Weaponised Ancestry
Log Info
- Title: Weaponised Ancestry
- Emitter: Seldan
- Place: The City Library - Alexandria
- Summary: Two years after first hearing that Seldan was an authority on the matter of ancestral weapons, Ygraine finally finds both courage and opportunity to seek a formal lesson. In the course of it, she learns about the importance of family history... and receives assurance that she is not the only one to think that a privileged Eldanar upbringing can bestow both burdens and blessings.
The weather in Alexandria has little to recommend itself today, and nobody is out of doors, unless they need to be for one reason or another. Snow flurries are best observed from inside walls, preferably with a mug of something hot in one's hand. Thus has Seldan taken the pair of them to the city library, a warm if solemn edifice, and has led them well back into the stacks into the history sections, a place with which he is apparently well familiar, if his surety in nevigating the stacks is correct. Once there, he removes both of his cloaks and sets them in a chair, leaving the open-front robe in place over shirt and trousers. Hat and mittens go atop the cloaks, as does his knapsack. Reunion is nowhere in evidence today, and neither is his armor.
"Of what did you wish to learn?" he inquires, settling down into the chair next to the one holding his gear. There are enough chairs at this table for her to do likewise, if she wishes.
Ygraine has opted for a warm Winter cloak over her customary fancy leathers and swashbuckling gear - perhaps feeling that she can get away with bearing her divine patron's holy weapon into places where it might not otherwise be appropriate. Still, she has seemed much more interested in their surroundings than in anything more conventionally adventurous, gazing around wide-eyed at the shelves they pass. Refocusing upon Seldan takes a moment's effort, and is followed by a sheepish grin and shrug.
"I, ahh, well. Whatever you think would be best to start with, on the path to finding out whether it is possible to pursue this path... or, more appropriately to begin with, whether your experiences lead you to think that it is one that *should* be explored when it is possible to do so."
"It is well, I think, do you begin with the legends of other such weapons and items, their stories, and the stories of those who wield them," Seldan begins, flexing his fingers to warm them. "For you will swiftly discover that each journey is different, and each bond is different. it is my hope that in reading the stories, you will find a few with which you truly connect. Do not ignore these guideposts, the things to which you are drawn, for these things might guide you."
As he speaks, he walks over to a shelf and begins to peruse the spines, one by one.
Nodding quickly, Ygraine can't help but grin again. "I *do* love a good story," she confesses cheerfully - before clearing her throat. "Honestly, I tend to think that stories and other 'mere entertainments' are often the best way of, ahh, conveying information. Of *instructing* people, and certainly of inspiring them. And that last is something upon which I place especially high value. Starting with the tales of what has come before strikes me as being likely to be a thoroughly good idea indeed."
"I shall, do you wish it, share the tale of how Reunion came to me, but it is not in my mind that you will share that experience." All trace of smile has faded from Seldan's face, and his demeanor takes on a quiet reserve that suggests that it wasn't the best of experiences. He continues to peruse the book stacks, pulling down a few here and there, but it is clear that the whole area - legends and tales - is searchable for this topic.
Offering Seldan a look of marked concern, Ygraine half-reaches out towards him... before aborting the gesture lest it seem too presumptuous. "I think that I should hear the... challenging side of such tales, too," she says softly. "If you truly do feel able to share. I want to learn, but I am very much aware that I have no right whatsoever to *intrude*."
"No, you should know." Seldan returns from his search of the shelves with a stack of books, the which he easily sets down on the table, not quite in front of her, but off to her left a little. "You have the right of it, that you should hear the darker side."
He pauses for a few moments, and settles down in his chair. "At the time, a magical plague was infecting the city," he explains. "Being touched by magic both made it manifest, and become more severe. Once infected, any touch of magic would cause the victim to become violently ill. I had contracted this plague, and was too ill to travel."
