Art History

Lylia says, "First, allow me to welcome all of you to the Alabaster Spire. We are fortunate enough to have art on loan from Ambassador Tredohal Hashier Faendryl, some of which we shall be highlighting tonight."

Lylia continues, "The Faendryl Enclave was founded a decade ago to celebrate and share our culture with the wider world, and one of the most important ways to understand a people is through their art."

Lylia asks, "But...what purpose does art serve?"

Lylia thoughtfully taps a finger against her lips.

Lylia says, "For some, it is its own end, a way to create beauty from raw stone or pigment. Faendryl artists have an eye for symmetry and grace even when our own circumstances as a nation were dire."

Lylia continues, "Others would say it serves as a faithful record of the world as the artist knows it, a documentary purpose. We can trace sweeping changes and gradual influences through examining shifts in art."

Lylia says, "And of course, some art is meant to provoke a visceral emotional response or ignite a political movement. Periods of upheaval are often marked by vivid splashes of paint upon plaster as well as blood on the steps of the Basilica."

(Lylia pauses for a moment and glances at the steps leading into the white tower nearby.)

Lylia briskly says, "But tonight is about seeing, not hearing; I should show you these wonders, not tell you of them."

Lylia flashes a quick grin.

Lylia explains, "The earliest Elven art is, in a sense, Faendryl as well; Old Ta'Faendryl may be ruinous now, but glimpses of its grandeur remain, and art movements throughout our history have hearkened back to it."

Mayor Lylia's group just went through a large ornate door.

[Alabaster Spire, Foyer – 23521]

Lylia gazes with interest at a colorful wall-sized mosaic.

A smiling bride in scarlet, and her groom in grey, sit at the center of this intricate mosaic. A low table before them holds a feast, but many of the bright fruits are unfamiliar. As each of the attendants is dressed in the colors of a different elven house, the image could as easily be an allegory as a portrait. Stones no larger than grains of rice capture every detail, from the net of gilded chains and gems in the bride's hair to the revelers' brilliant silks.

Lylia says, "Empire Classicism and its variants and offshoots appear regularly in Faendryl culture. You might say it is our oldest artistic tradition, and also one of our most enduring."

Lylia continues, "It is an expression of nostalgia for the Second Age, and what distinguishes Faendryl art of the time is its focus on Elven, and specifically Faendryl, glories."

Lylia says, "While other Elven art depicted the Arkati as beneficent guides and givers, Empire Classicism as a Faendryl art movement revealed an orderly hierarchy with a distinctly Faendryl apex."

Lylia says, "This mosaic is an excellent example of it."

Lylia says, "Although the artist did not sign the work, it is almost certainly a very early example of the movement."

Lylia says, "While it seems to depict a wedding feast, it is also open to allegorical interpretation with the other Elven Houses in attendance of a Faendryl ceremony."

Lylia asks, "Does anyone have questions about it, or thoughts about what they see?"

Lylia smiles.

Juspera squints at a colorful wall-sized mosaic.

Juspera asks, "How much is it worth?"

Santiel says, "It looks like the houses were unified at that time."

Lylia firmly says, "It is beyond price."

Speaking politely to Lylia, Nehor says, "You mentioned it is open to interpretation. I am curious as to yours."

Lylia says, "Some of the oldest extant artworks do indeed recall a time when the Houses were unified."

Santiel says, "This mozaic tells an old story, but it looks fairly new."

Lylia says, "As for my own interpretation, to me, it is a lovely pastoral, with only a subtle allegorical nod to Faendryl rule. 'First among equals' in the artist's eye."

Nehor noncommittally says, "I see. Thank you for your words, Mayor."

Lylia says, "I enjoy seeing that some of the foods are not commonly known to us anymore; this suggests it is quite old indeed, as does the construction."

Lylia admits, "I could go on for days about it; it is one of my favorites."

Lylia says, "But we should move on."

Lylia says, "And of course, it should be noted that art can also represent a striving for 'what should be', not merely what is."

Lylia says, "Which brings me to our next great art movement, Patriarchal Romanticism."

Lylia glances at a panoramic fresco.

Time has stolen the warmer and more ephemeral hues from this image of a man delivering a speech atop a flight of broad stone steps, casting the scene into a stark chiaroscuro of cold blues and bone white. The central figure commands attention both with his pose and with the slanting light that bathes him. Forced perspective creates a feeling of immense space between the speaker, his rapt crowd, and the pyramidal buildings behind them.

