[When Tighnari arrives, he sees Syrlya already seated at one of the outside tables and jogs the last few steps, unwilling to let him wait more than necessary.
Since Syrlya last saw Tighnari, his corruption has grown significantly. All of Tighnari's skin now has a green tint and almost matches the dark green of his hair where it receives the most sun on his cheeks and shoulders. While in Karteria, he opts for loose clothing, but as little of it as he can get away with, wearing a singlet and shorts. The exception are his boots, which he has yet to find a way to balance with his natural soul, simply removing them whenever he gets the chance. From his skin are blossoms and sprouts of a number of different varieties, orchids and poppies that he grew himself, but others show signs of disturbance where they connect with his skin, these are plants he's grafted on. Marigolds and lavender, basil and rosemary.
As Tighnari smiles at Syrlya, a new poppy bud bursts open amongst his hair, drooping its petals over his eye. He picks it, absently, and unhooks his knife from his belt. In a flash, he stabs it into his own skin, and tucks the stem of the poppy into the cut.]
I'll put it in water when I get back to camp, [he explains.] They seem to respond to my emotions more than anything else, but I have to keep picking them or they become overripe and no good for collecting sap.
[They're all going through agonizing changes, but Syrlya has most of it hidden under his usual attire. His leaves just look a little more unhealthy than before.
He's certainly giving Tighnari a once over for the extent of his changes. He really hasn't slowed with those flowers growing, has he?] Tighnari, it's good to--.
[It's all relatively normal until Tighnari stabs himself and stick the flower back in. Syrlya forgets what he was even about to say.] I, ah. You know it is quite alright to let the occasional bud simply fall off and wither...?
Of course, but it's a waste. This way I can harvest it later. [And for all that the self-harm might be alarming, the cut has already sealed over, the liquid that oozed from it green rather than red.] I'm the main supplier of opiates to the augmented clinic — they need all they can get.
[But surely he can't replace an actual garden. At least... not alone.]
So you're finding the limit on what you can maintain on yourself? [He is maintaining quite the variety of plant life, though there'd be more room for opiates if he could control the growth in their direction.] ... How are your changes settling?
Well, I think. Though it's a little hard to say — it's not something I've quantified. [Yet.] Having a background in botany has given me a foundation to grow on that most augmented so fortunate as to have. [Was that a plant pun? Best not to dwell on it.]
As you may have seen, I no longer bleed blood, but sap. I haven't had much of a chance to analyse my changes yet — there's always so much to do — but I suspect I'd find that much of my vascular system has changed to be more vegetative, likely similar to that of a Whopperflower. And just like a Whopperflower, the elemental essence of those systems will be a mixture of energies.
[He clears his throat, a touch awkward. He got carried away there...] How about yourself?
[A Whopperflower? It's not familiar to him, but he assumes it's another sentient plant, though perhaps more similar to the Choya than himself...] I don't know much about internal anatomy beyond what's needed for basic aid. To be a blend of foliage and flora to your core... I wonder if the finality of the transformation is a complete change.
[Because the other option is ending up like that plant creature, which is horrifying.
His thoughts are interrupted when Tighnari asks about himself and he sits up a little, tugging his sleeve down.] Oh, it's--well, unpleasant but survivable.
[That plant creature is the only reason Tighnari doesn't spend as much time as he can shifted.]
Do you use your shifted form often? How frequently Augmented shift varies greatly from person to person — some haven't tried it at all. [Which though opposite to his own experience, is understandable, so many seem to disturb the one they've been forced upon.]
I've tested it, but I haven't had much reason to use it. [He knows it enhances his power, but what he becomes... well, as long as is existing magic allows him to get by, he's going to lean on it.
Comfort is probably only one of many reasons that shifting is varying so much person-to-person.] But I also had skill in magic and combat and before arriving, so even when things are dangerous I don't need to rely on it as much as others might. What of yourself?
I use it often. Tending fields becomes simple with the ability to manipulate plants, and I find myself learning new things the longer I spend shifted. My abilities in my world utilised Dendro — plant — energy, so I think that gave me something of a running start as well.
