave so you can play? I've seen you up here with your flute."

Brom

He shook his head. "No, I wasn't planning to play anymore. I was just running." Iudrix shrugged, his wings bobbing up and down with the gesture. "I don't need to play anyways. I just do." And always the one song, no changes. At least he was getting good with that one, he'd managed to figure out all the notes although it... really didn't make him feel better about it. It should have felt complete, but there was still nothing but emptiness to the music.

raumlet

"Oh," was all Rottie could think to say. She certainly was a brilliant conversationalist right now; but she wasn't sure what to say to this gangly sapling. How are you handling being under Sikora's thumb? seemed insensitive - and she was so tired now, she could have fallen asleep right where she sat. Slowly, she scooted away from the cliff and laid back on the soft grass. "I suppose if you play it anyway, you must feel the need to on some level..."

Brom

"It's from my dream but... that doesn't really matter anymore. I should probably get rid of it." He shifted how he was sitting, the idea uncomfortable but what wasn't. It could go in one of the boxes or something. "Everyone's probably tired of listening." Iudrix brought back his sword, holding his palms flat up so that the ethereal weapon could appear across them. He didn't actually do anything with it, just looked it over with a weird sort of sadness.

raumlet

"There's no harm in keeping it around," Rottie said quietly. Her eyes were closed, but she had no intention of falling asleep; every now and then, she coughed, that awful rattling shaking her chest. Just talking about Dreams brought hers back, and a bolt of panic went through her - what if she stopped breathing? What if she started to suffocate, like she had in her pod? Anxiously, she pressed her hands to her breast. After a moment too long, she went on: "It must serve a purpose."

Brom

"No but..." the sword threatened to dissolve into butterflies before he stopped himself, stuffing worry away. Whatever purpose was not something he needed to go chasing after. Catching Rottie's panic he almost stood up, dropping the other subject immediately. "Are you okay? Do you need help?"

raumlet

"I'm fine." Rottie's reply was sharper than she intended, and a flush of shame hit her immediately; the sapling only wanted to help. Sitting up, she dropped her head into her hand and let her eyes shut, blocking out the bright sunshine. "I'm alright," she said, nearly level this time. "I'm used to being sick, but it wears on me sometimes. I don't think you should stop playing. My Dream wasn't very useful so first hand I wouldn't know, but they say our Dreams are important. And I don't mind hearing when you play."

Brom

His wings sagged only to snap back up when she did seem okay. "I guess I can understand that," he said slowly, picking over the words. "I hate when people insist things aren't fine. I'll stop asking." Iudrix sighed, softly enough she probably didn't hear it. "Well. I want to find out what it's about. But I can't, I don't think. I'm- things changed too much. I'm sure by now there's some other sapling waking up to do it instead if it is important. Maybe I'll learn to play something else."

raumlet

Things weren't alright, not in the slightest, but she wasn't in the mood to talk about it; when she got home, she'd ask Dandy to take her to the Grove. With how lightheaded she felt, it didn't seem safe to make the trip to the waypoint alone. "Well..." Dropping her hand, she lifted her head to look at Iudrix. "I don't know that the Dream works that way, if you can lose that Hunt simply because you've changed - if it did, I'd find it hard that any of them would ever be completed."

Brom

That last bit sent a shiver down his spine, the  tips of his wings almost vibrating.  "No. It's not like that. I would know. It's just a stupid tune. And... it's not that kind of changing. It's... different." He fell over the words a bit, a couple flustered butterflies flitting around. "A... thing happened. I didn't just. Get wiser or something." The sapling frowned, banishing that pink sword to who knows where.

raumlet

"Things have a habit of doing that," Rottie said, heaving a sigh that caught awfully in her chest. Once she'd cleared her lungs again, doubled over her own legs, she took few shaky breaths and straightened up; wiping the beginnings of tears from her eyes, she fanned herself, more to give herself something to do with her hands than anything. "Dandy fell off these cliffs and nearly died, you know. That's why I serve Sikora now - I had to beg her to save him. It certainly wasn't something I'd choose, not like this, but... things happen."

Brom

True to his word, Drix didn't offer to help again though that was concerning. He silently wondered if he should somehow direct her to Duncan or Duncan to her while waiting for the coughing fit to finish before answering. "He doesn't look like someone who ever fell off a cliff. Does she, uh, ask you for a lot? I haven't seen her since... that first time. I don't know even what I would do anyways. I'm not very useful."

raumlet

"Sikora did a very good job, and Dandy..." A little smile flitted across her face just thinking about it. "Dandy's quick to recover from things. You know, not long after, he was dancing along cliff edges again? I was the skittish one!" The smile was gone just as quickly - she glanced away, out over the water. "All she's asked of me so far is for an artifact. She wants to know what it's for, how to use it... I'm sure she'll want it should it turn out to be useful. But no, she doesn't ask much, and I don't see her often. Not very reassuring, though, is it?"

Brom

The cliffs were high, Iudrix didn't need to fall off to know that dancing around the edge was a terrible idea. He couldn't really fly, after all. "Well she already took a sword. I don't really have anything else. It is reassuring, a little." The sapling smiled at her, that soft expression that was so often absent. It was true, though his collection of actual items was slowly growing Sikora wouldn't be interested in skritt toys.

raumlet

"More swords?" Rottie spoke without thinking; that it might ruin Iudrix's fragile relief about the whole situation didn't occur to her until she'd already said it, and then all she could do was glance at him, concerned. But then, wasn't it better that he be prepared? Sikora wasn't the sort of threat to up and disappear one day. "Sorry - only, you seem to have an unlimited supply of them, at least as far as I've seen."

Brom

Yeah there was that. A spike of fear cut through his emotions, a jagged butterfly or two popping in and back out in the air above his skinny shoulders. "W-well. I just won't give her any more." That idea was at least a little stabling, he could make them go away as easily as they were created. "It hurt, a lot. The swords are... they're part of me I guess. I don't know if there is a limit I've never really tried to see how many I can make. I try not to do any magic."

raumlet

This time, Rottie kept her thoughts to herself; there wouldn't be any denying Sikora what she wanted, not without serious consequences, but Iudrix had to know that - and if he didn't, he'd find out when she came calling. Brushing her hands over her skirt, she stared out over the bay. "The smart thing to do would be to get your magic under control, you know. The more you know about it, the better you can defend yourself," she said, then, wistfully, "I came here hoping to learn from Sikora. I suppose I got what I wanted."

Brom

"I'm- afraid of it. Nobody seems to know what to do except it's wrong and I shouldn't. They even sent for an asura expert and she even she doesn't seem to be able to figure it out. I think. I almost killed one of the skritt." Iudrix' wings drooped low enough the bottom edge almost brushed the dirt as he looked at his hands and the faint pink in his palms that glowed so boldly when night fell. "I'm not even sure how I do what I already do. I made a portal once, that worked but I don't know how."

raumlet

"An expert in what? A mesmer expert?" Rottie looked him over. "Some expert, if she couldn't give you any advice at all."

