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eternalalchemagical · 1 year ago

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Chapter 2: Oculus

When Theiya opened her eyes again, a sea of faces crowded her vision: an incomprehensible blur of commotion as hands reached across each other, voices cutting through the haze of her confusion, and the unmistakable thrum of magic pulsing in the center of her chest. She tried to raise her arms, but failed, the effort turning her stomach.

“Stop,” she mumbled weakly.

“She’s awake!” one of the troupe cried, and the uproar intensified, that painful thrum in her chest escalating. Her head lolled as she blinked against the confusion, trying to regain her faculties, and slowly realized that she was being pinned down.

“Let go of me.”

The faces continued to swim in and out of her vision: Charr, Humans, Sylvari, all scrambling over each other, grappling against her as she tried to sit up.

“I SAID LET GO OF ME!” The force of her voice shocked her, and many who had moments before hovered inches away recoiled in fear. She jerked her wrists free from the last, stubborn few who remained and frantically searched the room for a familiar face.

“Who are you? Where is Elena?” she roared, close to tears.

“I’m here,” a small voice choked. The quiet, anxious sound cut through the pain and confusion; shame and fear bloomed in her chest in their place.

“I’m sorry, I’m—I don’t understand what’s happening—" Theiya’s voice broke as tears prickled in her eyes, and she folded in on herself, cowering.

“She’s stable now- everyone, take your leave, please. Give her space. She’s frightened. I’ll call if aid is needed.”

��You can’t be serious, she almost—”

“Enough!” the elementalist snapped. “Your superior gave a direct order. Return to your duties.”

Theiya heard the uncertain shuffle of boots as the group filed out of the room until finally, the heavy door swung shut behind them with a loud thump. She wished at that moment that she might fold far enough into herself to evaporate, and disappear into her bedclothes.

After a few moments, Elena moved stiffly across the room and lowered herself cautiously onto the edge of the bed. She sat there for a while, unmoving, as Theiya tried to make sense of what had happened, her eyes welling with tears. She could sense the others standing just outside the door, waiting.

“You never told me your name.”

The elementalist’s gentle voice coaxed Theiya to raise her head.

“It’s Theiya,” she managed eventually, unable to meet the Human’s eyes.

“Theiya,” she repeated, in that gentle, musing way. “Do you have a family? Someone wondering where you are?”

Theiya exhaled shakily, unsure of how to respond.

“My mother, Astra. A small group of Kodan far to the east of here. But they won’t wonder after me. It’s not our way.”

“They…won’t want to know you’re safe?”

“Am I?” Theiya scoffed. When she finally turned to meet Elena’s eyes, her gaze remained soft. Sympathetic.

“I want to help you Theiya- we want to help you. But we also need your help to understand what happened.”

“Can’t you ask someone else?” She snapped. “There is obviously…something wrong with me.”

The beat of silence that followed fell across Theiya like a lash.

“There isn’t anyone else to ask,” Elena replied quietly, turning away and folding her hands in her lap. “No one else survived the blast.”

“I—all those people…?” Theiya trailed off, wracking her brain for details. She was afraid to think back, afraid to summon that horrific pain again, the light splintering her thoughts into nothingness.

“Yes.” Elena’s voice was quiet, but tight. “You were blown far enough away from the initial blast when it happened, the second didn’t quite reach you. That’s the only reason I was able to pull you to safety.”

“You-?”

“Mhm,” she smiled feebly, her eyes misty when she finally turned back to face Theiya in earnest. “I was on my way to Lion’s Arch to liaise with the other Orders about some…sensitive new developments. I had planned to rest at the Ossencrest briefly to resupply before making the rest of the trek south. I saw your caravan on the road. When the first shockwave happened, I was only a few hundred feet behind you.”

“I think I remember…being dragged. That was you?”

“I’m stronger than I look,” she retorted defiantly, a playful smirk flashing across her face. “Besides,” she shrugged, “you were hurt. I had to do something.”

Slowly, Theiya glanced down: thick, white bandages covered the right side of her neck and the expanse of her ribcage, a series of strange blue sigils embroidered over the center of her chest. How hadn’t she noticed them before?

“I don’t remember what happened,” Theiya conceded somberly. “All I remember is a jolt of lightning. Blindness. And then…waking up here.”

“More details will come to you with time. You need to rest and regain your strength. I am sorry today was so difficult, I shouldn’t have pressed you. I admit, I can be a bit brazen at times.”

Theiya opened her mouth to protest, but Elena continued.

“Would you be willing to let me sit with you for a while? We don’t have to speak; I only want to make sure you’re safe and that you have help available in the event of another…episode." Theiya searched the elementalist's face for a moment before she answered.

“I am sorry to make you responsible for all of this…unpleasantness. Truly I am. I don’t know what happened, what’s going on in my head—"

Elena reached to lay a hand gently on Theiya’s own, squeezing lightly. “There will be time for all of that when you’re feeling better.”

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

The next few days passed in a blur of fever. Elena visited Theiya’s bedside frequently, bringing trays with warm, hearty soups and bitter tinctures that helped keep the migraines at bay. Nervous healers would stop by in the evenings to change the thick bandages and offer medicine that made her feel warm and sleepy. She found in Elena an effortless companion, conversation and silence passing easily between them in turn.

Theiya learned a lot about Elena in those few short days: she told stories about her family, her childhood in Divinity’s Reach, her younger sister Quinn, and how she came to be in the Priory. She talked about the perilous work she had done in Southsun Cove as a novice, regaling Theiya with stories of hunting Karka to keep their nests from spreading to mainland Tyria. Theiya was stunned into silence often, gazing fondly at the young noble despite herself as she laughed and talked, or closing her eyes to imagine the scenery. Elena’s descriptions were so vivid, Theiya almost felt she had been there herself, fighting alongside the fiery elementalist and splashing through the narrow spring channels to avoid geysers of steam erupting from the scorched ground.

When it came Theiya’s turn to speak, though, she found she had nothing much of herself to share.

“My mother Astra left our family’s lodge in Hoelbrak before I was born. She never truly explained the reason, only that something had happened to our people after Jormag devoured Owl, and she couldn’t be a part of it any longer. She lived as a nomad for a while, until stumbling upon a Kodan settlement far in the north of the Drifts. The Kodan living there had lost their offspring in the journey south fleeing Jormag’s corruption, their kin swallowed by the waves or corrupted by Jormag’s whispers. They took pity on Astra and welcomed her into their fold, helping to raise me under the way of Koda. I learned to meditate, to fight, to understand the balance of all things. Astra refused to visit her own family in Hoelbrak, but the bear Havroun, Grechen, made the trek twice a season.”

Theiya had often wondered why the dutiful Havroun never stayed longer than a day or two after such a long journey. She knew her mother’s love for Gretchen was fiercer than a friend, more loyal than spiritual duty. She caught them several times, embracing in a way that lovers might before Grechen departed, but never dared bring it up. She had no reason to. She had never known her father, and her mother was often cold and indifferent. But the Kodan of Lost Child’s Sorrow raised her as their own, so she was never truly alone. Though the Kodan often spoke in cryptic vagaries, they had mostly found peace. Lost Child’s Sorrow had no voice, no claw, but the will of Koda somehow lingered in the bitter, grieving hearts of those that had chosen exile from their kin in the wake of their loss. Perhaps Astra could not overcome her grief for her people in much the same way, refusing to take another mate or bear more children after leaving her home.

“That must have been difficult,” Elena said softly, looking up from the dusty tome and rolls of parchment spread in her lap.

“It was all I’d ever known,” Theiya shrugged, “no different than being the eldest heir to a noble human lineage I imagine.” Elena let out a sharp, bitter laugh.

“That life was never for me. All the pomp and pageantry, endless hours of boredom, forced to parade around in itchy dresses and flatter old, slippery aristocrats? I joined the Priory to see the world, to learn of things beyond Kryta’s borders.”

“I’m glad of it,” Theiya replied softly, suddenly embarrassed. Elena smiled, brushing a stray strand of blonde hair from her face. She closed the heavy tome in her lap and gathered up the loose parchment into a neat pile, setting them gingerly on the table behind her, before standing to brush the dust from her clothes.

“Would you like to walk with me? You must be sore from laying on that lumpy old mattress for so long.” Theiya cocked an eyebrow, turning as if to inspect the bedding.

“Yes, it must be the mattress that’s done it,” she replied playfully, “these stitches and bandages are merely a lucky coincidence.” Elena laughed, the sound bright and sweet. When Theiya turned back smirking, the breath nearly went out of her in surprise. She hadn’t really taken the time to look at the young noble before, too preoccupied with her own pain and confusion, but Elena was undeniably beautiful.

She stood in the middle of the small room, mid-day sunlight streaming around her in a golden pool from the small window above, diffusing a halo of flaxen light over the loose strands of her short blonde hair. A delicate silver pendant hung at the hollow of her throat, catching the sun as it dangled from a simple indigo ribbon. Her robes were finely tailored, but well-worn. A thin leather half-vest with an intricate, geometric pattern was cinched around her pale lilac tunic, the sleeves of which fell loosely around her wrists. An elaborately woven belt sat at her hips, hung with small bandoliers and colourful cloth pouches, and a pair of cream linen trousers peaked from the topline of tall, leather boots that reached almost to her knee.

Theiya felt her face flush, suddenly aware she had been staring, and averted her gaze. Elena stood patiently by the bedside, waiting for a response. Unable to muster words through the sting of embarrassment, Theiya braced herself and grunted with the effort of hoisting her weight from the bed. Her limbs felt weak and unsteady, straining to extend to her full height, the stitches in her chest pulling painfully under their bandages.

Elena stepped forward, offering a hand as if to steady her, but Theiya hesitated.

“Take it as slowly as you need,” the elementalist’s quiet voice assured, “there isn’t any rush.”

Theiya felt a lash of anger crack across her spine at the indignity, but she bit back the harsh words she might have said. It wasn’t Elena’s fault she had been lain so low, after all. Theiya took a few deep breaths and finally pushed off the bedpost, wobbling for a moment as her body made sense of her surroundings. Elena smiled warmly, and the sharpness of her anger blunted and then melted away. This young human hadn’t any need to be so kind, so gentle. Yet there she was, patient and assuring.

“There now, you’ve got your feet under you. Shall I show you the grounds?” Theiya shifted her weight uncomfortably but nodded after a moment.

“Perhaps I should take a moment to freshen up? I am not certain these blood-stained bedclothes are exactly appropriate for a tour.”

“Oh, of course! There are clean robes in the closet by the corner, and the water in the basin brought up with your midday meal should still be warm. I shall give you some privacy, but I’ll be just outside if you need assistance.” Elena turned on her heel and strode quickly away, stepping into the stone hallway beyond and swinging the heavy wooden door shut behind her.

Theiya stood in the center of the room awkwardly for a few moments, before slowly limping across to the armoire and reaching to open the small cabinet door. She pulled a pair of plain brown trousers and a matching linen tunic from within that looked as if they might fit, then gingerly began to step out of her bedclothes. As she bent to fold the soiled garments, she noticed there was a small, dusty mirror hanging beside the armoire in a slight alcove. Realizing she hadn’t looked at herself since the accident, she hesitantly stepped toward it.

Tawny eyes peered back at her from beneath heavy, swollen lids. Even then, her face looked much thinner than she remembered, and deep purple bruises bloomed across the normally russet skin of her face and neck. Ink-dark hair that once hung down the length of her back in a thick, neat plait was now so short she could barely tuck it behind her ear, and strands stuck out wildly from all sides, singed and jagged. She stared in stunned silence, tilting her head carefully to follow the mottle of dried blood and bruises to the lip of the heavy layers of bandages enclosing her ribcage. The urge to rip them off and examine the wound beneath nearly overwhelmed her and a shaking hand hovered over the center of her chest as she stared at the faint blue runes embroidered across the cotton. After careful examination, she realized they must form some kind of intricate magical ward; against something seemingly not even these highly trained Priory scholars fully understood. With much-concerted effort, Theiya lowered her hand and finally turned away from her reflection to finish dressing before shouldering open the gnarled wooden door to join the elementalist waiting beyond.

#gw2 #guild wars 2 #corvi's characters #arcanist elena #theiya runespur #ngl i am probably not gunna post this in order so I can skip to the spicy stuff sooner

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salad-tales · 3 years ago

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OC Interview: Cor

tagged by: @dumb-dumb-mander, thank you fren!

Draw (or use an old drawing, don’t worry!) or take a screen of your character in an interview setting and make them answer the following questions!

INTRODUCTION

Can you introduce yourself? "Gladly!", she laughs, "I am Cor. Though most of Tyria knows me as Commander Tellus of the Pact."

What is your gender identity, orientation and relationship status? "Well, you see, sylvari don't really care about gender. Neither our own, nor the one of our beloveds. Though in the terms of other races, I identify as a pansexual woman. And yes, I am taken."

Where and when were you born? "Sylvari aren't typically born. We grow in.. fruit pods if you will, that grow on the Pale Mother's boughs", she turns and points to the boughs and roots reaching all the way to the Caledon. "I awoke and was peeled from one of them at dusk, as I was not able to get out of it myself. Just outside the portal. It was.. 1309 AE if I remember correctly. It's been a while."

What is your weapon of choice and fighting style? "My first weapon was a staff and it's been my trusted choice ever since. Though I have learned at least partial proficiency with a handful of other weapons due to my work for the Pact."

Lastly, are you happy? "I've just come home to my beloved after being away for years because of wars that we have won. ...yes. Yes, I am happy."

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

What’s your family like? What is your relationship with them? "I don't have a family in the traditional sense of other races. Though it is not uncommon for sylvari to form familial bonds. I, too, have close friends who I view as siblings. My brother, Rosalus, for example. And I have been a mentor and somewhat of a mother to two saplings. Well, they are not saplings anymore, but i still fill that spot."

