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 Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 4:56 am
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Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:36 pm
♥ Table of Contents ♥
❣ Table of Contents
❣ Lutana
❣ Relationships
❣ Rps & Adventures
❣ Inventory & Art
❣ Reqs
❣ The Story So Far
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Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:36 pm
 Name: Lutana
Stage: 3 - Healer
Race: Ice // Shifter // Alkidike
Gender: Female
Base Traits: Gentle || Compassionate || Mystical
Personality: The eldest of the triplets, the girl is very protective of her brothers and will do anything to keep them safe despite her own playful habits of messing with them. She's rarely afraid of any stranger and is rather patient when it comes to listening to others and their stories. If anything her work at the teashop has given her a better understanding of how to show compassion, helping others while they heal from both physical and emotional wounds.
She does have an obsession with superstitions and spirits which has not changed over the years. Lutana is also good at putting on mystical airs and making someone curious about what she can actually see about them. Her ability to read expressions and to piece together the emotions of others allows her to put on a great act of knowing certain things that others would not expect, perfect for those who want their tealeaves read. It's easy to keep her attention whenever someone is speaking of the gods or spirits and she does believe that there are certain things that can indeed control fate. Can one test those limits and change things? Surely, but it's also amazing to be able to try and see what can be told about one's future path....
History: The youngest daughter of Callum and Nim. Lutana lived a pretty carefree childhood roaming across the continent of Tendaji and exploring many new things with her brothers. She has a deep love for her family and will do anything to keep them safe and happy. However, she also enjoys teasing them and playing around with her siblings. Lutana does feel closer to her two brothers as they were born triplets but she does still hold a spot in her heart for her two older siblings and youngest siblings though she tends to be a lot more respectful and slightly distant from them than her younger brothers.
As the others have grown and gone their own ways, Lutana has taken an apprenticeship in a teashop in Jahaur. She's learning both about the healing properties of tea and how to perform the ceremonies while listening to clients and helping with their stories. She does her best to keep in contact with her family, letters finding her fairly easily because of her consistent location in Jahaur while others may be harder to reach.
Some Notes: Loves to stargaze and to pluck flowers to see exactly what she should do next. Should I go left or right....should I help him....should I eat my veggies today or not...
Has a habit of admiring dead things and bringing back strange creatures to show her family.
Will rely a lot on fate to help make decisions. Coin flips will not be an uncommon thing in her future.
Enjoys making flower crowns and sharing them with her siblings, especially Morain.
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Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:36 pm
♥ Relationships ♥
❣ Family ❣
❣ Callum & Nim - her dear fathers!
❣ Sol & Ygraine - her older siblings. She loves and respects them both.
❣ Siel & Morain - her younger brothers, they are almost inseparable as triplets growing up and she will do her best to protect them. heart
❣ Friends / Foes ❣
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Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:36 pm
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Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:36 pm
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Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:37 pm
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Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:37 pm
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Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:57 pm
♥ The Story So Far... ♥
❣ Traveling around Tendaji with her family. heart
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Posted: Sun May 09, 2021 12:25 pm
♥ Stranger in the Markets ♥
Lutana found herself browsing through the bustling market of Neued. The girl for the most part blended in with many of the Shifters in the area whenever she had her dark hair covered by her silken scarves and others assumed her darker lips and the shadows of her gaze were simply caused from makeup. Admittedly Lutana did enjoy applying a light glaze to her lips and some additional smokiness or kohl around the corner of her eyes but that was only when she took the time to do so. She could not imagine doing that every day when she already had to combat the wild waves that made up her hair. She had managed to tame the curls somewhat into a coiled braid of sorts that she tucked beneath the deep indigo scarf that she tied around her head. It was easiest this way so that she could just dart through the crowd without any concerns. Of course a fruit or trinket would slip from a table here and there to wind up in her skirts but no one was the wiser as the girl slipped away once more into the shifting crowds. She had gotten better at this game over the past few days they had been in the area as she constantly came to the market to barter with merchants and swipe things whenever they weren’t completely aware of the situation. Her charm, her graceful movements allowed her to escape every situation and she even managed to keep even with others who tried to barter for the goods that she had earned a few days earlier from another area. Today she had opted to just take it easier and was only here to see if anything new and interesting had been added to the stalls within the past day or so. So far Lutana did not see much to truly catch her gaze save for a couple of loose trinkets and she settled to grab onto a piece of her favorite fruit, the crisp golden orb sweet and full of juice with every bite. Eventually as the edges of the market approached Lutana found her steps slowing down as she enjoyed a few final moments before venturing into one of the many paths of the darker forest surrounding the southern market area. The remnant of the crisp fruit was still in her hands and she found herself standing still so that she could take another bite and wipe away the juices that dripped down her chin. Mmmhmm. She always enjoyed the fruits here the most. Was it because she was mostly shifter in blood? Nah, surely it was just because of how delicious the fruit truly was regardless of her own heritage. The very thought made her smirk before she took one final bite and tossed the remains towards the deep shadows of the forest where it could roll into some roots to slowly decompose or be picked up by some other scavenger.
