a_blessing_under_boughs [Curious Coeurlian RP Repository]

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===== 05/24/22 - A Blessing Under Boughs=====

Note- Dmed by Blue

<fc #0000ff>''[DM]''</fc>

Whispers and murmurs traveled fast around the Shroud of a woman who tended to the sick and frail, a frequent visitor to the various orphanages across Eorzea. She brought gifts to those who had lost their families and homes and fought alongside those who were beaten down and had no hope left. This stranger seemed like more than just a GOOD person, more than just an adventurer doing their due diligence. There was more, something unexplainable, that made these quite rumbles grow in number with every deed the woman did.```

One such conversation was being had at a small table on the upper level of the tavern known as the Bobbing Cork, a Fallgourd Float favorite. 

"There must be more to it." Weland said, resting an elbow on the table as he eyed his fellow companion, an elezen woman, with doubt. "Ain't nobody do all these things just 'cause they 'wanna. There must be somethin' in it for her."

"Why can't you believe that we've a Saint in our midst?" The elezen woman remarked with a laugh. Her name was Eline.  

"Anyone can aid the unfortunate."

"This is different. You can *feel* it."

"Well yeah, if someone is healin' you, of course you're gonna feel something."

"No, no. It's..."

"Divine."  The third party member finally spoke up. Her hood covered most of her features, but one could vaguely tell that she was an Au Ra of some sort. The scales gave it away. 

"Yes yes! Divine! That's the word. You have to be there, you have to see it for yourself!" Eline's voice rose with excitement.

Weland however rolled his eyes. "It ain't none of my business. Or yours. OR YOURS, you weren't even invited to the table!" He pointed at the hooded Au Ra who simply seemed to shake in place before rising to her feet. 

"It'll be your business when she graces your doorstep." She promised. Then she shuffled off, leaving the two to stare at each other awkwardly.

"Mmmph..well anyway.." Eline began.

<fc #A98CC2>''[Tressenne]''</fc>

A heavily armored female Elezen made her entrance shortly after the Au ra in question left the duo. 

Looking about the place in silent contemplation, eventually as the lights flickered off the white metal of her helm. She removed it with a small shaking of her head, revealing silvery white hair and dark grey skin. Eyes that looked to be made if amethyst caught the lights as she looked around. 

Her ears flickered at the sounds of the tavern and a small smile found it’s way onto her face. But still she said nothing, rather then find a seat she’d slowly look around some more. As if searching for something.

<fc #0000ff>''[DM]''</fc>

The duo above had begun to speak of other things and neither rightly paid much attention to who had entered the tavern until Eline casually glanced over the railing and stopped mid conversation. Then started right back up again with enthusiasm.

"OH. I think that's her!" She nodded over to the armored duskwight woman.

Weland glanced over and grimaced immediately.

"Ah...you sure? Ain't many duskwights keen to be helping much of anyone save themselves."

Eline rolled her eyes. "Those are other duskwights."

"Yeah I see nothing special bout her. Probably stole that shiny armor too."

"You are too critical, I swear!"

---

On the main floor of the the tavern, the bartender waved to the elezen with the broadest of smiles.

"Miss Tressene! Please! Sit yourself down and have a drink on me. The children were asking after you."

<fc #A98CC2>''[Tressenne]''</fc>

Tressene’s gave shot over towards the bartender. 

“Oh, I’m sorry seems I’m…heavier then I is appropriate for a seat…” 

She did however approach the barkeep with a constant smile, and a slightly embarrassed blush as she approached.

“Oh where they now? I do hope they hate behaving themselves now.”

Laughing lightly at this she’d take off her gauntlets and set them on her lap as she managed to talk herself into taking a seat, 

“And I hope they are still feeling well?”

<fc #0000ff>''[DM]''</fc>

The hyuran bartender whose name was Ghelli laughed again and spread his arms.

"Worry not, these seats have taken the brunt of a heavy-armored arse for many turns- they won't stop sittin' for you."

