[The Restwood] Out For A Stroll

[Andaer Syl'lithar]

Timestamp: 16th Brightening of Ioannes, Summer of Era XIII Post Fractum

Manwë Syl'lithar strolled casually down the aesthetic paths of the restwood just before midday on a bright sunny day. He was in a state of euphoric calm, his senses drinking up the calm breeze, the warm dry weather, and the sheer beauty of nature on either side of him. As he strolled, he pondered. As content with his home and his life as he was, he couldn't help but feel that he needed a little adventure of some sort. His life so far had seen him witness the passing of great warriors, devoted magicians, and honorable bureaucrats. But for all he knew of each particular discipline of life, he had yet to take to one and devote to the path of mastery. He had felt himself leaning more towards the adventurer's lifestyle, finding politics to be boring and, more importantly, corrupt... but he still couldn't put his finger on what he wanted from life. He hadn't found himself.

[Chrysannia Syl'lithar]

Flitting silently alongside the thoughtful Manwë the one who watched him waited for the right time to show himself. Not one to intrude on the thoughts of an elf in deep thought, Val'ryn hid in the golden and silvers of the Restwood flora. He had left at the behest of Chrysannia Syl'lithar, the famed Lady of Syl'rosya.

"Forgive the intrustion Heru," Val'ryn said softly his leather wrapped body emerging from the folds of the foliage in a respectful bow. " The Arwen Syl'lithar wishes your presence at the Moonspring Vale. Please, follow me." Turning on his heel he once more melted into the forest not pausing for Manwë to collect himself. He would know the way to the Vale of House Nloulian.

It was true that Sindl had closed off the Vale in his time of grief for his slain daughter. He would not keep it locked to those that persisted enough and held two of the most powerful men in her hands, so Chrysannia was let in. The Vale in the summer was at the height of its era of beauty. The countless berry bushes, thousands of flowers flowed gracefully alongside the new saplings and the ancient trees that stood sentinel over the Vale. They all fed off the life giving water that welled up through the seventy-two springs that came from undergrond and fed the Duin'en'Coia.

It was at one of the exit points of a free flowing spring that Chrysannia sat at a table of supple darkwood in a chair wrapped in plush emerald velvet. Near to the Lady was another, the elf Sidara the Ladies trusted advisor and handmaiden. The Syl'lithar leader lounged languidly in a gown of crisp blue satten that drapped lovingly over the trim curves of her body. Her delicate hands cupped softly around a silver tea cup that held an aromatic tea.

"Welcome, counsin would you care for a bit of refreshment?" Chrys asked her amber and silver flecked eyes showing soft comfort as they closed over her kinsmen.

[Andaer Syl'lithar]

Manwë was shocked out of his meditative introspect by the peaceful intrusion of an elf male he knew to be a servant of his cousin, Chrysannia Syl'lithar. After regaining composure, he began to trek after the messenger, wondering what the reason behind his cousin's call could be. He hadn't seen her in a while, what with her being entrenched in the politics of House Syl'lithar and the Combine. His cousin was the prime example of what he didn't want for his life; constantly dealing with the politics of an increasingly amoral world. But perhaps this meaning could help put some things in perspective for him.

Lost in thought, Manwë's feet absentmindedly carried him down the paths to the Moonspring Vale that he had walked many a time in his youth. His feet knew the quickest ways around the place, and he soon found himself entering the vale, it's natural beauties enveloping him like a soft blanket. He found himself face to face with his radiant cousin, looking every bit the regal bureaucrat that she was.

"Vedui. And yes, I would love something to drink, if it isn't too much to ask." He replied courteously, taking a seat before the Lady Syl'lithar.

[Chrysannia Syl'lithar]

Chrysannia gently raised her left hand to indicate that the lady servent come forward to serve the newly arrived guest his drink. "It is a light tea taken from the gardens of Luviel, truly refreshing." She introduced the selection then took a drink herself to show her cousin that it was delicious.

After Sadara had poured her cousin a cup and stepped back Chrysannia was silent a few moments longer. She gazed quietly into the flora of the Vale her eyes taking in the beauty and tranquility of the area. Finally letting out a soft sigh she turned her golden eyes back to her kinsmen once more.

