#tarir

Catri had a strange encounter with a fascinating cryptid during the fight for Tarir recently, and a guildie informed me that they actually have a Tumblr presence, so I can share and tag appropriately! GG at Tarir, have fun in Tyria! @moth-tea-merchant

The Luminate floated at the base of the main entrance to Tarir, keeping a close eye on Glint’s Scion and her chosen Champion as they went on their morning walk along the city’s golden pathways. Bertie was clearly talking animatedly to Aurene, moving his hands and arms in repeated, almost exaggerated gestures. The young dragon’s head weaved back and forth as she focused on the asura’s deft movements. Wondering what exactly the two were doing, the Luminate began to drift closer.

“He’s trying to teach her sign language.”

The golden leader of Tarir whirled, hand raised to strike down whoever had managed to infiltrate their city. Syrryl stood halfway down the stairs, one eye brow raised impassively as he looked at the Luminate’s raised arm. The two stood in what was almost a stand off for a moment before the Luminate slowly let their hand drop, wondering how the asura repeatedly managed to sneak up behind them. Not to mention how he’d read their thoughts so accurately.

“Sign language,” Syrryl repeated as he descended the stairs to stand next to where the Luminate hovered. “When Bertie has difficulty speaking with his voice, sometimes he’ll speak with his hands. He’s trying to teach Aurene since she doesn’t have a voice.” Across the courtyard, Bertie caught sight of the two of them and gave a wave, which Syrryl acknowledged with a nod. Aurene wiggled her whole body and began to run towards them, Bertie following at a slightly slower pace.

“Far be it from me to point out any flaws in Glint’s Scion…but she does not possess…hands,” the Luminate mused, crossing their arms.

“It’s not just hands. Ears, tail, wings, any thing will work really, if you put the effort in,” Syrryl replied as Aurene and Bertie approached, the latter with a wide and happy smile on his face.

“Good morning, Luminate, Syrryl. How was your morning patrol?”

Syrryl shifted, not quite standing at attention but clasping his hands behind his back. A passing thought flitted through the Luminate’s mind: they weren’t certain if Syrryl was standing that way as a sign of respect or to keep himself from reaching out to touch the larger asura.

“I haven’t sighted any Mordrem for the past week but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any out there.” The brusque report’s effect was lessened by the fact that Aurene had planted herself directly next to Syrryl and was currently attempting to engage him in a staring contest. The Luminate would have smiled if they still could and Bertie had to put his hand to his mouth to hide a laugh. “I spotted some possible Nuhoch activity to the southeast but that’s not a current worry. How are Aurene’s lessons progressing?”

“Quite well,” Bertie said proudly. “She can count now by stamping her foot and we’re working on communicating being hungry and sleepy. Watch.” He clapped his hands quietly to draw Aurene’s attention before asking, “Aurene, can you tell me that you’re hungry?”

The little dragon’s eyes crinkled as she rolled over onto her side and patted her belly with one of her front feet. “Excellent, Aurene!” Bertie said.

“This method of communication seems promising,” the Luminate said. “Perhaps you could teach some of the basics to myself and-“ They were suddenly cut off as Aurene popped to her feet and chirruped loudly, drawing the attention of everyone present.

Moving deliberately, Aurene closed her left eye, tilted her head to the side a little, and opened her mouth, letting out a loud, short, sharp percussive noise that made Bertie jump and Syrryl let a out a cut off swear word.

“What does that sign mean?” The Luminate asked, voice tinged with interest and mild concern.

“I don’t know,” Bertie admitted, confused and slightly breathless, one hand rubbing at the front of his shirt in an effort to slow his racing heart. “She’s never done that before.”

Wings flapping excitedly, Aurene trundled over to Syrryl and nudged him with her broad snout. The force was enough that the small asura stumbled a little, the ever present rifle slung over his shoulder shifting against his back. Aurene closed her eye again and repeated the loud, echoing noise. Bertie’s ears shot straight up as he made the connection.

“Aurene is imitating the sound your rifle makes. And your eye. She’s invented a sign for you, Syrryl!”

Syrryl blinked in surprise as Aurene chirped at him, clearly proud of herself. “Oh…well thank you, Aurene,” he said in the slightly stilted tone he always used when talking to the dragon. Syrryl was never quite certain if he should talk to her like a progeny or not. Not that he had hardly any experience talking to progeny. “If you ever need to get my attention, now you can.”

Bertie moved over to Aurene and began to scratch at the nubby little horns on the side of her head, her favorite spot for scritches. Aurene tapped her front feet on the ground in happiness. “Very well done, Aurene.” His ears twitched as an idea dawned. “Hey, do you think you could make a sign for me?”

— The Exalted: Pure Dedication

A little photosession for the probably most beautiful city and their inhabitants...