"Oh aye, the children are faring well. Jonesi loves that little rockin' chocobo you got him, drags the thing along with 'im, even when it must be heavy for the poor boy. Annev keeps askin' when you'll return. But they're up and running about like ain't no sickness got 'em down in the first place. A thousand thank yous would not be enough to make up for what you did for them."

"The very least I can do is offer you a drink on the house in the meantime. What'll you have?"

<fc #A98CC2>''[Tressenne]''</fc>

Tess nodded, The blush faded slightly as her lips parted displaying her teeth in a genuinely happy smile. "I am just glad they are well, It seems I choose right with his gift."

Sighing softly in relief as she heard the sickness that had ailed the children was seemingly gone. "Oh, I would love a small glass of wine and perhaps...a sandwich of sorts? Something lighter. I'm unfortunately going to be passing through rather quickly this evening. I've heard of another place that is in need of help."

Leaning forward onto the counter, resting her elbow on it as she watched the Hyuran man with a small grin still on her face. Not having taken notice of the fact her arrival had garnered the attention of those above.

<fc #0000ff>''[DM]''</fc>

From on high, Eline was listening to the conversation below intently. She leaned towards Weland's chair, elbowing him in the gut.

"Do you see? Even got ol' Ghelli singing praises and that man doesn't offer free anything. Even when you busted your foot, didn't even get no pity drink!" The woman tittered with laughter as her companion grumbled under his breath.

"I just don't see why you're clingin'to this woman, El. Why does it matter what someone else does?"

The elezen grew quiet. Then,

"Because I don't have anything else to cling to. Not anymore."

----

The bartender returned with a glass of deep red wine and a sandwich as requested, setting those before Tess before he crossed his arms 

"Oh? Where are you off to now? I might know the place."

<fc #A98CC2>''[Tressenne]''</fc>

I first aim to make my way towards Hyrstmill. I've been hearing some troubling rumors about unsavory creatures being seen in the area of Proud Creek, And want to offer my assistance should the wailers need it, And make a small check up on a young man there that I have tended too that has a habit of getting himself into trouble."

Taking a sip of wine, Popping her lips lightly, before taking a small bite of the sandwich provided.

"Soon after I may find myself in Coerthas, I have not ventured that far yet. But I hear their war with the Dragons has raged on for hundreds of years. I am sure I can help there as well if I should be needed."

Setting down the glass of wine she pondered for abit. "After which? I have no plans. Perhaps the wind will guide me to where I am needed, Only time will tell." She said with a bright smile before continuing to take small bites of her current meal.

<fc #0000ff>''[DM]''</fc>

The sandwich is full of meat. Simple yet satisfying. 

Old Ghilli nodded. "Aye, been hearin' bout Hyrstmill from other travelers. Plenty of ruins are around there and every so often it's said some void creatures run rampant. Seems no rhyme or reason to it. Also watch for the Ixali. Been hearin' bout some truce but there are still occasional attacks from time to time."

---

From Above:

"El, please-" 

"No!" She spoke sharply, incensed. "They abandoned him. I can't forget that. I can't forget that the Fane didn't do shiite for my boy."

Weland tensed. He raised his hands up, trying to calm his companion. 

"El, listen, he was already gone when they arrived,  they couldn't-"

"NO." The elezen shouted, her expression a mixture of anger and melancholy. "They could have saved him. They did *nothing*. And now I have nothing."

Eline glanced down over the railing  once more where she knew the strange duskwight woman to be.

"If they would have given half a damn about him, he would still be here. It's their fault he's dead." 

Weland shook his head and began to speak when Eline rose from the table and trailed down the stairs to meet the only one in her mind that seemed to care at all.

---

A wildwood elezen approached Tressene and the bartender with a nervous smile. Her fingers clung to the loose folds of her dress as she made a practiced bow. So far so good.

"Hi. Um...Miss T-Tressene?" 

