Botany

Held on Koaratos 15, 5118 (7/15/18) by Ysharra Nagorn.

Ysharra says, "First, I wanted to welcome you all, some of you for multiple attendances to our lectures this week-end. And please excuse Munin, as she clearly has no manners."

Khobra smiles softly towards Lylia before returning her attention towards Ysharra.

Ysharra says, "But I would be a great deal more nervous without her presence, so I hope you'll bear with her. And me."

Ysharra takes off a black-throated ghostly white orchid with trailing lace-like petals.

Ysharra asks, "Does anyone know what this is? Specifically?"

(Ysharra holds up the flower so the train of petals falls down the length of her forearm, the brilliant white colour gleaming in the late day sun.)

Ysharra taps a black-throated ghostly white orchid with trailing lace-like petals, which is in her right hand.

Lylia helpfully says, "A flower. Specifically, an orchid, I believe."

Khobra slowly answers, "BeautiVul?"

(Ysharra waits a heartbeat or two, before chuckling at Lylia and beginning again.)

Ysharra recites:

"This is the ghost orchid, one of the rarest flowers on the continent. It only grows in swamps, on the trunk or large branches of cypress trees. During most of the year, the plant is nearly invisble, just a tiny string of woody, brown-green roots winding around its host. But every summer, that clump of tendrils will erupt into ten or more of these, so large and bright that they appear to float in the air, hence their name. They fill the air with the scent you're all sure to notice, a rich melange of apple and honey."

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

Ysharra recites:

"I bring it with me today, despite it not being a Faendryl flower but a bog specimen, because it serves as a personal metaphor for what the Faendryl went through, following their exile. Poets may find messages and portents in the coils of rosebuds, but for me, it is the orchid that holds my soul fast. There are thousands of varieties, going from special epiphytes like this one here, to weeds that grow in midden heaps."

Ysharra recites:

"The ghost orchid first entered my life around twenty years ago, when I found it growing on a tree in the Vipershroud on my first trip to Ta'Illistim. I was immediately captivated by their beauty, and after decades of research, trial and error, here is one of my only victories."

Ysharra indicates her white orchid with a smile.

Ysharra recites:

"Gardening is often regarded as a hobby for those in their dotage, fiddling about with their verge and borders, their picket fences. We go around with dirt in our hair, under our fingernails and humblebrag about the size of our roses."

Ysharra recites:

"But for me, gardening is an admittance, that my heart and passion have been seduced by things that grow. That my industry, my energy, is spent year after year just to see a hint of color, a scent in the air. I have not grown this orchid, rather, it has tamed me by its beauty into being its caretaker. And thus, why I chose this topic to contribute this week-end."

Ysharra smiles quietly to herself.

Ysharra recites:

"The aim of this event, our Symposium, is to draw focus and clarity on the presence and particulars of the Faendryl culture. As this lecture takes place toward the end of our days together, no doubt this exposition is superfluous to you all by now."

Ysharra recites:

"I bring it up, however, to emphasize how difficult a task this is, and express appreciation for my colleagues in the Enclave- for the truth is, more than any other on the continent, the Faendryl are a society of individuals, and while there are definite concentrations of talents, professions and intellect, the Faendryl come to these avenues for their own reasons and to work their own purpose."

Ysharra recites:

"Thus, I will frame my topic of botany under the lens of how my Faendryl family has made use of it, for their own pursuits, and within this I believe you will see some common themes bloom, if you'll forgive the pun. And hopefully elements of our gardens will find root in your own stories."

Ysharra glances at Xorus.

Speaking to Xorus, Ysharra says, "My apologies."

Ysharra grins mischievously.

Ysharra recites:

"The first garden on my family's compound is what they have spent most of the last few thousand years upon- survival. As you all know, Rhoska Tor and its surrounding environs were mostly a toxic wasteland, a place saturated with mana and the taint of Maelshyve. What the first Exiles planted either died or came up twisted and inedible."

Xorus smirks.

Lylia gazes in amusement at Xorus.

Ysharra recites:

"Thus, my family and the rest of the Faendryl set about the task of conditioning the hydrophobic and cursed earth, in a way still used by them today, in times of drought. They took to the Southron Wastes, used their Summoned and their own elemental and sorcerous talents to slay the wasteworms and sandworms, which they then ground up to use as mulch to grow herbs. Herb crops, you see, have the sparest requirements for water and soil nutrients."

