❂Table of Contents ❂ Current Things ❂ Shadiya ❂ History ❂ Relations ❂ Beast Companions ❂ Rps & Plots ❂ Inventory ❂ Photos ❂ Reqs
Sabra Knight
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Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 11:13 am
Currently Shadiya was approved and journal posted~ (October 12th) *Shadiya grows to Rogue! (Dancer path)
Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 11:22 am
Name: Shadiya Stage: 3 - dancer Race: Earthling - Fire Gender: Girl 3 Base Traits: Loyal, Bold, Alluring Personality: Shadiya is a very loyal character in the fact that once someone has earned her trust she’ll be one of the best friends to ever have as she’ll be the first one to catch you if you fall. Of course that doesn’t mean you’re safe from her fierce temper which changes at the drop of a button, but that does mean at least your enemies won’t have it easy picking on you. Unfortunately this means that it takes a lot for her to doubt someone that she’s always relied on and one day it might mean that someone can easily stab her in the back if she’s not careful…
Her bold approach to life makes her a rather strong character who doesn’t mind speaking her opinion. You piss her off? Well you’ll definitely realize that you’re suddenly on her bad side (that is if you can keep up with her sharp wit and aggressive actions). This also means that she doesn’t mind a challenge and will easily conquer any contest or dare. Adventures are her life blood and anything with excitement and action is sure to gain her interest.
Much like a spoiled lady she won't dare back down when there is something she wants. She believes just like her father did that if something is worth grabbing you better reach out and make certain that no one else lays claim. This involves her own freedom which she eagerly clings to as no one can keep her tied down.
As bold and wild as Shadiya can be she has trouble with the fact that her personality and looks just appeal to others. With such an allure it easily becomes the case that her dance will fascinate others and trap them into wanting her. She doesn't think of it often, but a lot of the time her walk has a seductive step to it and with her swaying hips she seems to be an illusion of the desert. Without meaning to she has gotten several hearts and broken them all in a single day.
Others may love the attention and the desire that others have for them, but Shadiya secretly loathes it. She would much rather be the regular tomboy or street urchin than the lady that she is. How can one have adventures in their lives if they're always being chased by others? Many times marriage offers have come for her, but the young fire girl has always danced her way around them. ((Yes that means sometimes dumping wet sand on the future in-laws, sneaking itching herbs or insects into meals, having an identity crisis with the voices in her head, dragging her delicate beaus through dangerous terrain, and etc....if it seems crazy and creative then she's probably done it. Most common were the hard tasks that would drive her potentials crazy as the list of chores would never seem to end. "He must do this like this or move a certain way or get me this certain item...or even better yet out dance me, something someone still has yet to do this day.))
It also makes blending in with the crowds harder since she has a beauty not easily forgotten. Despite the rumors of her challenging tasks and trickster ways the lady still is seen as a beautiful prize.
Description: She has mocha skin and golden gemstones. Most are smaller than typical fire gemstones, especially on her hip bone. The most prominent ones are the three on her forehead and the long slender, diamond shaped, ones that cut across her shoulders. She has scarlet hair which is long and elegant with waves and often is pulled back from her forehead with wavy side bangs and a ponytail that touches her lower back (or a french braid of some sort x). Both eyes are fuchsia in color as well.
Body type wise she has dancer's figure with slender limbs, elegant neck, and all the right curves that boldly show. Clothing: As seen in the picture to the side she loves wearing light and loose silk clothing (the desert is too hot for modesty in her opinion.) So showing skin is no biggie for her and often there will be only a short top covering her gracious curves.
References to pull from: [x1] [A lot like this outfit, including the belt and the pant design...it can be tweaked of course (colors can definitely be played with, keeping gold accents however). Also on the belt I would love for the sun gemstone to be incorporated.
Accessories: A golden sash given to her from her mother is around her waist, tied together with a sun gemstone.
[bracelet] - Also wears bracelets similar to these.
She does typically wear golden hair pieces, circlets, and armbands, anklets, and etc.
Some quirks/habits: She always moves with a sashay and often has the most interesting grin. Always she likes to hop around playfully when alone as if dancing to her own tune and often can be heard humming some form of melody. Keeping lively on her feet keeps her burdened heart lively after all~ CURRENTLY: After being kidnapped and rescued by Dexurn, Shadiya has decided to give up dancing for the time being. She's also cutting off her Oban heritage -dressing more like the Sauti/Wind people- while she also cut off her crimson hair and dyed the rest raven black. She wants to live in the light while at the same time staying in disguise. >3>
Slightly more solemn now, but honestly still happy since she found love now with Dex~
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Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 11:26 am
History:
Shadiya had a rich childhood. Her father was a wealthy merchant in Oba who was married to a young lady from a lower noble family. In truth the family only married their daughter to a "lowly" merchant due to the lack of funds in their own family registry. Their desperation for money led them to the young Eskel who was born into nothing and had climbed his way up the ranks in the markets. His wit and charisma had won him much and even Shadiya's mother the Lady Irissa had fallen hard for him.
Despite her family's shame at having to rely on a common man to carry them through their hard times the young couple blossomed in love. Eskel always dotted on Irissa and gave her everything her heart ever wanted. Even when she was found to be pregnant the man was delighted to see that he would have a daughter rather than a son.
"Another beautiful woman in my life to love? I'm delighted to hear the news~
When Shadiya was born they said the sun broke through the clouds to celebrate. Even as a baby she was a fiery beauty who took the hearts of all who knew her. Despite her mother's family trying their hardest to raise a lady of worth and elegance Shadiya found herself wandering from the beaten path. She was always learning books from her father and the ways of the lower markets from the slaves and servants. She played with everyone who caught her interest and held no disdain over anyone for their status.
