Sayilla Javilerre
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Sayilla Javilerre was a rising star and emissary of Ta'Illistim and in recent years frequently represented Argent Mirror Myasara abroad in matters of diplomatic importance. She was the neice of Lord Commander Murstyr Javilerre of the Sapphire Guard. Her cousins included Loremaster Caylio Javilerre who was Myasara's royal husband, and Hycinthia Javilerre, a disgraced Handmaiden who plotted against the Argent Mirror and ultimately caused Caylio's death. The Javilerre family of Illistim is one of its most prominent, with many of its members finding service within the Sapphire Guard. It also is very close to a number of families among the Vaalor. During Sayilla's memorial service, Lord Legionnaire Commander Jaranzair Nashal Vaalor wistfully reminesced about a child-aged Sayilla running through the halls of his home alongside his grandchildren when Murstyr and his family visited. Sayilla was attacked at sea on Fashanos 7, 5123, and is presumed dead.
After the destruction of Talador in 5116, word slowly traveled east to the Illistim court that its refugees were in need of relief, and concerned citizens petitioned the Argent Mirror to offer aid. While there had been a number of local relief efforts, largely spearheaded by Kasendra Chandrennin of Aldora, additional help was welcomed. Following the disappearance of one of the Argent Mirror's delegates sent to coordinate aid for the Talador relief efforts, Myasara appointed Sayilla to serve as her emissary to the Turamzzyrian Empire. Sayilla traveled to Solhaven to meet directly with Baron Dunrith Malwind, as most of the relief effort coordination was based out of Vornavis. She secured airship docking rights in Solhaven to better facilitate transfer of supplies from Ta'Illistim for the relief efforts. She also met Kasendra, and the two began to forge a friendship and to foster positive relations between their respective nations. Sayilla later shared that she highly respected Kasendra, naming her an inspiration for her efforts to aid the unfortunate.
Baron Dunrith was so impressed by Sayilla's diplomacy that he shared the ongoing efforts with Emperor Aurmont Anodheles, who agreed to open discussions with the Argent Mirror. After some correspondence between them, Emperor Aurmont and the Argent Mirror agreed to meet in person to discuss future aid and to sign a treaty that would declare a mutual respect and friendship between their sovereign nations. This treaty became known as the Valley of Gold accord, named after the valley in which it was held in Lumnea 5119. Sayilla was among those dignitaries present at the Valley of Gold to witness signing of the treaty. Like Orelwen Greyvael and some of the other Handmaidens to the Argent Mirror, Sayilla was poisoned by touching a painting from artist Paerys Velethuil, though she made a full recovery within a few weeks.
Sayilla spent a year in the courts of Ta'Ardenai between 5120 and 5121, serving as emissary on behalf of Illistim interests. During her time, she stayed with Ysaeril's maternal Ostrylae Ardenai family.
In Ivastaen 5121, Sayilla traveled to Icemule Trace on behalf of the Argent Mirror to attend a meeting held in the town's Clovertooth Hall about the ongoing threat of a large flying gnomish weapon called the Manticore. Representatives from a variety of towns, cities, and nations were present, and many of them expressed differing views of what the best course of action should be regarding the potential threat. Sayilla said that the weapon should be destroyed, and that the Argent Mirror would look kindly upon Icemule trace if the Mirror were to know that the lands were safe.
In early 5122, the Argent Mirror announced a diplomatic exchange with Tamzyrr to stay in the Sun Throne's court. Two women were under consideration, and Sayilla was ultimately chosen for the role on Olaesta 11. Her counterpart from the past efforts leading to the Valley of Gold treaty, Kasendra, now Kasendra Malwind, had already been invited to the Ta'Illistim court with her husband Salnim a week earlier. The exchange of both diplomats was intended to foster positive relations between the two nations. While in Tamzyrr, Steward Jarnsaixa was appointed as Sayilla's personal bodyguard to ensure her safety. Sayilla expressed fondness for Jarnsaixa, comparing the Steward's temperament to that of her uncle, Murstyr. Murstyr himself played a role in Jarnsaixa's appointment.
