Heeding Counsel
The theatrical Dryad was amusing the children of Cyrennore. Relaying tales told to him by Vonovin, the elf was convinced Nithoth had the memory of a mammoth. Perhaps even insisted to him at times, only to hear that chime of laughter spill onto his pointed ears. Arms crossed over his chest, brushing aside a lock of that ivory hair from his shoulder to sway and collapse at the middle of his spine. He waited patiently, a rare smile spreading on his face as he watched the Dryad sway as he told the tale to the crowd of children, dramatizing and weaving it with an exaggeration that was quite impressive.
When the tale was finished, the face of Nithoth contorted into a wide smile as he clapped his hands together. A breezy voice spread through the night air, a whispering lullaby to those that knew him. It was pleasing to the ear, gentle and soft as the branches of his Dogwood home on calm days where the wind only tickled it's blooming flowers. "That's all for tonight, children. The night is late, and you should all find your way to your beds. Blessed be and sweet dreams, my beautiful snow angels." He cooed, his dark hued hands the color of mahogany waved to shoo the children to their homes. The audience of children lifted from their positions and a chorus of giggles rang free through the night as they made their way to their respective homes.
Those mahogany hands pressed together, a smile washed with glee and delight as the Dryad let out a slow sigh that rocked his shoulders. Hair even whiter than Von's fell wavy over his ears, falling no further than his jaw, a stark contrast to the brown of his flesh that held ripples and marks like that of a tree's rings. He stood no further than 5'4, small for his kind and even more outlandish considering the size of his home. But it suited the spritely Dryad.
It was then that Vonovin spoke, as equally unusual to his kind as the male Dryad. Unlike the musical, light voice of the elves, Vonovin's was a deep rumble. A portrayal of the dragonborn soul that he bore inside. Booming at times, it held a deep bass that flowed in contrast to the elegance of his features. The angles of his face, the ivory hair that looked more bleach blonde than white that fell thick, kinked to his lower back. His defined yet minimally muscular arms fell away from their crossed position and to his sides as he strode forward. "Nithoth, I am in need of your counsel." Though polite, there was clear familiarity when speaking to the Dryad he'd known his entire expanse of life.
The man's head snapped in Von's direction, his smile growing wider at the familiar sight of the elf. Now their Ruler, though not their King. The elf took no claim of such a title, caring not even for the term of 'Ruler'. He was just as much of a citizen as any of them, regardless of his inheritance of the deed of the city passed down from generation to generation. "Von! It's always a glorious sight to see you, my old friend. Come, come." Waving his hands earnestly, directing the elf toward the Dogwood and to it's rippling roots that spread through out the city without hindering travel or steps. As Nithoth made his trek to a particular root closest to the trunk, raised much like a sturdy bench for them both to be seated, Vonovin followed. "What is it you need my counsel for?" Seated upon the thick root, with the elf soon to follow, the Dryad crossed one leg over the other, lacing his fingers and giving them rest on top of his knee.
"Another travel," the elf spoke simply, letting out a contented sigh as he took a seat upon the root he was well-familiar with. He was more than accustomed that particular root, though it grew in width and changed shape slightly, it was incredible it didn't have the indent of Vonovin's rear from it's uses to converse with the ancient Dryad. The one of which was grinning from ear to pointed ear at the mention of another travel. "Another story! Oh, the children will be so excited to hear of them when you return." The ecstatic man was nearly bouncing up and down with delight at the idea.
"I will be leaving this realm, Nithoth.." he informed the Dryad, watching the Dryad steadily as he waited for that tune to change. Many of Vonovin's travels were still within the lands of their realm, never too far off from his beloved city. As expected, the bouncing ceased at once, the man blinked and stared back at the elf with a look of astounded confusion. "...Another realm?" He didn't quite seem to understand, whether it be the idea of leaving their realm or not, the elf never had any luck of getting into the thoughts of Nithoth.
"Aye, there is a land I've received word of. Do you remember Cori?" He inquired, though with the elephant-memory Dryad, he had no doubt that the man remembered. There was a bit of a cheeky smile on his face at the mention of the nymph. "You know I do, the silly little woman kept goosing me when she visited." There was a light chuckle that followed the words, an even lighter shake of his head. He didn't seem offended by that fact in the least, only entertained. Von's own rumbling chuckle followed suit with Nithoth's, a nod of that pale head in agreement. "Yes... she is quite the spirited woman..." He was being kind, really. What he thought of the nymph was aplenty, but that didn't mean he would speak ill of anyone he claimed friendship with. Regardless of how... 'spirited' they were.
"Well, that's one way to put it," following Von's example by keeping it polite, though tossing in a bit of a teasing tone in there. "I take it Cori informed you of a new land to explore." There was a dim smile on the man's face, as if unsure of this upcoming trip. A slow nod of Von's head, a sigh included in the mix. "Aye.... it's worth an investigation. Perhaps there may be more of our people we're unaware of, Nithoth. This is why I seek your counsel, I am in need of your opinion. I have left this city a great deal of times... but I've never left the realm as a whole." Unsure as well, he couldn't tell if he was seeking Nithoth's approval or confirmation of inquisition. As he expected, and hoped for, Nithoth took the information in stride. He was silent, those pale brows that cut across mahogany flesh furrowed deeply and set deep crinkled on his forehead. The elf remained as patient as ever, and equally silent as he let Nithoth to his own thoughts.
