Ysharra says, "Good afternoon! Thank you all for coming to our lecture, I hope you enjoy what we've prepared for you and find the content intriguing and what's more, inspiring Much as I enjoy my role as a presenter, I love more than anything to learn, and so,I hope that one day our roles will be reversed, and I will be in the audience listening to you- yes, you, share something you are passionate for."
Ysharra says, "I wish right now I was introducing you to my co-presenter, Saarosh. Sadly, elements beyond her control have kept her from joining us today, so I will do my best to share with you the stories that she has collected to go with this lecture."
Ysharra clearly continues, "Now, a little preamble about what our ancestors faced in Rhoska-Tor, during the start of our exile into the hostile desert. The wastelands that greeted us offered little encouragement, and in fact seemed to only promise its opposite- risk, desolation, and ruin."
Ysharra informs, "Little lived on the plains, and what was there was often dangerous, even to us. The meager grasses bordering the arid plains seemed likely to undergo the same desertification, especially if we tried to farm it. So, we retreated to the caverns under the dunes, and there we made a life that we could, and made a plan as to how we could rejoin the surface world."
Ysharra explains, "The Faendryl, perhaps better than anyone, are capable of patience, planning, and execution. Our ancestors combined their magical prowess in Summoning and Necromancy to litter the sandy soil with organic mass to decompose and pass on its biological content, and then their skill as Elementalists to shower the ground with rain and storms."
Ysharra continues, "At first, most of the water ran off or evaporated, but what did grow were grasses and herbs, hardy specimens that our ancestors then tramped down with their Summoned demons. The flattened, dry growth enabled the sand to cling to the next rainfall better, and the next round, better still. In this process, we transformed the desert into new biomes, chaparral and grasslands, which surrounds New Ta Faendryl today."
Ysharra proudly says, "Now the lands of the Faendryl and the city itself are home to great plantations, where we not only sustain our own lives, but we have developed nestled industries, such as ink production, perfume, spices, healing herbs, poisons, alchemical ingredients and other goods that allow us to cement our economic and political power anew."
Ysharra offers, "Now we will turn our attention to some examples of this astonishing transition, of turning exile into beauty and dominance. These flowers and fruits have become traditions of their own, and in their stories you will see echoed the Faendryl capacity for strength, grace, and perseverance."
Ysharra says, "These, as I mentioned earlier, were collected and translated into Common by my fellow Enclave member Saarosh, and please, when you see her, give her your thoughts upon them, as they are wonderful recitations and I m honored to share them with you in her absence."
Ysharra recites:
"Known as demon's claw, Mularos's Kiss, grapple plant, and Amasalen's Dagger, this plant grows in dry sandy soil, sprouting only after the first rains of the season. In the dry season in the desert--or in times of drought--it retreats underground. Seeds from this plant have remained dormant for as long as twenty years."
Ysharra recites:
"Its odd names stem from the shape of its fruit. When ripe, it is brown and resembles an eight-armed star. Each of its arms bear small hooked thorns that dig into cloth, leather and flesh alike. You can see where names like "grapple plant" and "demon's claw" come from."
Ysharra recites:
"But why Amasalen?"
Ysharra recites:
"Well, the plant has some unusual properties. It's most helpful in treating pregnancy and heart disease--but it acts against acantha leaf and all of its derivatives, iceberry tart, cothinar flower, Olak's Ol'style Ale, grey mushroom potion, yabathilium fruit, sassafras tea, Bloody Krolvin Ale, and green mushroom potion."
Ysharra recites:
"When the person has consumed any of these and is then stung by Amasalen's Dagger, the person then loses twice the blood the herb would have normally healed--and it keeps right on doing that until every last hook has been extricated from the victim's flesh. As the fruit is small and dust-colored, it is next to invisible."
Ysharra recites:
"This means that it can cause a fatal hemorrhage before the victim knows anything's wrong, let alone discovers the thorny fruit embedded in their skin."
Ysharra recites:
"Given Amasalen's love of painful, deadly sacrifice and his craving for mortal blood, the association of demon's claw with him makes a great deal of sense."
Ysharra recites:
"One of its origin myths states that a devout follower of Mularos prayed that she might know his kiss, as she could conceive of no greater joy in life than knowing the agony of his presence. In vain the Sufferer told her that such pain would annihilate her and that he did not wish to concede her to Gosaena or her Gatekeeper just yet."
Ysharra recites:
"The follower was insistent, saying that the need for him was like a demon clawing at her heart. So Mularos picked up a pebble, rolled it in his hand until it formed an eight-armed star with scores of claws on each arm, and then blew it toward her. It struck her bare back in a position that she could not reach, and the thorns so entangled themselves with her flesh and muscles that removal was impossible."
