RP:Bringing in Skylei

From HollowWiki

Part of the I Got 99 Problems, and a Congenital Defect is One Arc



Synopsis: Josleen and Skylei meet after some time apart. Despite the lingering strain on their friendship, Josleen tells Skylei about her vulnerability to a specific type of magic and asks for guidance moving forward. Eliason finds Josleen and Skylei in town and approaches awkwardly. He and Josleen engage in doublespeak which leaves Skylei frustrated. Regardless, Skylei agrees to return soon to help Josleen formulate a plan to tackle her problem. The trio part ways tensely.


Xalious Village

The Xalious summer is ushered in by a force much more powerful than the revolutions of the planet and the intensifying warmth of the sun. No, this force does not reside within the walls of that esteemed tower, and his elbows have never rubbed with Hollow’s wealthy elite. But his voice does carry an accent - an accent which he would have you believe is Rynvalian, but is unconvincing as such. He immigrated to Xalious long ago, and his name was surely not given at birth. Papa Fellow he calls himself, because, as he is eager to tell and retell, he is old enough to be your father (your age is irrelevant in this equation) and he is a fellow traveler. He will tell you this despite the fact he stopped traveling nearly 3 decades ago when he came across the quaint village of Xalious and opened a small restaurant near the village center, providing the only place in town that offers truly exotic cuisine. Rynvalian cuisine, he will tell you, and again you will be unconvinced. At times, when Papa Fellow’s wrinkled dark body reaches up for a high-shelved pot or pitcher, his shirt will lift to reveal what is surely gang tattoos, but you’d be hard-pressed to guess which gang and from which city. And so it is this man of mysterious origins and an ever-smiling face that ushers in the Xalious summer. He marks the change in season by moving his restaurant tables and chairs onto the street under large, colorful umbrellas he wove himself. It is also the only place in town that offers outdoor dining, and Josleen always takes advantage of this marginally urban experience. It’s the perfect place to forget her provincial roots and persistent residence, despite her best laid efforts. It is the perfect place to pretend she lives a cosmopolitan lifestyle in a city with more than 30,000 residents. Three tomes pile high at the center of her table behind a too-sweet lemonade, and the fourth book splays open before her. Golden pinecones, foul-smelling weeds, red speckled berries, and other peculiar flora fill a shallow basket resting beside her chair.


Skylei :: Once upon a time Skylei had heard the stories told by Papa Fellow and grown excited about the concept of getting real Rynvalian cuisine outside of the island. She had been sorely disappointed, but the people of the village keep flocking back to his restaurant, in spite of its lack of authenticity. The funny thing is that most of the inhabitants of Xalious haven’t strayed far beyond the borders of Kelay, Cenril at a push, and thus don’t know exactly what Rynvalian Cuisine is. They see something outside of the usual cakelog and, to them, it must be exotic. This, Sky believes, is likely the only reason that Papa Fellow gets away with claiming such utter tripe and nonsense. Today, Skylei only heads in the direction of the restaurant because, following the hike up the hill, she’s hot, sweaty and in desperate need of a drink. She wouldn’t instantly recognise Josleen. She’s too busy panting and pushing her sweaty bangs out of her eyes. Once she re-emerges from within with a glass of water in hand, she goes to take one of the free seats beneath one of the woven umbrellas. Before she sits, she would spot the half-elf and instead make her way towards her. In the sunlight she would cast a dark shadow over Josleen as she flicks the cover of the book that she reads to ascertain the subject matter. No semi-naked women span the cover and there’s no subtly disguised erotic title. Skylei pulls a face, “Looks a little intellectual for your usual tastes.”