Have you ever ran away from home? "Not really, no. I believe it doesn't count when you are given permission"

Would you consider marriage or having children? "Marriage.. we didn't have any kind of ceremony but we hold a promise", she smiles wistfully, almost bittersweet. "Though there are a lot of voices suggesting that an official ceremony and/or celebration may be beneficial for uhm.. the people's overall mood. Give them a reason to celebrate and look at the brighter side of things."

Do you secretly hate one of your friend? She shook her head. "No, they weren't my friend if I did. Nor is that of anyone's concern."

Which friend knows everything about you? "I don't have many secrets, though my closest friends all know about the same, especially those I consider siblings."

ASKED BY FANS

Are you literate? Have you been to school? "I never visited a school but I have been taught by mentors and my luminary in the early days of my life. Though I was fortunate to awake with the knowledge of how to read and write. I'm grateful to all those that have come before me and provided their knowledge. And I hope to contribute in my lifetime as well."

The eeriest prediction you made that later came true? " 'It can't get much worse, can it?' I've regretted that sentence so many times."

What is something you were embarrassingly late to realize? "Oh dear..", she raised a hand to cover her mouth out of reflex, "There quite a few that would surely take too long to wrap up if I were to start now."

Do you have mental health or physical issues? She hummed, looking from side to side, searching for an appropriate answer. "It.. is how it is."

What is your current main goal? "I dare be honest? Living my life."

CHOICES

Drink or food? "Drink as in alcohol, or..? If it's about alcohol, then food. Otherwise.. why not both?"

Cats or dogs? "Birds, definitely. Despite how many cats one would find at our home. They belong to Mox."

Early bird or night owl? "Staying up so long at night that you are awake in the morning,so both."

Optimist or pessimist? "I wouldn't be here having this conversation with you, if I hadn't always kept hope. Whenever I feel close to losing hope, I sing the Mother's song. Fear not this night, you will not go astray Though shadows fall, still the stars find their way ..you see?"

Sassy or sarcastic? "I fear I am neither."

HAVE YOU EVER

Been caught sneaking out "Oh no, I wouldn't have come far anyway."

Broke a bone "None of mine, as I don't have any. But someone elses, surely."

Received flowers "Occasionally", she smiles, a soft glow creepins to her cheeks.

Ghosted someone "What?"

Pretended to laugh at a joke you didn’t get "That happens more often in the Priory, than you'd believe. But we laugh about it."

I fear all the people I know are already tagged, so I will send this out to everyone who would like to do it too!

#{memories}#{indulged}#if you want to count that #Cor #gw2 #guild wars 2 #oc interview #sylvari

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kerra-and-company · 3 years ago

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Nisha’s interview

Guess who’s back to do more of these :D

OC Interview: Nishannai

Draw (or use an old drawing, don’t worry!) or take a screen of your character in an interview setting and make them answer the following questions!

INTRODUCTION

1. Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Nishannai, but please call me Nisha. Most people in Tyria know me as the second--and now former--Marshal of the Pact.

2. What is your gender identity, orientation and relationship status?

My gender is...complicated, at least to explain to others. If I recall correctly, the term for it is genderfluid, but I vary between feeling nonbinary and feeling agender. As far as orientation and relationship status, I am pansexual, and I am taken.

3. Where and when were you born?

Sylvari, even those from other trees, are not exactly born, but...1323 A.E., in the Maguuma jungle.

4. What is your weapon of choice and fighting style?

Firearms--usually a rifle or pistol--or dart guns. I can fight hand-to-hand, and I have a sword for that purpose, but I generally prefer fighting from a distance. As for any more information on my fighting style, I’d suggest you ask one of my partners--or, alternatively, Laranthir. They would know how to describe it better than I do.

5. Lastly, are you happy?

I’d say so, yes. (Xyr smile this time is wide but soft at the same time.)

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

1. What’s your family like? What is your relationship with them?

I’ve come to understand that most individuals asking this want to know about siblings...and parents. If that’s what you are asking, my brother Rel is my only family. I care for him greatly and talk to him often. My mother is dead. (Xe falls silent and does not elaborate further, so you decide to move on.)

2. Have you ever ran away from home?

I had to leave my first home. It was not running away.

3. Would you consider marriage or having children?

I’ve never had a ceremony with ‘Nach and Lin, but I would be willing if they ever wanted one. And--(xe smiles)--I already have children, so yes.

4. Do you secretly hate one of your friends?

No. That would defeat the purpose of calling them friends.

5. Which friend knows everything about you?

Cio. And my partners as well.

ASKED BY FANS

1. Are you literate? Have you been to school?

I am literate. I have not been to school, however. So yes and no.

2. The eeriest prediction you made that later came true?

(Xe laughs. It’s short, abrupt, and not remotely happy.) I’ve made so many predictions. I worry too much. If I had to pick one...probably something about how being Commander would get Lin killed one day.

3. What is something you were embarrassingly late to realize?

(The side of xyr mouth pulls sideways.) That I’m allowed to have friends.

4. Do you have mental health or physical issues?

Yes. I have the hardest time with my anxiety.

5. What is your current main goal?

Get my books published. Raise my children. Consult for the Pact. Make sure Lion’s Arch is safe... (Xe trails off, then shrugs.) Live my life, I suppose.

CHOICES

1. Drink or food?

Drink. Not alcohol, though.

2. Cats or dogs?

(Xe lets out a real laugh at this one.) Cats. I swear we manage to take in every stray cat in Tyria.

3. Early bird or night owl?

Night owl.

4. Optimist or pessimist?

I’d say realist is more accurate.

5. Sassy or sarcastic?

More often the second than the first.

HAVE YOU EVER

1. Been caught sneaking out?

I’m no Whispers agent, but no.

2. Broke a bone?

Yes, during the assault on Kralkatorrik.

3. Received flowers?

Considering that I’m the one out of my partners who enjoys flowers the most, definitely.

4. Ghosted someone?

(Xe frowns a bit.) I don’t think so.

5. Pretended to laugh at a joke you didn’t get?

No. There’s other ways to be diplomatic. I don’t enjoy this one.

Tagging: No one since I’m just bringing this back for fun, but it’s open to anyone who wants to! And you’re welcome to tag me also :D

#gw2 #nishannai #also yes nisha can use dart guns and swords despite a) dart guns not being a thing and b) not being a holosmith #because i felt like it asdljf;asdf #in-game xe's going to be a mechanist when the expansion comes out!#hope you enjoyed!

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elismistscorner · 3 years ago

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OC Interview: Eli Aleksandros

Draw (or use an old drawing, don’t worry!) or take a screen of your character in an interview setting and make them answer the following questions!

---

Thank you @i-mybrunettelady and @thoseofuswhoblossom for tagging me, this was fun to do!

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Off stage:

Eli: "Do I really have to do this? it feels so pretentious and blah"

Albus: "Yes! You are a hero to these people, and maybe knowing about you will help inspire others! You will be fine, and I'll be right over here for you."

Eli: sighs "okay."

INTRODUCTION

Can you introduce yourself?:

“Hello, I am Eli, Champion of Aurene.” After a moment of silence, Albus interjects: "You might also know him as Dragon slayer, God slayer, Guild leader, Priory Archon or Magister, Hero of Lion's Arch, Hero of Shaemoor, and ex-commander of the Pact-" "Oh my god. Albus!!" "Love you~"

What is you gender identity, orientation and relationship status?:

"I'm male, and...” looks over at Albus "engaged to that goof over there."

Where and when were you born?:

“I errrr... am not sure exactly where I was born, but I grew up within the walls of Divinity's Reach in Salma District. Well, at least until my elemental abilities started to show, and then I was sent to the Priory HQ but still inside Divinity's Reach. For the second part of that question; I am about old enough to be a sylvari secondborn.”

What is your weapon of choice and fighting style?:

“I guess I was 'classically trained' in the Priory to use the staff, so that may be what I am most confortable with. Albus helped me train with the sword when we realized we would have to confront Balthazar... that did not turn out so well, but against non-gods I can hold my own. However, now that I find myself in a bit of a lull, I have begun training with other weapon types, but that's confidential information... at least for now” he chuckles.

Lastly, are you happy?:

After a brief pause to think his answer, Eli looks down at his ring and then at Albus. "Yeah. I would say so."

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

What’s your family like? What is your relationship with them?:

"Hmm... well, like I mentioned earlier, I don't have any clues on my biological parents, but Uncle Andrew raised me like his own, and his daughter, Petra, is like a sister to me. I haven't been able to visit them in some time, but we exchange letters; they're doing well."

Have you ever ran away from home?:

"Technically yes? 'Ran away' makes it sound dramatic. As a child, I just wanted to find a place where I could figure out my elemental abilities without hurting anyone."

Would you consider marriage or having children?:

Eli looks over at Albus who is clearly waiting to hear this answer. "Okay so. Earlier, when I said I was engaged, I lied a little bit. Albus and I are actually married! He declares with joy and relief. "After I recovered from Bangar's ambush in Drakkar's lair, we decided to not waste any more time. We had been going non-stop for so long, and we were headed into an uncertain future, so we decided to just get married right there in the Eye of the North with some of our guildmates present, and Aurene of course. It was really nice actually. On the subject of children, does Aurene count?" he laughs.

Do you secretly hate one of your friends?:

"What? I don't... what? They're not really your friend if you.. hate... them? I'm not sure I understand the question."

Which friend knows everything about you?:

“Definitely Albus," he smiles "he's seen me at my best and worst. However, I do also have a couple good friends in the Order of Whispers, who I trust enough to confide in. But also, who knows what information they have on me in their archives. So maybe them too. Oh and Jory as well; again, she's someone I trust, but she's also very intuitive and a personal detective. Haha, maybe my life is not as private as I would like it to be”

ASKED BY FANS

Are you literate? Have you been to school?:

“Did you say this was asked by a fan? Anyway, yes. Like I mentioned, I grew up partially in the Priory so...”

The eeriest prediction you made that later came true?:

“So, this is less a prediction, and more a theory I had. See, I've always been fascinated by the mists and alternate realms or dimensions; fractals if you will. And I always thought there must be some way, when all the stars perfectly align for a soul to come back from the dead by traversing through time/space in the right way. And well, here I am.”

What is something you were embarrassingly late to realize?:

With an almost apologetic look, Eli glances at the floor, then up at Albus. “That I have managed to surround myself with very capable people, and that I can trust them to hold their own... aaand that I cannot do this alone; I need them.”

Do you have mental health or physical issues?:

“When you say these are fan questions... like who exactly... I'll say this. I am very lucky to have the people I have around me. They help me stay grounded.”

What is your current main goal?:

“For so long my only goal has been to survive. Except not even that. So for now I don't have any goals per se. Although I am looking forward to the Festival of the Four Winds to return. We always use it to take some time off and just be. The beaches are really nice-" "Also the Queen's Jubilee!" Albus interrupts. "Hah... On a different note, I've read so much about Cantha, and now that I've explored Elona, I'd like to see the Jade Sea, but who knows when that will happen.”

CHOICES

Drink or food?:

“Oh hmmm.. it depends on when you ask me. When we were lost in the (Magumma) jungle, between the rivers and creeks and the HUMIDITY, I never really thirsted for a drink, but a nice meal would have really hit the spot. However, while wondering through Elona, there were so many times I would've killed for a refreshing drink. So... both?

Cats or dogs?:

"Oh dogs for sure"

Early bird or night owl?:

“Hmmm... well, the Elonian sky is a true wonder that can only be perceived at night but sunrises are nice... No, you know what. I'm a night owl. Yup. Don't know why I hesitated”

Optimist or pessimist?:

"I don't think I could... I have to believe things can and will improve, otherwise why would I bother going through everything I have?"

Sassy or sarcastic?:

“I think sarcasm? I know I definitely cannot out-sass Albus.”

HAVE YOU EVER

Been caught sneaking out:

“Pretty sure it happened in the Priory a couple times. Except... I wasn't sneaking out, I was... sneaking... in.” he sighs "I wanted to get in the library after hours and keep researching...-" "OH MY GOD ELI HAHAHA" Albus bursts off-stage.

Broke a bone:

“Wait like, A specific one? I don't... Like, you realize it is statically impossible that I would have gotten this far without such an injury.“

Received flowers:

“Yeah actually! It was nice.“

Ghosted someone:

Eli's gaze wanders as he takes a moment to think of an answer. "Oh, I guess I have. There was this one time that I accidentally ghosted a couple friends... when I died HAAAA!" He boasts with unwarranted pride on his own joke while scanning the room's reactions. "Get it? cause I was a ghost!" he grins. "That was good, wasn't it?" Albus simply facepalms in the corner.

Pretended to laugh at a joke you didn’t get:

“Let me remind you again, I grew up inside basically a library full of smart people. Smart people that sometimes like to show off just how smart they are by using humor they know you will not understand because you're a CHILD.”

After the interview:

Eli: "So? how did I do?"

Albus: "You were great, as I knew you'd be. You we're yourself, and that's all I would ever ask of you."

Eli: "Thanks. I'm glad you were here with me."

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I tag (with no obligation of course, I would love to catch up on old OCs or learn about new ones but you can pass!):

I feel to "new" to tag people haha. I guess I tag you the reader! If you've been waiting on someone to tag you to join the fun, this is your chance! :D

Also @thepinkywarband, get on this (if you wanna) :3

#OC Interview #Eli #Albus #My OCs #lore bits

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i-mybrunettelady · 3 years ago

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Nyra’s interview

I was tagged by @dumb-dumb-mander <3

OC interview: Alysannyra Ainsaph

Draw (or use an old drawing, don’t worry!) or take a screen of your character in an interview setting and make them answer the following questions! (wanted a shot in Rurikton but oh well, Manor Hill will have to do)

INTRODUCTION

1. Can you introduce yourself?

- Sure thing! I’m Alysannyra Ainsaph (she says it as Alee-sa-neera Ain-saf), Commander of the Pact, Champion of Aurene, Lady of Light’s Sight, Hero of Shaemoor, you know them all by know, I’d say. One note though - I saw how some of you say my name and please, just try saying it. I’m Ascalonian, not whatever is easiest for you to say.