Ysharra recites:
"It is said that she is the one who named it Mularos's Kiss, though lore is split on whether she invented the poison called the Long Suffering."
Ysharra recites:
"Another legend says that Amasalen and V'Tull once had a bet over who could make a mortal spill more blood. The two managed to find a pair of identical twins, and each persuaded one of the twins to act as their champion. Xiis, the elder, slew several battlefields full of foes, and, though bleeding profusely, was still smiling by the end."
Ysharra recites:
"That is the difference between us, said the Executioner. You want their frenzy, their rage, and their ability to kill. I want their blood, their suffering, and their death. And he bid Vesenn, the younger twin, to swallow a tincture of acantha. When Vesenn had done so, Amasalen touched his shoulder, driving a small fruit almost into the mortal s bone."
Ysharra recites:
"I dedicate your death and your soul to my Lord," he whispered. "Suffer, victim. "
Ysharra recites:
"And Vesenn began to bleed. He bled from every pore. He screamed in pain worthy of Luukos's seven hells. He shrieked until his vocal cords no longer held together. He howled as his sanity melted away along with his eyes. And at last he died...little more than a quivering lump of flesh, with not one drop of blood left."
Ysharra recites:
"The Berserker conceded that the Executioner had fulfilled the conditions of the bet. Privately, though, V'Tull felt Amasalen had lost, for he himself was richer by a follower whereas Amasalen had not only lost one but had given the follower's soul to Luukos and his mind to Sheru. And so the two parted, each feeling that they had won."
Ysharra says, "Lovely tale, yes? We'll have another one of Saarosh's fables for you in a minute, but please indulge me with one of my own offerings, not a story, but just a bit of lore, for your appreciation."
Ysharra removes a nightshade berry from in her carved ivory vasculum.
Ysharra elaborates, "This is a berry from a plant you should all know well, at least by reputation. The Faendryl gave it its name, nightshade. This berry, ripened to a near-black shade, is as sweet as a cherry, and the herbaceous plant that they grow upon are drought-hardy and help their soil retain rainwater."
Ysharra continues, "The berries, leaves and flowers are all highly toxic, and help to keep the plant safe from pest species, as it does not take long for grazers to recognize the doom these gorgeous plants hold for them. Thus, Faendryl plantations use them to rid their crops of vermin, and the plant itself has some medicinal and ritual properties, if prepared carefully- or for the latter, prepared purposefully."
Ysharra asserts, "In Faendryl lore, the properties of this plant play out poetically. A potent hallucinogen, it has been suggested that nightshade was used in the first preparations for demon summoning, that the altered state would allow the sorcerers to open their inner eyes, and see the boundaries between the valences."
Ysharra says, "Thus, we named it nightshade, for the measure of darkness and power it has brought to our people. Her name has become synonymous with death, danger, and sorcery."
Ysharra put a nightshade berry in her carved ivory vasculum.
Ysharra brightly offers, "Now for another one of Saarosh's fables."
Ysharra recites:
"Now, I want to tell you about a tree that grows...well, everywhere in the desert that it can, but particularly near Rhoska-Tor."
Ysharra recites:
"It's an odd-looking tree. It's of medium height with a white trunk, twisted branches, and a rather fluffy canopy of what most resemble the needles of an evergreen. Termite mounds often appear beside it, or even on it."
Ysharra recites:
"And, like demon's claw, it has many names. The riddle tree. White coffee. The Agrestis tree--that is, the tree of ranchers, farmers and miners. And finally, the name by which it's most commonly known--Grandfather's Gift."
Ysharra recites:
"Legend has it that when our people were first exiled, the Grandfather--Fash'lo'nae--wished to give us gifts that could aid us in surviving the wastelands. This was not out of generosity on his part, you understand, but to sharpen our minds and creativity. The gifts he had in mind were double-edged and could harm as well as help. He wanted to see what we would do with such presents."
Ysharra recites:
"But Koar--who was still awake in those days--said no."
Ysharra recites:
"I know you, Old One," he thundered. "And I know your people. You would give them books of lost knowledge and keys to valences and power beyond that of mortals. The desert would not contain them. The planet would not contain them. "
Ysharra recites:
"And Eorgina, the Queen of Lornon, said much the same. She did not want the Grandfather bestowing such powerful gifts on mortals--especially mortals who could easily exploit. She railed at him for some time, but that was the gist."