There appears to be something written on it.

In the Common language, it reads:

Yshryth Silvius Faendryl

Juspera asks, "Practical romanticism?"

Nazarr says, "Patriarchal. Pertaining to patriarchs."

Lylia says, "Nothing about romanticism is practical."

Lylia chuckles.

Juspera mumbles, "You got that right."

Faerinn says, "But it certainly is patriarchal."

Lylia explains, "One of the greatest struggles of Faendryl art and artists is to depict the Patriarch -- or Matriarch, of course -- in ways that both honor the immensity of the ruler's power and accurately reflect historical records."

Nehor drawls, "Practical is overrated, especially in the art world."

Lylia says, "I am not just speaking of correcting a severe underbite with paint, mind you."

Lylia murmurs, "Not that any of them had one."

Lylia asks, "No, this is more of a larger metaphysical question: How do you portray the figure with which all a nation's power inheres? With so much invested in the person of the Patriarch, how do Faendryl artists dare approach with enough reverence?"

Lylia says, "The answer, for some artists, was to expand the focus from the person of the Patriarch or Matriarch to the surrounding history and literature, infusing these with Patriarchal imagery."

(Lylia spreads her arms wide and raises her voice until it carries through the chamber.)

Faerinn quietly whispers aloud, "Now, I suspect they all had underbites."

Lylia exclaims, "Larger than life!"

Santiel says, "A leader must be a symbol of power, confidence, and control."

Lylia says, "Grandiose, full of symbolism, sometimes even depicting history in the most flattering of possible lights..."

Speaking fervently to Santiel, Lylia says, "Oh, just so."

Lylia nods enthusiastically!

Xorus knowingly remarks, "Relentless inbreeding."

Lylia says, "We see a fine example of it here in this portrait and again in the statues we shall see in the adjoining hall."

Lylia gazes in amusement at Xorus.

(Faerinn still furiously taking notes he leans in and takes a drink from the mead tucked under his arm.)

Speaking surprisedly to Santiel, Nehor asks, "Remarkably well spoken, mistress...?"

Speaking formally to Santiel, Nehor introduces, "Lord High Nehor, Flockmaster, star of song and stage. At your service."

Mayor Lylia's group just went through an ebonwood doorway.

[Alabaster Spire, Great Hall – 23523]

Lylia glances between a marble elven summoner statue and a marble Palestra statue.

With wide eyes and an intense gaze, the giantkin-sized statue appears caught mid-summon, his mouth open in an incantation, and his robes and long hair frozen in disarray as if caught by a tempest. One arm is extended upward with curled fingers, while the other is lowered behind him grasping a tightly spiraled stave held level with the ground. Gold, crimson, and black paint accent the statue and provide ornamentation to the carved marble while still allowing for its pale lavender hue to show through.

There appears to be something written on it.

In the Common language, it reads:

"Drawing of the Rift"

Gaius Cassian Faendryl

c. 3900

Standing tall and with a pensive expression, the carved Palestra is the size of a giantkin and nearly lifelike in her features. Her mixed uniform of plate armor and flowing cloth is sparsely painted with gold, crimson, and black, allowing the pale grey hue of the marble to show through. Both fabric and cropped hair seem caught by an unseen gale with deep folds painstakingly rendered for the effect. She holds a halberd in one hand at the low ready, and her steady gaze focuses on the opposing statue.

There appears to be something written on it.

In the Common language, it reads:

"To Wield Retribution, Castigation, and Grace"

Gaius Cassian Faendryl

c. 3900"

Lylia notes, "These were absolute murder to fit into the hall, and -- ah, hello, Melikor."

Lylia asks, "Note how they are stylized? Slightly larger than life?"

(Lylia uses her staff to point out some of the parts of the statue as she talks.)

Nehor curiously asks, "The dates on the statues, are they the date of the event depicted? Or when the artist sculpted them?"

Lylia says, "Symbology abounds. Note the pentacles here, and the use of color there..."

Lylia says, "The dates they were sculpted."

Faerinn says, "Interesting, the color was preserved."

Xorus says, "Yes. I am older than these statues."

Siggurd says, "I'm interested to see the next Palestra trials."