She truly was a gem in a struggling world.
One important part of her play time was with the Matori. It was through a slave, only slightly older than she, that she learned the first steps of dancing. For her family's slaves a good past time was dancing when they had a free evening and from them Shadiya first learned about her talent. Her father's travels of course only brought more news of dancers and in the rich markets of Oba she witnessed even more to bring about her passion. Dancing for her was a way to express that freedom she always longed for. Her parents loved her dearly, but the strain of living up the family name drove her restless. Through dancing when her mother's family was gone the girl found a form of happiness that could truly be her's. Sneaking out into the streets to dance among others also filled her with joy and she would often do this during festivities and such.
Unfortunately things could not always stay happy.
When she was yet a child tragedy struck. Her father was out in the markets and suddenly collapsed. Shadiya to this day still does not know what it was that exactly took her father from her, but the mystery does haunt her heart. ((They say it was over stress from work and a weak heart, but it does tend to wonder that such a healthy man suddenly developed such a disease...) Her mother, grieving, seemingly shut herself up in her rooms for days. Shadiya was told that she was dealing with a broken heart when in truth her mother had more plans. She was determined to find out what had happened to her husband and then later she found documents showing how the estate's belongings were being handed over to her brother. In shock and anger Shadiya's mother went to confront him and it was that day which the news was released that she had simply passed away from a broken heart (in reality a flight of stairs awaited her mother as her uncle shoved the woman away in their heated argument to her death).
Lost in a suddenly dark world the young beauty was quickly taken under her uncle's wing. In his house the rules became strict and her streets ways became "tamed". Often she was guilt tripped by her uncle who spoke about how her parents had been shamed by her old wild ways. For a time she became meek and mild, easily controlled by her guilt while mourning the loss of her parents.
Still it was two years later that she finally snapped after reading over some old notes between her parents (love letters and other correspondents) that she had found in a hiding spot shared between her mother and her while she was growing up. Often it would be a game to hide treats and other such toys there for each other to find. This time, however, her dying mother had left this gift as a ray of hope for her daughter's future. Shadiya found no shame in any of the letters, but only love from her parents for her and each other.
With this revealed all of the frustrations and depression collapsed inside of her and she had to get out. She had to find fresh air and to see those who had known her parents. Her uncle's words were only poison to her memories....surely an old slave could reminisce with her. When she went down to the kitchens the girl was surprised to see changes and slaves in worse condition than she had ever known. It was then that secretly (save for rare market days out with her uncle and other diplomatic visits) Shadiya started to wander around when her uncle's back was turned and took to wearing scarves and cloaks to disguise herself in the marketplace.
It was a cruel thought to see how her uncle took the love and the happiness that her father gave all who worked for them and turned it into fear and dread. For the past two years Shadiya had lived with him and taken all of his lies for granted. When she finally managed to get out of the prison her uncle had built around her the girl was in shock.
Nothing was right...nothing was the same.
Her desperation to get out lead to Shadiya's slow plan for escape. Day after day she would manage to sneak away savings (in a hidey hole by her window that she had used as a child for smaller trinkets, now her most cherished belongings were there from her uncle's sight) and to build her resolve and supplies. Once the war happened and the water earthlings and Matori was freed she found a chance. In the chaos that distracted her uncle who was desperate to keep as much profit as possible the girl slipped away. His worry and concern over keeping his caravan took him out of the home on business. It was then that some willing (former) slaves easily slipped her out before heading back to their own homeland. Now she lives on the streets (dancing from town to town) with the few gems and gold she managed to steal away with.
So far she has just taken to wandering around and learning more about the land while avoiding any that may be looking for her. Dancing seems to be a good passion of hers and she hopes to find a teacher to help her to learn how to live off of this art that fills her soul with fire.
Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 12:05 pm
Family
No one left alive that she feels any connection to for that.
Her uncle is more of a captor in her heart now and she cut all ties to that 'family' when she fled...
Friends Dexurn - A very dear friend who has become her traveling companion. (Strangely enough her heart has an awful habit of fluttering when he gets close...)
Faamy - A bard in training who Shadiya has preformed with.
Gael - An acquaintance she met when first on the run. He helped her out of a tight spot.
[x] - Shadiya teams up with Faamy for a dance. Apprentice: Strangeland, Homeland - Shadiya and Dexurn decide to continue traveling together away from Matori. Run here alot? - A Matori guard, Gael, helps Shadiya out while she's in the market. [Traveling Companions w/Dex] -Shadiya meets Dexurn while on the road to Matori! You Work for what you want. - Dex and Shadiya end up in a tavern, but due to theft end up working for their stay.
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2016 10:54 am
Apprentice Stage:
(Official Art by Kana)
(Shadow image - SRK)
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Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2016 10:55 am
Reqs Stage 2 - Stage 3 2 Month's Time 4/6 -> 6/6 7 Non-Battle RPs (may be PRPs or ORPs) 5 Substantial Journal Entries 1 Completed Class Quest
Non-Battle Class Growth Form
Character Name:Shadiya Class Promotion:Dancer (Gypsy) ] Current Location: Sauti? Journal:[URL Link] RP 1:[1] RP 2:[2] RP 3:[x] RP 4:[4] RP 5:[5] RP 6:[6] RP 7:7 Journal Entry 1:[1&2a] Journal Entry 2:[2b] Journal Entry 3:[3] Journal Entry 4:[4] Journal Entry 5:[5] Class Quest Solo:boop Items: [example]; [example2][ex3] Feel free to play with those ideas (second example is for the first outfit on the left). Basically Shadiya has changed her clothing in favor of more natural colors and leathers. A short top showing her midrift is my only big request along with some sort of pants/shorts and boots. c: A sash would be great as well...so have fun!
