[Saoire Event 722] Perdita/Gennadiya

[Avalon]

On a specific day in Zi'da of the 722nd arc, Saoire was preparing another get-together to facilitate the sharing of gifts through special doorways assigned to that purpose. It would begin a few days before the appointed hour of the gifting. They'd find a note some days earlier, tucked into the top of a doorway in their home, detailing who their gift recipient was, with clues to what they might like. Then a date for which the gifting would take place. So the appointed gifter would know by when they could have their intended's gift ready - however they wished to come by it.

On the 42nd, the very same doorway they'd found the note in would open into an idyllic realm of Saoire's Dream. The doorway became a portal into her Realm, the birthplace of the Cadouri and where many of Saoire's own personal gifts were made. For this purpose, the Realm would serve as a hosting ground for the gifter and intended, tailored to that goal and especially suited to either recipient so that the place would be appropriate to their identity and interests.

And as they were asked to have a gift prepared, they were assured they would receive a gift all their own. Through the same gateway they received their instructions, on the 42nd of Zi'Da, it would open up into the Realm of Saoire's Dream, where the two would meet. One gifter, one intended.

***

Perdita and Gennadiya's gateways brought them to quite an extraordinary place, nestled deep within Saoire's Dream - The Floating Gallery.

Accessible from five different directions, the massive pentagon-shaped chamber contained several 'islands' connected by small bridges arched gracefully over lazy-moving streams. Each island featured several unique works of art - examples of woodwork, metalwork, painting, sculpting - all manner of artistic expression.

Overhead, more stunning pieces hung from the vaulted ceilings. Creatures of mythology and legend came alive through their skillful constructions, utilizing multi-media instead of focusing on one technique. Fabric rippled against the soft natural air currents of the indoor area, leading one to wonder if they were truly inside or outside.

If one was looking for inspiration, it certainly could be found somewhere within the Gallery.

The two young women would quickly find that they weren't alone. Smiling, a mouse cadouri - smartly dressed - about half the size of each approached, offering a kind greeting. "Welcome to Faldrass and Saoire's Dream, Perdita and Gennadiya. Saoire bids you greetings and wishes you to feel at home in this place. My name is Melinda."

Continuing, the cadouri made a sweeping gesture. "This place is the Floating Gallery. It's meant to showcase the power of art in the world and how it can impact those living within. I come here often to contemplate my next project or simply think. It's beautiful, no? Part of the appeal for me is that every time I visit, there's something new. It changes, just like the world around us."

Of course, they had come to Saoire's Dream for a reason - something the cadouri quickly remembered. "I will leave you two be to get better acquainted. Please let me know if there is anything either of you needs."

And with that, the cadouri stepped back and let the two spend time together.

!

Message from: Avalon

Welcome to your Saoire Event 722 Thread! This thread will be eligible for both skill points and knowledge, as long as the usual review requirements are met. At the end of the thread, all pcs will be given gateways to return to where they were. Literally and exactly where they were. Feel free to start your posts with where you were and what you were doing when the first gateway appeared. Gifters, please assume that the gift you are giving has been transported and is in the vicinity as you step out of the gateway. Also, if you need to have a space to craft that gift, please assume that one was provided. You may play the offered cadouri as NPCs throughout this thread. If you ask specific questions, feel free to PM me, but largely the NPC is provided for flavor. When you have completed the thread, please place it up for review as normal. Once it’s been reviewed, post here to claim your event medal!

[Gennadiya Lyosha]

“I have been and still am
a seeker, but I have ceased to
question stars and books;
I have begun to listen to
the teaching my blood
whispers to me.”

― Hermann Hesse

. . Gennadiya Lyosha . .

42nd of Zi'Da

Gennadiya had begun to wonder as they approached Zi’da is Saoire would be active again. She had found the note secured in one of the doors to the library in her house. She looked at the note and thought for a moment. The young woman wasn’t a artist, she appreciated art and beauty a lot, but fer focus in life had been in other fields. So it was that she had take Lilabella with her and together they had gone shopping.