Mayor Lylia's group just went through an ebonwood doorway.

[Alabaster Spire, Dining Hall - 23522]

Lylia swiftly runs the tip of her forefinger across a portrait.

The painting depicts a Faendryl in full Patriarchal regalia emerging from a swirling grey mist. His red cloak fills the canvas in an array of vivid color and brushstrokes. Its fabric contains subtly rendered images of the six founders of the lesser Elven houses. Giving an illusion of motion, Elven forms are drawn upward with limbs and gazes extended toward the central figure. A pale hand grips the top of the cloak and the other reaches forward. A silver plate is affixed to the bottom.

There appears to be something written on it.

In the Faendryl language, it reads:

"Korthyr, The First Patriarch"

(Juspera makes a jabbing motion with two fingers.)

Juspera coughs.

Lylia says, "This portrait is a fascinating one, and it is not part of Ambassador Tredohal's collection on loan."

Lylia narrows her eyes.

Lylia shifts her eyes to Juspera.

Juspera says, "Just pointing out the art."

Nehor admits, "I cannot read the inscription."

Faerinn says, "There's this false sense of classicism in Imperial statuary thinking they were always pure white marble, but its just the paint came off after a few centuries."

Lylia notes, "It was a gift from Silvean to the Enclave."

Lylia says, "It is an image of Korthyr, the first Faendryl Patriarch."

Xorus says, "The originals were horribly gaudy."

Lylia nods in agreement at Faerinn.

Juspera gazes stupidly at a portrait.

Santiel quietly says, "Lovely."

Speaking to Xorus, Lylia says, "Yes, I never had the taste for the brighter examples of it. I am sure you saw your fair share."

Melikor winks at Zolis.

Lylia says, "This portrait proves how --"

Lylia says, "Thank you. As I was saying, the portrait is fascinating because it shows how art movements draw from one another and are rarely distinct."

Lylia asks, "Is it Empire Classicist? Is it Patriarchal Romanticism?"

Lylia confesses, "For all that I love Empire Classicism and Patriarchal Romanticism, the various and often conflicting Iconoclastic movements fascinate me more. We saw one example of it outside, and I believe she bears a second look."

Lylia says, "Let us go see her."

Lylia says, "Iconoclasm is not one movement but many, as fractured and challenging as the art itself can sometimes be."

Lylia explains, "The Faendryl reverence for their Patriarch contains an essential ambiguity over the relationship between his metaphysical import and his physical self."

Speaking softly to his ice cold vodka, Nehor whispers aloud, "Don't worry. I haven't forgotten you."

Lylia says, "Or, in the case of a Matriarch, her physical self."

Juspera turns an inquisitive ear toward Lylia.

Speaking to Lylia, Santiel says, "I have a question."

Lylia says, "Iconoclasm, therefore, refers to two different phenomena, one negative and the other positive. In negative terms, iconoclastic impulses have defaced Faendryl images, and it is entirely possible that some Patriarchs and Matriarchs were themselves lost to the mists of time during these periods of strife."

Lylia turns to face Santiel.

Lylia says, "Good; I like questions."

Lylia smiles at Santiel.

Speaking to Lylia, Santiel says, "You speak of patriarchs."

Speaking to Lylia, Santiel asks, "Have the Faendryl elves always been lead by patriarchs?"

Xanthium says, "There's been three Matriarchs."

Lylia adds, "Three known Matriarchs."

Faerinn asks, "So is there a...not a rule maybe..but a practice to not portray individual Patriarchs and Matriarchs in art?"

Speaking deeply to Faerinn, Zolis says, "Such things do not often make there way out into the world at large."

Lylia says, "But power has always inhered to a single individual, although the apex of Faendryl rule has deep roots that rely on many to sustain it."

Faerinn asks, "But an idealized concept of the office?"

Santiel says, "I ask becaused during my recent visit to Illistim, I learned that the matriarch often leads the family units in Sylvankind family unit."

Speaking to Faerinn, Lynaera says, "It is difficult to craft a worthy embodiment of all a culture."

Speaking to Faerinn, Lylia says, "There has been, yes, and that is part of the Iconoclastic movement as well."

Speaking to Santiel, Xanthium asks, "I believe that with the sylvans, there are considerably more women than men, yes?"