2. What is your gender identity, orientation and relationship status?

- Engaged, taken - by two different men (she laughs for a moment) - bisexual woman.

3. Where and when were you born?

- Rurikton, 1306 AE in my family’s stately home. Not the monstrosity they built after I killed Zhaitan, but a simpler home.

4. What is your weapon of choice and fighting style?

- Nowadays, the Lightbringer. It’s more suitable for my current most comfortable fighting style, slightly away from front lines unfortunately.

5. Lastly, are you happy?

- I’d like to be, as would anyone else. (she cocks her head to the side, her tone finite.)

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

1. What’s your family like? What is your relationship with them?

- My family? They’re.. Fine. It’s not like they’re monsters, save for that wretch of my grandfather, and in fact, they’re quite lovely. Quick to use my name for their purposes, but that’s the nature of having a legend in your family tree if you’re Ascalonian. We have this hero in our family tree - I forget the name at the moment - who still has a shrine to his name somewhere in Ebonhawke. They’re a little outdated, I’d say, and while we were closer before... They’re fine. They’re my family.

2. Have you ever ran away from home?

- If you discount the whole adventuring after the defense of Shaemoor, no. But I was an adult at the time, making my own decisions.

3. Would you consider marriage or having children?

- As I mentioned, I am engaged. But I’m not married formally, so I’ll say no. As for children, I have Aurene and Gods willing, could adopt some of my own possibly. Last I checked, sylvari can’t reproduce with humans.

4. Do you secretly hate one of your friends?

- Even if I did, I’d never reveal it here. And why on Tyria would be friends someone I hate?

5. Which friend knows everything about you?

- All of them. And don’t ask for details, they won’t tell you more than I myself will!

ASKED BY FANS

1. Are you literate? Have you been to school?

- (she lifts a brow and looks at the viewer with visible and unhidden disbelief.) I was a student of Queensdale Academy. I am literate.

2. The eeriest prediction you made that later came true?

- Reliving my traumas? Apatia’s death. (she sighs, taking a sip of water nearby.) I’m not saying more about that.

3. What is something you were embarrassingly late to realize?

- Life doesn’t give a shit who my heroic ancestors are. If I want to be remembered, I have to work for it. However much it hurts.

4. Do you have mental health or physical issues?

- Yes to both. I am the Commander.

5. What is your current main goal?

- Save Tyria. Been the same for ten years, really.

CHOICES

1. Drink or food?

- Food? (she shakes her hand. it is uncovered, scars on display.) We need both, but food... I’m hungry now. Thanks.

2. Cats or dogs?

- I have 12 cats in my manor. I feel like that answers the question perfectly.

3. Early bird or night owl?

- Take a guess. I’m really curious as to what you’ll say. (she waits for a moment.) Early bird. Forgal’s discipline is alive still!

4. Optimist or pessimist?

- Eternally optimistic. At this point I’m probably drawing from Tyria’s most primordial sources but optimistic.

5. Sassy or sarcastic?

- Depends if you’re Canach or not. Love you though!

HAVE YOU EVER

1. Been caught sneaking out

- Oh yes. Naturally.

2. Broke a bone

- I am the Commander.

3. Received flowers

- Oh yes! A curious sapling gave me a bouquet once and asked me if they smelled the same way they did to him. It’s a particularly precious memory, especially because he had no idea how to describe the smell and we ended up discussing in the Grove over how flowers smelled.

4. Ghosted someone

- Unfortunate reality of having to go to the other part of the world every few months, it feels like.

5. Pretended to laugh at a joke you didn’t get

- Yes. Charr jokes remain a mystery to me, no matter how much Rytlock explains them to me.

Tags

@uselessidiotsquad

@dasozelotvonnebenan

@mystery-salad

@ascalonianpicnic

@just-eyris-things

@moonlit-grove

and whoever sees this and wants do to it!

#gw2 #ty for the tag!#tag game #alysannyra #nero's artsy corner

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senterya · 3 years ago

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It's been an absolute joy reading people's takes on the OC interview that has been floating around recently.

The idea of a Pale Rose interview (read: Fyarh and Nym dragging ex-courtier Reln into this) sounded so oddly entertaining that I wrote it for myself for fun but it turned out... surprisingly okay? So I'm gonna leave it here.

OC Interview: Pale Rose edition

(Draw (or use an old drawing, don’t worry!) or take a screen of your character in an interview setting and make them answer the following questions!)

1. Can you introduce yourself?

Fyarh: Sure. I’m Fyarh, founder and – formally – leader of Pale Rose. I’m also the head of the Dreamers’ division in our guild. (turns to the other two) And they are Nymeleia and Reln, head of the Soundless and Courtiers, respectively.

Nymeleia: (with a wide smile) Glad to be here!

Reln: (remains silent – just nods a little)

2. What is your gender identity, orientation, and relationship status?

Fyarh: (after a few seconds of thinking) I’m male, maybe prefer others who identify as that too? Didn’t think too much about it before.

Nymeleia: I’m looking both ways. I’m female and taken, you could say.

Reln: Why is this even– (exhales) ...I’m male, I don’t care what my partner identifies as. And my relationships are not for the public to chew on.

3. Where and when were you born?

Nymeleia: Back in the Grove, all of us. I awoke at Dawn and the boys are both Night blooms.

4. What is your weapon of choice and fighting style?

Fyarh: I’m best at stealth and surprise – daggers work just fine with that. If it’s an open confrontation, I prefer a light sword that doesn’t hinder my agility. But I’m trained and still training in hand-to-hand combat too.

Nymeleia: I was trained at the Vigil to be the shield, not the spearhead of the attack. I stay behind and make sure nothing hits that shouldn’t. I utilize shades and magic so technically I don’t need a weapon – a staff or scepter can help, though. I also carry a dagger on me, just in case.

Reln: I’m best with a bow. Two-handed sword if it comes to that. But whatever does the job, really.

5. Lastly, are you happy?

Fyarh: (smiles and glances at the others) I am. I’m on the path my Wyld Hunt laid out to me and I got great allies and friends that are with me every step I take. I’m truly grateful for that.

Nymeleia: (with a soft smile) I feel like I found my calling here. I’m working on a cause and with people that are amazing. I’m pretty happy with that, yes.

(both look over to Reln)

Reln: (after a few seconds of silence, with a cynical smile) Are we just supposed to say yes or no to that? Like happiness is that easy to define. (he glances to the side for a second.) But it’s been better here. Take that as a yes.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

1. What’s your family like? What is your relationship with them?

Fyarh: The guild is the closest I have to a family in a sense you ask. I think? I’m on good terms with everyone – luckily, I mean... (he laughs a little nervously) ...it’s as it should be.

Nymeleia: I’m with Fyarh on this one. The sylvari in Rose are the closest people to me.

Reln: It really is pointless to ask sylvari about “family” – we’re all technically related, but are strangers at the same time.

Nymeleia: (with a smile she barely tries to hide) You are dodging the question.

Reln: I’m not dodging anything, I’m being reasonable. I have close friends, and allies – call that a family, if you want to.

2. Have you ever run away from home?

Nymeleia: We’re all sort of runaways, aren’t we? (she laughs) I’m Soundless, I left the Grove quite early, then joined the Vigil. Does that count?

Fyarh: It counts. But just so that you don’t feel left out. (Nymeleia gasps and mimics trying to kick him in the shin, they both laugh. Takes them a few more seconds to get back on track.)

Fyarh: I used to sneak away a lot when I was supposed to be in lectures. I loved discovering Caledon, I knew every corner of it so well when I was a sapling. Maybe I’d still remember if I walked around.

Reln (after everyone looks at him): ...I’m from the Court. I think that’s self-explanatory.

Fyarh: But didn’t you also wander away a lot?

Reln: You could say. I preferred being alone. Hunting was a good excuse.

3. Would you consider marriage or having children?

Fyarh: In the far future, maybe? I’m still very young though, and my hands are full with my guild and my Hunt. It’s definitely not something I think about a lot.

Nymeleia: Marriage sounds cute – I like the idea of honoring commitment with a little ceremony.

Reln: Neither of those seems to be for me.

Nymeleia: (quietly) Ah, my heart.

(Reln glances at her, but doesn’t respond.)

4. Do you secretly hate one of your friends?

Fyarh and Nymeleia: No...?

Reln: (slightly annoyed) Is it even a friend if you hate them? Next question.

5. Which friend knows everything about you?

Fyarh: Maybe Daleien? We've known each other for the longest, and he was with me through thick and thin. Nowadays I share a lot with Nym and Reln too. I used to be very secretive about myself but I’m working on it.

Nymeleia: We chat and gossip a lot with Dia – she’s another Soundless from the guild. She’s lovely and so supportive, I’m really glad I have her.

Reln: I’m not the one to share everything about myself. But my second-in-command knows the most.

Nymeleia: Oh don’t listen to him. He and Lavan technically read each other’s minds – no words, just half a gesture, and they know all they need to know.

ASKED BY FANS

1. Are you literate? Have you been to school?

Fyarh: I’m literate, and I’ve been mentored as much – well, maybe a little less – than any other sylvari.

Nymeleia: I actually struggled with reading and writing for a while – I could, just not well, as I never really had to. Paperwork has been a nightmare for the first months in Rose, but by now I got the hang of it. I’ve been reading a lot of novels recently, too.

Reln: I’m literate, and was mentored like all other saplings. The latter didn’t reach its purpose, though.

2. The eeriest prediction you made that later came true?

(They all look at each other, but neither of them seems to have an answer or anything they’d be willing to share.)

3. What is something you were embarrassingly late to realize?

Fyarh: Oh. I somehow never really talked about my Wyld Hunt in.... sufficient detail to my mentors? Not before the Wardens arrested me for hiding thorn pups in a forsaken outpost. It was a real journey talking my way out from there. One of the most embarrassingly funny things that happened to me, in retrospect.

Nymeleia: I was always too caught upon not handling the concept of pain, and death, very well. I don’t regret working on it and toughening up, I just wish I had realized sooner that I should hone my strengths instead of desperately trying to “correct” what I perceive as a weakness.

Reln: ...I guess I haven’t realized soon enough what real understanding means. (he seems mildly uncomfortable by the question, and does not elaborate)

4. Do you have mental health or physical issues?

Fyarh: Fighting takes a toll on everyone, I’d say. But nothing other than that.

Nymeleia: (nodding along – her eyes wander off to the distance)

Reln: A few scars here and there. Had a lot to deal with after coming back from the heart of the jungle, but I have worked through most of those by now.

5. What is your current main goal?

Fyarh: I’m dedicating all my time to the guild. It’s been coming along so much better than what I prepared myself for, and I’m not about to waste the opportunity.

Nymeleia: I’m not satisfied with my level of skills on the field yet – I’m spending as much time on training as I can, next to Rose. There are some other necromancers in the guild with who we share our knowledge, and I have gotten some general good advice and lectures from Firstborn Trahearne himself. It’s crazy how far Fyarh’s connections go.

Reln: I’m busy training and supervising my own division. Most of us are reliable and trusting, but there are and will always be a few loose cannons I need to keep an eye out for.

CHOICES

1. Drink or food?

Fyarh: A drink, maybe? I tend to forget to eat. It’s getting on Nym’s nerves at times.

Nymeleia: Ah don’t even mention it. I’m picking food – nothing tops a good, warm meal after a long day.

Reln: Food, if I have to pick.

2. Cats or dogs?

Fyarh: I love cats. I wouldn't mind adopting one, but I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to take good care of them.

Nymeleia: Can we pick both, maybe?

Reln: (glancing at the thorn wolf lying next to him) I’m more of a dog person. But cats are good too.

3. Early bird or night owl?

Fyarh: I’m a night owl. Waking up with the rest of the guild at early hours is a nightmare for me. I tend to oversleep so much, it’s almost comical.

Nymeleia: That’s not a problem for me though. I’m up before everyone else. And so is Reln.

Reln: (nodding)

4. Optimist or pessimist?

Fyarh: Optimist.

Nymeleia: Same, some will even say naive for sure.

Reln: Middle ground. I’m more of a realist than any of the two.

5. Sassy or sarcastic?

Fyarh: Maybe... sassy? With close friends. I don’t feel like either most of the time, honestly.

Nymeleia: Would you say I’m more sassy or sarcastic?

Reln: (to her) Is that really a question?

Nymeleia: Oh entertain me.

Reln: (gestures towards her; she laughs)

HAVE YOU EVER

1. Been caught sneaking out?

Fyarh: Once, when I was sneaking out of a Court camp with two stolen thorn pups. Barely got away. Didn’t dare to show myself around there for a while.

Nymeleia: Several times. Did a lot of bathroom cleaning in the Vigil for it too.

Reln: If I was, I doubt I would be here today.

2. Broken a bone?

Fyarh: Miraculously, no. I don’t even know myself how’s that possible.

Nymeleia: My left arm. Open wound, too – wasn’t a good experience.

Reln: Nothing that a field medic couldn’t fix.

3. Received flowers?

Fyarh: If you mean it like, in a romantic way? No, not yet.

Nymeleia: I received a few, but in my experience Vigil soldiers are more of the blunt than the romantic type.

Reln: No.

Nymeleia: How dare you. I gave you potted herbs a while ago!

Fyarh: (leaning forward) Potted herbs?

Nymeleia: It’s because he takes his food back to his room all the time. And then he complains about the seasoning. Go figure!

4. Ghosted someone?

Fyarh: I did... use to run away from confrontations a lot. But people say I’ve gotten better with that too.

Nymeleia: I prefer to just tell people if I’m not interested in talking to them. As kindly as possible, of course. But I think it’s ruder to leave them hanging.