Brom

"No. Um. I don't- I don't really know. It's not Mesmer stuff that's the problem. It's chaos, that's what everyone says. There was a gun, and I- broke it. Accidentally. And it did some things and that's what I mean when I say I changed and that's why my dream really doesn't matter.  It's all messed up a-and... yeah." The sapling furrowed his brow, butterflies everywhere. He didn't look up at Rottie, didn't want to see the same sort of expression everyone else had now that he'd 'explained'. "So I can't, and I shouldn't. I don't want to hurt anyone else."

raumlet

"Mesmers deal in chaos," Rottie said, her little brow arching high. It wouldn't be tactful to come out and say it so bluntly, but as far as she could tell, Iudrix was talking nonsense - he wasn't thinking, just letting the fear she felt from him shape his decisions. If she'd let fear rule her, she never would have left the Menders. "Wouldn't having hurt someone make it more pressing that you try and control it? At the very least, it's more productive than saying 'I can't' and stopping there."

Brom

"If that's the case why is everyone saying..." he let the thought trail off, slumping and finally mumbling a defeated "I didn't stay in the Grove long enough for any lessons." The sapling reached up to tuck some of the vines back away from his eye, frowning now. Everything was so complicated.

raumlet

"Maybe it's time to go back for a few." Rottie's voice was gentle enough; this sapling didn't need any more rough handling, even though she was barely older than him. But she'd lacked the option to leave - stranded in the Mender's offices, she'd spent her time on her lessons, reading, practicing her magic. It was the only way to pass time before she'd been allowed out. She didn't regret it; her magic had saved her life.

Brom

Iudrix shook his head quickly, eyes going wide. There was another snap of fear as he replied. "N-no. I can't, actually. I kind of... they tried to lock Ren away. I broke him out and... I can't. They'll lock me away."

raumlet

Rottie stared at him, weighing her energy against the reaction she wanted to have -  who in their right mind broke someone out of the Warden's jails? How had he even done it? Why had the giant marshmallow she knew was Ren been in jail? With what energy she had left, she waved her hand to brush the questions away; that wasn't her problem. "Another city, then, any of them. Mesmers need training no matter their race."

Brom

"I-" Iudrix didn't have a good answer as to why he wouldn't. He went silent, bringing back into being a sword across his lap to stare at. Everything he'd ever done had turned out horribly. "It's complicated," the sapling finally stated miserably.

raumlet

"Isn't everything?" Rottie shook her head, her own vines bumping against her neck in their loose braid. Iudrix was stuck in a holding pattern, just like her, but he had the option to break free of it until Sikora called him back. Slowly, she pushed herself to her feet; she tottered a bit when her sap rushed to her head, but caught herself and forced herself straight - the walk back to their little house seemed so far now, even though she could see the roof from here. "It's up to you, Iudrix, but I would consider it."

Brom

He looked up at her but once again refrained from asking if she needed any help. Even though he wanted to. Finally he said something. "There's a mender staying at the house. He's leaving soon though. He's uh, not much older than me but... if there's an emergency... Hisname'sDuncan." Iudrix gave her a fake, nervous smile, not entirely sure if the info would be appreciated at all.

raumlet

For a moment, Rottie looked down at him without saying anything; the waypoint to the Grove felt so far away, an impossible distance when she didn't know if she could even get home without resting, and the idea was tempting. "Thank you," she finally said. "I'll consider that."

Brom

Iudrix just nodded once. He didn't make a motion to move, the sapling planned to stay out on the cliffs a while longer. It was comfortable out here, and though he didn't plan to run (and definitely didn't plan to play his flute) just sitting was nice too. "Just, um, I'm not sure when he's leaving. It was nice talking with you."

raumlet

Lillica

Oftentimes when Iudrix left the house, he would go through the town, the docks, or the cliffs to play his flute.  Anytime he went he would pass the elementals.  Those earthen masses that watched over every corner of Garrenhoff saw him wherever he went, whenever he left, and exactly what he did while out.  Just as they saw, Sikora saw too.  Iudrix was... Weak.  He was powerful, but not in a way that could be applied.  The boy, as she thought, was like a resource, a bounty of power that couldn't or wouldn't harvest itself.  She had tasted it in devouring the sword, even a fraction of what Iudrix manifested was far more potent than the magic infused in most scepters, and his energies were growing.  It was time to act.  The next time her elementals saw him leave the house... She would strike.

Brom

With too much to think about, Iudrix had not stayed sitting for long. He'd started to run again, trailing butterflies flickering briefly behind him as the sapling let his worries melt into motion. He didn't need to think about where he was going in the future, just now. Not home, maybe where all the strawberries grew, or...  Changing his course, he started to head towards that waterfall he'd see once, from a distance. It was far away, but that didn't matter. He'd still be back before everyone at home missed him.

Lillica

Sikora caught on fast.  One of her summons spotted Iudrix as he left.  She let him run a ways longer, at least until his house was out of sight before making her move. Iudrix didn't stand a chance.  One second he was running, and the next a circle of earth around him cracked and warped.  It twisted upward before he could escape, seven or eight large slabs curling up into a wall, a roof, and finally an entire sphere.  The boy was trapped in a tiny earthen prison devoid of light, and as far as he knew, there was no reason why.

Brom

There was only a quick moment of recognition before coherence was lost to just straight abject terror. There was a sword in his hand, in each hand, suddenly, and Iudrix began to beat against the the walls with everything he had. And some he didn't know he had. Despite being completely closed off it wasn't dark at all as flashes of pink light and broken butterflies filled the tiny space, cracking and smashing against the rock with a panicking intensity that seemed to keep building.

Lillica

Behind him the pink light of his swords and illusions lit up something else, Amongst the crude stone walls, Sikora's face.  It appeared as stone, only her lips and mouth moved with all the fluidity of flesh or plant when she spoke.  "Stop smashing the walls and Turn around.  Those swords prove I have didn't mistake you for someone else, so this is fine."

Brom

The words only made things worse for long moments as he upped the feverish intensity, the swords shattering into a hundred shards of glass, reforming only to break again. Finally Iudrix seemed to wear himself down to a point he could listen, finally, finally, turning around. His eyes were huge and bright and as pink as the illusions he kept smashing. "Let me go!"

Lillica

Despite her indisputable mastery of geomancy, Iudrix still managed to chip Sikora's stony face along the cheek, a hit that stung enough to make her wince.  Even so, the damage healed and smoothed by the time he calmed down enough to notice.  "Be quiet and listen," Sikora's voice was pointed, slow, and direct.  Whatever she said next would not be a request... It would be an order.  "I have decided that you will be useful.  I will be brief.  You have a job.  Across Tyria, some of the greatest magicians have hide away to study magic in secret.  Their notes are vast, their disciplines vary, and their hideouts are elusive.  You've already met Roisenrot, haven't you?  She is tasked by me as well."

Sikora paused to see how Iudrix would react.  In all of her observations, the boy favored shutting down or blowing up.  Since he had already done the latter, she needed to ensure Iudrix wouldn't just block her out.  Someone as helpless and powerful as him could be a useful tool in her hunting, either as bait or as a seeker such as Roisenrot, but it all hinged on how well he would listen and obey.

