[SE] Breathe Again
for Rexanna
Jigano Silversmith
the Sage
Provost of the Loreseekers Soul Shepherd
Portal Guardian
Age: 36 | Height: 6'2" | Race: Attuned x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 12 - Strg: 30 - Dext: 45 - Endr: 38 - Luck: 42 - Int:
ISUMA - Mythical - Griffin (Venomous)
Played by: Cirago Offline
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Posts: 3,914 | Total: 7,219
MP: 10170
#1
Time spent apart made the time spent together all the sweeter, this Jigano already knew from their months of cautiously circling each other, slowly drawing closer and closer until the magic of the festival - and the honey beer - had spun them tightly together at last. The thought of the previous night brought a smile to his face as he walked slowly towards the great Wheel of Fire on the second night of the festival, one far softer than any he usually let slip.

He had definite hopes for later on in this night, too.

For now, however, he walked alone with a light step and a purring Isuma on his shoulder, a simple white candle in his hand. The night before he had lit one with Amalia and Rory, all fey mischief and a fierce, wild affection he had never known himself capable of before. Tonight, however, was a more introspective trip, and he drifted to a halt a little ways back from the wheel to let a couple ahead of him light and place their candles in privacy while he tilted his head back and basked contentedly in the light of the stars, his own pale hair a river of shining moonlight down his back.
Rexanna De Rosieres
the Penumbra
Queen of the Hollowed Grounds

Age: 34 | Height: 5'4" | Race: Ascended x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 4 Abandoned (Level 3 Ascended) - Strg: 19 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 20 - Luck: 9 - Int:
Played by: Skylark Offline
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Posts: 1,453 | Total: 13,495
MP: 0
#2
REXANNA
Overall, Rexanna was pleased with how Fiat Lux turned out. It hadn’t become a riot, hadn’t been a burden that the Outlanders had put on the Naturals, nor had there been any arguments. A solid, fun, cheerful time of dancing and partying and playfulness that Rexanna wished to see more often than once a year. She had settled by the wheel of fire, watching the parties come and go as she idly leaned and watched; a small huff of happiness drifting from person to person as they arrived and tossed their candle onto the wheel.

She had already done it, a small soft smile resting on the corner of her full lips before the sight of a pale haired man stepped up — alone of all things.

Pushing off the wall, she snuck up beside him and reached over to grab a candle with a small roguish smile. “Need a partner for the candles?” She questioned him with a small sideways nod and a grin; avoiding the true topic at hand, that awkward meeting between her and Rory. Certainly it would eventually come up.
A Light That Never Goes Out.
Jigano Silversmith
the Sage
Provost of the Loreseekers Soul Shepherd
Portal Guardian
Age: 36 | Height: 6'2" | Race: Attuned x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 12 - Strg: 30 - Dext: 45 - Endr: 38 - Luck: 42 - Int:
ISUMA - Mythical - Griffin (Venomous)
Played by: Cirago Offline
Change author:
Posts: 3,914 | Total: 7,219
MP: 10170
#3
A familiar - and very welcome - voice purred up beside him, and he turned to grin down at the petite woman with the extraordinary beauty. "Rexanna," he greeted happily, "it's good to see you again! I could always use the company of a friend." He glanced to the Wheel as they approached it, his smile softening at the bright and cheerful glow that surrounded it from all the candles already upon it.

"Did you do this last night?" he asked, reaching out his candle to light it from the wick of one already burning. Idly, he began to walk around the Wheel, looking for an open place to set his candle along its rim and spokes. "For those lost during Long Night, and for those still alive." He turned to give Rexanna a softer smile than he usually wore, sincere and oddly open, that smoothed some of the years from his eyes. "Last night I lit a candle for the future, celebrating life. Tonight... tonight is for the past." He turned his head away, but his quiet voice still carried clearly. "Thanks to you, I did not lose as many on Long Night as some. But I have been reminded since coming here that there are those I left behind on my world who I have lost the ability to reconcile with, to apologize to... to ever see again. So. Tonight I light a candle to my past, and those I lost before Long Night, as well as during it." He exhaled slowly, coming to a pause beside a break in the circle of light, where three candles had burned down to stubs and guttered out.

"Did you lose anyone to the Night? I am sorry I didn't ask sooner."
Rexanna De Rosieres
the Penumbra
Queen of the Hollowed Grounds

Age: 34 | Height: 5'4" | Race: Ascended x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 4 Abandoned (Level 3 Ascended) - Strg: 19 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 20 - Luck: 9 - Int:
Played by: Skylark Offline
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Posts: 1,453 | Total: 13,495
MP: 0
#4
REXANNA
She flashed him a small grin as he offered one in return. “It’s much more fun that way.” She teased him, offering a quiet chime of a laugh in response but nodding all the same. They walked toward the Wheel, and she snuck a candle to light as well, to replace the next that came her way after Jigano, with fading, flickering lights. As he turned to question her, she nodded. “I did, with a friend. It was more of an experiment, slipping up in between to make sure we didn’t do it wrong. Spent some time studying the others that had done it.” Her voice was soft but thoughtful as she waited until he placed one.