Nearly a year into her service as emissary in the Sun Throne's court, Sayilla arranged for an overland trip north out of Tamzyrr to see additional regions of the Empire. Lasting a weekend in Lormesta 5123, the overland trip departed from River's Rest in Torre and followed the Pilgram's Road, an old route that dated back to the Kannalan Empire.
Sayilla met a number of the noble families during her overland trip. Lieutenant Kansom Baylor of the Fairport Guard welcomed and escorted Sayilla to meet Count Clarence Claybourne of Torre. Eylna Villaune, daughter of the Baron of Oire, met Sayilla as her party arrived near New Myssar and arranged for Sayilla to meet with her father. After reaching Brisker's Cove in Seareach, Sayilla and Jarnsaixa traveled by sea north to Wehnimer's Landing, where the locals welcomed her. Sayilla had requested to tour some of the northern lands before returning south to Tamzyrr by way of Vornavis. She shared that she wished to learn some of the local customs, meet its people, and find a level of respect with them. There, she and Jarnsaixa also revealed a project that she had been working on, which was a memorial to two recently departed figures of prominence within the Empire, Duke Bannon Chandrennin of Aldora and Baron Spensor Caulfield of Bourth. She had artwork commissioned for the memorial pavilion. She described Duke Bannon as a good man, and she appreciated getting to know him through his daughter, Kasendra.
Following the death of Kasendra while attending an official function in the Ta'Illistim Keep in early Fashanos 5123, a number expressed concern for Sayilla's safety, especially as she was so far from home. King Qalinor himself offered his specialized bandons to the Argent Mirror to safely retrieve her from the Empire should Myasara feel it was necessary. In a tragic twist, those offers for aid proved prescient but ultimately ineffective.
Sayilla was in Vornavis when news of Kasendra's death broke, and she read aloud the message for Kasendra's husband, Salnim Malwind, and his sister, Athalia Malwind. Jarnsaixa immediately expressed concern for Sayilla's safety. A voyage to convey Sayilla back to safety in Tamzyrr was arranged to take place several nights later. However, tragedy struck again. While aboard Captain Kimrella de'Naut's vessel, Starseeker, Niatha, posing as an aged healer named Grenhal who had been attending to Baron Dunrith and his family for decades, appeared in the captain's quarters and attacked. Niatha attacked Sayilla and threw her from a window into the frigid winter ocean. Jarnsaixa was also injured by Niatha before the woman escaped, suffering her own wounds. Some aboard the ship sensitive to the touch of death recognized that Sayilla had died in the ensuing chaos. As adventurers on deck sought to illuminate the area to find Sayilla, a pirate ship attacked and was eventually repelled, but neither Sayilla nor her attacker were found and both were later presumed dead. One of the pirates was captured and brought back to Vornavis for questioning but ultimately revealed little of use.
Sayilla's memorial service was held on Charlatos 25, 5123, in the Solace of the Seaborne, a memorial garden that the Illistim had been built for the Ashrim and those lost at sea. It was attended by a large number of dignitaries, citizens, and guests.
A number of ships spent the following months searching for any sign of Sayilla. On Charlatos 30, one of them pulled a waterlogged boot from the ocean that appeared to match the pair that Sayilla had worn on the eve of the fateful attack. Several days later on Olaesta 5, a commune was held in River's Rest, led by Omiko, a Priestess of Charl. The visions that answered confirmed Sayilla's death by drowning. Some months later, Adresin Ostrylae arrived in Ta'Illistim, outraged that no one had solved her murder. He quickly left for Solhaven to appeal for swift justice at the baronial Vornavis court, but left the city the morning before the inexplicably delayed court session. Following the court session, a seaborne ankle-boot believed to belong to Sayilla was surrendered to her next of kin, Lord Murstyr Javilerre, via Elanthian Post.
At the conclusion of Nations on the Brink, Sayilla is revealed to have survived the attack on her and is in attendance when the Kasendra Accords are signed in Ta'Nalfein.
