Ysharra warmly 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."
Ysharra grins at a snow white raven.
Ysharra strokes the raven.
Ysharra continues, "But I would be a great deal more nervous without her presence, so I hope you'll bear with her. And me."
Rohese blinks in surprise, as though just becoming aware of a snow white raven's presence.
Ysharra gives a half-hearted grin.
Ysharra asks, "Does anyone know what this is, specifically?"
Ysharra taps a black-throated ghostly white orchid with trailing lace-like petals, which is in her right hand.
(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.)
Fyg exclaims, "It's a pretty orchid!"
Yipsy says, "Some kind'a orchid."
Ysharra grins at Fyg.
Ysharra points at Yipsy.
(Ysharra waits a heartbeat or two, before grinning and taking a delicate sniff of the petal adorning her gown sleeve.)
Ysharra begins, "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 invisible, 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."
Cryheart says, "Tis an orchid."
Cryheart nods at Ysharra.
Ysharra says, "Well-answered."
Ysharra gives Cryheart a little prod between the shoulder blades.
Cryheart says, "And that is all I know."
Cryheart smiles at Ysharra.
Ysharra says, "Waiting until after the information is revealed is a solid strategy."
Ysharra snickers.
Ysharra says, "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."
Cryheart winks at Ysharra.
Ysharra sniffs at her white orchid.
Ysharra continues, "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 wryly says, "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 laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.
Rohese wrinkles her nose.
Ysharra notes, "But for me, gardening is a confession, 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."
Speaking to Ysharra, Fyg quips, "I hear your roses are huge!"
Ysharra gazes with awe at the white orchid in her hand.
Ysharra laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement from Fyg.
Ysharra says, "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 smiles.
Ysharra continues, "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 winks at Asylum.
Ysharra bows to Lylia.
Ysharra kisses Nazarr tenderly on the cheek.
Ysharra grins at Emperia.
Ysharra says, "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 strides a few steps forward.
Ysharra says, "I couldn't help the pun."
Ysharra flashes a quick grin.
Ysharra states, "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."
Ysharra says, "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."
Lylia gazes with interest at Ysharra.
Ysharra indicates her white orchid with a smile.
Ysharra explains, "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 says, "I think you will find wasteworm much easier to stomach if it's flavored with a bit of vanilla."
Ysharra chortles softly at some secret joke.
Rohese wrinkles her nose.
Ysharra boasts, "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. And with that, I have now given Lylia's lecture later a little advertisement."
Perigourd glances skeptically at Ysharra.
Ysharra winks at Lylia.
Ysharra says, "Once food was no longer the primary goal, my family and the other Faendryl could focus on specialities, such is the case with my former paramour, Giliad. He travels the continent with a theater company, one that...assists in spreading the Faendryl reputation and uncompromising might to the world."
Lylia notes, "After the Library Lecture, that is."
Ysharra points at Asylum.
Asylum nods understandingly at Ysharra.
Asylum says, "Yes, yes, so you admit other people's gardens matter."
Lylia adds, "And after Nazarr feeds our minds, souls, and mouths."
Ysharra raises her voice in merry laughter.
Ysharra continues, "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 wiggles her eyebrows at Asylum.
Asylum says, "I've just made opportunity out of my cultural arrogance. It works."
Ysharra warns, "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 says, "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."
Asylum says, "That's my personal favorite."
Ysharra notes, "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 glances up.
Rohese wryly says, "How lovely."
Ysharra says, "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 continues, "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 says, "Healers and poisoners both find their life and death in the soil."
Ysharra says, "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 smiles.
Ysharra observes, "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."."
Speaking quietly to you, Asylum says, "My own Pops."
Asylum grins.
You nod slowly at Asylum.
Rohese excitedly echoes, "Ink, you say?"
Rohese raises an eyebrow.
Ysharra says, "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 nods at Rohese.
Ysharra says, "Spider ranches are a sight to behold, trust me."
Lylia says, "Admirably economical use of resources."
Rohese softly says, "Not a sight I wish to behold, sorry."
Asylum says, "Each spider produces about a dozen different types of silk."
Rohese wrinkles her nose.
Cryheart asks, "Small or big spiders?"
Rohese softly asks, "Does that matter?"
Asylum says, "You have to get it to produce the sort that's suitable for weaving."
Speaking to Cryheart, Asylum says, "The orb spinners are about the size of a monkey."
