[colour=D4E637][h3]Lyen'Ivhere'Zulc[/h3][hr] [b]Tall Trees, Long Shadows II[/b][/colour] [sub]Loriindton Seen & Mentioned: Talit'yrash'osmax[/sub] It was a common claim among the Yasoi that the only mette'stiroi worth attending was that with too many festivities to attend altogether. Lyen took it upon herself to put the phrase to the test; as well as the hospitality of Loriindton. She moved through the lower levels of the town as a whirlwind, drinking, talking, eating, dancing, flirting, and gambling were all done in equal measure and her spirits and glass were filled with each circling. The people of Loriindton were happy to have her, and before the first evening was over it was as though she'd never left her people at all. There were stark contrasts between Lyen's old homes and Loriindton; staying in such an isolated place surrounded by humans had affected the Yasoi. It was the oldest curiosities from her collection they were most interested in; those from the western lands and the grand forests of home. Lyen traded them freely, quickly plundering flora and fungi unique the the region. The starkest contrast was how most fell quiet when she spoke of the war, Parrence, or humans at all. Their curiosity on the subject marred by fear and weariness, as they suddenly became disinterested in her offered trade. Refusing to let it affect her good time, Lyen continued her dance through the nights events; joining the Tiims'archa race, yelling on her own small snail and getting in a mockingly heated argument with Otios as theirs came head to head. But even the chance at winnings couldn't hold her attention for long. It was a snail race after all, and when it took nearly an hour for them to move much past the starting line, she reached for Talit's arm. [colour=D4E637]"Come add to your Testoi with me suunei, your bravery needs commemorating."[/colour] Some time and a good deal of convincing later the two Yasoi woman walked out of the tent clutching their shoulders. They binded each-other's skin until the bleeding of their twin fluer-de-lis stopped. [colour=D4E637]"You saved my life twice."[/colour] She stated plainly, lifting her gaze to stare intensely in the other woman's eyes, searching for understanding. [colour=D4E637] "Whatever else you become, Talit'yrash'osmax will forever be my friend and kin. Bound to me as I am this mortal world."[/colour] The sincere moment passed quickly and was almost forgotten by the time the two parted ways, each notably more intoxicated than when they'd first crossed paths. Talit left to attend her place of honour at the roasting ceremony and Lyen joined the audience in their cheers and laughter at the former's expense. Only the mez'qadurat lost on her participation. Lyen watched a round from a distance, but decided she'd seen enough fighting and bloodshed for some time, and turned down the offer to enter the ring. Instead opting to join in for another round of dare-squares. She persisted in her goal throughout; spoking with anyone who would listen about the ongoing war among the humans and in turn eventually began to hear the concerns of the citizens of Lorrindton. Their fear of Perrence armies, masked with mocking scorn, and the bitter resentment that remained from the past king's transgression. In vying to better their opinions, she eventually found herself a regaling the battle of Relouse for the fourth time, and began to draw something of an audience. After a few cheers for her to begin again, Lyen was corralled towards the head table, markedly absent of Talit, to share the story properly. [colour=D4E637]"Let me tell a much more recent story of our dear Vyshta,"[/colour] she said slowly, giving a mocking crusty to the two present guests of honour as she her cup was filled. [colour=D4E637] "And how the foolish Eskandr walked into the web of the one-legged spider."[/colour] More than a few embellishments were made in her telling: Death's Hand was no human but a beast that turned to a monstrous bear at the height of the five moons. Talit had wheepingly vowed to sacrifice her remaining leg if it meant the King's heart would beat again after his fall from the ramparts. For each barbed joked planted there was a grand act of heroism carried out by her staring character, who may has well have single-legged defeated the entire army by the end of the dramatic recounting. [colour=D4E637]"To your sister,"[/colour] She nodded to Dyric from behind his left, raising her glass in a final toast. [colour=D4E637]"And your great ..."[/colour] She paused, pretending to count on her fingers, which irked out a few final laughs, [colour=D4E637]"great granddaughter Talit'yrash'osmax. Our lady luck caught between worlds."[/colour] She placed on hand on Merit's shoulder as she finished and downed the cup to the sound of applause. Only for it to end too soon, and far too abruptly. An earsplitting scream surprised Lyen enough to make her drop her glass, and when her eyes followed those of the stunned crowd she saw the sight causing such sudden change in atmosphere. Merit had slumped forward in her seat, her face white but for the black blood leaking from her mouth, eyes, and nose. “That maledict! She touched the baroness and this happened.” Where the first words that became clear as all of Lyen's senses swam in disorientation from the shock. This wasn't right, everything had been going so well. Instinctively she pulled away from the swarming arms making to grab her. [colour=D4E637]"Liar!"[/colour] She spun, screamed back at Dyric, horrified at his accusation. It did nothing to stop the half dozen hands reaching to grab her. Instinctively, she pulled away and pushed them off. [colour=D4E637]"Don't be ridiculous- I couldn't - It wasn't me!"[/colour] Her words fell on deaf ears as the crowd began to stand and screamed out for justice- or out of confusion; Lyen couldn't tell. All she noticed were their faces as every one of her own people turned from her own gaze as she searched the crowd for a sympathetic face.