When he spoke next, her sapphire gaze slipped from the wheel of the candles toward the silver haired man once again – offering him a small dip and a tiny smile as she recalled the bloody, bruised, burnt Rory she had helped open the door for – had helped seek healers for, had helped save his life. But when he questioned her if she lost anyone, she shook her head quietly, eyes shifting back to the candles a bit contemplative for a few moments. “I didn’t, no. I spent most of Longnight with Bastien.” She said quietly, shoulders rolling in a slight shrug. “It was cramped in the Rathskeller, and I don’t… Do well in places like that after the dungeon of Asciend. He helped soothe my anxiety.” She finally said, stepping toward the wheel to place her own on a spot where the candle had slowly begun to die.

And after that I went to the top for some peace and quiet, that’s where I heard you banging on the door.” She said with a soft smile sent in Jigano’s direction. “I’m glad to have helped, honestly. Even if I thought you and Rory were some terrible monster ready to eat me.
A Light That Never Goes Out.
Jigano Silversmith
the Sage
Provost of the Loreseekers Soul Shepherd
Portal Guardian
Age: 36 | Height: 6'2" | Race: Attuned x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 12 - Strg: 30 - Dext: 45 - Endr: 38 - Luck: 42 - Int:
ISUMA - Mythical - Griffin (Venomous)
Played by: Cirago Offline
Change author:
Posts: 3,914 | Total: 7,219
MP: 10170
#5
He grinned wryly at her tale of eavesdropping and covert candle-lighting, the image coming to mind from her words more one of mischief than anything else. Mischief and Rexanna were easy to reconcile in his mind, in spite of the darker past he knew she had. In the time he had known her she had been a bright point in the Settlement, sensible and kind, generous and cheerful. He smiled as he bowed his head, bidding a silent, heartfelt goodbye to the memories of those still living who he would never see again: Val, Konor, Hiraku, Isuma... Cassandalee.

Settling his gently burning candle into place he turned his eyes to his friend once more, respectfully silent as she contemplated her own thoughts. Lost loved ones, perhaps, or simply the terrors and tragedies of Long Night. His lips twitched towards a frown at the mention of Bastien, but he found much of his former ire had faded with the joy Rory and Amalia had brought to his heart recently, and knowing that the charlatan had done much to comfort Rexanna, well... he supposed he could tolerate the bombastic artiste for that gift.

A lopsided smile spread over his face at her recounting of the events on her side of the door, and he nodded understanding of her fear at the time. "I can never thank you enough to taking that chance on us, Rexanna," he said softly, blue eyes warm as a summer sky for her courage. "I will always admire you for it. And for all the other kindnesses you've shown me."
Rexanna De Rosieres
the Penumbra
Queen of the Hollowed Grounds

Age: 34 | Height: 5'4" | Race: Ascended x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 4 Abandoned (Level 3 Ascended) - Strg: 19 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 20 - Luck: 9 - Int:
Played by: Skylark Offline
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Posts: 1,453 | Total: 13,495
MP: 0
#6
REXANNA
She listened to her pale haired friend as she watched the wheel of fire after placing her own candle, her eyes lingering on each of the flickering flames before her eyes slipped back toward the man with that same soft smile. When he had finished, she rolled her shoulders in a small shrug. “I’ve found it much easier to live a life forgiving and kind.” She paused, thoughtfully, eyes sharpening slightly as she thought about it further. “You end up being happier that way.” She added, almost a bit quickly, before her eyes softened and she beamed a charming smile to him.

Life in Caido has been so different from Halyven and Asciend. I think now I’m finally starting to realize it.” She added, stepping away from the wheel to stand beside Jigano and observe the crowds for Fiat Lux, milling about and chatting and overall beaming with happiness. “I can shed all the things I used to protect myself back then and just… Be. It’s relieving.” She laughed a bit awkwardly before turning her attention to Jigano with a pinning stare.