Speaking smoothly to Lynaera, Nehor counters, "Only because more artists have not used me as a subject for an example of the pinnacle of high society."

With a flourish, Nehor tosses his crimson velvet coatee over his shoulder, tilting his chin up with a wide grin and exaggerated wink.

Lynaera frowns at Nehor.

Speaking to Faerinn, Lylia says, "Just so. Patriarchal Romanticism has, in fact, been disparaged as being too constraining and shallow, while others find Iconoclastic art misses its mark entirely."

Speaking to Nehor, Xanthium says, "Cruxophim did. Perhaps you should have him recreate them and sell them."

Lylia glances at a horned basalt bust.

Slightly smaller than life-size, the bust depicts a woman wearing a cap with two curved peaks and a veil. The original sculptor managed to shape hard basalt into something as fluid as silk where the veil draped over the horned cap, but a lesser talent has since removed the statue's original face. Whatever expression she once wore, the woman's face now bears only a vacant stare and pursed lips. The crest at the base of the bust has likewise been defaced to remove identifying details.

Lylia observes, "Basalt is a sturdy material."

Lylia says, "But, as you can see, this bust represents the more negative aspect of Iconoclasm, the desire to tear apart what others have built. We do not know who she was."

Lylia confesses, "In my own imaginings, I see her as a would-be Matriarch, if not a lost Matriarch herself."

Speaking to Lynaera, Faerinn says, "But I have located the perfect example of all Solhaven art. There's these lobster statues the magister sells in her shop..."

Xanthium says, "Just because it appears to be a disparity doesn't mean it's not beneficial on examination."

Lylia nods at Loamian.

Lylia asks, "Yes?"

Raelee glances at Juspera.

Speaking to Lylia, Loamian says, "Do you mean to say that this is not just an example of a botched..."

Loamian asks, "Restoration?"

Lynaera appears to be struggling to keep a straight face as she glances at Faerinn.

Loamian gazes with interest at a horned basalt bust.

Loamian says, "The second, er, artist, seems much less nuanced."

Lylia says, "Absolutely not. Were it anything but an intentional disfigurement, you would see more of an attempt to maintain the lines of the original piece, particularly the veil. See, here and here..."

Lylia reaches out and touches a horned basalt bust.

(Lylia indicates where there are jagged edges and discontinuities with the draped veil.)

Xanthium says, "The column inspires a feeling of sadness in me. I could not say why. It holds the gathered starlight in it."

A closer look at the otherwise transparent cylinder reveals veil-like inclusions in the heart of the glass. These shapes distort the light coming through the column, showing areas of increased density. While the hazy forms in the column's interior form no recognizable image to the eyes, they might create a distinct tactile impression to anyone phasing the column.

There appears to be something written on it.

In the Common language, it reads:

"Union"

Speaking to Lynaera, Faerinn says, "I gave one to the Argent Mirror. Perhaps you'll see it on her desk when the renovation of her chambers are finished."

Speaking to Xanthium, Lylia says, "You might enjoy Sorcerous Expressionism, then."

Speaking to Juspera, Xanthium says, "Stop looking at me like that."

Juspera blinks at Xanthium.

Juspera asks, "What?"

Lylia says, "In that, you and I part ways."

Lylia chuckles.

Nehor glances between Juspera and Xanthium.

Santiel says, "She does look sad."

Speaking seriously to Xanthium, Nehor inquires, "Is that ragamuffin bothering you?"

Speaking to Lylia, Xanthium says, "Mhm. Yes, Madam Mayor."

Lylia says, "At any rate, as a positive phenomenon, concern over representing the Faendryl body has led to distinctive innovations in calligraphy and geometric design."

Faerinn asks, "Any idea why someone would have...defaced it?"

Siggurd says, "Defacing works of art is effectively destroying history."

Lylia explains, "That is, some artists have chosen not to portray Patriarchal grandeur directly but to consider the person of the Patriarch beyond the power of art to convey and instead turn to calligraphy and geometric design that indirectly approaches the subject."

Lylia nods in agreement at Siggurd.

Speaking to Nehor, Xanthium says, "I don't bother easily. She'll have to try harder if that's her goal."

Speaking doubtfully to Xanthium, Nehor says, "Very well."

Speaking to Faerinn, Lylia says, "No, that is lost to time as well. Art does reflect upheaval, and that includes the lacunae in records, not just what is there."