Why did Eline feel so nervous all of a sudden? She never stammered before. The elezen coughed and continued.

"I've been following t-the stories about y-you. A-and I think you're amazing."

Could have been worse.

<fc #A98CC2>''[Tressenne]''</fc>

Tess had opened her mouth, nodding as she did so to reply when the shouting above occurred, Her head shot up at the pair getting into the argument before the Elezen quickly approached her and offered her a small bow.

Setting down her mostly eaten sandwich she rose up, cocking her head to the side curious before she offered a small, well practiced bow in return.

"Tess. Please, No need to be so formal." Smiling at the girl before she spoke her 

Folding her arms over her lap she listened to what Eline had to say before she offered the girl a slight nod.

"Thank you, I am glad my grand task has brought some joy, And I appreciate the compliment, But I am nothing of the sort. I simply do what I can for others. As I hope others would do for me should I ever be in need of help."

<fc #0000ff>''[DM]''</fc>

Eline smiled back, her shoulders slumping a bit as she relaxed. She looked to be an older woman, though her current demeanor seemed almost childish in comparison. She had bright green eyes and tawny hair that worked itself down into a braid along one shoulder. As youthful looking as most elezen tended to be, there were hollow circles  and creases under her eyes that looked to be rather recent.

"But that's what makes you so good!" The elezen insisted. "Everyone else is selfish, they care about what they will get in return! And if it's nothing, they won't care, not at all!" Eline could feel her cheeks growing red. 

"You're not like that! You really care about the children don't you? About the sick and dying? That's...that's something worthwhile. You've helped far more than you've taken."

<fc #A98CC2>''[Tressenne]''</fc>

Tess held up her bare hands in an act of calming as she smiled at the showering of praise. Seeming to want to calm the women’s fervor down if not a touch as to not disturbed any other patrons. 

“I am humbled by such a high opinion of me. Truly you honor me.”

Letting her hands fall to her side abit as the women continues to sleek. 

“Of course I do. Children are the future. And I would be foolish to forsake even one of them. And as for the sick and those contending with deaths embrace, they have the chance to show the future the way. So of course they are also dear to me.”

The smile on her face losing its brightness for but a moment.”But of course I have failed to save some and that to me is far too many.”

<fc #0000ff>''[DM]''</fc>

Eline quieted down slightly at the woman's raised hands, but she nodded at her latter words, digging her hands into her lap.

"I...I lost my son a few moons back. Fell into the river. I called for aid but it fell upon deaf ears. They wouldn't help me. They wouldn't bring him back."

<fc #A98CC2>''[Tressenne]''</fc>

Tess looked at the women, A sad smile forming on her face fully now."I am...Truly sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you where at the very least, Able to give him a proper send off to the next life." 

While she tried to do her best, She could not hide the fact that she found it almost infuriating that the women's tale ended with not a word of help from those she would call on. Not having much to add she'd place a hand on Eline's shoulder if she was allowed. Giving it a gentle squeeze unable to aid the women's suffering in any other way.

<fc #0000ff>''[DM]''</fc>

Eline allowed the hand on her shoulder, reaching up to wipe away fresh tears that were beginning to form.

"What proper send off is there to give?" The woman said bitterly. "He was a child. He had no right to be...to be taken away!" And then the crying began whole-heartedly.

Weland who hadn't wanted to step into the conversation at all, felt compelled nonetheless to come to his companion's aid, giving Tess a brief nod as he went to Eline's side and patted her gently on the back.

"El, please. Get ahold of yourself."

Eline ignored him, shaking her head instead. 

"Please...just...please let me continue hearing the stories. Let me continue hearing that you've saved people, that you've not given up on them. I...I need it. I need to know someone like you is out there preventing families from being torn apart."

<fc #A98CC2>''[Tressenne]''</fc>

Tess watched the womens suffering. A sad smile on her face as she nodded. 

“That is something I plan to do without your request. But I will do so with your request in mind, and as I always have. Will prevent such sadness from having its way with another mothers heart.”