“What’s a young beautiful girl such as yourself doing all the way out here in the darkness away from everyone else?” A voice creaked behind her and Lutana found herself twisting around, her gaze narrowing in suspicion and body tensed in case of trouble. When she looked down, another habit considering how she was already taller than some earthlings thanks to her father’s Alkidike blood, the girl relaxed slightly when she recognized an older Matori woman glancing at her.
“I should say the same of you. What’s an older Matori lady doing all the way out here in Jahaur?” She was surprised that the Matori was even able to walk with that carved wooden staff. Her hair was white from age, streaks of silver mingling with the few aqua blue strands of hair that had definitely stayed despite the passing of time, but Lutana was somewhat amazed that despite the few wrinkles here and there the lady’s skin was mostly smooth and her gaze bright with energy. Her voice though held a very gruff quality to it which had startled Lutana in the first place but now she recognized it as just being rougher due to all the use it must have endured throughout the decades of this woman’s life. The more Lutana studied her the more she found herself confused. Was the woman a spirit or actually alive? There were just too many conflicting things going on with her appearance!
“Studying someone.” The ancient Matori teased with a sly smile, the corners of her mouth tilting upwards to reveal more faint creases around the edges.”I can’t do much else but I do enjoy watching when strangers do entertaining things.” Her amber gaze surveyed Lutana and the girl felt the sudden need to brace herself, her arms crossing as if to ward off anything from exposing what was beneath her dress. Not that she even worried about others seeing her body because who cared about such simple matters? It was more so that she felt as if the woman’s gaze was scouring her very soul, the spirit that was hidden beneath the layers of material and flesh and bone. What was this strange sensation? Did she want to flee? Her whole body was screaming for it but Lutana hated running away from danger. Her lashes fluttered as she glanced down, her indecision causing her to stay still as she considered the stranger. Why should she be afraid of some old woman with a cane? She was using a cane for support for spirit’s sake! Lutana took a deep breath and stood her ground as she frowned towards the older earthling.
“I do not know what you are speaking of.” She retorted sharply, her curls bouncing as she tilted her head upwards almost as if in disdain. “Either way I was going along my way and unless you are in desperate need of aid I’ll be going my own way. You can go talk to someone else who has the time to linger.” Her silver gaze narrowed, her impression of some haughty child nearly wavering as she met those amber orbs again. It was just unnerving to see how amused the old Matori was with her words rather than deterred! Lutana felt flustered, a rare thing really, but she never had to deal with ancients like this before! If it was a beggar she could give them a coin and dart away but for the most part the older generations just scoffed at her or ignored her whenever she waltzed past. She wasn’t one who had been raised with grandparents or the like so this was just a strange interaction in general for the youth. What was she supposed to do here? If there was danger she would run but it seemed silly to run away from some crone, right? Did she just laugh and go along as if it were some joke?
“Ah, I’m in no need of aid.” The older woman grinned. “I was just struck with how much you reminded me of my own younger years, child.” A gnarled hand clutched at her cane and she lifted it almost playfully herself. “It made me think about how nice it would be to have the agility to dance about once more.”