Josleen is so engrossed in her book that she completely misses Skylei’s entrance and sweaty pacing. It isn’t until Skylei’s shadow rudely darkens her page that she looks up to be greeted with an insult - typical Skylei. Josleen has a new theory that their friendship was forged out of necessity for survival in a foreign city, then today lingers out of habit and nostalgia. “Nice to see you too?” She invites Skylei to join her table despite her chafing. “Opening with an insult is poor form, you know.” She shuffles the bottommost book from the center pile towards the top and opens it to a bookmarked page. Skylei has surely read this tome before. It is Kyl’oriel’s comprehensive encyclopedia on dangerous flora - plants that bite, sting, poison, and even cast fireballs. A box has been drawn in pencil around a forgettable blurb within the “Central Plateau” section of the encyclopedia. The blurb describes the obsidian swamp flowers native to Gualon that secrete a weak natural magic that enchants rodents and insects to the swamp so that they may fall prey to swamp snakes. The snakes’ wastes nourishes the flower, and thus a small symbiotic eco-relationship comes full circle. Josleen waits for Skylei to finish reading the paragraph before elaborating, “The magic is so weak it affects nothing larger or more intelligent than a rat - and even then, particularly clever rats could escape its charm. I read that elsewhere, in another of my father’s books.” She flips her current book 180 degrees so that Skylei may read the budding intellectual’s current interest. This book details naturally found reagents that improve magical resistances. The current chapter focuses on enchantment magic.


Skylei furrows her brow as she takes a seat, “That wasn’t an insult.” She genuinely hadn’t meant it to come across as such but, with Skylei’s inability to read social cues it’s no wonder she hadn’t been able to express the proper sentiment. She leaves that conversation to die awkwardly and instead takes her cues from Josleen and looks down to the books that span the table. She would nod as Josleen explains. She’d read that book and had her own set of notes, meticulously taken from Kyl’oriel’s books sitting somewhere amongst the madness that was her desk, “Aye, I know all that. I don’t even think the rats have to be that intelligent.” Skylei laughs at the idea of anyone being enchanted by the plants magic, “I would say that over time it’s likely many of them gain some kind of immunity to the magic anyway.” This particular idea is prompted by the second book, “But your father knows a lot more about that kind of thing.” Skylei continues to scan the page attempting to ascertain what interest Josleen would have in such things, “Is your father doing new research? Are you helping him?”


Josleen grins at Skylei’s defense and jokes, “Well in that case, I fear an intentional insult from you.” Josleen’s chafing passes quickly and she smiles to indicate no harm lingers. Indeed, Josleen cannot dispute that she spends most of her free time reading about meaningful stares sent across fancy parties by star-crossed lovers. Josleen busies herself with her lemonade to prevent any more emotions from blossoming on her face. Instead her face puckers at the sweetness as if it were sour. “Hmm, no,” she answers. “And if he was, he wouldn’t enlist me as an assistant, I can assure you. No, actually… it’s a bit embarrassing and baffling - I meant to tell you sooner, but…” But she was distracted by something she means not to tell Skylei. “I was enchanted by those flowers.” Her chin nods in the direction of the encyclopedia. “Thankfully I am too big a prey for the snakes, but my presence attracted a troll! Thank Sven an avian named Arcos chanced by and flew me to safety. I already sought out Lydrain about this. We went back to the flowers, and lo I was charmed again by them.” She pulls a face at the memory. “Lydrain ran a series of tests and it turns out I can resist other, er, magic sub-disciplines such as transmutation, as expected, as-is normal, but when it comes to emotional-type magic… I have no defense at all.”


Skylei nearly chokes on her water when Josleen states that she has no defense to emotional magic. When somebody gives you bad news, or simply news that you don’t know how to respond to, the unfortunate knee-jerk reaction for many people is to laugh. Skylei is, unfortunately, one of those people. Her water choking turns into a snort which turns into a miniscule giggle. With a cough, in an attempt to disguise her laugh, Skylei pulls a face that she hopes reads sympathy, “How… unusual. I mean, did Lydrain think there was anything that could be done about it? Or is it just a case of avoiding those swamp flowers?” The giggles well and truly suppressed now, Skylei is able to offer more intellectual viewpoints and perhaps some comfort, “I have to confess, I’ve never heard of someone who has a complete magical deficiency to only a sole subset of magic before. I’m sure it’s happened though.” Of course, the fact that Josleen had sought out Lydrain prior to Skylei herself stings bitterly, but Sky has the sense to let that indignity die. After all, that would require confessing as to her whereabouts as of late. Skylei and Josleen’s friendship has dissolved into one fraught with bitterness and secrecy, even if on the surface it seems functional.