She pursed her lips as if she was unsure what to say next but decided words would fail her here. Just giving a small nod at this point.

<fc #0000ff>''[DM]''</fc>

"Thank you, thank you, I-"

Weland placed a hand on Eline's shoulder. 

"That's enough. We've wasted your hero's time enough as is, haven't we?"

The stricken elezen looked over at her friend, then lowered her head.

"I'm sorry to have bothered you. I...well if you ever need anything at all, I own a small farm across the way. My name is Eline. I don't have much but..if you require a place to stay for the night or just a warm meal while you are in the area, you are more than welcome." The woman wiped at her eyes and slowly forced herself to walk out of the Bobbing Cork.

Weland looked to Tess once more before shrugging his shoulders. 

"I hope you're the real deal, for your sake. Liftin' people's hopes adds nothing but extra burdens to carry. You'd best not disappoint." He waved a dismissive hand and followed after his friend.

After a moment of silence, conversation around the tavern seemed to resume as normal. The bartender whistled.

"That was something."

<fc #A98CC2>''[Tressenne]''</fc>

Tess simply nodded. “Thank you. I will keep your offer in mind, please take care.”

As Weland made his piece with her she simply nodded at him not saying anything more. 

Looking towards the bartender with a small smile and nod. “Indeed. I suppose I hadn’t realized the reputation I had built by helping those in need.”

Sitting back down to finish off her sandwich she seemed to have been taken by her thoughts for a few moments.

<fc #0000ff>''[DM]''</fc>

"Good gossip is good gossip." The bartender said with a shrug.

"Got a Warrior of Light out and about doing the Twelve's work and all but they've done so much so as to almost become a myth themselves. The folk 'ere will live and die not meeting that person. You are here though, doin' just 'nough to garner attention be you in the area or not. It is enough for most."

<fc #A98CC2>''[Tressenne]''</fc>

Tess tapped her chin as she downed the remainder of her glass of wine. 

"Hm...I suppose so. Though I must admit, I didn't begin to do these things for fame or fortune. But I suppose that also does go without saying."

Offering a small smile to the barkeep. 

"Thank you again for the meal. Is there aught I could do before I continue on?"

<fc #0000ff>''[DM]''</fc>

"There's been murmuring of a petty thief slipping into people's homes pilfering food and clothing in nearby settlements. Don't think it's with malicious 'tent but rather some young vagabond. You might see 'em, might not along your way."

"You are a shining beacon to some, so maybe your actions can 'old sway over 'em as well."

The bartender finished wiping clean one glass if only to take Tressene's, bringing it to the sink.

"Aside from that, may you have safe travels. I'll send the children your regards."

<fc #A98CC2>''[Tressenne]''</fc>

Tess rose a brow at that. “Oh? I’ll give that rumor a look then.”

Before she rose up she slid her gauntlets onto her hands. And found her helm before she turned to make her leave however she did ask. 

“Do you happen to know if a seamstress? It’s occurred to me that my attire might be off putting to those more, uneasy about heavily armored individuals…And I figured I could use some more polite clothing when visiting some homes.”

<fc #0000ff>''[DM]''</fc>

The Bartender scratched his chin. 

"Well..'pends on what you are looking for. The seamstresses in Gridania will do you well for light, simple clothing. No frills. If you are heading to Ishgard, you will find no end to more 'fashionable' attire, if that is your aim."

<fc #A98CC2>''[Tressenne]''</fc>

Tess nods. "Perhaps I will have to pay them both a visit. Thank you again. And thank you, It's unfortunate I will not be able to see them off myself."

Sliding the helm onto her head, She'd make her way out of the bar, Heading towards the town of Hyrstmill. A small smile played on her face as she walked, Now that her helm covered it, The smile grew a rather, mischievous undertone, Unable to prevent herself from humming a small tune under her breath as she made her way out of the town and up the path.

*"Things are going well."* She thought.

----

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