"Mother came to visit me, and brought me a gift that she thought might cheer me. A family heirloom, several hundred years old, a blade that had been a decorative ornament for generations. It was said, though none truly believed it, that the soul of every Padaryn ever to wield the blade rested inside." his chair creaks as he leans back in it with a stretch. "When she handed it to me, it awoke, and triggered the magical plague within. I - remember nothing, save what seemed like a thousand voices shouting at it, trying to talk to me, trying to teach me, yelling at me, all at once. I am told that it infected several around me, and. that I did not rouse for some days afterwards. I became dangerously ill, my magical energies unstable."
Taking a seat and clasping her hands gently in front of her, elbows resting on the table, Ygraine focuses her attention on Sedlan as he explains - a slight frown of concentration (and perhaps worry) creasing her brow as she listens. At the end, she nods slowly, then this time *does* reach one hand slowly out towards him.
"I am so sorry," she says softly. "For you, and for her. It must have been heart-breaking to think that she was responsible for it... and then for you, when you awoke."
"One of those infected was her," Seldan murmurs quietly, his eyes lowering. "She - suffered much, in that time - although at last was I able to heal her, and get her to safety. I was by that time cured myself, for such was needful. The effects upon me are permanent, in some things, and in ways I do not fully comprehend. For many months, and until I sought the blessing of a sage outside of Ea, my skin would turn deepest black when touched by sunlight. That is not Reunion's fault," he holds up a hand. "I would only have you be aware that you may be touching an item of greater power than you know, and that it is well to take precautions when approaching an item of unknown properties."
"One of those infected was her," Seldan murmurs quietly, his eyes lowering. He does not respond to or reach for the hand offered. "She - suffered much, in that time - although at last was I able to heal her, and get her to safety. I was by that time cured myself, for such was needful. The effects upon me are permanent, in some things, and in ways I do not fully comprehend. For many months, and until I sought the blessing of a sage outside of Ea, my skin would turn deepest black when touched by sunlight. That is not Reunion's fault," he holds up a hand. "I would only have you be aware that you may be touching an item of greater power than you know, and that it is well to take precautions when approaching an item of unknown properties."
Ygraine winces, nodding once more as she worriedly studies Seldan. After a moment, she partly-withdraws her hand, but leaves it resting flat upon the table. "This... is rather a different conversation to my initial encouragement of you to continue to pursue your artistic interests," she murmurs wryly. "But... thank you. Truly. I think that is rather more instructive than a great many tales that I could have read. And I hope that you and your kin are mended in ways beyond the physical. I am fortunate in never having had to deal with anything of *that* magnitude, however much worry my family have caused me."
Some of Seldan's smile returns, a ghost of a thing, as he looks up and considers the woman before him. "She is well, the last I heard. My father and I - do not speak." That drops on the floor like a frozen whiskey stone. "The tales are not without their worth, for it is far more likely that you shall find its power gradually, even as your grows. They may speak of the sorts of powers that weapons of legend had. I can, for example, ask Reunion to shield me from evil, a simple and yet potent spell. Know this - never do I demand. I ask, always, for in truth is it a partnership. Do not let the weapon forget that, either. They will try to bully you into doing as they wish." Some of the smile expands, a wry thing.
Ygraine nods thoughtfully... then chuckles at the last. "Do the authors agree with you in warnings about a... potential struggle for influence? Or is this very much something that you had to learn for yourself, once your feet were set on the path? And... I empathise, regarding familial difficulties. Spending years attempting to aid my kin has seemingly done nothing to stop some of them from viewing me as nothing but a disappointment. But I am glad that I made the effort, for those who *did* need what I could provide for them."
"Both were so - I discovered the struggle, researched it, and learned that such things were common. After all, do not all intelligent being vye for supremacy in their relationships? To guide others to their will?" The smile has returned, and the dark cloud that had him before seems to have passed away. "Do not permit your kin to decide who and what you shall be. For, the gods have a plan for each of us, and the plans of mortals are as chaff before a windstorm in the face of it. I was guided differently than my father wished, and this yet enrages him, that I do not bend to his will." His cool, even tone - could it be just a hint dismissive? "The last time we spoke, I informed him that I had shed blood in defense of the Draco Solis' altar, and that he may challenge me when he could say the same."