Eliason hobbles down the street, leaning heavily on his cane. His course would insinuate that he is coming from the Tower. Blue eyes actively move about as he walks as if he's looking for something in particular. Inevitably, his eyes fall on the familiar women sitting on that outside dining patio and he freezes. He mutters a soft oath and turns about, looking for a fast way to escape before they see him standing there looking like a complete idiot.


Josleen isn’t sure what to do with her face as Skylei spurts and laughs. Normally, when in doubt mirror behavior, but Josleen doesn’t particularly feel like laughing or faking a laugh. Her chin dips behind a hand as it comes up to snake through her hair and shield her face from the town village. Her expression oscillates between a grin and a grimace, favoring the grimace as the situation grows increasingly awkward and embarrassing. The tension builds uncomfortably until Skylei speaks. Still hidden behind her hand, Josleen answers, “Lydrain doesn’t know what comes next. He is doing research, as am I. He will start with charms and potions and the like. He says the problem with external aids is that if I had a true enemy who wanted to do me harm, they could design a work-around that aid. Fixing my vulnerability internally is preferable.” She pauses purposefully, filling the silence with tension to dissuade Skylei from speaking. “I was going to go to you first, you know. But I didn’t know how to reach you. You told me you left Raphaline’s house, but didn’t tell me where you went next. Where have you been?”


Skylei is still chafing beneath the surface. Josleen might have tried to ease her bitterness with that excuse, but it does little to actually soothe her. Still, Skylei would attempt to conceal this with a faux-understanding nod, a smile and a myriad of hand gestures, “Ah. I’ve been working on a new project. Hunting traps mainly, but using more complex methods than those that are currently used. I think they could save time and manpower. I’ve been researching and travelling a lot.” Skylei shrugs, “I forget about people when I’m working.” Skylei, in her time as Josleen’s friend has developed and perfected the ability to mutate the truth flawlessly. Indeed, Skylei doesn’t know if she’s ever had a conversation that was entirely honest in the duration of their friendship. This lie, Skylei tells herself, is for her own self-preservation and for that of Josleen’s safety. No one can know. She would quickly change the subject back to Josleen’s congenital defect, “Speaking of travel, I’m sure I can speak with some of the people I know out in Cenril or Rynvale if you’d like. I’m not an expert in that field but I’m sure some of them will have more information than I do. And Cenril library alone has a wealth of information.” As for Eliason, Skylei doesn’t see him. She’s too busy dealing with Josleen.


In contrast to Skylei, Josleen recalls days when she was entirely honest with the scholar. Those days predate that greatest lie of all, that Josleen has forgiven Skylei. That lie marked the start of Josleen’s dishonesty and distrust with the other woman. And to wit, Josleen believes this lie herself. If asked whether or not she has forgiven, she would quickly look off to the side, hesitate, then say ‘Yes, of course, Skylei is a dear friend.’ Josleen exhales slowly and leans back, flipping her hair over her shoulder and opening up her periphery to catch a sight of Eliason. His large frame is unmistakable, but surely Josleen is mistaken. Abruptly she glances towards the square and confirms that he is here, in Xalious, where she lives with her legitimate lover, alongside her parents and lifelong friends and acquaintances, the people who know her life intimately, people such as Skylei who sits before her. This is where he appears in broad daylight, and his significance is marked plainly on her stupefied expression. She quickly jerks her stare back towards her book and whispers. “I’m feeling faint.” Lie number 87. She does, however, burn a scarlet red.