Brom

Disciplines? Hideouts? In no state of mind to even properly comprehend what she was ordering Iudrix lashed out again, the air crackling with the seemingly endlessly reserves of terrible energy he had. This time it was over quicker, the sapling panting amid a few stray sparks and a cloud of translucent wings. "I'm not going to! let me go!"

Lillica

Sikora sighed.  She really didn't have time for this.  The point of making others go on these tasks instead of doing it herself was so that she could devote all her time to researching and improving her magics.  She had tried to be nice with Iudrix, but perhaps the only way to get good help was the same way she'd handled Rottie. Part of the wall behind Iudrix extended out in a swift stony punch to the back of his head before crumbling away, it was Sikora's impatient way of saying shut up.  "You should have talked to Roisenrot more, boy.  Then you'd know the only negotiations I make are always in my favor.  I'm going to try one more time.  Be quiet or I'll send that beloved house of yours tumbling into the harbor, all it takes is a little earthquake, and I promise you, earth is my strong point."

Brom

That hurt and he had to reach out to catch himself on the inside of the rocky encasement, his hand on the wall. Destroy the house? But all of Lillica and Ren's work, and- Another wave of terror and vivid butterflies threatened to tear the sapling apart again, but this time he held as stable as one could expect. "I- I- I can't. Please let me go. I'm not useful. Let me go." Sharp pink energy spread from the fingertips pressed against the stone, but rock was rock. Who knows what it would have done if there was any give.

Lillica

I'm not useful.  He was always saying something like that.  Yet, who was he to decide his worth?  Sikora had deemed him an asset, and if she thought he was an asset, then he was an asset, or she'd do whatever necessary to make him act like one.  "It doesn't matter what you think.  I said I would be brief.  Just as Roisenrot finds me artifacts, you will hunt for mages.  Only the best, only the recluses.  I want their research, their notes, and maybe their bodies and belongings.  The more of these you bring me, the less earth I'll displace beneath that house of yours.  Now get out of here.  You have three days to show you've started the hunt, otherwise there will be a tremor."

As quickly as the earthen dome had sprung around Iudrix, it fell away, each rock blasting.

Brom

raumlet "Dandy! Dandy, wait." Rottie let herself grind to a halt at the top of the hill and bent over to catch her breath, her hands braced on her thighs. The bag full of borrowed books, skillfully wheedled from the Priory library with her precious scroll as collateral, hung heavily off her shoulders - she looked down at it swinging by her legs and felt nothing but resentment. Oh, how she missed the chill air of the Shiverpeaks! Maybe it was the heat, or the sudden sun after so many cloudy days, or maybe the hill had grown since they'd last been here, but there was a stitch in her side and an ache in her head.

"Carry this, would you?" She said, pulling the bag off her shoulder as Dandy jogged back to her. She offered him the bag and a wan smile. "I haven't been getting enough sun lately! Much longer in there and perhaps I would have met the same fate as your new friend. Doomed to sass."

Lillica Dandy rushed back down the hill to meet her.  "I'm so sorry," he said, flower top flopping as he dipped into an apologetic bow, "It isn't very knightly of me not to notice when my Damsel," he quickly corrected himself, "A damsel is in distress!" After hefting the extra bag over his shoulder, Dandy turned back towards the town of Garenhoff.  This time, he matched Rotties pace, making up for her naturally shorter strides by skipping.  The switch from forward to vertical distance kept his typically quick feet in line. "Remember, if Sikora yells at you, it's not your fault.  I'm the one who insisted we stay longer before setting out.  The other pumpkin would've been too cold without a little longer to grow."

Brom Iudrix stood just outside the town, one thumb hooked into a beltloop, his other hand on that pink sword he never seemed to be without anymore. It felt wrong not to have it, but at the same time it was nothing precious- as evidenced by the fact the tip was firmly in the dirt, a dug line trailing the direction he'd walked. The sapling seemed to be deep in thought, considering his next steps.

raumlet If it hadn't been for the skipping, Rottie would have taken his arm - her chest constricted, pleasantly this time rather than with a sick chill, and her smile brightened as she fell into step with him. Her shoulder bumped his every few steps.

"I'll tell her how you nearly had us thrown out of the library for the sake of a pumpkin patch," she said cheerfully. She drew in as deep a breath as she could; there was a tickle deep in her lungs that threatened to choke her, and she pressed a hand to her breast before raising it to shield her eyes from the sun. The fresh air of the docks would be good for her. It had to be, after the dry dust of the library. They'd reached the edge of town now - and there was a whippet of a Sylvari there, dragging a ghostly sword through the dirt. Rottie eyed him around Dandy's torso.

Lillica Dandy eyed him also.  Dandy's eyes were perhaps more cautious than Rottie's, which wasn't typical.  But nobody dragged a ghostly sword through the dirt like that without being the least bit crazy, it was only common sense.  This could be no ordinary Dreamer.  He was.... A nightmare court spy.  Or maybe a beastly warden of the far shore?  It didn't matter.  Dandy slid his hand towards the sling on his back, ready to pick either Jackie or Gordy at a moment's notice.  "Careful," he whispered to Rottie.

Brom Iudrix took a couple more steps, then seemed to decide against whatever he was planning. The thin sapling turned away, sword dragging a half circle as he turned. And saw the other two sylvari. The faux wings on his back seemed to perk, and he stood up a little straighter. "Oh. Hello! I didn't realize... I wasn't alone." He gave a sheepish grin, reaching back to rub the back of his neck.

raumlet "Hello!" Rottie chirped before Dandy had a chance to speak, sliding her arm through his now that they were standing still - she hadn't missed the subtle movement of his hand. There was an elemental just a handful of feet away, stock still with its blank face pointed out towards the hills, so it was hardly like they were in real danger here. She did her best to smile at him, but it was thin under her tired eyes. "We haven't see you here before."

Lillica "Didn't realize you weren't alone, hm?" Dandy scoffed at the notion, "Hardly possible for you and your ilk.  Everyone knows you're never alone, you've got thousands of voices in your head screaming at you to kill us."

He drew his rifle, Gordy, and a small flutter of insect wings carried glowing fireflies to his side.  "Don't you dare take a step closer to us.  Sheath the sword, and perhaps I'll let you move on."

Brom "W-what are you talking about?" Iudrix's brow furrowed as he tried to figure out what the heck the other was talking about. "I'm- pretty new! I'm not whatever you think I am." And then a gun was drawn. There was now fear in the sapling's eyes. "Look- it's just- it's just-" well he really didn't have a good explanation for the sword. Instead of trying to talk through it he just broke the weapon instead, the glowing blade splitting into an erratic cluster of jagged butterflies. Not sharp, but they looked it. "There! It's gone!"

raumlet "Dandy, stop that! He's not doing anything wrong." Rottie's voice was lightly scolding as Dandy drew the gun even around her hold on him, and she elbowed him  gently in the side. Much more of this and she'd have to resort to tickling, which was an embarrassing but highly effective tactic, given Dandy's choice of armor. Still hanging on Dandy's arm, she smiled over at the other Sylvari, shrugging her mantled shoulders. "I apologize. He doesn't mean any harm, truly. You're new to Garenhoff?"

