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 Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:00 am
The marketplaces of Neued were bustling today. Unlike most of the Shifters who were far more comfortable climbing up the rope ladders and walking through the upper markets above, Tyiva kept herself along the ground where more of the Obans and Matori had settled along the giant roots of the sprawling trees. Over the past few years many had opted to set up shop along the ground market, the lower level easier for passing various and larger goods back and forth between the merchants and travelers. It was a rewarding move, the crowds could attest to that, and Tyiva almost found herself nostalgic for Oban markets in a sense. Of course Sulburi would be more open and definitely more scorching because of the sunlight on her back, but the chatter and the shouts of traders as they teased each other and potential buyers was all too familiar for the Alkidike who had spent the last few years on and off in the capital of Oba.
Tyiva actually found herself so distracted that as she studied the crowds she didn’t even notice the Oban man until she accidentally bumped into him, “My apologies.” She murmured as she pulled quickly away from him again. How embarrassing! The back of her neck warmed from her mistake as she promptly moved even further to the side to give the stranger more room. She just prayed to Aisha that this wouldn't turn into some sort of scene. Not that she saw it often but sometimes there were those who wanted to start fights even over the slightest of incidents. Tyiva's mind was already so jumbled with thoughts about other things that a fight was the last thing she wanted to deal with today.
[Tyiva 1]
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:00 am
It was rare for Tytus to venture into Jahaur. When he usually left Oba the man ventured closer to Matori or even towards Sauti on occasion, but rarely Jahaur. Today was special, he had escorted an Oban noble with some goods into Neued and now was relieved since others had taken his place. He only had to go into Neued and then return to Sulburi but like usual the lancer had found himself drawn towards the marketplace. He could pick up a few items for his family while he was in the strange area. None of them had been in Jahaur before so it could be interesting to see what he would bring home. While he was thinking about exactly how to begin his shopping adventure the man found himself jostled by another, “Oof.” Tytus caught his balance before turning to see who had apologized to him.
His crimson gaze flickered with surprise before he shook his head, “It’s no problem. How about you? Are you alright?” He knew he was in Jahaur but he had not expected an Alkidike to bump into him! He had rarely interacted with them save for during battles in the past. The apology had caught him off guard since his opinion of the warrior race was that most were rather aloof when it came to earthlings. So already his curiosity was perking up. Maybe he could get some help from this stranger since she hadn't simply brushed him off?
[Tytus 1]
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:03 am
Tyiva’s cheeks darkened as the Oban man glanced at her, “I’m fine.” She replied with a short nod, “I was a bit distracted so I didn’t realize where I was walking.” It was slightly embarrassing indeed to have been caught off guard by an earthling. Usually the Alkidike was much more observant and had quick reflexes to keep her from doing such a clumsy thing, “As long as we are both alright then I suppose we are fine to keep going along our way.” That would be best. She had done her duty by being considerate of the man she had stumbled into and Tyiva felt that was enough. Why would they want anymore interaction? Unless he needed help with something? She had tried to be more sociable but the question still stayed silent, her lips pressed shut as she contemplated leaving since the man had accepted her apology.
[Tyiva 2]
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:06 am
“That’s understandable.” Tytus replied with a smirk, “This is my first time really in Neued so I can definitely see how distracting it can be.” The Oban looked pointedly around the bustling marketplace, “Sulburi is always busy but to see another market with so many things in a different country is definitely a different type of feeling.” He scratched at his chin thoughtfully before glancing back to the Alkidike, “Oh, alright then. Would you happen to mind if I ask one question considering that you did bump into me?” He smiled showing that he was mostly teasing, hoping that she wouldn’t be too offended at his request. After all what did he have to lose? If she stormed away then she stormed away. If she actually helped then all the more benefit to him.
[Tytus 2]
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:07 am
Tyiva raised a brow at the Oban. So he was someone who was from Sulburi? She supposed it was normal for an Oban to be amazed at Jahaur, especially if it was his first time in the rainforest with trees that grew large enough to house an entire population in their upper branches. It definitely was different from the desert setting of Oba, “I see.” She replied lightly and prepared to move forward before his next statement had her pause mid-step, “One question?” Tyiva’s antenna flicked thoughtfully before she let out a soft sigh. It wasn’t as if she were in any rush so why not? She had already hesitated because she was wondering if he needed help so she would take the blame for leaving such an opening. Luckily for the Oban, she was rather fond of their earthling race especially because of a certain someone and so Tyiva found herself far more patient than some of her other Sisters.