Lips quirking into another wry smile, Ygraine inclines her head. "I, ahh... I would not be a Muse of Ceinara, were I adhering to the wishes of most in family," she notes dryly. "Nor would I have spent a year in Tref with the goblins. And I certainly would not be something so disreputable as an adventurer with no permanent home." A rueful chuckle accompanies a shrug. "I... hope to find ways in which I can be of use. Broadly and... and to my kin, when they have genuine need of me. But I think that there is an important difference between a task willingly undertaken and one imposed without consent."
To that, Seldan can only chuckle, and nods. "The service of the gods requires activities that some would regard as disreputable, indeed so, and yet is there honor in it. Of such things are tales told, and legends born. Glorious deeds are not done by the warmth of a hearth fire. Fear not. We may not always agree on what is best for Ea and its people, but I acknowledge and respect your service. Seek to be of value, and you shall find honor in your work.
"He laces his fingers together and reaches back over his head, stretching luxuriantly, arching his back over the back of the chair. "Still do I advise you to read the legends and the tales, for should your weapon awaken, you will need to do the enchanting yourself. None other will be able to do so."
"I want to build, if I can. To inspire others to do so, rather more," Ygraine explains quietly. "That was why I spent as long as I did in Tref: what I could see being built there went so much farther than the merely physical, into far more inspiring realms - new communities springing up as the neighbourhoods were constructed, and a new society forming out of their collective efforts...."
"Alexandria... the city certainly does not need that kind of inspiration, and not from me. But... my parents were part of the Myrrish occupation. Diplomats, rather than conquerors or interrogators... but still, I feel that their attempts to nobly and loyally serve a cause greater than themselves might have left me with, umm, at the least an *opportunity* to try to do something to atone. Which... which might be a suitable description of a great deal that my kin and the Eldanar as a whole have done over the centuries. I think that this old blade of mine might have witnessed - and played a role in - deeds both great and grim. I hope that it might help me to learn from successes and failures. But however much it has seen...." She looks up, openly admiring the array of volumes around them, before smiling at the stack on the table. "There will be much more here. I absolutely agree that I should try to learn. About that, and about how to try to enchant it, should we get so far."
Suddenly, Seldan inclines his head, in an understanding that had not previously clicked. "Of that, there can be little doubt. Perhaps researching your own family history will yield useful secrets. I spent a goodly amount of time in such endeavor, to understand whence my magic came, that it not be a thing of evil. And it is not, much to my relief." A rueful smile accompanies the words. "At times do I feel that my ancestors wish to guide me along their path, but my ancient forebears understood a thing that is lost on my father - that service to the Light does not mean service to but one deity."
Ygraine inclines her head in turn, accompanying the gesture with a rather lopsided smile. "I certainly hope that is true. And I know that my Lady is not inherently a force of unalloyed altruism, as some others are... but I think that without inspiration, life as a whole and altruism in particular run a severe risk of falling short in some vital ways. I want to live up to the ideals that my people are, I think, *supposed* to embody... but I also want to help others to do so, regardless of their heritage."
"I, ahh, was recently accused of drawing attention to my noble heritage, with a clear implication of arrogance and pride. I was merely attempting to be honest in response to someone else's formal introduction - but in my case, honesty in that regard entails giving a name that some few might recognise as having ties to Alexandria's not-too-distant past. I... I have thus far avoided researching quite what might be said about my kin and their colleagues, here in Alexandria. But I think that I need to overcome my fears on that front, and learn. I do not *think* that the blade had a very active role in the occupation... but I should learn more about what *did* transpire here."