So basically CC (charge me for anything that I may have missed to make your idea?) (Barrette, Traveler’s Scarf, Ribbon x 2, Sheath, Hair Ornament, Gloves, Shoes, Change of Clothes x 2, Sewing Kit, Belt, Necklace, Cosmetics)
*Shears & Hair Dye - Shorter hair; Raven Black instead of crimson now. Tied up in a side pony with some side bangs; still wavy/curly. [4, 5, 8, as ex] *Sash *Dagger [I bought an etching nail/hammer for this, hope that's correct!] - a curved, ornate golden dagger with a sheath secured at her hip, x1, [x2], [x3] CC on exact design. Body Type: Curvy Preferred Artists: Kana, Scar, Uke, Lila (collabs with any are fine) Livestreaming: Go for it <3
-Shadiya hears rumors about the Yaeli and their monsters.
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Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2016 7:10 pm
Solo 2
The Spirit of a Dancer
“Mama, papa!” She had been twirling around their courtyard while draped in silks. Violets, reds, and even blues swished together through the air as the youngling twisted in midair. Her face, radiant and full of joy, seemed to glow even brighter than the sun in that moment. Life was full of love and so much happiness that the girl felt as if her heart didn’t have enough room in her chest. Laughter escaped her painted lips as she landed on the ground and sprinted towards her parents.
As her father’s strong arms wrapped around her the little one looked up and gasped as the features changed from that strong jaw and dancing gaze towards a more slender, cruel face. Uncle! His ruby gaze seemed to stare into her soul as the scarves became chains around her wrists and ankles…
“Oh!” Shivering Shadiya bolted upright in her bed, “What a nightmare.” Shaky laughter left her throat while tears burned in her eyes. Ever since she had run away the shadow of her uncle had haunted her dreams. No matter how many days she had been gone from home the girl still had to look over her shoulder. Was she really doing this? How much longer until her freedom was stolen away? Such questions lingered in her thoughts despite her happy exterior. She still had yet to truly explain herself to Dexurn as well…
Shaking her head Shadiya glanced down at the blankets she had clutched in her shaking hands, “Mama, papa…would you be alright with this? I’m leaving our homeland and going to Matori. It’s a simple walk away from here…” Was this truly the right decision? She had left her family home…those gentle walls once held so many good memories. It was a shame that her uncle had stolen it all from her.
If she had been a male perhaps she could have went away and returned once she was of age to truly inherit the estate. Now, however, the young noble was fearful that her uncle would instead settle to give her away in marriage. Anything for power…Shadiya frowned at the thought. Oba was too stuffy anyways. Despite the happy memories of her childhood the girl had to remember how cold those walls of her former home could quickly turn.
“Will I feel different once we arrive in Oba?” Shadiya questioned softly before climbing out of bed. Dexurn had disappeared, probably to prepare for their departure from the inn, and so she took the chance to clean up. Brushing back stray strands of hair Shadiya smirked, “I’m a bit of a mess, aren’t I?” She had finally danced last night…
So many people had watched her as well.
Yet, here she was still alive. It had been the first time she had performed for money as well. Before she had taken tips from the market place, but now this was something she did for survival. The owner’s words from the previous night flickered through her memory. You have a natural talent for this. If you ever want to stay and dance for my tavern then feel free. I won’t lie to you, your talent is amazing so it would be greedy of me to tether you here. She had laughed, Still should you need the coin, feel free to stop by.
For years Shadiya had danced with the Matori slaves of her household and then later in the markets with other performers, but never before had she truly considered dancing as a future. Me a dancer? She had always thought of herself as an oddball, some black sheep of her family. Anyone else would be happy to live in comfort with an easy life planned for them. All she had to do was surrender her will and give her heart to some rich, noble and live in his family’s home. Her uncle was prepared to sell her to the highest bidder so he could gain even more wealth and prestige amongst the nobility…
The thought made her frown and her hands curled up into fists before she reached down to splash more water on her face. I would rather die than sell myself to some stranger! She was worth far more than that! Her parents had a true love…why couldn’t she? Not that she was looking for love, no freedom was far more appealing to her. Love only tied you down…
And left you broken in the end.
Her heart ached at the memory of her dreams. Her parents had given her love and she had given them her heart in return. Yet, what happened? They had left her broken and weary while her uncle abused her love for them with his manipulating words. Those cruel and awful lies that he had told her for so many years…so many years she had cried tears until she felt so empty. If she had never found out the truth, never found herself again then he would have won. Surely she would have been dressed in fine silks and living like a doll in some noble’s home. A perfect wife to stare at and to use as anyone pleased…that was how empty she had felt. She simply had not cared since losing her parents.
“Now what am I doing?” Wiping her face, clearing both the water and the tears, the girl shook her head slowly. I found the will to live again. The smallest smile flickered across her face, “Uncle will never have me. I refuse to let him catch me again!” The soft yet determined whisper was her mantra. Without it she was afraid that the nightmares would become reality.
“I’m sorry if I cannot become the lady you envisioned, mother.” She stared into the calm waters, the reflection almost identical to her mother’s features. It was hard to imagine what her parents would say about her life now, yet she could still imagine that day when she had been dancing in the courtyard. Her mother had just wanted her happiness while her father enjoyed seeing his talented daughter live so freely….he had always been against the noble side of the family. They were too strict, too stiff, and too dead to the world he had stated one night even. His money was all they cared about, but thankfully her mother and he had found a love that surpassed all of those regulations.