“How may I help you?
[Tyiva 3]
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:10 am
“Oh great!” Tytus grinned, relief shining in his gaze as he stared up at the Alkidike warrior. It seemed his playful gamble had been worthwhile after all. Now the true question was what did he really ask for? Directions or actual advice? Tytus pondered his options before finally being honest with his situation, “You see this is my first time in Jahaur after all and I was hoping that you may know of a good trinket or gift to bring home? Or what area of the market is good for browsing?” He looked about sheepishly, “I see that there’s a whole area above us in the actual trees and I didn’t know if that was worth exploring….I just wanted something to bring home to my son and daughter.” As usual his guilt of being away from home for so long would manifest in presents. The children weren't quite so young anymore so it wasn't like he could just bring home simple toys like before.
[Tytus 3]
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:11 am
Really? She was his shopping guide? The thought actually brought a chuckle to her lips and Tyiva couldn’t help her amusement at the strangeness of the situation. Who would have ever expected an earthling to ask such a mundane thing of an Alkidike such as herself? He’s very fortunate indeed that it was me he stumbled into. She couldn’t help shaking her head at the thought, “I’m sure that the lower market has plenty of varieties for you. Crystals to take home back to your little Obans? There’s an artisan who is skilled in crystal jewelry. Another who makes fine scarves and woven baskets for more practical presents.” What else would they like? She doubted earthlings took home weapons to their young as often as her Sisters would. Tyiva remembered the first present she cherished from her mothers, a small bow with hand carving of flowers along its spine. Her lips pursed thoughtfully as she contemplated the options, "Either way if you head further along the path there are several artisans and even a blacksmith who specializes in local weapons." She finally offered so that the Oban could decide for himself what to bring home to his family.
[Tyiva 4]
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:16 am
“That all sounds interesting, thank you.” Tytus grinned and nodded his head before pausing, “Well little half Obans. Their mother is from Yael and so both of our children have some unique features that really stand out in Sulburi. I would love to get them something just as unique as them. My daughter with her crimson gaze and dark stones while my son has my golden stones but his mother’s lovely purple hair.” Tytus flushed lightly, “Though I suppose that information isn’t really relevant, is it?”
“A practical present sounds great for their mother while I can maybe grab some unique crystals for them.” Tytus mused out loud before smiling at Tyiva, “Thank you for the input.” He even appreciated the idea of the weaponry though something inside of him hesitated at such a thought. Their mother was a healer but that didn't mean he should encourage them to get into fights. Maybe in a couple of more years...
[Tytus 4]
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:16 am
“Of course.” Tyiva hesitated before glancing back to the Oban, “So you have hybrid children then? They do not mind? Her cheeks flamed at the question, an idea forming in the back of her mind as the Oban seemed to enjoy bragging about his children regardless of their mixed heritage. The world surely had changed in the last few years, so many were more open to the other races and mixed bloods were slowly being more accepted as a result. The realization made a curious thought almost come to surface before Tyiva quickly pushed it aside. Why would she ever consider what a child of Oba and a daughter of Aisha would look like? Would a certain someone even want such a blessing? Could they? Tyiva herself had been born so petite and small that her bloom surely had been a mistake. Would Aisha ever consider granting her an actual bloom of her own one day, especially if it was with an earthling?
The thought almost made her want to run away from the Oban. This conversation was bringing strange thoughts to mind. Would conversing with him continue reminding her of such temptations? She could venture back away from Neued and try to forget these strange ideas of hybrid children. I could go hunting, prowl the forests closer to Chibale with my Sisters… Tyiva turned, her body ready to spring from the spot, “You do not need to mind my questions. The merchants I spoke of will be further down this path and surely you can get there without my help.”
It was when she was preparing to sprint away that the skies broke open, rain pouring down around them with a loud crackling of thunder.