“I’m not too much of a dancer…” Began Lutana in protest before remembering the new years celebration she had just attended. But that had been in Sauti so how would the old Matori know? Her lips pursed tightly as she glanced towards the woman, her wariness rising with every moment. Was it possible that there were actually earthlings that existed who could see through one’s souls or even read their minds? Lutana felt her heart constrict in her chest at the thought. Just who was this lady? Did she hear her thoughts now? Could she see the flickering memories of her dancing beneath the moonlight? Surely not!
“Don’t worry yourself, child. I just noticed how you moved through the market. It’s too graceful for you not to have some natural talent for dancing. The light in your eyes also leads me to believe that your spirit would rather die than sit still whenever music is playing.” The Matori tilted her head, her expression softening. “I also saw how you handled some merchants over the last few days while I’ve been lingering in the markets. You’re quick witted if not a bit strange in the ways of your thinking.”
“I prefer the term resourceful and not strange.” Protested Lutana sharply with a slight flush as she realized she was actually falling into conversation with the other woman. “Or rather I prefer to keep an open mind about our world instead of falling prey like so many others to the rather dull life of the mundane.” If anything her family always proved that they could break away from the standards presented by others. Her papa with his dances and the swordplay while her other papa had broken away from the Alkidike;s rigid lifestyle and allowed them to flourish however they liked in this world. Lutana tugged at a stray strand of hair before glancing over the older woman once more. “As it is I’m not a fool to be charmed by petty compliments. If I caught your attention then perhaps you want something from me?” She was just a traveler, her family not known for immense wealth or fame in this world so what could the older woman want?
“Ah, finally we find ourselves at the point of this whole encounter.” The Matori grinned and gestured towards Lutana. “If you’re as daring as you appear then surely it would not be a bother for you to follow me further in?”
“Daring but not an idiot.” Replied Lutana, her frustration only growing as the older woman gave a shrug and turned away as if to hobble back into the forest without her. What did she do now? She was always thinking of fate and the like….was she turning her back on an opportunity? What was life without risks? Was any reward truly fulfilling without a little bit of work or danger first? A sigh of exasperation left her lips as she finally darted forward after the other woman and into the woods. If she survived this then it better be damn well worth the risk and if not then she just hoped that someone found her body eventually...or perhaps better yet never. It would be more her style to just disappear into the evening mists instead of being found floating in the river. Something just seemed so much more supernatural about the mental image though both sent a shiver down her spine. Lutana supposed that only the spirits would tell what happened next. All she knew was that she was not about to let something strange slip away from her this easily...not when it was beckoning for her to follow into the deeper forests.
[1823]
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Posted: Sun May 09, 2021 12:28 pm
♥ Soul Linker Decision ♥
“When I was a child there was a sect of swordsmen who roamed throughout Oba. As a country of war the sword was a valued weapon and those who mastered the art had a spiritual sense to themselves as they needed to be the ruler of their minds just as much as they were the ruler of their bodies. The sect trained and meditated daily so that they could keep their spirits and minds as sharp as their blades. The warriors could sit still for hours on end, gradually reducing any of their thoughts until their only focus was their breathing; in and out, in and out. Some Matori could even join in should they prove their worth to their Oban masters which while rare was not completely impossible.” Maiha paused, her fingers tracing patterns along the silken tablecloth as she spoke. As usual the older Matori was dramatic in her story-telling, something that Lutana had quickly picked up on within the last few days since meeting her along the edges of the market. And surely enough she would continue the tale within a moment without missing a beat….
“Nothing could dissuade their focus, not even when faced with death itself and that was what gave them such strength. No matter how stacked the odds were against them, no matter what dangerous enemies faced them there would always be that sharp concentration, sharp as a blade, that would cut through everything in the end.” She smiled as if reminiscing about older times and Lutana had to wonder about the different world the older Matori had experienced. Surely she was nearly a century old and full of stories to share about the days before the great Oban war. The more Lutana listened though the more she could hear admiration from the Matori for her Oban heritage despite the blood and struggles that it contained. It made her tempted to see what the desert country truly was all about despite her papa’s misgivings towards it.
Still, despite her interest the girl found her patience wearing thin. “So these swordsmen are relevant to what you want to teach me?” She mused with a tilt of her head, her expression more puzzled than before. “I do not believe I’m one to begin sword fighting so why this particular story?”