It seems the same could be said for you? With a certain blond?” It was quiet as she said it to Jigano, but it was almost a conspirator grin as she referenced toward how close Jigano and Rory had been when she first encountered them this Festival. She didn’t know if they had those feelings for one another before the events of Longnight, but she was glad to have prevented their untimely deaths during it so they could share their time together.
A Light That Never Goes Out.
Jigano Silversmith
the Sage
Provost of the Loreseekers Soul Shepherd
Portal Guardian
Age: 36 | Height: 6'2" | Race: Attuned x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 12 - Strg: 30 - Dext: 45 - Endr: 38 - Luck: 42 - Int:
ISUMA - Mythical - Griffin (Venomous)
Played by: Cirago Offline
Change author:
Posts: 3,914 | Total: 7,219
MP: 10170
#7
"You're living life the way it's meant to be lived, I think," he agreed, admiring her strength as always. Forgiveness was no easy thing, and kindness often took its toll on a person, but Rexanna bore them both with dignity and grace, and her warm smiles were proof of the resiliency of her spirit. "A philosophy that we all could learn from." The hardest person of all to forgive and be kind to, after all, was himself. He had spent so long thinking he was unworthy of both...

Her next words echoed his thoughts almost eerily. Caido's differences had been blessings in disguise, the portal to this new world a form of both literal and figurative rebirth. It wasn't that he was starting anew here, but that a distance had arisen between him and his past that was finally allowing old wounds he had kept open for far too long to begin scabbing over and healing at last... something else he had not thought he deserved. Not until recently, at least. He looked down to smile crookedly at the woman who stood beside him, straight and proud and beautiful in the night. "I have not found it so easy to shed them," he admitted quietly. "There is pain, in letting things go. Defenses, habits, instincts ingrained throughout a lifetime. They are not pretty or particularly good... but they are pieces of us all the same." But pieces that no longer aided them, but rather got in their way now. Pieces that were important, yes, but perhaps not all change was to be feared after all...

Everything changes, he heard Rory's voice whisper in his mind, and again Rexanna anticipated his thoughts, her smile sly and sweet and fearless. First Amalia, and now her? "Did everyone know but us?" he asked her, grinning down at his friend and hoping the darkness hid the hint of a blush he hadn't yet learned to control. Things were still too incredibly, wonderfully new and he couldn't help but savor the feelings that welled up freely now when he thought of his lover, no longer tucked safely away behind masks of demure patience. "And what of you? Is Bastien still treating you like a queen?"
Rexanna De Rosieres
the Penumbra
Queen of the Hollowed Grounds

Age: 34 | Height: 5'4" | Race: Ascended x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 4 Abandoned (Level 3 Ascended) - Strg: 19 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 20 - Luck: 9 - Int:
Played by: Skylark Offline
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Posts: 1,453 | Total: 13,495
MP: 0
#8
REXANNA
She listened to Jigano agree with the same idea she had. It was a particularly good way to live, and probably the healthiest way she could. But that didn’t mean she didn’t harbor any bad thoughts, any regrets. In fact, there were some she didn’t think she’d ever be able to forgive, but they weren’t here and likely would never be, and she chose to simply forget about it rather than let the spark of anger and frustration overrule her. She’d let go of it, left it behind, and moved in with her life. But as she listened to his next set of words, she found her sapphire gaze slipping to glance up at him curiously but nodded all the same. The pieces made you who you were, but each piece wasn’t the entire picture, they didn’t need to be out for viewing at all times.

But she nodded and smiled gently to him. “There are some pieces you keep hidden until you need to use them.” She offered with a small roll of her shoulders. “When you’re working on a puzzle, it becomes distracting to have every piece on the table, especially because it’s not necessary.” She said thoughtfully. “There are some pieces you leave for later, to return to and figure out. Don’t let those pieces overwhelm you.” It was perhaps the most sage advice Rexanna had ever given, but she was proud of it all the same. Her darker pieces still made up her own puzzle, but nobody needed to see those as she tried to finish the outer edges and happier bits. But it didn’t make them any less there.

Talk of him and Rory now distracted Rex and she offered him a roguish grin and a nonchalant shrug. But she didn’t miss the slight blush to his cheeks, happy that Jigano had found happiness somewhere and with someone. But when he rounded it onto her, she laughed brightly, an arm reaching up to touch the bruising. “More like a mother hen after the Spire, but he cares a lot and it’s charming honestly.” She said softly, her gaze flicking back to Jigano with a bright and happy smile. “We’re supposed to explore past the barrier into the woods soon, once I’m better. I never thought I’d have a partner to explore with and go on adventures, I’m quite excited for it.
A Light That Never Goes Out.
Jigano Silversmith
the Sage
Provost of the Loreseekers Soul Shepherd
Portal Guardian
Age: 36 | Height: 6'2" | Race: Attuned x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 12 - Strg: 30 - Dext: 45 - Endr: 38 - Luck: 42 - Int:
ISUMA - Mythical - Griffin (Venomous)
Played by: Cirago Offline
Change author:
Posts: 3,914 | Total: 7,219
MP: 10170
#9
"You are truly a wisewoman, or perhaps a philosopher," he murmured with a smile, both brows risen in respect and admiration for her deft simile of the puzzle. "How is it that you haven't been enticed to join the Loreseeker's yet, lovely Rexanna? We are in dire need of your wit and wisdom!" Well, perhaps not 'dire' but certainly her calm competence and thoughtful approach to problems would be more than welcome among his eager but somewhat motley crew!