Reln: I did leave from places – the Grove, the Court – suddenly, but then again, I didn’t have many connections to either in the first place.

5. Pretended to laugh at a joke you didn’t get?

Fyarh: That happens. Easier than trying to go back to it and figure it out, takes away the flow of the conversation.

Nymeleia: Everyone does that from time to time, no?

Reln: I don’t. If someone’s not funny enough, that’s not my problem.

#oc interview #pale rose recon #fyarh #nymeleia #reln #gw2

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brax-was-here · 4 years ago

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Scarlet Briar: The Seeds of Life Chapter 2

Chapter 2: You Don’t Control Me

Sometimes life is full of surprises

Something was tickling her nose, and Ceara instinctively brushed it away before awakening suddenly. She quickly glanced around at her surroundings. Plants and trees surrounded her in every direction. Looking down at herself, she realized she was lying naked on moss-covered ground. She immediately stood, almost losing her balance in the process.

“Where…where am I?” The lush of vegetation of the jungle stretched out all around her. The air, thick and humid, was filled with the sounds of the jungle’s animal inhabitants. Various exotic bird calls she had never heard before echoed through the canopy that blocked out the bright sky. The sounds of chirping insects rose from the ground level, some spreading their wings and taking flight, flittering about the various plants.

“No…this isn’t happening…not again.” she muttered. As she stepped forward, something snagged her foot tripping her, causing her to crash to the ground. She turned swiftly, glaring at the lone vine that caused her to stumble, withered and aged as it writhed through the damp moss.

“No…I beat you…” she whispered to it. Rumbling could be heard in the distance. She quickly got to her feet as the ground around her exploded. Numerous thorned vines of various sizes sprouted forth, whipping at her.

‘NO!” she screamed. She turned to run but she was surrounded. They knocked her to the ground, coiling around her body.

“NO! I beat you! You’re dead now!” She screamed with everything she had. “YOU DON’T CONTROL ME!” The vines stopped moving and slowly crystalized. She watched as tiny fissures formed throughout them. Within moments they shattered into a fine crystalline dust that filled the air. She dropped to the ground with a thud.

“You…you’re nothing now…” she muttered, catching her breath. Slowly she got to her feet, brushing the dirt from her. She glared at the path that had opened before her as the dust slowly dissipated in thousands of tiny sunlit sparkles.

She cautiously followed the path forward as it twisted and turned through the jungle’s foliage. She would catch images in the trees, but when she focused on them, they would disappear. She took pause as a playful giggle was heard on the wind.

“You’re nothing.” Ceara spoke loudly. “Come out now. I am not afraid to face you.”

“But I’m in your head…” the playful voice mocked her.

“No. No you’re not.”

“But don’t you want to play?”

“I’m through playing.” Ceara marched forward along the pathway. It emptied into a clearing with the sun shining brightly in the area. Opposite of where she stood, a group of thorned vines had jutted from the ground, twisting and interweaving together, forming a small crudely shaped structure. Ceara approached them cautiously. As she neared a small section of the vines parted, revealing a bright glow from the interior. The glow blinded her at first, but as her vision cleared, she gasped at what she saw. Floating in the air before her was an image of Avatar of the Pale Tree, her mother. But its face was different. Its appearance seemed like a child. Ceara stared at it for a moment before its eyes grew wide, its mouth opened in an inaudible scream as a blade of dark energy seemed to slice it down the middle. The blast knocked Ceara backwards. Quickly regaining her balance, she looked at the space where the image had just stood, but now it was replaced by a blackened black. A seemingly dark version of the sword Caladbolg. Ceara stepped forward ever so cautiously. As she drew near, the vines of the sword started writhing, launching themselves at her.

Ceara awoke with a start. She was curled up in a ball laying on the makeshift cot in the community tent. The light of the morning sun was piercing through small openings throughout the leathery canvas ceiling of the structure. She stared out of the open side of the tent, the far cliff walls painted bright reds and oranges by the rising sun. Other visitors to the camp were slowly stirring awake as well. Sitting up, her mind wandered to the dream she just experienced.

“Could it be?” she asked quietly.

“Could it be what?” she heard Liathlas ask from the cot next to her. Ceara turned to see the dark skinned sylvari looking at her.

“It’s nothing. Just…just a dream.” Ceara replied sharply, turning to stand from the cot, stretching as she stood. “This cot was the most uncomfortable thing I have ever slept on.” She complained while strapping on her shoulder armor. She locked her gauntlets on and grabbed her rifle, slinging it over her shoulder.

“It is a centaur camp. Did you expect a lush bed in a fancy part of Divinity’s Reach?” Liathlas remarked, sitting up from her cot. Ceara seemingly ignored her as she started making her way out towards the sunlight.

“We should get something to eat before heading out.” Liathlas suggested as she stood and stretched. “I do believe there is a merchant here at the camp.”

“Perhaps.” Ceara said as she stepped out into the morning sun. She scanned the area noticing an asura with what seemed a small booth of simple foods.

“There.” Liathlas pointed as she walked up beside her. Ceara nodded. The asura took notice as the duo approached.

“A lovely morning to you lovely ladies. What can I do for you?” he asked, wiping his hands with a stained cloth.

“Yes! We’d like to make a purchase!” Liathlas expressed excitedly.

“Excellent! I will say I am sorry for my low volume. My source seems to be running late, which is quite infuriating.”

“It’s quite alright.” Liathlas assured him as the pair looked over the vendors wares. A myriad of fruits and vegetables accustomed to being grown in the desert heat, some breads, and casks of water.

“Not much of a choice here.” Ceara remarked, grabbing a couple desert pears, and a small canvas bag filled with jojoba nuts. Liathlas grabbed some fruits as well, and a small bag for herself. Ceara handed the merchant some coins, noticing the dry skin of the asuras hands.

“You’ve been here awhile.” She commented.

“Indeed, I have.” He replied. “Not many people supply food along the trade routes in these areas. Plus, I don’t think many people prefer centaur delicacy.” He remarked, placing the coins in a small pouch in his belt. Ceara nodded lightly.

“Well, good luck in your travels.” He said to them as they turned to leave.

“What’s on your mind, secondborn?” Liathlas asked Ceara as they walked towards the gate of the camp. “You seem to be preoccupied.” Ceara glanced at Liathlas as she bit into one of the pears.

“It’s nothing. Just thinking about the trip ahead.”

“It will take us a day at least to reach the pact camp.” Liathlas mentioned. “Maybe we could ask the centaurs to take us there?”

“It’s worth a shot.” Ceara replied, stopping. “It will save us some time.” Asking around the inhabitants within, it wasn’t long for them to find a pair willing to take them northward into the Silverwastes area of the desert region.

A few hours passed as the centaurs had taken Ceara and Liathlas as far as they would through the canyons to the desert regions to the north. The Silverwastes was a stretch of arid rocky desert terrain that once was part of the jungles of Maguuma. Over the centuries, the thick jungle vegetation gave way to the creeping desert sands. The pair continued their journey as the canyons slowly turned into a rough desert terrain filled with great buttes and mesas standing tall above the desert floor. Giant thorned vines marked the terrain, remnants of the jungle dragon Mordremoth’s advancement on Tyria. Now they lay dry and gnarled by the desert air. The life gone from them when the dragon was defeated.

“Do we really need to visit Camp Resolve?” Ceara asked, taking a drink from her canteen as they passed under a high arcing vine. Liathlas picked up on the reluctance in Ceara’s voice. “And why couldn’t the centaurs have taken us all the way there? And furthermore, are we even heading in the right direction?”

“Secondborn, of cour-“ Liathlas cut herself off as the duo spotted a set of creatures on a ridge in the distance. Ceara recognized them immediately.

“Mordrem.” Ceara whispered. “Thorns...”

“Indeed. We’ll need to be cautious.” They circled around the area in a wide berth, using the rock filled terrain as cover.

“Somethings not right here…” Ceara muttered.

“What?” Liathlas whispered back. Ceara unshouldered her rifle.

“We’re not alone.” They heard a slight rumbling in the ground before them. “Run!” Ceara shouted. The ground exploded behind them as the pair turned and bolted away. A great screech pierced the air as the sounds of heavy footfalls galloped behind them. Ceara turned in time to see a creature of Mordremoth leap at her, raising its giant pincer-like arms in the air. Ceara dodged out of the creature’s path, bringing her rifle to bare. Pulling the trigger, a thunderous boom was heard as the ley energy powered the projectile through the barrel. The shot severed one of the creature’s pinchers from its body, causing it to screech in pain. Liathlas, who had managed to teleport to a ridge slightly above, brandished her staff and motioned for a set of illusions to appear around the beast. They proceeded to attack it. Bewildered, the creature lashed out at the illusions as Ceara fired another shot, hitting the creature in its head. It dropped immediately. Their victory was short lived as more of the plant-like beasts started erupting from the ground.

“Run!” Ceara shouted. Liathlas opened a portal that Ceara dove through, appearing on the ridge next to her. The creatures approached quickly, climbing the side of the rocky incline to get to their prey. The duo turned to run, only to be stopped by a giant flower-like creature with long tentacles hovering in the air before them.

“Really!?” Ceara said disbelieving. It approached fast, lashing out at them. They both evaded the attacks as Liathlas launched a mystic bolt at it, and Ceara firing her rifle. Both attacks landed on their marks, injuring the creature. It growled in pain, as it turned towards Ceara. More rumbling was heard as the ground seemingly started to shift.

“Oh no…” Ceara muttered looking at the sand, which was shifting before her. “Please no sand worms…”. Liathlas conjured more illusions to attack the floating creature, seemingly oblivious to what was happening. The other mordrem started cresting the ridge, standing ready to chase down the sylvari. As they started moving towards the duo, rumbling filled the air as the ground cracked open. Sand shifted and before they knew what was happening, the pair found themselves falling uncontrollably. Liathlas quickly grabbed Ceara’s arm and opened portal after portal falling through each, quickly placing the each one farther and farther away from the falling debris, until they finally tumbled out of the last portal across the sandy ground. The thunderous crash of the limestone boulders that had made up the ground above echoed through the air as the pile smashed into the sandy ground, throwing sand and debris in every direction. Ceara stopped rolling, laying on her back, her ears ringing from the turmoil. She stared at the ceiling of an enormous cavern that lay under the sands of the Silverwastes.

Liathlas shakily stood on her feet, using her staff to balance herself. She stumbled over to Ceara and flopped down next to her.

“Are…are you ok?” she asked, her voice quivering.

“I’m going to lay here… until the world stops spinning, no matter how long it takes.” Ceara replied, steadily staring at the hole from which they fell.

“Ok.” Liathlas gasped before falling over, seemingly passing out.

Ceara laid in the sand as the silence of the cavern became deafening. She watched the steady stream of sand fall from the opening above. Her thoughts drifted to the dream she had the night before.

“Another pale tree…” she thought to herself. “Does it exist? Is it true?” She focused on the image of the younger looking Avatar that appeared in front of her before being cut down.

“What was that blade? A dark version of caladbolg? Has that tree fallen? To Mordremoth? Or to nightmare? Or something else?” So many questions passed through her mind. “I have to find the answers…” she thought as she slowly sat up.

“Well, this is quite interesting.” she said quietly as she scanned the distant darkness. She pulled out her small lantern and set it on the ground in front of her, then proceeded to check her equipment for any damage from the fall.

“Well, everything seems in order.” She sighed, checking the barrel of her rifle. She started returning everything to their appropriate satchels. “Now, how do-“

“Shinies…” a rough voice growled in the darkness. Ceara rose to one knee instantly with her pistol drawn, holding the lamp in such a way that allowed the light to illuminate the area in front of her.

“Skritt?” she called out.

“You have…shinies…yes?” the voice asked. Ceara heard the sounds of movement against the rocks as a shadow darted away from the edge of the illuminated area. She quickly tried to follow the sounds, tracking them with her lamp.

“Give shinies to me…” it growled.

“Show yourself!” Ceara shouted. She heard more movement to her side. Turning, her light caught the creature perched on a nearby boulder. She gasped at what she saw. It was indeed a skritt, but not like any she had seen before. Its fur, discolored and full of mange, was covered in vines and small flowers.

“This can’t be real…” she muttered. The creature bared its teeth, hissing at her. It let out a loud screech as it launched itself at her. She instinctively fired a shot, knocking the skritt from the air. Hitting the ground, it writhed in pain. Ceara stood and cautiously moved towards it, her pistol at the ready. It turned and looked at her, the vines growing from its body, whipping back and forth.

“Shinies…” it growled one last time before Ceara shot it in the head.

“Even the skritt weren’t safe from it.” She said to herself glaring at the creature. Slowly she turned, shining her light around the area, scanning for anything else that might be a problem. Satisfied nothing else was out there she slowly made her way back to where Liathlas lay in the sand.

“I guess we’re stuck here until you decide to wake up.” Ceara sat down next to her, taking out the small packet of nuts she got from the centaur camp.

It wasn’t long before Liathlas stirred awake.

“Good morning, princess.” Ceara said as she closed a panel on one of her gauntlets.

“Ow…” Liathlas groaned as she slowly sat up. “What happened?”

“You saved the day, don’t you remember? Sadly…you didn’t return us to the castle.” Ceara stood. Liathlas looked up at her as Ceara extended her hand to help her stand. Liathlas glanced around.

“Where are we?”

“A cavern under the sands. We had an interesting visitor while you slept.”

“A visitor?”

“Yes.” Ceara moved over to the corpse that lay not far. Liathlas trailed behind her slowly.

“Is that…a skritt?” Liathlas gasped.

“Indeed, it was. Killed and resurrected by Mordremoth it seems.”

“Oh my.” Liathlas said apprehensively. “Are there others?”

“None that I have seen…so far. We should get moving before anything else decides to pay us a visit.”