“Patience, girl.” Maiha shook a finger towards the girl. “I told you that I was trained to be a tea master and that the art is sacred within my family, correct? There is a strength that I want to express through this story so listen carefully.” She straightened her shoulders before continuing, “As I was saying we are tea masters trained to hold control similar to those who wielded the sword. Any masters of the tea ceremony perform their more peaceful duty with the same amount of concentration and focus, so much so that a legend arose about a master swordsman who dared to challenge one of our kin many decades ago. This kin worked for an Oban lord and no one else performed the way of the tea to such perfection as she did. The timing and the grace of her every move from the placement of the cups and the shifting the tea leaves was beauty itself. Her master was so pleased that he even freed her and bestowed upon her robes and ranking similar to that of the swordsmen sworn to protect his lordship. Of course many were astonished by such a development but those who knew his lordship well avoided the issue as they respected both him and the tea master who had made herself very well known within the southern city. However, it was when they went to Sulburi that trouble stirred for the tea master. Despite her experiences, despite her healing strengths and the passion that she poured into the ceremony there were always those who doubted her because of her heritage. Those in the capital only saw her as a mistress to the lord when in reality she was a comrade, someone that he saw with nearly equal standing which is why he not only freed her but promoted her to such high standing within his estate. For a time everything was peaceful but it was only later when they came to the capital that she found herself leaving the Lord’s side...”
Maiha paused and kept an eye on Lutana while she also prepared tea for them both. The liquid was a deep caramel color and the scent was almost like chocolate, the mixture of heavy flavoring and spices making her nose tingle. Lutana found her hands wrapping around the cup, the warmth from the brew seeping into her fingers and warming her chest from the steam alone. If it was anything else like Maiha had created then surely it would be truly delicious. “I’m assuming that she doesn’t get to enjoy a quiet evening within the capital.” Lutana teased slightly and a small smile crossed the old Matori’s delicate features.
“Ah yes. You cannot have a story without some drama after all.” Maiha nodded before continuing. “The tea master went to visit a friend who worked in the serving houses around a lower district. While she was visiting her friend some swordsmen passed through and while the tea master bowed and politely stepped aside to allow them to pass there was something amiss. A couple of the warriors continued walking away while another of the Obans paused and remained rooted to the spot, a deep frown crossing his features.
He did not quite know what to make of the unknown Matori woman who dressed in their robes. What kind of warrior was this? The Oban’s frown grew as he studied the delicate looking woman. She had no obvious battle scars, no sturdy build and no sword on her. So why did she have their robes with the silver ropes draped around her silk sash? Surely this was an imposter slave who was sneaking around the capitol. The swordsman’s ire rose at the thought and he found himself snarling towards her. What is your rank, stranger? Why have I never seen you before today? A flurry of questions escaped him but she was not swayed. Instead she simply bowed and replied that she was the tea master to Lord Inui.
The swordsman was furious and his outrage showed when he took a step towards her. Surely she was lying! He wanted to call her out for such and would take her to whatever master she had escaped from. His fury only grew more when he heard that the tea master had been bestowed such honor by her Lord and was expected to continue dressing as such. What was this madness? He swore to the gods that he would redeem the honor of his fellow swordsmen by getting rid of this dastardly woman! It was then that he challenged her to a duel and she in return accepted for he had tried damaging her name with a flurry of insults. She would not allow him to get away with that!
Others perhaps would have been disturbed by such declarations but the tea master stood firm, her fists clenched beneath her sleeves in anger. Others who were watching felt their hairs standing on end, their bodies tensed to run away from the impending bloodshed. They were not involved but it was obvious that those gazes went to the swordsman’s weapon, their own thoughts full of fear that it could be their lives forfeit next. The tea master, however, simply controlled her urges and gave a nod towards the swordsman and asked for a formal duel so that she could better prepare.
When the swordsman finally departed, the tea master’s friends surrounded her and expressed their worries. Despite the tea masters protests they took her to a place to relax and discuss strategy. They treasured the tea master and assured her that there was no need to fear for her life. Each one of them could give some coin and they would collect a handsome enough sum to buy the warrior off and make him leave her alone.
