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Shadiya had heard rumors of a strange pair of yaeli who entered the markets, but that was only through brief interactions with merchants. The woman herself had attempted living life on the down low and so tried her hardest to avoid gossip. However, it was hard not to listen in when a pair of older Matori were sharing whispers at the food stall next to her.

Did you see it?

So strange! Those eyes too...the boy's do not glow like that.

Does that mean something for the woman?

I don't know, but she was by herself today. Perhaps she finally devoured his soul?

Shush! Poor girl looked terrified, I'm honestly doubting those rumors. It's been years and so far no one has lost their soul to these strangers...

I suppose...

Shaking her head, Shadiya placed her basket on her arm and started to head back through the market. She had enough of these strange tales and as the other Matori had stated it had been years. Enough time had passed that the strangers were simply that. Not monsters, not minions of some dark deities, and far less scary than those exiled Alkidikes. She had seen far worse than some glowing eyed girl. And there was a festival beginning....so why bother?

Yet, Shadiya had found herself twisting away from the crowds and towards the alleys instead. She had seen someone who appeared nervous heading this way and for some reason her motherly instincts had kicked in. Were they okay? Shaking her head the woman pursed her lips. She was doing this to avoid the crowds, not to check on someone! But she did slow down as she neared some barrels. Was...someone here? Pausing, Shadiya listened and waited before letting out a soft sigh, "Hello? Do....do you need any help?" Not that she was completely certain someone was here, but at the same time she swore she had heard something over there...

Shadiya frowned, "Are...you certain about that?" The woman tried to stand on tip toe so that she could peer over the barrel, "Sounds like you may be having a rough time and I wish to offer help. I mean no harm to you, promise."

She did though find herself blinking in turn as the Yaeli revealed herself. So...so this was a Yaeli? One of those strange creatures. No wonder the other Matori had seemed so reluctant to label the girl a monster. It seemed like she was far more afraid of them than anything else! Silently Shadiya studied the girl before offering a small smile, "You can come out the rest of the way if you would like."

A soft chuckle left Shadiya's lips. Talk about attempting to be brave... She was just thankful that the other girl wasn't completely stubborn about asking for help. As the Yaeli stood, Shadiya found herself blinking once more. She was like a sprite! How was it that others seemed so fearful of these strangers? It would be like calling her own daughter, such a tiny girl, a monster for being a hybrid. Just that thought alone twisted Shadiya's chest.

"I don't mind." She replied quickly, "Call it the worry of a mother, but I don't like seeing someone in trouble." The dancer crossed her arms as she nodded towards the girl, "My name is Shadiya and it won't harm me at all to take a few hours out of my day for you. Are you needing to go home or is there something in the market that you needed? Or are you feeling unwell even? I know a decent healer who is in the area..." Trailing off she stopped so that the other girl could be given a chance to breathe and maybe even respond.

Shadiya smiled at the compliment before slowly taking a hesitant step forward. Would it scare the girl if she got closer? Still, the dancer truly wanted to see what a Yaeli was like. The differences were there, but at the same time she seemed to be like any other earthling. Compared to a Matori or Alkidke these strangers could be one of their own. Just those eyes and ears seemed so different..But another part of her also wanted to reach out and comfort her. She was like a lost child with how she trembled. It truly hurt Shadiya to see such a thing as she was reminded of her own little ones constantly...

"You can't do it?" Shadiya pursed her lips, "But it seems you've already made big steps by being out so far and alone. Would you have managed such a thing before?" She offered a small smile, "Perhaps if you don't mind some help then we can get these supplies for your friend." Shaking her head with a small laugh Shadiya did add, "Though I don't blame you for hiding from a crowd, I've done it before myself a few times. Yet, it if it any comfort I have yet to be trampled down by them."

Shadiya's smile only grew as the girl rambled on, "So it does seem as if you are capable of brave feats." She teased lightly, "Be proud. From what I've heard very few of your kind have yet to venture here." The woman tucked a stray curl behind an ear, "Though I do wonder why we seem to be so frightened of each other. From what I see we both are similar save for some physical differences. As an Oban raised with Matori I see nothing wrong with looking different - we all breathe and live the same."

"Oh no!" Shadiya protested, "Don't worry about paying me. I'm just glad to have the opportunity to help someone. It gives me a good story for later." She joked, "Let me know where you wish to go first, Tai. I'll gladly accompany you since I need some supplies of my own anyway."

"If you say so." Replied Shadiya lightly, "Though I hear that bravery only comes from being afraid. After all you cannot be brave unless you stand against that which scares you." The woman winked playfully, "As it is we'll just face the market today."

"Rations? Perfect. I need food since I have little ones at home who love devouring all our own rations." Quipped Shadiya with a laugh, "If you would like I can lead the way, but stay close. I wouldn't want you to disappear into the crowd." Taking a few steps forward she brushed past Taijana before pausing to glance backwards, "Don't worry. We can do this."

That said she continued forward and would only pause to glance back to make certain that the stranger was still there...

"Just babies still thankfully." Shadiya replied lightly, "To be honest they in a way remind me of you. I'm not aware of how your lands are, but here we have a multitude of races...yet mixing blood is still received with some wariness. My children are not pure Oban so others may not always take well to them." She flushed lightly before glancing away again, "They're precious gems, however, and thankfully time has passed enough that many are getting accustomed to mixed bloods."

As they walked Shadiya found herself finding a path through the market where it was less crowded, "Is it?" She asked with honest surprise, "For me this is normal, but I'm guessing your homeland isn't so colorful? Out of all the countries I feel as if Matori and Oba are definitely prone to having bright colors so it'll be a thing to get accustomed to if you plan on staying for a bit."