Rillarie teasingly says, "All spiders are good spiders. Unless they are trying to eat you."
Ysharra chuckles.
Ysharra flashes a quick grin at Rillarie.
Ysharra explains, "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."
Claede asks, "Large monkeys or small monkeys?"
Speaking to Claede, Asylum explains, "Cat sized?"
Ysharra wistfully says, "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."
Udari says, "Who would have thought the natural world had so many tricks up their slevees."
Ysharra smiles.
Ysharra concludes, "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 grins.
Ysharra asks, "Any questions?"
Speaking to Ysharra, Udari says, "I got one ma'am."
Ysharra turns to face Udari.
Ysharra says, "Of course, please."
Ysharra smiles at Udari.
Speaking to Ysharra, Udari says, "That Monkshood and whatever bean."
Ysharra nods at Udari.
Ysharra says, "Castor bean, yes."
Speaking to Ysharra, Udari asks, "Its a slow killing poison?"
Speaking to Udari, Ysharra says, "No, not usually."
Speaking to Udari, Asylum says, "It is a matter of the dose, as it is with most poisons, but they can be quite efficient."
Speaking to Ysharra, Udari asks, "How good would it work if I say.. laced my arrowhead with it and stuck someone in the body?"
Speaking to Udari, Ysharra says, "Provided they are unaware of the toxin and take no measure against it right away, I'd say about an hour."
Speaking to Udari, Ysharra says, "Track them, and within a short while, you will find them barely able to breathe."
Ysharra grins at Udari.
Fyg asks, "An hour! Wouldn't it just be easier to put more arrows in them?"
Lylia exclaims, "Good point!"
Speaking to Rohese, Udari says, "I am always looking for new ways to perfect my craft ma'am."
Speaking to Fyg, Ysharra says, "You have to understand a lot of these methods were made for hunting more dangerous prey."
Ysharra says, "Most hunters can't take on a mammoth by themselves."
Rohese amusedly notes, "You all have such violent tendencies!"
Ysharra says, "You know we're quite unique in that, we adventurers."
Ysharra flashes a quick grin at Rohese.
Lylia says, "Also a good point. So many good points, it is almost as if Udari had peppered us with those arrows."
Speaking to Rohese, Nazarr says, "We have survivor tendencies."
Udari says, "Some critters are bigger than normal and require more patience."
Ysharra points at Udari.
Speaking to Udari, Lylia says, "I hear some of them are the size of monkeys."
Ysharra says, "And good range, so you won't get run down by something with tusks the size of your house."
Speaking lightly to Nazarr, Rohese counters, "In the fight or flight, I tend to flee."
Ysharra asks, "You had a question, miss?"
Ysharra smiles at Rillarie.
Fyg says, "I'm all for expediency, but can understand if it escapes and you had to track it down, it having been poisoned would make it much easier once you found it again."
Speaking happily to Ysharra, Rillarie asks, "Indeed, thank you. A simple request, really - but do you allow others to see your Garden?"
Rohese softly asks, "I'm sorry if I missed it but if you poisoned your kill, would that not render it inedible?"
Ysharra says, "Also, it would be an expensive arrow, if it could pierce a mammoth or bear skull."
Speaking to Rohese, Perigourd says, "Some poisons will cook out."
Rillarie wryly says, "A javelin, more like."
Speaking understandingly to Perigourd, Rohese says, "Ah, I see."
Ysharra says, "Certainly, if you head over toward the Graveyard, along the way you'll see a neighborhood called Ravenswood."
Rillarie beams happily at Ysharra!
Speaking softly to Perigourd, Rohese confesses, "Not being a carnivore myself, I was unaware of that."
Ysharra says, "You will find many of my botantical spawn thriving among the verge."
Ysharra chuckles.
Speaking to Rohese, Perigourd says, "Much depends on the type of poison used."
Lylia says, "The Blight took so much of it away; I am delighted to see it revivified under your care."
Asylum says, "Probably whether or not her neighbors agreed."
Fyg asks, "Aren't some poisons only poisonous for a short amount of time, as well?"
Lylia smiles at Ysharra.
Ysharra nods once at Fyg.
Speaking happily to Ysharra, Rillarie says, "Wonderful, thank you. I am newly arrived in the Landing and always enjoy visiting such places."
Rohese softly exclaims, "Interesting!"
Ysharra says, "That's very true. Some poisons can be preserved, but on the whole, the fresher the better."