“But where do we go?” What direction?” Liathlas asked, rubbing the back of her head.

Ceara sighed as she pulled out her waypoint device. All of the closest waypoints she had stored were all back in the direction she had travelled.

“Thorns…” she muttered. She looked around the cavern, feeling a slight breeze in the air. She turned to the direction it seemed to be originating and pointed. ”That way.”

The cavern seemed never-ending as the pair made their way through. Ceara using her lamp to illuminate the way. The end of Liathlas’s staff also glowed to help assist in lighting the cave.

“It seems to go on forever.” Liathlas stated. “Do you think we’ll ever get out?”

“We will. The breeze moves. Something is disturbing it. And hopefully we’ll find out what that something is.”

“I hope so.” Moments passed before Liathlas spoke again. “Ceara?”

“Hmm?”

“What is it you seek in the jungle?”

Ceara paused a moment, images of her dream quickly flashed through her mind. “Im looking…I’m looking for something important.”

“Well, I figured that. Won’t you tell me what it is?” Ceara motioned for Liathlas to stop.

“What is it?” Liathlas asked quietly.

Ceara extinguished her lamp. “Dim your light.”

The light from her staff slowly faded. In the pitch darkness, the pairs bioluminescence glowed softly.

“Look. Far up ahead.” Ceara said quietly. There was a soft glow in the distance of the cavern.

“A way out?” Liathlas asked.

“Possibly. We should move quickly but be cautious.”

Ceara reignited her lamp. “Let’s go.” They quickened their pace. The ambient light of the cavern slowly grew brighter as they approached. It opened into a massive area with a pool of water in the center. The pair looked to the ceiling. In the distance, they could see structure, and small lights flickering about.

“Torches?” Liathlas asked.

“I think so. We need to get up there. Look around for anything that looks like a path!” The pair scrambled about searching along the rock walls.

“Here, I think I found something.” Ceara shouted across the cave. Liathlas rushed over to where Ceara was climbing over a pile of rocks. “There are stairs carved through here.” Liathlas climbed over the pile as well. They both stood staring up the incline. “Well, let’s go.”

It wasn’t long before one of the rock walls of the stairway gave way to the emptiness of the cavern.

“This is scary.” Liathlas muttered, glancing over the edge to the ground far below.

“Indeed. Who in Tyria would have made this?” The existing rock wall would soon start to show signs of previous habitation.

“Someone lived here?” Liathlas asked inquisitively. The pair stopped at the first door they found. An old wooden door connected by crude made iron straps showed little signs of deterioration in the dry desert air. Ceara slowly pushed it open, aiming her lamp inside. A simple room with no furnishing.

“Nothing.” Ceara said, looking over the room.

“Who would live in a place such as this?” Liathlas asked.

“I don’t know, but someone is here. Let’s continue.” The duo trekked up the stairs, passing more rooms like the first. Something fell past them as they continued the climb.

Liathlas brandished her staff. “What was that!?” Ceara pulled her pistol.

“I don’t know.” They slowly continued along the path upward.

“Too small, don’t need it.” They heard a meek squeaky voice higher up the stairway in the distance.

“Skritt?” Liathlas asked.

“I think so.” Ceara responded. They quietly crept along the route, slowly rounding a long curve as they heard more skritt chattering up ahead.

“This piece just right.”

“This piece in my room!”

“Bent metal. Good for support.”

Ceara extinguished her lamp as they came upon an area lit with torches. They found a group of skritt steadily searching through a pile of random wooden planks, bent metal and various other random items. Ceara stowed her lamp in her satchel, before stepping forward into the torchlight. The skritt turned to them.

“Visitors! This our pile! You leave now!” One yelled at the sylvari.

“We’re not here to take your things.” Ceara held her hands up in front of her. “We just want to leave this cavern and get back to the surface.”

“Oh, we take you! When Topsy-Turvy finished! We take you out of cavern!”

“Topsy-Turvy?” Liathlas asked as the pair looked at each other.

“Yes! Our ship! We build it! Soon it will be finished! And we leave! Sail to meet or brothers and sisters to the south!”

“Sail a ship? In the middle of the desert?” Ceara was slightly dumbfounded. “Where is this Topsy-Turvy?” Ceara asked inquisitively. “This is something I must see.”

“Come! Come! Follow!” One of the skritt started running up the stairs. Ceara and Liathlas hurried after him. As they rounded the bend, the two stopped, awestruck by what they saw. Indeed, there was a ship in the cavern. Precariously perched upside-down on ridges spanning the chasm. Skritt clamored all over it as they busily attached planks and random pieces of metal to the hull of the ship, chattering constantly as they worked. Ceara’s mouth hung open as she stood in silence.

“What…how?” Liathlas asked.

“I…I don’t…I don’t know…” Ceara said quietly, before busting out in laughter. “This is…this absurbly amazing, and…ridiculous at the same time!” She hurried up the rest of the stairs.

Liathlas followed grabbing her by the arm. “You shouldn’t berate them. They believe they can do this.”

Ceara snorted in laughter. “I’m not berating them. It’s just…I wish them well in their endeavor!” She said with a large grin on her face.

“Here! Here! Topsy-Turvy!” the skritt called out.

“I see…and you plan to sail this out of this cavern and across the sand?”

“Indeed! Here is plan!” he ran over to a giant board nailed to some makeshift posts. Various drawings and documents hung precariously by bend nails. Ceara looked over it all in amazement.

“This…this is…You actually have all this planned out?” she bit her bottom lip, stifling her laughter. She took a crude drawing of what she determined to be a plan to launch the ship out of the cavern. “I wish you good luck in your mission.” She said taking a deep breath turning to the skritt. “I think you will be able to make this happen. But my partner and I must be off. We have urgent matters to attend if you could show us a way out.”

“Yes! Yes! We will!” He ran towards another set of stairs. “Here! Here! Will take you up to surface!”

“Thank you kindly.” Ceara said to him. Liathlas waved to him as they started up the stairs.

“I can’t believe the way you belittled them.” Liathlas chided her.

“I didn’t belittle them. I simply wished them good luck in their impossible mission.”

“I could tell by the tone of your voice.” Liathlas criticized. “But still…how did such a ship even get into this cavern?” she asked perpelexed.

Ceara laughed as they continued up the stairs. “I don’t know.” It wasn’t long before they saw hints of sunlight, as well as voices further up the incline.

“Do we really need to be here?” a woman’s voice was heard faintly.

“We were told to guard this stairwell.” A male voice returned.

“From what? The skritt?”

“You never know. Filthy rodents could end up stealing everything in the camp.”

“That’s unlikely.”

The sylvari once again extinguished their lights and crept up the stairs, settling low once they saw who the voices belonged to.

“Hmm…” Ceara thought to herself. “Krytan bandits.” She whispered.

“What do we do?” Liathlas asked. “I’m sure there are more of them outside.”

Ceara nodded. “Can you cloak with your abilities?”

“Yes, but not for long.”

“I have a plan. I’ll activate my own stealth shield and sneak past them. Once I get past, I’ll distract them, and you hit them when they aren’t looking.”

“Ok. Seems easy enough.”

“It’s a classic.” Ceara pressed a small button on her gauntlet and disappeared. She slowly crept past the guards, careful as not to brush against them. Once past them, she turned and shut off her field.

“Hello, pretties.” She said smiled at them.

“What the?” the male asked as he drew his sword, the woman pulled out a pair of daggers.

“Who in Tyria are you!?” the woman asked.

“Oh…really?” Ceara glared at them shaking her head in disappointment. “I’m so let down that brigands such as you don’t recognize the…” she sneered. ”Terror of Tyria.”

“What? You’re de-“ A field of eldritch energy appeared below the bandits feet, shocking them as a pair of Liathlas’s illusions made short work of them.

“Well, that was easy.” Ceara smiled at her partner. She knelt and checked the two. “Still alive, but I am sure they are going have a nasty headache when the wake.” She stood and looked at Liathlas. “Shall we?

“Let’s” Liathlas smiled back.

They neared the top of the stairway, the blue sky a welcoming site. But they also spied two more humans standing near the entrance to the cave.

“Who knows what lies ahead. Depending on what is out there, this could end very badly.” Ceara muttered. Liathlas nodded her head. They laid low on the stairway as they peeked over the steps the best they could. They found a small area with what looked like old mining equipment in major disrepair as well as a few ramshackled structures that looked as if they were about to collapse.

“This does not look promising at all.” Liathlas groaned. Ceara nodded in agreement. “Any plan?” Liathlas asked.

“We could go back and get the skritt. Tell them there is a pile of fresh shinies up here.” Ceara suggested.

“Are you mad!? That would surely send them to certain death!” Liathlas protested quietly. Ceara turned slowly, giving her a dirty look.

“What!?” Liathlas asked bluntly.

“Your choice of words hurt, Mesmer.”

“What are you talking about?” Liathlas replied. Ceara just shook her head and took a deep breath.

“Fine. We won’t get the skritt.”

“Can we just stealth ourselves out of here?” Liathlas asked.

“Would our stealth fields last long enough?”

“Hmm…but it might be our only chance. At least to get past these two guards so we can at least see if there is a way out of here.”

Ceara thought for a moment. “Ok…let’s do it.”

“Wait…” Liathlas grabbed Ceara’s arm.

“What?”

“How will we be able to see each other if we’re both cloaked?”

Ceara stared at her blankly before speaking. “Just…keep ahold of my hand.” She activated her stealth field as Liathlas cloaked herself. The duo crept up the stairs and hurried from the cave, ducking behind a pile of boulders nearby moments before their fields faded.

Ceara breathed a sigh of relief. “Well, first part is done.” They both peeked from behind the rocks. “I see the way out. Over there.”

“Ok.” Liathlas looked over the direction Ceara was facing.

“Too far for our fields to last.”

“What about illusions?”

“Can you project them that far?”

“I don’t think so.”

Ceara drew a deep breath as she tried to come up with a plan.

“Couldn’t you just shoot them with your rifle?”

“No. The noise would draw attention to us. What if…we stealth as far as we can, and as our fields wear off, you cast that stun field you have, and I’ll use my holograms to strike them. Should be quick enough to take them down and not draw any unwanted attention.”

“Ok.”

Ceara opened the panel on her gauntlet. “Ready…3, 2, 1…now.” She pressed the small switch and disappeared from view. Liathlas cloaked herself as well and the pair started their way towards the opening in the rock wall.

“Stun field now.” Ceara said quietly.

Liathlas’s eldritch field appeared below the guard’s feet, stunning them. Ceara’s stealth field waned and she summoned two holograms which attacked the bandits. Liathlas’s stealth cloak faded as well.

“WE GOT A PROBLEM OVER HERE!” a voice shouted from outside the wall.

“THORNS!” Ceara cursed as a handful of more bandits rushed through the opening. Liathlas summoned her illusions as Ceara quickly unslung her rifle and quickly fired a round at the oncoming group. The leyline powered bullet tore through them, dropping two instantly.

“What in Tyria was that!?” a woman shouted as she dove into the dirt. One of the bandits pointed his pistol and fired multiple shots at the sylvari. One round struck one of Ceara’s shoulder pauldrons, the other barely missed her. She instinctively pulled the trigger of the rifle, sending another charged bullet at the bandit. The round missed its mark, but the energy of the bullet knocked him off his feet as it passed.

“Fight fair!” another bandit yelled as he tried to fend off Liathlas’ clones. “Man to man…or whatever you are!” He slashed at the clones with a pair of knives to no avail. Liathlas heard gunshots behind them.

“More incoming behind us! Seems they heard our party!” she shouted.

“I figured that would happen. Get ready to run.” A bullet hit the ground next to Ceara. She spun around and fired another shot, causing the approaching group to scatter.

“Go now!” Liathlas bolted for the opening. Ceara activated her force field and ran behind her. Liathlas tripped and fell as the woman lying in the dirt reached for her ankle as she passed. Liathlas sneered at her and she drove the end of her staff into her forehead, sending a bolt of energy into the womans face. Ceara grabbed Liathlas by the arm and pulled her up and they headed through the opening and back out into the desert.

#Guild Wars 2 #GW2 #Scarlet Briar #AU Ceara

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scribesofcalamity · 3 years ago

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Oooo more aboard the otome asks >:3

May I have 👋💖💋 for anyone you'd like? And then for needed angst the 💥 for anyone else you'd like!

(@uselessidiotsquad )

Thank you for the askkk! I have chosen Dalamar, my former nightmare courtier, who many of you seemed to like. I totally put too much effort into this but otome games are my next top game type right after Guild Wars. (I’m currently playing Olympia Soiree!)

Welcome to your first route in Calamity Hearts. Tyria has been in turmoil for years with the battle against the elder dragons. You have been selected to join the front lines, and in doing so, you meet the Commander’s Guild, The Scribes of Calamity. What adventures, tragedies, and perhaps love, await you?

👋 – meeting

Common Route

You made your way through the milling crowds in Divinity’s Reach, clutching your order scroll tight to your chest. You had finally achieved your dream of being on the front lines of the war against the elder dragons. You had been amazed when your directives had been to report to the headquarters of the top guild.

The Scribes of Calamity. The guild was practically legendary at this point, and while headed by the Commander, Dietrich Lee, all of the members were renowned. From the ferocious Master at Arms, Ren Soulbleeder- to the storied Astaroche, the Angel of Orr- to Eunome, their armorer and seamstress, who had just released a new fire proof cloth type to the orders for use on the ground. You gulped down your anxiety as you neared the gates of the address on your orders. “I’m good at what I do. Otherwise I would not have been chosen to report here.” Taking a deep breath, you approached the asuran tech scanner that adorned the gates. The machine buzzed to life as you inspected it.

“Hello, how can I help you?” a female voice erupted from a speaker. “A-ah,yes! Y/N, from the pact, reporting for duty!”

There was a moment of silence before the gates unlocked and swung inward. “Please, come in. I will be with you in a moment.”

