[seasonal event] the dilemma
For Jigano!
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:
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#1
Rexanna hadn’t had much planned in the way of the new season. But she could feel the energy and happiness that radiated from the Settlement as people rushed from here to there, preparing for something she didn’t know existed yet. It was so stark in contrast to the gloomy warnings of Longnight that it had almost felt surreal for her. Especially now that her curse had been lifted, and she had been gifted in a way she still wasn’t certain of as well. But she was excited about what Flowerbirth would bring, especially warmer temperatures from the frigid cold of Deepfrost. She didn’t want to continue bundling up as much as she did today when she stepped out of her home and began the rounds of the hustling Settlement.

She had seen some of the beautiful flowers a vendor had a few days prior and made her way to their stall to see about buying some seeds she could plant in her yard, deciding that in a way the beauty of the plants would be like a big “screw you” to Longnight – even if she hadn’t experienced anything horrible other than resurfacing of memories she had tried painfully to forget. When she was successful with the smaller seeds, she breezed back home as the sun reached overhead, partially obscured by some white fluffy clouds. It seemed like a perfect day, and while she had no experience with planting anything, she wanted to give it a shot.

It was also why she chose the backyard – in case it failed epically, she didn’t want anyone else to see her failure. She breezed into her home, getting rid of some of the furs that adorned her shoulders and slipped into the backyard, finding a small part that had fertile ground. She didn’t have much in the means of planting, but a tiny forgotten and slightly rusted shovel accompanied with her fingers seemed like it might be enough. Kneeling to the ground and using the shovel to break some of the earth and make it easier for the flowers to grow, she encountered her first problem. A few slightly frozen roots that she wasn’t entirely sure what to do with.

She sat back with a quiet sigh, running her hand across her forehead. And where her hands should have been covered in dirt, they appeared just as clean as before she began digging.
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
#2
Jigano wasn't sure of this new shape he'd gained during Long Night.

He'd been a fox all his life, born a kitsune and able to shift between his forms at will, even though he spent most of his time pretending to be human. He didn't have to learn how to fox. He just... was, in his heart and soul as well as his body, in that not-quite-human, not-quite-animal way of the Fae.

But now he could, apparently, turn into a raven. A raven, of all things, with clever toes and a voice that could mimic the most interesting sounds... and wings.

He was grace itself with all four feet on the ground, but flying had never been his strong suit - and that had not changed with the addition of wings to his repertoire. Oh, he managed, generally speaking, but he lacked the effortless poise of Remi's hawk form and it galled him to admit it. So now, with the spring sunlight falling around him and a brisk breeze ruffling his feathers - he practiced.

And practiced.

And practiced.

Flying wasn't, he decided, the hard part. Taking off and landing, though, those were tricky. Especially with 'playful' gusts of wind knocking him around when he was close to the ground. He had been aiming for the crest of a familiar house, in fact, when one such wind caught him and skirled him through the air so he had to flap madly to right himself before stumbling to an awkward landing in the backyard, croaking in frustration before he looked up to realize he wasn't alone and, worse, he had been seen being less than his poised best.
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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#3
It was during her contemplation of what to do next when there was a slight shadow overhead and something stumbled quite ungracefully into her backyard. She sat back on her feet, hands resting on her thighs as her sapphire gaze quickly shifted to the raven. But not just any raven. This one was white and appeared to her in search of something maybe? Her head tilted curiously, knowing that if it was like any other kind of bird her approach would be cause for alarm – would make the beautiful bird leave, and in that part of Rex thst adored beautiful and unique things, she didn’t want him gone so soon. So she remained still, her eyes lingering on the bird briefly before she looked back to the dirt in front of her. “You are quite pretty!” She said to the bird, not knowing it was Jigano.

Her voice was different, despite her words it was a soft sound with no underlying flirtatious tones, and her body language was quite different in response to it. And as she lifted the shovel again to try and break through the roots, she eyed the raven out of the corner of her eye. “You could stay awhile.” She began, turning her head back to the stunning raven. “Maybe help a girl out too?” It was sarcasm that laced her voice before she laughed to herself. She was talking to a bird, and he’d likely not understand. Perhaps despite her voice returning to normal and the glamour in place, she was going crazy. She sat back on her legs again and looked back to the raven with a small cheesy grin.
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
#4
He stood frozen, waiting for that moment of recognition, that flash of realization - either glad or angry - from the lovely (had she always been that beautiful?) woman kneeling on the bare earth. When she made no move towards him or evinced anything other than curiosity he fluffed his feathers and began to preen them back into place self-consciously, wondering what to do now that he'd been 'caught.' The compliment, when it come, was wholly unexpected and he looked at Rexanna sharply. He didn't have ears to perk forwards so he settled for tilting his head to the side, clicking his beak as he considered what she'd said. Pretty? All feathers and scaly feet and too-large beak? Well. Rexanna was a kind woman, and too generous - or wasn't that why Frey had cursed her? Only... the words had sounded sincere, rather than laced with innuendo.