Ysharra recites:

"Chamomile, chives, pepper plants, caraway and mint began to flourish in their garden, giving them two benefits- first, it made eating what animals were to be found as food much more palatable- but it also aided the process of fertilizing the soil, so when it was sprayed with conjured water, it would absorb it into the sand, rather than repel it as it once did."

Ysharra breathlessly says, "Turning it into soil, at long last."

Ysharra recites:

"To this day, Faendryl spices are world-famous for their hardy, savory and rich natures and flavors. In fact, chamomile, treasured across the continent, means energy that overcomes adversity, in the old lore of the flowers, harkening to their triumph over deprivation."

Ysharra recites:

"Once food was no longer the primary goal, my family and the other Faendryl could focus on specialities, such is the case with my cousin, Giliad. He travels the continent with a theatre company, one that...assists in spreading the Faendryl reputation and uncompromising might to the world."

Ysharra recites:

"Just in case the rest of the continent underestimates them due to their desert sojourn, yes? To this end, he performs for an elite group of patrons, and leaves them with the lingering effects of his dramatic gifts. Glorious, breathtaking fatality. When his troupe's curtains fall, so does the audience."

Ysharra recites:

"Within his courtyard at home, Giliad grows a diverse group of plants that have something singular in common: they are all toxic, most of them lethal. Nightshade, her deep black berries are so sweet, makes a delectable wine. Monkshood or castor beans mixed into their chocolates and sweetbreads, bringing death within the hour."

Ysharra recites:

"Perhaps the intermission concessionaires might offer the more peckish customers some cheese or meats slathered with cocklebur, knowing the slightly bitter flavor will be hidden by their gluttony. Or for those meant to be a living warning against arrogance, a dusting of hogweed in their faces, where it will leave a miasma of photosensitive burns, which will last for years of agony."

Ysharra says, "Photosensitive, for those who don't know the term, means they would be aflame with pain under the sun, as we are just now."

Ysharra appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Ysharra recites:

"Nightshade's lore associates it with sorcery, thanks to being named by the Faendryl. But it has another meaning, too, silence, for what it does to your heartbeat. A lesson taught by her dark beauty, along with the other blooms in the poisoner's garden."

Ysharra recites:

"Many of my Faendryl kin are mages and sorcerers, and within their gardens grow a bounty of flora for their potions and charms. Crimson dragonstalk, ayana leaf, larkspur, and then protected groves of lor, witchwood and bloodwood for wands and runestaves. The healers have their own crops of woth, acantha, valerian and fennel."

Ysharra recites:

"Those last two have their own poetic green echo, as well, valerian is known as accommodating, due to its pain relief properties, and fennel repeats the chamomile in meaning strength and resilience."

Ysharra recites:

"All of these smaller gardens have a singular focus, but my fourth and last example is much more diverse, for it is the great commercial plantation of my uncle and family leader, Dyvim Kalal. The northernmost acreage holds a lush orchard of gum lac trees, a drought-hardy species that is the main source of food and breeding grounds for a special beetle. The females of this insect secrete a resin that can be used to lacquer jewelry, furnishings or to dye wool and silk. It can even be made into a vibrantly-hued ink that is resistant to smudging."

Ysharra recites:

"Thickets of jasmine, ginger, vanilla and rose bushes cover much of the rest of the plantation, the building block for many nestled enterprises. The flowers are harvested and combined with the oil from the gum lac trees to make fine perfumes, and they also attract bees and spiders. The bees produce honey for the spice and tea markets, as well as being used in the scents. The arachnids are dissolved with mages' steam bolts and then their silk harvested to weave spidersilk. This is then dyed with the beetle resin to create brilliant, rich bolts of the lightweight and strong fabric we all know."

Lylia murmurs, "Ingenious use of resources."

Speaking to Lylia, Ysharra says, "My uncle employs a number of refugees from the Empire. Resources, indeed."

Ysharra recites:

"My uncle is a prominent member of the Emporion, the sect of Faendryl society most affiliated with trade. Through his efforts and the Agresti, the agricultural caretakers also numbered in my kin, they have aided in the return of the Faendryl to continental influence and power. By taming and bringing life to the harshest of environments, the Faendryl have turned exile into strength, beauty and mastery."

