Leafiara (prime)/Saraphenia/Evii and Phenia Meet (log)

Lumnea 8, 5122

Evii's player cleaned this log up and sent it to me as her tribute to Phenia and her player. After it's over, you'll find many of my own memories that reading this brought to mind.

Log

[Grey Ghost Table] (at the Abandoned Inn)

The walls surrounding this cozy booth have been hung with a sheer grey material. Out of one floats the faintest image of a ghost, shimmering in and out as the light material ripples. A table made of sanded aspen sits in the center, carved lightly with vaguely humanoid shapes.

Also here: Great Lady Saraphenia

Evii pulls out a chair and seats herself at the table.

Saraphenia pulls out a chair and seats herself at the table.

On the aspen table you see a heavy slab of iron and a menu.

Evii says, "Oh, this table comes with a slab of iron. How nice."

Evii squints at a heavy slab of iron.

Saraphenia giggles.

Evii says, "I'll order for you. Just let me know what you'd like."

Evii taps a menu on an aspen table.

Evii says, "I'm a ... regular ... here."

Evii smiles at Saraphenia.

Saraphenia asks, "How about a roast chicken and a nice red wine?"

Evii exclaims, "Perfect!"

A pretty ghost floats over to you, a smile on her face. "I'm Merion," she says. "What would you like?"

The ghost waitress nods to you and says, "I'll be back in a few minutes with your order."

Saraphenia beams happily at Evii!

Evii blinks.

Saraphenia smiles at Evii.

Speaking thoughtfully to Saraphenia, Evii mentions, "Merion doesn't usually work on Guild Night."

Evii waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.

Saraphenia grins.

Speaking warmly to Saraphenia, Evii introduces, "I'm Evii Natanial. Nice to meet you."

Evii leans forward and rests her chin in her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face.

Saraphenia introduces, "I'm Saraphenia SparrHawk...."

Saraphenia asks, "Or should I give my full name?"

Saraphenia grins.

Evii laughingly demurs, "Eh."

Speaking interestedly to Saraphenia, Evii asks, "So who was telling you to make new friends?"

The ghostly waitress returns and puts a glass of red wine, a glass of red wine, a roasted chicken, a skewer of roasted vegetables, a batter-dipped onion on the table. With a nod and a smile, she floats off.

Saraphenia says, "My wife."

Saraphenia grins.

Evii nods appreciatively.

Speaking warmly to Saraphenia, Evii prods, "Whose name starts with a ... ?"

Saraphenia says, "She's very popular. Me, not so much."

Evii nods almost imperceptibly.

Saraphenia says, "My wife is Leafiara."

Speaking to Saraphenia, Evii offers, "Never heard of her."

Evii's face goes blank.

Evii grins.

Saraphenia giggles.

Evii laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Evii removes a glass of red wine from on an aspen table.

Speaking delightedly to Saraphenia, Evii says, "I'm happy to make your acquaintance."

Saraphenia glances at Evii and makes a little purring sound.

Saraphenia removes a glass of red wine from on an aspen table.

Evii raises her red wine in a toast!

Saraphenia raises her red wine in a toast!

Evii beams!

Saraphenia takes a drink from her red wine.

Evii takes a drink from your red wine.

Evii toasts, "To new friends."

Saraphenia smiles a soft smile.

Evii smiles.

Evii put a glass of red wine on an aspen table.

Saraphenia says, "To new friends...and more."

Evii nods cheerfully.

Speaking interestedly to Saraphenia, Evii asks, "Have you lived in the Landing a long time?"

You see Great Lady Saraphenia SparrHawk.

She appears to be an Aelotoi of the Mrae'ni Clan.

She is shorter than average. She appears to be an adult. She has almond-shaped blue-black eyes and olive skin. She has waist length, glossy blue-black hair tied into two perky pigtails at the crown of her head with some vivid red white linen ribbons. She has an oval face, an upturned nose and a generous mouth. Perched precariously on the tip of her nose, she wears a pair of round gold wire frame spectacles that look as though they may fall off at any moment. She has a pair of long, bronze-veined, silver-hued wings.

She has a soaring eagle tattoo on her neck, a golden lute tattoo on her wrist, and a diving eagle tattoo on her leg.

She is in good shape.

She is holding a glass of red wine in her right hand.