In fact, the more she stared at the waters the less she felt afraid. Her mother’s gaze had always held so much kindness…”You would just want me to be happy, wouldn’t you?” Shadiya smiled lightly, “Then I hope you can see me from the heavens. I’ll show you the most beautiful of dances, promise!” Dancing had been in her soul since she was a child and it burned even more brightly now. There was no way that she could let it go now.
No matter where her path took her at least Shadiya knew that the dance would never leave her.
(WC 1163)
Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:12 am
Solo 3
Learning to Dance from Another
“This is how you twist on that beat….yes, just like that!”
“You sure?” Shadiya frowned as she rotated her legs backwards before quirking her hip upwards with the movement, “I feel like this is just going to twist some pieces of me that aren’t supposed to twist.” Still her expression was light as she bounced around on the balls of her feet. It wasn’t too hard to copy the older Matorian and Shadiya was actually having fun. It was almost akin to her childhood where the slaves would teach her the dances they had grown up with.
Before they had been so nervous about allowing her to participate, but eventually she had won her over. Out here though it seemed that all she had to do was ask and many would be willing to interact with her. Well for those who didn’t hold a grudge against a young Oban about their past relationships between countries…some it would take a bit of convincing that she wasn’t like others. A lady who had caught her outside of the inn thankfully didn’t need much convincing. “You aren’t like many Obans, I see you have a flame inside of you.” The lady had expressed interest in her after her performance at the tavern and Shadiya had agreed to meet back up with her in Matori. Now that she was here with Dexurn, Shadiya had made certain to catch up with the dancer…so far it was a fun experience as the woman taught her many new steps and ideas.
“So does that mean I’m shimmering? A preborn star in the world of mortal men? No wonder I’m so eye catching…” Shadiya fluttered her lashes teasingly before the Matori reached out to flick her shoulder, “Hey!” Protested Shadiya over her own laughter, “I just meant that I’m lively then?”
“Lively is a good word for it.” Eura laughed as she reached out to grab the Oban’s arms, “You need to let the dance touch all parts of you. Even your fingers should become a part of the rhythm of the music.”
“My very fingertip?”
“Yes, if not even your smallest finger tingles as you dance then the beat is not with you.”
“Hmm..” Moving quickly Shadiya imagined a rhythm in her mind. Her hips swayed with the music as she twisted before the older woman. Were her fingers tingling? Shadiya frowned as she flicked her wrists upwards. She had the movements and the will, but she wasn’t completely consumed by the music just yet.
What was she missing?
“You need to find your beat, your own dance.” Eura placed a hand on her hip and shook her head slowly, “You have the talent for it, but it seems you are just copying others. Have you ever just let loose before?”
“All the time.” Shadiya bit her bottom lip thoughtfully. Had she ever just truly let loose? Before the pressures of all the gazes in the crowds had gotten to her and her nightmares presented a shadow over her normally radiant soul. Could that be it? “Do you think I’m holding myself back because I’m afraid?”
“Oh?” Eura blinked before taking a step backwards, “Smart girl. I was expecting more of a protest from you.”
“Well after watching you dance it made me realize something…I’m not dancing as I used to.” She remembered her shock at seeing the Matorian just breaking loose. There were no worries, no shadows in her movements. It was peaceful and freeing to watch the older woman twisting in the air. Why couldn’t she do that? When she was a child…she had danced with no concerns. Now her dance seemed more wary, more concerned with the shadows than the light.
“Now comes the question. How do you fix it?” The Matori stretched her legs out and took a few dancing steps around the girl, “Dances can range, you know. Sorrow, Anger, Happiness, so many emotions can be represented through our rhythm. Yet finding the dance that truly represents you is a task. You must learn to achieve all forms of expression in this life if you truly want to become a master dancer.”
“Well I was hoping you would have the answer.” Shadiya smiled lightly as she twisted to copy the same steps, “I lost myself a few years ago and I guess I just now have started looking again. It’s hard to find who you were when you had given up on so much in the past.” She shook her head, her long braid twirling through the air behind her, “I’m not trying to mope, but it is hard.” She had been so lifeless and now it was hard to see that she could truly have a life again. She could be free…
Even spending nights on the road without the best food or shelter was refreshing. She could have lived in comfort, that she knew, but it wasn’t the life for her. She was born to explore this world, to live freely and not as some puppet. Shadiya knew that in her heart, yet the past continued to haunt her. I’ll get far away from Oba so that he won’t ever find me. That was for the best.
Even Matori wouldn’t be her home for long. In her mind the girl played out all of the possible routes…perhaps Sauti next? Or Tale? Though the wind people were known for dancing and music…the thought brought a small smile to her face. She would learn all of the dances of the world and conquer her own heart! Eventually she would find her own dance! Right?
“Shade, dear.” Eura spoke and Shadiya tripped in surprise. She truly had been lost in her thoughts again! “You miss stepped just then.” The Matori laughed as Shadiya flushed and shook the dirt from her clothes.
“So I see…let’s start again, okay?”
“Sure. Make sure you pay lots of attention. I have the feeling that our time together is short.”
“Yeah.” Shade smiled, “But let’s just live in the moment, right? I’ll learn as much as I can and the memories of this dance will last far longer than either of us~”
“You can be poetic at times.”
“I try.”
Laughing both women began to dance again and would continue to dance far into the night…
(104cool
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Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2016 8:02 pm
Class Quest!
Quote:
Having been on the road, Shadiya has encountered many things. Now that she is finally in Matori, Shadiya comes face to face with a harsh reality of the outside world. Having come from a noble household supported by slaves, the girl has to face her guilt about her Oban heritage while also learning to forgive the girl who stole her belongings.
Her change from within begins here as she helps a pair of orphan twins and decides that she's going to try her best to become a light in this world to help others.