He was not so distracted by his thoughts of Rory that he failed to notice how she evaded answering his question, and his grin widened in delight at having his usual tactic turned against him. He didn't miss the way she reached up to brush at the bruising now hidden by the night and the dance of shadows from the candles nearby, but to hear that Bastien was taking care of his friend continued the easing of his former anger against the selfish (con) artist. He returned her smile with a grin, then pressed a theatrical hand to his heart. "Madame, you wound me," he murmured, blue eyes sparkling in reflected firelight. "As if you did not already have someone who would be honored to escort you in search of new knowledge!"

He sobered after a moment, his teasing falling into a more solemn expression as he let his hand fall back to his side. "Promise me, though? That you two will take care and let me know when you go? I am also planning to lead an expedition into them after the festival, but after our last, ah, 'adventure' with Bastien I am... shall we say, not overly impressed with his skills at planning and preparation for adverse situations?" A lot of fancy words to remind Rexanna that Bastien had been singularly unprepared for his own quest, relying on the former queen and bard to think things through and secure their means of both light and escape in the underground chambers they had found themselves in.
Rexanna De Rosieres
the Penumbra
Queen of the Hollowed Grounds

Age: 34 | Height: 5'4" | Race: Ascended x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 4 Abandoned (Level 3 Ascended) - Strg: 19 - Dext: 14 - Endr: 20 - Luck: 9 - Int:
Played by: Skylark Offline
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Posts: 1,453 | Total: 13,495
MP: 0
#10
REXANNA
She flashed him a wink in response, a quiet giggle emitting from her throat at his compliment and suggestion to joining the Loreseekers Guild. A deft shrug of her shoulders was sent his way before she tilted her head at him thoughtfully. “I think I’m a part of many Guilds nowadays.” She paused, another quiet laugh billowed in the air before she continued. “I’ll consider it though!” Rexanna grinned at him, a beaming smile before watching as he dramatized a hand to his heart, creating another burst of laughter from the ex-Queen.

Oh don’t you worry Jigano, you were a runner up.” She grinned and flashed him another wink before theatrically bowing back. “I have many more friends willing to go on adventures here than I ever had before.” She added, an elbow peeking out to nudge him playfully. But then he grew solemn as he began to mention Bastien’s series of poor planning events and she nodded in agreement, a small smirk crossing her features as she regarded her silver haired friend. “Of course, I’m much more prepared this time – and between you and me, I think having someone he cares about as much as he does about me will keep his head on straight.” She added with a small brisk nod.

I think we’ll do just fine!” She said in reassurance, before growing a bit more serious as well. “But once we’re back I can come and find you and let you know how it went, if you’d like?
A Light That Never Goes Out.
Jigano Silversmith
the Sage
Provost of the Loreseekers Soul Shepherd
Portal Guardian
Age: 36 | Height: 6'2" | Race: Attuned x Abandoned | Nationality: Outlander | Citizenship: Hollowed Grounds
Level: 12 - Strg: 30 - Dext: 45 - Endr: 38 - Luck: 42 - Int:
ISUMA - Mythical - Griffin (Venomous)
Played by: Cirago Offline
Change author:
Posts: 3,914 | Total: 7,219
MP: 10170
#11
"Your consideration is all I can ask," he murmured graciously, before her words sparked a theatrical flair that had its intended effect when Rexanna fell to laughing. His sparkling smile softened with warmth at her revelation and he captured her elbow deftly, sliding his arm through hers in a rare display of physical affection. "And I am glad for that. You have long been deserving of it, my friend."

Talk of Bastien was a guaranteed way to spoil the bard's mood, but he kept his smile on, even as he gave his warnings. She might trust the slippery braggart, but Jigano most certainly did not. Bastien had professed to care about Safrin as well, had he not? He seemed a man of quick passions - quick to love, yes, but also quick to cool off and leave, or become distracted and attracted to the 'new' shiny thing that caught his eye. He knew better than to continue to criticize the man Rexanna was sweet on though, and he at least found a smile for her reassurance. "Yes, I would appreciate knowing that you have made it back safe! And any information you were able to find, of course," he added with a smile. "For the guild's chronicles, as well as my own curiosity!" He grinned and began to lead them back to the festivities still in full swing behind them.

"Now, about that dancing..."


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