Ysharra recites:
"Fash'lo'nae sighed, for he had truly been looking forward to many, many experiments with those gifts. It was hard to be told that he must curb his curiosity, and even more so because he saw no reason that either crowned head had to approve his actions. But then he had an idea."
Ysharra recites:
"He went to Andelas and said, "The next time you are on Elanith"--for in those days the Arkati frequently strolled about the world "race through the world's deserts nine times, ending each time at Rhoska-Tor."
Ysharra recites:
"I ask only that you tell me before you leave, for I have something for you to carry with you in your fur." And Andelas, curious as only a cat can be, gazed at Fash'lo'nae and said that he would do this."
Ysharra recites:
"Shortly after this, Andelas told Fash'lonae that he was going to visit the lands. Fash'lo'nae nodded and then tossed a handful of yellowish-green seeds that clung to Andelas's fur like a mist. Andelas did not much like this, but he knew better than to anger the Grandfather by licking his fur clean. He hastened to Elanith without delay."
Ysharra recites:
"But the seeds would not leave his fur. Andelas ran through the deserts not nine times, but nine times nine times nine, before each seed was gone. As a result, all deserts were filled with these trees, and the looping and zigzag desert regions in which they grow are, to this day, called Andelas's Run."
Ysharra recites:
"Koar and Eorgina were not pleased to hear that the Grandfather had smuggled a gift onto Elanith. But the Grandfather told them that he had obeyed their strictures. He had given one gift, not a thousand, and this present was neither a book of forbidden knowledge nor a key to a valence. It was simply a shade tree in the desert, and what was wrong with giving his people a bit of shade?"
Ysharra recites:
"And when both Koar and Eorgina commanded Imaera and Kuon to examine the tree, both said that there was no evil in it--though tradition holds that Kuon looked as though he was trying to keep from laughing. And so the rulers of the Arkati allowed the tree to live and thrive, for after all, it was only a shade tree."
Ysharra recites:
"But they soon learned differently."
Ysharra recites:
"The leaves, our people discovered, were good fodder for livestock and were popular with wild beasts as well. Ground up, the bark makes a thick and creamy beverage called desert coffee. When mixed with barley or hops, desert coffee becomes a nutritious alcoholic drink called bark beer."
Ysharra recites:
"The roots of the tree, pounded and ground up, make a tart and tasty porridge. The berries are a delicious dessert. Even the sweet and salty yellowish-green buds of the tree are edible, and they're often used in pickling."
Ysharra recites:
"But Grandfather's Gift provides more than food. When the bark is removed and beaten into strips, it becomes a light and fibrous fabric that's perfect for either desert clothing or parchment."
Ysharra recites:
"Do you need healing or magic? Dried, ground and mixed with water, the roots become a salve to treat hemorrhoids. And a tincture of the leaves creates medicine that will heal any eye ailment in people or beasts. The wood makes powerful amulets and totems."
Ysharra recites:
"Even the scent of its burning wood is supposed to have a salutary effect on livestock that are in rut, resulting in healthier offspring some months later."
Miyal huskily says, "Almost like the perfect tree..."
Ysharra recites:
"Unsurprisingly, this incredibly versatile creation of the Grandfather's--and we discover more uses for it daily--is often nicknamed "the everything tree.""
Ysharra warmly says, "This is all so easy, when all I have to do is recite a wonderfully creative folklorist's work, indeed."
Ysharra snickers.
Ysharra removes a handful of cocoa-dusted almonds from in her carved ivory vasculum.
Ysharra prompts, "The almond was a natural adoption to our burgeoning orchards, as it is one of the first of the domesticated trees, and can be raised from seed rather than cutting and grafting. It s a hardy, small tree that can grow with little care, and while it has a higher water need than many of our other cultivars, its nutritive return upon resource investment is still quite high, being rich in healthful elements."
Ysharra says, "The almond occupies a place in our stories, too. Legend also links them to foresight and perception, likely due to them being one of the first plants to bloom in the spring, so that they oversee the rest of the seasons to come. Thus, the almond and the blossoms often mean clairvoyance and vision. Their importance to our other agricultural industries has them represent power, and business, as well."
Ysharra adds, "The beehives of most of New Ta Faendryl are found in the almond groves, as they are needed to pollinate the orchard, and then the almonds, blossoms and honey are used in perfumes, spice markets, and medicines."
Ysharra points at Lylia.
Ysharra says, "My dear friend here knows well of what I speak, being a Spicer herself."
Ysharra continues, "Almonds also represent mortality and humility, the latter of which is often a difficult concept to work into any Faendryl worldview. For their high cost, they represent a crossroads, and that you risk ruin to cultivate them, much like the gamble that we took to save the world from Despana's horde."