Genna actually knew exactly what it was that she wanted to give this Perdita. She understood the woman loved art, and bookmaking and other such projects. The practical side of Genna brought them to a furniture store, but the artistic part of her mind made sure it was those who sold furniture that was beautiful. Together the two searched until finally the both felt happy.

Genna purchased an artist desk. Half of the desk top could lift to allow it to be put at different angles making it a easel when needed, or allowing her to sit and work. Clamps would hold the medium in place as she worked and could be adjusted to different sizes. Along the top were little holders to put tools being used on the current project. That wasn’t the extent of it. The half that didn’t become an easy also covered a series of drawers perfectly sized to lay out artistic tools, and paint jars, with a large drawer at the bottom for odds and ends. Genna didn’t just look for practicality. She also made sure the desk itself was a work of art. Along the edges it was carved in patterns of flowers, and the handles and nobs followed the same motif. The desk was only enclosed where it needed to for structural support otherwise it was open to give it a less bulky look. The wood was highly polished so it showed a rich color.

Genna had placed the desk in the library by the door in questions, and then placed the note from Saoire on the desk with her own message asking for this to be brought along with her. Smiling Genna had waited for the trial to arrive. On that particular trial Genna had stayed home. She had actually chosen to go for simplicity in her appearance. Wearing a simple pink dress she had originally had decided to allow her to hang free. That actually didn’t happen as Lilabella begged for the chance to braid her mother’s hair. So as Genna approached the door at the time, most of her hair still hung loss but one the left side of her face the hair had been braided. It was secure, but clearly the work of a child. Genna didn’t undo it knowing how proud Lilabella was of it.

Genna stepped through the door and found herself once again Saoire’s dream. Genna sucked in her breath as she saw the wonders around them. Her blue eyes glanced around her taking in the beauty and the art. She smiled and walked forward a bit taking them in and just feeling joy at the wonders around her.

She only had a couple of moments to admire before she noticed a dark haired young woman also in the room. Genna smiled at the young woman and moved closer to meet her. It was then that the mouse Cadouri stepped forward greeted them. Genna smiled again at everyone. “It is a pleasure to meet you Perdita, and you Melinda.” She glanced around. “This is a magnificent place I can see why you love to visit, and thank you for bringing us here.” After a bit more talking their hostess left them to talking. Genna could see that the present had come with them, and was sitting to the side covered in a cloth. She extended her hand in greeting and said. “Again I am glad to meet you Perdita. I understand that you are artistically inclined. I am not artistically inclined but I was hoping that this gift would help you in your craft.” She said and indicated the covered desk. The young woman did feel a flutter of nerves hoping that it would be useful for the young artist.

[Perdita Westcott]

42nd Zi'da, 722

Perdita had been tasked with being a gift giver and that had been significantly easier than what she currently faced. Right now, she had to receive a gift from a stranger. The young woman was painfully shy and the thought of meeting someone new prompted a blush to tinge her cheeks at the thought of it. Still, she knew that it was important that she play the role , because this tradition of gift-giving was important, not just to those involved but to everyone. She knew that, but she still didn't relish the thought of it.

However, as much as she would always be shy, Perdita had, slowly and sometimes painfully, changed. She felt a genuine fear at the thought of meeting someone new, but she reminded herself of how many times she had done that already . She had met Elisabeth, Darius, Woe and Eli and she had forged friendships with at least three of them. This might be, she reminded herself, a new friend. Someone she didn't know yet but who would become a friend.

So, she first of all wrote note, "This certificate entitles the owner to a free portrait (including sitting) at Illuminations in Rharne. There is no expiration on this." , which she folded neatly and wrapped in a delicate green ribbon. Then, she made her way and knocked the door at the appointed time.