Appearance
- On 02-27-23, the evening of her demise aboard Starseeker
You see Sayilla Javilerre Illistim. She appears to be an Elf. She is petite. She appears to be young. She has slightly tilted pale green eyes and fair skin. She has long, glossy copper hair pinned atop her head in a coiled, braided bun. She has an oval face, a classical nose and upswept pointed ears. She is in good shape. She is wearing a pair of teardrop cerulean glimaerstone earrings, a twisted vaalin choker with an onyx mournbloom pendant, a richly appointed ebon wool cloak lined with mist grey crushed velvet, an ebon Vornavian silk armband, a midnight black damask gown with darkened cerulean satin petticoats, a small vaalin signet ring, a sashed black damask pouch, and a pair of supple black leather ankle boots.
- 01-20-23, in Wehnimer's Landing while revealing her Pavilion of Remembrance
You see Lady Sayilla Javilerre Illistim. She appears to be an Elf. She is petite. She appears to be young. She has slightly tilted pale green eyes and fair skin. She has long, glossy copper hair pinned atop her head in a coiled, braided bun. She has an oval face, a classical nose and upswept pointed ears. She is in good shape. She is wearing a soft woolen scarf, a slender vaalin chain, an indigo wool cloak pinned with a trio of silver blossoms, a layered sapphire paeline dress edged with white fur, a pair of cuffed leather gloves, a small vaalin signet ring, and some pointed fur-lined boots.
- 01-15-23, while in Seareach
You see Sayilla Javilerre Illistim. She appears to be an Elf. She is petite. She appears to be young. She has slightly tilted pale green eyes and fair skin. She has long, glossy copper hair pinned atop her head in a coiled, braided bun. She has an oval face, a classical nose and upswept pointed ears. Purplish circles under her eyes betray a sleepless night. She is in good shape. She is wearing a dark blue leather cloak pinned with silver laurel leaves, a braided golvern necklace suspending a deep green spherical sapphire, a short-waisted silvery grey linen riding dress, a small vaalin signet ring, and a pair of sharp-toed blue leather boots.
- 04-11-22, at court in Ta'Illistim when her Turamzzyrian appointment was announced
You see Lady Sayilla Javilerre Illistim. She appears to be an Elf. She is petite. She appears to be young. She has slightly tilted pale green eyes and fair skin. She has long, glossy copper hair flowing over her slender shoulders. She has an oval face, a classical nose and upswept pointed ears. She is in good shape. She is wearing a slender vaalin necklace, a fitted ultramarine sea silk gown with a full golden lace train, a small vaalin signet ring, and a pair of pale ivory satin slippers lofted on polished mistwood heels.
- 05-07-21, during a meeting at Clovertooth Hall in Icemule Trace regarding the Manticore
You see Lady Sayilla Javilerre Illistim. She appears to be an Elf. She is petite. She appears to be young. She has slightly tilted pale green eyes and fair skin. She has long, glossy copper hair flowing over her slender shoulders. She has an oval face, a classical nose and upswept pointed ears. She is in good shape. She is wearing a slender vaalin necklace, a fur-lined dark grey cloak clasped with a vaalin rose, a loose ivory silk shirt, a small vaalin signet ring, a pair of grey wool pants, and a pair of dark leather boots with tiny silver buckles.
- 02-01-20, at court in Ta'Illistim when her Ardenai appointment was announced
You see Lady Sayilla Javilerre Illistim. She appears to be an Elf. She is petite. She appears to be young. She has slightly tilted pale green eyes and fair skin. She has long, glossy copper hair divided into several elegantly twisted sections and adorned with some pearl blossoms. She has an oval face, a classical nose and upswept pointed ears. She is in good shape. She is wearing a slender pearl necklace, a pale blue silk kirtle trimmed with gold braiding, a small vaalin signet ring, and a pair of ivory silk slippers.