These generous words brought no cheer to the tea master. She was a proud woman who had earned her way with hard work. There was no way that she would accept such an answer to this problem! She declined their offers and decided that this would be her test to prove her mettle. Our legend states that the very next day she found another great swordsman who was friends with her Lord and told him about her tale. In turn he asked that she perform the ceremony for him first. The tea master was confused but agreed to perform the ceremony, all traces of any fear or anxiety leaving her expression as she went through the details of the ceremony. When the ceremony was complete the swordsman laughed and after a moment explained to the bewildered Matori what he had seen.
There was nothing she needed to learn. Her state of mind was already perfect from mastering the tea ceremony and that was all that she would need the next day for the duel. When she was to see her challenger tomorrow she was to imagine brewing tea for him. She would approach, salute him, express her greetings and regret if she was even slightly late and prepare herself as she did for the tea ceremony.
That is exactly what the tea master did when she met her opponent again the very next afternoon. The Oban had not been expecting the tea master to arrive so composed, or to even arrive at all, and he was amazed by the tea master’s presence of mind as she approached, ready for combat. The arrogant swordsman found himself disturbed by the appearance, his belief so strong that the woman would have fled instead of actually meeting him on the dueling fields. Presented with someone who was poised and ready for combat the swordsman found his own confidence wavering. Others would have simply paid him off or fled but for once he was face to face with someone ready to battle! When she was close enough the swordsman apologized and requested that he be excused for his rude behavior before leaving the dueling area with as much speed and dignity as he could muster. Or at least that is how the story goes. All I know is that the tea master lived many more years with the Lord and that no swordsman dared to ask her for a duel again. If anything her teas became more popular throughout the city and others came to her Lord asking for her services.”
“So you’re telling me that learning the art of tea from you can make me into a badass that swordsmen fear?” Replied Lutana with a small grin of amusement as she reflected over the story.
“I’m telling you this story because it proves that mastery over your mind and spirit can allow you to almost overcome any difficulty or danger. It does not have to be taught with a blade but can be learned from the craft of tea as well.” Maiha replied with a chuckle. “Though I suppose you can also consider yourself a badass if you do learn my trade. There is more than just the art of brewing after all.” She tapped at the table, her hands glowing just slightly as she hinted at the magic hidden within. “Consider it a good way to utilize your natural ability.”
“My natural ability?”
“Mmhmm. You have so much of the grace that I had at your age. You would be perfect to learn this art and to hone your magic accordingly. Don’t think I didn’t notice what you were doing when I saw you in the markets.” The Matori smirked as she pointed towards Lutana. “You have a talent, girl. Don’t let it go to waste.”
Lutana pursed her lips before slowly nodding. Perhaps it was finally time to just let the old woman have her way. She had been pushing for her to learn the art of tea making for the last couple of days now, every afternoon Lutana had met with her at this older house in the forest to try a new tea while sharing stories with one another. “I was always interested in the macabre, but I suppose tea brewing isn’t that awful a choice either.” She finally relented with a small smile. “It’s curious to see how you blend healing with it.” So why not become a healer? Her older brother was already one so would it hurt to have more in the family especially when they were prone to causing some trouble here and there?
[2120]
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Posted: Sun May 09, 2021 12:31 pm
♥ Growth ♥
Come and study under me, girl.
The words continued echoing through Lutana’s mind for the next few days. She knew that she had a limited time to accept Maiha’s offer but there was still the lingering doubt that this was the path for her. Or rather it was more so the aspect that her free spirit still rebelled against the idea of actually accepting an apprenticeship and dedicating her life to something. Was this the right choice for her? Would she still be the same wild child after studying under the older Matori who had perfected the arts of grace and poise? Most definitely not.
But was it so horrible to change? Lutana settled next to a stream and studied her rippling reflection in the cool waters. Everyone else in her family seemed to be finding their own paths in life so it would only make sense for her to finally do the same. She had always been fascinated with strange things, especially the macabre, but it did not mean she had to embrace it as something to control her life. Why not become more protective? She had always wanted to watch over her siblings when growing up and it would make sense that learning some sort of art could prove useful to everyone. It would give her a purpose in life, something she was finding herself drawn towards the more time she spent with the older Matorian. A pebble caught her attention and Lutana found herself picking up the smooth rock so that she could skip it across the waters. “If it goes beyond three then I suppose it’s meant to be.” She mused with a wry smile as the stone darted across the waters.