Eura had taught her that she had forgotten herself and now Shadiya was struggling to recover what she had lost. Who was she? What had fed the flame that existed inside of her heart before? Was she truly so bitter against the world now? Would she ever be the same again? Shade frowned as the thoughts crossed her mind. There were so many things she wanted to answer, so many things that she wanted to do…
Yet her past kept its hold on her.
“Can I truly let go?” Since her parents had passed away the girl had lost herself in sorrow and her uncle’s manipulations had only created more strain on her spirits. His role in her life had damaged her heart and her soul for the longest time. If she hadn’t escaped then she could have stayed broken for the rest of her life…but now she was on her own. Time to begin healing. The thought was scary. What would happen if she opened her heart again? She had been so keen to hide herself from the world and only the few strangers had seen her true face. Shadows still lingered in her heart and even the temporary joy from experiencing her freedom hadn’t truly saved her from the darkness.
Could she ever learn to forgive and move on?
Shaking her head Shadiya tightened her sash that hung around her waist. It was a beautiful day and she should be enjoying it! The breezes of Matori were refreshing and she adored how the winds carried the scent of the oceans in them. It was far better than the dry sands of the Oban deserts. Now if only I had money to spend. The markets were buzzing with life, but her money purse was light due to the theft yesterday.
Even if dancing had earned her money, she still had a lot of catching up to do to make up for the gold lost. How someone could just steal was beyond her. It was such a dirty thing to do. Shadiya pursed her lips in frustration. That had been my favorite money purse as well. Her mother had given that to her when she was just a youngling and many treasures had resided there. Even her mother’s necklace…Shadiya’s gaze glistened with tears. If she ever happened to find out who stole that important thing from her then she would make certain they would pay! Every last piece…
“Not like I’ll ever see them again.” She didn’t even know who had grabbed her purse in the tavern. That was a good life lesson at least. Never trust anyone and keep yourself to yourself. She truly was foolish for being so innocent of this world…
Yet as she walked through the stalls the girl paused. Someone was causing a ruckus over something at one of the stands. Curious, Shadiya couldn’t help turning towards the commotion. Is she trying to barter something? Apparently it looked like the merchant wasn’t trusting some waif to give him true valuables. Shadiya didn’t know what possessed her to move forward, but the shimmer of gold in the sunlight had caught her interest. It was like everyone else moved in slow motion around her as the girl recognized the sun insignia on the medallion. Was it truly possible that her mother’s necklace was right there?
“I’m telling you kid, I don’t want some cheap trinket.”
“Mister, can’t you see? Surely this thing is worth somethin’!” A Matori girl pouted at the Oban, her gaze raised in defiance.
That gaze, however, flickered uncertainly as Shadiya approached them. Worry and then fear crossed her features as recognition lit her gaze. Immediately she snatched her hand away from the merchant, “I’ll just find somewhere else ta sell it!” One last look towards Shadiya and the girl darted through the crowd.
“He-hey!” That little scamp! Cursing Shadiya lost any trace of lady like appearance as she too bolted through the crowds. That girl had her necklace! She probably was the robber from the tavern! That meant that she had her money and her jewelry and everything else that she had carried in her purse that night with her.
I’m not going to let you get away so easily!
She had always been a bold spirit, but Shadiya knew no bounds now as she danced through the crowds after the girl. Nimble and swift the Matorian made her way through the market and even tossed a few produces on the ground behind her. Thankful for her training as a dancer, Shadiya managed to stumble her way around the messes. Even once when she did trip over a man’s foot, the Oban just rolled back to her feet. Where? Ah, there was that sash dancing in the wind. Perhaps if the girl hadn’t worn such a belt around her waist…but Shade was thankful for it. That flash of color in the crowd was all she needed to know when to turn and twist through the corners.
In a perfect moment Shadiya watched as someone bumped into the girl causing her to stumble. Triumphantly Shade reached out and grabbed at the girl’s arm, “Stop already! I’ve caught you, thief!” She wasn’t one to fool around and she gripped hard as the girl tried to jerk away, “Just give me back my things, already.” Panting Shadiya took a moment to glance the girl over. She had rough clothing and was barefoot…her hair was a mess of tangles and dirt decorated her face. Hesitation flickered across Shadiya’s features and the Matori took the moment to bite down hard on the dancer’s arm.
The flare of pain made Shade’s hands open. Wincing Shadiya rubbed a hand on her arm and watched in disbelief as the younger girl started running again. Seriously? Biting her lip Shadiya lowered her arm before starting to run again. The girl had disappeared in the crowds again…but Shadiya now had a gist of who to look for.
The girl had seemed so ragged, however…
Still it was her belongings! That necklace especially was important to her, “But where do I start?” Twisting on her heel Shadiya glanced over the place. It was a port city and there were so many places to hide away…where would she begin? I suppose this is a good test of my social skills. Keeping her scarf tied around her head, Shadiya began to inquire around. She knew the girl wouldn’t be trying to sell her necklace anytime soon, but for the next couple of days the Oban would continue to walk around the markets and the beaches.
It was three days later that she noticed a figure moving through the mists by the ocean. A flash of a familiar purple belt caught her attention and Shadiya had to stop herself from running again. I would like to keep my arm attached. She decided then to sneak instead. Dancing, it appeared was great for learning how to step quietly through the sands. She could thank Eura for helping her to perfect the art.
Approaching the docks, Shadiya frowned. This was a more abandoned looking area…had the girl caught sight of her? Glancing around she made certain that there was no surprise party trialing behind her before slipping down through some rotted wood towards an old pier. What is this a shack of some sort? Wrinkling her nose, Shadiya watched as the girl moved forward. It looked like this was the only real exit as well…triumphantly Shadiya finally came into the light, “Got you!”
