RP:S1, E12 Theoduin & Seldanna

From HollowWiki

Summary: Taly ends up meeting Larz's grandparents.

New Forest

This area has been totally renovated in the recent weeks. Where once lay desolation and corrupted earth, now lies the lush greenery that belongs in such an enchanted place. The recent revival of the Pixie kingdom heralds this sudden change, the Master Druids? powerful magics spreading like roots of magic throughout the surrounding lands. The dark scars of the terrible fire that ravaged this area remain, deep scorches along the earth, a horrible reminder of the malicious destruction unleashed here. Of the vegetation itself, all is once again lush and fertile, some of the ash from the fires serving as fertiliser to feed the new trees as such is life's way. The new boughs seem to glisten and shimmer slightly in the warm sunlight, retaining a new aura of majesty, a symbol of natures power. From the corner of your eyes, you catch a faint glimmer and upon turning you are confronted with a sight of true wonder. Nymphs, Fairies and Pixies wok together in unison to repair the lands they call their home, weaving powerful magics to help heal the remainder of damage. To your west is the path that leads back to the tree town of Kelay, the Pixie kingdom lies in a southerly direction and east takes you further into the new forest.



Largakh was waiting near the spot where him and Taly agreed to always meet eve though he planned to move it because of last time. He wasn’t even sure she would show up this time as the previous adventure did not turn out as planned at all. He sits alone, sharpening the arrows to his arrows while waiting. He continued to wear long sleeve shirts and slacks to keep most of his skin covered - it’s just what he’s used to anymore.


Talyara arrives about fifteen minutes later she normally wood, coming into the area at a jog. She was dressed in her leggings and boots but this time, a forest green sleeveless shirt clung to her body. The pretty bow Larz has bestowed upon her is pulled across her body and her hair is secured in a high ponytail that bounces with each stride. “Hey!” She calls out with a friendly smile wiping a bead of sweat off her brow with the back of her hand. “Sorry I’m late,” she says panting slightly. “Got held up...at the...sanctuary.”


Largakh returns her smile with his own crooked grin and doesn't move on right away since she seems out of breath. He offers her his canteen of water if she needs it, “I'm just happily surprised you still showed up.” New friendships are hard for him and he's unsure if their last encounter made them closer or put them on thin ice. “Don't get comfortable here, once you catch your breath I know a more secluded place.” For some reason or the other one of his sleeves had been pushed up to his elbow before pulling that sleeve back down and there one of the blue spots almost make the shape of a heart, but really - it a like clouds, you see what you want to see. Once she does catch her breath he would start to walk toward their new destination, “everything okay at the sanctuary?”


Talyara graciously accepts the canteen and takes a long pull from it, exhaling an “ahh” when she is done and handing it back over to Largakh. She smiles softly at his words and chuckles. “Why wouldn’t I show up?” And he might notice some surprise in her expression. Taly’s head tilts sideways as she looks at his arm and grins. “Looks like a heart,” she informs him inclining her chin towards his skin. “Does that mean you’re a hopeless romantic?” She teases with a grin before answering his question. “Yeah everything is fine! We had a dog give birth to puppies overnight so I was just tending to them and making sure everything was okay.” Or more like cooing over how freaking adorable they were! “Where are we going?”


Largakh glanced down at what she was talking about and let out a slow awkward chuckle, “I guess it does look like a heart… Uh, I guess I wouldn't know.” He slides his sleeves back down and grins at her teasing. “Oh?” He says in deep thought before he easily suggests, “maybe in a couple weeks when they are more mature we could bring them to the orphanage in Gualon, the kids would really like that.” Deeper into the forest they go and their path becomes less traveled, “watch your step.” He points out large roots snaking over their path and if she were to lose her footing his hands were at the ready to stabilise her, but he goes on with more warnings. “There is an archery range at my grandparents’, I hope you don't mind. They already made a bad impression on Lana,” he gives her a knowing smirk, having put together they are sisters. “They might be a little wary of elves I bring around, I've been used before.” As they get nearer she could pick up on the scent of that sweetbread being freshly baked from the rustic cabin hidden in the woods. There was a few farm animals and a small garden, an elven couple in their early one thousand years were slow dancing on the porch. They were lost in each other and adorably oblivious before Larz embarrassingly and loudly clears his throat, causing them to separate immediately like teenagers caught. “Larz, my boy…” The grandfather stops and studies Taly for a moment before Larz quickly introduces, “Grandfather, grandmother, this is my friend Taly. Taly, this is Priestess Seldanna and Healer Theoduin.” After their greetings he looks to Seldanna and mentions, “I've been showing her what I know of Archery, may we use the range?”