It seemed like forever, but finally those breezy words wrapped around the elf like a cool wind. "I believe you should go, I can handle the city. We are a hearty people. Should I need your return, I know how to summon you." A curt, single nod that was followed by a wide and certain smile spread across his face, staring at Von head-on. Von watched him for a moment, looking for any hint of uncertainty. Finding none, his smile spread to mirror the Dryad's as he reached out a hand to grasp the man's forearm and give it a warm squeeze. "Thank you, friend. Your opinion has eased my mind more than you'll ever know." Letting his hand fall free, he turned his head away as a relieved sigh escaped his pallid lips.
"You're more than welcome, I am honored you seek my counsel. None before you ever have, only my company. To have such important responsibility to this city leaves me abashed. I am thankful." He took a lean toward Von, bumping into his shoulder lightly before settling. The elf's smile spread wider, "I am glad you feel that way instead of feeling the responsibility a burden." Snickering, the Dryad vigorously shook his head. "As far from the truth as you could ever sail, Von... When do you leave for your travels?" Inquired, those pale white hues ticked toward the elf, a single brow lifting inquiringly.
"In two days time. Just enough to ready myself and the city before the journey." Nithoth didn't seem surprised by the short notice of leaving, perhaps just by being used to it. When Von had his mind set, he wasted no time. "Very well, I will do my part and aide you in readying the city. For now, you should get your rest, my dear friend. There is much work to be done." The Dryad rose to his feet first, followed by the elf as they straightened their attire. "You're probably right." He agreed, nodding his head slowly as he bowed his head respectively to the Dryad. "Correction... I am always right." A chipper wink, the man cracked a smile before making his way to the trunk of the tree. As if morphing, the Dogwood seemed to consume him, contorting his body as the image of the man disappeared and formed merely the trunk of the tree once more.
A smirk cut across the elf's face, a deep chuckle escaping at the man's words as he turned away. "You old fool," he muttered, only to feel the precise, light smack of something hard against his backside. Jolting slightly, he swiveled his head and narrowed those ghostly hues toward the Dogwood, only for nothing to be out of place. A slow smile spread as he raised a hand to shake his finger at the tree, shaking his head as well. Cheeky. Laughing lightly at the antics of the Dryad, he turned on heel and went on his way to get some Dryad-prescribed rest.
The theatrical Dryad was amusing the children of Cyrennore. Relaying tales told to him by Vonovin, the elf was convinced Nithoth had the memory of a mammoth. Perhaps even insisted to him at times, only to hear that chime of laughter spill onto his pointed ears. Arms crossed over his chest, brushing aside a lock of that ivory hair from his shoulder to sway and collapse at the middle of his spine. He waited patiently, a rare smile spreading on his face as he watched the Dryad sway as he told the tale to the crowd of children, dramatizing and weaving it with an exaggeration that was quite impressive.
When the tale was finished, the face of Nithoth contorted into a wide smile as he clapped his hands together. A breezy voice spread through the night air, a whispering lullaby to those that knew him. It was pleasing to the ear, gentle and soft as the branches of his Dogwood home on calm days where the wind only tickled it's blooming flowers. "That's all for tonight, children. The night is late, and you should all find your way to your beds. Blessed be and sweet dreams, my beautiful snow angels." He cooed, his dark hued hands the color of mahogany waved to shoo the children to their homes. The audience of children lifted from their positions and a chorus of giggles rang free through the night as they made their way to their respective homes.
Those mahogany hands pressed together, a smile washed with glee and delight as the Dryad let out a slow sigh that rocked his shoulders. Hair even whiter than Von's fell wavy over his ears, falling no further than his jaw, a stark contrast to the brown of his flesh that held ripples and marks like that of a tree's rings. He stood no further than 5'4, small for his kind and even more outlandish considering the size of his home. But it suited the spritely Dryad.
It was then that Vonovin spoke, as equally unusual to his kind as the male Dryad. Unlike the musical, light voice of the elves, Vonovin's was a deep rumble. A portrayal of the dragonborn soul that he bore inside. Booming at times, it held a deep bass that flowed in contrast to the elegance of his features. The angles of his face, the ivory hair that looked more bleach blonde than white that fell thick, kinked to his lower back. His defined yet minimally muscular arms fell away from their crossed position and to his sides as he strode forward. "Nithoth, I am in need of your counsel." Though polite, there was clear familiarity when speaking to the Dryad he'd known his entire expanse of life.
The man's head snapped in Von's direction, his smile growing wider at the familiar sight of the elf. Now their Ruler, though not their King. The elf took no claim of such a title, caring not even for the term of 'Ruler'. He was just as much of a citizen as any of them, regardless of his inheritance of the deed of the city passed down from generation to generation. "Von! It's always a glorious sight to see you, my old friend. Come, come." Waving his hands earnestly, directing the elf toward the Dogwood and to it's rippling roots that spread through out the city without hindering travel or steps. As Nithoth made his trek to a particular root closest to the trunk, raised much like a sturdy bench for them both to be seated, Vonovin followed. "What is it you need my counsel for?" Seated upon the thick root, with the elf soon to follow, the Dryad crossed one leg over the other, lacing his fingers and giving them rest on top of his knee.