Lillica "New. Of course he is new, otherwise people would've figured out his true nature by now.  Not all people have the sight and knightly judgement of character," he said in a whispered tone, but purposefully loud enough for the sword shattered to hear.  "I will only return Gordy to my back if he can prove his heart pure... By... Poetry.  Everyone knows the truest Knights, Princes, and Kings of old could turn poetry from all things in this world."

Brom His eyes stayed glued to that gun, even as he answered them both. "I don't know any poetry. I'm only-" he caught himself. "I was just looking for people that might know songs. I'm not anything. Please." A single butterfly manifested near him, flickering in only to flicker right back out again. "Can I just go? I won't come around here again."

raumlet Rottie's eyes flicked between the other Sylvari's face and the gun in Dandy's hands, then up to Dandy's stern frown. Leaning away from him a bit, she reached over and, very delicately, tweaked his side, just under the ridges of his ribs. The resulting jump was spectacular, and Rottie couldn't help but giggle at the wounded expression he turned on her.

"Dandy, let it be," she said in a whisper, leaning back in and returning her hand to his arm. "He obviously doesn't want to fight. And even if he did, there's just one of him, and two of us - plus Sikora's elementals, and my own. Besides, I think you're scaring him."

Lillica "Anyone would tremble in the shadow of a Knight such as I," Dandy proudly declared, "But by the request of Damsel Rottie, I will allow you to walk.  Be grateful, vile murderer, that her eyes haven't the keen senses of mine... Hey! Stop that!" Dandy jumped away from Rottie again, having been prodded in his sides once more.  He lowered his rifle, but remained on guard, this time towards his companion, "I should make you deliver a poem just to be certain of your intentions," Dandy whimpered, "Because no Damsel would trouble a proud knight in such... Such insignificant ways, especially when facing danger!"

He really hated to be tickled.  Rottie was terribly good at it, too.

Brom Iudrix dipped his head when the gun was lowered, his faux wings drooping. "Alright. I'll go. I really was just looking for people that do music." The sword was suddenly back in his hand, though all his did with it was tuck it into a loop at his side. "I haven't even killed a bug." Making sure to not even glance back at Garenhoff he turned a bit to give the two of them a very wide berth and started walking.

raumlet "You don't have to go!" Rottie called after him; she finally let go of Dandy and took a few steps towards the other Sylvari. Placing her hands on her hips, she shot a look back at Dandy, then turned and put on her best smile, which at the moment wasn't terribly good. Her chest was tight, her breath shallow. "It isn't as if we own Garenhoff. I... help the woman who does, sort of, but - oh, I'm all scattered." Pausing for a moment, she looked down at her feet and took a slow, deep breath; her exhale ended in a weak cough. "He's a bit protective, that's all," she said, straightening up. "Don't mind us."

Lillica Dandy's hands had clenched into fists.  If his weapon had to be holstered, then at least he resolved to maintain a strong fighting stance.  "Hello," Dandy said quietly, and quite stubbornly, but otherwise left Rottie to talk.

Brom The sapling stopped and turned back around. "Well, I would kinda like to be able to get home," he replied, a soft smile tugging at the right corner of his lips.  His expression was still mostly melancholy, however. It completely dropped again pretty fast. "I'm really not- whatever you think I am. Even if I don't know any poetry."

Lillica Dandy held up three fingers, "In this many days, learn some.  Otherwise my trust will be forever out of reach.  It is a code I now live by, and the only way I can ensure nobody ever does Rottie harm."

raumlet "Home? You live here, then?" Rottie asked without bothering to comment on Dandy's demands; she stepped back to Dandy's side and hooked her arm through his again, giving it a fond little squeeze. This time, she leaned on him - not much, but enough. Giddy thoughts of sitting down and putting her feet up danced through her head as she started into town again. "That must be recent. I don't recall seeing you before."

Brom "I haven't been around long, a couple weeks." Though it seemed a long time  to him. He awkwardly tried to ignore dandy, too- not that he was any good at it. He mostly just averted his eyes and snuck glances every few seconds or so. "I followed Ren. From the Grove. I uh- I didn't explore too much." Iudrix trailed after them a bit from a safe distance.

Lillica Dandy kept pace with Rottie, though each step was a bit awkward.  She had only started hanging on him like this recently.  The poor green sprout hadn't gotten used to her closeness yet, at least not when it was out of combat and danger.  Still, He liked the change.  "We'd have notice if another Sylvari were here.  With the exception of those few that appear to be scientists or engineers, it's just us."

raumlet Oblivious, Rottie cast her eyes to the sky and thought. Other than Sikora, there were two other Sylvari she'd seen around town. They kept to themselves; if her visits to Garenhoff were more leisurely, she may have attempted to talk to one of them, but as it was... Garenhoff was quaint, but tainted for her. "We have seen a few others... Not you, though. You've chosen quite the place to settle down."

Brom "That's what they are! I help. Sort of." He paused, musing over that statement before continuing his fairly light hearted reply. "I really haven't been out much on my own. R- people get worried. I don't know why, I do perfectly fine." He scuffed at the ground with a leafy-booted toe, a hint of annoyance to his tone. It was better to just get angry at Ren again then to allow the thought that threatened to creep in that maybe the reason has to do with what that green guy was saying. The sapling sighed. "I didn't pick it so much as just ended up here,  I just wanted to get out and go- somewhere. Anywhere."

raumlet "Really? You help? What do you do?" Rottie didn't mean to sound so skeptical, but there was a hint of it in her tone as she looked over her shoulder at the Sylvari tailing them. Simply put, he didn't look the sort - he was certainly a contrast to the other two she'd seen. They were right at the edge of town now, and she forced another deep breath into her lungs. Her head throbbed, setting her swaying on her feet, and she stopped for a moment to put her hand to her head. "The Shiverpeaks spoiled me! I'm fine, I think I've just lost my tolerance for heat," she said with a little laugh as Dandy gave her a look. "And what was your name?" She added to the other Sylvari.

Lillica Dandy smiled at that.  He was also pretty warm out here.  Luckily unlike Rottie, he could comfortably let his chest be bare in the open air to keep cool.  Each gust of wind from the sea was like a delightful breath of the gods specially delivered to stave off the heat.  He couldn't imagine how Rottie felt under all those layers.  "If we have to talk, can we do so while walking?  Rottie, I know you want to talk with him but it's been a long trip.  At least do it inside where you can sit down."