She is wearing a carved amethyst earcuff, a deep red eahnor chain, a collar of splayed fire opal branches, a mist blue opal dragonfly back pendant upon cabochon-cut jade, a feathered silver boa adorned with gold moon charms, a sanguine red wool cloak fastened with a scarlet despanal clasp, a small golden Paupers pin, a silver maple theorbo, some sapphire blue robes, a loose red silk half-bodice sewn with tiny bells, some grey steel vambraces set with dark storm agate, a bronze-slatted tortoiseshell fan, a silver mesh handflower centered with an iolite plumeria, some fingerless weighted knuckle gloves, a coppery red gold wedding band with tiny floral details, a silver dragon-embossed ring, a trio of silver and gold hip-chains trailing glass-encased fire opal wings, a coral red orc hide pouch, a chrome belt pouch, a belt pouch, a flowing white moire silk skirt tied at the hip, a wiregrass anklet, and a pair of bewitching ethereal white knee-boots buttoned with fire opals.

Evii removes a batter-dipped onion from on an aspen table.

Saraphenia says, "Over 20 years."

Evii nods briskly!

Evii takes a bite of your batter-dipped onion.

Evii put a batter-dipped onion on an aspen table.

Saraphenia removes a roasted chicken from on an aspen table.

Saraphenia takes a bite of her roasted chicken.

Saraphenia put a roasted chicken on an aspen table.

Saraphenia takes a drink from her red wine.

Speaking delightedly to Saraphenia, Evii informs, "Well, I'm happy to finally get a chance to chit chat."

Saraphenia makes a purring sound.

Saraphenia exclaims, "Indeed!"

Speaking casually to Saraphenia, Evii says, "I mostly hang out in the early evening."

Speaking bitterly to Saraphenia, Evii says, "I wish I could be around during the big going-ons at night, but it's SOOO late."

Evii mumbles something under her breath and kicks at the ground in frustration.

Saraphenia says, "I have been as of late, but only because of Leafi."

Evii nods appreciatively.

Speaking interestedly to Saraphenia, Evii says, "What do you think about the townsfolk rising up? I heard that was crazy."

Saraphenia says, "I honestly havent paid attention much."

Evii nods almost imperceptibly.

Saraphenia says, "The goings on sometimes get me lost in the shuffle."

Saraphenia says, "I don't like that."

Evii tilts her head at Saraphenia.

Saraphenia says, "I'm not as powerful as Leafi is, not by a longshot."

Evii waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.

Speaking wryly to Saraphenia, Evii mentions, "I'm more interested in what you're good at, not how you're different from your wife."

Speaking to Saraphenia, Evii asks, "What kind of things do you enjoy?"

Saraphenia says, "I enjoy singing. I love to dance..."

Evii beams, her eyes filled with delight!

Evii nods reassuringly.

Saraphenia says, "I play the theorbo passably."

Speaking to Saraphenia, Evii mouths, "Oh!"

Saraphenia slings a silver maple theorbo off from over her shoulder.

Evii smiles.

Speaking to Saraphenia, Evii says, "I'm all thumbs and ears."

Speaking to Saraphenia, Evii gushes, "That's beautiful."

Saraphenia says, "This theorbo was given to me by a dear friend when I was a baby bardess."

Saraphenia says, "I'm no longer a bardess, but I still love to play."

Speaking warmly to Saraphenia, Evii says, "I can appreciate that."

Saraphenia put a glass of red wine on an aspen table.

Speaking to Saraphenia, Evii says, "Someone gave me finger cymbals once, but I lost them."

Evii sighs.

With a twinkle in her eye, Saraphenia begins a jaunty melody on her theorbo.

Evii says, "I could probably play a triangle... or maybe a tambourine."

Evii stares upward.

Saraphenia says, "There are other things I'm also good at, but those are for a more intimate conversation."

Evii laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Saraphenia begins building a complex, upbeat melody in a major key, her fingers lightly springing over the strings.

Speaking warmly to Saraphenia, Evii replys, "I mean, it's just you and me. Any more intimate and clothes would be melting."

Saraphenia blushes a nice shade of dark red.

Saraphenia giggles.

Evii says, "Unless you're worried about Merion."

Saraphenia launches into the next verse, this time adding in an impish harmony line that seems to tease the main theme along.

Saraphenia begins building a complex, upbeat melody in a major key, her fingers lightly springing over the strings.

Saraphenia says, "Ghosts are bound by their souls to keep secrets."

Evii holds up her hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.

Speaking frankly to Saraphenia, Evii says, "Ophelia can really talk. She loves to gossip."

Saraphenia giggles.