"Tell me dear cousin, what have you been doing with yourself over the last few eras? We do not get many chances to talk like this with the business of The Combine and my ever increasing trips to Medonia. Have your parents begun to search for a suitable bride for you?" Asking with her right eyebrow in a soft incline to show the importance of the question.

[Andaer Syl'lithar]

Manwë accepted the cup of tea from the graceful servant with a gentle, "Thank you." After taking a few large sips, he smiled at his cousin. "It's delicious." She was gazing off into the vale, and he didn't suppose she heard him. Soon though, she sighed and returned her gaze to him. He pondered her questions for a moment, taking another sip of tea, before replying.

"I haven't really been doing much of anything. I guess you could say I've been floating. I haven't really decided what to do with myself, I guess. I mean, I know one thing, the life of a politician is not for me." He chuckled a bit at his statement. "No, I'll leave the political affairs up to you." Still chuckling, he moved on to the next question she had posed.

"As for a wife..." He paused for a bit. "They have been looking, but... to no avail." With that, he took another sip of his tea and found that he had almost finished the entire cup.

[Chrysannia Syl'lithar]

Nodding her welcome to her cousin Chrysannia listened to his reply on the subject of his life. Her face as hard and cool as stone as she took in his words. Amber eyes flashed briefly at the mention that he had no purpose yet in life nor a prospective wife in mind.

"It seems that you are indeed floating, cousin." Chrysannia spoke softly over the lip of her cup before taking another sip. Moments passed between her swallowing, placing the cup down and her constant gaze at the younger elf before her.

"Do you not yet have any thoughts as to what you may pursue in terms of study? Glioca I know is always looking for prospective students to tend to the Starflower Grove. Also in the same category as Glioca and her Druids are the members of the Aesoteric Circle. Or would you prefer to fight alongside Yssan, Siaren and Jaraelium in the Emerald Warders?" Chrysannia wished to get a feeling for what her cousin wished to do in life. Once she recieved that she would be able to help him achieve his goals. There would be no member of the Syl'lithar family born to do nothing, she would be sure of that.

[Andaer Syl'lithar]

Manwë steeled himself under the unforgiving gaze of his successful, and obviously disappointed cousin. He considered his words for a bit before answering her latest question. " I want adventure. I just don't know where to begin. I don't want the life of a soldier. Drill, train, sleep, drill, train, sleep, move out..."

He continued in a monotone voice until he realized he had overemphasized the point. "Not only do I want adventure, I want to do something great. I guess you could say I'm a bit of an idealist." His mind lingered on his many walks through the forest, where he had often pondered recently this very subject. "I suppose a good place to start would be the scimitar. I'm intrigued by it. It's an elegant weapon, and I wish to know the intricacies of it. I suppose it will be easier to secure my destiny if I have the ability to handle myself outside of Syl'rosya." He wondered for a bit at the motives behind his cousin asking him these questions now.

Manwë set his cup down and looked his cousin in the eye. "Do not think I will bring disgrace to our family name. I will honor it, and I will make you proud. You will see." He paused. "I'm just having a bit of trouble deciding where to start.

[Chrysannia Syl'lithar]

Chrysannia waited in a bemused silence at her cousin drone on about the life of the military. It did not please her to know that he mocked the life of the men and women that fought and died so he may live in such a way. She would not mention it though, he was an adult even as misguided as he was. He would find out in his own way the way things worked in the military, she would make sure of that. A simple request to Master Yssan would bring the young lord up to date with how military life truly was. Or she would allow him to sit ignorant as he was now.

"I have seen the land that belongs to the empire of the forgotten Allerians and that now belongs to humans. I have seen much of what it has to offer, death, disorder that runs rampant in a world of chaos. There are few places in this world that offer refuge to our people Manwë and they are far between indeed. Not even on my travels to Medonia, ancient Elhame that it is, was one I enjoyed. It is a city of humans and elves that wish to be more like them. The world outside our borders, outside our forests is not for us." Chrysannia did not wish for him to leave the protective forests, she did not wish it for any elf. She would rather keep her people within the safe confines of their homeland so no harm may happen to them.

"I have no worry about you disgracing our family name young lord. We are a proud family and you a member of it, you will do the name well in time. I have no doubt in that nor your abilities to do so." Motioning for the servent behind her to come forward and refil the cups.