Perigourd raises his hand.
Ysharra points at Perigourd.
Ysharra says, "Perigourd, please."
Speaking to Ysharra, Raelee says, "It seems preservation techniques have room for research, then."
Speaking to Ysharra, Perigourd asks, "I was curious what larger crops the Faendryl typically raise? you mentioned herbs, but what about vegetables and the like?"
Asylum says, "Mushrooms maintain their efficiency, but the floral toxins are better when used right after preparation."
Speaking to Perigourd, Ysharra says, "We do raise some drought-hardy crops, yes."
Speaking to Perigourd, Ysharra says, "And some that do well in artificial riparian environments, like avocado and persimmons."
Lylia adds, "And much that was once desert now flourishes under our care."
Speaking to Perigourd, Ysharra says, "You'll find a lot of orchards, for example. Beekeepers keep their hives in the almond orchards."
Ysharra says, "As the bees pollinate the trees."
Ysharra says, "And use the pollen to create their honey."
Speaking to Ysharra, Perigourd asks, "Any that are specifically signature to the Faendryl culture as a whole?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Ysharra says, "Probably the one with the most signifigance to us culturally are the herbs used in our rituals."
Perigourd nods appreciatively at Ysharra.
Speaking to Perigourd, Ysharra says, "Nightshade, chamomile, and other incense bases."
Speaking to Perigourd, Ysharra says, "I have heard some stories about almonds, since their shape is considered to be akin to a crucible."
Ysharra says, "The seed pod, that is."
Speaking to Perigourd, Ysharra says, "But in any case, it's also true that the Faendryl tend to be more...utilitarian, when it comes to their gardening and well...almost everything."
Udari says, "I read in one of my fathers books that almonds, if prepared properly, can create a very deadly liquid."
Ysharra says, "We do not deify much."
Ysharra nods at Udari.
Speaking to Udari, Ysharra says, "Indeed. You see a repetitive theme in our mythos."
Ysharra chuckles.
Speaking to Ysharra, Perigourd says, "I know one person who seems to do so with mango, but perhaps it's for other reasons."
Ysharra flashes a quick grin at Perigourd.
Lylia asks, "We have an appreciation of beauty, of course -- but ornament alone is rarely our choice. Why grow a garden of merely beautiful blooms when you can grow one that is beautiful and useful?"
Speaking to Perigourd, Asylum says, "Brother Blud will be thrilled that you thought of his...rituals."
Asylum says, "I believe I was not the one who brought them up, this time."
Asylum grins.
Udari says, "Considering what my father told me about the Faendryl, I gathered they his kin were decent at causing pain, suffering and death."
Speaking to Udari, Rillarie asks, "But that is why we are here, is it not? To engage our minds and expand them so all might live in a better world?"
Speaking to Udari, Ysharra says, "You are not wrong. We learned some hard lessons, trying to survive in exile."
Lylia points out, "Pain, suffering, and death also serve their purpose."
Udari says, "I guess after you finish off your enemies, you got to start learning how to live."
Speaking to Lylia, Raelee says, "... this is taking a philosophical turn."
Asylum says, "At the same time, devotion is a virtue."
Speaking to Raelee, Lylia says, "That tends to happen, I have noticed."
Speaking cheerfully to Ysharra, Rillarie says, "I must away, but this has been so educational and pleasant." A dip of her head, "Thank you for your time and energies, and I will certainly be traveling to see this garden."
Ysharra says, "Well, thank you all for coming today, I hope you return at 3pm for Nazarr's discussion about food from the Faendryl diaspora."
Ysharra says, "And then Lylia at 4pm to speak on the spice trade."
Ysharra says, "And finally Professor Xorus's lecture this evening at 6pm."
Ysharra says, "And for right now."
Ysharra says, "Please head over to the Mist Harbor library."
Ysharra exclaims, "Where Loremaster Rohese is hosting her monthly lecture, starting in less than twenty minutes!"
Ysharra grins.
Speaking softly to Ysharra, Rohese says, "Thank you and this has been delightful and most informative."
Speaking playfully to Ysharra, Rohese chides, "Don't be a stranger."
Speaking to Ysharra, Emperia says, "Thank you for the wonderful presentation."
Speaking to Ysharra, Lylia says, "Thank you once again; you are perennially brilliant when speaking of botany. Or just about anything else, for that matter."
Ysharra exclaims, "I'll see you all soon!"