You took a step through the gates, your body trembling with anticipation of the adventures that could await you.

A moment later, a woman appeared, stepping away from the oak doors of the large house that dominated the courtyard. Your eyes widened as you realized who it was-Rioko, the second in Command of the guild and a noble local to Divinity’s Reach. As she moved her flowing black hair over her shoulder, you could not help but think how much prettier she was in person, compared to the posters and holographic images you had seen before.

“Greetings, Y/N. I am Rioko. We have been expecting you. I will be showing you around today and taking you to your temporary quarters.” She took your order scroll and inspected it before gracing you with a smile. “It is a pleasure to meet you. “

“You as well ma’am!” You gave a salute. Rioko laughed. “Please, no need for formalities. You will be working quite closely with us. And as I’m sure you know, those chosen to assist occasionally become full time members.”

You nodded quickly. What a dream that would be!

Passing back your orders, Rioko gave a quick glance around the courtyard. “So, what would you like to see first?”

> Living Quarters

**>Training Grounds**

>Stables

>Outer buildings

>Garden

“I would love to see the training grounds first.” Rioko nodded. “Certainly. I believe Ren is running some training matches today, so you may get to see a few guild members in action.” Turning on her heel, Rioko led you towards the back of the property.

You could hear the training grounds before you could see them. A loud clash of metal made you jump in surprise. As you both rounded the corner, you were able to see the source of the noise. Rioko led you to the end of the fenced off area. “Oh this will be a treat! Looks like Enyo and Dalamar are sparring today.” A large female Charr twisted her axe, bringing it down hard against the greatsword of her opponent. You tried to focus on them, but suddenly their form shifted, and the greatsword ,in a swirl of shadows, reconstructed itself into a large scythe. The two clashed again and again, kicking up dust and coming ever closer to slicing the other down. You hadn’t realized you were holding your breath until a booming voice ended the match. Turning your head, you were met with the imposing sight of the Master of Arms himself, Ren Soulbleeder. Ren was almost 9 feet tall, and despite the slight greying to his mane, his muscles rippled with power under his sleek black fur. “This the new recruit, Rioko?” He called out, and you both approached. The two who had been sparring moved towards you both as well.

As you reached the three, you chose to turn towards…

>Master at Arms Ren

> Enyo Reignbreaker

**>Dalamar **

You turned toward the figure who had been nothing but a flash of shadows on the field. He was a tall sylvari, and his skin a deep charcoal. His eyes were a stunning shade of jade, and you could see the same color pulsing through his skin. The seemingly silky leaves on his head framed a sharp face, and you could see he was well muscled. He leaned against his greatsword. “That was an amazing match!” His eyes shifted away from yours. ‘I suppose.” His voice was low and deep. “I’m Y/N. I’ve been assigned to your guild.“ You held out your hand. His eyes flicked down to your hand and back up to your face. He looked uncomfortable. “Dalamar.” He stated his name without taking your hand. He turned to Ren suddenly. “I’m going back to my quarters.” Before anyone could speak, he quickly left. Rioko sighed and Ren laughed. Enyo, the other charr, took your hand instead. “Don’t worry about Dal. He’s former nightmare court, and his communication skills still lack in many areas.” You nodded, but somehow felt disappointed you had been unable to feel the warmth of his hand as well.

💖 - heart scene three

You sat on the edge of a cliff outside Thunderhead keep, staring out into the snow. You had left the inner keep for some quiet. Too many soldiers trying to make their peace with death. You stared down at your hand. “Will we really be able to defeat Kralkatorrik?” you whispered to yourself, a tear slipping down your cheek.

“Y/N”

A deep voice, that you had come to know so well, startled you out of your thoughts. You turned to see the tall sylvari standing behind you. “Dalamar…”

He moved closer and sat next to you. “Are you feeling scared?” You twisted your hands together and stared down at them. You could feel him watching you. “Honestly? Yes…what if we don’t win…? What if..I die? You bit your lip, feeling tears prick at the corner of your eyes. “There’s so much I haven’t experienced yet…and if we lose…” your voice choked up, and your shoulders began to tremble. So much had happened since you had reported to the Guild Headquarters in Divinity’s Reach. Now the very fate of the world swung in the balance.

Suddenly, a rough hand was around your shoulder and pulled you close. “Dalamar..?” You tried to look up at him, but he wrapped his other hand around yours and gently forced your head into his chest.

“It will be okay. We all have eachother. If anyone can defeat Kralkatorrik, it’s us.” He suddenly intertwined his fingers with yours, and you felt the soft touch of his lips to the top of your head. Your eyes widened as he quietly murmured to you “And I will never let anyone-dragon, god, or man-ever hurt you.”

💋 - good end

You ran through the crowd of soldiers at the base camp. The sky was painted in a million colors, and you watched with everyone as Aurene ascended into an elder dragon. It was the most beautiful thing you had ever seen, but there was only one thing on your mind. Dalamar. You had to find him. You had been separated in the final battle, as Dalamar was on the front line team, and Anastasia had enlisted you to support getting the guild’s mounts through the rifts and onto the battle field. You frantically swept through the milling camp, but did not see him. “Please.. please…”

“Y/N!!”

A voice rang over the noise. You turned, somehow unsure…Dalamar never really yelled. But there he stood. His hair was a bit tousled ,and you could see a few minor scrapes, but he appeared to be in one piece. “Dalamar!” You were running before you even realized your feet were moving. He opened his arms and you practically leapt into them. “You’re…you’re alright!” Tears streamed down your face from the sheer relief you felt. He gave a slight smile. “I told you we would be okay.” He glanced around. “Let’s move away from this crowd.” You could only nod and follow as he led you away from the main encampment.

You stood together, watching the sky shift with Aurene’s colors. “Y/N…” Dalamar’s voice was quieter than it normally was, in stark contrast to the shout that had moved your attention to him. “Yes?” You peered up at him. He slowly looked up, his jade eyes brighter than ever, glowing from within. “This battle…it made me realize something.” Your voice caught, but he continued. “Much of my life had been clouded by the nightmare. My dream was always blurry, and I lost myself to darkness. Being brought into the guild was something very new for me. They showed me what it meant to have friends and family. But you…you’re something different.”

“Something different? “ Dalamar took your hand in his. He shifted and glanced away. ”What…What I’m saying is I care for you. I have never cared so much for someone. In this battle, all I could think of you was returning to you.” He took a deep breath and looked at you straight on. “Y/N. I love you. Would you stay by my side… and become my new dream?”

You answered by reaching up to kiss him, the opalescent sky swirling above as you held each other.

💥 - bad end

You stood at the edge of Caldeon Forest, tears streaming down your face. “Sirius!!” ,you screamed as you ran towards the large white charr. But it was too late. Sirius crumpled to the ground. Standing above him…was Dalamar.

Why? Why did it end up this way? We were just supposed to pick up a last batch of weapons and supplies before heading to join the rest of the guild in Thunderhead Keep. “Dalamar?! What are you doing?!” The sylvari reaper flicked his wrist, sending a spray of Sirius’s blood off his greatsword.

You dropped to your knees beside Sirius, but the charr was gone. You gasped for breath, rage and confusion coursing through your veins. You stared up at Dalamar, who merely stood there, a cold smirk playing on his lips. “Why?!? He was your friend!! ”

His eyes narrowed into a cold and threatening stare. “Friend? How foolish. Those of the nightmare court do not have friends.”

“W…What?!”

“You heard correctly.” He was moving closer now. “I never left the nightmare court. This was merely a mission. Grow close to the commander. Learn what you can. And now…these weapons and supplies will certainly aid our court.”

“N-No” you rasped, your body numb. You had been there together, training, sharing meals with everyone…fighting for the future of the world. This couldn’t be true.

Dalamar lifted his weapon. “It is now time for us to say goodbye as well. “ The midnight black greatsword came down on you without mercy.

#Please send me more of these this was so much fun #gw2 #guild wars 2 #otome game #otome ask #ask game #reply #my characters #dalamar #sylvari #I have posted new character group refs for all my characters <3 #writing

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just-eyris-things · 3 years ago

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🛁🧣🥰 for whoever would like/need them most! :) @kerra-and-company

Thank you, @kerra-and-company ! I needed some time to think about a character for this, I'm thirsty for so,so many.......

I gave it a few days and I think I will go with Eyris and Freya. I mostly went for bath and cuddles, but blankies exist too, so a strong 2.5/3 if you ask me, hehe

Time period: post PoF, LWs4 is slowly starting. So if you haven't reached that point yet - turn back NOW. Spoilers start from next sentence and I mean it!

What's going on: after Balthazar's death, Eyris, who still suffers after her fatal encounter with him earlier, stays in Cragstead with her best friend, Freya Wyldwolf, to recover both physically and mentally.

Freya looked at the steaming water in the tub in her homestead and so her clothes fell to the floor nearly silently. As she got it and laid comfortably, hot water that was doing wonders to her tensed muscles poured over the brimms of the tub. Freya sighed with pleasure, she surely did miss it, having a perfect bath after a long day of hunting in the cold. Elonian deserts were now nothing but distant memories.

But while to her they were just that - memories - to a certain sylvari they were horrid nightmares that bound her like shackles.

That sylvari was Eyris, whose body was entirely burnt and magically partially regrown. Now she was back in Tyria, healing and regrowing as fast and as much as she could while staying in Cragstead in Wolf Clan's home.

As she awoke from an uneasy sleep she sat up and gasped for air, her entire body in pain, feeling as if she was on fire. Her rhuddin pounded painfully in her chest, her lungs did not accept the air she was delivering with her gasps. Her hands held onto the sheets so tightly that they paled.

"It was just a dream. Just a dream. Just a dream..." she kept repeating quietly, trying to convince all of her senses that what she went through just now was an extremely realistic nightmare.

It took her a few minutes to recover and as soon as she did she looked around. The entire homestead was lit up by slowly dying embers in the fireplace near which now stood a wooden tub full of water and a norn in it. Right. Freya could just bring it over from its corner if she wanted a bath by the fireplace. Eyris stumbled up and on shaky legs approached the tub while wearing nothing but an enormous shirt that clearly did not belong to her. Freya opened one eye as soon as she felt someone's presence towering above her and the moment she saw it was Eyris she sat up.

"Nightmares again?" she asked. The sylvari nodded and took the shirt off, revealing her still healing skin and a scar that like a belt wrapped around her waist. Eyris slowly stepped into the tub and sat down, ressting herself against Freya who lowered herself slightly to be more comfortable. The norn gently hugged the sylvari and with one of her big, warm hands she stroke her petal-less head, hoping it would bring Eyris comfort.

"His flames follow me, shaped into monsters whose fangs and claws tear at me... He's supposed to be dead, Freya, but can one really be dead if one keeps on reappearing in people's minds, clawing at their sanity...? What if...?" Her voice cracked and would not leave her throat, as if she was afraid that finishing her thought might cause yet another series of unfortunate events.

Freya kissed the top of Eyris's head, her grip on her slightly tightened. She whispered reassuring words into her ear, said that Balthazar was dead and she was safe, for no harm was to come her way as long as Freya breathed. Eyris looked at her briefly, then looked at the flames that danced in the fireplace.

"Somehow...this is really... calming..." she confessed. "I think this is the first time I am...okay... with being so close to fire..."

And so the time passed as they laid in the tub, partially submerged in hot water, entangled in loving embrace. But even though the fire was burning bright and kept the whole stead warm, water cooled down and both women had to leave it. Eyris trembled as she looked at Freya reaching for a towel. She could see how muscles moved under her skin, and somehow, even though they had been intimate with each other multiple times across the years, this made her feel...things.

Freya wrapped Eyris in the towel and grabbed another one that was nearby. She planned to use it on her hair earlier, but since she had it in a bun it did not get wet. As she was drying herself she looked at Eyris. She was so small and fragile. She was not the sylvari that Freya chased across the entirety of Lion's Arch. She was yet another victim of Balthazar's insanity.

Freya grabbed some clean clothes she prepared for herself before the bath and quickly put them on, only then she got to Eyris and started properly drying her.

"Oh, Eyris..." she said quietly, keeping her voice calm, hoping it would be soothing. "You're safe here. I won't let anything, and I mean anything happen to you. I promise. You will be up and running soon. We'll go hunting. We'll go grab a bite in Hoelbrak. We-"

Freya could not finish. Eyris hugged into her, trembling. The norn embraced her, held her close and tight, as if to make sure she would not dissolve into mist and disappear. " Eyris," she said, "I will grab you something to wear, add some more wood to the fire and we're off to bed, okay?" she looked at the sylvari, who reluctantly agreed. Despite everything, Eyris still was sane enough to know that Freya's plan was much better than both of them just standing there, one of them wrapped in an enormous towel.

That day felt both normal and crazy at the same time. Even though seemingly nothing changed between them, yet this evening felt different. No words or actions affected it, it was in the air. Eyris could not out a finger on it, but at this point all she cared for was to cuddle to Freya's warm body under all those covers and blankets and hides, so she just snuggled into her, as if that would protect her from both the outside world that was so cruel to her and the feelings that were flooding her mind.

"Freya," Eyris murmured as she looked at the norn's face. She had her eyes closed, lips slightly parted. She seemed to be napping, yet soon she spoke.

"You know, Rissie, I'm glad you're here. I'm glad that I can be here for you," she admitted. Eyris was silent for a moment. She clenched her fists on Freya's sleeveless undershirt. "Do not feel pressured to move forward, okay?" Freya's soothing voice and gentle strokes across Eyris's head almost made her nod and doze off. Yet the words alone got her to sit up and look at the norn with confusion in her eyes.

"What are you talking about?"

Freya blinked, a bit surprised by that reaction.

"What do you mean? I- Are we on the same page, 'Ris?" Freya raised an eyebrow. "Because last time I checked we were together but taking it slow because of you being away for most of the time."