Talyara grins widely and it shines in her emerald green eyes. “Suuuure you don’t,” she continues to tease with a very knowing wink. Still, she follows Largakh deeper in the woods and promptly trips over a root just as he beings to warn her. She gives a quick squeal before catching herself. “I’m okay,” she says with a small blush and taking more careful, deliberate steps. “Ooh I’d love to bring the puppies to the orphanage! I mean, who doesn’t love puppies?!” Taly bounces with each step but she pulls up short. “Wait you know Lana? You met her?” The witch wrinkles her nose and gives Larz a once over. “She didn’t hurt you did she? Do I need to apologize for anything she did?” Taly was probably semi serious. When they come above the homestead of Larz’s grandparents she aw’s quietly when she sees them dancing, that sweet smile returning to her face. “I bet this is where you learned to be a hopeless romantic,” she whispers to the half-orc giving him a playful nudge. When he interrupts the love birds and introduces her, Taly bows her head respectfully. “It is wonderful to finally meet you Priestess Seldanna and Healer Theoduin. Larz has spoken very, very highly of you both.” When he mentions the reason for their visit she gives her head a small nod. “If it’s not too much trouble, of course. I would hate to impose.”


Largakh filled her in on how he ran into Lana and she accused him of being some spy when he was on his way to deliver some things to his grandparents, but she was harmless. He quickly whispered back, “sort of, but I've never been in a serious relationship.” The way he said it was more fact and less sad than it sounded because really he could care less. His time is spent taking care of his grandparents, his job, and donating a lot of his time and money to the orphanage. Larz watches his grandparents’ reactions, Seldanna smiles - probably overthinking why Larz his spending time with a female elf while Theoduin was studying the elf with suspicion, but Seldanna is the one to break the silence, “greetings Taly.” She was the picture of grace and beauty as she seemingly glides down the porch steps towards them to shake Taly’s hand, “I’m surprised Larz has not mentioned such a pretty elf friend.” Taly would find the priestess’ hand has callouses in the same spots Larz does, “come.” She waves Taly to follow and slips her arm around the girls shoulders like a grandmother would to her favorite grandkid, “you two arrived just in time, Theo made his delicious sweetbread.” Larz follows behind and sort of grimaced at how embarrassing his grandparents could be, but respectfully keeps quiet. The priestess leads Taly and Larz to the back of the house where a proper range was set up. Seldanna spots Taly’s new bow and grins, “that is a beautiful bow, Taly. You've got quite the expert taste in your tool, expensive too.” Larz interrupts, “thank you *atara*” elvish for mother, “ready Taly?” Seldanna knowingly grins up at Larz who gives her a sort of suffering look back, like to silently say, ‘can you not?’ The grandmother stays and watches as Larz instructs Taly, obviously she was the one who taught Larz to shoot.


Talyara nods her head as Largakh explains how him and Lanara stumbled upon one another, rolling her eyes when he informs her that her sister accused him of being a spy. “Sorry,” she mumbles but there is a small grin curved on her lips. Taly does her best to not exude nervousness upon meeting Larz’s grandparents; she’s a smart woman and has seen how others treat Larz and can only guess why his grandfather is giving her a suspicious look. Still she keeps the smile on her face and it only brightens when Seldanna comes down from the porch and shakes Taly’s hand. At the compliment, Talyara’s cheeks flush a pale pink and she is quick to shake her head. “I daresay, my supposed beauty pales in comparison to yours. I see some of your features in Larz,” she answers, her eyes shining and she glances back at the half-orc before being swept up beside the elder elven woman. The witch immediately relaxes against her—having lost her mother Talyara hasn’t felt a maternal touch in a long time and it is comforting. As she follows Seldanna through the house and the latter compliments her choice in bow, Taly’s eyes flair and she looks over her shoulder at Larz, giving him a pointed look. “Is that so?” Still, she looks back to the grandmother and chuckles. “Well you grandson has good taste in tools, I see. And a generous heart.” Further conversation is cut off by Larz who gestures Taly towards the range. The witch takes the time to scoop up her hair and tame it in a ponytail before taking up her proper stance. “Like this, right?” She asks Larz.