Very curious now, he stayed where he was while she toyed with the shovel. The invitation was met with a lilting croak of uncertainty - dare he stay? Was he already pushing his luck? - but he didn't try to fly away just yet. What was she up to? And what would she need his help for? She was strong - likely stronger than he was! - and had a history of competence that he had quite admired. Hopping tentatively closer he looked into the hole she'd started digging, cocking his head to eye the roots, then her little shovel. Clacking his beak consideringly, he crouched and grasped a root, tugging at it first to see how fixed it was.

Quite a bit, as it turned out. Croaking in annoyance, he pecked at the farthest back part of the root she had unearthed, then closed his whole back around it, trying to snap the old wood through sheer force of stubbornness.
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
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#5
At first, while she attempted to rid the hole of the roots that seemed to grasp on harder the more she tried to dig at them, she noticed the raven remain in place. She didn’t mind, honestly. If he even stayed there the entire time she struggled, it was nice having a smidge of the company he provided. But what she hadn’t expected was the raven to hop closer upon her suggestion. She leaned back again, her eyes following him curiously while he moved to the place she had dug and attempted to pull on the main root causing most of the problems. And when he hadn’t gotten it initially, she noted the croak of frustration with a curious eye.

It’s okay.” She said to the raven, her voice soft but laced with an almost humorous sound. She was simply surprised he was doing what she inadvertently asked. This creature was smart and she wasn’t certain if he was entirely raven, but she didn’t know who it could be. Certainly, the white would have been a good giveaway, but Rexanna wasn’t known to put information where it didn’t make sense. She had no other reason to guess that Jigano could shift forms like Remi could. She had no idea what he was capable of. But when the raven reached back in to tug hard on the root, she used one hand with the shovel to help him pry it out, and one more behind him in case he used all his strength and would fall back when it gave way.

It only took a tug or two with the both of them helping before the root made a quiet almost muffled crack and snapped out of place. With a cheery grin along her face again she looked at the raven. “Ah it worked!” She chimed, using her shovel to get the smaller roots out with a surprising amount of ease. And despite sticking her hands into the dirt, they came away surprisingly clean.
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
#6
He appreciated Rexanna's kind words, but he thought he felt the root give just a little bit, and he was reluctant to give up so soon. Besides, it gave him a chance to put his new form to the test, learning what he could and couldn't do, and how strong he really was. He didn't have much body mass for pushing or pulling, much less tugging or shoving, but his beak was thick and heavy, sturdier by far than his clever by narrow toes and talons. His wings were probably his greatest weapon, but this was one foe he wouldn't batter into submission, so he set upon the root with the considerable power of his beak.

He wasn't, sadly, strong enough to do it on his own, but with Rexanna's well-placed help they managed together what neither could do alone. Finding the root suddenly freed, Jigano croaked around it, fluttering his wings in surprise and gladness. He carried it a little ways, strutting and puffing his chest out while he got used to walking - with frustrating awkwardness - with the added burden of something in his beak while Rexanna cleared the rest of the roots away. By the time he circled back around she had finished, and with a mischievous glint in his blue eyes he dropped the root, then picked it up by its end before pushing it point-first into the soil. He tapped it in with his beak, then hopped back and croaked proudly at the little 'tree' he'd planted, watching Rexanna's reaction with a flicker of wicked humor.
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
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#7
Rexanna paused just enough to watch as the raven removed the root and strutted around with it, a soft smile resting on her lips and a quiet chuckle to herself as she removed the rest of the roots. When she had finished, she looked to see the bird circle back toward her with – a mischievous gleam in this eye? Her head tilted curiously as she moved away some of the dirt and watched as he stuck the root down into the ground, creating a tree after he had batted it further down and turned his attention to Rexanna. She cheered with another quiet chuckle, surprisingly clean hands coming together to clap quietly at the response to his croaking and obvious pride. She had always thought ravens to be smart, but she hadn’t known them to be this smart. And she adored the creature for what he did.

When she had removed most of the dirt, she packed some lightly down into the base before pulling the seeds out of her pocket and setting them upon a small piece of parchment beside her as to not lose them. She glanced to Jigano with a roguish gleam in her eye and a small smile on her lips. “I’ve never planted anything before. Seems like you have experience!” She said, gesturing with a hand to the little tree. Before she could continue with putting a couple of seeds into the hole she had dug, she turned to look back at the raven with a slight shrug of her shoulders. “I figure if I put them back here and it goes poorly, nobody will know.” She finally said with another quiet and almost awkward laugh.