Lylia says, "The holes also speak to what once surrounded them."

Lylia adds, "And the holes are always there."

Juspera mouths, "Lacunae."

Speaking quietly to Xorus, Xanthium repeats, "The holes are always there."

Lylia says, "We shall see examples of Faendryl Iconoclasm in more detail in smaller, more fragile items in our lounge and library."

Lylia adds, "Also, drinks."

Mayor Lylia's group just went through an arboreal alabaster-set archway.

[Alabaster Spire, Library – 24046]

Lylia glances at a gilded manuscript page.

A specimen of masterwork calligraphy, the stylized Faendryl script on this page twists and wends around itself to form the image of a bird in flight. The drawing is surrounded by a border of gleaming gold leaf providing a double-framing effect with the geometrically patterned lor encasing the manuscript itself.

Santiel says, "I could get lost in this room."

Lylia says, "This is Silvean's favorite of the collection."

Santiel says, "You have a lovely library."

Xanthium says, "I spend a great deal of time here."

Lylia murmurs, "Thank you. We are quite proud of it, having worked to earn the building permits and the silvers to build and fill it."

Santiel asks, "Permits?"

Speaking to Xanthium, Lylia says, "Your mother was instrumental in that, you know. Our 'goddess of sticks.'."

Lylia says, "Yes, this library was earned."

Lylia smiles quietly to herself.

Lylia briskly exclaims, "At any rate!"

Lylia turns to face a gilded manuscript page.

Xanthium says, "She's told me about the backbreaking labor, with Pops here to make the sticks into better sticks."

Lylia says, "Many hands went into building it."

Speaking bemusedly to Xanthium, Zolis says, "Snappy, waggly sticks."

Melikor says, "Many, many sticks."

Zolis grins crookedly.

Lylia agrees, "And many sticks."

Lylia says, "Even for those who cannot read the complex calligraphy, the beauty of the page itself is manifest."

Lylia says, "But there were questions about why we had halflings in our Faendryl halls..."

Lylia grins slowly.

Lylia says, "Before we talk about the art of the Diaspora, though, we should refresh our drinks."

Mayor Lylia's group just went through an arboreal alabaster-set archway.

[Alabaster Spire, Lounge – 16148]

Santiel says, "An odd piece to have in your collection."

Xorus says, "... target practice.."

Nehor relievedly says, "Ah, hit the spot."

Lylia asks, "Any questions? Comments? Mute gazes of admiration for the work?"

Lylia says, "Save room for the cake and champagne."

Speaking to Lylia, Loamian says, "I rather appreciated the manuscript."

Nazarr says, "It's hard to give voice to how spectacular these works are."

Speaking approvingly to a gleaming ebonwood bar, Nehor declares, "You are the height of true art, indeed!"

Speaking to Lylia, Santiel asks, "Will you acquire more pieces in the future?"

Speaking to Nehor, Lylia says, "Art and artisanship are different, although that is a fascinating subject all its own."

Speaking to Nehor, Xorus says, "It truly captures the spirits of the thing."

Lylia says, "More or less."

Speaking to Nehor, Xanthium says, "That's my favorite, you'll have to get something else. It's not allowed."

Speaking to Santiel, Lylia says, "I hope to, yes."

Speaking smoothly to Lylia, Nehor says, "Perhaps, but this particular piece lifts my spirits every time I gaze upon it."

Mayor Lylia's group just went through a keystone marble arch.

[Alabaster Spire, Dining Hall – 23521]

Lylia glances at a vibrant canvas.

Painted with vivid realism, you could almost mistake the canvas for a window just barely separating you from the central subject: three ridiculous halflings. One plunges a tart into his gaping, rotten-toothed maw. A second wipes jelly-jam from his face with pages torn from a book discarded near his feet. The third has an upside-down timepiece in his hand and a robust mid-section tied up with a sash reading "Mayor."

There appears to be something written on it.

In the Common language, it reads:

"Icemule"

Lylia says, "Now, about those halflings..."

Lylia says, "First, let me object to the depiction of mayors as fat, bumbling fools."

Lylia puts her hands on her hips.

Lylia notes, "I am slim, if nothing else."

Speaking to a vibrant canvas, Faerinn asks, "Are you propaganda?"

Xorus says, "It is a cautionary tale about the inevitable horrors of democracy."