Largakh goes to correct something minor on Taly, but he watches as Seldanna cuts in, telling Taly, “very close, Taly.” She pushes up her elbow and straightens her back, but she sees the issue here. “Oh, let me get a wrap for those,” Larz was embarrassed now and watched Seldanna rush off to the home while he steps a little closer to Taly, “I apologize for what is about to happen next.” This was something his grandmother had told him about when he first started, but did not apply to him. Before he knew it, Seldanna was back and Larz sort of stepped off to the side and turned his back. “Put the bow down, arms out,” the priestess commands Taly and placed the start of a bandage wrap under Taly’s armpit, “hold that there.” The woman carefully and respectfully starts wrapping the bandage around Taly’s bosom while explaining, “this will help you get closer to your bow and become one.” Larz’s head drops to his hand, even though she was doing this over Taly’s clothes it was still awkward. Once Taly is all wrapped up now he steps in once more, “okay. As you were,” he bend down to her eye level and helped straighten her elbow out. The target was further away this time and he instructs, “okay, deep breath. Eyes on that nasty drow’s face, your feet are tree roots, listen to the wind,” this was from their second lesson, where he showed her that sometimes wind could push your arrow if it was strong enough. “Now, focus your arrow and guide it,” he backs off to allow her to try. Her shot should be stronger and farther with the wrap.


Talyara initially looks towards Larz when he goes to correct her form but is pleasantly surprised when Seldanna steps in to offer her own bit of coaching. When she scurries off and Largakh offers his apologies, Taly gives him the most confused expression until Seldanna returns and instructs her to put down the bow which is promptly handed off to the half-orc. The witch obliges, holding the wrap in place, as the elderly elf begins to wrap up Taly's bosom; while others in the realm might faun over her sister's shapely rear, Lana had told Taly on more than one occasion that she possessed the greatest bosom in the land. A faint pink twinge colors Taly's cheek and she refuses to meet Larz's eyes until Seldanna is done and she takes up her bow once more. The druidic witch falls back into position, allowing him to straighten her elbow a bit, before she takes a slow deep breath, visualizes the drow patron at the end of the target, and plants her feet. She focuses on her breathing for a moment before allowing her arrow to fly. She is shocked at how much stronger her shot was and is pleasantly surprised when it sticks to the target, even if it was more left than she had intended.


Largakh smirks, impressed while Seldanna claps approvingly before she asks, “Taly, dear. Are you a descendant from priestesses?” Larz became quiet as he almost knew this would happen. Taly is reminding his grandmother of her deceased daughter, Chandrelle, and instantly making a bond with the girl… He felt with was probably not going to go too well because he never knew his mother, but he’s sure Taly won’t be the same and she cannot fill that void... Yet again, maybe they are good for eachother - only time will tell. He watched as his grandmother doted on Taly, giving her encouraging words and plenty of tips like, ‘women have way better balance than men - so this comes easier to us ladies.’ Before they knew it a half hour passed and even Larz started practicing next to them. Then she started to tell embarrassing stories of Larz starting out for the first time to which Larz pleads, “*atara*,” which earns him that sweet soft smile that melts his heart and he just shakes his head. He looks over his shoulder as Theoduin informs them that the bread is done cooling and if they want to have some while it lasts they better get inside. “Taly, are you going to join us?” Seldanna puts her arm around the girl again and smiles as if to say ‘of course you are!’ all the while walking towards the cozy cabin. “It’s so nice that Larz found a good friend, are you single?” At this Larz was thoroughly embarrassed and he said shortly, “*atara*!” He tells Taly before she even answers, “don’t answer that.” An embarrassed grin, “excuse her.”