[Tyiva 5]
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:17 am
“Are you certain?” Tytus was prepared to reach out for the Alkidike. He was confused about why her body had suddenly tensed as if she were prepared to run away. Had he offended her somehow? Surely she was not against the idea of him having hybrid children? The thought made him feel flustered. He knew that some Alkidikes were super against diluting their own blood with earthlings but why would the mixture of two earthling races upset her so? Still, as he questioned their strange situation it appeared that the gods had other intentions. As the rain started to pour down around them, fat drops splashing against the ground, Tytus called out, “Would you want to find shelter?” Already others were scattering from the crowds, some laughing and others cursing their luck as they ran to find places to hide until the rainstorm was over.
He wasn’t about to just let her run away, not when he wanted to know what was bothering the Alkidike. It was in his nature to try and find out these things. He just hoped that his persistent nature to fulfil his own curiosity wouldn’t get him in trouble. They did say curiosity killed the perzi after all. Good thing he wasn’t one of them then!
[Tytus 5]
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:17 am
Oh Aisha why. It was almost as if the fates were sticking her with this Oban man. Tyiva sighed before reaching out to grab his hand, “There’s a tavern this way, quickly! Once it starts truly pouring then it will be even harder to see!” A bit dramatic but then again when it truly downpoured in this area of Jahaur the forest floor would quickly swell up with water while the heavy rains would blur most of the path from sight.
Tyiva quickly ushered Tytus inside a large building that started at the base of a tree and twisted upwards. The interior of the tavern, built into the base of one of the largest trees, was large and circular. Benches and tables were set up throughout with a bar in the center of it all. Ladders and stairs climbed up the tree leading to the settlements above while the bottom of the tavern served as an entry point for others coming from below. It was here that she gestured towards a table and plopped onto a bench, “I suppose a few drinks will be in order.” She raised a hand and passed a second mug of ale towards the Oban man, “The rain should pass soon enough.”
[Tyiva 6]
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:19 am
He found himself following the Alkidike, his boots muddied from the soaked forest floor and his silks dampened by the rain. He was thankful that they could just enter from the ground. He had been worried that he would have to try to chase the Alkidike up one of the rope ladders, something that he did not trust himself to do with ease when the rains had slicked everything around them. Still, despite the pouring rain Tytus had some courtesy and quickly attempted to wipe off the mud from his boots before following the Alkidike inside.
“Thank you.” Tytus blinked, still amazed at the sudden change of events, and settled down on a bench across from the Alkidike, “I am definitely not accustomed to so much rain.” He commented lightly before grabbing the mug and taking a drink, “Sooo….I suppose we should introduce ourselves? I’m Tytus and you are?”
[Tytus 6]
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:19 am
Tyiva’s hands gripped at the mug. She had been prepared to flee but here she was sitting at a table with the Oban man. I suppose I should have expected this would happen when I opted to drag him along. She would have just felt too guilty leaving him out in the rains like that. The poor fool probably would have wandered about a bit and gone who knows where while trying to escape the rain. Her antenna flicked nervously before she finally answered his introductions, “Tyiva. My name is Tyiva.” She replied quietly before taking a drink of her own.
[Tyiva 7]
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:19 am
As they sat in silence for a few good minutes, Tytus finally found himself glancing back towards Tyiva, “Sooo...about earlier. Is there a reason you looked ready to flee when I mentioned children?” He grinned as he took another drink, encouragement in every sip of the golden brew, “Hopefully you don’t mind me asking, but you did have a strange reaction to such news. Is it so hard to believe that someone like me could be a father?” He teased lightly as he studied her. Perhaps he was too unaccustomed to the Alkidike race but it was strange. She had looked almost wistful at one point and almost torn….it really was curious.
[Tytus 7]
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:19 am
Really? Tyiva felt her face flush as she stared down Tytus, “How bold of you to ask.” She commented with a frown, “I was curious about your children and how they were received in your country indeed. I have no problems against earthlings mixing blood...I just had other thoughts on my mind as well.” Perhaps it was the brew speaking but Tytus was just a stranger. What would be the chances of her ever encountering him again? Sulburi was such a vast city after all. Even if she did venture back that way what would guarantee they would meet again or that he would know of her interests? Perhaps it would be good to get some things off of her chest. Especially with someone who had children of mixed blood. The thought made her brow furrow thoughtfully before she shook her head.
[Tyiva 8]
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