There is no hasty way to make a retreat, in fact there is no 'hasty' anything for Eli in his current state. He is faced with three options: #1 go back the way he came and try to circle around. Of course, his legs could very collapse underneath him should he choose this option. #2 walk on and pretend like he didn't see the women. If he does this, they could see him and be terribly offended. #3 approach and greet boldly. This incarnation of Eli has developed somewhat of a bold streak... Well, bold-ish. And so without further adieu, he sighs, sets a pleasant appearing expression on his face and resolutely begins his march straight toward the pair.


Skylei still hasn’t spotted Eli. It’s only as Josleen’s face turns red that she turns to peer over her shoulder and she makes out the hulking form of a man she’s not seen in quite some time. Indeed, the last time that Skylei had seen both Josleen and Eliason they had been shouting words of hatred at each other up in Frostmaw, the time when the very first cracks in Skylei and Josleen’s relationship had been seen. Since then, Skylei has been excluded from the part of Josleen’s life that includes Eliason. So, as she turns her face back to Josleen’s scarlet visage, she would misread Josleen’s feelings entirely due to lack of knowledge and makes a quick decision. Instead of believing that Josleen feels faint, she instead mutters under her breath to the half-elf, “You don’t want to see him? Do we need to leave?” Strained as their friendship might be, Skylei falls into her natural role of protector of Josleen against discomfort.


Josleen very much wants to see Eliason every day in various states of undress. However, the wise thing in this situation is to let Skylei whisk her away. It’s dangerous to be seen in public with this man, especially in Xalious of all places. If it got back to Ezekiel that Josleen was seen lunching with Eliason, things would go poorly for her at home. She should leave now. “No, it’s alright. I can stay,” she replies dramatically, hamming up her alleged distress. Skylei’s tone gives away her misunderstanding of the situation, and Josleen manipulates this to her advantage. “I don’t think he will shout at me this time around.” She makes a show of steadying her breath and sipping her lemonade before smiling up at Eliason. Very quickly the danger of the situation transforms into a thrill. Here they are with a massive secret between them, exclusive to them. “Afternoon, Collin. It’s been so long! I am glad to see you are walking again.” Josleen does her best to train her arousal off her face and pose, and succeeds thanks to years of bardic training. Her only mistake is that she stares at Collin longer than is necessary.


Eliason :: It's a very surreal situation that Eli is walking into. Jos with her smile and very clear message and Sky with her trademark protective eyes. Both so familiar and yet so strange with the passing of time. His eyes pass between them several times before he responds to Jos's greeting. "Hello... Yes, Sabrina did a great job with my therapy. At least I'm on my feet again." His eyes swivel over to Skylei and he lowers his head in a short bow. "Sky... It's been a long time. It's good to see you."


Skylei just blinks at Josleen and her sudden change of heart. This situation would be confusing for someone who had a decent grip on social realities and so, for Skylei, it’s a minefield. As Eliason approaches and Josleen comments on some kind of injury Skylei stays silent. In her opinion, if he’d wanted to talk about it, he would have written to her (does he have her current address? Probably not – Skylei moves every other week) and, as he hadn’t, she doesn’t see it as her place to ask or even comment on it. Even when she’s addressed all she does is nod and utter a short agreement with his statement. She doesn’t understand what to do, she doesn’t understand what to say and so she simply sits there in silence, pulling one of the books on the table towards her so that she might tune out of this weird reality and think about something that she does understand. Over the top of the book, she watches the pair whose relationship is near famously impossible to ascertain.


Josleen bristles at the mention of Sabrina, but the only outward expression of that jealousy manifests in her gaze as it tears away from Eliason for the first time since his arrival. “I’m glad,” she says to Collin while looking at Skylei. She quickly assesses Skylei’s interest in Eliason, still insecure after their last reunion in Frostmaw, but the scholar’s disinterest in the paladin reassures her. She addresses Collin again, her gaze slow to catch up to her words. “What attracted you to Xalious today?” The corner of her lips hidden from Skylei lift into half of a knowing grin.