Putting a variation in her strum, Saraphenia runs through the verse and into a catchy chorus that will stick in your head for days.

With a final jaunty chord, Saraphenia stills the strings of her theorbo.

Saraphenia slings a silver maple theorbo over her shoulder.

Saraphenia removes a glass of red wine from on an aspen table.

Evii applauds warmly.

Saraphenia takes a drink from her red wine.

Saraphenia glances at Evii and makes a little purring sound.

Speaking delightedly to Saraphenia, Evii says, "That was lovely, thank you."

Saraphenia beams happily at Evii!

Speaking to Saraphenia, Evii says, "Let's move to the Common Room for a minute, I'm a bit cold."

Evii scoots her chair back and stands up.

Evii pulls Saraphenia to her feet.

[Abandoned Inn, Common Room]

The circular hearth in the center of the room burns merrily, shedding warmth and cheerful light. Benches, chairs and other places to ease tired feet line the walls, promising comfort and rest to weary travellers. A small archway opens to the west, giving a glimpse of a cozy tavern, while a green brocade curtain leads back into the front hall. You also see a basket of sticks.

Evii smiles.

Speaking interestedly to Saraphenia, Evii asks, "So, where do you like to hang out?"

Speaking to Evii, Saraphenia says, "I usually can be found in the central square when Leafi is not about. Other times, I'm kind of clinging to her."

Saraphenia giggles.

Evii smiles warmly.

Speaking casually to Saraphenia, Evii offers, "Well, if you ever need help with a project, or would like a friend to go around chasing critters and such, I'd be happy to help."

Saraphenia beams happily at Evii!

Speaking laughingly to Saraphenia, Evii concedes, "I'm not super old like some people, but that's never stopped me from hunting with them."

Saraphenia grins.

Saraphenia says, "I do hunt with Leafi."

Evii exclaims, "Me too!"

Saraphenia beams happily at Evii!

Speaking quietly to Saraphenia, Evii apologizes, "I don't have a great memory. Were you at Chandrellia's cap party?"

Evii says, "There were a lot of people there."

Saraphenia says, "I was the one dancing on the bar playing the Theorbo."

Evii exclaims, "Oh yes!"

Evii exclaims, "See, now I remember!"

Evii slaps herself on the forehead.

Speaking to Saraphenia, Evii says, "I was ... drinking."

Evii giggles.

Evii says, "So I don't remember quite as well as I might normally."

Evii coughs.

Speaking to Evii, Saraphenia says, "I actually shook my tush at you...but you must not have seen me."

Evii giggles.

Speaking to Saraphenia, Evii says, "It's a cute tush."

Evii nods appreciatively.

(Saraphenia turns around and shakes her tush at Evii, her wings swaying in time.)

Evii beams at Saraphenia and laughs with delight, her eyes full of merriment.

Evii lets out a cheer!

Saraphenia beams happily at Evii!

Speaking to Saraphenia, Evii exclaims, "You're very good at dancing!"

Speaking to Saraphenia, Evii says, "You were right."

(Saraphenia dances in tight little circles around Evii, her wings wrapping around her body as she dances.)

Evii offers an exaggerated smile, making her variegated crystal blue eyes as large as possible.

Evii praises Saraphenia.

Saraphenia glances at Evii and makes a little purring sound.

Evii smiles.

Evii gives Saraphenia a lingering kiss on the nose.

Saraphenia beams!

Saraphenia snuggles Evii, who responds by cradling an arm around her.

Speaking softly to Saraphenia, Evii mentions, "I have to head back to town for a bit. Would you like to walk with me?"

Leafi's Commentary

I've intended to--and, in time, will--go back through many of Leafi and Phenia's more meaningful conversations to preserve them and add my own commentary, but as I write this now, it's only been twelve days since I learned of her player's passing, so I've been focusing on archiving many of the bigger events. Since Evii's player sent this one in and I already have something to work with, though, I thought I'd make my first commentary here. Even in such a seemingly casual meeting, so many lines triggered a flood of memories.

Saraphenia introduces, "I'm Saraphenia SparrHawk...."

Phenia got her SparrHawk surname from Saranja, who in turn got it from Ghianna. I believe that was around 5119 or 5118. Over the following years, Ghia's player's time in game would become much more sporadic while Saranja's player had to stop playing entirely. However, Saranja's player always expected to come back one day--and, more importantly, Saranja the character played an immense role in bringing Leafi and Phenia together in the first place. So Leafi had no interest in "erasing" that with her own surname, but neither did she want to give up her own surname (nor could she have even if she did, with Ghia not around), and hence they were Leafiara Autumnwind and Saraphenia SparrHawk. ...at least for about another fourteen months.