“What?” Jumping the Matori raised her hands defensively, “Hey wait a second!” Frowning she moved forward just a hair so she could get a better glimpse of the Oban, “You’re the lady from the tavern….Oh.” Guilt shimmered across the girl’s features as she tried to look for an escape, but as she moved forward Shadiya twisted to block her in.
“Not today.” Holding out her hand Shadiya wagged her fingers, “My money pouch now and I especially want my necklace back.”
“What are you going to do if I don’t?”
Oooh, so the girl had some spirit in her. Shadiya gritted her teeth, “Then I’ll drag you to some authorities so you can let them convince you to give me back my belongings.”
“You know this isn’t Oba anymore. You’re in Matori now.” Retorted the girl, “This is my homeland not yours! What are we just some slaves to give you whatever you want…I’m sure you don’t even need that little money looking at ya. Can’t you just go back to your noble palace or something, princess?”
“Excuse me?” Shadiya’s gaze flashed with anger, but a bit of guilt was there as well. Some noble princess? What was she someone who had life given to her on a silver platter? I mean…maybe, but not always! Still it was true, even with her uncle trying to control her Shadiya had never needed for anything. “I’m not some spoiled child I’ll have you know. That necklace meant a lot to me! And for your information-“
A cough interrupted her protest, “Sis? Is that you?” A golden gaze blinked towards the pair from around the corner, “Did you get something warm? I’m so cold…” The tiniest of younglings looked towards the pair and Shadiya felt her heart tighten in her chest.
“Azui, just go back to sleep. I’ll be right there, kay?”
“But…there’s a lady with you.”
“I know, Azui.”
“Isn’t he sick?” Shadiya found herself protesting, “Why are you out here with him ill? Where’s your parents?”
“Like I have a choice!” The girl snapped towards Shadiya, “Life isn’t so easy out here, princess. Do you think I wanted to steal?” Her amber gaze shimmered, “Mama was a slave in Oba and Pa died tryin’ to save her during the wars. She passed recently and didn’t have anything left ta give us…don’t even think I’m beggin’ either. I’m just tellin you to back down. Go back to your palace and just enjoy your luxuries, okay? Leave us be!”
“Oh….oh.” She had been so upset about her mother’s necklace that Shadiya had almost dragged this poor girl into some troublesome situation. “Still you stole! That’s a crime…can’t you do anything else?” She bit her lip thoughtfully, “Isn’t there any place for you?”
“Don’t you know how many of us were displaced after the wars? Families ripped apart by slavery never to find each other again…don’t look at me with pity. I don’t want any Oban’s pity. Here.” The girl rummaged around before tossing Shadiya’s pouch back to her, “I spent some of it, but if you are so determined then there it is.”
A part of her wanted to ignore this, to act like nothing was wrong. How many years had she spent at home enjoying the company of her friends? Those friends had, however, been slaves as well. No matter how well her parents treated them in the end they couldn’t just leave. Her uncle may have been crueler to them, but the title stayed the same. Slaves. She had lived a privileged life on the backs of others….had they lost families like this?
I was such a fool.
How could she have been so ignorant of the outside world? All she had wanted was to dance and to laugh freely…the loss of her parents had devastated her, but how many more Matorians had lost their families daily in the past? “I’m so sorry…”
“What can you be sorry about?” The girl wasn’t appeased with Shadiya’s sudden stream of tears, “Just leave already. You’ll get attention coming to these parts and I don’t want anyone botherin’ Azui or me.”
“Keep it.” Shadiya swallowed, “You’re right. You need it more than me…” She trailed off. It wasn’t like she could tell the girl to stop stealing. How could she survive? Was the world truly this harsh? Her gaze flickered over the two Matorians, “I – “
“Stop, just stop.” The girl shook her head, “Just take your things and leave.”
“No really – “
“Seriously! Stop it! You aren’t some saint so just take your things already.”
As the Matori pushed her Shadiya stumbled backwards, “Hey!”
“Seriously leave.” The girl was hissing at her through clenched teeth, “My little brother is sick and doesn’t need fighting. Plus, I’m not kiddin’ you stay here any longer and you’ll have more than our gaze on you and those fancy clothes.”
“Oh.” Shadiya felt her stomach knot even more as the girl disappeared back into her shelter.
Was this really it?
Could she just leave this girl and her brother here? It wasn’t like she had much to offer…but an idea did begin to trickle into her mind. ------------ It was only a few hours later that Shadiya was pressing her money pouch into Eura’s hands, “Please for me? I know it’s not much, but you can sell that necklace for a few gold pieces. Can’t that help them just for a bit?”
“Shadiya, dear…I don’t mind helping little ones.” Eura shook her head, “Just don’t expect me to take in all of the small ones you find.”
“No, no. Just these two.” Shadiya flushed, “They need help and I didn’t know who else to go to, Eura.”
“Aye, always going to me…is this going to be a pattern?”
“Sorry.”
“No, no child.” The older Matori placed a warm hand on Shadiya’s shoulder, “You seem to have a lot of guilt in your heart. But can you truly blame yourself for things you had no control over? You didn’t know the past nor did you understand these tragedies since you were so young.”
“It doesn’t mean I should ignore them now. My people have sinned and I should do something to help make it up to them.”
“You aren’t your whole country, child. Perhaps though if more thought like you changes would happen more quickly.” She teased lightly before letting go of Shadiya’s shoulder, “Take me to the little ones. That boy sounds pretty ill.”
-----------
A couple of days had passed since that day and it was as Shadiya was preparing to leave her dancing teacher that the Oban saw the Matori, “You came?”