Lylia nods in agreement at Ysharra.

Ysharra recites:

"Our ancestors and sorcerous kin have flung their arms to the sky, reaching through the valences to wield power and knowledge that has changed history. And the Faendryl today have learned from their sacrifices, to reach down as well as up. To look up to the cold stars and dark voids, and to dig their fingers into the warm earth, as well, and there find the soul to fuel the Faendryl eminence."

Ysharra recites:

"Thank you all for coming, and listening to my lecture. All of you have given me your time, and to express my gratitude, allow me to translate one last thought from the language and lore of the flowers. I wish you all the message of the red ginger flower, just like the ones growing in my uncle's gardens: enduring passion and questing curiosity."

Ysharra drops into a deep curtsy, moving smoothly as her arms sweep grandly to her sides.

Ysharra asks, "Perhaps not as verbose as the scholars who went afore me, but I hope you all enjoyed. Any questions?"

Lylia says, "Not so much a question as a thank you, not only to you for your eloquent and informative speech, but also to your relatives."

Ysharra slowly empties her lungs.

Ysharra says, "I'm so glad. I don't think I could offer much more and I need one of those ices ever so much."

Speaking slowly to Ysharra, Khobra compliments, "It vaz very elegant and educational."

Rovvigen softly says, "Thanks for sharing."

Speaking warmly to Ysharra, Mourne says, "Well spoken. Thank you."

Ysharra says, "Again, thank you all. I appreciate your time."

Lylia says, "My own family are spicers by trade, and they would be gratified by hearing their work praised so beautifully. You evoked memories of home just talking of it."

Speaking to Ysharra, Khobra remarks, "Have comment, regarding your Vlower and itz meaning."

Speaking to Ysharra, Melikor says, "Well done."

Ysharra nods at Khobra.

Ysharra says, "Yes, of course."

Ysharra says, "If Munin lets anyone get a word in edgewise."

Speaking softly to Ysharra, Rovvigen says, "Thanks again."

Venithiel quietly says, "Please do excuse me."

Venithiel bows her head slightly as she drops into a deep, respectful curtsy.

Speaking to Ysharra, Khobra says, "Loved da Hiztory in vhy you like it. A tale I zhare du vith wild black rozez."

Speaking to Ysharra, Melikor asks, "You tend to do that, don't you?"

Speaking to Ysharra, Khobra explains, "Example."

Speaking to Khobra, Ysharra asks, "Black roses? Indeed?"

Khobra says, "Remove a Roze vrom itz bruzh and it iz ztill a Roze. No matter vhat people call it."

Speaking to Melikor, Ysharra says, "I often worry that my translations will be off. Most of the traditions and mythology that I quote can't really be properly sourced."

Speaking to Melikor, Ysharra says, "It's always stuff that someone heard from their grandmother."

Speaking to Khobra, Ysharra says, "Well, a gardener might argue that."

Khobra says, "People call Uz weedz. We are Rozez."

Speaking to Khobra, Ysharra says, "As it'll still be a rose, but when gone from its home, it'll soon be mulch."

You dryly say, "Some of us might be other flowers."

Tawariell grins at you.

Ysharra ponders.

Khobra smirks at you!

Speaking to Khobra, Lylia says, "That calls to mind Xorus' presentation of last night, too. About the death of Ashrim culture and the enduring nature of our own."

Ysharra says, "And what the ambassador quipped."

Ysharra grins.

Khobra sadly comments, "I vaz quite upzet I could no attend da, lazt evening."

Ysharra says, "In any case, I do love roses well, of course. They can be harsh mistresses, too."

Khobra says, "Vill have du, perhapz zpeak wit him later du hear vhat vaz mizzed."

Ysharra rubs her white orchid.

Speaking to Ysharra, Khobra agrees, "Indeed."

Lylia says, "I took copious notes."

Speaking to her white orchid, Ysharra asks, "Though you put them all to shame, didn't you, lovely?"

Speaking to Lylia, Khobra remarks, "Outztanding, vould like know vhen you iz done and vhere du look du read."

Ysharra says, "In any case, I can't believe we're nearly at an end of this. It feels like just a week ago we were dreaming up the idea of having another one."