- 08-1-19 in Ta'Illistim, at court during the trial of Paerys Velethuil
You see Lady Sayilla Javilerre Illistim. She appears to be an Elf. She is petite. She appears to be young. She has slightly tilted pale green eyes and fair skin. She has long, glossy copper hair loosely styled with some pearl blossoms scattered throughout. She has an oval face, a classical nose and upswept pointed ears. A pale rash colors her hand. She is in good shape. She is wearing a woven gold chain, a fitted ivory gown tied with sapphire ribbons, a small vaalin signet ring, and a pair of ivory silk slippers.
- 07-29-19 in Ta'Illistim, during tea time
You see Lady Sayilla Javilerre Illistim. She appears to be an Elf. She is petite. She appears to be young. She has slightly tilted pale green eyes and fair skin. She has long, glossy copper hair loosely styled with some pearl blossoms scattered throughout. She has an oval face, a classical nose and upswept pointed ears. A dark rash creeps across her skin in red blotches. She is in good shape. She is wearing a woven gold chain, a pale blue silk kirtle trimmed with gold braiding, a small vaalin signet ring, and a pair of ivory silk slippers. Sayilla scratches her hand.
- 07-24-19 in Ta'Illistim, during tea time
You see Lady Sayilla Javilerre Illistim. She appears to be an Elf. She is petite. She appears to be young. She has slightly tilted pale green eyes and fair skin. She has long, glossy copper hair divided into several elegantly twisted sections and adorned with some jade droplets. She has an oval face, a classical nose and upswept pointed ears. A light rash creeps across her skin in red blotches. She is in good shape. She is holding a gold-rimmed ivory tea cup in her right hand. She is wearing a jade and pearl necklace, a silver-corseted ivory organza gown patterned with pale leaves, a small vaalin signet ring, and a pair of pale green silk slippers.
- 07-21-19 in Ta'Illistim, when she had a rash (note, it was not visible just a few days earlier)
You see Lady Sayilla Javilerre Illistim. She appears to be an Elf. She is petite. She appears to be young. She has slightly tilted pale green eyes and fair skin. She has long, glossy copper hair loosely styled with some pearl blossoms scattered throughout. She has an oval face, a classical nose and upswept pointed ears. A dark rash creeps across her skin in red blotches. She is in good shape. She is wearing a woven gold chain, a pale blue silk kirtle trimmed with gold braiding, a small vaalin signet ring, and a pair of ivory silk slippers. Sayilla scratches her hand.
- 07-18-19 at court in Ta'Illistim, when she was awarded an elven jewel
You see Lady Sayilla Javilerre Illistim. She appears to be an Elf. She is petite. She appears to be young. She has slightly tilted pale green eyes and fair skin. She has long, glossy copper hair flowing over her slender shoulders. She has an oval face, a classical nose and upswept pointed ears. She is in good shape. She is wearing a delicate vaalin and sapphire necklace, a pale sapphire blue silk gown with trailing alabaster lace sleeves, a small vaalin signet ring, and a pair of sapphire blue silk slippers.
- 08-19-18 at Ta'Illistim Keep, Council Salon, to discuss the disappearance of Rohese
You see Lady Sayilla Javilerre Illistim. She appears to be an Elf. She is petite. She appears to be young. She has slightly tilted pale green eyes and fair skin. She has long, glossy copper hair flowing over her slender shoulders. She has an oval face, a classical nose and upswept pointed ears. She is in good shape. She is wearing a deicate vaalin and jade necklace, a pale ivory silk gown embroidered with tiny moss-hued leaves, a small vaalin signet ring, and a pair of ivory silk slippers beaded with jade.
Background
On Koaratos 18, 5119, Sayilla was awarded a diamond for her personal crest, recognizing the leadership she demonstrated in diplomatic efforts leading up to the Valley of Gold treaty.