Eyris was silent, she was at a crossroad. She could, of course, tell Freya she got it all wrong and that they were not a thing, that all they had was being nothing but friends with benefits. But she could also just... go with it. Allow herself to love again. She was not sure if this was the time in the first second, considering how horrible it had been lately, and now Aurene was missing too-

"Eyris...?" Freya's concerned voice brought her back from the depths of her mind. The sylvari cleared her throat. She had to make a decision, now, so she smiled faintly and said

"I'm here. I'm...here. thank you, Freya, for understanding... and being patient."

"Of course."

Eyris hid her face in Freya's chest. It was going to be fine. Her throat was swelling with words that she had thought she would never say again, and yet... there she was.

"I love you, Wolf girl."

"Love you, too, plant brain."

#this is...not my best work...#but had actually a lot of fun with it #i could make it more detailed etc i know i could #but tbh the writing gods have abandoned me this week #again thanks for sending an ask i loved writing it #even though i literally made 5 other attempts hahaha #eyris #freya wyldwolf #freyris #kerra and company

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wall-legion · 11 months ago

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Shiverpeaks Sylvari PS: Follow the Roots

This is the first quest for any sylvari who has aligned themself with the Spirit of Earth during CC. As a reminder, your character awakes at the base of the Pinefather, and is greeted by your season's esus. The following cinematic happens after you have loaded into Ochtachtoft: Esus: Newborn! At last. I was starting to think you might sleep the whole day away under Father's branches! PC: My apologies, sibling. This is my first time waking up. I'm still new to it. Esus: So you are. My name is (PC's season's esus). I am the esus of (PC's season). Welcome to the world, young one. PC: Thank you. It is a wonder, isn't it? Esus: Indeed, it is. Pinefather's roots truly took hold in a beautiful spot. PC: I must ask you a question, though. The Spirit of Earth has made a request of me. Esus: Is this true? How remarkable. What was asked of you? PC: Earth says something called "dredge" are tunneling under Father's roots for resources. Esus: I see. This is very concerning, and possibly too much for someone as young as you to handle alone. I will send you along with your sister Angharad and your brothers Padraig and Tinus to address this matter. The dredge can be a fearsome thing if they are properly organized. PC: Earth did warn me that I would need the aid of my siblings in this matter. Thank you, for thinking of who would be best to help me. Esus: Of course, newborn. We are family. We aid our own. Open World Upon leaving Ostachtoft, you enter the Verdant Haven, and have a quest marker directing you towards where you can find Padraig, and Tinus. Upon approaching, they start conversing with your character. Tinus: Well met, newborn! I am Tinus, Springborn. PC: I am (character name). That makes you Padraig, I think? Padraig: Yes, that would be me. I'm of Winter, as is Angharad. Tinus: Angharad is already scouting ahead for us. PC: Then we should catch up with her. There are three points where you, leading Tinus and Padraig, will follow Angharad's "traces" on the map to the spot where she is hiding and watching the dredge. Upon finding her, dialogue starts in world: Angharad: Shh! Quietly now, down by me, so they do not see you! PC: Are these dredge? Tinus: Quieter still, newborn. Yes, these are those that Earth asked you to send away. Alone they can be reasoned with, but in a group they stand and fight to the last. Padraig: How many have you counted, Angharad? Angharad: I have at least twenty. Tinus: What would you have us do, newborn? At this point you'll get a popup of your choices: Dignity - We should keep observing them for a few days. Ferocity - We should drive them off as soon as possible. Charming - We should try to speak to them. If Dignity is chosen: Angharad: I have been observing them for days on end. How many more is enough? They are a threat to our Father! PC: I respect that, but I do not want to move too soon. One more day and then we - what was that? If Ferocity is chosen: Padraig: A fitting choice. We will make an example of those who would endanger our family and our Father. Siblings, with me! If Charming is chosen: Tinus: It is worth trying. Come, newborn; I will walk with you to try and reason with them. Dredge Overseer: Halt! Who goes there? Tinus: I am Tinus, of Spring. PC: And I am (character name). Dredge Overseer: Hmph. What do you want? PC: We have been sent to ask you to stop what you're doing. The digging you're doing - it's getting too close to the roots of the Pinefather. Dredge Overseer: Hahahahaha! You hear that? They want us to care about some tree they think is their daddy! (general chatter and laughter from the other dredge follows) Tinus: I have a feeling they won't listen to reason. Siblings! To me! Regardless of option, a fight ensues. The Dredge Overseer runs away. Padraig: Tinus is injured. We should head back. We will have to find their leader later. PC: Of course. Hopefully he's not gone far.

#shiverpeaks sylvari #spirit of earth quest path #gw2 fan tree #gw2 ps rewrite

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cousinslavellan-archive · 3 years ago

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OC Interview: Terra

Draw (or use an old drawing, don't worry!) or take a screen of your character in an interview setting and make them answer the following questions!

I was tagged by @the-mystic-dragon , sorry for the delay!! Ty so much for the tag ♥ And ty @long-journey for originally creating this! ♥

INTRODUCTION:

1. Can you introduce yourself?: A quirked smile, slightly disbelieving - but almost relieved. “Pleasure to meet you - most people know me as the Commander, or Champion of Aurene. Please call me Terra.”

2. What is your gender identity, orientation and relationship status?

“I’m female, and I believe my orientation is usually referred to as demisexual.” Terra smiles again, resting her hand in her chin, “As for status - happily married.”

3. Where and when were you born?:

“Sylvari are not born the way you are thinking, but that’s not something I feel up to explaining. I woke in The Grove during the Cycle of Dusk, in 1325 AE.”

4. What is your weapon of choice and fighting style?:

“Generally, I stick to my staff and long range magic - but I’m also trained with a sword and dagger, and I swap when the situation requires it.”

5. Lastly, are you happy?:

Terra stares at the interviewer for a moment, considering. Then she allows another small smile. “I am. Tired, and still worried... but yes, I am happy.”

FAMILY AND FRIENDS:

1. What's your family like? What is your relationship with them?:

“My family is large and mismatched. Dragon’s Watch is my family, as are many others. I’d say my relationship with them is... fair, for the most part. We have our differences, our disagreements, but ultimately, we’re there for each other no matter what.”

2. Have you ever ran away from home?:

A half-chuckle. “You can’t run away, when you’re sent off to kill dragons nearly an hour after you waken.”

3. Would you consider marriage or having children?:

An amused smirk crosses her face. “You really don’t know me, do you? I’m happily married, and have two wonderful children. I’m lucky.”

4. Do you secretly hate one of your friends?:

“No. I would not consider anyone I hated to be a friend - that seems rather strange.” a pause, “There were... rifts, in the past, but never real hatred.”

5. Which friend knows everything about you?:

“Aurene, most definitely. Caithe probably knows most things, and Kas...” a quiet laugh, “And Braham, of course.”

ASKED BY FANS:

1. Are you literate? Have you been to school?:

“I am, thank you. I’ve never been to a proper school, but I can’t imagine them making someone who couldn’t read and write Commander -” Terra stops, frowning, making a gesture with her hand, “Wait, never mind, scratch that. Considering how swiftly I was shoved into the position... I doubt it would have mattered.”

2. The eeriest prediction you made that later came true?:

She grimaces. “I’d rather not say, if it’s all the same to you.”

3. What is something you were embarrassingly late to realize?:

“Plenty of things, especially regarding my now-husband... I’m sure Kas would love to fill you in, or Taimi.”

4. Do you have mental health or physical issues?:

Terra only stares cooly.

5. What is your current main goal?:

“Keep my family safe. Keep my friends safe. Keep Tyria safe.” a quiet, half-hearted laugh, “The same as it always is.”

CHOICES:

1. Drink or food?: "I suppose food, since if I wasn’t able to cook to keep myself busy some nights I might go insane.”

2. Cats or dogs?: “Hmm... I suppose dogs. I’ve always been fond of Fern Hounds.”

3. Early bird or night owl?: “Ah... does it count as both, if you rarely sleep through the night?”

4. Optimist or pessimist?: "While I’d like to say optimist... pessimist.”

5. Sassy or sarcastic?: "Heh, both.”

HAVE YOU EVER:

1. Been caught sneaking out:

“Yes - I tried to leave to look after things by myself, a few times.” a smile, this one brighter then before, “Braham always catches me.”

2. Broke a bone:

“That is the least worrisome injury I have sustained.”

3. Received flowers:

“I believe so.”

4. Ghosted someone:

“Not that I can think of?”

5. Pretended to laugh at a joke you didn't get:

A grin, “I’m the Commander - do you know how many people I have to talk to, sometimes? Definitely.”

Tagging whoever hasn’t done this and would like to! I don’t know who has or hasn’t been tagged at this point so, enjoy! ♥ It was fun to fill out, a little distraction from pain today.

#gw2 #oc interview #oc: commander terra #it was fun to sit and fill this out!#ty for the tag <3 #the-mystic-dragon

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commander-isekai · 3 years ago

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Commander Isekai - commander from an another world

A/N:

Hi all! This my tongue-in-cheek fic about a commander, who’s actually a human player from the real world, and who now lives through the game, but armed with previous knowledge about it. They aren’t happy just to follow along a story, so things will get different quickly enough. Hence their name is commander Kai, as a pun from the isekai genre. I’ve been inspired by similar fics done about other games, and I thought gw2 could be a fun one too.

Chapter One:

The Second Awakening or how I found myself in a video game world

Sometimes, all you can remember is falling. It was the only sensation I could comprehend. The world around me was a blurry, like a messy watercolor painting. If there were any noises, I couldn't hear them. I just fell.

A painfully bright light drilled into my eyes.

I woke up with a great thump, as I landed into a large pile of dry leaves. They managed to soften my landing to a degree, but I was aching from all over, like if I had rolled downhill like a cheese in a cheese-wheeling competition, determined to win the first place no matter how crumbly my state would be at the finish line.

"This fucking sucks.." I groaned, tossing my arm out and trying to find my glasses, or my phone, but only grasped more leaves. I hoped I hadn’t broken either one during my fall.

"Are you alright, Valiant?" I heard a concerned voice ask, "the awakening can be sometimes rough, but you'll find your bearings soon enough."

Oh no, had I fallen asleep outside? I had a bad habit of dozing off, but the embarrassment of sleeping outside and this kind person having to wake me up made me wish I could knock myself out permanently rather than face them.

"Yeah yeah, I'm sorry about this, just give me a minute..." I tried to form coherent sentences while pushing my hair away, but my hand gathered only more leaves? and no hair??

I pulled my hand in front of my face and yelped in surprise when I saw that it was bright lavender, a color that my regular human hands should not be, and that I was grasping purple and pink ferns instead of my regular colored human hair.

"Wh-what the hell is going on?" I looked at myself and the person helping me, and only then I realized they weren't human either, but a pea-green person who seemed to be made out of plant material and flowers. Behind them, I could see a shimmering lake and a small village, with more denizens similar to them and me.

As I gasped upon the scene, the two braincells inside my skull finally hit a nerve and made the connection that I had been missing:

A) Somehow, I was in Caledon Forest. Like, the starting zone in Guild Wars 2, an MMO I used to play lot back in the day until I got too busy with my life and other video games.

B) Also somehow, I wasn't a human anymore. I was a walking, talking, internally-panicking sylvari.

C) Last but not least, I could see everything clearly without glasses. This fact stressed me out the most. Had my vision somehow been fixed when I fell? I did like my old glasses, and really hoped they were in one piece somewhere.

"Are you feeling enough well to stand?" the sylvari that must be a mender asked me, offering a hand that I gladly took as I wobbled onto my feet like a newborn calf.

“I think I am?” I answered hesitantly, not certain if I’d stay upright after she’d let go of me.

" I am mender Lorean. What's your name?" the sylvari asked me.

" Um, Kai" I said, as the first name in my mind was the name of my commander character, "short of Cainneach, but just Kai is fine."

It didn't feel right to introduce myself with my given human name, as it was definitely not a sylvari name, and that would have revealed me being something else than your regular baby sprout. I really wasn't married to that name anyway, so Kai came out naturally. I had already used Kai as a all-around nickname, so I settled into it like putting on a new, yet surprisingly comfortable shirt.

"Alright, Valiant Kai", seeing as I could hold on my own against the gravity, Lorean let go of my hand, and explained: "Now, it can take some time to get used to the world outside the Dream. You shouldn't wander off too far from the Grove, at least not until you're experienced enough. You should find anything you need inside the city, and the mentors will help you along. Caithe also asked me to tell you that she wants to speak with you, when you are ready."

The mender that helped me did not seem to comment on my errantic behaviour - they must have seen a wild variety of saplings in their time.

"Wait, why do you keep calling me a valiant?" I asked, trying to wrap my head around what I could remember about Caithe. The total sum was not much - an assassin with a troubled past: a guild of heroes that basically cut ties after a failed dragon killing quest and ex-girlfriend who's in the lead of the bad Nightmare sylvari. That'd be a lot for anyone.

"Caithe told me, about how you joined forces with her to defeat the a large nightmare beast in the Dream. That must be a sign of a great Wyld Hunt", Lorean explained, and asked curiously: "don't you remember the Dream?"

Oh right. The Dream, or the tutorial part with the big dragon monster. I somehow completely skipped that in this new, 4D-supported version of Tyria. At least I did not remember experiencing anything resembling fighting a giant dragon to death, not after waking up here. I had an inkling that telling so would only raise more questions, and I had plenty of those myself.

"Oh yes, it's all coming back to me", I lied with a practiced straight face, "I must have just hit my head hard when I awoke, that's all. I'll be on my way now, thanks!"

I waved and nearly dashed to an exit before Lorean could respond. They were being just nice, sure, but I needed a moment for myself with no one else right now, or I would explode on the spot.

'''

Not far from the village, but enough far that no one would hopefully bother me, I made my way to the large pond, to really take in all the changes.