[A pang of guilt hits Tighnari as the message comes through. He hasn't been back to Karteria in... days now. A week maybe? Instead camping out next to the farm, using that as an excuse to avoid the city, all the augmented who came back all the more corrupted. At least it's easy to avoid spilling the whole truth over text.]
Quite well. The farm has kept me busy. And yourself?
[He stares at the message as if it was a hidden code waiting to be deciphered. He knows it must have been difficult for Tighnari. He's seen the others, talked to them.]
[He probably should have expected that. He puts his Syntrofos down with a sigh. He feels guilty and awful, but... he doesn't want to see Aether. He doesn't want to see anyone who might show signs of the events of this month.
But he does what he does best, and throws himself into his work. He's half-shifted when Aether arrives, using vines to create furrows, then planting cabbage seedlings into four rows at once.]
[Aether probably arrives much faster than Tighnari is ready to see him. He observes the work the other is doing for a moment, before approaching with a small wave.]
Hey, I'm here, juts like I said.
[He tries to force a smile but it's difficult considering the things that happened. He also can't help looking his friend over, seeking any sight of injuries.]
[No injuries to be seen, and no evidence of ones healed while he's half shifted and his arms are both made of vines.]
Great. You can follow me with the wheelbarrow. [He points with his vines as he takes another four cabbages out. He can — and has been — pulling it with him as he goes, but it will be easier to stick to one task at a time.]
[Aether does as he's told, even though he gives Tighnari a long look at first. It's almost as if nothing happened, like they just moved on with life. At the same time, the traveler knows his companion well enough to guess he just prefers throwing himself into work than the alternatives.
He helps Tighnari for a while, before eventually asking:]
Have you eaten anything yet? Maybe I can make something for you?
[He just needs to show his care and concern somehow and food seems like the best option.]
No, I— [He hesitates, then nods. He doesn't technically need to eat, but... they have fresh vegetables. And he understands that it's not really about the food.] That would be nice. Thank you. I have some fresh corn in the farmhouse. Picked this morning.
That's been my experience, too. I think Terra souls are less active than other types, generally speaking. [Which makes sense, a fern would have a hell of a time chasing down a dog.] If you'd like to try and communicate with yours, I'd recommend attempting to do so in sunshine with bare feet on soil. Sending roots down can also help.
The shifted forms of Terra type Augmented can be unsettling to others, [understatement,] but they seem very durable and able to adapt to even significant damage. [He hesitates, but what happened is obvious enough on seeing his new limb, formed of twisted vines rather than bone and flesh.] I can regrow my arm if it's severed, even in my unshifted form — my shifted form doesn't have arms as such.
The abilities we gain can vary greatly, as I mentioned. I have the ability to relieve pain and put others to sleep, but other Terra Augmented have strong poisons.
If your soul is related to a Ginkgo, you might discover yourself able to create poisons as well, or possibly an affinity for healing. Ginkgo have been used for both. But they can be exceptionally long-lived trees, so I would expect a Gingko soul to be even quieter than those of shorter lived flora, you may need to have patience when it comes to communication.
[ Sunshine and bare feet in soil. He can do that. ]
Hm. [ That is an advantage. A pretty good one, all things considered. Still, it's a strange thought to regrow limbs, especially if they're not flesh and blood any more. ] I am still apprehensive of these 'shifted' forms. It's... never mind, that's not important.
[ Xiao will remember that 'relieve pain' part, though. If he can swallow his pride, he might pay Tighnari a visit on his bad days.
As for making poisons or healing? He would have to make sure to find out which one, and quickly. If his Natural Soul could be a little more talkative, he would ask it. ]
I have lived for a very long time as well. Perhaps that is why I was paired with this soul.
You have? How long — if it's not out of line to ask?
I find my shifted form very comfortable, but I'm afraid I am the exception in that. Still, becoming familiar with it gives you another tool to use in your time here, as you will find it more difficult to use skills associated with your vision if you have one.
Curious. I would appreciate more information on those skills, when you have the chance. [He understands entirely not discussing too much on the Syntrofos.]
That is... quite the while. Perhaps you are a good match for ginkgo. They live for hundreds of years, but with enough nutrients, I'm sure they could reach thousands, too.