When she leaned back over the hole, she used a finger to try and poke a small hole for the seeds to go into. “But… I think it goes a bit like this?” She tried to be confident, but there was an air of confusion in the tone of her voice that she couldn’t quite get rid of.
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
#8
Rexanna's smile made his silly walk and lack of dignity worth it, Jigano decided. This was good practice for using his raven form anyways, and since the radiantly beautiful woman didn't seem to be suspicious as to his identity... well, what was the harm in staying around for a little bit? He might have an easier time helping her dig in the dirt in his fox form, but it was too late for that now. And the raven made his friend laugh, which was worth more than simple efficiency.

He cocked his head, watching her fiddle with her pocket and a packet of something that rattled in a vaguely familiar sort of way. The seeds that were carefully spilled onto the paper were a curious sort and he hopped closer to examine them with bright blue eyes, tilting his head one way and then the other. Vegetables? Or flowers? Or herbs for cooking, perhaps? There were several options as Rex spoke to him, but he was a little embarrassed to admit that he wasn't the expert she seemed to think he was. He had helped his mother with her garden of medicinal and cooking plants when he'd been small, but it had been more than fifteen years since then.

He watched her as she poked hesitantly in the dirt, his thoughts racing to recall those faraway days and what he remembered her telling him. The depth of her thumb... wasn't it? Rexanna's hole was too small and too shallow; the seeds would be scratched up by a hungry bird or washed away in a strong rain. Croaking - as much to himself as her - he walked with his off-balance strut over to her and, looking from her hole to a place nearby, stabbed his beak into the dirt, twisting it about a bit to make the hole stable. Stepping back he fluffed up his feathers and clacking his beak to get the loose grains of dirt from it, examining his handiwork. A bit larger than what his mother used to make, but it looked like the right depth, and the width didn't really matter when it would be covered over once the seeds were safely inside anyways.
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
#9
Rexanna soon found that she loved this bird. And if she could, she'd keep him just to have a companion of sorts, a friend to sit on her shoulder that she could talk to aimlessly (of course not knowing it was Jigano the whole time). She suddenly realized how nice it was to have someone to talk to rather than with, a creature to simply exist with. She knew she wasn't alone, per say, but it was on days like this where it might be nice to have someone to sit with and watch the clouds flutter across the sky without having to be the one to seek a friend out. Her gaze continued to glance to the raven as she placed the seeds in a place where she couldn't lose them, and when she had tried to make a hole and spoke to the raven, she watched as the pale bird hopped closer, croaking in response to her words.

She felt like she could understand him almost, in a strange way. Not in a way of speech but by a way of company. And she sat back to smile at the bird quietly while he inspected her work. But she drew a bit closer in curiosity when the bird began to change the work she had done, at first growing a bit concerned that now he was just toying with her to ruin the work they had accomplished. However, Rexanna wasn't one to get mad at a bird of all things. So she waited, a small hint of anxiety growing in her heart before Jigano moved back from it. He fluffed up his feathers, clacked his beak, and she eyed his work with a calmer gaze. "Oh, brilliant idea." She offered thoughtfully, reaching over to grab the few seeds and drop them into the hole.

When she had, she used her hands to push the earth back over it until it had been fully planted and eyed the raven once again. "You certainly are quite the help! I could use a friend like you more often!" She offered with a bright grin shot in his direction. "So, do you think we water it now?" She questioned him, resting her hands on her hips as she sat back and watched him curiously.
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
#10
It was, admittedly, a little strange to be in his animal form around another human who wasn't Rory, but his raven form felt somehow less... secretive. Less intimate. It wasn't as tied in to his sense of self and personal history. In some ways, it was a new beginning, and sharing time with Rexanna in it was, well, fun and a little carefree. As a human he usually tried to keep his poise and dignity about him unless he was deliberately enacting a comedic performance to cheer someone up. As a fox he was less concerned about his dignity, but rarely let his guard down around anyone but his hunter friend. As a raven, though... well, what was the harm in being a little silly?

He was, at least, used to using his teeth and mouth to carry things in foxform, so losing his thumbs to this bird shape was nothing new. His beak was a tool all its own, with potential he was only starting to explore. His clever talons might have been good for scratching in the dirt, but they weren't made for digging, so his beak was the logical choice for helping to dig a hole. It might also, he realized, make a good way to go after voles or chipmunks, stabbing down into a shallow run in a way his foxy muzzled couldn't manage. Spear-fishing for squeaky snacks? Why not!