One, two, three and four.
“Well I suppose that’s one way to decide.” Lutana let out a soft laugh, the noise almost like a chiming melody that was quickly swept away by the wind. She could do this. Spending time with the older Matori over the past couple of weeks had already started changing her. Lutana was realizing that she was ready to commit to something and that she truly was intrigued by the art of tea brewing, especially this version of the tea ceremony that the older healer was sharing with her. Things in this world were different but the tea ceremony remained. Lutana smirked at the thought. Why not? She had spent her childhood traveling, gathering information about so many different cultures, and she had enjoyed her time dancing with gypsies and posing as a fortune teller with others. Now it was time for her to actually perfect a craft that held actual results and perhaps also allowed her to read someone’s tea leaves on occasion.
“I truly got snagged.” Lutana admitted to herself. This was the first time that she would regret leaving an area to move on with her life and she refused to allow that to happen. For the first time she would be the one to stay behind as her family traveled around without her for a bit. She was old enough now and Lutana just hoped that they would support her decision. And perhaps it would be best to not let them know where the journey may lead, all things considering. Nervousness made her twist a curl of hair in her fingers, but Lutana forced her nerves to calm. She was not going to be afraid. She would do this and come out so much stronger in the end once she had learned everything that she could from Maiha.
[592]
Lutana is breaking away from her carefree lifestyle to learn the ancient arts of healing and tea brewing from Maiha. This is a big moment for her when she never before considered staying in place for so long away from her family when before she had always traveled across the world with them. However, she is intrigued by the older Matori’s lessons and has decided it is time to step forward and pursue this new path in life.
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Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2024 9:23 am
♥ As Time Passes, Change Happens ♥
The art of tea making was a tradition that went centuries back. So it was not surprising that Maiha had quite a few lessons for Lutana as she settled into her apprenticeship. For the last few years, Lutana had been enjoying learning everything that she could about the traditional tea ceremonies in Jahaur. At first she had simply been entranced by the mystical feeling of the little shop nestled within Neued where the trees nearly touched the stars but over time the place had become a home to her. Where her wandering family had never truly settled in one spot for too long, it turned into Lutana actually lingering within the city and making a home for herself there while she apprenticed under the older Matori who taught her much about healing and the art of tea. And for a time, Lutana was content living there in Jahaur. She enjoyed the culture and loved living in a city that adored Serin, the festivals celebrating the moon and stars always delighting the girl who loved dancing away the night with others before darting away into the shadows like an illusion herself. There was even one festival night in particular that still brought a smile to her lips, Lutana wishing she could have enjoyed another dance with the Aishan hybrid who had been a pleasant experience. But like other things it was simply another blessing from Serin and the spirits to have a delightful memory to reflect upon occasionally as she went through life. And more than just enjoying the celebrations and convenience of the bustling market that invited so many foreign traders, keeping Lutana’s wanderlust somewhat at ease, the hybrid found stability in simply staying in one place for longer than just a few months. It allowed her to easily get more correspondence from her family members, especially Siel who kept her up to date while she also told him more about her interesting visitors at the teashop and the new recipes she learned along the way. She even had an Elaria stop into the shop recently, how unexpected! The Aishan had honestly been a kinder customer than even some of the more local earthlings, as much as others would not expect to hear such a thing considering the history with the Elaria and their mothers. Lutana made certain to note a lot of their interaction and her thoughts in that letter while also sending a couple teabags of Yaeli teas to enhance the story with the actual flavors from the tea she used that day. And while she would not send as detailed stories to everyone else in the family, the young healer did try to send a few care packages here and there for when she did know the location of certain family members. Warm, spiced teas up north to Zena for Sol while she sent more comforting and healing teas towards Belrea, where her oldest sister was currently with her family as well. Other care packages would be given to a courier with a talisman for luck, hoping that somehow it would stumble into others in the family that were too busy wandering for sending much correspondence themselves. The very thought made Lutana laugh quietly, the hybrid finishing up another letter towards Siel to check in with him. At least one of her triplet brothers was able to reach out. Not that she was actually upset at Morain, she would just make certain to tease him about it the next time they met. Though with Maiha’s intense training regiment and the busy shop, it would be harder for Lutana to tease anyone for a few years as she continued growing and learning more about tea making while encountering a variety of people who wandered into Neued and into their shop there. So seasons quickly passed, Lutana growing as an established teamaker and learning all that she could from Maiha. Along the way she even learned a touch of magic, her instincts as a healer growing as she learned to observe customers and find out what they truly needed when preparing teas and potions for them. She wasn’t the strongest like battle mages, but she had a whimsical way about things and had a good instinct for helping out others which aided her when it came to healing. That was what Maiha had touched on and over time the strange child blossomed into quite a fine teamaker, one that was so trustworthy that the older Matori ended up pulling her aside one day.