Lylia says, "The most recent school is the Diasporic movement -- which itself is divided into Diasporic Symbolism and Diasporic Realism."

Lylia says, "I shall leave it as an exercise to the viewer to decide if that image is realistic or symbolic."

Lylia smirks as a haughty expression flits across her face.

Lylia murmurs, "Silvean disparages it as a representation of chaos itself, the breakdown of a world no longer guided by Faendryl hands, but I find some of it charming."

Lylia admits, "Not this one, though."

Lylia wrinkles her nose.

Santiel asks, "Was it not democray the reason that our hostess is the current mayor of The Landing?"

Lylia continues, "Much of Diasporic Realism concerns itself with ugly, almost shocking imagery, albeit depicted with eloquence by talented hands."

Santiel peers quizzically at Xorus.

Lylia murmurs, "Yes, it was an entirely democratic vote, the will of the people."

Speaking to Lylia, Santiel says, "They picked wisely."

Xorus says, "It was superior will and cunning."

Lylia smiles at Santiel.

Lylia says, "Thank you."

Xanthium asks, "Being a representative of a government only makes it more necessary to be aware of its shortcomings, doesn't it?"

Lylia nods appreciatively.

Speaking primly to Santiel, Nehor informs, "Even a blind sow finds an acorn, once in awhile."

Speaking to Lylia, Loamian asks, "Do you know who the artist was?"

Lylia nods once at Xanthium.

Lylia exclaims, "Just so!"

Santiel grins at Nehor.

Lylia says, "No, this piece was unsigned."

Lylia says, "Disease, decrepitude, and decay are often featured. Ugliness metamorphosed into beauty by artists who encountered too much of the former and needed an outlet for their dismay."

Santiel says, "Maybe look for jam stains in the corner."

Lylia says, "Contrast it with the magnificence of the portrait hanging opposite it..."

Lylia glances at a portrait.

Loamian says, "I highly doubt the artist was a halfling." [Korthyr portrait again]

Xanthium says, "I feel sorry for them. Halflings are charming, kind people, for the most part. They often seem to be used as symbols of mockery."

Xanthium says, "...they could exercise better table manners."

Santiel says, "I love those little people."

Xanthium says, "The bakery's seatng area...."

Xanthium's face turns slightly pale.

Xanthium shakes her head.

Lylia loftily says, "If they do not wish to be symbolic of mockery, then they should aspire to something other than stuffing their faces and birthing babies."

Loamian says, "I wonder why not choose kobolds to represent such silliness."

Santiel says, "Short in stature, but hearts as big as giantkin heads."

Speaking to Loamian, Lylia says, "The artist may have only encountered halflings recently in his or her experience."

Speaking simply to Xanthium, Nehor says, "Some halflings indeed have a use. But for the most part, they are a pain and not very easily herded."

Faerinn says, "It is the youngest piece we've seen so far."

Lylia says, "That is the nature of Diasporic art. It represents a people coming to grips with a world that is often very much at odds with the orderly, hierarchical one they find familiar."

Speaking to Lylia, Santiel says, "Having that piece just shows that you approve of diversity."

Lylia smiles at Santiel.

Nehor thoughtfully muses, "Though you can fit more of them in a cell..."

Lylia says, "I do. The more we experience of the world, the better we are able to do what must be done, in all things."

Lylia nods slowly.

Speaking to Nehor, Xorus says, "They are much like toddlers in that way."

Lylia says, "Now, I mentioned Sorcerous Expressionism earlier."

Lylia bites her lip.

Mayor Lylia's group just went out.

[Faendryl Enclave, Courtyard - 23521]

Speaking warily to Xorus, Nehor says, "I...er. Yes."

Nehor coughs.

Lylia swiftly runs the tip of her forefinger across a column of rippled glass.

There appears to be something written on it.

In the Common language, it reads:

"Union"

Lylia admits, "I hate some of it."

Speaking to Nehor, Xanthium says, "Normally he goes the other way with that, points out we can always make more orphans."

Santiel says, "Damn this stuff is strong."

Lylia says, "But the point of art, just like the point of ruling over territory, is not merely to be liked. Sorcerous Expressionism is prickly, arcane, sometimes even pretentious, full of obscurantism for the sake of claiming to be above those who fail to understand it."