Perdita felt her nerves building but then, as she walked through and saw where she was, her eyes widened and she looked around in amazement. This place was incredible! She moved to explore more fully and she cast her eye on the artwork. Perhaps because of who she was, or what she did, Perdita was focusing on the techniques which the artists had used. It was only when she had looked at this close up, considering the implements used and the techniques adopted for applying the paint to the canvas that Perdita stepped back and looked at the whole. It was important, of course, to understand the techniques, but she knew something without a doubt. People wanted to see things which they believed to be beautiful, hanging on their walls and this meant - often - different things to different people. But no matter what the technique, it had to work in the larger piece in order to make a whole which was both pleasing and challenging all at once.

Without doubt, Perdita would have stayed here, in this place, for breaks or even days without wondering about the passage of time, but she turned at the sound of movement and there was a woman. The woman in question had the most beautiful hair Perdita had ever seen and immediately she was glad of the note in her pocket. The platinum-blonde hair framed a beautiful face and Perdita saw that, when Gennadiya (whose name she did not yet know) smiled, she did so with a gentle and kind expression.

Having noticed Gennadiya, Perdita's attention turned to the small mouse cadouri. She listened intently as Melinda explained what the gallery was for and she nodded. "It's beautiful, truly beautiful,", she said and entirely meant it. She looked at Genna and offered her hand to shake. "Hello," she said, softly. "I'm Perdita Westcott." Her cheeks reddened as she spoke and she struggled to make eye contact, but did - albeit very briefly. "I brought you this," she said, quickly putting the piece of parchment into Genna's hands. "To say thank you." It was important that she said that before any gift giving happened, so that Genna understood that she'd done it as a thank you. To Melinda, she smiled and offered a hand - or finger - to shake. "Nice to meet you," she said and the mouse cadouri beamed and nodded.

Then, Genna showed her the gift and Perdita's eyes widened in delight. "It's beautiful," she said, softly. Her hands moved over the wood, almost reverently. She spent a moment or two exploring the piece, looking at each drawer and each aspect. Then, she turned to Gennadiya and she spoke earnestly and intently. "I'm so grateful," she said. "It's so thoughtful."

Then, Perdita stopped a moment and realised something. "Gennadiya?" That was what the mouse cadouri had said. "Are you the lady who was invited to Elisabeth and Balthazar's wedding?". She smiled a brief but very genuine smile of delight. "I made the invitations, so I recognise your name." Then, she added something which was very much what she felt and so she said it. "Elisabeth is my friend." A mutual friend was a very good place to start, after all. "You're a healer?" Perdita knew the name Gennadiya, and figured this woman must be that person. If so, she was in Rharne, so that was a good thing - it meant that she could access the shop and come to have her portrait with whomever and whenever she chose.

[Gennadiya Lyosha]

“I have been and still am
a seeker, but I have ceased to
question stars and books;
I have begun to listen to
the teaching my blood
whispers to me.”

― Hermann Hesse

. . Gennadiya Lyosha . .

42nd of Zi'Da

Gennadiya was pleasantly surprised by the envelope she was handed as a thank you from Perdita. She took the envelope and shook Perdita’s hand in greeting. Genna could sense the other woman’s shyness as they stood there, but also approved that Perdita wasn’t letting it stop her. The young artist appeared to really appreciate the desk which man Genna glade. The healer understood the need to have a place where you could work. Her job required a different type of work space, one that was in a bag she could carry. But she was glad that it was something the other woman could use.

While Perdita was admiring the desk Genna glance at the note and felt her eyebrow shoot up in surprise. That was a very nice thank you. The healer had only a moment and then closed up the note and smiling broadly she turned her attention to the other two. The Lysorian woman was asked if she was invited to Elisabeth Black’s wedding. Genna allowed a surprised expression to cross her face at the question. She then nodded her head and said. “Yes that is me. I have meet Elisabeth during the siege of Storm’s Edge, and have kept in contact since then. Those invites were absolutely beautiful.” She said she paused and tilted her head. “Thank you for this.” She said indicating to the note. “I am a healer, with the Order in Rharne though I am originally from city by Ne’haer. Are you originally from Rharne.” Genna had been given some information but nothing overly specific. “Did you always want to do art, or was it a love you discovered later?”