Lylia says, "I can hardly believe it myself."

Mourne agrees, "It has been a busy, and engaging, few days."

You say, "It will be nice to relax afterward though."

Lylia nods at Ysharra.

Lylia says, "Lovely."

Ysharra nods to you.

Speaking in Dark Elven to Ysharra, Khobra says, "That's brings me to something - regarding the future I would like speaking with you as well as the Mayor about when the time allows it. Perhaps after this gathering has come to a close."

Speaking to you, Ysharra says, "We just have to remember to follow-through next time on just making Xorus talk for four days."

Ysharra says, "Much easier."

Ysharra waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.

Speaking to Khobra, Ysharra says, "You have my curiosity."

Ysharra says, "I can't speak for what else. Yet."

You grin at Ysharra.

Khobra smiles warmly before returning Ysharra's nod.

Xorus says, "Perhaps if I had not spent so much time slaughtering every living thing in Bloodriven."

Speaking to Xorus, Ysharra says, "One does wonder where they were getting them all from."

Mourne murmurs, "Time well spent, methinks."

Speaking to Ysharra, Lylia says, "I thoroughly enjoyed your discussion. Truly a delight to hear you describe the ingenuity and efficiency of botanical culture, and you also managed to make it sound like poetry."

Speaking to Xorus, Ysharra says, "Bred like cockroaches."

Xorus says, "Breeding pits. Like with kobolds."

Ysharra blushes a rosy pink shade at Lylia.

Speaking in Faendryl to Ysharra, Maltreis says, "It shows your Faendryl soul to take up the study and care of plants. Well done."

Speaking to Lylia, Ysharra says, "The earth and its bounties have always fascinated me. From the days after my escape with my brother, when I first managed to reach into the ice-laden soil of the tundra..."

Ysharra says, "And find enough warmth to keep us alive."

Ysharra says, "I have felt awe and gratitude for that power. Also, I've no talent at all for elementism. Not even my tutor could wrangle a cast of guard spells out of me, when he did succeed with Faendryl grammar."

Lylia says, "It made me reflect more upon the sources of the spices my own family trades, and the teas and perfumes made with them."

Speaking in Faendryl, Maltreis says, "Indeed, as a spice trader it was very useful to know where my wares come from."

Lylia gazes with interest at Maltreis.

Ysharra says, "And I feel naked in the finest gowns of silk and cloth-of-gold, if I do not have my brambles."

Speaking to Maltreis, Lylia says, "I thought I detected a whiff of cassia."

Lylia grins.

Maltreis begins chuckling at Lylia!

Speaking to Lylia, Ysharra says, "I must admit I wrote in the chamomile upon thoughts of you."

Ysharra flashes a quick grin at Lylia.

Ysharra says, "Goblyn might have inspired me to remember the spiders."

Ysharra says, "And their costly sacrifices for our rainment."

Lylia says, "We should send some chamomile tea to Icemule Trace, I think."

Lylia winks at Tawariell.

Ysharra nods at Lylia.

Tawariell suddenly blinks and wakes up from her daydream.

Tawariell tilts her head up.

Tawariell agrees with Lylia.

Ysharra says, "Strength through adversity."

Tawariell mutters goblyn.

Speaking to Ysharra, Nazarr asks, "What do orchids mean in flower language?"

Ysharra says, "And anyone who's ever had to eat sandworm knows the pepper really needed mention."

Lylia begins chuckling at Ysharra!

Speaking to Nazarr, Ysharra says, "Beauty."

Lylia says, "Usually, the eating is the other way around."

Speaking to Ysharra, Nazarr says, "Ah, thank you."

Lylia says, "As it is with rift crawlers."

Lylia sets her mouth in a thin line of disapproval.

Speaking to Nazarr, Ysharra says, "I grew these in a tree just outside of the Dancer's temple in Vipershroud."

Speaking to Nazarr, Ysharra says, "Seems fitting. Just the right amount of humidty and decay."

Nazarr says, "Also, I imagine that eating sandworms would require all the spices in the world."

Lylia says, "Not quite all. But a hefty handful, yes."

Speaking to Xorus, Ysharra says, "Maybe sometime soon you could deliver a lecture on the flora that I'm not qualified to speak on."