Santiel says, "Warms you up quickly."

Speaking to Santiel, Nehor recommends, "The vodka also has quite the kick."

Lylia says, "I say 'sensed' and not 'saw,' for not all Sorcerous Expressionist art can be merely viewed. Some is tactile, and other pieces are meant to be experienced through the use of sorcery itself."

Lylia says, "Some of these pieces may even come from beyond New Ta'Faendryl itself, true 'outsider art' from those who populate the Southron Wastes."

Lylia says, "One piece that I did not ask Ambassador Tredohal to leave here with us was a large black square titled 'Dawn.'."

Lylia says, "It irritated me beyond reason."

Juspera asks, "Why?"

Lylia exclaims, "Good question!"

Faerinn asks, "So magic was used directly in the creation of this?"

Lylia says, "And I have only incomplete answers there. Because it seemed antithetical to 'dawn' as a metaphor or as an actuality."

Lylia says, "Because it seemed low-effort."

Juspera says, "Yeah it seems pretty stupid."

Siggurd says, "Because similar paintings depend more on salesmanship than talent."

Lylia quips, "Because it felt pretentious, and while I like pretention well enough when I do it, I dislike it when someone else tries to do it to me."

Faerinn asks, "Does some sorcerous experssionism pieces explode when there are sold?"

Speaking deeply to Lylia, Zolis says, "I have found the art of those peoples to be a bit more subversive, cynical.."

Lylia says, "Yes! That is another thing to consider about art -- the nature of marketing and commerce."

Zolis deeply says, "I enjoy it, however."

Xorus says, "Watch out for the ones with pretensile tales..."

Lylia says, "Yes, I agree. Cynical. But of course, cynicism has its place too, and challenging the notion of capital-A 'Art' is something many artists do."

Lylia begins chuckling at Xorus!

Speaking to Faerinn, Lylia says, "Some have, yes, but that is generally considered performance art, which is out of my purview tonight."

(Faerinn peers in close enough to the column of glass to see his reflection, and then bites the head off his grilled lizard.)

Lylia says, "I enjoy the performing arts but not performance art. Strange how that works."

Lylia thoughtfully taps a finger against her lips.

Speaking to Faerinn, Loamian says, "This is a strictly bring your own explosions tour."

Mayor Lylia's group just wandered over from a pathway.

[Faendryl Enclave, Garden – 23520]

Speaking to Lylia, Xanthium asks, "Performance art can be pretty...uh, niche, but surely you don't mean all dance or theatre?"

Lylia says, "Now, if you would like to enjoy the culinary arts, we have something to offer here."

Faerinn says, "No, she's probably referring to something like for example me applying to become a handmaiden to the Argent Mirror."

Speaking to Xanthium, Lylia says, "I meant, rather, the sort that involves cutting yourself and flinging blood on the audience while shouting 'Shame!' 'Shame!' and then painting your naked body with the crest of House Ashrim or some similar nonsense."

Speaking to Faerinn, Xanthium says, "That sounds like protest art."

Speaking to Xanthium, Faerinn says, "Funny. I hear that a lot."

Speaking flatly to Lylia, Xanthium says, "I wonder why you would object to that, my lady."

Xorus says, "Ah, yes. Feastday."

Lylia replies, "Many reasons. One of which is that it is terrible to get out blood-stains."

Nehor simply says, "I for one am in favor of more naked bodies in art."

Lylia says, "My laundress is a treasure, however."

Nehor examines his fingernails.

Speaking curiously to Faerinn, Xanthium inquires, "Was it? Funny?"

Lylia says, "No objection to the nakedness."

Speaking to Xanthium, Faerinn asks, "Unfortunately?"

Lylia brightly asks, "So! Any questions?"

Lylia surveys the area.

Speaking to Faerinn, Xanthium asks, "That's a problem, isn't it?"

Lylia smoothly says, "Then we shall save those for another time."

Speaking to Xanthium, Faerinn says, "I'm not completely sure."

Speaking to Lylia, Loamian asks, "When will the next set of art be arriving?"

Nehor smiles thinly, sipping at his vodka for a moment before wincing, putting the glass to his head as he squints his eyes shut

Lylia says, "By all means, sample the ices, the teas, and the champagne, which is courtesy of House Brigatta."

Speaking to Loamian, Lylia says, "Good question. I would need to speak to Ambassador Tredohal about that."