“Azui is here.” The girl huffed, but there was something softer about her expression. “Miss Eura said we could help out at the tavern and that she had a spare room for us. Not that I’m happy about it of course! Still…you went out of your way to help us.” Something was clutched in her hands and as Shadiya watched the girl slowly raised a hand towards her, “Here this is yours.”
“My mother’s necklace?” The golden sun shimmered in the light as Shadiya picked it up, “Why?”
“It’s important to ya, right? I didn’t want to take from you.” The girl shook her head, “I never wanted to be a thief you know…but Azui…I was so worried about him.”
“Hey.” Shadiya reached out a hand and poked the girl’s forehead, “Stop. You were being a big sister…maybe a bit sassy and very, very spiteful but you were doing what you thought was best. I’m just glad I could help you.”
“How can ya forgive so easily?” The girl shook her head, “I take it back. You are a princess, maybe not too spoiled though. Plus, I saw you dancing earlier…you should show yourself more to the world. That scarf hides your face and it’s super pretty.” She flushed lightly, “Not that I would think Obans attractive, but if I did!”
Shadiya laughed, “I get it. Thank you…”
“My names Aira.”
“Shadiya, Aira. It’s nice to meet you.”
“I suppose I can say the same…for now.”
Shadiya just chuckled, “Alright I’ll take it. Come on. You wanted to see Azui right? He’s inside resting…” Leading the way, the Oban felt like a bit of light had come back into her life. Perhaps she had been foolish and ignorant of the realities of her past, but now she could freely look towards the future. A future were she decided what happened around her and she could break away from the shadows of the past. A slender part of her old self had been restored by helping these children out and by learning to forgive even a thief. Eventually she would find all of her flame again and shine brightly.
She would be a light to help against the darkness of the world.
A bit cliché, but who said she couldn’t?
Shadiya just laughed before continuing on her way.
(WC 274cool
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 5:44 pm
Stage 2 - Solo 1 - Leaving Matori
Morning sunlight warmed her face. Yawning, Shadiya stretched her arms out above her head. Was it really morning already? Letting out a moan the girl pressed her face into the pillow once more. Perhaps if she just closed her eyes then the sunlight would go away and it would be night again….
It was a silly notion, but she truly wished it would work.
Yet, others weren’t content to allow the girl to slumber the day away. “You can’t hide in the bed, ya know.” A petite Matori girl leaned against the doorframe with a wicked smirk, “I can drag ya out easily ‘nough.” Younger than Shadiya, but with lean muscles and a tough history of hard work the girl probably could wrestle the slender dancer from the bed. They had tousled once before over Shadiya’s mother’s necklace and the girl could still remember how easily the other had escaped her. Now with food and actual training it looked like she was well on her way to becoming that tough warrior.
“Please, Aira. I’m not ready for today.” Shadiya whined as she covered her head with the blanket, “Have mercy…”
“Hear that Azui? Sounds like she needs some extra help.”
With that spoken a blur of blue pushed past his sister and bounced on the bed, “Sha, sha! Get up!” The little Matori boy who she had met while sick with a bad fever was now a specimen of fine health. When he was recovered she had found out exactly how much more energy he had than the rest of the household combined…
“Alright, alright.” Laughing as small fingers tickled her sides, Shadiya rolled onto the floor, “I’m up, I’m up.”
“Looks like yer actually still down ta me.”
“Shush, Aira.” Shadiya sent the other girl a pouting look before she was bounced on again by the small boy, “Azui! Ple-hahaha!” Laughing Shadiya wiggled on the floor before scooping the boy up in her arms, “Mercy!”
“Fiiiine.” Azui stuck his tongue out at her playfully, “But you’re awake now, right?” His gaze glimmered with playfulness as Shadiya nodded.
“Yes, yes. I’m up and ready.”
“I would hope so.” Another figure appeared to hover above Aira, “It’s prime time for your lesson, Shadiya.”
“Eura…” Flushing, Shadiya nodded. “I was just on my way!” Oh how she hoped that her mentor wouldn’t slaughter her for wasting precious time! Yet, a dread feeling was in her stomach. She had been here for just over a year now…time had flown along with her skills. Every twist and turn she had taken from the Matori was becoming more polished as time passed on. How much more was there to learn?
The same thoughts must have been with Eura….
Hours later, after much practice and banter, the girl found herself resting along the shores with the older Matori. Nearby, the pair of siblings played in the sands. It was adorable seeing Azui so happy and to see that Aira didn’t have to worry about stealing for their bread. Tavern work was fine with her, but now as she was older there was talk that she would apprentice soon to a warrior who often stayed at the tavern. Azui on the other hand seemed content to craft and to spend time with Eura and the rest of the ladies while his sister would race across the sands and pick fights with others.
Strangely enough the pair were like siblings to her. The year that had passed here had been happy and with Dexurn training nearby Shadiya had felt like this was her home. But even that happiness wasn’t meant to last forever, “You want me to leave?” The question slipped out of Shadiya as soon as Eura suggested that their training had gone on long enough.
“How else are you to achieve your dreams?” The older Matori smiled towards the girl, “Let’s face it, Shadiya. While you can perfect the techniques I taught you over and over that will never be enough. I’ve only mastered the dances found in Matori and Oba. You, however, live in an age where all the countries are open to you. Sauti and Tale have dances along with the colder regions of Zena that have yet to be learned. Was it not your dream to discover those and then come up with your own style, your own spirit?”
“Yes, but…” Shadiya bit the inside of her cheek thoughtfully. Eura was speaking the truth. When she had first come to Matori she had only wanted to linger long enough to learn more about dancing and to help Dexurn out. But why did she have to leave so soon? I suppose a year isn’t that short of a time. Her happy days here had just continued to speed through the year and soon enough she was here already at the end of her days.