He looked up at the sound of Rexanna's voice, wistfully wondering how she managed to stay so clean while playing in the dirt. He was going to have to find a puddle to wash off in after this; it was usually easier to clean himself up in his animal forms than his human one, with the lack of public bathing options. Watching her drop the seeds in the hole, he hopped excitedly, distracted from thoughts of cleanliness by curiosity about what the seeds were for. He croaked - gods least fortunate, he wished he had a sweeter song! - as she covered the hole over, then puffed up his feathery mane at the generous compliments.

Water, however, was a task for someone with thumbs. He cocked his head at her, studying her from first one bright blue eye and then the other as he considered what he could do to help before he hopped a pace away and stabbed his beak into the dirt again, twisting his head to make another hole for more of the seeds that remained at her side.
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
#11
Of course the bird would have a better idea. She snorted in response to her ignorance when it came to planting, as her sapphire gaze lingered on Jigano as he moved to make more holes for her seeds. It had occurred to Rexanna that perhaps it would be more beneficial to plant all the seeds before watering, otherwise it would result in quite a few extra trips she hadn’t entirely been planning on making. So she nodded to Jigano, following him from place to place to drop the rest of the seeds in until there were none left.

When she had finished that, she pushed the dirt into all of the holes before standing to get some water. “I’ll be right back, don’t go anywhere!” She chimed to him with a grin before disappearing inside and collecting a large cup – one that she made a bit taller using her magic, before filling it up and returning outside. She looked to see if he remained, and then settled to watering the few little spots that they had planted the flowers. Luckily she had chosen the right amount of water, for when she had reached the final planting area she had the cup entirely turned over to get every last drop.

There!” She said with a small quiet laugh before a thought came to her. She held up a perfectly clean finger to Jigano as if to have him wait one more second before she disappeared within her house again. When she came back out, she had a large bowl full of water that she set down on a flat surface a bit away from where they had planted for Jigano to bathe should he want to. And then she sat in the backyard, glancing to the sky for a brief moment. “I wonder how long it’ll be until they’re grown? I’m not even sure what kind of flowers I got, but they certainly looked really pretty. Provided the seeds I got were the same flowers I saw.” She said to the bird and to herself with another quiet laugh.
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
#12
He had thought Rexanna would go to get her watering can while he made more holes in the dirt, not realizing that she didn't have a watering can. Still, he appreciated her company as he made holes and she planted the rest of her seeds in them, even if by the end his white beak was covered in dirt and he had no easy way to clean off. Rexanna's admonition to stay might not have affected a wild raven, but Jigano was feeling a little fatigued after the unfamiliar work, and he hopped over to a corner of the backyard to rest while the lady bustled about in her cozy house.

When she returned he watched her from a little distance, croaking occasionally to himself as he tested his voice. Once he managed an echo of another spring bird's trill, surprising himself a little at how easy the mimicry was. Just as he was feeling recovered enough to give the sky another go, however, Rexanna held up one slender, immaculate finger again, bidding him to stay. He fluffed his feathers and croaked curiously at her, hopping closer to the door as she momentarily vanished again. He did his best to try and peek into a window, but didn't have a good place to perch and ended up fluttering awkwardly up to the eave of the roof instead.

When his hostess returned with the bowl he realized what she intended after a long moment's scrutiny, and he flapped down to splash happily in the water, stropping his beak on the side of the bowl to get the dirt off and cleaning his chest feathers and feet as well. Rexanna's murmuring finally answered the question of just what she was planting, too, and the bard approved of pretty flowers for a pretty lady, croaking enthusiastically as he hopped from his bath to a spot in the sunshine to spread his feathers to dry, enjoying the pleasant day, the pleasant company, and the satisfaction of a job well-done.
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
Change author:
Posts: 1,453 | Total: 13,495
MP: 0
#13
She was clueless when it came to planting, so when Jigano had continued to make more holes she hadn’t even thought to get more water while he did it. She just continued to pour the seeds in. But when she had watered them and brought the bowl out for Jigano, her attention had lingered on the pale bird while he cleaned himself – finding his company oddly comforting and quietly familiar. But she said nothing in regards to it, instead she sat on the ground by the bowl and glanced to him occasionally before looking around her yard, still containing some wreckage from Longnight.

That was for another day, however.

Her attention returned to Jigano as he croaked and she listened with a tilted head and a quiet laugh, nodding along with him despite having zero idea what he was talking about, if he was at all. And when he moved to dry his feathers in the sun, she laid back into the small amount of grasses now peaking up from the rest of the dirt in her yard and watched the sky and the clouds pass by over the sun. A successful day, if she had her say.


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