Genna listened and nodded her head she hesitated for a moment and then said. “I actually am planning on getting married soon, so if you have an opening I would love to hire you to do my announcements as well as a wedding portrait.” She said this blushing as she indicated to the note. “I was very impressed with your work, but if you work load is to large please don’t fell obligated to say yes.” Genna said smiling at the other woman.

[Perdita Westcott]

42nd Zi'da, 722

The lady - Gennadiya - who had gifted her the desk was both kind and thoughtful. As they spoke and it became known to Perdita that Gennadiya was also in the Order of the Aduunih, it was obvious that this was a very good person. She considered it and then realised. This was the Gennadiya. The woman who was the head of the Order in Rharne, who had been such an important part of saving Rharne during the seige at Storm's Edge.

Perdita berated herself for not realising it, Genna's reputation certainly preceded her renown of 800+ and she nodded as Genna spoke. "I've heard of you," she said. "Thank you. For all you do." It was important to give thanks and show gratitude to a woman who had given so much to Rharne. She nodded her head at Gennadiya's question. "I was born and raised in Rharne, yes," She smiled slightly "I've travelled, a little, but I always come back." It was, after all, home.

The second question, though, did she always want to do art? Perdita smiled rather shamefacedly and her blush intensified. "No," she said. "I used to want to be an archaeologist. Digging in the dirt, finding history. I love history." She did, it was true. "What about you? Were you always interested in medicine?" It was rare for Perdita to be so chatty with someone but this woman - this very famous woman - was so obviously kind that she couldn't quite help it.

And then, she told her that she was getting married and Perdita beamed. "Oh, I'd be delighted!" She would, it was true. There was no doubt to her that it would be a wonderful thing. "I have to admit," she said, quietly as though she was concerned someone was going to overhear them. "I do love a wedding." It was true, she did and so she asked, quite genuinely because she was interested. "What is your wedding going to be like?"

[Gennadiya Lyosha]

“I have been and still am
a seeker, but I have ceased to
question stars and books;
I have begun to listen to
the teaching my blood
whispers to me.”

― Hermann Hesse

. . Gennadiya Lyosha . .

42nd of Zi'Da

The young woman enjoyed the conversation with this shy young woman. Genna smiled as the spoke, she had done these gift exchange a couple of times already and there was something about Saiore’s realm that allowed people to open up. Maybe it was the novelty of the situation or maybe something about the Immortals realm. Maybe it was Genna herself. The platinum haired woman listened as they Perdita mentioned that she had heard of the Genna. The young woman blushed slightly at the comment and the thank you.

Genna didn’t shrug though as others might. She nodded her acknowledgement of the thanks and said. “I help where I can, but I am gratefully for the others who stood with me.” She said. “Rharne has been very good to me and I am grateful for the chance to help where I can.” Genna said.

“I have made Rharne my home now. One trial I might got back to where I was born, but my family has moved to Rharne and found welcoming and a wonderful place.” She said in response to Perdita as she explained she was from Rharne and had come back. “So I completely agree with moving back to this city.”

Genna listened quietly as Perdita explained that she had originally want to be an archaeologist but had found her way into art. The question was returned to her and she thought how best to answer that. “As a little girl I wanted to be a healer. As an adolescent I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but found my way back to being a healer after I started learning Ymiden’s teachings.” She said honestly. She didn’t bother mentioning the base events that helped her along the way. This was a happy meeting and she wanted to focus on those parts.

The conversation moved to weddings something that Genna despite her reserve found she did enjoy talking about. “We are going to have it on the beach by the lake shore. I want to have family and friends there but not have a large wedding party. I wouldn’t mind a small wedding party but there are so many family members that to avoid offending some we just decided to not have one. Through my daughter will be the ring bearer.” She paused then before continuing. “With my fair skin and very light hair and decided to not do white dress but a blue dress instead.” Genna said with a grin.