Waiting until the servent had done so she took another small sip before she gave her cousin an answer on his choise of weapon. "The scimitar is a graceful weapon, I have seen the masters of the curved blade use it. The Dorin are truly the creators of the blade for they are unparalelled in its use, something you would do well to take from them." She recounted a time when she had seen a large Dorin legionair wield his magnificent blade against the dark elves that had attacked their home. "I could see why you would wish to learn it. Have you decided on who you will seek out to teach you?"

[Andaer Syl'lithar]

Manwë waited for his cousin to finish before sipping on his refilled cup of tea. Her description of the world outside Silrosia told him that she would not approve of a life of adventure, or at least it wouldn't comfort her to know that a member of the Syl'lithar family was off facing peril in a distant land.

"I think your view of the world is maybe a bit biased. Perhaps it would be an easier transition, leaving the wood, if it were not our custom to be such isolationists. The humans have spread their culture to every corner of the empire, albeit clumsily and through error. But they don't find the world outside their home quite as unforgiving as we do."

His thought shifted to his training. "I hadn't thought much about it. Who among the houses would be able and willing to train me, do you think?" He asked, sipping his tea.

[Chrysannia Syl'lithar]

Chrysannias eyes flashed with fire and emotion for the first time since the conversation between her and her cousin began. The liquid amber of her eyes turned hard and cold as she looked at him. Her soft tan darkened in color to include a subtle shade of red. Anybody that knew Chrys well enough knew that she hardly ever got worked up and when she did it was Aeternia come to Telath.

"Your words resemble the words of our long dead Prince young cousin. It was the wish of Moonstone to go into the empire and adventure. He gained a position in the imperial court, married the princess, started a rebellion, was killed and due to his actions killed countless thousands of our people." Her anger was not a raging torrent but a controlled fury that slowly crashed over her cousin. "Is that not a good enough reason to wish to be left alone within our forests and away from the eyes and ears of humans?" She asked a curved eyebrow cocked strongly in his direction. Apparently she had forgotten about his training in the sudden onslaught of her anger towards the much younger elf.

[Andaer Syl'lithar]

Andaer suffered through Chrysannia's onslaught of aggression. When he was sure her rage had subsided, he set down his tea cup. "Calm yourself, cousin. I don't want revolution. But that doesn't mean the world couldn't use a little elven influence." He realized that no matter how he worded his ideologies, it would only anger the Lasy Syl'lithar, so he changed the subject.

"So, what of your opinions on my training? Any suggestions? Perhaps one of the Lords or Ladies of the combine would be able to instruct me." He hoped he would be able to deter the angered elf from her tirade with questions.

[Chrysannia Syl'lithar]

Chrysannia didn't do as her cousin had suggested, she instead once again placed a mask on her face. The anger still raging within her at her cousins words and suggestions. She would spare him this time, there was no need to have the young lord avoid her.

"The human empire could use some elvish influence yes. It is not our place to decide though, the De Lylles are no longer on the throne. There is no longer any elves that have the power to do so. We are content in our forests, our home and that is the way it will stay until we can find a better alternative." Finishing her words she called forth the servant to remove both hers and her cousins cup, if he was finished or not.

"Walk with me cousin." Chrys ordered as she stood from the table. She waited for him to be beside her where she would place a hand on his arm. Leading her young cousin through the grove Chrysannia was silent in thought.

"As to your training, I think it would do you good. Everyone needs something in their life to devote time to. It will keep your mind sharp and give you purpose. Now as for one of the leaders of the houses instructing you I will put a notice out to get you a teacher. It may take a few brightenings, but it will be done." Stopping him to smell a lilac bush she smiled as she breathed in the fragrant scent.

"Is there anything else you wish to speak or know about?" She asked him her amber eyes once again the soft warm liquid it was when he first met with her.

[Andaer Syl'lithar]

Andaer wondered if his cousin was merely hiding her anger at his words, playing politics with him, but he decided it didn't matter either way. He nodded politely to the servant as his cup was whisked away, and stood to walk beside Chrysannia. "That's a good idea," He stated, at her suggestion of putting a notice out for a teacher.

As he stooped to smell the lilac bush she had indicated to him, he decided to ask his cousin about one piece of history that intrigued him. "What of the Salkarien Ostaea, the Sword Dancers?" Most of what he'd said had caused some sort of negative reaction with his cousin, and he hoped that this question would not also inflame her temper.