Lylia smiles.

Speaking to Faerinn, Xanthium says, "Doing something to outline a problem sometimes just makes one look like a lark."

Speaking to Lylia, Loamian says, "I hope it is soon, it would be wonderful to do this often."

Speaking to Lylia, Santiel says, "I hate to leave without sampling the cake, but I am needed elsewhere."

Santiel says, "Thank you for the tour."

Speaking to Nehor, Santiel says, "Nice meeting you, Nehor."

Loamian jovially says, "Cheers to Lylia."

Speaking gently to Santiel, Nehor corrects, "Lord Nehor."

Lylia says, "If you must leave, then take with you my warmest thanks for being here, if not any of the cake."

Speaking to Santiel, Nehor adds, "And you as well."

Speaking to Nehor, Santiel says, "So formal."

Speaking to Nehor, Santiel says, "Lord Nehor."

Speaking to Santiel, Nehor admits, "Indeed."

Lylia says, "In fact, thank you all for being here."

Lylia smiles.

Lylia warmly says, "It is gratifying to see an interest in the arts."

Loamian exclaims, "It is gratifying to have a guide!"

Speaking politely to Lylia, Nehor says, "I am grateful for the chance to have a tour of the grounds and of your pieces you display."

Speaking to Lylia, Xanthium says, "If I'd had a tutor with your rhetorical skill, I might have chosen a more visual expression for myself."

Lylia says, "I know that, for those of other Elven Houses, Faendryl art -- especially the older historical pieces -- can be rather off-putting."

Speaking to Lylia, Eldillor says, "Thank you for showing the art to us and explaining your thoughts of them."

Speaking in Faendryl to Lylia, Nacari says, "It was a wonderful tour."

Lylia says, "But that is another thing art does for us in challenging our perceptions. I am deeply gratified to see those of you who are not Faendryl approaching our art with an open mind and with sensitivity to a long and storied history, not all of which is placid."

Speaking to Lylia, Xanthium says, "Truly. It was a magic evening."

Lylia says, "As history rarely is."

Speaking in Faendryl, Lylia warmly says, "Thank you so much."

Speaking to Lylia, Loamian asks, "Are the grounds open for us to come back?"

Lylia chuckles.

Speaking softly to Nehor, Xanthium asks, "Are you leaving?"

Faerinn says, "Oh, this salt and lemon and vinegar would also take out blood stains."

Lylia says, "It is a champagne reception, not a champagne and everything else reception. I did not wish to tax our kitchens too greatly during a blight."

Speaking to Lylia, Lynaera says, "I find Faendryl art to be rather..strong. It is rather interesting to me. I appreciate you allowing outsiders to view it."

Lylia says, "By all means, most of the Spire is available for viewing."

Speaking to Xanthium, Nehor confesses, "Soon I shall bid leave to our wonderful Hostess, yes."

Lylia nods respectfully at Lynaera.

Nehor explains, "I do not, after all, believe in overstaying one's welcome."

Speaking to Lylia, Xanthium says, "Despite the temperature, I appreciate the ices."

Speaking to Nehor, Faerinn says, "Fair enough. I bet your tired from last weekend."

Nehor frowns at Faerinn.

Faerinn says, "I slept for like a whole day after."

Speaking deeply to Lylia, Guarrin says, "The collection is quite impressive and the tour most informative. Both were appreciated."

Speaking to Nehor, Xanthium says, "If you're tired just say so."

Speaking to Faerinn, Nehor says, "It is not your concern."

Lylia says, "I hope that someday, we can do likewise and see Nalfein art on a larger stage."

Speaking to Nehor, Xanthium says, "But I would like to know what happened."

Lylia says, "Thank you so much."

Speaking carefully to Lylia, Raelee says, "It is... valuable to spend some time educating oneself on alternative topics. Thank you for that."

Speaking gratefully to Lylia, Loamian says, "Thank you for the tour, I hope you have time to do more."

Loamian says, "Thanks everyone for allowing me to stumble in on your evening."

Speaking to Lylia, Melikor says, "Yes, thank you for the lovely presentation."

Melikor says, "And thank you all for coming."

Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "Art is often dismissed as frivolous, but nothing could be more serious than influencing popular thought on leaders vying for control or illustrating valences that are closed to us."