Flashback Relaxation and Astonishment

[Tourmal Firemane]

Tourmal Summer 23, 511 AV The sun had just about risen and the moon was still glowing brightly. Tourmal's favorite time of day had become his leisurely walk home after a night at the Iron Works. The peaceful calm that preceded the proverbial storm that would ensue as the denizens of the sprawling walled in city woke up and began their daily routines. The clamor of the city life did not suit the Drykas. Life here was antonymous with that in Cyphrus. No, this fleeting moment of serenity combined with the satisfaction of a hard days work at the Works was what Tourmal called Paradise. Or as close as he could get within the walls. The sounds of the twilight hours reminded him of back home. All you could hear was birds chirping, performing their melodious orchestra identifying they would soon start their day. Leaving their nest to find nourishment from the scraps that lay about the stone bastion that housed over 50,000 inhabitants. In addition to that the horses whinnying in the stables after a long well deserved rest from the previous days tasks. Ready and energized for the next day's work. "This is perfect" Tourmal said, as he walked to his next stop. He had made a habit of falling deep into daydream envisioning the vast plains he had come from. When the sun would peak its head over the horizon due to its golden rays reflecting on the dew covered blades. The grass would turn a briliant shade of chartreuse. Doing this helped him pass the time while he transited from work to his eventual resting place the Stone Garden. Although it was nothing in comparison to his home, the greenery that was present there sated his slight thirst of flora. Tourmal greatly missed Cyphrus, however it would be unreasonable for him to return, being that is goal was to continue his endeavors in becoming a master weaponsmith. Cyphrus being where his family was and having a great many fond memories there, had very little natural resources pertaining to ores and minerals. These were essential to any aspiring smith. However it was rich in wildlife, with the Sea of Grass providing life to a host of animals, particularly the Striders.

[Tourmal Firemane]

Tourmal Summer 23, 511 AV The sights and sounds of the garden were magnificent. The ornate manner in which the garden was laid was a direct reflection of the artistic talents of it's creator. Whoever it was, had surely been an expert in his or her craft. The layout reminded him of the smooth flowing designs that the carvers of the Ruby Clan had instilled in their work. Although they utilized complex knot patterns rather than the organic shapes of flowing leaves and flowers. Some of these shapes he had seen before. Not in nature instead in the lace worn by some of the employees of the Golden Dragon. Tourmal thought to himself, It has been a long time since I've visited there. Maybe I'll go some time this week. "I could use some food" He said to himself as he felt his stomach rumble. That's when he remembered, while at work he had saved a half Loaf of bread to share wit the birds. Tourmal opened his bag and took the loaf out. After unwrapping it, he took a bite. Bye then it had grown slightly stale. Still Tourmal was not about to waste his hard earned money bye discarding a near perfect loaf of bread. While he was chewing he reached back to his pack and pulled out his water-skin, and promptly took a swig to help the bread down. Tourmal took another bite and as he was chewing he started tearing off little pieces and scattered them across the ground. After a few minutes one particularly adventurous bird had either decided that Tourmal was not a threat, or had over come his fear of Tourmal to sate his hunger. At which time he lightheartedly hopped over and began pecking at the scraps of food. "Yeah there you go" Tourmal said encouragingly, "you were hungry weren't you?" After watching him the other birds realized it was foolish of them to keep their distance when one had so obviously been reaping all the benefits. They soon followed suit and joined his company hopping over as well. Tourmal enjoyed the birds, not just for their singing but for their company. They never cast any judgement on him for things he has done wrong, they simply sat and shared both feelings, and a meal with him.

[Tourmal Firemane]

Tourmal Summer 23, 511 AV Tourmal slowly drifted off into his own world again, relaxing as a cool morning breeze wafted gently carrying the aroma of bread baking in the ovens of a nearby baker just over the wall. How he missed his mothers cooking. Though it was not the best, it was far better than any of the results from his efforts in the kitchen. "Heheh." Tourmal chuckled, as he thought of his latest fiasco. It was so horrible even the few stray dogs he regularly leaves food out for wouldn't eat it. He thought back to being a child and sitting at the table completely covered in foods of all sorts. Now that had been a sight to see. At the time he didn't really appreciate how much work his mother had put into dinner, even though his father would frequently remind him and his siblings to give her compliments and during and after every meal. Now though after realizing how hard it is to just make a basic stew. He could not imagine how it would be to cook a meal for seven. It had been quite some time since he last saw both his parents and the four of his siblings. Tourmal had become rather focused on advancing his skill at weapon-smiting, In fact so much that he continually forgot to go and visit. What kept him now was the embarrassment, and shame for having waited so long. He knew that his parents were concerned about him and would give him an earful for waiting so long. All Tourmal wanted to do now was to put that off as long as possible. When he came out of his spell he took another bite of bread, washed it down with some water, and tore some more bits for the birds up and scattered them about. "There you go" he said, "here is some more for you guys." After watching them fight over the fresh bread for a while Tourmal changed his focus back to the garden.

[Tourmal Firemane]

Tourmal Summer 23, 511 AV After scanning the area for a while Tourmal saw a mother and her son walking hand in hand through the garden with some flowers. Initially he thought they were on their way somewhere to give the arrangement to someone special to them and it just happened that the garden was on their way. That changed when they stopped in the center of the yard. Then they proceded to kneel down, seemingly staring at a specific stone. The mother sat talking to the boy for about ten chimes. Afterwards she directed him to lay down the flowers, where they stood, bowed their heads temporarily, stood up and walked away. Tourmal didn't want to believe that they had just done what he thought they did, but he so wished to find out for himself. As he got up the birds he has been feeding fled in fear they had awoken the sleeping giant. After he walked over to where the bouquet lay he looked down at the stone it was beside. "I can't believe it! How could I have missed this?! He exclaimed astonished at what he saw before him. A few people shot piercing glances at him in a rather perturbed manner for having disturbed the peace. Upon noticing this, his face flushed with embarrassment. He had been coming to the Stone Garden since he had gained employ at the Iron Works, and he just now found out what this place was. "It's a resting place for the dead." he said quietly "Or rather a monument." He assumed these stones were set for people of considerable note. It must have been, he thought. With so few names and so many stones, these people must have left a great impression on Syliras whenever it was they lived. Dazed by the recent discovery Tourmal walked back to where his pack lay and gathered his belongings. After biting another chunk of bread and taking another swig of water, he broke up the remaining piece and spread them across the area in front of where he was sitting. Still amazed at his ignorance, he walked out of the garden. Just before exiting he turned around took another look at the garden to let the realization sink in and said to himself. "Well, one thing is for sure. I will never look at this place the same again."

[Accolade]

Tourmal Firemane

Experience

Skill	XP Earned
Observation	+2 XP

Lores

•	Lore Earned
•	Remembering Mother's cooking
•	(location)The Stone Memorial Garden
•	Home sick for Cyphrus

The Sylir has spoken

Notes :

I enjoyed this thread and I like the way you write. Very creative and a short thread is never a bad thing. For what the thread was mean for, I think you did a great job.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, please send me a PM and we can figure it out.