Eliason can't help but smile at Skylei's discomfort. It would seem that time has not changed her social skills even if it has demolished and rebuilt his own. Jos's words bring his attention back to her and her question has his own eyes turning away, a flush rising up in his cheeks. "I, uh... well, I'm staying in town a few days... I've been up to the tower to see if there's any... magical way to help me fully recover."


Skylei :: Dull, dull, dull. As far as Skylei can tell this is the world’s least interesting conversation. The only reason she doesn’t get up and leave get on with her own business is that fierce, strange, possibly misplaced loyalty that she feels for Josleen. In spite all of the bitterness and resentment that burns between the two of them, she had seen the look on Josleen’s face when her eyes had found Eliason. Something isn’t quite right. She knows that much. Yet she misses that secret smile and knows naught of the liaisons between the two. She marks Eliason as a threat to Josleen’s happiness and thus, in spite of the fact that she seems to be flicking through the book she is watching and waiting. If he so much as puts a foot wrong…


Josleen makes a conscious effort not to oggle the length of Eliason’s familiar form - would that she could. She watches his lips move and the desire to kiss him is palpable on her tongue, and yet her exterior behavior is as dull as Skylei believes. Poor Skylei’s loyalty is rewarded with neglect. Josleen is too busy double-speaking and playing a game of tug-o-war with her more base desires. “I see. And have you found everything you need?”


Eliason shrugs and runs a hand through his hair in that all-too-familiar way. "Not yet... They're doing some research so I am going to stay at the Destrier. But... uh... I don't want to interrupt you two anymore. I'm going to go." He sets a friendly hand on Sky's shoulder and smiles. "It was a pleasure as always, Sky..." His eyes then fall on Jos and he offers her a genuine smile and a wink. "Jos... I'm sure I'll see you around." With that said, he turns and, leaning heavily on his cane, hobbles off toward the Inn.


Skylei sees that wink. So subtle, Eli. Suspicious eyes fall on Josleen, then on Eli’s retreating back and then back to Josleen. The interaction she had witnessed was not the logical follow on from the last interaction she had witnessed. But the Eliason she had just witnessed was not the man she thought she had known once either. A thought; the truth, not that she knows that, fleets across her mind but she dismisses it. She had told Josleen once that, if she walked away from Collin for Ezekiel she had to be sure and she could not change her mind. Skylei, stupidly, has too much faith in Josleen’s goodness and that promise that she misses her fallibility and believes her incapable of such an action. Her head hurts; this is far more than enough human interaction for one day. Placing the book down on the table she would get up, “I need to get to Craughmoyle. I have things I need to collect. Are you sure you don’t feel faint anymore?”


Josleen likes it so much more when Eliason plays her game. Unfortunately, he’s a novice player. He started out subtle and sexy, then reveals his hand. Sven dammit, Eli. Go to jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Thankfully Skylei seems to have missed it, or at least she says nothing to reveal she suspects them of anything untoward. She watches Eliason go as well then smiles at Skylei’s concern. “I’ll be alright, thank you. I’ll sit for a bit, finish my drink, then head home.” Truth, truth, truth, lie. “Visit me when you’re back in town? I think I figured out what I need to do to fix my problem, but I can’t do it alone.” She sends Skylei off with a cheek-to-cheek kiss. “Galu,” the elven word for good luck and good bye.


Skylei nods when Josleen says that she’s feeling better. Her duty done and Jos’ safety ensured, Skylei just wants to leave but she is forced to endure the typical Josleen farewell. She does not respond in kind. There’s no fondness and she as good as shrugs Josleen off when she has finished with the kiss. Her confusion at what she has just witnessed manifests itself so that it appears as though she is having a tantrum and she simply scowls at Josleen, “I’ll see you soon.” No more, no less. Then she leaves.