Ysharra says, "The almond is the reward and the gamble both, a lesson that always finds its way home to you."
Ysharra put a handful of cocoa-dusted almonds in her carved ivory vasculum.
Ysharra asks, "That concludes our presentation for you here, today, and I hope you have enjoyed and been inspired to ask more questions, still. Thank you for coming, and speaking of questions, do any of you have some to ask?"
Ysharra says, "Of course, Miyal. Please."
Miyal huskily says, "You mentioned spices and perfume at least twice, maybe more! So, I am curious."
Ysharra nods at Miyal.
Miyal huskily says, "What type of perfumes tend to be used most commonly in New Ta'Faendryl."
Speaking to Miyal, Ysharra says, "It is something of a nestled industry, truly."
Lylia fidgets.
Speaking to Miyal, Ysharra says, "My uncle's plantation is a large supplier, both to the city and as an export."
Speaking huskily to Ysharra, Miyal says, "Ah, was just curious, but alas more than likely the favorite scents of the city depend on person and fashion."
Speaking to Miyal, Ysharra says, "He uses bees and spiders to help keep the area clear of pests and pollinated, and then uses the blossoms, mostly jasmine, almond, and honey as the bases and notes."
Lylia adds, "My own family are members of the Spicers' guild, and we work closely with growers to procure raw materials. I could talk endlessly about it...but I shall not."
Lylia flashes a quick grin.
Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn asks, "Almond oil makes a great carrier oil for other herbal additives too, correct?"
Speaking to Miyal, Ysharra says, "He also has a number of wisteria vines, plums, pomegranates, and persimmons."
Speaking to Miyal, Ysharra says, "Those latter are fruit trees, as well, but their blooms make for an excellent perfume."
Miyal huskily says, "Parsimmons are quite nice."
Speaking to Miyal, Ysharra says, "Then they slaughter the spiders to harvest their silk."
Miyal huskily says, "There was an orchard of them near where I grew up, but I know naught much else."
Speaking to Miyal, Ysharra says, "It makes for a nice operation."
Speaking huskily to Ysharra, Miyal says, "Thank you."
Speaking to Miyal, Ysharra says, "I love them, too. And you're very welcome."
Ysharra says, "Any other questions for me? I'm afraid that I don't have much to offer on Saarosh's fables, save I loved them."
Speaking to Ysharra, Lylia says, "And thank you for giving me something new to write about and talk about, if you would not mind another collaborative effort."
Speaking to Lylia, Ysharra says, "Of course not, I am honored, my friend."
You say, "Perhaps Saarosh will be available in the future for questions."
Speaking to you, Ysharra says, "I am sure she will be. She was most disappointed not to be here today."
Lylia says, "Good! The perfumer's art is not expressly my own, but I know enough to have some ideas on that..."
Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn asks, "Almond oil is a prized carrier oil, isn't it?"
Alvyara says, "I could have listened to twice as much, or more. I do hope either of you will share more in the future."
Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "Carrier oil? I don't know that term, I'm afraid. I've heard of it being used in artwork."
Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra asks, "To layer oil paints, yes?"
Lylia says, "Carrier oils hold the essence of a more potent, fragrant oil."
Miyal huskily says, "Well, thank you for the information and the stories. Interesting, most assuredly."
Speaking to Lylia, Ysharra says, "I hear tell that the Ivas temple goes through some large amount of almond oil, and rose, and jasmine..."
Lylia says, "And yes, almond oil is indeed a valuable oil for it, both in culinary uses and perfumery."
Ysharra curtsies to Miyal.
Speaking to Lylia, Ysharra says, "I appreciate the information. I love perfume, and know something of its creation, but I admit it's limited."
Alvyara takes a bite of her lemon and mint ice.
Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra asks, "See? Good, aren't they?"
Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara says, "Not as good as your lecture."
Miyal huskily says, "Well, I am glad I mentioned perfumes. Got a conversation going."
Ysharra blushes a rosy pink shade at Alvyara.
Speaking to Alvyara, Ysharra says, "You're very kind, Alvyara. I am glad you enjoyed it."
Ysharra asks, "Do any of you garden, besides the Lorekeeper here?"
Ysharra raises an eyebrow.
Lylia agrees, "My knowledge is limited too, as most of my skill with it involves the raw materials and not the art of concocting more sophisticated scents, but I do love learning more."
Cruxophim glances at Ysharra and raises his hand.
Cruxophim's face breaks into a cheeky grin.