"It is best to know the truth," Seldan agrees, dropping his hands to rest on the table before him. "Who accused you of such, if I might be so bold? There is no arrogance in acknowledging one's family line. Do we not do so each time we speak our family name?" He reaches up a hand and brushes an unruly lock of hair out of his face. "If one does it with respect for one's own line, and not disrespect for others', I do not understand why one might object."
"She gave her name as 'Carver', if I remember correctly. Whether it was my faith, my attire, or my lineage that riled her, I rather had the impression that she found me irksome." Ygraine grimaces, shrugging gently. "Perhaps she was merely attempting to test me, or felt threatened somehow...? I do not know. And I do readily admit that 'Ygraine fferch Gwydion of House Penlew' is something of a mouthful! But for my line, that *is* the equivalent of formally stating forename and surname. I certainly hope that it strikes most of the few who hear it as eccentric rather than self-aggrandising...."
"To begrudge someone a connection to their ancestors is a commentary upon the angered one, and not the speaker," Seldan opines, evenly and coolly. "I commend to you to ignore such talk. I do not find you arrogant, and to acknowledge one's ancestors is to pay honor to one's kin and heritage. Kanian wishes that I did so more often, and yet by right may I no longer claim my family name."
Venturing a bashfully grateful smile, Ygraine ducks her head. "Thank you," she says softly. "I am relieved to hear you say so. But... please forgive my ignorance: should I be aware of who 'Kanian' might be?"
"I will not show you, here, for do I do so, I shall anger the librarians." Seldan's smile holds good humor and a touch of exasperation. "Kanian is one of the Padaryn ancestors who have chosen to show themselves within Reunion. He dislikes being in my pack, and will inform me of his displeasure quite noisily, when I release them. For in this lies the difference between Reunion and most intelligent blades of its kind - it has not one soul, but many. Several dozen, I would guess, although but six have named themselves to me. He is my six-times-great uncle, the youngest child. Alaistair is his elder brother, I believe, although he has not confirmed this to me. Of the others known to me, Golain is the blade's creator, some five hundred years ago. He had left the family to study weapon and armorsmithing with the khazad, nearly five hundred years past. Tisa, a longtime mercenary and adventurer, a bit wilder than the others. Fallia has not revealed her tale to me, nor can I find her in the books."
"That... that sounds fascinating! If also more than a little intimidating, I confess." Ygraine gently shakes her head, smiling again. "Do you know if they have manifested as a, err, a group to others in the past? And... if it's not too hopelessly ignorant or rude of me, could I ask what Reunion *is* itself?"
"It is a longsword." The chair creaks beneath Seldan when he shifts. "I have not asked if they have manifested to others in the past. I know that it has been some time since they have done so. When we shall not get our ears boxed for being overly loud, I shall introduce you to Reunion, that you might more fully understand."
Chuckling softly, Ygraine nods. "I quite understand. Preserving access to this place, and avoiding the disapproval of its custodians, seems an entirely worthwhile goal to me! And... thank you, again. I am profoundly grateful to you for all your patience and aid. But should I offer a small favour in return, and allow you to escape? I have reading aplenty to tackle, without needing to ply you with an endless barrage of questions. I am quite sure that I will have many whenever next we meet! Assuming that you do not flee upon sight of me, that is."
At that, Seldan chuckles, very quietly. "My lady, I see no reason to flee upon sight of you. Indeed do I find your company quite pleasant. Few enough appreciate the value of those who came before us, and the things that they have to teach us. All the same, indeed should I be away. I dare not remain overlong in any one place, but do you leave word for me at the Temple of Eluna, I shall find you."
With that, he stands, grabbing his pack and donning aht and mittens. "I shall leave you to read in peace, and shall find you in a few days' time, to see if I may be of further aid." With that, he swings the cloaks over his shoulders, and prepares to depart.
Blushing a little, Ygraine risks a low laugh, and offers a somewhat playful seated bow. "Sir, you are too kind. Truly. But I consider myself to quite firmly in your debt, and shall gladly endeavour to assist you should you happen to have need of me. I certainly wish you the very best of fortune and the fairest of winds."