Talyara grins at the praise she receives, even if slightly flushed. "Well, sort of," she says with a small shrug to Seldanna. "My mother was the high priestess of our coven back in my old land, but I don't think that's what you mean," she admits almost shyly, tucking an errant lock of hair behind her tapered ear. Taly appreciates the doting and continues to shoot at the target, improving with each shot of an arrow. "I like the idea of being better than men," she says with a playful wink at Larz. The little witch particularly likes the embarrassing stories that Seldanna tells about the half-orc, giggling at each one but feigning innocence whenever he looked her way. As Theoduin calls out that the bread is ready and Larz poses his question, Taly opens her mouth to respond but finds herself scooped up by Seldanna once more and ushered into the house. "Well, of course. If I'm not a bother that is." As the walk, Taly beams at the grandmother. "Well I am lucky to have found a good friend like Larz. I don't have many friends," she admits almost shyly when Seldanna suddenly asks if she is single and Larz attempts to intercept. "I am not currently seeing anyone, no," she says with a small chuckle.


Largakh sighs and wonders if this is what hell feels like as he gets the door for them, fully expecting that Taly would never talk to him again after this. Once inside Taly would see a warm home, many memories of a long life, their proof of their pride in Larz and tasteful decorations. “A holy priestess, but our types could be similar. Have you ever tried using holy magic before? If you don't mind me asking, how old are you Taly?” It may be evident that the pair don't get many visitors since being shunned and instead of sitting at the table while his grandmother embarrasses him, he helps his grandpa with the food. “You aren't?? What's a beautiful woman like you waiting for?” Larz heard Seldanna ask while he brought over the snack and then he asked Taly, “milk, or just water?” With an expression on his face as if to say ‘give me a sign and well leave.’ The grandfather, sort of wary of people that hang around Larz sits next to Seldanna while setting a scrutinizing gaze on Taly. He asks in Sylvan, “are you originally from sage? I'm sure you know of what happened to our family and have been warned not to come here?” Larz doesn't know which is more embarrassing now, his grandmother's prying or his grandfather's grilling. He gives up, gives Taly another apologizing grin after he sat down and starts eating the freshly baked sweetbread.


Talyara’s bright green eyes take in the home when they make it inside, a soft smile curved on her lips. While it was different from where she grew up, it reminded her of the Home she grew up in. Well lived in and full of love. “I’m not sure how to answer that,” she answers Seldanna honestly. “We believe in a God and Goddess and the elements. My mother, as a high priestess, was able to call upon the Goddess and invoke her in her magic. I have called upon Her, but never have become Her. I mostly use the elements in my magic. Manifest fire, comfort the wind, manipulate the water, commune with the earth. That sort of thing. As for my age...” Taly blows out a heavy sigh. “I always believed I was a half elf up until a few months ago when I found out I was full. If I had to guess I would say about 160-ish?” The witch appeared to be in her early to mid twenties but wasn’t positive as to her real age. Taly takes her seat and feels her cheeks flush a bright red when Seldanna asks about her love life. “Well...” she starts before nipping her bottom lip. “I haven’t found someone the way Theoduin looks at you, the overwhelming love you two share. I’m afraid I loved someone like that once but it was reciprocated,” the witch confesses with a sad smile. When Larz returns she looks up at him. “Just water, please.” She didn’t mind the questions although when Theoduin finally sits and begins his interview, Taly’s anxiety heightens slightly. Still, she responds to him honestly and in sylvan. “No, Sir, I’m not originally from Sage. I grew up in a village away from this land called Kelvar. Unfortunately, I was forced to leave years ago and I found myself here. As for visiting, it is an honor, truly, to meet you both. Especially you, Sir. I hear from Larz that your healing abilities are something of legend and as an aspiring healer myself, it is truly an honor to meet you.” While Taly might be sucking up slightly, her words were genuine.