”How do you feel about taking a trip?”
“A trip? But to where?”
“Belrea.”
The offer had surprised Lutana at first, but then hearing more about the foreign shops and how they had their own teas and special preparations earned her interest. She had come from a traveling family and honestly it had been a bit strange staying in Jahaur, in the same place for several years instead of roaming about here and there, so why not take the leap and go to Belrea? It had only taken an afternoon of conversation with Maiha to get Lutana to agree and the next thing she knew she was writing letters to family members with the teashop’s location and packing some bags for an airship. It would be an established house in Zinner that Maiha knew about, one where she had been trading supplies over the past couple of years and now would be sending over her very own apprentice to work at the shop and learn the Belrean styles. It would be nice as well to see some of her relatives that lived overseas. Lutana smiled as she thought about Siel and the news of his little blossoms, the hybrid hoping to also venture into Kahi for a bit before settling in at the Belrean shop. Somehow she had managed to keep up with her correspondence with him over the years, the hybrid living through his adventures while she settled into her more stable life. But now she was curious about what type of stories the islands offered for her own story, especially now that Maiha wanted to send her back out into the world. Thankfully she had worked that aspect out with Maiha as well, gaining advanced pay for all of her years of work at the Neued store and earning a some time off before needing to check in with the Belrean location so that she could actually explore Kahi for a time and meet her new nieces and nephew. Somehow the last couple of weeks though that she had expected to drag along flew past and suddenly Lutana was facing her last day working in Neued. And now as she was finishing up her final work day in Neued, Lutana found herself frowning as she looked over the parchment with the details of her contract with Maiha and the Belrean store. “Half a year is a bit much, no?” Could she really afford that much time away from work? With how much Maiha expected her to learn and send back to Neued after arriving in Belrea? Her silver gaze narrowed thoughtfully as she looked towards the Matori who was dusting off the main counter of the store, their business now closed for the evening.
“Not if you’re visiting family across the world. Enjoy your time girl. You’ve not moved from this store in ages, I thought you had taken root in this very tree. I nearly checked beneath those colorful skirts of yours to make sure that there were still legs under there, after all of this.” Maiha mused with a crooked grin, the Matori taking her time to look over Lutana before reaching out to hug the taller hybrid. “You take care and send me plenty of letters and updates, you hear? I’m expecting that first shipment of Belrean teas by next spring, if not I’ll send someone after you.”
“I will.” Lutana promised, embracing Maiha one more time before closing shop and heading upstairs to finish packing. “It was nice while it lasted.” She mused, her fingers dancing over the remnants of the small room she had rented while living in Neued with Maiha. Dried herbs and flowers that had been tangled on vines for decorations and soothing scents crumbled at her touch, Lutana smiling faintly as she watched the fragments return to the dust. Everything had to end at one point, right? That was what she had always embraced, her own collection of things that was tucked into the bottom of a bag, a reminder that one day she would also crumble into dust. But the journey didn’t have to end there, did it? Lutana’s gaze gleamed at the thought. It would just be like traveling around all these countries, just to somewhere distant that not everyone could see. At least the Yaeli had that right with their beliefs, the superstitious lands still one of her favorite places and one that she hoped to visit once her time in Belrea ended. But that would be the far future and something that Lutana knew better than to plan for since no one truly knew what the fates had in store. She simply had to take it one day at a time or in this particular case…one airship at a time.
[1550 wc]
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