Would you like to try Shifting? It can be difficult at first, and it's hard to say whether having so many years will help or hinder you in finding it, but if you can, doing so with an Imprint — someone in this world you've made a connection with — should ease the process.
If you wish. [ They'll just have to meet somewhere private, away from any spying eyes of Patho-Gen. ]
Some of the ginkgo trees on the Guili Plains are as old as Liyue itself. It would be... appropriate, I suppose. [ They're beautiful trees, though - it seems like a mockery to have his cursed self reflect one. ]
As for the shifting, I've yet to attempt it. If shifting with someone 'imprinted' is safer, I will discuss it with him.
[Has Aether Imprinted with everyone from Teyvat yet? If not, it's only a matter of time. Still, it tickles Tighnari to know who that (apparently only) imprint is.]
If he's busy, and if you thought it amenable, I'd be happy to attempt to Imprint with you. It can pay to have options. [Such as if they're once again taken to a mysterious location for torture.]
[ Aether has definitely imprinted with a few people of Teyvat. Even more definite is how quickly it took for Xiao to make that bond with the blonde. His absolute faith and loyalty should have earned him an imprint speeding ticket.
Tighnari's offer is met with a bit of silence, and a soft huff. ]
...if Aether trusts you, then perhaps.
[ He, on the other hand, trusts really slowly - which might make imprinting very hard. ]
[ Tighnari has definitely earned some good points in Xiao's book. With the information-gathering and the knowledge of terra souls, he might be getting a message now and then from a certain bird. ]
And you. [It strikes him how necessary that sign-off feels. Like they truly won't be safe if they don't reassure each other as they say goodbye. But he leaves their conversation at that, disconnecting.]
Tighnari? It's Navia. I understand you have a Terra soul, correct? It seems like I've come to find myself with one as well. Do you mind if I pick your brain for information?
[ Thankfully, she's not. it's been discovered on her own, through a little bit of trial and error and a little bit of stress that was brought on because everyone had disappeared. It's been a rough first month. ]
Well, I can tell you right now that I'm growing roses. I found the first few in my hair. Do Terra souls generally stick to one plant, or would they be an amalgam of plants?
Forgive me, science isn't really my strong suit, so I apologize if I ask a question you may find dumb.
No such thing, Miss Navia. No one starts with all the answers, and I enjoy sharing the ones I have.
Other Terra seem to be limited to one family of plants, but mine are more varied. My shifted form has two that seem to influence it the most — Nilotpala Lotus and poppies — but my corruption has three at present — poppies, digitalis and orchids — and it appears possible to add to the variation using grafting methods. It may be possible to reduce it in that manner as well, but I haven't tried. [He has approximately seven friends who would stop him.]
[Navia really appreciates the information, actually. She likes being in the know, and if she doesn't know, she'd rather know someone who does.]
That makes sense - like creating hybrid plants. [She knows legit the littlest bit about gardening - mainly from trying to find new flavors for her macarons. some flowers tasted really good.]
Now, would it make sense to say that we would act differently during winter versus spring? Like animal hibernation?
Very much so. Even now, in Autumn, I find myself growing tired without sunlight. And even last month when I couldn't see the sun, [during the horrors,] I could still track the days by my energy levels.
Exactly. And you can exert yourself if necessary, but expect to spend more time recovering if you do. And recovering while in the company of someone you've imprinted with will speed the process.
So just like overexertion on a normal day. Got it.
Now, on a... weirder note? I got a paper cut the other day and noticed that my blood wasn't red anymore. Are we actually plants on a cellular level now?
Potentially. While our circulatory system is more like that of a plant, it would be impossible to fully change to that of a typical plant while maintaining the level of mobility that we do. I suspect Terra Augmented are more closely aligned to the system of a Dendro Spectre or Whopperflower.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Voice; un: commander
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[He sends through the location of one of the few cafes in Karteria where only two items on the menu jiggle.]
-> action
[And since there's little he needs to do to prepare, he'll probably arrive early and look at the menu while he waits.]
→ Action cw: plant person self-harm.