“Shadiya, it’s not like it’s the end.” Sensing the girl’s sorrow the Matori reached out and gripped her shoulder, “I’m not so old that I’ll pass away in a day. What’s one or two years away? You can always come back to visit.”
“But…” Shadiya’s gaze then went to the pair playing in the sands. How had she allowed them to become so close to her? It was like the family that she had always wanted…even Eura was an aunt, if not mother to her. Crossing her arms across herself Shadiya glanced away to hide the shimmering tears in her eyes, “I suppose you are right. How am I supposed to become the best dancer that I want to become if I stay here?” She tried to force out a laugh, “It was a silly notion…I just got so comfortable.”
“There is nothing wrong with that.” Not hesitating, Eura pulled the girl in for a hug. “Shadiya I lost my daughter in Oba ages ago. I never thought I could even imagine getting another daughter, let alone feeling like an Oban was one.” As Shadiya wrapped her shaking arms around her the woman smiled. “But I would definitely always consider you a daughter of mine. Shadiya this is your home and you can feel free to return whenever. Your bed will always be made and waiting for you…unless you know Azui or Aira dive into it.”
“Thank you, Eura.” Shadiya closed her eyes as she breathed in the scent of the woman and the ocean. It meant so much for her to be accepted here. Others might have been more wary of an Oban walking around, but Eura had accepted her right away. She couldn’t be more thankful for the dancer who had taken her under her wings.
“Thank you, Shade.” Eura laughed quietly, “I went from being a solitary woman to having a new family. Though they can be a handful they definitely have warmed my heart.” She kissed Shadiya’s forehead before pulling away, “As is you better speak to the others and get ready. I’m afraid if you linger too long you’ll change your mind.”
“I know.” A faint line creased her forehead as she thought, “I’ll have to see about someone else.” The last thing she wanted was to leave Dexurn here…but if he wanted to stay it was not her place to force him away. It was his life and this was his homeland. How could she tear him from it again?
For now though she had her younger ‘siblings’ to speak to.
Despite all of their teasing and bickering Shadiya and Aira shed the most tears. Azui had taken it kindly, not realizing the full meaning of her leaving, but Aira had pouted. “You think we will miss ya? Nah. I’ve got my own trainin’ ta do. Silly Oban girl…” Yet that was when the tears had broken through and Shadiya found herself latching onto the Matori girl.
They definitely would miss each other.
“There’s still a few days. I’m not heading out right away…” She offered, but truly a few days would be over like that. Just as a year had sped by so would this last week. Promising to be back in time for dinner the girl had taken a walk along the shores. It was funny how when she first arrived the ocean had been a miracle to her. How could this vast expanse of water exist when all of her life had been sand? The greatest deserts couldn’t even drink all of this water…
“I suppose I was a bit silly.” She had raced around the beaches with Dexurn while excitedly trying to learn everything about Matori. Dexurn…how would he take to her leaving? “Don’t’ get your hopes up, Shadiya.” He may be perfectly content to stay here. Who would want to leave this place after all? Gazing around the girl side. The ocean was beautiful at this time of day and seemed to glitter in the sunlight.
Even if she had a few more days here…perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to have one more dance right here, right now. Stretching her arms above her head the girl moved with a flurry of skirts and through her movements began to sort through the confusion of her heart.
Even if she was leaving now one thing was for certain…
Matori would be a home to her and she definitely would return one day.
(1550)
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 7:27 pm
Stage 2 - Solo 2 - Passing Through Oba
As they walked through Oba Shadiya’s nightmares had only increased. Every night was spent worrying that her uncle would be right around the corner. Had he not searched for her before? She remembered running from those who hunted her over a year ago. Would the search still be on? Even when she reasoned with herself that enough time had passed the girl had a knot in her heart.
Her nightmares as well didn’t seem content allowing her past to rest.
Screaming in her sleep once more, Shadiya had roamed the desert sands. She had taken to dancing nonstop since the nightmares returned and the eventual wear from her refusal to sleep had caused her to pass out. That night had been her worst nightmare yet, but the presence of Dexurn had comforted her. He had rescued her from the darkness and carried her in his arms back to camp. Then as she curled up against him the girl had the most peaceful sleep in years.
And now they were sleeping together…to keep the nightmares at bay of course. Still, sleeping next to Dexurn gave her the most peaceful feeling. Plus it was cute to watch how some nights he would try his hardest to wait until she fell asleep but then he would fall asleep himself. Then she would be there lying next to him watching as his chest went up and down with his gentle breaths.
Just the thought made her heart flutter. Face flushed Shadiya splashed more of the oasis water against her cheeks. What was wrong with her? Had the sudden change in weather made her get a fever? Pressing a hand against her forehead the girl sighed. “I hope not.” Yet, as she stayed still and her thoughts settled the flush on her features seemed to dissipate. That was good. Relieved Shadiya rested back against one of the few trees. Did she have some strange disease that made her heart jump like that and her face flush? She just prayed it wouldn’t harm her dancing. Mostly she wanted to blame the drastic change from the ocean climate back to this desert life. Not that she hated the desert, but she was terrified of the shadows that remained in it. They couldn’t get out of here soon enough…
“We’re so close.” She wished that they could be in Sauti already. Eura hadn’t managed to leave her with instructions on finding an instructor, but surely she could find her way. Had she not run into the Matori after all out of the blue? Random chance seemed to be her best luck. Shadiya could only pray that the sun would help guide her steps once more to the right place.
They would need money soon though. She had saved up during her time in Matori and even Eura had gifted her with coin, but the girl was nervous. Should she plan on dancing soon? The main cities were far away and the border of Sauti was close. Once they got to Sauti then she would dance. Surely that would be fine since it would be out of Oba.
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