Ysharra grins at Cruxophim.
Miyal huskily says, "I've never gardened in my whole life."
Akenna says, "I do, I have a small one outside of my home."
Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn whispers aloud, "Does rummaging in her garden count?"
Speaking amicably to Ysharra, Cruxophim reminds, "I have a bit of a black thumb."
Cruxophim removes an oily black sapling inside of a carved humanoid skull from in his shadow cloak.
Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn whispers aloud, "Or this one."
Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "Yes, the black orchard is something I often think about relative to what I just talked about. Something that grows despite all odds."
Rohese softly comments, "It's very relaxing and I would love nothing more than to spend my days in the garden."
Speaking to Akenna, Ysharra says, "I knew I liked you for a reason."
Lylia says, "Container gardening."
Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra says, "I'm impressed that the ravens leave you anything."
Speaking to Ysharra, Cruxophim states, "It just needs a little encouragement."
Dipping her hand into a nearby bowl, Ysharra scoops up a handful of seeds and tosses it upon the ground.
Clusters of ravens flock to the offering and chitter with one another as they peck away at the seed. It only takes a matter of seconds for them to completely consume the offered meal, though they still stand around chirping at each other for a few moments more. Rising as one, they take to the air and glide away.
Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "The ravens and I have established a pecking order."
Alvyara groans at Faerinn.
Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra asks, "That sort of encouragement comes by the pint, yes?"
Cruxophim raises his voice at Faerinn in merry laughter.
Cruxophim nods absently at Ysharra.
Speaking gently to Faerinn, Rohese chides, "And you need to stop rummaging in my garden! You trampled my flower bed."
Speaking to Faerinn, Ysharra asks, "What's your peck, then?"
Speaking slowly to Ysharra, Cruxophim adds, "Or pound."
Ysharra smiles at Cruxophim.
Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "By the shovel-load."
Speaking to Ysharra, Akenna says, "I'm from the Wyrdeep and was once, a farmer."
Ysharra smiles at Akenna.
Speaking mildly to Ysharra, Cruxophim teases, "On a good day."
Akenna says, "Two different lives, but growing is something I love."
Speaking to Ysharra, Faerinn says, "Number three currently. But I think with some more training I'll be able to overtake the one-eyed corvid that outranks me at the moment."
Speaking to Akenna, Ysharra says, "My uncle is technically Emporion, but many of my Faendryl famiily are Agrestis, the farmers and miners of the Faendryl."
Speaking to Ysharra, Akenna says, "My late husband was a farmer."
Akenna says, "We did the typical crops, wheat, oats, barely."
Speaking to Akenna, Ysharra says, "You heard me speak of his plantation, he started it nearly three thousand years ago with a few herbs alongside a pond that would more aptly be named a puddle."
Faerinn says, "Though the one-eyed raven is mate to the her highness raven. That mihgt be ackward."
Akenna says, "I had a small garden with herbs for many uses."
Miyal huskily asks, "When is the lecture tonight again?"
Ysharra says, "I hope all of you will return for Xorus' talk at eight o'clock-"
Akenna says, "I still do."
Miyal huskily exclaims, "There we go!"
Speaking to Miyal, Ysharra says, "You are prescient."
Alvyara says, "It sounds intriguing."
Speaking huskily to Ysharra, Miyal says, "I'm something."
Speaking to Ysharra, Akenna says, "I even grow nightshade, it is very useful."
Faerinn says, "The lecture begins when Xorus begins talking."
Speaking to Akenna, Ysharra says, "I do, as well. Keeps the little beetles who like to eat my peonies away."
Miyal huskily says, "Well, ladies and gentlemen, was an honor. Have a good day and be safe."
Ysharra says, "My uncle grows them around the perimeter of his plantings, so that the beetles nest in the gum lac trees instead."
Alvyara says, "I must go find some lunch."
Speaking to Ysharra, Alvyara says, "Thank you again."
Rohese curiously says, "I would love to learn more about nightshade."
Cruxophim amicably agrees, "Indeed, back to work. Thank you for the lovely lecture."
Speaking to Akenna, Ysharra says, "And then he grinds them up into ink."
Lylia says, "I wore a nightshade perfume today because I imagined it might be one of the plants discussed."
Speaking to Miyal, Melikor says, "Thank you for coming."
Speaking to Ysharra, Akenna says, "That is the best way to do it."
Telare politely says, "A very informative and interesting lecture, Ysharra. I hope to hear more in the future."
Speaking huskily to Melikor, Miyal says, "Was definitely a pleasure."
Ysharra says, "Thank you all for coming. I'm humbled."