Since Syrlya last saw Tighnari, his corruption has grown significantly. All of Tighnari's skin now has a green tint and almost matches the dark green of his hair where it receives the most sun on his cheeks and shoulders. While in Karteria, he opts for loose clothing, but as little of it as he can get away with, wearing a singlet and shorts. The exception are his boots, which he has yet to find a way to balance with his natural soul, simply removing them whenever he gets the chance. From his skin are blossoms and sprouts of a number of different varieties, orchids and poppies that he grew himself, but others show signs of disturbance where they connect with his skin, these are plants he's grafted on. Marigolds and lavender, basil and rosemary.
As Tighnari smiles at Syrlya, a new poppy bud bursts open amongst his hair, drooping its petals over his eye. He picks it, absently, and unhooks his knife from his belt. In a flash, he stabs it into his own skin, and tucks the stem of the poppy into the cut.]
I'll put it in water when I get back to camp, [he explains.] They seem to respond to my emotions more than anything else, but I have to keep picking them or they become overripe and no good for collecting sap.
[Totally normal and fine behaviour.]
Tighnari........
He's certainly giving Tighnari a once over for the extent of his changes. He really hasn't slowed with those flowers growing, has he?] Tighnari, it's good to--.
[It's all relatively normal until Tighnari stabs himself and stick the flower back in. Syrlya forgets what he was even about to say.] I, ah. You know it is quite alright to let the occasional bud simply fall off and wither...?
It's fine, he's Fine
IS HE...
So you're finding the limit on what you can maintain on yourself? [He is maintaining quite the variety of plant life, though there'd be more room for opiates if he could control the growth in their direction.] ... How are your changes settling?
hE'S FINE
As you may have seen, I no longer bleed blood, but sap. I haven't had much of a chance to analyse my changes yet — there's always so much to do — but I suspect I'd find that much of my vascular system has changed to be more vegetative, likely similar to that of a Whopperflower. And just like a Whopperflower, the elemental essence of those systems will be a mixture of energies.
[He clears his throat, a touch awkward. He got carried away there...] How about yourself?
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[Because the other option is ending up like that plant creature, which is horrifying.
His thoughts are interrupted when Tighnari asks about himself and he sits up a little, tugging his sleeve down.] Oh, it's--well, unpleasant but survivable.
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Do you use your shifted form often? How frequently Augmented shift varies greatly from person to person — some haven't tried it at all. [Which though opposite to his own experience, is understandable, so many seem to disturb the one they've been forced upon.]
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Comfort is probably only one of many reasons that shifting is varying so much person-to-person.] But I also had skill in magic and combat and before arriving, so even when things are dangerous I don't need to rely on it as much as others might. What of yourself?
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text, un: traveler, post event!
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Quite well. The farm has kept me busy. And yourself?
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Are you sure? Can I see you?
[He's not even answering the question.]
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[He can't even bring himself to lie properly.]
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Alright. I'll help you with whatever you need.
I'll be there soon.
[Yes, he means right away.]
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But he does what he does best, and throws himself into his work. He's half-shifted when Aether arrives, using vines to create furrows, then planting cabbage seedlings into four rows at once.]
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Hey, I'm here, juts like I said.
[He tries to force a smile but it's difficult considering the things that happened. He also can't help looking his friend over, seeking any sight of injuries.]
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Great. You can follow me with the wheelbarrow. [He points with his vines as he takes another four cabbages out. He can — and has been — pulling it with him as he goes, but it will be easier to stick to one task at a time.]
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He helps Tighnari for a while, before eventually asking:]
Have you eaten anything yet? Maybe I can make something for you?
[He just needs to show his care and concern somehow and food seems like the best option.]
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un: xiao
Tell me more about Terra souls. I appear to have one.
voice; un: foxfire
They vary greatly. Do you have any further details to share? As well as having a Terra soul myself, I am a botanist, so can help on two fronts.
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[ Which is impressive, honestly. ]
Afterwards, I have noticed leaves growing in my hair. Ginkgo leaves, so it is possibly a tree.
[ It reminded him of the Guili Plains, honestly. ]
What exactly am I to expect from this soul and the effects?
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The shifted forms of Terra type Augmented can be unsettling to others, [understatement,] but they seem very durable and able to adapt to even significant damage. [He hesitates, but what happened is obvious enough on seeing his new limb, formed of twisted vines rather than bone and flesh.] I can regrow my arm if it's severed, even in my unshifted form — my shifted form doesn't have arms as such.