Largakh watches as Seldanna smiles warmly at Taly and her hand placed over the younger elf’s, “it stumbles into your life when you least expect it… You won't be looking for it and it will take you by surprise.” It was then the old couple catch their gaze and recount their chance meeting while Theoduin slid the slice of bread to Seldanna that he cut into the shape of a heart. Larz is used to this and it's sickeningly cute that they still seem to be in the puppy love stage in life. “She shot me with a holy arrow and mocked me the entire time she watched me heal myself,” Seldanna corrected him, “not mock you. I was reprimanding you for wandering aimlessly into the hunting area,” Theo chuckles, “it was the only way to win your attention.” He winks at her and she blushes, Larz politely cleared his throat and collected any empty plates while saying, “well, it's time we get Taly back to the newborn puppies at her Sanctuary.” Total possibility even if it is a lie. The priestess coos, “are any of them available for adoption?” Larz patiently waits for that discussion to end before continuing, “Thanks *atara* for the proper lessons. Thanks pop for the addicting sweetbread,” he motions towards the door and asks Taly, “shall we?” The grandparents stand with Taly if she does and Seldanna pulls her in for a tight hug, “you come back anytime for archery lessons.” Theo put together to go packages of the bread, sandwiches, fruit and cookies for both Larz and Taly. When Theo goes to give Taly her care package he goes to shake her hand, “if you are serious about learning from a healer I'll be here.” The way he looked at her was uncertain she would even show up, maybe she would look at it more of a challenge.


Talyara smiles kindly to Seldanna when she mentions love stumbling onto you, out of nowhere and when you least expect it. Maybe she was right, she seemed to know, after all. As the old, married couple recount how the met Taly uses this time to eat her slice of bread and drink her glass of water, chuckling when the pair go back and forth countering the story. When Larz mentions it’s time to go she nods her head, patting her lips with a napkin. “They will be!” She informs Seldanna. “As soon as they are old enough and weaned from their mother I will adopt them out. Let me know if you are interested!” Then comes the pomp and circumstance of standing and getting ready to leave when Taly feels her small frame swept into a hug by Seldanna which she quickly returns. “I would love that, thank you,” she tells the woman with a smile, referring to the archery lessons. The Druidic witch graciously accepts the care package from Theoduin whom she gives what she hopes is a reassuring smile. “I would be honored to study under you, Sir. And I promise I’m a good student.” With a nod to them both Taly would make her way out the door to allow Larz the chance to say a private good bye. When he joins her, the witch beams up at him. “Oh, Larz they are wonderful! I can see where you got your big heart and kindness from.”


Largakh had opened his mouth ready to apologize with how his grandparents were acting, but she spoke before he had the chance. For a moment he was quiet, looking down at her in disbelief, “really?” She compliments him in a way he'd rather be, on his merrit, not on his looks. He would blush if he could, but all he does is grin all coy and glances away, “thanks.” He walked along next to her, again warned her to watch her step, but if she wanted to be held out his hand to help her. “I'm actually surprised my grandfather suggested to show you his healing techniques. He tried to pay Lana off to leave me alone in case someone was paying her to hurt me… She thought he was calling her a prostitute and ran off crying. I stood up for her to him and he's ready to apologize if she ever comes around here again.” Silence rests comfortably between them before he mentions, “people don't usually visit them, only if they really need something and have no other choice, but wish to remain anonymous. I'm glad they warmed to you and didn't make you uncomfortable.”


Talyara beams at Largakh and nods enthusiastically. “I mean, I could tell your grandfather was sizing me up but I understand his caution. And your grandmother...” Taly smiles even brighter, her green eyes sparkling. “She reminds me of my mother. It was nice...to feel that maternal care again. I’m happy they didn’t think I was imposing.” The little witch is quite clumsy in the best of days so as they climb over the tougher terrain she gladly takes Larz’s hand. When he tells the story of Lanara she does her best to keep her face sober but it doesn’t work and soon she has burst out in a fit of uncontrollable giggles. “Well I sure hope they don’t think I’m a prostitute!” She teases. “No they didn’t make me uncomfortable at all! I would love to see them again, if it’s alright with you of course. I hope they didn’t embarrass you too much.”


Largakh let out a playful sigh and shakes his head, “oh jeez, don't tell her that… I could only imagine she would try to adopt you if you told her what you've been through.” He laughed along with her when she teases, but his tone becomes serious, “they sacrificed a lot to raise me. They imparted their endless patience to me and I have everything I am to owe them… They don't know about my nightmares or the prophecy and fortune teller, I just couldn't make them worry anymore.” He looks down to Taly as they walk hand in hand and if she felt she wanted to drop his now there weren't any roots in the way he wouldn't blame her, “I feel bad for not sharing with them, but if it's not true I don't need them stressed out about it…. Just imagine, raising someone to be good and patience even when there is evil in their blood to come to find out it was all for nothing.” One could really tell that disappointing his grandparents would be just about the worst thing in his mind, “they are another reason I try so hard.”