Myasara says, "Lady Sayilla Javilerre Illistim." Myasara says, "Please step forward." Sayilla takes a few steps in a small circle. Sayilla nods. Sayilla curtsies to Myasara. Myasara says, "Lady Sayilla, since coming our court, you have shown your loyalty. You have been our voice here at home and in lands far away. You were an important part of the delegation that we sent to Vornavis. You spoke to the Baron and his son on our behalf and helped negotiate our aid to the Empire." Myasara says, "For your work on our behalf, we wish to award you with an elven jewel that will be displayed in your personal crest. A diamond rimmed in gold for your leadership in serving House Illistim." Sayilla says, "Thank you Argent Mirror. I will always strive to serve you and our House." Sayilla curtsies to Myasara. Myasara smiles at Sayilla. Sayilla flushes slightly, some color reaching her cheeks.
On Fashanos 1, 5120 at court...
Myasara says, "Our beloved Lady Sayilla Javilerre Illistim. She who has served us at foreign courts and has worked to build our relationship with the Empire." Myasara says, "Lady Sayilla will be traveling to Ta'Ardenai to live with Lady Ysaeril's family." Myasara says, "She will be fostered in their court." Myasara says, "And bring our traditions and knowledge to their lands and return with the same." Myasara says, "Our hope is that we will draw closer as Elven Houses through this exchange." Sayilla says, in Elven, "Thank you for all of the well wishes."
On Olaesta 11, 5122 at court...
Myasara says, "Lady Sayilla, please step forward." Sayilla walks slowly towards the throne and lowers herself in a deep curtsy. Myasara says, "Lady Sayilla, you will be traveling as our representative." Myasara says, "We feel your experience in the Empire makes you the perfect candidate." Myasara says, "Lady Sayilla will be journeying to Tamzyrr and will be serving in the Imperial Court." Myasara says, "The Emperor and Empress are both looking forward to her arrival and getting to know her, and more about the Elven people."
On Olaesta 5, 5123, during a commune to determine Sayilla's fate...
A feminine voice whispers in your ear, "I shall guide him." Kynsella murmurs a recitation to Niima under her breath. However, given its lilting, rhyming nature, it is apparently either a child's rhyme or perhaps a sailor's. For a moment, your vision returns as you watch the offerings across the altar shake with each boom of thunder. Another flash of lightning bathes the area in bluish-white as rain threatens to destroy it all. Your vision blurs through the torrential rains and you see an elven silhouette curtained within the droplets. You see Sayilla, staring defiantly forward. A hooded figure lunges at her, her arm blocking the blow as her body turns towards the open window. You feel the fall as the cold watery depths steal the air within your lungs. You attempt to regain your senses as your legs kick upward, fighting the churning waters as you breach the water's surface, gulping air as your arms keep you afloat. You open your mouth as you try to call out to the storm-tossed ship, but no one can hear your cries as you are battered over and over by the waves, the water overwhelming you as the fatigue settles in. You feel your form sinking down into depths as you desperately kick your legs once again, loosening your ankle-boot in the process. You gaze up at the waters around you, cloudy with ribbons of sanguine. Your resolve returns as you fight upwards, always upwards, your arms arcing widely as you push towards the surface. Air once again returns to your lungs as you begin to paddle, your destination unknown but you paddle nonetheless. You attempt to wipe the sting of saltwater from your eyes as you move, the horizon only a short swim away, but the waves continuously batter your tired body, the exhaustion consuming you as you release your hold...and you descend once again into the cold, dark waters. You notice Shteve open his mouth as if screaming, but hear nothing. You hear Omiko's quiet voice within your ear, "The Stormfather has provided his answer, now we must search for our own." Ivybell gasps for breath, tears filling her eyes. She and Merryvine cling tightly to one another. Shteve flails around in the group, looking remarkably like he's drowning on land. The feminine voice whispers into your other ear, "And I will provide mine." The sky begins to fill with huge clouds, dark and grey on the bottom, pale and white atop, their puffy crowns ascending toward the heavens. The faint scent of wild roses fills the air as the waters gently rise, the vortex swirling to reveal the blue-tinged form of Galaytea. Shifting slightly, her eyes hooded as she gazes about, Galaytea pauses at the edge of the beach with one foot in the waters of Maelstrom Bay. There is a hesitancy to her as she stands in the moonlight, sheets of water dripping from her form.
Additional Information
- Sayilla's memorial service - 03-25-2023