Brom "Well I, uh- I do what's asked I guess." As long as it didn't involve lifting anything heavy. Or trying to accurately use anything mechanical. "It's really not much now that I think about it." He paused, then pressed on. "Iudrix. My name's Iudrix. Where- where are you guys going?" Also unlike Rottie he really wasn't plussed by the heat, even though he was wearing a cloth shirt it was still a cool one, especially with all the extra holes he had to cut into it.

raumlet "Oh, you're right, sorry," she said as Dandy pulled her along. She shrugged off her mantle and the little jacket she wore, baring her shoulders. Although the breeze felt wonderful on her bark, her head continued to throb, so she flung the mantle over her head to block the sun and held it out of her eyes with the back of her hand. If she was getting sick... But this didn't feel like her usual fare. "Oh, Sikora lets us stay in a little place in town when we need to. We're back from the Priory Archives; we have a little assignment from her."

Brom "Who's Sikora? Does she build stuff too?" Iudrix tilted his head, curiosity completely overriding the trepidation he felt towards Dandy and his gun.

Lillica "Hardly.  The only original creation of hers is fear, and in the most dastardly ways I've ever seen.  My dream showed me many things, but never someone as evil as Sikora." He looked straight at the nearest elemental, "And I'm sure you heard me say it.  Just know we're on the same page.  I did some reading too, and I've figured out that little staff of yours certainly doesn't belong to you.  If you dare try and steal from Rottie after making her go so far just for an artifact, I don't care how tough you are, I'll be sure to shatter every last stone in this place so you can't hide when I take my shot."

He was breathing heavily now.  He'd stumbled across a book of relics while trying to come up with a present for Rottie, a little something to lessen the crook she got in her neck from reading so much.

Brom The sapling very slowly turned to also look at the elemental, his eyes wide. It... didn't have a staff? "Is- is she behind it? I don't see her." Iudrix reached up to rub at his eyes with the back of his hand. He couldn't trust them after all. A butterfly or two flickered in and out again, a visible accompaniment to his slight distress. The sword still stayed in his belt though. Not that it really mattered as he'd also demonstrated it could end up in his hand without warning.

raumlet "The elemental is her construct. She has oh, scores? She's very powerful," Rottie said vaguely, aware again of the hum of the stone tucked away in her bodice, its new home since she'd had it. Without thinking, she dropped her hand to it, draping the mantle across her face for a moment before lifting it back up. She looked to the elemental, then up at Dandy - when was this? She hadn't seen him with a book! The ones he'd thrown at her certainly didn't count. "What are you talking about? Her staff? She barely uses it."

Lillica Dandy shook his head at Rottie, and completely ignored Iudrix.  "Yeah I saw her once in town with it.  It was after a mess of Ettin destroyed the elementals at the gate.  She went to make more, but that time had a staff with her, a magnificent looking thing with an orb in the middle and gems hanging from chains.  Rottie, the elementals she made with it were... They were enormous.  I didn't think it was possible to shape a being that big with just magic," he shook his head again, recalling the image of a towering, stone giant.  "And in an instant she just shattered and reformed it into many smaller ones, which went to dragging away the Ettin corpses.  Back in the library I wasn't just raising pumpkins all day, you know.  I'd found a few books for you, too.  Well, scrolls but still.  I couldn't make out much except for a picture that looked exactly like the staff she uses, and a name beside it.  After that, it looked like it said something else, something like missing, or lost, or broken.  All I know is that the name in the record wasn't Sikora's."

Brom All of this was going straight over Iudrix' head. He was getting really used to that. He actually drew the sword now, holding it awkwardly at his side. More of those butterflies flickered around. He just stayed silent, casting his gaze from one sylvari to the other and then back to the elemental. Finally, during a pause, he asked "Should I be afraid of them, then?" The elementals. So far he'd assumed they were... there. Normal or something.

raumlet "They aren't dangerous unless you're fighting her, and it doesn't do much good to fight her," Rottie said with a dismissive shrug. Dandy was leading them down the hill towards the steps into town and she let him, her arm loose around his now. "Where was I during this? Were you able to bring any of the scrolls? I wouldn't mind - " Her eyes fell on the elemental closest to them, and she pressed her lips into a thin line. Where was the line in defying Sikora? She was never sure.

Lillica "It was before we left, and a little after the scratch adventure."  Dandy suddenly flushed deep green, recalling what had happened once they leapt from the highest point, landing in a pond below.  He quickly advanced the topic, "After that.  I think you were sleeping again?  Anyway I was just out speaking with the strawberries when it happened.  And of course you didn't notice the scrolls," he sighed, "You were asleep again when I came to show you!  You've been so tired since we went to the library, you barely notice anything that's not right in front of you and screaming.  It's a problem you know, I can't be very knightly if I'm yelling at a damsel.  Think about what's at stake here."

Dandy stopped as they reached the house, halting Rottie with him.  "I think it's all the time inside that's gotten to you, Rottie.  We need another adventure, a real one to get the life back in your eyes!  What do you say?  Sleep lots today and tomorrow we set out first thing!  I'll even leave Jackson behind to guard the house in case this one," he jutted his chin at Iudrix, "Tries to take anything."

Brom "What? No. I'm not-" Iudrix shook his head, the sword dissolving away again as he held up both hands in a sign of surrender. Arguing about it was pretty useless. "Thank you for not shooting me. It was nice meeting some new people. Even if we aren't... friends." He nodded to Rottie once, giving an awkward smile. The sapling turned away, obviously having followed them quite far enough.

raumlet "It was nice to meet you, Iudrix. Tell those engineers we said hello. Oh! I'm Roisenrot," Rottie called after him. She whipped the mantle off her head and lost her balance, falling into Dandy - making the best of it, she patted his chestplate before pushing away. "And this one is Lion Knight Dandy. You're being very silly," she added to Dandy. "He seems younger than us, even."

"But you're right," she continued. "I've been dull, haven't I? It's just that I'm so tired lately... I can't seem to sleep enough. And..." As if summoned by the very thought of it, the tickle in her chest caught on her next breath, and she hid her face in the mantle while she coughed. "I - I wonder if I shouldn't visit the Menders instead. They'll be wondering where I am anyway."

Lillica Dandy considered it for a moment, then finally said yes.  "Take the day to rest.  Write a report about your findings.  I don't know too much so I can't explain it to Sikora myself, but I promise to deliver whatever you write first thing tomorrow, that way you can get a head start on traveling back to the Grove.  We should be alright, I think?  Just let me know if you think you'll need my help getting back to see the Menders, Sikora can always wait until after I've escorted you safely!"

Back outside, Iudrix noticed something peculiar happening. The elementals had always just stood there, idle and without a shred of emotion or intention behind them.  Today, as he walked away from Rottie and Dandy's house, there was a change.  They were watching him.  Noticeably.  The boulder that made up each elemental's head scratched on wherever it touched the body as it turned, tracking Iudrix.  He may have noticed there were more lining the street than usual, too.  Six for a single alley, and every one of them made from earth.  Before he could enter the main road, a seventh elemental stepped forward, blocking the road out.  Iudrix was surrounded.

Brom Were there always that many? He just assumed so, never having paid much attention to the silent makeshift soldiers before now. It was clearly just him noticing more now that they'd been thoroughly explained. Iudrix just continued on his way- the sword was in his hand again as the door was shut but that was definitely normal. As he wandered haphazardly wandered down the alley the sapling started to whistle the first few notes he knew of his song- only to get cut off from even that much. He looked up at the elemental in front of him, giving a quick nod and turning sideways to try to slide his skinny body past it. Probably just doing something programmed. They were like pebble golems right?