"Another travel," the elf spoke simply, letting out a contented sigh as he took a seat upon the root he was well-familiar with. He was more than accustomed that particular root, though it grew in width and changed shape slightly, it was incredible it didn't have the indent of Vonovin's rear from it's uses to converse with the ancient Dryad. The one of which was grinning from ear to pointed ear at the mention of another travel. "Another story! Oh, the children will be so excited to hear of them when you return." The ecstatic man was nearly bouncing up and down with delight at the idea.
"I will be leaving this realm, Nithoth.." he informed the Dryad, watching the Dryad steadily as he waited for that tune to change. Many of Vonovin's travels were still within the lands of their realm, never too far off from his beloved city. As expected, the bouncing ceased at once, the man blinked and stared back at the elf with a look of astounded confusion. "...Another realm?" He didn't quite seem to understand, whether it be the idea of leaving their realm or not, the elf never had any luck of getting into the thoughts of Nithoth.
"Aye, there is a land I've received word of. Do you remember Cori?" He inquired, though with the elephant-memory Dryad, he had no doubt that the man remembered. There was a bit of a cheeky smile on his face at the mention of the nymph. "You know I do, the silly little woman kept goosing me when she visited." There was a light chuckle that followed the words, an even lighter shake of his head. He didn't seem offended by that fact in the least, only entertained. Von's own rumbling chuckle followed suit with Nithoth's, a nod of that pale head in agreement. "Yes... she is quite the spirited woman..." He was being kind, really. What he thought of the nymph was aplenty, but that didn't mean he would speak ill of anyone he claimed friendship with. Regardless of how... 'spirited' they were.
"Well, that's one way to put it," following Von's example by keeping it polite, though tossing in a bit of a teasing tone in there. "I take it Cori informed you of a new land to explore." There was a dim smile on the man's face, as if unsure of this upcoming trip. A slow nod of Von's head, a sigh included in the mix. "Aye.... it's worth an investigation. Perhaps there may be more of our people we're unaware of, Nithoth. This is why I seek your counsel, I am in need of your opinion. I have left this city a great deal of times... but I've never left the realm as a whole." Unsure as well, he couldn't tell if he was seeking Nithoth's approval or confirmation of inquisition. As he expected, and hoped for, Nithoth took the information in stride. He was silent, those pale brows that cut across mahogany flesh furrowed deeply and set deep crinkled on his forehead. The elf remained as patient as ever, and equally silent as he let Nithoth to his own thoughts.
It seemed like forever, but finally those breezy words wrapped around the elf like a cool wind. "I believe you should go, I can handle the city. We are a hearty people. Should I need your return, I know how to summon you." A curt, single nod that was followed by a wide and certain smile spread across his face, staring at Von head-on. Von watched him for a moment, looking for any hint of uncertainty. Finding none, his smile spread to mirror the Dryad's as he reached out a hand to grasp the man's forearm and give it a warm squeeze. "Thank you, friend. Your opinion has eased my mind more than you'll ever know." Letting his hand fall free, he turned his head away as a relieved sigh escaped his pallid lips.
"You're more than welcome, I am honored you seek my counsel. None before you ever have, only my company. To have such important responsibility to this city leaves me abashed. I am thankful." He took a lean toward Von, bumping into his shoulder lightly before settling. The elf's smile spread wider, "I am glad you feel that way instead of feeling the responsibility a burden." Snickering, the Dryad vigorously shook his head. "As far from the truth as you could ever sail, Von... When do you leave for your travels?" Inquired, those pale white hues ticked toward the elf, a single brow lifting inquiringly.
"In two days time. Just enough to ready myself and the city before the journey." Nithoth didn't seem surprised by the short notice of leaving, perhaps just by being used to it. When Von had his mind set, he wasted no time. "Very well, I will do my part and aide you in readying the city. For now, you should get your rest, my dear friend. There is much work to be done." The Dryad rose to his feet first, followed by the elf as they straightened their attire. "You're probably right." He agreed, nodding his head slowly as he bowed his head respectively to the Dryad. "Correction... I am always right." A chipper wink, the man cracked a smile before making his way to the trunk of the tree. As if morphing, the Dogwood seemed to consume him, contorting his body as the image of the man disappeared and formed merely the trunk of the tree once more.
A smirk cut across the elf's face, a deep chuckle escaping at the man's words as he turned away. "You old fool," he muttered, only to feel the precise, light smack of something hard against his backside. Jolting slightly, he swiveled his head and narrowed those ghostly hues toward the Dogwood, only for nothing to be out of place. A slow smile spread as he raised a hand to shake his finger at the tree, shaking his head as well. Cheeky. Laughing lightly at the antics of the Dryad, he turned on heel and went on his way to get some Dryad-prescribed rest.