Talyara laughs along right with Largakh when he mentions not brining up her past for fear of being adopted by Seldanna. ”I promise I won’t say anything...yet,” she adds with a conspiratorial whisper. Despite the smoother terrain she doesn’t think to let go of Larz’s hand, instead listening quietly to his concerns. “Oh Larz...” she says looking up at him sympathetically. “Don’t you think they would want to know? I bet they could soothe your anxieties. I mean, I won’t force you too and I promise to keep your secret. But you are good man. Truthfully, one of the best I’ve ever known even in the short time we’ve known one another.”


Largakh gives her a playful nudge at her mischievous nature, “I would have to compete for their attention if they did that, you would easily be the favorite.” Her own concerns are not thrown aside, “I know, there are so many times I have prepared what I would say. At least to warn them and get them to plan where they would stay away from me if that did happen.” Then she's complimenting him again, another bashful sort of grin spreads across his lips and he stops in their old training area while eventually letting go of her hand, “thank you, Taly. That means a lot,” awkward silence before he tries to change the subject, “let me know when you are able to bring the pups to the orphanage in Gualon. I think the kids would love that, and after I'll bring Seldanna by to pick one out… I'll pay whatever it coats and buy the food, too.” A shrug, “it's the least I could do for them.”

Talyara sticks out her tongue when Largakh gives her that playful nudge. “Don’t sell yourself short. They’ve loved and cared about you for many years. I’m just the random...well the second random elf you’ve brought over. Trust me, I’m noting special.” Taly considers his words thoughtfully before offering her own. “Well, if the time comes when you do want to open up to them but you don’t want to do it in your own, let me know.” She doesn’t come out and say it but she was offering her moral support. When they reach the old training area and he drops her hand she realizes she’s held onto him the entire time. “Sorry!” She quickly apologizes almost bashfully. “The pups should be able to visit in about a month and then when they are two months old Seldanna can come pick one out. I’ll let her choose first,” she says with a grin. “And no adoption fee.”


Largakh nodded once, “uh huh. I’ll stop selling myself short if you do.” A slow half grin spreads across his lips once more at her offer to help him with that issue, “I think I will really like that… I will let you know, thank you.” He raised a brow at her when she apologized, “for what?” Being in deep thought for a long moment before he finally clued her in to what he was thinking, “would it be a good idea to let the orphanage adopt a dog or two? It could teach the children responsibility and caring for something else other than themselves. If they are trained right they would protect them too,” he scratches the back of his neck as he asks, “what do you think?” It was be accident he was standing quite close and when he turned to her he had to tilt his head down to look at her, “between archery lessons, your sister’s dance lessons and you bringing around baby animals - these kids might actually get spoiled.” It wasn’t a complaint, but sounded more like a wish.


Talyara doesn’t elaborate on why she’s sorry, not wanting to draw attention to it and possibly make things awkward. When he comments on the witch selling herself short as well she gives a small smile. She knew had a habit of this but it was hard to break. “You don’t need to thank me for being a friend,” she says with a small chuckle. “I care about you. I want to help in anyway I can.” When he adopts that pensive look she arches a brow curiously but doesn’t interrupt his train of thought. When Larz looks down at her she peaks up head up at him and grins. “Yeah I think that would be a great idea. As long as there are adults surprising of course I’m sure they’d love it and like you said would give them a sense of responsibility. And hey, they deserve to be spoiled.”


Largakh didn’t want their little adventure to end, “I care about you too, Taly. If there is anything you need at all - let me know.” He didn’t know what came over him, but he pulled her in for a hug, she would roughly only come up to his chest so his arms cross behind her shoulder blades. “You are a good friend, Taly.” Once their hug ended and she was off with her own ‘Rolafir’ care package he watched her go to keep an eye and ear out for anymore bullies before turning the opposite way to head back home to Gualon.


Talyara’s doe eyes widen in surprise as Largakh pulls her in for a hug but she doesn’t hesitate to return it, her arms wrapping around his middle as her cheek pressed against his sternum. When the hug breaks she gives Larz a smile and wave before heading off into the woods and back to her small cottage.