The abilities we gain can vary greatly, as I mentioned. I have the ability to relieve pain and put others to sleep, but other Terra Augmented have strong poisons.
If your soul is related to a Ginkgo, you might discover yourself able to create poisons as well, or possibly an affinity for healing. Ginkgo have been used for both. But they can be exceptionally long-lived trees, so I would expect a Gingko soul to be even quieter than those of shorter lived flora, you may need to have patience when it comes to communication.
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Hm. [ That is an advantage. A pretty good one, all things considered. Still, it's a strange thought to regrow limbs, especially if they're not flesh and blood any more. ] I am still apprehensive of these 'shifted' forms. It's... never mind, that's not important.
[ Xiao will remember that 'relieve pain' part, though. If he can swallow his pride, he might pay Tighnari a visit on his bad days.
As for making poisons or healing? He would have to make sure to find out which one, and quickly. If his Natural Soul could be a little more talkative, he would ask it. ]
I have lived for a very long time as well. Perhaps that is why I was paired with this soul.
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I find my shifted form very comfortable, but I'm afraid I am the exception in that. Still, becoming familiar with it gives you another tool to use in your time here, as you will find it more difficult to use skills associated with your vision if you have one.
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[ Give or take a few centuries. ]
You make an interesting point. However, I have had no issue with my Anemo-related abilities.
[ He has issues with his adepti/yaksha ones, but he's not going to mention that on a device like this. ]
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That is... quite the while. Perhaps you are a good match for ginkgo. They live for hundreds of years, but with enough nutrients, I'm sure they could reach thousands, too.
Would you like to try Shifting? It can be difficult at first, and it's hard to say whether having so many years will help or hinder you in finding it, but if you can, doing so with an Imprint — someone in this world you've made a connection with — should ease the process.
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Some of the ginkgo trees on the Guili Plains are as old as Liyue itself. It would be... appropriate, I suppose. [ They're beautiful trees, though - it seems like a mockery to have his cursed self reflect one. ]
As for the shifting, I've yet to attempt it. If shifting with someone 'imprinted' is safer, I will discuss it with him.
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If he's busy, and if you thought it amenable, I'd be happy to attempt to Imprint with you. It can pay to have options. [Such as if they're once again taken to a mysterious location for torture.]
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Tighnari's offer is met with a bit of silence, and a soft huff. ]
...if Aether trusts you, then perhaps.
[ He, on the other hand, trusts really slowly - which might make imprinting very hard. ]
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Think on it, and you know how to get in touch if you decide you would like to.
[He's not going to force anyone — unlike certain organisations in this city. And he knows Aether will vouch for him if Xiao asks.]
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[ Tighnari has definitely earned some good points in Xiao's book. With the information-gathering and the knowledge of terra souls, he might be getting a message now and then from a certain bird. ]
Stay safe.
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text; un: rosulas
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Of course! What would you like to know?
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Well, I can tell you right now that I'm growing roses. I found the first few in my hair. Do Terra souls generally stick to one plant, or would they be an amalgam of plants?
Forgive me, science isn't really my strong suit, so I apologize if I ask a question you may find dumb.
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Other Terra seem to be limited to one family of plants, but mine are more varied. My shifted form has two that seem to influence it the most — Nilotpala Lotus and poppies — but my corruption has three at present — poppies, digitalis and orchids — and it appears possible to add to the variation using grafting methods. It may be possible to reduce it in that manner as well, but I haven't tried. [He has approximately seven friends who would stop him.]
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That makes sense - like creating hybrid plants. [She knows legit the littlest bit about gardening - mainly from trying to find new flavors for her macarons. some flowers tasted really good.]
Now, would it make sense to say that we would act differently during winter versus spring? Like animal hibernation?
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[She surmises that during winter, she'll have the least amount of energy. Just wonderful.]
So I should take care then - stay warm, keep enough energy levels to maintain, and no unnecessary exertion?
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Now, on a... weirder note? I got a paper cut the other day and noticed that my blood wasn't red anymore. Are we actually plants on a cellular level now?
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