Lillica The elemental shattered into dozens of large rocks, each floating and spreading to cover the gaps.  Iudrix then faced a wall of earth, and just behind it a woman walked up to speak.  "Your sword is something I rarely see out of an illusion's hands.  How are you able to hold it?" It was Sikora, a petite Sylvari with blue leaves, purple polka dots, and white hair.  Six small stones clung to the edges of her face.  Today she wore a little top, without enough cloth to cover her stomach or back.  She had on gloves though, and her skirt, like her top, was small, green, black, and blue.  There was no staff in her hands, only a dagger and focus at her side.  They were of Ebonhawke craftsmanship.  The remaining six elementals had also broken into pieces, and their combined body components circled Iudrix to form a cage of floating stone.

Brom The sapling stared at her with wide round eyes. Immediately he shattered the sword in question, scattering butterflies. "I- don't know how to explain it. I just do. I- please let me go. I'm not causing any trouble." Iudrix stepped back, almost running into the wall behind him. His voice caught up in his throat.   A cage. "Please," he begged.

Lillica Sikora shook her head, "Not until you explain it to me.  I'm sure there's more to it.  I saw when you first entered this place empty handed, but two weeks pass and from then on you'd never been without it.  Give the sword to me, or explain it yourself."

Brom He turned to face the back of the rocky encirclement, then back to Sikora. Jagged butterflies popped in and out, more and more malformed as he started to panic. "There was a gun, but it dissolved and- I made it, it's mine- it's me. I don't know if-" He held up his hands palm up, another copy of the chipped pink blade appearing, the hilt in his left hand. "H-HERE." The sapling immediately offered the copy to her.

Lillica Two rocks extended from the wall like a hand, and ten pebbles gathered as fingers to take it.  "Good.  Let's see..." Sikora closed her eyes and scratched a glyph in the stone at her feet, it was the shape of a circle with seven triangles arranged inside of it, spiraling inwards, each smaller than the next.  The top line of Iudrix's prison broke off, the rocks and pebbles redistributing to form a larger, identical shape overhead.  Suddenly all the rocks above began to glow white hot, as did the glyph at Sikora's feet, and the sword in her elemental hand.  Then all three disappeared in a flash.  Iudrix felt it, too.  The sword was a part of him after all.  With the disappearance of one, there was also a small portion of his power sapped away forever, irretrievable.  "Good.  I'm beginning to understand."

Brom Iudrix watched with wide eyes and silence as she built her glyph. He had no idea what she was doing, and not having done anything ill-willed to that blade himself (or even seriously hit anything) he was entirely unprepared for what happened. The nervous silence from him was broken with a horrible yell as he doubled over with the sudden burning. And then it was gone, the piece that  hurt just ripped off from his Self like a band aid.  It was a few shaking moments before he was able to say something. "Don't do that. Please. Let me go."

raumlet Rottie had dropped herself onto the worn couch in the small living area, her body one grateful ache, when she heard the scream. Popping up like a jack in the box, she pushed the door back open and peered out - and there was Iudrix, surrounded by elementals and cowed by Sikora. Horribly, her first impulse was to shut the door and ignore it. She knew what it was to fight Sikora; the geomancer would do as she pleased, and there was little Rottie could do to stop her. And Sikora had made one thing very clear: Rottie's actions threatened Dandy more than they did herself. Here was Dandy now, right by her side and leaning out to see for himself.

"Hello, Sikora!" Rottie called before she could change her mind. Elbowing Dandy oh-so-casually back into the house, she shut the door on him and stepped into the alley proper, one hand holding the door firmly shut despite Dandy's protests. Oh, she wouldn't fight Sikora; but if she could distract her, that may serve just as well. "I believe we've made progress, if you have interest in a report."

Lillica Sikora eyed Rottie for just only a second before looking back to Iudrix.  "You've taken more steps back than I think you're aware," she smirked, still not giving Roisenrot another look, "Oh never mind.  You'll figure it out.  Now you, sword boy, you may leave me.  If I want more from you I will call you and you WILL come.  For now know that in exchange for your tribute, I officially grant you safety in this port.  Don't spoil it." With that, the ring dropped, clattering and shattering against the cobblestone floor.  Sikora turned her back on both Rottie and Iudrix, beginning to walk away, and my how her steps shook the earth.  Although a terrifying thought, Rottie must have realized.  The geomancer was even stronger.

raumlet Rottie kept her smile in place until Sikora had disappeared, then beckoned to the shellshocked Iudrix. "Come on, come in," she said, opening the door into Dandy's face and stepping inside. "You're alright. She won't hurt you. Not right now, at least."

Brom He hunched his shoulders as the rocks fell, still doubled over enough that his wings poked out all directions. The tips of them quivered, he was still scared. Mutely Iudrix just followed the far nicer lady sylvari, only whispering when he was inside. "How do you know when she's gone?"

Lillica Dandy grumbled an answer, "She's never gone.  Every one of those elementals is just another her, or she's connected to them, or something.  I wouldn't be surprised if every stone in the town is just another eye, ear, or hand of hers," Dandy recalled some of the more enjoyable reading he'd done at the priory, on knights and the great evils they fought, "She's no Mage.  That Sikora is an evil Witch."

raumlet "You can feel when she's gone. Not that it guarantees she isn't still listening through her elementals," Rottie said as she dropped back onto the couch and let her head fall against the cushions, her hands folded across her breast. This certainly derailed their plans. "She has some way of moving between them. I wish I knew how. Are you alright?"

Brom Iudrix summoned a new sword, the familiar weight in his hands a little bit of relief. It stung momentarily- but it was worth holding it again. He hugged the blade against his chest. "She wanted a sword. And then- broke it?" Once more he lacked the words to explain. It was all too common a situation. Side stepping from the door he pressed his back against the wall, sinking down to sit on the floor and compose himself. "If I leave she'll hurt me again, won't she."

raumlet "Oh, you're free to leave. If she calls and you don't come, though, then she'll hurt you," Rottie said. Sikora's words about 'steps back' were running through her had, and she pressed her fingers against the weight in her bodice. She'd seemed more amused than annoyed, but with Sikora, who knew? After a moment, she lifted her head and eyed the sword Iudrix was clutching to his chest before catching his eye. "I wish I could offer some reassurance, but I have none. I threw myself on her mercy; you simply caught her eye. Warn those two you're staying with. Sikora's a nasty surprise to spring on someone."

Lillica Dandy's lips turned down into a frown, "Sorry again, Rottie.  I know that it's my fault you got involved with Sikora in the first place." There wasn't much else to say that he hadn't gone over a million times by now, regarding the Witch.  Ah, so frustrating.  Lately it was hard to imagine a future without being tied to Garenhoff, without the geomancer' shadow lingering over them wherever they went.  Even Dandy had started to feel her pressure.