"Oh no, the fireflies are actually that big", I grimaced when I saw a group of the flying creatures gather around one of the light-giving plants, "That's going to take some time getting used to."

I sat down next to the water's edge, and I could finally take a look at my new features. They were nothing like what I'd been used to - instead of soft skin, my face was hard, bark-like texture. My hair was like plant's leaf, yet sturdier - it hurt when I tried to pull it. My form was different too, almost like I had had a second puberty without knowing it - my limbs were taller than what I had been used to, and I felt my presentation was more masculine than what it had been when I was human.

The more I sat and contemplated my situation, everything around me seemed to make no sense. I was stuck in an unfamiliar body, in the role of the main character of a video game, and while I did not remember every detail of what happened in the story, I knew it wouldn't take long for things to get hairy. Why I was here? Why did I look like this? No matter how I tried to rationalize it, I had no answers, and I was only left with piling up frustration, and tears began to form in the corners of my eyes.

“Hey, are you alright?” A new voice dragged me out of my depths. It belonged to a blue sylvari with a mushroom-capped head, and whose leaf-like outfit seemed to grow naturally as a part of their body.

“I don’t know, it’s just - a lot of stuff to process. The whole awakening, and everything”, I told them as honestly as I could.

“You seemed to be a little more lost than the other sprouts - and I do not mean that in a judgmental way”, the sylvari said and hold out something: “here, take this, it will help.”

“Oh, thank you”, I accepted the carved bowl that seemed to be made out of a giant nut, and the gentle smell of pumpkin soup overwhelmed me. Gods, I realized only now how starved I felt, like I had not eaten properly for days.

“I don’t have any money, or gold-” I tried to say, but the other sylvari cut in quickly:

“Do not worry about it! I hope you have a pleasant evening!”

The sylvari took off, and I was too mesmerized by their kindness towards a random stranger like me that it did not even occur to me to ask their name. The soup, still warm in my hands was a temptation too great to resist, and I wasted no time devouring it.

Maybe this world isn’t too bad after all, if people are gifting food freely to others like that, I thought to myself, earlier anguish almost completely forgotten.

#gw2 #guild wars 2 #yes the player is like free soup free gender? yes please

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akurathereaper · 4 years ago

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An insignificant rant on HoT&PoF

As everyone knows, yady yady ya, everyone prefers HoT, whatever

I’m one of those people and I’m about to rant about this too.

THIS IS NOT A SPOILER FREE RANT

I will be talking about story elements and stuff that happens in both DLCs.

I like Path of Fire, I really do, it gave me Elona, it gave me agent Kito whom I wholeheartedly pity cuz he has to deal with the Commander, it gave me more of Aurene (and it gave me Joko on whom I can shit on when I feel bad)

But, it didn’t give me maps I like (and I will tell you why) (please note I am no game designer, or designer in general. In fact, maps designed by me would be probably shit, but I still believe my opinion is valid, because I am a person with eyes that can see)

This is going to be a small rant when it comes to maps, now mark, english isn’t my first language so there may be nonsensical sentences, and I am no professional critic so all of this is coming from my heart, not my brain.

Ready? Let’s go

So I’m going to do a little comparison (nothing too much in depth) of the four maps from each DLC (plus Domain of Vabbi but I don’t have much to say on it if I’m honest).

We have Verdant Brink, Auric Basin, Tangled Depths and Dragon’s stand from Heart of Thorns, and Crystal Oasis, Desert Highlands, The Desolation, Elon Riverlands and Domain of Vabbi.

Let me start with HoT, because it makes logical sense.

When you first start the Heart of Thorns campaign, you’re told to go from Silverwastes to... Verdant Brink. You get a small taste of it right before you enter it, in that cave where the injured pact members are talking about it. And then you load in (hopefully, if your pc doesn’t reenact an atomic blast), and first thing you see, when you walk in on that VERY SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED LEDGE

is absolute carnage.

Ships are strewn about, hanging in pieces torn apart by Mordremoth’s vines, smoke and fire is everywhere, that part of the jungle is ravaged not only by Mordremoth, but also by you. Your Pact. And in that moment you exactly realize what happened (if it wasn’t obvious from the cutscene that played before it *cough cough*)

But now you see it. The map tells you a very obvious story, and you don’t need to be a genius to figure it out. It tells you and SHOWS you exactly how strong and dangerous the Dragon you’re hunting is. It shows you what you have to overcome. (And if you’re me, you’re crying cuz Trahearne got kidnapped)

I’m going to skip the storyparts of this map, but will instead focus on the meta of it (since i’ve done it like trillion times). There’s five main crashpoints. Each has to bring their all to successfuly make this map “safe”. The nobles, the Pale Reavers, the quaggan and her soldiers. Everyone. I’m guessing that after you kill all the five champions, the area becomes safe enough for you to move on, after all, you’re the Commander, and you cannot leave everyone to die in the middle of the Jungle. Once again, the map tells you a story through the gameplay)

And then you move onto Auric Basin (I’m guessing it’s a lot of people’s fav map)

Oh, Auric Basin... The map instantly breathes “something”, something different. You KNOW you’re somewhere else, the whole atmosphere tells you that you’re somewhere forgotten, somewhere where the touches of humans, sylvari, charr, whatever main race, have not reached.

Your first instance of it is most likely the story instance, so you get introduced to the place pretty quickly. I don’t have to say how gorgeous the city actually is, right?

The whole place is an archaeologist’s wet dream. And again, the map tells you, it shows you, it’s story, it’s history (the Priory people are wetting themselves over the whole thing), and sometimes it’s the Exalted themselves who tell you the story. But you can gauge a lot of it just from observing. It’s not the most effective of cities, I’ll be honest, but it’s a damn impressive one. After all, Tarir was build for Glint’s scion.

And the meta? It’s about PROTECTING the city. Protecting it from Mordremoth, from destroying it, from destroying the safe place for a dragon’s egg. You stop Mordremoth from leaching the place with Octovines (or an exalted does it for you. Kudos to you, immortal and endless exalted), and you don’t rly realize the importance of this place until the whole Aurene thing happens.

And oof, Tangled Depths.

Tangled Depths, one of the most hated maps in the entire expansion, a thing (imho) that can be very much blamed on the map limitation (I’m talking about your map, where you see where you are and where the waypoints are, etc.) Like, honestly, wouldn’t it be a WHOLE lot easier to traverse if your map made actual damn sense? But I digress.

Tangled Depths is probably one of the lesser impressive maps? Overall, I very like it, although it’s story has to be unearthed and explored actively. It’s more of a bland looking pie with delicious filling.

Tangled Depths is quite...a good map. In a way. Don’t throw trash at me, please. I also hated it when I had to walk through it, but I learnt the shortcuts and then traversed with relative ease, so I stopped seeing the whole map as a nuisance and started seeing it for what it was.

Such an untouched piece of history... The Rata Novus? Rata Novus? Hello? Asura lived here?

The Ogres, making their village there? The Nuhoch, fighting for their survival with the Zintl hyleks and the Chak? The Chak? Such new and interesting creatures who literally eat magic! In the middle of the jungle, you see such life, such vivacity, even in the midst of Mordremoth’s reign of terror.

And the story of the meta is tying in so nicely to the overall thing! You’re literally tunneling into Dragon’s stand, to reach old Papa Mordremoth, and you’re doing it with the help of everyone on the map! The Ogres, the asuras (well they dead, so their robots lol), the Chak (yeah, Chak bois be helping, not rly it’s just the lane lol), and the useless easy line! You’re charging a thingimajig that blasts a hole through the ley-line empowered wall and bam, you’re in DS. (Excuse me it has been a while since I was in TD) And Chak bois are on your ass trying to eat it cuz magic but that’s so the meta is interesting.

And then... My favourite map. Dragon’s stand.

I played this map... probably more than I should’ve, but... the way it is structured is simply so interesting! Three lines, for three leaders, each battling their way through the jungle to get to the Generals, to get to the Mouth of Mordremoth. And along the way, you gain more and more allies, more and more people to help you fight this noodle! You get the ogres, the itzel, the nuhoch, the skritt(!), the exalted, the... THE NIGHTMARE COURT? *cough cough* cut content *cough cough*. Yeah, some don’t get an explanation, but you see everything that you have done, everyone you have helped in the previous map, go help you out in this one? You see them and protect them at the last island (and the whole map is just one giant meta and I LOVE IT (it can be a point of criticism as well, since it’s quite hard to explore if the meta ain’t done and the last few pois are impossible to get if MoM isn’t dead)) and it’s just so epic

Everything you did was leading up to this moment, this last battle, this last stand, the DRAGON’S STAND. And the battle was just... epic. Epic, is all I can say about this map and it’s story. (Shame the Commanders/Generals were cut out, as we have no clue who they were, and knowing something about them would make it a bit more meaningful in fighting them)

To conclude.

HoT is focused as hell. You got a goal: Pop a cap in Mordremoth. And you’re going to do it. You got twice the motivation if you’re a sylvari. Each map is designed to give you the build up of the fight, first you see what Mordremoth can do, then you see what’s at stake, and then you gotta fight for it. The fact the maps are gorgeous (If a little (bit a lot) laggy) only helps the overall feel. Anything and Everything can and will murder your ass, and you gotta be ready for it.

Now onto PoF maps. This segment is going to be shorter, because in all honesty? PoF, I like you, but you’re just... well, you’ll see. Hopefully. This is after all just my opinion lol.

Oh and if you got this far? Kudos lol I ramble a lot. <3

Anyway, PoF maps.

So the opening to PoF is... quite good? It’s a bit out of your control but it does it’s job imo.

You come in on an airship, and you see the land spread before you. You see a pyramind, and you think “Oh hell yeah, pyramids.” I would LOVE to just be able to explore the area, you know, have a chill opening, but PoF is about FIRE and FIGHT so, you fight and try to save the people and it’s very chaotic and everything is on FIRE OH GODS.

So you chase this mysterious person, you get introduced to the raptor village, all goes well or bad, and then you are directed to the city of Amnoon (since we’re still in a story instance), so you go. Amnoon is very pretty, and following the tradition of MMO cities very impractical, but hey, rule of cool. The whole time you’re not rly allowed to explore anywhere or look at anything, you’re focused, sure, but you’re also very distracted, you get me?

You want to look around, you want to explore, but you’ve just been attacked by this Herald woman and you’re tired of politics. The opening of PoF isn’t bad, but it is very different from HoT, as in HoT you first SAW the carnage Mordy did and THEN you went on down to help the remaining survivals, whereas here, in Oasis, you kinda.. live through it? You see it first hand what Balthy is doing, while in HoT you only chased the aftermaths of the massacres. This works differently for everyone, and I personally prefer the HoT approach.

PoF is very open when it comes to the story, as in you are not AS limited to instances as it was with HoT, sometimes it works to its advantage, sometimes.. it doesn’t.

The way PoF maps jerk you around is very confusing to me. You explore Crystal Oasis, then you go to Desert Highlands, then to Elon riverlands, and you gotta go back down through the Oasis to get there, so you are already trudging through the land you already know (and since you have mounts they took full advantage of making the maps bigger, but it makes them feel... emptier? Like I get it, it’s the Desert, but still...) so you get to Elon riverlands, you do your thing there, then you go to Desolation, then to Vabbi. Nice. Okay.

In none of these maps, there is a story meta. None. No impressive whole-map meta where you gotta all cooperate to keep the map stable. Nothing. There is no use in me trying to analyze these maps, for they are just... backdrop to what’s happening. Balthazar this, Balthazar that. Oh no Kralky is awake, and oh look we met Vlast for like 2 seconds and then he immediately ded.

I’ll be honest... I don’t remember much of PoF before chapter 9 The Departing (because that chapter was fire. Lol. get it), which saddens me immensely. I remember most of HoT. Where what happened when it happened how it happened, I know, and if I don’t know immediately, in few minutes my brain serves me the entire instance. I could probably play HoT blindfolded.

This is a very shallow look into why I probably don’t like PoF as much as I like HoT.

To try and conclude my very messy terrible rant essay:

Heart of Thorns used its maps in a way that showed you with gameplay what’s in store for you. It used maps in a way to help you build that anticipation of the fight, of everything you sacrificed along the way. The maps are smartly connected in a way where with each map you delve deeper into the jungle, deeper into the mouth of the beast. Sure, they lag as fuck, but the PoF maps do so too, don’t lie to yourselves. With each map you meet new allies that help you along the way.

In Path of Fire I just... don’t get that feeling. I run from map to map, mindlessly following the green star, hoping I will stumble upon something interesting on the way. In Heart of Thorns it was the opposite. I was walking around the map, breathing in the atmosphere of the place, and stumbling upon the green story star. I feel like the Elona desert did not get such justice as it deserved. I trudge around the maps, I complete the maps to get the reward, then I move onto the story. My interest in the whole thing only started to pick up once I freaking DIED for gods’ sake.

My hopes for the End of Dragons, which is happening in Cantha, is that I get more of that focused map design. That story in gameplay, that map-wide meta that will have me grind my teeth at 10pm on a work/school night. I don’t need Drizzlewood metas (an inferior Dragon’s stand, mind you) that are like 2-3 hours long. A 30 min prelude and 30 min metas are fine. An hour long meta if you have the idea for it, but... give me map stories, Anet.

Feel free to share your own feels about the different feels between the DLCs. I will GLADLY take in PoF preferrers. What did you prefer in PoF? What did you like in it? Give me your opinions, give me your take on everything.

And thank you for reading my overly long rant essay, hah.

#gw2 #guild wars 2 #Path of Fire #Heart of Thorns #guild wars 2 Path of Fire #guild wars 2 Heart of Thorns #If you open the rant #there is a sort of a tl:dr at the bottom #to try and conclude my very messy terrible rant essay it is called #feel free to reblog and comment on #or just ignore lol

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