Speaking interestedly to Saraphenia, Evii asks, "So who was telling you to make new friends?"
Saraphenia says, "My wife."
Speaking warmly to Saraphenia, Evii prods, "Whose name starts with a ... ?"
Saraphenia says, "She's very popular. Me, not so much."
Saraphenia says, "My wife is Leafiara."

I went back to check for context. Three nights earlier, on the 5th, Phenia was telling Leafi about how she felt a little out of place when they'd both go somewhere and people crowded around Leafi while Phenia was off to the side. They'd had this conversation several times and it was always a challenge to Leafi and me because, as Leafi told her, she actually has no idea how she became popular--so how could she give Phenia any advice?

Phenia did say Jast had adopted her that morning (the 5th) and Leafi said to do more of that, then reiterated something she'd said before: Phenia tended to have fewer but deeper relationships while she (Leafi) had more numerous but shallower ones. I don't want to frame it like a competition, but having just come from putting together the logs of their wedding and vow renewal, I can honestly say that out of the attendees and even invitees who were there primarily for or because of only one of the brides, more of them were there for Phenia than Leafi.

But, of course, the grass is always greener, so during these conversations, Phenia would lament feeling out of place while Leafi would lament feeling stretched too thin. Phenia eventually achieved the balance she wanted, though.

Perched precariously on the tip of her nose, she wears a pair of round gold wire frame spectacles that look as though they may fall off at any moment.

Phenia eventually stopped wearing these spectacles, though I can't recall exactly why. Maybe I'll find out as I go through older logs. I believe she just "realized" one day that she no longer needed them--and I sort of quasi-IC rationalized it to myself that her becoming a monk and mastering Perfect Self honed her body in more ways than just the mechanical stats.

She is wearing [...] a collar of splayed fire opal branches

Like Phenia's surname, this came from Saranja. Both situations ultimately came to a similar end, though. Saranja was eventually gone for so long that Phenia no longer wanted to live in the shadow of a ghost of sorts, but also didn't really feel right about getting rid of her physical memento since she did hope Sara really would return one day. As for her surname, Leafi first agreed to give that to Phenia on Koaratos 25, 5122 as long as she could clear it and make sure Saranja's feelings wouldn't be hurt.

However, it became apparent that either she'd never return or wouldn't at least return in any timely fashion... So Leafi finally resolved Phenia's concerns and dilemma by saying that she'd take the blame and responsibility if that return day ever came. She bestowed Phenia with her surname and a slender silver collar with a leaf-caged fire opal centerpiece in Phoenatos 5123.

She is wearing [...] a pair of bewitching ethereal white knee-boots buttoned with fire opals.

Leafi made these shoes for her while she was still a bard and she was so proud of them. The transition to a monk came with the tension of having to change between her combat shoes and these more formal ones.

Saraphenia says, "I play the theorbo passably."
Saraphenia slings a silver maple theorbo off from over her shoulder.
Saraphenia says, "This theorbo was given to me by a dear friend when I was a baby bardess."
Saraphenia says, "I'm no longer a bardess, but I still love to play."

On Jastatos 27, 5122, Phenia was in a melancholy mood and played a sad tune for Leafi on this theorbo. Afterward, she wondered if she should put it away, leave it in a locker, or even sell her instruments. She lamented that she never got to say goodbye to Ironoma, who gave her the theorbo and who she said was her best friend for a time before he ultimately vanished one day. That day, she apologized for being overwhelmed by emotions and admitted to feeling haunted by the past and other friends who had disappeared unexpectedly.

There's nothing Leafi can do about vanished friends, but she bought Phenia a music case from the Ebon Gate festival that was ongoing and encouraged her not to give up her theorbo or music. Currency-wise, it was pretty much the cheapest possible gift at only 30 soul shards, but to her I'm sure it meant the world.

As the theorbo itself exemplified, Phenia was an all-time expert at making so incredibly much of so objectively little. She was the type who could make a simple alteration seem like a monumental event, make the ACT verb seem like the ultimate and only necessary roleplaying tool, make a premium home feel like a private property, and in general operated on a totally different axis than those of us (myself definitely included) who chase after every new fluff item, raffle, and character customization. That'll always stick with me.