Brom After a few minutes of silent processing, Iudrix picked himself up off the ground and tucked the sword in the loop of his pants. "I should probably get going then," he said quietly. "As long as you think those things aren't gonna lock me up again. I- I- didn't mean to cause any problems." He looked at Dandy a quick moment then looked away. "Maybe you aren't as wrong as I thought you were." The sapling went to the door, shivering as he peeked outside for elementals.

raumlet "I've told you it isn't your fault. I was the one who fell first, so please don't apologize," Rottie said softly with a frown up at Dandy. They'd had this conversation before, and she'd never quite convinced him that Sikora was at fault. As Iudrix reached for the door, she sat forward, pale and tired but with concern creasing her brow. "Iudrix, don't you be ridiculous as well. Do you need us to come with you?" She was in no shape for it, with the exhaustion weighing down her limbs, but she pushed herself up even as she spoke.

Brom The answer was hesitation. Finally Iudrix shook his head. "Ren wasn't even sure if I'd be welcome. I can't just go dragging other people back with me. And. I've got a lot of explaining to try to do anyways." He peeked back outside again, a few stray butterflies twisting in and out of his vicinity. They were almost as comforting as the sword in a way, even if they were mostly accidental. Magic and emotions had been tied in an increasingly complicated knot, one without the other was just not happening.

Lillica Dandy didn't try to fight with Rottie on this one.  Again, he'd not so easily be convinced.  "Anyways you can go now if you're ready, but I won't stop you from staying awhile.  I can make some very good tea, pumpkin spiced."

raumlet Nodding her assent, Rottie sank gratefully back down onto the couch. "You're welcome to go, you're welcome to leave," she said. "That Ren can come here if you can't explain it. If you're staying, pardon me, though. There are a few things I need to do, and then -" She paused to cough, the back of her hand pressed to her mouth - "I'll likely fall asleep." The way outside was clear; the elementals had departed after Sikora, leaving only the usual scant few scattered about as guards; inside, Rottie and Dandy sat and stood respectively as they waited for Iudrix to decide.

Brom

The city sure was big. Once more Iudrix was left with a feeling that maybe he should have learned more before agreeing to this request.    It was a little overwhelming, especially after those hops. But! He did have a job to do. The tall sylvari crumpled his little list of items to fetch, stuffing them so they'd be safe in a pocket as he looked up and at the buildings around him. He really did stand out like the sorest of thumbs here, so very tall and very clearly not human especially with the leafy wings that jutted from his back. That and the    ever present sword got him far more than a few looks- but up until now no one had directly harassed him over it. Iudrix himself barely noticed the attention. It was, for him, normal. Now if only he could only figure out where the appropriate shops were- hopefully quick enough he still had time to figure out what to do about overnight.

raumlet  

The streets of Divinity's Reach were so familiar to Bronwyn by now that she barely needed to look up from the little list held in her hand. The list itself was familiar as well, more a formality than anything; the needs of the shop varied little from day to day. Which was one reason why she was half-dead with boredom these days; if she were being honest, the day-to-day grind was driving her to tears. Which is why, when she saw the tall, gangly twig gawping around at the city like a newborn, she absolutely couldn't help herself - she was at his side before she'd made any actual decisions about it. "Hello there!" She chirped. "You're looking a bit lost, little blossom. Did you need directions?"

Brom

He jumped at the sudden voice, too distracted to notice the green sylvari 'sneaking' up on him. "Oh! Uh. Hi." The sapling almost shyed away, little nervous butterflies flashing in and then out again. She... did seem harmless enough, though, and once those inward alarms died down he managed a wobbly smile. "A little bit. I'm looking for some things." He dug the list back out, smoothing it flat against his shirt before showing her. He didn't actually know what half of them looked like, but he wasn't about to tell the stranger that.

raumlet

Bronywyn leaned in to read the list, reaching out to tilt the scrap of paper more towards her. After a moment, she pursed her lips and tilted her head with a considering hum. "Unfortunately," she said,  grinning and patting his arm gently, "I don't have the faintest what any of that is! Other than the solder. Whatever you're doing is beyond me, sweetpea. I can show you to the shops, though, and someone there will be able to help you find what you need even if I can't. How's that?"

Brom

"I think that one's... a certain size of bolt?" Iudrix' smile grew a little wider. It was good to get out away from Garenhoff- he'd barely relaxed the past few days, so nervous about the elementals. "I was just told to pick them up." He paused a moment. "I'd like that a lot, actually. I- I've never been anywhere like this before."

raumlet

"Well, then, come along," she said, cheerful and bright, and looped her arm through his. Her own list was still in her other hand, and she waved it with a crisp snap of paper. "I was headed out there anyway - have my own list to take care of, same as every week. We're always in need of something where I work. What's your list for?" As she spoke, she led him down the street. The crowds slowly increased as they went, but she navigated them swiftly, moving with the ease that practice provides.

Brom

There wasn't a chance to get a word in edgewise before Iudrix found himself dragged halfway down the street, stumbling as he tried to keep up with her pace. "Research!" He called out, turning sideways to try to avoid bapping a passerby in the face with a leaf. "They- We ran out of some stuff and everyone else was too busy." That answer hadn't seemed to be the entire truth, but the teal and purple sylvari had been perfectly willing to accept it. He hadn't pressed for the full one. Someone passed a little too close and he had to turn again, this time tripping on his own feet and almost pulling the helpful lady down with him. Thankfully he managed to catch himself. "I don't know that many details."

raumlet

"Whoops," was all Bronwyn said in reply to almost being dragged down into the street. When he was stable on his feet again, she kept going, more sedately this time; she hadn't taken into account those decorations of his before, but now she looked for routes with room for him to maneuver. "Oh, I know how that is. And this is your first time here? It certainly looked like it. Divinity's Reach isn't too terribly confusing. Everything is nicely divided into its own little section." The paving stones under their feet had changed to small, smooth cobbles. Bronwyn directed them down a smaller alley, and little shops began to spring up around them on either side.

Brom

"Yeah. I'm kind of new," he admitted with a little hesitation, this time keeping pace much easier. "...I would have never found this." He gawked around at the shops, there were so many more choices here! "This is gonna take a lot longer than I thought. How do you know which ones to go into? Wow." His eyes  were pretty wide, in excited wonderment instead of fear for once. Even if the people seemed like they might be a little rude they sure had a neat city.

raumlet

"Oh, you just sort of... learn," she said, waving the list airily. "Ellen - the woman I work for - sent me out on my own the first time, thinking I knew where to go. I didn't! I was hours getting back with just a bit of thread and some pattern paper. I had no idea that humans could change color before that. For you, though, I think a hardware store would be the place to start. They may not having everything, but they'll have solder and screws. Which is... Here we are! Found it." The chipped brick storefront that Bronwyn led him to was dusty and unassuming, with a faded sign the only indication of what sort of goods they sold. Pulling the door open with a rusty, welcoming jingle, Bronwyn motioned the other Sylvari inside. "It may be easier to ask someone at the counter rather than looking for it yourself, if you're in a hurry."

Brom

He hesitated at the door a moment before slipping in after her, one hand brushing back some of the curled and spiky brambles that fell down the side of his face. Iudrix looked across the shelves and partially opened crates, quickly deciding that yes, what she was suggesting was in fact the best way to go. Very careful not to accidentally knock anything over the gangly sapling stepped his way up to the counter and smoothed the paper out. "I'm looking for these," he stated, smiling sheepishly at the man behind the counter. "I- I'm not sure what ones you have." The shopkeeper, or at least the man working for them, was polite enough- Drix's little list was long enough to put up with the ridiculousness of a guy who couldn't even pronounce what he was supposed to be buying- and soon started to move from shelf to shelf to complete the request.

raumlet

Bronwyn meandered aimlessly around the store while the worker gathered up the items on the other Sylvari's lists; she tapped the edge of her paper against the flat of her palm and hummed to herself. A few of the items on the list simply weren't in the shop, and for those, the shopkeeper recommended a store right down to the road. A few more minutes and he'd be all set.

"That'll be forty-three silver and fifteen copper," the worker said, pushing the paper bag of goods at Iudrix over the counter.

Brom

The sylvari froze, his wings instantly dropping. Money. Lil hadn't handed it to him with the list, and he'd forgotten to get it from Ren! The sapling started frantically searching his pockets, little butterflies flickering as his attempts proved to be fruitless. He had... 3 silver and a single copper left over from the token handful he'd been given when he woke in the Grove, and since then really hadn't had a reason to aquire or carry more. There was definitely an indigo glow in his cheeks despite the fact night still hadn't fallen as he pushed the bag back, quickly spinning and fleeing the store with no more than a bare stammered excuse. Iudrix didn't even look at Bronwyn.

raumlet

The jingle of the shop bell made Bronwyn turn around, and she caught just the edge of the other Sylvari's little wings leaving the store before the door swung shut behind him. The worker caught her eye as he turned away from the door, his brows raised, and Bronwyn gave him a broad smile.

A moment later, she pushed the door open and stepped out of the store with the paper bag in hand and her purse a wee bit lighter - but not terribly so. And then she stopped and blinked. She'd never asked him his name! Well, no matter. With those wings and those brambles on his head, he stood out; she scanned the street for him. "Excuse me! Where'd you go?"

Brom

He hadn't gone too far. Just far enough down the cobblestone street to find a different building to sink down against, hiding his burning cheeks behind his hands. He didn't look up at Bronwyn as she approached, rubbing at his eyes instead. "I forgot the coins I can't believe I was that stupid," Iudrix mumbled at her, hunching up his shoulders. "Iamsosorry. I was supposed to get some from Ren and-" he still hadn't looked up, unaware she had the bag of goods. Money, you need money for everything! He knew that.

raumlet

Bronwyn sat down beside him and dropped the bag by his legs with a jangle of metal. This was one little sprout who didn't quite have it together yet. "I think I have a pencil on me somewhere... Hm." A quick dig through her pockets yielded a stub of graphite, which would do well enough.  The man behind the counter had given her Iudrix's list as well, and she scrawled her name and address on the back of it - Bronwyn, 2634 Western Commons - and held it out for him. Once he'd taken it, she handed over a shiny gold coin and a handful of assorted others the same way, then patted his knee comfortingly.

"Not the worst mistake to make," she said, chipper as ever, "And one that's easy to make. I've left my own purse at home a few times. You know, I realize I never got your name!"

Brom

He finally looked up with a bit of a sniff. "You didn't have to do that," the sylvari quickly protested. "I could have- gone back to Kessex or something. I'll- I'll pay you back as soon  as I can. Ren and Lil have the gold." He closed his hand around the coin, rubbing his eyes again with the back of it. "My name's Iudrix. Drix works though." He sighed, butterflies popping with his heavy exhale. "This is your name, right? Bronwyn?"

raumlet

"It is! You can call me Bronny. I hope you'll pay me back, I'm not made of coin. Enough for this," she said with a laugh and a wave at the bag of parts, "But not so much that I won't miss that two gold at some point. Frankly, I'm terrible with money - I always have been. But are you alright? A little calmer now?" She touched one of the remaining butterflies right before it popped, just the tip of her finger against the pink glitter.

Brom

"I'm fine." Iudrix scraped to his feet, picking up the bag as he went. He held it a little awkwardly, looking at the ground. "Just... a little embarrassed is all. I'm not real great at anything if you can't tell. I thought I could handle just picking some stuff up but I guess not."

raumlet

Another wave, much more dismissive this time, and Bronwyn climbed to her feet. "That's alright, sweetpea, I don't mind. These things always seem so much simplier in our head and in our Dreams than they are in actuality. Though I do need to run my own errands, hopefully sooner rather than later. Do you think you manage the next store by yourself? I will come with if you'd like company," she said, dusting off her skirts and kicking her heel against the cobblestones to adjust her boot. "Having someone on hand makes a lot of things easier."

Brom

There was at least some effort made to perk up, Iudrix managing to at least put on a smile though his faux wings were still pointed closer to the floor than the sky. "I think I can handle it. I just have to go... That way," he pointed in the direction, "Stop at the store next to the one with the gun on the front, then ask for the rest of this." he flipped the paper back over. "And then.... start heading back, I guess. So I can pay you back." That last sentence was added quickly to the end, the words running together.

raumlet

"Right! You should be fine, little blossom, just keep your head on straight." Having said that, she took his hand to give it a squeeze. "If you need help, there's a little textile store two streets over, right side of the road; there's a pair of scissors on the sign. I'll be there for a while. Tell that Ren and Lil of yours to take better care next time! You needed better directions, at the very least."

Brom

His shoulders slumped but he still smiled. "I should be able to take care of myself. Just picking up stuff is-" The sylvari huffed, dissapointed in himself. He stuffed the bag of bolts and bits under his arm, touching the hilt of that pink glowing sword for confidence. "I'm fine. Even messing up- Well I haven't gotten hurt yet. It's been a lot better than the last couple things I've tried to do." Iudrix glanced up just enough to catch her eyes for a moment before looking away again. "Thanks. Really truly."

raumlet

Bronwyn gave his hand another squeeze before letting go. "You're very welcome, Drix. Take care now! I hope to see you again soon." Then she was off, disappearing into the crowd within a few seconds. ...And then reappearing before Iudrix had more than a moment to get his bearings to find the next store. Her little stub of graphite was in one hand, her list was in the other, and a sheepish grin was on her slightly flushed face. "Sorry about this, but it occurred to me that I may want to know where to find you as well."

Brom

Oh, address. Was there even one? Iudrix took the paper, putting it up against the wall to write. Or, more accurately draw. It was a very crude map, but accurate enough, the words don't go near the elementals scrawled out across the bottom. "Go to Kessex, by the water, and look for the big floating-" he idly waved a hand in the air instead of finishing the sentence. "I- I don't know the actual numbers. Or words. I'll ask and send it with the gold." His other hand freed, he ran it back up and through the brambles on his head.

raumlet